All About Books | Net Radio

The backpacker’s journey from Istanbul to Kathmandu was once known as the “Hippie Trail” A 23-year old Rick Steves made that trip and documented everything- the adventures, getting lost, and the people he met. His journal is the basis for his new book “On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer”

Having a job during school to help ends meet is pretty typical, but UNL PhD student Linda Pawlenty’s side job was on a different level of different. Pawlenty drove a concrete mixer truck while earning her PhD. Her experiences being a woman in construction, and a working-class laborer in academia, is the subject of her first book “Clutch” An Education at Work”

Peter Wohlleben is a forester and author whose book, "The Hidden Life of Trees" was a best-seller. Now, that title has been given a graphical makeover with all 240 pages having color illustrations in this new adaptation that honors the spirit of the original book.

The ancient idea that the world is alive was long ridiculed by some scientists, but that’s changing. The view of Earth as a vast interconnected living system is gaining acceptance. “Becoming Earth” by Ferris Jabr offers the idea that humans and all living things, are more than inhabitants of Earth—but *are* Earth.

Award-winning author Elizabeth Strout returns to Crosby, Maine in her latest novel about new friendships, old loves, and to ask the question- what does anyone’s life mean? Hear a review of “Tell Me Everything”.

Cyrus is a newly sober son of Iranian immigrants. Guided by the voices of artists, poets, and kings, he embarks on a quest to uncover a family secret. Hear a review of the New York Times best-selling novel “Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar on this week’s “All About Books”

Nebraska was one of only 15 states that held primaries in 1968. Robert F. Kennedy and Eugene McCarthy campaigned hard in the state. “Robert F. Kennedy: The Road Not Taken” by Dennis and Laura Crawford is a new history of the ’68 Nebraska campaigns, Hear an interview with co-author Dennis Crawford on this week’s “All About Books”

In the graphic novel “Feeding Ghosts”, artist Tessa Hulls traces Chinese history across three generations of women in her family. Growing up, Hulls watched both her mother and grandmother struggle with unexamined trauma and mental illness. Hear a review of this Pulitzer Prize winning memoir on this week's "All About Books".

His writing combined keen scientific observation with mystery and wonder. This week on “All About Books” a look at the life and writing of Lincoln native Loren Eiseley. Tom Lynch, Emeritus Professor of English at UNL will introduce readers to this unique and influential writer.

Set in Venice, the popular detective series featuring Commissario Guido Brunetti has a new mystery to solve. In “A Refiner’s Fire” by Donna Leon, Brunetti confronts the present-day menace of teenage street gangs.

Pat Leach invited her good friend Susan Millar to talk about the classic novel, “Mrs Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf. It’s one of Susan’s favorite novels and Pat’s first time reading it. Hear their conversation about what makes this book a classic and if it’s a good introduction to Woolf.

Dean Settle and his wife Harriet Grossbart, went on an 11-month, 28-thousand mile journey across Nebraska documenting the interiors of all 93 county courthouses. The result of their travels is the book “Inside Nebraska Courthouses.” He joined “All About Books” host Pat Leach to share some of the history and local lore surrounding these symbols of local pride

Graphic novels expert, UNL professor Richard Graham joins host Pat Leach to talk about two new titles, “Insectopolis: A Natural History” by Peter Kuper and “Belonging: A German Reckons with History and Home” by Nora Krug.

“Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange is a follow up to his acclaimed debut novel, “There There”. Orange traces the legacies of the Sand Creek Massacre in Colorado, and the Industrial Schools that tried to eradicate Native culture and identity

Kiersten Hill dropped by “All About Books” this week to help host Pat Leach catch up on current trends in Romance fiction. She recommended the new release, “Story of My Life” by Lucy Score.

Nebraska Public Media’s senior producer Bill Kelly joins Pat Leach this week’s on “All About Books” to talk about his adventures in researching Nebraska history. The new podcast series “Once Again” sent Kelly diving into dusty archives to uncover stories of Nebraska’s past and present.

From recalling names and faces to trauma and healing- memory plays an important role in nearly every aspect of life. Dr. Charan Ranganath is a leading memory research scientist and psychologist, his bestselling book “Why We Remember” is reviewed on this week’s

From pro wrestling and Pokémon to Insane Clown Posse and Jerry Springer, a new book looks at the low culture of the late ’90s revealing a continuing impact on current American culture and society. “1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times”, hear an interview with the author, Nebraska journalist Ross Benes.

An interview with Dawn Logsdon, one of the film makers behind the new PBS documentary, “Free For All: The Public Library”. A films exploring how libraries are deeply woven into the fabric of American communities large and small.

There are only so many hours in a day, as the saying goes. That’s the focus of a new book that addresses fundamental questions about how we live. On this week’s “All About Books” a look at, “Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts” by Oliver Burkeman.