The Topeka School

In 'The Topeka School,' Ben Lerner crafts a poignant tapestry of a gifted high school debater grappling with identity, language, and the unsettling undercurrents of contemporary America. Set against the backdrop of Topeka, Kansas, the novel explores the intersection of personal and political turmoil during the late 1990s. As the protagonist navigates the complexities of adolescence, the story delves deep into the intricacies of communication and the power of words. With lyrical prose, Lerner invites readers to reflect on the nature of truth in a fractured society. Will the debates of youth prepare him for the challenges ahead, or will they unravel the very fabric of his understanding?

By Ben Lerner

Published: 2019

The Topeka SchoolBook binding

Start Listening

Play Preview

You might also like →

AmericanahBook binding

Americanah

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Little Red Riding HoodBook binding

Little Red Riding Hood

Brothers Grimm

The Misogyny FactorBook binding

The Misogyny Factor

Anne Summers

Fahrenheit 451Book binding

Fahrenheit 451

Ray Bradbury

SprintBook binding

Sprint

Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, Braden Kowitz

The Elements of ScrumBook binding

The Elements of Scrum

Chris Sims, Hillary Louise Johnson

Getting Things DoneBook binding

Getting Things Done

David Allen

AsymmetryBook binding

Asymmetry

Lisa Halliday

SharpBook binding

Sharp

Michelle Dean

NeuropsychedeliaBook binding

Neuropsychedelia

Nicolas Langlitz

The Four-chambered HeartBook binding

The Four-chambered Heart

Anaïs Nin

If on a Winter's Night a TravellerBook binding

If on a Winter's Night a Traveller

Italo Calvino

A River Runs Through ItBook binding

A River Runs Through It

Norman Maclean

GileadBook binding

Gilead

Marilynne Robinson

The Three MarriagesBook binding

The Three Marriages

David Whyte

MindBook binding

Mind

The Library BookBook binding

The Library Book

Susan Orlean

The Giver of StarsBook binding

The Giver of Stars

Jojo Moyes

ThirstBook binding

Thirst

Scott Harrison

Lost Children ArchiveBook binding

Lost Children Archive

Valeria Luiselli

Anything Is PossibleBook binding

Anything Is Possible

Elizabeth Strout

The Paris ArchitectBook binding

The Paris Architect

Charles Belfoure

The Spy Who Came in from the ColdBook binding

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

John le Carré

Less (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize)Book binding

Less (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize)

Andrew Sean Greer

The Electric Kool-Aid Acid TestBook binding

The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test

Tom Wolfe

Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East (6 Volume Set)Book binding

Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East (6 Volume Set)

Baird Thomas Spalding

CallingsBook binding

Callings

Gregg Michael Levoy

Finding Your Own North StarBook binding

Finding Your Own North Star

Martha Beck

CrudoBook binding

Crudo

Olivia Laing

Book Collections you might like →

Dave Elitch's Book Recommendations

Dave Elitch's Book Recommendations

Dave Elitch is a renowned drummer and educator, best known for his dynamic and innovative drumming techniques. Though primarily celebrated for his contributions to the music industry, Elitch has authored several influential articles and educational materials on drumming, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the field. His work has been featured in prestigious music publications, where he shares his insights on rhythm, technique, and the art of performance. Elitch's dedication to teaching has also led him to conduct masterclasses worldwide, inspiring a new generation of drummers. His contributions have significantly impacted both the practical and theoretical aspects of modern drumming.

View Collection
Alicia Keys's Book Recommendations

Alicia Keys's Book Recommendations

Alicia Keys, an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and classically trained pianist, has made significant contributions to the music industry with her soulful voice and compelling lyrics. She burst onto the scene with her debut album, "Songs in A Minor," which earned her five Grammy Awards. In addition to her musical achievements, Keys is also a celebrated author; her memoir "More Myself: A Journey" provides an intimate look at her life and career. She has used her platform to advocate for social justice, co-founding the Keep a Child Alive organization to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa. Alicia Keys continues to inspire through her artistry and activism, leaving a lasting impact on both music and literature.

View Collection
Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations

Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations

Anya Taylor-Joy is an acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Beth Harmon in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Taylor-Joy has also starred in notable films such as "The Witch," "Split," and "Emma," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. In addition to her acting career, she has been praised for her contributions to promoting diverse and complex female characters in modern storytelling. Her work continues to inspire audiences and set a high standard in the entertainment industry.

View Collection
Ann Handley's Book Recommendations

Ann Handley's Book Recommendations

Ann Handley is a renowned digital marketing pioneer and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She is the author of "Everybody Writes," a seminal guide on creating compelling content, and co-author of "Content Rules," which outlines effective content marketing strategies. As the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs, she has significantly influenced modern marketing practices. Handley is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker, known for her insights on digital content and marketing trends. Her work has empowered countless marketers to elevate their content creation and strategy efforts.

View Collection
Christopher Hitchens's Book Recommendations

Christopher Hitchens's Book Recommendations

Christopher Hitchens (1949-2011) was a prolific British-American author, journalist, and literary critic known for his sharp wit and unapologetic criticism of religion and political figures. He penned numerous books, including the best-selling "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything," which cemented his reputation as a leading public intellectual and outspoken atheist. Hitchens contributed regularly to prominent publications such as Vanity Fair, The Nation, and The Atlantic, showcasing his wide-ranging knowledge and incisive commentary. He was also lauded for his powerful oratory skills, engaging in countless debates and lectures worldwide. His memoir, "Hitch-22," offers an introspective look into his life, further solidifying his legacy as a formidable voice in contemporary literature and thought.

View Collection

Frequently Asked Questions