Every so often, a new author tackles the work of expanding a classic novel to expand its reach. Even more rarely, they succeed beautifully. This week’s book, Adventures of Mary Jane is just such a rare gem. Mary Jane's author, Hope Jahren, is a scientist (a geochemist, no less) who decided to write the story of Mary Jane, a character that haunted her from th ... Show More
Sep 10
Harlan Coben Gives Us a Writing Class
Plot Twist by Harlan Coben is a non fiction book that focusses on writing: the desperation, the inspiration, the execution…it’s all here. And it’s compulsively readable and wonderfully conversational, just like Harlan. Join us as we ask him about his tips and tricks, and why ther ... Show More
31m 30s
Sep 3
Ashley Kahn and the Wonder of Paul Simon’s Graceland
Graceland, by the great Paul Simon, was always a big deal in our house. From the Boy in the Bubble to the Myth of Fingerprints, it was on almost constant repeat, the soundtrack of my childhood. Ashley Kahn’s book, Days of Miracle and Wonder, is a thorough, beautifully researched ... Show More
35m 3s
Jun 2025
Ep. 228 - Jane Johnson on how her editing experience made her a better author
Jane Johnson is a novelist, historian, and publisher. She is the UK publisher of many bestselling authors, including George R.R. Martin. She has written for both adults and children, including the bestselling novels The Tenth Gift and The Salt Road. Her latest book is Secrets of ... Show More
1h 4m
Jun 2024
To Kill a Mockingbird: Chapters 1-8
Welcome back to a new series of discussions on another beloved novel, this time on one of the best American novels ever written. In this episode, we talk about Harper Lee’s use of voice in telling the story (and why it’s somewhat similar to Jane Austen), the importance of the cha ... Show More
1h 11m
Sep 2023
Talking to Stephen King and September Books to Check Out
<p>Stephen King’s new novel, “Holly,” is his sixth book to feature the private investigator Holly Gibney, who made her debut as a mousy side character in the 2014 novel “Mr. Mercedes” and has become more complicated and interesting with each subsequent appearance. King appears on ... Show More
38m 48s
Oct 2025
Childhood Mythology & the Greatest Medieval Epic
For a new season of this podcast, Tsh Oxenreider is talking with people about two books that changed them: one from childhood, one from adulthood. Who better to start with than her own daughter, Tatum?* the Percy Jackson series, by Rick Riordan* Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine ... Show More
33m 17s
Aug 2025
All the (More!) Books! August 29, 2025
This week, Vanessa recommends two books set in academia: a sapphic work of gothic meta fiction and a story about a fixer and the one problem she just can't fix. Subscribe to All the Books! using RSS, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify and never miss a book. Sign up for the weekly New Boo ... Show More
13m 1s
Jun 2021
Interview with Emiko Jean, author of Tokyo Ever After
On today's episode, Jill is joined by author Emiko Jean to discuss her new book Tokyo Ever After. The pair discuss the importance of writing a character she wanted to see growing up, the interesting nuances of the Imperial Family of Japan, and stories from Emiko's time working wi ... Show More
22m 58s
Mar 2023
New Releases and More for March 14, 2023
This week, Liberty and Vanessa discuss The Dog of the North, A Tempest at Sea, Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, and more great books.
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49m 49s