The Open Book Podcast
with David Steinberger

A behind-the-scenes look at books and publishing

Join us for wide-ranging discussions with publishers, editors, authors, journalists, thinkers, executives, and other makers of culture, hosted by David Steinberger, CEO of Open Road Media and Chairman of the National Book Foundation.

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Books Change Lives

Dominique Raccah

Founder and CEO, Sourcebooks

Dominique Raccah founded Sourcebooks in Chicago in 1987 and has turned it into the fastest growing, and now the largest, independent book publisher in the United States. This episode covers how she built an innovative company and a culture that seems to uniquely balance supporting authors, understanding readers, and using data to make decisions.

INTERVIEWED ON: September 17th, 2025

Books discussed:

The Diary of Anäis Nin

The acclaimed author details her bohemian life in 1930s Paris—including her famous affair with Henry Miller—in the classic first volume of her diaries. Edited and with an introduction by Gunther Stuhlmann, this celebrated first volume begins in the winter of 1931 and ends in the fall of 1934. It covers an auspicious time in Nin’s life, from when she is about to publish her first book to her decision to leave Paris for New York.

Poetry Speaks to Children

Poetry Speaks to Children is a beautifully illustrated poetry anthology that turns young listeners and readers into poetry lovers for life. Edited by Elise Paschen, this New York Times bestseller gathers more than 90 classic and contemporary poems, all chosen to spark wonder, laughter, and curiosity in children ages 5 to 12.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

This unbelievably twisty read will have you glued to the pages late into the night. Anyone who loves Gone Girl won’t be able to put down The Housemaid!

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana's quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.