The Big Book Show

Adam Wilson - Flatscreen

Fri, 11 May 2012 20:47:15 GMT

Reading Adam Wilson's debut novel is a bit like hearing the Sex Pistols for the first time. It's very in your face, but has all the depth and excitement of 'Never mind the bollocks' Adam Joins us via skype from his home in Brooklyn NY to discuss and even read a few passages from his book.

Bill Landay - Defending Jacob

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:37:25 GMT

Bill Landay is a former assistant district attorney who has written a very thrilling novel. Set as a court case drama, but focusing on the human side of a family who's son is accused of murder. Bill and I talk in detail about the book and his former profession as an assistant DA. You'll be delghted by his story!

Eli Gottlieb - "The Face Thief"

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:49:05 GMT

Eli Gottlieb and I connected on a number of levels when he came on the show to discuss his book 'The Face Thief' Not only did he write a thrilling novel, but his east-coast vibe and sensibility made for a great chat about his book, kids, the internet and the state of the publishing industry.

Daisy Whitney - The Mockingbirds

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:49:58 GMT

Daisy Whitney is no stranger to new media, as she blogs, consults and produces video for the new media advertising industry. Her latest venture is as a novelist and she's rockin' it with "The Mockingbirds". A great story withy deep tpoics. Do not mistake this for a Young Adult prep-school book. I really liked it.

Ken Jennings - Maphead

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:08:28 GMT

Ken Jennings is perhaps best known as the all-time Jeopardy champion, with the most wins ever. Ken is also a Maphead, he's crazy about maps and has been since his youth. We talk about his life as a writer, game show wizzard, potential senatorial candidate and of course, about maps!

Justin Russel - The Sleeper (Movie)

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 23:21:07 GMT

Justin is an independent film maker from Ohio. His first big online release is an homage to the slasher flicks of the early 80's He dropped by the studio to talk about "The Sleeper"

Rob Tannenbaum - "I Want My MTV"

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:34:48 GMT

This interview is one I've been waiting for, as co-author Rob Tannenbaum interviewed me for the book. The interview turned out to be a great primer for those who want to read this oral history of the music television revolution, filled with quotes and stories that are in the book as well as some that aren't.

Joshua Cody - "[sic] a memoir"

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:52:38 GMT

I was very impressed by Joshua's 'stream of conciousness' collection about his fight against cancer. Reading it had a similar effect on my as the first time I heard the Rolling Stones Joshua skypes in from New York City. You'll like this guy.

Sarah Levine - "Treasure Island!!!"

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:23:39 GMT

Sarah Levine is a first time novelist from Chicago who blew my socks off with her combination of the classic "Treasure Island" and her unnamed 25 year old protagonist who attempts to live life according to the 'values' of the characters in that classic You'll instantly fall in love with Sarah, who joins us from her home in Chicago

Joanna Philbin - "The Daughters Join The Party"

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:20:28 GMT

Joanna Philbin may be a 'daughter of' herself, but she really has made quite a name for herself as an author. Her fourth novel in the 'Daughters' series proves just that. Joanna joins the show from her home in Los Angeles where we tallk about her writing, her insights to celebrity and of course her father legendary television personality Regis Philbin.

Darren Tieste - "The Beauty Book".

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:12:52 GMT

Darren Tieste has been at the top of the photography field for 18 years. He's had the biggest names in fashion and show business in front of his camera In 2010 he started a project to benefit brain cancer research. The result is The Beauty Book. Darren skypes in from his home in Los Angeles to tell us all about it.

Neil Pasricha - "The Holiday Book of Awesome"

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:20:43 GMT

Just in time for the holidays. but really a timeless gift. Enjoy the simple pleasures in life as highlighted in this real lift-me-up book from Neil Neil's 'Awesome' journey started with his website 1000awesomethings.com and we takllk about his journey and experience.

Doug Chernack - "Awkward Family Pet Photos"

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:02:52 GMT

An absolute stocking stuffer on this appisode of the show. Doug Chernack, co-author of the 'Awkward Family Photo' series talks to me via skype about the latest New York Times best seller: "Awakward Family Pet Photos" There's a lot more to this than just the photos though, there's the stories behind the pictures and of course Doug and his co-author's future plans for video.

Samuel Moyn - "The Last Utopia, Human Rights in History"

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:55:21 GMT

Samuel's book is an important one. If you plan on reading any non-fiction book, this is the one. It provides a history of 'human rights'. Who made up the definitive list, who is the keeper of the list, where does the concept come from? Questions I never pondered before. You will be surprised to know that the concept of 'human rights' is a very young one, what started in the 1970's and re-emerged in the 1990's has deep historical, religious and legal roots. I spoke with Samuel via skype, where he also weighs in on current events in North Africa and Europe from his perspective as a historian.

Shawn McGuire - "The Shadow Thieves of Rouen"

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:21:05 GMT

Shawn McGuire is an IT expert who is leading the charge in a new category of 'books'. His 'novella' is under 30 thousand words, but packed with action from the minute you start into it. Completely in the fantasy genre, but 100% entertaining and only $0.99 on Amazon! I chatted with Shawn about his debut, which is set in France, in the days of cloaks and daggers and hot girls :-)

Jonathan Kay - "Among the Truthers"

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 22:09:07 GMT

I am a self admitted conspiracy theorist. It was therefore extra pleasant for me to interview Jonathan Kay, who debunks theories and marginalizes fellow CT's like myself. He wrote his book with the disclosure that he is a Fellow at the Foundation For Defense of Democracies, an anti jihadist think tank in Washington DC. This shows his clear agenda. I did not enter into much debate with Jonathan by design, as I found it much more interesting to allow him to express his views unchallenged, to illustrate just how confused people like Jonathan really are about how the world works. That said, this book is definitely worth the read, if only to learn what CT's are up against in unveiling the world's to truths easily dismissed as 'conspiracy theories'.

Trisha Ventker - Internet Dates From Hell

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:58:07 GMT

There are close to one hundred million single adults living in the United States. Of those, approximately thirty-five million will look at online dating sites this year alone. Internet Dates from Hell provides the ins and outs of Internet dating from one woman's experiences, ranging from funny to scary to downright shocking. Internet Dates from Hell is not only a guide; it is also a seven-year journey through author Trisha Ventker's dating life as a single kindergarten teacher who relocated from the suburbs to New York City to find her soul mate.... Trishia joins us via skype from her home in Colorado to talk about the book, the dates from hell and shares a few tips for those looking to succeed in online dating.

Duff McKagan -"Its So Easy (and other lies)"

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:20:31 GMT

Duff McKagan is certainly best known for his band Guns and Roses, as well as Velvet Revolver and his columns on ESPN.com. Now Duff has written a book about his life, which really reads more like a novel. I haven't seen or spoken with him in over 20 years, but today he dropped by the studio to catch up and discuss his latest release.

Claire Lazebnik - "Epic Fail" & "Families and othe rnon-returnable gifts"

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:47:16 GMT

Claire LaZebnik visits the studio today to talk about the release of her two (!) new novels. "Epic Fail" is a re-telling of Jane Austen set in celebrity Hollywood. "Families and other non-returnable gifts" is a lovely tale that will make you feel like your family isn't the only one that's a bit 'messed up' :-)

An Interview with Lawrence Anthony - "The Elephant Whisperer"

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 23:54:18 GMT

Anthony, conservationist and author (Babylon’s Ark, 2007), owns a wildlife reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. A former hunting preserve, rumored to be part of the legendary Shaka’s exclusive hunting territory, it has become a game reserve with a lodge for ecotourists. Home to Zululand’s full suite of wildlife, Thula Thula had everything—except elephants. When he was offered a herd from another game reserve Anthony accepted wholeheartedly, despite the fact that these elephants were known escape artists. Lawrence talks to me via Skype from the dark in South Africa. An amazing man!