Chatter on Books Torie Clarke

“Glamour bomb.“
Chatter’s annual family Thanksgiving show rolls with David, Torie, renaissance man Nevin Martell, and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson. They catch up on book news as COB alums Ilyon Woo and David Von Drehele crush “best of 2023” lists. COB fave Karin Tanabe zooms in to share “The Sunset Crowd.” Any time a review has you and Gatsby in the same sentence you know you’ve got something good. Karin’s searing prose and uncanny cultural instincts capture Hollywood fantasies and the American dream.  And the gang goes deep on imposter syndrome.

“They’re just the best.”
Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and her sister from another mother Liz Clarke. They agree no one really understands sign stealing.  Of course the Puritans were the first book banners! Dr. Jen Golbeck, creator of the Golden Ratio, and award winning writer Stacey Colino zoom in to share “The Purest Bond – Understanding the Human-Canine Connection.” Golbeck and Colino put the science behind the physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits that come with having a dog in the house.  With research and real-life stories they demonstrate how dogs help us live better lives. 

“Making it possible.“
Chatter rolls with Torie and Jamie as David cheers on his beloved American Eagles at their season opener. Torie and Jamie kick around some book news, sort of but mostly talk about gambling.  CIA military analyst Lena Andrews zooms in to share “Valiant Women: The extraordinary American servicewomen who helped win World War II.”  She tells long neglected stories of the women from every race, creed, and walk of life who served and fought in every service, combat theater, and nearly two-thirds of all occupations.  Without them, the war would not have been won, and Andrews brings their stories to life with meticulous research and compelling writing.

“Wasn’t worth the pencil.“
Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jamie. Claude recounts his weekend covering the “triathlon of equestrian sports” in Maryland. They review status of the Musk and Sam Bankman-Fried books (Musk still beating SBF), and Torie revels gently about Jann Wenner’s book not doing well.  They kick around the latest AI debate: Okay to use authors’s work to “train” AI?  Nobody likes it, but nobody knows how to fix it either. Author Edward Carey zooms in to share “Edith Holler.” Truly original, it draws upon his writing, illustrating, and playwrighting experience. Fantastical and current all at the same time, “Edith Holler” is deep and highly entertaining at the same time.

“There is no learning without love.“
Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Chuck Culpepper. They revisit the women’s world cup in New Zealand and Australia and catch up on the Michael Lewis book about Sam Bankman-Fried (maybe not his best yet?). In the spirit of the baseball playoffs they pick best baseball books ever.
Journalist Bruce Schoenfeld zooms in to share “Game of Edges: The Analytics Revolution and the Future of Professional Sports.”  He combines masterful storytelling with extraordinary insider access to tell the fascinating stories about the tech savvy people who are transforming every aspect of sports. Optimistic or pessimistic about the future of sports? 

“What makes us human?“
Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jud Ashman. David wins the Faulkner birthday pop quiz. They break down new books on Elon Musk and Sam Bankman-Fried (two good authors but the subjects?). They cover the good, the bad, and the ugly of blurbs (do they sell books?).  COB fave and award winning, best-selling author Angie Kim zooms in to share “Happiness Falls.” Angie combines beautiful writing with a truly original story that prompts thought-provoking insights into what’s really important in life.
And please check out Rob Dundon’s 3rd Annual Alzheimer’s Fundraiser Raffle & Auction for Cathy’s Legacy , a good cause combined with terrific books!