Everyone Loved It But Me

Lisa discusses the book Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. It was an immediate best-seller. The book was published in 2023 and highlights three daughters who are in northern Michigan with their mom and she shares the stories of you her youth when she dated a famous actor. Books Discussed: Bomb Shelter; Love, Time and Other Explosives by Mary Laura Philpott

Lisa discusses  The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida  by Shehan Karunatilaka. This book was awarded the Booker Prize in 2022, which is one of the most prestigious literature awards internationally. Other books discussed:  Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders 

Lisa discusses None of This is True by Lisa Jewell, which is a thriller, but Lisa discusses how it is more of a slow-burn than a thriller and the title certainly sets you up for some predictable events.  Books discussed:  The Last House on Needless Street By Catriona Ward

Lisa discusses The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, which is a historical fiction book about Martha Ballard, who was a real midwife, who delivered more than 800 babies. The book is fiction, but Martha wrote a journal for more than 25 years.  A Midwife's Tale, the Life of Martha Ballard – based on the diary 1785 to 1812.  For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.

Lisa and Boston artist Julia Purdy discuss Still Life by Louise Penny, the first Inspector Gamache series. This was published in 2005 and there are 18 books in this series. It is an internationally recognized series.  This article in Vox discusses how Louise Penny has perfected the literary genre with combining murder mysteries in a small town idyllic town filled with artists. Julia is an artist and you can find her on her website or on Instagram.  Books Discussed on this show: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieBehold the Dreamers by Imbolo MbueSankofa by Chibunduy OnuzoBorn a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor NoahThe Rise of Wolf Eight by Rick McIntyreFor more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives compensation.

 Lisa discusses the popular memoir Be Ready When The Luck Happens by Ina Garten. Garten is a longtime Food Network star and and Instagram star. She delves into her career, and talks a great deal about real estate.  This blog post from Eater describes how much of Garten's “luck” is really  more related to privilege and wealth. She's able to make many decisions because of her wealth. She quits a job at the White House to purchase the Barefoot Contessa. Other books discussed:  The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop Finding Me by Viola DavisFor more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.

Lisa discusses 10 books that will be released in 2025 that she thinks should be ones you consider for different reasons. Some are very popular authors and some are quite uniqute.  Here's the list of books that Lisa suggests you consider reading this year.  Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros  The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward by Melinda French Gates Source Code: My Beginnings by Bill Gates The Lamb by Lucy Rose Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Listeners by Maggie SiefvaterBury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab Three Days in June by Anne Tyler The Catch by Yrsa Daley-Ward Katabasis by R.F. Kuang

Lisa discusses and ranks the books she read in January from least favorite to most favorite. And, she discusses three books that will be released this year, that she believes will be super popular.  Books discussed:  Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr.  The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrew Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II (Scholastic Focus) by Candace Fleming Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of our Deadliest Infection by John Green My Friends by Fredrik Backman

Lisa discusses Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. This was published in 2021 and brings together a wide range of characters ranging from Constantinople 1453 to Idaho in 2020. These characters will ultimately be connected by the fictional book Cloud Cuckoo Land.  Books discussed:  All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr The Overstory by Richard Powers For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. 

Lisa and special guest Emily Binder discuss All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. They have an in-depth discussion about this book, which is billed as a thriller, but they feel the pacing is much slower than they anticipated. Emily is a marketer, entrepreneur and founder of boutique agency Beetle Moment Marketing and the marketing platform WealthVoice. She is on LinkedIn and X. She's also on Instagram @EmilyBinder.  Books discussed:  The Gold Coast by Nelson DeMilleThe Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.Hombres en crecimientoSi has estado buscando un lugar que te ayude a crecer, simplificar tu vida.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Lisa ranks the books she read in December 2024 from least favorite to most favorite. She read a number of young adult books this month and ranked those and then ranked the adult books. This eposide doesn't contain any spoilers of books.  Books discussed on this episode: Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary Ramona and her Mother by Bevery ClearyRamona Quimby Age EightMouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: A Christmas holiday book for kids by Barbara Robinson To all the boys I loved before The Hurting Kind by Ada Limon  So Late in the Day: Stories of Women and Men by Claire Keegan  The Wonderful World of Oz by L. Frank Baum We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker The Matchmaker's Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics  by Daniel James Brown For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.

Lisa discusses her five favorite and least favorite books she read in 2024. There are no spoilers discussed for any books in this episode.  Books discussed. Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn Finding Me by Viola DavisAfter Annie by Anna QuindlenHappiness Falls by Angie KimTalking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between) by Lauren Graham The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany HaddishIf You Would Have Told Me by John StamosJames by Percival Everett. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros. Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. 

Lisa discusses several books that could be on the screen in 2025. These are all extraordinarily popular. It's not guaranteed that these onscreen adaptations will come out in 2025. But they are in the works. Books discussed: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Frankenstein by Mary Shelley The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid  Verity by Colleen Hoover. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig I Know What You Did Last Summer by Lois Duncan People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. 

 Lisa discusses one of the most popular books of 2024 – James by Percival Everett. This book is a retelling of Huckleberry Finn.  Other books discussed:  The Sellout by Paul Beatty The Intuitionist b Colson Whitehead For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission.  

 Lisa discusses the books she read in November and ranks them from worst to best. She doesn't share any spoilers on these books, but instead offers up a synopsis for each book and shares what readers might like about each one.  James by Percival Everett just won the National Book Award for fiction. It is a retelling of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of James. Books Discussed  Salem's Lot by Stephen KingMargo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe The Third Gilmore Girl: A Memoir by Kelly Bishop James by Percival Everett. 

On this episode, Lisa discusses Salem's Lot by Stephen King. This was the second book he wrote and is about what transpires when residents in the small town of Salem's Lot in Maine become vampires.  In this blog, the reviewer writes about how much they love the book.  Books discussed:  Hatchet Girls by Diana Rodriguez Wallach 

 Lisa discusses The Murder of Roger Ackroyd: A Hercule Poirot Mystery: The Official Authorized Edition by Agatha Christie The New York Times discusses how riveting this book is even though it doesn't have the gruesome details of some murder mystery books. Another article in the LA Review - Getting Fooled Again, rereading Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd in the Age of Trump – highlights how Christie focuses on people's stereotypes of men and women.  Books discussed:  Home is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. Wellness Thru Reading Greetings and salutations book lovers. Welcome to Wellness Thru Reading. A podcast...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

 Lisa discussed the books she read in October and ranked them from worst to best. Books Discussed: Sandwich by Catherine Newman The Night in Question by  Susan Fletcher  Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated by Alison Arngrim Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young  The Murder of Roger Ackroyd: A Hercule Poirot Mystery: The Official Authorized Edition by Agatha Christie Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery  Home is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. Wellness Thru Reading Greetings and salutations book lovers. Welcome to Wellness Thru Reading. A podcast...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Lisa discusses Sandwich by Sandwich by Catherine Newman, which was published June 18, 2024. It's been described as the perfect beach book. It highlights Rocky, who is in her mid-50s and struggling with menopause, anger and grief.  The Washington Post discusses the witty banter and the issues that Rocky faces, thanks to Menopause.   Books Discussed:  Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives by Mary Laura Philpott  Tom Lake by Ann Patchett 

 Lisa discusses Anne of Green Gables by Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. This book was written more than 100 years ago and Lisa talks about Anne's personality and some of the themes in the book. Lisa talks about the strong female friendships. She also discusses how some of Anne's extreme reactions are likely a result of her earlier trauma in life.  Books discussed:  A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission.   Tiny Bar ChatsChats with influential, inspiring, prolific and community oriented folks.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Lisa discusses a preview of some anticipated books coming out in the fall of 2024 as well as a few new fall books that might not be getting the same amount of attention.  Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten. A review describes this as the dishiest book you'll read all year. I Read Ina Garten's Memoir In One Night—Here's What Shocked Me The Most The Life Impossible: A Novel by Matt Haig Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering by Malcolm Gladwell From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough  The Witches of El Paso by  Luis Jaramillo  City of Night Birds by Juhea Kim Comes out Nov. 26, 2024 Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty Intermezzo by Sally Rooney Playground by Richard Powers For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. 

Lisa discussed the 11 books she read in September and ranked them in order from worst to best. This month, she read a wide range of celebrity memoirs and ranks all of her books.  Books Lisa Discusses:  The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish If You Would Have Told Me by John Stamos Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (and Everything in Between) by Lauren Graham  Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember by Lauren Graham Bossypants by Tina Fey Yes Please by Amy Poehler The Honeymoon Crashers by Christina Lauren Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz Birding with Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy  In Pieces by Sally Field

Lisa celebrates her third anniversary of Everyone Loved It But Me. She discusses how the podcast has changed and grown over the past three years. She discusses challenges with the podcast and lessons learned. She also discusses milestones of the podcast and the most popular episodes during the past two years She answers questions she's received from listeners and discusses her future goals for the podcast. For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. 

Lisa talks in-depth about the beloved comedy and memoir Yes Please by Amy Poehler. This is a hilarious book - though only some things don't work as well on the page they might in standup. The New York Times addresses how much of the book is filler with empty pages for writing notes and parts of scripts in the book.  Books discussed:  Finding Me by Viola Davis In Pieces by Sally Field

 Lisa discusses and analyzes Tina Fey's memoir Bossypants, which she wrote in 2011. It is more like a comedy sketch than a deep-dive memoir. The Washington Post describes how this book doesn't go beyond Fey's humor. She sticks with her funny Saturday Night Live types of bits. She doesn't share her life's challenges. In The Guardian, writer Carole Cadwalladr talks about the fact that Fey doesn't offer up any details about her life than her fans already know. She points out that there are very few revelations.  Books Discussed: Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives by Mary Laura Philpott  Finding Me by Viola Davis.

Lisa revisited this episode with guest Nicole Zelniker where they discussed The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo written by Taylor Jenkins Reid. There are spoilers during this discussion.  Nicole has written  Letters I'll Never Send and Until We Fall. Check out the rest of her work on her website. In an interview with PopSugar Reid writes about how Elizabeth Taylor inspired the novel.  Books discussed: ·      In the Dream House: A Memoir by Carmen Maria Machado·      On Beauty by Zadie Smith·      Wander by Allison Kate Stalberg·      How Should A Person Be:? A Novel From Life by Shelia Heti ·      Girl, Wo man Other: A Novel by Bernardine EvaristoFor more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. 

Lisa discussed and ranked the eight books she read in August. She doesn't offer any spoilers on these books; rather, she shares a little bit about each book.  Books read and ranked in August Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives by Mary Laura Philpott The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens  After Annie by Anna QuindlenBits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me by Whoopie Goldberg My Love Story by Tina Turner One of Us is Dead by Jeneva Rose Happiness Falls by Angie Kim The Days I Loved You Most by Amy NeffFor more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. The Loved One'How far would you go to find the person who means the most to you in all the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Lisa offers a treat episode in which she discusses three overlooked books. These books aren't super popular, but you can consider adding them to your to-be-read list. Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives by Mary Laura Philpott The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens  After Annie by Anna Quindlen For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. 

Enjoy this revisited episode where Lisa and bookstore owner Laura Larson discuss The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. This is a book that addresses suicide and mental health issues. NPR wrote this article tiled “It's Not Quite Dark Enough in the Midnight Library.”  Laura opened Odyssey Bookstore in March 2020. The store focuses on sustainability and is nestled in a darling spot in Ithaca, New York. You can follow the bookstore on Facebook or Instagram. In next week's episode, Lisa and Laura will talk about what it was like for Laura to open a bookstore amid the pandemic. Books Discussed on the Show: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman Less by Andrew Sean GreerThe Post Birthday World by Lionel ShriverLessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus  For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. 

Lisa discusses Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: A Savannah Story by John Brendt. This book is a non-fiction novel that was published in 1994 and is written as part of the love story of Savannah and part of true crime.  Books Discussed: Tell Me Everything: The Story of a Private Investigation by Erika Krouse  For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives compensation.

Lisa discusses her first five star book of the year – Finding Me by Viola Davis. This is a powerful and touching memoir written by Davis. She delves into her childhood of poverty along with domestic abuse and sexual abuse that enclosed her family. For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives compensation.

Lisa changed her format for a summer episode. Instead of discussing one popular book, she discussed three overlooked books. These are all books that aren't selling millions of copies.  Books Discussed: Terrace Story by Hillary Leichter How to Read a Book by Monica Wood The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman by Mari Lowe For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives compensation.

Lisa discusses Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn, the historical romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. Here, she discusses the key differences between the book and Season 3 of Bridgerton, which just came out in the summer of 2024.  Books discussed:  The Queen's Gambit by Evie Dunmore For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives compensation.

Lisa discusses Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn, the historical romance about Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. Season 3 of Bridgerton, which highlights this romance, was just released. In today's episode, Lisa focuses on the book.  Next week's episode, Lisa will discuss the book versus the TV show.  The Duke Undone by Joanna Lowell Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives compensation.

Lisa discusses Silent Book Clubs and the overlooked book Starfish by Lisa Fipps. A silent book club is where people show up and read quietly while being in the company of one another. It has grown in popularity and is a national movement. You'll be able to learn more here. She also discusses Starfish without any spoilers. Starfish is a book about Ellie, who is overweight and has been bullied most of her life. Her mother put her on her first diet when she was 4. The book is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives

Lisa and Pam Bice discuss Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Pam is a middle school teacher in Central Ohio.Gone Girl is a super popular book and received many accolades from The New York Times. It's been more than ten years since the book was published and spawned the “Gone Girl Effect,” according to The Ringer.  Flynn also says it's not a question of when but if regarding a sequel in a People Magazine. Gone Girl Effect Books: The Woman in the Window by A J FinnThe Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins Books Discussed on the show:  The Island of Sea Women by Lisa SeeOnly Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 By Garrett M. Graff Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI  by David GrannThis Tender Land by William Kent KruegerThe House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ KluneUnder The Whispering Door by TJ KluneThe Extraordinaries by TJ Klune For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. Comic Boom - Comics in EducationAn education podcast exploring the use of comics in education. Each episode I'll be...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Lisa and actress and author Christy Cashman discuss Christy's new book, The Truth About Horses. In this episode, Christy shares how her love of horses inspired her book. There are no spoilers about the book in this episode. You can find an interview with Geraldine Books, author of Horse, with Christy Cashman here. Christy is on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. She also has a Tik Tok for her non-profit, YouthInk, @Youth-ink111 and @youthinkretreats.  For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives

 Lisa and Christy Cashman, actress and author, discuss Bridge To Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. This book was a Newberry Award winner and is one of the first books banned regularly due to its discussion about religion.  Christy wrote a heartwarming debut Young Adult novel, The Truth About Horses. Next week's episode will focus on The Truth About Horses. Books Discussed:  Front Desk (Front Desk #1) by Kelly Yang  The Yellow House by Emily O'Grady You can find Christy on social media. She is on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. She also has a TikTok for her non-profit, YouthInk, @Youth-ink111 and @youthinkretreats. For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission.

Lisa discusses the debut novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. This was published in May 2022, and received rave remarks from critics and was picked by Jenna Bush Hagger as a book of the month for her book club.  This article on Book Shelf Fantasies highlights that it's fun to hear from the mind of octopus  Marcellus. NPR includes an interview with Van Pelt, where she addresses how she watched octopus videos and that struck the idea to write about an octopus and their intelligence.  The Today Show recommends six other books to read here. Books Discussed on the show:  A Man Called Ove  by Fredrik Backman The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery.For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives

Enjoy this revisited episode as Lisa and her guest Storm Kopitsch, youth services director for the Fowlerville, Michigan Library, discuss The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, originally written as Star Wars fan-fiction about Kylo Ren and Rey.  A number of publications lauded the book but Kirkus Reviews offers a constructive opinion.   Storm and her library post frequently on TikTok and have more than 140,000 followers and more than 3 million people have liked their videos. You can also find videos on InstagramBooks Discussed:  Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monoghan  Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall Husband Material by Alexis Hall The Lost Girls: A Vampire Revenge Story by Sonia Hartl The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady HendrixFor more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a commission.The Directed DetectiveTwo hosts. One of them has plotted a murder mystery. The other must direct the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Lisa and her daughter Liz Hedger discuss how you could rate a library. There are many sites available to rate restaurants, schools, and movies. However, not as much analysis exists on how to review or rate a library. Lisa and Liz discuss criteria such as location, parking, accessibility, programs, and book collection. Here is an article that discusses essential aspects of libraries.  *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. 

Lisa discusses her best and worst books of the year so far.  She read these books in 2024, not necessarily those published in 2024. Books Discussed:  Britney Spears: The Woman in Me by Britney Spears Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar Being Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond by Henry WinklerInvisible Man by Ralph Ellison Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton.  The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson The Bodyguard by Katherine Center Foster by Claire Keegan Small Things Like These by Claire KeeganIron Flame by Rebecca YarrosThe Truth About Horses by Christy Cashman Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley Heart Berries: A Memoir by Terese Marie Mailhot For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. 

 Lisa discusses Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score with avid reader Faith Eck. This book was published in 2022 and is being developed into a movie. Books Discussed:  Maggie Moves On by Lucy Score The Bodyguard by Katherine Center The Lost Husband by Katherine CenterMy Life with the Water Boys by Ali Novak Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center By the Book-A Meant to Be Novel by Jasmine Guillory  Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn (Author)For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission.  

On this special Mother's Day Episode, Lisa talks with her Mom, Carleen Shidler, and her daughter, Liz Hedger. They share their reading journeys and how the types of books they read have changed over time. Books Discussed:  Chesapeake by James A. MichenerTales of the South Pacific by James MichenerVirgin River by Robyn CarrBride By Mistake by Serenity WoodsChristian Romance Books by Chloe CarleyThe Sheikh's New Baby by Holly RaynerMY BEST FRIEND, THE BILLIONAIRE (THE BILLIONAIRE KINGS, BOOK 1) by Serenity WoodsMaverick Mogul by Lila MonroeOne Last Stop by Casey McQuiston The Hobbit by J. R. R. TolkienThe Fellowship of the Ring: Being the First Part of the Lord of the RingsThe Cartographers by Peng ShepherdGrapes of Wrath by John SteinbeckScarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne The City of Ember by Jeanne DePrauThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. SchwabThe Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner.  For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links.  The Silver King's WarThe Silver King's War is a series of World War II plays (The Silver King, Marauder Men,...The Happy Writer with Marissa MeyerAuthors, from debuts to bestsellers, chat about books, writing, publishing, and joy. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Lisa discusses some unique programs available at libraries across the country. She examines libraries such as the New York Public Library and its career programs.  The Indianapolis Public Library has a long list of health and safety programs The Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has a wealth of programs, including music programs.  San Diego Public Library has dozens of programs available, including many " how-to” programs. Many small libraries also have a wide range of cool events, such as Westerville, Ohio. For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. 

Lisa discusses The Women by Kristin Hannah, published in February 2024 and about a woman named Frances “Frankie” McGrath, who becomes a nurse in Vietnam. This episode has massive spoilers in the book. If you want to learn more about the book without spoilers, go to part 1 here. The book is unique in that it highlights the nurses in Vietnam.  The Washington Post offers a list of Vietnam War books to consider reading. The Boston Globe  The Boston Globe addresses this book's predictability and some clichés in the book. Books discussed:  A Piece of My Heart: The stories of 26 women in Vietnam War by Keith Walker   

Lisa discusses The Women by Kristin Hannah, published in February 2024 and about a woman named Frances “Frankie” McGrath, who becomes a nurse in Vietnam. The book is unique in that it highlights the nurses in Vietnam.  The Washington Post offers a list of Vietnam War books to consider reading. Books discussed:  Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen The Sorrow of War: A Novel of North Vietnam by Bao Ninh Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien  For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. 

Lisa discusses an overlooked book, Foster by Claire Keegan and also Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. The New York Times addresses this book and also talks about how novellas don't get the same attention as other books. For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives compensation.

Lisa discusses A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles and the new TV show, which was just released on Paramount Plus. There will be spoilers for the first TV episode.Lisa discussed the book in 2022 with author Joshua Berkov and if you would like to listen to that episode, it is here.The New York Times discusses how Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead first filmed together back in 2017. They are now married, and Ewan plays the Count, and Mary Elizabeth plays the Count's girlfriend. The Los Angeles Times addresses how this almost fanciful fairytale is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The Guardian delves into how this TV show combines the serious and goofy aspects of the Count. For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website. *The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives a small commission. 

Lisa discusses Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton. Published in 1948, the book details South Africa before the apartheid political system came into effect. The book sold more than 15 million copies before Paton's death. It is studied internationally by many schools.  Lisa talks about the experience of reading the book while also listening to it on YouTube, being read by Best Tutor Friendwho is also a teacher. She posts about reading on Instagram too.  Books Discussed:  Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela Things Fall Apart by Chinua AchebeFor more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives compensation.The Happy Writer with Marissa MeyerAuthors, from debuts to bestsellers, chat about books, writing, publishing, and joy. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Lisa and her special guest daughter, Liz Hedger, discuss the super-popular Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros.  Lisa and Liz discussed the first book in the series, Fourth Wing in the fall of 2023 in the Fourth Wing Episode and if you haven't listented to that episode first, you may want to do so.  Today's episode does include spoilers of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. Iron Flame has more than 832,000 reviews on Goodreads and when Iron Flame was released, it sold more than half a million copies in one day.  Books Discussed:  The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck For more information, find Lisa on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and her website.*The book titles mentioned include affiliate links. You can support the podcast by purchasing a book with the links because the podcast receives compensation.