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
"A Knock at Midnight” by Brittany Barnett
August 11, 2021 14:00 - 8 minutes - 7.39 MBIn her day job she moved billion-dollar deals. At night, she worked pro bono in near hopeless legal battles. As a successful young black-professional, Brittany Barnett used her talents and time to help those caught in the racial injustice of the courts. Her life story is told in "A Knock at Midnight: A Story of Hope, Justice, and Freedom.”
Introduction to Nebraska author, Mari Sandoz
August 04, 2021 14:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBStudents growing up in Nebraska, may have read Mari Sandoz, but not everyone knows her books. This week on All About Books, special guest Lynn Roper from the Mari Sandoz Historical Society will introduce the life and works of the Nebraska author.
"Oak Flat" by Lauren Redniss.
July 28, 2021 14:00 - 7 minutes - 6.63 MBA high elevation mesa in Arizona is a battleground between Apache people, the United States government and 2 of the world’s largest mining firms.The story is told in “Oak Flat: A Fight for Sacred Land in the American West” by Lauren Redniss.
"Hamnet: the Story of a Plague" by Maggie O'Farrell
July 21, 2021 14:00 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBOn this week's program part 2 of UNL English Professor Stephen Buhler's summer reading list which features, "Hamnet: the Story of a Plague" by Maggie O'Farrell. A novel imagining William Shakespeare’s marriage, family and the death of one of his sons.
UNL English Professor Stephen Buhler's summer reading list.
July 14, 2021 14:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBWhat does an English professor read during summer vacation? As you’d expect, a variety of very good books. UNL’s Stephen Buhler is the guest on this week’s program sharing his summer reading list which includes travel, poetry, song, and of course something on Shakespeare.
“Leave the World Behind” by Rumaan Alam
July 07, 2021 14:00 - 7 minutes - 6.55 MBA family renting a home in remote Long Island are startled by the return of the owners fleeing a black out in New York City. The novel “Leave the World Behind” by Rumaan Alam keeps readers off balance while dealing with family, race and home.
“Code Girls” by Liza Mundy.
June 29, 2021 14:28 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MBThey were recruited, trained and they worked completely in secret. More than 10 thousand young women worked for the US Army and Navy breaking enemy codes during World War 2. On this week’s “All About Books’ guest reviewer Lynn Roper shares a book that reveals the untold history of young women who quietly helped win the war, “Code Girls” by Liza Mundy.
"Wilmington's Lie" by David Zucchino
June 23, 2021 14:00 - 7 minutes - 6.82 MBBy the 1890s, Wilmington North Carolina was that states largest city and a shining example of a mixed-race community. But white supremacist Democrats plotted to take back the state legislature “by the ballot or bullet or both.” This week on Nebraska Public Media’s “All About Books” a review of the Pulizer Prize winning book "Wilmington's Lie: The Murderous Coup of 1898 and the Rise of White Supremacy” by David Zucchino
“Deacon King Kong” by James McBride.
June 16, 2021 14:00 - 7 minutes - 7.14 MBAn irritable, old church deacon shoots a drug dealer in broad daylight. This begins the action of the novel, “Deacon King Kong” by James McBride. The story reveals the reasons behind the shooting and the consequences to the 1960's New York neighborhood.
"Breasts and Eggs" by Mieko Kawakami.
June 09, 2021 14:00 - 8 minutes - 7.4 MBThree Japanese women living in a tiny Tokyo apartments struggle to find peace in their lives as they deal with issues of partners, children and appearance. Hear a review of the novel “Breasts and Eggs” by best-selling Japanese author Mieko Kawakami.
"Transcendent Kingdom" by Yaa Gyasi.
June 02, 2021 14:00 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBThe city-wide reading project, "One Book- One Lincoln" has announced the 3 finalists. On this week's "All About Books" David Smith from the selection committee will introduce one of the 3, "Transcendent Kingdom" by Yaa Gyasi.
“Children of the Land”, Marcelo Hernandez Castillo
May 26, 2021 14:00 - 8 minutes - 7.4 MBHe and his family lived by hiding in plain sight, hoping never to be truly seen. In his memoir, “Children of the Land”, Marcelo Hernandez Castillo tells of their survival in a system that treated them like criminals for seeking safe, normal lives.
“Rural Rebellion" by Ross Benes
May 19, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBBrainard, Nebraska native Ross Benes found himself trying to explain to his New York City friends what the people of rural American were really like. His thoughts and experiences bridging rural and urban America led to his new book, “Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold.” On this week’s “All About Books” he talks about growing up in Nebraska as it politically moved to the right and why that happened.
“Interior Chinatown” by Charles Yu
May 12, 2021 15:00 - 8 minutes - 7.5 MBAn Asian actor stuck generic roles longs to move his career forward. With this character, novelist Charles Yu skewers cultural stereotypes with humor and insight in his novel, “Interior Chinatown”
All About Books: “Pickard County Atlas” by Chris Harding Thorton
May 05, 2021 20:00A boy from the Nebraska Sandhills was murdered decades ago but his body was never found. In the suspense novel, “Pickard County Atlas.” UNL Lecturer Chris Harding Thorton has written a book combining menace and dark humor. On this week’s "All About Books” the author shares her Nebraska background a...
“Pickard County Atlas” by Chris Harding Thorton
May 05, 2021 15:00 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBA boy from the Nebraska Sandhills was murdered decades ago but his body was never found. In the suspense novel, “Pickard County Atlas.” UNL Lecturer Chris Harding Thorton has written a book combining menace and dark humor. On this week’s "All About Books” the author shares her Nebraska background and influences that helped shape the novel
All About Books: “Hidden Prairie" by Chris Helzer
April 28, 2021 20:00If forests, mountains and oceans are extroverted environments that demand our attention- the prairie has a more quiet voice. Photographer, author and the Nature Conservancy’s Director of Science in Nebraska, Chris Helzer, has written, “Hidden Prairie: Photographing Life in One Square Meter.” It expl...
“Hidden Prairie" by Chris Helzer
April 28, 2021 15:00 - 14 minutes - 12.8 MBIf forests, mountains and oceans are extroverted environments that demand our attention- the prairie has a more quiet voice. Photographer, author and the Nature Conservancy’s Director of Science in Nebraska, Chris Helzer, has written, “Hidden Prairie: Photographing Life in One Square Meter.” It explores the diversity and activity of plants and animals on just a small patch of the prairie.
All About Books: “Hidden Valley Road” by Robert Kolker.
April 21, 2021 20:00To their neighbors in Colorado Springs, the Galvins seemed to be a large, happy, baby boom family. Over the years 6 of the 12 children would be diagnosed with schizophrenia. How this could have happened this happened is the subject of the new book “Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American...
“Hidden Valley Road” by Robert Kolker.
April 21, 2021 15:00 - 9 minutes - 8.64 MBTo their neighbors in Colorado Springs, the Galvins seemed to be a large, happy, baby boom family. Over the years 6 of the 12 children would be diagnosed with schizophrenia. How this could have happened this happened is the subject of the new book “Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family” by Robert Kolker.
All About Books: "The Least Interesting Place." by Matt Steinhousen
April 14, 2021 20:00It may be the first of its kind: a coffee-table book of Nebraska photographs designed, written, published and even printed entirely in Nebraska. Amateur photographer and self-published author, Matt Steinhousen joins host Pat Leach to talk about his book, "The Least Interesting Place."
"The Least Interesting Place." by Matt Steinhousen
April 14, 2021 15:00 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBIt may be the first of its kind: a coffee-table book of Nebraska photographs designed, written, published and even printed entirely in Nebraska. Amateur photographer and self-published author, Matt Steinhousen joins host Pat Leach to talk about his book, "The Least Interesting Place."
All About Books: “Run Me to Earth” by Paul Yoon
April 07, 2021 20:00Beginning in 1960’s Laos, “Run Me to Earth” by Paul Yoon is a novel spanning decades. It tells the story of 3 orphans who risk their lives collecting medical supplies across a nightmare landscape of unexploded bombs.
“Run Me to Earth” by Paul Yoon
April 07, 2021 15:00 - 7 minutes - 7.18 MBBeginning in 1960’s Laos, “Run Me to Earth” by Paul Yoon is a novel spanning decades. It tells the story of 3 orphans who risk their lives collecting medical supplies across a nightmare landscape of unexploded bombs.
All About Books: "More in Time" a tribute to NE poet Ted Kooser
March 24, 2021 20:00He’s been awarded a Pulitzer Prize, named U.S. Poet Laureate twice, and now Nebraska poet Ted Kooser has a tribute from his colleagues and students in a new book. “More in Time” from the University of Nebraska Press is a celebration of Ted Kooser as teacher, mentor and friend. All About Books host P...
All About Books: "More in Time" a tribute to NE poet Tetd Kooser
March 24, 2021 20:00He’s been awarded a Pulitzer Prize, named U.S. Poet Laureate twice, and now Nebraska poet Ted Kooser has a tribute from his colleagues and students in a new book. “More in Time” from the University of Nebraska Press is a celebration of Ted Kooser as teacher, mentor and friend. All About Books host P...
"More in Time" a tribute to NE poet Ted Kooser
March 24, 2021 15:00 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBHe’s been awarded a Pulitzer Prize, named U.S. Poet Laureate twice, and now Nebraska poet Ted Kooser has a tribute from his colleagues and students in a new book. “More in Time” from the University of Nebraska Press is a celebration of Ted Kooser as teacher, mentor and friend. All About Books host Pat Leach is joined by one of the book’s editors, Timothy Schaffert.
All About Books: “Becoming Wild” by Carl Safina
March 17, 2021 20:00Humans have traditions and cultures, but is it possible that animals do too? A new book explores the animal world from a fresh perspective. On this week’s “All About Books” a review of “Becoming Wild” by Carl Safina. A revelatory look at how animals function beyond our typical assumptions.
“Becoming Wild” by Carl Safina
March 17, 2021 15:00 - 8 minutes - 7.56 MBHumans have traditions and cultures, but is it possible that animals do too? A new book explores the animal world from a fresh perspective. On this week’s “All About Books” a review of “Becoming Wild” by Carl Safina. A revelatory look at how animals function beyond our typical assumptions.
All About Books: “The Lives of Edie Pritchard” by Larry Watson
March 10, 2021 16:00This novel presents a Montana woman who seems to have much going for her. But throughout her life she struggles to define herself while others seek to possess her in relationships that often contain violence. “The Lives of Edie Pritchard” by Larry Watson
“The Lives of Edie Pritchard” by Larry Watson
March 10, 2021 16:00 - 6 minutes - 5.7 MBThis novel presents a Montana woman who seems to have much going for her. But throughout her life she struggles to define herself while others seek to possess her in relationships that often contain violence. “The Lives of Edie Pritchard” by Larry Watson
The secret life of birds. "The Bird Way" by Jennifer Ackerman.
March 03, 2021 16:00 - 8 minutes - 7.49 MBScientist are coming to understand that birds have intelligence for activities we previously considered uniquely human. Behaviors like deception, manipulation, as well as collaboration and play. This week’s All About Books presents, "The Bird Way: A New Look at How Birds Talk, Work, Play, Parent, and Think” by Jennifer Ackerman.
All About Books: The secret life of birds. "The Bird Way" by Jennifer Ackerman.
March 03, 2021 16:00Scientist are coming to understand that birds have intelligence for activities we previously considered uniquely human. Behaviors like deception, manipulation, as well as collaboration and play. This week’s All About Books presents, "The Bird Way: A New Look at How Birds Talk, Work, Play, Parent, an...
All About Books: Author Steven Wingate and his new novel "The Leave-Takers"
February 24, 2021 16:00The University of Nebraska Press has just published South Dakota writer, Steven Wingate’s new novel, “The Leave-Takers.” On this week’s “All About Books”, host Pat Leach talks with Wingate about the book and his patient style of writing.
Author Steven Wingate and his new novel "The Leave-Takers"
February 24, 2021 16:00 - 14 minutes - 12.8 MBThe University of Nebraska Press has just published South Dakota writer, Steven Wingate’s new novel, “The Leave-Takers.” On this week’s “All About Books”, host Pat Leach talks with Wingate about the book and his patient style of writing.
“Afterlife” by Julia Alvarez
February 17, 2021 16:00 - 8 minutes - 7.39 MBAnotonia Vega is a professor of English and an immigrant, she confronts the loss of her husband in the novel, “Afterlife” by Julia Alvarez. The story follows Vega as she continues to seek inspiration from literature to guide her though new challenges.
All About Books: “Afterlife” by Julia Alvarez
February 17, 2021 16:00Anotonia Vega is a professor of English and an immigrant, she confronts the loss of her husband in the novel, “Afterlife” by Julia Alvarez. The story follows Vega as she continues to seek inspiration from literature to guide her though new challenges.
All About Books: "Redhead by the Side of the Road: a Novel" by Anne Tyler.
February 10, 2021 16:00A technology expert who enjoys a dependably quiet routine is upended by a suddenly homeless girlfriend and a teenage boy claiming to be his son. It's all in, "Redhead by the Side of the Road: a Novel" by Anne Tyler.
"Redhead by the Side of the Road: a Novel" by Anne Tyler.
February 10, 2021 16:00 - 7 minutes - 6.55 MBA technology expert who enjoys a dependably quiet routine is upended by a suddenly homeless girlfriend and a teenage boy claiming to be his son. It's all in, "Redhead by the Side of the Road: a Novel" by Anne Tyler.
All About Books: . “The Confessions of Frannie Langton” by Sara Collins
February 03, 2021 16:00A mixed-race woman born into slavery on a Jamaican plantation ends up in London at the center of a murder case. “The Confessions of Frannie Langton” by Sara Collins is a mystery written with careful attention to the history of the novel's setting..
. “The Confessions of Frannie Langton” by Sara Collins
February 03, 2021 16:00 - 6 minutes - 6.07 MBA mixed-race woman born into slavery on a Jamaican plantation ends up in London at the center of a murder case. “The Confessions of Frannie Langton” by Sara Collins is a mystery written with careful attention to the history of the novel's setting..
“Minor Feelings” by Cathy Park Hong
January 27, 2021 16:00 - 8 minutes - 7.97 MB“Minor Feelings” is a collection of essays described as honest, funny, and provocative. A look at poet and essayist Cathy Park Hong's cultural observations involving everything from racial identity to art and family.
All About Books: “Minor Feelings” by Cathy Park Hong
January 27, 2021 16:00“Minor Feelings” is a collection of essays described as honest, funny, and provocative. A look at poet and essayist Cathy Park Hong's cultural observations involving everything from racial identity to art and family.
“Here We Are” by Graham Swift
January 20, 2021 16:00 - 8 minutes - 7.33 MBIn the summer of 1959, three young performers come together for a variety show in sea side town of Brighton England. “All About Books” reviews the short novel “Here We Are” by Graham Swift, which delves into the love, family and memory of all the characters.
All About Books: “Here We Are” by Graham Swift
January 20, 2021 16:00In the summer of 1959, three young performers come together for a variety show in sea side town of Brighton England. “All About Books” reviews the short novel “Here We Are” by Graham Swift, which delves into the love, family and memory of all the characters.
All About Books: “Paper Bullets” by Jeffrey Jackson
January 13, 2021 16:00Two women of the Paris Avant Garde art world were living on the British Channel Island of Jersey when the Nazis invaded. A new book tells how these artists resisted the occupation and imprisonment in their own unique way. “Paper Bullets” by Jeffrey Jackson
“Paper Bullets” by Jeffrey Jackson
January 13, 2021 16:00 - 9 minutes - 8.33 MBTwo women of the Paris Avant Garde art world were living on the British Channel Island of Jersey when the Nazis invaded. A new book tells how these artists resisted the occupation and imprisonment in their own unique way. “Paper Bullets” by Jeffrey Jackson
All About Books: “The Less You Know About Us” by Axton Betz-Hamilton
January 06, 2021 16:00In the early 1990’s, an average Indiana family had their identities stolen, crippling the couple and their young daughter’s life. That young girl became a professor and expert on identity theft, eventually discovering the culprit. "All About Books" reviews this true-crime story, “The Less You Know A...
“The Less You Know About Us” by Axton Betz-Hamilton
January 06, 2021 16:00 - 8 minutes - 7.83 MBIn the early 1990’s, an average Indiana family had their identities stolen, crippling the couple and their young daughter’s life. That young girl became a professor and expert on identity theft, eventually discovering the culprit. "All About Books" reviews this true-crime story, “The Less You Know About Us” by Axton Betz-Hamilton.
All About Books: "The Night Watchman" by Louise Erdrich
December 30, 2020 16:00Based on the life of best-selling author Louise Erdrich’s grandfather, her new novel is “The Nightwatchman.” It tells how a Chippewa man and his family fought the government’s attempt to dissolve their rights and lands in 1950’s rural North Dakota.