The Book Case: David K. Shipler Interprets Interpreters

Episode Release Date: April 24, 2025

Hosts: Charlie Gibson & Kate Gibson
Guest: David K. Shipler
Platform: ABC News
Podcast Series Description: The Book Case explores books outside your usual genre, featuring interviews with best-selling authors, tastemakers, and independent bookstore owners to inspire a deeper hunger for literature.

Introduction to David K. Shipler

[00:22] Charlie Gibson: Welcomes listeners to another episode of The Book Case and introduces David K. Shipler, an esteemed reporter and author. Shipler, at 83 years old, is renowned for his non-fiction work covering the Middle East, the Soviet Union, civil rights, and human rights. Recently, Shipler has ventured into fiction with his novel, "The Interpreter."

[00:32] Kate Gibson: Expresses enthusiasm about Shipler's transition from non-fiction to fiction and highlights his impressive career, including his Pulitzer Prize win and tenure at The New York Times.

From Journalism to Fiction: Shipler’s New Endeavor

[02:47] Charlie Gibson: Discusses the inspiration behind "The Interpreter," noting that while Shipler covered the final days of the Vietnam War, he felt fiction would better capture the nuanced experiences of interpreters rather than sticking to strict non-fiction.

[06:06] David Shipler: Explains the genesis of "The Interpreter." After the death of his interpreter friend from Vietnam, Shipler considered adapting his story into a screenplay. Lacking screenplay experience, he chose to write a novel instead. Shipler emphasizes that fiction allows for a deeper exploration of truths that non-fiction might not fully capture.

Notable Quote:
"As a nonfiction writer and as a journalist, I came to feel that there were times and situations where pure nonfiction did not quite reach all of the truth."
— David Shipler [07:37]

The Role and Trustworthiness of Interpreters

[10:04] David Shipler: Delves into the critical role of interpreters in journalism and government. He introduces the novel’s protagonist, Lan Lanh, an interpreter dedicated to faithfully translating spoken words while maintaining their original meaning and cultural context.

[12:17] David Shipler: Highlights the challenges interpreters face, such as bridging language gaps where direct translations may lack exact equivalents, necessitating creative but accurate interpretation.

Notable Quote:
"If you work with somebody over time you get a sense of the person's honesty because you're in a conversation back and forth with the person you're interviewing through the different languages."
— David Shipler [10:04]

Ethical Dilemmas and Allegiances in War Reporting

[13:57] David Shipler: Discusses the complex allegiances interpreters navigate, especially in war zones. He draws parallels between historical events, such as the Vietnam War evacuation efforts, and contemporary issues like the end of temporary protected status for Afghans.

[18:23] David Shipler: Explores the motivations behind interpreters choosing to work for foreign correspondents despite potential risks, emphasizing their deep-seated love for their country and desire to convey its true essence to outsiders.

Notable Quote:
"Interpreting his country, no matter for whom, was a gesture of affection."
— David Shipler [20:16]

Shipler’s Writing Process and Character Development

[24:54] Kate Gibson: Inquires about Shipler’s approach to crafting the novel’s final sentence, intrigued by its impact.

[25:14] David Shipler: Shares insights into his writing process, noting that while he knew how the book would end, the final sentence emerged organically during the writing of the concluding scene. He compares this spontaneity to his experience with short stories, where unexpected developments often enhance the narrative.

Notable Quote:
"Things happen on the page that I don't plan. They come out of the ends of my fingers on the keyboard."
— David Shipler [25:14]

The Future of Journalism and Writing

[26:28] Charlie Gibson: Wraps up the discussion with Shipler, highlighting his transition from non-fiction to fiction and reflecting on the state of journalism in the modern age.

[27:04] Kate Gibson: Raises concerns about the security and viability of journalism as a career, especially with the decline of traditional news outlets.

[27:24] Charlie Gibson: Affirms the enduring importance of journalism despite industry challenges, emphasizing the necessity of strong writing skills.

Notable Quote:
"Most important thing is knowing how to write, which you need to learn in college."
— Charlie Gibson [27:24]

Spotlight on Independent Bookstores: Madison Books

[28:54] Kate Gibson: Introduces Sarah Trainor, the owner of Madison Books, a small but vibrant independent bookstore in Seattle’s Madison Park area.

[29:12] Sarah Trainor: Describes Madison Books as Seattle’s smallest bookstore at 402 square feet, highlighting the importance of community support and strategic book stocking based on neighborhood preferences and retailer advice.

[31:46] Kate Gibson: Shares a personal anecdote about working in bookstores, illustrating the deep connection between bookstore staff and the books they recommend.

Notable Quote:
"We have a lot of circulation traffic. That helps enormously."
— Sarah Trainor [29:35]

Conclusion and Acknowledgments

[33:19] Kate Gibson: Concludes the episode by thanking contributors and encouraging listeners to tune in next week for another engaging conversation.

[33:51] Charlie Gibson: Mentions Farewell and promotional spots while reiterating gratitude towards the production team and contributors.

Key Takeaways

• David K. Shipler's Transition: Shipler successfully shifts from a distinguished non-fiction career to fiction, leveraging his real-life experiences to enrich his storytelling.

• Importance of Interpreters: The novel underscores the pivotal role interpreters play in bridging cultural and linguistic divides, especially in conflict zones.

• Ethical Challenges: Interpreters often face moral dilemmas, balancing their professional responsibilities with personal loyalties and national allegiances.

• Writing Insights: Shipler emphasizes the organic nature of storytelling in fiction, where characters and narratives develop naturally rather than following a rigid plan.

• State of Journalism: Despite industry downturns, strong writing remains essential, and journalism continues to be a vital field for accurate and impactful storytelling.

• Support for Independent Bookstores: Small bookstores like Madison Books thrive through community engagement, strategic stocking, and personalized customer interactions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• David Shipler [07:37]:
  "As a nonfiction writer and as a journalist, I came to feel that there were times and situations where pure nonfiction did not quite reach all of the truth."

• David Shipler [10:04]:
  "If you work with somebody over time you get a sense of the person's honesty because you're in a conversation back and forth with the person you're interviewing through the different languages."

• David Shipler [20:16]:
  "Interpreting his country, no matter for whom, was a gesture of affection."

• David Shipler [25:14]:
  "Things happen on the page that I don't plan. They come out of the ends of my fingers on the keyboard."

• Sarah Trainor [29:35]:
  "We have a lot of circulation traffic. That helps enormously."

Availability: Listeners can find "The Interpreter" and other books mentioned in this episode through the provided episode links on their preferred podcast platform.

Next Episode: Tune in next Thursday for another enlightening conversation with David Shipler as he delves deeper into his literary transition and explores the evolving landscape of journalism.

Produced by ABC Audio and Good Morning America. Edited by Tom Butler of TKO Productions. Executive Producer: Simone Swink.