A Word on Words

Galahad and the Grail is the first volume in Malcolm Guite's four-part epic poem, Merlin's Isle: An Arthuriad, which retells the Arthurian legends with a focus on the Grail quest, featuring Sir Galahad, Sir Bors, and Sir Percival. The book is a modern epic poem best read aloud. This book aims to be both a literary work and a spiritual journey.

Michael Thomas’ The Broken King is a powerful memoir exploring fathers and sons, race, trauma, and recovery. Through interwoven portraits of five men, including himself, Thomas traces his own breakdown and reckoning, crafting a deeply personal story about family, identity, and the fragile path back from loss and madness.

“In Alabama, we exist at the border of blessing and disaster….” Alexis Okeowo blends memoir and journalism to explore her upbringing in Montgomery as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants. Weaving her personal story with the state’s complex history, she challenges stereotypes and reveals how Alabamians reckon with loving a place shaped by both deep pride and painful truths.

After her father’s death, college student Jane Sharp finds identity and purpose in online true crime forums. When a triple murder in Idaho goes viral, she and her fellow sleuths dive in only to uncover eerie inconsistencies. One year later, Jane reveals a chilling truth about obsession, fame, and the danger of turning crime into entertainment.

For nearly 40 years, spiritual seekers traveled to Plains, Georgia, to hear former President Jimmy Carter teach Sunday School. Welcoming people of all backgrounds, his humble, thoughtful lessons offered practical insights on faith, love, and daily life. This collection captures his Scripture-based teachings, reflecting a lifetime guided by deeply held Christian principles.

The Everlasting is a time-traveling fantasy novel about a historian, Owen Mallory, who falls in love with the legend of the knight Sir Una Everlasting. He gets pulled into her story, forcing them to repeatedly relive and try to change her tragic fate. The novel blends adventure with a genre-bending romance as the two characters try to rewrite history and their own ending.

Inspired by tribal folklore and the ghost stories of his grandmother, Carson Faust, an enrolled member of the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe, explores intergenerational trauma, grief, and violence in his novel IF THE DEAD BELONG HERE. Faust tells the story of a family broken by the disappearance of a young girl, and how her family is left to deal with the aftermath, uncovering secrets along the way.

Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams is a multigenerational novel linking three women across time on Winthrop Island, New England. As chef Audrey Fisher and her famous mother, Meredith, confront buried family secrets, their story intertwines with that of Providence Dare, accused of murder aboard the doomed 1846 steamship Atlantic, revealing love, legacy, and truths that echo through generations.

“A dangerous element of narratives of Black excellence are being regal, being perfect, being flawless in this way that can be, I think, oppressive to the people who try to uphold that label.” Rob Franklin talks with J.T. Ellison about his debut novel, GREAT BLACK HOPE.

Jessa Crispin’s book WHAT IS WRONG WITH MEN is a sharp, clever exploration of patriarchy, masculinity in crisis, and the cultural myths that shape gender. With surprising insight, illustrated through Michael Douglas films of the 1980s and ’90s, Crispin dissects how power, desire, and identity collide, challenging readers to rethink what men are and what they might become.

Glen Masters and his daughter Lauren are on a road trip through the Appalachian Mountains in hopes of reconnecting after a family trauma. But what was supposed to be a quick stop for lunch turns into a nightmare. Armed men and a mysterious living water hold Glenn and his daughter hostage at a small diner. With help nowhere in sight, Glen will have to face his worst fears or risk losing everything.

In June 1975, two of three siblings are found dead in their home. Vincent, the lone survivor, lives under whispers that he killed them. Decades later, at the end of his career as a horror writer, his estranged daughter Olivia, is hired to write his final book, the memoir of what really happened that night. After 50 years, Vincent is ready to tell the truth.

In his debut novel, ARCHIVE OF UNKNOWN UNIVERSES, Ruben Reyes Jr. blends historical fiction and science fiction. He follows two families affected by the Salvadoran Civil War across alternate timelines. A device called The Defractor allows characters to glimpse alternate realities, exploring themes of fate, love, and the lasting impact of the war on different generations and immigrant experiences.

In Ruth Reichl’s THE PARIS NOVEL, a shy copy editor, Stella inherits a one-way ticket to Paris from her estranged mother and is pushed into a journey of self-discovery. Set in 1980s Paris, the novel follows her as she steps beyond her comfort zone — buying a Dior dress, diving into the city’s food, art, and fashion — and discovers a richer, more vibrant life.

A PERFECT FRENZY is the untold story of rebellion in Virginia that will forever change the understanding of the Revolution. In 1775, Lord Dunmore threatened to arm enslaved Africans to fight for the Crown. This provoked patriots to burn Norfolk, sparking Virginia’s call for independence. The story offers a new perspective on the revolution and reveals the seeds of the nation’s racial divide.

Investigative journalist Claire Campbell returns home after a call from her father pulls her back into past trauma — her sister vanished 22 years ago. Working at Galloway Farm — a scenic muscadine vineyard where her sister last seemed at peace — Claire discovers a mysterious diary describing unsolved crimes. She realizes the idyllic retreat may hold the key to her sister’s disappearance.

Author Andrew Maraniss speaks on the life and experiences of civil rights trailblazer Perry Wallace. Maraniss recounts Wallace's journey as the first basketball player to desegregate the SEC while playing for Vanderbilt University in STRONG INSIDE: PERRY WALLACE AND THE COLLISION OF RACE AND SPORTS IN THE SOUTH.

Author Signe Pike sits down with J.T. Ellison to discuss the newest entry in her 'The Lost Queen' series, 'The Shadowed Land.' Pike delves into the inspiration she drew from the often overlooked pre-Christian traditions of Scotland.

WHEN SOUTHERN WOMEN COOK is a first-of-its-kind cookbook from America’s Test Kitchen. This book features 300+ recipes and stories of the women who shaped Southern cuisine. Led by Toni Tipton-Martin and Morgan Bolling, it honors generations of cooks whose creativity and resilience define the diverse soul of Southern cooking.

Andre Dubus III navigates adulthood with diverse experiences: from chasing a drug lord in Mexico to confronting privilege in New York City. In GHOST DOGS, Dubus's book of essays, he reflects on personal growth, struggles with masculinity, and the power dynamics of gun ownership.

Griffin Hurt is struggling—between his role on The Nuclear Family, the pressures of Boyd Prep, and his wrestling coach’s demands, he’s on the brink. Instead of confiding in his family’s shrink, he turns to Naomi Shah, 22 years his senior. Playworld is a gripping tale of youth, miseducation, and excess, capturing 1980s Manhattan as Griffin navigates the blurred lines of adolescence and adulthood.

Martha, a librarian, marries Alan, a charming salesman often away for work. When she discovers a suspicious bloodstain on his shirt from a conference, Martha investigates Alan's travels, uncovering five unsolved murders. Unsure if Alan is a killer or if it's coincidence, she seeks advice from her friend Lily. Lily uncovers truths, leading to a twisty and clever exploration of deception and danger.

Lena Baker's life feels stable—until a wedding day confession upends everything. She struggles to teach her daughter self-love while questioning everything she knows about relationships, friendship, and motherhood. As she fights to preserve Oregon’s overlooked Black history, she navigates well-meaning but ignorant colleagues. Skin & Bones is a powerful story of heartbreak, identity, & healing

In 1874, haunted by war & loss, 12-year-old ConaLee and her silent mother, Eliza, journey to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Far from their mountain home, they navigate a world shaped by trauma, race, and resilience. Posing as her mother’s maid, ConaLee meets some unforgettable characters while Eliza begins her recovery. NIGHT WATCH is a tale of survival, identity, and hope in the wake of war.

Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez was born into a large, close-knit family in Nicaragua. She explores the complex dynamics of strong, resilient women in her book Tías and Primas. In this follow-up to For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts, she delves into intergenerational trauma, colonization, and sexism, offering a heartfelt tribute to family, community, and Latinas everywhere.

Nghi Vo’s novel The City in Glass is a tale of love, loss, and redemption. The demon Vitrine built the city of Azril into a place of joy, desire, and chaos. But when angels come, the city falls, and Vitrine is left to mourn the ruins and the lives lost. Bound to the angel who destroyed Azril, they unearth the past and fight to reshape the future—but will they save or destroy Azril once more?

Witty and poignant, Grief Is for People is Sloane Crosley’s moving exploration of loss following the death of her closest friend. In this memoir, Crosley confronts grief’s complexities through philosophy, art, and personal reflection, blending humor and empathy. A modern elegy, it challenges conventional notions of mourning while navigating friendship, family, and the impact of the pandemic.

Eli Cranor talks with Jeremy Finley about his thriller BROILER. The novel follows two families entangled in the world of an Arkansas chicken plant. When Edwin is fired by the ruthless manager Luke, he seeks revenge, sparking a deadly chain of events. This noir thriller exposes the divide between those at the top and those below, revealing the violent realities at the heart of the American Dream.

S.A. Cosby's ALL THE SINNERS BLEED is a Southern noir thriller following Titus Crown, the first Black sheriff in a small Virginia town. As he investigates the murder of a schoolteacher, Titus uncovers a web of racism, corruption, and hidden crimes. The novel explores justice, trauma, and the burden of history, blending fast-paced action with deep moral complexity.

“It's not the monster that's going to get you. It's the monster in the human that's going to get you.” Alma Katsu talks with Jeremy Finley about her supernatural thriller THE FERVOR.

How does unresolved trauma affect memory? In her novel WHAT FIRE BRINGS, New York Times bestselling author, Rachel Howzell Hall explores trauma, memory and loss. Hall talks with J.T. Ellison about her inspiration for the story and her new adventure co-writing fantasy.

Mark Greaney’s latest Gray Man thriller has Court Gentry caught between the Russian mafia and the CIA. After stealing records from the Swiss bank that employs him, Alex Velesky was hoping to expose a conspiracy, but accidentally unmasks a gold mine of corruption. Now a target of the Russian mafia and the CIA, Gentry and his lover, Zoya Zakharova, both want him but for different reasons.

“Somebody told me once that when we share meals with strangers we become closer. But, I think, when we share stories that’s when we really understand each other. Now, sharing meals warms our stomachs, but sharing stories warms our hearts.” Tan Twan Eng talks with Jeremy Finley about his book The House of Doors.

“I wrote a story, and I showed it to a schoolmate of mine. And, he read it and he didn’t believe that I was the one who wrote the story. He thought perhaps I had copied it from somewhere or something, and that was like a huge motivation for me to write.” Stephen Buoro talks with J.T. Ellison about his book The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa.

Ryan La Sala’s horror novel BEHOLDER is a chilling tale about art, aesthetic obsession and the gaze peering back at us from our reflections. Athan Bakirtzis has secured an invitation to a mysterious penthouse soiree for New York City’s artsy elite. But when the party descends into chaos, Athan is the primary suspect. In a race to prove his innocence, Athan is swept up in a supernatural mystery.

Christine Coulson talks with J.T. Ellison about her book One Woman Show.Christine Coulson's novel One Woman Show is told through a unique perspective. The characters are depicted as works of art and, using a strict label format of no more than 75 words, the story is told using museum wall labels. Precise and humorous, One Woman Show challenges conventional narratives, prompting readers to question who holds the authority to tell our stories.

John Scalzi talks with Jeremy Finley about his book Starter Villain.In John Scalzi’s novel Starter Villain, Charlie, a divorced substitute teacher living with his cat, inherits his long-lost uncle Jake’s supervillain business. Pulled into a war his uncle started, Charlie is up against a league of supervillains, but with unionized dolphins, hyper-intelligent talking cats, and a henchperson at his side, going bad is starting to look pretty good.

In a realm of four worlds, linked by London, magic spiraled out of control. To safeguard their realms, the worlds sealed their doors. A young runaway possessing a unique magical gift, obtains a device altering the fate of all the worlds. She holds the power to unite or unravel the delicate tapestry of these interconnected realms. V.E. Schwab talks with J.T. Ellison about her book The Fragile Threads of Power on NPT's original series A Word on Words.

“I have these four detectives, and because they're from that generation who were overlooked, they are invisible. And yet they're so incredibly wise and experienced. And if you're invisible and wise, then you make an amazing detective.” Richard Osman talks with Jeremy Finley about his book The Last Devil to Die, a Thursday Murder Club mystery on NPT's original series A Word on Words.

A rogue Russian military unit has disappeared in the heart of Ukraine, leaving a trail of war crimes in their wake. Their involvement in the abduction of an American aid worker presents a challenge, as direct military intervention is not an option. To resolve the crisis, the U.S. deploys, Scot Harvath with one mission: locate the aid worker and ensure that those responsible face the consequences.

“It just really struck me how unexpected it was, to me, that these wonderful things could coexist with these awful things.” Rebecca Fogg talks with Jeremy Finley about her book Beautiful Trauma.

Lidia Bastianich – the Italian-American chef, beloved public television personality, and cookbook author – shares her culinary expertise in "Lidia's a Pot, a Pan, and a Bowl." Lidia invites us on a delightful journey through the heart and soul of Italian cuisine, celebrating the simple yet soul-satisfying joys of cooking in everyday pots, pans, and bowls.

Rea Frey talks with Jeremy Finley about her book The Other Year.Kate Baker’s beach vacation turns into a heart-stopping ordeal when her daughter Olivia disappears in the water. Rea Frey's The Other Year explores parallel timelines: one where Olivia survives and Kate faces the challenges of motherhood, and another where Olivia tragically dies, forcing Kate to navigate grief and anger. It's a gripping tale of love, loss, and the unpredictable twists of life.

Author Matthew Quick talks with host J.T. Ellison about We are the Light, a novel exploring the complexities of human connection and self-discovery. Quick delves into themes of acceptance, forgiveness, and the transformative power of friendship. With a blend of empathy and wit, Quick’s narrative highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the existence of hope even in the darkest moments.

Noir writer Gabino Iglesias talks with host Jeremy Finley about his book The Devil Takes You Home. Filled with suspense, dark humor, and profound insights into the human condition, The Devil Takes You Home is a raw and unflinching exploration of the lengths people will go to survive and the consequences that await them.

“They continued to nurse people in the most terrible of conditions and they never lost their resolve or their resiliency.” Authors Lawhon, McMorris, and Meissner talk with J.T. Ellison about their book When We Had Wings. The novel is an interwoven tale about a trio of World War II nurses stationed in the South Pacific who go from a dream assignment to war overnight.

Join Nashville Public Television's A Word on Words for an engaging episode featuring acclaimed author Rick Bragg as he discusses his latest book, The Speckled Beauty, with host Jeremy Finley. In this captivating memoir, Bragg masterfully weaves together the Southern landscape and the deep bond between humans and their animal companions, particularly his beloved dog. Prepare for an enchanting conversation that explores the transformative power of literature, the wonders of the natural world, and the profound connections forged with our four-legged friends.

“My dad started reading this poem. I was three. I stopped him. I said, ‘Start over.’ Like, what is this? This is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard in my life! And so we started over, and I stopped him again. I said, ‘I will be a poet. This is for me.’” Tara M. Stringfellow talks with J.T. Ellison about her novel Memphis.

“It's the things that you don't want to write about. The things that seem a little too hard to look at. That is where I often find the best material is going to be.” Author Isaac Fitzgerald talks with host Jeremy Finley about Dirtbag, Massachusetts. This memoir is a captivating look at Fitzgerald’s transgressions, and how those sins make us who we are.

“It can be really hard to be yourself in the world, but it can feel worse to be someone that you’re not.” Casey Park’s talks with J.T. Ellison about Diary of a Misfit. Heartbreaking and poignant, Park’s journey to find her grandmother’s friend, Roy, a woman who lived as a man, examines a host of issues from opioid addiction and poverty to religion, gender identity, and sexuality.