I truly believe in string theory. Not the particle physics kind which theorizes that point-like particles are replaced by one-dimensional objects called strings. That’s too complicated for my brain to handle. I’m talking about those magical strings that connect us to places and events and people. Not just coincidences. Something much more.

Whether you call them string or threads, there are surprising concurrences that ripple through the fabric of our lives and create a glorious tapestry. For me, Joy on Paper is a tapestry. How else to explain the strange threads that have connected my childhood passion for books to so many authors.

Two of the golden threads are Lee Child and Andrew Child. So it was a great thrill to be able to spend an entire hour with them on Lee’s Birthday to celebrate of the release of the 25th book in the Jack Reacher series – and the first one where Andrew, Lee's baby brother, joins in the fun of keeping Jack Reacher going.

Join us as we talk about their school days -- they both went to amazing schools. Lee went to St. Edward's School in Birmingham, founded in 1552. Andrew went to St. Albans, founded in 948 CE. It was fun to remember the days when I lived in England and I would stop in a pub at St. Albans or when I was doing research in the Chetham Library in Manchester -- just down the street from where Lee (then Jim Grant) was working at Grenada Television. We probably passed each other on the way to the pub.

This is an interview unlike any other -- we chat about a wide range of subjects -- from talking Brummie (they are from Birmingham) to soccer (they are Aston Villa fans) to James Joyce and Dostoevsky. Enjoy this interview. I know I did!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.