books

Beth Staff has written a children’s book called “Auggie’s Neigh Neigh.” She spoke to Community Voices about how her grandson inspired the book. She also shared her experience as a historical interpreter and a costumer for local theatre.

John Michael Combs is the owner of The Elf Shelf Books & Music. He spoke to Community Voices about his love of collecting books and records and how he took over ownership of the business. He also shared how the Adams Family, a collection of businesses on Adams Street in downtown Springfield, Ill., are working together to entice people to downtown.

George Rishel is the owner of the Sly Fox Bookstore in Virden, Ill. He spoke to Community Voices about the history of the building, which has been in his family for nearly a century. Originally, Rishel planned to sell children’s and mystery books in the store but has since expanded to offer many genres, including books by local authors.

George Rishel is the owner of the Sly Fox Bookstore in Virden, Ill. He spoke to Community Voices about the history of the building, which has been in his family for nearly a century. Originally, Rishel planned to sell children’s and mystery books in the store but has since expanded to offer many genres, including books by local authors.

Front Row Classics welcomes television writer and historian Jim Colucci to celebrate one of the most groundbreaking series in television history. Brandon recently had the pleasure of speaking to Jim about the history and legacy of "All in the Family," as touched upon in his latest book. The two cover topics such as the show's inception, the incomparable cast and some of the most memorable episodes. They also touch upon some of the trailblazing topics that hadn't been discussed before in sitcoms. We hope this delightful conversation will inspire you to go back and re-discover this television classic that remains as provocative, touching and hilarious as ever.

"Titanic meets The Shining in S.A. Barnes’ Dead Silence, a SF horror novel in which a woman and her crew board a decades-lost, luxury cruiser and find the wreckage of a nightmare that hasn't yet ended."We are excited to speak with author S.A. Barnes about her newest novel Dead Silence. She dives into her creative process, and what inspired this story. We also ask her about her day job as a librarian motivating students. Dead Silence is a great read on a cold winter night, just make sure to keep many lights on in the house!

We are thrilled to welcome Laura D'Asaro, Rose Wang and Heather Alexander to talk about their book series "Eat Bugs." Inspired by the incredible true story of two friends who landed a deal on Shark Tank. Sixth-grade students turned entrepreneurs are on a mission to save the world, one bug at a time, in this fun and empowering illustrated novel filled with facts! Vanessa and Anna chat with them about their experience on Shark Tank, as well as their business "Chirps Chips" and how they started their company.

Jessica Gale is the owner of Our Town Books in Jacksonville, Ill. The store offers new and used books as well as novelty items. Gale spoke with Community Voices about the store's history and its special events.

Funny or Die producer and author Ben Sheehan visits "Convince Me" to talk about his new book "What Does the Constitution Say?: A Kid's Guide to How Our Democracy Works." Host Larry Smith is joined by Vanessa Ferguson. Together they talk about the constitution, activism, cable TV and baseball.

Jessica Gale is the owner of Our Town Books in Jacksonville, Ill. The store offers new and used books as well as novelty items. Gale spoke with Community Voices about the store's history and its special events.