Better World Books Podcast: Michael Malone

07/24/09 • 0 min

Michael Malone is the best award winning, New York Times bestselling author you’ve never heard of. His latest novel, THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE SKY, is a rare combination of page turning adventure and deeply complex writing. And it should be — he spent 10 years writing it. You get the feeling when you talk to Michael that he doesn’t write for the money or the fame but because he genuinely loves to write.

This is a guy who has won an Edgar, an O. Henry, and even an Emmy for his television writing and he is as unassuming and easy to talk to as you could ever imagine. In addition to his writing, Michael is also a professor at Duke University and as I interviewed him I found myself jealous of his students. This is a guy you could really learn from.

But I digress. The book is the story of Navy pilot Annie Peregrine-Goode and her quest to find her father, the identity of her mother, and most of all herself. Built on a subtle Wizard of Oz base, the story is about love, secrets, and the mysterious bonds of families.

One of the things I loved most about THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE SKY is the detail that went into creating the lives and back stories of even the smallest characters. It’s a large cast and not one character is a cardboard cut out. Quite a feat.

So, if you’d already heard of Michael Malone — you know what I’m talking about. If you hadn’t...well, you have now. Grab a copy of the book and he’ll soon be one your favorite authors.

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

So, if you’d already heard of Michael Malone — you know what I’m talking about. If you hadn’t...well, you have now. Grab a copy of the book and he’ll soon be one your favorite authors.

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

Previous Episode

Better World Books Podcast: Ann Brashares

When you meet Ann Brashares you can see immediately that she is the perfect person to write for young adults. Though she has three kids of her own she seems to have held onto a sweetness and openness that you sense when you meet her and feel when you read her books.

Ann came to our office on the last stop of her book tour for her latest book 3 WILLOWS, which is the beginning of a new series for her. For fans of The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants series, have no fear, you’ll see a couple of your favs making an appearance in the Willow series and rumor has it she may come back to the Pants girls again before it’s all said and done.

Of course we talked about the new book, but we also chatted about the Sisterhood movies and her intruiging next project which sounds like it will be a bit of a departure for her.

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!

Next Episode

Better World Books Podcast: Greg Palast

Greg Palast is a character. And I mean that in the best possible way. This is a guy you want at your dinner parties. Sadly, I don’t actually have dinner parties – but if I did, Greg Palast would always get an invite. From his signature hat to his biting wit and his unforgiving commentary, Greg will keep you laughing until he’s made a difference.

The way the schedule worked out at the recent Chicago Green Festival, I was able to sit in on Greg’s lecture before I interviewed him. It’s always great when I can do that as it gives me whole new level of understanding about an author that I don’t always get by just reading their books. Listening to Greg Palast talk, I sort of wished I could grow up to be him. He is fearless in both where he goes and what he says. He takes chances many of us would never dare to – and he says what he thinks whether you like it or not.

When we sat down for the interview, we talked (and laughed) not only about some of the details of the book ARMED MADHOUSE, but also about some of Greg’s current work which you can see on the Palast Investigates DVDs.

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