Chatter on Books

“Put on earth to tell stories.”

Coast to coast heat as David, Torie and P.J. Vernon tackle the Olympics, celebrity memoirs (Torie reads too many) and more.  “Part-time miscreant” and “country as hell”, not to mention award winning and best selling author S.A. Cosby Zooms in to talk about “Razorblade Tears,” his provocative and thrilling novel about race and revenge and redemption.

“Desert Rose – it Just Worked.“

David, Torie and Marc tackle tennis, more DC books that just don’t capture the city (thus: David’s book!) and the Olympics.  Musical icon and maverick Miles Copeland joins in to share his legendary role in music history (think Police, Sting, the Bangles and more), belly dancing and even the Pentagon. His stories are epic and his impact huge.

“Tuesdays with Morrie crossed with Hoop Dreams” Sort of.

Chatter rolls through summer as David, Torie and Jamie read a review, rave about Dolly and debrief Rumsfeld books. Award winning sports journalist and NYT bestselling author Kate Fagan Zooms in. She shares her insights as the “covered and the coverer”, as well as All the Colors Came Out,” her bracingly honest take on her father-daughter relationship and her father’s battle with ALS.

“Gripping:”

The heat is on at Chatter – and everywhere else. The incomparable Kathleen Barber of While You Were Sleeping fame joins David and Torie. They cover DC books overboard, tech giants’ picks (sort of!). South Carolinian gone Calgary writer P.J. Vernon Zooms in to talk Bath Haus, his can’t put down thriller that has twists,  lies and terrifying  emotional roller coasters. 

"Certified!"

Food and drink dominate Chatter this week. Renaissance man Nevin Martell joins David and Torie to talk food, family and travel in a (hopefully) post-pandemic world. Calvert-Woodley honcho Michael Sands gives terrific wine and beer recommendations to accompany barbecue.  That’s in honor of Adrian Miller -- lawyer, food historian, barbecue judge and author of Black Smoke, the story of Black barbecuers and restaurateurs that helped develop an American mainstay. Claude and Torie make a big announcement!

“Unknowability“

Chatter goes random with Summer of Littles, iTunes review and Jeffrey Toobin (he’s back!). Award winning author Maggie Shipstead joins to talk about Great Circle, her third novel that spans a century, the globe and intertwined lives of two women separated by time and joined by life experiences.  Great Circle entrances with prohibition-era Montana, World War II London and modern day Hollywood. Shipstead’s storytelling makes for gripping reading.

“Magical”

It’s hot!  Washington Post Book Critic Ron Charles joins Torie and David to talk going to space, what makes a best seller and what to read this summer. DC native Morowa Yejide shares the back story of Creatures of Passage, her riveting novel that weaves magic and history and stunning prose. The comparisons with Toni Morrison are frequent and apt, but Morowe is her own brand of special. Deserted Island goes for beach reads.

Government spying, best sellers abroad, and movies dominate COB as Washington Post Film Critic Ann Hornaday joins David and Torie. Author Edward White Zooms in to talk about The Twelve Lives of Alfred Hitchcock, a thoroughly entertaining and fresh look at the legendary film maker and cultural icon. Happy birthday to Bob Dylan for Deserted island.

“Unapologetic.”

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz rocks (for over 120 years) and cyber threats terrify. David, Jamie and Torie debate the merits of Dorothy and friends and whether or not we’re sufficiently scared about cyber attacks.  Rockstar journalist Jesse Washington joins to talk about I Came as A Shadow, John Thompson’s autobiography. It’s a bracingly honest look at the NCAA basketball champion, activist and educator whose profound influence goes way beyond the court.