Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books,technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authors you would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested in volunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes,Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

Something Bigger Than the Sum of Their Parts: A Conversation with Tony DiTerlizzi

 
Public Libraries: You just finished the second WondLa book, A Hero for WondLa. Can you talk about the challenges of writing a sequel?

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books,technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authors you would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested in volunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes,Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

There Aren't Any Blueprints: A Talk with Lou Manfredo

Lou Manfredo's "Rizzo" books, featuring hard-boiled Detective Seargeant Joe Rizzo, have drawn praise for their in-depth portrayal of the inner workings of the police system. Manfredo signed copies of Rizzo’s Daughter at Macmillan booth (#1540 ) during the PLA Conference. Public Libraries spoke to Manfredo via e-mail on March 5th.

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books,technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authorsyou would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested involunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes,Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. HuronSt., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

A Puzzling Situation: A Talk with Sophie Hannah

Best known for her intricately plotted psychological thrillers that feature the emotionally complex investigators Simon Waterhouse and Charlie Zailer, Sophie Hannah has long been a favorite of mystery lovers with literary taste.

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books,technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authors you would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested in volunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes,Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

Dark Bonds and Needs: A Conversation With Lars Kepler

With the publication of The Hypnotist, Lars Kepler (Swedish authors Alexander and Alexandra Ahndoril, who are also married) made a huge splash in the burgeoning Swedish thriller market. Telling the story of retired hypnotist Erich Maria Barcke, The Hypnotist follows his journey as he tries to track down an escaped serial killer, rescue his kidnapped son Benjamin, and repair his fractured relationship with his wife Simone.

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books,technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authors you would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested in volunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes, Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

Getting at The Truth: A Conversation with Stephen Dau

Stephen Dau's debut novel, The Book of Jonas, tells the story of a refugee from an unnamed country and his assimilation to U.S. society after his family is killed during a military operation. Dau's novel has been widely praised in anticipation of its release, being named both a Powells Indiespensable™ Book Pick and a Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers Selection.

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books, technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authors you would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested in volunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes,Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

Sixteen at Heart: A Conversation With Sara Mlynowski

Sara Mlynowski first attracted attention with her popular chick lit novels, which include Milkrun and As Seen on TV. She branched out into the YA world with her popular "Magic in Manhattan" series, which details the exploits of a young witch as she navigates spells and teenage relationships. Her new "Whatever After" series aims for a slightly younger audience with the exploits of a brother and sister who travel to a fairy tale kingdom via an enchanted mirror in the basement of their new home.

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books, technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authors you would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested in volunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes, Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

Antiques and Murder: A Conversation With Jane Cleland

Jane Cleland's Josie Prescott series have firmly established themselves in the contemporary cozy mystery pantheon. Depicting a young antiques dealer who solves the unexpected murders that pop up in her community, the books have gained popularity for their warmth, intriguing mysteries, and insight into the antiques world. Cleland will be signing complimentary copies of the latest Josie Prescott mystery, Dolled Up for Murder, Thursday, March 15th, 2:30 p.m.

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books,technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authors you would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested in volunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes,Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

Responding to the Nightmare: A Conversation With Alexander Gordon Smith

Alexander Gordon Smith has carved out a unique niche in the YA world with his "Furnace" series, which depicts a dystopian world where adolescents are sent to a nefarious prison on trumped up charges. In addition to his writing, he has founded a children's publishing company, Inkling Studios, and a film studio, Fear Driven Films.

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books,technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authors you would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested in volunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes,Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

A Good Book is a Good Book is a Good Book: A Conversation with Gayle Forman

Gayle Forman began her writing career as a journalist focusing on teenage social issues. With the publication of her immensely popular If I Stay and its equally well-regarded follow-up, Where I Went, she cemented her reputation as one of the most innovative YA authors working today. She spoke to Public Libraries via e-mail February 1st.

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books,technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authors you would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested in volunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes,Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

Training with the Criminal Mind: A Conversation with Gregg Olsen

New York Times bestselling author Gregg Olsen first attracted attention with his provocative true crime books and thrillers. With the publication of Envy last fall, the first in his new "Empty Coffin" series, he brought the same character detail and insight into the criminal mind that marked his earlier works to the Young Adult genre. The "Empty Coffin" series follows twin teenagers Hayley and Taylor Ryan as they solve crimes inspired by real-life events. Olsen talked to "Public Libraries" via phone on January 5th, 2012.

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books,technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authorsyou would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested in volunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes,Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

The Chance to Be Surprised: An Interview With Susan Orlean

As a staff writer for the New Yorker, Susan Orlean's witty and thoughtful essays have given readers a glimpse into lifestyles they might otherwise not have come across. Her books have tackled similarly offbeat topics: The Orchid Thief (which was later made into the movie "Adaptation") delved into the world of orchid poaching and Saturday Night studied how people throughout the country spend Saturday night.

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books, technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authors you would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested in volunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes, Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

Chest Deep in Southern Literature: A Conversation With Daniel Woodrell

Acclaimed author Daniel Woodrell has enjoyed a critical resurgence of late. Esquire magazine dubbed him the "most overlooked great novelist in America" and the success of the film adaptation of his novel Winter's Bone introduced him to a larger audience. Woodrell has written eight novels, won the PEN USA Award for Fiction, and been nominated for an Edgar Award. His latest book, an anthology of short stories titled The Outlaw Album, will be published in mid-October.

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books,technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authors you would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested in volunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes, Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

Murky Moral Territory: A Conversation with Rebecca Makkai

Mostly known for her short stories, Rebecca Makkai’s first venture into the world of novels proves to be just as comical and thought-provoking as her popular stories.  The Borrower chronicles the tale of the young librarian Lucy who enters into an unconventional friendship with Ian, a young boy forced to enroll in anti-gay classes by his controlling mother.  Lucy's attempts to help Ian result in an unintentiona

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books, technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authors you would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested in volunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes, Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

Without Soil, I Am Not: A Conversation With Alexandra Fuller

Alexandra Fuller moved to Rhodesia with her family when she was two, where they lived until civil war broke out in 1981. From there they moved to Malawi and later Zambia. Her first book, Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight, detailed her childhood in Africa and was met with considerable acclaim, including being listed as one of the New York Times' Notable Books of 2002. With Scribbling the Cat, she recounted her trip with a former soldier through the landscape of the Rhodesian War. The Legend of Colton H.

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books,technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authorsyou would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested involunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes, Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. HuronSt., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

Getting to What's Working: A Conversation with Gillian Flynn

Gillian Flynn's debut novel, the psychological thriller Sharp Objects, was hailed as "an admirably nasty piece of work, elevated by sharp writing and sharper insights" by no less a critic than Stephen King.

Book Talk

Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books,technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authorsyou would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested involunteering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes,Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. HuronSt., Chicago, IL 60611; khughes@ala.org.

Call to Action

An Interview with Nicholas D. Kristof

New York Times journalist Nicholas D. Kristof has twice won the Pulitzer Prize: the first was shared with his wife Sheryl WuDunn for their coverage of China’s Tiananmen Square democracy movement, and the second was awarded for his 2006 coverage of the genocide in Darfur. For the past twenty years, he has traveled the world, and has recently focused his attention on women’s issues in developing countries. Kristof is an advocate of new media, maintaining a blog  (http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com), a YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/NicholasKristof ), and Facebook and Twitter pages.

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