The Journal of Cultural Conversation

On The Beach House, Dune Road and Jemima J: Jane Green Interview

I have a Jane Green book shelf in my house. I’ve read all of her books, except for one, which reminds me that I need to buy it today. I’m thrilled to feature my recent interview with bestselling author Jane Green. Jane Green’s last novel, The Beach House, was an instant New York Times bestseller [...]

May 14, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

Elisa Reviews: San Sebastian, Spain

Another guest contributor! I’m thrilled to feature my good friend and fellow world-traveler Elisa Phillips and her review of San Sebastian, Spain. As with all travel commentary featured here, we make sure to include books and articles (the written word) that can be useful resources. Package it all up and you have a fantastic personal [...]

May 12, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

Interview with National Geographic’s Marc Silver

It’s always been my dream job to write for National Geographic. But, the next best thing is having the chance to talk to someone who does. I had the distinct privilege of interviewing Marc Silver, National Geographic’s Deputy Director of Departments. Silver’s writing expertise doesn’t stop there – he’s also the author of Breast Cancer [...]

May 10, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

The Happiness Project: Catching Up With Gretchen Rubin

I’m so excited (and happy) to feature my interview with Gretchen Rubin, author of new memoir The Happiness Project, scheduled to hit shelves later this year. While Rubin started her career as a lawyer, she also realized that writing was her true passion. Since then, she’s published four books, has chatted with Matt Lauer on [...]

May 3, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

Writing the Life Poetic: Sage Cohen Interview

As we near the end of National Poetry Month, I’m very happy to feature my interview with award-winning poet Sage Cohen and her new book, Writing the Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read and Write Poetry. Not only is Cohen widely published, she has taught poetry at universities, hospitals and writing conferences. Cohen received a [...]

April 27, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

Well-Behaved Women Women Rarely Make History: Laurel Thatcher Ulrich Interview

Laurel Thatcher Ulrich is the woman behind the famous quote: “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” A professor at Harvard University, Ulrich is a distinguished historian of early America and the history of women. She received the Pulitzer Prize in history for A Midwife’s Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard based on her diary, 1785–1812.” Her [...]

April 26, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

A Basket of Leaves: 99 Books that Capture the Spirit of Africa: Geoff Wisner Interview

This summer, I’m going to Ghana on a volunteer trip to teach young children. In the meantime, I’m making sure to read absolutely everything related to the people, country and continent. It’s almost like taking a class, except the teacher is me, so I can assign homework whenever I choose. I’m thrilled to share my [...]

April 19, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti: Giulia Melucci Interview

I’m psyched to share my interview with Giulia Melucci, author of newly released, all-the-rage, humorous memoir, I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti. Many (understatement) readers have requested (badgered me for) a review of I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti. A few, like me, were fortunate enough to receive advanced review copies, which spurred [...]

April 14, 2009 CONTINUE READING →