Nancy Pearl Book Reviews (Book Reviews)

Most published books are reviewed; from the formal New York Times Review of Books to the more casual Amazon customer reviews. What affect does a book review have on the success or failure of a book? Are some book reviews proof? Nancy Pearl explains how books flourish or fail because of the words of others.New! Reviewed books suggested during this program (PDF).

Famous librarian and book commentator Nancy Pearl joins us to discuss the memoir. The memoir has become a very popular format in recent years. Nancy brings us her recommendations. What are yours? Also, if you value Nancy's insight and book suggestions, let us know by pledging your support! Call 1.800.677.5869. New! Memoirs suggested during this program (PDF).

Some people look at the moon and think about their dreams. Some people look at the moon and calculate how to land on its surface. Today, local author and librarian Nancy Pearl brings us two books about people following their passions, both domestic and celestial. Nancy Pearl talks with KUOW's Jeremy Richards.

To imagine a place you've never been, you have to rely on the witness of other travelers. They might describe a place and time in history, or reveal an entire continent in a new light. Today, local author and librarian Nancy Pearl joins us with two books that offer a fresh perspective of popular topics NASA's space training and traveling in Africa. Nancy Pearl talks with KUOW's Jeremy Richards.

Sometimes, the world is so overwhelming that we can't contain it with simple descriptions. That's when we turn to fiction to evoke experiences bigger than ourselves. Today, Seattlebased writer and librarian Nancy Pearl shares two books that employ fiction to tackle serious issues one steeped in a troubled local history, and one with a lighter tone that conjures a whole new universe. Nancy Pearl talks with KUOW's Jeremy Richards.

It helps to have an ally more clever than yourself. So, when a novel's protagonist proves witty and incisive, you marvel at their style as much as the plot. Today, Seattle-based writer and librarian Nancy Pearl shares two novels with strong and clever characters. Nancy Pearl talks with KUOW's Jeremy Richards.

The moments that capture our attention might linger as images, words, or stories but they're all unified by the way we frame them. Today, librarian Nancy Pearl shares her latest book picks with two ways of sharing a window on experience: The graphic novel and the poetic form. Nancy Pearl talks with KUOW's Jeremy Richards.

Secrets, betrayal and the shadowy corners of moral ambiguity hey, that's just high school. It's also a good preparation for the deadly schemes of modern thrillers. Today, Seattlebased author and librarian Nancy Pearl brings us two very different novels that explore ethical uncertainty: Olen Steinhauer's new thriller, The Tourist, and E. Lockhart's The Disreputable History of Frankie LandauBanks. Nancy Pearl talks with KUOW's Jeremy Richards.

'Travel without surprises is merely an agenda.' That's what writer Jim Malusa says about biking adventures, and that attitude may apply to any great book - the journey should be full of surprises. Today, writer and librarian Nancy Pearl brings us two new books that play on intrigue, discovery, and unexpected journeys. We'll hear more about Jim Malusa's bike treks. But first, Nancy reviews a novel called 'Admission,' by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Nancy Pearl talks with KUOW's Jeremy Richards.