Bookreporter Talks To

Wade Rouse, the award-winning memoirist who writes under the pen name, Viola Shipman, discussed his new novel, The Heirloom Garden. The book follows two women, separated by a generation but equally scarred by war, who find hope, meaning and friendship through a garden of flowers. Wade discusses his grandmothers who influenced his writing of five novels, the personal grieving he's gone through and how those experiences have influenced him as a gardener and as a writer. Also discussed are his humorous memoirs, and he gives readers a glimpse into his upcoming writing plans.

Discussed in this segment:

Written as Viola Shipman:

The Heirloom Garden

The Summer Cottage

The Recipe Box

The Hope Chest

The Charm Bracelet

Written as Wade Rouse:

America's Boy: A Southern Boy's Triumph Over Husky Jeans, Beauty Queens, and Broken Dreams

Confessions of a Prep School Mommy Handler: A Memoir

At Least in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream: Misadventures in Search of the Simple Life

It's All Relative: Two Families, Three Dogs, 34 Holidays, and 50 Boxes of Wine: A Memoir

• Viola Shipman's Website: https://www.violashipman.com
• Wade Rouse's Website: https://www.waderouse.com

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In our latest "Bookreporter Talks To" interview, Carol Fitzgerald interviews Don Winslow, about Broken, his new collection of intense, crime fiction novellas. Each of the six pieces in Broken delivers the kind of sharp propulsive writing that readers have come to expect from Winslow. One is sharper than the next, and a few include odes to characters that longtime readers will love to see back on the pages. The two discuss each of the novellas, his writing process, his characters (including the one he relates to most), what’s inspired him and the wonderful way he and his wife spent their Sundays.

Books discussed in this episode:

Broken by Don Winslow

The Dawn Patrol by Don Winslow

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Robert Kolker, the New York Times bestselling author of Lost Girls, talks to Carol about his new book Hidden Valley Road, which follows the true story of a large family upended by acute schizophrenia in the 1960's and 1970's. At that time, the family hid any suspicion of their abnormal lives, but under the curtain was a history of psychological breakdowns, sudden violence, and abuse. In their conversation, Robert highlights the reception his book received from the Galvin siblings as well as the clear message that mental illness like this is not something industries are willing to solve anytime soon.

Book discussed in this episode:

Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker

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Lisa Wingate is a journalist, and inspirational speaker, and a #1 New York Times bestseller who wrote over thirty novels. The Book of Lost Friends takes place in 1875 and 1987 in Louisiana. Over a hundred years ago, three women travel to find a freed slave's family with the help of the "Lost Friends" advertisements. In 1987, a teacher realizes how this historical event can influence her students' lives. Carol talks to Lisa about the differences in time, communal efforts, and the way in which the poor are often exploited.

Books discussed in this episode:

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

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Lisa See is a number one New York Times bestselling novelist who was named National Woman of the Year by the Organization of Chinese American Women. The Island of Sea Women tells the story of two best friends who gain the dangerous responsibility of working as free divers, women who swim deep beneath the ocean's surface to catch fish. Carol talks to Lisa about the role of matrifocal societies, cultures that disappear over time, and the importance of history being given a personal perspective. 

Books discussed in this episode:

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

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Diane Chamberlain is the bestselling author of over 20 novels. Her latest, Big Lies in a Small Town, is about a young artist imprisoned for a crime she did not commit. She'll be released if she can restore an old mural. In restoring this art piece, she uncovers a hidden conspiracy that could lead to violence or destroy the reputation of the town. Carol and Diane talk about Diane's research into the art world, her experience with southern communities, and her ability to add suspense in all aspects of her writing. 

Books discussed in this episode:

Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain

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Kate Elizabeth Russell, who holds a PhD in creative writing, talks about her first book, My Dark Vanessa, which is already a New York Times bestseller. Carol talks to Kate about why she wrote her book over many years, the way Kate found Vanessa's voice, and the complicated realities that confuse love with abuse.

Books discussed in this episode:

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

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Therese Anne Fowler is the New York Times Bestselling author of Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald and A Well-Behaved Woman. In her newest novel, A Good Neighborhood, Therese tells the story of two neighboring families struggling against each other as their community is ripped apart. Carol talks to Therese about writing during the pandemic, how communities have changed with our times, and the ways Therese's characters react to each others' identities.

Books discussed in this episode:

A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler

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Harlan Coben is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over 30 suspense novels and a writer for various television series, including Netflix's newly released series, The Stranger. The Boy from the Woods tells the story of a young man who was found living in the wild. When he grows up, he must help solve another child disappearance. He may be the only one who can truly uncover the secrets involved with this new disappearance, but he's trapped between wildness he left behind and his fitting in with a society he can't connect with. Carol talks to Harlan about his writing process, the success of his new Netflix show, and the mysteries we're all struggling to deal with in our daily lives. 

Books discussed in this episode:

The Boy from the Woods by Harlan Coben
The Stranger by Harlan Coben

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Rebecca Serle is an author of both adult and YA fiction and a writer for the television adaptation of her YA series, Famous in Love. In Five Years tells the story of a young woman who sees her future in five years to find it's not how she planned it. When she wakes up in the present day, she has to decide how she wants the rest of her life to play out. Carol talks to Rebecca about people in their twenties, plans upended, and embracing the unexpected changes in life.

Books discussed in this episode:

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle

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