About Books, February 28, 2009

William Rodarmor, along with Anna Livia, has edited "France: A Traveler's Literary Companion," a collection of 21 stories that take the reader to all the various regions of the country. Rodarmor, a French literary translator, has translated some of the stories for the book while some were done by his co-editor and others. Not only is the content fascinating but the book is perfectly sized to fit in the pocket or purse of the traveler. "France" is just one of a series from Whereabouts Press including Australia, China, Cuba, Ireland and Israel.

Listen to the interview at http://www.wvik.org/listings-aboutbooks.htm

About Books, February 21,2009

Janis Bell's book, "Clean Well-Lighted Sentences: A Guide to Avoiding the Most Common Errors in Grammar and Punctuation," deserves a spot on every writer's desk whether you are writing for the company newsletter, the church bulletin or the Pulitzer Prize. Bell has been a teacher of writing for thirty-five years. She is very up beat and confident in her skills and will improve yours.

Listen to the interview at http://www.wvik.org/listings-aboutbooks.htm

About Books, February 14, 2009

Ariel Sabar's book, "My Father's Paradise: A Son's Search for His Jewish Past in Kurdish Iraq" is the amazing story of Yona Beh Sabagha, the last boy to be bar mitzvahed in Zakho, Iraq, who eventually becomes a respected scholar of Aramaic in the United States. The author knew little of this father's story and was rather embarrased by him until he became an adult and a father himself. Recently Ariel risked leaving his job to research and write his father's story. It was a successful gamble: Ariel emailed me this week that "My Father's Paradise" has been nominated for a National Book Critics Circle Award in the autobiography category.

Listen to the interview at http://www.wvik.org/listings-aboutbooks.htm

About Books, February 7, 2009

Sharon Waxman poses the question of who should own the great works of art in her book, "Loot: the Battle Over the Stolen Treasures of the Ancient World." Since Rome looted Egypt or maybe even before then, the conquered have lost their art to the conquerors. This book focuses on on the countries of Egypt, Turkey, Greece and Italy who have entered the most demands for the restitution of their heritage. "Loot" is filled with fascinating characters, from Lord Elgin to Marion True, from tomb robbers to sellers of looted antiquities. Enjoy.

Listen to the interview at http://www.wvik.org/listings-aboutbooks.htm