Category Archives: Author Interview

Episode 177: Interview with Téa Obreht, author of Sunrise

August 11, 2026Author InterviewGhost Town, Inland, Sunrise, Téa Obreht, The Morningside, The Tiger's Wife, WyomingTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

Three lives, one hundred years, one ghost town: an explosive novel about a mysterious place called Sunrise, where the secrets of the past refuse to stay buried. Sunrise by Téa Obreht is a gorgeous three-dimensional novel and is my favorite of the year, so far.

Had a terrific conversation with Téa Obreht about her stunning new novel, Sunrise. We go deep into the origin story of the book, its magnificent construction, how holding onto to narratives helps a writer, two novels she’s loving right now, and more. Téa, this book is a joy, thank you so much for joining me!

Téa Obreht recommends: Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer; Some People by Parini Schroff.

Follow Téa on Instagram. Find her books here!

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Episode 176: Interview with Chris Bohjalian, author of The Amateur

August 4, 2026Author InterviewChris Bohjalian, random house, The AmateurTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

“Irresistible… a marvelous 11th-hour twist and a satisfying denouement lie ahead. It’s hard to think of any reason not to call The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian, a perfect novel: a hole in one.”
—Kirkus (Starred Review)

With praise like that for his 24th novel, how could you not read, The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian? To say I was bowled over to interview the man himself for this episode in an understatement. Chris shares his joy of writing this book in a fun-filled frenzy over a 90-day period and emailing to his editor. The Amateur explores class divides, misogyny, family strife, and more in this 1970s set novel. His character of Mira is one you won’t soon forget, so give this episode a listen. Chris Bohjalian, lover of libraries, thank you so much for joining me!

Chris recommends, All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun; The Simp by Roshan Sethi; The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout; Single Girls by John Searles; The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson.

Check out Chris Bohjalian on every single social media platform out there!

For more of Chris Bohjalian’s 24 books, click here!

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Episode 175: Interview with author Kathleen Rooney, author of Man Overboard!

July 6, 2026Author InterviewCher Ami, Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey, Cruise Ships, From Dust to Stardust, Kathleen Rooney, Large Hearted Boy, Leaf Town Forever, Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, Man Overboard!Top Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

Happy 175th Episode!

I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate 175 episodes than conversing with the pretty perfect, Kathleen Rooney. Her brand new book, Man Overboard, is a funny and moving novel in which a former college swimmer falls off a cruise ship…or was he pushed? In the meantime, he has to keep treading water as memories and regrets wash over him. I fell for this book hook, line, and sinker.

I had a blast discussing Man Overboard!, the Gulf of Mexico, cruise ships, Kathleen’s inspiration for the book, her collaboration with her sister for Leaf Town Forever, and most important: music! Kathleen Rooney is the gift that keeps on giving and I’m thrilled she came back on the show for the second time.

Kathleen Rooney suggests: Gerald’s Game by Stephen King, Lives of the Saints, and The Oyster Diaries both by Nancy Lemann. A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again by David Foster Wallace.

Large Hearted Boy playlists!

Borrow any title from the Nassau County Library System

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Episode 174: Interview with Ethan Joella, author of The Top of the World

June 29, 2026Author InterviewA Little Hope, A Quiet Life, Ethan Joella, Poconos, Read With Jenna, Same Bright Stars, Scribner, The Top of the WorldTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

The Top of the World is the brand new novel by Ethan Joella. Heartbreaking and life-affirming, The Top of the World takes us back to the Poconos during the 1970s and features a young woman searching for answers about her brother’s last days. The Top of the World is a timeless story about memory, grief, second chances, and hope.

For this episode, Ethan and I talk about love nostalgia, grief, champagne glass bath-tubs (you’ll just have to listen!), creating his characters, his revisions for this book, what he’s working on next, and so much more!

As always, thank you so much for joining me, Ethan!

Order signed copies of The Top of the World here. Order a copy of any of Ethan’s books here.

Follow Ethan Joella on IG: Joellawriting and on Threads: Joellawriting. Ethan recommends: When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén.

Place a hold at any Nassau County library here.

Listen to our episode for A Little Hope right here.

Listen to our episode for The Same Bright Stars right here.

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Episode 173: Interview with author Laurie Frankel, author of Enormous Wings

May 5, 2026Author InterviewAgeism, Contemporary Fiction, domestic fiction, Enormous Wings, Henry Holt, humor, Laurie Frankel, One Two Three, TexasTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

It is always a sun-shiny day when Laurie Frankel gifts us all with a new book, and Enormous Wings is that book!

Enormous Wings is a timely novel about Pepper Mills who grudgingly moves into a retirement community. While there, she gets some shocking news, and boy does she! Enormous Wings explores motherhood, family, sex, love, friendship, and how, even late in life, foundations can shift. Laurie handles these topics with empathy, humanity, and care. It’s why she’s so good at what she does.

For this episode, Laurie talks about the inspiration, gets in-depth with her writing process, gives advice to aspiring writers, and shares some terrific book recs. To say it was a joy to host THE Laurie Frankel is an understatement. I had an absolute blast speaking with her again. Thank you, Laurie!

Give a listen to my interview with Laurie for her excellent book, One Two Three, right here.

Laurie Frankel recommends: The Husbands by Holly Gramazio; The Future by Naomi Alderman; The Power by Naomi Alderman; Indian Country by Shobha Rao; The Typing Lady by Ruth Ozeki; the work of Ruth Ozeki; Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe.

Follow Laurie on Instagram and Facebook and as always, check out her Substack.

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Episode 172: Interview with Dan Robson, co-author of Hammered: The Fight of My Life

February 20, 2026Author Interviewdan robson, dave schultz, hockey, memoir, nhl, philadelphia flyers, the athletic, the hammerTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

This special episode of Top Shelf features veteran journalist and author Dan Robson, co-author of Hammered: The Fight of My Life by hockey legend Dave Schultz.

Dan joins me to discuss his latest collaboration, and from there, we dive right into the nuances of crafting compelling narrative non-fiction, and what it was like working alongside one of hockey’s most iconic figures: Dave “The Hammer” Schultz.

We talk about Dave’s storied career, as well as the powerfully personal, candid, and heartbreaking journey Dave Schultz himself shares in this book. Dan tells us how the project first came together and their collaborative process. We also talk about some of the great tidbits in Dave’s memoir. This is a fascinating conversation, and I cannot thank Dan enough for sharing such incredible behind-the-scenes insight.

Follow along with Dan Robson’s website or follow along with Dan Robson on The Athletic.

Follow along with Dave Schultz.

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Episode 171: Interview with Eleanor Shearer, author of Fireflies in Winter

February 10, 2026Author Interviewauthorinterview, berkley publishing, eleanor shearer, fireflies in winter, historical fiction, jamaica, nova scotia, river sing homeTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

“Captivating. Eleanor Shearer returns with a memorable tale of two young women yearning for home and love. I was drawn to the historical setting not typically seen in fiction – the lives of eighteenth-century Jamaican Maroons, removed to Canada, free on paper, yet still at risk.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, NYT best-selling author of Good Dirt

In this episode Eleanor and I chat about her brand new book, Fireflies in Winter. We also talk about the Jamaican Maroon colony, queer love, her trips to Novia Scotia, her debut River Sing Me Home, and so much more. I loved this book, these characters, and the luminous prose. Fireflies in Winter is an excellent piece of historical fiction, that is not to be missed.

Follow Eleanor on Instagram:@eleanorbshearer

Place your holds here for Fireflies in Winter and River Sing Me Home, both by Eleanor Shearer.

Eleanor Shearer recommends: Ever Since We Small by Celeste Mohammed.

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Episode 170! Interview with Matthew Norman, author of Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon

October 23, 2025Author InterviewAll Together Now, charm city rocks, Dell, Dell Publishing, domestic fiction, domestic violets, Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon, Last Couple Standing, Matthew Norman, we're all damagedTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

Matthew Norman on Love, Loss, and Holiday Movie Magic

“Why is it that the holidays always seem to arrive out of nowhere…?”
That question comes from Henry, one half of the unforgettable duo in Matthew Norman’s latest novel, Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon. The book follows a sentimental advertising creative and a no-nonsense bar owner who discover an unexpected second chance at love binge-watching iconic holiday films—and it’s every bit as poignant and heartwarming as that setup promises.
For our fourth interview episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Matthew to talk about his absolutely delightful new novel. We covered everything from the magic of holiday movies, to music, grief, the New York Jets, and so much more. It’s a wide-ranging, genuinely fun conversation, and I’m so grateful to Matthew for joining me!

Matthew Norman recommends: The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu; the work of Richard Russo; the work of Nick Hornby; the work of Allison Larkin.

Follow Matthew Norman on all social media platforms @thenormannation

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E169: Interview with Jennifer Fawcett, author of Keep This For Me

October 7, 2025Author InterviewAtria Books, Beneath the Stairs, Crime, Jennifer Fawcett, Keep this for Me, Thriller, True CrimeTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

Just in time for thrill-season, I sat down with author Jennifer Fawcett to talk about her second thriller, Keep This For Me. For this episode we discuss generational trauma, serial killers, ghost ships, and so much more. Give a listen. Thank you so much Jennifer!

Jennifer recommends, The Ascent by Allison Buccola; A Gorgeous Excitement by Cynthia Weiner; and The Grand Paloma Resort by Cleyvis Natera.

Look for Jennifer on Threads & Instagram: @jenniferfawcett_author; X: @AuthorFawcett.

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E168: Interview with Sam Sussman, author of Boy From the North Country

September 16, 2025Author Interviewautofiction, bob dylan, Boy from the north country, Sam sussman, The penguin pressTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

“A loving ode to an extraordinary mother; a soulful coming-of-age; an unlikely portrait of Dylan in his prime as fresh as they come. Sam Sussman‘s, Boy from the North Country heralds the arrival of a blazing new literary talent.” ~ Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Ayad Akhtar

I had the pleasure of sitting down with author Sam Sussman for his remarkable debut, Boy From the North Country. We talk about so many things in this very special and personal episode, give a listen. Thank you so very much, Sam!

Sam Sussman recommends: Lisa Moore Fine Art; The Northern Sky by Nick Drake’s; The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Other Travel Sketches by Matsuo Basho; Blood on the Tracks by Bob Dylan.

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