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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. 

I'm sorry that we don't have show notes for all of the episodes, and that the episodes do not have consistent filenames. Still, we hope you find that the content is valuable enough to overlook those annoyances.

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  2. BOTNS Book Podcast #135: Writing so good it will scare you

BOTNS Book Podcast #135: Writing so good it will scare you

Jun 29, 2011

Michael tells about his stint as an NPR radio star; we talk about some new horror novels with a literary pedigree, and tell you about Adam Ross' Ladies and Gentlement, and Josh Ritter's Bright's Passage.

Radio killed the podcast star (not really)

Did you all catch Michael's appearance on NPR's On Point with Tom Ashbrook? Michael tells us all of the details. If you haven't had a chance to hear it, be sure to check it out -- Michael gives us some great recommendations for Hot Summer Reads.

Literary Horror (5:28)

The Passage by Justin Cronin was a favorite of ours last year, and now it's in paperback (with the first chapter of the sequel!). That made us think about some upcoming literary novels that have a supernatural element. These are not your average vampire, werewolf or zombie stories, but are written by authors who have serious literary chops, and they cross over into the mainstream of fiction. This fall, Colson Whitehead's Zone One will feature zombies. One of Ann's favorite books coming out this summer is The Last Werewolf, by Glen Duncan (on sale July 12th).  I talk a bit about my prejudices regarding horror novels, and speculate on what makes a novel "literary horror."

The Passage by Justin CroninZone One by Colson WhiteheadThe Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan

And we'd like to hear from you: what other authors are writing literary horror?

Two books we can't wait for you to read (15:08)

One of Ann's favorite books from last year was Adam Ross' Mr. Peanut. Ross has a new collection of short stories, Ladies and Gentlemen, that is simply wonderful. These stories are more straightforward than the convolutions that were so intriguing in Mr. Peanut, but they are still populated with characters who are dark and disturbing.  Michael loves Bright's Passage, a novel by singer/songwriter Josh Ritter. Bright's Passage tells the story of Henry Bright, a World War I veteran who has an angel at his side.

Ladies and Gentlemen by Adam Ross Bright's Passage by Josh Ritter

Michael is on vacation, so next week's show will star you! We've got some wonderful voicemails, but there's still time to add yours. Please call us (209/867-7323) by July 3rd and tell us what one book you are looking forward to reading this summer.