Tag Archives: Riverhead Books

Episode 105: Interview with author Louise Kennedy for her debut novel, Trespasses

October 26, 2022Author Interviewbook discussions, historical fiction, Louise Kennedy, Northern Ireland, penguin random house, Riverhead Books, Staff Pick, The Troublestopshelfatmerricklibrary

I had the absolute pleasure of hosting author Louise Kennedy for her debut novel, Trespasses. Set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, Trespasses is a shattering novel about a young woman caught between allegiance to community and a dangerous passion.

We talk about the inspiration for Trespasses, a possible movie treatment, her award-winning short stories, and yes, her glorious orange cake. Thank you so much for joining me Louise, I loved every minute!

Luisa Smith of Book Passage says that Trespasses is, “the knockout debut of the fall season – a gritty depiction of Northern Ireland during the period known as The Troubles. Kennedy does a masterful job of bringing this period to life.” Do not miss this book!

Louise Kennedy recommends: My Fourth Time, We Drowned: Seeking Refuge on the World’s Deadliest Migration Routeby Sally Hayden; These Days by Lucy Caldwell (has not yet been published in the US).

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Episode 102: Interview with Bruce Holsinger author of The Displacements

August 8, 2022Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Book Discussion, Bruce Holsinger, Contemporary Fiction, Florida, Hurricanes, penguin random house, Readers Advisory, Riverhead Books, Staff Pick, Texastopshelfatmerricklibrary

“Hypnotic.” ~ NYT

“Cinematic.” ~ USA Today

“A gripping, full-throttle page turner.” ~ Miranda Cowley Heller

The Displacements by Bruce Holsinger is an adrenaline-fueled story of lives upended and transformed by an unprecedented catastrophe. Holsinger weaves the story of a well-to-do family around a catastrophic hurricane that strips them of their privilege and exposes their humanity.

This episode we talk about how The Displacements shatters the complacency of every day life, we get into the mechanics of writing suspense, the book cover, and more. Thank you so much Bruce!

Bruce Holsinger recommends: Appleseed by Matt Bell; How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue; The Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet; How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu

Reserve the books of Bruce Holsinger here.

Look for Bruce Holsinger on Twitter @bruceholsinger and on Instagram @bruceholsingerauthor

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Episode 92: Interview with Emma Straub author of This Time Tomorrow

May 17, 2022Author Interview13 Going on 30, Books Are Magic, brooklyn, Emma Straub, New York City, penguin random house, Quantum Leap, Riverhead Books, subway, This Time Tomorrow, time traveltopshelfatmerricklibrary

“Libraries and bookstores are the most important spaces in the world to me.” ~ Emma Straub

For this wonderful episode I had the pleasure of hosting author Emma Straub for her latest book, This Time Tomorrow. We talked about the book, NYC and Brooklyn of the 1990s, going back in time, and Emma’s love for libraries and independent bookstores. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub asks the age old question, if you could revisit your teenage self, what would you do differently? Oh gosh, please don’t miss this special story of love and family and friendships – it’s terrific.

Emma Straub recommends, I’ll Be You by Janelle Brown; Book Lovers by Emily Henry; By the Book by Jasmine Guillory

Place your hold here for all Emma Straub titles. Click here to go for Books Are Magic, Brooklyn, NY

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Episode 51: Interview with author Chang-rae Lee

February 8, 2021Author InterviewAuthor Interview, Book Discussion, book discussions, Friday Reads, penguin random house, Readers Advisory, Riverhead Books, Staff Picktopshelfatmerricklibrary

“But at some point, we’re all extra hungry, aren’t we, if not necessarily for grub.” ~ Tiller Bardmon

Yes, this is just one of the many gems in Chang-rae Lee’s latest, MY YEAR ABROAD. I cannot thank him enough for getting up so early to talk with me about this incredible new book, and the origins of Tiller Bardmon and Pong Lou.

Synopsis: “An everyday American college student, Tiller Bardmon, finds his life transformed by a Chinese-American businessman who unexpectedly takes him under his wing on a series of whimsical, heartbreaking and darkly shocking adventures throughout Asia. An exuberant and entertaining story of a young American on a global adventure.” ~from Riverhead Books

What a journey is MY YEAR ABROAD, thank you so much Chang-rae Lee!

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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!

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