S8 E9

Birds of a feather flock together, but what happens when an exotic parrot decides to hang out with capelin-gobbling puffins?

Lori Doody's fanciful tale for preschoolers lets Pete the Parrot illustrate the choice between trying to fit in and accepting your true self. She tells Costas Halavrezos how her childhood and her children influenced this charming book.

Season 8, Episode 8 Marjorie Simmins

When Marjorie Simmins set out to write about the legendary horse Somebeachsomewhere, she didn't know she'd meet so many people who'd been smitten by his calm nature, charisma, and ferocious ability to win the most prestigious races in Canada and the U.S.

She told Costas Halavrezos about the deep personal bonds they built with the beautiful bay stallion, and how "Beach" put Truro, Nova Scotia on the international harness racing map.

Season 8, Episode 7 

As Wendy Hebb is about to turn 60, she decides to open a sex shop in Lunenburg. Her husband Paul, who's retiring from fishing, is shocked. What will people think and say?

We find out exactly, as Jane Doucet lets us eavesdrop on conversations and explore the relationships of the town's citizens. She tells Costas Halavrezos how she uses humour to explore personal issues that couples often don't have the courage to discuss.

Publishing Date: July 2021 - Pre-order now from your local bookseller, Indigo or Amazon.

Season 8, Episode 6

Anyone who reads "The Last Time I Saw Her" will never again make a generalization about "teenagers". Alexandra Harrington's distinctive characters both support and clash with one another after a car accident in their small community. But was it an accident?

Alexandra tells Costas Halavrezos who inspired the sleuthing in her bold coming-of-age novel.

Season 8, Episode 5.

Readers don't just like to read books; they like to read about books: the latest from favourite authors, profiles of up-and-comers, essays, reviews, and new titles that touch on everything from local history and outdoor life to cooking.

Atlantic Books Today (sponsored by the Atlantic Publishers' Marketing Association) satisfies all those interests.

Costas Halavrezos spoke with managing editor Chris Benjamin about the ways the new issue highlights a growing diversity of voices in the four Atlantic Provinces, and how our writers make the two-way connections between our region and the world.

Season 8, Episode 4

Marilla Cuthbert isn't the most likable character in the "Anne of Green Gables" books. Readers may have wondered what made her such a cold and disapproving person.

In her novel, "Marilla Before Anne", Louise Michalos answers that question by introducing us to a teenaged Marilla - a high-spirited, passionate young woman in early 19th century Prince Edward Island - and tells Costas Halavrezos how she perseveres through a gauntlet of misfortunes with her dignity intact.               

You'll also learn how Louise tackled writing as a second career after retirement.

Season 8, Episode 3.

The forest is where things burrow and slither and nest, where lichens with little red hats stand on mossy logs, and perfume-sweet wildflowers grow beside neighbours that stink.

At a time when it's never been so important to get outside, writer/illustrator Sarah Grindler's "Forest Magic: A Guidebook for LIttle Woodland Explorers" will introduce children, parents, and grandparents to the lively world that's close as your nearest park or backyard.

She tells Costas Halavrezos how childhood experiences prepared her to create this book.

Season 8, Episode 2

Emma Weaver has personal motives for choosing her M.A. thesis topic. She divides her time between poring over mute archival records and trying to find members of the notorious Gaugin family who'll talk to her. They were rounded up by authorities at their remote settlement in the 1990s, and Emma needs to interview people who were there to discover what happened after they were dispersed to the justice system and foster homes.

Becca Babcock's début novel, "One Who Has Been Here Before" traces Emma's life-changing encounters with people who'd lost everything but who ultimately help her deal with her own conflicts, underlining the importance - and difficulties - of developing a genuine empathy for others.

The release date is April 20. Contact your local independent bookstore to preorder your copy today.

Season 8, Episode 1.

A phantom crew rows eternally through the Atlantic fog.

A light moves from room to room in an abandoned house.

A dark presence pins you to your bed at night.

Charis Cotter's "Screech: Ghost Stories from Old Newfoundland" will not only give you goosebumps, but also insights into daily (and nightly) life in rural homes where the dead play surprising roles.

She told Costas Halavrezos how schoolchildren helped her track down Newfoundland's most enduring spooky tales.

Season 7, Episode 9

Socrates was famously quoted as saying, "The unexamined life is not worth living". 

Lesley Choyce believes that regular examination of his life is worth writing about, especially as aging challenges his ideals, illusions, and sense of priorities. He spoke with Costas Halavrezos about the insights, joys, and absurdities he's noted on approaching 70.