Books & Looks

Adoptee and author Janet Sherlund gets personal about her search for belonging in this must-listen episode. Sharing insights from her memoir "Abandoned at Birth," Sherland offers a relatable perspective on the challenges adoptees face in forming their identities and connecting with their roots. Gain a deeper understanding of the adoption experience and the importance of openness and honesty in helping adoptees thrive. 

Links:

• "Abandoned at Birth" Book: https://amzn.to/3TvUcQw
• Janet Sherlund Website: https://www.abandonedatbirthbook.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i-CJvuWePYQ

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Join author Allison Alsup as she discusses her debut novel "Foreign Seed". Alsup shares the decade-long journey of writing her book, from the initial spark of inspiration to the extensive research and revisions that shaped the final story. She also delves into the historical and personal influences behind her complex characters and offers a sneak peek at her upcoming second novel.

Links:

• "Foreign Seed" Book: https://amzn.to/4dgCYxH
• Allison Alsup Website: https://www.allisonalsup.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KcnZSyIgyfw

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

If you've ever found yourself lost in the aisles of a bookstore, this episode is for you. Dr. Evan Friss, author of "The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore," shares his passion for the magic of bookstores and the communities they create. Learn about the innovators who revolutionized bookselling, the cozy charm of indie shops, and the surprising role of department stores in book culture. Whether you're a bibliophile or just looking for your next great read, this episode will deepen your appreciation for the power of bookstores in our lives.

Links:

• "The Bookshop" Book: https://amzn.to/3Z3QCk9
• Evan Friss Website: https://evanfriss.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yAQ8jR_fvLw

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

What happens when you leave everything behind to start anew in the wilds of Montana? Author Lynne Spriggs O'Connor did just that, and the experience transformed her in ways she never imagined. From learning to hunt elk to finding unexpected love, O'Connor's memoir "Elk Love" challenges us to consider: How deeply can nature change us if we let it?

Links:

• "Elk Love" Book: https://amzn.to/3AFUMEI
• Lynne Spriggs O'Connor Website: https://lynneoconnorauthor.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VyqDHzP67aM

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Dive into the captivating world of the Old West with author Chris Wimmer as he shares the stories behind his hit book "The Summer of 1876." Discover the lesser-known tales of American history and learn how Wimmer brings these narratives to life through his immersive podcasts. Whether you're a history buff or just love a good story, this episode is packed with fascinating insights you won't find in any textbook.

Links:

• "The Summer of 1876": https://amzn.to/4fPF5Lg
• Black Barrel Media: https://blackbarrelmedia.com
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/F9HV4iZNb00

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Today we’re joined by acclaimed author and former New York Times obituary writer Margalit Fox. Margalit discusses her captivating new historical true crime book, "The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum," which uncovers the extraordinary life of a forgotten female crime boss in 1860s New York.

Book Spotlight: "The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum": "The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum" tells the astonishing story of Fredericka Mandelbaum, a poor Jewish immigrant who rose to become the first major female organized crime boss in America. With meticulous research and engrossing prose, Margalit Fox brings to life this overlooked figure from New York's underworld and the corrupt society that allowed her empire to flourish.

Discussed in this Episode:

• The incredible rags-to-riches tale of Fredericka Mandelbaum, a German-Jewish immigrant who built a criminal empire as a "fence" for stolen goods
• How Mandelbaum leveraged societal changes, corrupt politicians, and an eager new middle class to create a thriving underworld business
• The difference between a bank robber and a bank burglar, and how Mandelbaum's crew used clever tactics to carry out heists
• Mandelbaum's opulent lifestyle and her surprising role as a beloved benefactor in her Lower East Side community
• The shrewd methods Mandelbaum used to elude authorities, including secret rooms, hidden compartments, and a network of safe houses
• The shifting attitudes towards crime that eventually led to increased pressure on Mandelbaum and her empire
• Insights into Margalit Fox's research process and her fascination with uncovering forgotten stories from the past

Links:

• "The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum": https://amzn.to/3SNPRYt
• Margalit Fox Website: https://margalitfox.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-DjNl7kLS1s

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Today we welcome Paige McClanahan, travel writer for the New York Times and author of the eye-opening new book "The New Tourist." With a career spanning continents and cultures, Paige brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation about how tourism has evolved over the past half-century.

Book Spotlight: "The New Tourist":

"The New Tourist" is a captivating deep dive into the world of modern travel, exploring how tourism has transformed since the 1970s. Through a blend of historical analysis, on-the-ground reporting, and over 2,000 interviews, Paige uncovers the complex realities behind an industry that moves more than a billion people each year.

Discussed in this Episode:

• The explosive growth of global tourism, from 25 million annual trips in 1950 to over 1.5 billion today
• The story of Tony and Maureen Wheeler, founders of Lonely Planet, and how their guidebooks reshaped budget travel
• Social media's double-edged impact on travel, from democratizing voices to overwhelming fragile destinations
• Barcelona's battle against overtourism and the importance of sustainable tourism management
• Reexamining "tourist traps" like Amsterdam's Red Light District and understanding their appeal
• The environmental cost of travel and the urgent need for transformation in the aviation industry
• How personal connections formed through travel can break down stereotypes and foster cross-cultural understanding

Links:

• "The New Tourist": https://amzn.to/46EABCT
• Paige McClanahan Website: https://www.paigemcclanahan.com
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZsjsxnXqagg

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Today we sit down with Jaclyn Goldis, the author of the thrilling new novel "The Main Character." Goldis, who previously practiced law in Chicago, has been dreaming of becoming a full-time writer since childhood. Her earlier works include the historical fiction "When We Were Young" and the thriller "The Chateau."

Book Spotlight: "The Main Character":

"The Main Character" is a gripping mystery set on the luxurious Orient Express, following Rory, a disgraced news anchor turned main character in a famous author's latest novel. As Rory embarks on a journey from Italy's Cinque Terre to Positano, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and murder.

Discussed in this Episode:

• The unique writing process of the fictional author Ginevra X, who hires real people as inspiration for her characters
• Goldis' inspiration for the book, including a fascinating article about the revamped Orient Express
• The challenges of writing an ensemble cast and creating distinct character perspectives
• Goldis' personal connection to the story, drawing from her father's experiences as a Jewish refugee from the Soviet Union
• The art of crafting a compelling murder mystery and keeping readers guessing until the end
• Goldis' thoughts on adapting her novels for television or film and her upcoming thriller "The Safari"

Tune in for an engaging conversation about the twists and turns of "The Main Character," Goldis' journey from lawyer to author, and the real-life experiences that shape her captivating stories. Whether you're a fan of mysteries, thrillers, or simply love a good read, this episode offers fascinating insights into the world of writing and the creation of a page-turning novel.

Links:

• "The Main Character": https://amzn.to/3ymAjnB
• Jaclyn Goldis Website: https://www.jaclyngoldis.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/suCdYIp9tzE

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

I sit down with Doug Kari, a lawyer turned true crime author, to discuss his captivating new book, "The Berman Murders." Kari, who grew up with a love for the desert instilled by his adventurous grandmother, combines his legal background and passion for the American West to investigate a chilling unsolved mystery.

Book Spotlight: "The Berman Murders":

"The Berman Murders" delves into the baffling disappearance and murder of Barry and Louise Berman in the remote Mojave Desert in 1986. Kari meticulously chronicles the couple's tragic story, the ensuing investigation, and the twisted path that eventually led to the main suspect, a former Marine named Michael Pepe, being convicted of unrelated crimes years later.

Discussed in this Episode:

• The stark beauty and hidden dangers of California's Mojave Desert, particularly the remote Saline Valley 
• The contrasting backgrounds of Barry and Louise Berman and how they came to be in the desert that fateful day
• The missteps and obstacles that hindered the initial search and investigation into the Bermans' disappearance
• The tireless efforts of Deputy Sheriff Leon Boyer, who pieced together critical evidence linking Michael Pepe to the crime
• Pepe's history of violence and sexual deviancy, which culminated in his conviction for heinous crimes in Cambodia years after the Berman murders
• The limitations of the legal system in prosecuting Pepe for the Berman murders despite strong circumstantial evidence
• Kari's personal journey to the crime scene and his reflections on the case's impact on the victims' loved ones and the desert community

Links:

• The Berman Murders: Unraveling the Mojave Desert's Most Mysterious Unsolved Crime: https://amzn.to/4d9xq8d
• Doug Kari Website: https://www.dougkari.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WnSukDBzDBA

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Today I discuss "Street Fight," the captivating new book by Anne Morrissy that uncovers the little-known history of the Chicago Taxi Wars. While Anne was unable to join due to illness, I take the opportunity to shine a spotlight on this fascinating work and share insights with you.

📚 Book Spotlight: "Street Fight: The Chicago Taxi Wars of the 1920s"

"Street Fight" is a meticulously researched account of the intense competition and violent clashes between rival taxi companies in Chicago during the early 20th century. Anne Morrissy brings to life this overlooked chapter of American history, filled with colorful characters, corporate battles, and the struggle for control of the city's streets.

🗣️ Discussed in this Episode:

• The surprising origins of the taxi wars, tracing back to the introduction of the first taxi in Chicago in 1916
• The central role of Yellow Cab and its savvy owner, John Hertz (of future car rental fame), in the conflict
• The David vs. Goliath battle between Yellow Cab and upstart competitor, Hotel LaSalle Taxi
• The escalation of violence as Checker Cab enters the fray, leading to all-out street fights, fires, bombings, and even murder
• John Hertz's fascinating life beyond the taxi business, including his successful racehorse ownership
• The ripple effects of the taxi wars on Chicago's transportation landscape and organized crime scene
• Anne Morrissy's impressive research and storytelling skills in bringing this era to life
• The enduring lessons and parallels between the taxi wars and modern-day battles for market dominance

Join me for this engrossing dive into "Street Fight" and discover the untold story of Chicago's taxi wars. Stay tuned for a full interview with author Anne Morrissy in the coming months!

🔗 Links:

• Anne Morrissy Website
• "Street Fight" Book
• Watch on YouTube

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.