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Top Shelf at the Merrick Library — Government
Top Shelf at the Merrick Library

Top Shelf Podcast with Carol Ann Tack

Latest Episodes:

E150: Interview with Gary Goldstein, author of Please Come to Boston Oct 31, 2024
Happy Episode 150!! For this episode I had the absolute pleasure of hosting Gary Goldstein for his third book, Please Come to Boston. It’s a funny, nostalgic, and bittersweet look at first love at a time when exploring one’s sexual orientation and authentic self was riskier, more uncharted territory, yet with so many of the same defining issues that resonate today.

What a special episode, not only did we have a wonderful discussion about Please Come to Boston, but the insights Gary provided about the art of writing, how he writes, and his technique were incredibly illuminative. We discuss Gary’s authentic “own voice” that informs the character of Nicky, how Gary immersed himself in writing about 1970s Boston, we talk about Gary’s Long Island upbringing, book recommendations and more, Gary also gave us a sneak peek into the incredible things he’s working on next – and I cannot wait for each and every one. Gary, what a pleasure hosting you for this, my 150th episode!

Listeners, please don’t miss my interview with Gary on Episode 106. Once you listen, you’ll understand this reference: Fresno, I love you!)

Check out all of Gary’s books and screen treatments right here! Gary recommends: Colored Television by Danzy Senna; Long Island by Colm Toibin

E150: Interview with Gary Goldstein, author of Please Come to Boston Oct 31, 2024
Happy Episode 150!! For this episode I had the absolute pleasure of hosting Gary Goldstein for his third book, Please Come to Boston. It’s a funny, nostalgic, and bittersweet look at first love at a time when exploring one’s sexual orientation and authentic self was riskier, more uncharted territory, yet with so many of the same defining issues that resonate today.

What a special episode, not only did we have a wonderful discussion about Please Come to Boston, but the insights Gary provided about the art of writing, how he writes, and his technique were incredibly illuminative. We discuss Gary’s authentic “own voice” that informs the character of Nicky, how Gary immersed himself in writing about 1970s Boston, we talk about Gary’s Long Island upbringing, book recommendations and more, Gary also gave us a sneak peek into the incredible things he’s working on next – and I cannot wait for each and every one. Gary, what a pleasure hosting you for this, my 150th episode!

Listeners, please don’t miss my interview with Gary on Episode 106. Once you listen, you’ll understand this reference: Fresno, I love you!)

Check out all of Gary’s books and screen treatments right here! Gary recommends: Colored Television by Danzy Senna; Long Island by Colm Toibin

Episode 149: Interview with Robert Justice, author of They Can’t Take Your Name Aug 12, 2024
Laced with atmospheric poetry and literature and set in the heart of Denver’s black community, They Can’t Take Your Name by Robert Justice is a gripping crime novel that pits three characters in a race against time to thwart a gross miscarriage of justice—and a crooked detective who wreaks havoc…with deadly consequences. This is the first in a three-part series of crime novels based upon the greatest injustice in our justice system-—wrongful convictions. The second in the series, A Dream in the Dark is on shelves right now, so don’t miss it!

For this episode, Robert Justice shares the very personal inspiration for his fiction debut, his love letter to Denver, his passion project, what he’s working on next, and more. Click here for more information about the Read a Book, Right a Wrong Project. Thank you so much for joining me, Robert!

Robert Justice recommends: No One Will Save Us by Julie L. Brown; The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. Listen to the Crime Writers of Color Podcast here!

Episode 149: Interview with Robert Justice, author of They Can’t Take Your Name Aug 12, 2024
Laced with atmospheric poetry and literature and set in the heart of Denver’s black community, They Can’t Take Your Name by Robert Justice is a gripping crime novel that pits three characters in a race against time to thwart a gross miscarriage of justice—and a crooked detective who wreaks havoc…with deadly consequences. This is the first in a three-part series of crime novels based upon the greatest injustice in our justice system-—wrongful convictions. The second in the series, A Dream in the Dark is on shelves right now, so don’t miss it!

For this episode, Robert Justice shares the very personal inspiration for his fiction debut, his love letter to Denver, his passion project, what he’s working on next, and more. Click here for more information about the Read a Book, Right a Wrong Project. Thank you so much for joining me, Robert!

Robert Justice recommends: No One Will Save Us by Julie L. Brown; The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. Listen to the Crime Writers of Color Podcast here!

Episode 148: Interview with Eli Cranor, author of Broiler Jul 31, 2024
“This gripping, gritty noir is Upton Sinclair on hormones, the Coen brothers deep-fried.” ~ –Minneapolis Star Tribune about Broiler by Eli Cranor

Eli Cranor’s third book, Broiler, is another edge-of-your-seat noir thriller that exposes the dark, bloody heart of life on the margins in the American South and the bleak underside of a bygone American Dream. I was thrilled to host him for the third time to talk about his brand new book. In this episode, Eli shares his deep personal connection to Broiler. He opens up about the inspiration he draws from his family, the influence of his students, dives into his unique writing process, and explains how this story stands apart from his previous works. But that’s not all! Eli also gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming book, which promises to be quite a departure from his usual style. And for all you sports fans, we couldn’t resist talking a bit of college football! Tune in for an engaging and inspiring conversation. You won’t want to miss it!

Eli joined us for Episode 87 and for Episode 120, if you want to catch up on either of those! Place your holds here for all Eli Cranor’s books. Thanks so much again, Eli!

Eli Cranor recommends: Holy City by Henry Wise; Great State of West Florida by Kent Wascom; A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers. The work of Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen. Follow Eli Cranor on social media: @elicranor

Episode 148: Interview with Eli Cranor, author of Broiler Jul 31, 2024
“This gripping, gritty noir is Upton Sinclair on hormones, the Coen brothers deep-fried.” ~ –Minneapolis Star Tribune about Broiler by Eli Cranor

Eli Cranor’s third book, Broiler, is another edge-of-your-seat noir thriller that exposes the dark, bloody heart of life on the margins in the American South and the bleak underside of a bygone American Dream. I was thrilled to host him for the third time to talk about his brand new book. In this episode, Eli shares his deep personal connection to Broiler. He opens up about the inspiration he draws from his family, the influence of his students, dives into his unique writing process, and explains how this story stands apart from his previous works. But that’s not all! Eli also gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming book, which promises to be quite a departure from his usual style. And for all you sports fans, we couldn’t resist talking a bit of college football! Tune in for an engaging and inspiring conversation. You won’t want to miss it!

Eli joined us for Episode 87 and for Episode 120, if you want to catch up on either of those! Place your holds here for all Eli Cranor’s books. Thanks so much again, Eli!

Eli Cranor recommends: Holy City by Henry Wise; Great State of West Florida by Kent Wascom; A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers. The work of Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen. Follow Eli Cranor on social media: @elicranor

Episode 147: Interview with Delia Pitts, author of Trouble In Queenstown Jul 17, 2024
With Trouble in Queenstown, Delia Pitts introduces private investigator Vandy Myrick in a powerful mystery that blends grief, class, race, and family with thrilling results. I could not put this book down and it started with the very first sentence! We talk about the book, Delia’s short stories, her familial influences, and her terrific Ross Agency Mystery Series. That series will be on my summer reading list and I cannot wait to start it. In the meantime, check out, Trouble in Queenstown. Thank you for joining me Delia!

Delia Pitts recommends: Devil in Profile by Kimberly Giarratano; Hall of Mirrors by John Copenhaver; Blessed Water: A Sister Holiday Mystery by Margaret Douaihy; Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett; Echo by Tracy Clark

Episode 147: Interview with Delia Pitts, author of Trouble In Queenstown Jul 17, 2024
With Trouble in Queenstown, Delia Pitts introduces private investigator Vandy Myrick in a powerful mystery that blends grief, class, race, and family with thrilling results. I could not put this book down and it started with the very first sentence! We talk about the book, Delia’s short stories, her familial influences, and her terrific Ross Agency Mystery Series. That series will be on my summer reading list and I cannot wait to start it. In the meantime, check out, Trouble in Queenstown. Thank you for joining me Delia!

Delia Pitts recommends: Devil in Profile by Kimberly Giarratano; Hall of Mirrors by John Copenhaver; Blessed Water: A Sister Holiday Mystery by Margaret Douaihy; Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett; Echo by Tracy Clark

Episode 146: Interview with Ethan Joella, author of The Same Bright Stars Jul 01, 2024
Oh my goodness, how thrilled are we all that Ethan Joella is back with his third book,The Same Bright Stars. This uplifting and emotionally resonant novel set in a Delaware beach town, follows a local restaurant owner at a turning point in their life.The Same Bright Stars comes right at you in technicolor, and I loved every single page. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, so be sure to give it a listen. And if you haven’t already, check out our very first interview together in Episode 78!

Ethan Joella recommends: Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout; Yellowface by R.F. Kuang; Until August by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Follow Ethan Joella on Instagram: @joellawriting and place your holds for all Ethan’s books right here!

Episode 146: Interview with Ethan Joella, author of The Same Bright Stars Jul 01, 2024
Oh my goodness, how thrilled are we all that Ethan Joella is back with his third book,The Same Bright Stars. This uplifting and emotionally resonant novel set in a Delaware beach town, follows a local restaurant owner at a turning point in their life.The Same Bright Stars comes right at you in technicolor, and I loved every single page. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, so be sure to give it a listen. And if you haven’t already, check out our very first interview together in Episode 78!

Ethan Joella recommends: Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout; Yellowface by R.F. Kuang; Until August by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Follow Ethan Joella on Instagram: @joellawriting and place your holds for all Ethan’s books right here!

Episode 145: Interview with Claire Lombardo, author of Same As It Ever Was Jun 24, 2024
Claire Lombardo, NYT bestselling author of The Most Fun We Ever Had, returns with another brilliantly observed family drama in which the enduring, hard-won affection of a long marriage faces imminent derailment from events both past and present: Same As It Ever Was. Author Bonnie Garmus calls it, “Witty and insightful…a powerful exploration of marriage, motherhood, and self.” For this episode we talk about Claire’s brilliant character development, our shared love of music, and more! This is a perfect summer read, don’t miss it. Thank you so much for joining me, Claire!

Claire Lombardo recommends: The Rich People Have Gone Away by Regina Porter.

Place holds here for both of Claire’s terrific books!

Episode 144: Interview with Wanda M. Morris, author of What You Leave Behind Jun 14, 2024
What You Leave Behind is the powerful new book by Wanda M. Morris, and I am thrilled to host her for this episode! What You Leave Behind is a haunting thriller following a lawyer who after the mysterious disappearance of a local landowner, uncovers a conspiracy that dates back to Reconstruction and still persists in half the US today. For this episode we talk about why she writes thrillers, what she’s working on next and more. We share quite a few laughs in this episode, don’t miss it. Wanda is the only author I boost on the Long Island Railroad, so go back and listen to the first episode we did to find out why this is so!

Thank you so much Wanda! Follow Wanda on IG & Threads: @wandamowrites; on Twitter: @WandaMo14; and on Facebook: @WandaMorris. Place your holds for all Wanda’s books right here.

Wanda M. Morris recommends: You Know What You Did by K.T. Nguyen; Not What She Seems by Yasmin Angoe.

Episode 144: Interview with Wanda M. Morris, author of What You Leave Behind Jun 14, 2024
What You Leave Behind is the powerful new book by Wanda M. Morris, and I am thrilled to host her for this episode! What You Leave Behind is a haunting thriller following a lawyer who after the mysterious disappearance of a local landowner, uncovers a conspiracy that dates back to Reconstruction and still persists in half the US today. For this episode we talk about why she writes thrillers, what she’s working on next and more. We share quite a few laughs in this episode, don’t miss it. Wanda is the only author I boost on the Long Island Railroad, so go back and listen to the first episode we did to find out why this is so!

Thank you so much Wanda! Follow Wanda on IG & Threads: @wandamowrites; on Twitter: @WandaMo14; and on Facebook: @WandaMorris. Place your holds for all Wanda’s books right here.

Wanda M. Morris recommends: You Know What You Did by K.T. Nguyen; Not What She Seems by Yasmin Angoe.

Episode 143: Interview with Henry Wise, author of Holy City May 29, 2024
For this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing author Henry Wise. He sat down with me to talk about his terrific southern crime debut, Holy City. We talked about his poetry, the craft of writing, his book recommendations, and more. Henry, thank you so much for joining me.

Holy City is a captivating debut about a deputy sheriff who finds himself on the outs from his sheriff’s department over his unwillingness to look the other way when an innocent man is arrested for murder.

Henry Wise recommends: Broiler by Eli Cranor; Don’t Let the Devil Ride by Ace Atkins; Smoke Kings by Jahmal Mayfield; Lilith by Eric Rickstad; The Great State of West Florida by Ken Wascom; Sanctuary by William Faulkner; Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad.

Follow Henry Wise on Instagram: @buzzbuzzbang and on Twitter (X): @henrywise05

Episode 143: Interview with Henry Wise, author of Holy City May 29, 2024
For this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing author Henry Wise. He sat down with me to talk about his terrific southern crime debut, Holy City. We talked about his poetry, the craft of writing, his book recommendations, and more. Henry, thank you so much for joining me.

Holy City is a captivating debut about a deputy sheriff who finds himself on the outs from his sheriff’s department over his unwillingness to look the other way when an innocent man is arrested for murder.

Henry Wise recommends: Broiler by Eli Cranor; Don’t Let the Devil Ride by Ace Atkins; Smoke Kings by Jahmal Mayfield; Lilith by Eric Rickstad; The Great State of West Florida by Ken Wascom; Sanctuary by William Faulkner; Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad.

Follow Henry Wise on Instagram: @buzzbuzzbang and on Twitter (X): @henrywise05

Episode 142: Interview with Edward Ashton, author of Mal Goes to War Apr 10, 2024
I was thrilled to welcome back Edward Ashton for his third visit to talk about his latest release, Mal Goes to War. Mal is a dark comedy wrapped in a techno-thriller that is a a satirical take on war, artificial intelligence, and what it really means to be human. For this episode we talk about the amazing personality of Mal, the ensemble cast, some Mickey17 movie updates (based on Mickey7), and of course, spiders. Thank you so much Ed – this was great!

Edward Ashton recommends The Children of Time series by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Click here to reserve all Ed’s books.

Episode 142: Interview with Edward Ashton, author of Mal Goes to War Apr 10, 2024
I was thrilled to welcome back Edward Ashton for his third visit to talk about his latest release, Mal Goes to War. Mal is a dark comedy wrapped in a techno-thriller that is a a satirical take on war, artificial intelligence, and what it really means to be human. For this episode we talk about the amazing personality of Mal, the ensemble cast, some Mickey17 movie updates (based on Mickey7), and of course, spiders. Thank you so much Ed – this was great!

Edward Ashton recommends The Children of Time series by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Click here to reserve all Ed’s books.

Episode 141: Interview with Garrard Conley, author of All The World Beside Mar 26, 2024
What a thrill to host Garrard Conley for this episode! Conley is the author of the bestselling memoir, Boy Erased, about his time in a church supported conversion therapy facility, which became a major motion picture. For E141, we spoke about his fiction debut, All the World Beside, an electrifying, deeply moving novel about the love story between two men in Puritan New England. We talk about this time period, small town communities, religion & sexuality, writing ensemble characters, big hair (you’ll have to listen to find out), what he’s working on next, and more. Garrard, what a pleasure – thank you so much!

Garrard Conley recommends: Exhibit by R.O. Kwon; All Fours by Miranda July; The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver; My Tender Matador by Pedro Lemebel

Follow Garrard Conley on Facebook @garrardconleyauthor; Instagram & Twitter @gayrodcon

Episode 141: Interview with Garrard Conley, author of All The World Beside Mar 26, 2024
What a thrill to host Garrard Conley for this episode! Conley is the author of the bestselling memoir, Boy Erased, about his time in a church supported conversion therapy facility, which became a major motion picture. For E141, we spoke about his fiction debut, All the World Beside, an electrifying, deeply moving novel about the love story between two men in Puritan New England. We talk about this time period, small town communities, religion & sexuality, writing ensemble characters, big hair (you’ll have to listen to find out), what he’s working on next, and more. Garrard, what a pleasure – thank you so much!

Garrard Conley recommends: Exhibit by R.O. Kwon; All Fours by Miranda July; The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver; My Tender Matador by Pedro Lemebel

Follow Garrard Conley on Facebook @garrardconleyauthor; Instagram & Twitter @gayrodcon

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