All About Books | NET Radio

Guest reviewer Clay Naff looks at "The New Sciences of Religion" a book that explores new scientific research on religious and spiritual phenomena. Also reviewed, "Love and Summer" by one of Irelands best writers, William Trevor.

"Sarah: the Life of Sarah Bernhardt" by Robert Gottlieb. A short biography of one of the world's most famous actresses.

"At the Edge of the Precipice" by Robert Remini. A short history of Henry Clay's 1850 comprimise of Northern and Southern interests that averted succesion for 10 years. Also reviewed, "Washington Rules" a critical look at what the author calls, "America's path to permanent War".

"The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson. The history of the great American migration of southern blacks to the north from 1915-1970. Also reviewed, "Rumpole Christmas" by John Mortimer. Light and light-hearted seasonal stories of the famous British barrister.

It's a best of 2010 program as Charles Stephen lists his favorite books in all categories just in time for Holiday gift giving.

Charles Stephen interviews Vince Goeres about his book "Wings Over Nebraska" an illustrated hisory of early flight in Nebraska, filled with photos from the collection at the Nebraska Historical Society.

Guest reviewer Don Hanway looks at "Sick Like That" by Norman Green, a crime novel with a twist--the two main characters who are women. And Charles Stephen reviews "Deadly Spin" by Wendell Potter. This book is a tell-all account of the medical insurance industry from a former spin-doctor.

Guest reviewer Barbara Rixstein looks at "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand. The true story of a World War II bombardier who was shot down over the Pacific and survived 47 days adrift only to make land at a Japanese POW camp. Charles Stephen reviews "Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu: John Updike on Ted Williams," a reprint of John Updike's famous essay on Ted Williams' triumphant final at-bat.

"Going Home to Glory" by David Eisenhower is a light but insightful memoir of Dwight Einsenhower's post-presidential life written by his grandson. Also reviewed, David Baldacci' "Hell's Corner," a fast-moving thriller with a sometimes preposterous story line.

Guest reviewer Bruce Stephen looks at "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," the true story of the woman whose cancer cells were cultured in the 1950s without her knowledge, which went on to help forward medical research for decades to come. Also reviewed, "Why Mahler?," a look at the growing modern popularity of the German composer.

Charles Stephen reviews "Jane Addams: Spirit in Action," by Louise Knight, a biography of the Nobel Prize-winning activist which traces her life as a champion of progressive causes from free speech, women's suffrage, and labor rights to world peace. Also reviewed: "The John Lardner Reader,"" a collection of sports writing from the late 40's and 50's.

Guest reviewer Deb Stephen looks at "Percival's Planet,"a character-rich novel about the discovery of the planet Pluto during depression-era America.

Charles Stephen reviews "The Icarus Syndrome," by Peter Beinart, an examination of American foreign policy errors and hubris. Also reviewed, "The World Almanac For Kids" a scattered collection of facts and lists for young readers.

Charles Stephen interviews Nebraska State Poet William Kloefkorn on the release of a new collection of his poety entitled "Swallowing the Soap."

Charles Stephen and his guest David Williams discuss "Wolf Hall," a brilliant new novel by Hilary Mantel set against the backdrop of Henry the Eighth's England.