Tag Archives: domestic fiction

E157: Interview with William Boyle, author of Saint of the Narrows Street

February 1, 2025Uncategorizedbrooklyn, crime fiction, domestic fiction, gravesend, saint of the narrows street, Soho Crime, Soho Press, william boyletopshelfatmerricklibrary

Award-winning author William Boyle joins me to discuss his eighth novel, The Saint of Narrows Street—a gripping tale set in Gravesend, Brooklyn, spanning 18 years in the lives of two sisters and the life-changing decision they made one fateful night. William shares insights into his drafting process, the joy of discovering small yet impactful details as he writes, and offers fantastic book recommendations. We also reminisce about our shared Brooklyn roots, from bakeries to high schools to local newspapers, give a listen!

Best-selling author Megan Abbott says, “The stunning Saint of the Narrows Street is William Boyle’s best novel yet… not since Richard Price has a writer brought New York to such vivid, spectacular life, and Boyle’s southern Brooklyn is all his own: a neighborhood pulsing with hard-earned humor, dive-bar pleasures and thunderous heartbreak.” Don’t miss this one! Thank you so much for joining me, Bill.

William Boyle recommends: We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin; the work of Ace Atkins; the work of Eli Cranor; and Holy City by Henry Wise.

Place your hold here for all William Boyle titles!

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Episode 128: Interview with Matthew Norman author of Charm City Rocks

July 20, 2023Author InterviewAll Together Now, baltimore, domestic fiction, domestic violets, Last Couple Standing, Matthew Norman, penguin random house, we're all damagedtopshelfatmerricklibrary

“If Daisy Jones and Emily Henry had a baby, it would be Charm City Rocks.” ~ bestselling author Colleen Oakley.

For this episode, three-time guest Matthew Norman sat down to talk about his completely charming new novel, Charm City Rocks. Matthew talks about writing a sweet novel instead of a bitter-sweet novel, writing songs into his books, making Burnt Flowers t-shirts, the city of Baltimore, and so much more.

Thank you so much Matthew Norman – what a great interview! Follow Matthew Norman on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @thenormannation. Place your hold here for all Matthew Norman titles.

Matthew Norman recommends: The People We Keep by Allie Larkin; Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

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Episode 106: Interview with Gary Goldstein, author of The Mother I Never Had

November 3, 2022Author InterviewAuthor Interview, California, domestic fiction, fresno, gary goldstein, hadleigh house, Staff Pick, the last birthday party, the mother i never hadtopshelfatmerricklibrary

“Nate’s morning began like any other. So how could he possibly know that well before the day was over his life would never be the same?” ~The Mother I Never Had by Gary Goldstein.

Hook set! I loved talking with former Long Island native Gary Goldstein about his latest book, The Mother I Never Had featuring protagonist Nate Cronin. When Nick discovers that his father kept a life-changing secret from him, he has the daunting task of reevaluating everything he thought he knew about his own life. Gary details Nate’s journey of self-discovery in such sensitive and comprehensive ways, I couldn’t put the book down. As bestselling author Iris Rainer Dart says, “There are so many surprises and joys in this beautiful, human, well-told, emotionally rich story, that you won’t want it to end.” And how could you possibly disagree with the bestselling author of Beaches?

Gary and I could have spoken for hours, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to host him for this episode. Don’t miss this book and don’t miss Gary’s debut, The Last Birthday Party. Both are perfect for book discussions!

Gary Goldstein recommends: Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan; The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles; Oh WIlliam! by Elizabeth Strout; The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin

Click here for Gary’s interview with Marilyn Simon Rothstein