The Book Show on WAMC

Albany, NY – Michael Cox's novel "The Meaning of Night" mixes historical fiction with murder mystery to tell the story of a Victorian-era man who discovers that he may be the heir to an English title and the secrets behind his heritage. Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina talks with the author about the themes of identity and self that weave throughout the book's complex plot, and about the narrative quirks the writer uses in presenting it.

Albany, NY – Alexander McCall Smith sets his latest novel "The Right Attitude to Rain" in his home town of Edinburgh, Scotland. Smith, the author of "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" novels, talks about why he focuses on female protagonists and the power of certain primal emotions in storytelling. He also discusses his part in a recent collection of retold myths from around the world.

Albany, NY – Mary Gordon is known for her novels, but now a collection of her short stories, "The Stories of Mary Gordon," has appeared. She talks with Gretchen about the way that a story, like a poem, can capture the intensity of a moment. She also shares her thoughts on the way short stories are unjustly viewed in the literary world as a lesser form.

Albany, NY – Museum exhibit designer Jeff Hoke has written a one-of-a-kind book that combines elements of graphic novels, science and alchemy texts, and crafts projects in an attempt to provide readers with the experience of moving through Hoke's own personal museum. Gretchen talks to the author about the various sections of his museum.

Albany, NY – With five decades' worth of experience in the academic world, William Chace's new book "100 Semesters: my adventures as student, professor and university president, and what I learned along the way" holds many insights into the evolution of higher education in America and the obstacles it now faces. Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina talks to the author about campus politics, finances and much more.

Albany, NY – Exiled Kenyan writer Ngugi Wa Thiong'o talks to Gretchen about his new novel "Wizard of the Crow," which was 10 years in the making. It tells the story of two revolutionaries in a fictional African country who rail against their dictatorial govenrment. Gretchen and Ngugi discuss the power of words to topple governments and Thiong'o's experience returning to his country two years ago.

Albany, NY – Ward Just's 15th novel, "Forgetfulness," tells the story of a portrait artist with a prior history of intelligence work who finds himself grappling with his own feelings when he is given the opportunity to confront the terrorists who murdered his wife. Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina talks to the author about artists as good protagonists and musical influences on writing.

Albany, NY – Gretchen's guest this week is author Kim Edwards, whose new book "The Memory Keeper's Daughter" tells the story of a doctor who sends away his newborn baby, afflicted with Downs Syndrome, and tells his wife the baby died. A nurse disregards the doctor's instructions and raises the child on her own, which leads to the Downs Syndrome child leading a parallel and secret life apart from her biological family.

Albany, NY – Lily King's novel "The English Teacher" tells the story of a woman who is capable of dealing with life only through the literature she teaches, a flaw which begins affecting her son, new husband and stepchildren. On this week's show, the author talks with Gretchen about what it's like to know the price of everything but the value of nothing.

Albany, NY – Theories about what lies beneath the Earth's surface have been a part of many human civilizations throughout history, and David Standish's new book "Hollow Earth" explores the science and literature that have developed around the idea. Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina talks to Standish about the various explanations people have come up with about underground worlds.