A Novel Idea

From Homer to Harry Potter, literary critic and philosopher Martin Puchner takes the reader on an epic journey through the history of literature, and so the history of humanity in The Written World, The Power of Stories to Shape People, History, and Civilization. This work is lively and accessible and Martin brings that energy to his conversation with Suzanne Lang.

A kaleidoscope is a plaything, an optical device that continuously juxtaposes elements in a mirrored chamber, generating constantly changing patterns according to the twist of the viewer. Alexandra Chasin’s Assassin of Youth: A Kaleidoscopic History of Harry J. Anslinger’s War on Drugs, does just that. Suzanne talks with Alexandra Chasin on this eye opening view of modern history.

From Homer to Harry Potter, literary critic and philosopher Martin Puchner takes the reader on an epic journey through the history of literature, and so the history of humanity in The Written World, The Power of Stories to Shape People, History, and Civilization. This work is lively and accessible and Martin brings that energy to his conversation with Suzanne Lang.

A kaleidoscope is a plaything, an optical device that continuously juxtaposes elements in a mirrored chamber, generating constantly changing patterns according to the twist of the viewer. Alexandra Chasin’s Assassin of Youth: A Kaleidoscopic History of Harry J. Anslinger’s War on Drugs, does just that. Suzanne talks with Alexandra Chasin on this eye opening view of modern history.

It’s all about food. Suzanne Lang talks with Adam Federman on his book Fasting and Feasting, the Life of Visionary Food Writer Patience Gray. Gray became somewhat of a cult figure when she published Honey from a Weed in 1986.

Also featured is Elaine Khosrova, a gastronomic rock star who specializes in stories about food history and culture, and Suzanne talks with Elaine about her book, Butter, a Rich History.

It’s all about food. Suzanne Lang talks with Adam Federman on his book Fasting and Feasting, the Life of Visionary Food Writer Patience Gray. Gray became somewhat of a cult figure when she published Honey from a Weed in 1986.

Also featured is Elaine Khosrova, a gastronomic rock star who specializes in stories about food history and culture, and Suzanne talks with Elaine about her book, Butter, a Rich History.

To celebrate the release of Bruce Holbert’s third novel, Whiskey, here is a reprise of two previous conversations between Bruce and Suzanne M Lang on the release of his first novel, Lonesome Animals, followed by the truly amazing The Hour of Lead. Bruce is a gritty and poetic writer who explores character and landscape with a unique voice. We’ll feature a conversation about Whiskey on a future episode, but this show will bring you up to speed on the emergence of Bruce Holbert.

To celebrate the release of Bruce Holbert’s third novel, Whiskey, here is a reprise of two previous conversations between Bruce and Suzanne M Lang on the release of his first novel, Lonesome Animals, followed by the truly amazing The Hour of Lead. Bruce is a gritty and poetic writer who explores character and landscape with a unique voice. We’ll feature a conversation about Whiskey on a future episode, but this show will bring you up to speed on the emergence of Bruce Holbert.

Tamed and Untamed, Close Encounters with the Animal Kind. Suzanne Lang talks with two of the world's most celebrated animal writers, Sy Montgomery and Elizabeth Marshall Thomas. They have collaborated on a book of essays. Sy and Liz are also good friends and practically next door neighbors. Join us as we talk about the minds, lives, and mysteries of animals …in the wild and in our homes.

Tamed and Untamed, Close Encounters with the Animal Kind. Suzanne Lang talks with two of the world's most celebrated animal writers, Sy Montgomery and Elizabeth Marshall Thomas. They have collaborated on a book of essays. Sy and Liz are also good friends and practically next door neighbors. Join us as we talk about the minds, lives, and mysteries of animals …in the wild and in our homes.

Two California writers who both had long non-literary careers before publishing these heralded first works join Suzanne M. Lang in conversation on this episode of A Novel Idea. Barbara Ridley’s When It’s Over is a sweeping historical fiction set during WWII that exposes elements of that war and on European refugees that resonates today …and is a pretty good love story too.

Laurie Ann Doyle’s collection of short stories, World Gone Missing, is a loving homage to Northern California and twelve searing tales of loss, love, and what goes missing.

Two California writers who both had long non-literary careers before publishing these heralded first works join Suzanne M. Lang in conversation on this episode of A Novel Idea. Barbara Ridley’s When It’s Over is a sweeping historical fiction set during WWII that exposes elements of that war and on European refugees that resonates today …and is a pretty good love story too.

Laurie Ann Doyle’s collection of short stories, World Gone Missing, is a loving homage to Northern California and twelve searing tales of loss, love, and what goes missing.