Bookreporter Talks To
“Bookreporter Talks To” is a podcast from The Book Report Network where we host in-depth conversations with authors about the books that we love. We know authors cannot travel everywhere, so we want to bring them to you, wherever YOU may be.
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"Bookaccino Live" Book Group: Kate Morton
04/26/2024
"Bookaccino Live" Book Group: Kate Morton
Kate Morton joined us for April’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group event to talk about her latest novel, HOMECOMING, a Bookreporter Bets On pick and one of Carol Fitzgerald’s top three books of 2023. At the start of the pandemic, Kate was working on another book in London. When she and her family went to Australia for what was planned as a spring break trip, COVID restrictions led to their living on a small farm south of Melbourne. She set aside that book as she began to be inspired by her surroundings and thus conceived a new plot and story. Kate discussed her writing process with us, as well as how she balanced multiple points of view, timeframes and the writing of a true-crime book as part of the arc for HOMECOMING. Our attendees asked Kate a number of questions, and one reader shared a very special story about how he came to her work. The conversation was brisk and enlightening. As for the abandoned book, Kate has picked that up again. Book discussed in this episode: HOMECOMING by Kate Morton: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Simone Gorrindo: Megan Miranda: Anna Quindlen: Tamron Hall: Kristin Hannah: Hank Phillippi Ryan: Ashley Elston: Amanda Peters: Katherine Faulkner: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Shelby Van Pelt: Lisa See: Dani Shapiro: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Simone Gorrindo: The Wives
04/11/2024
Simone Gorrindo: The Wives
Simone Gorrindo, whose debut memoir, THE WIVES, is a Bookreporter Bets On selection, joins Carol Fitzgerald on this episode of “Bookreporter Talks To.” Simone explains how she found her way to writing this book when her husband, an Army Special Ops team member, was assigned to a base in Columbus, Georgia. There she found herself with a group of women who had followed their husbands to this area. Here were wives who had one thing in common: their husbands and their work as soldiers. When the men left town, the women would gather together for support, and any of the typical social lines between them would drop as they commiserated about both their day-to-day lives and the larger role that their husbands were playing on a bigger stage. Simone shares where their lives went after the book ends and what it was like narrating her own story. Book discussed in this episode: THE WIVES: A Memoir by Simone Gorrindo: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Megan Miranda: Anna Quindlen: Tamron Hall: Kristin Hannah: Hank Phillippi Ryan: Ashley Elston: Amanda Peters: Katherine Faulkner: Nita Prose: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Shelby Van Pelt: Lisa See: Dani Shapiro: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Megan Miranda: Daughter of Mine
04/09/2024
Megan Miranda: Daughter of Mine
Megan Miranda returns to “Bookreporter Talks To” to talk about her new thriller, DAUGHTER OF MINE, a Bookreporter Bets On selection with Carol Fitzgerald. She shares her inspiration for the book, as well as insight into her creative process. They talk about how she laid out the twists that make the book so special. She loves the narrator for the audio edition Ines del Castillo --- she feels that Ines sets the right tone for the book. Book discussed in this episode: DAUGHTER OF MINE by Megan Miranda: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Anna Quindlen: Tamron Hall: Kristin Hannah: Hank Phillippi Ryan: Ashley Elston: Amanda Peters: Katherine Faulkner: Nita Prose: Fiona Davis: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Shelby Van Pelt: Lisa See: Dani Shapiro: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Anna Quindlen: After Annie
03/29/2024
Anna Quindlen: After Annie
Anna Quindlen joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her latest novel, AFTER ANNIE. The idea for the opening of the book came to Anna in a moment, which she explains. She thought for a while about just writing from the point of view of Ali, Annie’s 13-year-old daughter, but she changed her mind as she realized that she could not see the complete purview of a person that age. Instead, she layered in Annie’s husband, Bill, and her best friend, Annemarie, to give readers a fuller picture of the impact of Annie’s life even after her death. Annie, and what she thinks, is alive on every page. Surprisingly, AFTER ANNIE was not always the title, and the cover was not an immediate choice either. Anna also talks about what she does every day when she ends a writing session. Book discussed in this episode: AFTER ANNIE by Anna Quindlen: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Tamron Hall: Kristin Hannah: Hank Phillippi Ryan: Ashley Elston: Amanda Peters: Katherine Faulkner: Nita Prose: Fiona Davis: Gilly Macmillan: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Shelby Van Pelt: Lisa See: Dani Shapiro: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Tamron Hall: Watch Where They Hide
03/15/2024
Tamron Hall: Watch Where They Hide
Tamron Hall, the Emmy Award-winning host and executive producer of the syndicated talk show “Tamron Hall” and the bestselling author of the Jordan Manning series, joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her latest thriller, WATCH WHERE THEY HIDE. Tamron shares the genesis of the plot for this second book in the series and why it is set in 2009. She also talks about how she crafts her story, her writing process, and the realism that she brings to the table about how a broadcast journalist works. And yes, she explains how she came up with her character’s name. Author Photo Credit: Stephanie Augello Book discussed in this episode: WATCH WHERE THEY HIDE: A Jordan Manning Novel, by Tamron Hall: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Kristin Hannah: Hank Phillippi Ryan: Ashley Elston: Amanda Peters: Katherine Faulkner: Nita Prose: Fiona Davis: Gilly Macmillan: Dani Shapiro: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Shelby Van Pelt: Lisa See: Dani Shapiro: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Bookreporter Talks To... Kristin Hannah
03/07/2024
Bookreporter Talks To... Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah was our guest for a very special “Bookreporter Talks To” program. She was in conversation with Bookreporter readers and Carol Fitzgerald about her #1 bestseller, THE WOMEN, which is a Bookreporter Bets On pick. A lot of ground was covered, including Kristin’s inspiration for writing the book, why she felt that now was the right time to tell this story, and how she researched the time period. There was much discussion about the divisiveness of our times now compared to the ’60s. How the Vietnam vets were treated when they returned home was another big focus. And the last question spurred the audience to think about what we can do to recognize and support veterans, especially female ones. This was a no-spoilers event, so if you have not read THE WOMEN, you still can enjoy this interview. Book discussed in this episode: THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Hank Phillippi Ryan: Ashley Elston: Amanda Peters: Katherine Faulkner: Nita Prose: Fiona Davis: Gilly Macmillan: Dani Shapiro: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Lisa See: Dani Shapiro: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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"Bookaccino Live" Book Group with Shelby Van Pelt
02/29/2024
"Bookaccino Live" Book Group with Shelby Van Pelt
Shelby Van Pelt, author of REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES, joins us for February’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group event. She explains how a short piece that she had written for a writing class became the start of her New York Times bestseller, how growing up with her Swedish grandmother influenced her character, Tova, and why it worked for Marcellus to have his voice in the first person. Shelby shares background on the cover design, as well as what it was like to be a debut author getting a call that she was the “Read with Jenna” selection for May 2022 and what being on the set of the “Today” show was like. And she notes that she is working on something new, but readers will have to wait a while to see it. Book discussed in this episode: REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Hank Phillippi Ryan: Ashley Elston: Amanda Peters: Katherine Faulkner: Nita Prose: Fiona Davis: Gilly Macmillan: Dani Shapiro: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Lisa See: Dani Shapiro: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Hank Phillippi Ryan: One Wrong Word
02/20/2024
Hank Phillippi Ryan: One Wrong Word
Hank Phillippi Ryan joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her latest thriller, ONE WRONG WORD, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. The idea for this book came from something that happened to Hank when she was 19. She talks about crafting the characters and how she tries to keep readers on top of the action by introducing the characters as chapter titles where they are speaking. Hank always writes organically without an outline; both the characters and the action come to her as she writes. She points to various details in the book and explains why it matters that they are presented as they are. And she talks about crisis management, which seems to be at the heart of many news situations today. Carol would love Arden Ward to be an ongoing series character. And when you watch, you will find out which New York Times bestselling author would like to see the same thing! That is not what is next for Hank, but she tells us what is coming up in her 16th book, which will be out next year. Hank also comments on the interviews that she does with authors and why she loves doing them. Book discussed in this episode: ONE WRONG WORD by Hank Phillippi Ryan: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Ashley Elston: Amanda Peters: Katherine Faulkner: Nita Prose: Fiona Davis: Gilly Macmillan: Dani Shapiro: Douglas Brunt: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Lisa See: Dani Shapiro: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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“Bookaccino Live” Book Group with Lisa See
01/26/2024
“Bookaccino Live” Book Group with Lisa See
For our first “Bookaccino Live” Book Group of 2024, Lisa See talks about her most recent book, LADY TAN’S CIRCLE OF WOMEN, with Carol Fitzgerald. She explains how she came to discover Tan Yunxian, a female physician from 15th-century China, and why she decided to write a novel based on her extraordinary life. Two readers, Debbie and Michelle, appeared on camera to ask Lisa about her interest in ancient Chinese medicine and the role of women in it, as well as how a new book idea comes to her. Michelle learned that Lisa’s mother, Carolyn See, wrote a book called MAKING A LITERARY LIFE and was curious to know if Lisa followed her mother’s writing advice. We also fielded some fabulous questions from the audience that touched on a number of additional topics, including the book’s gorgeous cover and Lisa’s lovely necklaces, which an eagle-eyed reader noticed she wears to all of her events. Our attendees hailed from 37 states and Canada, which we were thrilled to see! Book discussed in this episode: LADY TAN’S CIRCLE OF WOMEN by Lisa See: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Ashley Elston: Amanda Peters: Katherine Faulkner: Nita Prose: Fiona Davis: Gilly Macmillan: Dani Shapiro: Douglas Brunt: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Dani Shapiro: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Ashley Elston: First Lie Wins
01/19/2024
Ashley Elston: First Lie Wins
Ashley Elston joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her instant New York Times bestseller, FIRST LIE WINS, which is Reese's Book Club pick for January and a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Ashley shares how she came to write this book and why the time was right for her to work on it. She explains what she learned about storytelling from the decade she spent as a wedding photographer, as well as her time writing YA novels, where readers keep authors on their toes. Ashley wrote the start of the book, and it looks much like what people are reading now. She discusses how the backstories came about, including one that was added quite late in the process. Carol reads an early paragraph that points out the significance of the title. Plus, Ashley reveals what she knows about the status of the Hulu series adaptation of the book and fills us in on the script that she has read. Book discussed in this episode: by Ashley Elston: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Amanda Peters: Katherine Faulkner: Nita Prose: Fiona Davis: Gilly Macmillan: Dani Shapiro: Douglas Brunt: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Dani Shapiro: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Amanda Peters: The Berry Pickers
01/12/2024
Amanda Peters: The Berry Pickers
Amanda Peters joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her breakout hit debut novel, THE BERRY PICKERS, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Amanda, who is a mixed-race of Mi’kmaq and European ancestry, was born and raised in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. She explains how a trip with her father to Maine to see the actual site of the blueberry picking that is depicted in the book spurred the story. As he walked her through the fields and showed her the cabin where he and his family had lived during picking season, the story came to her. Amanda had the opening line very quickly, and from there she wrote the book over a period of four years. For a long time, it was just in the voice of Joe, but she later saw that to have Norma’s story told would bring something else to the novel. She shares how writing THE BERRY PICKERS has brought her closer to her Mi’kmaq roots and her very pleasant surprise at how the book has resonated so well with American readers. Plus, she discusses what she is working on now and offers a look ahead beyond that. Book discussed in this episode: by Amanda Peters Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Katherine Faulkner: Nita Prose: Fiona Davis: Gilly Macmillan: Dani Shapiro: Douglas Brunt: Tess Gerritsen: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Dani Shapiro: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Katherine Faulkner: The Other Mothers
01/04/2024
Katherine Faulkner: The Other Mothers
Katherine Faulkner talks to Carol Fitzgerald about her latest domestic thriller, THE OTHER MOTHERS, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection (as was her previous book, GREENWICH PARK). They talk about her protagonist Tash, who, like Katherine, was a full-time journalist; she is on the prowl for a great story to jumpstart her freelance career. Tash learns about the unsolved murder of a nanny, whose charge was the daughter of one of the cool and sophisticated group of mothers who Tash has met at her son Finn's school. Katherine shares how she wrote this book and what works for her as she develops a story. And they allude to the many twists that make THE OTHER MOTHERS a compulsive read. Books discussed in this episode: by Katherine Faulkner by Katherine Faulkner Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Nita Prose: Fiona Davis: Gilly Macmillan: Dani Shapiro: Douglas Brunt: Tess Gerritsen: Jessica Knoll: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Dani Shapiro: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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2023 Bookreporter Bets On Selections: Books We're Betting You'll Love
12/15/2023
2023 Bookreporter Bets On Selections: Books We're Betting You'll Love
Carol Fitzgerald shares commentary about her 44 Bookreporter Bets On selections from 2023. These are books that she is betting Bookreporter readers will love! Podcast interviews are available for the asterisked authors. Carol’s Three Top Titles of 2023 Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See * Homecoming by Kate Morton * The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger * Fiction Go As a River by Shelley Read * Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok * Yellowface by R.F. Kuang The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar * The Better Half by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans * Things I Wish I Told My Mother by Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo, with James Patterson * The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews Historical Fiction Loyalty by Lisa Scottoline * The House of Lincoln by Nancy Horan * The House is on Fire by Rachel Beanland * The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict The House of Eve for Sadeqa Johnson * The Spectacular by Fiona Davis * Absolution by by Alice McDermott Mysteries The Mystery Guest: A Maid Novel by Nita Prose * Evergreen: A Japantown Mystery by Naomi Hirahara * Veil of Doubt by Sharon Virts * Happiness Falls by Angie Kim * Thrillers Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena * The Lie Maker by Linwood Barclay * All That is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay * The Whispers by Ashley Audrain * The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda Drowning: The Rescue of Flight 1421 by T.J. Newman Beware the Woman by Megan Abbott The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange * Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen * Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent * The Block Party by Jamie Day (text only on Bookreporter) Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur * Her, Too by Bonnie Kistler * Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce * The Manor House by Gilly Macmillan * The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen * Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll * Exiles by Jane Harper * The House Guest by Hank Phillippi Ryan * The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner Memoir Class: A Memoir of Motherhood, Hunger, and Higher Education by Stephanie Land Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Nita Prose: https://youtu.be/r1Ls304DNuQ Fiona Davis: Gilly Macmillan: Dani Shapiro: Douglas Brunt: Tess Gerritsen: Jessica Knoll: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Dani Shapiro: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Nita Prose: The Mystery Guest
12/13/2023
Nita Prose: The Mystery Guest
Nita Prose joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about THE MYSTERY GUEST, which is a follow-up to THE MAID. Like her first book, her latest is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Nita shares the challenges of writing a second novel featuring the same character and how she worked to be sure that the story here was as strong as what she delivered in THE MAID. She explains what this book reveals about her character Molly’s background while still moving the story forward. There also is discussion about including a mystery writer and his fans in the novel. While Nita has been the Editorial Director at Simon & Schuster Canada, she talks about why she chose to step down from this position to be a full-time writer. Books discussed in this episode: THE MYSTERY GUEST by Nita Prose: THE MAID by Nita Prose: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Fiona Davis: Gilly Macmillan: Dani Shapiro: Douglas Brunt: Tess Gerritsen: Jessica Knoll: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Fiona Davis: The Spectacular
12/12/2023
Fiona Davis: The Spectacular
Fiona Davis joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss THE SPECTACULAR, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Radio City Music Hall is the latest iconic New York City building that Fiona explores. This time, she layers in an additional element as she unearths a story about a habitual bomber who terrorized the city for a more than a decade, targeting well-known locations. A Rockette reached out to Fiona with the idea for the book, and she researched it from there. Adding the bomber pegged the book as a thriller, and Fiona discusses how she approached working to keep the action advancing. She also talks about her upcoming Audible original and the subject of her 2025 novel. Book discussed in this episode: Fiona Davis Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Gilly Macmillan: Dani Shapiro: Douglas Brunt: Tess Gerritsen: Jessica Knoll: Sharon Virts: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Gilly Macmillan: The Manor House
12/09/2023
Gilly Macmillan: The Manor House
Gilly Macmillan joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest thriller, THE MANOR HOUSE. The premise is a fun one as a couple wins the lottery, and they set out to spend their winnings wisely. They first build a beautiful glass house with all the bells and whistles that one might want. It’s just brilliant. But mere pages into the book, one of them is found dead in the swimming pool. What happened? Was it foul play, or was it an accident? This is a book with so many twists and turns, and Gilly had lots of fun writing them. Plus, all that tech talk as the house performs as planned (or does not) just adds to the intrigue. Carol and Gilly talk about yoga for a bit. Also, Gilly shares that there is one question that Carol brings up that no one else has asked her about. And it just might surprise you! Book discussed in this episode: by Gilly Macmillan Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Dani Shapiro: Douglas Brunt: Tess Gerritsen: Jessica Knoll: Sharon Virts: William Kent Krueger: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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"Bookaccino Live": Our Reviewers' Top Book Picks of 2023
12/07/2023
"Bookaccino Live": Our Reviewers' Top Book Picks of 2023
Carol Fitzgerald and Tom Donadio talk to eight Bookreporter reviewers about their top three books of 2023. Narrowing their selections down to just three was a challenge for all of them! You can see the books that they discussed, along with their covers, here: The order in which they appear: Norah Piehl, Harvey Freedenberg, Rebecca Munro, Pamela Kramer, Ray Palen, Eileen Zimmerman Nicol, Kate Ayers and Stuart Shiffman. A list of all of our reviewers’ Best of 2023 will be available on December 15th on Bookreporter.com. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Douglas Brunt: Tess Gerritsen: Jessica Knoll: Sharon Virts: William Kent Krueger: Jean Kwok: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Dani Shapiro: https://www.youtube.com/Qwb4YxxQIPU Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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“Bookaccino Live” Book Group: Dani Shapiro
12/04/2023
“Bookaccino Live” Book Group: Dani Shapiro
Dani Shapiro discusses SIGNAL FIRES for “Bookaccino Live” Book Group moderated by Carol Fitzgerald. Bookreporter readers loved this book and were quick to ask questions about the characters, who drive this story. Dani had put this book away a while ago, and when she came back to it, it was with fresh eyes and a new perspective. She shares why she pivoted in time to tell the story and how the accident that opens the book radiated through the lives of the Wilf family in very different ways. She also explains why Waldo stole a piece of her heart, as well as that of readers. People from 22 states, along with DC and Canada, were part of the audience. As a result, there was a question about the city of Roseville, Michigan, being mentioned in the book as a reader lived close to there. Book discussed in this episode: by Dani Shapiro: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Douglas Brunt: Tess Gerritsen: Jessica Knoll: Sharon Virts: William Kent Krueger: Jean Kwok: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Douglas Brunt: The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I
12/01/2023
Douglas Brunt: The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I
Douglas Brunt joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about , which was an instant New York Times bestseller. Apple Books has selected it as one of the 20 best books of 2023, and it already was named one of the Best History Books of the Year by Audible. Doug talks about the origin of the story, which came about as he bought an older boat, and how his fascination with the character of Rudolf Diesel sprang from there. Many know about Diesel fuel, but few are aware that it was named for the man who invented it, along with the first Diesel engine. Doug explains why he chose to include a wider view of what was going on in the world at the time, as well as theories about Diesel’s fate. He goes on to present his thoughts on what really happened; to him, it was neither suicide nor murder. He also reveals his inspiration for his podcast, “Dedicated with Doug Brunt,” where he speaks with authors --- and shares cocktails. Book discussed in this episode: by Douglas Brunt Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Tess Gerritsen: Jessica Knoll: Sharon Virts: William Kent Krueger: Jean Kwok: Thrity Umrigar: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Tess Gerritsen: The Spy Coast
11/06/2023
Tess Gerritsen: The Spy Coast
Tess Gerritsen joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest thriller, THE SPY COAST, which kicks off a new series, The Martini Club. Tess shares where she got the idea for this book, which had a very interesting origin. She has visited the international locations where the action takes place, and she discusses how she was able to make those scenes feel so authentic. She did not plot the novel in advance, which is surprising when readers see how well it all came together. Carol thinks this is her best book, and it will be a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Book discussed in this episode: THE SPY COAST by Tess Gerritsen: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Jessica Knoll: Sharon Virts: William Kent Krueger: Jean Kwok: Thrity Umrigar: Ashley Audrain: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Jessica Knoll: Bright Young Women
10/30/2023
Jessica Knoll: Bright Young Women
Jessica Knoll joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her latest novel, BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. It’s a fictitious look at the victims of a serial killer, based on Ted Bundy, though he is never called by name here. Jessica talks about the structure of the novel, where the crimes that open the book are captured hour by hour and day by day. She explores the three characters in the book, as well as the research that she did to get the right tone and tenor for the story. Jessica realizes that if the victims had survived, they would be in their 50s and 60s today. She also touches on the television series adaptation that she has been tapped to write, as well as her experience with the film adaptation of LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE. Book discussed in this episode: BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN by Jessica Knoll: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Sharon Virts: William Kent Krueger: Jean Kwok: Thrity Umrigar: Ashley Audrain: John Sargent: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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“Bookaccino Live” Book Group: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
10/27/2023
“Bookaccino Live” Book Group: Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan joined our “Bookaccino Live” Book Group for a brilliant discussion about their novel, MAD HONEY. Jennifer explains that the idea for the book came to her in a dream that she had in 2017. They talk about their characters and who wrote each, as well as how they worked with one portion of the narrative going forward and another going backward. Jodi is a complete outliner, and they discuss how having this structure allowed them to develop the story with each of them writing on their own. This truly was a partnership throughout the entire process of writing, editing and promoting the book. Jodi and Jennifer also point out that they wanted to tell a story about a person who was transgender but frame it against a much bigger narrative and a mystery. Book discussed in this episode: MAD HONEY by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Sharon Virts: William Kent Krueger: Jean Kwok: Thrity Umrigar: Ashley Audrain: John Sargent: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Sharon Virts: Veil of Doubt
10/24/2023
Sharon Virts: Veil of Doubt
Sharon Virts joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest novel, VEIL OF DOUBT, a mystery set in 1872. She shares how her love of history helped her to discover this story. She talks about the character of Emily, who is accused of poisoning her daughter, and how she had to learn not only the legalese of the day, but also about chemistry and how poisoning may have happened in that time frame. Sharon needed to stay grounded in what information was available. She researched the trial and learned some interesting things about what went on in court then as opposed to now. Sharon discusses how this post-Civil War time period was important to the story, explaining what the times meant as men returned home with emotional as well as physical scars. She also reveals the novel’s original title and shares what she loves about the cover. Like Sharon’s first book, MASQUE OF HONOR, VEIL OF DOUBT is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Book discussed in this episode: VEIL OF DOUBT by Sharon Virts: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: William Kent Krueger: Jean Kwok: Thrity Umrigar: Ashley Audrain: John Sargent: Sarah Pekkanen: Angie Kim: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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William Kent Krueger: The River We Remember
10/20/2023
William Kent Krueger: The River We Remember
William Kent Krueger joined us for our first-ever LIVE “Bookreporter Talks To” interview to discuss THE RIVER WE REMEMBER. Some of the readers who won the book in a recent Bookreporter contest joined us live with their questions, while Carol Fitzgerald shared questions on behalf of our readers who are camera-shy or were unable to join us live. Please note that there were no spoilers discussed so you can watch or listen even if you have not read the book. We also opened up this program to all readers who wanted to attend live so they could enjoy it. Book discussed in this episode: THE RIVER WE REMEMBER by William Kent Krueger: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Jean Kwok: Thrity Umrigar: Ashley Audrain: John Sargent: Sarah Pekkanen: Angie Kim: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Alice Elliott Dark: Laura Dave: Kristin Hannah: Allison Pataki: Fiona Davis: Nita Prose: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Jean Kwok: The Leftover Woman
10/08/2023
Jean Kwok: The Leftover Woman
Jean Kwok joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about THE LEFTOVER WOMAN. In this book, a young woman named Jasmine had a baby girl. With China's one-child policy in place, her husband tells her the baby died, and instead arranges for an adoption to take place in the US. He wants to have a son as his one child. The baby is adopted by a woman named Rebecca who works at a publishing company. Here Jean shares an "inside baseball" look at that industry, along with the story of the little adopted girl. Jasmine comes to New York undocumented seeking to reunite with her daughter. Jean talks about how coming to a new country like Jasmine does is hard and how must live under the radar to support herself. And they talk about those from home that have touchpoints with you. Jean also talks about how her own upbringing as the youngest in a family of seven found its way into this story. Book discussed in this episode: THE LEFTOVER WOMAN by Jean Kwok: Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Thrity Umrigar: Ashley Audrain: John Sargent: Sarah Pekkanen: Angie Kim: Melanie Benjamin: Shari Lapena: Tracey Lange: Naomi Hirahara: Liz Nugent: Alli Frank and Asha Youmans: Carolyn Mackler: Check out our past “Bookaccino Live” Book Group events: Nita Prose: Chamaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray: Janet Skeslien Charles: Miranda Cowley Heller: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Thrity Umrigar: The Museum of Failures
10/02/2023
Thrity Umrigar: The Museum of Failures
Thrity Umrigar joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest novel, THE MUSEUM OF FAILURES, which is set in India. It’s a Bookreporter Bets On selection, as was her previous book, HONOR. In it, Remy Wadia has come back to India from his home in Columbus, Ohio, to adopt a child; a young woman who his friends know is pregnant and wants to give up her child. Remy is conflicted about this trip as he has had a long, contentious relationship with his mother, and this is his first time back in India since the death of his father, who was his champion. He and his dad shared a warm loving relationship. His mom was colder and more guarded with him. Thrity talks about her plotting and the building of her characters, as well as the multiple references to “the museums of failures” in the book. Like Remy, Thrity is Parsi, part of a very small sect, and she delves into their history. There is also a discussion about how infrequently many Americans contemplate the nuances of the larger world, and how little is taught in school about much of it. Book discussed in this episode: THE MUSEUM OF FAILURES by Thrity Umrigar Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Ashley Audrain: John Sargent: Sarah Pekkanen: Angie Kim: Melanie Benjamin: Shari Lapena: Tracey Lange: Naomi Hirahara: Liz Nugent: Alli Frank and Asha Youmans: Carolyn Mackler: Adrienne Brodeur: Check out our past “Bookaccino Live” Book Group events: Nita Prose: Chamaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray: Janet Skeslien Charles: Miranda Cowley Heller: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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"Bookaccino Live" Book Group with Alice Elliott Dark
09/29/2023
"Bookaccino Live" Book Group with Alice Elliott Dark
Alice Elliott Dark discussed her novel, FELLOWSHIP POINT, with Carol Fitzgerald and readers at the September “Bookaccino Live” Book Group event. Members of the audience asked questions both on and off camera about her character development, including Maine as a character. Alice talked about her writing routine and shared insight into the editing process, where 200 pages of the book were winnowed down --- and her focus on Agnes and Polly. The ending of the book came to her quite late; she did not write towards it, and readers felt it was very satisfying. There was continuous talk about the beauty of Alice’s writing, and how that made a long book feel just right as our attendees mentioned they were so vested in the story and how it was told. Book discussed in this episode: FELLOWSHIP POINT by Alice Elliott Dark: https://www.bookreporter.com/features/bookreportercom-bets-on/fellowship-point Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Ashley Audrain: John Sargent: Sarah Pekkanen: Angie Kim: Melanie Benjamin: Shari Lapena: Tracey Lange: Naomi Hirahara: Liz Nugent: Alli Frank and Asha Youmans: Carolyn Mackler: Adrienne Brodeur: Check out our past “Bookaccino Live” Book Group events: Nita Prose: Chamaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray: Janet Skeslien Charles: Miranda Cowley Heller: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Ashley Audrain: The Whispers
09/25/2023
Ashley Audrain: The Whispers
Ashley Audrain joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her new domestic thriller, THE WHISPERS, which follows on the heels of her debut, THE PUSH. Both books are Bookreporter Bets On selections. Ashley sets her latest in a neighborhood that is being regentrified. Some homes are remodeled, while others are original to the neighborhood. We follow two moms of young children, Whitney and Blair, as well as Rebecca, an ER nurse who longs to be a mother, and Mara, an older woman who is watching these families grow up. Ashley explains why she created these four characters, as well as her inspiration for the block that they live on. She talks about the book’s explosive opening and how it sets up the story. And oh, that ending. Ashley also shares her process on writing, revising and editing. Book discussed in this episode: THE WHISPERS by Ashley Audrain: Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: John Sargent: Sarah Pekkanen: Angie Kim: Melanie Benjamin: Shari Lapena: Tracey Lange: Naomi Hirahara: Liz Nugent: Alli Frank and Asha Youmans: Carolyn Mackler: Adrienne Brodeur: Lisa See: Check out our past “Bookaccino Live” Book Group events: Nita Prose: Chamaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray: Janet Skeslien Charles: Miranda Cowley Heller: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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John Sargent: Turning Pages
09/19/2023
John Sargent: Turning Pages
John Sargent joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about his memoir, TURNING PAGES: The Adventures and Misadventures of a Publisher. John spent four decades in the world of publishing and concluded his career in 2020 at Macmillan when he was fired, which completely surprised people in the industry. For years he fought for what he believed was right for authors, readers and the “publishing ecosystem,” the latter of which is a phrase he used again and again. But while this book is about his time in publishing, John touches on so much more. He explains how his boyhood in Wyoming influenced him as much as his time with bestselling authors. John and Carol talk about the details in some of his essays, which include a lot of humor and self-deprecation. It’s an inside look at what really is a wonderful life. Stay until the end to hear about the cover of the book and the image that was used there. It, like the book, is all about the details. Book discussed in this episode: TURNING PAGES by John Sargent: Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Sarah Pekkanen: Angie Kim: Melanie Benjamin: Shari Lapena: Tracey Lange: Naomi Hirahara: Liz Nugent: Alli Frank and Asha Youmans: Carolyn Mackler: Adrienne Brodeur: Lisa See: Nancy Horan: Check out our past “Bookaccino Live” Book Group events: Nita Prose: Chamaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray: Janet Skeslien Charles: Miranda Cowley Heller: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Sarah Pekkanen: Gone Tonight
09/14/2023
Sarah Pekkanen: Gone Tonight
Sarah Pekkanen joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest thriller, GONE TONIGHT. In this mother/daughter story, a mother will do anything she can to keep her daughter, who is now in her 20s, safe and living near her. She had her daughter as a teen and has been long estranged from her family. The book is told from the points of view of both the mother and the daughter. Sarah talks about ratcheting up the tension while also doing a slow reveal. Parts of the book take place in a memory care unit, and she explains how her earlier experience as a reporter helped her in developing character and setting background. Sarah also discusses lasagna pizza, which figures into the storytelling. And she shares a few hints about her next book, which will be in stores next summer. Book discussed in this episode: GONE TONIGHT by Sarah Pekkanen: Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Angie Kim: Melanie Benjamin: Shari Lapena: Tracey Lange: Naomi Hirahara: Liz Nugent: Alli Frank and Asha Youmans: Carolyn Mackler: Adrienne Brodeur: Lisa See: Nancy Horan: Linwood Barclay: Check out our past “Bookaccino Live” Book Group events: Nita Prose: Chamaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray: Janet Skeslien Charles: Miranda Cowley Heller: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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