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

About Books, January 31, 2009

Adam Nicolson, grandson of Harold Nicolson and Vita-Sackville West, recounts the story of four earls of Pembroke in " Quarrel with the King: the Story of an English Family on the High Road to War." Nicolson was inspired to write the book when, on a walk in southern England, he passed Wilton House and went in. There he encountered a large Van Dyck painting, seventeen feet wide and ten feet deep, of the the 4th Earl of Pembroke and his family. As he stood in front of the painting, he wondered what had led to the family's prominence. This book is the result.

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

About Books, January 24, 2009

Richard LeMieux, author of "Breakfast at Sally's," changed my attitude about charitable giving. His story of being homeless for eighteen months and the help given him by churches and the Salvation Army is both heartbreaking and triumphant. When I asked him what people should do to help, he said there are lots of organizations with programs to aid the homeless but all need more resources. Everyone should read this book and then give to the organization of their choice.

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

About Books, January 17, 2009

Li-Young Lee is a Chinese poet who grew up in Indonesia and now lives in Chicago. He uses his poetry to tell his own story. Li-Young Lee will be visiting both the Bettendorf Public Library and Augustana in January. "Behind My Eyes" is one of his books of poetry and "The Winged Seed" is his memoir.

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

About Books, January 10, 2009

Marcella Hazan, author of "Amarcord," is well known for Italian cookbooks. But many do not know her life story. In "Amarcord," you will learn how she grew up in a small town in Italy, endured World War II, became a science teacher, married and eventually taught Americans how to make Italian food. Now in her 80's, Marcella Hazan is wonderful to read about and listen to.

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