Chatter on Books

“Plausible“

It’s a Chatter reunion as Marc Sterne and Jamie McIntyre join David Aldridge and Torie to talk books in a minute and Magic Mike’s new children’s book – really? Best selling author Admiral James Stavridis returns, this time with fiction. Co-authored with Elliot Ackerman, 2034: A Novel of the Next World War, informs, alarms and brings new meaning to a cautionary tale.

“Creative, original and fun!”

Louis Bayard joins David Aldridge and Torie to talk PEN/Faulkner Awards – Deesha Philyw, another COB alum wins, and Louis contemplates his novel, Pale Blue Eye, as a $55 million dollar movie (thus far). Debut author Sanjena Sathian zooms in to talk Iowa Writers Workshop and more. Her book, Gold Diggers, captures coming of age, identity and 21st century life – all in one. Fascinating and inspiring all at once.

“Flips the script.“

David and Jamie join Torie to talk big words (when small ones will do). Chatter alum Tope Folarin makes a surprise visit to brief on winning the Whiting Award, one of the top literary prizes for emerging authors. We gloat; he’s gracious. Journalist/novelist Anna North Zooms in to discuss Outlawed, her gender bending take on a western in an alternate past with familiar modern day themes.

“These are people.”

COB Alum wins PEN/Faulkner and Amanda Gorman poetry crushes on Chatter w/ David, Torie and Mayor of Gaithersburg Jud Ashman. He debriefs on the Gaithersburg Book Festival – all virtual and awesome this year. Sports icon Dave Kindred shares his remarkable reflection on a grandson lost to addiction. It’s a powerful book fueled by honesty and love. Best selling author David Sheff says “…the greatest art can come from the greatest pain and love, and this book is pure art.”  We call it a gift to anyone who has ever loved an addict.

“It’s about bravery.”

Spring breaks with Chatter. Erica Wright and Marc Sterne join David and Torie to talk post pandemic plans and new reading rituals. Best selling fictional history writer Stephanie Dray shares the research and back stories behind “The Women of Chateau Lafayette,” the true story of a castle in France and the remarkable women bound by its legacy. Deserted Island goes on the road with travel adventures.

“Let’s Talk About the Nun.”

Chatter alum Marc Sterne joins David and Torie and reminds them of just how well read he is. They discuss the NCAA’s total lack of shame when it comes to women and business books that might actually be useful.  Decorated combat Marine and bestselling author Bing West enthralls and inspires with his latest, The Last Platoon. Marines defend a tiny base in a fight to the death with drug lords, Taliban and politics. Having “been there and done that,” West brings stunning accuracy to this graphic odyssey.

“The Dynasty of Nibbles and Brie”

Chatter rolls into March madness with David, Torie and Jamie. Positively inclined reviews are read, and Torie’s angling for a boycott – just a little one. Olga Grushin joins to talk fairy tales, Russian to English, and her new book The Charmed Wife. Torie calls it a cross between Cinderella, Steven King and Freud. Fighting mice, talking teapots and fairy godmothers turned therapist are just a few of the characters in this “fierce feat of imagination” as Jess Walter called it. David crushes Deserted Island with his epic lines from Romeo and Juliet.

“The drama is in cut day.”

Chatter rolls into March with David, Torie and alum Mike Croley. They brag about Louis Bayard, debate Dr.Seuss, mull pandemic stories (David wonders about flight attendants), and Mike recalls playing catch with Annie Dillard. Writer, editor and illustrator Emily Nemens joins to talk about The Cactus League, her delightful look at the players, fans, coaches, and wives that make the annual pilgrimage known as spring training. Deserted Island goes Women’s History Month.

“Librarians are superheroes!”

Torie’s joined by David Aldridge and Chatter alum Angie Kim. They go off the board to talk procrastination, David’s first book and the pandemic (of course!). Robert Jones, Jr. joins to talk about his life, his work and his fabulous debut novel, “The Prophets.” Marlon James called it “Epic in its scale, intimate in its force, and lyrical in its beauty.” Yep.  And we call it wonderful.

“….the high drama of history might be going on….”

Whatever happened to Washington’s real birthday?  Chatter alum Chuck Culpepper joins David and Torie to cover Presidents Day, answer emails (kind of sporty) and educate Torie on commonplace books. Novelist Rebecca Sacks joins from sunnier Calif to talk about her book,  City of a Thousand Gates, an enthralling look at the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the eyes of diverse people with inextricably entwined lives.