Books & Looks

Today I dive into E.J. Copperman's intriguing blend of science fiction and cozy mystery, "Ukulele of Death." Follow the adventures of Fran and Ken Stein, clone detectives on a quest to help people find their natural-born parents and unravel the mystery surrounding a valuable ukulele.

I also sit down with author Martha Anne Toll to discuss her debut novel, "Three Muses," a powerful exploration of the Holocaust's impact on survivors, inspired by her Jewish heritage, ballet background, and Greek mythology. Discover the complexities of relationships, the "Me Too" movement, and the importance of memory. Plus, get a sneak peek into her upcoming novel, "Duet for One," a heartfelt musical love story about love, grief, and abandonment.

Finally, I share my thoughts on the changing landscape of news consumption and the decision to stop receiving physical newspapers in a world where information is just a click away. Don't miss out on this engaging episode packed with insightful discussions and reviews, and find your next great read with us!

Timestamps:

"Ukulele of Death" Book Review - 00:00

Martha Anne Toll Interview - 04:25

Newspapers - 31:00

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Today we are joined by Faith Matson from Oceanview Publishing to discuss the latest book releases, captivating international settings, and the importance of book cover designs. Learn about upcoming titles like "Retribution," "Rumor of Evil," "Incentive for Death," and "Cultured," as well as the intricacies of the book cover design process. Plus, don't miss a brief review of the inspiring golf story "Little Poison" and a nod to the hit TV show "Ted Lasso." Join us for an engaging conversation with an industry insider and discover your next literary adventure.

Timestamps:

"Little Poison" Book Review - 00:00

Faith Matson Interview - 04:45

Ted Lasso - 26:15

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Embark on an enthralling journey with this captivating episode as we unravel the complex world of Joanne Leedom-Ackerman's thrilling novel, "Burning Distance." Spanning continents and decades, the book weaves a tale of love and the international arms trade. Discover the fascinating insights and experiences that informed Ackerman's writing, including her time living in London, interviewing a former minister of Saddam Hussein, and her work with PEN International. Aspiring writers will also benefit from her wisdom on perseverance, motivation, and navigating the publishing industry. Don't miss this exploration of love in a tumultuous world and the challenges of staying true to one's passion amidst political and personal upheaval.

Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Dive into the captivating world of Brendan Slocumb's novels in this episode of Books & Looks. Explore the intriguing intersection of music, race, and neurodivergence in Slocumb's works, as well as his own journey as a musician and author. From creating a fictional musical catalog to the challenges and triumphs of representation, Slocumb's passion for storytelling comes to life. Listen in as we discuss the power of music, the realities of the classical world, and the importance of learning from history. Don't miss this harmonious blend of conversation and inspiration!

Books Discussed:

"Symphony of Secrets" by Brendan Slocumb - https://amzn.to/40eY8Wf

"The Violin Conspiracy" by Brendan Slocumb - https://amzn.to/3GRsVl1

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Books & Looks is a project of Views on Books.

Join us on this thrilling episode of Books and Looks as we dive into the world of Arctic exploration, airships, and political intrigue. I interview author Mark Piesing about his gripping book "N-4 Down," which uncovers the lesser-known story of the 1928 Arctic airship crash. Discover how Umberto Nobile's ambition and Mussolini's political machinations intertwined with the Heroic and Machine Ages of polar exploration. Immerse yourself in this epic journey, full of humor, heartache, and the untamed allure of the Arctic. Don't miss this captivating discussion that will leave you wondering how far we'll go to conquer the unknown.

Books Discussed:

"N-4 Down" by Mark Piesing - https://amzn.to/3GxEHB6

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Books & Looks is a project of Views on Books.

Dive into the captivating world of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Willa Cather in this enthralling episode of Books and Looks. Today I talk to Ashley Olson, the passionate Executive Director of the Willa Cather Foundation, about Cather's fascinating life and career, as well as the Foundation's tireless efforts to preserve and promote her incredible legacy. Discover the connection between Cather's beloved Nebraska and her Prairie Trilogy, learn about the challenges she faced, and explore how her work still resonates with readers today. Don't miss this literary journey into the heart of one of America's most cherished authors!

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Books & Looks is a project of Views on Books.

Today I interview Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Paul Pringle about his book "Bad City." Join us as we delve into Pringle's investigative reporting on a series of scandals at the University of Southern California (USC), including the shocking abuse of patients by a campus gynecologist and a medical school dean providing drugs to young, vulnerable people. Pringle shares his experiences covering these scandals, including the institutional problems and culture of cover-ups he encountered at USC and within local authorities. He also discusses the changes in the LA Times after being sold to the Tribune company and how he and his colleagues had to work secretly to continue their investigation. Don't miss this eye-opening look at corruption in Los Angeles with one of the most respected journalists of our time.

Books Discussed:

"Bad City" by Paul Pringle.

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Books & Looks is a project of Views on Books.

Today I reveal the captivating secrets of the perfume world in Dominique Roques' "In Search of Perfumes" and the daring escapades of Arizona's train bandits in Doug Hocking's "Southwest Train Robberies." Immerse yourself in the intoxicating world of scent making, from the fragrant fields of Andalucia to the exotic sandalwood market in Australia, and uncover the untold stories of the Wild West's most notorious train heists, from supernatural robberies to ingenious escapes. Plus, discover fascinating tidbits about Romania's national sport and a binge-worthy South Korean TV series on Netflix. Listen in as I bring these lesser-known literary and TV treasures to light!

Timestamps:

"In Search of Perfumes" book discussion - 00:00

"Southwest Train Robberies" book discussion - 07:40

Looks on Romania - 16:45

Looks on Vincenzo - 20:20

Books Discussed:

"In Search of Perfumes" by Dominique Roques.

"Southwest Train Robberies" by Doug Hocking

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Books & Looks is a project of Views on Books.

Today I interview author Mark Shrager about his book, "The First Kentucky Derby." Shrager provides insight into the history and sociology of horse racing, including the demise of black jockeys in the sport. He discusses his background in writing, including his experience writing procedure manuals for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Shrager also explains how the Kentucky Derby was born out of a desire to revive the horse racing industry in Louisville and how the race has evolved over time. Don't miss this fascinating conversation about the origins of one of America's most beloved sporting events.

Books Discussed:

"The First Kentucky Derby" by Mark Shrager - https://amzn.to/3FkH5ue 

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Books & Looks is a project of Views on Books.

Today we are joined by none other than author James A. Scott to discuss his latest release, "The Blood of Patriots and Traitors," the second book in the Max Geller mystery series. Follow the action-packed story of Max Geller, a former CIA agent living in Australia who is blackmailed into returning to Russia to bring out a Soviet defector with critical information about the Russian plan to invade its former satellite countries. With explosive action scenes, cerebral spy games, and traitorous twists, "The Blood of Patriots and Traitors" is a pulse-pounding spy thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. James shares exclusive insights with our listeners, from his writing process to the inspiration behind the Max Geller character. Plus, a review of the dark comedy book, Just Desserts, by author Jerry Crowther.

Timestamps:

Just Desserts Review - 0:00

James A. Scott Interview - 4:55

Looks on Electricity - 36:11

Books Discussed:

"The Blood of Patriots and Traitors" by James A. Scott - https://amzn.to/3LamMTU

"Just Desserts" by Jerry Crowther - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-deserts-jerry-crowther/1142980755 

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Books & Looks is a project of Views on Books.