Top Shelf with Carol Ann Tack

Carol Ann Tack
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Top Shelf Podcast with Carol Ann Tack

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    Episode 173: Interview with author Laurie Frankel, author of Enormous Wings

    It is always a sun-shiny day when Laurie Frankel gifts us all with a new book, and Enormous Wings is that book! Enormous Wings is a timely novel about Pepper Mills who grudgingly moves into a retirement community. While there, she gets some shocking news, and boy does she! Enormous Wings explores motherhood, family, sex, love, friendship, and how, even late in life, foundations can shift. Laurie handles these topics with empathy, humanity, and care. It’s why she’s so good at what she does. For this episode, Laurie talks about the inspiration, gets in-depth with her writing process, gives advice to aspiring writers, and shares some terrific book recs. To say it was a joy to host THE Laurie Frankel is an understatement. I had an absolute blast speaking with her again. Thank you, Laurie! Give a listen to my interview with Laurie for her excellent book, One Two Three, right here.  Laurie Frankel recommends: The Husbands by Holly Gramazio; The Future by Naomi Alderman; The Power by Naomi Alderman; Indian Country by Shobha Rao; The Typing Lady by Ruth Ozeki; the work of Ruth Ozeki; Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe.   Follow Laurie on Instagram and Facebook and as always, check out her Substack.

    43 min

  2. FEB 20

    Episode 172: Interview with Dan Robson, co-author of Hammered: The Fight of My Life

    This special episode of Top Shelf features veteran journalist and author Dan Robson, co-author of Hammered: The Fight of My Life by hockey legend Dave Schultz. Dan joins me to discuss his latest collaboration, and from there, we dive right into the nuances of crafting compelling narrative non-fiction, and what it was like working alongside one of hockey’s most iconic figures: Dave “The Hammer” Schultz. We talk about Dave’s storied career, as well as the powerfully personal, candid, and heartbreaking journey Dave Schultz himself shares in this book. Dan tells us how the project first came together and their collaborative process. We also talk about some of the great tidbits in Dave’s memoir. This is a fascinating conversation, and I cannot thank Dan enough for sharing such incredible behind-the-scenes insight. Follow along with Dan Robson’s website or follow along with Dan Robson on The Athletic. Follow along with Dave Schultz.

    49 min

  3. FEB 10

    Episode 171: Interview with Eleanor Shearer, author of Fireflies in Winter

    “Captivating. Eleanor Shearer returns with a memorable tale of two young women yearning for home and love. I was drawn to the historical setting not typically seen in fiction – the lives of eighteenth-century Jamaican Maroons, removed to Canada, free on paper, yet still at risk.”—Charmaine Wilkerson, NYT best-selling author of Good Dirt In this episode Eleanor and I chat about her brand new book, Fireflies in Winter. We also talk about the Jamaican Maroon colony, queer love, her trips to Novia Scotia, her debut River Sing Me Home, and so much more. I loved this book, these characters, and the luminous prose. Fireflies in Winter is an excellent piece of historical fiction, that is not to be missed. Follow Eleanor on Instagram:@eleanorbshearer Place your holds here for Fireflies in Winter and River Sing Me Home, both by Eleanor Shearer. Eleanor Shearer recommends: Ever Since We Small by Celeste Mohammed.

    36 min

  4. 10/23/2025

    Episode 170! Interview with Matthew Norman, author of Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon

    Matthew Norman on Love, Loss, and Holiday Movie Magic “Why is it that the holidays always seem to arrive out of nowhere…?” That question comes from Henry, one half of the unforgettable duo in Matthew Norman’s latest novel, Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon. The book follows a sentimental advertising creative and a no-nonsense bar owner who discover an unexpected second chance at love binge-watching iconic holiday films—and it’s every bit as poignant and heartwarming as that setup promises. For our fourth interview episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Matthew to talk about his absolutely delightful new novel. We covered everything from the magic of holiday movies, to music, grief, the New York Jets, and so much more. It’s a wide-ranging, genuinely fun conversation, and I’m so grateful to Matthew for joining me! Matthew Norman recommends: The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu; the work of Richard Russo; the work of Nick Hornby; the work of Allison Larkin. Follow Matthew Norman on all social media platforms @thenormannation

    43 min

  5. 10/07/2025

    E169: Interview with Jennifer Fawcett, author of Keep This For Me

    Just in time for thrill-season, I sat down with author Jennifer Fawcett to talk about her second thriller, Keep This For Me. For this episode we discuss generational trauma, serial killers, ghost ships, and so much more. Give a listen. Thank you so much Jennifer! Jennifer recommends, The Ascent by Allison Buccola; A Gorgeous Excitement by Cynthia Weiner; and The Grand Paloma Resort by Cleyvis Natera. Look for Jennifer on Threads & Instagram: @jenniferfawcett_author;  X: @AuthorFawcett.

    31 min

  6. 09/16/2025

    E168: Interview with Sam Sussman, author of Boy From the North Country

    “A loving ode to an extraordinary mother; a soulful coming-of-age; an unlikely portrait of Dylan in his prime as fresh as they come. Sam Sussman‘s, Boy from the North Country heralds the arrival of a blazing new literary talent.” ~ Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Ayad Akhtar I had the pleasure of sitting down with author Sam Sussman for his remarkable debut, Boy From the North Country. We talk about so many things in this very special and personal episode, give a listen. Thank you so very much, Sam! Sam Sussman recommends: Lisa Moore Fine Art; The Northern Sky by Nick Drake’s; The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Other Travel Sketches by Matsuo Basho; Blood on the Tracks by Bob Dylan.

    31 min

  7. 07/22/2025

    E167: Interview with Delia Pitts, author of Death of an Ex

    For Episode 167, award-nominated author Delia Pitts joined me to discuss her latest release, Death of an Ex, the gripping follow-up to Trouble in Queenstown. Delia shares the inspiration behind her brilliantly drawn private investigator, Vandy Myrick, offers a glimpse into her writing process, and gives listeners an exclusive sneak peek at book three in the series. With themes of family, race, class, and grief woven throughout, Delia brings depth and authenticity to the mystery genre. Don’t miss this powerful book—and don’t miss this conversation. Thank you so much for joining me, Delia! Delia Pitts recommends: Glory Daze by Danielle Arceneaux, and Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson.

    36 min

  8. 07/01/2025

    E166: Interview with Nancy Grace and Benee Knauer, authors of What Happened to Ellen: A Miscarriage of American Justice

    For Episode 166, I had the incredible honor of hosting authors Nancy Grace and Benee Knauer to discuss their powerful new book, What Happened to Ellen: A Miscarriage of American Justice. Our conversation explored the heartbreaking case of Ellen Rae Greenberg, the authors’ remarkable collaboration, and their unwavering fight for justice. The authors share how this case first captured their attention and walk us through their meticulous collaborative process. The depth of research and the genuine care they poured into telling Ellen’s story are evident on every page. Nancy Grace and Benee Knauer’s passion and commitment to truth shine through every word—both in their book and in this interview. All proceeds from the sale of the book go to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Thank you, Nancy and Benee, for sharing this important story with us on the podcast! Place your hold here for all Nancy Grace titles. Follow Nancy Grace right here!  You can also follow Nancy at Crime Online.  And don’t forget to follow Nancy Grace on most social media platforms! Grab your copy of Benee Knauer’s terrific adaptation right here! Follow Benee Knauer on Instagram @beneeknauer2620. Nancy also mentioned the fabulous author, Josh Sabarra! Check out his books here.

    42 min

  9. 06/10/2025

    E165: Interview with Fred Durbin, author of The Country Under Heaven

    Celebrating my 165th episode with award-winning author Frederic S. Durbin! Fred joined me to talk about his brand new historical fiction novel, The Country Under Heaven. Set in the 1880s, this western follows former Civil War soldier Ovid Vesper as he travels across the country haunted by visions from the Battle of Antietam, encountering both the dangers of the Wild West and mysterious otherworldly forces. This terrific book is being touted as Louis L’Amour meets H.P. Lovecraft and I loved every page. For this conversation, we discuss how The Country Under Heaven evolved from a short story, his research process and inspirations, plus Fred shares great book recommendations and gives us an exciting sneak peek at his next project. Thank you for joining me Fred! The Country Under Heaven by Frederic S. Durbin is such a special book – it’s one of my favorites of the year. Place your holds here for all Frederic S. Durbin titles. Frederic S. Durbin recommends: the work of Ray Bradbury; Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury; Ture Grit by Charles Portis; Enchanted Night by Steven Milhauser; The Knife Thrower and Other Stories by Steven Milhauser; the work of Steven Milhauser.

    30 min

  10. 05/21/2025

    Episode 164: Interview with James Wade, author of Hollow Out the Dark

    “James Wade’s newest novel, Hollow Out the Dark, is a masterpiece of atmospheric crime fiction; a worthy successor to the likes of William Gay and Cormac McCarthy. Set in East Texas, it is an epic, and age-old, story of greed and generational betrayal—where vengeance is swift and forgiveness a long time coming.” Kathleen Kent, NYT bestselling author of Black Wolf I was thrilled to welcome back four-time guest James Wade of the podcast to talk about his gripping new release, Hollow Out the Dark – a Depression-era gothic crime thriller wrapped in a whiskey war. It’s edge-of-your-seat storytelling at its finest. We dive into the novel’s powerful themes of brotherhood, its echoes of Cain and Abel, James’s thoughtful use of epigraphs, his unique writing process, and his uncanny ability to craft complex, unforgettable villains. We even get a sneak peek at his upcoming summer 2025 release. We packed a lot into this episode, so don’t miss it. Thanks for joining me once again, James! James Wade recommends: Turtle House by Amanda Churchill; Orbital by Samantha Harvey; the work of Lauren Groff; the work of Robert Gwaltney. Place your hold here for all James Wade titles.

    38 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

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Top Shelf Podcast with Carol Ann Tack

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