Chatter on Books

“Transendence.“ Chatter rolls with David, Jamie, and Torie. They break down the best of children’s books, the amazing Michael Lewis, and finally get to the loss of lit majors nationwide. Adding significantly to the conversation is Lily Martin, COB’s new intern (or title to be determined). Author Laura Scalzo zooms in the share “American Arcadia.” Ostensibly about four young New Yorkers in 1985, Scalzo’s novel weaves compelling characters and life-changing themes in a truly original way.

“Reclaiming history.” Chatter rolls at the Gaithersburg Book Festival with historian, professor, and author Theresa Runstedtler. She shares “Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation That Saved the Soul of the NBA.” Meticulously researched and compellingly written, the book chronicles and corrects the league’s history, both its “dark ages” of the 1970s and subsequent rise.  She weaves historical insights and social analysis into a fascinating look at how the game was changed and the players launched the NBA into the global powerhouse it is today.

“Truth and hope.” Renaissance man Nevin Martell joins David and Torie to talk food, foraging, and the Gaithersburg Book Festival. They answer emails and talk about life in Washington without Dan Snyder. Award winning writer Cheryl A. Head zooms in to share “Time’s Undoing.” Based on her family’s history, Cheryl expertly weaves one family’s tragedy into a searing portrait of institutional racism and the hope that honesty can produce.

“Worlds colliding.” Jamie McIntyre and Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman join Torie as Chatter rolls into spring. They bemoan what’s happening in horse racing, learn why Gaithersburg is America’s most diverse city, preview the May 20 Gaithersburg Book Festival, and guess famous authors’ day jobs (Jud kind of wins). Best-selling author, journalist, and historian Susan Wels zooms in to share “An Assassin in Utopia: The true story of a nineteenth-century sex cult and a president’s murder.” In a six degrees of separation way, Wels weaves the fascinating true stories of sex-crazed utopian societies, a banished member and the brutal assassination of the 20th president. And don’t miss Horace Greeley, P.T. Barnum, a cross-dressing spy, and female doctor.  Articulate research and compelling writing make it a “can’t put down” book.

“Hell-bent.” It’s a Chatter hall of fame as David and Torie are joined by Angie Kim, Tope Folarin, and Lou Bayard. They bemoan book banning and admit to acceptance speeches never given. Angie previews “Happiness Falls” coming out in September, and Lou raises the curtain on the upcoming PEN/Faulkner Awards. Award winning and best selling author several times over Dennis Lehane zooms in to share  “Small Mercies.” Set in Boston during the explosive desegregation of public schools, “Small Mercies” is unflinching.  Lehane’s masterful storytelling grabs you with its deep dive into power, racism, and the love of a mother. And we think it was cathartic for Dennis.

“Navigation” Torie and David welcome back Mike Croley, award winning author, teacher and golf fanatic. They break down the sale (thank heaven) of the Washington football team, guess who the best-seller on Time’s most influential list is, and play “Can we save this classic?” Cannibalism always helps. Thanks to his friendship with Mike, PEN/Faulkner finalist Matthew Salesses zooms in to share “Sense of Wonder,” his fictional take on the triumphs and challenges of NBA star Jeremy Lin’s ascendancy.  Ron Charles of The Washington Post describes it as “a remarkable feat of artistic prowess.” We call it a blast to read and about so much more than sports and entertainment.   

“Love“ Chatter rolls with David, Torie, Jamie,  and our favorite Mayor – Jud Ashman. They break down the Masters (sadly good for LIV), and Jud updates everybody on The Gaithersburg Book Festival. Think dozens of authors (including Chatter alums), events, free admission and free parking! It’s May 20 at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg. NYT best selling author Ilyon Woo zooms in to share the remarkable story of Ellen and William Craft, two enslaved people who fled to freedom disguised as a white man and his slave. “MASTER SLAVE HUSBAND WIFE” is filled with illuminating details, historical precision and suspense. At its core, it’s one of history’s most important love stories. 

“Time, being and perspective.” Chatter rolls with a packed house as Angie Kim, Michael Kornheiser and Rodney Ferguson join David, Torie and Claude. Rodney’s just back from Senegal and updates the gang on his men’s book club. The countdown’s on for Angie’s new book “Happiness Falls,” out in September. Michael gives an update on the offspring (books are big with them!) and recalls Chatter’s first take on “Station Eleven.” Speaking of, author Emily St. John Mandel zooms in to share “Sea of Tranquility,” her stunning novel about time travel, love, and the very existence of life as we know it.  The New Yorker calls it “Destabilizing, extraordinary, and blood-boiling.”  Yep. 

“Seductive.” March madness is underway with Torie, David, and returning author (and secret sports fan) Ana Reyes. Chatter welcomes its youngest author, 10 year old Manny Jennings, author of “It’s OK to be Me.” It’s an inspiring book about how he stutters and how he lives his best life every day.  COB’s favorite intel author Alma Katsu returns, this time with “Red London,” the gripping and entirely plausible story of spies, turncoats, and post-Putin Russia. And a reminder: Chatter will be back at the Gaithersburg Book Festival 2023 on May 20. Dozens of authors and events, it’s at Borer Park and is free!

“Families!” Chatter rolls into March with David, Torie and Jud Ashman. Jud debriefs the 2023 Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 20 with dozens of authors and hopefully a special Chatter on Books taping. David shares his Union Station Colleen Hoover experience, and they all marvel at her staying power. Four leaders of the Child2ChildFoundation join in. Inspired by a shared love for books and a desire to help others, these remarkable young women have sent over 60,000 books to children in Nigeria and Ghana. Finally, COB favorite Ed Aymar zooms in to share “No Home for Killers,” his latest murder mystery that goes deep into the ties and tragedies of one unique family.