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Books on the Nightstand published our final episode in July 2016. This is a place for listeners to find old episodes. 

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  2. BOTNS Podcast #141: Authors, Live and In-Person

BOTNS Podcast #141: Authors, Live and In-Person

Aug 9, 2011

Three voicemails from our wonderful listeners, a discussion of author events and recommendations for Geek Wisdom by Stephen H. Segal and Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close.

Catching Up on Voicemails

Thanks to all of you who continue to call our voicemail line (209.867.7323)! We have several calls waiting in the wings, so we listen to three of them today:

  • An interesting act of fate got Kim from Texas to pick up Donald Ray Pollock's The Devil All the Time.
  • Debra called in to say that a line I mentioned from Grant Morrison's Supergods reminded her of the book Flatland by Edwin Abbot.
  • Robin from Michigan called to rave about her favorite book about the love of reading: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.

Authors, Live and In-Person (4:25)

We're all about the author events this week as we discuss what we like in an author event, why we can't necessarily get to as many events as we'd like. We'd love to hear what all of you think. Do you go to author events? Why or why not? How do you hear about author events? What do you love to see at an author event? What would get you to attend an event if it was for an author who was new to you? It is true that many booklovers don't have any author events occurring near them. Though it won't have the same level of interactivity as a live, in-person event, online videos are a great way to see authors discussing their books. Harvard Book Store has an extensive archive of events. Or just search online for your favorite authors to maybe find videos like this one of Glen Duncan reading from The Last Werewolf, at the Strand in New York.

geek wisdom nerd culture stephen H. segal 

Two Books We Can't Wait For You to Read (17:32)

I let my geek flag fly higher than ever as I gush over Geek Wisdom edited by Stephen H. Segal, a collection of quotes from movies, TV, comics, books, video games, each of which is followed by a short essay on how that wisdom can be put to use in your life. It's fun, but truly thought-provoking. Ann has found the perfect summer read in Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close. It's a snapshot of three women dealing with an endless barrage of bridal showers, but it goes beyond the usual "chick-lit" story.