Clea Simon is the Boston Globe-bestselling author of three nonfiction books and 30 mysteries, including The Butterfly Trap, Bad Boy Beat, World Enough and Hold Me Down. A graduate of Harvard University and former journalist, she has contributed to publications ranging from Salon.com and Harvard Magazine to Yankee and The New York Times. Clea, like so many, is also dealing with cancer and finds herself at a crossroad. Her cancer can essentially be cured if she gets a liver transplant. But the prospects for her receiving the organ are challenging. Still, this engaging, creative lady is tough and resilient as she advocates for herself and others. Learn more about the donor program that Clea is involved in at www.bidmc.org/liverdonor.

Today meet Allan Schiller, a retired violinist with the New York Philharmonic who performed from 1964 to 1999 under legendary conductors including Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta and Kurt Masur. In an effort to make classical music more accessible to all he has written, “The Wannabe Classical Music Aficionado: 46 Insights to Make Your Next Concert a More Enjoyable Experience.” Learn about how centuries of musical tradition have quietly shaped what we hear today. Allan shares backstage stories, and tips on everything from the role of the conductor to when it is appropriate to clap during a performance. Whether it is your first or fiftieth concert, the book helps to remove the mystery surrounding classical music. Your seat is waiting!

Screenwriter and novelist Gary Goldstein talks about his latest book, “ Canine Custody.” It is a funny, candid, sexy, at times bittersweet look at what draws lovers to each other, how those same things can send them packing, and the surprising role our pets can play in life’s major decisions. Told from three points of view—the wife, the husband and the wonderful Betty, their beloved dog, the story is witty, touching and totally relatable. For dog lovers and anyone in a relationship (I guess that means all of us) this novel is well worth the read!