Tag Archives: debut author

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 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. 

#GiveAListenReadTheBook

 

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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.

#GiveAListenReadTheBook

 

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

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“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 

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Give a listen, read the book.

 

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

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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

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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

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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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