We all remember those multicolored posters that hung above the chalkboards in our third grade classrooms, the ones where cartoon characters like Pippi Longstocking and Peter Pan spelled out \READING IS FUN!""
During one hour each Wednesday afternoon, Tara Mathison shares that same message through her radio program, ""House of Boris,"" by innovatively expressing how important and exciting literature is here in Madison.
After realizing many local, emerging authors were in need of recognition, Mathison and Alex Gekas began interviewing these authors for their show on student radio WSUM, 91.7 FM, in order to encourage readers to enjoy their books. Nearly two years later, Tara has interviewed more than 100 locally and nationally renowned authors on her show.
""When I find a book that I like, I try to promote it the best that I can,"" Mathison said. She said she doesn't want to mislead listeners by broadcasting books she didn't enjoy, so she simply won't mention bad books or invite their authors on ""House of Boris."" ??
Free time is a precious commodity, particularly among college students, so if a person opts to read a book for enjoyment, Tara wants to recommend one she believes is a good use of quality time.
By having the authors of those books on her show, Mathison provides opportunities for them to reveal hidden truths, backgrounds and inspirations behind their works.
During the show, Mathison conducts unscripted conversations with the authors and their publishers in order to create a personal, conversational program. She rarely takes callers, as it interrupts the conversation flow; however, listeners are welcome to email any questions or comments to her at www.uwsum.org during the show.
Although ""House of Boris"" began by featuring only fiction novels written by local authors, Tara has since expanded the program to include other genres as well as nationally-renowned writers for a more diverse feel. She said she is striving to get more emerging poets on her show.
""I feel it's really important that the literary community realizes its power and tries to get its voice out there,"" Mathison said.
She also said she believes many talk radio shows are boring and lack creativity, so she tries to make ""House of Boris"" a more interesting program that inspires her listeners.
She credits her fellow WSUM peers as awesome motivation, and also recognizes the assistance she receives from the community. ??She encourages all her listeners to support independent bookstores as well as book festivals, like the upcoming one here in Madison in October.
Mathison recognizes that people might be apprehensive to meet authors, thinking they might be unapproachable. However, her experience on her show and at book fairs has proven otherwise; she wants to have Madison also realize this truth by listening to these authors converse on the radio.
Upcoming guests Mathison will be speaking to include Rachel Cohen, who wrote ""A Chance Meeting"" and Imad Rahman, author of ""I Dream of Microwaves.\
