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'Don't Forget Me, Little Bessie' by James Lee Burke explores America

Book cover of 'Don't Forget Me, Little Bessie' by James Lee Burke, featured on WYSO's Book Nook podcast. The latest mystery novel from the acclaimed author of the Dave Robicheaux series, discussed by host Vick Mickunas on Dayton's premier literary podcast.
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Book cover of 'Don't Forget Me, Little Bessie' by James Lee Burke, featured on WYSO's Book Nook podcast. The latest mystery novel from the acclaimed author of the Dave Robicheaux series, discussed by host Vick Mickunas on Dayton's premier literary podcast.

James Lee Burke just published his latest Holland family novel. At age 88, he isn't slowing down at all. In fact, he has picked up the pace over the last couple of years. During this interview, he mentioned he has already finished writing his latest book in the Dave Robicheaux series, and it weighs in at 555 pages. That has to be the longest one yet. How does he do it? He told me he tries to write every day, at least 750 words. Now that is a work ethic.

The Book Nook airs Saturdays at 7 a.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on WYSO 91.3 FM and streams at WYSO.org.

The Book Nook on WYSO is presented by the Greene County Public Library with additional support from Washington-Centerville Public LibraryClark County Public LibraryDayton Metro LibraryWright Memorial Public Library, and Tipp City Public Library.

Vick Mickunas is the host of Book Nook on WYSO, which he created in 1994. He has conducted more than 1,700 author interviews, from Studs Terkel to Lee Child to John Glenn. He is a book critic for the Dayton Daily News and the Springfield News-Sun.