Nancy's Bookshelf: Recent Episodes
Nancy Wiegman, Matt Fidler
Each week host Nancy Wiegman talks to local, regional and national writers about their latest projects. Nancy's Bookshelf airs on NSPR Fridays at 10 a.m.
In a rebroadcast interview from thirteen years ago, Nancy’s Bookshelf honors NPR correspondent Don Gonyea’s forty-year career following his recent retirement.
A history book about America’s first World’s Fair, which celebrated the nation’s 100th birthday.
Google data editor Simon Rogers tells stories with Google’s data using questions that we ask. “How can I help?” “How to ask politely“ “Why is grief so lonely?” “How to boil an egg”
In her memoir "Midstream: A Life Remade in 50 Swims," fourth-generation Chicoan Kate Washington chronicles diving feet first into a new life.
Chico author Douglas Keister‘s 49th book explores love, loss, and self-exploration. This novel features a 15th-century painting, The Garden of Earthly Delights, that hangs in the Prado Museum in Madrid.
Retired professor Pamela Geisel Plemmons is an expert in home orchard management, sustainable landscape practices, and integrated pest management.
Stephan Talty's new book tells the true story of American archaeologists turned OSS spies who protected relics from Nazis during WWII.
Two Chico authors recently released books tackling different topics, from a sci-fi thriller to loss and grief.
Katie Simmons is a wildfire recovery professional working in local government in Butte County. She oversees long-term recovery for the 2018 Camp Fire and other California fires.
Only two months after moving to Chico, lecturer and author Linda Crill was diagnosed with cancer. Her experiences led her to write a book, Cancer InsideOut.
Former California reporter Jack Cheevers has written a book that will change your understanding of America’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
NPR Weekend Edition host Scott Simon has authored a new book reflecting on his life through his various pets. Additionally, former Green Beret Jim Hasse released a short story collection based on his background as an undercover detective and federal inspector.
Local author Phil Knudson has written a murder mystery about the chaos that erupts when two old friends reunite after a decade apart.
A rebroadcast of a 2008 interview with President Paul Zingg, who died April 9, 2026, and retired faculty member Steve Metzger.
Jeremy Enger talks about a hit television show and Teresa Matthews discusses her reference guide for navigating the various aspects of living with cancer.
Luke Barr, the grandnephew of acclaimed food writer M.F.K. Fisher, has released his new book, The Secret History of French Cooking.
In "Nations Apart," journalist Woodard argues that America's deep political divisions stem from historically rooted regional cultures.
Rick Berens, while a student at Chico State, was arrested and subsequently incarcerated for five months after selling 0.25 grams of cocaine. His book details his time in both the Butte County Jail and the Vacaville Prison.
Chico psychotherapist Stephen Diggs and his patient, Rebecca Miller, tell her story of recovery from borderline personality disorder.
Chico High School grad Bobby Baird has had a career as a writer. The Nimbus is his debut novel.
Long-time Chico resident Scott Huber uses his own experiences to write about two types of migrants across our southern border: human and animal.
An emergency room doctor, Steven Zlotowski, recalls the COVID years at Enloe Medical Center.
Psychiatrist Dr. Bernard Beitman says we can learn much by paying attention to coincidences.
The New Yorker's Ken Auletta details the life and downfall of film producer Harvey Weinstein in "Hollywood Ending: Harvey Weinstein and the Culture of Silence."
Author Harry Steven Ackley tangles with faith and purpose in his novel “Our Lady of West 74th Street.” Also, Chico author Glynda-Lee Hoffmann explains the Kabbalah.
His book, "Birds at Night: Poems," is his first book-length collection of poetry, exploring themes of loss, trauma, PTSD, and familial relationships.
Dr. Greg Sazima's Practical Mindfulness: A Physician's No-Nonsense Guide to Meditation for Beginners is the perfect guide to help others understand the basics of meditation.
"It's All About the Hair," a new book collaboration between Princess Diana's hairdresser Richard Dalton and Curator of the Princess Diana Museum Renae Plant, promises touching accounts of the beloved princess's life.
A former Chico firefighter has written her first novel about her experiences, and the owner of a local bookstore discusses what they have to offer the Chico community.
Long-time Chico resident Scott Huber uses his own experiences to write about two types of migrants across our southern border: human and animal.
Chico mathematician Scott Lape has written a numbers reference book for children that is also fun for adults.
Paradise author Leonce Gaiter has written the story of a gay black man born in New Orleans, which is part personal memoir and part fiction.
Chico State University history professor Michael Magliari clarifies possible misconceptions about Chico founding father John Bidwell.
Chico State University history professor Michael Magliari clarifies possible misconceptions about Chico founding father John Bidwell.
Host Nancy Wiegman speaks with Steve Ferchaud, a published illustrator from Paradise, and Bryan Stevenson, a New York Times bestselling author.
Steve Schoonover writes a history of the Northern California Yahi tribe. Also, Chico State University creative writing professor Sarah Pape facilitates a summer camp for young writers.
Chico author Anna Moore's debut novel, "Don't Pity the Desperate," is about a teenager in rehab. Also, humorist Eric Miller will co-host the 2024 Butte County Library Trivia Bee on Friday, October 25.
Redding author Joel Stratte McClure made international news for swimming in the Seine River in Paris.
Former Chico State professor Curtis DeBerg writes about what he and Hemingway had in common, including plane crashes.
Edward Wong is the son of Chinese immigrants and was a diplomatic correspondent for the New York Times in Beijing. With his latest book, "At the Edge of Empire: A Family's Reckoning with China," he investigates his father's mysterious past in China.
Author Viorica Marian expands on the power of language, and NPR's Steve Drummond looks at how the Truman Committee investigated wartime corruption.
Chico author Douglas Keister’s 47th book is a romance mystery that draws on his experience as a cemetery expert.
Bruce Haak has spent 50 years studying wild raptors. Chico ornithologist Roger Lederer tells us about the birds of Bidwell Park.
Retired professor Gayle Kimball taught courses in world religions at California State University Chico. Her 26th book explores religious issues by interviewing people from 13 countries.
Chico author Emily Gallo used her own experiences traveling to Ukraine with her son to pick up his baby, who was born to a surrogate, to fashion a suspenseful story about a mother and son who traveled to war-torn Ukraine.
A retired literature professor and occupational therapist offer life advice based on their respective work.
Cultivating Place Host Jennifer Jewell's book "What We Sow" brings readers on a year-long journey exploring the impact of one of nature's most miniature manifestations—the simple seed.
Two Chico authors share the Bay Area as their location for their latest mystery novels.
Chico author Anyextee spent two years in Egypt researching his book, "The Adept Initiate's Guide to Luxor Temple: Experiencing the Temple of Man Using the Esoteric Symbolist Approach."
Liz Brown's book Twilight Man is a biography and mystery that tells the story of her ancestors.
Health coach Daniella Forest helps readers tailor their wellness path to their unique bodies' needs. Chico State grad Terry Richardson was in the military and held a variety of jobs before becoming a college student. He emphasizes living by your optimistic future rather than that of others.
Steve Schoonover writes a history of the Northern California Yani tribe. Also, Chico State University creative writing professor Sarah Pape facilitates a summer camp for young writers.
Healthy food tips from a Chico health coach and exploring the services available at your county library.
Two Chico State alumni tackle different territories and perspectives with their writing.
A Chico advocate for the mentally ill tells her son’s story. Also, the final chapter in Rex Ogle’s memoir trilogy tells his struggle of being unhoused after his father discovered he was gay.
Dillon Carroll pens Invisible Wounds: Mental Illness and Civil War Soldiers (Conflicting Worlds: New Dimensions of the American Civil War), a book that examines the effects of military service, particularly combat, on the psyches and emotional well-being of Civil War soldiers.
Bruce Haak has spent 50 years studying wild raptors. Chico ornithologist Roger Lederer tells us about the birds of Bidwell Park.
Chico coach Chuck Sheley published a book, "Smokejumpers and the CIA," which contains stories not found in the history books.
Now more than ever we need critical thinking. Retired professor Richard Parker gives us tips on thinking critically. Then New York Post journalist Reuven Fenton writes with humor.
Award-winning actor and Zen Buddhist priest Peter Coyote helps readers discover the Buddha's fundamental teachings and shows how they can be applied to contemporary daily life.
Former CIA officer writes a spy thriller, and NPR Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep describes the role of John C. Fremont’s wife.
Stephen Arrington is an award-winning author and a motivational and drug education speaker. In his latest, "In DeLorean's Shadow: The Drug Trial of The Century by The Sole Surviving Defendant," he walks you through the trials and tribulations of his past from utter darkness to the shining light.
Chico, feng shui consultant Valerie Althoff helps you gain a new awareness that you are the interior designer of your own life.
Local author and poet Joan Goodreau presents her work, “Where to Next?" which explores everything from the personal effects of the California wildfires to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Also, author and medical journalist Michael Castleman dives into his latest, Sizzling Sex for Life: Everything You Need to Know to Maximize Erotic Pleasure at Any Age.
Chico author Paul Belz shares personal reflections and casual conversations about Chico’s crown jewel, Bidwell Park.
Author Viorica Marian expands on the power of language, and NPR's Steve Drummond looks at how the Truman Committee investigated wartime corruption.
Award-winning author Steven T. Callan celebrates the release of his first novel, "The Case Of The Missing Game Warden."
Award-winning female sports columnist and author Joan Ryan writes about team chemistry in sports and whether it leads to winning.
Host Nancy Wiegman explores the history of the Chapmans with local author Michele Shover.
Author J.L. Wright's "Homeless Joy: An exposé in poetry" explores the journey through what it means to be homeless in America.
Author Martin Dugard stops by Nancy's Bookshelf with a nonfiction thriller about the race between the Allies and Soviets to conquer the heart of Nazi Germany.
Local author, Steve Metzger, tells the story of former Chico State librarian, Jim Dwyer, who died under mysterious circumstances.
Award-winning actor and author Peter Coyote shares a series of techniques and improv exercises with masks to help calm your mind and free yourself from self-doubt.
Author Gayle Kimball's book "The Mysteries of Healing: Dialogues with Doctors and Scientists" explores the current research and personal characteristics of 19 visionaries from the US, Canada, and the UK.
World champion debater Bo Seo tells the inspiring story of his life in "Good Arguments: What the Art of Debating Can Teach Us About Listening Better and Disagreeing Well." Also, author Roland McElroy talks about what he learned as a high school debater and what he's observed about political debating.
Army veteran TJ Richardson recounts his return to college, and Author Phillip Elkins takes a road trip from Northern California to Acapulco in his latest book.
Tony Waters is the translator of The Man from Bangkok by Thai author Rong Wongsavun about his travels in California and San Francisco in particular. Also, Michele Shover recounts how Chico's Chapman town got its name, as told in her book Chico's Chapmans.
Author Heather Hamilton weaves her experiences, discourses on religion, and the Bible to help readers form their ideas about spirituality.
E.M. Liddick relives his fall from grace and searches for a way back home. His book, "All the Memories That Remain: War, Alzheimer's, and the Search for a Way Home," is a tribute to his journey from war, his father's diagnosis of Alzheimer's, and finding meaning in what remains.
Stephen Arrington is an award-winning author and a motivational and drug education speaker. In his latest, "In DeLorean's Shadow: The Drug Trial of The Century by The Sole Surviving Defendant," he walks you through the trials and tribulations of his past from utter darkness to the shining light.
Novelist Emily Gallo writes about a character in a transitional period, a liminal space. Also, Butte College English teacher Finn Kraemer tells us about his writing classes.
Chico author David Bruhn pays tribute to the legacy of Chico State track and field and cross country programs in Stride Out.
Chico writer-photographer Douglas Keister explores his childhood during the 1950s and 60s in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Author Darren Chitwood explores addiction and hopes his stories will help others find their path to recovery.
Author Viorica Marian expands on the power of language, and NPR's Steve Drummond looks at how the Truman Committee investigated wartime corruption.
Author Gayle Kimball chats about her book "The Mysteries of Reality: Dialogues with Visionary Scientists."
Former Chico Enterprise-Record columnist Roger Aylworth died April 14, 2023. In this rebroadcast, Aylworth is joined by his wife, Susan Aylworth, also a writer.
Randy Simmons makes it a mission to finish his son David Simmons' book based on his manuscript. Unfortunately, his son lost his life in a devastating landslide.
Author Matthew J. Distefano speaks on his latest, "The Wisdom of Hobbits: Unearthing Our Humanity at 3 Bagshot Row," as he helps readers discover their inner hobbits. Also, NPR host Ari Shapiro turns the tables on himself and tells his story in "The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening."
Today’s guests are women who trained as lawyers and then went on to carve out creative careers for themselves.
Redding author Marilyn Woolley shares stories of first responders' journey with their psychological injuries.
Two local authors set their novels in the north state and the second episode of The Writer's Room.
Author Martin Dugard stops by Nancy's Bookshelf with a nonfiction thriller about the race between the Allies and Soviets to conquer the heart of Nazi Germany.
Dairyville, California, resident Pam Warfield shares recipes and tells us why and how to use cast iron cookware. Chico traveler Scott Nitzel writes about a little-known collector’s item little-known outside Alaska.
Nancy and Chico Enterprise-Record columnist Dan Barnett look back at books by local writers of the past year.
Award-winning children’s author T.E. Watson describes his books. Also, local author Josh Sheldon details his latest "Imagine a World."
Author Phil Elkins explores his return home after a year of military service in Vietnam.
Dr. Sabine Hossenfelder joins host Nancy Wiegman to discuss how understanding science can help us better understand the meaning of our existence.
Host Nancy Wiegman explores the history of the Chapmans with local author Michele Shover.
Mike Paull introduces us to his Missing series. Also, Curtis DeBerg writes an inspirational tale and a tribute to two men: Ernest Hemingway, the great writer, and Tony Oliva, the great ballplayer for the Minnesota Twins.
Chico Marriage and Family Therapist Silona Reyman was reunited with the daughter she gave up for adoption when she was an “unwed mother.”
Vincent Paterson, the choreographer of Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Björk, takes you down memory lane with his stage stories.
Redding author Marilyn Woolley shares stories of first responders' journey with their psychological injuries.
Redding author Marilyn Woolley shares stories of first responders' journey with their psychological injuries.
Author Daniel Stone sets sail with his latest, "Sinkable: Obsession, the Deep Sea, and the Shipwreck of the Titanic."
Author Daniel Stone sets sail with his latest, "Sinkable: Obsession, the Deep Sea, and the Shipwreck of the Titanic."
Neuroscientist and psychology professor Chantel Prat helps you better understand the brain's strengths.
Neuroscientist and psychology professor Chantel Prat helps you better understand the brain's strengths.
Former lawyer Amy Turner has written a memoir about how her father’s story received national news coverage.
Former lawyer Amy Turner has written a memoir about how her father’s story received national news coverage.
In her book "The Tattoos of Chico," author Karen McHenry explores the human behind the ink. Also, Patty Paul shares her spiritual awakening through the exploration of past lives.
Author David Bruhn writes "Toe The Mark," a book dedicated to highlighting the running programs in Chico, California, in the 1970s.
Professor Curt DeBerg is retired from the California State University System. He is an avid fan of the life and writings of Ernest Hemingway and spent the last two years visiting all the important places that influenced the arc of his life and his art.
The New Yorker's Ken Auletta details the life and downfall of film producer Harvey Weinstein in "Hollywood Ending: Harvey Weinstein and the Culture of Silence."
Author Stephen W. King's latest, "Follow the Crypto" grew out of Stephen’s interest in the evolving cryptocurrency phenomenon.
In his book Smart & Solo: The blueprint for efficient and enjoyable solo travel, Randell Green provides insights and tips on how to plan your next adventure.
Author Joan Ryan chats with Nancy about team chemistry in sports and whether it leads to winning.
World champion debater Bo Seo tells the inspiring story of his life in "Good Arguments: What the Art of Debating Can Teach Us About Listening Better and Disagreeing Well." Also, author Roland McElroy talks about what he learned as a high school debater and what he's observed about political debating.
Her memoir, “The Buddha Sat Right Here: A Family Odyssey Through India and Nepal,” is a meditation on modern family life and a spiritual quest.
Author Bob Madgic visits Nancy's Bookshelf to chat about "Reflections: 100 One Hundred-Word Stories."
All dogs go to Nancy's Bookshelf! An extensive lineup in a rerun of episode #642 all about dogs.
Bestselling author Marie Sutro has a new police crime thriller. T. J. Richardson recounts his experiences and perspectives as a black American.
Happy Marriages: 30 Global Couples Tell Their Stories is an invitation to change and transform your relationships.
Chico KZFR radio host and author Phillip Elkins tells his story of growing up in East Lost Angeles. Plus, Chico couple Joe and Terry Matthews share stories about their marriage.
Novelist Emily Gallo writes the story of a young girl mysteriously found by the side of the road. Also, Poet Meghan Irene shares what good actually came from the 2018 Camp Fire
Paradise Camp Fire survivor Megan Irene has a new collection of poetry, and best-selling author Karen Joy Fowler shares her research on the family of John Wilkes Booth.
Dillon Carroll pens Invisible Wounds: Mental Illness and Civil War Soldiers (Conflicting Worlds: New Dimensions of the American Civil War), a book that examines the effects of military service, particularly combat, on the psyches and emotional well-being of Civil War soldiers.
Author Manuel A. Esteban details challenges he faced while he was president of Chico State University.
Dr. Greg Sazima's Practical Mindfulness: A Physician's No-Nonsense Guide to Meditation for Beginners is the perfect guide to help others understand the basics of meditation.
Author Stephen W. King's latest, "Follow the Crypto" grew out of Stephen’s interest in the evolving cryptocurrency phenomenon.
Authors Robyn Alana Engel & Carl Erik Fisher invite us to change our perspective on how we view mental illness and addiction.
Award-winning actor and author Peter Coyote shares a series of techniques and improv exercises with masks to help calm your mind and free yourself from self-doubt.
In You'll Never Find Us: A Memoir, Author Jeanne Baker Guy details her battle with her ex-husband after kidnapping their children in the 1970s. Catch up on Nancy's Bookshelf.
Author Raymond H. McDonald sits with Nancy's Bookshelf to speak about his tribute to his lifelong friend, Merle Haggard.
Host Nancy Wiegman welcomes "Journey to the Tenth Gate: Life with Guru Gobind Singh - a Spiritual Awakening," Author Karin Vastola.
Author and environmental activist Jennie Romer chats with Host Nancy about the dos and don’ts of the recycling world.
Cultivating Place Host Jennifer Jewell joins Nancy's Bookshelf. Also, Amy Antongiovanni reads a poem about flowers.
Connie Zweig joins us today to chat about her latest book, The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul. Also, Kurt Koontz guides readers through his three journeys to India in vivid, poignant detail.
Jude Stewart is the author of Revelations in Air, a thoroughly researched book that deep dives into everything and anything one might wonder about how smell works.
Dr. Michael Greger is the author of the international bestseller How Not to Die. Local author Lani Muelrath advocates combining mindfulness with a vegan diet.
Tehama County Librarian Todd Deck collected stories of local historical figures behind the scenes in Tehama County Hidden Heroes. Also, Author Ken DeCamp offers details about his latest book, Wildflowers of California's Mountains.
Mark Cushing on his latest book Pet Nation and the evolution of America's relationships with pets. He describes the current situation of pet ownership in America.
Host Nancy Wiegman speaks with New York Times bestselling author Martin Dugard. His latest, Taking Paris is now available.
Local researcher Maris Thompson collected stories of immigration in the German American Midwest during World War I. Award-winning NPR journalist Tom Gjelten talked to immigrant families in Virginia for his book A Nation of Nations.
Award-winning author Steven T. Callan celebrates the release of his first novel, The Case Of The Missing Game Warden.
Sallie Weissinger's latest book, Yes, Again: (Mis)adventures of a Wishful Thinker, this laughter-through-tears memoir, Sallie Weissinger, a late-in-life widow, recounts the highs and lows of navigating the tricky online dating world of the 2000s.
Author Terry L. Hunter takes you on a spiritual journey. In his book Witness: Hearing the Voice of God, he shares how his speaking experiences with God changed his life.
Author and Morning Edition co-host Steve Inskeep details the story of John and Jessie Frémont, the husband and wife team who in the 1800s were instrumental in the westward expansion of the United States.