Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and Jamie.  They break down the Washington Capitals and answer listener email about favorite books beyond Chatter (who has time?).  Nobody wins the pop quiz on banned books but all agree none should be (banned, that is). According to PEN America, this year over 10,000 books were banned in public schools, nearly triple the number from 2023.   Author, historian, journalist, ghostwriter Tripp Whetsell zooms in to share “Norman Lear – His Life and Times.”  It’s an intense look at the depth and breadth of one of television’s most important figures.

“Power of persuasion.“ Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and our favorite writer/author/entrepreneur Michael Croley.  Claude’s going all in on the horses. Mike, David, Claude, and Torie (not her really) break down the chaos of NIL in college sports.   Wright Thompson zooms in to share “The Barn,” his truly groundbreaking work on the 1955 murder of Emmett Till in Money, Mississippi.  Growing up 23 miles from the site of the killing, Thompson revisits the murder, the decades long cover up, and his own past.  

“Read it out loud.” Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie.  They break down Vanderbilt over ‘Bama and do emails.  The perennial “what are good books about politics?” is back, of course.  Jamie wins the pop quiz – guess the book by the bad NYT review.  COB alum and all time favorite Lou Bayard zooms in to share his latest, “The Wildes: A Novel in Five Acts.”  Only Lou has the guts to bring Oscar Wilde back to life and the talent to do so with empathy and insight and through the lives of Wilde’s family.

“Happiness” Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and her sister from another mother Liz Clarke.  Manny’s rocking:  check out Foxden Fairways for awesome kids’ golf attire and more.  Make sure you use promo code: MannyGolf15!   Recovering lawyer Gayle Weiswasser joins to talk about the soon-to-be-open independent  Wonderland Books in Bethesda, Maryland.  Writer, reporter, and podcaster Tommy Tomlinson zooms in to share “Dogland.”  Think Christopher Guest’s “Best in Show,” but with more history, insights, and fabulous stories about man’s best friends and their fascinating humans. And yes, the dogs are happy. 

Chatter rolls into fall with Claude, David, Jamie, and Torie. David debriefs his epic Parisian Olympic adventures. DC Public Library Foundation head Rob Hartman shares the Library back story and teases the October 5  "Battle of the Banned" in which DC librarians battle it out for title of “Best Banned Book Display.”  Author Tevi Troy zooms in to share his fact filled “The Power and the Money,” a meticulously researched look at how commanders in chief and corporate titans have collaborated and clashed throughout history.

Chatter rolls with Torie and Jamie.  David’s in Paris and Claude is golfing, so Lauren fills in with the important work.  They break down the Olympics (Lauren’s not a watcher), read a couple of emails and ponder the huge influence of women on all things books.  COB alum and fave Erica Wright zooms in from Knoxville to share her latest, “Hollow Bones.” Snakes figure prominently again, but so do orphans and psychics and reporters.  Totally gripping. Erica goes local with Union Avenue Books her favorite haunt in the heart of Knoxville.

“Political horror story.” Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Torie, and man about town Rodney Ferguson. They break down Wimbledon, rave about “James” by Percival Everett, and marvel at BookTok. David shares the back brief on his upcoming book “The Basketball 100,” a celebration of the best players in NBA History. Award winning, best selling and all around cool guy Erik Larson zooms in to chat about “The Demon of Unrest: A saga of hubris, heartbreak, and heroism at the dawn of the civil war.”  With his usual meticulous research and riveting writing, Larson brings new perspective on the months between Lincoln’s election and the Confederate shelling of Fort Sumter.  And despite the known outcome, there’s suspense too.

“Long overdue” Chatter rolls with Claude, David, Jamie and Torie.  They do “Chatter on Weddings” (they used to be a lot less complicated), contemplate a live show, share father’s day experiences, and somehow veer into what makes elite athletes so dedicated.  Karen Valby zooms in from Austin to share “The Swans of Harlem.” Until now, not many outside the world of ballet (heck, even inside that world) knew about five pioneering Black ballerinas and their remarkable friendship that has survived fifty years. 

“Revealing” Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Torie’s sister from another mother Liz Clarke. They do email (keep them coming!), share “worst ever injuries,” and marvel at the late great, Bill Walton’s Grateful Dead obsession. Bill Gates’ summer reading list has few takers; Torie’s most into “The Women,” historical fiction by Kristin Hannah. Multi-talented and trivia superstar Ben Rothenberg zooms in with “Naomi Osaka,” his remarkably revealing bio of a superstar tennis talent whose influence went well beyond the courts on which she played. 

“It’s important.” Chatter rolls at the Gaithersburg Book Festival with David, Torie, and Jamie. They rave about now Pulitzer Prize winning author Ilyon Woo whose “Master Slave Husband Wife” was featured on Chatter over a year ago. COB alum Anne Foster joins under the tent to share (again) “The Long War on Drugs,” her 360 degree look at decades of efforts to combat drugs. And she shares what it’s like to be one of David’s oldest and earest friends.

“Let’s get busy living!“ Chatter rolls with David, Claude and Torie.  They debrief the Gaithersburg Book Festival and speculate on why whales attacks (aka “Chatter on Whales”).  Bobby Gottfried got things going, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently signed a law banning book banning. They debate signs you should give up on a book. Award winning, poetry writing and publishing guru Abraham Chang zooms in to share his debut novel.  Packed with pop culture and blistering dialogue, “888 Love and the Divine Burden of Numbers” covers love, identity, and Chinese culture in a completely unique way. And he had fun writing it!

Chatter rolls into May with David, Torie, and America’s favorite book festival founder Mayor Jud Ashman.  They rave about the Derby, bemoan the celebrification (is that a word?)) of sporting events, and claim to be good sports parents.  Jud debriefs on the  Gaithersburg Book Festival.  Over one hundred authors, events, and workshops – not to mention it’s free and offers free parking.  Chatter will be there at 12:15 pm with Anne Foster and "The Long War on Drugs".  Award winning and debut novelist  Elizabeth O'Connor  zooms in from across the pond to share  "Whale Fall".  Glowing reviews on both sides of the ocean applaud O’Connor’s care in writing the story of a young woman finding herself on a remote Welsh island.  We’d add compelling and evocative.

“Relentless.” Chatter rolls with David, Torie, Jamie, and Claude. Jamie’s just back from Costa Rica – a definite yes for travel.  They bid a fond farewell to the iconic Eddie Sands, father of David, Steve, and Michael and patriarch of the iconic Calvert Woodley Fine Wines and Spirits.  Joe Drape joins to debrief on “Broken Horses,” the NYT expose on horse racing and its darker side.  Award winning, best selling, COB alum Susan Page zooms in to share “The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters.” Forget everything you thought you knew about the iconic journalist, Walters overcame and endured multiple challenges in her professional quest to be the best.  Page conducted over 150 interviews and researched extensively to “uncover so much more” about Walters, as Connie Chung put it.  Susan “Goes Local” with DC’s West End Public Library.  They serve everyone in a diverse community, but we have to get Susan’s books on the shelves!

“You never know about tomorrow.” Chatter rolls with Torie and COB’s favorite Mayor, Jud Ashman. The eclipse eclipses March Madness. Shout outs to Rob Dundon, Jake, and COB authors in Middleburg Books. They debate the funniest novels (sort of), and Jud briefs the May 18 Gaithersburg Book Festival.   Over a hundred authors and events and good weather guaranteed. Plus it’s free. Award winning and thrill seeking author Eric Blehm zooms in with “The Darkest White.” Harrowing and inspiring, his gripping account of the short life of legendary snowboarder Craig Kelly mesmerizes and inspires.

“The book he was meant to write.” Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jamie. March Madness rules and inspires book ideas. Torie spots COB authors in airports and on The Atlantic’s best novels list.  Best selling, award winning, and all around cool guy James Grady zooms in to share “The Smoke in Our Eyes.”  With his typically brilliant writing and imagination, Grady captures a very modern coming of age story.  In Going Local, he chats up the Toole County Library, his favorite place in Shelby, Montana.

“Secrets that should be told.” Chatter rolls in like a lion with David, Torie, Jamie, and special guest Ann Hornaday.  In addition to the usual, they’re talking about non-books things like Caitlin Clark – awesome.  Award winning Wash Post movie critic Ann Hornaday joins for Oscar buzz and what makes a good book into a good movie (or not!).  NYT bestseller Liza Mundy zooms in to share “The Sisterhood,” her revelatory history of the role of women in the CIA.  With meticulous research and wonderful storytelling, Liza tells important stories unheard for too long.  As part of COB’s “Go Local,” she chats up her favorite libraries and independent bookstores.  DC’s MLK Library gets her nod for a Chatter on Books donation.

“It’s really life lessons.” Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson.  They break down the Super Bowl and marvel at the life well lived by remarkable publisher (think “Jaws,: “The Exorcist,” and “Catcher in the Rye”).  Student of life and former Mafia associate Louis Ferrante zooms in to share “Borgata: Rise of Empire, a History of the American Mafia.”  Ferrante blends personal anecdotes with a remarkable grasp of history to track the rise of organized crime in America.  This is part one of a trilogy – he will be back!

“Ferrari Brain” Chatter rolls with Claude, Torie, and Jamie. They hope the best for King Charles, and Torie gets to rave about Pebble Beach.  The “most checked out books” includes “The Snowy Day,”  and Jamie’s all over it.  Prolific writer and book doctor Mark Wish zooms in to share his (according to Torie) somewhat autobiographical “Necessary Deeds.” Wish’s protagonist is a literary agent turned convict, imprisoned for a crime of passion. “Necessary Deeds” quickly goes down a twisting and wonderful mind path of revenge and redemption. 

“Effects that last a lifetime.” Chatter rolls into 2024 with David, Torie, and Jamie.  They praise Tara VanDerveer, the winningest NCAA basketball coach, break down self-publisher Beatrix Potter, decide that dogs rule and we all have a ton of books.  Longtime journalist Chip Reid zooms in to share “Battle Scars.” Twenty years after embedding with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines in the Iraq War, Chip tells their stories of bravery, comradeship, and how the war changed their lives. Terrifying and inspiring all at once.   

“Empathy” Chatter rolls into the holidays with David, Torie, Marc Sterne and our favorite Mayor Jud Ashman.  Book news (COB authors continue to crush “best of” lists) and holiday gift ideas start things off.  Jud pitches us all on poetry – Billy Collins might just be the exception (and who knew Marc was a fan?).  Rebecca Renner zooms in with “Gator Country,” her fascinating and beautifully written look at the complex intertwining of people, creatures, and plants all struggling to survive.

“They fought.” Chatter rolls into the holidays with David, Torie, and Jamie. They do their own version of “deserted island” (some go practical) and all are conflicted on book recommendations for holiday gift buyers.  Just peruse Chatter on Books and you’ll find so many good ones.  Business leader, Tommy Hilfiger pal, and former Wienermobile ambassador Doug Melville zooms in to share “Invisible Generals,” his deeply moving story of family, race, and indomitable will.  It’s an important story and a fabulous read. 

Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jamie. Favorite childhood toys start things off.  They all rave about COB alums who continue to crush “best of 23” lists.  It turns out high school students are stealing and reading books — is that a good thing?  Historian, teacher and longtime DA friend Anne Foster zooms in to share “The Long War on Drugs.” Beautifully written and meticulously researched, Anne’s book takes a 360 degree and highly illuminating journey around the decades old efforts to combat drugs.

“Glamour bomb.“ Chatter’s annual family Thanksgiving show rolls with David, Torie, renaissance man Nevin Martell, and celebrity mixologist Rodney Ferguson. They catch up on book news as COB alums Ilyon Woo and David Von Drehele crush “best of 2023” lists. COB fave Karin Tanabe zooms in to share “The Sunset Crowd.” Any time a review has you and Gatsby in the same sentence you know you’ve got something good. Karin’s searing prose and uncanny cultural instincts capture Hollywood fantasies and the American dream.  And the gang goes deep on imposter syndrome.

“They’re just the best.” Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and her sister from another mother Liz Clarke. They agree no one really understands sign stealing.  Of course the Puritans were the first book banners! Dr. Jen Golbeck, creator of the Golden Ratio, and award winning writer Stacey Colino zoom in to share “The Purest Bond – Understanding the Human-Canine Connection.” Golbeck and Colino put the science behind the physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits that come with having a dog in the house.  With research and real-life stories they demonstrate how dogs help us live better lives. 

“Making it possible.“ Chatter rolls with Torie and Jamie as David cheers on his beloved American Eagles at their season opener. Torie and Jamie kick around some book news, sort of but mostly talk about gambling.  CIA military analyst Lena Andrews zooms in to share “Valiant Women: The extraordinary American servicewomen who helped win World War II.”  She tells long neglected stories of the women from every race, creed, and walk of life who served and fought in every service, combat theater, and nearly two-thirds of all occupations.  Without them, the war would not have been won, and Andrews brings their stories to life with meticulous research and compelling writing.

“Wasn’t worth the pencil.“ Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jamie. Claude recounts his weekend covering the “triathlon of equestrian sports” in Maryland. They review status of the Musk and Sam Bankman-Fried books (Musk still beating SBF), and Torie revels gently about Jann Wenner’s book not doing well.  They kick around the latest AI debate: Okay to use authors’s work to “train” AI?  Nobody likes it, but nobody knows how to fix it either. Author Edward Carey zooms in to share “Edith Holler.” Truly original, it draws upon his writing, illustrating, and playwrighting experience. Fantastical and current all at the same time, “Edith Holler” is deep and highly entertaining at the same time.

“There is no learning without love.“ Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Chuck Culpepper. They revisit the women’s world cup in New Zealand and Australia and catch up on the Michael Lewis book about Sam Bankman-Fried (maybe not his best yet?). In the spirit of the baseball playoffs they pick best baseball books ever. Journalist Bruce Schoenfeld zooms in to share “Game of Edges: The Analytics Revolution and the Future of Professional Sports.”  He combines masterful storytelling with extraordinary insider access to tell the fascinating stories about the tech savvy people who are transforming every aspect of sports. Optimistic or pessimistic about the future of sports? 

“What makes us human?“ Chatter rolls with David, Torie, and Jud Ashman. David wins the Faulkner birthday pop quiz. They break down new books on Elon Musk and Sam Bankman-Fried (two good authors but the subjects?). They cover the good, the bad, and the ugly of blurbs (do they sell books?).  COB fave and award winning, best-selling author Angie Kim zooms in to share “Happiness Falls.” Angie combines beautiful writing with a truly original story that prompts thought-provoking insights into what’s really important in life. And please check out Rob Dundon’s 3rd Annual Alzheimer’s Fundraiser Raffle & Auction for Cathy’s Legacy , a good cause combined with terrific books!

“Choices.” Chatter rolls with David, Torie and Jamie. They rave about Deeshaw Philyah (seven figure deal for two new books) and Nane Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (nominated for National Book Award) and pile on Jann Wenner (what a jerk). Award winning author and teacher Brando Skyhorse zooms in to share “My Name is Iris.” It starts out as one thing and subtly shifts to a searing take on family, identity, and intolerance. Washington Post critic Ron Charles calls it “ominous social satire” and asks “could there be a more incisive diagnosis of our era?” It’s terrific.

“The best of friends.“ Chatter rolls into fall with favorite alums and powerful friendships. David, Torie, and Louis Bayard share their summer vacations. COB listener Bobby Gottfried has rare good news on book banning. The best of friends and award winning writers to boot, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray zoom in to share “The First Ladies” about the extraordinary partnership between civil rights activist Mary Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt. As COB alum Sadeqa Johnson said in her blurb: “The timely story encapsulates the unmovable power of when two strong minds come together in the name of justice and equality.”

“Harrowing.” Chatter rolls with Torie, Jud Ashman, Marc Sterne, and Lily Martin.  Jud and the Gaithersburg Book Festival team already looking ahead to 2024.  Marc schools the gang on big generational changes in tennis and the graciousness of a runner up. Lawyer turned writer Philip Jett zooms in to share “Stranded in the Sky – The Untold Story of Pan Am Luxury Airliners Trapped on the Day of Infamy.” Jett combines meticulous research with deft storytelling. “Stranded in the Sky” brings vivid accounts of the most luxurious airliners in the world trapped in the vast Pacific Ocean as the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and other targets.

“Fearless.” Chatter rolls with David, Claude, Torie, and newly promoted Content Manager Lily Martin. They kick around more book banning (really? The Bible now?) and more on Threads (we’re there). Lily breaks down YA for the more mature Chatterers and names Leah Johnson as one her favorites in the genre. Award winning athlete and long-time on air host and reporter, Lisa Cornwell zooms in to share “Troublemaker.”  She reveals details of her childhood success as an athlete, her battles with personal demons, and friends in very high places. As a veteran voice at Golf Channel she fearlessly tackled the toxic environment she encountered as a woman in a decidedly male culture.

“The future needs a seat at the table.” Chatter rolls with David, Torie, Jamie, and Content Manager Lily. Lily  wins the pop quiz on best sellers. Unlikely TikTok star gets the best seller treatment. Lily enlightens again, this time on TikTok’s new publishing arm. Big brains Andy Hoehn and Thom Shanker zoom in to share “Age of Danger – Keeping America Safe in an Era of New Superpowers, New Weapons, and New Threats.” National security veterans of many years, Hoehn and Shanker break down the major challenges the U.S. faces and what should be done about them. The takeaway? Be afraid. And somewhat encouraged.

“Keep making friends.” Chatter rolls into July with Torie, Claude, Renaissance man Nevin Martell and Intern/Content Manager Lily Martin. They marvel at Legos and Nevin’s status as the “Anthony Bourdain of foraging.”  Award winning David Von Drehle zooms in from the heartland to share “The Book of Charlie.”  David’s neighbor, Dr. Charlie White, thrived through more than a century of change with resilience, grit and ever present stoicism. There are epic journeys, medical innovations, heartaches, and loves.

"Isolation.“ June races by as Chatter rolls with David, Torie, Jamie, and Intern/Content Manager Lily Martin Current events is up first as they break down subs, Russia and NBA phenoms. Hard to tell who will do better as a presidential candidate – David or Jamie. Academy award nominee Iris Yamashita zooms in to share “City Under One Roof.” Yamashita’s story telling prowess is obvious in her tantalizing and sometimes dark look at a murder in a small town with complex relationships.

“A different path.” Chatter rolls with David, Torie and NYT writer Joe Drape. They praise the Goddess (aka Dolly), read email (only the good ones), and bemoan the state of horse racing. Award winning and truly original author Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah zooms in to share “Chain Gang All-Stars.” His debut novel, “Chain Gang” pits two women gladiators against each other in a fight for freedom that’s about so much more than you think. Read the footnotes. Adjei-Brenyah’s stunning writing makes every page a delight to read. 

“Transendence.“ Chatter rolls with David, Jamie, and Torie. They break down the best of children’s books, the amazing Michael Lewis, and finally get to the loss of lit majors nationwide. Adding significantly to the conversation is Lily Martin, COB’s new intern (or title to be determined). Author Laura Scalzo zooms in the share “American Arcadia.” Ostensibly about four young New Yorkers in 1985, Scalzo’s novel weaves compelling characters and life-changing themes in a truly original way.

“Reclaiming history.” Chatter rolls at the Gaithersburg Book Festival with historian, professor, and author Theresa Runstedtler. She shares “Black Ball: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Spencer Haywood, and the Generation That Saved the Soul of the NBA.” Meticulously researched and compellingly written, the book chronicles and corrects the league’s history, both its “dark ages” of the 1970s and subsequent rise.  She weaves historical insights and social analysis into a fascinating look at how the game was changed and the players launched the NBA into the global powerhouse it is today.

“Truth and hope.” Renaissance man Nevin Martell joins David and Torie to talk food, foraging, and the Gaithersburg Book Festival. They answer emails and talk about life in Washington without Dan Snyder. Award winning writer Cheryl A. Head zooms in to share “Time’s Undoing.” Based on her family’s history, Cheryl expertly weaves one family’s tragedy into a searing portrait of institutional racism and the hope that honesty can produce.

“Worlds colliding.” Jamie McIntyre and Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman join Torie as Chatter rolls into spring. They bemoan what’s happening in horse racing, learn why Gaithersburg is America’s most diverse city, preview the May 20 Gaithersburg Book Festival, and guess famous authors’ day jobs (Jud kind of wins). Best-selling author, journalist, and historian Susan Wels zooms in to share “An Assassin in Utopia: The true story of a nineteenth-century sex cult and a president’s murder.” In a six degrees of separation way, Wels weaves the fascinating true stories of sex-crazed utopian societies, a banished member and the brutal assassination of the 20th president. And don’t miss Horace Greeley, P.T. Barnum, a cross-dressing spy, and female doctor.  Articulate research and compelling writing make it a “can’t put down” book.

“Hell-bent.” It’s a Chatter hall of fame as David and Torie are joined by Angie Kim, Tope Folarin, and Lou Bayard. They bemoan book banning and admit to acceptance speeches never given. Angie previews “Happiness Falls” coming out in September, and Lou raises the curtain on the upcoming PEN/Faulkner Awards. Award winning and best selling author several times over Dennis Lehane zooms in to share  “Small Mercies.” Set in Boston during the explosive desegregation of public schools, “Small Mercies” is unflinching.  Lehane’s masterful storytelling grabs you with its deep dive into power, racism, and the love of a mother. And we think it was cathartic for Dennis.

“Navigation” Torie and David welcome back Mike Croley, award winning author, teacher and golf fanatic. They break down the sale (thank heaven) of the Washington football team, guess who the best-seller on Time’s most influential list is, and play “Can we save this classic?” Cannibalism always helps. Thanks to his friendship with Mike, PEN/Faulkner finalist Matthew Salesses zooms in to share “Sense of Wonder,” his fictional take on the triumphs and challenges of NBA star Jeremy Lin’s ascendancy.  Ron Charles of The Washington Post describes it as “a remarkable feat of artistic prowess.” We call it a blast to read and about so much more than sports and entertainment.   

“Love“ Chatter rolls with David, Torie, Jamie,  and our favorite Mayor – Jud Ashman. They break down the Masters (sadly good for LIV), and Jud updates everybody on The Gaithersburg Book Festival. Think dozens of authors (including Chatter alums), events, free admission and free parking! It’s May 20 at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg. NYT best selling author Ilyon Woo zooms in to share the remarkable story of Ellen and William Craft, two enslaved people who fled to freedom disguised as a white man and his slave. “MASTER SLAVE HUSBAND WIFE” is filled with illuminating details, historical precision and suspense. At its core, it’s one of history’s most important love stories. 

“Time, being and perspective.” Chatter rolls with a packed house as Angie Kim, Michael Kornheiser and Rodney Ferguson join David, Torie and Claude. Rodney’s just back from Senegal and updates the gang on his men’s book club. The countdown’s on for Angie’s new book “Happiness Falls,” out in September. Michael gives an update on the offspring (books are big with them!) and recalls Chatter’s first take on “Station Eleven.” Speaking of, author Emily St. John Mandel zooms in to share “Sea of Tranquility,” her stunning novel about time travel, love, and the very existence of life as we know it.  The New Yorker calls it “Destabilizing, extraordinary, and blood-boiling.”  Yep. 

“Seductive.” March madness is underway with Torie, David, and returning author (and secret sports fan) Ana Reyes. Chatter welcomes its youngest author, 10 year old Manny Jennings, author of “It’s OK to be Me.” It’s an inspiring book about how he stutters and how he lives his best life every day.  COB’s favorite intel author Alma Katsu returns, this time with “Red London,” the gripping and entirely plausible story of spies, turncoats, and post-Putin Russia. And a reminder: Chatter will be back at the Gaithersburg Book Festival 2023 on May 20. Dozens of authors and events, it’s at Borer Park and is free!

“Families!” Chatter rolls into March with David, Torie and Jud Ashman. Jud debriefs the 2023 Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 20 with dozens of authors and hopefully a special Chatter on Books taping. David shares his Union Station Colleen Hoover experience, and they all marvel at her staying power. Four leaders of the Child2ChildFoundation join in. Inspired by a shared love for books and a desire to help others, these remarkable young women have sent over 60,000 books to children in Nigeria and Ghana. Finally, COB favorite Ed Aymar zooms in to share “No Home for Killers,” his latest murder mystery that goes deep into the ties and tragedies of one unique family.

“Disturbing and inspiring.” Chatter wraps up February with betting, debates and a deeply provocative book. David, Torie, and Jamie revisit Super Bowl betting – the most ever – and its societal impact. They agree on the Roald Dahl censorship debate (it’s all about context). Award winning and brilliantly original Tiffany McDaniel zooms in to share “On the Savage Side.” Called “exceptionally inventive” by the New York Times, McDaniel weaves a magical tapestry of lives connected by addiction but defined by much more.

“Total page turner“ Chatter rolls with a Feb 14 special – sort of. David, Torie and Jamie break down the Super Bowl. All the guys say no romance in their reading history.  They cover book recommendations for Valentine’s Day, some are serious, and some are not. Best selling and creative writing teacher of older adults Ana Reyes zooms in. She shares her deeply disturbing and “can’t put it down” “The House in the Pines.” At turns troubling and always mesmerizing, it’s about friendships and memory and is the definition of psychological thriller.