Marginalia
Episodes
John Boyne on his novel 'The Elements'
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay speaks with John Boyne about his novel, "The Elements." Plus, Lynne Graham, marketing and events coordinator at Watermark Books & Cafe in W...
Revisiting: Poet Kevin Young on his collection, 'Night Watch'
04 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We revisit a conversation with Kevin Young on his poetry collection, 'Night Watch,' and Suzanne Perez reviews 'Discontent' by Beatriz Serrano.
Bar Fridman-Tell on her novel 'Honeysuckle'
28 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay speaks with Bar Fridman-Tell about her debut novel, 'Honeysuckle.' Plus, Kate Layte, founder and owner of Papercuts Bookshop in the Jamaica...
Nancy Foley on her debut novel, 'I Am Agatha'
21 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay speaks with Nancy Foley on her debut novel, 'I Am Agatha.' Plus, book reviewer Suzanne Perez reviews the new novel, 'Good People,' by Patme...
Revisiting: Karen Russell on her novel 'The Antidote'
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We revisit a conversation with Karen Russell on 'The Antidote' ahead of the paperback release.
Saba Sams on 'Gunk'
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay speaks with Saba Sams about her new novel, 'Gunk.' And Suzanne Perez brings us a review of Jeannette McCurdy's 'Half His Age.'
Tayari Jones on 'Kin'
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay speaks with Tayari Jones on her new novel, "Kin," plus James Crossley, owner of Leviathan Bookstore in St. Louis, MO.
Grant Ginder on 'So Old, So Young' and Torrey Maldonado on 'Just Right'
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay visits with two authors this week - Grant Ginder, author of the novel "So Old, So Young," and Torrey Maldonado, who wrote the children's bo...
Jonathan Miles on 'Eradication'
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay visits with Jonathan Miles about his novel, "Eradication." Plus, a conversation with Latasha Eley Kelly, owner of Left on Read bookstore in...
Naeem Murr on 'Every Exit Brings You Home'
07 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay visits with Naeem Murr about his novel, "Every Exit Brings You Home." And Suzanne Perez visits with Mychal Threets about his book for kids,...
Larissa Pham on her novel 'Discipline'
31 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Marginalia, Beth Golay speaks with Larissa Pham about her book, "Discipline." And book critic, Suzanne Perez, reviews "Flesh" by David Sz...
Angela Tomaski on her novel, 'The Infamous Gilberts'
24 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Marginalia, Beth Golay visits with Angela Tomaski about her novel, "The Infamous Gilberts." Plus, book critic Suzanne Perez reviews...
Belle Burden on her memoir 'Strangers'
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Marginalia, Beth Golay speaks with author Belle Burden about her memoir, "Strangers," and book critic Suzanne Perez reviews the nov...
Stefan Merrill Block on his memoir 'Homeschooled'
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Marginalia, Beth Golay speaks with author Stefan Merrill Block about his memoir, "Homeschooled." Plus, book critic Suzanne Perez re...
Ben Markovits on 'The Rest of Our Lives'
03 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Marginalia, Beth Golay speaks with author Ben Markovits about his novel, The Rest of Our Lives. Plus book critic Suzanne looks ahead to s...
Patrick Ryan on his novel 'Buckeye'
27 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Marginalia, Beth Golay visits with author Patrick Ryan about his novel, "Buckeye."
Virginia Evans on 'The Correspondent'
20 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Marginalia, Beth Golay speaks with author Virginia Evans about her novel, The Correspondent.
L.M. Chilton on his satirical mystery, 'Everyone in the Group Chat Dies'
13 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Marginalia, Beth Golay speaks with author L.M. Chilton about his satirical murder mystery, Everyone in the Group Chat Dies; Suzanne Perez...
Susan Orlean on her memoir, 'Joyride'
06 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Marginalia, Beth Golay speaks with author Susan Orlean about her memoir, Joyride.
Frode Grytten on 'The Ferryman and His Wife'
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Marginalia, Beth Golay speaks with the author and translator of “The Ferryman and His Wife,” Frode Grytten and Alison McCullough. And...
Sue Roe on the Six Women Who Shaped Picasso's Life
22 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Marginalia, Beth Golay speaks with Sue Roe about her new book, Hidden Portraits: Six Women Who Shaped Picasso’s Life, and Suzanne Perez...
Quiara Alegria Hudes on 'The White Hot'
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Marginalia, Beth Golay speaks with Quiara Alegria Hudes about her new novel, The White Hot, Suzanne Perez reviews The Correspondent by Vi...
Oyinkan Braithwaite on her novel 'Cursed Daughters'
08 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Marginalia, Beth Golay speaks with My Sister, the Serial Killer author Oyinkan Braithwaite about her new novel, Cursed Daughters, Suzanne...
Nicholas Thompson on 'The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports'
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on Marginalia, Beth Golay speaks with Nicholas Thompson about his new book, The Running Ground, and Suzanne Perez reviews Wreck by Catherine...
Gish Jen on her 'autobiographical' novel, 'Bad Bad Girl'
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest Marginalia, author Gish Jen describes how she blended fiction with nonfiction in her story of her mother’s life.
Megha Majumdar on 'A Guardian and A Thief'
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Megha Majumdar on 'A Guardian and A Thief'
Joy Harjo on her new new collection of essays, "Girl Warrior: On Coming of Age"
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay speaks with three-term United States Poet Laureate Joy Harjo about her new collection of essays, "Girl Warrior: On Coming of Age."
Lily King on her new novel, 'Heart the Lover'
04 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with author Lily King about her new novel, "Heart the Lover."
Ian McEwan on his new novel, 'What We Can Know'
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ian McEwan is best known for his books On Chesil Beach and Atonement. Beth Golay spoke with McEwan about his 19th novel, What We Can Know.
Jane Hamilton on her new novel, 'The Phoebe Variations'
20 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Jane Hamilton about "The Phoebe Variations."
John Boyne on his new novel, 'The Elements'
13 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with author John Boyne about his new novel, The Elements, which is a collection of four stories that examines sexual abuse f...
Poet Kevin Young on his new collection, 'Night Watch'
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with “Night Watch” author Kevin Young about the themes of loss and memory in his latest poetry collection and the influe...
Jessica Francis Kane on her new novel, 'Fonseca'
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with "Fonseca" author Jessica Francis Kane about her love for Penelope Fitzgerald and her real-life relationship with Fitzge...
Janice Graham on her new spy novel, 'Red Lily'
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Janice Graham's new novel, Red Lily, begins when her main character discovers that he's inherited an estate from his aunt's who just died. One problem...
Emily Adrian on her new novel, 'Seduction Theory'
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Emily Adrian about her book, Seduction Theory, which explores the limits of a marriage.
Ally Carter on 'The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold'
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Ally Carter about her love of all things spy, how her books have evolved, and what’s next for her.
Stephanie Wambugu on her debut novel, 'Lonely Crowds'
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Stephanie Wambugu about her debut novel, Lonely Crowds, which follows a decades-long friendship between Ruth and Maria,...
Elif Shafak on her novel, 'There Are Rivers In the Sky'
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Elif Shafak about how "The Epic of Gilgamesh" in part inspired "There Are Rivers In the Sky," and the challenges of hol...
Kate Russo on her new literary thriller, 'Until Alison'
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Kate Russo about her novel, from character development to craft.
Ayşegül Savaş on her new story collection, 'Long Distance'
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay visits with Ayşegül Savaş about her collection of stories titled 'Long Distance,' which are all set in vibrant locales, and typically fe...
Amy McCulloch on her new novel, 'Runner 13'
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When writing thrillers, author Amy McCulloch likes to write about what she knows, whether it's climbing one of the world's tallest mountains, explorin...
Megan Hunter on her new novel, 'Days of Light'
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Megan Hunter about the challenge of capturing one day per decade, and how Ivy finds meaning in her life in "Days of Lig...
Maria Reva on her novel, 'Endling'
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Maria Reva about her characters and how she incorporates her own life into "Endling."
Tash Aw on his new novel, 'The South'
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with author Tash Aw about "The South," which follows a family one summer as they move to an inherited farm in southern Malay...
Mary Morris on her new novel, 'The Red House'
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Mary Morris about her Italian travels that led to the book "The Red House," her own connections with the characters, an...
Amanda Hess on her book, 'Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age'
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Amanda Hess, who works as a critic-at-large for the New York Times, where she writes about culture and the internet abo...
Annie Hartnett on her new novel, 'The Road to Tender Hearts'
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Annie Hartnett about the inspiration behind "The Road to Tender Hearts" and her unique voice that blends the true to li...
Jo Harkin on her historical novel, 'The Pretender'
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When Jo Harkin was in the middle of writing a science fiction novel, she took a procrastination break to read a book about kings and queens. That’s ...
Andrew Porter on his new novel, 'The Imagined Life'
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How much do we really want to know about our parents' past lives? Author Andrew Porter recently told KMUW's Beth Golay that this is just one question ...
Visiting poet Michael Prior on his two collections 'Model Disciple' and 'Burning Province'
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Writing Now | Reading Now: Reading with visiting poet Michael Prior will begin at 6 pm on Tuesday, April 8th at the Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichit...
Sarah Kay on her poetry collection, 'A Little Daylight Left'
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Sarah Kay about her new collection of poetry, A Little Daylight Left.
Ron Currie on his new novel, 'The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne'
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Ron Currie about "The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne." Currie will be at Watermark Books & Cafe for an author event...
Evie Wyld on 'The Echoes'
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Evie Wyld about her novel, 'The Echoes,' which touches on the indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history ...
Karen Russell on her new novel, 'The Antidote'
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Karen Russell about where her novel "The Antidote" began for her.
Nathaniel Ian Miller on his new novel, 'Red Dog Farm'
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently poke with Nathaniel Ian Miller about the relationship dynamics in "Red Dog Farm," and how he accidentally wrote a second book set ...
Sophie Madeline Dess on her debut novel, 'What You Make of Me'
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Sophie Madeline Dess about the different artistic mediums featured in her debut novel, "What You Make of Me."
Eric Puchner on his new novel, 'Dream State'
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In his new novel, author Eric Puchner's "Dream State" explores the effects of climate change through a multi-generational saga. As he tells KMUW's Bet...
Tova Mirvis on her new novel, 'We Would Never'
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Tova Mirvis about her novel "We Would Never," inspired by the discovery of a true crime story.
Mischa Berlinski on Shakespeare, actors and 'Mona Acts Out'
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"Mona Acts Out" by Mischa Berlinski is a novel set in the world of theatre in New York City, specifically, Shakespearean theatre. KMUW's Beth Golay vi...
Lola Kirke on her new book, 'Wild West Village'
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lola Kirke grew up feeling like an outsider in her larger-than-life family of creatives. In her new book titled "Wild West Village," she details some ...
Adam Ross on his new novel, 'Playworld'
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In his new coming-of-age novel, Playworld, author Adam Ross writes about a child actor who must also deal with school, young crushes, adults behaving ...
Adam Haslett on his new novel, 'Mothers and Sons'
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pulitzer Prize–finalist Adam Haslett has a new novel out today titled, Mothers and Sons. The book explores grief, immigration, sexuality and politic...
Philip Nel on 'How to Draw the World: Harold and the Purple Crayon and the Making of a Children’s Classic'
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Philip Nel about the structure of his new book "How to Draw the World: Harold and the Purple Crayon and the Making of a...
Lily Tuck on her new book, 'The Rest is Memory'
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
National Book Award-winner Lily Tuck has a new novel out that's a haunting blend of fact with fiction. KMUW's Beth Golay recently spoke with Tuck abou...
Jane Pek on 'The Rivals' - the second book in her mystery series
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Jane Pek about her mystery series featuring amateur sleuth Claudia Lin.
Juhea Kim on her sophomore novel, 'City of Night Birds'
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
KMUW's Beth Golay visits with Juhea Kim about her sophomore novel, City of Night Birds, set in the complex world of the Russian ballet.
Billy Collins on his new poetry collection, 'Water, Water'
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with two-time US Poet Laureate Billy Collins about his new poetry collection, "Water, Water."
Melanie Cheng on her novel 'The Burrow'
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
KMUW's Beth Golay visits with author Melanie Cheng about her novel, 'The Burrow,' a beautiful look at a family dealing with grief.
Sy Montgomery on her new book, 'What the Chicken Knows'
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Sy Montgomery about what we should know about the world’s most familiar bird, and what the bird actually knows.
Holly Wilson on her debut novel, 'Kittentits'
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Holly Wilson will be at the Ulrich Museum on Wednesday, October 30, beginning at 5:30 pm for the Writing Now Reading Now program.
Anna Montague on her debut novel, 'How Does That Make You Feel, Magda Eklund?'
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Anna Montague about her debut novel "How Does That Make You Feel, Magda Ecklund?" and the complexities of grief, friend...
Charles Baxter on his new book, 'Blood Test: A Comedy'
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Charles Baxter about comedic writing and some of the real world businesses that predict our future actions in order to ...
Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin on their new book for young readers, 'The Bletchley Riddle'
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin about "The Bletchley Riddle," their first collaboration with each other.
Sarah Smarsh on her collection of essays, 'Bone of the Bone'
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with "Bone of the Bone" author Sarah Smarsh.
Lauren Elkin on her novel, 'Scaffolding'
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with "Scaffolding" author, Lauren Elkin, about exploring grief, desire, love and fidelity.
Melissa Petro on her book, 'Shame on You: How to Be a Woman in the Age of Mortification'
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with "Shame on You" author Melissa Petro about her experience with shame and the unique ways women experience different form...
Colm Tóibín on his new book of essays, 'On James Baldwin'
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On what would have been James Baldwin's 100th birthday, KMUW's Beth Golay spoke with Colm Tóibín about his new collection of essays, "On James Baldw...
Coco Mellors on her new novel, 'Blue Sisters'
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
KMUW's Beth Golay speaks with author Coco Mellors about family, grief and addiction in her novel 'Blue Sisters'.
Amanda Jones on being 'That Librarian'
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When school librarian, Amanda Jones, spoke out against censorship at a public library board meeting in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, she had no idea s...
Priscilla Morris on her novel, 'Black Butterflies'
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with "Black Butterflies" author, Priscilla Morris, about the impact of art during conflict, the challenges faced during the ...
Kristopher Jansma on his new novel, 'Our Narrow Hiding Places'
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Kristopher Jansma about the hardship and lasting effects of generational trauma in "Our Narrow Hiding Places."
Jessica Anthony on her new novel, 'The Most'
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At first glance, Jessica Anthony’s novel, The Most, takes place on a single unseasonably hot day in November 1957. But as she tells KMUW’s Beth Go...
Juliet Grames on her new novel, 'The Lost Boy of Santa Chionia'
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Juliet Grapes about her new novel, "The Lost Boy of Santa Chionia." The book is a mystery packed with intricate family ...
Kevin Barry on his new novel, 'The Heart in Winter'
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Kevin Barry's The Heart in Winter, an Irish immigrant living in Butte, Montana, falls in love with another man’s mail order bride.
Ben Shattuck on his new story collection, 'The History of Sound'
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with author Ben Shattuck about the quality of audiobooks, his story being adapted into a movie and more.
Hampton Sides on Captain James Cook and 'The Wide Wide Sea'
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay visits with Hampton Sides about his new book, "The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain ...
Liz Moore on her new novel, 'The God of the Woods'
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with author Liz Moore about her new novel, "The God of the Woods."
Catherine Newman on her new novel, 'Sandwich'
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with "Sandwich" author, Catherine Newman.
Claire Lombardo on her sophomore novel, 'Same As It Ever Was'
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with "Same As It Ever Was" author, Claire Lombardo about capturing Julia’s voice throughout the decades and the challenges...
Nicola Yoon on her new adult novel, 'One of Our Kind'
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with "One of Our Kind' author, Nicola Yoon about Jasmyn’s complicated view of the world, the real-world issues discussed i...
Sarah Gilmartin on her novel 'Service'
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay spoke with "Service" author, Sarah Gilmartin about the rise of the Me Too movement in Ireland, writing from uncommon perspectives, and more...
Yael van der Wouden on her debut novel, 'The Safekeep'
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with "The Safekeep" author, Yael van der Wouden about Isabel’s relationship with her brothers, how the post World War II s...
Jaclyn Goldis on 'The Main Character'
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with "The Main Character" author, Jaclyn Goldis about her love of mysteries, how she plots her stories, and her background i...
Nicholson Baker on 'Finding a Likeness: How I Got Somewhat Better at Art'
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Nicholson Baker about his new novel, "Finding a Likeness: How I Got Somewhat Better at Art."
Kimberly King Parsons on her debut novel, 'We Were the Universe'
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Kimberly King Parsons about how real life inspired her debut novel, "We Were the Universe."
Ferdia Lennon on his debut novel 'Glorious Exploits'
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with "Glorious Exploits" author, Ferdia Lennon about his love of the classics, the power of art and drama, and narrating his...
Sarah Braunstein on her novel, 'Bad Animals'
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Sarah Braunstein about "Bad Animals," how perspective shapes a novel, and more.
Douglas Westerbeke on 'A Short Walk Through a Wide World'
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with Douglas Westerbeke about his literary inspirations, epic adventure literature, and more.
Nell Freudenberger on her new novel, 'The Limits'
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nell Freudenberger's new novel, "The Limits," *tests* limits, of distance, of relationships, as she told KMUW's Beth Golay, the limits imposed by the ...
Holly Gramazio on her debut novel, 'The Husbands'
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Beth Golay recently spoke with "The Husbands" author, Holly Gramazio about her debut.