All About Books | NET Radio

"Arguably: Essays by Christopher Hitchens". A large collection of essays and reviews written over the past seven years by the spirited author.

Guest reviewer Pat Leach discusses two books about North Korea,"Nothing to Envy" by Barbara Demick. The experiences of six people who defected from North Korea. And a novel, "The Surrendered" by Chang Rae Lee.

"James Madison" by Richard Brookhiser. A new biography of our 4th President, the author of the Bill of Rights and the last president to lead troops into combat.

Guest reviewer, Stephen Griffith looks at "The Dervish House" by Ian McDonald. A novel set in near-future Istanbul seen through the eyes of diverse characters. Also reviewed, "First Telegraph Line Across the Continent: Charles Brown's 1861 Diary". A new Nebraska State Historical Society release.

"At Home" by Bill Bryson. The author uses his own 150 year old Victorian home as a starting point for discussing what houses and home life was like in the 19th century. Also reviewed, "Twelve Turning Points of the Second World War" an historian looks at notable successes and failures that had an impact in the war.

Guest reviewer Don Hanway looks at "Moral Minority: Our Skeptical Founding Fathers" by Brooke Allen. A straight forward summary of the religious attitudes of the best known early leaders of our country. Also reviewed, a history of the events of Bunker Hill and the beginning of the American Revolution, "The Whites of Their Eyes" by Paul Lockhart.

"Bill Moyers Journal: The Conversation Continues". A collection of the many interviews conducted by Bill Moyers in the four years he hosted the PBS series. Also reviewed, "The Big Thirst" a book about the importance of water and how it is taken for granted.

Guest reviewer David Williams looks at "The Pale King" by David Foster Wallace. A posthumus novel about the lives of IRS workers in Peoria Illinois in the 1980's. Also reviewed, "The Guilty Plea" a crime novel featuring a suspenseful murder trial.

Guest reviewer Jerry Johnston looks at "The Firey Trial: Abraham Lincoln and American Slavery" by Eric Foner. An examination of Lincoln's evolving attitude towards slaverys and African Americans.

Guest reviewer Barbara Rixstien looks at former commissioner of Major League Baseball, A Bartlett Giamotti's "Take Time for Paradise: Americans and Their Games". a reissue of the author's long out of print final work. Also reviewed, "The Pirate King" by Laurie King. The 10th in the Mr and Mrs Sherlock Holmes series.

Charles Stephen reviews "Berlin 1961: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and the Most Dangerous Place on Earth" by Frederick Kempe.

Guest reviewer, Jane Hood looks at "In the Garden of Beasts" by Eric Larson. A portrait of Berlin during the rise of the Nazi Party, as seen through the eyes of William Dodd the US ambassador and his 24 year old daughter.

"The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris" by David McCullough. An historical look at the many American artists, writers and others who found home in 19th century Paris long before Hemingway and Fitzgerald.

Charles Stephen discusses three books. Biographies of Millard Fillmore and Charles Dickens and a Cold War spy novel, "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"

"TWENTY-FIVE BOOKS THAT SHAPED AMERICA" by Thomas Foster. A sprightly and informed group of essays on the importance of particular books in our history. Also reviewed, "SIXKILL" by Robert Parker. The late author's 39th crime novel featuring his Boston private eye, Spenser.