Book Club Appetizer

On today's season finale we welcome the delightful Emily Henry, author of bestsellers Beach Read, Book Lovers, People We Meet on Vacation and, most recently the #1 NYT Bestselling Happy Place. Alyssa and Emily vibe out talking about romcom inspiration, fancasting, the ways art informs life (and vice versa), writing complex, imperfect love interests, and how underrated the state of Michigan is. Emily's new book, Happy Place (available now) and is your perfect summer reading companion. You can find Emily at www.emilyhenrybooks.com | Instagram: @emilyhenrywrites  | Newsletter: https://emilyhenry.substack.com/ You can read Emily's Vulture profile here: https://www.vulture.com/article/emily-henry-romance-novel-profile.html Thank you for joining us this season! We'll be back soon with more episodes soon. BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE: Happy Place by Emily Henry: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704944/happy-place-by-emily-henry/ Beach Read by Emily Henry: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/608898/beach-read-by-emily-henry/ People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/608899/people-we-meet-on-vacation-by-emily-henry/ Book Lovers by Emily Henry: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670293/book-lovers-by-emily-henry/ Jasmine Guillory novels: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2149662/jasmine-guillory/ Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/577211/daisy-jones-and-the-six-tv-tie-in-edition-by-taylor-jenkins-reid/ The Daydreams by Laura Hankins: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/691125/the-daydreams-by-laura-hankin/ Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler Subscribe and Listen! Books Connect Us: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-connect-us/id1059532301 The Taste Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taste/id1393739959 Marlon and Jake Read Dead People: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marlon-and-jake-read-dead-people/id1492163935 Criminal Types: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/criminal-types/id1681638565

Happy Pride from Books Connect Us! In honor of Pride, today's guest is Haley Jakobson, author of the astute and funny bisexual debut Old Enough, on sale June 20. Carolina chats with Haley about all things identity: finding ourselves while we're still “hurtling towards the person we're becoming,” utilizing language and harnessing stories to explore our many-faceted, intersectional selves, writing and using art and words to explore the stickier parts of reality. You can find Haley at www.haleyjakobson.com Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @haleyjakobson BOOKS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE: Old Enough by Haley Jakobson: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/719001/old-enough-by-haley-jakobson/ Marlena by Julie Buntin Yolk, Permanent Record and Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston Luster by Raven Leilani Sirens Muses by Antonia Angress: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/690759/sirens-and-muses-by-antonia-angress/ Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/690750/tomorrow-and-tomorrow-and-tomorrow-by-gabrielle-zevin/ Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

Join us for a super-fun, laugh-out-loud Summer Reading Picks episode! Carolina and Alyssa talk: books they love, books they can't wait to read, horror movies, celebs they went to high school with, tips for writing, finding inspiration and reading al fresco. CAROLINA RECOMMENDS: Natural Beauty by Ling Ling: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/718580/natural-beauty-by-ling-ling-huang/ Homegoing by Yah Gyasi: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/533857/homegoing-by-yaa-gyasi/ Dreaming in Cuban by Cristina Garcia: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/57953/dreaming-in-cuban-by-cristina-garcia/ Commonwealth by Ann Patchett Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/669846/giovannis-room-by-james-baldwin/ ALYSSA RECOMMENDS: Happy Place by Emily Henry: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704944/happy-place-by-emily-henry/ Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/702704/pineapple-street-by-jenny-jackson/  Say Nothing: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/90837/say-nothing-by-patrick-radden-keefe/ The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/678943/the-marriage-portrait-by-maggie-ofarrell/ Persuasion by Jane Austen: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/286398/persuasion-by-jane-austen-edited-with-an-introduction-and-notes-by-gillian-beer-cover-illustrated-by-coralie-bickford-smith/Subscribe and Listen! Books Connect Us: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-connect-us/id1059532301 The Taste Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taste/id1393739959 Marlon and Jake Read Dead People: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marlon-and-jake-read-dead-people/id1492163935 Criminal Types: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/criminal-types/id1681638565

On a very exciting episode of BOOKS CONNECT US, Carolina and Alyssa host their first Roundtable. Joined by Amanda Elliot (author of Sadie on a Plate and Best Served Hot) and Kosoko Jackson (author of I'm So Not Over You and Dash of Salt and Pepper), this roundtable's theme is romance! We discuss: what it takes to craft romance -- from chemistry to characters, how the industry has grown to be more inclusive, and how author identity often plays out on the page. Stay tuned for the recap after! You can find Amanda at www.amandapanitch.com Instagram and Twitter: @amandapanitch You can find Kosoko at www.kosokojackson.com Instagram and Twitter: @kosokojackson BOOKS (and authors) MENTIONED IN TODAYS EPISODE: Books by Amanda: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2243903/amanda-elliot Books by Kosoko: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2241956/kosoko-jackson/ Well Met by Jen DeLuca: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/606854/well-met-by-jen-deluca/ Beverly Jenkins The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Red, White and Royal Blue bu Casey McQuiston Emily Henry: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/306512/emily-henry/ Rainbow High by Alex Sanchez Meredith Schorr Jean Meltzer Rachel Lynn Solomon Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/711068/stone-cold-fox-by-rachel-koller-croft/ EXe's and O's — Amy Lea — https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673410/exes-and-os-by-amy-lea/ The Manor House Governess by CA Castle — https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/730683/the-manor-house-governess-by-c-a-castle/ The Neighbor Favor by Kristine Forest: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/708466/the-neighbor-favor-by-kristina-forest/ Subscribe and Listen! Books Connect Us: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-connect-us/id1059532301 The Taste Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taste/id1393739959 Marlon and Jake Read Dead People: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marlon-and-jake-read-dead-people/id1492163935 Criminal Types: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/criminal-types/id1681638565

Today on the podcast, Carolina and Alyssa interview Chrissy King, author of THE BODY LIBERATION PROJECT, about the way our intersecting identities impact our body image, how and why body and beauty standards are rooted in racism and how we can overcome it all to liberate ourselves and bodies. Chrissy also tells us how she landed a book deal and how she cultivates her brand and platform. You can find Chrissy at www.chrissyking.com | Instagram, TikTok and Twitter: @iamchrissyking Books Mentioned in Today's Episode: The Body Liberation Project: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704696/the-body-liberation-project-by-chrissy-king/ Fearing the Black Body by Dr. Sabrina Strings Me and white Supremacy by Layla Saad Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/690750/tomorrow-and-tomorrow-and-tomorrow-by-gabrielle-zevin/ It's Always Been Ours by Jessica Wilson Books Connect Us: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-connect-us/id1059532301 The Taste Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taste/id1393739959 Marlon and Jake Read Dead People: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marlon-and-jake-read-dead-people/id1492163935  

Today on BOOKS CONNECT US, Lisa Lucas, SVP and Publisher of Pantheon talks about motherhood and mental health with Szilvia Molnar, author of The Nursery. The two share a thought-provoking conversation about the rawness and realness of becoming a mother, and ask the question — does the world make space for new moms? Be sure to stick around for Carolina and Alyssa's recap at the end. You can find Szilvia at http://www.szilviamolnar.com/ Instagram & Twitter: @szilmolnar 
Books in today's episode: THE NURSERY by Szilvia Molnar: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/705245/the-nursery-by-szilvia-molnar/ Books Connect Us: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-connect-us/id1059532301 The Taste Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taste/id1393739959 Marlon and Jake Read Dead People: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marlon-and-jake-read-dead-people/id1492163935 

On today's episode, we talk to National Book Award finalist Sarah Thankam Mathews about her debut novel, ALL THIS COULD BE DIFFERENT, a warm, dazzling, and profound saga of queer love, friendship, work, and precarity in twenty-first century America. Carolina talks to Sarah about the political engine that drives the book, the shared nuances of the brown queer experience, and the craft elements that bring multi-dimensional stories to life. You can find Sarah at www.smathewss.com | Instagram & Twitter: @smathewss Books mentioned in today's episode: All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Matthews: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/691034/all-this-could-be-different-by-sarah-thankam-mathews/ Lucy by Jamaica Kincaid Open City by Teju Cole: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/29908/open-city-by-teju-cole/ Blue Skinned Gods by SJ Sindu: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/668119/blue-skinned-gods-by-sj-sindu/ Sea Change Gina Chung Hope Andrew Ridker: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/712970/hope-by-andrew-ridker/ Subscribe and follow for more author interviews and book-related content: Books Connect Us: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-connect-us/id1059532301 The Taste Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taste/id1393739959 Marlon and Jake Read Dead People: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marlon-and-jake-read-dead-people/id1492163935

This week on BOOKS CONNECT US, we welcome Dani Shapiro, author of eleven books , most recently Signal Fires, which won the National Jewish Books Award and Inheritance, which was a New York Times Bestseller. Alyssa and Dani go deep, discussing the intersection of memory and imagination while writing, the importance of self-identity and ancestry in storytelling and the ways in which family — both biological and found — can inform our writing styles and choices. You can find all of Dani's books at DaniShapiro.com | Instagram: @daniwriter | Twitter: DaniJShapiro Books mentioned in today's episode: Inheritance by Dani Shapiro: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/554262/inheritance-by-dani-shapiro/ Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/706864/signal-fires-by-dani-shapiro/ In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/SLT/in-search-of-lost-time Praying with Jane Eyre by Vanessa Zoltan: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/623433/praying-with-jane-eyre-by-vanessa-zoltan/ Fellowship point by Alice Elliot Dark Monogamy by Sue Miller

This episode, we welcome Lakiesha Carr and her Knopf editor, Maria Goldverg. Lakeisha is the author of AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SKIN, a profound and tender look at Black womanhood. Maria and Lakiesha discuss the intimacy required to write fiction, the importance of intergenerational connections, and the ways in which we insert ourselves into our art. You can find Lakeisha at www.lakieshacarr.com Subscribe and follow for more author interviews and book-related content: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-connect-us/id1059532301 An Autobiography of Skin by Lakiesha Carr: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/696553/an-autobiography-of-skin-by-lakiesha-carr/ Books by Gayle Jones: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/61474/gayl-jones The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/117662/the-bluest-eye-by-toni-morrison/

This episode, we welcome Dolen Perkins-Valdez, author of the unforgettable and deeply profound TAKE MY HAND, which won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work - Fiction. Carolina talks to Dolen about her writing and research process, the true-life inspiration behind TAKE MY HAND and the immense importance of historical fiction.  Alyssa and Carolina recap at the end, unpacking this powerful interview.You can find Dolen at www.dolenperkinsvaldez.com | Instagram: @dolenperkinsvaldez | Twitter: @dolenSubscribe and follow for more author interviews and book-related content: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-connect-us/id1059532301Books In Today's Show:Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676198/take-my-hand-by-dolen-perkins-valdez/The Days of Afrekete by Asali Solomon: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/692739/the-days-of-afrekete-by-asali-solomon/

In today's episode, we talk to Eleanor Shearer, author of the gripping and beautiful RIVER SING ME HOME, which was a GMA Book Club Pick. Carolina chats with Eleanor about finding time for creative writing (especially within the confines of a day job), traveling to the Caribbean for her novel and unraveling the complicated tapestries of our identities, homes and families. Be sure to stick around for Carolina and Alyssa's recap at the end.   Subscribe and follow for more author interviews and book-related content: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-connect-us/id1059532301 You can find Eleanor at https://www.eleanorshearer.com/ | Instagram: @eleanorbshearer | Twitter: @ellieshearer   Books In Today's Show: River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/713326/river-sing-me-home-by-eleanor-shearer/ Augustown by Ken Miller: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/546645/augustown-by-kei-miller/ The Human Origins of Beatrice Potter and Other Essential Ghosts by Soraya Palmer: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/719646/the-human-origins-of-beatrice-porter-and-other-essential-ghosts-by-soraya-palmer/ Subscribe and follow for more author interviews and book-related content: Books Connect Us: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-connect-us/id1059532301 The Taste Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taste/id1393739959 Marlon and Jake Read Dead People: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marlon-and-jake-read-dead-people/id1492163935

Today, we talk to NYT Bestselling and James Beard Award-winning author of The Korean Vegan Cookbook , Joanne Lee Molinaro. Alyssa chats with Joanne about representation, the writing and publishing process, family stories and how they seep into our writing, and much more! Be sure to stick around for Carolina and Alyssa's recap at the end.You can find Joanne at https://thekoreanvegan.com/TikTok: @thekoreanvegan | Instagram @thekoreanvegan | Twitter @thekoreanvegan Books In Today's Show:The Korean Vegan Cookbook by Joanne Lee Molinaro: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/609610/the-korean-vegan-cookbook-by-joanne-lee-molinaro/The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/300526/the-joy-luck-club-by-amy-tan/BReD: Sourdough Loaves, Small Breads, and Other Plant-Based BakingBy Ed Tatton with Natasha Tatton: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704090/bred-by-ed-tatton-with-natasha-tatton/ Subscribe and follow for more author interviews and book-related content:Books Connect Us:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/books-connect-us/id1059532301The Taste Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taste/id1393739959Marlon and Jake Read Dead People:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marlon-and-jake-read-dead-people/id1492163935

In today's episode, get to know Alyssa Adler and Carolina Meurkens,  the new hosts of BOOKS CONNECT US! We chat about what's in store for the new season, how authors portray their origin stories and have fun laughing about what books inspired us growing up (and as adults). All new season of author interviews start Wednesday, April 5!Books In Today's Show:Alyssa's Favorites: Starring Sally J Freedman as Herself by Judy Blume: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/15148/starring-sally-j-freedman-as-herself-by-judy-blume/Educated by Tara Westover: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/550168/educated-by-tara-westover/The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/576782/the-vanishing-half-by-brit-bennett/Fleishman Is In Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/573460/fleishman-is-in-trouble-by-taffy-brodesser-akner/Bras & Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/115700/bras-and-broomsticks-by-sarah-mlynowski/Carolina's Favorites:Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/286551/tales-of-a-fourth-grade-nothing-by-judy-blume/This Is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/289020/this-is-how-you-lose-her-by-junot-diaz/The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/289021/the-brief-wondrous-life-of-oscar-wao-by-junot-diaz/All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Mathews: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/691034/all-this-could-be-different-by-sarah-thankam-mathews/

This brand new season of BOOKS CONNECT US  will keep you connected with the authors and stories that inspire you, and bring you the inside scoop on “the story behind the story”. Join hosts Alyssa Adler and Carolina Meurkens in conversation with diverse authors, as they discuss how identity impacts writing, the inspiration behind their books, and how storytelling can change the world.New episodes drop right here starting next Monday April 3rd! 

The new book EMPIRELAND is an illuminating tour through the hidden legacies and modern realities of British empire that exposes how much of the present-day United Kingdom is actually rooted in its colonial past. In accessible, witty prose, award-winning journalist and best-selling author Sathnam Sanghera traces this legacy back to its source, exposing how—in both profound and innocuous ways—imperial domination has shaped the United Kingdom we know today.  EMPIRELAND boldly makes the case that in order to understand America, we must first understand British imperialism. Now let's join author Sathnam Sanghera in conversation with his editor Lisa Lucas.

George R. R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including those of the acclaimed series A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, upon which the iconic HBO series GAME OF THRONES is based. FIRE & BLOOD is his thrilling history of the Targaryans, which is the inspiration for the new HBO series HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. On today's episode fellow author David Anthony Durham talks with George R.R. Martin about his legendary books, his thoughts on the full season of HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, and takes George through a game of Westeros-themed "Would You Rather." 

George Saunders is the author of nine books, including the novel LINCOLN IN THE BARDO, which won the Man Booker Prize, and the brand-new short story collection LIBERATION DAY. On today's episode George is in conversation with Matt Rodbard, host of the popular food culture show THE TASTE PODCAST. They discussed Chicago pizza, Santa Cruz coffee, lunch in Texas oil fields, and food of the future. It's a fun, wide-ranging discussion. You can also subscribe to THE TASTE PODCAST right on this very platform. Now enjoy Matt Rodbard in conversation with the author George Saunders.

Sarah Thankam Mathews is a recipient of fellowships from the Asian American Writers' Workshop and the Iowa Writers' Workshop, and her work has been published in Best American Short Stories. ALL THIS COULD BE DIFFERENT is her electrifying novel of a young immigrant building a life for herself—a warm, dazzling, and profound saga of queer love, friendship, work, and precarity in twenty-first century America. Now let's join Penguin's own Carolina Meurkens in conversation with Sarah Thankam Mathews.

Clancy Martin is the acclaimed author of the novel HOW TO SELL, numerous books on philosophy, and the viral essay, “I'm Still Here.” He is the survivor of more than ten suicide attempts and a recovering alcoholic. His new book HOW NOT TO KILL YOURSELF is an intimate, insightful, at times even humorous exploration of why the thought of death is so compulsive for some while demonstrating that there's always another solution. Now let's join editor Denise Oswald in conversation with author Clancy Martin.

Ali Hazelwood is the New York Times bestselling author of THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS, as well as the writer of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and the ever-after is not always happy. Her new romance novel LOVE ON THE BRAIN revolves around a scientist who is forced to work on a project with her nemesis—with explosive results. Here's Erin Leafe, co-host of the romance podcast LEARNING THE TROPES, in conversation with author Ali Hazelwood.

Susan Elia MacNeal is the New York Times bestselling author of the MAGGIE HOPE mysteries. In her new thriller MOTHER DAUGHTER TRAITOR SPY, a mother and daughter find the courage to go undercover after stumbling upon a Nazi cell in Los Angeles during the early days of World War II. Inspired by the real mother-daughter spy duo who foiled Nazi plots, this is a powerful portrait of family, duty, deception, and what it means to have courage in the face of terror. Now let's join editor Jenny Chen in conversation with author Susan Elia MacNeal.

Laura Warrell's work has appeared in HuffPost, The Rumpus, and the Los Angeles Review of Books, among other publications. SWEET, SOFT, PLENTY RHYTHM is her provocative debut novel about the perennial temptations of dangerous love, told by the women who love Circus Palmer—trumpet player and old-school ladies' man—as they ultimately discover the power of their own voices. Now let's join editor Deb Garrison in conversation with author Laura Warrell.

Laura Warrell's work has appeared in HuffPost, The Rumpus, and the Los Angeles Review of Books, among other publications. SWEET, SOFT, PLENTY RHYTHM is her provocative debut novel about the perennial temptations of dangerous love, told by the women who love Circus Palmer—trumpet player and old-school ladies' man—as they ultimately discover the power of their own voices. Now let's join editor Deb Garrison in conversation with author Laura Warrell.

Laurie R. King is the award-winning, bestselling author of seventeen Mary Russell mysteries and many other novels. In the new novel BACK TO THE GARDEN, a fifty-year-old cold case involving California royalty comes back to life—with potentially fatal consequences. This gripping tale involves hidden secrets, serial killer The Highwayman, and an inspector with her work cut out for her. Now let's join editor Hilary Teeman in conversation with author Laurie R. King.

Ava Glass is a pseudonym for an internationally bestselling author who has sold over two and a half million copies worldwide. Ava's new novel ALIAS EMMA is a breakneck, race-against-the-clock thriller, in which a British spy has twelve hours to deliver her asset across London, after Russia hacks the city's security cameras. Can she make it without being spotted . . . or killed? Now let's join editor Anne Speyer in conversation with author Ava Glass.

Gabrielle Zevin is the New York Times and internationally best-selling author of several critically acclaimed novels, including THE STORIED LIFE OF A.J. FIKRY and YOUNG JANE YOUNG. Her exhilarating new novel TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW is about two friends—often in love, but never lovers— who come together as creative partners in the world of video game design, where success brings them fame, joy, tragedy, duplicity, and a kind of immortality. Now let's join editor Jennifer Jackson in conversation with author Gabrielle Zevin.

As the legendary director of classic sitcoms such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Taxi, Will & Grace, Frasier, and Friends—and the co-creator of Cheers—James Burrows has spent five decades making America laugh. His new book DIRECTED BY JAMES BURROWS is an insightful and nostalgic memoir that offers a bounty of behind-the-scenes moments from our favorite shows, peeling away the layers behind how a successful sitcom comes together. In today's very special episode, Pat Stango talks to James about his experiences on these legendary shows, how Ted Danson was the perfect center of a cast, and what it was like the day Andy Kaufman's alter ego visited the set of Taxi. Now let's join author and TV icon James Burrows in conversation.

Grace Li is a Chinese American writer who is currently attending medical school at Stanford University. Her debut novel PORTRAIT OF A THIEF is a lush, lyrical heist novel inspired by the true story of Chinese art vanishing from Western museums. Described as "Ocean's Eleven meets The Farewell", it's a story about diaspora, the colonization of art, and the complexity of the Chinese American identity. Now let's join the author in conversation with her editor Amber Oliver.

Cleyvis Natera was born in the Dominican Republic, migrated to the United States at ten years old, and grew up in New York City. Her exhilarating debut novel NERUDA ON THE PARK follows members of a Dominican family in New York City who take radically different paths when faced with encroaching gentrification. The book is a beautifully layered portrait of family, friendship, and ambition. Now let's join the author in conversation with her editor Chelcee Johns.

Vanessa Hua is a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and the author of the novel A RIVER OF STARS and a story collection, DECEIT AND OTHER POSSIBILITIES. Her new novel FORBIDDEN CITY is an epic yet intimate portrayal of one of the world's most powerful and least understood leaders during an extraordinarily turbulent period in modern Chinese history. This harrowing journey toward truth and disillusionment raises questions about power, manipulation, and belief, as seen through the eyes of a passionate teenage girl. Now let's join Vanessa in conversation with her editor Susanna Porter.

Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of several novels, including THE DOLLHOUSE, THE ADDRESS, THE MASTERPIECE, and THE CHELSEA GIRLS. Her latest is THE MAGNOLIA PALACE, a tantalizing novel about the secrets, betrayal, and murder within one of New York City's most impressive Gilded Age mansions. Today Fiona is in conversation with Xavier Salomon, the Deputy Director and Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator at The Frick in New York City.

Heather McGhee is an expert in economic and social policy, and now chairs the board of Color of Change, the nation's largest online racial justice organization. Her new book THE SUM OF US offers a powerful exploration of inequality and the lesson that generations of Americans have failed to learn: Racism has a cost for everyone—not just for people of color. But in unlikely places of worship and work, McGhee finds proof of what she calls the Solidarity Dividend: the benefits we gain when people come together across race to accomplish what we simply can't do on our own. Now let's join Heather Mcghee in conversation with her editor Chris Jackson. 

Adriana Trigiani is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty books, including THE SHOEMAKER'S WIFE. Among her screen credits, Trigiani wrote and directed the major motion picture adaptation of her debut novel, BIG STONE GAP. Her latest work is THE GOOD LEFT UNDONE, a lush, immersive novel about three generations of Tuscan artisans with one remarkable secret. Epic in scope and resplendent with the glorious themes of identity and belonging, THE GOOD LEFT UNDONE unfolds in breathtaking turns. Now let's join author Adriana Trigiani in conversation with her editor Maya Ziv.

Dr. Benjamin Gilmer is a former neurobiologist turned rural family practitioner, Dr. Gilmer has lectured across the country about medical ethics, rural health, and the intersection of medicine and criminal justice reform. His new book THE OTHER DR. GILMER is a powerful true story about a shocking crime and a mysterious illness that will forever change your notions of how we punish and how we heal—an expansion on one of the most popular This American Life episodes of all time. Now let's join Dr. Gilmer in conversation with his editor Emily Hartley about the mystery of what could make a caring doctor commit a brutal murder.

Kai Harris is a writer and educator from Detroit, Michigan, who uses her voice to uplift the Black community through realistic fiction centered on the Black experience. Her new book WHAT THE FIREFLIES KNEW is a coming-of-age novel told by an almost-eleven-year-old girl, as she and her sister try to make sense of their new life with their estranged grandfather in the wake of their father's death and their mother's disappearance. The story reveals that heartbreaking but necessary component of growing up–the realization that loved ones can be flawed. Now let's join Kai Harris in conversation with her editor Amber Oliver.

Sarah Polley is an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter, director, and actor whose films include AWAY FROM HER and TAKE THIS WALTZ. In her new essay collection RUN TOWARDS THE DANGER, Polley contemplates stories from her own life ranging from stage fright to high-risk childbirth to endangerment and more. In this extraordinary book, Polley explores what it is to live in one's body, in a constant state of becoming, learning, and changing. Margaret Atwood is the author of more than fifty books of fiction, poetry, critical essays, and graphic novels. Her award-winning work includes THE HANDMAID'S TALE, CAT'S EYE, and ALIAS GRACE. In her new essay collection BURNING QUESTIONS, Atwood offers her funny, erudite, endlessly curious, and uncannily prescient take on everything from debt and tech to the climate crisis and freedom and the importance of how to define granola. Join us now for this fascinating conversation between authors Sarah Polley and Margaret Atwood.

Judd Apatow is one of the most important comic minds of his generation. He directed the films THE 40-YEAR OLD VIRGIN, KNOCKED UP, and TRAINWRECK. His producing credits include Superbad, Bridesmaids, Freaks and Geeks, and The Ben Stiller Show. He is the author of the interview collections SICK IN THE HEAD and SICKER IN THE HEAD, in which Apatow sits down with comedy legends such as David Letterman, Whoopi Goldberg, and Will Ferrell, as well as new stars such as John Mulaney, Bowen Yang, Amber Ruffin, Pete Davidson, and others. Let's join Pat Stango for a conversation with Judd Apatow that covers his career, his books, and his reflections on a life devoted to comedy.

Arthur C. Brooks is the author of the instant bestseller FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH, which is a roadmap for finding purpose, meaning, and success as we age. Drawing on social science, philosophy, biography, theology, and eastern wisdom—as well as dozens of interviews with everyday men and women—Brooks shows us that true life success is well within our reach. Gretchen Rubin is the author of many books, including the blockbusters OUTER ORDER, INNER CALM; THE FOUR TENDENCIES; and THE HAPPINESS PROJECT. In this special episode, Arthur C. Brooks and Gretchen Rubin have an in-depth conversation about aging, productivity, and how to set yourself up for happiness throughout life.

Diana Gabaldon is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the wildly popular OUTLANDER novels, the basis for the hit Starz series. In her latest novel GO TELL THE BEES THAT I AM GONE the year is 1779, and Claire and Jamie are at last reunited with their daughter Brianna—but the American Revolution threatens to tear them apart. On today's episode, Diana Gabaldon talks with ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY's Maureen Lee Lenker about her career, her writing process, and all things Outlander.

As the global pandemic began in March 2020, Todd Doughty knew he needed to do something to help him stay connected to the everyday joys of daily life. So he wrote down a list of things that make him happy. LITTLE PIECES OF HOPE pulls together the best of Doughty's lists along with essays, musings, prompts, quotes, and playlists that offer solace, connection, and a daily touchstone of joy in a difficult world. A beautiful keepsake full of gorgeous illustrations, LITTLE PIECES OF HOPE is brimming with the pleasures of life, inspiring readers to look for and celebrate the good things that surround us. Now let's join author Todd Doughty in conversation with his editor Meg Leder.

Adam J. Kurtz is a designer, artist, and speaker. His previous books, PICK ME UP and THINGS ARE WHAT YOU MAKE OF THEM, have been published in more than a dozen languages. His latest book YOU ARE HERE FOR NOW is an honest and relatable guide to figuring out where you're headed—and feeling okay in the meantime. This candid collection of essays and artwork is full of reflections, encouragement, and insights on the theme of personal transformation—realistic perspectives to help you move from “staying alive” to nurturing and celebrating the person you know you really are. Now let's join Adam in conversation with his friend and editor Marian Lizzi.

Jeffrey Kluger is editor at large for Time magazine and the author or coauthor of twelve books, including APOLLO 13. He has written more than forty cover stories for Time on topics ranging from space to human behavior to climate to medicine. He consulted on and appeared in the Tom Hanks movie APOLLO 13. His new novel HOLDOUT is a thrilling tale about what happens when evil forces are going unchecked on Earth, and a principled astronaut makes a spilt-second decision to seek justice in the only place she knows how—the International Space Station. Now let's join editor Stephen Morrow in conversation with author Jeffrey Kluger.

David Bell is the USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of novels such as THE REQUEST, LAYOVER, and SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER. In his latest thriller KILL ALL YOUR DARLINGS, a student disappears and is presumed dead, and her professor passes off her manuscript as his own—only to find out it implicates him in an unsolved murder. This is a suspenseful, provocative novel about the sexual harassment that still runs rampant in academia—and the lengths those in power will go to cover it up. Now let's join editor Danielle Perez in conversation with author David Bell.

Zibby Owens is the creator and host of the award-winning podcast Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books. Zibby, named “NYC's Most Powerful Book-fluencer” by New York Magazine's Vulture, conducts warm, inquisitive conversations with authors, making her show a top literary podcast as selected by Oprah.com in 2019 and 2020. In her quarantine anthology MOMS DON'T HAVE TIME TO, Zibby has compiled beautiful, original essays by dozens of bestselling and acclaimed authors speaking to the ever-increasing demands on our time. Now let's join Pat Stango in conversation with podcaster and author Zibby Owens.

EMMA BRODIE has worked in book publishing for a decade, most recently as an executive editor at Little, Brown's Voracious imprint. Her debut novel SONGS IN URSA MAJOR is a transporting love story of music, stardom, heartbreak, and a gifted young singer-songwriter who must find her own voice. The book pulses with romantic longing and asks the question so many female artists must face: What are we willing to sacrifice for our dreams? Now let's join book editor Jennifer Jackson in conversation with author Emma Brodie.

Patrick Radden Keefe is the author of the New York Times bestseller SAY NOTHING which received the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction, and was selected as one of the ten best books of 2019 by The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, and others. His latest book EMPIRE OF PAIN is a grand, devastating portrait of three generations of the Sackler family, famed for their philanthropy, whose fortune was built by Valium and whose reputation was destroyed by OxyContin. It is a portrait of the excesses of America's second Gilded Age and a relentless investigation of the naked greed and indifference to human suffering that built one of the world's great fortunes. Now let's join Amy Brinker in conversation with author Patrick Radden Keefe.

MY TIME WILL COME is the inspiring story of activist and poet Ian Manuel, who at the age of fourteen was sentenced to life in prison. He survived eighteen years in solitary confinement—through his own determination and dedication to art—until he was freed as part of an incredible crusade by the Equal Justice Initiative. Full of unexpected twists and turns as it describes a struggle for redemption, MY TIME WILL COME shows the human capacity to transcend adversity through determination and art. Now let's join editor Erroll McDonald in conversation with author Ian Manuel.

Elizabeth Letts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE EIGHTY-DOLLAR CHAMPION and THE PERFECT HORSE. Her latest book THE RIDE OF HER LIFE tells the triumphant true story of a woman who rode her horse across America in the 1950s, fulfilling her dying wish to see the Pacific Ocean. In a decade when car ownership nearly tripled, when television’s influence was expanding fast, when homeowners began locking their doors, Annie and her four-footed companions inspired an outpouring of neighborliness in a rapidly changing world. Now let's join Elizabeth Letts in conversation with fellow author Melanie Benjamin.

The New York Times has called Paul Rudnick “one of our preeminent humorists.” As a screenwriter and playwright his work ranges from ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES to JEFFREY, and his books include SOCIAL DISEASE and I'LL TAKE IT. His latest novel is PLAYING THE PALACE, a hilarious romantic comedy about a lonely American event planner who starts dating the gay Prince of Wales, and the royal uproar that ensues. It’s a match made on Valentine’s Day and in tabloid heaven. Now let's join Erin Leafe, and author Paul Rudnick in conversation.

Andy Weir is the author of the best-selling novels ARTEMIS and THE MARTIAN, upon which the blockbuster Matt Damon film was based. In his latest novel PROJECT HAIL MARY, the protagonist is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission—and if he fails, humanity and the Earth itself will perish. Except that right now, he can’t even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it. Now let's join our own Abbe Wright in conversation with Andy Weir.

Laura Hankin is a comedian, musician, and author of HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT. Her latest novel is A SPECIAL PLACE FOR WOMEN, which takes a comedic look at an exclusive, women-only social club where the elite tastemakers of NYC meet. The deeper our protagonist gets into this new world—where billionaire “girlbosses” mingle with occult-obsessed Bohemians—the more she learns that bad things happen to those who dare to question the club’s motives—or giggle at its outlandish rituals. Now let's join Pat Stango in conversation with Laura Hankin.