Shows
Book GangWhen a Journalist Outgrows the Word CountJournalist Honor Jones discusses her debut novel, Sleep, which explores the #MeToo movement from childhood to the newsroom through a unique fictional lens.Honor Jones's debut novel, Sleep, opens in the heat of a seemingly idyllic summer childhood, where ten-year-old Margaret navigates unspoken secrets within her home. But as the years unfold, the story quietly traces how early moments of confusion ripple forward into Margaret's adult life, particularly as she covers the Weinstein trial as a journalist. With a clear-eyed and unsettling voice, Sleep becomes a meditation on what women bury, what they minimize, and what begins...
2025-07-2543 min
Book GangWhy Finding Grace Is the Plot-Twist Novel of the SummerHoly plot twist! Loretta Rothschild shares her writing process for her buzzy debut, Finding Grace, where the opening sequence stuns in this spoiler-free chat.In today's Book Gang episode, debut author Loretta Rothschild discusses Finding Grace, a domestic drama that cracks wide open into something far more unexpected. This powerful novel explores fertility, family bonds, and the long echo of grief, told through a voice you won't see coming.In this heart-to-heart conversation, Loretta and I discuss her five-year journey to publication, the art of crafting structure and tension, and how one tragic twist completely...
2025-07-1836 min
Book GangThis Author Walked Away from Law—and Won BigLidija Hilje shares how her debut novel, Slanting Towards the Sea, and her own journey is shaped by second chances and the courage it required to begin again.Lidija Hilje brings a rare and powerful perspective to her fiction. After a decade working in Croatian courts, she left the legal field to write in English as her second language and to coach other writers through their own stories. We discuss how that radical life change shaped both her novel and her coaching philosophy.In today's Book Gang episode, Lidija joins me for a profoundly moving...
2025-07-111h 04
Book GangA Professor Turns Sleuth in This Sharp Academic MysteryZoe Wallbrook shares how her debut mystery, History Lessons, blends academia, amateur sleuthing, and suspense in this clever, twisty campus mystery with heart.In today's special July 4th Book Gang episode, author Zoe B. Wallbrook joins me for a smart and surprising conversation about her dazzling debut, History Lessons. This mystery novel brings the classroom to the crime scene.When a brilliant but insufferable colleague is murdered, Professor Daphne Ouverture's quiet academic life gives way to a dangerous investigation filled with buried secrets, institutional reckonings, and revolutionary echoes.In the spirit of the...
2025-07-0443 min
Book GangHow a Chemistry Major Wrote a High-Stakes DebutNot knowing the publishing rules helped Austin Taylor sell her debut, Notes on Infinity. From lab notes to spreadsheets, learn her data-driven approach.In today's Book Gang episode, debut author Austin Taylor joins me to discuss her dazzling new novel Notes on Infinity. This high-concept campus novel follows Zoe and Jack, two brilliant students whose late-night collaboration leads to the development of an anti-aging drug, a billion-dollar startup, and a powerful reckoning.Austin brings a unique blend of rigor and vulnerability to her work, drawing from her dual background in chemistry and English, as well...
2025-06-2754 min
Book GangDolen Perkins-Valdez Writes Like Every Book Is Her LastDolen Perkins-Valdez shares the riveting history behind her new book, Happy Land, the research surprises she uncovered, and how urgency drives her storytelling.In today's Book Gang episode, New York Times bestselling author Dolen Perkins-Valdez joins me to discuss Happy Land, a transporting novel inspired by the true story of a lost kingdom built by freed people in the hills of North Carolina. This dual-timeline story explores land, lineage, and the courage it takes to reclaim what is yours. Dolen's excavation process informs this sweeping novel—even uncovering a few historical inaccuracies along the way. The...
2025-06-2036 min
Book GangWhy Allegra Goodman Hid Her Isola ManuscriptAllegra Goodman tells the surprising origin story of Isola—from a children's book discovery to immersive museum research—all written in complete secrecy.In today's Book Gang episode, celebrated author Allegra Goodman joins me to discuss her stunning survival novel Isola, the incredible true story that inspired it, and the highly unusual creative process behind her most critically acclaimed book yet.Allegra kept Isola a secret—entirely—from her agent, her family, and even close friends while she wrote it. She reveals why this story demanded privacy and how keeping it under wraps gave her a rare c...
2025-06-1343 min
Book GangMilo Todd is Reclaiming Trans HistoryMilo Todd discusses the research process for his debut, The Lilac People. This sweeping historical fiction novel shares a devastating chapter in trans history. Debut novelist Milo Todd joins me to discuss his book, The Lilac People, in honor of Pride Month. This heartbreaking historical fiction novel uncovers a devastating chapter in queer and trans history.Milo's novel centers on a group of trans and intersex patients at Berlin's Institute for Sexual Science as Hitler's regime begins its rise to power. Through stunning research and unforgettable characters, readers uncover a nearly erased history to life—whi...
2025-06-061h 07
Book GangHit the Road with Annie HartnettAnnie Hartnett discusses the inspiration behind her quirky road trip novel The Road to Tender Hearts and why she breaks all the rules in writing her stories. Annie Hartnett joins me to discuss her latest bestselling novel, The Road to Tender Hearts, and the inspiration behind this road trip story. We explore the heartfelt and humorous moments that showcase a wonderfully quirky found family, which even includes a psychic cat.She also shares the surprising real-life inspirations for her unforgettable characters and explains how literary mischief is woven into their worlds.In this q...
2025-05-3059 min
Book GangThis Raw Debut Shows Addiction's True CostIn this Jessica Guerrieri interview, we discuss her debut, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, and how 12 years of sobriety shaped this unforgettable tale.Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a raw and emotionally resonant debut that examines the insidious nature of alcohol addiction and how it distorts relationships, parenting, and one woman's self-perception. In this conversation, Jessica shares how her twelve-year sobriety journey shaped the story and why telling the truth about addiction matters.In this heartfelt and powerful conversation, Jessica and I discuss:How Jessica's sobriety journey...
2025-05-2355 min
Book Gang2025 Summer Reading GuideThe NEW 2025 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide includes 56 titles, including upcoming releases, new releases, and backlist gems. Browse 39 pages of bookish fun to prepare for your best summer stack.Welcome to one of my favorite episodes of the year- the official reveal of the 2025 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide! This year's guide features 56 handpicked titles across every genre to help you find the perfect book for your summer reading mood.In this special episode of Book Gang, I'm revealing the inspiration behind this year's Summer Reading Guide. A recent health challenge shifted how and why I read...
2025-05-1631 min
Book GangUnboxing the Influencer Life Through FictionThis week, we're diving into a debut thriller that's frothy, funny, and unhinged in the best way. Liann Zhang joins me for a laugh-out-loud conversation about her new novel, Julie Chan Is Dead—a genre-blending con-artist thriller about identical twin sisters whose lives split in dramatically different directions… until one of them winds up dead.When the authorities mistake Julie for her famous sister, she makes a bold choice: to step into Chloe's perfectly curated shoes and steal her life. What follows is a fast-paced, satirical exploration of influencer culture, viral content, and the dark side of soci...
2025-05-0234 min
Book GangHow a Cozy Family Drama Made This Writer Fall in Love With His CraftJinwoo Chong celebrates food, family, & finding love in his cozy novel, I Leave It Up To You. Learn how this project helped him fall in love with writing again.What if you fell asleep in 2019 and woke up in 2021? That's the reality for Jack Jr., who emerges from a two-year coma to find his life unrecognizable. His job is gone, his apartment is lost, and his partner has moved on. But in his return to his childhood home and his family's struggling restaurant, he begins to rebuild—rekindling relationships, rediscovering love, and redefining what home truly means....
2025-03-1438 min
Book GangEowyn Ivey Returns to Magical RealismEowyn Ivey joins us from Alaska to discuss her latest magical realism novel, Black Woods Blue Sky. Prepare to be transported by one of my favorite storytellers!The queen of magical realism, Eowyn Ivey, joins us to share intriguing insights into her third novel, Black Woods Blue Sky, and how her deep connection to Alaska continues to shape her storytelling.She also discusses the challenges of writing through a difficult personal season, the impact of reuniting with her longtime editorial team, and the immersive research that took her to a remote hunting camp on Kodiak...
2025-03-0737 min
Book GangMeet the 2025 MomAdvice Book Club BooksJoin the NEW 2025 MomAdvice Book Club and discover 12 incredible novels together along with many interactive author discussions for this year’s festivities.It's my favorite day of the year (CUE THE CONFETTI) and I'm so excited to invite you to the 2025 MomAdvice Book Club! This year, we're mixing things up to make your book club experience even more immersive and engaging.As I've done in years past, I've curated twelve fantastic reads spanning genres like historical fiction, romance, contemporary fiction, and even a touch of horror—there's something for everyone this year!To disc...
2024-12-0631 min
Book GangCrafting a Killer Redemption Story With Heart (Rob Hart Interview)Rob Hart discusses his gripping novel, Assassins Anonymous, and the heartfelt storytelling approach that defines his work.When Steven Spielberg's production company, Amblin Entertainment, snaps up the rights to a book within 24 hours of acquisition, you know the book must be incredible.Today, Rob Hart joins us to discuss his new novel Assassins Anonymous and the unique background he brings to crafting a great fight sequence. This thriller offers readers humor, heart, and loads of cinematic action, making it an absolute favorite from my reading year. We discuss his plans for continuing this book series...
2024-10-0434 min
Book GangSpinning a Bad Review Into Romantic Gold With Laura HankinLaura shares the painfully hilarious real-life inspiration behind her novel, discussing how personal experiences with negative feedback trickled into One-Star Romance.The dark horse in my romance stack was Laura Hankin's debut novel, which pulled ahead as my summer favorite. After reading the author for years across genres, I'm honored to have Laura Hankin on the Book Gang podcast to discuss her writing pivot in One-Star Romance.In a world of instant feedback, I was fascinated by Laura's hacks for processing reviewer feedback that still protects her creative process. These candid reflections offer valuable lessons...
2024-06-2135 min
Book GangNicola Yoon Discusses Her Provocative Debut (One of Our Kind)Nicola Yoon discusses her provocative adult debut, One of Our Kind, and the surprising inspiration from The Stepford Wives that sparked her daring new story.Writing inspiration can sometimes strike in the most unlikely places. Podcast listening in the shower electrified a story Nicola Yoon had never expected to write. Join us for an enlightening conversation with the bestselling young adult novelist as she discusses her provocative debut adult novel, One of Our Kind.Today, she shares how The Stepford Wives inspired her thought-provoking thriller, and how she hopes to ignite book club conversation through...
2024-06-0733 min
Book GangDigital Dating Turns Deadly in This Debut Murder MysteryL.M. Chilton reveals his surprising dating history that inspired his debut thriller, Swiped. After nearly a decade and 212 failed dates, L.M. Chilton channeled his dating frustrations into Swiped, a fresh debut murder mystery exploring the darker side of online dating cleverly crafted for the millennial reader. Today, we discuss his personal story and journalism efforts to uncover the truth behind the algorithms.But his book isn't the only thing with plot twists. His decision to go on one last date revealed a real-life plot twist you'll love discovering. Patrons can dive int...
2024-05-2431 min
Book Gang2024 Summer Reading GuideThe 2024 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide includes 35 titles, offering upcoming releases, new releases, and backlist gems.Grab your favorite summer beverage and settle in for this year's summer reading guide, which includes 35 beautiful book selections for your summer. After carefully reviewing eighty books for this season, I've tried to offer some expected and unexpected picks, from the campy to the compelling. Today, I'm sharing more about this year's summer author series and a few of my favorite novels I've included.Browse the 2024 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide (with ads) or receive the 27-page printable guide ($7) t...
2024-05-1733 min
Book GangThe Best Backlist Books for SummerThis special crossover episode with The Reader's Couch offers five backlist books for your summer and what it takes to nail a great summer reading guide.Today's episode features Victoria Wood from The Reader's Couch podcast. I asked Victoria to bring her best backlist book treasures from her past summer reading guides that deserve far more attention. From historical mysteries to a heartwarming culinary memoir to stories of found family- this stack should elevate your summer reading experience and, likely, be available on your library shelves now. As we plan to release our 2024 summer reading guide...
2024-05-101h 01
Book GangWhat Jeff Zentner Brings to the Romance WorldJeff Zentner discusses the inspiration for his emotional adult debut romance novel Colton Gentry's Third Act, which celebrates food, music, and second chances.Celebrated young adult novelist Jeff Zentner returns to our space to discuss his transition from writing young adult books to his surprising new release—a romance debut for adults called Colton Gentry's Third Act. We discuss the critical differences between writing for adults and young adults, the romantic book that inspired Jeff's plot, and the feedback Emily Henry provided to shape his romance scenes. Jeff also talks about the emotional impa...
2024-04-2651 min
Book GangSurprising Truths About Grief With Amy Lin (Here After)Amy Lin discusses her emotional debut memoir Here After. We discuss her surprising revelations about the grief process and better steps to show up for grievers.In our fear of saying the wrong thing, we often don't get to engage in essential conversations like the one we share today. Amy Lin, author of Here After, joins the Book Gang podcast to discuss her powerful memoir on grief and loss and what she wants you to understand about young widowhood.Here After Book SummaryLin never expected to find a love like the one...
2024-04-1957 min
Book GangNew Historical Fiction To Read in 2024This special crossover episode with Thoughts from a Page offers five new historical fiction books in 2024 to read now of compelling women throughout history.Cindy Burnett, the host of the Thoughts from a Page podcast, joins our show in this special crossover episode to discuss her favorite new historical fiction books for 2024 that readers will love. We discuss the most memorable books we read when we first began exploring this genre, the upcoming publishing trends for this year in historical fiction, and common misconceptions (and gripes) on what we feel is essential in a fantastic hi...
2024-04-1231 min
Book GangThe Kennedy Ryan Phenomenon: Inclusive Narratives With HeartKennedy Ryan discusses her rise to the NYT bestseller list as a Black romance writer with moving advocacy for autism representation in This Could Be Us.There is a reason everyone wants to be a part of Kennedy Ryan’s story—her joy is infectious.Today, we offer listeners a front-row seat to her romance Booktok fandom, sold-out book tours, and moving victory as a Black romance writer on the New York Times bestseller list. Ryan openly discusses her connection to the autism community and the beauty and challenge of capturing that on a page...
2024-03-291h 06
Book GangTrapped in a Time LoopIn today's podcast, escape in a time loop novel. We discuss Groundhog Day books and the comforting ways repeating time travel can charm us in our book stack.When we say "time loop," readers immediately react to this statement. Whether it is a no or a yes, Jessica and I have you covered in today's podcast. We discuss why repeating cycles of events work for us or don't and how some of the storytellers featured today nailed moving the time loop plot forward in new ways. Plus, I'm revealing a treasure trove of ne...
2024-03-1550 minBook GangThis Book Cover Designer Reveals His Surprising ProcessJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Faceout Studio book designer Elisha Zepeda as he takes us on a journey from working in a bookstore to navigating his first year in book cover design. Elisha navigates the challenges of cover rejection through a unique avenue- his TikTok account, where readers can discuss the rejected and accepted designs with him.Today he shares what he sees as emerging trend in cover design and the struggles he’s faced with everything from font selection to breaking out of the “girl turning away” cover that we can’t seem to e...
2024-03-0143 minBook GangHow Shark Heart Transformed Emily Habeck and Her ReadersEmily Habeck discusses her widely imaginative debut novel, Shark Heart, and how this writing project transformed her life and the lives of her readers.It's no secret that Shark Heart was my favorite debut of the year, and today's meaningful author conversation only solidified this moving reading experience.We discuss the unusual overlap to our love stories and the other surprising emotional connections readers have made to this imagined world.Emily's success in literary fiction was a surprise, but the reason for her jump from screenplay writing to a novel may surprise you...
2024-02-1642 minBook GangThe Most Unique Only One Bed Moments in RomanceSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Sarah Adler discusses writing her quirky debut novel Mrs. Nash's Ashes and her favorite memorable "only one bed" moments in romance.Sarah Adler didn’t know she was writing a romance book when she started her novel. She wasn’t even a romance reader. All of that changed, though, when she wrote Mrs. Nash’s Ashes, her debut romance novel. Today, Sarah Adler provides a behind-the-scenes look into her publishing journey, recounting the rollercoaster ride of rejections, what it is like to have a novel go to auction, and wha...
2024-02-021h 01Book GangLet's Head to Art School With These Amazing BooksSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Head to art school with debut novelist Antonia Angress today. We discuss the inspiration for her debut novel, Sirens & Muses, which one of our best debuts of 2023.If you have ever dreamed of attending art school, you will want to tune in to today's discussion and fictional art book stack.Today, we are joined by debut novelist Antonia Angress as she shares her inspiration for Sirens & Muses and how pursuing an MFA program allowed her the time and resources to finally pivot from a career in teaching to...
2024-01-1949 minBook GangThe Best Books of 2023SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Cue the confetti! This week's episode shares the top fifteen books we have read this year after screening HUNDREDS of books.This discussion includes the best fiction books of 2023 and some of our favorite backlist books we were thrilled to discover this year. There is TRULY something for everyone.We invite you to browse today's bonus book list featuring our favorites. Larry also offers an incredible expanded list for your reading life. Patrons will receive a printable checklist with today's book titles and some of our honorable mentions.
2024-01-061h 51Book GangMeet Our New Book GangSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Meet MY new book gang collaboration with Victoria from The Reader's Couch Podcast and Cindy from Thoughts from a Page Podcast, as we embark on a new reading journey together. I'm thrilled to bring you a special pop-up episode announcing a fabulous new collaboration for the upcoming year. I couldn't be more excited to team up with my bookish friends, Victoria from The Reader's Couch Podcast and Cindy from Thoughts from a Page Podcast, as we embark on our own little book gang adventure.These incredible hosts share my love...
2024-01-0454 minBook GangThe Magic of Belonging in Found Family BooksSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!I’m thrilled to introduce you to our new contributor voice to the Book Gang podcast. Jessica Bearak is likely a familiar voice to you because she is such a loyal participant in so many book club spaces around the web. It was such a treat to meet her IN PERSON earlier this year, and after having the best time discussing our books together, I asked if she could picture herself sharing the microphone with me. Learn more about Jessica’s reading life and the surprising destination I took her to whe...
2023-12-1552 minBook GangThe 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Books Announced (Part 2)Join us in Part 2 of the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club as we unveil the second half of our carefully curated book selections and how to join!Cue the confetti! I'm hosting my first backlist book club year in honor of my 20th year as an online creator, and I would be HONORED to have you join me on this journey.This year's offerings include backlist books from 1979 up to 2022! Some of these are new favorites, while others are books I have wanted to discuss for years. Won't it be so fun to revisit some o...
2023-12-0128 minBook GangThe 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Books Announced (Part 1)Join us in Part 1 of the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club as we unveil the first half of our carefully curated book selections and how to join!Cue the confetti! I'm hosting my first backlist book club year in honor of my 20th year as an online creator, and I would be HONORED to have you join me on this journey.This year's offerings include backlist books from 1979 up to 2022! Some of these are new favorites, while others are books I have wanted to discuss for years. Won't it be so fun to revisit some o...
2023-12-0131 minBook GangThe Best Reading Hacks for Chronic PainSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Chronic pain shouldn't stop you from living your best reading life. A registered osteopath shares her surprising tips for a cozy winter reading season. Does the perfect reading chair exist? How do I maintain a good reading posture? And what book format is best for someone who has chronic pain problems?The answers might surprise you in this special winter reading episode dedicated to anyone navigating chronic pain challenges.Today's podcast will help you create the perfect cozy reading space while acknowledging the additional challenges you m...
2023-11-101h 19Book GangBeautiful Lessons from a Book Club for InmatesSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Celebrate the feel-good moments and literary achievements of the Second Chance Book Club for inmates and their tireless leader, Jennifer Williams. Join us for a heartwarming Book Gang podcast episode as we meet Jennifer, the "book lady" of Danville, VA, changing incarcerated women's lives through the Second Chance Book Club. Today, we explore the logistics and challenges of running an incarcerated book club and the incredible rewards that Jennifer has witnessed in their participants. Plus, Jennifer shares three of her favorite backlist book club books. Get boo...
2023-10-271h 11Book GangMatt Cain's Publishing Journey: The Secret Life of Albert EntwistleSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Matt Cain discusses the challenging history in publishing for LGBTQ History Month. Discover the inspiration for his book, The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle.We are giving listeners a peek behind the paywall to share one of my favorite interviews of 2023 in honor of LGBTQ History Month. Join us as we delve into the captivating world of renowned author Matt Cain, as we celebrate his charming novel, The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle.Beyond discussing his book, Matt opens up about the immense publishing challenges he f...
2023-10-131h 04Book GangCelebrate LGBTQ History Month With This Curated StackSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Debut novelist and senior advisor to the Library of Congress, Jeffrey Dale Lofton, discusses identity and self-discovery for LGBTQ History Month in October.Jeffrey Dale Lofton is one of the most intriguing voices I've read this year, and I count his debut among my favorites of 2023. Join us on an inspiring journey as we sit down with Jeffrey Dale Lofton, the talented debut author behind Red Clay Suzie a fictional memoir that delves into the depths of identity, self-discovery, and the journey of growing up as a gay bo...
2023-09-2957 minBook GangThe Best Motherhood Lessons from Literary CharactersSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Celebrate literary lessons found in books about mothers! Adele Griffin shares her riveting surrogacy story in her debut and how these characters shaped her story.Adele Griffin knew something had been missing from her fiction for a long time. Although she knew it was missing, she admits that it took her years to process and refine this motherhood journey into her adult fiction debut, The Favor. In this moving conversation, we discuss her riveting surrogacy journey and what writers have gotten wrong when writing about this de...
2023-09-151h 05Book GangThe Remarkable Murder Mystery Book That Changed EverythingSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Dreaming of writing a murder mystery book? Listen to the inspiring story of a mother and daughter who crafted their whodunit amidst a cancer diagnosis. Today Nina Simon discusses her debut novel, “Mother-Daughter Murder Night.”How does a former NASA engineer make the shift to murder mystery writer? In this fascinating Book Gang episode, we sit down with the talented Nina Simon to uncover the remarkable journey behind her debut novel, Mother-Daughter Murder Night. When Nina's mother battled stage 4 cancer in late 2020, it prompted her to leave...
2023-09-0156 minBook GangThe Fiona Davis Interview You Need to HearSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Join us as Fiona Davis, the acclaimed author of seven historical fiction novels, delves into her latest historical fiction book, "The Spectacular," which immerses readers into the world of the legendary Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in the 1950s. From surprising dance routines to the hidden life of the Rockettes, discover the secrets of this iconic dance troupe and how Fiona masterfully captures the essence of movement and history on the page. Plus, learn the inside scoop on Fiona's new book she is writing, and what iconic Ne...
2023-08-1835 minBook GangThe Magic of Old Hollywood BooksSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Molly Fader discusses her remarkable historical fiction novel, The Sunshine Girls, and collection of Old Hollywood books as captivating as the silver screen.If you have a nurse in your family, this show is dedicated to you! In today's episode of Book Gang, we have the pleasure of hosting Molly Fader, an award-winning author who wrote one of my favorite historical fiction novels this year, The Sunshine Girls. The Sunshine Girls intricately weaves together the themes of three friends navigating nursing school, Hollywood adventures, and the Vietnam War i...
2023-07-211h 03Book GangThe Best Con Artist Queens in LiteratureSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Wendy Heard discusses her con artist book of the summer, You Can Trust Me. Learn what it takes to write a thriller & get our best books on scammers and cons.It's our first thriller discussion of the summer. Join me in an enthralling conversation with renowned thriller author Wendy Heard as we dive deep into the world of thriller writing with her new release, You Can Trust Me.Summer, a skilled pickpocket, takes Leo, a young woman living on the streets, under her wing, embarking on a dangerous...
2023-07-0756 minBook GangThe Best Debut Novels of 2023 (So Far)SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Thao Thai discusses her multigenerational debut novel, Banyan Moon, a Vietnamese tale that transports readers. We also discuss the best debut novels of 2023.We are celebrating the best debut novels of 2023 (so far) with debut novelist Thao Thai, author of Banyan Moon, on Book Gang today. Set against the stunning backdrop of Vietnam and Florida, Banyan Moon will be one of your favorite reads this year. This emotional debut novel follows three generations of Vietnamese American women grappling with the death of their matriarch, Minh. As...
2023-06-231h 19Book GangThe Best Wedding Themed Rom-Com BooksSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Byron Lane joins the podcast to discuss his charming fictional wedding rom-com book, Big Gay Wedding, and top book recommendations for the wedding season.In this delightful Book Gang podcast episode, the talented author, Byron Lane, of Big Gay Wedding and A Star is Bored, discusses his writing journey. In the novel Big Gay Wedding, Chrissy owns a Louisiana farm that combines manners and animal encounters for children in town. She's been content with her well-orchestrated and polite life until her son, Barnett, returns home with an unconventional r...
2023-06-0957 minBook GangThe Best Escapist Island BooksSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Escape real life with the best island books. Learn why The Wishing Game is just the book escape you need with our interview with Meg Shaffer.Let’s head to a fictional island with this Meg Shaffer interview as we discuss her magical debut, The Wishing Game. In this Willy Wonka-style adventure, we follow the story of Lucy Hart, a 26-year-old teacher's aide who has always found solace in the pages of the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. A public letter begins to go viral, shari...
2023-05-2652 minBook Gang2023 Summer Reading GuideSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Join me as we dive into our summer reading guide with my literary treasure trove of 37 handpicked book recommendations spanning multiple genres. This year's list includes romance, historical fiction, contemporary, nonfiction, thriller, and mystery, with some beautiful backlist book favorites.Access the 2023 Summer Reading Guide here. Book Gang Really Needs Your SupportIf you love the guide, supporting my small business will sustain this show. You can now contribute to our small business through our new one-time donation platform, Buy Me a Coffee. I would be s...
2023-05-1229 minBook GangThe Spectacular Life Lessons from Books About Road TripsSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Hit the open road with these books about road trips. Let's hop in the getaway car and learn what it takes to write a great Thelma and Louise story with Colleen Oakley.Do you love road trip books? In today's show, we will go on a wildly entertaining road trip with a college dropout and an eighty-four-year-old woman on the run from the law.Today’s Book Gang podcast features an interview with Colleen Oakley discussing her feisty new novel, The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise, which pa...
2023-04-1434 minBook GangBest Book Club Books to Spark ConversationSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Looking for the best book club books for a thought-provoking chat? These book club picks are page-turners curated by historical fiction writer Meagan Church. Mark Twain once said, "History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” Meagan Church is here to explore those exact rhythms in her stunning debut, The Last Carolina Girl, published by Sourcebooks this week. This captivating coming-of-age story set in 1935 North Carolina follows the story of Leah, an orphan sent to live with the wealthy Griffin family, where she experiences mistreatment and hardship. Against...
2023-03-3157 minBook GangThe Best Life Lessons from Time Travel BooksSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Join us for an episode of mind-bending time travel exploration with award-nominated novelist and screenwriter Cesca Major. In this episode, Cesca discusses her US debut novel, Maybe Next Time, and takes us through her process of writing time travel books. Get ready to delve into the complexities of writing an endless time loop love story and discover why it's no easy feat. Whether you're a fan of time travel fiction or simply love hearing from talented writers, this podcast episode is not to be missed.Meet Ce...
2023-03-1734 minBook GangThe Celebrity Book Club Deep Dive Episode You NeedTake a deep dive into the world of celebrity book clubs! Explore how Hollywood and literature collide with Oprah, Reese, and Jenna impacting publishing. Josh (@tellthebeees on TikTok) brings his expertise on books and culture news to discuss how celebrity selection has impacted our reading experience.Don’t miss today’s article with my top five celebrity book club recommendations from these three amazing clubs we have featured today in today’s bonus book list! Mentioned in this episode:Book Gang listeners, if you love our commercial-free podcast, please consider supporting me on Patreon...
2023-03-031h 21Book GangMore Asian American Authors to Read NowExpand your library with new Asian American authors. Celebrate fresh AAPI voices with debut novelist Kristen Mei Chase on today's podcast.In today's Book Gang episode, Kristen Mei Chase discusses her book "A Thousand Miles to Graceland" and highlights some of her favorite Asian American and Pacific Islander authors in literature.This sparkling debut imagines a road trip for a mother and daughter bonded together over the surprising power of ELVIS. We also discuss how it trickled into her own relationship with her mother, and other Asian American voices that helped her find her own.
2023-02-1746 minBook GangGet the Most Out of the Libby AppSUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!The Libby team is HERE to help us transition from Overdrive to Libby. Learn what makes this public library app so great and how to borrow and enjoy ebooks and audiobooks with your library card. Libby is answering our listener questions and is spilling the tea on the exciting developments that are happening behind the scenes for this big (and necessary) transition.Are you struggling to make the switch from Overdrive to Libby? As many of you know our time with Overdrive will come to an end in 2023. As I...
2022-12-1652 min
Book Lounge by LibbyWinter Atmospheric Reads with Amy Clark from MomAdvice.comToday on the podcast, Joe talks with Amy Clark from MomAdvice.com. Amy shares about her career as a blogger, her book club, and her brand-new podcast- Book Gang. Then, Amy and Joe recommend some wintry titles to curl up with as the season gets a bit more biting.Books Mentioned in This Episode:Amy’s Titles:
The Memoirs of Stockholm Sven by Nathaniel Ian Miller
A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella
These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
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2022-12-051h 00Book GangThe 2023 MomAdvice Book Club Books AnnouncedPlease join the Patreon to support my work. Discover the MomAdvice 2023 Book Club Books I have curated for our readers this year. If you need your reading life reignited or an online community to share your favorite hobby with, we have you covered with these fifteen dynamic selections for discussion. From historical fiction to memoir to YA to mystery to literary fiction, there is something for everyone in this year's book club stack. Learn the exclusive content you can access with this year's authors and the unique immersive experiences we offer for your best year of...
2022-12-011h 14Book GangTake a Reading Challenge for a Better Reading YearImprove your reading habits by committing to reading in your first reading challenge this year. @readwiththebookgirls share what they’ve learned from creating their challenge prompts and what advice they would give if you want to DIY a challenge of your own.Today we talk about the Book Girls' Guide book lists and how they can help you have a more diverse reading experience. These great challenges can not only teach you about the world, but also help you read more books a week.Get their reader’s favorite books for reading around the world and...
2022-11-181h 00Book GangThe Nonfiction November Challenge You NeedLearn how to participate in Nonfiction November with the ultimate tour guide. Olive Fellows started Nonfiction November on her BookTube channel, A Book Olive. Discover four fun reading prompts and ideas for some amazing nonfiction books to start your journey.Nonfiction November is a month-long nonfiction reading initiative during which you are challenged to read more nonfiction than you ordinarily would. If you read at least one nonfiction book during November, you're officially a participant!But if you want an ADDED challenge or need some direction in choosing your books, Olive is here with four...
2022-11-0452 minBook GangThe Best Plus-Size Romance Characters to LoveToday's interview is with Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone as we discuss their new plus-size heroine in "A Merry Little Meet Cute."Learn why body positivity in our characters is so important and how the romance industry is changing to feel more inclusive.This spicy romance discussion includes what they learned from forming this new "odd couple" writing partnership and how they rose to new creative challenges.Julie and Sierra both have worked as librarians and share five of their top book recommendations with curvy characters to fall in love with....
2022-10-2858 minBook GangSad Books to Read When You Want to Ugly CryToday’s podcast is for you if you love sad books and a good cry. Today we discuss our top book recommendations for heart-wrenching stories that can pull at every heartstring.Today’s guest, @passions_and_prologues joins us with his top recommendations for thought-provoking and beautifully written stories that allow us to fully immerse ourselves in our seasonal depression and embrace those sad endings.Adam Sokol the host of the Passions and Prologues podcast, has a passion for just these kinds of recommendations and discusses his new literary podcast today. This show gives readers new...
2022-09-3053 minBook Gang19 New Books to Read This Fall (PART 1)Are you looking for your next great book to read? We share our favorite new-release books for fall (and a few new backlist faves). Experience FULLY BOOKED today. Our Patreon exclusive show offers you honest book reviews on all the latest releases with a FREE printable reading guide.Hey, book lovers! We are giving YOU a sneak peek at our favorite books from September.This stack highlights two book club selections, stories that catch fall vibes, a small town love story, and you can discover the magical realism book that ended up being a...
2022-09-161h 25Book GangThe Julia Whelan Interview You Need to HearJulia Whelan uses her background as an award-winning audiobook narrator to write her romance novel, Thank You for Listening. Join me today for an interview to learn more about her writing process and the behind-the-scenes of an audiobook narrator’s life.This steamy romance read dishes up some surprising routines in an audiobook narrator's life, from their narration preparation to snack routines. We also talk about the need for pseudonyms in the industry when working in the romance industry, in particular.Discover Julia’s proudest moments in her career, what she learned by slowing down on au...
2022-07-2937 minBook GangThe View Was Exhausting (Interview with Mikaella Clements & Onjuli Datta)Sit down with our first wife-writing duo, Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta, as they discuss their sophisticated summer romance, The View Was Exhausting. They join us from Berlin to share about their writing process, embracing romance tropes, and why they wanted to explore the topic of women of color in Hollywood.I am excited to host our first writing duo on the podcast today. It’s not just any writing duo, though; this is a wife-writing duo that joined me from Berlin to discuss their romance debut!I selected this book for our Summer Reading Gu...
2022-07-1549 min
Book GangFool Me Once (Interview With Ashley Winstead)Not everyone can say they published two books during the pandemic, but Ashley Winstead can. Today we discuss her romance debut Fool Me Once and how Winstead hopes to break the mold with her romance characters.This week we continue our conversations with writers in our Summer Author Interview series. After our incredible kickoff with Jenny Pentland’s memoir (episode 34), we move into lighter fiction waters with Fool Me Once, written by Ashley Winstead.I felt compelled to reach out to Ashley to hear about her surprising journey to full-time writing during the pandemic and wh...
2022-07-0855 min
Book GangBreak Up With Your Reading SlumpWhat could be more frustrating than a reading slump? Sasha (@pathologically.literate) wants to break up her reading slump and I plan to guide her with my arsenal of advice and my top recommendations to get her reading life back on track.Sasha asked me for some guidance on choosing her next book and shared some of her all-time favorites that give me a good starting point for recommendations. This prescription for slump-busting books isn't just for Sasha. This episode is for ANYONE who has struggled to find their way back to reading again. Mentioned i...
2022-06-2450 min
Book GangCozy Summer ReadsThese page-turning cozy summer reads are just what you need for your beach bag. Try these summer books that embrace cozy love stories, small-town fun, and even light family drama. This is the episode you need for your beach bag! I know I am LIKELY not your go-to for COZY reading choices, so I thought I would bring on a guest who would be. When I read something that gives me warm fuzzies, you know it is a rare gem that deserves to be talked about. We have the stack for you if you l...
2022-06-1635 min
Book GangThis Will Be Funny Later (Interview With Jenny Pentland)Imagine your childhood becomes a sitcom. As the daughter of Roseanne Barr, Jenny Pentland knows a lot about this and documents her story in her riveting memoir, This Will Be Funny Later. This coming-of-age memoir isn’t about Roseanne though. Jenny shares her journey through her teen years from fat camps to wilderness boot camps to her stay in mental health facilities that brought to light the for-profit model of the troubled teen industry. In today’s podcast, we discuss Pentland's early family life in working-class Denver and the life that they could have never imagined unfolded. We then...
2022-06-1052 min
Book GangBest Backlist Books You Missed (Part 2)No need to wait for the latest summer releases when you have this list of best backlist books to check out.This is the second part of our discussion today. My well-read co-host, Larry Hoffer, is back to talk about our favorite older books and why these should be in your stack this year too.Not familiar with the term backlist or frontlist books? The book industry groups published books into two types- frontlist (titles that have sold in the current year) and backlist (titles that are older than a year).W...
2022-06-0356 min
Book GangImprove Your Reading Focus and MemoryDo you struggle with reading focus and retention? Paula Engebretson is a Certified Life Coach that specializes in helping adults with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) live their best life. Who better to lead us on reading strategies and reading comprehension than her?At 31 years old, Paula was diagnosed with ADHD and had to learn how to create systems and routines that made sense with how her brain works. We discuss the symptoms of adult ADHD and how to begin the process of diagnosis and treatment.Today’s goal is to give you real strategies fo...
2022-05-1342 min
Book GangMust-Read Books from Asian American and Pacific Islander AuthorsMay is AAPI Heritage Month, and we want to celebrate these voices with a well-curated book stack. Kristin from Fables Books joins the show to talk about this month’s StoryGraph reading challenge and share some of their best picks for a memorable reading month.I also bring a great book club selection, an under-the-radar book gem that swept me away, and debuts that pulled me out of reading slumps. This episode has you covered whether you are looking for your next fantasy adventure, YA romance, or historical fiction escape.We want to remind our lis...
2022-05-0640 min
Book GangFunny Books With Fables BooksIf you need some fun in your life, this podcast on the funniest books is for you. Kristin from Fables and I agree that we don’t gravitate toward lighthearted books so it is always a fun surprise when books like these bring us unexpected joy.Expand your book stack beyond the funny classics like Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, Bill Bryson, and Trevor Noah. This humorous book stack offers some under-the-radar books that hit all the right funny notes.Whether you are looking for short stories, science fiction, a collection of essays, middle-aged hilarity, or comi...
2022-04-1543 min
Book GangUse These Cleaning Hacks For A Better Reading LifeDana K. White is a bestselling author who shares reality-based cleaning and organizing tips on her podcast, A Slob Comes Clean. This discussion embraces the best time-saving cleaning tricks so you can read more and focus less on cleaning. Get her advice on the best decluttering projects to pair with audiobooks and a few of her favorite audiobooks this year. Don’t miss the “container concept” that will help reduce the clutter quickly so you can do the things you love…like READING.Mentioned in this episode:A Slob Comes CleanAmy’s...
2022-04-0858 min
Book GangA Day In The Life Of A Book PublicistKathleen Carter has worked with bestselling authors for years and has launched publicity campaigns for many of our most treasured books. It takes a lot of know-how to work in the publishing industry and her book promotions have garnered the attention of many bestselling authors and literary agents.Today we discuss how she landed this dream job, what goes into book publicity, and what really helps drive book sales for authors.She also shares the social media scoop on how to land those advanced readers, how to write and tag your book reviews, and what...
2022-04-0150 min
Book GangReadable Award-Winning BooksAward-winners don’t always yield a can’t-put-down book pace even if they make the critic’s best books of the year list. This episode is here to deliver on fast-paced reads with big themes.Discover what makes a book qualify for these award categories (like the Alex Awards, Hugo Award, or Edgar Award) and get the book reviews you need to make the most notable award-winning choices for your reading life.Today’s stack offers the best in thrillers, science fiction, contemporary literature, and even suggestions you can enjoy with your young adult. So whether...
2022-03-1837 min
Book GangHow The StoryGraph Can Enhance Your Reading LifeWho better to lead us on using The StoryGraph app than Nadia Odunayo- the CEO and Founder of The StoryGraph app. Nadia shares how the design’s simple tracking and insightful stats tool can enrich your reading life. These personalized recommendations are based on your mood and can curate the perfect read for any mood occasion. Today we discussed who were the users for The StoryGraph's features. We also discuss the critical differences between GoodReads and The StoryGraph, like buddy reads, book club challenges, and content warnings. Learn why I’m making t...
2022-03-1157 min
Book GangStrong Book Opinions WantedLindsay (@theopinionatereader) may have been tasked with the most challenging podcast assignment yet, but it seemed fitting for a bookstagrammer that builds a brand on strong book opinions. So today we discuss three books she loved and three books she hated. Learn some of the best practices for sharing negative book reviews and what surprising author friendship blossomed from a positive book review. CONTENT WARNINGS FOR TODAY (with timestamps):Today's episode does have trigger warnings for the last portion of our show (in the negative review section). The negative reviews do have spoilers.4...
2022-03-041h 00
Book GangLessons For Writing Your First Book (With Ethan Joella)A Little Hope was selected as a Read With Jenna & Book of the Month Selection, but Ethan Joella is here to tell you that writing your first book can be quite the journey.Ethan knows all about good writing, in fact, he instructs his students on this topic. Today we are talking about the structure of this beautifully interconnected story in a sleepy seaside town and why good stories are often made up of those little-noticed details.Landing the traditional publishing deal for his debut fiction book took a lot of writing time and patience...
2022-02-1843 min
Book GangBooks About BooksThis month, Kristin from Fables Books joins us to explore books about books through the brand new Fables Books Reading Challenge! We discuss our favorite books that embrace fictional bookstore settings and libraries. This episode has you covered whether you are looking for a love story or that perfect true crime nonfiction book escape with. This is the stack you need for your next book club night and can be a great bonding tool for ANYONE who simply loves books. If you love reading, these backlist forgotten books are perfect for fans of comforting reading escape. I d...
2022-02-1137 min
Book GangMust-Read True Crime Books (with Laura Tremaine)Debut novelist, Laura Tremaine, wrote a gorgeous little book called Share Your Stuff I'll Go First and might be a familiar voice to you because of her podcast 10 Things to Tell You.Not only will we be talking about Laura's experience writing her first book, but we will also be discussing the must-read true crime books you need to add to your stack.I knew we would have a lot of fun discussing these books and we are going to be sharing about that in the second half of the hour in our show. Laura...
2022-02-0458 min
Book GangHopes & Heartbreaks of Pandemic PublishingThis week's podcast is another "Bookishly Curious" episode that explores the hopes and heartbreaks of pandemic publishing. Gae Polisner joins me, a YA author that's 2020 book launch was rocked by changes in the publishing industry, bringing repeated challenges to the sales of her book. I believe that it is impossible to listen to this episode and not learn something new because Gae shows up in the only one that she knows how- authentically and vulnerably. Book printing wasn't the only challenge with this book. It is much more profound than that, and we are uncovering t...
2022-01-2847 min
Book GangSneak Peek FULLY BOOKEDThe new FULLY BOOKED show is just what your reading life needs. We are giving you a sneak peek into our new Patreon show with a brand new co-host! Get the scoop on all the latest releases, discover the latest in bookish entertainment news, and find out what books to anticipate in the weeks ahead. This episode will get you all caught up on all those new and shiny releases. Listen to this before your next library day!Looking for the printable newsletter version of today's show? You will find it here! Mentioned in this ep...
2022-01-211h 07
Book GangThe Best in Steam and ScreamChip runs the Steam & Scream Book Club and brings his favorite book club romance and thrillers to our show today. His eye for steam, in particular, landed him a book cover deal with a romance writer that's just the kind of story you need to to hear today.Chip also brings his professional photography background to our show to discuss simple ways to document your reading year that will fit any budget and how to streamline your photo editing process.What I love the most about today's episode is that two of our selections today...
2022-01-1451 min
Book GangBest Books of 2021 (Part 2)Looking for the second half of our Best Books of 2021? We are here for you! It’s time for the best books of 2021, and who better to lead us through this year than MomAdvice Book Gang superstar Larry. Larry ranks 28th as a top reviewer for GoodReads and has read over 360 books (so far) this year. I have read a modest 109 for our stack. We were each challenged to bring our top twenty best books of the year to the show today and this is the second half of our discussion. Did you miss the first...
2022-01-071h 15
Book GangBest Books of 2021 (Part 1)Please note: Apologies for the audio on this episode. I was experiencing some technical difficulties that I hope it will not take away from your listening experience today.It’s time for the best books of 2021, and who better to lead us through this year than MomAdvice Book Gang superstar Larry. Larry ranks 28th as a top reviewer for GoodReads and has read over 360 books (so far) this year. So we were each challenged to bring our top twenty best books of the year to the show today. There is a wide range of stories for...
2021-12-311h 25
Book GangCozy Up With These Winter ReadsIn search of cozy winter reads? Mary from Currently Reading joins the show to share her top 5 recommendations for our best winter book stack. So let's prep for the season with these book suggestions and set the winter mood with our ideas for your coziest, comfiest reading night.Mentioned in this episode:Join the Patreon Community For the Bonus ContentLarry's Episode (What It Takes To Be a Top GoodReads Reviewer)Currently Reading Podcast11/22/63 by Stephen KingCrafted by Catherine BlanketsPlum Deluxe Custard Apple...
2021-12-1742 min
Book GangFalling For (Holiday) RomanceIt’s the most wonderful time of the year! Are you ready to fall in love with holiday romance books? Spend the holidays with these feel-good Christmas romance books that celebrate the holiday season by finding love in all of those magical places. Whether you are looking for a home for Christmas theme or embrace a small-town love story, we have you covered. Find your one true love book with my special guest Bree from @falling4romance and co-host of The Categorically Romance Podcast.Mentioned in this episode:MomAdvice 2022 Book Club SelectionsMomAdvice on...
2021-12-1047 min
Book Gang2022 MomAdvice Book Club SelectionsToday is the launch day of the MomAdvice 2022 Book Club year. Do you want to have the best reading year ever? I'm going to give you that with these twelve book club selections for our year. This episode will tell you everything you need to know about how to join the online club, what special bonus features we are offering our members, and the inside scoop on this year's books. Landing Page With All the Book Club Info For This Year:https://wp.me/p6sEAo-8eyConnect With Me:Amy is...
2021-12-011h 22
Book GangThe Best Thriller Books You Might Have Missed with Mary KubicaMary Kubica joins the podcast to talk about her writing process and her latest domestic thriller, Local Woman Missing. Her journey from writing in secret to a successful award-winning suspense writer is the story you need to hear if you have been entertaining a writing dream of your own. We have a shared love for true crime and talk about the real-life cases that have influenced her work. I may be one of Mary’s biggest fans, and her newest edge-of-your-seat page-turner is just what you need to get you out of a reading slump. Mary is bringing 3 of he...
2021-11-1949 min
Book GangWhat It Takes To Be A Top Goodreads ReviewerGoodreads is the world's largest site for readers and many of us rely on it every day to make our own book choices. Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a top GoodReads reviewer on a platform with millions of members? Larry ranks 28th in the world on this platform and is giving us a peek into his daily reading life and how he shares books. Learn his preferred format to read a book, the process to rate and review books, how the GoodReads reviewer ranking works, his experience with review copies, and how he gained his...
2021-11-1254 min
Book GangA Reader's Backlist Book ChallengeNew releases are fun, but what if you dedicated a reading year to backlist books? From Our Bookshelf blogger, Lynn, shares her favorite backlist challenge discoveries. Today's episode defines what it means to be backlist, how our pandemic shopping changed the backlist marketing budget, and some surprising publishing house acquisitions because of single backlist books. Mentioned in this episode:Join the Patreon Community For the Bonus ContentUnder-the-Radar Books & Pivoting Back to Passion InterviewBook Clubs for Homeschooling Moms InterviewThe Mother of Reinvention PodcastBacklist to t...
2021-11-0542 min
Book GangThe Book Shortage DilemmaSupply chain disruption has impacted many industries, including our beloved booksellers. So who better to guide us through what this book shortage looks like than an independent bookstore owner. Kristin from Fables Books shares how these shortages impact booksellers and what we need to know for this holiday season.Mentioned in this episode:Join the Patreon Community For the Bonus ContentBook of the MonthWhy Authors and Booksellers Want You To Order Your Holiday Gifts NowFablesbooks.comOut of Print at Fables Books...
2021-10-2926 min
Book GangThe Great Book EscapeAre you looking for an escape from reality? We have you covered! In today's episode, Kristina Reid, shares a few of her favorite books that allowed her to escape real life and travel somewhere else through her book stack. You won't want to miss this fun break from IRL.Mentioned in this episode:Join the Patreon Community For the Bonus Content@reidingwithk on InstagramMomAdvice Book ClubEmpire of Storms by Sarah J MaasHow to Save a Life by Eva CarterGet a Life...
2021-10-2248 min
Book GangAn Unforgettable Meet-the-Author Road TripWhen a reader entered a local library contest to meet Emily St. John Mandel, she sent me a message to ask if I would come to Ohio and share the experience with her. This correspondence led to an unforgettable road trip and an experience that I won't ever forget. Carie's also sharing the joy she has found in running a middle-grade book club for her daughter. So be sure to tune in for all of her excellent book recommendations.Mentioned in this episode:Join the Patreon Community For the Bonus ContentStation 11 by Em...
2021-10-1532 min
Book GangA Friendly Goodreads ChallengeMy secret weapon to reading more books is a friendly annual Goodreads competition with my childhood friend Todd Greer. Todd is joining the podcast today to share about motivating each other to read more books. We have discovered how we read is very different from one another, but we usually end up almost at the same amount of books every year. We will dive into that more and learn about a few books I haven't gotten to read yet this year. Books Mentioned in Today’s EpisodeJoin the Patreon Community For the Bon...
2021-10-0855 min
Book GangThe Best of 2021 TV Meets Its Book MatchTelevision shows that are as plot-filled as your favorite books? Sign me up! From The Couch podcast, Mary Carver joins my show to share what television series made her list for must-see tv in 2021. Then, I will play her book matchmaker and give her a stack that's just as satisfying as the shows she loved this year.Books and Shows Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Join the Patreon Community For the Bonus ContentOnly Murders in the BuildingFinlay Donovan is Killing ItArsenic and AdoboCruel Su...
2021-10-0156 min
Book GangWhat Makes a Great Book Club Book?Today's episode is a peek behind the scenes at how I select our book club books each year. Whether you are running a book club of your own and looking for suggestions or if you join in monthly to read with me, I want to share with you what I've learned over the years about book selection and building meaningful conversations around books.Books Mentioned In Today’s Episode:Join the Patreon Community For the Bonus Content2021 MomAdvice Book Club SelectionsMomAdvice Book ClubThe Paris ArchitectA...
2021-09-1718 min
Book GangBring on the Romance BooksMy guest today, Angela Pingel, has been a romance book reader for many years. She has discovered her love for series reading through the Kindle Unlimited format and shares her picks for the best books to pick up. Her most-loved romance genre was new to me and incredibly intriguing for a newbie to the romance world. MomAdvice Book Gang Patreon (join to get today's bonus episode with 5 under-the-radar romance novels that I could not put down)Books Mentioned In Today’s Episode:Kulti by Mariana ZapataWinston Brothers SeriesKnit...
2021-09-1033 min
Book GangReading Rituals and Comforting ReadsToday, I am inviting you to peek into my reading rituals and how I set the reading mood at the beginning and end of my day. With a commitment to read 100 books each year, these practices help me prioritize my reading time and have taught me to treat this as a sacred ritual for keeping my reading goals. Discover this and four enjoyable reads to add to your stack this month.Books Mentioned In Today’s Episode:Join the Patreon Community For the Bonus ContentThe Power of RitualBridgerton Series...
2021-09-0316 min
Book GangSpooky Season BooksToday I'm talking about one of my favorite seasons...SPOOKY BOOK SEASON! For some, that might look like October, but for me, spooky book season lasts all Fall. Of course, my favorite movies are horror films, and many of my most beloved books are also filled with creepy themes, especially as I head into the Halloween season. I want to arm you with three books that make my all-time list of riveting, scary reads. You can also hear interview excerpts from some of today's blockbuster spooky book writers about what inspired their themes and stories.Books Mentioned...
2021-09-0115 min
The Mom HourMothering & Running A Business Through Chronic Illness: Voices 39 With Amy ClarkImagine you’re a mom of two, successful entrepreneur, and self-confessed Type A personality…and then you find out that you have a chronic condition that will cause you to be in pain and sap your energy–daily–possibly for the rest of your life. How would you react? What would you let go of? And how would you re-adjust expectations of yourself and the world around you in order to continue to thrive in your new reality?That’s the journey that today’s guest, Amy Clark, faced. The founder of MomAdvice.com, Amy is a 16-year vetera...
2019-08-0257 min