Shows
Books with BetsyEpisode 59 - Picked it Up Out of FOMO with Samiksha GaurOn this episode, Samiksha Gaur, a mom and baker who has found herself enjoying dark romance recently, talks to me about her life engaging with bookish social media. We talk about a bunch of series that she loves, how she got back into reading later in life, and we give a big shoutout to Tanima Kazi for getting us connected!
Follow Samiksha on Instagram
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Lost Man’s Lane by Scott Carson
Bury Our Bones in the Mid...2025-06-2353 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 58 - Challenges My Expectations with Jess Abra SandyOn this episode, Jess Abra Sandy, a self-described lapsed opera singer and cyber security expert talks about how poetry has provided for her in different ways as her seasons of life change. We also talk about books that make us want to throw them across the room, how her reading life has changed as her kid has grown, and Jess shares a lot of very insightful thoughts about the reading life.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Devil House by John Darnielle
Say Hello to My L...2025-06-161h 00Books with BetsyEpisode 57 - It's Not Cheating with Caroline PilmanOn this episode, Caroline Pilman, a fellow Chicago Public Schools teacher, and I discuss the many ways of reading, all of which are acceptable. We also discuss a shared pet peeve in children’s literature, how a seasonal career can affect the reading life, and how Chicago Public Schools does one thing right.
American Library Association Lists
CPS Battle of the Books 2025
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
Amatka by Karin Tid...2025-06-0956 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 56 - Feels Folkloric with Meara McNittOn this episode, Meara McNitt, a social media professional who loves stories of all types, discusses her love for all kinds of books, including an interest that her friends suggest she doesn’t yell about in the bookstore. She talks about a lot of books that haven’t appeared on the show yet and I go on a bit of a rant about one of my favorite hot takes.
Meara on TikTok
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
There are Rivers in the Sky by El...2025-06-0254 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 55 - Competitive Reading with Austin WatersOn this episode, Austin Waters, a friend of mine from high school, describes how he has had lots of experience with many different types of reading and writing. We discuss reading plays, how we read so many good books in high school, and how competition in reading can be detrimental.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
Books Highlighted by Austin:
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonne...2025-05-2659 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 54 - Take My Books Where They Belong with Chelsey StoneOn this episode, Chelsey Stone, a freelance writer and book tour leader, describes herself as someone who reads to learn. She brings a lot of really great non-fiction books to the show, and while some of them can be a bit of a bummer, these books help Chelsey learn more about herself and the world while facing reality through reading.
NatGeo article about the Chicago River
Read and Run on the Road in DC
Guided Tour of Lemont’s Waterways
Book Talk and Signing for The Kat Bunglar...2025-05-191h 00Books with BetsyEpisode 53 - Horror for Anxious Readers with Johanna @memydogandbooksOn this episode, Johannah @memydogandbooks who loves to shout about books on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and I discuss leaning into cozy hobbies, reading widely and eclectically, and an overlapping prize interest for us. We also discuss how horror is an underrated genre and why it works, even for scaredy-cats!
Find Johanna on Instagram
Find Johanna on TikTok
Find Johanna on YouTube
Book Talk and Signing for The Kat Bunglar with Tanima Kazi
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s...2025-05-121h 05Books with BetsyEpisode 52 - My Entire Life is Words with Hannah GordonOn this episode, Hannah Gordon, a fellow CPS teacher and I discuss the importance of the library as a public service, how your reading life can turn around from what people expect of you as a child, and she brings some really great books to the show that haven’t been talked about yet.
Find Hannah on TikTok
Book Talk and Signing for The Kat Bunglar with Tanima Kazi
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Are You Happy? By Lori Ostlund...2025-05-0559 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 51 - More Beautiful Thoughts with Christopher Hermelin of So Many Damn BooksOn this episode, Christopher Hermelin, host of the podcast So Many Damn Books and I discuss his life that revolves around books, our shared love for stories on the continuum of weird, and we both go on a bit of a tear about over-comped books. You can also hear me get totally sucked in by something Christopher recommends.
So Many Damn Books
The Roving Typist
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Are You Happy? By Lori Ostlund
Books Hi...2025-04-281h 01Books with BetsyEpisode 50 - How to Raise a Reader with Mary Hopper WelanderOn this episode, my mom, Mary Hopper Welander, and I discuss shared reading memories from my childhood, how much the library has impacted both of our reading lives, and how her reading life has changed in retirement. She also gives some great advice about how to develop a love of reading in your child.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
On the Calculation of Volume (Book 1) by Solvej Balle
Moms Like Us by Jordan Roter
Books Highlighted by Mary:
The Bea...2025-04-2152 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 49 - Read Everything All the Time with Alayna MillsOn this episode, Alayna Mills, a college writing teacher, discusses their love for reading everything all the time, by incorporating reading into all parts of their day. We also talk about their wide reading preferences, we get deep on a few specific books, and we find a shared notebook of book prize stress.
Follow Alayna on Instagram
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
On the Calculation of Volume (Book 1) by Solvej Balle
Audition by Katie Kitimura
Chain Gang All-Stars...2025-04-141h 01Books with BetsyEpisode 48 - A Community of Problematic Characters with Bre @BrezzylovesbooksOn this episode, Bre @Brezzylovesbooks, a therapist who also runs the Raleigh chapter of Well-Read Black Girl, and I discuss our shared love of book communities, problematic characters, and why romance isn’t our reading preference. I also give a rare TV recommendation!
Follow Bre on Instagram
More info about Well-Read Black Girl in Raleigh
Well-Read Black Girl Raleigh Instagram
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Reservoir Bitches by Dahlia de la Cerda
On the Calculation of Volume...2025-04-0754 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 47 - Political Intrigue with Trevor DykesOn this episode, Trevor Dykes, a fantasy reader who has written his own fantasy saga, and I discuss how he fits in reading as a father of two young kiddos, what piques his interest in a fantasy, and how much of a commitment some of the long series are. We also get into the difference between the second in a trilogy versus the second in a series - there’s a difference!
Get Trevor’s Book, Titan’s Garden Crimson Wolf here!
Support my Open Books fundraiser
Books mentioned in this e...2025-03-3155 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 46 - The Struggle for Good with Maggie BrennanOn this episode, Maggie Brennan, a loyal member of the Off Color Book Club, and I discuss the retellings she will always read, how being an oldest sister impacted her reading life, and the way that her Irish family has impacted her reading life. She also talks about her favorite fantasy and sci-fi and how these genres can tell stories that reflect our reality.
Support my Open Books fundraiser
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Kingdom of No Tomorrow by Fabienne Josaphat
Bef...2025-03-241h 01Books with BetsyEpisode 45 - TBR Snowball with Deedi BrownOn this episode, Deedi Brown, who runs The Booker of the Month book club, and I discuss the crossover love of literary fiction and genre, getting sucked in by award lists, and how being more involved in books turns into a snowball!
Follow Deedi on Instagram
Find Deedi’s Substack here
Get more information about Booker of the Month Club
Support my Open Books fundraiser
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow...2025-03-1759 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 44 - Bad Decisions and Good Sex with Meredith TuritsOn this episode, Meredith Turits, debut novelist, and I discuss the process of making her book come to life, how amazing her editor is, and the best ways to support friends who are writers. We also discuss her book, Just Want You Here, which I encourage anyone to go pick up!
Order Just Want You Here!
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker
The Safekeep by Yael Van Der...2025-03-1057 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 43 - Insatiable Curiosity with Rebecca Schinsky and Jeff O'NealOn this episode, Rebecca Schinsky and Jeff O’Neal of Book Riot sit down and talk to me about their reading lives. We talk about their professional work in the world of books, how Oliver Burkeman would feel about my bad bookish habit, and how any book can be interesting if you’re curious enough.
Listen to the Book Riot Podcast
Listen to First Edition
Better Living Through Books Newsletter (and the rest of the Book Riot Newsletters!)
Jeff and Rebecca Live at Powells!
Books mentioned...2025-03-031h 05Books with BetsyEpisode 42 - Working on Your Brain with Betsy KipnisOn this episode, Betsy Kipnis, a multi-hyphenate who loves a wide variety of authors, and I discuss some shared favorites, great Chicago bookstores, and she has some great stories. She discusses books that are multi-sensory and we get spicy about a beloved author.
Betsy’s Blog - Bookisshh
Barbara Kingsolver’s Recovery Center
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
The Road to the Salt Sea by Samuel Kọláwọlé
Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis
Books Highlighted by...2025-02-2456 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 41 - Completely Booked with Jordan HernandezOn this episode, Jordan Hernandez, who organizes the book community Completely Booked and I discuss what diverse books means to her, how to curate a feed that provides diverse options, and so many amazing book recommendations. If you want to join Completely Booked, you can send Jordan a DM on Instagram to get added to the email list!
Follow Completely Booked on Instagram
Double Dough
HobokenGirl
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
The Roa...2025-02-171h 00Books with BetsyEpisode 40 - Character Studies with Jocelyn AspaOn this episode, bookstagrammer and journalist Jocelyn Aspa and I discuss books with extensive character development, how everything makes us cry, and why we gravitate towards books with low ratings on Goodreads. We also discuss how we determine books to pack on a trip which can be a little extra.
Follow Jocelyn on Instagram
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Devil is Fine by John Vercher
Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American...2025-02-1055 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 39 - Soft Heart, Thick Skin with David Jay CollinsOn this episode, indie author David Jay Collins and I discuss his work writing books in and about Chicago, how he keeps going by honoring his characters, and the unique ways that he connects with his readers. We also discuss his reading life, including a current fast from horror content which blows my mind!
Follow David on Instagram
Order any of David’s books from his website
Where you can see David in 2025!
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Lilith by...2025-02-031h 01Books with BetsyEpisode 38 - Ate it Up with Ree @Read_withReeOn this episode, Ree @Read_withree on instagram, discusses her love for thrillers and mysteries. We also talk about a shared favorite author, the joy that book people can bring, and how to make bookstagram a place of enjoyment.
Follow Ree on Instagram
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
There is a Rio Grande in Heaven by Ruben Reyes, Jr.
Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen
Books Highlighted by Ree:
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosb...2025-01-2747 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 37 - All Print, All the Time with Leah Rachel von EssenOn this episode, Leah Rachel von Essen, whose job is books, and I discuss our shared love of translated literature, especially genre fiction from other countries, and our shared love of reading and walking. She also talks about her very entertaining experiences with the library as a child and shares about her current work with Chicago Books to Women in Prison.
Follow Leah on Instagram!
Find Leah’s posts about books in translation here
More information about how to support Chicago Books to Women in Prison
Books mentio...2025-01-201h 02Books with BetsyEpisode 36 - Reading Helps Me Figure it Out with Shakia PerryOn this episode, Shakia Perry, a very creative book lover who creates amazing book-related experiences for friends and family, discusses how she loves fiction to get into the messiness of other people. We also discuss our love for the library, reading pretty much wherever, and how much Libby can stress you out.
Follow Shakia on Instagram!
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
All Fours by Miranda July
Books Highlighted by Shakia:...2025-01-131h 02Books with BetsyEpisode 35 - Best of 2024 Part 2On this episode, past guests of Books with Betsy and I share our favorite books of 2024! Listen to hear about lots of great 2024 books and the excellent backlist we got to this year.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Betsy’s Top 11 Books (in no particular order):
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad
Ordinary Notes by Christina Sharpe
My Friends by Hisham Matar
Punk Rock Karaoke by Biana Xunise
2025-01-061h 27Books with BetsyEpisode 34 - Best of 2024 Part 1On this episode, past guests of Books with Betsy and I share our favorite books of 2024! Listen to hear about lots of great 2024 books and the excellent backlist we got to this year.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Betsy’s Best Categorically (books that…):
Shocked me:
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
The Night House by Jo Nesbø
Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra
Made me Cry:
North Woods by Danie...2024-12-301h 34Books with BetsyEpisode 33 - I'll Crack it Open with Stephanie MajercikOn this episode, Stephanie Majercik, a reader who reads widely, and I discuss our shared tricks for Book of the Month, why passing around books is great, and how her reading chair revolutionized her reading life. We also discuss her book club and the bookish names she has for her collection of house plants.
Read & Run Chicago - The Great Believers
Stephanie’s Reading Chair
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner
Good Material by Dolly Alde...2024-12-2356 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 32 - Where Literature is at this Moment with Bernie LombardiOn this episode, Bernie Lombardi, a professor and researcher, discusses how his popular bookstagram and award lists are intertwined, along with his experiences reading the lists and even getting to go to the final ceremonies of a few awards! We also hear about his new author obsession and a very cool way that he tracks his reading each year.
Bernie’s Instagram
The Read & Run Chicago Gift Guide
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady He...2024-12-1650 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 31 - These are my Trophies with Jenn Moland-KovashOn this episode, Jenn Moland-Kovash and I discuss our shared interest in thrift-store book sections, the joy of walking around a bookstore and pointing out the books we have read, and her theories about why romantasy is popular. Jenn also gets me on a roll about the difference between book collecting and reading and why sprayed edges mean nothing to me.
The Mail-a-Book program is still alive and well!
The Read & Run Chicago Gift Guide
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
The Cit...2024-12-091h 01Books with BetsyEpisode 30 - On the Edge of Heartbreak with Cynthia OkechukwuOn this episode, Cynthia Okechukwu, the founder of Black Girls Read Chicago, and I discuss books that make you cry, her love of hardcover books, and what kinds of audiobooks work for both of us. She also gets to share an incredible story of getting a critical book put into her hands at a young age.
Black Girls Read Chicago Instagram
The Read & Run Chicago Gift Guide
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
The City and It’s Uncertain Walls by Haruki Mu...2024-12-021h 04Books with BetsyEpisode 29 - Never Earned a Personal Pan Pizza with Susanna ChapmanOn this episode, Susanna Chapman, an illustrator who loves picture books, discusses her career in books, her love for an audiobook mausoleum, and why she loves the beginning of a book. We also destigmatize her concern around her main reading format and she tricks me into answering one of my own questions.
The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith
Pre-Order Dragonflies of Glass: the True Story of Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
The Mini...2024-11-251h 01Books with BetsyEpisode 28 - Intellectually Affectionate with Annette LaPlacaOn this episode, Annette LaPlaca, a self-proclaimed church lady who loves mysteries and thrillers, discusses her career in editing, how she developed a love of reading in her children, and why it’s ok to have a lot of books. We also discuss the moral and empathetic benefits of a murder book and why people shouldn’t shy away from them.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Dearest by Jacqui Walters
Ghostroots by ‘Pemi Aguda
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
How to Sel...2024-11-181h 00Books with BetsyEpisode 27 - Nobel Prize in Reading with Amie MedleyOn this episode, Amie Medley, who loves a long book, discusses her big reading project, which is reading every author who has won a Nobel Prize in Literature, and what she has discovered through that endeavor. We also discuss the ups and downs of book clubs, the benefits she finds from ereaders, and her love for a book that I can’t help but roll my eyes at.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Ghostroots by ‘Pemi Aguda
Nora Goes off Script by Annabel Monaghan 2024-11-111h 01Books with BetsyEpisode 26 - Challenging for Some, Liberating for Me With Cat ShiehOn this episode, Cat Shieh, a Caliornian transplant to Chicago and former ethnic studies professor, discusses her hesitancy when people ask for recommendations and recommend books to her. She’s not afraid to drink the haterade, give a hot take, and make me guess what her answer is going to be to my questions. We talk about sad books (about reality) and some of our shared pet peeves about the reading world.
Here is the Claudia Rankine excerpt that Cat read on the episode.
Books mentioned in this episode:
Wh...2024-11-041h 02Books with BetsyEpisode 25 - Be a Dear, Unflip Your Dogears with Jennifer MoeOn this episode, Jennifer Moe, a professor and former bookseller, discusses her love for books that fully envelop the reader in a setting. We reminisce about our adventures with Twilight, our shared love for library magazines, and when it might be ok to leave a note or two in a library book. She also gives some
Preorder Nobody’s Perfect, the book in which Jennifer has a chapter.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
My Friends by Hisham Matar
Shred Sisters by B...2024-10-281h 01Books with BetsyEpisode 24 - Always Been a Fan of a List with Ian GillhamOn this episode, Ian Gillham, @criticalgayze on Instagram, and I discuss our shared love of book lists, book awards, and reading these lists. We also discuss Ian’s Substack project focusing on the Pulitzer Prize and how it has morphed throughout the years. Also, stick around for some hot takes about super popular books!
Here is the link to Ian’s Substack so you can follow along with his prize project.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
My Friends by Hisham Matar
Colored...2024-10-211h 05Books with BetsyEpisode 23 - Genre Promiscuous with Nina Li CoomesOn this episode, Nina Li Coomes, who was once described as genre promiscuous by a professor, discusses her traumatic early reading experiences, and how her identity as a writer has developed. We also discuss some shared favorites, how much she loves a hate-read, and why it can be good to read books you might not like.
Click here to support Eman Alhaj Ali, the writer in Palestine that Nina has been working to support.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Invisible Child: Poverty...2024-10-141h 01Books with BetsyEpisode 22 - A Little Bit of Everything with Leah @DishingonBooksOn this episode, Leah, @Dishingonbooks on Instagram, and I discuss our shared love of intense reads, how to find more books that open up the world, and her love for the Women’s Prize. We also give a lot of recommendations for books that are not for everyone but hit both of us in just the right spot.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
Invisible Child: Poverty, Survival, and Hope in a...2024-10-071h 02Books with BetsyEpisode 21 - The Story Sits in Your Bones with Sam LuchsingerOn this episode, Sam Luchsinger, an eclectic reader and artist, talks about their love of picking up whatever strikes their interest, beautiful book covers, and the joy of reading children’s books into adulthood. They also discuss their love of graphic novels and some tips on how to get into the format that might feel a little overwhelming.
Books mentioned in this episode:
If you want to get ahead and join us at Off Color Book Club:
October 15 - Trust by Hernan Diaz
November 19 - Klara and the Sun...2024-09-3059 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 20 - Based in Reality with Jordan CrossOn this episode, Jordan Cross, a resource librarian for a large interior design firm, discusses her love of audiobooks, books that are based on something true, and how memoirs about hard topics are important and meaningful. She also brings a topic to the show that I hadn’t thought to ask about!
The big list of books from NPR - best of the year since 2013!
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
Mister Magic by Kie...2024-09-2349 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 19 - I Can't Put it Down with Kathy DonofrioOn this episode, Kathy Donofrio, an artist from the Chicagoland area, discusses how she came to enjoy reading later in life. She provides some amazing, fun book recommendations, including an impressive laundry list of favorite authors. Also, I finally get to hear the Pope Book story that my mom has been telling me about!
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer by Joseph Earl Thomas
A Libertarian Walks Into a Bear by Mathhew Hongolz-Hetling
The Vanishing Half by Brit B...2024-09-1656 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 18 - I'm a Terrible Reader with Stacy JeziorowskiOn this episode, Stacy Jeziorowski, who is not a terrible reader, discusses her resurgence as a reader after grad school and how thrillers that have kept her on the edge of her seat motivate her to read more. We also discuss our shared favorite, which we both collect, and how amazing the library is as a resource for our lives.
The AI generated holiday romance movie
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Fire Exit by Morgan Talty
The Radium Girls by Kate M...2024-09-0955 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 17 - Book Clubs will Save the World with Allison Yates and Fernanda WetzelOn this episode, Allison Yates and Fernanda Wetzel come on to talk about their organization, Read and Run Chicago, a book and run club that features specific books with coordinated runs in Chicago. They describe how accessible their organization is, open to anyone who might be interested in participating, and we get to talk about some incredible books that feature information and stories that open and affirm experiences that have been historically ignored.
Read and Run Chicago Fall Event Calendar
Allison’s Small Pack Camping Chair
Italic Type book tracking
...2024-09-021h 05Books with BetsyEpisode 16 - Library Superuser with Emily McClanathanOn this episode, Emily McClanathan, a Chicago Public Library superuser, discusses her love of character-driven stories and excellent prose. She also talks about how reading has helped her become a better writer, as she writes both book reviews and theater reviews in Chicago. We get into some shared loves and Emily gets to share a hot take about a book she thinks is overrated.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay
Headsho...2024-08-2658 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 15 - Percival Everett Fan Club with Ben UstickOn this episode, Ben Ustick, the taproom manager at Off Color Mousetrap and I discuss some of our shared favorite books, the excellence of contemporary fiction, and his goal to read Percival Everett’s entire oeuvre this year. Get ready to be shocked yourself when you hear the book that shocked Ben. If you want to visit us at Off Color Book Club, check my instagram for the information on the next meeting!
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore 2024-08-191h 00Books with BetsyEpisode 14 - Information is Meant to be Shared with Mawuli Grant AgbefeOn this episode, Mawuli Grant Agbefe and I discuss his love for fascinating non-fiction, including one of my absolute favorite books ever that he recommended to me in January! We also discuss our shared love of being readers in Chicago, based on the gorgeous places to read and the incredible resource the Chicago Public Library is.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
The Nix by Nathan Hill
The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft
Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne
2024-08-1243 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 13 - Book Hunting with Tanima KaziOn this episode, Tanima Kazi, a writer (get her novel here!) who loves language, shares her love of romance novels, favorite parts of her favorite books, and how her day job helps her build ideas for her own writing. She describes how books speak to her and even shares excerpts from her favorite books.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
The Nix by Nathan Hill
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church by Sarah McCammon ...2024-08-051h 00Books with BetsyEpisode 12 - Establishing Empathy with Mike FinucaneOn this episode, Mike Finucane, a campus minister at a high-school in St. Louis, and I discuss how books can help develop empathy. He also gives a great tip from his dad about how to tackle a large non-fiction text. We also confirm that collecting books shouldn’t be considered a bad habit if you love it. We talk about a lot of really intense books but I hope that our discussion will inspire readers to do a deep dive into some of the topics.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’...2024-07-291h 09Books with BetsyEpisode 11 - A Series of Series with Rachel KilthorneOn this episode, Rachel Kilthorne, a self-processed nerd’s nerd, discusses her love of both fantasy novels and going deep on a subject in non-fiction. She names many series and discusses how she determines when to re-read or when to let go of a series. I also get to go on a soapbox rant about reading diversely, especially in genre fiction.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
The Nix by Nathan Hill
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Woodworm by Layla Ma...2024-07-2251 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 10 - Weird Does Not Translate to Screen with Rachel RollandOn this episode, Rachel Rolland, a hobby-enthusiast, discusses her love for weird books, including two authors with a decently large backlist that I’ve never heard of. We discuss how a book about accounting can help investigate the way we see the world, how some books just shouldn’t be adapted to screen, and her love for the bookstores where she worked.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
The Nix by Nathan Hill
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
No One Can Kn...2024-07-1547 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 9 - I'm Already Traveling Somewhere with Monika JanasOn this episode, Monika and I discuss her love of fantasy, she mentions so many series, some longer than others, and we share the joy of staff picks in an indie bookstore. We also talk about the magic of airplane reading and how amazing Libby can be. If you are interested in the Reddit thread Monika mentions, you can find that here.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
The Nix by Nathan Hill
Exhibit by R.O. Kwan
The Return of Ellie Black by...2024-07-0854 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 8 - Poetry that Blows the Door off your Brain with Anna DeemIn this episode, Anna Deem, a high school English teacher in Chicago, and I discuss how seasons of life change our reading habits, her love of poetry, and our definitive shared overrated book. We also discuss the influence of the Beat generation on her writing and end with some excellent recommendations for books she enjoys with her 4-year-old daughter.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Dune by Frank Herbert
The Nix by Nathan Hill
Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman
Sisters...2024-07-0145 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 7 - Speed Reading with Nuns with Mo SmithOn this episode, Mo Smith, the person I know who reads the most, and we discuss her experiences as a very early reader in school, a book habit that stuns me a little, and she gets to gush about her amazing backyard pool at her home in Las Vegas.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Dune by Frank Herbert
The Only One Left by Riley Sager
Books Highlighted by Mo:
Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy
Behind Her E...2024-06-2449 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 6 - The Lynn Painter Book Club with Sarah SabetOn this episode, Sarah Sabet and I discuss Scandi-Crime, how her book club fell in love with Lynn Painter, and we have an extended conversation about a fantastic organization that, unfortunately, neither of us have had a chance to connect with: @readandrunchicago on Instagram!
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
The Resort by Sarah Ochs
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
Dune by Frank Herbert
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
Books Highl...2024-06-1752 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 5 - Yummy Trash with Francesca MusumeciOn this episode, Francesca Musumeci and I discuss the wealth of indie bookstores we have in Chicago, how school can make reading less fun, and why it’s important to read what you like. She also tells some pretty great stories about her years working at Half-Price Books, including a hilarious mystery request from a customer that she manages to solve.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
His Name is George Floyd by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Victim b...2024-06-1059 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 4 - Cuckoo Bananas Thrillers with Erin JacoboOn this episode, Erin Jacobo and I discuss a lot of really juicy thrillers, her love of a heart wrenching story, and why romance just doesn’t work for us. She also tells some great stories about her family and their connection with reading, and we learn how much she has influenced my reading life!
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
His Name is George Floyd by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra
...2024-06-0345 minBooks with BetsyEpisode 3 - A Safe Place to Have Bad Feelings with Tim MuellerA Safe Place to Have Bad Feelings with Tim Mueller
Episode 3
On this episode, Tim Mueller and I discuss his passion for collecting books, comics, and other physical media; the magic and abundance of a used bookstore; and how the darkest kinds of books can develop the most empathy. Also, Tim recommends a host of underlooked books that you probably haven’t heard of (I sure hadn’t!).
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Ghosts in the Schoolyard by Eve L. Ewing 2024-05-271h 03Books with BetsyThe Beauty of Escaping into a Book with Carolyn LatshawThe Beauty of Escaping into a Book with Carolyn Latshaw
Episode 2
On this episode, Carolyn Latshaw and I discuss her love of classics, select ones at least, the joy and difficulty of getting absolutely swept up into a book, and a slew of great book recommendations that are a little unusual! Listen for a huge revelation on Carolyn’s part about one of her favorite books.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
The Gathering by C.J. Tudor
Punk Rock K...2024-05-2053 minBooks with BetsyBathing in Darkness with Sam WilmesBathing in Darkness with Sam Wilmes
Episode 1
On this episode, Sam Wilmes and I discuss reading dark books including Stephen King, horror, and dark literary fiction. We find her book ick, a new-to-me source of books, and books that connect anxiety and depression and humor.
Books mentioned in this episode:
What Betsy’s reading:
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
A Better World by Sarah Langan
The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman
Books Highlighted by Sam:
...2024-05-1347 min