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The Book Show

Ayad Akhtar - The Radiance

By Joe Donahue
Published October 27, 2026 at 11:30 AM EDT
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What happens when a terrible accident leaves you feeling more alive than ever? Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and novelist Ayad Akhtar explores that question in 'The Radiance,' a provocative new novel about faith, identity, desire, and the mysteries of the human mind.

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Joe Donahue
Joe talks to people on the radio for a living. In addition to countless impressive human "gets" - he has talked to a lot of Muppets. Joe grew up in Philadelphia, has been on the area airwaves for more than 25 years and currently lives in Washington County, NY with his wife, Kelly, and their dog, Brady. And yes, he reads every single book.
See stories by Joe Donahue
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