Chatter on Books

David Wright Falade – “The New Internationals”

admin — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:18:38 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, James Grady, and Chatter’s favorite Mayor, Jud Ashman. The wrap up March Madness and Torie’s Duke animosity. James Grady’s soon to be released “Shadows on Sidewalks” getting terrific buzz. Jud previews the May 16 Gaithersburg Book Festival. Free attendance, free parking, and over 130 authors, workshops, kids’ events, poetry competitions and more. COB fave David Wright Falade zooms in to share “The New Internationals,” out in paperback and joining David’d impressive, eclectic and impactful work. He writes young adult, non-fiction, and historical fiction with empathy and an academic’s rigor. “The New Internationals” captures the colliding, sometimes clashing challenges of race and identity in post-World War II Paris.

Charlotte Wood – “The Natural Way of Things”

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:59:43 +0000

Chatter rolls with Torie, David, and literary icon James Grady. They revel in UConn’s win and Torie’s roll in it. Is there anything good about AI in writing? Award winning, best selling and favorite Australian author Charlotte Wood zooms in from down under to share “The Natural Way of Things.” Originally published ten years ago it’s eerily current. Imprisoned in an Australian sheep station, ten women endure horrifying treatment and demonstrate inspiring resilience and humanity.

April Reynolds — “The Shape of Dreams”

admin — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:41:23 +0000

Chatter rolls with Torie and COB fave Erica Wright, and Texas rules the show. Erica’s busy with a new novel and book of poetry and will be back soon to chat about both. Daylight Savings screwed Micah Williams of Black Pearl Books who was set to nominate their author for “The Pitch,” K.D. Blade. No worries — writer and artist K.D. stepped up and shared “Don’t Touch My Hair” and her wonderful world of reading, writing, and drawing.

Award winning author and teacher April Reynolds zooms in to share “Shape of Dreams, a mesmerizing dive into murder, friendship, and a 1980s community in crisis. Thank goodness Miss Jordan encouraged April’s writing!

Mark Hertling — “If I Don’t Return: A Father’s Wartime Journal”

admin — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:04:57 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie. They (finally) break down hockey and romance — and all have their picks for sports romance novels. Shane Mullen of Left Bank Books in St. Louis joins, sharing the store’s back story and teasing his picks for “The Pitch.” Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling zooms in with “If I Don’t Return,” his reflections on life lessons shared with his sons. Simultaneously accessible and powerful, “If I Don’t Return” offers meaningful advice on facing all of life’s challenges. It’s about so much more than war.

Rebecca Lehmann – “The Beheading Game”

admin — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:41:27 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and COB fave Louis Bayard. They revel in the Olympics glow and mourn again Washington Post layoffs, the loss of “Book World” in particular. Poet, teacher, and inspired author Rebecca Lehmann zooms in to share “The Beheading Game.” Few are brave enough to tackle the well-trod ground of Anne Boleyn, the first of Henry the Eighth’s six wives to lose her head. Lehmann does so with imagination, empathy, and provocative thinking. Could not put it down.

Matthew Delmont – “Until the Last Gun is Silent”

admin — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:45:32 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and COB fave David Maraniss. In light of Washington Post layoffs David A shares his George Solomon (sports god) story. David M would have given a sneak peek at his next work, the life of Jack Johnson, first Black heavyweight boxing champion. Award winning civil rights historian Matthew Delmont zooms in to share “Until the Last Gun is Silent,” his meticulously researched and compellingly written look at Black activism during the Vietnam War. Coretta Scott King and Medal of Honor winner Dwight “Skip” Johnson get their rightful place in history.

Mark Medley – “Live to See the Day”

admin — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 23:08:42 +0000

Chatter rolls through snowmageddon with Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie. Nancy Baenen of Arcadia Books returns to nominate their first author for “The Pitch”, James DeVita and his book “Sanctuary,” post-apocalyptic yet scarily current. Then Mark Medley zooms in to share “Live to See the Day,” his empathetic search to answer the question: what keeps people going against insurmountable odds? Over five years, multiple continents, and hundreds of interviews Mark finds the true meaning of hope against the odds. It’s fun, inspirational, and we want to take all of Mark’s people to dinner!

William Rankin – “Radical Cartography: How Changing Our Maps Can Change Our World”

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:51:50 +0000

Chatter rolls (fast) into 2026. Torie, Claude, and COB’s favorite Mayor Jud Ashman catch up and look ahead to the Gaithersburg Book Festival in May. Elaine Katzenberger of City Lights Booksellers and Publishers introduces Rae Alexandra, first nominee for “The Pitch,” the writing contest in which independent book stores nominate an author from their region with a new book out in 2026. Rae’s is “Unsung Heroines: 35 Women Who Changed the Bay Area,” untold stories of ground breaking women in every walk of life that shaped California. Professor and world renowned cartographer William Rankin zooms in to share “Radical Cartography: How Changing Our Maps Can Change Our World.” A fascinating and beautiful look at how maps can — and should — shape our perceptions of the world around us. You’ll never look at a map the same again.

Thomas Dann — “Midnight in Memphis”

admin — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 20:51:44 +0000

Chatter rolls live in an undisclosed secure location in the DMV with Claude, David, Torie, and Renaissance man Rodney. It’s “boy time” as Rodney extols the virtues of his men’s book club. Charter member Thomas Dann joins to share “Midnight in Memphis,” a mystery set in 1950s Memphis. A Southern noir “Midnight” is a nuanced look at race, political turmoil, and relationships in both. As Scott Turow put it, Dann uncovers the “enticing, sometimes lurid, mysteries that always seemed to lurk beneath the surface of the old south.”

DeMaurice Smith – “Turf Wars: The Fight For the Soul of America’s Game”

admin — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:55:40 +0000

Chatter goes live at Caddies on Cordell, the DMV’s premier sports bar, with Claude, David, Torie, S.L. Price and DeMaurice Smith, longtime head of the National Football League Players Association. They break down the latest sports gambling scandal (nobody’s shocked and all are worried about the impact). Smith shares “Turf Wars,” the ultimate insiders look at the biggest battles between football owners and players.

Ann E. Butler – “Wife, Mother, Spy: An Extraordinary Life Filled With Ordinary Days”

admin — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:09:43 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie. They cover Claude’s equine role and the NBA cheating scandal. (Who knew the mob was still so active!). Nancy Baenen of Arcadia Books joins to chat up her iconic Wisconsin book store and dispense advice on “The Pitch,” the 2026 Chatter on Books writing competition. Ann E. Butler zooms in to share “Wife, Mother, Spy,” her exceptional book about an extraordinary life. CIA operative and mother of five, Butler juggled parenting around the globe AND recruited spies, gleaned intelligence and protected the country. We’re in awe.

Mary Roach – “Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy”

admin — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 15:36:08 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, David and Torie. They reveal Claude’s latest acting role in the mansion murders podcast and continue working on “The Pitch,” Best selling, wicked smart, and very funny Mary Roach zooms in to share “Replaceable You.” Forget what you think you know about human anatomy and how we replace/fix/grow new body parts. “Replaceable You” means never looking at a pig the same way again. It’s terrific!

Susan Morrison — “Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live”

admin — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:50:04 +0000

Chatter rolls back with Claude, David, Torie, and COB fave James Grady. They hit summer highlights, why Barnes & Noble is on a roll, and ideated Chatter’s soon-to-be writing competition (working title: The Pitch). Susan Morrison zooms in with “Lorne,” a decade long look at the man at the center of Saturday Night Live. It’s the ultimate “fly on the wall” experience and a walk through fifty years of entertainment, and culture, and politics, and life.

James Grady – “American Sky”

admin — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:28:48 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie and COB fave Lou Bayard. Lou goes playwright, and David sheds a tear (a happy one) over TNT. Award winning, best selling and all around cool guy James Grady zooms in to share his latest, “American Sky.” Epic and sweeping and so much more significant than your average coming of age story. Grady’s portrait is, as Lou puts it “…indelibly, the portrait of a nation — an epic canvas that always feels intimate…”

S.L. Price – “The American Game: History and Hope in the Country of Lacrosse”

admin — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:37:38 +0000

Chatter rolls live at Wonderland Books in Bethesda, Maryland. Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie chat with Wonderland owner Gayle Weiswasser. She gives the lowdown on how the store is doing; foot traffic, sales, and community hub all flourishing. S.L. Price (aka Scott) takes a seat to share his latest “The American Game — History and Hope in the Country of Lacrosse.” Revered by many as one of the all time great sportswriters, Scott examines the history, culture and geopolitics of the game. Meticulously researched, “The American Game” is a fascinating look at a sport whose evolution explains so much about the country.

Kyra Davis Lurie — “The Great Mann”

admin — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 21:27:17 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, Torie, and Jamie as David recovers from NBA finals. They break down DOD events, and Rocco’s shot contest beats all. Best selling author and screenwriter Kyra Davis Lurie zooms in the share “The Great Mann.” Describing it as a reimagining of “The Great Gatsby,” as many do, doesn’t do justice to this deeply researched look at class and wealth and Black identity in postwar Los Angeles. It’s Lurie’s first turn at historical fiction; hopefully not her last.

Ling Ling Huang – “Immaculate Conception”

admin — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:27:08 +0000

Chatter rolls with Kevin Stanfield filling in for Claude (in Hershey), Jamie, and Torie as David rocks the NBA finals. Horses rule as Torie raves about her rare win betting on the ponies, and they discuss the perils of gambling. They preview Chatter’s live show in Bethesda on July 7 at Wonderland Books. A violinist and author, Ling Ling Huang zooms in to share “Immaculate Conception.” Her second novel, it blows ones mind with the possibilities — good and bad — when technology and art and friendship collide.

Ted Genoways — “Tequila Wars: Jose Cuervo and the Bloody Struggle for the Spirit of Mexico”

admin — Wed, 21 May 2025 01:56:08 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, Torie, and COB alum Mike Croley. All agree that Charlotte Bronte was more talented at 13 than any of us as adults. Mike explains tenure — liberating. David wins the pop quiz “name the book by the quote.” Award winning (as in James Beard) and best selling author Ted Genoways zooms in to share “Tequila Wars,” his massively researched and compellingly written take on the unsung and underreported Jose Cuervo, a real person with untold impact on Mexican history.

Victoria Chrsitopher Murray – “Harlem Rhapsody”

admin — Wed, 07 May 2025 21:27:04 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, Jud, and Torie. After discussing Kaitlyn/Colin nuptials and cars they shockingly move quickly to book topics. Is “The Great Gatsby” the great American novel? Is there really a great American novel? COB alum and fave Victoria Christopher Murray zooms in to share “Harlem Rhapsody,” the story of Jesse Redmon Fauset, the “literary midwife” of the Harlem Renaissance. Victoria’s the perfect person to write about the woman at the heart of a cultural renaissance.

Jack Fairweather – “The Prosecutor”

admin — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 21:54:01 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, Torie, and Jud Ashman. Chatter on Sports kicks things off — Final Four, Ovi, and the Masters. A hard turn to award winning author Jack Fairweather. He zooms in to share “The Prosecutor.” Meticuous research and beautiful writing make this true story about a Jewish lawyer prosecuting Nazi war crimes a book that can’t be put down once you start. Sebastian Junger called it “..a tour de force of both historical research and absolutely terrific writing. It reads like the best sort of cloak-and-dagger novel.” Yep. And it’s hIghly relevant these days.

Kristen Arnett – “Stop Me If You’ve Heard This Before”

admin — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:34:03 +0000

Chatter rolls into March madness with David, Jamie, and Torie. All eyes on David’s beloved American Eagles, but Jamie’s Gators look good. Torie’s beloved CAPs are on a roll, and Ovi’s on the march to break Gretzky’s record. The show gets back to books (sort of) with a review of reviews of the Moby Dick opera. Best selling author and former librarian Kristen Arnett zooms in to share “Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One.” As the Washington Post put it, it’s all kinds of funny. Ostensibly about a retail employee turned clown, it’s a truly original way to look at art and creativity.

Charlotte Wood – “Stone Yard Devotional”

admin — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:41:52 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie. They break down the CAPs resurgence and a great 2018 moment — off the ice and in the water. They debate what’s behind the resurgence of brick and mortar book stores. Award winning author Charlotte Wood zooms in from down under to share “Stone Yard Devotional.” Released in Australia in 2023 and a Booker Prize finalist in ’24, Wood tells the story of a disillusioned conservationist who moves into a convent. Beautifully spare, it’s “extraordinary” as WashPost critic Ron Charles said. And it makes you work — a good thing!

N.L. Holmes – “Melody of Evil”

admin — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 21:54:35 +0000

Chatter rolls with Lauren filling in for Claude, Jamie, and Torie. They once again go down the memory lane of journalism. No contest in the Super Bowl but a good debate over Tom Brady. Torie and Jamie try to tackle Ed Butt’s daughter’s sorority sister’s list by which to curate reading and epically fail. N.L. Holmes zooms in to share her remarkable career paths and latest in the Hani’s Daughter Mystery series, “Melody of Evil.” Set in the time of King Tutankhamun, the book weaves a page turning mystery in a mosaic of the politics, family dynamics, and culture of Ancient Egypt.

David Maraniss

admin — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 04:43:13 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Jamie, and Torie. They go deep on DeepSeek and AI more generally. No Super Bowl for the Commanders but all rave about rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and a remarkable season. The group goes dark on the current state of journalism (was there a golden age?) and its future. Pulitzer Prize winner and best seller several times over David Maraniss zooms in to share work on his next book about Jack Johnson, boxer and inspiration for the Great White Hope. Like much of his work, the book will examine important history through an athlete’s life.

David Wright Falade – “The New Internationals”

admin — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 19:11:12 +0000

Chatter rolls into the new year with Claude, Jamie, and Torie. David’s off covering the Commanders’ big win over Tampa Bay. Even without David, Claude and Jamie break down the big game (something about 4th downs). Following “Chatter on Sports,” COB alum David Wright Falade zooms in to share his latest, “The New Internationals.” Focused on an often over simplified chapter in history, “The New Internationals” explores the complex and intertwined lives of young people imagining a better world. David goes “Going Local” with the Twin Oaks branch of the Austin Public Library system, down the street from where he lives and a terrific community hub.

David Aldridge – “The Basketball 100: The Story of the Greatest Players in NBA History”

admin — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 17:34:35 +0000

Chatter rolls Thanksgiving week with a very special show – live and in person: Claude, David, Torie, Jamie, and Jud. They shed a tear for Ovi’s injury, marvel (again) at Taylor Swift’s reach, and declare their picks for the Mt. Rushmore of sports books. Award winning, hall of faming, and legacy leaving journalist David Aldridge takes the featured author chair. He shares “The Basketball 100,” fascinating stories about the League’s legendary figures. As Charles Barkley says, “Let the debate begin.”

Tripp Whetsell – “Norman Lear – His Life and Times”

admin — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:05:07 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and Jamie. They break down the Washington Capitals and answer listener email about favorite books beyond Chatter (who has time?). Nobody wins the pop quiz on banned books but all agree none should be (banned, that is). According to PEN America, this year over 10,000 books were banned in public schools, nearly triple the number from 2023. Author, historian, journalist, ghostwriter Tripp Whetsell zooms in to share “Norman Lear – His Life and Times.” It’s an intense look at the depth and breadth of one of television’s most important figures.

Tommy Tomlinson – “Dogland: Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show.”

admin — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 15:13:23 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and her sister from another mother Liz Clarke. Manny’s rocking: check out Foxden Fairways for awesome kids’ golf attire and more. Make sure you use promo code: MannyGolf15! Recovering lawyer Gayle Weiswasser joins to talk about the soon-to-be-open independent Wonderland Books in Bethesda, Maryland. Writer, reporter, and podcaster Tommy Tomlinson zooms in to share “Dogland.” Think Christopher Guest’s “Best in Show,” but with more history, insights, and fabulous stories about man’s best friends and their fascinating humans. And yes, the dogs are happy.

Tevi Troy – “The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry

admin — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 15:20:37 +0000

Chatter rolls into fall with Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie. David debriefs his epic Parisian Olympic adventures. DC Public Library Foundation head Rob Hartman shares the Library back story and teases the October 5 “Battle of the Banned” in which DC librarians battle it out for title of “Best Banned Book Display.” Author Tevi Troy zooms in to share his fact filled “The Power and the Money,” a meticulously researched look at how commanders in chief and corporate titans have collaborated and clashed throughout history.

Erica Wright – “Hollow Bones”

admin — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 23:51:01 +0000

Chatter rolls with Torie and Jamie. David’s in Paris and Claude is golfing, so Lauren fills in with the important work. They break down the Olympics (Lauren’s not a watcher), read a couple of emails and ponder the huge influence of women on all things books. COB alum and fave Erica Wright zooms in from Knoxville to share her latest, “Hollow Bones.” Snakes figure prominently again, but so do orphans and psychics and reporters. Totally gripping.
Erica goes local with Union Avenue Books her favorite haunt in the heart of Knoxville.

Erik Larson – “The Demon of Unrest”

admin — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 16:39:27 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and man about town Rodney Ferguson. They break down Wimbledon, rave about “James” by Percival Everett, and marvel at BookTok. David shares the back brief on his upcoming book “The Basketball 100,” a celebration of the best players in NBA History. Award winning, best selling and all around cool guy Erik Larson zooms in to chat about “The Demon of Unrest: A saga of hubris, heartbreak, and heroism at the dawn of the civil war.” With his usual meticulous research and riveting writing, Larson brings new perspective on the months between Lincoln’s election and the Confederate shelling of Fort Sumter. And despite the known outcome, there’s suspense too.

Karen Valby – “The Swans of Harlem”

admin — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 13:34:00 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie and Torie. They do “Chatter on Weddings” (they used to be a lot less complicated), contemplate a live show, share father’s day experiences, and somehow veer into what makes elite athletes so dedicated. Karen Valby zooms in from Austin to share “The Swans of Harlem.” Until now, not many outside the world of ballet (heck, even inside that world) knew about five pioneering Black ballerinas and their remarkable friendship that has survived fifty years.

Anne Foster – “The Long War on Drugs”

admin — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:06:02 +0000

Chatter rolls at the Gaithersburg Book Festival with David, Torie, and Jamie. They rave about now Pulitzer Prize winning author Ilyon Woo whose “Master Slave Husband Wife” was featured on Chatter over a year ago. COB alum Anne Foster joins under the tent to share (again) “The Long War on Drugs,” her 360 degree look at decades of efforts to combat drugs. And she shares what it’s like to be one of David’s oldest and earest friends.

Abraham Chang – “888 Love and the Divine Burden of Numbers”

admin — Thu, 23 May 2024 21:30:35 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Claude and Torie. They debrief the Gaithersburg Book Festival and speculate on why whales attacks (aka “Chatter on Whales”). Bobby Gottfried got things going, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently signed a law banning book banning. They debate signs you should give up on a book. Award winning, poetry writing and publishing guru Abraham Chang zooms in to share his debut novel. Packed with pop culture and blistering dialogue, “888 Love and the Divine Burden of Numbers” covers love, identity, and Chinese culture in a completely unique way. And he had fun writing it!

Elizabeth O’Connor – “Whale Fall”

admin — Tue, 07 May 2024 22:23:01 +0000

Chatter rolls into May with David, Torie, and America’s favorite book festival founder Mayor Jud Ashman. They rave about the Derby, bemoan the celebrification (is that a word?)) of sporting events, and claim to be good sports parents. Jud debriefs on the Gaithersburg Book Festival. Over one hundred authors, events, and workshops – not to mention it’s free and offers free parking. Chatter will be there at 12:15 pm with Anne Foster and “The Long War on Drugs”. Award winning and debut novelist Elizabeth O’Connor zooms in from across the pond to share “Whale Fall”. Glowing reviews on both sides of the ocean applaud O’Connor’s care in writing the story of a young woman finding herself on a remote Welsh island. We’d add compelling and evocative.

Susan Page – “The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters”

admin — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:12:04 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie, Jamie, and Claude. Jamie’s just back from Costa Rica – a definite yes for travel. They bid a fond farewell to the iconic Eddie Sands, father of David, Steve, and Michael and patriarch of the iconic Calvert Woodley Fine Wines and Spirits. Joe Drape joins to debrief on “Broken Horses,” the NYT expose on horse racing and its darker side. Award winning, best selling, COB alum Susan Page zooms in to share “The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters.” Forget everything you thought you knew about the iconic journalist, Walters overcame and endured multiple challenges in her professional quest to be the best. Page conducted over 150 interviews and researched extensively to “uncover so much more” about Walters, as Connie Chung put it. Susan “Goes Local” with DC’s West End Public Library. They serve everyone in a diverse community, but we have to get Susan’s books on the shelves!

Eric Blehm – “The Darkest White”

admin — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 18:16:11 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and COB’s favorite Mayor, Jud Ashman. The eclipse eclipses March Madness. Shout outs to Rob Dundon, Jake, and COB authors in Middleburg Books. They debate the funniest novels (sort of), and Jud briefs the May 18 Gaithersburg Book Festival. Over a hundred authors and events and good weather guaranteed. Plus it’s free. Award winning and thrill seeking author Eric Blehm zooms in with “The Darkest White.” Harrowing and inspiring, his gripping account of the short life of legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly mesmerizes and inspires.

James Grady – “The Smoke in Our Eyes”

admin — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:55:48 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jamie. March Madness rules and inspires book ideas. Torie spots COB authors in airports and on The Atlantic’s best novels list. Best selling, award winning, and all around cool guy James Grady zooms in to share “The Smoke in Our Eyes.” With his typically brilliant writing and imagination, Grady captures a very modern coming of age story. In Going Local, he chats up the Toole County Library, his favorite place in Shelby, Montana.

Liza Mundy – “The Sisterhood”

admin — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 14:52:53 +0000

Chatter rolls in like a lion with David, Torie, Jamie, and special guest Ann Hornaday. In addition to the usual, they’re talking about non-books things like Caitlin Clark – awesome. Award winning Wash Post movie critic Ann Hornaday joins for Oscar buzz and what makes a good book into a good movie (or not!). NYT bestseller Liza Mundy zooms in to share “The Sisterhood,” her revelatory history of the role of women in the CIA. With meticulous research and wonderful storytelling, Liza tells important stories unheard for too long. As part of COB’s “Go Local,” she chats up her favorite libraries and independent bookstores. DC’s MLK Library gets her nod for a Chatter on Books donation.

Louis Ferrante – “Borgata: Rise of Empire – A History of the American Mafia”

admin — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 22:02:04 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson. They break down the Super Bowl and marvel at the life well lived by remarkable publisher (think “Jaws,: “The Exorcist,” and “Catcher in the Rye”). Student of life and former Mafia associate Louis Ferrante zooms in to share “Borgata: Rise of Empire, a History of the American Mafia.” Ferrante blends personal anecdotes with a remarkable grasp of history to track the rise of organized crime in America. This is part one of a trilogy – he will be back!

Mark Wish – “Necessary Deeds”

admin — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:37:25 +0000

Chatter rolls with Claude, Torie, and Jamie. They hope the best for King Charles, and Torie gets to rave about Pebble Beach. The “most checked out books” includes “The Snowy Day,” and Jamie’s all over it. Prolific writer and book doctor Mark Wish zooms in to share his (according to Torie) somewhat autobiographical “Necessary Deeds.” Wish’s protagonist is a literary agent turned convict, imprisoned for a crime of passion. “Necessary Deeds” quickly goes down a twisting and wonderful mind path of revenge and redemption.

Chip Reid – “Battle Scars”

admin — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:41:07 +0000

Chatter rolls into 2024 with David, Torie, and Jamie. They praise Tara VanDerveer, the winningest NCAA basketball coach, break down self-publisher Beatrix Potter, decide that dogs rule and we all have a ton of books. Longtime journalist Chip Reid zooms in to share “Battle Scars.” Twenty years after embedding with the 3^rdBattalion, 5^th Marines in the Iraq War, Chip tells their stories of bravery, comradeship, and how the war changed their lives. Terrifying and inspiring all at once.

Doug Melville – “Invisible Generals”

admin — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 22:32:16 +0000

Chatter rolls into the holidays with David, Torie, and Jamie. They do their own version of “deserted island” (some go practical) and all are conflicted on book recommendations for holiday gift buyers. Just peruse Chatter on Books and you’ll find so many good ones. Business leader, Tommy Hilfiger pal, and former Wienermobile ambassador Doug Melville zooms in to share “Invisible Generals,” his deeply moving story of family, race, and indomitable will. It’s an important story and a fabulous read.

Anne Foster – “The Long War on Drugs”

admin — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 01:13:54 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jamie. Favorite childhood toys start things off. They all rave about COB alums who continue to crush “best of 23” lists. It turns out high school students are stealing and reading books — is that a good thing? Historian, teacher and longtime DA friend Anne Foster zooms in to share “The Long War on Drugs.” Beautifully written and meticulously researched, Anne’s book takes a 360 degree and highly illuminating journey around the decades old efforts to combat drugs.

Karin Tanabe – “The Sunset Crowd”

admin — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:39:52 +0000

Chatter’s annual family Thanksgiving show rolls with David, Torie, renaissance man Nevin Martell, and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson. They catch up on book news as COB alums Ilyon Woo and David Von Drehele crush “best of 2023” lists. COB fave Karin Tanabe zooms in to share “The Sunset Crowd.” Any time a review has you and Gatsby in the same sentence you know you’ve got something good. Karin’s searing prose and uncanny cultural instincts capture Hollywood fantasies and the American dream. And the gang goes deep on imposter syndrome.

Jen Golbeck and Stacey Colino – “The Purest Bond – Understanding the Human-Canine Connection”

admin — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:10:21 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and her sister from another mother Liz Clarke. They agree no one really understands sign stealing and discuss what to do with towers of books. Of course the Puritans were the first book banners! Dr. Jen Golbeck, creator of the Golden Ratio, and award winning writer Stacey Colino zoom in to share “The Purest Bond – Understanding the Human-Canine Connection.” Golbeck and Colino put the science behind the physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits that come with having a dog in the house. With research and real-life stories they demonstrate how dogs help us live better lives.

Lena Andrews – “Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II”

admin — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:08:31 +0000

Chatter rolls with Torie and Jamie as David cheers on his beloved American Eagles at their season opener. Torie and Jamie kick around some book news, sort of but mostly talk about gambling. CIA military analyst Lena Andrews zooms in to share “Valiant Women: The extraordinary American servicewomen who helped win World War II.” She tells long neglected stories of the women from every race, creed, and walk of life who served and fought in every service, combat theater, and nearly two-thirds of all occupations. Without them, the war would not have been won, and Andrews brings their stories to life with meticulous research and compelling writing.

Edward Carey: “Edith Holler”

admin — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 15:13:09 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jamie. Claude recounts his weekend covering the “triathlon of equestrian sports” in Maryland. They review status of the Musk and Sam Bankman-Fried books (Musk still beating SBF), and Torie revels gently about Jann Wenner’s book not doing well. They kick around the latest AI debate: Okay to use authors’s work to “train” AI? Nobody likes it, but nobody knows how to fix it either. Author Edward Carey zooms in to share “Edith Holler.” Truly original, it draws upon his writing, illustrating, and playwrighting experience. Fantastical and current all at the same time, “Edith Holler” is deep and highly entertaining at the same time.

Bruce Schoenfeld – “Game of Edges”

admin — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 17:20:30 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Chuck Culpepper. They revisit the women’s world cup in New Zealand and Australia and catch up on the Michael Lewis book about Sam Bankman-Fried (maybe not his best yet?). In the spirit of the baseball playoffs they pick best baseball books ever. Journalist Bruce Schoenfeld zooms in to share “Game of Edges: The Analytics Revolution and the Future of Professional Sports.” He combines masterful storytelling with extraordinary insider access to tell the fascinating stories about the tech savvy people who are transforming every aspect of sports. Optimistic or pessimistic about the future of sports?

Angie Kim – “Happiness Falls”

admin — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 13:12:10 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jud Ashman. David wins the Faulkner birthday pop quiz. They break down new books on Elon Musk and Sam Bankman-Fried (two good authors but the subjects?). They cover the good, the bad, and the ugly of blurbs (do they sell books?). COB fave and award winning, best-selling author Angie Kim zooms in to share “Happiness Falls.” Angie combines beautiful writing with a truly original story that prompts thought-provoking insights into what’s really important in life.

Brando Skyhorse – “My Name is iris”

admin — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:59:12 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie and Jamie. They rave about Deeshaw Philyah (seven figure deal for two new books) and Nane Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (nominated for National Book Award) and pile on Jann Wenner (what a jerk). Award winning author and teacher Brando Skyhorse zooms in to share “Me Name is Iris.” It starts out as one thing and subtly shifts to a searing take on family, identity, and intolerance. Washington Post critic Ron Charles calls it “ominous social satire” and asks “could there be a more incisive diagnosis of our era?” It’s terrific.

Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray – “The First Ladies”

admin — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 13:30:23 +0000

Chatter rolls into fall with favorite alums and powerful friendships. David, Torie, and Louis Bayard share their summer vacations. COB listener Bobby Gottfried has rare good news on book banning. The best of friends and award winning writers to boot, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray zoom in to share “The First Ladies” about the extraordinary partnership between civil rights activist Mary Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt. As COB alum Sadeqa Johnson said in her blurb: “The timely story encapsulates the unmovable power of when two strong minds come together in the name of justice and equality.”

Philip Jett – “Stranded in the Sky: The Untold Story of Pan Am Luxury Airliners Trapped on the Day of Infamy”

admin — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 20:11:10 +0000

Chatter rolls with Torie, Jud Ashman, Marc Sterne, and Lily Martin. Jud and the Gaithersburg Book Festival team already looking ahead to 2024. Marc schools the gang on big generational changes in tennis and the graciousness of a runner up. Lawyer turned writer Philip Jett zooms in to share “Stranded in the Sky – The Untold Story of Pan Am Luxury Airliners Trapped on the Day of Infamy.” Jett combines meticulous research with deft storytelling. “Stranded in the Sky” brings vivid accounts of the most luxurious airliners in the world trapped in the vast Pacific Ocean as the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and other targets.

Lisa Cornwell – “Troublemaker”

admin — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:56:34 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Claude, Torie, and newly promoted Content Manager Lily Martin. They kick around more book banning (really? The Bible now?) and more on Threads (we’re there). Lily breaks down YA for the more mature Chatterers and names Leah Johnson as one her favorites in the genre. Award winning athlete and long-time on air host and reporter, Lisa Cornwell zooms in to share “Troublemaker.” She reveals details of her childhood success as an athlete, her battles with personal demons, and friends in very high places. As a veteran voice at Golf Channel she fearlessly tackled the toxic environment she encountered as a woman in a decidedly male culture.

Andrew Hoehn & Thom Shanker – “Age of Danger”

admin — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 21:25:33 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie, Jamie, and Content Manager Lily. Lily wins the pop quiz on best sellers. Unlikely TikTok star gets the best seller treatment. Lily enlightens again, this time on TikTok’s new publishing arm. Big brains Andy Hoehn and Thom Shanker zoom in to share “Age of Danger – Keeping America Safe in an Era of New Superpowers, New Weapons, and New Threats.” National security veterans of many years, Hoehn and Shanker break down the major challenges the U.S. faces and what should be done about them. The takeaway? Be afraid. And somewhat encouraged.

David Von Drehle – “The Book of Charlie”

admin — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 13:43:02 +0000

Chatter rolls into July with Torie, Claude, Renaissance man Nevin Martell and Intern/Content Manager Lily Martin. They marvel at Legos and Nevin’s status as the “Anthony Bourdain of foraging.” Award winning David Von Drehle zooms in from the heartland to share “The Book of Charlie.” David’s neighbor, Dr. Charlie White, thrived through more than a century of change with resilience, grit and ever present stoicism. There are epic journeys, medical innovations, heartaches, and loves.

Iris Yamashita – “City Under One Roof”

admin — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:28:36 +0000

June races by as Chatter rolls with David, Torie, Jamie, and Intern/Content Manager Lily Martin. Current events is up first as they break down subs, Russia and NBA phenoms. Hard to tell who will do better as a presidential candidate – David or Jamie. Academy award nominee Iris Yamashita zooms in to share City Under One Roof. Yamashita’s story telling prowess is obvious in her tantalizing and sometimes dark look at a murder in a small town with complex relationships.

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah – “Chain Gang All-Stars”

admin — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 14:32:08 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie and NYT writer Joe Drape. They praise the Goddess (aka Dolly), read email (only the good ones), and bemoan the state of horse racing. Award winning and truly original author Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah zooms in to share Chain Gang All-Stars. His debut novel, “Chain Gang” pits two women gladiators against each other in a fight for freedom that’s about so much more than you think. Read the footnotes. Adjei-Brenyah’s stunning writing makes every page a delight to read.

Laura Scalzo – “American Arcadia”

admin — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 15:36:49 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Jamie, and Torie. They break down the best of children’s books, the amazing Michael Lewis, and finally get to the loss of lit majors nationwide. Adding significantly to the conversation is Lily Martin, COB’s new intern (or title to be determined). Author Laura Scalzo zooms in the share “American Arcadia.” Ostensibly about four young New Yorkers in 1985, Scalzo’s novel weaves compelling characters and life-changing themes in a truly original way.

Theresa Runstedtler – “Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood and the Generation That Saved the Soul of the NBA”

admin — Thu, 25 May 2023 14:04:49 +0000

Chatter rolls at the Gaithersburg Book Festival with historian, professor, and author Theresa Runstedtler. She shares “Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation That Saved the Soul of the NBA.” Meticulously researched and compellingly written, the book chronicles and corrects the league’s history, both its “dark ages” of the 1970s and subsequent rise. She weaves historical insights and social analysis into a fascinating look at how the game was changed and the players launched the NBA into the global powerhouse it is today. Her meticulously researched and compellingly written book that chronicles and corrects the supposed demise and subsequent rise of professional basketball. She weaves historical insights and social analysis into a fascinating look at how the game was changed and the players launched the NBA into the global powerhouse it is today.

Cheryl A Head – “Time’s Undoing”

admin — Thu, 18 May 2023 17:04:44 +0000

Renaissance man Nevin Martell joins David and Torie to talk food, foraging, and the Gaithersburg Book Festival. They answer emails and talk about life in Washington without Dan Snyder. Award winning writer Cheryl A. Head zooms in to share “Time’s Undoing.” Based on her family’s history, Cheryl expertly weaves one family’s tragedy into a searing portrait of institutional racism and the hope that honesty can produce.

Susan Wels – “An Assassin in Utopia”

admin — Tue, 09 May 2023 02:01:22 +0000

Jamie McIntyre and Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman join Torie as Chatter rolls into spring. They bemoan what’s happening in horse racing, learn why Gaithersburg is America’s most diverse city, preview the May 20 Gaithersburg Book Festival, and guess famous authors’ day jobs (Jud kind of wins). Best-selling author, journalist, and historian Susan Wels zooms in to share “An Assassin in Utopia: The true story of a nineteenth-century sex cult and a president’s murder.” In a six degrees of separation way, Wels weaves the fascinating true stories of sex-crazed utopian societies, a banished member and the brutal assassination of the 20^th president. And don’t miss Horace Greeley, P.T. Barnum, a cross-dressing spy, and female doctor. Articulate research and compelling writing make it a “can’t put down” book.

Dennis Lehane – “Small Mercies”

admin — Mon, 01 May 2023 13:50:42 +0000

It’s a Chatter hall of fame as David and Torie are joined by Angie Kim, Tope Folarin, and Lou Bayard. They bemoan book banning and admit to acceptance speeches never given. Angie previews “Happiness Falls” coming out in September, and Lou raises the curtain on the upcoming PEN/Faulkner Awards. Award winning and best selling author several times over Dennis Lehane zooms in to share “Small Mercies.” Set in Boston during the explosive desegregation of public schools, “Small Mercies” is unflinching. Lehane’s masterful storytelling grabs you with its deep dive into power, racism, and the love of a mother. And we think it was cathartic for Dennis.

Ilyon Woo – “MASTER SLAVE HUSBAND WIFE”

admin — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 13:43:06 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie, Jamie, and our favorite Mayor – Jud Ashman. They break down the Masters (sadly good for LIV), and Jud updates everybody on The Gaithersburg Book Festival. Think dozens of authors (including Chatter alums), events, free admission and free parking! It’s May 20 at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg.

NYT best selling author Ilyon Woo zooms in to share the remarkable story of Ellen and William Craft, two enslaved people who fled to freedom disguised as a white man and his slave. “MASTER SLAVE HUSBAND WIFE” is filled with illuminating details, historical precision and suspense. At its core, it’s one of history’s most important love stories.

Alma Katsu – “Red London”

admin — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:24:02 +0000

March madness is underway with Torie, David, and returning author (and secret sports fan) Ana Reyes. Chatter welcomes its youngest author, 10 year old Manny Jennings, author of It’s OK to be Me. It’s an inspiring book about how he stutters and how he lives his best life every day. COB’s favorite intel author Alma Katsu returns, this time with Red London, the gripping and entirely plausible story of spies, turncoats, and post-Putin Russia.

Manny Jennings – “It’s OK to be Me”

admin — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:23:03 +0000

Ed Aymar – “No Home For Killers”

admin — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 21:58:32 +0000

Chatter rolls into March with David, Torie and Jud Ashman. Jud debriefs the 2023 Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 20 with dozens of authors and hopefully a special Chatter on Books taping. David shares his Union Station Colleen Hoover experience, and they all marvel at her staying power. Four leaders of the Child2ChildFoundation join in. Inspired by a shared love for books and a desire to help others, these remarkable young women have sent over 60,000 books to children in Nigeria and Ghana. Finally, COB favorite Ed Aymar zooms in to share “No Home for Killers,” his latest murder mystery that goes deep into the ties and tragedies of one unique family.

Ana Reyes –“The House in the Pines”

admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 13:39:54 +0000

Chatter rolls with a Feb 14 special – sort of. David, Torie and Jamie break down the Super Bowl. All the guys say no romance in their reading history. They cover book recommendations for Valentine’s Day, some are serious, and some are not. Best selling and creative writing teacher of older adults Ana Reyes zooms in. She shares her deeply disturbing and “can’t put it down” “The House in the Pines.” At turns troubling and always mesmerizing, it’s about friendships and memory and is the definition of psychological thriller.

David Wright Faladé – “Black Cloud Rising”

admin — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 13:42:07 +0000

David briefs the Super Bowl. Jamie breaks down the “balloon incident.” Torie, David and Jamie play “if you liked this book on Chatter, get this one,” aka book recommendations. They fawn over COB alums Brendan Slocumb and Silas House, both finalists for the 2023 Southern Book Awards. Writer, teacher and semi-pro football player, David Wright Falade zooms in to share “Black Cloud Rising,” about a brigade of Black soldiers in the Civil War. The New York Times calls it “a straight-up page turner.” Yes, and even more it’s a highly nuanced focus on race, identity and family.

Amita Parikh – “The Circus Train”

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 15:08:40 +0000

Claude kicks things off with big literary news. Manny has a book! “It’s Okay to Be Me!” , his uplifting story of how he doesn’t let stuttering hold him back. Jamie breaks down ChatGPT for Torie and David with real-life examples from the world of Chatter. Amita Parikh zooms in to share “The Circus Train,” her profoundly moving and entertaining saga of a European circus train under the shadows of war and persecution. Based in World War II, the questions of discrimination, bravery and love are timeless.

Andrew Maraniss – “Inaugural Ballers”

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 14:51:52 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie and Torie’s sister from another mother Liz Clarke. They break down “Spare” – who lets somebody put some of that in print? Award winning Andrew Maraniss zooms in to talk about “Inaugural Ballers,” the story of the first U.S. women’s Olympic basketball team. Praised for writing stories with larger social messages, Maraniss uses meticulous research and extensive interviews to tell the story of the unknowns who paved the way for generations to come.

Buzz Bissinger – “The Mosquito Bowl”

admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 19:15:12 +0000

David, Torie and Jamie ring in the new year with chatter about resolutions, reading’s health benefits and the incredible Robert Caro. They talk with Heidi Powell and Hope Harrod of An Open Book Foundation, a terrific DMV organization that connects students with authors, illustrators and their books to foster a lifelong love of books. Iconic writer Buzz Bissinger zooms in to share “The Mosquito Bowl,” superbly researched and passionately written, it’s about brotherhood and bravery and country. John Grisham says it’s destined to be a classic. Yep.

Silas House – “Lark Ascending”

admin — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 17:26:08 +0000

Chatter rolls into the holidays with David, Torie and COB fave Michael Croley. Mike shares his piece in Esquire, a tribute to his late brother and the healing power of golf. Award winning and multi-talented author Silas House zooms in to share his latest, “Lark Ascending.” Ostensibly about a boy in a not too distant future dystopia, it’s really about grief and survival and humanity. It’s unlike anything else out there.

Andrew Sean Greer – “Less is Lost”

admin — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 15:10:56 +0000

Torie, David and Jamie break down the World Cup, gaslighting, goblin mode and Dylan. Pulitzer Prize winner Andrew Sean Greer zooms in to share “Less is Lost.” On the road with Arthur Less, a “minor American novelist,” who’s trying to pay down bills, reconcile relationships and find himself. Along the way there’s a pug named Dolly, an Rv called Rosina and a litany of almost literary events. It’s like Chris Buckley and Hunter Thompson – but better.

Bob Brush – “The Piazza – Stories from Piazza Santa Caterina Piccola”

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 15:19:01 +0000

It’s the annual Thanksgiving Chatter family special! Renaissance man Nevin Martel and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson join Torie for talk about twitter, drinks, and even a few book related topics. Multiple award winner and multi-talented Bob Brush zooms in to share “The Piazza – Stories from Piazza Santa Caterina Piccola.” Lovers, beggars, royalty and more share hopes, desires and fears in the shadow of impending catastrophe. Beautiful writing enhanced with stunning illustrations by Scott Howard.

Nghi Vo – “Into the Riverlands”

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 15:17:28 +0000

Torie, David, “Bath Haus” author P.J. Vernon, and awesome storyteller Nghi Vo kick around Dan Snyder selling the Commanders (finally!), whither Twitter and the future of social media. Torie shares yet another Dolly tribute, this time a $100 million award for courage and civility. Then they (finally) turn to books. Hugo award winner and epic storyteller, Nghi shares “Into the Riverlands,” her physically small but thematically huge novella.

Susan Coll – “Bookish People”

admin — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 03:17:22 +0000

David, Torie and Jamie kick things off with Dolly, and November notables. They debate “Gone With the Wind’s Pulitzer status. Author Susan Coll zooms in to share “Bookish People.” Think books, relationships, cancel culture gone bad, and appliances with lives of their own. It’s terrific!

Mark Leibovich – “Thank You for Your Servitude: Donald Trump’s Washington and the Price of Submission”

admin — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 21:27:13 +0000

Chatter welcomes back the one and only Jeanne McManus. She joins David and Torie to talk painting and scary stories.COB Hall of Famer Mark Leibovich zooms in to share “Thank You for Your Servitude,” his searing account of how once seemingly respectable politicians lost their way, joined a cult and enabled the unthinkable. If you read only one book on politics, this is the one.

LaToya Watkins – “Perish”

admin — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 13:57:04 +0000

Chatter kicks off October with David, Torie and Jamie. Book news covers Maggie Haberman’s new book on Trump (probably won’t buy) and Tom Hanks’ first novel. The pop quiz is on required reading for first years in college. David wins! LaToya Watkins zooms in with “Perish,” her debut novel about family, trauma, race, class, and dysfunction. As many have said, it’s hard to read but impossible to put down.

David Maraniss – “Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe”

admin — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 23:11:05 +0000

Marc joins David and Torie for a breakdown on the U.S. Open, the Queen’s funeral, and should we all know who Collen Hoover is? David Maraniss zooms in with “Path Lit By Lightning,” another remarkable book in the Pulitzer Prize winner’s collection of definitive biographies. He goes beyond Thorpe’s legendary athletic accomplishments to capture in riveting detail the story of a complex cultural icon and the broader American Indian experience.

Ann Leary – The Foundling

admin — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 16:09:18 +0000

David, Torie and Jamie talk back-to-school, but David’s drop off of the first born went well. They talk Dolly, of course, and Claude has a great spinoff idea for the goddess. Best selling author Ann Leary Zooms in to share “The Foundling”. Its back story is as fascinating as the book itself, a fast-paced story of friendships, loyalty and the all-too real institutions that embraced eugenics as a widely accepted practice in the 1920s.

Jackie Higgins – “Sentient”

admin — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 18:02:54 +0000

Torie, David and Jamie kick off Chatter’s last show until after Labor Day. DiCaprio, Reeves and Scorsese team up to bring COB fave Erik Larson’s book “Devil in the White City” to Hulu. David wins the pop quiz on early female authors. They finally get to Alec Wilkinson’s “A Divine Language” – revisiting academic failure makes Torie break out in hives. Zoologist, filmmaker and brilliant writer Jackie Higgins Zooms in from the UK to discuss her wonderful “Sentient: What Animals Reveal About Our Senses.” Extraordinary and diverse animal senses reveal much about how we experience the world around us. There are peacock shrimps who see multiple colors, vampire bats that share life-saving blood and owls that see prey with their ears. It’s astounding.

Zain Asher – “Where the Children Take Us”

admin — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 23:05:14 +0000

Chatter kicks off August with David, Torie and Chatter’s favorite Mayor, Jud Ashman. They talk about Barack Obama’s summer reading list – it includes three COB books. David breaks down Spike Lee’s decision to make a docuseries of COB author Chris Herring’s book “Blood in the Garden,” and Jud pitches local author Anthony Marra. CNN star Zain Asher zooms in to talk about “Where the Children Take Us,” the remarkable tribute to her mother who overcame tragedy and seemingly insurmountable odds to raise four highly successful children.

Alex Kershaw – “Against All Odds”

admin — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 20:50:58 +0000

Marc Sterne joins David and Torie as Chatter rolls through a very hot July. Marc debriefs the upcoming Citi Open. Torie predicts another best seller for Michelle Obama, and everyone talks self-help. Best selling author Alex Kershaw zooms in with “Against All Odds,” his gripping account of four of the most decorated soldiers of World War II. A master of detail and the battle narrative, Kershaw knows why soldiers fight and what’s important.

Vauhini Vara – “The Immortal King Rao”

admin — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 23:10:09 +0000

Chatter goes all books with David, Torie and Jamie. They answer listener emails and agree they would generally not read anything by or about Harvey Weinstein. Debut novelist Vauhini Vara zooms in to share “The Immortal King Rao.” It’s really three novels in one, expertly intertwined to tell the stories of an immigrant’s rise to world power and the consequences of his inventions.

John Branch – “Sidecountry: Tales of Death and Life from the Back Roads of Sports”

admin — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 02:41:33 +0000

Favorite sister Liz Clarke joins Torie and David for a breakdown on the French Open (Rafael and Coco rock!) and more. Pulitzer Prize winner John Branch zooms in to share “Sidecountry,” his amazing collection of essays about the unique and funny and sometimes tragic stories on the edge of sports. COB fave Susan Orlean says John writes “the best of American portraiture.” Yep.

Louis Bayard – “Jackie and Me”

admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 12:55:47 +0000

Chatter rolls into summer. David kicks things off with a report on the NBA and Torie’s future trophy husband. NYT star Joe Drape joins (who knew he wrote “In the Hornets’ Nest?) for a Belmont preview and chat about “Black Maestro,” his wonderful book about the last Black jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. COB fave Louis Bayard zooms in to share “Jackie and Me,” his fascinating take on Jack and Jackie Kennedy’s courtship through the eyes of Lem Billings, lifelong JFK friend.

Brendan Slocumb – The Violin Conspiracy

admin — Tue, 24 May 2022 15:40:45 +0000

A very special edition of Chatter kicks off at the Gaithersburg Book Festival in blistering heat and wonderful book fans. Torie and David have a great chat with Brendan Slocumb, classically trained and internationally acclaimed violinist. He also weaves a great mystery tale of ambition and resilience in “The Violin Conspiracy.”

Susan Straight – Mecca

admin — Mon, 23 May 2022 05:19:04 +0000

Torie kicks off the show with David and Washington Post book critic Ron Charles. Ron debriefs on the rise in book banning efforts and people fighting back. Award winning author of eight novels Susan Straight zooms in to talk about her latest, “Mecca.” A sweeping saga of intertwined lives, race, history and family, “Mecca” sets a high bar for anything about California and American culture.

Jack Carr – In the Blood

admin — Tue, 17 May 2022 13:42:20 +0000

Torie kicks off the show with Mayor Jud Ashman. Jud gives the back story on the Gaithersburg Book Festival and how he got into public service. Former Navy seal and multiple best selling author (and very forgiving) Jack Carr zooms in to talk about his latest, “In the Blood.” Over 20 years in Naval Special Warfare inform Carr’s fast paced and highly believable novel about tracking down a Mossad agent’s killer and walking into a highly sophisticated trap with global implications. Come for the action; stay for the smart geopolitical thinking.

Lan Samantha Chang – The Family Chao

admin — Tue, 03 May 2022 14:18:47 +0000

Torie kicks off the show with David and COB fave Angie Kim with – yes – another Dolly update. Angie shares her next book, and Angie and Torie score kid points by grilling David on the NFL. Lan Samantha Chang, award-winning author and first female director of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop zooms in to talk about “The Family Chao.” It’s an unforgettable look at an immigrant family tackling emotions, rivalries and ambition in small-town America.

Erik Larson – The Splendid and the Vile

admin — Tue, 03 May 2022 14:17:06 +0000

Torie, David and COB alum Marc Sterne kick off the show with Dolly. David wins the “Classics redone by YA” pop quiz. Once an aspiring cartoonist and now a best selling author several times over, Erik Larson zooms in to talk about “The Splendid and the Vile,” his spell-binding take on Churchill and the battle to save Britain. Meticulous research and immensely readable writing bring readers into Churchill’s most inner circle during the darkest days. Comparisons to Zelensky are inevitable.

Roll with the Punches

admin — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:03:04 +0000

“Glory” author NoViolet Bulawayo can’t make it at the last minute, but David, Torie and Jamie roll with the punches. They share fond memories of Washington icon Wendy Rieger. Torie raves about Jane Beirn of HarperCollins, the best in publishing. Best selling author Louis Bayard zooms in to talk about his upcoming book “Jackie and Me,” and the PEN/Faulkner Awards on May 2.

Today’s pop quiz is famous quotes from Pulitzer Prize winning books. David wins!

Jenny Tinghui Zhang – Four Treasures of the Sky

admin — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 21:59:49 +0000

David, Torie and COB alum Erica Wright break down the sports weekend (because we’re about more than books) and Erica’s life as a writer with a toddler in tow. They debrief “celebrities that write fiction.” Carrie Fisher and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar a yes; the Kardashian sisters a hard no. Jenny Tinghui Zhang, poet, essayist and now novelist, zooms in to share “Four Treasures of the Sky.” A Chinese immigrant seeks identity in the 1880s American west, reinventing herself in the face of racism and violence.

Dan Pink – The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward

admin — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 02:33:28 +0000

Azaleas bloom and regrets flow on COB. The incomparable Steve Sands joins to talk the Masters, Tiger and golf books. COB’s favorite mayor Jud Ashman is on board to talk about the May 21 Gaithersburg Book Festival, sponsored happily by Chatter on Books. Best selling author Dan Pink zooms in with his latest, “The Power of Regret.” Building on massive research, Dan convincingly demonstrates the power and positivity of regrets. In a time when we need more reflection, Dan’s clear and concise writing brings new meaning to “optimize.”

Gary Tanguay – The Arm and the Fall

admin — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 00:09:49 +0000

A nice email kicks things off on Chatter with David, Jamie and Torie. Sales of “The Bell Jar” are up! Sports journalist and actor Gary Tanguay zooms in to talk about “The Arm and the Fall.” A quarter back commits suicide – or was he murdered? An unlikely duo of an aging sportscaster and rockstar detective deals with mobsters, egocentric owners, religious zealots, cheating spouses and more.

Chris Herring – Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks

admin — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 04:29:52 +0000

David, Torie and Chuck Culpepper roll into March Madness with chats about Beatrix Potter, Jack Kerouac and teachers getting fired for no good reason. Sports journalist Chris Herring zooms in to break down Blood in the Garden, his meticulously researched and compellingly told take on the 1990s New York Knicks. Casual and fervent NBA fans alike will love the details and stories that make it hard to put the book down. Who knew there were runner up rings in national championships?

Lee Kravetz – The Last Confessions of Sylvia P.

admin — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 15:05:35 +0000

Chatter rolls with David, Torie and Jamie. They break down new “Seuss-inspired” books. David addresses Ukraine’s impact on athletes; Jamie gives the geopolitical take. Gutsy author Lee Kravetz joins to talk about his novel, The Last Confessions of Sylvia P. A background in psychology and journalism makes Lee uniquely qualified to tackle the brilliance and tragedy of Sylvia Plath. Inspired by real events, The Last Confessions weaves great writing, history and mystery to imagine what Plath’s life was like as she wrote her classic The Bell Jar.

Xochitl Gonzalez – Olga Dies Dreaming

admin — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 23:01:58 +0000

Jamie McIntyre and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson join to break down the Ukranian situation (bad) and literary comfort food (good). Jamie’s all in on Jack Reacher (but not Tom Cruise). COB continues to go deep with the Iowa Writers Workshop as grad Olga Gonzalez zooms in to talk about Olga Dies Dreaming. Middle aged coming of age meets personal, political and even cultural threads. Rodney’s custom cocktail, the Janguear keeps things moving fast for Torie.

Sadeqa Johnson – Yellow Wife: A Novel

admin — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:22:18 +0000

COB alum and fave Erica Wright joins David and Torie for a Valentine’s Day show. Award winning author Sadeqa Johnson zooms in to talk about Yellow Wife, her haunting and disturbing novel about an enslaved Virginia woman forced to make unbelievable sacrifices for herself and her family. As fascinating as the story itself is Sadeqa’s inspiration for writing it. In honor of Valentine’s Day, Erica, David and Torie debate the good, the bad, and the ugly of the so-called all time great romance novels.

Nick Petrie – The Runaway

admin — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 14:30:00 +0000

Chatter goes two-fer! Pulitzer Prize winner David Maraniss joins to talk Olympics (this is not your mother’s 2008 Beijing!) and David’s upcoming book on Jim Thorpe. Award winning thriller writer Nick Petrie zooms in to talk about The Runaway, his latest chapter in the Peter Ash series. An Afghanistan/Iraq vet with PTSD finds trouble when he rescues a stranded woman. A deadly cat-and-mouse chase ensues across the Great Plains states. “Peter Ash is the real deal,” as Lee Childs says.

Kerri Maher – The Paris Bookseller

admin — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 20:04:39 +0000

Chatter rolls into groundhog day with David, Torie and Jamie. They discuss football (another good weekend), kind reviews and best sellers by city. The Paris Bookseller author Kerri Maher shares her take on Sylvia Beach, legendary owner of Shakespeare and Company and publisher of Ulysses. It’s about epic literary friendships and the tremendous risks Beach took by publishing James Joyce’s banned novel. The personal, professional, and literary impacts are huge.

Lisa Gardner – One Step Too Far

admin — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 15:57:03 +0000

Football and festivals kick off Chatter this week. David debriefs an amazing weekend of games. Gaithersburg Mayor and Book Festival Founder Jud Ashman joins to talk year three of the Festival – in person this time we hope! Segment B is no debate – why ban books? This time it’s in prisons. Associated Press calls Lisa Gardner one of the best psychological thriller writers ever. We agree. Back with One Step Too Far, Lisa shares the “didn’t see that coming” chilling tale of a search for a missing man in Wyoming wilderness. It’s about so much more than the search.

Steven V. Roberts: Cokie – A Life Well Lived

admin — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 16:17:58 +0000

Jamie McIntyre’s back, off the injured reserve list. The gang raves about Claude (again and appropriately). They debate words that should be banished, and Torie thanks reviewers. Journalistic icon Steve Roberts zooms in with stories from Cokie – A Life Well Lived, his loving tribute to his wife of 53 years. His intimate look at Cokie as mother, wife, journalist and friend makes you laugh and cry. And it definitely inspires.

James Kestrel – Five Decembers

admin — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 23:42:35 +0000

Chatter kicks off 2022 with awards, fake names and a compelling novel. David, Torie and COB alum Ed Aymar rave about Claude’s Marconi Award. The group discusses the ins and outs of pseudonyms. The pop quiz is a tie! Former bar owner/criminal defense investigator/English teacher and current lawyer James Kestrel (AKA someone else) zooms in from Hawaii to talk about his new novel Five Decembers. It’s got crime, corruption, war, romance and praise from Stephen King, the NYT and many more.

Barrett Holmes Pitner – The Crime Without a Name: Ethnocide and the Erasure of Culture in America.

admin — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 14:28:51 +0000

Chatter rocks and featured COB authors rock even more. Creatures of Passage ( “Best of 2021” by Washington Post and NPR) author Morowa Yejide joins David and Torie. They talk fame and fortune (David’s first book?) and if an apology is enough (nope). Thanks to Alex Dobert, Barrett Holmes Pitner zooms in to talk about The Crime Without a Name, his eye-opening and thought provoking take on how we could find a new way to talk about culture nd racism in America.

Amy Argetsinger – There She Was: The Secret History of Miss America

admin — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 03:56:02 +0000

World traveler Chuck Culpepper joins David and Torie. They reflect on Bob Dole and Fred Hiatt, ponder sports and China, and agree that AI is inevitable. Author Amy Argetsinger zooms in to talk about There She Was, her meticulously researched and highly entertaining look behind the scenes at the Miss America pageant for the last 100 years.

Stuart O’Keefe and Amy Phillips – Cook It, Spill It, Throw It: The Not-So-Real Housewives Parody Cookbook

admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 15:10:06 +0000

Best wishes to comedian and author Amy Phillips who had to scratch. But renaissance man Nevin Martell and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson more than carry the show with David and Torie. They share recipes, turkey day advice and play the COB version of “Whose Line is It Anyway?” Nevin wins the Wild Turkey! Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Katharine Blake – The Uninnocent: Notes on Violence and Mercy

admin — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:08:00 +0000

Chatter takes on WTF about the WFT, and debate if you can separate an artist from their controversy as Washington Post reporter and author Kyle Swenson joins David and Torie. Featured author Katharine Blake zooms in to chat about The Uninnocent: Notes on Violence and Mercy, her deeply personal and passionate and provocative look at crime, justice and forgiveness.

Ken Follett – Never

admin — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 05:33:38 +0000

A very special edition of Chatter as best-selling author (so many times over) Ken Follett Zooms back in. With David and Torie he debriefs Never, his very real take on small mistakes turning into modern-day international catastrophes. From the West Wing to the Sahara Desert and Beijing, this one is hard to put down.

Susan Orlean – On Animals

admin — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 14:19:22 +0000

Denison Prof Mike Croley zooms in from flyover land to join David and Torie. They bemoan Beloved deniers and debate sports curses. Mike wins the pop quiz, but nobody knew Amelia Earhart wrote poetry. Best-selling and revered author Susan Orlean talks On Animals, a collection of essays about tigers, whales, rabbits and her own backyard chickens. Sometimes funny and sometimes sad, the stories are always insightful and reflective of the power of relationships across species.

Dawnie Walton – The Final Revival of Opal & Nev

admin — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 17:50:27 +0000

Award winning author and Denison U. prof Michael Croley joins David and Torie. They love/hate Katie Couric’s new book and agree/disagree on the latest literary scandal (men posing as a female author). Nobody wins the “worst review ever” contest. Jason Reynolds said “..I’m so happy Dawnie Walton has arrived.” So are we, and we’re glad she zoomed in to talk about The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, a wildly creative look at identity, bigotry, love and politics through the life of a 1970s Black punk artist, performing way before her time.

Sasha P. Smith – The Witch Haven

admin — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 20:29:55 +0000

Ed Aymar, also known as E.A. Barres, who does dark stuff and other thrillers, joins David and Torie. They pick sides on the Larson v. Dorland debate (one donated a kidney; the other wrote a story), and all agree that Hillary beats Bill on novel writing. First time novelist and NYT best seller Sasha P. Smith zooms in to share The Witch Haven, 1911 New York City filled with mystery, magic and powerful women.

Karen Tumulty – The Triumph of Nancy Reagan

admin — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 13:21:14 +0000

David and Torie debate the value of 1^st Editions, recipes from The Simpsons, and David (almost) crushes the French literary scandals quiz. Award winning journalist and Washington Post Deputy Editorial Page Editor Karen Tumulty zooms in to talk about her remarkable biography The Triumph of Nancy Reagan. With meticulous research and masterful storytelling, Tumulty writes the definitive biography of the very complex woman who was one of the most influential first ladies.

Nghi Vo – The Chosen and the Beautiful

admin — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 14:18:00 +0000

Torie, David and Washington Post Book Critic Ron Charles kick off with best selling author Brad Meltzer, who fought the school board that vetoed his books about Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King. He won, by the way.

Nghi Vo joins to talk about The Chosen and the Beautiful, her resounding 21^st century reflection of the Great Gatsby. With dazzling prose, she weaves race and magic into Fitzgerald’s world, making it relevant. As author P. Djeli Clark described it, The Chosen and the Beautiful is decadent, visual, imaginative and genius. Up til now, Vo was best known for her acclaimed novellas The Empress of Salt and Fortune and When the Tiger Comes Down the Mountain. The Chosen and the Beautiful puts her on everyone’s list as a major literary voice.

Mirin Fader – GIANNIS: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP

admin — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 14:16:00 +0000

David, Jamie and Torie break down Bob Woodward’s new book, and Jamie gives a tutorial on what really happened with General Milley. Award winning (many times over) sports journalist Mirin Fader zooms in to talk about her best seller about Giannis Antetokounmpo, the face of the new NBA and hope for people all over the world. From selling trinkets on the street in Greece as a Nigerian immigrant to NBA Rockstar, Giannis’ story is truly improbable – and captured with a wealth of details and empathy by Fader.

Nicole Perlroth – This Is How They Tell Me The World Ends

admin — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 14:14:00 +0000

Coming back after the August hiatus, David and Claude join Torie to talk tennis, a potential curse on the Washington Football Team, and Dolly Parton – the goddess. Akashic Books founder and publisher Johnny Temple zooms in to debrief on the advantages of independent publishers, musical inspiration and how he discovered Chatter alum Morowa Yejide. In a crazy “art imitates life” scenario, Nicole Perlroth, NYT cybersecurity reporter, has to reboot her featured author slot due to an Apple spyware breaking story. She comes back on day two to talk about This is How They Tell Me The World Ends, her thrilling take on cyber spies, hackers, arms dealers and the urgent threats we all face.

Razorblade Tears – S. A. Cosby

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 08:41:56 +0000

Coast to coast heat as David, Torie and P.J. Vernon tackle the Olympics, celebrity memoirs (Torie reads too many) and more. “Part-time miscreant” and “country as hell”, not to mention award winning and best selling author S.A. Cosby Zooms in to talk about “Razorblade Tears,” his provocative and thrilling novel about race and revenge and redemption.

Kate Fagan – All the Colors Came Out

admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 15:28:00 +0000

Chatter rolls through summer as David, Torie and Jamie read a review, rave about Dolly and debrief Rumsfeld books. Award winning sports journalist and NYT bestselling author Kate Fagan Zooms in. She shares her insights as the “covered and the coverer”, as well as All the Colors Came Out,” her bracingly honest take on her father-daughter relationship and her father’s battle with ALS.

Adrian Miller – Black Smoke: African Americans and the United States of Barbecue

admin — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 20:05:02 +0000

Food and drink dominate Chatter this week. Renaissance man Nevin Martell joins David and Torie to talk food, family and travel in a (hopefully) post-pandemic world. Calvert-Woodley honcho Michael Sands gives terrific wine and beer recommendations to accompany barbecue. That’s in honor of Adrian Miller — lawyer, food historian, barbecue judge and author of Black Smoke, the story of Black barbecuers and restaurateurs that helped develop an American mainstay. Claude and Torie make a big announcement!

Maggie Shipstead – Great Circle

admin — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 14:59:33 +0000

Chatter goes random with Summer of Littles, iTunes review and Jeffrey Toobin (he’s back!). Award winning author Maggie Shipstead joins to talk about Great Circle, her third novel that spans a century, the globe and intertwined lives of two women separated by time and joined by life experiences. Great Circle entrances with prohibition-era Montana, World War II London and modern day Hollywood. Shipstead’s storytelling makes for gripping reading.

Morowa Yejide – Creatures of Passage

admin — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 02:47:55 +0000

It’s hot! Washington Post Book Critic Ron Charles joins Torie and David to talk going to space, what makes a best seller and what to read this summer. DC native Morowe Yejide shares the back story of Creatures of Passage, her riveting novel that weaves magic and history and stunning prose. The comparisons with Toni Morrison are frequent and apt, but Morowe is her own brand of special. Deserted Island goes for beach reads.

Edward White – The Twelve Lives of Alfred Hitchcock: An Anatomy of the Master of Suspense

admin — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 01:46:20 +0000

Government spying, best sellers abroad, and movies dominate COB as Washington Post Film Critic Ann Hornaday joins David and Torie. Author Edward White Zooms in to talk about The Twelve Lives of Alfred Hitchcock, a thoroughly entertaining and fresh look at the legendary film maker and cultural icon. Happy birthday to Bob Dylan for Deserted island.

Jesse Washington – I Came as A Shadow

admin — Tue, 25 May 2021 13:20:05 +0000

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz rocks (for over 120 years) and cyber threats terrify. David, Jamie and Torie debate the merits of Dorothy and friends and whether or not we’re sufficiently scared about cyber attacks. Rockstar journalist Jesse Washington joins to talk about I Came as A Shadow, John Thompson’s autobiography. It’s a bracingly honest look at the NCAA basketball champion, activist and educator whose profound influence goes way beyond the court.

Admiral James Stavridis and Elliot Ackerman – 2034: A Novel of the Next World War

admin — Thu, 13 May 2021 13:25:11 +0000

It’s a Chatter reunion as Marc Sterne and Jamie McIntyre join David Aldridge and Torie to talk books in a minute and Magic Mike’s new children’s book – really? Best selling author Admiral James Stavridis returns, this time with fiction. Co-authored with Elliot Ackerman, 2034: A Novel of the Next World War, informs, alarms and brings new meaning to a cautionary tale

Sanjena Sathian – Gold Diggers

admin — Fri, 07 May 2021 17:46:06 +0000

Creative, original and fun!” Louis Bayard joins David Aldridge and Torie to talk PEN/Faulkner Awards – Deesha Philyw, another COB alum wins, and Louis contemplates his novel, Pale Blue Eye, as a $55 million dollar movie (thus far). Debut author…

Dave Kindred – Leave Out the Tragic Parts: A Grandfather’s Search for a Boy Lost to Addiction

admin — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 15:23:15 +0000

COB Alum wins PEN/Faulkner and poetry crushes on Chatter w/ David, Torie and Mayor of Gaithersburg Jud Ashman. He debriefs on the Gaithersburg Book Festival – all virtual and awesome this year. Sports icon Dave Kindred shares his remarkable reflection on a grandson lost to addiction. It’s a powerful book fueled by honesty and love. Best selling author David Sheff says “…the greatest art can come from the greatest pain and love, and this book is pure art.” We call it a gift to anyone who has ever loved an addict.

Stephanie Dray – The Women of Chateau Lafayette

admin — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 14:05:40 +0000

Spring breaks with Chatter. Erica Wright and Marc Sterne join David and Torie to talk post pandemic plans and new reading rituals. Best selling fictional history writer Stephanie Dray shares the research and back stories behind “The Women of Chateau Lafayette,” the true story of a castle in France and the remarkable women bound by its legacy. Deserted Island goes on the road with travel adventures.

Bing West – The Last Platoon: A Novel of the Afghanistan War

admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 03:26:58 +0000

Chatter alum Marc Sterne joins David and Torie and reminds them of just how well read he is. They discuss the NCAA’s total lack of shame when it comes to women and business books that might actually be useful. Decorated combat Marine and bestselling author Bing West enthralls and inspires with his latest, The Last Platoon. Marines defend a tiny base in a fight to the death with drug lords, Taliban and politics. Having “been there and done that,” West brings stunning accuracy to this graphic odyssey.

Emily Nemens – The Cactus League

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 01:43:58 +0000

The drama is in cut day.” Chatter rolls into March with David, Torie and alum Mike Croley. They brag about Louis Bayard, debate Dr.Seuss, mull pandemic stories (David wonders about flight attendants), and Mike recalls playing catch with Annie…

Robert Jones, JR. – The Prophets

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 02:26:03 +0000

Torie’s joined by David Aldridge and Chatter alum Angie Kim. They go off the board to talk procrastination, David’s first book and the pandemic (of course!). Robert Jones, Jr. joins to talk about his life, his work and his fabulous debut novel, “The Prophets.” Marlon James called it “Epic in its scale, intimate in its force, and lyrical in its beauty.” Yep. And we call it wonderful.

Rebecca Sacks – City of a Thousand Gates

admin — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 02:31:00 +0000

Whatever happened to Washington’s real birthday? Chatter alum Chuck Culpepper joins David and Torie to cover Presidents Day, answer emails (kind of sporty) and educate Torie on commonplace books. Novelist Rebecca Sacks joins from sunnier Calif to talk about her book, City of a Thousand Gates, an enthralling look at the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the eyes of diverse people with inextricably entwined lives

Lisa Gardner – Before She Disappeared

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 03:05:21 +0000

All Boston all the time.“ Jamie McIntyre and Torie are joined by Lydia McOscar of Brookline Booksmith (thanks Eric Londergan!) They gush about seven time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady (yes, Boston misses him!), Indies in the time of pandemics and…

Simon Winchester – Land: How the Hunger for Ownership Shaped the Modern World

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 16:05:25 +0000

But they still took away his lands.“ Snow falls in Chatter land. Jamie McIntyre zooms with David and Torie to de-stress over books, reject Melville and reread some of the greats. Award winning (and Officer of the Order of the British…

John Hudson – How to Survive: Self-Reliance in Extreme Circumstances

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 15:03:10 +0000

The Survival Triangle“ Chatter starts out with Tom Brady love and awe. David, Torie and Jamie McIntyre debate censorship – what is it these days? John Hudson, the British Military’s Chief Survival Instructor, talks plans and…

Andrew Cotter – Olive, Mabel and Me: Life and Adventures with Two Very Good Dogs

admin — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 18:36:00 +0000

“Internet Sensation“ Chatter winds up the craziest of years with one of the pandemic’s best stories. David, Torie and Washington Post Book Critic Ron Charles debate the latest Woods to stun the golf world. Ron breaks down highs…

Bill Buford – Dirt: Adventures in Lyon as a Chef in Training, Father and Sleuth Looking for the Secret of French Cooking

admin — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 14:13:00 +0000

Chatter rolls on with David, Torie and Jamie McIntyre. Listeners gang up on Torie’s Steelers love. Jamie gives a heads up on national security challenges that lie ahead. Award winning author Bill Buford takes us deep inside formidable French kitchens. They’re filled with endless hours, rigeur and a shared passion for great culinary culture. Not to mention flying pots and artichokes. Deserted Island is everyone’s “last meal.”

Yona Harvey, Deesha Philyaw and The Penguin Bookshop – You Don’t Have to Go to Mars for Love and Secret Lives of Church Ladies

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 17:41:00 +0000

If you can’t go home, go Zoom. Chatter goes live with Susan Hans O’Connor of The Penguin Bookshop and two of Pittsburgh’s best – Yona Harvey and Deesha Philyaw. Torie gets David to admit his love for the three rivers. Going strong for 90 years, The Penguin keeps selling. Yona Harvey moves easily from Marvel comics to stunning poetry. Finalist for the National Book Award, Deesha Philyaw’s The Secret Lives of Church Ladies breaks through with stories of love and family and faith when they’re needed most.

Nevin Martell: Red Truck, Founding Farmers, writer, photographer, Dad and more!

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 14:54:28 +0000

“Sappy is okay“ It’s Chatter’s Annual Turkey Palooza show – sort of about books. COB alum Nevin Martell joins David and Torie. They talk presidential memoirs, Dolly Parton love and Chatter reflected glory. And they…

Chris Whipple: The Spy Masters – How the CIA Directors Shape History and the Future

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 14:36:00 +0000

Chatter rocks with alums Louis Bayard and Hannah Depp Oliver of Loyalty Books joining David and Torie. Tapped as a judge for this week’s National Book Awards, Hannah dishes but keeps the winner secret. Speaking of secrets, award winning author and documentarian Chris Whipple Zooms in to talk about his latest – The Spymasters: How the CIA Directors Shape History and the Future. He answers all the big questions. Who succeeds/fails as Director? How do they serve (or not) their Presidents? What’s the mission, anyhow? Force for good or evil? The gang closes with aspirational spy novels for Deserted Island. And, of course, they talked Kennerly!

David S. Reynolds – Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times

admin — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 22:04:03 +0000

Election time and the watch word is context. Mike Croley, Chatter alum and author of Any Other Places, returns as a panelist and to talk his latest work, Midland: Reports From Flyover Country. The gang is horrified by anthropodermic bibliopegy and inspired by Oprah’s idea of “comfort books.” Historian David S. Reynolds joins to share new and meaningful insights into the 16^th President with his remarkable Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times. Think you know everything about Lincoln? Think again.

Jess Walter – The Cold Millions

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 14:58:00 +0000

Jamie McIntyre returns to Chatter to talk foreign hacking — it’s more than elections. On the lighter side, who knew Pat Conroy wrote a cookbook? Matthew McConaughey’s memoir Greenlights gets a red light from the gang. Jess Walter, author of NYT best seller Beautiful Ruins, joins Chatter to talk about his new book The Cold Millions. Set in Spokane in the early 1900s, the intimate look at family, class, loss and hope eerily echos modern times.

Erica Wright – Snake

admin — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 21:42:00 +0000

Noir thriller and Chatter alum E.A. Aymar (aka E.A. Barres) joins David and Torie to talk about his upcoming book They’re Gone. Email for David – he’s a popular guy. October 19 is a big day in literature and focus of the pop quiz — everyone wins. Famous in Cedarville authorErica Wright comes back, too, this time with Snake, the addictive and deep dive into these “crawling contradictions.” Phobias large and small take center stage in Deserted Island.

Barbara Kingsolver – How to Fly (In Ten Thousand Easy Lessons)

admin — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 03:22:00 +0000

Chatter alum Kathleen Barber joins David and Torie to talk babies and awards in the time of pandemics. Best selling author Barbara Kingsolver shares her thoughts on life, society and her latest work, How to Fly, a “can’t put down” collection of poems covering everyday to universal.

Jim Rooney– A Different Way to Win: Dan Rooney’s Story From the Super Bowl to the Rooney Rule

admin — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:04:49 +0000

RBG love flows on Chatter. David, Liz Clarke and Torie share favorite stories about Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Liz updates on the WFT. Torie gets her Steeltown girl on as Jim Rooney talks about his book “A Different Way to Win” that chronicles Dan Rooney’s life as NFL activist and American diplomat.

John Sayles – Yellow Earth

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 13:46:55 +0000

Wrapping up COB’s summer, David and Torie are joined by WashPost Film Critic Ann Hornaday. Ann breaks down the pandemic impact on film. Legendary author, director, screenwriter and actor John Sayles talks about being an “Original Independent” and his new book Yellow Earth. “All hell breaks loose” in a small North Dakota town when layers of shale oil are discovered. Deserted Island mixes authors, movies and John Sayles’ genius.

Scott Turow – The Last Trial

admin — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 05:10:40 +0000

Best selling author Scott Turow joins Chatter Alum Angie Kim, David and Torie. They talk books they pretend they’ve read, and Scott wins the pop quiz (Iceland, really?). Scott and Angie trade legal thriller angles – it’s a master class. Torie raves about Scott’s latest book, The Last Trial, and everyone loves David!

Margot Lee Shetterly – Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race.

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 05:09:15 +0000

Chatter alums Tope Folarin and Chuck Culpepper join David and Torie on Zoom. David starts with “the” NFL team name change. Tope reflects on how BLM impacts his work. Chuck reminisces about Arthur Ashe. Torie rants about the Bolten book. And Margot Lee Shetterly delights with the back stories on bringing to the world’s attention the remarkable women who helped America dominate space.

Jennifer Weiner – Big Summer

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 15:11:07 +0000

Jamie McIntyre explains the Russia bounty story (we feel somewhat better). David debriefs name changes for certain pro teams and what it means when NFL Commissioner Goodell says “Black Lives matter.” NYT best selling author Jennifer Weiner talks pandemics, motherhood, internet culture and her latest terrific book, Big Summer. “Sexy and satisfying” and a lot more!

Frank B. Wilderson, III – Afropessimism

admin — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 17:36:52 +0000

Wash Post reporter Chuck Culpepper joins in fresh off covering (quiet) golf. David curates books on Michael Jordan and says he would focus on the father-son relationship. Frank Wilderson enlightens with Afropessimism, part memoir, part philosophy and all important.

Alma Katsu – The Deep

admin — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 17:40:00 +0000

Zoom’s the new normal. Angie Kim returns; Miracle Creek getting lots of love from Edgars and Anthony awards. Angie and David talk The Last Dance (of course!). Alma Katsu leans on her intel background to crush historical fiction like The Deep (add ghosts to the Titanic). The gang ponders how they’d tell the pandemic story.

Chris Wilson – The Master Plan: My Journey from Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose

admin — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 14:27:25 +0000

Reflecting the times, David, Torie and Marc Sterne talk about the protests following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. They catch up with Chris Wilson, author, artist, entrepreneur and activist.

Admiral James Stavridis – Sailing True North: Ten Admirals and the Voyage of Character “Grace Hopper loved her Manhattans.”

admin — Fri, 22 May 2020 01:33:04 +0000

The love affair with David in The Last Dance continues. Jamie McIntyre zooms in to debrief on the DOD.

Calling on over 40 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Navy, Admiral Stavridis talks leadership and character through the lives of 10 illustrious admirals, from Ancient Greece to modern day, in his book Sailing True North. Deserted Island is all about disasters.

Lily King – Writers & Novels

admin — Tue, 05 May 2020 14:05:16 +0000

Fresh off CBS Sunday Morning fame, Wash Post book critic Ron Charles talks Pulitzers (Colson Whitehead rocks again) and knuckleheads banning books. Award winning and delightful Lily King joins from Portland, Maine. She and David compare writing angst and inspirational teachers. Ron calls her book Writers & Lovers “one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.”
Deserted Island is books for 2020 disrupted grads.

Joe Drape – American Pharoah

admin — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 14:20:24 +0000

Listen to Joe Drape – American Pharoah: The Untold Story of the Triple Crown Winner’s Legendary Rise from Chatter on Books on Apple Podcasts.

Natwar Gandhi — Still the Promised Land

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 15:29:15 +0000

Week 3 of Covid-19. Unlike anything we’ve ever seen. David and MIchael talk sports knowns and unknowns. Station Eleven sales up (thank you Michael and your virtual book club). East City Bookshop owner Laurie Gillman breaks down Indies in the time of pandemics (shipping and local deliveries). DC fiscal star Natwar Gandhi shares his life story, his optimism and his inspiring memoir “Still the Promised Land.”

Zack Smedley — Deposing Nathan

admin — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 15:38:38 +0000

Social distance means Chatter by Skype. David and Torie debrief impacts on their lives (we’re lucky). Michael Sands of Calvert Woodley cares for staff and customers. Lelia Nebeker of One More Page says it’s a whole new world for indies but they are selling books! Awesome YA author Zack Smedley talks about sexuality, religion and his terrific book Deposing Nathan. David wins “Angels and Demons.”

Tom Rosenstiel — Oppo

admin — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 16:23:00 +0000

The team does its covid-19 update: concerned and wash your hands. Michael forgives slacker Torie and discusses virtual book club pick Station Eleven with David. Aspiring golf architect and veteran journalist Tom Rosenstiel talks media, politics, journalism and his Washington thriller Oppo, what to read if you weren’t already scared about politics!

John Carreyrou – Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

admin — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 23:39:07 +0000

COB pops up at Georgetown’s McDonough School Of Business. Michael makes Station Eleven frightenly current. What is it about the snow? Professor Peter Jaworski says it’s okay to pay (for lots of things). Two-time Pulitzer Prize Winner John Carreyrou talks the fraud and conceit of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos in his stunning book Bad Blood. Everyone should read it. And Deserted Island is more cautionary tales.

Andrea Chamblee and John McNamara – The Capital of Basketball: A History of DC Area High School Hoops

admin — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 14:31:07 +0000

Chatter on Books pops up at Loyalty Books in Silver Spring! Jamie dishes on Jack Reacher and what might happen. Michael kicks off the virtual book club with Station Eleven. Loyalty owner Hanna Depp Oliver talks medieval, clowns and what makes local Indies thrive. Andrea Chamblee, wife of slain journalist John McNamara, finishes his book – The Capital of Basketball – and finds new role as gun safety advocate.

Jeffrey Rosen – Conversations with RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Life, Liberty, Love and Law

admin — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 14:48:16 +0000

Pop up at East City Books on Capitol Hill! Michael introduces the new Chatter book club. Emailers recommend and amaze. East City owner Laurie Gillman talks about what keeps her going. Author, teacher, legal expert Jeffrey Rosen shares his relationship with RBG and her views on just about everything. And check out the National Constitution!

Stefan Fatsis – Word Freak and A Few Seconds of Panic

admin — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 14:41:46 +0000

David, Michael and Torie talk and toast Kobe. They place Super Bowl prop bets (there will be lip synching at halftime), and laugh about abandoned books. Michael Sands of Calvert Woodley joins the group for wine and cheese and his life at CW. Bordeaux rules! Featured author Stefan Fatsis talks Word Freak (he’s an expert) and A Few Seconds of Panic, his remarkable story as a placekicker for the Denver Broncos.

Dr. Clayborne Carson – The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.

admin — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 14:40:57 +0000

The gang shares MLK Day experiences. Kids dominate library picks. Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman breaks down the Book Festival and Gaithersburg reads American Dirt by hometowner Jeanine Cummins. And Dr. Clayborne Carson shares stories, insights and passions of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Susan Page – The Matriarch: Barbara Bush and the Making of an American Dynasty

admin — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 18:24:38 +0000

Looking up words. Michael goes all Tom Jones on college books that mattered. New year’s reading resolutions — more fiction for Torie, non-fiction for Michael and classics for David (but no Moby Dick!). Susan Page’s incomparable reporting and unparalleled access to Barbara Bush’s diaries make The Matriarch a stunner.

Erica Wright – Famous in Cedarville

admin — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:44:48 +0000

Michael debriefs the President’s Cup briefly. Jeanne’s on Kerouac’s accidental review. The gang debates “the best” of the decade. David picks Dream City for his Dad. Erica Wright talks poetry, snakes and her engrossing book Famous in Cedarville.

Ben Raby – 100 Things Capitals Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die

admin — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 15:57:21 +0000

Luke Willardson talks literary at MSE — Elena writes, Natasha, Bradley and Sheldon read w/ kids. And we love Ted Leonsis’s book, of course! The gang recalls great sports books. David Aldridge goes w/ I Am Third. Media MVP Ben Raby covers highs lows and musts for true CAPs fans w/ 100 Things Capitals Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die.

Gene Weingarten – One Day: The Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary 24 Hours in America

admin — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 22:32:47 +0000

Michael debriefs Thanksgiving (a success). Jeanne has a list —- where are the women? Two time Pulitzer winner Gene finds the exceptional among the normal in One Day. And it’s Charlie Clarke’s birthday!

Jeanne Safer — I Love You But I Hate Your Politics

admin — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 00:08:11 +0000

Turkey Palooza! Lots of advice for Michael’s Tgiving. Politics doctor Jeanne Safer offers up sage advice for loved ones with political divides. Don’t mix politics and alcohol and keep your voice down! DC’s best, Nevin Martell, talks Founding Farmers/Red Truck cookbooks, the wonders of duck fat and calms Michael’s concerns about that turkey smell.

Richard Armstrong – The Don Con

admin — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 17:21:32 +0000

Happy birthday Margaret Atwood — even if we don’t read your books. Jeanne, David, Michael and Torie all distrust blurbs. Richard Armstrong talks mobs and movie stars and Shakespeare and The Don Con, where mafia meets comic-con.

Kathleen Barber: Are You Sleeping (aka Truth Be Told)

admin — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 14:44:25 +0000

Improbable! The NATS with David who is back! Michael loves “real” reading to the munchkins. Jeanne convinces Torie on Books of the Century. Kathleen Barber combines murder mystery w/ social media and crushes with Are You Sleeping, soon to be Truth Be Told on Apple TV.

Steve Vogel – Betrayal in Berlin

admin — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 17:12:43 +0000

Michael’s back! Wash Post Book Critic Ron Charles covers Ebook battles, Anonymous and the better Booker Prize winner. Steve Vogel talks spies and tunnels and who will star in Betrayal in Berlin. Deserted Island goes dark for Halloween

Tope Folarin – A Particular Kind of Black Man: A Novel

admin — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 17:54:09 +0000

NATS fever reigns at the undisclosed location. Pros and Cons of literary awards (mostly pro). Jamie, Jeanne and Torie give personalized book picks. Tope Folarin wows us with A Particular Kind of Black Man: A Novel, a gripping and unique take on identity in America.

Carrie Callaghan: A Light of Her Own

admin — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 20:29:34 +0000

David reports on the NATS. Rockstar mixologist Chantal creates cocktails that cover literary trips, trains and Tara. Featured author Carrie Callaghan rediscovers a painting heroine from 17th century Holland. Jamie McIntyre makes all the puns and Jeanne reports on the “I” word

Zach Powers – First Cosmic Velocity

admin — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 21:15:22 +0000

Jeanne’s on top of the Constitution. Torie challenges Jamie McIntyre and Jeanne to Whose Line is it Anyway? David joins from NATS Park and Zach Powers talks Soviet space fraud and his book First Cosmic Velocity.

Wil Haygood – Tigerland

admin — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 20:31:15 +0000

Jeanne finds surprises on the best sellers list and David wins the whistleblower pop quiz. Award winning author Wil Haygood talks best pals Oprah and Denzel and awes the crowd at One More Page Books with Tigerland, the highly improbable story of young men whose basketball and baseball success healed a troubled city.

Ed Aymar — The Unrepentant

admin — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 16:23:40 +0000

Jeanne, Jamie and Torie debate Edward Snowden, leaker turned author. Publishing errors gone wild. Ed Aymar talks crime, punishment and his terrific thriller The Unrepentant.

Liz Clarke – One Helluva Ride: How NASCAR Swept the Nation

admin — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 17:57:01 +0000

We admire the heck out of Agatha Christie (but don’t read her a lot!). Liz Clarke gives David Aldridge tips on covering NASCAR and talks One Helluva Ride — her deep look into where racing was and where it’s going. And the gang predicts who will write the best Jeffrey Epstein book.

Zach Powers – First Cosmic Velocity

admin — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 20:44:19 +0000

From classics to cosmonauts to missing in action. Michael’s stuck on the 9th tee so Liz Clarke fills in. The gang hates Handmaid’s Tale and questions the sequel. Jeanne rises above with classic best sellers. Novelist Zach Powers wants to talk Soviets and space and life and his book First Cosmic Velocity but phones fail, so he’ll come back another day. And David crushes celebrities read classics!

David Epstein: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

admin — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 16:16:39 +0000

Remote at East City Bookshop! Mussolini wrote a novel? Spotlight on Indies with owner Laurie Gillman. Michael, David and Jeanne debate freshman reads. David Epstein blows minds and conventional wisdom with Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World.

Ron Charles – Washington Post Book Critic

admin — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 16:15:33 +0000

Torie has random thoughts. The gang debates Tom Brady’s parenting. Michael and Jeanne struggle w/the book review pop quiz, and David wins. Ron Charles delights with critic stories and how the book review process works

Michael Croley – Any Other Place

admin — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 22:48:42 +0000

Random thoughts and questions from Torie. Jeanne, Marc and Michael (congrats Baby Henry!) trash NYT “best”. Michael Sands from Calvert Woodley is in. person. Michael Croley talks Kentucky, golf and the displaced lives in his great Any Other Place: Stories.

Angie Kim – Miracle Creek

admin — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 13:08:42 +0000

Jeanne, David, Torie and Jamie McIntyre (filling for Michael and Marc) pop quiz weird words and debate the WashPost books for the ages. Mom, lawyer and author Angie Kim talks about Miracle Creek, a murder mystery, coming of age and family ties stunner.

Susan Swain and Brian Lamb – Let’s Get Presidential

admin — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 13:00:25 +0000

Jeanne, David, Marc and Torie dispense Book Club Therapy for the guys. C-SPAN rockstars Susan Swain and Brian Lamb talk The Presidents, their fascinating ranking of the best and worst from the White House. Don’t miss the story of Polk’s surgery. Deserted Island offers up ideas for expecting parents.

Lelia Nebeker and Amanda Quain – Pop Quiz!

admin — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 12:54:52 +0000

Jeanne stuns with her Goldfinch Book Report. Lelia Nebeker and Amanda Quain charm us in Spotlight on Indies and tales of One More Page Books. Jeanne wins the Newlyread Game – Marc and Michael don’t. Torie’s crushed by how little her partners know about her.

Jon Ward – Camelot’s End

admin — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 13:45:14 +0000

Jeanne updates her book report report. Again. The gang agrees on IT’s impact on books – mostly good. Summer reading Part II. Author Jon Ward talks Carter, Kennedy and his fascinating book Camelot’s End. Deserted Island is “hot books” that are sort of lukewarm.

David Maraniss – Dead at 2 Over Par

admin — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 13:29:47 +0000

Book Club Therapy gets tough. David Maraniss talks life, family, country and his fabulous book “A Good American Family: The Red Scare and My Father.” Jeanne, David, Marc, Michael and Torie do summer reading (iPads in baggies?). And it’s going to the chapel for Deserted Island.

Louis Bayard – Local Legend

admin — Mon, 20 May 2019 13:07:08 +0000

Jeanne picks Goldfinch for her book report. Michael and Marc dispense Book Club Therapy. Emilie Sommer of East City Bookshop joins for Spotlight on Indies. Louis Bayard talks three’s company, aka Courting Mr. Lincoln, his provocative book about Abe and the two who loved him.

Nevin Martell – More Yams!

admin — Mon, 13 May 2019 13:48:27 +0000

Torie finishes book report (finally); Jeanne, David, Michael and Marc debate satire; and Nevin Martell covers cartoons to bakeries and everything in between.

Abby Maslin – A True Inspiration

admin — Mon, 06 May 2019 15:58:44 +0000

Marc plays injured, calling Dr. Freud, Abby Maslin inspires with her book – Love You Hard: A Memoir of Marriage, Brain Injury and Reinventing Love, and the gang talks disaster books.

Yes She Did

admin — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 18:49:11 +0000

The gang does GOT, debates when it’s okay to ban the bunny (pretty much never) and talks hope and change w/ Andrea, Kalisha, Nita and Taylor, authors of Yes She Can: Ten Stories of Hope and Change from Young Female Staffers in the Obama White House.

Happy Birthday Bard!

admin — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 21:47:22 +0000

Invisible Man wins book report survey (as long as Mueller report?), Gang says hard to write the Great American Novel these days, Chuck Culpepper delights with his world view and his book Bloody Confused, and David Aldridge enthralls and Michael Kornheiser entrances w/ Bard birthday tributes.

Check the Listserv

admin — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 03:48:39 +0000

Torie launches a book report survey on @dcbookschatter, David Aldridge crushes the style of books, Michael Kornheiser goes deep on series with Redwall and Harry Potter, and Julie Langsdorf dishes DC envy, lust, revenge and trees in her terrific book White Elephant.

C-I-L-L My Landlord

admin — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 14:45:50 +0000

David gives Torie her book report assignment, the Gang honors National Poetry Month (Jeanne slams!), hotshot lawyer by day author by night Allan Topol proves fiction can be better than real life and everyone agrees it’s okay to quit a book.

Have you taken your LSATs yet Kyle?

admin — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 13:43:16 +0000

Battle of the Books is On! Marc goes from cats to canines, Michael Kornheiser does some magic and Kyle Swenson shows what race and wrongful convictions tell us about Cleveland in his terrific book Good Kids, Bad City: A Story of race and wrongful conviction in America.

Calling Koufax

admin — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 17:00:18 +0000

David Aldridge crushes his report on Kesey’s Cuckoo, Jane Leavy shows why she’s the winningest baseball writer and why her bio of the Babe — the Big Fella — is a must read for baseball fans, history buffs, and the gang reveals their unread nightstand reading.

Working on the Railroad

admin — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 13:20:32 +0000

The gang talks “If I wrote a book…”, (Jeanne and Michael Kornheiser win), David Aldridge gives Kesey his due (and time), Neil Jacobs waiters and Mark Salter talks railroads, McCain, life and purpose.

Positive Delusion

admin — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 13:42:30 +0000

David Aldridge makes progress on Cuckoo, the Gang recognizes favorite female authors and talk life and redemption with Chris Wilson, author of The Master Plan, My Journey From a Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose.

Molon Labe

admin — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 14:30:42 +0000

Cicadas slows down David Aldridge book report, Michael Kornheiser does Ulysses, Calvert Woodley debuts and James Stavridis rocks on life, leadership and the world.

Let’s Go to the Movies

admin — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 18:18:25 +0000

On today’s show, the gang debates “Books vs bytes” and what’s better for people to read, and they also look back at their favorite library / librarian. Then Washington Post movie critic Ann Hornaday sits in to discuss her book “Talking Pictures : How To Watch Movies”, and to get her take on the Oscars, and how she approaches her reviews for films, and of course, they close out with their deserted island recommendations, but this time with a movie as well as a book!

Every Picture Tells a Story

admin — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 17:15:50 +0000

Marc Sterne reports on Virgin Suicides and assigns Cucko’s Nest to David Aldridge, Michael Kornheiser love jumping with Jabari and Pete Souza’s #Throwshadethenvote shows what a terrific truth teller he is.

A Colonoscopy and a Latte

admin — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 13:04:42 +0000

⁦‪Marc Sterne gets an extension from Professor Michael Kornheiser‬⁩, Jeanne does fables, David Aldridge loves a mockingbird and featured author Daniel Pink‬⁩ wows with timing that is science and his latest book

Guilty Pleasures

admin — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 16:17:48 +0000

Torie, Marc, Michael and Jeanne begin by talking about what they read for guilty pleasures, plus they have a new idea for the show that will give Marc some homework.

El Samsonite

admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 15:02:22 +0000

The gang is back in studio, and they kick things off by talking about “Pride and Prejudice” (it was published on January 28th, 1813), then Torie gives a pop quiz about bad book reviews.

Can you top the pony story?

admin — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 15:39:03 +0000

So long 2018 and Hello 2019!

admin — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 15:35:09 +0000

Out with the old and in with the New Years Eve special. We take on self-help… all sex all the time, Jeanne (doesn’t need) does diet books, and bets on what sells and what doesn’t in 2019 with @davidaldridgedc, @MarcSterne and @torietweet. Happy New Year everybody!

That is Magic

admin — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 14:55:46 +0000

Words matter, happy birthday Mr. Safire, and Kurkjian kills.

A Happyish Place

admin — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 14:41:28 +0000

Torie and Marc are joined in studio by Jeanne McManus and David Aldridge, and they start out by talking about the list of the best books of 2018, and about who gets to decide what’s best. Then they welcome in their guest author – Jon Sopel of the BBC.

Let’s be Certain about Uncertainty

admin — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 18:06:08 +0000

Inspiration at Chuck E. Cheese

admin — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 16:15:43 +0000

Michelle rocks the list, first ladies rule and best selling author Sarah Pekkanen, talks The Wife Between Us and what it’s like to co-author.

Thanksgiving with Donna Brazile

admin — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 15:22:06 +0000

Upshot is wine of the evening, best sellers don’t surprise and Donna Brazile, author of Hacks: The Inside Story of the Break-Ins and Breakdowns that put Donald Trump in the White House, talks Russians, politics and seafood gumbo.

A Cat Named Simon

admin — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:52:46 +0000

Stan Lee’s Marvel-ous impact, Simon the Seacat debuts, if it’s good for a Marine and S.L. Price of Sports Illustrated and author of Playing Through the Whistle talks race, class and gender with the gang.

Boiling Frogs?

admin — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 16:55:45 +0000

Yearbooks reveal, politics confound and the gang talks with Mark Leibovich, author of Big Game: The NFL in Dangerous Times.

Intro

admin — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 15:30:20 +0000

This weekly podcast will be hosted by Torie Clarke and Marc Sterne from the restaurant Chatter in Washington DC. Each week, they’ll have entertaining interviews with authors, plus lively discussions about what they are reading, what they love and what they hate! This show will be many things, but boring won’t be one of them!