Nerdette Book Club: ‘You Never Forget Your First’

Along with NPR’s Lulu Miller, we break down this new biography of George Washington. We also eat hoecakes and consider bloodletting.

By Greta Johnsen
Alexis Coe’s new biography of George Washington is titled, ‘You Never Forget Your First.‘
In honor of our first president, this episode of Nerdette includes props! Including U.S. quarters and the general's favorite breakfast: hoecakes. Justin Bull / WBEZ
Alexis Coe’s new biography of George Washington is titled, ‘You Never Forget Your First.‘
In honor of our first president, this episode of Nerdette includes props! Including U.S. quarters and the general's favorite breakfast: hoecakes. Justin Bull / WBEZ

Nerdette Book Club: ‘You Never Forget Your First’

Along with NPR’s Lulu Miller, we break down this new biography of George Washington. We also eat hoecakes and consider bloodletting.

By Greta Johnsen
WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

Welcome to the Nerdette Book Club! Each month, we read a book and chat about it with a rotating group of panelists.This month’s pick is Alexis Coe’s new biography of George Washington, You Never Forget Your First.

Even before the book’s introduction, a two-page chart describes the many ailments obtained by our first president (including cheek erosion, quinsy and carbuncle) and their 18th century treatments (draining, draining and draining).

Listen along as Nerdette host Greta Johnsen discusses the book with Lulu Miller, public radio superstar and author of Why Fish Don’t Exist.

And then get ready for next month’s pick: The City We Became, a new fantasy novel by Hugo Award-winning author N.K. Jemisin.

We want you to join the conversation! Read the book and send us your thoughts by recording your voice with your smartphone, then email the audio file to nerdettepodcast@gmail.com. And tune in for the next conversation on Friday, May 29!