Bookmark the Blog: Author Interviews

Madhuri Vijay discusses her debut novel The Far Field, the intersection of character and world events, living in Kashmir, and more.

Even before The New York Times Book Review, New Yorker, and Washington Post gave it glowing reviews. Or before it became an Indies Introduce pick, an IndieNext selection, a Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers selection, an Amazon Best Book of the Month… Even before the accolades, Reading Group Choices was ready to read this debut novel. And we were lucky enough to have Madhuri Vijay answer a few questions for us!

read more

Blair Hurley explores Buddhism, Boston, faith and power in her debut novel The Devoted.

In her novel The Devoted, Blair Hurley tells the story of Nicole Hennessy, a student of Zen Buddhism who comes under the influence of her powerful master — and struggles to escape. Blair answered some questions from Reading Group Choices about her book, her Boston and Catholic upbringing, her role as a teacher, and how we come to terms with our pasts.

Reading Group Choices: The main character, Nicole, moves from being a student of Zen under a powerful master to a teacher of others.

read more

Anne Nesbet cracks history wide open in her latest novel, Cloud and Wallfish, set behind The Iron Curtain.

Anne Nesbet recently took the time to answer some questions from Reading Group Choices. Her book Cloud and Wallfish is featured in our 2019 Guide.

RGC: Noah and Claudia’s nicknames, Cloud and Wallfish, are unique and feature creative word-play. Did you consider any other nicknames for Noah and Claudia when writing the book? What made you decide on “Cloud” and “Wallfish”?

Anne Nesbet: I just looked back at my first file names for what eventually became Cloud and Wallfish,

read more

Robert Kurson writes a real-life thriller in his newest work of nonfiction, Rocket Men.

Robert Kurson recently visited Reading Group Choices and took the time to answer a few questions. His newest book, Rocket Men, tells the riveting inside story of three heroic astronauts who took on the challenge of mankind’s historic first mission to the Moon.

Reading Group Choices: What book changed your life?
Robert Kurson: The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker

RGC: What book did you most recently recommend to someone else?

read more

Julia Fine’s newest book of literary fantasy What Should Be Wild is a darkly-funny, striking debut.

Julia Fine recently visited Reading Group Choices to read and discuss her work with an audience. Julia also kindly took the time to answer our questions after she shared part of her book!

Reading Group Choices: What book changed your life?
Julia Fine: Atonement by Ian McEwan.

RGC: What book(s) are coming out this year that you’re looking forward to reading?
JF: Everything Under by Daisy Johnson. 

read more

Amy Stewart continues to delight with the newest installment in her Kopp Sisters Series!

Amy Stewart recently visited Reading Group Choices to read and discuss her work with an audience. Amy also kindly took the time to answer our questions after she shared part of her book!

Reading Group Choices: What book changed your life?
Amy Stewart: Amy’s Long Night, a Little Golden Book that I memorized long before I could read. I read it aloud to anyone who would listen, turning the pages as I went although I had no idea which words went on which pages.

read more