Ursina's Shelf - Author interviews

Issue 90

Oct 25, 2024

Dear readers,

I used to view authors solely as the creators of my cherished stories. Even today, I typically avoid the “About the Author” page until I finish the book because I don’t want my perception of the story to be swayed by my impression of the author.

Speaking of… funny story. A few years ago, I read a biography of Elon Musk (I know!) and was quite taken aback to discover the author, Ashlee, was male. It wasn't his name that surprised me, but rather the writing, which felt almost obsessively romantic in its portrayal of the subject.

Recently, I've become increasingly fascinated by authors, their creative processes, and how their personal experiences might shape their fictional narratives.

Today, I’d like to share three author interviews worth a listen.

Barbara Kingsolver on The Ezra Klein Show (NYT)

A keen look at Appalachia: her home and the setting of her novel Demon Copperhead. Fair bit of spoilers.

My take: I gained a deeper understanding of Appalachia through this one-hour interview with Kingsolver than from reading Hillbilly Elegy. Her vivid descriptions of her hometown, culture, community, and economic history, including the devastating opioid crisis, were remarkably insightful. I was intrigued by her experience with (none) and knowledge of (lots) addiction.

Links: Read the transcript here or listen to the interview on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you hear your podcasts. Shoutout to the lovely ladies of the Diving In podcast, who recommended this interview on their episode about Dickins and Kingsolver, which is warm and smart and also worth a listen.

Bonus: See my recommendation for Demon Copperhead in my Insightful Pulitzer issue.

Bonnie Garmus at a live event at The Sixth & I

Funny, charming, feminist, book-loving discussion with the Librarian of Congress about Lessons in Chemistry. Heavy on spoilers.

My take: In this delightful conversation, interspersed with laughter and applause, we discover the catalytic expeirence that inspired Garmus to write this book, learn about the muse behind the captivating canine character Six-Thirty, and gain insights into Garmus' perspectives on sexism, racism, and other important topics. The interview, conducted by Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, is imbued with warmth, joy, and, of course, a profound love of books.

Links: Listen to the interview on Apple or watch it on YouTube.

Bonus: See my recommendation for Lessons in Chemistry here.

Sally Rooney on the Interview podcast (NYT)

Eloquent, intelligent, and fascinating. No spoilers.

My take: While I admire the characters she creates and writing style, I was initially hesitant about listening to the Marxist author's perspective. However, I quickly dismissed my skepticism and immersed myself in Rooney's unique approach to writing, character development, and her thoughtful reflections on her role as a young woman in the public eye. Unlike Garmus, Rooney maintains a strict separation between her personal life and her public persona, even when faced with questions about the alleged autobiographical elements in her books. Still we learn so much about her in this interview.

Links: Read the transcript here or listen to the interview on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you hear your podcasts. Thank you to Michelle from the Literary Leanings substack for this recommendation.

Bonus: See my recommendation for Conversations with Friends in my 2020 Review.

ICYMI: Gift Guide Summary

If you didn’t have a time to read my last issue on short reads that make for great gifts, then check out my listicle with all the books from my three gift guides (2020 and 2022 too).