Christopher Whisperings sits down with authors Geralyn Hesslau Magrady and Maria Giuseppa to find out what they're reading this spring. These two dazzlingly talented authors share their thoughts on their spring reads, from a best-seller in historical fiction to a new release in nonfiction.
Geralyn Hesslau Magrady, author of the recently released novella When Walls Talk, shares that her spring read is The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah.
CW: Did you finish it?
GHM: I am currently reading The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. I have not yet finished it, but I'm enjoying the read.
CW: What do you like about it?
GHM: What I like about all Kristin Hannah books is the authenticity of her characters and settings. The reader is drawn into the historical time period, in this case the Great Plains of the 1930s, with dynamic sensory details and inspiring storylines.
CW: Who would especially enjoy it?
GHM: Historical fiction enthusiasts would enjoy this novel, but avid readers who appreciate strong female roles are also encouraged to pick up this book.
CW: Do you normally read historical fiction?
GHM: Historical fiction is my usual go-to, but I can veer towards a good mystery if it's been recommended.
CW: What drew you to it?
GHM: Years ago, I read (and loved) Winter Garden for my book club, and then my son recommended Nightingale, and a friend recently recommended The Four Winds. Each time I start a Kristin Hannah book, I'm not disappointed.
Maria Giuseppa, author of the recently released novella R&R: A Feast of Words, reveals that her spring read is Dion: The Rock and Roll Philosopher by Dion DiMucci and Adam Jablin.
CW: Did you finish it?
MG: Yes. The format makes it a quick read. Lots of commentary by other music industry notables and lots of photos spanning his life kept me turning the pages. Of course, I knew that Dion’s music had withstood the test of time. I’m still listening to some of his oldies but goodies. What I never realized was what it took to be who he is today: his work ethic, his struggles, the failures that were interspersed with the successes, the people that helped him and those that let him down, and all of the doubts that he had to work through to arrive at the solid belief system that sustains him today.
CW: What did you like about it?
MG: It is written in a very straightforward, conversational style. Ideas have obviously been well thought out, based mostly on personal experience, but when written, they project a sense of straight-off-the-cuff honesty.
CW: Who would especially enjoy it?
MG: I think readers of all ages would enjoy it if they have the slightest interest in and liking for music. Dion has a foundation as a youngster in Opera, and then progresses right along to Rock, Do-wop, and R&B—covers a lot of territory. Add to that, facts about overcoming personal struggles and reaching a point of maturity and peace, and it becomes very hopeful story telling.
CW: Do you normally read contemporary nonfiction?
MG: I have read a few autobiographies of some people that particularly fascinate me or whose work I especially admire. Usually though, I read books about psychology or spirituality but always interspersed with a good mystery just for fun.
CW: What drew you to it?
MG: In all honesty, I was not aware of its publication until I received it as a gift. It is not long and has pages and pages of photos, so I thought it would be a “coffee table” type book. But once I began to read it, I found it compelling with regards to the inner workings of the music industry, the history of rock and roll, and most importantly, Dion’s own faith journey.
Pick up your copy of Kristin Hannah's The Four Winds and Dion DiMucci and Adam Jablin's Dion: The Rock and Roll Philosopher and read along with Geralyn Hesslau Magrady and Maria Giuseppa!
Award-winning author Geralyn Hesslau Magrady sets her When Walls Talk in Chicago's Little Italy. Toni Russo embarks on the journey of converting her family's bakery into a bookstore, and in the process, unearths some mysteries about her family and must confront some realities about herself. Maria Giuseppa's award-winning story, R&R: A Feast of Words, shares an exchange between life-long friends Rachi and Raffi as they strive to lead full lives in Chicago and New York, only to map out a future that pulls them together. You can find these exciting and compelling stories here at Christopher Whisperings and wherever books are sold.