Podcast, Episode 8: Half-Year Faves

Books on the Nightstand, Episode 8 (19:58)

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In episode 8 of the Books on the Nightstand Podcast:

We usually break our podcasts up into three "segments." For this episode, we deviate from our usual format and forgo segment one (where we usually discuss a general topic relating to books or reading, without getting into specific titles) and segment three (where we look ahead at two books due out soon).

The end of every calendar year sees many newspapers, magazines, radio shows etc. choose their best books of the year. If we waited until December, our list would be way too long. Since we're halfway through the year, we thought we'd pick our faves for the year so far.

Many of Michael's favorites for the year aren't out just yet, so he cheats a bit and chooses some books that came out last year but were released in paperback this year. And Ann narrows down her huge list of favorites and tells you about four, including one that is impossible to describe but is definitely worth your time.

Many of our favorites have been talked about on previous episodes of Books on the Nightstand, so be sure to check the list of books below to see all of our favorites in one place.

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We encourage you to write down or print out the title information and shop at your local bookstore. Titles link to LibraryThing, a social networking site that allows you to catalog your home library. LibraryThing also links to various online purchasing options. Here are the books from this post:

Finn by Jon Clinch, Random House Trade Paperback, $14.00, 9780812977141
Plenty by Alisa Smith & J.B. MacKinnon, Three Rivers Press trade paperback, $13.95, 9780307347336
City of the Sun by David Levien, Doubleday hardcover, $24.95, 9780385523660

The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz, Doubleday hardcover, $24.95, 9780385515719
Gardens of Water by Alan Drew, Random House hardcover, $25.00, 9781400066872
Away by Amy Bloom, Random House trade paperback, $14.00, 9780812977790
Netherland by Joseph O'Neill, Knopf hardcover, $23.95, 9780307377043

A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz, Spiegel & Grau hardcover, $24.95, 9780385521727

Our Favorites Featured on previous episodes:

Michael:

Tigerheart by Peter David, Del Rey hardcover, $22.00, 9780345501592
Mudbound by Hilary Jordan, Algonquin hardcover, $22.95, 9781565125698

Ann:

Our Story Begins by Tobias Wolff, Knopf hardcover, $26.95, 9781400044597
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri, Knopf hardcover, $25.00, 9780307265739
Peace by Richard Bausch, Knopf hardcover, $19.95, 9780307268334
The Boat by Nam Le, Knopf hardcover, $22.95, 9780307268082
The End of Manners by Francesca Marciano, Knopf hardcover, $23.95, 9780375425103

(all information is for the U.S. editions).

Podcast, Episode 7: Our Read on Summer

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Books on the Nightstand, Episode 7 (22:00)

Show Notes:

Summer has struck hard here in New England, so in today's episode, we take a look at the concept of "Summer Reading." We've been having a conversation about it over on the Books on the Nightstand Good Reads group. There, our friend Stephen invented the phrase "mental popcorn," which is a perfect way to describe one style of summer reading. What's your style?

Then we talk about five books that we recommend for summer reading. Some are newly published, others are old favorites, and all will keep you entertained during the long, hot days of summer.

Lastly, as always, two new books that we can't wait for you to read.

Thanks for listening. Stay cool. And if you're in the Southern Hemisphere ... send plane tickets and your address -- we'll be right over!

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We encourage you to write down or print out the title information and shop at your local bookstore. Titles link to LibraryThing, a social networking site that allows you to catalog your home library. LibraryThing also links to various online purchasing options. Here are the books from this post:

Darkly Dreaming Dexter byJeff Lindsay, Vintage trade paperback, $12.95, ISBN 978-0-307-2778-86

The Sister by Poppy Adams, Knopf hardcover, $23.95, ISBN 9780307268167

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Penguin trade paperback, $15.00, ISBN 978-0-143-03490-2

The Sex Lives of Cannibals by J. Maarten Troost, Broadway Books trade paperback, $12.95, ISBN 9780767915304

Lost on Planet China byJ. Maarten Troost, Broadway Books hardcover, $22.95, ISBN 9780767922005

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde, Penguin trade paperback, $15.00, ISBN 9780142001806

Rules of Deception by Christopher Reich, Doubleday hardcover, $24.95, 9780385524063

Tigerheart by Peter David, Random House hardcover, $22.00, ISBN 9780345501592

(all information is for the U.S. editions).

Podcast, Episode 6: Now, With More Than 2,002 Book Recommendations!!

Books on the Nightstand, Episode 6 (18:34)

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In Episode 6 of the Books on the Nightstand Podcast:

We reveal how well-read we are (or aren't) thanks to a list of titles that's been circulating around the web (thanks for passing it on Marie!). Check out the discussion board in the Books on the Nightstand Group on GoodReads to test yourself! Share your results with us by posting a comment here on the blog, or on the discussion board. You don't have to be a member to view the title list or read the discussion, but you do need to sign up for Good Reads to post a message there (it's free).

Just in case we aren't showering you with enough book recommendations, we feature four books about books. Two include lists of things to read, one is essays by famous writers about the most influential book in their life, and one is a near-encyclopedia of real-world locations with connections to books and authors.

And, we discuss 3 books newly or nearly in stores: On Chesil Beach (in paperback) by Ian McEwan, Mexican High by Liza Munroy and Outstanding in the Field by Jim Denevan.
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We encourage you to write down or print out the title information and shop at your local bookstore. Titles link to LibraryThing, a social networking site that allows you to catalog your home library. LibraryThing also links to various online purchasing options. Here are the books from this post:
1001 Books for Every Mood by Hallie Ephron, Ph.D., Adams trade paperback, $14.95, 978-1-59869-585-4
1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die edited by Peter Boxall, Universe hardcover, $34.95, 978-0-7893-1370-6
The Book That Changed My Life edited by Roxanne J. Coady & Joy Johannessen, Gotham trade paperback, $11.00, 978-1-592-40317-2
Novel Destinations by Shannon McKenna Schmidt, National Geographic hardcover, $25.00, 978-1-4262-0277-3
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan, Anchor trade paperback, $13.95, 978-0-307-38617-5
Mexican High by Liza Munroy, Spiegel & Grau hardcover, $21.95, 978-0-385-52359-2
Outstanding in the Field by Jim Denevan, Clarkson Potter hardcover, $32.50, 978-0-307-38199-6

(all information is for the U.S. editions).

Podcast, Episode 5: Go There. Read These. Do This. Pretty Please?

Books on the Nightstand, Episode 5 (19:46)

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In Episode 5 of the Books on the Nightstand Podcast:
We discuss author events in general and specifically talk about a few of the big ones that we've attended recently. LibraryThing Local is a great place to see what's happening at bookstores and libraries in your area.

There are so many great books we wanted to talk about this time that we've moved our usual recommendations to the main segment of the show. We'll tell you about 5 new or recently released books we love.

And, finally, a plea for feedback. Let us know you're listening and let us know what you think:

• via the comments section here on the blog
• via email: comments@booksonthenightstand.com
• via phone on our listener comments line: 206-350-2932

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We encourage you to write down or print out the title information and shop at your local bookstore. Titles link to LibraryThing, a social networking site that allows you to catalog your home library. LibraryThing also links to various online purchasing options. Here are the books from this post:

Bobby Flay's Grill It! by Bobby Flay, Clarkson Potter hardcover, $35.00, 978-0-307-35142-5
Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian, Shaye Arehart Books hardcover, $25.00, 978-0-307-39495-8
Audition by Barbara Walters, Knopf hardcover, $29.95, 978-0-307-26646-0
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones, Dial Press trade paperback, $12.00, 978-0-385-34107-3
The Rope Walk by Carrie Brown, Anchor trade paperback, $13.95, 978-0-307-27809-8
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan, Algonquin hardcover, $22.95, 978-1-56512-569-8
The End of Manners by Francesca Marciano, Pantheon hardcover, $23.95, 978-0-375-42510-3
The Last Fish Tale by Mark Kurlansky, Ballantine Books hardcover, $25.00, 978-0-345-48727-8

(all information is for the U.S. editions).

Podcast, Episode 4: A Graphic Challenge

Books on the Nightstand, Episode 4 (22:10)

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In Episode 4 of the Books on the Nightstand Podcast:

Ann discovers the world of Reading Challenges. Use some of these links to explore for yourself

• A Novel Challenge - A list of all reading challenges in the blogosphere. This a great place to start.
  
• A Novel Challenge Yahoo Group - Join this group to discuss reading challenges, track your own reading, and get updates on new challenges.
  
• Canadian Book Challenge - also contains fabulous lists of Canadian novels arranged by Province. And this one offers great prizes!
  
• Orbis Terrarum Challenge - for the internationally-minded; read 9 books, each by an author from a different nation
  
• What's in a Name Challenge - a clever challenge hosted by a very sophisticated 11 year old
  

In the last episode, Michael issued his own challenge to Ann: read an entire graphic novel. Ann did, and talks about the experience. If you think you don't like graphic novels, our podcast may be enlightening.

And we preview two new books that hit the shelves on May 13th: The Boat, by Nam Le and The Steel Wave, by Jeff Shaara.
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We encourage you to write down or print out the title information and shop at your local bookstore. Titles link to LibraryThing, a social networking site that allows you to catalog your home library. LibraryThing also links to various online purchasing options. Here are the books from this post:

Pride of Baghdad by Brian K. Vaughan, Vertigo trade paperback, $12.99, ISBN 978-1-4012-0315-3
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi, Pantheon trade paperback, $12.95, ISBN 978-0-375-71457-3
Cancer Vixen by Marisa Acocella Marchetto, Knopf hardcover, $22.00, ISBN 9780307263575
Black Hole by Charles Burns, Pantheon trade paperback, $17.95, ISBN 978-0375-71472-6
Green Lantern: Rebirth by Geoff Johns, DC Comics trade paperback, $14.99, ISBN 978-1-401-20465-5
The Boat by Nam Le, Knopf hardcover, $22.95, ISBN 978-0-307-26808-2
The Steel Wave by Jeff Shaara, Ballantine Books hardcover, $28.00, ISBN 978-0345461421

(all information is for the U.S. editions).

Podcast, Episode 3: Who Reads Short Shorts?

Books on the Nightstand, Episode 3 (20:55)

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In Episode 3 of the Books on the Nightstand Podcast:

• Michael tells us about his weekend at Comic-Con, and Ann makes a shocking confession.
• We discuss the bad rap given to short stories, and talk about our favorite story collections. If you think you don't like short stories, we dare you to give one of these a try!
• And we preview two new books that hit the shelves on May 6th: Skeletons at the Feast, by Chris Bohjalian and The Mysterious Montague, by Leigh Montville.

The story about Unaccustomed Earth debuting on the New York Times Bestseller list at #1 appeared on the New York Times' Paper Cuts blog on April 10. The essay about short stories that Michael referenced is from Michael Chabon's Maps and Legends.

Full details of all of the books discussed are below. Thanks for listening!

__________________________

We encourage you to write down or print out the title information and shop at your local bookstore. Titles link to LibraryThing, a social networking site that allows you to catalog your home library. LibraryThing also links to various online purchasing options. Here are the books from this post:

Pride of Baghdad by Brian K. Vaughan, Vertigo trade paperback, $12.99, ISBN 978-1-4012-0315-3
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri, Knopf hardcover, $25.00, ISBN 978-0-307-26573-9
Maps and Legends by Michael Chabon, McSweeney's hardcover, $24.00, ISBN 978-1-932-41689-3
The Girl in the Flammable Skirt by Aimee Bender, Anchor Books trade paperback, $12.95, ISBN 978-0-385-49216-4
Things that Fall From the Sky by Kevin Brockmeier, Vintage trade paperback, $13.95, ISBN 978-0-375-72769-6
First Love, Last Rites by Ian McEwan, Vintage trade paperback, $12.95, ISBN 978-0-679-75019-2
A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You by Amy Bloom, Vintage trade paperback, $12.95, ISBN 978-0-375-70557-1
Our Story Begins by Tobias Wolff, Knopf hardcover, $26.95, ISBN 978-1-4000-4459-7
Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian, Shaye Areheart Books hardcover, $25.00, ISBN 978-0-307-39495-8
The Mysterious Montague by Leigh Montville, Doubleday hardcover, $26.00, ISBN 978-0-385-52033-1

(all information is for the U.S. editions).

Podcast, Episode 2: And You Shall Know Us By Our Bookshelves

In Episode 2 of the Books on the Nightstand Podcast, we first discuss a recent essay in the New York Times Book Review, It's Not You, It's Your Books by Rachel Donadio. Can you find true love if your significant other has bad taste in books?

Then we spend a few minutes talking about some of our favorite authors. Michael likes William Boyd and Jonathan Lethem; Ann's favorites are Ian McEwan and Valerie Martin. Ann shows her cultural illiteracy by confusing John Lithgow with John Malkovich (it was Malkovich that starred in Mary Reilly, of course).

In the last segment, we preview two books that have just been or will soon be published in the next few weeks: Loving Frank by Nancy Horan (on sale today) and Peace by Richard Bausch (on sale April 15th).

Full details of all of the books are below. Thanks for listening!

Our podcast is now available in iTunes and other podcatchers -- you can subscribe using the buttons on the side of the blog. Of course, as always, you can listen here or download it manually as well.

You can listen by using the player below. If your browser does not support javascript, you won't see the player; click the link below the player to listen, or right-click to download the episode.

If you're using Internet Explorer, click twice to listen.

Books on the Nightstand, Episode 2 (16:51)

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We encourage you to write down or print out the title information and shop at your local bookstore. Titles link to LibraryThing, a social networking site that allows you to catalog your home library. They also link to various online purchasing options. Here are the books from this post:

By William Boyd:
Brazzaville Beach, Harper Perennial trade paperback, $13.95, ISBN 978-0-3807-8049-5
The Blue Afternoon, Vintage trade paperback, $14.95, ISBN 978-0-679-77260-6
Any Human Heart, Vintage trade paperback, $14.95, ISBN 978-1-4000-3100-9

By Ian McEwan:
On Chesil Beach, Nan A. Talese/Doubleday hardcover, $22.00, ISBN 978-0-385-52240-3
Atonement, Anchor trade paperback, $14.95, ISBN 978-0-385-72179-0

By Jonathan Lethem:
The Wall of the Sky, The Wall of the Eye, Harvest Books trade paperback, $14.00, ISBN 978-0-156-03248-3
Motherless Brooklyn, Vintage trade paperback, $13.95, ISBN 978-0-375-72483-1
The Fortress of Solitude, Vintage trade paperback, $14.95, ISBN 978-0-375-72488-6
As She Climbed Acros the Table, Vintage trade paperback, $13.00, ISBN 978-0-375-70012-5

By Valerie Martin:
Mary Reilly, Vintage trade paperback, $13.00, ISBN 978-0-375-72599-9
Property, Vintage trade paperback, $13.00, ISBN 978-0-375-71330-9
Trespass, Nan A. Talese/Doubleday, $25.00, ISBN 978-0-385-51545-0

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan, Ballantine Books trade paperback, $14.00, ISBN 978-0-345-49500-6

Peace by Richard Bausch, Knopf hardcover, $19.95, ISBN 978-0-307-26833-4

(all information is for the U.S. editions).

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Episode 1 of our new podcast!

Michael and I have been planning this podcast for months, but just now made the time to actually get it up and running. As you listen, it will quickly become clear that we are not professionals (not even close), so please be kind. I'm certain that we'll get better at this as we record more episodes.

In this episode, we discuss the concept of "comfort reading," what
we think about re-reading books, and Michael finds reading material suitable for a new "holiday" called 'Pi Day.'

It will probably take a few weeks for the podcast to make it into iTunes and other podcatchers, so for now, you can listen here or download it manually.

You can listen by using the player below. If your browser does not support javascript, you won't see the player; click the link below the player to listen, or right-click to download the episode.

If you're using Internet Explorer, click twice to listen.

Books on the Nightstand, Episode 1 (13:31)

Further information on things discussed in Episode 1:
NPR Books Podcast
Reading Across Rhode Island

We encourage you to write down or print out the title information and shop at your local bookstore. Titles link to LibraryThing, a social networking site that allows you to catalog your home library. They also link to various online purchasing options. Here are the books from this post:

Books mentioned:
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz
Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen
The Life of Pi by Yann Martel