Episode 1 - THE ABSTINENCE TEACHER

Christy and Debbie interview author Tom Perrotta and discuss his new book The Abstinence Teacher. Perotta’s novel tells the tale of the Stonewood Heights community, a perfect place to raise kids where parents are involved in their children’s lives – maybe too involved. Special Guests Reverend Steven Ayres, vicar of The Old North Church, and comedian Tony V round out the conversation about this controversial novel.

Episode 2 - THE GARDEN OF LAST DAYS

Andre Dubus III talks with Christy and Debbie about his new book The Garden of Last Days – A big-hearted and painful novel about sex, parenthood, honor, and masculinity set in the seamy underside of America. Counter-terror expert Jessica Stern and Helen Atwan, director of Beacon Press Publishing, join the conversation about this thrilling literary piece.

Episodes 6 & 7 - THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO

Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao sets the stage for another conversation as Christy and Debbie interview author Junot Diaz about his most recent literary undertaking. Diaz’s novel provides dazzling energy, humor, and insight into Dominican-American experience through the eyes of Oscar Wao, a sweet but disastrously overweight, lovesick Dominican ghetto nerd. Actor Joe Pantoliano and Christopher Castellani, director of Grub Street Writing Center, join the discussion over love, loss, and literature.

Episode 5 - POWER PLAY

Joseph Finder, best-selling author of Killer Instinct and High Crimes, talks about his most recent novel Power Play. In Finder’s novel, a peaceful company retreat in the wilderness turns into a thrilling cat-and-mouse game of epic proportions.Blues legend James Montgomery and political analyst Marjorie Claprood come along for a heated discussion over this political thriller.

Episodes 6 & 7 - THE GIVEN DAY

This week Open Book takes on Dennis Lehane, author of works like Mystic River and Gone, Baby, Gone, to discuss his most recent novel The Given Day – a tale of social and political unrest seen through the eyes of a struggling Boston beat cop just after the First World War.  Joining the conversation are New York Times Best-selling author Joe Finder and journalist Dick Blair.

Episode 8 - THE CONDITION

Christy and Debbie take a peek inside the head of author Jennifer Haigh as they discuss her most recent novel The Condition. Haigh tells the story of the McKotches, a proper New England family that comes apart during one fateful summer. Special guests Master Chef Joanne Chang and acclaimed author John Sedgwick round out the group for a wild literary ride.

Episode 9 - THE GOOD THIEF

Acclaimed author Hannah Tinti lets us inside an author’s mind as she talks with Christy and Debbie about her most recent novel The Good Thief. Tinti chronicles the fantastical life of twelve-year old orphan Ren who searches for the truth about his parents and why he was abandoned. Pulitzer Prize winning author Richard Russo adds his literary expertise and analysis as we journey through Tinti’s fantastical literary imaginings.

Episodes 10 & 11 - BRIDGE OF SIGHS

Christy and Debbie chat with author Richard Russo about Bridge of Sighs, a follow-up to his Pulitzer Prize winning novel Empire Falls. Former Massachusetts Speaker of the House Sal DiMasi and Jocelyn Kelly join the conversation about Russo’s work that gives a unique perspective on small town rhythms and family life as we know it.

Episode 12 - THE FAMILY MAN

Christy and Debbie pick the literary mind of author Elinor Lipman as they discuss her new book The Family Man. Lipman’s novel chronicles the life of a divorced gay who reconnects with his long-lost stepdaughter in her hilarious and moving 10th novel. Special guests social columnist Jonathan Soroff and author Stephen McCauley add their thoughts to Lipman’s latest literary adventure.

Episode 13 - THE SENATOR’S WIFE

Bestselling author Sue Miller (The Good Mother; When I Was Gone) joins Christy and Debbie to discuss her newest literary enterprise The Senator’s Wife. Miller tells the tale of two women at opposite stages of life who face parallel dilemmas in this rich, emotionally urgent novel. Special guests include a political analyst and former guest on Open Book, Marjorie Claprood, as well as previous Massachusetts speaker of the House Charles Flaherty.

Episode 14 - NOT THE RELIGIOUS TYPE: CONFESSIONS OF A TURNCOAT ATHEIST

This week Open Book meets with pastor of The Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Greater Boston and author Dave Schmelzer to discuss his novel, Not The Religious Type: Confessions of a Turncoat Atheist. Schmelzer’s novel takes a look at the possibility of a life rooted in the mystical and opening oneself to spirituality and humility in our lives. Acclaimed author Andre Dubus III and owner of Boston Casting Angela Peri round out a wonderfully enriching discussion on life and spirituality.