George Saunders discusses ‘A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russian Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life’ (Random House, Jan. 12), in which “a master of contemporary fiction joyously assesses some of the best [short stories] of the 19th century” (starred review). Then our editors offer reading recommendations for the week, with books ... Show More
Oct 7
2025 Kirkus Prize with Thérèse Purcell Nielsen
On a special episode of Fully Booked, we’re celebrating the 2025 Kirkus Prize finalists, ahead of our annual awards ceremony on Oct. 8. First, fiction judge Thérèse Purcell Nielsen joins us to discuss the process of selecting six outstanding works of fiction from hundreds of elig ... Show More
48m 34s
Sep 30
Best Books of October 2025 with Kate McKinnon
On our Best October books episode, Kirkus’ editors share their top titles for the month. Then Kate McKinnon joins us to discuss Secrets of the Purple Pearl, book two in her #1 New York Times-bestselling middle grade series, “The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladie ... Show More
48m 15s
Oct 2022
George Saunders on: “Holy Befuddlement” and How to Be Less of a “Turd”
New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers. --- One of the great perils and problems of our age is that we sometimes become too entrenched in our views and attached to being right. According to guest Geor ... Show More
1h 3m
Aug 2023
Bedtime Stories: Julie Andrews, Jonathan Franzen, George Saunders
It can be tough to wind down after hosting The Late Show, so sometimes Stephen needs a bedtime story to help him fall asleep. We're thrilled to present this spoonful of sugar from the one and only Julie Andrews, who recited Stephen's favorite children's poem 'The King's Breakfast ... Show More
14m 34s