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"Reamde", "Lost Memory of Skin "
Sunday, October 2,
2011 - Listen
Neal Stephenson - known for his historical fiction "Baroque Cycle" and the seminal cyberpunk adventure "Snow Crash" - has written a new techno-thriller, 'REAMDE', set in Canada, the US, China, and many stops between and around the world, featuring a dense, detailed look at humanity just after the turn of the century. "Lost Memory of Skin" by Russell Banks - author of "Affliction", "Rule of the Bone", "Continental Drift", and "Cloudsplitter" - is a 'social surrealist' account of a convicted sex offender's re-entry into society.l.
"The Magician King", "The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman"
Sunday, September 26,
2011 - Listen
Interviews with Time Magazine book critic Lev Grossman about "The Magician King" which is a sequel to his bestselling humorous fantasy novel "The Magicians"; and with Meg Wolitzer - author of "The Wife" and "The Ten-Year Nap" - about "The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman", her first novel for young adults. Grossman also reads a passage from his novel.
Special Programming
Sunday, September 19,
2011
Agony Column did not air on this date due to special programming for the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Special Programming from NPR
Sunday, September 11,
2011
Agony Column did not air on this date due to special programming.
Mystic Midwest Noir
Sunday, September 4,
2011 - Listen
All in this the show: Laurie R. King Crowns 'Pirate King' : (Layering Laughs, Lives and Knives); Michael Harvey Reaches 'The Fifth Floor' (Crime, History and Character); David Levien Hits the '13 Million Dollar Pop' (Economic Disaster Informs Midwestern Mystery)
"Song of Slaves in the Desert", "God No!"
Sunday, August 28,
2011 - Listen
Alan Cheuse's novel about multiple generations of an enslaved family. Magician/entertainer Penn Jillette's new book is about atheism.
Deborah Beale, Stephen Kessler, Ernest Cline
Sunday, August 21,
2011 - Listen
Deborah Beale's children's book "The Dragon of Ordinary Farm", Stephen Kessler's "Tolstoy of the Zulus", Ernest Cline's science fiction novel "Ready Player One".
"Elliot Allagash", "Demon Fish", "Photographs and Words"
Sunday, August 14,
2011 - Listen
Saturday Night Live writer Simon Rich on his first novel "Elliot Allagash", a modern twist on the wish-granting genie trope. Washington Post reporter Juliet Eilperin on "Demon Fish", about sharks and their relationship with humans. Photographer Michael Katakis and anthropologist Kris Hardin on their anthology "Photographs and Words". With Rick Kleffel.
"The Last Werewolf," Alan Chuse's picks
Sunday, August 7,
2011 - Listen
Glen Duncan reads a passage from his new book, "The Last Werewolf," accompanied by musician Steven Coates of the band The Real Tuesday Weld. Alan Chuse of NPR's All Things Considered offers up his list of must-read books, including "Digital Geishas & Talking Frogs," "The Lotus Singer," "Disaster Was My God," "Triple Crossing," and "We All Fall Down."
"The Man in the Rockefeller Suit ", "Baby You Were Meant for Me "
Sunday, July 31,
2011 - Listen
Mark Seal's "The Man with a Rockefeller Suit" chronicles the adventures of a serial imposter who infiltrates Wall Street.
Scott Simon of NPR's Weekend Edition describes his book "Baby You Were Meant for Me" about adopting children.
"Incognito", "Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published"
Sunday, July 24,
2011 - Listen
David Eagleman's "Incognito" is about the science of human brain, Rick interviews him about the unconscious mind and what neuroscience tells us about crime and the legal system. Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry talk about their "Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published" and are hosting the Pitchapalooza event.
"In the Garden of Beasts ", "The Snowman "
Sunday, July 17,
2011 - Listen
Eric Larson discusses is novelistic history "In the Garden of Beasts" about the early years of Nazi Germany described from the point of view of American ambassador William E. Dodd. Norwegian author Jo Nesbo on his crime novel "The Snowman". Jo also performs music live.
"The Devil All the Time", "An Ideal Wine"
Sunday, July 10,
2011 - Listen
Rick Kleffel interviews Donald Ray Pollock about his dark, gritty novel "The Devil All The Time" and David Darlington about his book "An Ideal Wine" which examines the application of modern technology to the ancient art of wine-making.
Alan Cheuse and Susan Casey
Sunday, July 3, 2011 - Listen 
Author Alan Cheuse discusses his new novel, "Song of Slaves in the Desert," as well as recent events literary news. Susan Casey talks about her bestselling book about the power of the ocean, "The Wave," which is now out in paperback.
Heaven's Shadow and Grave Minder
Sunday, June 26, 2011 - Listen
Authors David Goyer and Michael Cassutt discuss their realistic science fiction novel, "Heaven's Shadow." Melissa Marr talks about her new book, "Grave Minder," based on an Irish legend.
Step into The Influencing Machine with Brooke Gladstone
Sunday, June 19, 2011 - Listen
Brooke Gladstone of NPR's On the Media talks about our relationship with the media we manipulate even as we feel it is manipulating us. Step into The Influencing Machine to explore mind control through the ages.
Robopocalpyse and The Uncertain Places
Sunday, June 12, 2011 - Listen
Robotocist and writer of quirky science-related books Daniel H. Wilson talks about his novel "Robopocalpyse", which is slated to be adapted to film by Steven Spielberg. Lisa Goldstein on her fantasy novel set in Napa Valley, "The Uncertain Places".
Heads You Lose: Lisa Lutz and David Hayward
Sunday, June 5, 2011 - Listen
Recorded at Capitola Book Cafe, host Rick Kleffel discusses "Heads You Lose" with authors Lisa Lutz and David Hayward. The novel, a murder mystery set in California's marijuana country, was written via correspondence, with each author writing every other chapter.
Eugene Linden, Rudy Rucker, Kim Stanley Robinson
Sunday, May 29, 2011 - Listen
Rick interviews journalist Eugene Linden about his book: "The Ragged Edge of the World: Encounters at the Frontier Where Modernity, Wildlands, and Indigenous Peoples Meet", as well as science fiction writers Rudy Rucker and Kim Stanley Robinson.
E.L. Doctorow and Seanan McGuire (Mira Grant)
Sunday, May 22, 2011 - Listen
Novelist E.L. Doctorow talks to Rick about his short stories collected in All the Time in the World, and Seanan McGuire describes her zombie-themed novel Feed, written under the psuedonym Mira Grant.
Keith Thomson and Andrea Hairston
Sunday, May 15, 2011 - Listen
Rick talks with Keith Thomson, military drone technology writer for Huffington Post, about his spy novels and Andrea Hairston about her historical novel, Redwood and Wildfire.
Ann Packer and Michael Bloomline
Sunday, May 8, 2011 - Listen
Ann Packer discusses her short story collection Swim Back to Me, and San Francisco doctor Michael Bloomline talks about the influence of his profession on works like The Healer
and The Domino Master.
Mr. Wonderful and Pleasures of the Reader
Sunday, May 1, 2011 - Listen
Author and Academy Award winner Daniel Clowes joins Rick. Also Alan Cheuse talks about pleasures of the readers.
Sci-Fi, Rock and Roll and Dark Humor
Sunday, April 24, 2011 - Listen
Paul Mc Comas author of the new book "Unforgetable" joins Rick.
Swedish Author Henning Mankell
Sunday, April 17, 2011 - Listen
Playwright and author Henning Manekell discusses his latest book The Troubled Man.
Poet Billy Collins
Sunday, April 10, 2011 - Listen
Billy Collins was the Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001-2003. He joins Ricks on the show and also debuts a new poem.
Theorectical Physicist and Author Michio Kaku
Sunday, April 3, 2011 - Listen
Michio Kaku talks about his latest book Physics of the Future.
Jasper Fforde Live at the Capitola BookCafe
Sunday, March 27, 2011 - Listen
Interview with the author about his newest book, and the Thursday Next series.
Kevin Poulsen and Ann VanderMeer
Sunday, March 20, 2011 - Listen
Kevin Poulsen editor of Wired.com's Threat Level blog talks about his book Kingpin: How One Hacker Took Over the Billion-Dollar Cybercrime Underground. Also on the show, Ann VanderMeer editor of Weird Tales.
Peggy Orenstein on "Girly-girl Culture" and T.C. Boyle Talks About Environmental Catastrophe
Sunday, March 13, 2011 - Listen
Repeat of March 6th show.
Peggy Orenstein on "Girly-girl Culture" and T.C. Boyle Talks About Environmental Catastrophe
Sunday,
March 6, 2011 - Listen
Peggy Orenstein talks about her new book "Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches From the Frontlines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture". Later, T.C. Boyle talks about man's difficult relationship with the natural world in his novel, "When the Killing's Done".
The Agony Column Live Plus Interviews With Writers Diana Paxson and Peggy Orenstein
Sunday,
February 27, 2011 - Listen
The program begins with selections from The Agony Column Live at the Capitola Book Cafe with writers Matt Stewart and Joshua Mohr. Later on the show Diana Paxson talks about writing Arthurian fantasy and Peggy Orenstein talks about her new book "Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches From the Frontlines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture".
Author Deborah Harkness and NPR Book Critic Allan Cheuse
Sunday,
February 20, 2011 - Listen
Rick talks to Deborah Harkness about her new novel "A Discovery of Witches". Later, NPR book reviewer Allan Cheuse shares some of his literary discoveries.
David Vann, Steven Boyett, and Cara Black
Sunday,
February 13, 2011 - Listen
David Vann talks about his novels "Legend of a Suicide" and "Caribou Island". Later, Steven Boyett reads from his novels "Ariel" and "Elegy Beach". Cara Black, author of the Aimée Léduc detective novels is interviewed by Rick.
Siobhan Fallon and Thomas Frank
Sunday,
February 6, 2011 - Listen
Siobhan Fallon talks about life on an army base and the domestic effects of war in her book "You Know When the Men Are Gone". Later on the show, "What's the Matter With Kansas?" author Thomas Frank talks to Rick about conservative ideology and the politics of America's culture wars.
Teresa Strasser Interview and "I'm Sorry I Have to Tell You This" radio drama
Sunday,
January 30, 2011 - Listen
Teresa Strasser talks about "Exploiting My Baby", her book and blog that humorously discusses the joys and struggles of motherhood. Later, the radio drama "I'm Sorry I Have to Tell You This" is performed on the air.
Paul Pierson and Siobhan Fallon
Sunday,
January 23, 2011 - Listen
Paul Pierson talks about the reasons for America's economic inequality in his book "Winner-Take-All Politics: How Washington Made the Rich Richer and Turned Its Back on the Middle Class". Later, Siobhan Fallon talks about life on an army base and the domestic effects of war in her book "You Know When the Men Are Gone".
Chuck Palahniuk and Dr. Stephen R. Palumbi
Sunday,
January 16, 2011 - Listen
"Fight Club" author Chuck Palahniuk talks about his new novel "Tell-All". Later, marine ecologist Dr. Stephen R. Palumbi discusses his book "The Death and Life of the Monterey Bay".
Prof. Erwin Chemerinsky
Sunday,
January 9, 2011 - Listen
Founding Dean of UC Irvine Law School and constitutional scholar Erwin Chemerinsky talks about his book "The Conservative Assault on the Constitution".
New Babies and Ex Planets
Sunday,
January 2, 2011 - Listen
Astronomer/writer Mike Brown joins Rick to explore his memoir "Why I killed Pluto and Why it had it Coming". He is a Professor of Planetary Astronomy at the California Institute of Technology and specializes in the discovery and study of bodies at the edge of the solar system.
Link to: Mike Brown's Planets blog.
Syed Haider
Sunday,
December 26, 2010 - Listen
Syed Haider was 8 years old when his parents left everything behind and fled from India to Pakistan. Now he edits a prestigious literary journal, The Chicago Quarterly. His new novel, To Be With Her, is the story of a young man who leaves Pakistan to come to the United States. Coming of age in a new culture.
Syed Haider and Kristen Mulvihill
Sunday,
December 19, 2010 - Listen
New York Times journalist David Rohde and his wife Kristin Mulvihill discuss Rohde's ordeal being kidnapped by the Taliban in their book "A Rope and a Prayer: A Kidnapping from Two Sides".
A Conversation with Guillermo del Toro
Sunday,
December 12, 2010 - Listen
The filmmaker/author joins Ricks for a lively interview ranging from monsters to literature. Also on the show is local writer Amelia Beamer.
Matt Taibbi Talks About His Book "Griftopia"
Sunday,
December 5, 2010 - Listen
The title of Rolling Stone reporter Matt Taibbi's new book
says it all:l "Griftopia: Bubble Machines, Vampire Squids, and the Long Con That Is Breaking America". Rick interviewed Mr. Taibbi for most of the show.
Talking About "The New American Meal"
With Michael Pollan, Molly Katzen, and Ann Vileisis
Sunday,
November 28, 2010 - Listen
Rick talks to food journalist Michael Pollan, cookbook author Molly Katzen, and food historian Ann Vileisis about the past and present versions of our eating habits.
Michele Norris and Laurie David
Sunday,
November 21, 2010 - Listen
NPR's Michele Norris speaks to Rick at Bookshop Santa Cruz about her book "The Grace of Silence". Environmental activist and producer of An Inconvenient Truth Laurie David speaks to Rick about her new book "The Family Dinner".
Kevin Kelly and Daniel Pinchbeck
Sunday,
November 14, 2010 - Listen
Rick interviews Kevin Kelly, founder of Wired magazine and author of the new book What Technology Wants. Later Rick interviews Daniel Pinchbeck, editor of Reality Sandwich and author of 2012:The Return of Quetzalcoatl.
Myla Goldberg and S.G. Brown
Sunday,
November 7, 2010 - Listen
Rick interviews Myla Goldberg about her new book The False Friend, which explores the pre-teen gril bullying. Also on the show is the author S.G. Brown about his new comedy novel, Faded.
Interview with Graham Hancock plus Local Writers Wallace Baine and Paul McHugh
Sunday,
October 31, 2010 - Listen
Interview with Graham Hancock about ayahuasca and his new non-fiction book "Supernatural". Rick also interviews Santa Cruz Sentinel writers Wallance Baine and Paul McHugh.
Philip Roth, Cara Black, and Charles Burns
Sunday,
October 24, 2010 - Listen
Rick talks to Philp Roth about his new novel "Nemesis" and is later joined by mystery writer Cara Black. Rick also speaks to graphic novelist Charles Burns about his books "Black Hole" and "X'ed Out".
Writers Karen Joy Fowler and Mark L. Van Name
Sunday,
October 17, 2010 - Listen
Rick talks to Karen Joy Fowler, author of "The Jane Austen Book Club" and Mark L.Van Name, author of "Children No More".
Writers Steven Kotler and Darin Strauss
Sunday,
October 10, 2010 - Listen
Steven Kotler, founder of dog rescue shelter Rancho de Chihuahua and author of "A Small Furry Prayer" and Darin Strauss, author of "Half a Life" join Rick
.
Journalist Susan Casey
Sunday,
October 3, 2010 - Listen
A Conversation with Susan Casey, author of "The Wave".
Specializing on the Southern Gothic
Sunday,
September 26, 2010 - Listen
Writers John Brandon and Monique Truong join Rick.
Science-Fiction Writer William Gibson
Sunday,
September 19, 2010 - Listen
Authors David Mitchell and Cecelia Holland
Sunday,
September 12, 2010 - Listen
What Happens When You Take Away Our Gravity?
Sunday,
September 5, 2010 - Listen
Host Rick Kleffel has a conversation with writer Mary Roach.
David Doubile + BLUE Ocean Film Festival
Sunday,
August 29, 2010 - Listen
Writing Past, Present & Future
Sunday,
August 22, 2010 - Listen
Journey in literature from the past to the present, and the future. Also explore the art of the short memoir. Join host Rick Kleffel in conversations with writers Howard Norman, Vendela Vida, Gary Shteyngart, Paul McCue.
Crime, Politics and Love
Sunday,
August 15, 2010 - Listen
Rick Kleffel spoke with two mystery writers:David Corbett and Barry Eisler at the Capitola Book Cafe. Both write politically charged fiction. Also on the show iws novelist Vendela Vida, whose new book is "The Lovers".
Twisting History
Sunday,
August 8, 2010 - Listen
Host Rick Kleffel is joined by writers Tim Powersa Thomas Frank.
Justin Cronin and Gary Shteyngart
Sunday,
August 1, 2010 - Listen
Writers Justin Cronin and Gary Shteyngart join Rick Kleffel. Also NPR's Alan Cheuse review three books.
The Art of Brian and Wendy Froud
Sunday,
July 25, 2010 - Listen
Artists Brian and Wendy Froud join Rick. They explore a world of Faeries, that spans books, films and more.
Authors Aimee Bender and Phil Cousineau
Sunday,
July 18, 2010 - Listen
Author of "Word Catcher" Phil Cousineau, and Aimee Bender who speaks about her new book "The Particular Saddness of Lemon Cake" join host Rick Kleffel.
Authors Mollie Katzen and Ann Thomas
Sunday,
July 11, 2010 - Listen
The Agony Column Live, with a recording of the event featuring vegetarian cookbook authors Mollie Katzen and Ann Thomas, in conversation with host Rick Kleffel about cooking, creativity and writing cookbooks. Plus, another exclusive report from NPR's Alan Cheuse on three recent novels worth your valuable time.
Authors Lev Grossman and Fran Gage
Sunday,
July 4, 2010 - Listen
Rick interviews
author Lev Grossman,
author of "The Magicians" and Fran Gage about her book "The New American Olive Oil".
Sunday,
June 27, 2010 - Listen
Author Sloane Crosby
Sunday,
June 20, 2010 - Listen
Juliet Schor and Amy Bender
Sunday,
June 13, 2010 - Listen
Ricks
speaks with
Juliet Schor,
whose new book
is "Plentitude".
Aimee Bender is also on the show.
For the Win
Sunday,
June 6, 2010 - Listen
Author
Cory Doctorow
joins Rick
to talk about
his new book, "For the Win".
Also Alan Cheuse posts a book report.
Little Bee
Sunday,
May 30, 2010 - Listen
Author
of "Littlle Bee" -Chris
Cleave joins Rick.
A Platoon's Bravery
Sunday,
May 23, 2010 - Listen
Karl
Marlantes -
author of "Matterhorn" joins
Rick.
David Gran & Editor Jill Levine
Sunday,
May 16, 2010 - Listen
David
Gran, author
of "The Devil And Sherlock Holmes" is
interviewed. Then editor Jill Levine,
who has curated a new series of
translations of Jorge Luis Borges
speaks with Rick.
Jonathan Lathem, Mollie Katzen and Anna Thomas
Sunday,
May 9, 2010 - Listen
Joining rick are Jonathan
Letham, author of "Motherless Brooklyn" and
cook book authors Mollie Katzen
and Anna Thomas.
Talking Animals and Symbolic Literature
Sunday,
May 2, 2010 - Listen
Rick speaks with authors
Yann Martel ("Life of Pi") and Gail Carriger ("Parasol Protectorate").
Dave Isay Talks About StoryCorps
Sunday,
April 25, 2010 - Listen
Rick interviews Dave Isay about the StoryCorps project.
and his new book, "Mom - A Celebration of Mothers from StoryCorp".
He's also joined by regular contributors Alan Cheuse and Thomas Frank.
Ian McEwan and his Book "Solar"
Sunday,
April 18, 2010 - Listen
A Look Into the Human Mind & Bumper Stickers
Sunday,
April 11, 2010 - Listen
Rick speaks with Stephen S. Hall and Jack Bowen.
Inseptopedia - Hugh Raffles
Sunday,
April 4, 2010 - Listen
Author
Elif Shafak
Sunday,
March 28, 2010 - Listen
Author of "The Bastard of Istanbul" joins Rick to talk about her new novel, " The Forty Rules of Love".
Author
Joe Hill
Sunday,
March 21, 2010 - Listen
Rick Kleffel speaks with Joe Hill (who is Stephen King's son) about the Devil in American literature and in Hill's new novel, Horns, in which a man wakes up after a bad night of drinking with a pair of horns on his head and some strange and unpleasant abilities. The Devil is in the details.
From Poetry to Prose
Sunday,
March 14, 2010 - Listen
Rick Kleffel hosts authors Stephen Kessler and Alta Ifland, who both have made their ways from publishing their poetry to also include writing prose.
Author Adam Haslatt
Sunday,
March 7, 2010 - Listen
A conversation with Pulitzer Prize nominee and National Book Award Finalist Adam Haslett about his new novel, Union Atlantic, which looks at the internal lives of the men and women who run America's finances; Alan Cheuse reviews Thrillers with host RIck Kleffel, plus a conversation with Paul McHugh about newspapers, mystery fiction, the Asilomar Park scandal, which he exposed with his reporting for the San Francisco Chronicle and his new novel, Deadlines.
Bedside Book of Birds and Bedside Book of Beasts
Sunday, February 28, 2010 - Listen
Rick Kleffel speaks with Graeme Gibson about his Bedside Book of Birds and Bedside Book of Beasts, which explore the cultural, literary, ecological and artistic relationships between humans and the animal world. Plus, hear Laurie R. King talk about a surprising twist ahead for Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russel, and Huffington Post contributor and novelist Ketih Thomson talk about combat drones and his novel Once a Spy.
Author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Sunday, February 21, 2010 - Listen
RIck interviews the author of "One Amazing Thing."
David Drake, Author of "Hammers and Slammers"
Sunday, February 14, 2010 - Listen
RIck interviews David Drake, author of "Hammers Slammers".
Josh Sundquist, Paralympic Champion
Sunday, February 7, 2010 - Listen
RIck Kleffel speaks with Josh Sundquist, Paralympic Champion skier and author of 'Just Don't Fall'. Thomas Frank talks about Populism then and now, his latest column for the Wall Street Journal, and re-launching The Baffler, a literary magazine of political theory. And Alan Cheuse talks about the latest books from Dominick Dunne, Adam Haslett, T. C. Boyle and Elif Shafak.
Charlie Huston, Author of 'Sleepless'
Sunday, January 31, 2010 - Listen
Rick Kleffel speaks with Charlie Huston about his novel 'Sleepless', a noir detective story set in Los Angeles beset by a prion disease plague based on Fatal Familial Insomnia. Plus Jeff Brown, the author of Soulshaping, talks about finding your spiritual purpose.
Life in a Dystopian Colortocracy
Sunday, January 24, 2010 - Listen
Rick Kleffel speaks with author Jasper Fforde about his new novel Shades of Grey, and life in a dystopian Colortocracy; plus the latest from Thomas Frank who has a modest proposal concerning America's gold reserves.
How to Make Friends with Demons
Sunday, January 17, 2010 - Listen
Learn from author Graham Joyce "How to Make Friends with Demons" - the title of his new book, and hear a conversation with NPR's Alan Cheuse about the latest books from Don Delillo, Robert Stone and Douglas Preston.
Sunday, January 10, 2010 - Listen on computer.
Interview with S.T. Joshi, a leading literary critic who has shared his studies of the works of H.P. Lovecraft and now H.L. Menchen.
Religion, Noir and Reading
Sunday, January 3, 2010 - Listen on computer.
Rick is joined by authors
Brian K. Evenson and Jasper Fforde.
Using Grammer to Create a Sense of the Uncanny
Sunday, December 27 - Listen on computer.
Rick speak with Jeffrey Ford, his latest works "The Drowned Life". Also on the show, Thomas Frank from the Wall Street Journal as well as Ann and Jeff Vandermeer.
Magic, Magic and Hoaxs
Sunday, December 20 - Listen on computer.
Rick speaks with Garth Nix and Claire Light.
On Writing Historical Science Fiction and More
Sunday, December 13 - Listen on computer.
Rick Kleffel interviews Connie Willis, writer of "Black Out" about time travellers stranded in London. Also on the show are reports from Thomas Frank and NPR's Alan Cheuse.
Making Your Own Good & Healthy Bread - Fast
Sunday, December 6 - Listen on computer.
Rick Kleffel interviews writers of two books on making healthy, artisan bread.
Fantasy Fiction Writers Facing Reality
Sunday, November 29 - Listen on computer.
Rick Kleffel speaks with Jeff and Ann VanderMeer about how their work in the field of fantasy fiction helps them face reality. And author Thomas Frank takes on Glen Beck, and brings him face to face with the life of Paine -- Thomas Paine.
How Library of America Has Embraced Fantastic Literature
Sunday, November 22 - Listen on computer.
Peter Straub, author of Ghost Story, talking about canonizing the fantastic; authors of fantastic literature including H. P. Lovecraft and Philip K. Dick. Plus, hear the poetry of the fantastic, with readings by Rain Graves, Donald Sidney-Fryer, Michael Lunde and Michael Allen Shea.
Creating Realistic Law Enforcement Characters
Sunday, November 15 - Listen on computer.
Rick Kleffel spweaks with active FBI agent George Fong about creating law enforcement characters for mystery novels. Also on the show is San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris.
Interview with E.L. Doctorow
Sunday, November 8 - Listen on computer.
Rick Kleffel discusses the book "Homer and Langley" with author E.L Doctorow. Also Alan Cheuse reports on three books and Rick also talks to Kisten Menger-Anderson, author of "Dr. Olaf Van Sculer's Brain".
Darwin, Zombies And More Zombies
Sunday, November 1 - Listen on computer.
Rick Kleffel interviews authors writing about Zombies and Darwin.
My Rotten Life
Sunday, October 25 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Rick Kleffel speaks with David Lubar, author or "My Rotten Life" and then with Thomas French on this weeks politics.
Beware the Pigoons and Wolvogs
Sunday, October 18 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Rick Kleffel speaks with Margaret Atwood about her latest science fiction novel, The Year of the Flood. It's the story of God's Gardeners, a vegan Christian sect that barely survives after a waterless flood of disease kills most of humanity.
A Bomb In Everything
Sunday, October 11 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Interview with Peter Richardson about Ramparts Magazine, and then Alan Cheuse reports on three books; Thomas Frank checks in about the weeks politcal events; and Jewell Gomez reports on San Francisco's Litquake.
Twitter Wit, Carmel Poetry and more
Sunday, October 4 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Rick Kleffel talks to Nick Douglas about his collection of Twitter wit, then hear about Robinson Jeffers and the Tor House and then author Thomas Frank.
Interview with Author Karen Armstrong
Sunday, September 27 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Karen Armstrongs is interviewed by Rick Kleffel. They discuss her latest book entitled "The Case for God".
Zombie Romance and Artistic Inspiration
Sunday, September 20 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Rick Kleffel speaks with Scott Browne about his novel Breathers, a love story about two zombies in Soquel, being made into a feature film for Disney; and with Erin Lee Gafill about her book "Drinking From a Cold Spring," prose poems as a to-do list for artistic inspiration from Nepenthe.
A Conversation with Kage Barker, author of the Novels of the Company
Sunday, September 13 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Rick Kleffel interview with the authour of the Company Novels, Kage Baker.
Writer Jacqueline Winspear - and NPR's Alan Cheuse
Sunday, September 6 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Rick Kleffel speaks with the writer of The Masey Dogs series, Jacqueline Winspear. Then, NPR commentator and author Alan Cheuse joins Rick for a fall review of books.
Writers of Science-Fiction and about Olive Oil
Sunday, August 30 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Rick Kleffel speaks with Time Magazine's book critic, Lev Grossman about his novel The Magicians; and gets the low-down on Olive Oil from Fran Gage her book, The New American Olive Oil.
Guns, Gangs and Grant
Sunday, August 23 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
David Corbett discusses his mystery novel Blood of Paradise, set in bloody post-war El Salvador. Then, Max Byrd, whose historical novels explore the lives of U.S. Presidents.
Splatterpunk & Hardboiled Jane Austen
Sunday, August 16 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
A gruesome conversation with splatterpunk novelist Ray Garton; plus Madeleine Robins discusses her hardboiled detective novels set in Jane Austen-era England.
Tony Broadbent, Lisa Alvarez, Kage Baker
Sunday, August 9 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
This week's guests: Tony Broadbent, whose mystery novels evoke the shadowy streets of postwar London; Lisa Alvarez, a director of the fiction track for Squaw Valley Writers Conference; and Kage Baker, master of the steampunk genre.
Douglas Carlton Abrams
Sunday, August 2 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Host Alice Vecchiola presents a previously recorded conversation between Rick Kleffel and Douglas Carlton Abrams, whose latest novel is the ecological thriller Eye of the Whale.
Alan Cheuse
Sunday, July 26 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
A conversation with book critic, novelist and essayist Alan Cheuse, whose latest work, A Trance After Breakfast, is a collection of lyrical travel writings.
Writer Simon Rich and Agent Kimberly Cameron
Sunday, July 19 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Host Rick Kleffel interviews comedy writer Simon Rich, author of "Free Range Chicken", and literary agent Kimberly Cameron about how to find a publisher.
Novella Carpenter
Sunday, July 12 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
The author Novella Carpenter talk about her book Farm City, the education of an urban farmer.
David Sedaris
Sunday, July 5 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Humorist and frequent NPR contributor David Sedaris speaks about his latest book When You Are Engulfed in Flames.
Mieville's Mystery and Short Science Fiction
Sunday, June 28 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
A conversation with China Mieville about his most recent headstrong mystery. In part two, Michaela Roessner reads the short story "The Fishes Speak."
Botanical Atrocities
Sunday, June 21 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Amy Stewart, author of Wicked Plants, reveals the murderous tendencies lurking beneath the surface of a garden. Plus, Alice Vecchiola talks to the cast and crew of Cabrillo Stage's upcoming performance of "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change."
Jedediah Berry
Sunday, June 14 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Jedediah Berry discusses his hardboiled detective novel The Manual of Detection. Then, the art of the short story with Alan Cheuse.
Guillermo del Toro
Sunday, June 7 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Acclaimed film director Guillermo del Toro speaks about his debut novel, The Strain, the first of a planned vampire trilogy. Plus, three books worth reading this week with Alan Cheuse.
West of the West
Sunday, May 31 - Listen on computer.
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Rick speaks with journalist Mark Arax, whose latest book is a collection of essays capturing the essence of California through history and myth. Also, Alan Cheuse shares his thoughts on three books worth reading.
Film Making and Novel Writing
Sunday, May 24 - Listen on computer.
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An interview with Logan and Noah Miller about film making and their most recent premier, You’re In or You're In The Way. Also a discussion with NPR Author Alan Cheuse, author of To Catch the Lightning.
Colson Whitehead
Sunday, May 17 - Listen on computer.
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New York writer Colson Whitehead
speaks about his autobiographical novel Sag Harbor, which tells the story of a group of affluent African-American teenagers spending the summer at their Hamptons beach houses.
Mother's Day Special
Sunday, May 10 - Listen on computer.
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Because I Love Her is a collection of essays exploring the complex relationships between mothers and daughters. Editor Andrea Richesin and contributors Karen Joy Fowler and Anne Marie Feld join Rick for this Mother's Day show. Then, a tribute to the late Santa Cruz writer Jim Houston, with NPR's Alan Cheuse.
Conversation & Interview with Mark Rudd
Sunday, May 3 - Listen on computer.
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Mark Rudd is a political organizer, mathematics instructor, and anti-war activist, best known for his involvement with the Weather Underground.
The Philosophy of Dumpster Diving
Sunday, April 26 - Listen on computer.
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A lesson on the economic benefits - as well as the joys! - of dumpster diving, reusing and recycling, with Anneli Rufus and Kristan Lawson, authors of The Scavengers' Manifesto. Then, NPR's Alan Cheuse returns to reveal three thrillers worth reading.
The Firesign Theater, Books Worth Reading, James D. Houston
Sunday, April 19 - Listen on computer.
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First, a conversation with Phil Austin of the comedy group the Firesign Theater, plus excerpts from the group's finest works. Next, a KUSP exclusive: three books worth your time and money, with NPR commentator Alan Cheuse. Finally, in honor of the recent passing of local author James D. Houston, Rick shares an interview in which Houston describes his relationship with Santa Cruz, his home.
A Homemade Life, The Superferry Chronicles
Sunday, April 5 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
First, Molly Wizenberg, author of A Homemade Life and the popular food blog Orangette, talks about her lifetime love affair with food and cooking. Next, Rick speaks with Jerry Mander, whose book The Superferry Chronicles tells how a surfer uprising against an inter-island ferry in Hawaii turned into a fight against globalization, militarism and the erosion of local sovereignty.
The Lost City of Z
Sunday, March 29 - Listen on computer.
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David Grann's research into the legendary life of doomed explorer Percy Fawcett lured him into his own obsession with Fawcett's destination, the lost city of El Dorado in the depths of the Amazon jungle. Rick Kleffel speaks with Grann about his latest book The Lost City of Z.
Humorous Horror and Good Grammar
Sunday, March 1 - Listen on computer.
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Interviews and readings from SF in SF. Rick Kleffel speaks with authors Michael Boatman and Deborah Grabien, as well as writing and grammar expert Janis Bell.
Michael Katakis, Xinran
Sunday, February 22 - Listen on computer.
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First, Rick speaks with Michael Katakis, whose book Traveller is composed of journal entries, letters and photographs from the road. Next, a phone interview with oral historian Xinran, author of China Witness: Voices From a Silent Generation.
How to Save the Independent Bookstore
Sunday, February 15 - Listen on computer.
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A conversation among local booksellers and publishers about the challenges facing independent bookstores and the strategies that have helped them survive and thrive in a perilous business climate.
Happiness, Fruit and Words
Sunday, February 1 - Listen on computer.
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First, a conversation about how to achieve happiness without psychotherapy, with psychiatrist Dr. Mardi Horowitz, author of A Course in Happiness. Then, from SF in SF, Aimee Bender reads a story from her collection Willful Creatures.
Kirsten Menger-Anderson, Sean Stewart, Aimee Bender
Sunday, January 25 - Listen on computer.
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Today's show reports on the medical-themed short stories of
Kirsten Menger-Anderson; the cinematic and video-game worlds created by science fiction writer Sean Stewart; and the surreal short stories of Aimee Bender.
Hard Times for the Arts
Sunday, January 18 - Listen on computer.
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A live roundtable conversation about the fate of literary arts in difficult economic times. Featuring an array of local literary figures, including two directors of Shakespeare Santa Cruz, a former book reviewer for the Santa Cruz Sentinel, a local author, an independent book publisher, and the director of the Salinas Library.
Too Good to Tell
Sunday, January 11 - Listen on computer.
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Author Chris Cleave will read from his latest novel, "Little Bee", which is straightforwardly too delicate to expose anymore than to say, ‘you have to listen to find out!’
The Sweet Smell of Yesteryear
Sunday, January 4 - Listen on computer.
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A further exploration of the little-known history of Batmania in Japan. With guests Saul Ferris, whose vast collection of Batman toys and comics sparked the publication of Bat-Manga!: The Secret History of Batman in Japan, and Anne Ishi, who served as translator for the project.
Brian Yaeger, Jimmy Santiago Baca
Sunday,
December 28 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
First, Brian Yaeger, author of Red, White and Brew: An American Beer Odyssey, talks about how and why beer is being made in America. Then, a conversation with novelist, screenwriter, poet and activist Jimmy Santiago Baca.
The Art of Translation
Sunday,
December 14 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
An examination of the process of literary translation, including a recent report by Rick Kleffel aired on All Things Considered;
an interview with a local dramaturg and translator; and an interview with an author who has recently completed a translation of The Canterbury Tales.
Jonathan Carroll, Nina Matsumoto
Sunday,
December 7 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
A conversation with author Jonathan Carroll about his novel The Ghost in Love, followed by an interview with manga artist Nina Matsumoto.
Stewart O'Nan, Ian D'Agata
Sunday,
November 30 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Rick Kleffel
speaks with Stewart O'Nan about his novel Songs of the Missing, the tale of a family dealing with the sudden disappearance of an 18-year-old daughter. For "Life Under the Lights," Alice Vecchiola has a oenological conversation with Ian D'Agata, author of The Ecco Guide to the Best Wines of Italy.
Chip Kidd
Sunday,
November 23 - Listen on computer.
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An interview with Chip Kidd, author of Bat-Manga!: The Secret History of Batman in Japan.
Ken Silverstein
Sunday,
November 16 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Rick Kleffel speaks with Ken Silverstein about his book Turkmeniscam : How Washington Lobbyists Fought to Flack for a Stalinist Dictatorship, an undercover expose of lobbyists. Then, each month, the Variety Children's Charity hosts SF in SF ; From the Science Fiction in San Francisco event of November 15, 2008, award-winning author Nalo Hopkinson reads an original story, "Snow Day". Dentist dictators, desperate lobbyists and a day off from reality as we know it – all up on The Agony Column.
Danny Goldberg
Sunday,
November 9 - Listen on computer.
Mobile Listen (currently only on some phones)
Rick Kleffel speaks with Danny Goldberg, whose book Bumping into Geniuses looks back at his life in the rock music industry. On "Life Under the Lights," Alice Vecchiola speaks with the director of Kids on Broadway's production of Fiddler on the Roof.
Nathaniel Rich, Andrew Davidson
Sunday,
November 2 - Listen on computer.
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Excerpts from the long-form interviews with Nathaniel Rich, whose First Book is The Mayor's Tongue, and Andrew Davidson, whose first book is The Gargoyle; both were the subject of First Book pieces aired on NPR. And a conversation with Amity Shlaes, recently seen on The Newshour With Jim Lehrer. Her book is The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression. On "Life Under the Lights," Alice Vecchiola speaks with the director and cast of Suessical.
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