Category Archives: Author Interview

Episode 32: Interview with Julia Armfield, author of Salt Slow

September 24, 2019Author InterviewAuthor Interview, debut, debut author, Flatiron Books, Friday Reads, Readers Advisory, Staff Picktopshelfatmerricklibrary

What can I say about Salt Slow by Julia Armfield? This book was the stand-out for me, or a sit-down, because once I started it, I never left my beach chair. From the very first story, Mantis, to the award winning, The Great Awake, it will be hard to put down. Publisher’s Weekly calls Salt Slow by Julia Armfield, “unsettling, uncanny and an utterly delightful debut.” All true. It’s the first time I’ve covered this genre on Top Shelf and I’m thrilled to bring this interview to you.

One of the things we discussed were our favorites in the genre and Julia recommended Fen by Daisy Johnson, and titles by Sarah Hall. My go-to authors in this genre are: Clare Beams, Angela Carter, Karen Russell, and Carmen Maria Machado. We also talked Stephen King, but really, who doesn’t?

I was so happy to speak with Julia Armfield about this incredible debut collection, Salt Slow. It hits shelves in the US, October 8, 2019. If you’re in the UK, it’s out already-don’t. miss. it.

Very special thanks to Flatiron Books, you guy rock.

#GiveAListenReadTheBook

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Episode 31: Interview with Erin Somers, author of Stay Up With Hugo Best

May 23, 2019Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Book Discussion, book discussions, debut, debut author, Friday Reads, Readers Advisory, simon & schustertopshelfatmerricklibrary

“Reading is the whole reason to be alive”, says Erin Somers in this episode.

I couldn’t agree more.

So what are your plans for this weekend? Make sure it includes, Stay Up With Hugo Best by Erin Somers.

Our main character, June Bloom, is twenty-nine, broke, and an aspiring comedy writer. Hugo Best is a beloved late-night chat show host – and notorious womanizer – who invites her to his mansion for Memorial Day Weekend. Stay Up With Hugo Best is the story of their four days together.

What a fabulous conversation I had with Erin about this book…we talked about many things, but no spoilers here. She’s in the midst of her book tour and speaking at the Center for Fiction tonight (5/23rd) in Brooklyn. Get your tickets now, and then visit Erin’s website http://www.esomers.com/ or find her on Twitter at: @somerserin. I’m thrilled to have hosted her and cannot wait to have her back.

Two books Erin mentioned as must reads: The Falconer by Dana Czapnik and Three Women by Lisa Taddeo.

Place a hold: Stay Up With Hugo Best

#GiveAListenReadTheBook

Give a listen, read the book.

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Episode 30: Interview with Jason Allen, author of The East End

May 17, 2019Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Beach Read, Book Discussion, book discussions, debut, Harper Collins, Park Row Books, Readers Advisory, Staff Pick, summer readingtopshelfatmerricklibrary

I could not be happier to have hosted Jason Allen, featuring his debut novel, The East End, for Episode 30! Gosh, we talked about so many things, I couldn’t possibly collect it all here. Get your beach towels ready because this gripping novel of suspense and culture clash set in the Hamptons makes The East End a perfect summer read. What makes a summer read for me? A novel that you simply cannot put down. The East End sure hits that mark.

As part of his book tour, Jason will be returning to LI on Sunday, May 19th at 5 p.m. at BookHampton, East Hampton and at Book Culture LIC in Long Island City, Queens on Monday, May 20th at 6:30pm. Follow him on twitter to get more info: @eathenjason. And you thought everyone was out here on LI this weekend because of the 2019 PGA tournament…ha!

Jason also raved about the following novels: Winter Loon by Susan Bernhard ; Goodnight Stranger by Miciah Bay Gault (out in July, 2019); The Tenth Girl by Sara Faring (out in October 2019); and finally, All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr .

Jason is an absolute gem and I can’t wait for you to listen to this episode. Follow him on Facebook (Jason Allen), Twitter (@eathanjason) and Instagram (eastendauthor).

#GiveAListenReadTheBook!

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Episode 29: Interview with Julie Langsdorf, author of White Elephant

May 3, 2019Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Book Discussion, book discussions, debut, debut author, ecco books, Friday Reads, Harper Collins, Readers Advisory, Staff Picktopshelfatmerricklibrary

I’m on a roll with debut authors and their fabulous books and this podcast featuring author Julie Langsdorf is no exception.

White Elephant takes us to the suburban Washington DC town of Willard Park and particularly Tunlaw Place, where next door neighbors are not quite seeing eye-to-eye. Conflicts abound between the neighbors and to say I was on the edge of my seat to see how these conflicts would be resolved is an understatement. The book is honest, dark, joyful and at times, very funny. Told from alternating perspectives, White Elephant is perfect for book discussions. Thank you so much, Julie!

Give a listen, read the book.

To view Julie Langsdorf’s very cool website, click here.

Merrick patrons place your hold here.

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Episode 28: Interview with Anne Griffin, author of When All Is Said

April 25, 2019Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Book Discussion, book discussions, debut, debut author, Graham Norton, Jonathan Coe, Mary Lawson, Olive Kitteridge, Readers Advisory, Richard Russo, St. Martin's Press, Staff Pick, Thomas Dunne Bookstopshelfatmerricklibrary

Spending my morning with Anne Griffin to talk about her amazing debut novel, When All Is Said, was like sunshine on a cloudy day.

This story of 84-year old Maurice Hannigan toasting the five most important people in his life is also wrapped around a mystery and makes When All Is Said perfect for book discussions. Anne talked about her inspiration for the book…no spoilers, you’ll have to listen! We also talked about Pulitzer Prize winning author Richard Russo, authors Mary Lawson and Jonathan Coe, and author and TV host, Graham Norton.

This episode really is action packed and I can’t thank Anne Griffin enough for pausing in the midst of writing to speak with us today.

You can find Anne Griffin on her website: http://annegriffinwriter.com/

Merrick patrons place your holds here.

Thanks so much to Thomas Dunne Books and St. Martin’s Press for the early galley.

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Episode 27: Interview with Angie Kim, author of Miracle Creek

March 15, 2019Author InterviewAngie Kim, book discussions, debut, debut author, HBOT, Macmillan Publishers, Miracle Creek, Readers Advisory, Sara Crichton Bookstopshelfatmerricklibrary

Three different strands of author Angie Kim’s life come together to create her debut novel, Miracle Creek. This interview with Angie Kim is a must listen for a must read. Excellent choice for book discussions.

Miracle Creek hits shelves Tuesday, April 16, 2019. Follow Angie Kim on her website angiekimbooks.com

Merrick Library patrons place your hold right here.

Miracle Creek is a literary courtroom drama about a Korean immigrant family and a young, single mother accused of murdering her eight-year-old autistic son. Mark your calendars for the release on April 16 2019.

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Episode 26: Interview with Etaf Rum, author of A Woman Is No Man.

February 7, 2019Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Book Discussion, Etaf Rum, Harper Collins, Readers Advisory, Staff Picktopshelfatmerricklibrary

“Where I come from, we’ve learned to silence ourselves. We’ve been taught that silence will save us. Where I come from, we keep these stories to ourselves. To tell them to the outside world is unheard of, dangerous, the ultimate shame.” – -Etaf Rum, A Woman Is No Man

What an amazing interview with debut author Etaf Rum for her book, A Woman Is No Man. I cannot thank her enough for sitting for this interview and I cannot wait for all of you to read this novel. It’s a book discussion must.

It hits shelves on Tuesday, March 5th.

Follow Etaf Rum on her website: EtafRum.com and on Instagram @booksandbeans

Merrick Library patrons place your hold here.

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Episode 25: Interview with William Shaw, author of The Salt Lane

February 7, 2019Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Book Discussion, Dungeness, Mulholland Books, Readers Advisory, Salt Lane, Staff Pick, The Birdwatcher, William Shawtopshelfatmerricklibrary

To celebrate the UK paperback release of Salt Lane, I have for you this podcast interview. In this episode, I get so wrapped up interviewing William Shaw, I move away from the mic! Apologies! But my aim is true. Also: rookie.

Anyway, the very patient William Shaw sat with me to talk about his newest edge-of-your-seat thriller: Salt Lane. #givealistenreadthebook

Visit William Shaw’s website.

Merrick Library patrons place your hold for any William Shaw book here.

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Episode 24: Interview with Anissa Gray author of The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls

January 18, 2019Author InterviewAnissa Gray, Author Interview, berkley publishing, Book Discussion, Library Reads, penguin random house, Readers Advisorytopshelfatmerricklibrary

Debut author Anissa Gray sat with Top Shelf today to talk about her fabulous new book, The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls.

Set to hit shelves on Tuesday, February 19th, The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls, is the story of the four Butler siblings who have had their share of familial trials. But Althea, Viola, Lillian, and Joe are not prepared for the literal trial that will upend their lives. This moving debut will be hard to put down.

Merrick patrons place your hold here: https://tinyurl.com/Care-and-Feeding-Anissa-Gray

Follow Anissa Gray on her website: https://anissagray.com/meet-the-author/

#givealistenreadthebook

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Episode 23: Interview with Gretchen Anthony, author of Evergreen Tidings From the Baumgartners

December 4, 2018Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Book Discussion, Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners, Gretchen Anthony, Harper Collins, Park Row Books, Readers Advisory, Staff Picktopshelfatmerricklibrary

It’s that time of the year when things can get a little hairy planning all the holiday festivities. Looking for that perfect antidote? I strongly suggest you try Evergreen Tidings From the Baumgartners. This book will surely take the edge off! My interview with the remarkably patient Gretchen Anthony was absolutely my pleasure and I cannot thank her enough. Thank you so much Gretchen! #givealistenreadthebook

Synopsis: Formidable matriarch Violet Baumgartner learns the hard way that no family is perfect when her daughter reveals a shocking secret in front of Violet’s husband’s whole retirement party.

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