Episode 41: Interview with author Cadwell Turnbull

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I read The Lesson by Cadwell Turnbull in 2019 and this book is *still* with me… This incredible debut is an alien first contact novel set in the Virgin Islands and follows three families adjusting to this invasion. The Lesson explores colonialism, and the history of colonialism (how Turnbull does this, I will not spoil, but it is amazing). Cadwell Turnbull also explores sexuality, politics, and ageing. I cannot say enough about this book.   We also talk about a trilogy, what he’s reading these days and honestly, this episode is just the complete package.  I was thrilled to be able to host him for this episode.

Visit Cadwell Turnbull’s website. 

Place your reserve for THE LESSON right here.

Give a listen, read the book.

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Episode 40: Interview with author R.L. Maizes

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Let’s hear it for our amazing Episode 40 and let’s hear it for author: R.L. Maizes as we celebrate her debut novel, the incredible, Other People’s Pets.

This novel is not what anyone would think of as a page-turner, but there I was absolutely riveted. I loved the characters, the story, the writing, it was all just a fab five star read for me.  I’m so honored that she sat down with me to talk about her craft, her essays, magical realism and… her pets!  At least listen for that!  Maizes just writes like a dream; what a blast to host R.L. Maizes on this episode.

Other People’s Pets is out July 14th, for heaven’s sake, don’t miss it.  AND, her fabulous book of short stories, We Love Anderson Cooper is out in paperback also on July 14th. What a day!

#GiveaListenReadtheBook

Place you library holds right here: Other People‘s Pets ;  We Love Anderson Cooper

Other People's Pets: A Novel - Kindle edition by Maizes, R.L. ... R.L. Maizes (Author of We Love Anderson Cooper) 

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Episode 39: Interview with author Catherine Ryan Howard

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At the age of twelve, Eve Black was the only member of her family to survive an encounter with serial killer the Nothing Man. Now an adult, she is obsessed with identifying the man who destroyed her life.

Yes, that’s my way of saying, get yourselves ready for this book and this interview with the amazing Catherine Ryan Howard. Her new book, The Nothing Man comes out August 18, 2020.  Just in time too, because when the dog days of summer are just too much, this book will chill you right to the bone. I am not kidding. We talk serial killers, astronauts, virologists and The Inspiration Project...don’t miss this episode.

While you’re waiting for The Nothing Man to hit the shelves, click here to check out her other thrilling titles. 

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An Interview with Catherine Ryan Howard, author of Distress ... The Nothing Man by Catherine Ryan Howard

CATHERINE RYAN HOWARD – EDGAR NOMINATED CRIME WRITER

 

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Episode 38: Interview with Liz Moore, author of Long Bright River

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** This episode was recorded pre-pandemic. Apologies to Liz Moore for the late posting.**

I was absolutely thrilled to host Liz Moore for this episode. I read her book, Heft and I’ve been a fan ever since!

Her newest book, Long Bright River is a moving story of sisters, addiction, and the strong bonds that persist between place, family, and fate. Long Bright River did not start out as a literary crime thriller, and you’ll just have to listen to find out more. I can tell you that Brooklyn, NY is mentioned in our interview, but no spoilers!

Please visit Liz Moore’s website for more information about some of the themes included in the novel, such as addiction, homelessness, domestic violence, and under served public schools.

I had a blast and cannot thank Liz enough for taking the time to chat with me on Top Shelf!

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Place your holds here for all these amazing Liz Moore titles.

 

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Episode 37: Interview with Erika Swyler, author of Light From Other Stars: the 2020 Long Island Reads Selection!

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This episode combines three of my favorites:  Erika Swyler, Erika Swyler books, and the incredible Long Island Reads Initiative!

So yes, I had the pleasure of interviewing author and Long Island, NY native, Erika Swyler  about her book, Light From Other Stars, which is the Long Island Reads Selection for 2020!

Literary science fiction, faith, family relationships, getting the call about the Long Reads Selection, this episode has it all.  Light From Other Stars is a novel about fathers and daughters, women and the forces that hold them back, and the true meaning of progress. I just loved it, don’t miss it.

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Episode 36: Interview with Lisa See, author of The Island of Sea Women

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Well. To say I was thrilled to host author Lisa See is an understatement. And no, I couldn’t sleep the night before. We talked about her most recent novel, The Island of Sea Women, available in paperback on Tuesday, March 10th.

A classic Lisa See story—one of women’s friendships and the larger forces that shape them—The Island of Sea Women introduces readers to the fierce and unforgettable female divers of Jeju Island and the dramatic history that shaped their lives. And a story you will not be able to put down and one you won’t soon forget. Booklist has called the novel, “A stupendous multi-generational family saga” and I could not agree more. A major theme of the book is forgiveness, and boy, that’s a tough one on a good day…we get into that and more for this episode.

I could have listened to her speak all day and I cannot thank her enough.

Also-you must visit Lisa’s incredible website-it is chock full of everything you need to make you reading experience that much more successful. It’s the perfect reader’s companion. 

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Place your hold here for all of Lisa See’s titles in multiple formats, including the mystery series!

 

 

 

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Episode 35: Interview with Matthew Norman, author of Last Couple Standing.

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Book clubs, start your 2020 engines…

You all know my love for books ’bout the ‘burbs and Last Couple Standing by Matthew Norman checks all the book discussion boxes: When Jessica and Mitch find out that their core group of friends are getting divorced, they find themselves as the last couple standing. This third novel by Matthew Norman asks what you would do to keep your marriage afloat?

We had such a great discussion about his writing style, the role that ensemble characters play in Last Couple Standing, and more. Norman is the also the author of We’re All Damaged, and Domestic Violets.

Last Couple Standing hits shelves on Tuesday, March 17th, place your reserve now!  #GiveAListenReadtheBook

Don’t miss these:

 

 

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Episode 34: Interview with Maurice Carlos Ruffin, author of We Cast A Shadow

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 Maurice Carlos Ruffin had an amazing book year in 2019, and since we recorded this podcast, his 2020 has only gotten better. We Cast A Shadow has been selected as a 2020 Pen Open Book Award finalist, is a 2020 ALA RUSA Audio Book award winner, Ruffin himself was the keynote speaker at the Literary New Orleans symposium earlier in the month, the paperback is out on February 4th and while I could go on, please just follow MCR on twitter! 

What a way to kick off 2020! This was a great interview and I really cannot thank him enough for taking the time. 

Place your library hold right here for We Cast A Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin. 

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Episode 33: Interview with Jean Kwok, author of Searching for Sylvie Lee

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Happy 2020!

I cannot think of a better way to have ended 2019 and then kick off 2020 than with the amazing company of author Jean Kwok. We could have chatted for hours, although she might have felt different!

This is a very special episode, indeed, and not to be missed. Jean Kwok talks about the motivations and inspirations for each of her books: Girl in Translation;  Mambo in Chinatown; and most particularly her latest, Searching for Sylvie Lee. All three titles are perfect for book discussions-don’t miss any of them!

I’ve provided links to each book as well as the link to Jean’s incredibly robust website. The website is filled with content not just for readers and fans, but features an incredibly comprehensive toolkit for teachers as well.

I thank Jean Kwok so very much for taking the time to sit down with me for this episode, it was an absolute pleasure.

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

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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.

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