Books & Looks: Real Books for Real Readers was started as a podcast to supplement Blaine Desantis’ website, ViewsOnBooks.com, and expand into audio interviews with authors.
With Books & Looks, Blaine’s goal is to focus on real books that real people will read. At least half of the books he reviews are either new authors or unknown authors that many in the general public are unaware of. After a segment reviewing books or interviewing authors, Blaine ends each episode with a discussion of the movies and TV shows he is currently watching.
This Week’s Episode
Join us in a captivating conversation with Deborah Jenkins, the mastermind behind the enchanting short story collection, “Winter Lights.” Broadcasting from her home in Sussex, Jenkins unveils her unique journey as an author who has triumphed over personal challenges, including “profound deafness.” Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and passion for writing. Balancing roles as a family member, teacher, and writer, Jenkins shares insights into her early fascination with writing and the influences of authors like Anne Tyler and Elizabeth Strout in her work. Her narratives, rich with everyday life and emotion, are a window into her soul and the diverse world around us.
In this episode, we delve into the heart of Jenkins’ “Winter Lights,” a collection that elegantly captures the essence of life’s fleeting moments. Jenkins describes her affinity for short stories, akin to snapshots, each offering a unique perspective. She discusses the thoughtful organization of her book, the inclusion of a music playlist for each story, and shares insights into specific narratives like “The Key” and “End of the Line.” The conversation shifts to Jenkins’ future projects, including a novel centered on the theme of societal listening, and we close with my personal reflections on the joy of board games during winter nights. Discover how Jenkins’ experiences, both personal and professional, weave into her stories, creating a tapestry of engaging, inclusive literature.
Check out the latest episode of Books & Looks:
About Blaine Desantis:
Blaine is an avid lifetime reader, a retired attorney, and has been a book club leader for the past seven years. He is an active teacher in senior education classes at Furman University. Blaine loves fiction, nonfiction, histories, mysteries and almost all genres of books.
