All About Books
267 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★ - 18 ratingsA weekly book review and discussion program hosted by Pat Leach. Updated on Thursdays.
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Episodes
Introduction to the Mystery Genre pt. 2: Author and Title Guide
July 17, 2024 14:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBLast week on All About Books it was “The History of Mysteries”. This Thursday, our genre guide, Scott Clark from Lincoln City Libraries, suggests titles and authors for every mystery category.
Introduction to the Mystery Genre Pt. 1
July 10, 2024 14:00 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBAn introduction to the Mystery genre with Scott Clark Lincoln City Libraries' resident mystery novel expert. In part 1, we look at origins and the many sub-genres of the mystery story.
"Somehow: Thoughts on Love" by Anne Lamott
July 03, 2024 14:00 - 9 minutes - 8.59 MBFor best-selling author Anne Lamott, “Love is our only hope”. That’s the subject of her 20th book, “Somehow: Thoughts on Love”. Drawing on her life and experience, it’s a tour through the many types of love: unexpected, bruised and sustaining. Hear a review this week on
“In Memoriam” by Alice Winn
June 26, 2024 14:00 - 8 minutes - 8.04 MBIt’s 1914, and World War I is destroying a generation of youth across Europe. For two young men safely at an idyllic boarding school in the English countryside, the war is heroic and far away. “In Memoriam” by Alice Winn is an epic story about the devastation of war and a forbidden romance that blooms in its midst.
“Dancing with the Octopus" by Debora Harding
June 19, 2024 14:00 - 9 minutes - 9.12 MBIn the winter of 1978, 14-year old Debora Harding was abducted from an Omaha church parking lot at knife point. “Dancing with the Octopus: A Memoir of a Crime” is her account of the assault and ransom. It’s this year's "One Book - One Nebraska” selection.
“Creative Genius: The Art of the Nebraska Capitol”
June 12, 2024 14:00 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBIt’s a book born of the first complete cataloging of the Capitol’s Art. “Creative Genius: The Art of the Nebraska Capitol” reveals the themes driving the art and the people who created it. One of the book’s authors, Kevin Moser, joins host Pat Leach on this week’s program.
“Not the End of the World" by Hannah Ritchie
June 05, 2024 14:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MBWhen there doesn’t seem to be a lot of promising news about our environment, data scientist Hannah Ritchie’s new book makes the case we’re positioned to achieve true sustainability. Hear a review of the book, “Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet” by Hannah Ritchie
"The Nebraska Sandhills” from the University of NE Press
May 29, 2024 14:00 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MB"The Nebraska Sandhills” is an updated perspective on this extraordinary place. Writers, editors, scientists, and photographers all came together to assemble this photo-rich book. 3 of the creators talked with "All About Books" host Pat Leach about the unusual way this book was made.
“Blaze Me a Sun” by Christoffer Carlsson
May 22, 2024 14:00 - 7 minutes - 7.06 MBChristoffer Carlsson joins the growing list of wildly successful Swedish Crime novelists. His book about serial murders in a small town, “Blaze Me a Sun” is already an international best seller. Hear what “All About Books” host Pat Leach thought about this young author’s work.
“The Titanic Survivors Book Club” by Timothy Schaffert
May 15, 2024 14:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBFor an apprentice librarian working on the luxury liner Titanic, being late for work turned out to be fortunate indeed. In the novel “The Titanic Survivors Book Club” the lucky librarian opens a bookstore in Paris and is invited into a most unusual book club of fellow Titanic survivors. Learn more from the author, UNL Professor of English and Creative Writing, Timothy Schaffert
“King: a Life” by Jonathan Eig.
May 08, 2024 14:00 - 8 minutes - 8.15 MBA new landmark biography of Martin Luther King Jr. reveals him as a deep thinker, a brilliant strategist, and a committed radical who led one of history’s greatest movements. This week a review of “King: a Life” by Jonathan Eig.
"The Last Devil to Die" by Richard Osman
May 01, 2024 14:00 - 8 minutes - 7.65 MBThe mostly retired members of the “Thursday Murder Club” have a new mystery to solve. This adventure leads them into the antiques trade only to encounter drug dealers and art forgers. “The Last Devil to Die” is the latest in the very popular mystery series from Richard Osman.
Guest reader Amy Mather of Omaha Public Libraries
April 24, 2024 14:00 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBSome readers give another chance to that novel which challenged them in school, for others it’s the comfort of the books they loved as a teenager. This week’s program wraps up our series on re-reading with Amy Mather Partnerships Manager for Omaha Public Libraries.
“Foster” by Claire Keegan
April 17, 2024 14:00 - 8 minutes - 8.04 MBIn the novel “Foster” by Claire Keegan, a small girl is sent to live with foster parents on a farm in rural Ireland, without knowing when she will return home. In the strangers' house, she finds a warmth and affection she has not known before. Then a secret is revealed. Hear a review on this week’s “All About Books”
An interview with Sarah McCammon, her book is "The Exvangelicals
April 10, 2024 14:00 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBPart memoir, part investigative journalism, “The Exvangelicals” is NPR reporter Sarah McCammon’s story of growing up in the evangelical church only to question these beliefs later in life. Host Pat Leach interviewed McCammon about her experience.
Dr. Dolores Simpson-Kirkland shares the books she re-reads.
April 01, 2024 15:27 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MBDr. Dolores Simpson-Kirkland, a retired counselor for Lincoln Public Schools, is the guest on this week’s “All About Books”, she talked to host Pat Leach about what titles she rereads for comfort, inspiration, and meditation.
"Enchantment" by Katherine May & "Awe" by Dacher Keltner
March 27, 2024 14:00 - 9 minutes - 8.67 MBTwo books dealing with similar themes are reviewed this week Host Pat Leach looks at two releases recognizing the importance of wonder and awe in our lives. “Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age” by Katherine May and “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life” by Dacher Keltner
“The War Begins in Paris”. by Ted Wheeler
March 20, 2024 14:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBTwo women come to Paris in 1938 as foreign correspondents- a shy pacifist Mennonite, the other a brash, American journalist who is soon to become a fascist propagandist. This is the scene for Omaha author Ted Wheeler’s new novel “The War Begins in Paris”. Hear an interview with Wheeler
“A Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold.
March 13, 2024 21:07 - 10 minutes - 9.47 MBLike most people, host Pat Leach has a guilty list of important and influential books she’s never gotten around to reading. One of these she recently picked up- the landmark conservation book, “A Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold. First published in 1949, this collection of essays vividly describes the land around the author’s home in Wisconsin.
“How Can I Help You” by Laura Sims
March 13, 2024 15:12 - 8 minutes - 7.49 MBIt’s a psychological cat and mouse thriller set in an unexpected place- a small town public library. “How Can I Help You” by Laura Sims is chilling and darkly humorous. Hear a review from “All About Books” host, and retired librarian, Pat Leach.
“Portrait of a City: Lincoln, Nebraska" by Bruce Pauley
March 06, 2024 15:00 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBRetired history Professor Bruce Pauley has written a readable history of his hometown, “Portrait of a City: Lincoln, Nebraska, at the Turn of the Twentieth Century” The book focuses on the everyday lives of people in Lincoln during an era that saw rapid change in technology and society.
“Chasing Bright Medusas” by Benjamin Taylor
February 28, 2024 15:00 - 8 minutes - 7.47 MBThis new biography is aimed at readers of any level of familiarity with the Nebraska author, “Chasing Bright Medusas: A Life of Willa Cather” by Benjamin Taylor, takes readers on an exploration of Cather’s life, poetry, stories, and letters.
"Tell Me Everything" by Erika Krouse
February 21, 2024 15:00 - 9 minutes - 9.05 MBErika Krouse has one of those faces that invite confessions from complete strangers. This led to her becoming a private investigator assisting law firms with their cases. Her book “Tell Me Everything” combines autobiography with True Crime as she details her investigation of a college student’s sexual assault by football players at major university.
Guest reader Rev. Dr. Jim Keck on re reading religious texts
February 14, 2024 15:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBThe books most people come back to again and again are religious texts. This week “All About Books” welcomes Senior Minister of First Plymouth Congregational Church in Lincoln, Reverend Dr. Jim Keck. He’ll speak to why people re read the Bible in ways similar, and yet different from other books.
“The End of Drum Time” by Hanna Pylväinen
January 31, 2024 15:00 - 8 minutes - 7.35 MBA remote village in the Scandinavian tundra is not a place you’d expect a writer to tell an epic love story. This harsh environment, over 150 years ago, is the setting for the novel, “The End of Drum Time” by Hanna Pylväinen. Learn more about this story of a Lutheran minister trying to convert the native reindeer herders with their culture of age-old traditions.
“Dinners with Ruth" by Nina Totenberg
January 24, 2024 15:00 - 10 minutes - 9.33 MBNPR’s long-time legal correspondent Nina Totenberg has written a memoir of her personal successes, struggles, and close relationships, including her friendship of nearly fifty years with the lawyer who would become Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.“Dinners with Ruth: a Memoir on the Power of Friendships.”
"The Mysteries" by Bill Watterson
January 17, 2024 15:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBCartoonist Bill Watterson has largely been out of the public eye for nearly 30 years, ever since retiring from his hugely popular "Calvin and Hobbes" comic strip. He’s back with a new and completely different project, “The Mysteries.” described as a fable for grownups. UNL Professor Richard Graham, a graphic novel expert, introduces this mysterious and beautiful work,
Part 2 of our conversation with UNL English Prof. Steve Buhler
January 10, 2024 15:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBPart 2 of our conversation with of Aaron Douglas Professor of English at UNL, Stephen Buhler. He talks about why we re-read and teach certain books. He’ll discuss Shakespeare, how time and age change our reading, and his favorite books to read again.
UNL Professor of English Stephen Buhler on why we re-read.
January 03, 2024 16:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBAn English Literature class typically reads classic works as generations of students have before. Why do we re-read these books? We asked this question of Aaron Douglas Professor of English at UNL, Stephen Buhler. He’ll talk about re-reading to teach and how time changes the reader- if not the book.
"All My Knotted Up Life" by Beth Moore
December 29, 2023 15:00 - 9 minutes - 8.99 MBNot long ago, Beth Moore was filling arenas as a popular speaker and Bible teacher, especially to women in the Southern Baptist church. Her memoir, “All My Knotted Up Life”, reveals her abusive childhood and how evangelicals embrace of Trump eventually led to her leaving the church.
Guest reader Eric Buchanan on his favorite books to read again
December 20, 2023 15:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBEric Buchanan is an avid reader who’s enjoyed introducing his reading group and his adult sons to books he’s passionate about. He gained new insight into his favorite books by the different things these readers picked up on.
An introduction to Agatha Christie and her works by Scott Clark
December 13, 2023 15:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBShe was one of the most successful novelists and playwrights of our times who inspired generations of writers. On this week’s “All About Books”, an overdue introduction to Agatha Christie from Scott Clark a Christie enthusiast and expert.
Leslie Huerta returns with book suggestions for holiday gifts.
December 06, 2023 15:30 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBThe annual guide to holiday gift giving for all the readers and pre-readers in your life. Leslie Huerta returns with book suggestions for every interest: fiction, non-fiction, history, cookbooks, sports, and titles for young adults and children.
“Ted Kooser: More Than a Local Wonder" by C. Ketner & P. Wallace
November 29, 2023 15:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MBCarla Ketner’s son came up with the idea when she had difficulty choosing the subject for her first children’s book. Why not tell the life story of fellow Seward resident and friend, Ted Kooser? Hear an interview with author Carla Ketner and Omaha artist Paula Wallace as they collaborated in the creation of “Ted Kooser: More Than a Local Wonder"
Guest reader Mary Kay Roth on sharing books with adult children.
November 15, 2023 15:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MBReading to small children is a cherished part of family life, but introducing books to older children can also be a rewarding activity. Guest reader Mary Kay Roth joined host Pat Leach this week to talk about re-reading and discussing favorite books with adult children.
An interview with John J Waters about his novel "River CIty One"
November 08, 2023 15:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MBOmaha writer John J. Waters is a former U.S. Marine and Afghanistan and Iraq veteran. His novel, “River City One” follows a former soldier adrift who finds the hardest part of going to war might be coming home. Hear his conversation with host Pat Leach about the novel’s creation.
Nebraska State Peot Matt Mason on re-reading his favorite books.
November 01, 2023 14:00 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBHe travels to schools and libraries across the state presenting poetry, he teaches, writes and finds time to read too. Busy as he is, Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason keeps returning to certain books- find out what they are and how raising kids offeres another opportunity to re-read great books.
“It Goes So Fast: the Year of No Do Overs.” by Mary Louise Kelly
October 25, 2023 14:00 - 10 minutes - 9.83 MBAs co-host of NPR’s “All Things Considered”, Mary Louise Kelly finds herself in the common conflict between a demanding career and being present for her 2 teen-age children. Their time together before they leave home is running out. The story of this struggle is found in her book, “It Goes So Fast: the Year of No Do Overs.”
Author Tosca Lee on her favorite books she returns to.
October 18, 2023 14:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBNew York Times best-selling author Tosca Lee is a Nebraska writer and avid reader. She joins host Pat Leach this week to share the books she keeps returning to and her reasons for doing so.
An interview with Bison rancher and writer Dan O'Brien
October 11, 2023 14:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBSouth Dakota rancher Dan O’Brien knows a lot about bison. He’s operated a bison ranch for decades and was asked by the University Nebraska Press to write a book on the topic. Host Pat Leach talked to O’Brien about his book, "Great Plains Bison" and his appearance in the upcoming Ken Burn’s documentary, “The American Buffalo..”
“In Old God’s Time” by Sebastian Barry.
October 04, 2023 14:30 - 8 minutes - 7.35 MB“In Old God’s Time” by Sebastian Barry is a novel of love, trauma, memory and loss set along the Irish Sea. Hear a review of this novel which was short-listed for the Booker Prize.
Guest reader JoAnne Young talks about why she re-reads
September 27, 2023 14:13 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBAre there books you return to again and again? “All About Books” is asking readers which ones they revisit, and why. Writer, reader… and re-reader, Joanne Young joins host Pat Leach to talk about the books she keeps reaching for and what she’s learned from reading a good book again.
“His Name is George Floyd" by Robert Samuels & Toluse Olorunnipa
September 20, 2023 14:00 - 8 minutes - 8.03 MBWinner of the Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction, “His Name is George Floyd: One Man’s Life and Struggle for Social Justice” reveals the systemic racism that shaped Floyd’s life, his family history, and his tragic end.
“The Best Strangers in the World” by Ari Shapiro
September 13, 2023 14:00 - 9 minutes - 8.25 MBHe’s interviewed Presidents from Air Force One and followed Syrian refugees fleeing war, “All Things Considered” host Ari Shapiro shares the stories behind the reporting in his first book. “The Best Strangers in the World” Stories from a Life Spent Listening” Hear a review on this week’s “All About Books”
"The Mystery of Hunting's End" by Mignon Eberhart
September 06, 2023 14:00 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBThe One Book, One Nebraska selection has been named- “The Mystery of Hunting’s End” by Lincoln native Mignon Eberhart. “All About Books” welcomes Nebraska Wesleyan Professor Rick Cypert to introduce both the novel and life of this very popular early 20th century Nebraska author.
“The Crane Wife: a Memoir in Essays” by C.J. Hauser
August 30, 2023 14:00 - 8 minutes - 7.76 MB“The Crane Wife: a Memoir in Essays” by C.J. Hauser, are frank and funny reflections on love and intimacy. Incorporating friends, lovers, family and chosen family, it’s a new more expansive definition of love.
“Nebraska Volleyball: The Origin Story” by John Mabry
August 23, 2023 14:00 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBThe beginning was bleak. There was no dedicated practice space and they had to raise money themselves for uniforms. Nebraska Women’s Volleyball has come a very long way. Hear an interview with journalist and author John Mabry about what happened behind the scenes in this rags to riches sports story. His new book is, “Nebraska Volleyball: The Origin Story”
“Bitch: On the Female of the Species” by Lucy Cooke
August 16, 2023 14:00 - 8 minutes - 7.64 MBSince Darwin, evolutionary biologists have described the males of the animal kingdom as dominating and promiscuous, while females are dull, passive, and devoted. A new book takes a fresh look at animal behavior with less bias. Hear a review of “Bitch: On the Female of the Species” by Lucy Cooke
“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus.
August 09, 2023 14:00 - 8 minutes - 8.06 MBLeading a team of chemists as woman in the corporate world of the 60’s was unusual. Elizabeth Zott is the unusual main character in the novel “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus. In store for Zott are single motherhood and hosting the countries best-loved cooking show. It's a witty take on mid century feminism.
“Birding While Indian: a Mixed Blood Memoir” by Thomas Gannon
August 02, 2023 14:00 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBBird watching is the starting point for UNL Professor Thomas Gannon to visit other important topics. Enduring childhood poverty and prejudice, Indian Boarding School in South Dakota, and transcendent moments encountering birds of the Great Plains. Hear an interview with Gannon about his new book, “Birding While Indian: a Mixed Blood Memoir”.