Episode 46 Interview with author Susie Yang

December 3, 2020Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Book Discussion, book discussions, debut, debut author, Friday Reads, Readers Advisory, simon & schuster, Staff Picktopshelfatmerricklibrary

Ivy Lin was a thief but you would never know it to look at her. So starts the compelling debut, White Ivy, by my guest for this episode, debut author Susie Yang.

White Ivy is a coming-of-age novel that is a nuanced exploration of class and race filled with surprising twists and a glimpse into the dark side of a woman who yearns for success at any cost. All I can say is good luck trying to make dinner when you’re halfway through the book! We had a terrific conversation that included how she got the news about making the NYT Bestseller list, getting the Shondaland treatment, and more! I am thrilled she stopped by to speak with us… thank you so much Susie!

Susie Yang recommends: The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst and The Patrick Melbourne Novels by Edward St. Aubyn

Give a Listen, Read the Book!

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Episode 45 Interview with author Jess Montgomery

November 6, 2020Author Interviewaudiobooks, Author Interview, Book Discussion, book discussions, Friday Reads, Minotaur Books, Readers Advisory, Staff Picktopshelfatmerricklibrary

For this episode it is with pleasure that I present the first book in an incredible historical mystery series, The Widows by Jess Montgomery. To prep, l listened to the audiobook read by the wonderful Susan Bennett, and it was so immersive, I immediately started reading the second book, The Hollows.

But let’s start with The Widows: Vowing revenge against her sheriff husband’s killers in 1924 Ohio, Lily Ross offers help to a fellow widow and uncovers dangerous evidence about her husband. The Widows, inspired by the true story of Ohio’s first female sheriff, is a powerful debut about two women’s search for justice as they take on the corruption at the heart of their community. Julia Keller, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author calls The Widows, “[A] flinty, heartfelt mystery that sings of hawks and history, of coal mines and the urgent fight for social justice.”

I am so thrilled that Jess Montgomery sat down to chat about this book, the series, merchandising (#TeamLily) and more… I am totally hooked and you will be too.Thank you so much Jess Montgomery!

#GiveAListenReadtheBook

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Episode 44 Interview with author A.H. Kim

October 23, 2020Author InterviewAuthor Interview, book clubs, Book Discussion, book discussions, debut, debut author, Friday Reads, Readers Advisory, Staff Pick, summer readingtopshelfatmerricklibrary

What constitutes a good family? You may think you know the answer, but then again, maybe not even for one little second.

Book clubs? Start your engines and grab your copy of A Good Family, the must-read debut by author A.H.Kim.

Synopsis: Big pharma exec Beth Lindstrom is heading to prison thanks to a high-profile whistleblower law suit. Beth enlists the help of her sister-in-law Hannah to figure out what happened. All I can say is, think Big Little Lies meets Succession and you have A Good Family.

I cannot thank A.H. Kim enough for sitting down to chat with me about family relationships, white-collar prisons and Fruit Stripe gum…no spoilers!

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Episode 43 Interview with author Kathleen Rooney

October 10, 2020Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Book Discussion, book discussions, Cher Ami, Friday Reads, Major Whittlesey, penguin random house, Readers Advisory, Staff Picktopshelfatmerricklibrary

I am thrilled to present this interview with Kathleen Rooney for her latest historical fiction stunner, Cher Ami And Major Whittlesey : a tale based on true events that follows the experiences of an army officer who answers the call to service during WWI before his life and the lives of those in the Lost Battalion are astonishingly reshaped by a battlefield encounter with a messenger pigeon.

I cannot thank Kathleen Rooney enough for sitting down with me for this episode. Folks? Do not miss the unforgettable Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey. #givealistenreadthebook

Click here to find out the latest and the greatest from Kathleen Rooney.

Click here to place your hold for any Kathleen Rooney titles.

Kathleen Rooney recommends:

Trumbull Park by Frank London Brown; Hog Butcher by Ronald L. Fair

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Episode 42 Interview with author James Wade

August 7, 2020Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Blackstone Audio, Blackstone Publishing, Book Discussion, book discussions, debut, debut author, Friday Reads, James Wade, Readers Advisorytopshelfatmerricklibrary

“There’s a story in my head…” novelist James Wade tells us in this incredible interview about his page-turning historical fiction debut, All Things Left Wild: after a botched robbery, sixteen-year-old Caleb Bentley is on the run with his mean-spirited older brother across the American Southwest at the turn of the 20th century. And boy will Caleb’s moral compass and inner courage be tested.

I could not put this book down.

What a thrill to talk to James Wade about the book, his writing process, and how he became a writer. Just like his book, this interview is one wild and compelling ride. Hold on to your hats! A total blast, thanks a million James!

#GiveaListenReadtheBook

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Episode 41: Interview with author Cadwell Turnbull

July 24, 2020Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Blackstone Audio, Blackstone Publishing, book discussions, Cadwell Turnbull, debut author, Readers Advisory, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Staff Picktopshelfatmerricklibrary

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

July 14, 2020Author InterviewBook Discussion, book discussions, Celadon Books, debut, Macmillan Publishers, Readers Advisory, RL Maizestopshelfatmerricklibrary

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

June 22, 2020Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Blackstone Audio, Catherine Ryan Howard, Readers Advisory, Staff Pick, thrillerstopshelfatmerricklibrary

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.

#GiveAListenReadTheBook

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

May 26, 2020Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Book Discussion, Liz Moore, Long Bright River, penguin random house, Readers Advisory, Riverhead Books, Staff Picktopshelfatmerricklibrary

** 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!

#GiveAListenReadtheBook

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!

March 11, 2020Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Bloomsbury Publishing, Book Discussion, book discussions, Erika Swyler, long island reads, Readers Advisory, Staff Picktopshelfatmerricklibrary

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.

#GiveAListenReadtheBook

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