This month, host Dave Pezza is joined by Kelly J. Ford, author of the novel Cottonmouths, to discuss How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhang. Published on April 7, 2020 by Riverhead Books, How Much of These Hills Is Gold tells the story of two preteen siblings, Lucy and Sam, who awaken to find their father, their only remaining family, dead. Amidst Zhang’s reimagining of the American West in the 19th century, Lucy and Sam must bury their father, make peace with their family’s past, and find their own path through this dangerous and unforgiving land they call home. In her debut novel, Zhang depicts a harrowing story that explores race, gender, family, and the hardships of living in a hostile land. Through a unique and magical writing style, Zhang transports her readers to a time and place that seem oddly familiar but terrifying to behold. Next read: The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead (with guest host John Vercher, author of Three-Fifths)