Read it Forward

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Welcome to the Read it Forward Podcast, hosted by RIF editors Abbe and Emma. We sit down every week to chat about our favorite books, alongside authors and other special guests. We share what we’re reading, we ask authors what’s on their TBR pile and we give book recommendations that are sure to ple…

Abbe Wright

  • Mar 18, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
  • infrequent NEW EPISODES
  • 34m AVG DURATION
  • 53 EPISODES


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Latest episodes from Read it Forward

The Adaptables Podcast — Little Fires Everywhere, Episode 1 with R. Eric Thomas

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2020 50:24


Listen to Read it Forward's newest podcast! There’s nothing better than a book-to-screen adaptation. Except maybe dissecting the adaptation with your friends and debating whether or not it does the book justice! Enter The Adaptables, the podcast that dives into your favorite book-to-screen adaptations. In the first episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma dive right into episode 1 of the Hulu adaptation of LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. They're joined by R. Eric Thomas, Senior Staff Writer of ELLE.com and author of HERE FOR IT. The episode also features cameos from author Celeste Ng. Warning: there will be little spoilers everywhere! Subscribe to The Adaptables wherever you listen to podcasts.

Episode 52 - Marlon James and The Giver of Stars

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2020 30:18


Abbe chats with Marlon James about his novel, Black Leopard, Red Wolf, and his new podcast, Marlon and Jake Read Dead People. She also recommends books for fans of His Dark Materials and reviews The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes.

Episode 51 - Holly Whitaker and Green

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2019 42:00


Abbe talks sobriety with Quit Like a Woman author and sober influencer, Holly Whitaker, and with psychologist Kelly McGonigal about the importance of movement. Abbe also reviews a book she can't stop thinking about: Green by Sam Graham-Felsen.

Episode 50 - Isabel Allende and Saints for All Occasions

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2019 31:24


Abbe sits down with the legendary author Isabel Allende to discuss the Spanish Civil War, the current refugee crisis, Greta Thunberg, and her latest novel, The Long Petal of the Sea.

Episode 49 - Abbe and Penguin Random House’s CEO, Madeline McIntosh, Share Their Favorite Books of 2019

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2019 27:58


Recently, Abbe Wright, Read it Forward’s Senior Editor, was invited to be in conversation with Madeline McIntosh, CEO of Penguin Random House to talk about a topic they both love. Books! Specifically, what their favorite reads of 2019 were and what books they’re looking forward to giving to friends and family this holiday season. Listen to their conversation here.

Episode 48 - Jeff Gordinier and The Glass Hotel

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2019 40:52


Abbe talks tacos and rock star chefs with food critic and memoirist Jeff Gordinier, reviews Emily St. John Mandel's forthcoming novel, The Glass Hotel, and plays everyone's favorite game: Guess the Celebrity Audiobook Narrator!

Episode 47 - Elissa Altman and The Editor

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2019 35:36


Author Elissa Altman discusses her memoir, Motherland, Abbe chats with fellow podcast host Alli Hoff Kosik about re-reading books from childhood and shares what she's reading.

Episode 46 - Tiffany Jenkins and The Nickel Boys

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2019 36:22


Abbe reviews The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, chats with Juggling the Jenkins blogger Tiffany Jenkins about her harrowing memoir, High Achiever, and discusses climate change with The Drowning of Money Island author Andrew S. Lewis

Episode 45 - Meg Wolitzer and The Other's Gold

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2019 36:28


Abbe hears from author Meg Wolitzer about her latest book, The Female Persuasion, her mentors (Nora Ephron!), and varying kinds of feminism. Abbe also sits down with novelist Christy Lefteri to talk about the Syrian refugee crisis and how it informs her book, The Beekeeper of Aleppo. Finally, Abbe reveals what she's reading: a work of fiction about female friendship: The Other's Gold by Elizabeth Ames.

Episode 44 - Neil Patrick Harris and Normal People

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2019 38:42


Abbe chats with actor and author Neil Patrick Harris about magic, Gone Girl, being a bookseller, and the stories he reads with his twins. Oh, and his latest middle-grade series, The Magic Misfits. She also talks female friendship with How Could She author Lauren Mechling and raves about Normal People by Sally Rooney.

Episode 43 - Oyinkan Braithwaite and The Swallows

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2019 34:02


Abbe Wright sits down with Nigerian author Oyinkan Braithwaite to discuss her award-winning novel, My Sister, the Serial Killer. Later, Abbe chats with Rob Hart, author of The Warehouse and reviews a recent read, The Swallows.

Episode 42 - Deepak Chopra and The Bluest Eye

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2019 38:29


In the first episode of the fourth season of the Read it Forward podcast, Abbe interviews Deepak Chopra, M.D., about mindfulness and his latest work, Metahuman, reflects on Toni Morrison's novel, The Bluest Eye, and talks with environmental scientist and entrepreneur Summer Rayne Oakes about the benefits of being a plant parent.

Episode 41 - Pop Culture Powerhouses Panel with Emily Nussbaum, Taffy Brodesser-Akner, Jia Tolentino, and Linda Holmes

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2019 58:17


You're invited to this live-stream of the Pop Culture Powerhouses Panel, moderated by Read it Forward's senior editor and podcast host, Abbe Wright, and featuring Emily Nussbaum, Taffy Brodesser-Akner, Jia Tolentino, and Linda Holmes. Held at The New School in June of 2019, these four authors discuss their books and the ways in which pop culture — everything from binge-worthy TV to ubiquitous celebrities to the rise of athleisure — influences how we behave as a society.

Episode 40 - Beck Dorey-Stein and City of Girls

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2019 35:45


In this episode, Abbe talks about her summer vacation read, City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert. Then, she sits down with author Beck Dorey-Stein to talk about her memoir, From the Corner of the Oval, now out in paperback. Finally, Abbe chats with RIF editor Eliza Smith about true stories written by young authors.

Episode 39 - Melissa de la Cruz and Trick Mirror

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2019 31:17


In this episode, Abbe tells us about Trick Mirror, New Yorker writer Jia Tolentino's meditation on culture and her place within it. Then, she sits down with author Melissa de la Cruz about her thriller, The Birthday Girl, and Alexander Hamilton. Finally, Read it Forward's assistant editor, Jess, interviews author Julie Kibler about her work of historical fiction, Home for Erring and Outcast Girls.

Episode 38 - Joanne Ramos and The Chelsea Girls

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2019 32:18


In this episode, Abbe talks about what she's been reading: The Chelsea Girls, a brand new work of historical fiction from Fiona Davis. Then, she sits down with author Joanne Ramos to discuss her debut novel, The Farm. Finally, we hear from book critic and podcast host, Maris Kreizman, about what books she's loving this summer and what she can't wait to read this fall.

Episode 37 - Jasmine Guillory and How Could She

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2019 31:04


In this episode, Abbe tells us about a great summer read about female friendship, How Could She by Lauren Mechling. Then, she sits down with author Jasmine Guillory to talk romance, diverse heroines, and Michelle Obama. Finally, Abbe chats with Learning the Tropes podcast co-hosts Clayton and Erin about the reoccurrence of the rake with the heart of gold and other well-worn romance tropes.

Episode 36 - Nic Stone and I Like to Watch

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2019 37:06


In this episode, Abbe binge-reads I Like to Watch by Emily Nussbaum, combining her two loves of reading and TV. Then, she sits down with author Nic Stone about her third YA novel, Jackpot, and why it's important to talk to young people about real issues. Finally, Abbe welcomes Evvie Drake Starts Over author and Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast host Linda Holmes into the studio to talk coastal Maine, second chances and Judy Blume.

Episode 35 - Riley Sager and Very Nice

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2019 24:05


In this episode, Abbe raves about Very Nice by Marcy Dermansky, and the love triangle (love square?) that carries the plot. Then, she sits down with author Riley Sager about his latest thriller, Lock Every Door. Finally, Abbe and colleague Amy Brinker talk about a book lover's greatest struggle: to dog-ear, or not to dog-ear.

Episode 34 - Delia Owens and Educated

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2019 36:50


In this episode, Abbe, despite being late to the game, raves about Tara Westover's memoir, Educated. Then, she chats and laughs with author Delia Owens about her novel, Where the Crawdads Sing, elephant behavior, and Reese Witherspoon. Finally, Abbe gets personal with psychic medium and author, Laura Lynne Jackson, about her most recent work, Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe and messages we receive from loved ones on the other side.

Episode 33 - Taffy Brodesser-Akner and The New Me

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2019 33:36


In this episode, Abbe reviews The New Me by Halle Butler, and the book's relatable, albeit unlikeable, protagonist. Then, she sits down with author and journalist Taffy Brodesser-Akner about her novel, Fleishman is in Trouble, marriage, and Bradley Cooper. Finally, Abbe and Camille Perri talk about When Katie Met Cassidy and other novels with queer protagonists that are perfect Pride Month reading.

Episode 32 - Dani Shapiro and Next Year in Havana

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2019 38:37


In this episode, Abbe tells us about a work of historical fiction with a dual narrative, Next Year in Havana. Then, she sits down with author Dani Shapiro about her latest memoir, Inheritance, and the power of secrets. Finally, Abbe teams back up with Emma to try and guess celebrity audiobook narrators. Will they get stumped by British accents? You bet!

Episode 31 - Helen Ellis and The Spies of Shilling Lane

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2019 36:35


In this episode, Abbe tells us about a new WWII-set novel, The Spies of Shilling Lane. Then, she sits down with author, professional poker player, and all-around funny gal Helen Ellis about her new book of essays, Southern Lady Code. Finally, Abbe chats with Victoria, Caroline, and Stacey, the three women behind Book Babes, the NYC-based book club for millennial women, about their ideal summer reads.

Episode 30 - Abby Maslin and Ghosted

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2019 39:46


In this episode, Abbe tells us about the perfect paperback to take to the pool, Ghosted by Rosie Price. Then, she sits down with author Abby Maslin and her husband TC about Abby's memoir, Love You Hard, which details TC's brain injury and the way it changed their marriage. Finally, Abbe chats with Linda D. Anderson, Ph.D., Sonia R. Banks Ph.D., Michele L Owens, Ph.D. about the keys to communication.

Episode 29 - Minnie Darke and Something in the Water

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2019 30:09


In this episode, Abbe tells us about the summer thriller she's been enjoying, Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman. Then, she sits down with author Minnie Darke about her novel, Star-Crossed, love, and astrology. Finally, Abbe chats with Sophie and Danielle from the Random House social media team about the books that belong on every millennial's bookshelf.

Episode 28 - Nell Freudenberger and Dear Martin

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2019 35:25


In this episode, Abbe tells us about the young adult novel she's been devouring, Dear Martin by Nic Stone. Then, she sits down with author Nell Freudenberger about her novel, Lost and Wanted, and the physics involved in the plotline. Finally, Abbe chats with author Andrea Bartz about her thriller, The Lost Night, and about characters in literature that drink too much.

Episode 27 - Megan Griswold and Gingerbread

Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2019 32:26


In this episode, Abbe tells us about the fairytale-inspired book she's been reading: Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi. Then, our book correspondent, Emma, sits down with Megan Griswold about her memoir-in-remedies, The Book of Help. Finally, Abbe chats with psychologist and author Michael C. Reichert, Ph.D., about his new work, How to Raise a Boy.

Episode 26 - Sophie Kinsella and Daisy Jones & The Six

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2019 34:54


In this episode, Abbe talks about what she's been reading: Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, a uniquely-told novel that is rife with rock 'n roll drama. Then, she sits down with Shopaholic series author Sophie Kinsella about her latest standalone book, I Owe You One. Finally, Abbe chats with bookstagrammer Taylor Noel to talk about reads that will get your book club talking.

Episode 25 - Gretchen Rubin and A Gentleman in Moscow

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2019 35:29


In this episode, Abbe talks about what she's been reading: book club fave A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. Then, she sits down with life guru Gretchen Rubin to discuss her latest book, Outer Order, Inner Calm. Finally, we hear from eleven authors about their favorite library memories.

Episode 24 - Amber Tamblyn and Where the Crawdads Sing

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2019 36:49


In this episode, Abbe shares what she's been reading: the wildly popular novel, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Then, she sits down with activist, actress and author Amber Tamblyn to discuss her memoir-cum-manifesto, Era of Ignition. Finally, some Game of Thrones fans join Abbe in the studio to talk about books that remind them of George R. R. Martin's beloved series.

Episode 23 - Marco Borges and White Teeth

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2019 24:13


In this episode, Abbe sits down with Marco Borges, author of The Greenprint, to hear about how to help your body and the planet, and what it's like to work with Beyoncé. Then, Amy, Abbe, Emma discuss books that remind them of Zadie Smith's White Teeth. Finally, our Book Doctor Stella delivers this week's litscriptions, offering up books to match every mood.

Episode 22 - Ben Macintyre and Annalena McAfee

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2018 32:55


Talking spies with author Ben Macintyre and Scottish isles with Annalena McAfee, as well as guessing celebrity audiobook narrators.

Episode 21 - Transparent Creator Jill Soloway and Becoming by Michelle Obama

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2018 32:21


In this episode, Emma, Amy, and Abbe chat about the books they're reading right now. Abbe speaks with Transparent creator and author Jill Soloway to talk about their memoir, She Wants It. Finally, the co-hosts discuss Michelle Obama's best-selling memoir Becoming.

Episode 20 - Meg Tilly and Books like Station Eleven

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2018 42:26


In this episode, Abbe sits down with actress and author Meg Tilly to talk about her debut romantic thriller, Solace Island. Next, Abbe, Emma, and Amy talk books that remind them of Emily St. John Mandel's novel Station Eleven. Finally, the co-hosts discuss books that center on wacky families.

Episode 19 - Blair Imani and Books like The Handmaid's Tale

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2018 37:55


In this episode, Abbe sits down with Modern HERstory author and activist Blair Imani. Next, the Read it Forward editors come up with read-alikes for The Handmaid's Tale and also proffer books that feel like their favorite holiday movies.

Episode 18 - Interview with Forever35 podcast hosts Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2018 25:51


Emma and Abbe chat with Forever35 podcast hosts, Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer, about books, authors, skincare, and self-care.

Episode 17 - Glory Edim and Atomic Habits

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2018 28:48


In this episode, Abbe sits down with Well-Read Black Girl founder Glory Edim to discuss diverse books and authors. Then, Atomic Habits author James Clear stops into the studio to talk about how his book can teach us to change our lives, one tiny change at a time. Finally, our Book Doctor Stella delivers this week's litscriptions, offering up books to match every mood.

Episode 16 - Maeve Higgins and In The Woods Book Club

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2018 37:38


In this episode, Abbe sits down with Bibliophile author Jane Mount to talk about how her love of books has inspired her art. Next, Abbe and Emma are joined in the studio by Amy and special guest Emily Hughes for their own mini book club for Tana French's In The Woods. Finally, Emma and Abbe chat with author and comedian Maeve Higgins about her debut essay collection, Maeve in America.

Episode 15 - Books to Match Every Mood and Wild Read-Alikes

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2018 28:01


On this week's episode, our book doctor Stella stops by to recommend books for every mood, then Abbe, Emma, and Amy chat about the best books to read if you love Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Finally, Emma and Abbe try to guess the identity of celebrity audiobook narrators.

Episode 14 - Vanessa Hua and The Great Believers

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2018 27:41


In this episode, Abbe interviews Vanessa Hua, author of A River of Stars, Emma and Abbe gab about the books they've enjoyed recently, and Abbe sits down in the studio to talk to Young Benjamin Franklin author, Nick Bunker about a book he thinks you've gotta read.

Episode 13 - Chelsea Clinton and Spooky Books

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2018 25:52


In the first episode of Season 2, Abbe, Amy, and Emma are recommending the spookiest reads they can handle! Next, they get the opportunity to sit down with Chelsea Clinton and talk about her inspiring new book for kids, Start Now! Finally, book doctor Stella joins them in the studio to recommend books to suit every mood!

Episode 12 - Interview with Ottessa Moshfegh, author of My Year of Rest and Relaxation

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2018 18:33


In this bonus episode of the Read it Forward podcast, Abbe and Emma ask new co-host Amy Brinker to sit down with Ottessa Moshfegh, author of My Year of Rest and Relaxation.

Episode 11 - Interview with Tommy Orange, author of There There

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2018 12:55


In this bonus episode of the Read it Forward podcast, Abbe and Emma ask new co-host Amy Brinker to sit down with Tommy Orange, author of There There.

Episode 10 - The Immortalists and Litscription

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2018 41:01


In this episode, Abbe and Emma share the books they're reading with one another. Then, they ask friend and host of the podcast Beaks & Geeks, Amy Brinker, into the studio for a Book Club for Three, and chat about The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin. Book Doctor Stella stops by and diagnoses readers, giving three books to read to heal any mood. Finally, DoSomething.org editor Ben Kassoy tells us the life-changing book he thinks everyone should read.

Episode 9 - Lance Richardson and Transportive Reads

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2018 47:48


On this week's episode, Emma quizzes Abbe on all things Danielle Steel—about how many bestsellers she's written, what authors have outsold her and her main characters and plot points. Then, they sit down with Olympic medalist and author Deena Kastor about running marathons, writing her first book, Let Your Mind Run, and what nonfiction read she can't put down. Later, Abbe and Emma list transportive reads that will take you places and finally, Abbe sits down with Lance Richardson, author of House of Nutter, to discuss the most fascinating things he learned while researching and writing.

Episode 8 - Fiona Davis and Heart-Racing Thrillers

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2018 26:10


On this week's episode, Abbe and Emma sit down with author Fiona Davis and talk all about her marvelous NYC-set historical fiction, including her brand-new novel The Masterpiece. Fiona Davis also tells readers about the two books she thinks everyone should read. Then, the Book Doctor, Stella, stops by and gives listeners a litscription for books to read if they're feeling suspicious, empowered, or literary. Finally, Emma and Abbe discuss the new thrillers they've been devouring that are making their hearts race.

Episode 7 - Perfect Beach Reads and The Secret History Read-Alikes

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2018 51:51


On this week's episode, Abbe and Emma head to the beach with perfect brand-new beach reads in their beach bags. Then, they share books that feel similar to the college-set, murder mystery that is Donna Tartt's The Secret History. Taraneh Djangi from Penguin Random House Audio comes into the studio and quizzes—and stumps—Abbe and Emma about celebrity audiobook narrators. Finally, friend of the pod Amy Brinker tells us about a book she thinks everyone should read, Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.

Episode 6 - A Lady's Guide to Selling Out and Icy Reads to Cool You Down

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2018 34:08


On this week's episode, as the summer heats up, Emma and Abbe read books that are set in icy locations. Then, Emma speaks with author Sally Franson about her debut novel, A Lady's Guide to Selling Out, and the books they loved as both children and adults. Finally, The Book Doctor Stella offers up litscriptions for if you're feeling dejected, serene and passionate.

Episode 5 - The Night Circus and Books to Understand America

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2018 36:13


On this week's episode, co-hosts Abbe and Emma discuss books that remind them of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, invite Amy Kaufman, author of Bachelor Nation, into the studio to discuss The Bachelorette and give us a book she thinks everyone should read, and finally, in honor of the 4th of July, Emma and Abbe pick a few books to help readers understand America today.

Episode 4 - A Place for Us and Sophie Kinsella

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2018 31:15


Co-hosts Abbe Wright and Emma Shafer invite friend of the pod, Margaret Dunham, into the studio to tell listeners about a book of short stories she thinks everyone should read; then, Abbe interviews Fatima Farheen Mirza, author of A Place for Us, about her debut novel; The Book Doctor Stella Spiegel swings by to match great books with any mood; and finally, Emma quizzes Abbe on all things Sophie Kinsella.

Episode 3 - Between the World and Me and Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2018 40:08


Co-hosts Abbe Wright and Emma Shafer tell listeners the books they're currently reading, talk about their favorite reads about female friendship, offer up some Read-Alikes for the fabulous Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, and invite Books for Better Living editor Ta-Tanisha Williams into the studio to chat about the book she thinks everyone has got to read.

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