Redding author Steve Westall takes us to a tropical paradise of love and joy in his novel New Hope Island . In his book, Garbology , author Ed Humes tells the story of local company Chico Bag, and writes about an island of 38 million pieces of plastic garbage floating in the Pacific Ocean. This week, join Nancy for conversations about two very different islands.

The Redding Civic Auditorium is featuring “A Night With Janis Joplin” this Sunday. Local author Laura Joplin wrote a book about her famous sister, Love, Janis . This week join Nancy for a look back at the life of rock icon Janis Joplin, plus a conversation with noted astronomer Tyler Nordgren, author of Stars Above, Earth Below: A Guide to Astronomy in the National Parks.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Matt Richtel wrote A Deadly Wandering , a nonfiction narrative that was selected as this year's Book in Common. It is a mystery and a landmark investigation that explores the science of attention in the digital age. This week join Nancy for a conversation with a reporter who is coming to Laxson Auditorium on the Chico State campus on October 24th.

In the fall of 1972 an improbably victory put young attorney Sam Nunn in the US Senate. His Press Secretary was fellow Georgian Roland McElroy, who has now written a memoir of his years of working with Sam Nunn. This week join Nancy for a conversation with the author of The Best President the Nation Never Had .

This weekend, Paradise playwright, actor and poet Craig Heath will be among those enjoying the Renaissance Faire in Grass Valley. He was inspired by Shakespeare to write a short Commedia dell'Arte play, The Shaming of the Rake . This week join Nancy for scenes from this play and also poems from Craig's book, The End of an Ordinary Life .

Retired biology professor Raymond Barnett has just finished his seventh book, The Death of Mycroft: Sherlock Holmes and the Secret of D-Day . This week join Nancy for a new Holmes mystery, and also the ancient Chinese way of living known as Taoism in Professor Barnett's previous book, Relax, You're Already Home .

Most Californians know little of California's experience during the Civil War. Author Richard Hurley delved into the home front activities during the nation's bloodiest war, and chronicles the adventures of the brave men who fought far from home. This week join Nancy for a conversation with the author of California and the Civil War .

Dan Corbin grew up in a peach orchard near Yuba City to become a successful studio artist. He tells his story in a memoir, Kiss of the Art Gods . This week join Nancy for a conversation with this local author and sculptor.

Local author Brian T. Marshall has written a mystery novel entitled Fleet . Nancy Leek writes about local history for children and adults, including her book, John and Annie Bidwell: The Long and Short of It . This week join Nancy for a conversation with two authors whose books are illustrated by artist Steve Ferchaud .

With the start of a new school year, Redding occupational therapist and physical therapist Suzanne Cresswell offers strategies to help students find the "ability" in learning disability. This week join Nancy for a conversation with the author of Unique Learner Solutions .