On Beauty

The ‘But China!’ Dilemma Driving the A.I. Race

The Ezra Klein Show, 15 September 2026. The book comes up at 1 hr 8 min in.

Matt Sheehan recommends On Beauty as his fun pick, calling Zadie Smith the best writer working today. He describes it as a hilarious novel of an academic family and praises her ability to expose the psychology and insecurities of her characters, saying it brings him joy. He also notes the host previously had Smith on the show.

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