The Commission: The Uncensored History of the 9/11 Investigation by Philip Shenon

Once upon a time, book authors were jetted across America, stopping off at every radio and tv station between Boston and Bakersfield. No more (mostly). Now, thanks to satellite technology and clear telephone landlines, the interviews can be done more simply -- and much more cheaply -- from one big media center. In my case, Washington D.C., with the occasional trip to New York. I spend part of the day on the telephone or in radio/tv studios here, conducting interviews all across America. And I've enjoyed it; some of the best conversations have been with conservative talk-show hosts who like to try to provoke me over my day job at that great liberal bastion The New York Times. (I had nothing to do with the NYT's big John McCain story this week. Promise.) One big exception to my mostly one-city book tour is this weekend, when my publisher has kindly agreed to send me home, to the San Francisco Bay area, for a talk at the city's World Affairs Council on Monday evening. Tickets available at www.itsyourworld.org. I have a live interview Monday morning with Forum, the popular public affairs show on KQED radio with host Michael Krasny. Phil Shenon