All About Books | NET Radio

All About Books -- December 18, 2008

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:00:00 CST

Otis Young analyzes "Outliers: The Story of Success," wherein author Malcolm Gladwell details why some people become very successful. Charles Stephen unwraps "The Man Who Invented Christmas: How Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol Rescued His Career and Revived Our Holiday Spirits" by Les Standiford, the surprising story of how certain traditions became cemented in our culture.

All About Books -- December 11, 2008

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:00:00 CST

Charles Stephen investigates "The Terminal Spy: A True Story of Espionage, Betrayal and Murder" by Alan S. Cowell, the tangled true story of former KGB Agent-turned-dissident Alexander Litvinenko's murder in London. Otis Young unboxes "Death Roe: A Woods Cop Mystery" by Joseph Heywood, in which Conservation Detective Grady Service follows a trail of tainted eggs to find corruption in Michigan's caviar trade.

All About Books -- December 4, 2008

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:00:00 CST

Charles and Otis revisit their favorite books from 2008, compiled in a handy list (download: http://netnebraska.org/radio/all_about_books_list.pdf) just in time for the holiday gift giving season.

All About Books -- November 27, 2008

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

Otis Young sits down to Bill Schutt's "Dark Banquet: Blood and the Curious Lives of Blood-Feeding Creatures," a history of blood and "sanguivorous" beasts both real and mythical. Charles Stephen tours "Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out," a collection of stories, illustrations, poems, letters, and essays by 108 children's authors and illustrators.

All About Books -- November 20, 2008

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

Charles Stephen rounds up "The Eleventh Man" by Ivan Doig, a novel that follows the fates of young men from a Montana college football team through the events of WWII. Otis Young tracks down "The Brass Verdict" by Michael Connelly, a beautifully executed crime thriller centered around an LA law firm.

All About Books -- November 13, 2008

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

Otis Young takes a look at Susan Squire's "I Don't: A Contrarian History of Marriage," a tour of the institution and its various roles in society in ages past. Charles Stephen focuses on a story close to home with a new biography of "Mayor Helen Boosalis: My Mother's Life in Politics" by Beth Boosalis Davis.

All About Books -- November 6, 2008

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

Charles Stephen boils down "The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life" by Alice Schroeder, the offical biography of the Omaha investor. Otis Young unfolds "Superdove: How the Pigeon Took Manhattan... And the World" by Courtney Humphries, a fascinating look into humanity's historically-evolved relationship with the multi-talented urban bird.

All About Books -- October 30, 2008

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young interviews author Loren Ghiglione about his new book, "CBS's Don Hollenbeck: An Honest Reporter in the Age of McCarthyism." The subject of the book grew up and went to school in Lincoln before working in Omaha, New York, and in Italy during World War II.

All About Books -- October 16, 2008

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen illuminates "The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How The War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals" by Jane Mayer, an account of how abuse and torture of prisoners became the policy of the U.S. Government. Otis Young reads "Between the Lines: A View Inside American Politics, People, and Culture," a collection of recent columns by Newsweek reporter Jonathan Alter.

All About Books -- October 9, 2008

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young uncovers Tom Avitabile's "The Eighth Day," a new thriller about a secret society of domestic terrorists that opposes modern technology. Charles Stephen examines the new biography "Harry S. Truman: The American Presidents Series" by Robert Dallek, a short volume on the man who oversaw the end of WWII, dealt with the beginnings of the Cold War, and ushered in the age of American prosperity.

All About Books -- October 2, 2008

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen discusses four books: "Forts Of The Northern Plains: Guide to Historic Military Posts of the Plains Indians Wars" by Jeff Barnes, "Rebel Giants: The Revolutionary Lives of Abraham Lincoln & Charles Darwin" by David R. Contosta, "Normandy: The Landings to the Liberation of Paris" by Olivier Wieviorka, and "Chasing Darkness" by Robert Crais.

All About Books -- September 25, 2008

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young meditates on "A Romance on Three Legs: Glenn Gould's Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Piano" by Katie Hafner, which tells the story of legendary concert pianist Gould and the one Steinway piano that met his unusual specifications. Charles Stephen brings home "Clearing the Bases: The Greatest Baseball Debates of the Last Century" by "Wall Street Journal" and Salon.com sportswriter Allen Barra.

All About Books -- September 18, 2008

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen sheds light on "The Coldest Winter: America and the Korean War" by David Halberstam, a powerful history of the Korean War, its main players, and those who lived and died in its battles. Otis Young dishes out "Credit and Blame," an examination of how society and individuals deal with recrimination and recognition by Charles Tilly.

All About Books -- September 11, 2008

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young pours over "Inventing Niagara: Beauty, Power, and Lies" by Ginger Strand, which reveals some surprising secrets behind one of America's most popular tourist and honeymoon destinations. Charles Stephen considers "Books: A Memoir" by Larry McMurtry, the author's tale of his life immersed in book culture; Stephen also reviews "Mind's Eye: An Inspector Van Veeteren Mystery" by Swedish novelist Hakan Nesser.

All About Books -- September 4, 2008

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen unveils "The Spies of Warsaw" by Alan Furst, a gripping historical espionage novel set in pre-WWII Poland. Otis Young cracks open "Stop Me If You've Heard This: A History and Philosophy of Jokes" by "New Yorker" writer Jim Holt.

All About Books -- August 28, 2008

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young peruses James P. Carse's "The Religious Case Against Belief," an essential piece on how belief (and not religion) can limit one's understanding of the world. Charles Stephen unearths "White House Ghosts: Presidents and Their Speechwriters" by Robert Schlesinger, which sheds light on behind-the-scenes presidential policy-makers from FDR to present.

All About Books -- August 21, 2008

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen unlocks "The Forger's Spell: A True Story of Vermeer, Nazis, and the Greatest Art Hoax of the Twentieth Century" by Edward Dolnick, the tale of a a Dutch art forger who fooled experts not through skill but via psychological manipulation. Otis Young tackles "Dear American Airlines," a reflection on life and flight delays by first-time novelist Jonathan Miles.

All About Books -- August 14, 2008

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young reviews two books: "One Man's America: The Pleasures and Provocations of Our Singular Nation" by George Will, a collection of essays from the nationally syndicated columnist that cover a variety of topics, historical as well as contemporary; and "The Flowers" by Dagoberto Gilb, a new novel depicting a colorful cast of characters living in an apartment building.

All About Books -- August 7, 2008

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young contemplates "Beyond Revenge: The Evolution of the Forgiveness Instinct," in which author Michael McCullough spells out some of the psychological history behind how humans treat other people. Young also distills "The Rain Before It Falls" by Jonathan Coe, a novel about the relationship between two cousins and its fallout over time.

All About Books -- July 31, 2008

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen ventures out on "A Voyage Long and Strange: Rediscovering the New World," the account of author Tony Horwitz's travels while researching some of the myths of American history; Stephen also discusses "Dearest Marguerite: Letters from a Soldier To the Wife He Left Behind" by Lincolnite Marguerite S. Young. Otis Young unfolds Jonathan Rosen's "The Life of the Skies," an examination of the relationship between humans and nature by way of bird-watching.

All About Books -- July 24, 2008

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young opens up "Bastard Tongues" by Derek Bickerton, a "memoir" of creole languages, how they develop, and what that says about human language capacity. Charles Stephen reviews "The Bishop's Daughter: A Memoir," an exploration of the life of an Episcopal bishop by his daughter Honor Moore.

All About Books -- July 17, 2008

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen examines "The Post-American World" by Newsweek's Fareed Zakaria, a look at the rising status of the rest of the world. Otis Young investigates David Park's new novel "The Truth Commissioner," in which Ireland creates a "truth and reconcilliation" panel in order to heal wounds created by past violence.

All About Books -- July 10, 2008

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young feels out "Against Happiness: In Praise of Melancholy" by Eric G. Wilson, a quirky new book deploring the decline of sadness in American culture. Charles Stephen reveals "The Library at Night," a meditation on collections of knowledge past and present by Alberto Manguel.

All About Books -- July 3, 2008

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen interviews Ronald Knapp, who has just written "Of Life Immense: the Prophetic Vision of Walt Whitman."

All About Books -- June 26, 2008

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen considers Paul and Stephen Kendrick's "Douglass and Lincoln: How a Revolutionary Black Leader and a Reluctant Liberator Struggled to End Slavery and Save the Union." Otis Young illuminates "Comedy at the Edge: How Stand-up in the 1970s Changed America," a tour of comedians from Lenny Bruce to Jerry Seinfeld by "Time" writer Richard Zoglin.

All About Books -- June 19, 2008

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young ponders a terminally ill professor's reflections on life and death in "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. Charles Stephen inspects a new biography about the 41st President of the U.S. by Timothy Naftali, "George H. W. Bush."

All About Books -- June 12, 2008

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen chats with Nebraska native Ted Sorensen about his new book "Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History."

All About Books -- June 5, 2008

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen discusses "1948: A History of the First Arab-Israeli War" by Benny Morris, a fresh look at the conflict surrounding the foundation of Israel. Otis Young tracks down the new "Joe Pickett" crime novel "Blood Trail" by C.J. Box, set during Elk season in Colorado.

All About Books -- May 29, 2008

Thu, 29 May 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young pages through "Please Don't Remain Calm: Provocations and Commentaries," a witty glance at politics and the media from 1995-present via essays by "Slate" founder Michael Kinsley. Charles Stephen uncovers Peter Robinson's new "Inspector Alan Banks" mystery "Friend of the Devil" and Lawrence Goldstone's new medical thriller "The Anatomy of Deception."

All About Books -- May 22, 2008

Thu, 22 May 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen interviews French author Dominique Fabre about his novel "The Waitress Was New," as well as the translator of the book, UNL Professor Jordan Stump.

All About Books -- May 15, 2008

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young picks apart "Semantic Antics: How and Why Words Change Meaning" by Sol Steinmetz. Charles Stephen uncovers "Drawing the Line at the Big Ditch: The Panama Canal Treaties and the Rise of the Right," a look at how the game-changing issue affected 1980s American politics, by Adam Clymer.

All About Books -- May 8, 2008

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen reviews "Fall of Frost," a biographical novel by Brian Hall about the life of the great American poet, Robert Frost. Otis Young discusses "Another Thing to Fall" the latest in the Tess Monaghan Private Investigator series by mystery writer Laura Lippman.

All About Books -- May 1, 2008

Thu, 01 May 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young considers "More Sex Is Safer Sex: The Unconventional Wisdom of Economics" by "Slate" economic columnist Steven E. Landsburg. Charles Stephen rounds up "Hard Trail To Follow" by Elmer Kelton, a riveting western full of outlaws, lawmen, and the moral spaces in-between.

All About Books -- April 24, 2008

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen reviews Senator Chuck Hagel's "America: Our Next Chapter," a close look at some of the most important challenges facing the United States. Otis Young inspects a new biography for young readers on one of the 20th century's greatest scientists -- "Albert Einstein" by Frieda Wishinsky.

All About Books -- April 17, 2008

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young chats with author Stephen Post about his newest book, "Why Good Things Happen to Good People: How to Live a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life by the Simple Act of Giving."

All About Books -- April 10, 2008

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen reveals "Taking on the Trust: The Epic Battle of Ida Tarbell and John D. Rockefeller" by Steve Weinberg, the story of how one of the U.S.'s first investigative journalists helped bring down the Standard Oil monopoly. Otis Young speaks on "Freedom for the Thought That We Hate: A Biography of the First Amendment" by Pulitzer Prize winner Anthony Lewis.

All About Books -- April 3, 2008

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young investigates James Patterson's thirteenth Alex Cross novel "Double Cross." Charles Stephen examines "No Vulgar Hotel: The Desire and Pursuit of Venice" by Judith Martin (Miss Manners), a tourist's look at the Italian city through the lense of cultural mores.

All About Books -- March 27, 2008

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen interviews UNL Theatre Professor Tice L. Miller about his new book "Entertaining the Nation: American Drama in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries."

All About Books -- March 20, 2008

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young illuminates "Copernicus' Secret: How the Scientific Revolution Began" by Jack Repcheck, a biography of the person behind some of the most revolutionary ideas of the early Renaissance. Charles Stephen uncovers "The Amateur Spy," a well-crafted thriller set in Jordan by "Balitmore Sun" war correspondent Dan Fesperman.

All About Books -- March 13, 2008

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen takes a look at John Updike's "Due Considerations: Essays and Criticism," a compilation of the author's reviews and works from recent years. Otis Young discusses "The Warmest Room in the House" by Steven Gdula, a look at kitchens, food, and cooking in 20th century America.

All About Books -- March 6, 2008

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young interviews Bart D. Ehrman, a professor of religion at UNC-Chapel Hill, about his new book "God's Problem: How the Bible Fails to Answer Our Most Important Question -- Why We Suffer."

All About Books -- February 28, 2008

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen examines "Treasure-House of the Language: The Living OED" by Charlotte Brewer, a detailed account of the personalities and challenges that have shaped the ongoing development of the Oxford English Dictionary. Also discussed is one of Ian Rankin's early novels -- absorbing spy thriller "Watchman."

All About Books -- February 21, 2008

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young analyzes Tom Perrotta's "The Abstinence Teacher," a novel that takes on education and moral factions in modern suburbia. Charles Stephen reviews "Stranger in Paradise" by Robert B. Parker, featuring Paradise, Massachusetts chief of police Jesse Stone.

All About Books -- February 14, 2008

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen discusses two books: "Valentines," a collection of poems author Ted Kooser sent out to friends as part of an annual tradition; and Chris Mooney's "Storm World: Hurricanes, Politics, and the Battle Over Global Warming," a look at the conflicts between science and public policy. Otis Young examines "Hurricane Punch," the latest additon to Tim Dorsey's uproarious Serge A. Storms series of crime novels.

All About Books -- February 7, 2008

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young reviews "The Surgeons" by Charles R. Morris, a look at some of the countries best heart surgeons, their work, and their patients; Charles Stephen plunges into "Red," a biography of the famous sports columnist Red Smith written by Ira Berkow.

All About Books -- January 31, 2008

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen analyzes "Shakespeare" by Bill Bryson, a fresh, short, and engaging biography on the prolific playwright. Otis Young explores "Gomorrah" by investigative journalist Roberto Saviano, an illuminating look into the world of modern organized crime in Naples, Italy.

All About Books -- January 24, 2008

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young examines "Black Mass" by John Gray, a realist's appraisal of utopian movements and their role in human history. Charles Stephen discusses Archer Mayor's 18th Joe Gunther novel "Chat," a fast-moving thriller that weaves through deadly dangers in New England and internet chat rooms alike.

All About Books -- January 17, 2008

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen explores "Tipperary," an historic tale of love, luminaries, and independence by "Ireland" author Frank Delaney. Otis Young takes a look at "The Terror Presidency," an insider's notes on the arguments and figures behind key Bush Administration policies by former Head of Office of Legal Counsel Jack L. Goldsmith.

All About Books -- January 10, 2008

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young discusses "The Year of Living Biblically" by A.J. Jacobs, the tale of one man's good-humored attempt to strictly follow biblical rules. Charles Stephen examines Bernd Brunner's "Bears," a history, in fact and anecdote, about the relationship between bears and humans.

All About Books -- January 3, 2008

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen reviews "Legacy of Ashes" by Tim Weiner, a hard and unflinching account of the history of the CIA. Otis Young analyzes "Books on Fire" by Lucien X. Polastron, a chronicle of the destruction of libraries and books throughout history.

All About Books -- December 27, 2007

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young examines David Michaelis's "Schulz and Peanuts," a biography of the artist behind the beloved comic strip. Charles Stephen takes a look at "In Praise of Flattery" by Willis Goth Regier, an enthusiastic exploration of the positives and negatives involved in the "finest of the arts."

All About Books -- December 20, 2007

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen interviews Jim McKee about his new book "Visions of Lincoln," which showcases the Star City's history, present, and future through essays and photographs.

All About Books -- December 13, 2007

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen explores "The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy," the second installment of Rick Atkinson's "Liberation Trilogy," which chronicles U.S. involvement in the battles of WWII. Otis Young reviews "The Slave Ship" by Marcus Rediker, a gripping and well-researched account of all the types of people involved in shipping slaves across the Atlantic.

All About Books -- December 6, 2007

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:00:00 CDT

This week, Otis Young and Charles Stephen discuss "Pontoon" by Garrison Keillor, a riotously hillarious new novel set in Lake Wobegone, Minnesota.

All About Books -- November 29, 2007

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen analyzes "Classics for Pleasure," in which author Michael Dirda gives a whilwind tour of approximately 90 authors and their classic works. Otis Young explores Wilfrid Sheed's "The House That George Built," a catalog of the great composers of U.S. popular music from the 1920s to the 1950s.

All About Books -- November 22, 2007

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young reviews "The Dream Manager" by Matthew Kelly, a manager's guide to helping employees meet their needs and dreams. Charles Stephen discusses "Living Blue in the Red States," a collection of thoughtful, non-polemical essays on living in communities which do not share one's political views, edited by David Starkey.

All About Books -- November 15, 2007

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen examines "The Ghost" by Robert Harris, a political thriller about the ghostwriter chosen to write the memoir of a recent British Primer Minister. Otis Young takes a look at "To Love and Die in Dallas" by Mary Elizabeth Goldman, a "twisty mystery" set in 1960s Dallas.

All About Books -- November 8, 2007

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young analyzes "The House the Rockefellers Built," a book about the Kykuit mansion and five generations of Rockefellers by Robert F. Dalzell and Lee Baldwin Dalzell. Charles Stephen explores Laurie R. King's "The Beekeeper's Apprentice," an excellent revival of the Sherlock Holmes character in a new adventure.

All About Books -- November 1, 2007

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen reviews "Indian Summer" by Alex Von Tunzelmann, a recounting of the end of British rule over India and Pakistan. Otis Young discusses "The Quickie," a thriller about marital infidelity -- and its unintended consequences -- by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge.

All About Books -- October 25, 2007

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young and Charles Stephen discuss the memoir of Kate Braestrup, "Here If You Need Me: A True Story." Braestrup, in middle age, decides to adopt the dream of her late husband and become a Unitarian minister.

All About Books -- October 18, 2007

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young explores Timothy Egan's "The Worst Hard Time," the 2007 One Book-One Lincoln selection. Charles Stephen analyzes "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a fictional tale based on civil war-torn 1960s Nigeria, told through the eyes of the poor and wealthy alike.

All About Books -- October 11, 2007

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen interviews Forrest Church about his new book, "So Help Me God," which explores the first great battles over the relationship between church and state during the founding years of this country.

All About Books -- October 4, 2007

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young examines "Way Off the Road," a collection of adventures author (& CBS correspondent) Bill Geist has experienced while exploring "small town America." Charles Stephen discusses "Thomas Paine's Rights of Man" by Christopher Hitchens and "Darwin's Origin of Species" by Janet Browne, both entries in Atlantic Monthly Press' "Books That Changed the World" series.

All About Books -- September 27, 2007

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen takes a look at Ian Kershaw's "Fateful Choices," a hard examination of ten decisions that changed the course of World War II and beyond. Otis Young reviews "North River" by Pete Hamill, a detailed and intense portrait of a man deep in personal chaos in Depression era New York City.

All About Books -- September 20, 2007

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young discusses "The Unknown Terrorist" by Richard Flanagan, a new thriller in which terrorism, government, and the news media collide to bring fear to the Australian populace. Charles Stephen explores "The Madonnas of Leningrad" by Debra Dean, the story of how a woman suffering from Alzheimer's takes refuge in her memories of protecting art during World War II.

All About Books -- September 13, 2007

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen reviews the new biography of nineteenth century feminist "Margaret Fuller" by Charles Capper and a book about hoaxes called "Scientists and Scoundrels" by Robert Silverberg. Otis Young analyzes Lawrence Scanlan's "The Horse God Built," the story behind legendary race horse Secretariat.

All About Books -- September 6, 2007

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young examines "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by "The Kite Runner" author Khaled Hosseini - a story centered around two Afghani women trapped by brutal patriarchal customs. Charles Stephen discusses "The Naming of the Dead" by Ian Rankin, the latest novel in the Inspector John Rebus mystery series.

All About Books -- August 30, 2007

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen analyzes "Troublesome Young Men" by Lynne Olson, an account of the British rebels who brought Churchill to power in 1940. Otis Young explores Atul Gawande's "Better," a surgeon's look at the social and scientific issues behind quality medical treatment.

All About Books -- August 23, 2007

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young discusses "Basilica," the century-long tale of the building of the costly, grand, and controversial St. Peter's Basilica, by R. A. Scotti. Charles Stephen reviews Howard Frank Mosher's "On Kingdom Mountain," the story of a stubborn woman, a wild mountain, and a timely plane crash.

All About Books -- August 16, 2007

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:00:00 CDT

This week on All About Books, Charles Stephen explores two new collections of essays: "The Richness of Life," a compilation of 44 papers and speeches by late scientist Stephen Jay Gould; and Anne Fadiman's "At Large and At Small," a book of informal, short pieces utilizing the late 19th-century style known as "familiar essay."

All About Books -- August 9, 2007

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young interviews author and lawyer James W. Hewitt about his book on the history of the Nebraska Supreme Court, "Slipping Backward."

All About Books -- August 2, 2007

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young reviews "Be Near Me" by Andrew O'Hagan, a novel chronicling the experiences of a "posh" English priest attempting to integrate into a small Scottish parish. Young also reviews Priscilla Royal's "Justice for the Damned," a murder mystery set in 13th century England.

All About Books -- July 26, 2007

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:00:00 CDT

This week on All About Books, Otis Young distills two new volumes: Barbara Holland's "The Joy of Drinking," a witty look at the history of human culture's relation with alcohol; and "Dirty Martini" by J. A. Konrath, the latest installment in the Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels mystery series.

All About Books -- July 19, 2007

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:00:00 CDT

This week on All About Books, Charles Stephen discusses four paperbacks: "Eagle Pond" by Donald Hall; "The Complete Roadside Guide to Nebraska" by Alan Boye; "Galápagos: The Islands That Changed the World" by Paul D. Stewart; and "Encyclopedia of the Great Plains Indians" by David J. Wishart.

All About Books -- July 12, 2007

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young reviews "The Life of Meaning" by Bob Abernethy and William Bole, a collection of interviews and essays discussing spirituality with various public figures; Charles Stephen explores Meryle Secrest's "Shoot the Widow," the story behind the author's biography-writing process.

All About Books -- July 5, 2007

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Charles Stephen examines Günter Grass' "Peeling the Onion," the remarkable memoir of an artist and writer who served in the Waffen SS towards the end of WWII. Otis Young discusses "Stupid Reasons People Die," a crash-course about treatment options and preventative medicine, written in layman's terms, by John Corso, M.D.

All About Books -- June 28, 2007

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:00:00 CDT

Otis Young explores "A Peculiar Grace" by Jeffrey Lent, the tale of an hermetic artist's journey from the pain of the past to love in the present. Charles Stephen reviews a collection of essays by contemporary Nebraska nonfiction writers called "The Big Empty," which provides glimpses into the many facets of life in Nebraska.