Tag Archives: book discussions

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!

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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!

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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!

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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 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.

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

March 6, 2020Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Book Discussion, book discussions, Lisa See, Readers Advisory, Scribner, simon & schuster, Staff Picktopshelfatmerricklibrary

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.

#GiveAListenReadtheBook

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.

February 28, 2020Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Ballantine Books, Book Discussion, book discussions, Matthew Norman, penguin random house, Readers Advisory, Staff Pick, Suburbstopshelfatmerricklibrary

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

January 6, 2020Author InterviewAuthor Interview, book discussions, Harper Collins, Jean Kwok, Readers Advisory, Staff Pick, William Morrowtopshelfatmerricklibrary

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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