All About Books Nebraska Public Media
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- Arts
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A weekly book review and discussion program hosted by Pat Leach. Updated on Thursdays.
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"Enchantment" by Katherine May & "Awe" by Dacher Keltner
Two books dealing with similar themes are reviewed this week Host Pat Leach looks at two releases recognizing the importance of wonder and awe in our lives. “Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age” by Katherine May and “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life” by Dacher Keltner
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“The War Begins in Paris”. by Ted Wheeler
Two women come to Paris in 1938 as foreign correspondents- a shy pacifist Mennonite, the other a brash, American journalist who is soon to become a fascist propagandist. This is the scene for Omaha author Ted Wheeler’s new novel “The War Begins in Paris”. Hear an interview with Wheeler
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“A Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold.
Like most people, host Pat Leach has a guilty list of important and influential books she’s never gotten around to reading. One of these she recently picked up- the landmark conservation book, “A Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold. First published in 1949, this collection of essays vividly describes the land around the author’s home in Wisconsin.
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“How Can I Help You” by Laura Sims
It’s a psychological cat and mouse thriller set in an unexpected place- a small town public library. “How Can I Help You” by Laura Sims is chilling and darkly humorous. Hear a review from “All About Books” host, and retired librarian, Pat Leach.
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“Portrait of a City: Lincoln, Nebraska" by Bruce Pauley
Retired history Professor Bruce Pauley has written a readable history of his hometown, “Portrait of a City: Lincoln, Nebraska, at the Turn of the Twentieth Century” The book focuses on the everyday lives of people in Lincoln during an era that saw rapid change in technology and society.
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“Chasing Bright Medusas” by Benjamin Taylor
This new biography is aimed at readers of any level of familiarity with the Nebraska author, “Chasing Bright Medusas: A Life of Willa Cather” by Benjamin Taylor, takes readers on an exploration of Cather’s life, poetry, stories, and letters.
Customer Reviews
Re: “Elderhood,” and ageism v ableism
Love this podcast, as a Nebraska living away from Nebraska who loves books. Some thoughts on the review and discussion on “Elderhood.” Ageism and ableism are two separate forms of bigotry, often confused and assumed for the same. I think the author, and the reviewer, should be clearer to note this. As we have seen in recent decades more and more older and elderly people be forced into working past retirement, rather than being provided with resources to elect continuing to work, the lines about worth and inclusion and resources are clearly drawn between those who can work and those who can’t. The US has about 28 percent disabled residents (pre-Covid, it’s certainly more now) but the majority of disabled people aren’t considered older or elderly. I hope these delineations are more thoroughly reviewed with future book review selections. May I suggest Alice Wong’s “Disability Visibility” that was published this year? Thank you
Ms.
This podcast is so smart and entertaining and downright delightful. I never miss it and get fabulous ideas for new reads. A must have for all readers and listeners of literature!
Books with your coffee buddies
Great show. The hosts sound like two guys having coffee who happen to talk about books. That is not to say they are not erudite--they are.
It's just that no matter what book they are talking about they approach the subject with wit,humility,and (dare I say it) a dose of Nebraska plainspeak.