The Book Case
Books & Literature
About
Are you stuck in a reading rut? The Book Case makes the case for books outside of your usual genre. Wander the aisles of your local bookstore with Kate and Charlie Gibson and meet fascinating characters who will open your appetite to new categories while deepening your hunger for books. This weekly series will journey cover to cover through the literary world, featuring interviews with best-selling authors, tastemakers, and independent bookstore owners. New episodes post every Thursday.
Episodes
- Elizabeth Strout Tries Something New
Elizabeth Strout talks about her latest novel, "The Things We Never Say," which introduces a new character, Artie Dam, in Massachusetts. She discusses her reasons for moving away from her established characters and settings.
- Books for Mother's Day
The Book Case episode suggests books for Mother's Day, honoring mothers with gift ideas. It includes recommendations from various authors such as Mary Laura Philpott, Niall Williams, and Whoopi Goldberg.
- Jason Reynolds on Music, Reading and Writing
Author Jason Reynolds joins The Book Case to discuss his writing process, the importance of reading, and his latest book, Soundtrack. The conversation explores themes of friendship and the role of young adult literature in the American lit…
- Why Are Boys Falling Behind On Reading?
This episode of The Book Case explores the international trend of boys falling behind girls in reading scores. Guests including Dr. Sean Reardon, Dr. Nakia Townes, and the Piper family discuss research and practical approaches to help boys…
- Tana French Mixes Ireland and the Old West
In this episode of The Book Case, author Tana French discusses her new novel, The Keeper, and its blend of Irish mystery and American Western themes. The program also visits the Dublin-based bookseller Hodges and Figgis.
- Jenny Lawson Wants You to Be Okay
Host Kate interviews humor author Jenny Lawson about her book, How to be Okay When Nothing is Okay. The episode also features Vicky, the assistant manager of Lawson's independent bookstore, Nowhere Books, and highlights various book recomm…
- Louise Erdrich and the Art of the Seminal Moment
Author Louise Erdrich discusses her new short story collection, Python’s Kiss, and how pivotal moments influence her writing. She is joined by her daughter and illustrator Aza Erdrich Abe, who shares her experience creating art for the col…
- Elizabeth Berg And a Love Story to Life (Also with Kate DiCamillo and Kelly Yang!)
This episode of The Book Case features Elizabeth Berg discussing her new book, Life: A Love Story. The episode also includes guests Kelly Yang and Kate DiCamillo, who talk about their new podcast, Storykind.
- Joan Lunden Says Good Morning Book Case!
Joan Lunden discusses her life and career, including her time on Good Morning America and her new memoir, Joan. In this episode, she reflects on balancing journalism, family, and writing with her former colleague, Charlie.
- For Us, Anna Quindlen is ALWAYS More Than Enough
Host discuss Anna Quindlen's latest book, More Than Enough, and feature an interview with Prologue Books in Ohio. The episode also highlights a selection of Quindlen's previous literary works.
- Tayari Jones and the Meaning of Kin
Author Tayari Jones discusses her new book, Kin, a period piece set in the 1950s and 1960s South. The conversation explores the writing process behind the novel and the inspiration for her work.
- Allegra Goodman, Her Stories, and the Messiness of Family
Author Allegra Goodman joins The Book Case to discuss her book "This is Not About Us" and the dynamics of the Rubenstein family. The episode also features bookstore owner Sarah Lacey and provides a list of recommended reading.
- Belle Burden and the Art of Being Vulnerable
Author Belle Burden discusses her memoir, Strangers, which explores her experiences following her husband's sudden departure after twenty years of marriage. The episode covers themes of vulnerability, trauma, and searching for answers afte…
- The Librarians: A Must-See Documentary for Book Lovers
This episode of The Book Case explores the issue of book banning through the documentary The Librarians. The hosts discuss the film with director Kim A. Snyder and two librarians who are actively working to challenge book bans.
- Roger Rosenblatt on the Magic of Books
Author Roger Rosenblatt discusses the significance of keeping books and reads his New York Times column, "Before You Toss that Book," on The Book Case podcast. The episode explores his passion for the written word and features a list of hi…
- Susan Orlean Takes a Joyride
In this episode, journalist Susan Orlean discusses her memoir, Joyride, and shares insights on the role of curiosity in storytelling. Additionally, the show features an interview with Charleston bookstore owner Summer Anderson.
- Janice Page and an Unlikely Memoir
Janice Page discusses her memoir, The Year of the Water Horse, on The Book Case podcast. The conversation covers her process of crafting stories and finding meaning in one's life, with Booksmart in San Jose featured as the bookstore of the…
- Paula McLain Escapes into the Paris Underground
Author Paula McLain discusses her GMA book club pick, Skylark, a story set in the Paris underground across two different time periods. She also shares how her personal experiences have influenced her writing career.
- We Pick Our Favorites: 2025
In this episode of The Book Case, hosts Kate and Charlie discuss their favorite books of 2025 across a range of genres including fiction, non-fiction, and romance. The episode highlights several specific titles, such as Memorial Days and T…
- Getting Books In Their Hands: Stephen and Ayesha Curry
Charlie visits Oakland to speak with Stephen and Ayesha Curry about their Eat.Learn.Play foundation, which provides books to elementary school children. They discuss the importance of encouraging children to read.
- Classics Series: A Jane Austen Discussion
Scholars Claudia L. Johnson and Devoney Looser join The Book Case to discuss the life and works of Jane Austen. They explore facts and fiction regarding the author, covering her novels and the scholars' own publications on the subject.
- Abir Mukherjee and the Beauty of Historical Mysteries
Bestselling author Abir Mukherjee joins The Book Case to discuss his Wyndham and Banerjee historical mystery series. The conversation covers his latest book, The Burning Grounds, and the portrayal of Imperialist India.
- J. Ryan Stradal SELLS and A Bookstore with a Mission
J. Ryan Stradal discusses selling his latest book to Atria Publishing. Also, the owners of Bound and Vine bookstore in Fayetteville, North Carolina share their mission of serving military families.
- Megha Majumdar and Moral Ambiguity
Host and guest Megha Majumdar discuss her novel A Guardian and a Thief, exploring themes of survival and moral compromise. The episode also features a segment on a new holiday tradition among independent booksellers in the Chicagoland area.
- John Irving Creates a Queen
In this episode of The Book Case, author John Irving discusses his new book, Queen Esther, along with his writing process, life in Vienna, and other personal interests. This is the third conversation the podcast hosts have had with the aut…
- Catherine Newman and Bittersweet Motherhood
Author Catherine Newman discusses her novel Wreck, which explores the complexities of motherhood and family dynamics as children transition toward independence. The episode also touches on her previous works and other recommended books.
- R.L. Stine Loves Scaring Kids
In this Halloween episode of The Book Case, R.L. Stine discusses his writing career, his approach to creating stories for middle-grade readers, and the enduring appeal of the horror genre. The episode features a list of requested books by…
- Rick Riordan and Katherine Rundell Explore the Middle School Reading Crisis
This episode examines the middle school reading crisis, citing NWEA statistics that show a decline in 8th-grade reading proficiency. The podcast features Miah Daughtery from HMH, along with authors Rick Riordan and Katherine Rundell, to di…
- Lily King Writes her Heart
Author Lily King discusses her new novel, Heart the Lover, including her inspiration and writing process. The episode also features an interview with Dixon Books in Natchez, Mississippi, ahead of their grand opening.
- Angela Flournoy’s Friendship Circle
Angela Flournoy discusses her National Book Award longlisted novel, The Wilderness, which follows the lives of four friends over several decades. The episode also features a profile of the Florida-based bookstore, Writer’s Block.
- The Book Case’s Best of Summer Review
The hosts review favorite books from the summer season, featuring titles by Virginia Evans, Dave Barry, Leigh Bardugo, Joanne Harris, and Sophie Elmhirst. The episode also includes an interview with the owners of the Cranford Bookstore in…
- Leigh Bardugo Makes Magic
Author Leigh Bardugo joins The Book Case to discuss the 10th anniversary of her Six of Crows duology. The conversation covers her approach to the fantasy genre, her writing process, and her literary influences.
- Joanne Harris and the Literary Beauty of Chocolat
Author Joanne Harris discusses her Chocolat series and her latest book, Vianne, which serves as a prequel to the story. The episode also features an interview with the centenarian Andover Bookstore in Massachusetts.
- The Reynolds Brothers and International Dot Day
In this episode, Peter and Paul Reynolds discuss International Dot Day, a global creativity initiative inspired by Peter H. Reynolds' book, The Dot. The conversation also features a discussion with a bookseller and covers a variety of illu…
- Virginia Evans and the Art of Writing Letters
Virginia Evans discusses her novel The Correspondent on The Book Case. The episode also features a segment on The Vermont Bookstore and includes a list of various book recommendations.
- Thomas Schlesser and the Art of Art History
French art historian Thomas Schlesser discusses his novel, Mona’s Eyes, which follows a grandfather teaching his granddaughter about art history before she loses her sight. The discussion covers the inspiration for the book and the fifty-t…
- Kathy Wang Believes in Satisfaction
Author Kathy Wang discusses her latest novel, The Satisfaction Café, and explores the themes of her protagonist's life journey. The episode also covers various literary works mentioned throughout the conversation.
- Our Writer in Residence Finishes His First Draft
Writer in residence J. Ryan Stradal joins the podcast to discuss completing the first draft of his upcoming novel, which explores his mother’s life. The episode also features bookseller Jonah Zimiles from the independent bookstore Words in…
- Classics Series: Invisible Man
Hosts discuss Ralph Ellison’s novel, Invisible Man, with professors Dr. Zanice Bond and Dr. Caroline Gebhard from Tuskegee University. The conversation covers Ellison’s legacy and the themes of his 1953 National Book Award-winning work.
- Adriana Trigiani’s Romance with Italy
Author Adriana Trigiani discusses her new novel, The View from Lake Como, and her inspiration from Italy. The episode also features a spotlight on the Hockessin Bookshelf bookstore in Delaware.
- Stacey Abrams Makes AI a Murder Suspect
Stacey Abrams joins the podcast to discuss her writing career and her latest book, Coded Justice, which involves a murder mystery centered on a rogue AI system. The episode explores the themes of her work and the capabilities of artificial…
- Dennard Dayle Writes Some Serious Satire
In this episode, Dennard Dayle discusses his satirical Civil War novel, How to Dodge a Cannonball. He explores the story of a man navigating the American Civil War, his writing influences, and his approach to blending humor with sensitive…
- Sophie Elmhirst Takes Us to Sea
Author Sophie Elmhirst discusses her book, Marriage at Sea, which recounts the true story of Maurice and Maralyn Bailey surviving 117 days on a life raft. The episode explores the couple's tenacity, survival strategies, and emotional journ…
- Chris Chibnall Masters the Mystery
The hosts discuss the mystery novel Death at the White Hart by Chris Chibnall. They also mention various other mystery books by authors such as Agatha Christie, Louise Penny, Enid Blyton, and Stephen King.
- Classics Series: To Kill a Mockingbird
The Book Case analyzes Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird in the third episode of its classics series. Guests Michele Reutter and Jonathan S. Cullick discuss the novel's legacy and themes in light of Lee's Go Set a Watchman.
- Two Amazing Booksellers
This episode features conversations with independent booksellers Janet Webster Jones of Source Books and Emily Russo of Print: A Bookstore. They discuss the art of bookselling and share insights into running their respective independent sh…
- Jess Walter is So Far Gone
Author Jess Walter discusses his novel So Far Gone, addressing themes of isolation versus community. He also explores his broader literary work and mentions several influential titles throughout the conversation.
- Andrew Porter Writes a Family Story
Author Andrew Porter discusses his novel The Imagined Life, which follows a man searching for his missing father. The episode explores the themes and family dynamics presented in Porter's work, including his other literary publications.
- Our Writer in Residence Talks Endings
In this episode of The Book Case, writer-in-residence J. Ryan Stradal discusses the process of finishing his latest book. Additionally, the episode features Nefer Book Café owner Lonna Dawson, who shares tips for readers looking to expand…
- Dave Barry Was And Is The Class Clown
In this episode of The Book Case, author Dave Barry discusses his memoir, Class Clown: The Memoirs of a Professional Wiseass. He shares insights into his writing process, life experiences, and the inspirations behind his humor.