Books

A new book from writer John William Law chronicles the stardom of two of Hollywood's most iconic actresses - Marilyn Monroe and Doris Day – through the lens of one film production they both shared.

Law talks with John Kiesewetter about Goddess and the Girl Next Door which details the last days of Marilyn Monroe and the production of her incomplete film, Something's Got to Give, and how the film would resurface a year later starring Doris Day under the name Move Over, Darling.

Roberta Schulz reviews Planted by the Signs: Poems by Misty Skaggs.

Two men taking on a river adventure is the basis of Alexander Watson's new book, River Queens: Saucy Boat, Stout Mates, Spotted Dog, America.

He's with our Elaine Diehl to talk about this journey and about the growing fleet of wooden yachts making their home in Cincinnati.

Check out Alexander Watson's blog: River Queens: The Journey Continues.

The ever-changing Cincinnati landscape of places to go and experiences to be had made a 2nd edition of 100 Things to Do in Cincinnati Before You Die inevitable. Local theatre critic and Around Cincinnati contributor Rick Pender is the author of both editions and he joins Brian O'Donnell to talk about what's new and what's gone in this updated version.

Troy, Ohio's Candace Ganger is ready to release her second novel, a young adult story of loss, mental illness, and tragedy. She's with our Barbara Gray to talk about Six Goodbyes We Never Said and her September 25 visit to Rookwood's Joseph Beth Booksellers.

Acclaimed visual artist Maira Kalman and her son, Alex, have recently written an engrossing book about Maira's mother, Sara Berman. Our Kelly Blewett is on the phone with both Maira and Alex to talk about Sara Berman's Closet.

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi says there is no such thing as being "not racist." As one of the leading commentators on race in America, he argues there are only racist and antiracist ideas.

Poet Joanne Greenway has published her first chapbook of free verse poetry, Limited Engagement. She joins Barbara Gray to explore its theatrical title and themes, plus read several of her poems.

Kelly Blewett reviews Guest House for Young Widows: Among the Women of ISIS, an exploration of the women who chose to join the Islamic State, by reporter Azadeh Moaveni, finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

Roberta Schultz reviews A Mile and a Half of Lines: The Art of James Thurber by Michael J. Rosen, a look at Thurber’s work as an artist, cartoonist, and illustrator that includes his drawings and commentary from fellow cartoonists and writers.

The healing power of horses has been an integral part of Michelle Holling-Brooks' life, and she shares hers and other stories in her new book, The Horse Cure: True Stories: Remarkable Horses Bringing Miraculous Change to Humankind.

She provides more of her background and why she wrote the book in this interview with our Barbara Gray.

Local author Connie Bergstein Dow hopes her latest book will encourage children to find new and fun ways to get moving and stay healthy. She talks about her inspiration and format for From A to Z with Energy!: 26 Ways to Move and Play as she spends a few minutes with our Barbara Gray.

Local favorite and past Books by the Banks author David Bell just released his latest thriller, Layover. The Western Kentucky University professor joins our host, Lee Hay, for a spoiler-free talk about the new novel.

Cincinnati's contributions to all things beer are well-known, but brewing played a significant role in the early growth and culture of the Dayton, Ohio area as well. 

The Cincinnati Reds have played more than 20,000 games over their 150-year history, but a pair of authors compiled what they view as the 50 best. Classic Reds: The 50 Greatest Games in Cincinnati Reds History pulls games from three different centuries.

Author John Kachuba discusses the various myths and research that went into writing his latest novel, Shapeshifters: A History. He speaks with Barbara Gray on how modern times have adapted to reflect a secret desire for the occult.

Environmental scientist and entrepreneur Summer Rayne Oakes has just released her latest book, How to Make a Plant Love You: Cultivate Green Space in Your Home and Heart.  She joins Lee Hay to dole out some plant-related advice on how to create a flourishing space.