Books & Looks

Explore the surprising history of U.S. interest in Greenland and the Arctic's rising geopolitical importance. Why has America tried to buy Greenland multiple times?

Join us as we dive deep into the Arctic's past and present with Mary Thompson-Jones, author of 'America in the Arctic.' Discover how climate change and global powers are reshaping this crucial region. We'll explore historical attempts to acquire Greenland, the strategic implications of a melting Arctic, and what it means for international relations.

This episode reveals the hidden battles for the Arctic and why it matters more than ever in 2025. Don't miss this expert analysis on a region that's rapidly becoming the center of global attention.

Links:

• "America in the Arctic" Book: https://amzn.to/40Ru05O
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ar6SOV2wSV0

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Can a single trial change the course of a nation? In 1925, the answer was yes. The Scopes Monkey Trial pitted evolution against creation, science against religion, and two of America's greatest orators against each other. Author Debbie Levy takes us beyond the courtroom drama to explore the deeper cultural battle that still rages today. Is teaching evolution a dangerous idea? And what happens when a small town becomes the center of a national firestorm? The answers may surprise you.

Links:

• "A Dangerous Idea" Book: https://amzn.to/3Q4PiIa
• Debbie Levy Website: https://www.debbielevybooks.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mb4OlVlo9hw

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

What do an Inca bridge master, a Sardinian pasta maker, and a Taiwanese movie poster painter have in common? They're among the last of their kind, preserving cultural traditions that may soon vanish forever. In this thought-provoking episode, author Elliot Stein takes us on a journey across the globe to meet these "Custodians of Wonder" and confront the question: What do we lose when ancient crafts and knowledge fade away?

Links:

• "Custodians of Wonder" Book: https://amzn.to/4jwNvJk
• Eliot Stein Website: https://www.eliotstein.me/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4EIgNFnJpYc

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

What would you sacrifice to protect the future of the world's food supply? In war-torn Leningrad, a group of unsung heroes faced this very question. As Hitler's forces closed in and starvation set in, these brave scientists guarded a forbidden garden—the world's first seed bank. Discover the untold story of their harrowing struggle and ultimate sacrifice in this interview with Simon Parkin, author of "The Forbidden Garden."

Links:

• "The Forbidden Garden" Book: https://amzn.to/4asp8rS
• Simon Parkin Website: https://www.simonparkin.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tHozmV0R6s4

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Claire Hoffman discusses her new book "Sister Sinner" about the remarkable life of 1920s evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson. Hoffman shares key insights into McPherson's meteoric rise to fame, her pioneering use of media, her mysterious disappearance, and the fascinating relationship with her mother Minnie. Discover the gripping story of one of the most influential and controversial religious figures of the early 20th century.

Links:

• "Sister Sinner" Book: https://amzn.to/4jdrhvA
• Claire Hoffman Website: https://www.clairehoffman.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lHzAotw2naQ

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Planning a trip to Provence or dreaming of a French getaway? This episode is your ultimate guide! Author Carole Bumpus shares her hard-won wisdom and insider tips for making the most of your Provençal adventure. From navigating markets and menus to uncovering local history and culture, Carole's stories will inspire you to embrace the region's joie de vivre. Plus, discover practical advice for sailing the Mediterranean coast and finding the best food experiences off the beaten path.

Links:

• "Adventures on Land and Sea" Book: https://amzn.to/4a3kUqF
• Carole Bumpus Website: https://carolebumpus.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0z34GTC3vxQ

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Today I Interview Robert Jackowski, author of the self-published mystery novel "Murder at the Hall". Robert shares his journey from a 40-year career on Wall Street to becoming a first-time novelist in retirement. He discusses the inspiration behind his book, the challenges and rewards of self-publishing, and offers advice for aspiring writers on staying motivated and leveraging life experiences in their work.

Links:

• "Murder at the Hall" Book: https://amzn.to/4gLCCB6
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/c896rGRYyWc

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

You think you know the story of Prohibition, but do you know the women behind it all? In "Firebrands", Gioia Diliberto uncovers the hidden history of four trailblazing women who fought for and against Prohibition. From the fierce ambition of Mabel Walker Willebrandt to the unlikely activism of society figure Pauline Sabin, these women wielded unprecedented power and influence. Discover how their intertwined lives and rivalries shaped an era and rewrote the rules for women in politics.

Links:

• "Firebrands" Book: https://amzn.to/4ixbVSm
• Gioia Diliberto Website: https://gioiadiliberto.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LadNPaLpkig

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Author Mary Grand transports readers to the Isle of Wight in her captivating Christmas mystery, "A Christmas Murder." In this episode, Mary shares her journey to becoming a published author in her 50s and reveals the real-life inspirations behind her novel's vivid settings. Discover the secrets of crafting gripping whodunits and immerse yourself in the rich history and atmosphere of this enchanting British isle.

Links:

• "A Christmas Murder" Book: https://amzn.to/4g6gz8m
• Mary Grand Website: https://marygrand.net/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y0S4T9vQo9E

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Why settle for generic "best book" lists this holiday season? In this episode, you'll get my personal take on the most engaging, surprising and thought-provoking books from a year of author interviews. Uncover hidden gems like the stranger-than-fiction "Eden Undone" by Abbott Kaler and be inspired by "The Enigma Girls" by Candace Fleming. These aren't your typical recommendations - but they just might become your new favorites.

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.