36 Comments
User's avatar
Abe Seeman's avatar

I would write a dissertation on the influence of portable audio on listening to recorded music.

Expand full comment
Nia's avatar

Not sure if the comp is open to folks outside the US, but I would (and have somewhat) write a dissertation on how teen girls and generally, the fandoms they're in are always dismissed and unfairly criticized. Plus, their excited behaviour is almost immediately ridiculed but do we judge sports fans who wreak havoc or chaos when their fav team loses? Double standards.

Expand full comment
Joti Marino's avatar

I could definitely write a dissertation on literary podcasts and newsletters.

Expand full comment
Elizabeth's avatar

Any recommendations?

Expand full comment
Chris Jennings's avatar

The Benedict Cumberbatch book was an easy add to my to-read list. He seems like a pretty good actor and I can understand finding him attractive, but I never really understood the whole "Cumberbitches" movement. Maybe the book will enlighten me, thanks so much for sharing!

Expand full comment
Elizabeth's avatar

It's a fun read.

Expand full comment
Natalie G. (@readingtomydogs)'s avatar

I could totally write a dissertation about 90s and 2000s boy bands, specifically the Backstreet Boys!

Expand full comment
KristinD's avatar

Bought No One Will Miss Her last night based on this recommendation. I've asked for a refund because there is no way I can keep going. Animal abuse is a hard no for me.

Expand full comment
Elizabeth's avatar

I hear you — that's tough for a lot of people.

Expand full comment
Stephanie Li's avatar

I would write a dissertation on the intersection of women, politics and power in Game of Thrones!

Expand full comment
Laura Adcock's avatar

I would write a dissertation on romance novels!

Expand full comment
Elizabeth's avatar

Same, friend, same.

Expand full comment
Io Nizam's avatar

i also used to be a benedict cumberbatch stan,,, i can't tell if reading "this is not a book about benedict cumberbatch" will call me out too much

Expand full comment
Laura Adcock's avatar

It might but I would say it is more about women having the ability to freely pursue their interests without shame. BC was just a happy addition!

Expand full comment
Elizabeth's avatar

YES. THIS.

Expand full comment
Theresa Timlin's avatar

Well I did once write a graduate linguistics paper on the punk rock ‘zine culture, so probably that.

Expand full comment
Elizabeth's avatar

SO COOL.

Expand full comment
Lauren's avatar

I would write a dissertation about 90s Sailor Moon culture and how so many of those folks are very very queer now!

Expand full comment
Ashley Holstrom's avatar

Forever uncool 😎

Love that you got to review LOVE IN THE TIME OF SERIAL KILLERS! It is so fun.

Expand full comment
Elizabeth's avatar

I ended up really enjoying it.

Expand full comment
Tracey M's avatar

I would write a dissertation on Zine culture and/or the fine line between YA and coming of age novels billed to adults.

Expand full comment
Elizabeth's avatar

Fascinating!

Expand full comment
Dani Leopold's avatar

I would love to write a dissertation on the phenomenon of the popularity of reality shows that feature fundamental Christian families (think 19 Kids and Counting, etc.). I am sure there have already been a number of research projects on this topic so I'll need to hone my thesis!

Expand full comment
Colleen's avatar

I've never done a thriller on audio before, would you recommend No One Will Miss Her more on audio vs physical ?

I've been hearing so much about Love in the Time of Serial Killers and I'm in LOVE with the cover. I've always been into the satanic panic time frame and how it affected so many innocent people. I would definitely choose that as my dissertation topic if you can consider it "pop culture"!!

Expand full comment
Elizabeth's avatar

I thought the audio was really well done. Give it a try?

Expand full comment
Lacey's avatar

So...I'm actually getting my Ph.D. Not in pop culture per se, but it IS one chapter. I do feminist comics. :)

Expand full comment
Elizabeth's avatar

Intriguing! Alison Bechdel?

Expand full comment
Lacey's avatar

Ah nope, though that would be fun. Bitch Planet by Kelly Sue DeConnick.

Expand full comment