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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Marie Benedict: The Queens of Crime
02/21/2025
Marie Benedict: The Queens of Crime
Marie Benedict joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest book, THE QUEENS OF CRIME, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Marie read classic women’s mysteries at a young age, as she was introduced to them by her aunt. Her love for the genre influenced this book, as well as her earlier work, THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE. Marie discusses the case that the five crime writers in the novel set out to unravel, explains why a case like this might have taken long to solve, and talks more about the legendary Detection Club. She also shares what she is working on now and notes a future collaboration, once again, with Victoria Christopher Murray. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Joseph Finder: Scott Turow: Michelle Horton: Tracey Lange: Lisa Genova: Fiona Davis: Sharon Virts: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: 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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Joseph Finder: The Oligarch's Daughter
02/13/2025
Joseph Finder: The Oligarch's Daughter
Joseph Finder joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss his latest thriller, THE OLIGARCH’S DAUGHTER, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Joe talks about writing the novel’s two time frames and how the awareness of what oligarchs are has become a lot more timely in the past few years. He did some wilderness training for part of the book, and then vaulted to learn more about superyachts that are owned by the uber-wealthy. Joe explains the process of building his characters and what drives them. And yes, he shares what is next for him. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Scott Turow: Michelle Horton: Tracey Lange: Lisa Genova: Fiona Davis: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: 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: Ashley Elston
01/30/2025
“Bookaccino Live” Book Group: Ashley Elston
Ashley Elston joins us for our first “Bookaccino Live” Book Group event of 2025 to discuss her debut novel for adults, FIRST LIE WINS. This #1 New York Times bestseller and Bookreporter Bets On selection is now available in paperback. Ashley talks about her writing process, which includes the brown butcher paper that lines her walls along with colored Post-it notes, and working with the software program Scrivener. Her past career as a wedding photographer enhanced her writing skills, and she explains how. She shares how the story’s twists and turns came to her, as well as the reveals and how to keep the tension up. Ashley also recalls how excited she was when the book was named a Reese’s Book Club pick (which she had to keep secret) and what the past year has been like. Yes, it’s been a whirlwind. And she talks about what’s next for her. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Michelle Horton: Tracey Lange: Lisa Genova: Fiona Davis: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: 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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Scott Turow: Presumed Guilty
01/30/2025
Scott Turow: Presumed Guilty
Scott Turow joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about his latest legal thriller, PRESUMED GUILTY. This Bookreporter Bets On selection marks the return of Rusty Sabich, following his starring roles in PRESUMED INNOCENT and INNOCENT. Scott explains his decision to write the book and why this may be the last time we see Rusty as a protagonist in one of his novels. He also shares the reason that he chose to make Aaron a young Black man who was adopted by white people. Scott and Carol talk about the mantle of “accused murderer” and what that means to a person, which is something that two of his characters share. Carol notes Scott’s very in-depth courtroom scenes, which leads to a discussion about their significance for the reader, as well as the topic of how justice may or may not be served according to who is on the bench, who is prosecuting and who is defending. And yes, they bring up some books-to-screen news. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Michelle Horton: Tracey Lange: Lisa Genova: Fiona Davis: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: 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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Michelle Horton: Dear Sister: A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds
01/28/2025
Michelle Horton: Dear Sister: A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds
Michelle Horton joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about DEAR SISTER: A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds, which has just released in paperback with bonus content and is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Michelle shares the harrowing story of how her sister, Nikki, a victim of domestic violence for years, was imprisoned after she killed her long-time partner. Two police officers knocked on Michelle’s door one night and told her that she needed to come to the station to take Nikki’s two- and four-year-old children to her home. She explains what that meant for her --- and her son --- and notes that she and her family were not aware of the abuse that Nikki experienced. Michelle discusses how the Domestic Abuse Act that was passed in New York led to Nikki’s early release. This law is only in effect in a few states, while others are fighting to get it on the books. She traces what happened at the trial and how information can be suppressed. Nikki was released on January 4, 2024, and the hardcover came out on January 30th. Michelle talks about including a chapter in the paperback edition to share what that experience was like, as well as the addition of a chapter from Nikki’s point of view. The latter gives insight into how the past 16 years have taken a toll on Nikki and the path to normalcy. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Tracey Lange: Lisa Genova: Fiona Davis: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: 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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Tracey Lange: What Happened to The McCrays?
01/24/2025
Tracey Lange: What Happened to The McCrays?
Tracey Lange joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest family-themed novel, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE McCRAYS?, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Tracey introduces readers to Kyle and Casey McCray, a divorced couple who are very much estranged. As Kyle returns home to Potsdam, New York, for a family emergency, their shared past haunts them in a way that gives them a chance to come back to one another. But life gets in the way, again and again. There’s middle-school hockey, which I never thought of as a way to bring a couple together, as well as the small town where people are close and are there for one another. The book is about trying to unwind the past in order to move forward. And yes, Tracey discusses Kyle’s tattoos and why they were included in the story. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Lisa Genova: Fiona Davis: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: 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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Lisa Genova: More or Less Maddy
01/17/2025
Lisa Genova: More or Less Maddy
Lisa Genova joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her latest novel, MORE OR LESS MADDY, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Lisa shares what drew her to write about a young woman with bipolar disorder and her research on the subject, which included conversations with people who have been diagnosed with it. She talks about how both the diagnosis and the treatment of bipolar disorder can be challenging; there is not one way to treat it, and treatment takes time. Maddy longs to be a stand-up comedian, and Lisa explains how she learned more about that topic, including her own set on stage to give it a try. As always, Lisa speaks about wanting to have readers leave her books with empathy and understanding. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Fiona Davis: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: 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 Stolen Queen
01/06/2025
Fiona Davis: The Stolen Queen
Fiona Davis joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her eighth novel, THE STOLEN QUEEN, which is set in Egypt in 1936 and New York City in 1978. The iconic New York building that is featured in this book, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection, is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Fiona and Carol talk about the King Tut exhibit, as well as the Met Gala and how it has changed through the years. And yes, they share an admiration for Diana Vreeland. Fiona also reveals many details about her research, and she notes a book for further reading. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: 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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2024 Bookreporter Bets On Selections: Books We're Betting You'll Love
12/16/2024
2024 Bookreporter Bets On Selections: Books We're Betting You'll Love
Carol Fitzgerald shares commentary about her 40 Bookreporter Bets On selections from 2024. These are books that she is betting Bookreporter readers will love! (* means a video/podcast interview with that author is available.) The Women by Kristin Hannah * The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali * First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston * Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews * Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams * The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff * The Stolen Child by Ann Hood * Long After We Are Gone by Terah Shelton Harris * The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella, by Nita Prose The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl * Leaving by Roxana Robinson Boss Lady by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger * The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon * Jackie by Dawn Tripp * Did I Ever Tell You?: A Memoir, by Genevieve Kingston * The Wives: A Memoir, by Simone Gorrindo * What I Ate in One Year: (and related thoughts) by Stanley Tucci Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir, by Ina Garten Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins * What Have You Done? by Shari Lapena End of Story by A. J. Finn Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate * Bad Liar by Tami Hoag All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker * Bad Tourists by Caro Carver * The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave * The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz * The Grays of Truth by Sharon Virts * The Fury by Alex Michaelides The God of the Woods by Liz Moore Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman * What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan Spirit Crossing by William Kent Krueger One Wrong Word by Hank Phillippi Ryan * Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: 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 2024
12/12/2024
"Bookaccino Live": Our Reviewers' Top Book Picks of 2024
Carol Fitzgerald and Tom Donadio talked to seven Bookreporter reviewers about two of their favorite books of 2024. Our guests were Kate Ayers, Harvey Freedenberg, Pamela Kramer, Bronwyn Miller, Rebecca Munro, Ray Palen and Stuart Shiffman. Four reviewers — Sarah Rachel Egelman, Megan Elliott, Eileen Zimmerman Nicol and Norah Piehl — were not able to join us, so we presented their top picks and their comments about them in a slideshow. Their selections cover a wide variety of genres, and there may be a few books you haven’t heard of that you will want to check out. You can see a list of the featured titles, along with their covers, here: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: 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: Ariel Lawhon
12/06/2024
"Bookaccino Live" Book Group: Ariel Lawhon
Ariel Lawhon joined us for a “Bookaccino Live” Book Group discussion of THE FROZEN RIVER, which was a “Good Morning America” Book Club pick and an NPR Book of the Year when it was published in hardcover last December. It is now available in paperback and is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Our reviewer Pamela Kramer has this to say about the book, and it is so dead-on: "A book club would have myriad topics to discuss after reading this thoughtful novel about a time when the health care of women was often better left entirely to women themselves." Ariel talks about Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife, and the diary that Martha kept for almost 30 years that informed so much of Ariel’s writing. She points out that the voice of the book was not always first person, but the title never changed, and it took time to figure out exactly what would find its way into the story. While not biographical, the details are period correct. Some of the storytelling had to be compressed into the timeline of a single year, 1789, which is why THE FROZEN RIVER is fiction. And yes, Ariel reveals what she is writing now, and when we can hope to see it. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: 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: The Grays of Truth
11/19/2024
Sharon Virts: The Grays of Truth
Carol Fitzgerald talks to Sharon Virts about her latest historical mystery, THE GRAYS OF TRUTH. This Bookreporter Bets On selection was inspired by true events involving one of Baltimore’s most powerful families. Sharon discusses why the Reconstruction era is such a poignant time in American history. She also explains the challenges of creating Jane, her protagonist, and the Edgar Allan Poe quotes that lead off sections of the book. In addition to giving us hints about what is next for her, Sharon talks about the work of the Selma Farm Foundation, as well as the large online book club that she hosts. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: T.J. Newman: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: 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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Paula Hawkins: The Blue Hour
11/05/2024
Paula Hawkins: The Blue Hour
Paula Hawkins joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest novel, THE BLUE HOUR, which is November’s “Good Morning America” Book Club pick and a Bookreporter Bets On selection. She discusses her inspiration for the book’s setting, which she had when she was on vacation, as well as her love of art. The characters and the way they move in and out of each other’s lives is key to the storylines, and she explains how their roles changed as the book went on. Paula also shares where the title came from and what she loves about the cover. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: T.J. Newman: Dawn Tripp: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: 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 Book Club: Amanda Peters
10/30/2024
Bookaccino Book Club: Amanda Peters
Amanda Peters joined us for October’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group to discuss THE BERRY PICKERS, which was the 2023 Barnes & Noble Discover Prize winner and was awarded the 2024 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. It also was a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Amanda talks about her inspiration for the novel, which involved a trip to Maine with her father to show her where his family who was part of the Mi'kmaq tribe came from. She shares that the story was first written in only one voice and explains when she made the decision to change that. The audience questions flew fast and furious. Amanda also told us that her collection of short stories, WAITING FOR THE LONG NIGHT MOON, will be out in the US on February 11th. You can read more about the book here: . Also, you can watch or listen to the interview done with Amanda when THE BERRY PICKERS first came out here: . Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: T.J. Newman: Dawn Tripp: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Lisa See: 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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Susan Rieger: Like Mother, Like Mother
10/29/2024
Susan Rieger: Like Mother, Like Mother
Susan Rieger joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest novel, LIKE MOTHER, LIKE MOTHER, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. She shares what drove her to write this book and why it is structured as a mystery, with the feel of literary Russian nesting dolls. Susan also reveals which was her favorite character to write and discusses the use of genealogy, as well as DNA. And she talks about what it was like to start writing fiction late in life. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: T.J. Newman: Dawn Tripp: Amy Neff: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Lisa See: 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 Hanff Korelitz: The Sequel
10/07/2024
Jean Hanff Korelitz: The Sequel
Jean Hanff Korelitz joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest book, THE SEQUEL, the appropriately titled follow-up to THE PLOT. In it, Anna, the widow of Jacob Finch Bonner, is enjoying the riches of being a literary widow and has written a debut novel called THE AFTERWORD. But, ah, Anna has a secret to hide. Jean shares the fun she had layering wry humor into the book, as well as how she satirizes the publishing industry in juicy detail. Yes, there is film news talk, as well as what’s next for Jean. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Shelley Read: https://youtu.be/3KdG1kIfcgc Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: T.J. Newman: Dawn Tripp: Amy Neff: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Lisa See: 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 Book Club: Shelley Read
09/30/2024
Bookaccino Book Club: Shelley Read
Shelley Read was our guest for September’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group. As this was a book group-style program, we did talk spoilers. Four audience members joined us to ask her questions, all of which looked at GO AS A RIVER from different angles. Shelley shared her inspiration for the book and how she created her characters. She talked about prejudice and how it influenced her work. As a fifth-generation Coloradan, she explained how that history in her family gave her a perspective on her writing. The conversation was insightful, and readers clearly were passionate about this book. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: T.J. Newman: Dawn Tripp: Amy Neff: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Lisa See: 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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Laura Dave: The Night We Lost Him
09/24/2024
Laura Dave: The Night We Lost Him
Laura Dave talks to Carol Fitzgerald about her latest novel, THE NIGHT WE LOST HIM, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. At the heart of this story is a secret that has been hidden for years — one that may have caused the death of Liam Noone, a successful hotel magnate. Nora, his daughter from one of his marriages, is convinced by Sam, his son from another marriage, to join together to see if his death was accidental or something more sinister. Laura talks about Liam’s unique hotel properties and what inspired them, and how research finds its way into her writing. She also shares her writing schedule and how she manages her day, as well as the song she had on repeat as she wrote, which is something she always does. This is Laura's second thriller. Her first, THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME, was adapted by Laura and her husband for Apple TV+. She talks about future screenwriting projects, as well as the book that readers can look forward to next year. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Chris Whitaker: T.J. Newman: Dawn Tripp: Amy Neff: Beatriz Williams: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Lisa See: 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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Chris Whitaker: All The Colors of The Dark
08/23/2024
Chris Whitaker: All The Colors of The Dark
Chris Whitaker joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about his New York Times bestseller, ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Chris explains how he developed the book by spending a year writing just dialogue to get a feel for his characters, Patch and Saint. Once he had a good grasp of their voices, he could write around that. Chris went through trauma in his youth that overshadowed his life, and it fueled his writing here. He shares how he researches the locations that he uses in his novels and talks about the joy of having Edoardo Ballerini as a narrator for the audiobook. And yes, he addresses the book’s 261 chapters that are just one to three pages long. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: T.J. Newman: Dawn Tripp: Amy Neff: Beatriz Williams: Caro Carver: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Lisa See: 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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T.J. Newman: Worst Case Scenario
08/15/2024
T.J. Newman: Worst Case Scenario
T.J. Newman joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about WORST CASE SCENARIO, her third thriller to be a Bookreporter Bets On selection (following FALLING and DROWNING). T.J. shares how she came up with the idea for this book and the research that was required (including a detail that Carol saw to be totally plausible). She discusses her character development and why she feels Joe Morton is the perfect narrator for the audiobook. We also hear about T.J.’s close relationship with her agent and how they work together. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Dawn Tripp: Amy Neff: Beatriz Williams: Caro Carver: Marjan Kamali: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Lisa See: 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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Dawn Tripp: Jackie
08/09/2024
Dawn Tripp: Jackie
Dawn Tripp joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her book, JACKIE, a Bookreporter Bets On pick that novelizes the life of the legendary Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. A rare photograph, which became the cover of the book, inspired Dawn’s writing as much as the reading that she did. Along with books about Jackie, she read books that had been some of Jackie’s favorites. Carol and Dawn point out that while Jackie had always been looked upon as a style icon, her contributions were so much broader. They commiserate about how Jackie defined her style early --- and from there she continued to challenge herself intellectually as she had done in her youth and young adulthood. Her love for her children and of horseback riding was well known, but here they speak about her love of waterskiing and open-water swimming. Yes, there is mention of Jackie’s time at both Knopf and Doubleday, and Dawn explains what drew Jackie to become an editor. Lovely nuggets are sprinkled throughout this interview. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Amy Neff: Beatriz Williams: Caro Carver: Marjan Kamali: Lisa Wingate: Ruth Reichl: Genevieve Kingston: Terah Shelton Harris: Ann Hood: Mary Kay Andrews: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: 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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Amy Neff: The Days I Loved You Most
08/01/2024
Amy Neff: The Days I Loved You Most
Amy Neff joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss THE DAYS I LOVED YOU MOST, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Amy talks about her 10-year journey to write this beautiful debut novel and the influences that she had for it. She expounds upon why she chose the time frame that she did for the storyline and what she changed along the way. Amy also shares the story behind the artwork on the stunning cover and what it means to her. Book groups will want to consider this book for a discussion! Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Beatriz Williams: Caro Carver: Marjan Kamali: Lisa Wingate: Ruth Reichl: Genevieve Kingston: Terah Shelton Harris: Ann Hood: Mary Kay Andrews: Simone Gorrindo: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: 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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Beatriz Williams: Husbands and Lovers
07/26/2024
Beatriz Williams: Husbands and Lovers
Beatriz Williams joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her new novel, HUSBANDS & LOVERS, which is a Bookreporter Bets On pick. Here, for the first time, she sets one of her story threads in the present day, while the other takes place in 1950s Cairo. Beatriz loves reading about history and actually began developing the older storyline before moving over to the later one. Readers of THE SUMMER WIVES will note at least one character who finds his place in HUSBANDS & LOVERS. Carol asks about Beatriz’s inspiration for Monk, the rock star in the book, as well as the iconic bracelet that finds its way through generations. She also talks about what’s next for her. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Caro Carver: Marjan Kamali: Lisa Wingate: Ruth Reichl: Genevieve Kingston: Terah Shelton Harris: Ann Hood: Mary Kay Andrews: Simone Gorrindo: Megan Miranda: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: 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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Caro Carver: Bad Tourists
07/19/2024
Caro Carver: Bad Tourists
Caro Carver joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her debut thriller, BAD TOURISTS, which is a Bookreporter Bets On pick. Her inspiration for the book came from a trip to the Maldives. It seems like an idyllic setting, but one where a lot more nefarious things might happen. Caro talks about her three characters, who are bound together by a past event, and why she chose a “divorce trip” as the reason for all of them to get away. She also explains how another couple on vacation at the resort worked for her storytelling. Caro shares a lot about her writing process for the book, as well as what’s next for her. This twisty thriller sets her up as an author to watch! Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Marjan Kamali: Lisa Wingate: Ruth Reichl: Genevieve Kingston: Terah Shelton Harris: Ann Hood: Mary Kay Andrews: Simone Gorrindo: Megan Miranda: Anna Quindlen: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: 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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Marjan Kamali: The Lion Women of Tehran
07/10/2024
Marjan Kamali: The Lion Women of Tehran
Marjan Kamali joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest novel, THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. We are told the genesis of the story and how Marjan built on it from there. She delves into her personal history coming to the US as a child and what it means to be a “lion woman.” We learn about how class and culture mattered in the relationship between Ellie and Homa, as well as how motherhood would change Homa. Marjan also discusses how she parsed some of the story to add intrigue --- and what her writing/editing process was like. Persian food is mentioned throughout the book, and Marjan talks about what food means beyond just nourishment. There is one recipe that Carol is keen on making. Book groups, take note! Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Lisa Wingate: https://youtu.be/Ob8T6DGotYA Ruth Reichl: Genevieve Kingston: Terah Shelton Harris: Ann Hood: Mary Kay Andrews: Simone Gorrindo: Megan Miranda: Anna Quindlen: Tamron Hall: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: 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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“Bookaccino Live” Book Group with William Kent Krueger
06/28/2024
“Bookaccino Live” Book Group with William Kent Krueger
We wrapped up our early 2024 “Bookaccino Live” Book Group programming with William Kent Krueger as our guest. He discussed his New York Times bestseller and Edgar Award-nominated book, THE RIVER WE REMEMBER. Readers joined to ask questions, which covered a myriad of topics. Kent also gave us a preview of his new Cork O’Connor mystery, SPIRIT CROSSING, which will be available on August 20th, and talked about his audio original novella, THE LEVEE, which came out last year. As always when Kent joins us, the conversation was warm and engaging. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Lisa Wingate: https://youtu.be/Ob8T6DGotYA Ruth Reichl: Genevieve Kingston: Terah Shelton Harris: Ann Hood: Mary Kay Andrews: Simone Gorrindo: Megan Miranda: Anna Quindlen: Tamron Hall: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: 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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Lisa Wingate: Shelterwood
06/13/2024
Lisa Wingate: Shelterwood
Lisa Wingate joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest work of historical fiction, SHELTERWOOD, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. She explains the origin of the story, a piece she found about a woman named Kate Barnard that sent her down a rabbit hole of learning more about the children known as “elf children” who lived in trees. They typically were Native American children who were sought after for the land rights that they owned after the Dawes Act went into effect as they were landowners. Lisa grew up in Eastern Oklahoma where the book is set and shares her history of the area, as well as her love of the Winding Stair Mountains where she frequently hikes. She and Carol also talk about shelterwood and the history that they were not really taught in school. Book discussed in this episode: SHELTERWOOD by Lisa Wingate: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Ruth Reichl: Genevieve Kingston: Terah Shelton Harris: Ann Hood: Mary Kay Andrews: Simone Gorrindo: Megan Miranda: Anna Quindlen: Tamron Hall: Kristin Hannah: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: 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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Ruth Reichl: The Paris Novel
06/06/2024
Ruth Reichl: The Paris Novel
Ruth Reichl joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about THE PARIS NOVEL, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. The concept for this book was born from a section in SAVE ME THE PLUMS, Ruth’s 2019 memoir, which prompted her longtime editor, Susan Kamil, to ask for a novel with that as a starting-off point. Ruth talks about why she set the book in the 1980s, as travel then was so different from what it is now. Yes, she dined at all the places mentioned in the book and remarks that she is surprised that more has not been written about Shakespeare and Company, and the Tumbleweeds who lived there. She also shares something personal from her childhood that influenced how she created the character of Stella. Book discussed in this episode: THE PARIS NOVEL by Ruth Reichl: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Genevieve Kingston: Terah Shelton Harris: Ann Hood: Mary Kay Andrews: Simone Gorrindo: Megan Miranda: Anna Quindlen: Tamron Hall: Kristin Hannah: Hank Phillippi Ryan: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: 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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Bookaccino Book Club: Ann Napolitano
05/31/2024
Bookaccino Book Club: Ann Napolitano
Ann Napolitano joined us for May’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group event. She talked about her New York Times bestseller, HELLO BEAUTIFUL (which was Oprah’s 100th Book Club selection), and her newly re-released 2004 debut novel, WITHIN ARM’S REACH. There also was a peek inside her writing process, which includes nine months of musing before putting pen to paper, and she shared a hint of what her next book will be about. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Genevieve Kingston: Terah Shelton Harris: Ann Hood: Mary Kay Andrews: Simone Gorrindo: Megan Miranda: Anna Quindlen: Tamron Hall: Kristin Hannah: Hank Phillippi Ryan: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Kate Morton: 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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Genevieve Kingston: Did I Ever Tell You?
05/27/2024
Genevieve Kingston: Did I Ever Tell You?
Genevieve “Gwen” Kingston joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her memoir, DID I EVER TELL YOU?, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. When Gwen was three years old, her mother, Kristina, was diagnosed with breast cancer; she passed away when Gwen was 11. When Kristina realized that her cancer was terminal, she created a box filled with individual presents for each year through Gwen’s 30th birthday, as well as special occasion notes for events like engagement, marriage and first baby. With just those last three to open, Gwen explored what these treasures had meant to her along the way. Life lessons and gifts were shared that showed what Kristina wanted to be sure her daughter knew, a guiding light of sorts for when she was not around. It was as much about the note that accompanied each present as it was about what was inside. Gwen talks about taking this box with her from place to place as she moved across the country. Trained as a playwright, she explains the difference between writing for the stage and penning a memoir. She points out that she showed the book to her brother and some close family friends before publication to be sure she had the facts right and that their memories aligned. Gwen also narrated the audiobook and notes what she learned from that experience. And she reveals what is next for her. Book discussed in this episode: DID I EVER TELL YOU?: A Memoir by Genevieve Kingston: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Terah Shelton Harris: Ann Hood: Mary Kay Andrews: Simone Gorrindo: Megan Miranda: Anna Quindlen: Tamron Hall: Kristin Hannah: Hank Phillippi Ryan: Ashley Elston: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Kate Morton: 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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