Ann Patchett is the author of 8 novels, a memoir, a collection of essays and a children’s book. She says one of the biggest thrills in her life was the moment her friend Tom Hanks agreed to narrate the audio version of her latest best seller “The Dutch House.” What she likes best is reading, talking about books and wearing flip flops to work at her bookstore in Nashville. We talk about how a pandemic brings you face to face with what’s really important in life and how books help you to find yourself. “Now What?” was produced with the help of Gabe Zimmer, Steve Zimmer and Stephanie Hou. Audio production is by Nick Ciavatta.

In these odd times, we don’t meet in person. For this conversation, I was in my closet in Woodstock, New York and Nick Kristof was in his study in Westchester.  Kristof, who has been an Op-Ed columnist for the New York Times since 2001 is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. His latest book is called Tightrope: Americans Reaching for Hope. When it comes to reporting, Kristof is an example of the best of the best and he covers the hard subjects: injustice, poverty and human rights. “Now What?” is produced with help from Gabe Zimmer, Steve Zimmer and Stephanie Hou. Audio production is by Nick Ciavatta.