All About Books | NET Radio

"The Mind's Eye" by Oliver Sachs. Stories from the casebook of the noted neurologist about creative people who have learned to compensate for devastating physical disabilities.

Three book reviews covering topics ranging from advice on life given to broadcaster Katie Couric, a brief baseball biography of the Detroit Tiger's Hank Greenberg and science in ancient Greece- a story of Greek imagination.

Guest reviewer Barbara Rixstein looks at "The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared" by Alice Ozma. A memoir of the author whose father read to her every night of her life from the 4th grade and only ending when she left home for college. Also reviewed, "Portaits of the Prairie- the Land that Inspired Willa Cather"

"To End All Wars: a Story of Loyalty and Rebellion, 1914-1918". The first World War as seen through the lives of people who opposed it.

Guest reviewer Stephen Griffith looks at,"No God But God: the Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam". Also reviewed, "Stateside" a book of poems by Jehanne Dubrow (je HANE DEW bro)

"Eisenhower 1956: the President's Year of Crisis- Suez and the Brink of War" by David Nichols. An examination of President Eisenhower's reaction to the dangerous international incident that saw Britain, France and Israel invade Egypt after that country's nationalization of the Suez Canal.

Guest reviewer Patch Leach looks at "The Tiger" by James Vailliant. A natural, political and geographical history of the far eastern region of the former USSR. Also reviewed, "Lastingness: the Art of Old Age". A look at writers and artists who remained productive until the end of life.

"The Siege of Washington" by John and and Charles Lockwood. A detailed look at why the Confederacy did not attack the nation's vulnerable capitol in the first weeks of the Civil War.

Charles Stephen and his wife Pat discuss "This Won't Hurt a Bit" and "Beyond Dimaggio"

Reflections on the many translations and literary impact of Homer's Epic poem, "The Odyssey"

"A Professor, a Meteor and a President" historical account of how a fiery meteor falling in Connecticut in 1807 contributed to the transformation of American science. Also reviewed, "The Informant" by Thomas Perry. A fast moving crime novel which sees the return of the professional assassin known as the "Butcher Boy"

"Iphigenia (if uh juh KNEE uh) in Forest Hills: Anatomy of a Murder Trial" by Janet Malcom. A brilliantly told true story of guilt and innocence in the 2007 murder and trial in Queens New York. Also reviewed, "It's All About the Bike" by Robert Penn. A short book about Bicycles, their history and their special importance to the author who has biked around the world.

Guest reviewer Pat Stephen looks at "The Women Jefferson Loved," a look at the personal life of Thomas Jefferson and the diverse women he loved and who loved him. Also reviewed: "The School of Night," by Louis Bayard, a crime novel in which modern-day scholars look for hidden gold in the ancient home of a 16th century British scientist.

"Drawing Conclusions" by Donna Leon. The 20th in the series of the popular mystery series starring Commissario Guido Brunetti and the city of Venice. Also reviewed, "Ghost Light" by Joseph O'Connor a turbulent love story based on a true story of a poor, ambitious actress and a brilliant, older playwright.

Guest reviewer Don Hanway looks at "Sunset Park" by Paul Auster. A novel about a young man's struggle with guilt and alienation from his parents as he pursues a woman he thinks he loves. Also reviewed, "Jane's Fame: How Jane Austin Conquered the World" by Claire Harman. A chronicle of how Jane Austin's novels became highly popular over time.