The author Michael Chabon discusses his new novel, Telegraph Avenue, music, race, writing, and more, with Joseph Planta.

Telegraph Avenue by Michael Chabon (HarperCollins, 2012). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Telegraph Avenue

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver at TheCommentary.ca.

Once again, I’m joined by the author Michael Chabon. He’s in Vancouver this day as part of a whirlwind tour taking him across the continent and overseas over the course of the next few weeks. The purpose of his travels is to promote his newest novel, Telegraph Avenue. Set in the summer of 2004, two friends Archy and Nat run a used record shop on the aforementioned Telegraph Avenue, which sort of separates Berkeley and Oakland. Archy happens to be black, and Nat happens to be white. The book speaks to race, music, childbirth and childrearing; it also looks at class. The notices for the book have been outstanding, some calling it his best work, while a number saying it captures our times so adroitly. It’s no surprise it’s already been optioned. And when it’s made into a movie, it’s guaranteed to have a pretty good soundtrack, considering the sort of music that’s written about in the book. I’ll ask Mr. Chabon about writing this book, what he hopes readers will get out of it, and perhaps why we should read it. I’ve started it and though I don’t often read fiction, I’m finding this book compelling and entertaining. Mr. Chabon’s writing is extraordinary. He is a bestselling author of books such as The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, Wonder Boys, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, which received the Pulitzer Prize, The Yiddish Policeman’s Union, and the marvelous collection Manhood for Amateurs. He’s also done some screenwriting: Spiderman 2 and John Carter are a couple recent credits. www.michaelchabon.com is the website for more. The book is published by HarperCollins. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, Michael Chabon; Mr. Chabon, good morning.

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