Better World Books Podcast: Matthew Pearl

06/12/09 • 0 min

Matthew Pearl barely looks old enough to have written one book, let alone three incredibly well researched national and international bestsellers. But he has...and he got some impressive degrees while doing it. A graduate of Harvard University and Yale Law School, Matthew actually started writing his first novel, THE DANTE CLUB while he was still in school. While most of us were rolling over and happily skipping our 8 o’clock classes, Matthew Pearl was writing.

And it has paid off. His books are a unique combination of page turning mystery and well researched historical fiction.

As a book lover, I was especially excited to meet Matthew and chat about his latest book, THE LAST DICKENS when he was in Atlanta on tour recently. I dug in to the book and got the details on what is fact and what is fiction, along with the acceptable nicknames for Matthew and a clue about what he is working on next.

And since Matthew is fond of sharing “extras” that weren’t in the book on his website, I’ll share a fun fact with you that’s not in the interview. As a gift to himself when the manuscript was finished, Matthew bought and original Fields & Osgood (Osgood is the main character in the book) copy of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. He had it with him. Super cool.

Enjoy the interview, and click here to check out the rest of the great authors talking about their books on our podcast page!

And it has paid off. His books are a unique combination of page turning mystery and well researched historical fiction.

Enjoy the interview, and click here to check out the rest of the great authors talking about their books on our podcast page!

Previous Episode

Better World Books Podcast: Laura Lippman

Atlanta traffic almost got in the way of my interview with Laura Lippman about her new book LIFE SENTENCES. She was scheduled to be at my office at 5PM, but had to be across town for a signing event at 7Pm that same day. When she saw the traffic, she didn’t think it would work and was on the brink of cancelling or rescheduling at least.

But I was determined to meet her. I had been reading Laura’s books since long before I ever had a bookstore or began working for Better World Books. I just had to meet her – and share her work with you.

So, I jumped in my car with all of my equipment and drove across town to meet her. Laura was gracious enough to wait for me and also allow me to interview her in her hotel room, since we couldn’t find another spot.

I loved the Tess Monaghan series (which starts with Baltimore Blues) mostly for the plot, if I remember correctly. But the new book not only works from a plot standpoint, but is incredibly well thought out with characters that are incredibly human, unique and believable.

Just so you know,LIFE SENTENCES is not about the death penalty or life in prison. Instead the title works on many levels. You’ll have read the book and come to your own conclusions there, or listen to the interview and get it straight from the author!

Enjoy the interview, and click here to check out the rest of the great authors talking about their books on our podcast page!

Next Episode

Better World Books Podcast: John Perkins

John Perkins is the real deal. A former economic hit man, he was actually part of the problem he describes in THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE. But Perkins didn’t like what he saw happening and chose not to be a part of it anymore. He literally risked his life to expose the game.

What’s great about Perkins’ books is they are written for real people like you and me who are not economists and who are not focused on this stuff on a daily basis. Each region of the world is discussed not in mind-numbing detail but with just enough information to get you up to speed. But what really makes the books are John’s real life experiences and observations.

I met John for the second time at the Seattle Green Festival and had the opportunity to sit down with him to talk about his work.

I hope you enjoy the interview! Click here to check out the rest of the great authors talking about their books on our podcast page!