Top Shelf at the Merrick Library
108 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 11 ratingsTop Shelf Podcast with Carol Ann Tack
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Episodes
Episode 80! Interview with Jonathan Evison
January 20, 2022 22:10 - 14 minutes - 11.4 MBJonathan Evison’s latest, Small World, really swings for the fences in this sweeping Great American Novel that intricately weaves family sagas spanning centuries, generations and experience. Small World chronicles 170 years of American nation building – it’s a grand entertainment and I loved every page. Evison also took the time to talk about the libraries … Continue reading Episode 80! Interview with Jonathan Evison →
Episode 79: Interview with Erin Bartels author of The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water
January 14, 2022 21:06 - 36 minutes - 28.8 MBAuthor Erin Bartels took me to the gorgeous state of Michigan not just in her book, but via her website and her stellar conversation for this interview. The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water explores the theme of forgiving what seems unforgiveable and also addresses how our memories may not be exactly as we remember. … Continue reading Episode 79: Interview with Erin Bartels author of The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water →
Episode 78: Interview with Ethan Joella, A LITTLE HOPE
December 20, 2021 23:23 - 25 minutes - 20.6 MB“It’s all here—community, family and friendship, how we love, grieve…a story of ordinary moments that connect and eventually transform us in extraordinary ways.” —Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of Lucia, Lucia and The Shoemaker’s Wife I mean that quote right there says it all about A LITTLE HOPE by Ethan Joella. It was an absolute delight … Continue reading Episode 78: Interview with Ethan Joella, A LITTLE HOPE →
Episode 77: Interview with Leslie Zemeckis
December 14, 2021 16:36 - 20 minutes - 16.1 MB‘Tis the season to haul out your favorites of 2021! I had the pleasure of hosting writer, producer, actress and director, Leslie Zemeckis to talk about her faves of the year and boy did we have a blast talking books. Her titles below as well as the books she’s looking forward to in 2022. Thanks … Continue reading Episode 77: Interview with Leslie Zemeckis →
Episode 76: Interview with Jeffery Deaver
December 03, 2021 20:09 - 21 minutes - 16.9 MBJeffery Deaver, the #1 international bestselling and award winning author of over 40 books, yes that Jeffery Deaver, sat down with me and man, what at a thrill! I’ve been a fan for a looong time. We talked about his latest book The Midnight Lock, writing books that make me lose sleep at night and … Continue reading Episode 76: Interview with Jeffery Deaver →
Milestone! Episode 75: Interview with Kimmery Martin
November 19, 2021 15:41 - 29 minutes - 29.7 MBWhat a way to kick off my 75th episode: hosting author Kimmery Martin for her latest book, Doctors and Friends, and co-hosting this special episode with my pal Cindy Burnett at Thoughts from a Page podcast! People Magazine calls Doctors and Friends a “..prescient, human and hopeful portrait of medical experts on a pandemic’s frontlines.” … Continue reading Milestone! Episode 75: Interview with Kimmery Martin →
E74: Interview with Naomi Krupitsky
November 16, 2021 17:03 - 18 minutes - 14.9 MBThey say you can’t go home again but I sure did, right back to Brooklyn, NY with author Naomi Krupitsky’s debut novel The Family. Set in early 20th century Brooklyn, The Family is a captivating debut novel and coming-of-age story about the tangled fates of two best friends, Sophia and Antonia, who are both daughters … Continue reading E74: Interview with Naomi Krupitsky →
Episode 73: Interview with Wanda M. Morris!
November 05, 2021 20:15 - 37 minutes - 30.2 MBThis buzzy debut thriller, All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris has all the things and has made all the lists! NYT best-selling author Karin Slaughter says, “All Her Little Secrets is a brilliantly nuanced but powerhouse exploration of race, the legal system, and the crushing pressure of keeping secrets. Morris brings a vibrant … Continue reading Episode 73: Interview with Wanda M. Morris! →
Episode 72: Interview with Josh Sabarra
October 29, 2021 14:11 - 25 minutes - 20.3 MBI had such a blast interviewing Josh Sabarra for his debut novel, Enemies Closer. Author Lauren Fox says, “Enemies Closer is a fizzy cocktail of insider Hollywood gossip, biting, laugh-out-loud humor and a supremely likable, relatable heroine. Enemies Closer is a twisty and delightful page-turner of a novel.” –Lauren Fox, bestselling author of Days of Awe, … Continue reading Episode 72: Interview with Josh Sabarra →
Episode 71: Interview with Nathaniel Philbrick
September 24, 2021 13:48 - 15 minutes - 12.6 MBWhat happened to George Washington after the Revolution? Find out in Nathaniel Philbrick’s latest bestselling book, Travels with George: In Search of George Washington and His Legacy. Among other things, we talk about George Washington’s trip through Long Island, Philbrick’s love for libraries, and his excellent traveling companions. An absolutely delightful interview… thank you Nathaniel! … Continue reading Episode 71: Interview with Nathaniel Philbrick →
Episode 70: Interview with Isla Morley
August 23, 2021 20:51 - 29 minutes - 23.5 MBIn this luminous historical fiction narrative inspired by the fascinating real case of the Blue People of Kentucky, Isla Morley probes questions of identity, love, and family in her breathtaking new novel. In 1937, there are recesses in Appalachia no outsiders have ever explored. Two government-sponsored documentarians from Ohio, a writer and photographer are dispatched … Continue reading Episode 70: Interview with Isla Morley →
Episode 69: Interview with Megan Abbott
August 19, 2021 14:24 - 15 minutes - 12.3 MBJust after being selected as the August Read with Jenna pick for her latest book, The Turnout, I was thrilled to host Megan Abbott! Abbott was waving to us from Queens when we spoke… Taut and unnerving, The Turnout is Megan Abbott at the height of her game. With uncanny insight and hypnotic writing, it … Continue reading Episode 69: Interview with Megan Abbott →
Episode 67: Interview with Claire Luchette
August 10, 2021 14:23 - 19 minutes - 15.5 MB“Claire Luchette is so wildly talented that I would follow them anywhere. Here, it’s to Woonsocket along with four women who are searching for meaning and a sense of belonging from each other and the world beyond. The result is a novel that’s blazingly original, wry, and perfectly attuned to the oddness―and the profundity―of life.” … Continue reading Episode 67: Interview with Claire Luchette →
Episode 66: Interview with Byron Lane
July 22, 2021 15:16 - 26 minutes - 21.1 MBAuthor Julia Claiborne Johnson, the bestselling author of Better Luck Next Time, and our guest on Top Shelf E56, says this about A STAR IS BORED by Byron Lane: “I didn’t go into this expecting a love story, but the one here between a Hollywood assistant and his famous, hilarious and deeply lonely boss came … Continue reading Episode 66: Interview with Byron Lane →
Episode 65: Interview with Matthew Norman, 2021 Edition!
June 14, 2021 21:48 - 34 minutes - 27.8 MBWelcome back to our E35 guest, Matthew Norman. Matthew Norman was here previously to talk about his third book, Last Couple Standing. For this episode, we talk about his latest publication, All Together Now. Please feel free to sing right along with that title! All Together Now is about a reclusive billionaire who invites his … Continue reading Episode 65: Interview with Matthew Norman, 2021 Edition! →
Episode 64: Interview with Laurie Frankel for ONE TWO THREE
June 08, 2021 22:23 - 27 minutes - 22.3 MBWhat is “normal”? Who defines “normal”? Laurie Frankel asks these questions in all of her books, most notably for One Two Three, a book that had me absolutely riveted. We sat down to talk about the book, how humans define “normal” and so much more. I love the voices of these triplet sisters trying to … Continue reading Episode 64: Interview with Laurie Frankel for ONE TWO THREE →
Episode 63: Interview with James Wade 2021 Edition: RIVER, SING OUT
June 08, 2021 13:13 - 36 minutes - 29.1 MBYou all remember when James Wade joined us for E42 to discuss his debut novel, All Things Left Wild. Well, James Wade is BACK! He’s back on Top Shelf and he’s back to talk about his new book, River Sing Out. River Sing Out is an East Texas thriller that finds young Jonah Hargrave navigating … Continue reading Episode 63: Interview with James Wade 2021 Edition: RIVER, SING OUT →
Episode 62: Interview with Steven Rowley
May 25, 2021 23:06 - 17 minutes - 14.3 MBGet your beach towels and picnic blankets ready because Steven Rowley has given us a perfect summer read. I am over the moon to have had the chance to sit down with him for his third book, The Guncle! Rowley tackles modern-day family issues with love and humor and this book is not to be … Continue reading Episode 62: Interview with Steven Rowley →
Episode 61: Interview with May Cobb!
May 21, 2021 20:13 - 28 minutes - 22.7 MB“In moving here, I thought I could become someone more wholesome, more grounded. Someone I could admire…as it turns out, you can’t outrun who you are.” ~ Sophie O’Neill, The Hunting Wives “Margot is totally fiction, but she could be real…” ~ May Cobb Yikes! Folks, pour yourself a martini, hold onto your hats and … Continue reading Episode 61: Interview with May Cobb! →
Episode 60: Interview with Katherine A. Sherbrooke
May 18, 2021 19:29 - 30 minutes - 24.3 MBKatherine A. Sherbrooke sat down with me for our 60th episode to talk about, Leaving Coy’s Hill, an unforgettable story about the triumphs and travails of a woman unwilling to play by the rules, based on the the remarkable life of pioneering feminist and abolitionist Lucy Stone. Lucy Stone was news to me until the … Continue reading Episode 60: Interview with Katherine A. Sherbrooke →
Episode 59: Interview with Elon Green
May 08, 2021 18:18 - 25 minutes - 20.3 MBA “terrific, harrowing, true-crime account of an elusive serial killer who preyed upon gay men in the 1990s.” ~ New York Times (Editor’s Pick) It was great to sit down with author, Elon Green to talk about about his true-crime bestseller, Last Call: A True Story of Love, Lust, and Murder in Queer New York … Continue reading Episode 59: Interview with Elon Green →
Episode 58: Interview with Flynn Berry
April 15, 2021 19:47 - 18 minutes - 14.9 MBTalk about thrillers! Flynn Berry’s debut, Under the Harrow, won the 2017 Edgar award for best first novel. That book and Berry’s follow up, A Double Life, were both NYT Editors’ Choices. Berry’s latest, Northern Spy, takes readers to Northern Island on a journey you won’t soon forget. It’s a heart-pounding story of the contemporary … Continue reading Episode 58: Interview with Flynn Berry →
Episode 57: Interview with Jess Montgomery for The Stills
April 09, 2021 20:42 - 30 minutes - 24.6 MBOh my gosh, Jess Montgomery can come back any old time she wants. We talked about the third book in her Kinship series, The Stills. Here is the series in order: The Widows, The Hallows, The Stills, but the beauty of these books is that you don’t have to read them in order. Family, friendship, … Continue reading Episode 57: Interview with Jess Montgomery for The Stills →
Episode 56: Interview with Julia Clairbone Johnson
March 26, 2021 15:28 - 31 minutes - 25.5 MBHold on to your hat folks, this fabulous and wonderful interview with Julia Claiborne Johnson is not to be missed! Gosh, we talked about the real-life inspiration for Better Luck Next time, the writing process, her debut, Be Frank With Me, friends, family, and more. We really had a blast speaking with each other and … Continue reading Episode 56: Interview with Julia Clairbone Johnson →
Episode 55: Interview with Chris Whitaker
March 18, 2021 14:14 - 44 minutes - 35.6 MBWhat a pleasure to sit down with best-selling author Chris Whitaker to discuss the book that is taking the reading world by storm, We Begin at the End. Chris Whitaker’s debut novel, Tall Oaks, a striking blend of tragedy and offbeat humor, was awarded the U.K. Crime Writers’ Association New Blood Dagger Award in 2017. He … Continue reading Episode 55: Interview with Chris Whitaker →
Episode 54: Interview with author Kate Hope Day
March 11, 2021 15:40 - 43 minutes - 35.1 MB“Feminist and thrilling, this novel centers around a precocious, brilliant character named June. I happily followed June into deep space, but I would have followed her anywhere. What a wonderful story—I highly recommend this novel.” —Ann Napolitano, bestselling author of Dear Edward Do I have your attention with that review for the fabulous In the … Continue reading Episode 54: Interview with author Kate Hope Day →
Episode 53 : Interview with author Sarah Penner
March 02, 2021 20:03 - 31 minutes - 25.3 MB“How had I only just learned that happiness and fulfillment were entirely distinct things?” ~The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner That’s only one of the many gems in this fascinating debut by Sarah Penner, and I simply cannot thank her enough for joining me. I was transported to 18th century England to a time where … Continue reading Episode 53 : Interview with author Sarah Penner →
Episode 52: Interview with author Julie Carrick Dalton
February 25, 2021 19:49 - 46 minutes - 37 MB“Reading a novel is an act of empathy because you are choosing to give over your world view to somebody else’s world view.” ~ Julie Carrick Dalton What an incredible conversation with the equally incredible Julie Carrick Dalton. We could have spoken for hours about so many different things, but most important? Her terrific debut, … Continue reading Episode 52: Interview with author Julie Carrick Dalton →
Episode 51: Interview with author Chang-Rae Lee
February 08, 2021 20:48 - 9 minutes - 7.35 MB“But at some point, we’re all extra hungry, aren’t we, if not necessarily for grub.” ~ Tiller Bardmon Yes, this is just one of the many gems in Chang-Rae Lee’s latest, MY YEAR ABROAD. I cannot thank him enough for getting up so early to talk with me about this incredible new book, and the … Continue reading Episode 51: Interview with author Chang-Rae Lee →
Episode 51: Interview with author Chang-rae Lee
February 08, 2021 20:48 - 9 minutes - 7.35 MB“But at some point, we’re all extra hungry, aren’t we, if not necessarily for grub.” ~ Tiller Bardmon Yes, this is just one of the many gems in Chang-rae Lee’s latest, MY YEAR ABROAD. I cannot thank him enough for getting up so early to talk with me about this incredible new book, and the … Continue reading Episode 51: Interview with author Chang-rae Lee →
Episode 50! Interview with author Sarah Langan
February 02, 2021 18:18 - 32 minutes - 26.1 MBWhat better way to celebrate the 50th episode than with Long Island native, author Sarah Langan for her latest book, the page-turning suburban thriller, GOOD NEIGHBORS. A riveting and ruthless portrayal of American suburbia, GOOD NEIGHBORS excavates the perils and betrayals of motherhood and friendships and the dangerous clash between social hierarchy, childhood trauma, and … Continue reading Episode 50! Interview with author Sarah Langan →
Episode 49: Interview with author Elizabeth Wetmore
January 26, 2021 19:58 - 43 minutes - 34.6 MBI have wanted to host debut novelist Elizabeth Wetmore on Top Shelf for so long, and when it finally happened, I could barely sleep the night before. This episode was such a delight and I could have spoken to her all day. We talked about her amazing debut, VALENTINE, the strong and determined women in … Continue reading Episode 49: Interview with author Elizabeth Wetmore →
Episode 48: Interview with author Ashley Audrain
January 07, 2021 19:39 - 18 minutes - 14.6 MBPushing into 2021 with an incredible debut… The Push by Ashley Audrain is not to be missed, so book clubs? Start your engines. For this episode we talked about motherhood fears, the origin story of The Push, being on the author side of publishing, and more. Ashley Audrain, thank you so much for being our … Continue reading Episode 48: Interview with author Ashley Audrain →
Episode 47: Interview with author Greer Macallister
December 21, 2020 17:47 - 30 minutes - 24.2 MBWhat a terrific sit down with author Greer Macallister! I’ve been a fan since her debut, The Magician’s Lie. Greer Macallister has the most empowering historical fiction titles that I can hardly wait until she has a new release. Well, her newest, The Arctic Fury couldn’t be more perfect: A dozen women join a secret … Continue reading Episode 47: Interview with author Greer Macallister →
Episode 46 Interview with author Susie Yang
December 03, 2020 16:02 - 31 minutes - 25.5 MBIvy Lin was a thief but you would never know it to look at her. So starts the compelling debut, White Ivy, by my guest for this episode, debut author Susie Yang. White Ivy is a coming-of-age novel that is a nuanced exploration of class and race filled with surprising twists and a glimpse into the dark … Continue reading Episode 46 Interview with author Susie Yang →
Episode 45 Interview with author Jess Montgomery
November 06, 2020 17:57 - 34 minutes - 27.3 MBFor this episode it is with pleasure that I present the first book in an incredible historical mystery series, The Widows by Jess Montgomery. To prep, l listened to the audiobook read by the wonderful Susan Bennett, and it was so immersive, I immediately started reading the second book, The Hollows. But let’s start with … Continue reading Episode 45 Interview with author Jess Montgomery →
Episode 44 Interview with author A.H. Kim
October 23, 2020 09:01 - 37 minutes - 29.8 MBWhat constitutes a good family? You may think you know the answer, but then again, maybe not even for one little second. Book clubs? Start your engines and grab your copy of A Good Family, the must-read debut by author A.H.Kim. Synopsis: Big pharma exec Beth Lindstrom is heading to prison thanks to a high-profile … Continue reading Episode 44 Interview with author A.H. Kim →
Episode 43 Interview with author Kathleen Rooney
October 10, 2020 00:15 - 35 minutes - 28 MBI am thrilled to present this interview with Kathleen Rooney for her latest historical fiction stunner, Cher Ami And Major Whittlesey : a tale based on true events that follows the experiences of an army officer who answers the call to service during WWI before his life and the lives of those in the Lost Battalion … Continue reading Episode 43 Interview with author Kathleen Rooney →
Episode 42 Interview with author James Wade
August 07, 2020 12:31 - 45 minutes - 36.2 MB“There’s a story in my head…” novelist James Wade tells us in this incredible interview about his page-turning historical fiction debut, All Things Left Wild: after a botched robbery, sixteen-year-old Caleb Bentley is on the run with his mean-spirited older brother across the American Southwest at the turn of the 20th century. And boy will … Continue reading Episode 42 Interview with author James Wade →
Episode 41: Interview with author Cadwell Turnbull
July 24, 2020 09:00 - 24 minutes - 19.2 MBI read The Lesson by Cadwell Turnbull in 2019 and this book is *still* with me… This incredible debut is an alien first contact novel set in the Virgin Islands and follows three families adjusting to this invasion. The Lesson explores colonialism, and the history of colonialism (how Turnbull does this, I will not spoil, … Continue reading Episode 41: Interview with author Cadwell Turnbull →
Episode 40: Interview with author R.L. Maizes
July 14, 2020 09:00 - 25 minutes - 20.6 MBLet’s hear it for our amazing Episode 40 and let’s hear it for author: R.L. Maizes as we celebrate her debut novel, the incredible, Other People’s Pets. This novel is not what anyone would think of as a page-turner, but there I was absolutely riveted. I loved the characters, the story, the writing, it was … Continue reading Episode 40: Interview with author R.L. Maizes →
Episode 39: Interview with author Catherine Ryan Howard
June 22, 2020 16:01 - 37 minutes - 30.2 MBAt the age of twelve, Eve Black was the only member of her family to survive an encounter with serial killer the Nothing Man. Now an adult, she is obsessed with identifying the man who destroyed her life. Yes, that’s my way of saying, get yourselves ready for this book and this interview with the … Continue reading Episode 39: Interview with author Catherine Ryan Howard →
Episode 38: Interview with Liz Moore, author of Long Bright River
May 26, 2020 16:08 - 12 minutes - 10 MB** This episode was recorded pre-pandemic. Apologies to Liz Moore for the late posting.** I was absolutely thrilled to host Liz Moore for this episode. I read her book, Heft and I’ve been a fan ever since! Her newest book, Long Bright River is a moving story of sisters, addiction, and the strong bonds that … Continue reading Episode 38: Interview with Liz Moore, author of Long Bright River →
Episode 37: Interview with Erika Swyler, author of Light From Other Stars: the 2020 Long Island Reads Selection!
March 11, 2020 14:26 - 36.7 MBThis episode combines three of my favorites: Erika Swyler, Erika Swyler books, and the incredible Long Island Reads Initiative! So yes, I had the pleasure of interviewing author and Long Island, NY native, Erika Swyler about her book, Light From Other Stars, which is the Long Island Reads Selection for 2020! Literary science fiction, faith, … Continue reading Episode 37: Interview with Erika Swyler, author of Light From Other Stars: the 2020 Long Island Reads Selection! →
Episode 36: Interview with Lisa See, author of The Island of Sea Women
March 06, 2020 09:45 - 44 minutes - 35.3 MBWell. To say I was thrilled to host author Lisa See is an understatement. And no, I couldn’t sleep the night before. We talked about her most recent novel, The Island of Sea Women, available in paperback on Tuesday, March 10th. A classic Lisa See story—one of women’s friendships and the larger forces that shape them—The … Continue reading Episode 36: Interview with Lisa See, author of The Island of Sea Women →
Episode 35: Interview with Matthew Norman, author of Last Couple Standing.
February 28, 2020 09:27 - 25 minutes - 20.1 MBBook clubs, start your 2020 engines… You all know my love for books ’bout the ‘burbs and Last Couple Standing by Matthew Norman checks all the book discussion boxes: When Jessica and Mitch find out that their core group of friends are getting divorced, they find themselves as the last couple standing. This third novel … Continue reading Episode 35: Interview with Matthew Norman, author of Last Couple Standing. →
Episode 34: Interview with Maurice Carlos Ruffin, author of We Cast A Shadow
January 31, 2020 16:19 - 22 minutes - 17.9 MBMaurice Carlos Ruffin had an amazing book year in 2019, and since we recorded this podcast, his 2020 has only gotten better. We Cast A Shadow has been selected as a 2020 Pen Open Book Award finalist, is a 2020 ALA RUSA Audio Book award winner, Ruffin himself was the keynote speaker at the Literary … Continue reading Episode 34: Interview with Maurice Carlos Ruffin, author of We Cast A Shadow →
Episode 33: Interview with Jean Kwok, author of Searching for Sylvie Lee
January 06, 2020 17:52 - 44 minutes - 59.7 MBHappy 2020! I cannot think of a better way to have ended 2019 and then kick off 2020 than with the amazing company of author Jean Kwok. We could have chatted for hours, although she might have felt different! This is a very special episode, indeed, and not to be missed. Jean Kwok talks about … Continue reading Episode 33: Interview with Jean Kwok, author of Searching for Sylvie Lee →
Episode 32: Interview with Julia Armfield, author of Salt Slow
September 24, 2019 23:40 - 22 minutes - 17.7 MBWhat can I say about Salt Slow by Julia Armfield? This book was the stand-out for me, or a sit-down, because once I started it, I never left my beach chair. From the very first story, Mantis, to the award winning, The Great Awake, it will be hard to put down. Publisher’s Weekly calls Salt Slow by … Continue reading Episode 32: Interview with Julia Armfield, author of Salt Slow →
Episode 31: Interview with Erin Somers, author of Stay Up With Hugo Best
May 23, 2019 20:15 - 22 minutes - 21.3 MB“Reading is the whole reason to be alive”, says Erin Somers in this episode. I couldn’t agree more. So what are your plans for this weekend? Make sure it includes, Stay Up With Hugo Best by Erin Somers. Our main character, June Bloom, is twenty-nine, broke, and an aspiring comedy writer. Hugo Best is a beloved late-night … Continue reading Episode 31: Interview with Erin Somers, author of Stay Up With Hugo Best →