Joe Donahue

In his latest biography, “Mark Twain,” Ron Chernow brings to life the man known as the father of American literature, Mark Twain. Chernow peels back the layers of this complex figure, showing us the man behind classics like “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “The Innocents Abroad.”

This week's Book Picks comes from Suzanna Hermans from Oblong Books in Rhinebeck and Millerton, NY and Kira Wizner from Merritt Bookstore in Millbrook, NY.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Semi-retired, Editor at large/columnist/editorial writer, Times Union Jay Jochnowitz, Mayor of the City of Albany Kathy Sheehan, and Former Times Union Associate Editor Mike Spain.

Last month, WAMC on the Road presented an evening of conversation centered on the state of journalism, democracy, and upholding our First Amendment Rights at Gallery 40 in Poughkeepsie, New York. Joe Donahue moderated and the panelists were WAMC’s CEO & President Sarah Gilbert, Executive Producer of “The New Yorker Radio Hour” David Krasnow, Founder of “The Daily Catch” Emily Sachar and Editor of “The Times Union” Casey Seiler.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Joseph Palamountain Jr. Chair in Government atSkidmore College Beau Breslin, Professor of History and International Relations at Vassar College Robert Brigham, Senior Fellow, Bard Center for Civic Engagement Jim Ketterer, and Preceptor in Public Speaking for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University Terry Gipson.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Ulster County Comptroller and former President and CEO of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley March Gallagher, Senior Fellow for Health Policy at The Empire Center for Public Policy Bill Hammond, and Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Robert Pondiscio.

“Extremely Happy Holidays: Wildly Creative New Cocktails to Uplift and Enchant through a Full Year of Holiday Chaos” is a new mixology book that features recipes for spirited drinks and mocktails - all themed around specific festive celebrations – and not just the ones inundating our lives this time of year – but also St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and Talk like a Pirate Day. Written by Devin McEwan, a home bartender and debut author, the book is illustrated by his mother, bestselling children’s book author Sandra Boynton.In November, Oblong Books and The White Hart hosted us in Salisbury, Connecticut.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Ulster County Board of Elections Commissioner Ashley Dittus, Professor of Political Science at Hartwick College in Oneonta and and Co-Director of the Institute of Public Service Laurel Elder, Executive Director of Communities for Local Power and former White House Advance Lead Anna Markowitz, and Associate Professor of Music at Vassar College Justin Patch.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Specialist in Government and Public Services Healthcare Consulting Azmat Ahmad, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bard College and Director for the Center for Civic Engagement; Professor of Political Studies Jonathan Becker, Founder and Academic Director of the Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities and Professor of Politics, Philosophy, and Human Rights at Bard College Roger Berkowitz, and Albany Law School Professor and director of the Edward P. Swyer Justice Center at Albany Law School Sarah Rogerson.

Ann Packer’s newest novel, “Some Bright Nowhere,” marks a profound return after a decade: it tells the story of Eliot and Claire, married nearly forty years in a quiet Connecticut town, facing the toughest chapter of their lives when Claire’s long-running illness draws toward its end.