The Book Report

An escape into tales that drop you into the inevitable "push and pull" of family. When it comes to parents and siblings, expect the unexpected. My guest today, Emma Straub introduces us to her new chart-topper, "The Vacationers.”

New mysteries offer up a literary scavenger hunt for clues obscured by time...only to see the light of day years later. My guest today, Beatriz Williams offers up a delightful new addition to the genre.

We preview new titles about "The Games People Play" - soccer, baseball, basketball, and the more sedentary, but incredibly popular pursuits. Elaine speaks with Alan Connor, popular British TV quizmaster who's just out with an fascinating look at the history and lore of Crossword puzzles.

A vibrant and varied crop of new business titles worthy of your time investment. These books feature solid principles we can all employ in our lives. Interview with Beth Macy, Author. Beth Macy profiles an American business icon who took a stand on keeping American factories open. Her book, "Factory Man" is a thought-provoking look at personality and re-thinking globalization.

A salute to the fictional heroines who never play it safe...and to real world women who boldly go where few men have gone before. Elaine speaks with Janet Evanovich about the indomitable Stephanie Plum, about to set off on her 21st adventure. Interview with Janet Evanovich, Author.

Cops and undercover agents are at the top of their game in this summer's thrillers. Elaine discusses "The Heist" with Daniel Silva, a book that finds Gabriel Allon going up against a criminal network of art thieves and international terrorists. Interview with Daniel Silva, Author.

With Midsummer's Night just passed, Elaine previews bestsellers that seem to illustrate Puck's quote, "Lord, what fools these mortals be." We'll look at titles that delve into the mess we make of our lives and loves, and speak with the delightful Jojo Moyes. Jojo Moyes' "One Plus One" is her new entertaining look at how we inadvertently, and with the best of intentions, botch up our relationships.

A look at new thrillers centered around average people who happen to be in the wrong place... at the wrong time. Elaine speaks with Joseph Finder about his newest bestseller, "Suspicion.”

A literary look at the "Girls with Grit." Elaine explores titles about women with backbone, brains and bravado. Interview with Ayana Mathis, Author. Ayana Mathis' debut bestseller, "The Twelve Tribes of Hattie" was chosen for the Oprah Book Club 2.0.

Though we are a nation dedicated to "the proposition that all men are created equal," history has shown otherwise. Elaine previews new titles on social injustice, and interviews David Boies and Ted Olson, the lawyers behind the overturning of California's Proposition 8. Attorneys David Boies and Theodore Olson faced each other in the monumental Bush v. Gore case that decided the 2000 presidential election. Now, their book, "Redeeming The Dream: The Case for Marriage Equality" charts their successful Supreme Court challenge to California's Proposition 8.