Category Archives: Authors

Texas Talking Book Program Author Talk: Tim Hemlin

Posted on by
Reply

Join the Talking Book Program for an author talk on Tuesday, June 16 at 7:00 p.m. (Central) with author and educator, Tim Hemlin.

Reader’s Advisory Librarian, Laura Jean, will discuss Mr. Hemlin’s career and his Neil Marshall Series, starting with the first book, IF WISHES WERE HORSES (DBC 18230). Following the talk, there will be a Q&A session.

Our Author Talks are held via Zoom, but you can join using just a telephone!

Participating is easy:

  • Use your landline to dial in via phone.
  • Use the “one-tap” number on your smartphone.
  • Alternatively, join via computer using the Zoom invitation we’ll send a week prior to the event.

To ensure you receive the necessary details, please RSVP in advance.

We invite you to ask Tim Hemlin questions about his book. Please submit your questions by June 9. We will select questions based on the responses to this form, and they may be asked during the event! Fill out the form here: Author Questions

To RSVP, you can fill out our online registration form: Register Here.

Or if you prefer, reply to this email, or call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605.

Please indicate if you would like us to mail you a digital cartridge with his book or if you prefer to download it from BARD. Also, please let us know if you would like a reminder via email or phone-call (or both).

IF WISHES WERE HORSES: NEIL MARSHALL SERIES, BOOK 1 by Tim Hemlin (DBC 18230)

NLS Annotation: Neil Marshall is a creative writing graduate student at the University of Houston, a struggling poet, and a soon-to-be-divorced man. To make ends meet, he moonlights as a chef for a high society caterer. When his oldest friend, racehorse breeder Jason Keys is murdered, Neil finds himself also moonlighting as a private eye just to stay out of jail. The police view him as their prime-suspect but Neil has an even bigger worry–can he find Jason’s killer before becoming the next victim? Violence, strong language, and descriptions of sex. 1996.

We look forward to having you join us on Tuesday, June 16!

Texas Talking Book Program Author Talk: Kathryn Casey

Posted on by
Reply

Join the Talking Book Program for an author talk on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. (Central) with thriller and true crime author, Kathryn Casey.

Reader’s Advisory Librarian, Laura Jean, will discuss Ms. Casey’s career and her Sarah Armstrong Series, starting with the first book, SINGULARITY (DBC 18075). Following the talk, there will be a Q&A session.

Our Author Talks are held via Zoom, but you can join using just a telephone!

Participating is easy:

  • Use your landline to dial in via phone.
  • Use the “one-tap” number on your smartphone.
  • Alternatively, join via computer using the Zoom invitation we’ll send a week prior to the event.

To ensure you receive the necessary details, please RSVP in advance.

We invite you to ask Kathryn Casey questions about her book. Please submit your questions by April 14. We will select questions based on the responses to this form, and they may be asked during the event! Fill out the form here: Author Questions

To RSVP, you can fill out our online registration form: Register Here.

Or if you prefer, reply to this email, or call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605.

Please indicate if you would like us to mail you a digital cartridge with her book or if you prefer to download it from BARD. Her book is also available to be mailed in a large print format. And, please let us know if you would like a reminder via email or phone-call (or both).

SINGULARITY: SARAH ARMSTRONG SERIES, BOOK 1 by Kathryn Casey (DBC 18075)

NLS Annotation: As a single mother and one of the few female Rangers in Texas history, Sarah Armstrong has had to work twice as hard to rank among the best cops in the Lone Star State. But when megawealthy businessman Edward Lucas III is found murdered along with his mistress, Sarah quickly senses that this will be the deadliest case of her career. While others focus the investigation on Lucas’s estranged wife, Sarah disagrees and hunts a suspect only she believes in. Yet nothing in her career could have prepared her for the horror of a young man who is convinced he has been sent from heaven to massacre innocent people. Some violence, some strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 2008.

We look forward to having you join us on Tuesday, April 21!

In His Own Words: James Magnuson

Posted on by

James Magnuson, a widely respected Austin author, died Sunday January 18 from complications from ALS. He published nine well-received novels, won awards for his work in film and television, and had many of his plays produced. He was also the director of the James A. Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas for more than 20 years. As director, he helped lead the Michener Center to prominence as one of a small handful of leading writing programs in the United States.

Here are the titles by James Magnuson in the TBP collection.

FAMOUS WRITERS I HAVE KNOWN (DBC 18551)
HOUNDS OF WINTER (DBC 18046)
MONEY MOUNTAIN (DBC 26088)
ORPHAN TRAIN (DBC 01571)
WINFALL (BR 12382)

In His Own Words: Dick Van Dyke

Posted on by

On Saturday December 13, Dick Van Dyke turned 100! Known for his work on both screen and stage, his big break was the role of Albert F. Peterson in the original Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie. Later, he went on to play many memorable characters on both television and film including Bert, the chimney sweep in Mary Poppins, and Rob Petrie on the Dick Van Dyke Show. For more information, visit his official website.

Here are the books he’s written that are in the TBP collection:

MY LUCKY LIFE IN AND OUT OF SHOW BUSINESS: A MEMOIR (DB 74349, BRG 02937, LB 06804)
KEEP MOVING: AND OTHER TIPS AND TRUTHS ABOUT AGING (DB 83701, LB 08985)

Sophie Kinsella

Posted on by

Madeleine Sophie Wickham, better known by her nom de plume Sophie Kinsella, passed away on December 10, 2025. Renowned for her Shopaholic Series, which was adapted into the film Confessions of a Shopaholic in 2009, her books sold over 50 million copies in more than 60 countries and were translated into over 40 languages. For more information, visit her official website.

The Talking Book Program has her Shopaholic Series as well as many of her stand-alone novels. They are listed below:

Shopaholic Series

1. CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC (DB 54435)
2. SHOPAHOLIC TAKES MANHATTAN (DB 54436, BRG 01865)
3. SHOPAHOLIC TIES THE KNOT (DB 55877, BRG 01739)
4. SHOPAHOLIC AND SISTER (DB 58896)
5. SHOPAHOLIC AND BABY (DB 64471)
6. MINI SHOPAHOLIC (DB 72457)
7. SHOPAHOLIC TO THE STARS (DB 80180)
8. SHOPAHOLIC TO THE RESCUE (DB 82890)
9. CHRISTMAS SHOPAHOLIC (DB 97255, LB 12678)

Stand Alone Novels

BURNOUT (DB 116400, LB 0001573) 2023
CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET? (DB 58052) 2004
FAIRY MOM AND ME (DB 86956) 2018
I OWE YOU ONE (DB 93772, LB 10945) 2019
I’VE GOT YOUR NUMBER (DB 74467) 2012
LOVE YOUR LIFE (DB 102035, LB 13322) 2020
MY NOT SO PERFECT LIFE (DB 87344) 2017
PARTY CRASHER (DB 105198, LB 13537) 2021
REMEMBER ME? (DB 66748, BR 17707) 2008
SURPRISE ME (DB 90228, LB 09343) 2018
TWENTIES GIRL (DB 70068) 2009
UNDOMESTIC GODDESS (DB 60741, BRG 00956) 2005
WEDDING NIGHT (DB 76736) 2013

Stand Alone Nonfiction

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE? (DB 124794, LB 0001381) 2024

Texas Talking Book Program Author Talk: Char Miller

Posted on by

Join the Talking Book Program for an author talk on Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m. (Central) with author, Char Miller.

Reader’s Advisory Librarian, Laura Jean, will discuss Dr. Miller’s career and his book SAN ANTONIO: A TRICENTENNIAL HISTORY (DBC 18818). Following the talk, there will be a Q&A session.

Our Author Talks are held via Zoom, but you can join using just a telephone!

Participating is easy:

  • Use your landline to dial in via phone.
  • Use the “one-tap” number on your smartphone.
  • Alternatively, join via computer using the Zoom invitation we’ll send a week prior to the event.

To ensure you receive the necessary details, please RSVP in advance.

We invite you to ask Char Miller questions about his book. Please submit your questions by February 12. We will select questions based on the responses to this form, and they may be asked during the event! Fill out the form here: Author Questions

To RSVP, you can fill out our online registration form: Register Here.

Or if you prefer, reply to this email, or call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605.

Please indicate if you would like us to mail you a digital cartridge with his book or if you prefer to download it from BARD. Also, please let us know if you would like a reminder via email or phone-call (or both).

SAN ANTONIO: A TRICENTENNIAL HISTORY by Char Miller (DBC 18818)

NLS Annotation: This is the first general history of San Antonio, Texas, the seventh largest city in the nation. Its past is complex and ranges across 300 years, from the community’s origins as a tiny Spanish frontier town to its contemporary status as a vital American mega-city. Site of some of the most violent struggles between warring empires and people–historians believe San Antonio may be the most fought-over city in U.S. history–it is perhaps most celebrated for the iconic 1836 Battle of the Alamo. The city is also home to four beautifully restored Spanish missions, which in 2015 UNESCO designated a World Heritage Site and have become integral to San Antonio’s robust tourist economy along with the fabled River Walk.. Some violence. 2018.

We look forward to having you join us on Tuesday, February 24!

Texas Talking Book Program Author Talk: James Wade

Posted on by

Join the Talking Book Program for an author talk on Thursday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. (Central) with author, James Wade.

Reader’s Advisory Librarian, Laura Jean, will discuss Mr. Wade’s career and his Spur Winning novel ALL THINGS LEFT WILD (DB 101305). Following the talk, there will be a Q&A session.

Our Author Talks are held via Zoom, but you can join using just a telephone!

Participating is easy:

  • Use your landline to dial in via phone.
  • Use the “one-tap” number on your smartphone.
  • Alternatively, join via computer using the Zoom invitation we’ll send a week prior to the event.

To ensure you receive the necessary details, please RSVP in advance.

We invite you to ask James Wade questions about his book. Please submit your questions by December 3. We will select questions based on the responses to this form, and they may be asked during the event! Fill out the form here: Author Questions

To RSVP, you can fill out our online registration form: Register Here.

Or if you prefer, reply to this email, or call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605.

Please indicate if you would like us to mail you a digital cartridge with his book or if you prefer to download it from BARD. Also, please let us know if you would like a reminder via email or phone-call (or both).

ALL THINGS LEFT WILD (DB 101305) by James Wade.

NLS Annotation: Caleb and his older brother Shelby commit a horse theft gone wrong and flee. As they wander the American Southwest, they are being tracked by bookish and inexperienced-despite-his-age Randall. He meets Charlotte who guides him in the ways of vigilante justice. Strong language including racial epithets, violence, some descriptions of sex. Commercial audiobook. 2020.

We look forward to having you join us on Thursday, December 11!

2025 Texas Writer Award – Dr. Peniel Joseph

Posted on by

Austin-based historian, educator, and author, Dr. Peniel Joseph has been named the 2025 Texas Writer Award recipient. The award honors a writer who has made outstanding contributions to Texas literature. Dr. Joseph will be honored with a custom pair of handmade boots from renowned El Paso-based bootmaker, Rocketbuster, during a special Festival Weekend ceremony. Learn more about Dr. Joseph’s work and life in his interview with TBF Literary Director Hannah Gabel. Check out the interview on the Texas Book Festival’s website.

Included are all of Dr. Joseph’s books in the NLS Collection:

DARK DAYS, BRIGHT NIGHTS: FROM BLACK POWER TO BARACK OBAMA (DB 71445)
FREEDOM SEASON: HOW 1963 TRANSFORMED AMERICA’S CIVIL RIGHTS REVOLUTION (DBC 32386)
SWORD AND THE SHIELD: THE REVOLUTIONARY LIVES OF MALCOLM X AND MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. (DB 99933)
THIRD RECONSTRUCTION: AMERICA’S STRUGGLE FOR RACIAL JUSTICE IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY (DB 113669)
WAITING ‘TIL THE MIDNIGHT HOUR: A NARRATIVE HISTORY OF BLACK POWER IN AMERICA (DB 64301)

Nobel Prize Winner 2025 – László Krasznahorkai

Posted on by

Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai took the prize this year for his “compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art,” said the Swedish Academy. For more information, check out the Nobel Prize website.

Books by László Krasznahorkai in the TBP Collection:

English Titles

BARON WENCKHEIM’S HOMECOMING (DB 97582)
HERSCHT 07769: FLORIAN HERSCHT’SBACH NOVEL (DB 125872)

Títulos Españoles

MELANCOLÍA DE LA RESISTENCIA (DB 129392)

Texas Talking Book Program Author Talk: Mark Pryor

Posted on by

Join the Talking Book Program for an author talk on Thursday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m. (Central) with author, Mark Pryor.

Reader’s Advisory Librarian, Laura Jean, will discuss Mr. Pryor’s career and his Hugo Marston Series starting with BOOKSELLER: THE FIRST HUGO MARSTON NOVEL (DBC 04825). Following the talk, there will be a Q&A session.

Our Author Talks are held via Zoom, but you can join using just a telephone!

Participating is easy:

  • Use your landline to dial in via phone.
  • Use the “one-tap” number on your smartphone.
  • Alternatively, join via computer using the Zoom invitation we’ll send a week prior to the event.

To ensure you receive the necessary details, please RSVP in advance.

We invite you to ask Mark Pryor questions about his series. Please submit your questions by October 23. We will select questions based on the responses to this form, and they may be asked during the event! Fill out the form here: Author Questions

To RSVP, you can fill out our online registration form: Register Here.

Or if you prefer, reply to this email, or call the Talking Book Program at 1-800-252-9605.

Please indicate if you would like us to mail you a digital cartridge with his book or if you prefer to download it from BARD. Also, please let us know if you would like a reminder via email or phone-call (or both).

BOOKSELLER: THE FIRST HUGO MARSTON NOVEL (DBC 04825) by Mark Pryor.

NLS Annotation: Hugo Marston, head of security at the US embassy in Paris, watches helplessly as his friend, Max–an elderly bookstall owner–is abducted at gunpoint. In a race against time, Hugo enlists a beautiful and mysterious journalist, a semiretired CIA agent, and a reluctant police detective to help him negotiate political intrigue, police corruption, an escalating drug war, and the ghosts of Nazi collaboration that haunt some of Paris’s most prominent citizens. Violence, strong language, and descriptions of sex. 2012.

We look forward to having you join us on Thursday, October 30!