Better World Books » Author Interview

Better World Books Podcast: Byron Pitts

Dana — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:01:36 +0000

Byron Pitts is a gifted broadcast journalist, an engaging and talented speaker, a published author and force for good. But that wasn’t always the case. As his book STEP OUT ON NOTHING details, Byron started out a skinny kid with the nickname “Pickle” who didn’t talk much and was often bullied. But worse than that, Byron was hiding and working hard to keep his secrets. He couldn’t read and had a debilitating stutter.

If it wasn’t for his faith and the people who “stepped out on nothing” for him, Byron doesn’t believe he would have made it to the place he is today. When his mother was told he was “stupid” she wouldn’t accept it. When his best friend in college noticed his limited vocabulary he stepped in to help. And a when a professor he had never met before found him dejected an about to drop out, she believed in him.

I met Byron at the Atlanta Press Club luncheon several weeks ago as he came through town on his book tour and had the chance to chat with him about the book, his journey and his new role with our partner, the National Center for Family Literacy.

Take a minute to listen to my interview with Byron – and get your copy here on BetterWorldBooks.com where we are giving all of the proceeds from the sale of the book directly to NCFL.

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

Better World Books Podcast: Susan Rebecca White

Dana — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:10:41 +0000

Susan Rebecca White packed the house for the BOUND SOUTH launch party back in February. She did a talk and signing at the Margaret Mitchell House here in Atlanta, which is of course, where all the big name authors go when they are here in town. So now you’re thinking — big name?? — I never heard of Susan Rebecca White.

Trust me. You will. Susan is a fresh new voice in Southern Literary Fiction and her debut novel is fantastic. The characters are rich and while you do feel the story is complete at the end, you find yourself wanting to know what happens to these characters next.

The book is the story of three Southern women — a proper Atlanta matron, her rebellious teenage daughter, and their housekeeper’s young daughter and the intersection of their lives. While Susan tackles some complex issues like religion and gender identity, she does it with humor.

I sat down with Susan shortly after the launch party to talk about the three main characters, the Big Weaner, and to find out what the heck buttered Saltines are all about.

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

Better World Books Podcast: Dr. Helen Fisher

Dana — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:46:01 +0000

Why do you fall in love with one person rather than another? In her new book Dr. Helen Fisher identifies four biological personality styles generated by brain chemistry; then using her study of 28,000 people, she shows who is naturally drawn to whom.

Dr. Fisher is the chief scientific advisor for CHEMISTRY.COM and her personality type test has already been taken by millions! She has been seen on 20/20, The Early Show on CBS and even The Colbert Report, so I was especially excited that she was able to take the time to sit down with me.

Once you read this book (and listen to the podcast!) you’ll never look at people (or more importantly, yourself) the same way.

Do you know what it means if your ring finger is longer than your pointer finger? How ’bout who should pay for dinner and why? (Scientifically speaking, of course). Did you ever stop to think you might be living in the wrong place to meet your soul mate? Wonder what Oprah’s personality type is? How ’bout Barack Obama?

The answers to these questions and more are right in this podcast (which was really one of the most fun interviews I’ve done). And of course even more answers and the quiz itself are in the book!

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

Paging Authors Podcast: David Sheff & Nic Sheff

Dana — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:02:35 +0000

I got a hold of Beautiful Boy and Tweak less than 24 hours before I had the chance to meet and interview David Sheff and his son Nic. And what an interesting 24 hours it was. I spent that time totally immersed in their story and felt like I was seeing old friends when they arrived at the office.

Although their books feel completely different and are geared to completely different audiences, they share the same story; Nic’s terrifying cycle of drug addiction, recovery and relapse.

As a parent, I related to what David was going through. These are smart, successful parents with smart and talented kids. I’m sure, like most of us, they never thought it could happen to them. Nic could have been my kid or yours. That’s the scary part.

Reading Nic’s story takes you away from the headlines and the statistics and gives a face and a humanity to the addiction. By turns I was angry at him, but then wanted to hug him and protect him just they way I know his father does.

I hope you will enjoy the interview and will get great meaning out of both of these incredible books.

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

Paging Authors Podcast: Jill Bolte Taylor

Dana — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:36:30 +0000

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor might be the only person you’ll meet who wouldn’t take back the massive stroke she suffered at age 37. In her book, My Stroke of Insight, she says the feelings of bliss and connection to the universe she experienced while her left brain shut down has taught her to appreciate life in the present moment more than ever.

In preparing to interview Dr. Taylor, I watched her 4 part special on Oprah’s Soul Series. Oprah referred to Jill as not a stroke survivor but a “stroke triumphant” and she truly is.

As a Harvard trained brain scientist, Dr. Taylor was able to observe and later write about the actual experience of having a stroke and the ensuing recovery. The book is her personal story along with the science behind stroke. She also gives us some incredible insight into her mind, the medical profession and ways we can all work to quiet the non-stop chatter in our left brains.

I was able to chat with Dr. Taylor on the phone just a couple hours after the historic inauguration of Barack Obama. It seemed a perfect time to talk to her about her book and her message of peace.

If you’re as fascinated with Dr. Taylor’s story as I am, of course you’ll want to listen to the podcast and you might also want to check out her famous TED talk.

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

Paging Authors Podcast: Benyamin Cohen

Dana — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:00:14 +0000

Benyamin Cohen is a funny guy. He’s a funny guy that tackles the serious subject of reconnecting with his faith and spirituality in his memoir My Jesus Year. Benyamin is the son of an Orthodox rabbi who grew up practicing his Judaism while thinking that the grass looked greener at the church across the street. As he grew up he felt that he saw in Christians a passion for their religion that he was missing. So in an attempt to reconnect to his Judaism, he decided to spend a year with Christians.

I met Benyamin here at the Better World Books offices to chat about the book and the fact that his dad thinks Ben Stiller would be perfect for the part of Benyamin should there ever be a movie!

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