'To Calais, in Ordinary Time,' 'Farewell Amor,' NYBG, NYPL, The Stay In

James Meek joins us to discuss his novel, To Calais, in Ordinary Time, which tells a sweeping medieval narrative that unfolds under the shadow of the bubonic plague.

Ekwa Msangi makes her feature-length film debut as writer and director of "Farewell Amor." The film follows Walter and his family as they reunite in New York City after 17 years apart. Originally from Angola, Walter came to the US and became a taxi driver; his wife and daughter left Angola for Tanzania while awaiting their visas to the US. The film is being released via IFC on December 11.

Visiting the train show at the New York Botanical Garden is a New York City holiday tradition. This year the train show will still be on display, but in a socially distant way. The garden will also feature a special outdoor exhibit called Glow. Joining us to tell us about it all is Lauren Turchio, vice president for Garden Experience.

The New York Public Library has launched a new slate of programming celebrating our great city, called “Roar for NYC.” Our Get Lit with All Of It book club is participating in this programing by choosing our December book from the library’s new list of “125 NYC Books We Love,” Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem. But there are so many other great books that made the library’s list. Lynn Lobash, assistant director of Reader Services at NYPL, joins us to discuss the list and take listener calls about their favorite New York book.

WNYC Arts and Culture Editor Jennifer Vanasco talks about what to do at home with kids as part of our ongoing series, "The Stay In."

This episode is guest-hosted by Ilya Marritz.