Today's conversation will take us to 1980's New York City during the height of the AIDS epidemic that swept through the gay community.

I'm joined by author Bill Konigsberg and we're talking about his new novel, 'Destination Unknown.' I don't often speak with fiction authors for this show but the premise for this story sounded so interesting. I'm glad I checked it out because it's a work of art.

Konigsberg transports us to this tumultuous time by introducing us to two young gay teens as they navigate life. They're complete opposites of each other on the outside. One closeted and the other out and proud. But beneath the surface there's a lot more going on.

What I really loved about this story is how it paints a picture of an era that I didn't know much about. I'm familiar with the AIDS epidemic but all I know is from articles and history books. This story gives me a different perspective from a couple of teenagers who were living it and learning about who they are through it.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Bill Konigsberg.