(This recording contains explicit content.) Richard Russo's novels are distinguished by their true-to-life depictions of declining small towns in the United States. His novel Empire Falls won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize, and his other works, including Nobody's Fool and Bridge of Sighs, have enjoyed both critical and popular acclaim. His new novel, That Old Cape Magic, weaves the story of a middle-aged man confronting his parents' failed marriage, his own troubled one, and his daughter's new life.

An outspoken journalist in an outspoken city, Pete Dexter was a columnist for the Philadelphia Daily News for 12 years. He is the author of the National Book Award winner Paris Trout, the essay collection Paper Trails, and the novels Deadwood, God's Pocket, Brotherly Love, The Paperboy, and Train. His latest novel, Spooner, tells the story of the lifelong struggle between a father and his troubled stepson.