For some time, I had given up on reading fiction...and all but a narrow scope of books. Most of the books I attempted to get through were poorly written or the plot died after the opening or were more about the writer than the characters...Books for women tended to be about pleasin' that man or shedding pounds, or putting on make-up - although some were academic, too. Dry, but interesting.
All of this leads me to say that this radio show has done wonders to change all that. Here's how it works: I get about 60 press releases a week. I narrow that down to around 20 - one of my producers contacts the publicist who send the book. If the book seems well-written, substantive, and authentic, I invite the guest to be on the show. I create themes for each show so there's a thread for the listener - and the differences and parallels in perspectives is available.
The books I've been getting have been amazing, I must admit. I just finished "House Lights" by Leah Hagar Cohen - I'm interviewing her later today. Gripping and beautiful.Then there's Ted Kerasote's book "Merle's Door" about his dog, Merle, but also about dogs in general - and nature, genes, lifestyle choices (in his case, nature-man). All told in a voice that practically hummms.
If this radio show never takes off (which it BETTER) I have that. That's a lot. I need to figure out ways to let people know about the show ... but that's for another blog.
