#slaughtersquad fans can add to their library with the latest book “Pieces of Her” from #1 New York Times bestselling thriller author, Karin Slaughter.

Paul Schankman talks with author Nick Bunker about his book, Young Benjamin Franklin, offering readers a fascinating look at the youth of this founding father.

Kate DiCamillo reveals the reason behind her new novel, “Louisiana’s Way Home,” a companion story to her beloved bestseller “Raymie Nightingale.”

The Pony Express is iconic for the Wild West with characters like Buffalo Bill Cody. Learn about the Pony’s history and some of its most entertaining tales.

Driving around city, you’ve probably seen work by local artist Cbabi Bayoc, who wants his paintings to bring hope and color to the streets of St. Louis. Cbabi Bayoc is a self-created name that is an acronym for “Creative Black Artist Battling Ignorance” and “Blesses African Youth Of Creativity.” His work is proudly shown around […]

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha is a pediatrician and public health advocate whose research exposed the Flint, MI water crisis. “What They Eyes Don’t See” is her story.

Author Alexis Clark talks about her new book, Enemies in Love; the true story of a black nurse and a German P.O.W. who fell in love during World War Two.

Congratulations to all those nominated! HEC couldn’t carry out its mission to “strengthen the education, art, and cultural communities in the metropolitan area” without you and all our supporters! These nominations are for you, St. Louis! Arts/Entertainment- Program Feature Segment 15 Year-Old Short Film Director Kara Vaninger Brock Seals: New Artist, Old Soul Suzanne Vanderhoef, […]

Was one of the most influential literary artists of the 20th century a spy? Former CIA archivist Nicholas Reynolds discusses his research on Ernest Hemingway.

ABC News’ chief legal analyst and “Live PD” host Dan Abrams discusses his New York Times Bestselling book, “Lincoln’s Last Trial,” co-written with David Fisher.

Georgia Hunter, author of “We Were The Lucky Ones,” is interviewed about her new book telling the amazing true story of her family’s survival of the Holocaust.

St. Louis native Jenna Fischer reveals the “nitty gritty” of making it in Hollywood; it took her 8 years in LA to land the role of Pam Beesley on “The Office.”

She famously burned her letters, but the co-authors of “My Dear Hamilton” discuss how they unearthed the remarkable story of founding mother, Eliza Hamilton.

An expert in authoritarian states, St. Louis journalist Sarah Kendzior reflects upon her collection of essays in her book, “The View from Flyover Country.”

Although there there are so many events and happenings taking place in June, we wanted to spotlight a few we are really excited about! To view all events, go to our events page, here. Edo Rosenblith at COCA | June 8 – Aug. 25 Israeli born, St. Louis-based artist Edo Rosenblith will guide COCA visitors […]

World-renowned autism spokesperson Temple Grandin shares personal stories and inventions at the Saint Louis County Library.

Happy World Book Day! Here are a few books we’re reading right now that we highly recommend! We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy Ta-Nehisi Coates “We were eight years in power” was the lament of Reconstruction-era black politicians as the American experiment in multiracial democracy ended with the return of white supremacist […]

Enjoy an evening of conversation, performance, and poetry with local and nationally renown poets and artists.

Amy Bloom reveals “the kind of love that everybody hopes for” in White Houses, her novel about the love between Eleanor Roosevelt and journalist Lorena Hickok.

There’s no doubt St. Louis is a literary city — with local bookshops such as Left Bank Books hosting events almost every day, to the St. Louis County Library hosting tons of educational initiatives for the area, there are literary opportunities everywhere you turn. Check out some of the exciting authors coming to town March […]

Author Daniel Pink enlightens us on how to have better timing in just about everything we do and all the decisions we make.

Ann Leckie talks SciFi stardom, the Imperial Radch and why the hero of her new novel, Provenance, is ‘just like us’.

Longtime St. Louis swim coach Khannie Dastgah hopes to reach children who otherwise may not know about water safety with a new book series.

  Did you know 750 million adults around the world – two-thirds of them women – lack basic reading and writing skills? And reading aloud to children every day puts them almost a year ahead of children who do not receive daily read alouds? Every year, on World Read Aloud Day (February 1), people all […]

Why should you care about jellyfish? Berwald explains her unusual journey to tell their fascinating story and how they could help us understand global warming.

Brit Bennett talks about her debut novel The Mothers, what it’s like to write a screenplay for Kerry Washington and why she believes “all art is political.”

  We live in exhausting times—why not escape for a bit with a book? Here are our top 10 staff picks, guaranteed to hit the spot by providing some much-needed escapism. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders The long-awaited first novel from the author of Tenth of December: a moving and original father-son story featuring none […]

Scott Turow’s new thriller, “Testimony,” resurrects the not-so-distant atrocities of the Bosnian War.

Celebrate literature and literary arts at the first annual BookFest St. Louis, proudly presented by the Central West End, Left Bank Books and the Left Bank Books Foundation. BookFest St. Louis will host a diverse mix of locally and internationally renowned writers, with appearances by award-winning authors including Sherman Alexie, Ann Leckie, George Hodgman, Charlie […]

Best-selling author and success coach Jen Sincero talks about her new book, “You are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth.”

Former St. Louis Cardinals baseball great Rick Ankiel discusses his new book, “The Phenomenon” – what got left out of its pages, the “yips,” & lessons learned.

New York Times Bestselling author Christina Baker Kline (“Orphan Train”) talks about her new novel “A Piece of the World,” her writing process and her success.

Temple Grandin, one of the first individuals with Autism to publicly share insights from her personal experiences recently visited Warrenton High School.

By Angie Weidinger, Host So, you think you know Joe Buck? The Fox Sports announcer who has called 19 World Series and five Super Bowls, was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball broadcaster before that, and the son of beloved Cardinals announcer Jack Buck? Well, Joe Buck would disagree with you. “People think they know me […]

“Lucky Bastard” Joe Buck discusses everything from his relationship with his dad Jack Buck to the worst call he ever made.

Mary Roach discusses the “curious science” of writing multiple bestsellers – including her latest book, “Grunt.”

Find out what book Offerman says will “Explode the Planet”

Nick Offerman loves woodworking just like his “Parks and Rec” character Ron Swanson. We discuss his woodshop, the Midwest and constantly being called “Ron.”

“Room” author Emma Donoghue talks about making movies, her Irish childhood and the inspiration behind her new novel “The Wonder.”

The Story of a Brief Marriage by Anuk Arudpragasam When we discuss the difficulties of marriage, we take for granted that many American relationships at least have the benefit of a solid foundation of basic needs: shelter, food and, to an extent, safety. The Story of a Brief Marriage strips a relationship of those comforts, […]

Nathaniel Philbrick discusses his new book, “Valiant Ambition: George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Fate of the American Revolution.”

  Maryville Talks Books features lectures by noted authors. Admission is free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. Seating is first come, first served. Maryville Talks Books is sponsored by HEC-TV, Left Bank Books and St. Louis Public Radio. Watch past Maryville Talks Books, here.   Emma Donoghue The Wonder Thursday, Oct. 11—7 p.m. […]

Many kids lose interest in reading around middle school. Author Kwame Alexander says he knows how to reengage them – poetry.

NPR’s On Being host Krista Tippett discusses her latest book, the Black Lives Matter movement and parenting advice she wishes she had earlier in life.

Ray Bradbury biographer Sam Weller talks about his literary idol – and why Bradbury’s work continues to resonate with readers.

Author Geraldine Brooks talks about her new novel that reveals an interesting story about the harpist/warrior you thought you knew all about – King David.

Former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich discusses his newest book, “Saving Capitalism: For the Many, Not the Few,” about America’s widening income gap.

Her well-known characters Fudge and Margaret helped us through adolescence; now the incomparable Judy Blume is writing for us as adults.

In her highly anticipated new novel, Judy Blume, the New York Times # 1 best-selling author of Summer Sisters and of young adult classics such as, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, creates a richly textured and moving story of three generations of families, friends and strangers, whose lives are profoundly changed by unexpected […]

HEC-TV speaks with Erik Larson about his book Dead Wake:The Last Crossing of the Lusitania. The book examines the sinking of the ship during World War I.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Eric Leuthardt discusses his new science fiction novel, Red Devil 4.

Author Blaine Harden explains how he used the courageous story of a former North Korean fighter pilot to animate the history of North Korea.

Author Julian Zelizer reveals the inside story of LBJ’s presidency and the fight for Civil Rights in “The Fierce Urgency of Now.”

Learn how to produce a play from the professionals at Metro Theater Company as they stage their production of Afflicted: Daughters of Salem.

Middle and high school students will explore themes of belonging, self-awareness, and group identity through the production of Afflicted: Daughters of Salem.

Patricia Cornwell’s character Kay Scarpetta is the focal point in novels that have sold over 100 million copies. Who is Patricia Cornwell? Find out on MTB.

Funny, shocking, brutally honest – fans can’t get enough of Andy Cohen. St. Louisans turn the table on this hometown boy turned talk show host.

Hear the true story behind the hit Netflix series, “Orange is the New Black,” from the woman who lived it, best-selling author Piper Kerman.

Author and religious scholar Reza Aslan asks how well do Christians really know Jesus of Nazareth in this candid conversation.

Author and renowned psychiatrist Mark Epstein talks about how understanding and accepting trauma can lead to personal growth and change.

Jean Kwok (“Girl in Translation”) returns to the secretive worlds of ballroom dancing and Chinatown in her new novel, “Mambo in Chinatown”.

Author Daniel James Brown tells us how he discovered all the informational “treasures” throughout his heartwarming nonfiction “The Boys in the Boat.”

Author Austin Kleon discusses “Show Your Work! 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered,” an illustrated guide to working in the digital age.

Humorist Dave Barry talks with us about everything from Justin Bieber to his wife’s role in the popularity of the book “The Kite Runner.”

Henrietta Lacks died from ovarian cancer in 1951, but her cells live on today. This interview explores Henrietta’s influence and the book and soon to be movie about her.

Diamond draws on four decades of experiences with tribal people in New Guinea to bring us lessons from the past to be used today.

Novelist Ann Patchett talks about “This is the Story of a Happy Marriage”, a collection of essays and articles about life, love, writing, and forgiveness.

If you know Sue Grafton, then you also know Kinsey Millhone. The sharp-tongued, no frills private eye is back in “W is for Wasted,” the latest letter in Grafton’s best-selling “alphabet” mystery series. Find out why Grafton calls Kinsey her “alter ego” and why she’ll never expose her to the evils of Hollywood or menopause.

View a live performance of “The Very Last Green Thing,” an opera written for young people and performed by young people. Then find out what questions of the students had for the director, set designer and cast members.

This set of Video Discussion Questions accompanies Mr. Greitens’s book, The Warrior’s Heart: Becoming a Man of Compassion and Courage.

Khaled Hosseini is known worldwide for his blockbuster, emotionally gripping novels, The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns and And the Mountains Echoed.  In this interview, get to know a different side of this bestselling author – his humorous side.  Plus, learn about his childhood and writing inspirations.

Michael Pollan, best-selling author of “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” and one of the stars of the documentary “Food, Inc.”, explains how clever marketing, social changes and even the rise of “foodie culture” are driving us out of the kitchen. His new book, “Cooked,” encourages us to find our way back.

Novelist Elizabeth Strout talks candidly about writing, rejection, and the inspiration behind her newest novel, “The Burgess Boys.”

Like it or not, we’re all in sales.  From trying to convince your boss to give you a raise to talking your kids into cleaning their rooms, you use sales tactics everyday.  This one on one with bestselling author Daniel Pink will give you tips on how to be more effective in everyday sales.

“Queen of Suspense” Lisa Gardner reveals some writing secrets, including how she develops plot twists, creates characters’ names and quirks, and how country walks inspire her.

What was America’s most perilous year?  Find out why bestselling author David Von Drehle says it was 1862, and how President Abraham Lincoln successfully lead the nation out of danger and into the history books..

Hear directly from Holocaust survivors. Learn how the lived before the war, what happened to them and their families, and what it was like to face the danger.

Who was the most influential founding father? Author Jon Meacham gives insight into the intriguing, complicated, life of Thomas Jefferson.

Dan Gutman’s novel Jackie and Me continues to be read and loved by thousands each year. In this program students had the opportunity to participate in a national videoconference book club discussion of issues and themes.

Many remember with extreme clarity the day the World Trade Center was attacked and the day Osama bin Laden was killed. But, the events that connect those two days are less clear for most Americans. Mark Bowden, the award winning author of Black Hawk Down, walks us through the development of new strategies and technology developed to track down this extreme terrorist in his latest book, The Finish: The Killing of Osama bin Laden. In this candid one on one conversation, Bowden reveals the research that went into his latest release, the risky aspects of the Abottabad mission and the secret behind his literary success.

Be part of an interactive writer’s workshop with Ridley Pearson, award winning author of the Kingdom Keepers series, Peter and the Starcatchers, and many other books for young readers. 1pm This program was partially funded by the Missouri Arts Council.

Be part of an interactive writer’s workshop with Ridley Pearson, award winning author of the Kingdom Keepers series, Peter and the Starcatchers, and many other books for young readers. 10 am This program was partially funded by the Missouri Arts Council.

After penning her 17th book, award-winning author Chitra Divakaruni talks with HEC-TV about what inspired her most recently released novel One Amazing Thing.  The book’s characters will intrigue the reader with well-developed, thoughtful stories that are revealed as they struggle to survive following a deadly earthquake.  Divakaruni explores cultural differences and human behavior in an uncontrollable situation.  One Amazing Thing is an enjoyable, fast read as her characters’ stories have a broad range of emotions that will have readers crying on one page and laughing on another.  In this conversation, she reveals some secrets of the book as well as her One Amazing Thing.  

Author, photographer, and humanitarian Eric Greitens grew up in a quiet suburb of St. Louis, but he’s seen his share of the world’s suffering. After graduating from Parkway North, Greitens headed off to Duke University and a life of public service. He taught English in China, and worked with refugees in places like Rwanda, Croatia and Bosnia, where he came to the realization that victims of war need both compassion and protection. After receiving graduate degrees from Oxford University, he became a Navy SEAL and fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. In 2007, he returned to St. Louis and founded The Mission Continues, a national nonprofit that helps post-9/11 veterans continue to serve their communities. In this One on One Conversation, Greitens talks about his St. Louis childhood and the experiences that led him to write three books, including his new release for young adult readers, The Warrior’s Heart: Becoming a Man of Compassion and Courage. Based on Greiten’s best-selling memoir, The Heart and the Fist, The Warriors Heart is an inspiring “call to action” for young people who want to make a difference in the world.

As we approach Veteran’s Day 2012, hear first hand from those who have served our country. Learn what it’s like to be in the military, fight in combat, return from war, and to have served your nation in its armed forces.

Author and St. Louis native Bill Donius tells us about a method that can help you get those occasional "Aha moments" to happen much more frequently…a method that's as easy as switching your pen from one hand to the other.  He says it's all about learning how to use your whole brain, including your right brain – the side of your brain that's often ignored as left brain logic takes over answering most of our daily questions.  Donius says using your whole brain can change your perspectives, actions, habits and moods in revolutionary ways.  It was successful for hundreds of volunteers who tried it out before he wrote his book, Thought Revolution: How to Unlock Your Inner Genius; volunteers that included executives from Express Scripts, Enterprise Rent-a-Car and Clear Channel Broadcasting.  Business leaders are now taking his findings into the workplace to try to unlock innovative ideas from the right hemisphere of employees' minds.

He's known for giving an insider's in-depth look at sports; Cardinals baseball strategy with Three Nights in August (when he told the story of the 2003 three game series between the Cardinals and Cubs from Tony LaRussa's perspective) and the intensity of high school football in Friday Night Lights. But, recently Buzz Bissinger turned the pen on himself and wrote Father's Day – a raw look at raising premature twins, one of which has brain damage. In this conversation, Bissinger not only talks about a poignant moment at Six Flags St. Louis featured in that new book, he discusses Cardinal nation (made up of what he calls the "Best fans in baseball"), recent changes in the Cardinals clubhouse (and where he thinks Albert Pujols should've went) and the unusual evolution of the care of premature babies. It's an intriguing talk that has multiple connections to Missouri, especially St. Louis.

When you cover sports for more than fifty years, you see a lot of changes. It's that experience that's given Emmy award and Peabody award winning Frank Deford a perspective on sports that can be duplicated by none other. This one-one-one conversation with the Sports Illustrated writer, NPR commentator and HBO Real Sports with Bryant Gumble contributor is informational, entertaining and intriguing with stories about sports greats Arthur Ashe and Wilt Chamberlain as well as insight into the future of journalism and interestingly enough, the recent tattoo craze.

Bill Bradley former US Senator and NBA Hall-of- Famer discusses his book and his athletic and political life.

Alexander McCall Smith author of popular book series "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency," has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.

Importance of watersheds and what we can do to protect them, a lab activity to test stream water for macro invertebrates and water quality at the Little Creek Nature Area, Florissant, MO.

New York Times Bestselling author, Lisa See talks about her historical novels.

Lisa See author of “Shanghai Girls” and “Dreams of Joy” discusses her latest novels and answers questions.

Saint Louis native Sister Madonna Buder still runs triathlons in her 80s

In this conversation with author Luis Alberto Urrea about his two novels "The Hummingbird's Daughter" and "Queen of America" based on life of Teresita Urrea.

Andrew Young noted noted civil rights leader and former ambassador.

Metro Theater Company and historians from the Missouri Historical Society produce play, “Battledrum.”

Author Luis Alberto Urrea humorously draws audience members into his personal journey to connect with his own history in "The Hummingbird's Daughter" and "Queen of America."

interview with New York Times Bestselling author Howard Markel discusses history of and problems with cocaine use

New York Times Best-seller author Jean Kwok shares her personal story with host Brenda Madden

Nobel prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa will receive the Saint Louis University Literary Award. LLosa, a prolific author, was awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize in Literature. He is considered one of the most influential Latin American novelists of his time he is also an acclaimed essayist and journalist.

New York Times Best-seller author Jean Kwok shares her personal story with students at Maryville University.

Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff discusses her bestselling biography “Cleopatra: A Life.”

Explore the world of movement with Modern American Dance Company (MADCO)

Join our panel of Presidential scholars and advisors for a vibrant and insightful discussion on the history and execution of Presidential powers exploring how and why Presidents make decisions, the application of and implications on the Constitution from those decisions, and the far ranging impacts of those decisions. This event will be aired live from the Ulysses S. National Historic Site, where the 18th President lived and met his wife, Julia.

Join our panel of Presidential scholars and advisors for a vibrant and insightful discussion on the history and execution of Presidential powers exploring how and why Presidents make decisions, the application of and implications on the Constitution from those decisions, and the far ranging impacts of those decisions. This event will be aired live from the Ulysses S. National Historic Site, where the 18th President lived and met his wife, Julia.

In this addition of Maryville Talks Books, Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff discusses bestselling biography "Cleopatra: A Life."

Ever wonder what HEC-TV Live! is? Want to know more? This will give you all of the information you need!

Daniel Wilson; discusses his New York Times Best Selling book Robopocalypse

Daniel Wilson’s brilliantly conceived futuristic novel, Robopocalypse tells a captivating tale of man versus machine that is sure to grip your imagination

Justin Cronin discusses his blockbuster hit and New York Times bestseller, “The Passage.”

Justin Cronin's hit novel The Passage is a breathtaking tale of catastrophe and survival that he discusses in this edition of Maryville Talks Books.

Helen Simonson author of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand visits Maryville Talks Books

Helen Simonson provided lively, humorous commentary about how her novel, Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand.

George Brady discusses his sister Hana Brady whose concentration camp experiences in WWII were in book and play “Hana’s Suitcase.”

Discussion with Dennis Riggs and Salman Rushdie.

Conversation with Ron Himes Producing Director of the Black Rep.

Holocaust Survivor, Ela Weissberger talk about concentration camps and being in play Brundibar

Interview with author Helen Thomas.

Interview with Seymour Simon renowned children’s non-fiction author.

Fascinating conversation between Wes Moore, author of The Other Wes Moore and Hazelwood East High School students

Investigating primary source documents to see how states reacted to Lincoln’s election.

The Impact of Lincoln’s Election
February 10, 2011 1 pm – Investigating primary source documents to see how states reacted to Lincoln’s election.

A Conversation with Lois Lowry-Author of The Giver
On Oct. 7, 2010, at 10 am, students interact with Lois Lowry, author of the Newberry Medal winning book and other classic young adult fiction.

Producing the Play the Giver including actors and producers live on stage as they prepare for opening at Edison.

Inside the Artist’s Studio
The Giver: Bringing the Characters to Life
December 9, 2010 1 pm – Students will interact with members of the cast of Metro Theater Company’s upcoming stage production of “The Giver.” Excerpts from the play will be performed with discussion of the characters. This program was partially funded by the Missouri Arts Council.

Inside the Artist’s Studio
The Giver: Bringing the Characters to Life
December 9, 2010 10 am – Students will interact with members of the cast of Metro Theater Company’s upcoming stage production of “The Giver.” Excerpts from the play will be performed with discussion of the characters. This program was partially funded by the Missouri Arts Council.

Inside the Artist’s Studio
The Giver: Issues and Themes
November 16, 2010, 1 pm – Join HEC-TV Live and the team behind the production of the adapted play “The Giver.” We’ll discuss the deep issues and themes of the play and hear from the author who wrote the original novel. This program was partially funded by the Missouri Arts Council.

Inside the Artist’s Studio
The Giver: Issues and Themes
November 16, 2010, 10 am – Join HEC-TV Live and the team behind the production of the adapted play “The Giver.” We’ll discuss the deep issues and themes of the play and hear from the author who wrote the original novel. This program was partially funded by the Missouri Arts Council.

Opening Night of The Giver and hear from the playwright Eric Coble

The St. Louis County Library hosts the 35th annual May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture, delivered by children’s author Lois Lowry.

Paul Rusesabagina discusses how he saved lives in Rwanda genocide 1994. This interview won 2006 Mid-America Emmy Award

This edition of State of the Arts comes from the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.

This edition of State of the Arts comes from the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.