Better World Books Podcast: Garth Stein

06/30/10 • 0 min

When an author hits the New York Times Bestseller List things change. He or she can become intoxicated by their new found fame... begin to demand a special kind of bottled water in his or her dressing room, and... oh wait... that doesn’t usually happen with authors. In fact, they rarely have dressing rooms.

But one thing that does happen is that all the new found readers rush right back to the bookstore looking for everything this writer had previously written. And that is exactly what is happening with Garth Stein. THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN has been a smash hit and has practically made Garth a household name. (Well, he might not be as well known as Kleenex, but he’s close.) Anyway, the point is all of this hub-bub has brought about the re-release of Garth’s first book, RAVEN STOLE THE MOON.

As with RACING, RAVEN STOLE THE MOON examines some complex themes and emotions like the death of a child, religious and mystical beliefs and more. The book was written in the dark ages – you know, the 90s, before cell phones were everywhere and Garth opted to keep it that way. But you’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out what other changes he made!

Enjoy the interview!

Like this interview? Subscribe today!
Want more of the Better World Books Podcast now? Click here to check out the rest of the great authors who stopped by or called in for a chat!

Comments or questions about the podcast? Feel free to comment here on the blog, or email me at podcast AT betterworldbooks.com.

— Dana Barrett, Podcast Host

Enjoy the interview!

Like this interview? Subscribe today!
Want more of the Better World Books Podcast now? Click here to check out the rest of the great authors who stopped by or called in for a chat!

Comments or questions about the podcast? Feel free to comment here on the blog, or email me at podcast AT betterworldbooks.com.

— Dana Barrett, Podcast Host

Previous Episode

Better World Books Podcast: Kevin Salwen & Hannah Salwen

When 14 year old Hannah Salwen saw a homeless man begging for food on the side of the road she knew something wasn’t right and she knew she wanted to do something to fix it. The Salwen’s were well off and already heavily involved in some local charities but for Hannah that just wasn’t enough. After much discussion, her mother Joan finally said “What do you want to do Hannah, sell the house?” To which Hannah replied, “Yes.”

This began a journey for the entire Salwen family in which they decided to sell their house and give half the sales price to a worthy cause. And so THE POWER OF HALF was born.

Hannah and her co-author, (a.k.a. Dad) Kevin came by our offices a couple of weeks ago to chat about the book, the project, and what it means to them. They explain that not everyone has to sell their house. They know that’s not possible. But they do believe there are things you could do with less of and that every little bit counts. The idea of giving up half of something is that it’s measurable and easy to get your head around.

Who are these people, you ask? Well, after meeting the Salwens I can tell you... they are regular people just like you and me. Hannah is now 17 and wants to be a nurse someday. She and her Dad are close, but they still have the normal dad/daughter stuff about being home on time, etc.

I’m sure you’ll enjoy meeting the Salwens in today’s podcast and maybe you’ll even be inspired to start a Power of Half project of your own.

Enjoy the interview!

Like this interview? Subscribe today!
Want more of the Better World Books Podcast now? Click here to check out the rest of the great authors who stopped by or called in for a chat!

Comments or questions about the podcast? Feel free to comment here on the blog, or email me at podcast AT betterworldbooks.com.

— Dana Barrett, Podcast Host

Next Episode

Better World Books Podcast: Sisters Lauren Myracle & Susan Rebecca White

You know how you and your sister talk to each other in a way that is completely different from the way you talk to anyone else? Well guess what... that would still be true if you were both famous, successful authors! Meet sisters and authors Lauren Myracle and Susan Rebecca White.

Lauren, the just slightly older sister is known for her hugely popular YA books TTYL and TTFN and her new series for younger readers that starts with LUV YA BUNCHES. And Susan, whose second book A SOFT PLACE TO LAND was recently released, is well on her way to being a favorite among book clubs and critics alike. You may remember my earlier interview with Susan about her first book, BOUND SOUTH.

A while back, I had a chance to sit down with the sisters in their first ever joint interview and they were not shy! We talked about what it was like growing up together and how their relationship has shaped their writing.

This was actually one of my favorite interviews to record. It was like hanging with a couple of my girlfriends over a glass of wine. Of course instead of wine, we had microphones, but you get the idea. And I have to admit something else here too: this interview has been in post-production for a long time. Long enough for the title of Susan’s new book to actually change! You’ll have to listen to the interview to hear what the title was originally going to be.

So, without further ado... enjoy the interview! I know I did.

— Dana Barrett, Podcast Host

Like this interview? Subscribe today!
Want more of the Better World Books Podcast now? Click here to check out the rest of the great authors who stopped by or called in for a chat!

Comments or questions about the podcast? Feel free to comment here on the blog, or email me at podcast AT betterworldbooks.com.