Bookreporter Talks To
281 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 31 ratings“Bookreporter Talks To” is a podcast from The Book Report Network where we host in-depth conversations with authors about the books that we love. We know authors cannot travel everywhere, so we want to bring them to you, wherever YOU may be.
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Episodes
Scott Turow
May 14, 2020 21:10 - 1 hour - 71.5 MBScott Turow joined Carol Fitzgerald to discuss his latest novel, The Last Trial. Scott shares his thoughts on giving Sandy Stern a starring role in this book for one final trial; Sandy has had a role in every one of his Kindle County books. For this book Scott did extensive research into pharmaceutical drug testing and shares how he incorporated that into his novel. They also talk about the intricacies of interpreting the law, and how the internet has changed how you can research a case. He ...
Jennifer Weiner
May 11, 2020 20:09 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBJennifer Weiner chats with Carol Fitzgerald from her “closet studio” to discuss her new book, Big Summer, which is a great beach read. They talk about how the book looks at the theme of female friendships and their often fraught natures, as well as the role that social media plays in our lives today. Jen also shares more about layering in a mystery, and inspiration for that. Social influencers, as well as body image and women embracing who they are, also roll into their fast-paced conversati...
Jennifer Weiner: Big Summer
May 11, 2020 20:09 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBJennifer Weiner chats with Carol Fitzgerald from her “closet studio” to discuss her new book, Big Summer, which is a great beach read. They talk about how the book looks at the theme of female friendships and their often fraught natures, as well as the role that social media plays in our lives today. Jen also shares more about layering in a mystery, and inspiration for that. Social influencers, as well as body image and women embracing who they are, also roll into their fast-paced conversati...
Emma Straub: All Adults Here
May 08, 2020 18:31 - 46 minutes - 43.1 MBEmma Straub talks to Carol about her latest novel, All Adults Here. She shares how she worked on balancing this novel to be simultaneously heartfelt, witty, and relatable. In it, the matriarch of the family has a life-changing aha moment. Suddenly she sees what she perceives as her past parenting mistakes reeling before her. This as she watches her adult children go through the same moments of parenting with her grandchildren – and the youngest members of the family may be the ones to put ev...
Emma Straub
May 08, 2020 18:31 - 46 minutes - 43.1 MBEmma Straub talks to Carol about her latest novel, All Adults Here. She shares how she worked on balancing this novel to be simultaneously heartfelt, witty, and relatable. In it, the matriarch of the family has a life-changing aha moment. Suddenly she sees what she perceives as her past parenting mistakes reeling before her. This as she watches her adult children go through the same moments of parenting with her grandchildren – and the youngest members of the family may be the ones to put ev...
Mary Kay Andrews: Hello, Summer
May 05, 2020 16:34 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBMary Kay Andrews (also known around the Bookreporter office as MKA) and Carol talk about her new beach read, Hello, Summer, which is set in a Florida beach town. The protagonist is a journalist working at her family’s small-town newspaper. Before writing fiction Mary Kay wrote for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, so her thoughts on newspapers and newspaper writing are grounded in her own experiences, and in this interview she reflects on what’s happening to journalism today, especially in ...
Mary Kay Andrews
May 05, 2020 16:34 - 1 hour - 59.1 MBMary Kay Andrews (also known around the Bookreporter office as MKA) and Carol talk about her new beach read, Hello, Summer, which is set in a Florida beach town. The protagonist is a journalist working at her family’s small-town newspaper. Before writing fiction Mary Kay wrote for the Atlanta Journal Constitution, so her thoughts on newspapers and newspaper writing are grounded in her own experiences, and in this interview she reflects on what’s happening to journalism today, especially in ...
Francesca Serritella
May 01, 2020 19:36 - 1 hour - 61.9 MBFrancesca Serritella and Carol talk about her debut novel, Ghosts of Harvard, in which a Harvard freshman seeks to unravel the mystery of her brother's suicide on that campus the previous year. Francesca talks about her own years at Harvard, her research into mental illness and its effect on families, and the ways in which she used mystery and positive emotional moments to engage readers. They also delve into Francesca’s career as a columnist as she also co-authored a bestselling nine-book s...
Francesca Serritella: Ghosts of Harvard
May 01, 2020 19:36 - 1 hour - 61.9 MBFrancesca Serritella and Carol talk about her debut novel, Ghosts of Harvard, in which a Harvard freshman seeks to unravel the mystery of her brother's suicide on that campus the previous year. Francesca talks about her own years at Harvard, her research into mental illness and its effect on families, and the ways in which she used mystery and positive emotional moments to engage readers. They also delve into Francesca’s career as a columnist as she also co-authored a bestselling nine-book s...
Viola Shipman (Wade Rouse)
April 28, 2020 20:24 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBWade Rouse, the award-winning memoirist who writes under the pen name, Viola Shipman, discussed his new novel, The Heirloom Garden. The book follows two women, separated by a generation but equally scarred by war, who find hope, meaning and friendship through a garden of flowers. Wade discusses his grandmothers who influenced his writing of five novels, the personal grieving he's gone through and how those experiences have influenced him as a gardener and as a writer. Also discussed are his ...
Viola Shipman (Wade Rouse): The Heirloom Garden
April 28, 2020 20:24 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBWade Rouse, the award-winning memoirist who writes under the pen name, Viola Shipman, discussed his new novel, The Heirloom Garden. The book follows two women, separated by a generation but equally scarred by war, who find hope, meaning and friendship through a garden of flowers. Wade discusses his grandmothers who influenced his writing of five novels, the personal grieving he's gone through and how those experiences have influenced him as a gardener and as a writer. Also discussed are his ...
Don Winslow: Broken
April 15, 2020 18:03 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBIn our latest "Bookreporter Talks To" interview, Carol Fitzgerald interviews Don Winslow, about Broken, his new collection of intense, crime fiction novellas. Each of the six pieces in Broken delivers the kind of sharp propulsive writing that readers have come to expect from Winslow. One is sharper than the next, and a few include odes to characters that longtime readers will love to see back on the pages. The two discuss each of the novellas, his writing process, his characters (including t...
Don Winslow
April 15, 2020 18:03 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBIn our latest "Bookreporter Talks To" interview, Carol Fitzgerald interviews Don Winslow, about Broken, his new collection of intense, crime fiction novellas. Each of the six pieces in Broken delivers the kind of sharp propulsive writing that readers have come to expect from Winslow. One is sharper than the next, and a few include odes to characters that longtime readers will love to see back on the pages. The two discuss each of the novellas, his writing process, his characters (including t...
Robert Kolker
April 10, 2020 19:17 - 58 minutes - 54 MBRobert Kolker, the New York Times bestselling author of Lost Girls, talks to Carol about his new book Hidden Valley Road, which follows the true story of a large family upended by acute schizophrenia in the 1960's and 1970's. At that time, the family hid any suspicion of their abnormal lives, but under the curtain was a history of psychological breakdowns, sudden violence, and abuse. In their conversation, Robert highlights the reception his book received from the Galvin siblings as well as ...
Robert Kolker: Hidden Valley Road
April 10, 2020 19:17 - 58 minutes - 54 MBRobert Kolker, the New York Times bestselling author of Lost Girls, talks to Carol about his new book Hidden Valley Road, which follows the true story of a large family upended by acute schizophrenia in the 1960's and 1970's. At that time, the family hid any suspicion of their abnormal lives, but under the curtain was a history of psychological breakdowns, sudden violence, and abuse. In their conversation, Robert highlights the reception his book received from the Galvin siblings as well as ...
Lisa Wingate
April 09, 2020 20:11 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBLisa Wingate is a journalist, and inspirational speaker, and a #1 New York Times bestseller who wrote over thirty novels. The Book of Lost Friends takes place in 1875 and 1987 in Louisiana. Over a hundred years ago, three women travel to find a freed slave's family with the help of the "Lost Friends" advertisements. In 1987, a teacher realizes how this historical event can influence her students' lives. Carol talks to Lisa about the differences in time, communal efforts, and the way in which...
Lisa Wingate: The Book of Lost Friends
April 09, 2020 20:11 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBLisa Wingate is a journalist, and inspirational speaker, and a #1 New York Times bestseller who wrote over thirty novels. The Book of Lost Friends takes place in 1875 and 1987 in Louisiana. Over a hundred years ago, three women travel to find a freed slave's family with the help of the "Lost Friends" advertisements. In 1987, a teacher realizes how this historical event can influence her students' lives. Carol talks to Lisa about the differences in time, communal efforts, and the way in which...
Lisa See
April 01, 2020 20:26 - 1 hour - 56.7 MBLisa See is a number one New York Times bestselling novelist who was named National Woman of the Year by the Organization of Chinese American Women. The Island of Sea Women tells the story of two best friends who gain the dangerous responsibility of working as free divers, women who swim deep beneath the ocean's surface to catch fish. Carol talks to Lisa about the role of matrifocal societies, cultures that disappear over time, and the importance of history being given a personal perspective...
Lisa See: The Island of Sea Women
April 01, 2020 20:26 - 1 hour - 56.7 MBLisa See is a number one New York Times bestselling novelist who was named National Woman of the Year by the Organization of Chinese American Women. The Island of Sea Women tells the story of two best friends who gain the dangerous responsibility of working as free divers, women who swim deep beneath the ocean's surface to catch fish. Carol talks to Lisa about the role of matrifocal societies, cultures that disappear over time, and the importance of history being given a personal perspective...
Diane Chamberlain
March 31, 2020 21:19 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MBDiane Chamberlain is the bestselling author of over 20 novels. Her latest, Big Lies in a Small Town, is about a young artist imprisoned for a crime she did not commit. She'll be released if she can restore an old mural. In restoring this art piece, she uncovers a hidden conspiracy that could lead to violence or destroy the reputation of the town. Carol and Diane talk about Diane's research into the art world, her experience with southern communities, and her ability to add suspense in all as...
Diane Chamberlain: Big Lies in a Small Town
March 31, 2020 21:19 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MBDiane Chamberlain is the bestselling author of over 20 novels. Her latest, Big Lies in a Small Town, is about a young artist imprisoned for a crime she did not commit. She'll be released if she can restore an old mural. In restoring this art piece, she uncovers a hidden conspiracy that could lead to violence or destroy the reputation of the town. Carol and Diane talk about Diane's research into the art world, her experience with southern communities, and her ability to add suspense in all as...
Kate Elizabeth Russell
March 26, 2020 21:26 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBKate Elizabeth Russell, who holds a PhD in creative writing, talks about her first book, My Dark Vanessa, which is already a New York Times bestseller. Carol talks to Kate about why she wrote her book over many years, the way Kate found Vanessa's voice, and the complicated realities that confuse love with abuse. Books discussed in this episode: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell Sign up for the weekly Bookreporter.com newsletter here: FOLLOW US Facebook: https://www.facebook....
Kate Elizabeth Russell: My Dark Vanessa
March 26, 2020 21:26 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBKate Elizabeth Russell, who holds a PhD in creative writing, talks about her first book, My Dark Vanessa, which is already a New York Times bestseller. Carol talks to Kate about why she wrote her book over many years, the way Kate found Vanessa's voice, and the complicated realities that confuse love with abuse. Books discussed in this episode: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell Sign up for the weekly Bookreporter.com newsletter here: FOLLOW US Facebook: https://www.facebook....
Therese Anne Fowler
March 24, 2020 20:33 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBTherese Anne Fowler is the New York Times Bestselling author of Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald and A Well-Behaved Woman. In her newest novel, A Good Neighborhood, Therese tells the story of two neighboring families struggling against each other as their community is ripped apart. Carol talks to Therese about writing during the pandemic, how communities have changed with our times, and the ways Therese's characters react to each others' identities. Books discussed in this episode: A Good ...
Therese Anne Fowler: A Good Neighborhood
March 24, 2020 20:33 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBTherese Anne Fowler is the New York Times Bestselling author of Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald and A Well-Behaved Woman. In her newest novel, A Good Neighborhood, Therese tells the story of two neighboring families struggling against each other as their community is ripped apart. Carol talks to Therese about writing during the pandemic, how communities have changed with our times, and the ways Therese's characters react to each others' identities. Books discussed in this episode: A Good ...
Harlan Coben
March 19, 2020 21:58 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBHarlan Coben is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over 30 suspense novels and a writer for various television series, including Netflix's newly released series, The Stranger. The Boy from the Woods tells the story of a young man who was found living in the wild. When he grows up, he must help solve another child disappearance. He may be the only one who can truly uncover the secrets involved with this new disappearance, but he's trapped between wildness he left behind and his fitti...
Harlan Coben: The Boy from the Woods
March 19, 2020 21:58 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBHarlan Coben is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over 30 suspense novels and a writer for various television series, including Netflix's newly released series, The Stranger. The Boy from the Woods tells the story of a young man who was found living in the wild. When he grows up, he must help solve another child disappearance. He may be the only one who can truly uncover the secrets involved with this new disappearance, but he's trapped between wildness he left behind and his fitti...
Rebecca Serle
March 18, 2020 19:35 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBRebecca Serle is an author of both adult and YA fiction and a writer for the television adaptation of her YA series, Famous in Love. In Five Years tells the story of a young woman who sees her future in five years to find it's not how she planned it. When she wakes up in the present day, she has to decide how she wants the rest of her life to play out. Carol talks to Rebecca about people in their twenties, plans upended, and embracing the unexpected changes in life. Books discussed in this...
Rebecca Serle: In Five Years
March 18, 2020 19:35 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBRebecca Serle is an author of both adult and YA fiction and a writer for the television adaptation of her YA series, Famous in Love. In Five Years tells the story of a young woman who sees her future in five years to find it's not how she planned it. When she wakes up in the present day, she has to decide how she wants the rest of her life to play out. Carol talks to Rebecca about people in their twenties, plans upended, and embracing the unexpected changes in life. Books discussed in this...
Marie Benedict: Lady Clementine
March 11, 2020 19:14 - 1 hour - 58 MBMarie Benedict is an author who has written multiple historical fiction novels, each with a focus on a particular woman in history. In her latest, Lady Clementine, we get a close-up on Clementine Churchill and her effect on Winston Churchill's work as well as WWII, including how her actions had a direct impact on the war. Carol talks to Marie about the women throughout history who stand beside the men -- not behind them. Books discussed in this episode: Lady Clementine by Marie Bened...
Marie Benedict
March 11, 2020 19:14 - 1 hour - 58 MBMarie Benedict is an author who has written multiple historical fiction novels, each with a focus on a particular woman in history. In her latest, Lady Clementine, we get a close-up on Clementine Churchill and her effect on Winston Churchill's work as well as WWII, including how her actions had a direct impact on the war. Carol talks to Marie about the women throughout history who stand beside the men -- not behind them. Books discussed in this episode: Lady Clementine by Marie Bened...
Amanda Eyre Ward: The Jetsetters
March 04, 2020 18:40 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MBThe Jetsetters was just announced as Reese's Book Club Pick for March. Amanda Eyre Ward, the critically acclaimed author of seven novels, came to discuss her new headlining book, The Jetsetters, with Carol. When an aging mother wins a cruise ship contest, she invites her children to join her on the vacation of their lives. Those 10 days are filled with conflicting family personalities and life-changing reveals. Together, Carol and Amanda talk about siblings, success, and the baggage families...
Amanda Eyre Ward
March 04, 2020 18:40 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MBThe Jetsetters was just announced as Reese's Book Club Pick for March. Amanda Eyre Ward, the critically acclaimed author of seven novels, came to discuss her new headlining book, The Jetsetters, with Carol. When an aging mother wins a cruise ship contest, she invites her children to join her on the vacation of their lives. Those 10 days are filled with conflicting family personalities and life-changing reveals. Together, Carol and Amanda talk about siblings, success, and the baggage families...
Luanne Rice: Last Day
February 26, 2020 18:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBLuanne Rice is the New York Times bestselling author of over 34 novels, including books which have been adapted to television. LAST DAY, Luanne's latest adult suspense thriller, tells the story of Kate and her sister in the aftermath of a terrible crime. When violence is inflicted on the family again, Kate struggles to make sense of what happened and who the culprit might be. Carol talks with Luanne about goodbyes, family secrets, and the deep understanding our friends have of who we really ...
Luanne Rice
February 26, 2020 18:00 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBLuanne Rice is the New York Times bestselling author of over 34 novels, including books which have been adapted to television. LAST DAY, Luanne's latest adult suspense thriller, tells the story of Kate and her sister in the aftermath of a terrible crime. When violence is inflicted on the family again, Kate struggles to make sense of what happened and who the culprit might be. Carol talks with Luanne about goodbyes, family secrets, and the deep understanding our friends have of who we really ...
Alexis Schaitkin
February 19, 2020 21:58 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBAlexis Schaitkin is a short story and essay writer here to introduce her debut novel: Saint X. Alexis has already been given immense praise, which includes its inclusion as a Bookreporter Bets On book! Carol and Alexis discuss the ways Saint X's characters grow to understand their past, the sense of place that serves as both a paradise and a nightmare, and the secret ingredient that keeps Alexis writing. Books discussed in this episode: Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin Sign up for the weekl...
Alexis Schaitkin: Saint X
February 19, 2020 21:58 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBAlexis Schaitkin is a short story and essay writer here to introduce her debut novel: Saint X. Alexis has already been given immense praise, which includes its inclusion as a Bookreporter Bets On book! Carol and Alexis discuss the ways Saint X's characters grow to understand their past, the sense of place that serves as both a paradise and a nightmare, and the secret ingredient that keeps Alexis writing. Books discussed in this episode: Saint X by Alexis Schaitkin Sign up for the weekl...
Allison Pataki
February 12, 2020 20:30 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBAllison Pataki is a New York Times Bestselling author who has written historical fiction, children's picture books, and a memoir. Carol talks with Allison about her new novel, The Queen's Fortune, which tells the story of ruling families after the French Revolution, and the power one woman finds in her relationship with Napoleon. The two discuss women at the forefront of history, Allison's research in Paris, and the ways in which Allison's personal life has affected her historical storytelli...
Allison Pataki: The Queen's Fortune
February 12, 2020 20:30 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBAllison Pataki is a New York Times Bestselling author who has written historical fiction, children's picture books, and a memoir. Carol talks with Allison about her new novel, The Queen's Fortune, which tells the story of ruling families after the French Revolution, and the power one woman finds in her relationship with Napoleon. The two discuss women at the forefront of history, Allison's research in Paris, and the ways in which Allison's personal life has affected her historical storytelli...
Winter Institute and ALA
January 31, 2020 22:09 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBWe're taking a week-long break from our usual "Bookreporter Talks To" interviews to bring you something different. The American Bookseller Association's Winter Institute brings hundreds of booksellers from around the country for networking, educating, and introducing upcoming books. ALA's Midwinter Meeting does the same for librarians. Carol takes a journey to both events and finds authors to share their new novels. Here we've got thirteen books you'll want to keep an eye out for in 2020! ...
Jesse Kornbluth: JFK and Mary Meyer: A Love Story
January 22, 2020 20:55 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MBJesse Kornbluth is an author and journalist who has contributed to Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, The New York Times and more. Today he is the cultural concierge at HeadButler.com. He also is Carol's business partner and together they founded The Book Report Network back in 1996 when the internet as a communications medium was in its early days. In this interview, Carol and Jesse talk about his new book, a fictional diary from the perspective of JFK's fondest lover, Mary Meyer. As Jesse puts i...
Jesse Kornbluth
January 22, 2020 20:55 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MBJesse Kornbluth is an author and journalist who has contributed to Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, The New York Times and more. Today he is the cultural concierge at HeadButler.com. He also is Carol's business partner and together they founded The Book Report Network back in 1996 when the internet as a communications medium was in its early days. In this interview, Carol and Jesse talk about his new book, a fictional diary from the perspective of JFK's fondest lover, Mary Meyer. As Jesse puts i...
Liz Moore: Long Bright River
January 16, 2020 18:56 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBLiz Moore, an acclaimed author who lives in Philadelphia, has closely researched her city's police districts and the nearby victims of the opioid crisis. As material for inspiration, Liz kept a journal of nonfiction sketches about the people who affected her during the time she spent with them, culminating in the completely fictional, though tonally accurate, LONG BRIGHT RIVER. Carol asks Liz about her new book, her understanding of the drug trade, the state of police and their handling of h...
Liz Moore
January 16, 2020 18:56 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBLiz Moore, an acclaimed author who lives in Philadelphia, has closely researched her city's police districts and the nearby victims of the opioid crisis. As material for inspiration, Liz kept a journal of nonfiction sketches about the people who affected her during the time she spent with them, culminating in the completely fictional, though tonally accurate, LONG BRIGHT RIVER. Carol asks Liz about her new book, her understanding of the drug trade, the state of police and their handling of h...
William Kent Krueger
January 08, 2020 20:33 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBThis Tender Land made breakthrough success on the New York Times Bestseller list in 2019 and has been reviewed as one of the best books of the year. Not surprising, since the character relationships and stories at play in this enthralling journey make it a true modern-day classic. Carol sits down to talk with author William Kent Krueger about his own experiences in America's heartland. They discuss the struggles he faced writing about Native American children in the depression era, both tang...
William Kent Krueger: This Tender Land
January 08, 2020 20:33 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBThis Tender Land made breakthrough success on the New York Times Bestseller list in 2019 and has been reviewed as one of the best books of the year. Not surprising, since the character relationships and stories at play in this enthralling journey make it a true modern-day classic. Carol sits down to talk with author William Kent Krueger about his own experiences in America's heartland. They discuss the struggles he faced writing about Native American children in the depression era, both tang...
Cara Wall: The Dearly Beloved
December 18, 2019 18:40 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MBCara talks about her fantastic debut novel, The Dearly Beloved, which was a Bookreporter Bets-On selection earlier this year. She relays her writing experience in-depth with Carol, sharing her thoughts on cultural expression in the '50s and '60s, the controversial topics at the heart of her book, discussions she's had with book clubs, and more. Cara has said her book is about faith in all of its forms, including faith in families, faith in relationships, and people's faith in each other. T...
Cara Wall
December 18, 2019 18:40 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MBCara talks about her fantastic debut novel, The Dearly Beloved, which was a Bookreporter Bets-On selection earlier this year. She relays her writing experience in-depth with Carol, sharing her thoughts on cultural expression in the '50s and '60s, the controversial topics at the heart of her book, discussions she's had with book clubs, and more. Cara has said her book is about faith in all of its forms, including faith in families, faith in relationships, and people's faith in each other. T...
Whitney Scharer: The Age of Light
December 11, 2019 21:00 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBWhitney discusses her bestseller, The Age of Light, which tells the story of renowned photographer Lee Miller and her transformations as a model, artist, and inventor. Lee's journey in the book, while connected to real accounts of her choices, is a fictionalized retelling of impactful moments in her life. Carol talks to Whitney about the iconic stories Lee is known for, the inspiration artists can find in the life Lee led, and some of Whitney's own adventures. Books discussed in this episo...
Whitney Scharer
December 11, 2019 21:00 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBWhitney discusses her bestseller, The Age of Light, which tells the story of renowned photographer Lee Miller and her transformations as a model, artist, and inventor. Lee's journey in the book, while connected to real accounts of her choices, is a fictionalized retelling of impactful moments in her life. Carol talks to Whitney about the iconic stories Lee is known for, the inspiration artists can find in the life Lee led, and some of Whitney's own adventures. Books discussed in this episo...