Podcasts about best books

Last week you heard part one of our team's selections for their best books of summer. And as promised, today we're back with another round of book talk. In today's episode, you'll hear from Executive Producer Will Bogel, Community Coordinator Brigid Misselhorn, Community Manager Shannan Malone, and Media Production Specialist Holly Wielkoszewski. As with last week, today's team members represent a cross-section of the bookstore. Today's conversation features sci-fi and fantasy picks that range from cozy to dystopian, thrillers and stories with non-stop action, memoir, and nonfiction.  Find the list of titles discussed today and tell us more about your favorite summer reads on our show notes page. Today we're talking about summer books we've loved, but fall is just around the corner and that means it's almost (or already!) sweatshirt season. Our shop is freshly stocked with all colors and sizes of our MMD Sorority Sweatshirt. We spent literal years finding just the right source for this sweatshirt: after a long, painstaking process, we're thrilled with how it came together. Based on our original sales from our limited spring release, so were you. Order yours now and shop all our merch, including our newly available Fall Book Preview print lookbook, at modernmrsdarcy.com/shop.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author David Maywald joins Zoe Sankey to discuss the female wage premium among young Australians, the collapse of male rites of passage, and why boys are told from primary school that masculinity is a problem to be managed. His essay for Quillette: https://quillette.com/2026/05/05/the-emerging-female-wage-premium/ The Relentless War on Masculinity: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1764339703?tag=quillette-20 00:00 Young women are out-earning young men 04:48 Why boys never got the same lift 11:14 The post-war family was the anomaly 15:12 Childlessness and a stake in the next generation 22:03 The rites of passage boys no longer have 28:49 Why it's rites, plural 36:58 100 of the Best Books for Men 45:21 Where the bias against boys begins 48:20 Why only 17% of primary teachers are men 55:19 What young men actually think 1:00:01 Abbie Chatfield and the podcast that started this one 1:10:12 Male psychology: the next frontier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years now, our team members have joined Anne on the podcast in late summer to share the books they've been loving most this season. Last year, we split this conversation into two episodes: we heard really positive feedback, so that's what we're doing again this year.   In today's episode, the first in our two part series, Anne is in conversation with three of our team members: our Resident Spreadsheet Queen Donna Hetchler, our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club Community Manager Ginger Horton, and Modern Mrs Darcy Editor and Social Media Manager Leigh Kramer. Next week, you'll hear from the rest of our team. Our reading lives vary widely and we read across a range of genres that reflect the reading world at large. Today you'll hear about true crime and books in translation, a backlist novel that inspired an award-winning musical, a literary mystery from a fan favorite author, romantasy and thriller titles that captured our team's imagination this season, and more.  Find the list of titles discussed today and leave a comment to share your best book of the summer on ⁠our show notes page.⁠ Fall reading is just around the corner and if you're curious about the titles that you may be hearing about in the weeks ahead, or what new releases might be suited to your TBR list, our Fall Book Preview was designed to help with those answers. We'll be gathering for our 8th annual Fall Book Preview on Thursday, September 17. A la carte ticketholders and eligible community members will receive a downloadable digital preview, as well as an invitation to the live Unboxing event happening that night at 8pm EDT.  We're also offering a printed booklet edition of the digital preview: it's smaller and in a different format than our printed magazine-style Summer Reading Guide, and priced accordingly. Find out more and join us at modernmrsdarcy.com/fbp.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maria Whelan is an agent at Mushens Entertainment, in London. Prior to that, for more than 8 years she worked as an assistant and agent at InkWell Management in New York. She began her career in publishing as a Foreign Rights Assistant at Janklow & Nesbit in New York. Maria graduated from University College Dublin with a BA in English and Drama, then obtained her Master's in Literature and Modernity from the University of Edinburgh. Maria represents both fiction and nonfiction writers, including USA TODAY bestsellers, a Lammy Finalist, a Discoveries Women's Prize shortlist winner, a PEN/Robert W. Bingham Finalist, a Simon & Schuster Books Like Us first novel winner, NPR's Best Books of The Year authors, a James Beard Award winner, Barnes & Noble picks authors, and MacDowell Fellows.  Maria joins Barbara DeMarco-Barrett to talk about how she finds her clients, query letters, hands on agenting, comparison titles, submitting to editors, ageism in publishing, the difference in agents in NY vs the UK, selling memoirs, and more. For more information on Writers on Writing and to become a supporter, visit our Patreon page. For a one-time donation, visit Ko-fi. You can help out the show and indie bookstores by buying books at our bookstore on bookshop.org. It's stocked with titles by our guest authors, as well as our personal favorites. And on Spotify, you'll find an album's worth of typewriter music like what you hear on the show. It's perfect for writing. Look for the artist, Just My Type. You can find hundreds of past interviews on our website. (Recorded on 7, 2026) Host: Barbara DeMarco-Barrett Host: Marrie Stone Music: Travis Barrett (Stream his music on Spotify, Apple Music, Etc.)  

Stella Sands is the author of Wordhunter, an Amazon Editor's Best Books of 2024, and Codebreakers, as well as a bestselling author of six true-crime books: Baby-Faced Butchers, The Dating Game Killer, Behind the Mask, Murder at Yale, Wealthy Men Only, and The Good Son; a children's book, Odyssea, and many educational books. She served as the editor-in-chief of the award-winning magazine Kids Discover for nineteen years. She has appeared on numerous television shows, including People Magazine Investigates, ABC's 20/20, and several episodes of Investigation Discovery. Sands lives in Sag Harbor, New York. Visit her website: https://www.stellasands.com/ Spies, Lies and Private Eyes is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair#suspensebooks#authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip#writers#writersinspiration #books#bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted#bookaddiction #bibliophile #read#amreading #lovetoread #terrencemccauley#terrencemccauleybooks #bookouture #thrillers #thetwilighttown #StellaSands #CodeBreakers

Stella Sands is the author of Wordhunter, an Amazon Editor's Best Books of 2024, and Codebreakers, as well as a bestselling author of six true-crime books: Baby-Faced Butchers, The Dating Game Killer, Behind the Mask, Murder at Yale, Wealthy Men Only, and The Good Son; a children's book, Odyssea, and many educational books. She served as the editor-in-chief of the award-winning magazine Kids Discover for nineteen years. She has appeared on numerous television shows, including People Magazine Investigates, ABC's 20/20, and several episodes of Investigation Discovery. Sands lives in Sag Harbor, New York. Visit her website: https://www.stellasands.com/ Spies, Lies and Private Eyes is copyrighted by Authors on the Air Global Radio Network #authorsofinstagram #authorinterview #writingcommunity #authorsontheair#suspensebooks#authorssupportingauthors #thrillerbooks #suspense #wip#writers#writersinspiration #books#bookrecommendations #bookaddict #bookaddicted#bookaddiction #bibliophile #read#amreading #lovetoread #terrencemccauley#terrencemccauleybooks #bookouture #thrillers #thetwilighttown #StellaSands #CodeBreakers

Poet Maya C. Popa on writing with wonder, the ruthless craft of revision, and building a sustainable life in poetry. You'll learn Why wonder has more in common with the sublime — the beautiful and the terrible — than with simple delight. How a poem loses its charge the moment its ending is visible from the opening line. What “negative capability” asks of a writer stuck in the dark middle of a draft. The question worth asking when the work feels uncomfortable and you're certain something has gone wrong. A ruthless method for finding a poem's true entry point — often buried three-quarters of the way down. When to cut the images you love most, even the ones that took hours to invent. How to write about longing and love without collapsing into confession. Why asking your writing to carry your finances can quietly poison your relationship with it. What to guard at all costs while holding space for other writers. The freedom that arrives once rejection stops meaning anything at all. Resources & Links

In Episode 231, Al Woodworth (Amazon Senior Editor) returns to the show to discuss Amazon's Best Books of 2026 So Far. They break down this year's list, discuss the books that rose to the top, and explore how the Amazon Books editorial team selected, debated, and ultimately ranked this year's Top 20. Plus, Al shares her personal book recommendations! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Al shares the defining characteristics of Amazon's Best Books of 2026 So Far list. How the Amazon Books editorial team selected and ranked this year's Top 20. Whether this year's list sparked debate and how disagreements were resolved. Why Kin was chosen as Amazon's #1 book of the year so far. The genres that have stood out (and the ones that haven't) in 2026. A look at how books are assigned to Amazon's genre-specific lists. Why some books rank differently on genre lists than on the overall Top 20 list. Under-the-radar books from the list that deserve more attention. Al's personal favorites that didn't quite make the Top 20. Al's Book Recommendations Two OLD Books She Loves Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:54]  Almond by Won-Pyung Sohn (US Release: 2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:22]  Other Books Mentioned Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [35:56]  Two NEW Books She Loves The Nightingales by Emil Wilson (Aug 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:32]   American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee (Sep 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:07]   Other Books Mentioned Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) [44:12]  One Book She DIDN'T Love Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Apr 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:05]  One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About The Vanishing Family by Robert Kolker (Sep 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[50:10]   Other Books Mentioned Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker (2020) [50:42]   Books From the Discussion Kin by Tayari Jones (Feb 24)  [2:06] London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (Apr 7) [3:07]  Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Apr 7) [6:43]  Strangers by Belle Burden (Jan 13) [6:50]  Night Objects by Eli Raphael (May 26) [6:57]  The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992) [7:51]  The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [7:54]  Land by Maggie O'Farrell (Jun 2) [11:14] Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell (2020) [12:15] Nothing Tastes as Good by Luke Dumas (Mar 31) [12:56]  Famesick by Lena Dunham (Apr 14) [13:04]  Transcription by Ben Lerner (Apr 7) [13:48]  John of John by Douglas Stuart (May 5) [15:23]  Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart (2020) [15:27]  Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart (2022) [15:28]  Homebound by Portia Elan (May 5) [16:15]  The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (May 5) [17:16]  The Help by Kathryn Stockett (2009) [17:23]  Educated by Tara Westover (2018) [18:52]  James by Percival Everett (2024) [19:00]  The Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller (2024) [19:09]  No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (Mar 3) [23:43]  American Men by Jordan Ritter Conn (Apr 21) [25:29]  A Far-Flung Life by M. L. Stedman (Mar 3) [28:25]  Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) [28:38]  Into the Blue by Emma Brodie (Apr 7) [32:12]  Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell (Apr 14) [32:14]  Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell (2024) [32:19]  How to Rule the World by Theo Baker (May 19) [33:16]

We're popping into the feed with a special episode. Leah and Graylin share their best reads of the year so far along with their least favorite…listen for some hot takes on popular titles!“Read every day – it is a practice that dignifies humans. Become a great reader of books and it will help you with reality, you'll more easily grasp the truth of things and that will set you up for life. And don't expose your brain to low-quality art forms because there will be a certain measure of pollution.” — Susie Boyt, Loved and MissedTHINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Best:A Long Game: Notes on Writing Fiction by Elizabeth McCrackenTender Is the Flesh by Agustina BazterricaThe Capital of Dreams by Heather O'NeillWatership Down by Richard AdamsEvery Exit Brings You Home by Naeem MurrLost Lambs by Madeline CashStrangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle BurdenThe Land and Its People by David SedarisDavid Sedaris on his Duolingo obsession: ‘Today is the last day,' I told myself – but I was powerless to stopMake Believe: On Telling Stories to Children by Mac BarnettThe My Friends series by Jane DuncanLoved and Missed by Susie BoytWorst:Theo of Golden by Allen LeviWhistler by Ann Patchett

 This week on Rock Talk Studio, Big Rick reviews Jesse Malin's Almost Grown and counts down some of the greatest New York City rock books ever written. From Patti Smith and Jim Carroll to Please Kill Me, discover the books that best capture the music, the people, and the spirit of New York rock 'n' roll. *Want the latest in Rock N Roll Book and Documentaries news sent to your inbox? New editions come out on the last Friday of the month featuring all the book buzz and doc news, recently released titles, top 5 lists, and entry into ALL giveaways and more. Enter hereSupport the showemail Big Rick at:info@rocktalkstudio.com

Allister is back in Derry & Toms to take a look at some Lovecraft. My choice, The Silver Key, and his... The Case of Charles Dexter Ward. The latter appears in Michael Moorcock and James Cawthorn's Fantasy: The 100 Best Books, and may be the fifth on that hefty list that we've managed to cover in the past 143 episodes of Breakfast in the Ruins. We might have to pick up the pace. Allister's latest release as The Gateless Gate is the album Once Beautiful. Grab it now.

Send us Fan MailCan magic mushrooms unlock the meaning of life—or lure seekers to the edge of madness?Award-winning journalist and bestselling author John O'Connor returns with a gripping investigation into the untold story of modern psychedelics, spirituality, and the mysteries of belief. From NPR and Chicago Tribune's “Best Books of 2024” author, this conversation dives deep into O'Connor's new release, A Short Strange Trip: An Untold Story of Magic Mushrooms, Madness, and a Search for the Meaning of Life in the Amazon.In this revealing episode, John O'Connor explores:How his fascination with unconventional beliefs and subcultures—from Bigfoot to psychedelic explorers—shaped his approach to storytellingWhat he uncovered about the complicated relationship between belief, disbelief, and the human longing for the extraordinaryThe forgotten legacy of Terence McKenna and his brother Dennis, who first unlocked home cultivation of magic mushrooms—and transformed the psychedelic undergroundThe role of sacred, indigenous traditions versus the romanticized wellness narratives dominating Western psychedelic cultureHis father's struggle with addiction and why psychedelic therapies are no quick fix for sufferingWhy stories of divine intelligence, “little people,” and multidimensional encounters on psychedelics demand both open-mindedness and investigative rigorHow the booming billion-dollar psychedelic industry raises urgent questions about access, authenticity, and the future of mental healthWhat seekers must remember about shortcuts to healing, enlightenment, and meaningJohn O'Connor's nuanced, compassionate journalism asks: What if the border between spiritual revelation and psychological destabilization is thinner than we think? Whether you're curious about altered states, seeking hope for mental health, or navigating the intersection of science and spirituality, you'll find insight, caution, and inspiration in this episode's search for meaning at the edge of belief.If this sparked new questions for you, subscribe for more, share the episode with a friend who's curious about psychedelics and spirituality, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. Support the showSpiritual Spotlight Series is hosted by Rachel Garrett, RN, CCH — Akashic Records Practitioner, Master Energy Healer, and Certified Crystal Healer.Conversations about the things we almost don't say out loud. For the ones who feel everything — but question it.Each episode features real stories of spiritual awakening, healing, and transformation from guests across all walks of life, alongside solo teachings on Akashic Records, crystal healing, nervous system support, and intuitive development.Healing doesn't have to be heavy.New: Join the monthly live Akashic reading → YouTube membership at $4.99/month → youtube.com/@rachelgarrett/membership✨ Explore More Spiritual Wisdom & Stay Connected

In a Crime Time FM/Verve Special Editor Jenna Gordon chats to author Laura Sims about her new novel, The Man, Vivian Maier, Diane Argus, Hitchcock and Highsmith, Rear Window, obsession, perspective and the male gaze. The Man: From the highly acclaimed author of How Can I Help You comes a masterful domestic suspense novel that follows a 1960s housewife turned amateur photographer who begins to fear for her life when she notices the dark silhouette of a man in the background of her self-portraits. The photos Judith Stanley takes are just for her, a private passion to fill her suburban days. But when she shares them with Paul Sorenson, her new photography instructor, she's unprepared to hear his astonished praise. 'Stunning,' he calls her photos. 'Extraordinary.' She has an uncanny eye, he says, and should consider publication. He could help. Except Judith has no interest in sharing her work; in fact, the mere idea of it frightens her. Still, emboldened by Paul's encouragement, Judith ventures out beyond her quiet neighbourhood to the city in search of increasingly striking images. When she starts to notice the dark shape of a man in the corner of her self-portraits, Judith is certain he's an attacker from her past. She doesn't know why he has returned, but she's sure of his presence: the hoarse sound of his breathing, his hard grip on her elbow. Perhaps it would appease the man if she were to put her camera down and give up her private passion. But she can't; she refuses. Until one night when the man finally emerges from the shadows, and Judith's story suddenly and irrevocably becomes his own. Chilling and heart-poundingly propulsive, The Man explores the inescapable fear of living as a woman, the tantalizing seduction of artistic freedom and the very real dangers that lurk both inside and outside the confines of the mind.Laura Sims's third novel, THE MAN, Verve/Putnam, July 2026. Her novels HOW CAN I HELP YOU (2023) and LOOKER (2019) have been on Best Books lists in The New York Times, Vogue, People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Real Simple, Publishers Weekly, and more. An award-winning poet, Sims has published four poetry collections; her essays and poems have appeared in The New Republic, Boston Review, Lit Hub, and Electric Lit. She lives in New Jersey, where she works part-time as a children's librarian. Recommends: In a Lonely Place by Dorothy B Hughes, Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll, Sea Wife by Amity Gage.Jenna Gordon is the Editorial Director at Verve BooksProduced by Junkyard DogCrime TimeCrime Time FM is the official podcast ofGwyl Crime Cymru Festival 2023 & 2025CrimeFest 2023CWA Daggers 2023-2026 & National Crime Reading Month& Newcastle Noir 2023 and 20242024 Slaughterfest,  

The editors at The New York Times Book Review spend almost the entire year discussing, debating and sometimes arguing about the year's best books. We're halfway through 2026, which means it's time for the host Gilbert Cruz and the Book Review editors Joumana Khatib and MJ Franklin to talk about some of the best releases of the year as well as a few hidden gems that captured their attention and affection. Fiction “Whistler,” by Ann Patchett “The Calamity Club,” by Kathryn Stockett “Transcription,” by Ben Lerner “The Keeper,” by Tana French “Kin,” by Tayari Jones “This Is Where the Serpent Lives,” by Daniyal Mueenuddin Nonfiction “Fear and Fury: The Reagan Eighties, the Bernie Goetz Shootings, and the Rebirth of White Rage,” by Heather Ann Thompson “Dangerous, Dirty, Violent, and Young: My Fugitive Family in the Revolutionary Underground,” by Zayd Ayers Dohrn “Trash!,” by Simon Paré-Poupart “London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth,” by Patrick Radden Keefe “Days of Love and Rage: A Story of Ordinary People Forging a Revolution,” by Anand Gopal Hidden Gems “Lost Lambs,” by Madeline Cash “A Sudden Flicker of Light: A Revisionist History of Movies,” by David Thomson “American Han,” by Lisa Lee Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Bohjalian is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 26 books ranging from literary fiction, historical fiction, thrillers, and (on occasion) ghost stories. His work has been translated into 35 languages and become three movies and an Emmy-winning TV series. He is a playwright and has two other novels in development for TV series as well. His books have been chosen as Best Books of the Year by the Washington Post, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Hartford Courant, and more. His novel, MIDWIVES was a selection of Oprah's Book Club, and his novel, HOUR OF THE WITCH, was a Barnes & Noble Book Club pick. He is a Fellow of the Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences. He has written for a wide variety of magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Cosmopolitan among others. Chris graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude from Amherst College. He has been awarded Honorary Degrees as well from Amherst, Champlain College, and Castleton University. He lives in Vermont with his wife, the photographer Victoria Blewer. Learn more at chrisbohjalian.com Intro reel, Writing Table Podcast 2024 Outro RecordingFollow the Writing Table: @writingtablepodcastEmail questions or tell us who you'd like us to invite to the Writing Table: writingtablepodcast@gmail.com.

Break through your keto or low-carb plateau with Robert Sikes: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/callThe simple wealth-building formula most people miss can change how you earn, save, and invest.In episode 903 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, host Robert Sikes talks with money expert Garret Gunderson about why budgeting, Wall Street advice, compound interest, and diversification may hold you back. His simple path to financial freedom is to create value, keep more of what you make, invest in yourself, and master one asset class. They also cover an abundance mindset, entrepreneurship, cash flow, Bitcoin, AI, recessions, ethical investing, and teaching kids about wealth. For driven men and business owners, this episode shows how to grow income, protect money, and build wealth with purpose.Follow Garret on IG: https://www.instagram.com/garrettbgunderson/Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQChapters0:00 - How Does Garrett Gunderson Build Wealth Differently?2:42 - How an Abundance Mindset Increased His Income by $480K5:19 - What Nutrition Teaches Us About Financial Myths6:23 - Why Wall Street's Wealth-Building Advice Is Broken9:28 - How Schools Kill Critical Thinking and Entrepreneurship11:17 - Is College Worth It for Future Entrepreneurs?13:33 - How Health Experts and Big Brands Mislead You15:51 - How Financial Stress Damages Your Health16:40 - Why Garrett Gunderson Won't Invest in Coca-Cola19:03 - How to Build Wealth: Four Essential Steps21:13 - How to Find Your Investor DNA and Best Asset Class24:54 - Why Betting on Yourself Beats a 401(k)26:36 - What Are the Three Stages of Financial Freedom?29:21 - Should You Invest in Yourself Before the Stock Market?31:13 - Why Doing Everything Yourself Keeps You Broke32:52 - What Are the Best Books for Building Wealth?35:36 - Why Financial Gurus Don't Follow Their Own Advice38:12 - Is Garrett Gunderson Bullish on Bitcoin?40:31 - Is a Major Economic Depression Coming by 2030?43:45 - How to Win During a Recession: McDonald's vs. Burger King45:03 - Will AI Replace Your Job—or Make You Irreplaceable?48:32 - How Much Money Is Enough? Scarcity vs. Contentment51:18 - Why Cash Flow Matters More Than Net Worth54:39 - Where to Find Garrett Gunderson's Best Books55:40 - How Do You Teach Kids Wealth Without Entitlement?57:51 - What Is the Hierarchy of Human Optimization?

We are Traci and Ellie, two bookish friends who read in any spare minute that we have. This week we are sharing our favorite books of 2026 (so far)!  To shop the books listed in this episode, visit our shop at bookshop.org.   Care to join us on Patreon with even more content? We would love to have you join us at From the Bookstacks of Literally Reading! Traci: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser The Correspondent by Virginia Evans Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune Yesteryear by Claire Caro Burke Ellie: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune I Guess I Haven't Learned that Yet by Shauna Niequist This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum  The Correspondent by Virginia Evans  

Marley McMillan is filling in for Steve today! Her & Donna open the show talking about a milk shortage that's hitting Americans, Conan O'Brien has a new hairstyle and Matt Damon used a female stunt double while filming The Odyssey.In hour two, we play the Brad Paisley edition of the College of Pop Culture Knowledge, outfits worn at the Wimbledon Championships this year and the Mount Rushmore of female singers.Finally, Marley shares her thoughts on the FIFA World Cup Final halftime show and (maybe) we find out the Soup of the Day!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a kid I always wondered where do I belong?Today we meet Mario Elías and we're talking about the queer book that saved his life: The Color of Summer by  Reinaldo Arenas.Mario Elías is a multidisciplinary artist of Cuban and Syrian descent based in Chicago. His work spans fiction, nonfiction, photography, painting, and printmaking. His book Queering the Male Gaze reimagined masterpieces of the classical and modern canon through essays and self-portraiture, exploring often-overlooked queer and female figures who shaped them. He is the founder of The KindaSuper Project, a philanthropic initiative offering free photography and video services to underserved communities. His debut novel Beloved Disciples just came out earlier this spring.The Color of Summer is a Rabelaisian tale of survival by wits and wit and ultimately a powerful and passionate story about the triumph of the human spirit over the forces of political and sexual repression. This novel is the fulfillment of author Reinaldo Arenas' life's work, the Pentagonía, a five-volume cycle of novels that is his "secret history of Cuba."Reinaldo Arenas was born in Cuba in 1943. In 1980, he was one of 120,000 Cubans who arrived in the United States on the Mariel boatlift. Arenas settled in New York where he lived until his death from AIDS ten years later. His extraordinary memoir, Before Night Falls, was named one of the fourteen "Best Books of 1993" by the editors of The New York Times Book Review and has now been made into a major motion picture.Connect with Mario Elíaswebsite: kindasuper.cominstagram: @kindasupermarioOur BookshopVisit our Bookshop for new releases, current bestsellers, banned books, critically acclaimed LGBTQ books, or peruse the books featured on our podcasts: bookshop.org/shop/thisqueerbookBuy your copy of The Color of Summer: https://bookshop.org/a/82376/9780140157192Buy your copy of Beloved Disciples: https://bookshop.org/a/82376/9781612943374Become an Associate Producer!Become an Associate Producer of our podcast through a $20/month sponsorship on Patreon! A professionally recognized credit, you can gain access to Associate Producer meetings to help guide our podcast into the future! Get started today: patreon.com/thisqueerbookCreditsHost/Founder: John ParkerExecutive Producer: Jim PoundsAssociate Producers: Archie Arnold, K Jason Bryan and David Rephan, Bob Bush, Natalie Cruz, Troy Ford, Jonathan Fried, Joe Perazzo, Bill Shay, Sean Smith, and Karsten VagnerPatreon Subscribers: Stephen D., Stephen Flamm, Ida Göteburg, Thomas Michna, Sofia Nerman, and Gary Nygaard.Creative and Accounting support provided by: Gordy EricksonQuatrefoil LibraryQuatrefoil has created a curated lending library made up of the books featured on our podcast! If you can't buy these books, then borrow them! Link: https://libbyapp.com/library/quatrefoil/curated-1404336/page-1Real quick: yes, you too can be a guest on our podcast! If you have a queer book that had a life-saving impact for you, then please visit thisqueerbook.com and fill out the form on the homepage! Looking forward to hearing back from you!Support the show

The Page One Podcast, produced and hosted by author Holly Lynn Payne, celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most rewritten page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. We interview master storytellers on the struggles and stories behind the first page of their books. About the guest author: Julie Carrick Dalton is a New England journalist and farmer. Her debut novel WAITING FOR THE NIGHT SONG launched in January, 2021 as a CNN, USA Today, Newsweek, Parade, and Buzzfeed Most Anticipated 2021 Book, and was an Amazon Editor's Pick for Best Books of the Month. Her writing has appeared in The Boston Globe, BusinessWeek, The Hollywood Reporter, Electric Literature, The Chicago Review of Books, Orion Magazine, Lit Hub, and other publications. She contributes to DeadDarlings, The Writer Unboxed, and GrubStreet's writer's blogs. Her second novel, THE LAST BEEKEEPER, was released in 2023. Mom to four kids and two dogs, Julie also owns and operates a 100-acre farm. When she isn't writing or digging in the dirt, you can probably find her kayaking in New Hampshire or walking in the woods hunting for mushrooms. About the host: Holly Lynn Payne is an award-winning novelist and writing coach, and the former CEO and founder of Booxby, a startup that built an AI book discovery platform with a grant from the National Science Foundation. She is an internationally published author of four historical fiction novels. Her debut, The Virgin's Knot, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book. Her latest book, Rose Girl: A Story of Resilience and Rumi, a medieval, mystical thriller was awarded a Kirkus (starred) review and named Editors Choice from the Historical Novel Society. Holly lives on a houseboat near the Golden Gate Bridge with her daughter and Labrador retriever, and enjoys mountain biking, hiking, swimming and pretending to surf. To learn more about her books and writing coaching services, please visit her at hollylynnpayne.com  and subscribe to her FREE weekly mini-masterclass, Power of Page One, a FREE newsletter on Substack, offering insights on becoming a better storyteller and tips on hooking readers from page one! (And bonus: discover some great new books!) Tune in and reach out: If you're an aspiring writer or a book lover, this episode of Page One offers a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice. I offer these conversations as a testament to the magic that happens when master storytellers share their secrets and experiences. We hope you are inspired to tune into the full episode for more insights. Keep writing, keep reading, and remember—the world needs your stories.  If I can help you tell your own story, or help improve your first page, please reach out @hollylynnpayne or visithollylynnpayne.com.  You can listen to Page One on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher and all your favorite podcast players. Hear past episodes. If you're interested in getting writing tips and the latest podcast episode updates with the world's beloved master storytellers, please sign up for my very short monthly newsletter at hollylynnpayne.com and follow me @hollylynnpayne on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook. Your email address is always private and you can always unsubscribe anytime.  The Page One Podcast is created on a houseboat in Sausalito, California, is a labor of love in service to writers and book lovers. My intention is to inspire, educate and celebrate. Thank you for being a part of my creative community!  Be well and keep reading, Holly @hollylynnpayne on IG Thank you for listening to the Page One Podcast! I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I loved hosting, producing, and editing it. If you liked it too, here are three ways to share the love:Please share it on social and tag @hollylynnpayne.Leave a review on your favorite podcast players. Tell your friends. Please keep in touch by signing up to receive my Substack newsletter with the latest episodes each month. Delivered to your inbox with a smile. You can contact me at @hollylynnpayne on IG or send me a message on my website, hollylynnpayne.com.For the love of books and writers,Holly Lynn Payne@hollylynnpaynehost, author, writing coachwww.hollylynnpayne.com

It's the semi-annual books episode! Jeremiah breaks down the best books he's read so far in the first half of 2026. He discusses books about the Supreme Court, the history of cancer, criminal justice policy, the Civil War, influencer families, modern conspiracy movements, and much more! Referenced previous episodes:  Sarah Isgur's Last Branch Standing - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-the-supreme-court-the-last-branch-standing-ft-sarah-isgur/id1390384827?i=1000762129642 Jennifer Doleac's The Science of Second Chances - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-science-of-second-chances-ft-jennifer-doleac/id1390384827?i=1000751119875 Support the podcast and get involved with your local chapter by becoming a member of the Center for New Liberalism. Join at https://cnliberalism.org/become-a-member Got questions? Send us a note at mailbag@cnliberalism.org. Follow us at: https://twitter.com/CNLiberalism https://cnliberalism.org/ https://www.instagram.com/cnliberalism/

This week we're sharing our favourite reads of the year so far, from the novels we couldn't put down and 2026's most-talked about titles to the memoirs that kept us up at night. Consider this your summer reading inspo: including the ultra-hyped Strangers by Belle Burden, Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash and Devil Wears Prada-style thriller Workhorse. As promised, we're also reviewing the trad-wife thriller Yesteryear again, as well as the addictive true story of how actor Hannah Murray found herself sucked into a creepy wellness cult. Enjoy huns and please do share your book recs in the comments! Our next book club will be announced in the next couple of weeks – watch this space hunnies! You can also find our 10 best books of all time over on Patreon, where we drop bonus eps every month and offer our main eps completely ad-free.Get 10% off our fave (flat pack!) furniture brand Swyft Home with our code straightup10 at swyfthome.comTry the adaptogenic coffee that changed our lives with 20% off using code straightup at londonnootropics.comFollow us on IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@straightuppod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and TikTok @straightuppodFind us on YouTube @straightupmediapodEmail at ⁠⁠hello@straightuppodcast.co.ukRecs/ reviews: Strangers, Belle Burden Belle Burden on the Collapse of Her 20 Year Marriage & Her Bestselling Memoir, The Oprah PodcastWhy I Don't Feel Sorry for Belle Burden, Kathleen Harmer on Substack Yesteryear, Caro Claire BurkeI'm obsessed by the trad wife world — this was the best way to expose it, The Times The Caro Episode, Diabolical LiesLost Lambs, Madeline Cash “I Always Felt Ripe for a Cult”: Meet Madeline Cash, Author of the Year's Buzziest Debut, Interview Magazine The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness, Hannah MurrayWorkhorse, Caroline Palmer Hooked, Asako Yuzuki. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 260 of Book Talk Etc., Tina and Hannah If you enjoy this commercial-free podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership includes access to bonus episodes like What's in the Mailbag, Bookstore Browse: The Handsell, and Book Talk After Dark, invites to monthly community events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, and entry into our private Facebook group and Discord server- all for just $5 a month.Loving LatelyThe Cluci Wristlet (T)Yoto Player (H)Latest ReadWhere the Wildflowers Grow | Terah Shelton Harris (T)The Missed Connection | Tia Wliliams (T)SuperlativesThe One Day You Were My Husband | Rosie WalshAll the Blood We Share | Camilla BruceStrangers Behind Closed Doors | Catherine Adel WestVigil | George SaundersInto the Blue | Emma BrodieCleopatra | Saara El-ArifiYesteryear | Caro Claire BurkeTop 5 So Far!The Reformatory | Tanarive DueThe Caretaker | Marcus KliewerNightwatching | Tracy SierraKeeper of Lost Children | Sadeqa JohnsonNesting | Roisin O'DonnellJohn of John | Douglas StuartLost Lambs | Madeline CashLady Tremaine | Rachel HochhauserEverything to the Sea | Alicia UpanoIf you prefer other shopping options, you can find today's books on Bookshop.org or Blackwell's. Purchasing through these links supports us with a small commission, at no extra cost to you.Support the showLet's Connect... Email us at booktalketc@gmailBTE on YoutubeTina's TikTok , IG @tbretc YT @tbretcHannah's TikTok , IG @hanpickedbooksJonathan IG @infiltrate_jayPodcast IG @booktalketcRenee's Substack Newsletter , IG@Itsbooktalk

In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Rachel Phan about her powerful memoir, ⁠Restaurant Kid: A Memoir of Family & Belonging⁠ (Douglas & McIntyre, 2025). A warm and poignant narrative about finding one's self amidst the grind of restaurant life, the cross-generational immigrant experience, and a daughter's attempts to connect with parents who have always been just out of reach. When she was three years old, Rachel Phan met her replacement. Instead of a new sibling, her mother and father's time and attention were suddenly devoted entirely to their new family restaurant. For her parents—whose own families fled China during Japanese occupation and then survived bombs and starvation during the war in Vietnam—it was a dream come true. For Phan, it was something quite different. Overnight, she became a restaurant kid, living on the periphery of her own family and trying her best to stay out of the way. As Phan grew up, the restaurant was the most stalwart and suffocating member of her family. For decades, it's been both their crowning achievement and the origin of so much of their pain and suffering: screaming matches complete with smashed dishes; bodies worn down by long hours and repetitive strain; and tenuous relationships where the family loved one another deeply without ever really knowing each other. In Restaurant Kid, Phan seeks to examine the way her life has been shaped by the rigid boxes placed around her. She had to be a “good daughter,” never asking questions, always being grateful. She had to be a “real Canadian,” watching hockey and speaking English so flawlessly that her tongue has since forgotten how to contort around Cantonese tones. As the only Chinese girl at school, she had to alternate between being the sidekick, geek, or Asian fetish, depending on whose gaze was on her. Now, three decades after their restaurant first opened, Phan's parents are cautiously talking about retirement. As an adult, Phan's “good daughter” role demands something new of her—and a chance to get to know her parents away from the restaurant. In Restaurant Kid, Phan deftly combines candour, wit and insight to craft a vibrant and important narrative on the strength and foibles of family, and how we come to understand ourselves. Rachel Phan is a Chinese Canadian author. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University's Master of Journalism program, she and her work have been featured on CBC, Huffpost, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Toronto Star, the National Post, Chatelaine, and Maclean's. Her instant national bestselling book, Restaurant Kid: A Memoir of Family and Belonging (2025), was named one of CBC Books' Best Books of 2025 and longlisted for Canada Reads in 2026. She lives in Toronto, ON. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Rachel Phan about her powerful memoir, ⁠Restaurant Kid: A Memoir of Family & Belonging⁠ (Douglas & McIntyre, 2025). A warm and poignant narrative about finding one's self amidst the grind of restaurant life, the cross-generational immigrant experience, and a daughter's attempts to connect with parents who have always been just out of reach. When she was three years old, Rachel Phan met her replacement. Instead of a new sibling, her mother and father's time and attention were suddenly devoted entirely to their new family restaurant. For her parents—whose own families fled China during Japanese occupation and then survived bombs and starvation during the war in Vietnam—it was a dream come true. For Phan, it was something quite different. Overnight, she became a restaurant kid, living on the periphery of her own family and trying her best to stay out of the way. As Phan grew up, the restaurant was the most stalwart and suffocating member of her family. For decades, it's been both their crowning achievement and the origin of so much of their pain and suffering: screaming matches complete with smashed dishes; bodies worn down by long hours and repetitive strain; and tenuous relationships where the family loved one another deeply without ever really knowing each other. In Restaurant Kid, Phan seeks to examine the way her life has been shaped by the rigid boxes placed around her. She had to be a “good daughter,” never asking questions, always being grateful. She had to be a “real Canadian,” watching hockey and speaking English so flawlessly that her tongue has since forgotten how to contort around Cantonese tones. As the only Chinese girl at school, she had to alternate between being the sidekick, geek, or Asian fetish, depending on whose gaze was on her. Now, three decades after their restaurant first opened, Phan's parents are cautiously talking about retirement. As an adult, Phan's “good daughter” role demands something new of her—and a chance to get to know her parents away from the restaurant. In Restaurant Kid, Phan deftly combines candour, wit and insight to craft a vibrant and important narrative on the strength and foibles of family, and how we come to understand ourselves. Rachel Phan is a Chinese Canadian author. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University's Master of Journalism program, she and her work have been featured on CBC, Huffpost, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Toronto Star, the National Post, Chatelaine, and Maclean's. Her instant national bestselling book, Restaurant Kid: A Memoir of Family and Belonging (2025), was named one of CBC Books' Best Books of 2025 and longlisted for Canada Reads in 2026. She lives in Toronto, ON. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/asian-american-studies

In this NBN episode, host Hollay Ghadery speaks with Rachel Phan about her powerful memoir, ⁠Restaurant Kid: A Memoir of Family & Belonging⁠ (Douglas & McIntyre, 2025). A warm and poignant narrative about finding one's self amidst the grind of restaurant life, the cross-generational immigrant experience, and a daughter's attempts to connect with parents who have always been just out of reach. When she was three years old, Rachel Phan met her replacement. Instead of a new sibling, her mother and father's time and attention were suddenly devoted entirely to their new family restaurant. For her parents—whose own families fled China during Japanese occupation and then survived bombs and starvation during the war in Vietnam—it was a dream come true. For Phan, it was something quite different. Overnight, she became a restaurant kid, living on the periphery of her own family and trying her best to stay out of the way. As Phan grew up, the restaurant was the most stalwart and suffocating member of her family. For decades, it's been both their crowning achievement and the origin of so much of their pain and suffering: screaming matches complete with smashed dishes; bodies worn down by long hours and repetitive strain; and tenuous relationships where the family loved one another deeply without ever really knowing each other. In Restaurant Kid, Phan seeks to examine the way her life has been shaped by the rigid boxes placed around her. She had to be a “good daughter,” never asking questions, always being grateful. She had to be a “real Canadian,” watching hockey and speaking English so flawlessly that her tongue has since forgotten how to contort around Cantonese tones. As the only Chinese girl at school, she had to alternate between being the sidekick, geek, or Asian fetish, depending on whose gaze was on her. Now, three decades after their restaurant first opened, Phan's parents are cautiously talking about retirement. As an adult, Phan's “good daughter” role demands something new of her—and a chance to get to know her parents away from the restaurant. In Restaurant Kid, Phan deftly combines candour, wit and insight to craft a vibrant and important narrative on the strength and foibles of family, and how we come to understand ourselves. Rachel Phan is a Chinese Canadian author. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University's Master of Journalism program, she and her work have been featured on CBC, Huffpost, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Toronto Star, the National Post, Chatelaine, and Maclean's. Her instant national bestselling book, Restaurant Kid: A Memoir of Family and Belonging (2025), was named one of CBC Books' Best Books of 2025 and longlisted for Canada Reads in 2026. She lives in Toronto, ON. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography

Check out Oddo: https://www.odoo.com/app/ecommerce?utm_campaign=ecommerce9-thinkschool&utm_source=YouTube-description&utm_medium=influ-mkt

Join our book club!lifeonbooks.com/bookclubBooks mentioned in this episodeTerra Nostra by Carlos Fuenteshttps://amzn.to/3JzA2DkCatch-22 by Joseph Hellerhttps://amzn.to/3LfAMy3https://bookshop.org/a/103053/9781451626650Now I Surrender by Alvaro Enriguehttps://amzn.to/4vhZor1https://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780593084076You Dreamed of Empires by Alvaro Enriguehttps://amzn.to/44hvFUnhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780593544808King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschildhttps://amzn.to/4yclMonhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780358212508War by Louis Ferdinand Celinehttps://amzn.to/4aLnS4Hhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780811237321Journey to the End of the Night by Louis-Ferdinand Celinehttps://amzn.to/49an6fuhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780811216548Tom's Crossing by Mark Z. Daniielewskihttps://amzn.to/4cLYddshttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9781524747718The Spirit of Science Fiction by Roberto Bolano2666 by Roberto Bolanohttps://amzn.to/48EyX5yhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780312429218The Woes of the True Policeman by Roberto Bolanohttps://amzn.to/4y8ua8Jhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9781250037824The Power and the Glory by Graham Greenehttps://amzn.to/4vW2DWwhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780143107552The Quiet American by Graham Greenehttps://amzn.to/4mhl2b3https://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780143039020The Honorary Consul by Graham Greenehttps://amzn.to/4wAzFvahttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780143105558Killer Angels by Michael Shaarahttps://amzn.to/4aDv4R6https://bookshop.org/a/103053/978034540727677 by Guillermo Saccomanohttps://amzn.to/4f1Cle8https://bookshop.org/a/103053/9781940953892Gesell Dome by Guillermo Saccomannohttps://amzn.to/40xgAMThttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9781940953380Trieste by Dasa Drndichttps://amzn.to/4b5IQMehttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780544538504Trout Fishing in America by Richard Brautiganhttps://amzn.to/4vcGzGQhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780547255279The Hawkline Monster by Richard Brautiganhttps://amzn.to/4v5fLIIStoner by John Williamshttps://amzn.to/4nZ8bejhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9781590171998Butchers Crossing by John Williamshttps://amzn.to/46XAnrkhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9781590171981Friday's at Enrico's by Don Carpenterhttps://amzn.to/4lQFsIFhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9781619025400Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Catherhttps://amzn.to/4yeNXDmhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780679728894The Literary Conference by Cesar Airahttps://amzn.to/44S9OTxhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780811218788The Man with the Golden Arm by Nelson Algrenhttps://amzn.to/3PEng9thttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9781583220085Elevator in Saigon by Thuanhttps://amzn.to/4pfekVxhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780811238540Ada by Mark Haberhttps://amzn.to/4wB0zD7https://bookshop.org/a/103053/9781566897594Lesser Ruins by Mark Haberhttps://amzn.to/4gvJE04https://bookshop.org/a/103053/9781566897198Reinhart's Garden by Mark Haberhttps://amzn.to/4gpOlbHhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9781566895620Saint Sebastian's Abyss by Mark Haberhttps://amzn.to/4wzVuuOhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9781566896368Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conradhttps://amzn.to/3SJFiIWhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780486264646Near to the Wild Heart by Clarice Lispectorhttps://amzn.to/3LdtjQ2https://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780811220026Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallacehttps://amzn.to/4lVzrJzhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780316920049Against the Day by Thomas Pynchonhttps://amzn.to/4jOmfFAhttps://bookshop.org/a/103053/9780143112563 Follow me on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/alifeonbooks/Follow Andy on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/metafictional.meathead/

We cover the legendary classics like Robert A. Heinlein's Starship Troopers, Joe Haldeman's The Forever War, and Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game, while exploring modern masterpieces like John Scalzi's Old Man's War, Ann Leckie's Ancillary Justice, and the later books of The Expanse series. Whether you are a fan of high-stakes space battles or deep philosophical military themes, this ultimate sci-fi reading list has something for you.  We also raid the deeper cuts of the genre, discussing everything from John Steakley's Armor, L.E. Modesitt Jr.'s The Parafaith War, and Hiroshi Sakurazaka's All You Need Is Kill, to the cult hit Honor Harrington series by David Weber, Joshua Dalzelle's Black Fleet Trilogy, Craig Alanson's Expeditionary Force, Iain M. Banks' Culture series, and Lois McMaster Bujold's beloved Vorkosigan Saga.  Plus, stick around until the very end of the episode for a massive surprise guest! We had the absolute honor of sitting down with a literal titan of the military science fiction world.  Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss our upcoming episode on Accelerando by Charles Stross. No spoilers anywhere in this episode.  Join the Hugonauts book club on discord Or you can watch our episodes on YouTube if you prefer video This episode is sponsored by Thanks For Meeting Me Here by Jill Bronfman All the books we recommend, plus timestamps:  00:00 Intro  00:44 Armor - John Steakley  02:57 The Parafaith War - L.E. Modesitt, Jr.  05:45 The Forever War - Joe Haldeman  09:24 Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card  10:03 Old Man's War - John Scalzi  11:32 The Expanse - James S.A. Corey  13:00 Starship Troopers - Robert A. Heinlein  16:50 Ancillary Justice - Ann Leckie  18:29 SPONSOR - Thanks for Meeting Me Here - Jill Bronfman  19:00 All You Need is Kill - Hiroshi Sakurazaka  20:33 The Black Fleet trilogy - Joshua Dalzelle  24:02 Use of Weapons - Iain M. Banks  26:50 Honor Harrington series - David Weber  30:18 Expeditionary Force - Craig Alanson  33:00 The Vorkosigan Saga - Lois McMaster Bujold  35:07 SURPRISE GUEST A MILITARY SCI-FI LEGEND

Register your feedback here. Always good to hear from you!These are the best books I've read in 2026 so far. See also my list of "most surprising" books." Lord willing, the lists for the entire year will be posted in December.(Honorable mention): Doubts About Darwin, by Thomas Woodward10. Mr. Roberts, by Thomas Heggin9. Under God, by Toby Mac and Michael Tait8. Conquerors, by Roger Crowley7. John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace, by Jonathan Aitken6. The Last Outlaws: The Lives and Legends of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, by Thom Hatch5. What We See When We Read, by Peter Mendelsund4. Passage to Byzantium: The Romanov-Habsburg Feud that Led to World War I3. The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey, by Candace Millard2. Wild Bill: The True Story of the American Frontier's First Gunfighter, by Tom Clavin1. Leonardo da Vinci, by Walter IsaacsonCheck out Hal on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@halhammons9705Hal Hammons serves as preacher and shepherd for the Lakewoods Drive church of Christ in Georgetown, Texas. He is the host of the Citizen of Heaven podcast. You are encouraged to seek him and the Lakewoods Drive church through Facebook and other social media. Lakewoods Drive is an autonomous group of Christians dedicated to praising God, teaching the gospel to all who will hear, training Christians in righteousness, and serving our God and one another faithfully. We believe the Bible is God's word, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that heaven is our home, and that we have work to do here while we wait. Regular topics of discussion and conversation include: Christians, Jesus, obedience, faith, grace, baptism, New Testament, Old Testament, authority, gospel, fellowship, justice, mercy, faithfulness, forgiveness, Twenty Pages a Week, Bible reading, heaven, hell, virtues, character, denominations, submission, service, character, COVID-19, assembly, Lord's Supper, online, social media, YouTube, Facebook.  

Let me know your thoughts on the show in the comments and please subscribe and share if any of this has been valuable to you!-Mentioned in episode:Books: 3. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir2. The Book that Made Your World by Vishal Mangalwadi1. Miraculous by Ken Ham Podcast Episodes:  3. The Deep End with KB 5/282. Carpe Fide ep.231 6/51. Live Free w/ Josh Howerton 6/29CHH Albums:3. Datin - New Ark2. Indie Tribe - Who do you say that I am1. Forrest Frank - Jesus is Alive vol.1———————--Support the podcast with our merch brand:TrueStrengthApparel.comCode “podcast” for 10% off -Search Rooted and Rising or ABC Primer by Aaron Simpkins on Amazon -Use code “TrueStrength” to get Qwench protein and more for 15% off at ScienceSupps.com   -TigerFitness affiliate linkTigerfitness.com/truestrengthlifepodcast-follow the show on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, IG, TikTok and more @truestrengthlifepodcastPLEASE RATE, COMMENT, SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! #fitness #health #wellness #healthandwellness #life #nutrition #lifting #diet #running #Christian #Jesus #bible #reaction #news #conversation #christianbooks 

Brea and Mallory name their favorite books of 2026…so far. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com! Reading Glasses Merch Recommendations Store The Reading Glasses Book! Links - Reading Glasses Facebook Group Reading Glasses Goodreads Group Wish List Newsletter Libro.fm To join our Discord channel, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership! Join us here!   Books Mentioned -  How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days by Jessie Sylva   A Midnight Pastry Shop by Hwawoldang by Lee Onhwa The Keeper by Tana French Molka by Monika Kim Our Sister's Keeper by Jasmine Holmes Westward Women by Alice Martin   Accumulation by Aimee Pokwatka   The Conspiracists: Women, Extremism, and the Lure of Belonging by Noelle Cook Spoiled Milk by Avery Curran The Devil Inside by Clay McLeod Chapman A Hymn to Life by Gisele Pelicot, translated by Ruth Diver and Natasha Lehrer Dead Weight by Hildur Knottsdottir, translated by Mary Robinette KowalIt Wasn't Meant to be Perfect by Gaelynn Lea Help support this show and unlock bonus content! Become a member at https://maximumfun.org/joinglasses

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie and Hunter discuss the best books of 2026 (so far)! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 588) or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Annie First five-star read: The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman Most surprising: Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead by Mai Nguyen Least favorite: Man Overboard! By Kathleen Rooney (July 7th, 2026) and Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune Next on your TBR: June Baby by Shannon Garvey Most anticipated fall release: The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw (September 29th, 2026), Fair Ones by Lydia Millett (October 6th, 2026) Annie's Top 10 1. Kin by Tayari Jones 2. Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin 3. Strangers by Belle Burden 4. The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman 5. The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout 6. Anywhere Else by Rachel Knox 7. Whistler by Ann Patchett 8. Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer 9. Good People by Patmeena Shaw 10. This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman Hunter's Top 10 1. Brawler by Lauren Groff 2. Whidbey by Kira Madden 3. Just Watch Me by Lior Torenberg 4. Departures by Julian Barnes 5. Kin by Tayari Jones 6. Gunk by Saba Sams 7. My Dear You by Rachel Khong 8. Murder Bimbo by Rebecca Novak 9. The Complex by Karan Mahajan 10. Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Shine On, Bright and Dangerous Object by Laurie Colwin. Hunter is reading Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.

Send Kevin a Text MessageBob Bookman, one of Hollywood's most respected literary agents, managers, and producers, joins host Kevin Goetz for a masterclass on the art of discovering stories that successfully make the leap from page to screen. Over a remarkable career, Bookman has represented authors and filmmakers including Michael Crichton, John Irving, Thomas Harris, Jonathan Demme, Cameron Crowe, and Tom Stoppard, helping bring to the screen films like Jurassic Park, The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, The Cider House Rules, A Beautiful Mind, and Jerry Maguire. In recent years he's brought that same eye for material to producing, including the Best Picture nominee A Complete Unknown.Running the Yale Law School Film Society (06:54): Bookman recalls building an underground film education out of 16mm prints borrowed from historian Bill Everson, bringing legends like Frank Capra, Fritz Lang, and Miloš Forman to campus for free screenings.Landing the Job, and Skipping the Mailroom (18:26): Bookman shares how a chance introduction from agent Jack Gilardi led to interviews with legends like Abe Lastfogel and David Begelman, before he landed at IFA and bypassed the mailroom.Becoming "The Book Guy" (23:24): Bookman describes how agency head Marvin Josephson handed him ICM's entire literary publications franchise,launching his decades-long reputation as Hollywood's go-to book agent.What Makes a Book Cinematic (27:09): Bookman breaks down why great novels rarely make great films, and what he actually looks for: three-act structure, character conflict, and a story that takes audiences somewhere new.The Secret to a Great Adaptation (29:15): Using John Irving's Oscar-winning adaptation of his own novel The Cider House Rules as the gold standard, Bookman explains why most authors shouldn't adapt their own books, and why Irving was the exception.The Best Adaptations, and a Hawks-Hemingway Bet (33:00): Bookman names The Silence of the Lambs and A Beautiful Mind among the best adaptations he's seen, then tells the story of how Howard Hawks turned Ernest Hemingway's self-described worst book into To Have and Have Not.Rapid-Fire on the Legends (37:43): Bookman gives quick, candid impressions of the writers and directors he's worked with — Michael Crichton, Jonathan Demme (including his own cameo in The Silence of the Lambs), Cameron Crowe, Tom Stoppard, and Paul Greengrass.Originality, AI, and What's Next (40:24): Bookman argues that algorithms can imitate stories but not replicate the human heart, and discusses his new venture producing low-budget original films.Host: Kevin GoetzGuest: Bob BookmanProducer: Kari CampanoWriters: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari CampanoAudio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment)For more information about Bob Bookman:IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1023283/Website: https://www.bobbookman.com/For more information about Kevin Goetz:- Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com- Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678- How to Score in Hollywood: https://www.amazon.com/How-Score-Hollywood-Secrets-Business/dp/198218986X/- Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack: @KevinGoetz360- LinkedIn @Kevin Goetz- Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com

Predicting the Future: AI, Geopolitics & Better Decision Making w/ Anthony Vinci of VICO - AZ TRT S07 EP10 (292) 6-28-2026       What We Learned This Week Think in Probabilities Great decision-makers don't predict one future. They prepare for multiple possible futures. Look for Leading Indicators Government budgets, regulations, elections, trade policy, and geopolitical developments often signal future trends before markets fully respond. AI Is Becoming a Strategic Advisor AI is increasingly functioning as a research assistant, intelligence analyst, and scenario-planning tool—not just a content generator. Everything Is Connected Politics, economics, technology, energy, and national security influence one another more than ever before. Understanding those relationships creates a competitive advantage. Focus on Second-Order Effects Many investors react to headlines. The bigger opportunities often lie in anticipating the ripple effects that follow.     AZ TRT Podcast Predictive Forecasting: AI, Geopolitics & Better Decision Making Guest: Anthony Vinci Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-vinci/ https://www.anthonyvinci.com/ https://www.vico.io/ Anthony Vinci is the Founder and CEO of VICO, an AI-powered forecasting company that helps governments, financial institutions, and corporations assess political, geopolitical, and economic event risk. Rather than predicting a single outcome, VICO converts news, expert analysis, and real-world signals into probability-based forecasts to improve decision-making. Before founding VICO, Anthony served as the first Chief Technology Officer of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), where he led the integration of artificial intelligence into U.S. intelligence operations. He also held senior leadership roles at Bridgewater Associates and Cerberus Capital Management, focusing on technology, national security, aerospace, and strategic investments. Anthony is the author of The Fourth Intelligence Revolution, recognized by the Financial Times as one of the Best Books of 2025. His work focuses on the intersection of AI, intelligence, geopolitics, and global finance. Theme Today's world moves faster than ever. Political events, wars, technological breakthroughs, trade policy, and artificial intelligence all create ripple effects throughout the economy and financial markets. The question isn't simply: "What will happen?" Instead, it's: "What are the most likely outcomes, and how should we prepare for them?" That is the foundation of predictive forecasting. Segment 1 The World Has Become an Event-Driven Economy One of the biggest themes discussed was how major events rarely stay isolated. Instead, they create ripple effects throughout politics, economics, and financial markets. Examples from 2026 include: The conflict involving Iran Concerns over the Strait of Hormuz disrupting global shipping Oil price volatility Inflation concerns AI adoption across industries Global trade tensions For example, if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted, the effects could extend far beyond oil: higher energy prices increased transportation costs higher inflation pressure on consumer spending lower corporate profits political consequences during the 2026 midterm elections One geopolitical event can trigger dozens of second- and third-order consequences. Narrative Economics Markets increasingly react to information almost instantly. News travels within seconds through: X (Twitter) social media financial news AI-generated analysis Sometimes markets move more from the narrative than from the underlying facts. The speed of information has increased volatility. AI as an Intelligence Analyst AI is evolving beyond a simple chatbot. Examples discussed: Claude drafting emails in seconds ChatGPT analyzing massive amounts of information AI summarizing research AI identifying patterns humans might overlook Rather than replacing executives, AI increasingly acts like an executive assistant or intelligence analyst that can evaluate possible outcomes and estimate probabilities. Segment 2 Forecasting Through Leading Indicators One of Anthony's core ideas is that forecasting begins with identifying early signals rather than reacting after events occur. Examples include: Government Spending Watching federal budgets provides clues about future economic priorities. For example: A proposal to increase defense spending from roughly $1 trillion toward $1.5 trillion could benefit industries such as: aerospace defense contractors cybersecurity satellite technology Markets often recognize these trends before the spending actually occurs. Elections Forecasting elections isn't just about polling. Leading indicators include: redistricting economic conditions inflation employment approval ratings legislative trends These become measurable inputs rather than opinions. Tariffs and Trade Tariffs and sanctions affect: supply chains inflation manufacturing exports corporate earnings Rather than relying solely on headlines, investors can monitor government announcements and policy developments as early indicators. VICO Anthony explained that VICO was created to help organizations answer questions like: "What happens if tariffs increase?" "What happens if a regional conflict expands?" "What happens if inflation persists?" Instead of producing opinions, the platform attempts to quantify probabilities so businesses can make better strategic decisions. Current users include: investment firms hedge funds insurance companies corporations government agencies The platform is also available through Bloomberg Terminal. Segment 3 Thinking Like an Intelligence Officer Anthony explained that investing and intelligence analysis are surprisingly similar. Neither profession knows the future with certainty. Instead, both attempt to improve decision-making through probabilities. Questions include: What's the upside? What's the downside? What scenarios exist? What is the probability of each? Instead of asking for certainty, professionals ask for better odds. AI as a Thought Partner Rather than replacing human judgment, AI becomes another analyst at the table. It helps: challenge assumptions compare scenarios estimate probabilities reduce emotional decision-making The objective isn't perfect predictions. It's consistently making better-informed decisions. Indicators and Warnings (I&W) Government intelligence agencies constantly monitor "Indicators and Warnings." Examples include: military activity cyber threats terrorism supply chain disruptions political instability The same thinking can apply to investors and business owners by identifying leading indicators before markets fully react. Rare Earth Minerals A fascinating discussion centered on rare earth materials. These minerals are essential for: semiconductors missiles satellites electric vehicles MRI and CT scanners advanced electronics Although called "rare," many are relatively abundant. The challenge is that mining and processing are concentrated in a handful of countries, particularly China. This explains why governments increasingly view domestic production as a national security issue. Segment 4 Second- and Third-Order Effects One of the strongest concepts discussed was cascading consequences. Instead of focusing only on one event, ask: "What happens next?" Example: Conflict with Iran↓ Shipping disruptions↓ Higher oil prices↓ Higher transportation costs↓ Inflation↓ Reduced consumer spending↓ Lower corporate earnings↓ Market volatility↓ Political consequences↓ Policy changes Understanding these chains of events helps improve forecasting. AI Regulation AI is both part of the opportunity and part of the risk. Potential future regulations may focus on: cybersecurity national security privacy export controls access to advanced AI models computing infrastructure One challenge will be balancing innovation with security while remaining globally competitive. Anthony noted that governments may have access to AI capabilities that are not immediately available to the private sector, highlighting the strategic importance of advanced AI systems.   Closing Thought One of the biggest lessons from this conversation is that forecasting isn't about predicting the future with certainty—it's about improving the quality of your decisions. The best investors, business leaders, and intelligence professionals don't rely on opinions alone. They gather data, monitor leading indicators, evaluate multiple scenarios, and assign probabilities to each possible outcome. In an increasingly interconnected world, those who think like forecasters rather than reactors will be better positioned to navigate uncertainty and identify opportunities before the crowd.         Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   'Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ 'Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/

Today on the show, I’m excited to share four of my favorite reads from 2025! 1. Arthur by Mikael Lindnord 2. Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen 3. Just Add Water by Katie Ledecky 4. Reagan by Max Boot Listen in and feel free to share this with a friend! Happy reading!

Today on the show, I’m excited to share four of my favorite reads from 2025! 1. Arthur by Mikael Lindnord 2. Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen 3. Just Add Water by Katie Ledecky 4. Reagan by Max Boot Listen in and feel free to share this with a friend! Happy reading!

In Episode 228, Sarah, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide), and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) take stock of the reading year so far, discussing the books, publishing trends, and industry chatter that have defined the first half of 2026. They dive into the biggest publishing stories of the year, the rise of "cozy everything," the continued influence of self-publishing and book-to-screen success stories, and whether it's possible to tap a Book of the Year before the second half of the publishing calendar arrives. Then, they share their Top 5 Books of 2026 So Far and a few disappointing reads that didn't quite live up to expectations. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights How our 2026 reading has been so far How 2026 compares to this point in 2025  Each person's current Book of the Year pick Whether it's too early to crown a Book of the Year Midyear reading stats and surprise wins Each of our Top 5 books of 2026 so far Their biggest disappointments of the year so far Top 5 Books of 2026 So Far Sarah No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (Mar 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:42] A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36]  Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:44]  London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (Apr 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:55] The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:55] Catherine The Poet Empress by Shen Tao (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:11] A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36]  Land by Maggie O'Farrell (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:55] Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (Mar 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:42] Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:09] Chrissie A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36]  Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:44]  The Infamous Gilberts by Angela Tomaski (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:44] Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman-Tell (Mar 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:10]  Seek the Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire, 1) by Veronica Roth (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:55] Other Books Mentioned The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [41:31]  Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2020) [42:14]  The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [53:03]  Dune (Dune, 1) by Frank Herbert (1965) [59:38]  Some Disappointing Books So Far Sarah Kin by Tayari Jones (Feb 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:33]  Go Gentle by Maria Semple (Apr 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:00:55] Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola (Apr 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:35] Catherine The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:03] The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:31] Chrissie Artifacts by Natalie Lemle (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:03:39] Hell's Heart by Alexis Hall (Mar 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:04:13] Fatherland by Victoria Shorr (Mar 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:04:54] Other Books Mentioned Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple (2012) [1:01:01]  Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville (1851) [1:04:19]  Books From the Opening Discussion Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, 3) by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [2:39]  Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [3:18]  Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl, 1) by Matt Dinniman (2024)* [3:22]  Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Apr 7) [4:34]  Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (2025)* [4:41]  The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [5:03]  The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (2024) [5:57]  Game Changer (Game Changers: Heated Rivalry, 1) by Rachel Reid (2024) [6:09]  KPop Demon Hunters (Junior Novelization) by Jessica Yoon (Mar 31) [6:13]  KPop Demon Hunters (Screen Comic Boxed Set) by Netflix (Nov 3, 2026) [6:13]  The Martian by Andy Weir (2014)* [6:48]  The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) [11:17]  Trad Wife by Michelle Brandon (Aug 4, 2026) [16:57]  Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer (Feb 10) [16:59]  Too Blessed to Stress by Alli Hoff Kosik (Mar 3) [17:02]  The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (Apr 7) [17:29] Good People by Patmeena Sabit (Feb 3) [17:35]  So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder (Feb 17) [17:40]  No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (Mar 10) [18:00]  Upward Bound by Woody Brown (Mar 31) [18:33] This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman (Feb 10) [18:35]   The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman (Feb 24) [18:38]  Brawler by Lauren Groff (Feb 24) [18:43]  My Dear You by Rachel Khong (Apr 7) [18:46]  All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (Mar 10) [19:16] The Shippers by Katherine Center (May 19) [19:18]   American Fantasy by Emma Straub (Apr 7) [19:32]  Man Overboard by Kathleen Rooney (Jul 7, 2026) [19:37]  Swept Away by Beth O'Leary (2025) [19:47]  The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (Vol. 1) by Beth Brower (2019) [22:45]  *Publication year reflects the later traditionally published edition. These titles were originally self-published. Additional Links The New Yorker | Glowworms by Ann Patchett  (Sep 29, 2025)

Jeff and Rebecca do a mid-year check-in about their favorite books of 2026 so far. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Join The Book Riot Podcast Patreon for bonus content and ad-free listening. Subscribe to The Book Riot Newsletter for regular updates to get the most out of your reading life. The Book Riot Podcast is a proud member of the Airwave Podcast Network. This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks to our sponsor, Quince! Go to Quince.com/bookriot for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at meritbeauty.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Middle Ages aren't just the Dark Ages! It's one of the richest literary eras in Western history. This week's Classical Et Cetera finds Jessica, Tanya, Paul, and Dr. Dan Scheffler building a reading list for the medieval world. From Beowulf and the Arthurian legends to Dante's Divine Comedy, Boethius, and Thomas Aquinas, there's so much to read here. Whether you're new to medieval literature or filling in the gaps, this conversation will show you what to read, where to start, and why these books still matter. Best Books of the Middle Ages (476–1450 AD) Literature picks: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Beowulf  Le Morte d'Arthur Canterbury Tales The Song of Roland Troubadour/lyric poetry of the Middle Ages The Decameron Philosophy & Theology picks: Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica Anselm Bede The Divine Comedy C.S. Lewis, The Discarded Image

Resilience has become a buzzword in today's culture, thrown around by influencers, coaches, and even bootcamp instructors, all insisting we need to “push through” no matter the cost. But is resilience always the healthiest path forward? Does mental toughness, positivity, and grit serve us in the ways we think—or is there more nuance to uncover? In this episode, Nicole connects with Soraya Chemaly, activist and author of The Resilience Myth: New Thinking on Grit, Strength, and Growth after Trauma. Together, they challenge conventional ideas about resilience and explore a new way of thinking—one that shifts from individual grit to collective care and community connection. Soraya's previous book, Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger, was widely acclaimed and named one of the Best Books of 2018 by the Washington Post, NPR, and Psychology Today. This conversation offers insight into what really matters: kindness, compassion, belonging, and care—for ourselves and each other. It's time to rethink resilience as more than just strength in isolation and embrace what it looks like to thrive, together. Thank you to our sponsors! Become a Fora Advisor today at Foratravel.com/WOMAN - and make sure to tell them we sent you! Elevate your summer wardrobe: Go to Quince.com/tiww for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! Families are better when they're working together… go to myskylight.com/WOMANSWORK for $30 off your Skylight Calendar. Start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at Greenlight.com/TIWW. Don't wait to teach your kids real-world money skills! Connect With Our Guest: Soraya Chemaly Website: https://www.sorayachemaly.com/  Book: https://www.sorayachemaly.com/books  Simon & Schuster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/  Related Podcast Episodes: How to Ask for Help with Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer Stress Less and Fear(Less) with Rebecca Heiss Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

We often talk about the importance of saving for retirement, but new research shows that even those who have spent decades saving freeze up when it comes time to actually spend that money (at 15:05) --- Community and Business Spotlight: How the United Way of Hancock County is helping food and nutrition program benefits stretch even further during the critical summer months (at 21:41) --- Looking for a good page-turner to add to your summer reading list? Check out the titles on Amazon's list of the Best Books of 2026... so far (at 41:47)

Join us as Ocean House owner and award-winning author Deborah Goodrich Royce has a conversation with New York Times Bestselling author Katherine Center about her new book, The Shippers. Author Bio: BookPage calls Katherine Center “the reigning queen of comfort reads.” She's the New York Times bestselling author of over half a dozen books, including How to Walk Away, Things You Save in a Fire, and What You Wish For. Katherine writes laugh-and-cry books about how life knocks us down—and how we get back up. She's been compared to both Jane Austen and Nora Ephron, and the Dallas Morning News calls her stories, “satisfying in the most soul-nourishing way.” Her books have made countless Best-Of lists, including RealSimple's Best Books of 2020, Amazon's Top 100 Books of 2019, Goodreads' Best Books of the Year, and many more. Bestselling author Emily Henry calls her summer 2022 book, The Bodyguard, “a shot of pure joy.” The movie adaptation of Katherine's novel The Lost Husband (starring Josh Duhamel) hit #1 on Netflix, and her novel Happiness for Beginners is now a Netflix original starring Ellie Kemper. Katherine lives in her hometown of Houston, Texas, with her husband, two kids, and their fluffy-but-fierce dog. Book Summary: She wants him to help her woo someone else. Genius. Foolproof. Can't go wrong. After a lifetime of being bad at love, JoJo Burton vows to solve her intimacy issues once and for all at her sister's destination wedding on a cruise ship. Armed with pop psychology, she diagnoses herself with a fixation on the neighborhood guy who was her first crush and first kiss (and who just happens to be a newly-divorced wedding guest). Determined to woo him for closure, she ropes in her childhood bestie, Cooper Watts, as her wingman. Cooper: who RSVPed no, but showed up anyway. Cooper: who moved to London without a word four years ago. Cooper: who broke her heart. Shipboard antics abound in this witty, heart-tugging, childhood-friends-to-lovers romance, as JoJo and Cooper team up, fake flirt, slow dance, share a cabin, sing duets, get jealous, answer long-held questions, and finally, at last, discover truths about each other that will change everything.   For more information about Katherine Center, visit katherinecenter.com, and for more on Deborah Goodrich Royce and her new release, Best Boy, along with information about the Ocean House Author Series, visit deborahgoodrichroyce.com  

In 2024, The New York Times Book Review gathered more than 500 novelists, nonfiction writers, poets and literary enthusiasts to help pick the best books of the 21st century so far. One of those books was Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Road,” which came in at No. 13. That book tells the story of a man and his young son trying to survive in a postapocalyptic United States. Like other books by McCarthy, it combines ornate prose with moments of unforgettable violence. It is also a moving story of love and parenthood under the most extreme circumstances. One of the people who voted on our best books list was Ryan Holiday, author of more than a dozen nonfiction books, host of the “Daily Stoic” podcast and owner of the Painted Porch Bookshop in Bastrop, Texas. We recently invited him on the “Book Review” podcast to talk about “The Road,” and how its meaning changed for him after he became a father. Books Discussed on This Episode: “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy “No Country for Old Men” by Cormac McCarthy “All the Pretty Horses” by Cormac McCarthy “Blood Meridian” by Cormac McCarthy “The Odyssey” by Homer “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald “The Children of Men” by P. D. James “The Plague” by Albert Camus “Revolutionary Road” by Richard Yates “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius “Of Boys and Men” by Richard Reeves “Outdoor Kids in an Inside World” by Steven Rinella “Letter to His Father” by Franz Kafka “Range” by David Epstein “Good Inside” by Becky Kennedy “Wild Dark Shore” by Charlotte McConaghy “Death Be Not Proud” by John Gunther “The Revenant” by Michael Punke Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to Season 5 of Storytime for Grownups! This season we are reading David Copperfield by Charles Dickens a few chapters at a time, with a few notes along the way. It's like an audio book with built in notes. So brew a pot of tea, find a cozy chair, and settle in. It's storytime!To listen to the discussion of chapter 44 on Wisdom in the Best Books and Films mentioned in this episode, click hereTo submit a question or comment about this episode, click hereTo visit the merch store, click hereTo become a Storytime for Grownups member and gain access to our online community and monthly voice chats, click hereTo visit the Storytime for Grownups webpage, click hereTo learn more about your host, Faith Moore, click hereTo pick up a copy of Faith's novel, Christmas Karol, click hereTo join Faith's mailing list, click hereFollow Faith on X hereTo support the show financially, click hereNext time we'll be reading: Chapter 46Support the show

Steven Rowley is the New York Times bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus, a Washington Post Notable Book of 2016, The Editor, named by NPR as one of the Best Books of 2019, The Guncle, a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for 2021 Novel of the Year and winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor, The Celebrants, a TODAY Show Read With Jenna Book Club pick, and the instant USA Today Bestsellers The Guncle Abroad and The Dogs of Venice. His fiction has been published in twenty languages. Originally from Portland, Maine, he is a graduate of Emerson College and currently resides in Palm Springs with his husband, the writer Byron Lane, and three rescue dogs. His new novel is Take Me With You, and is the focus of our talk today. Steven joins Barbara DeMarco-Barrett to talk about the moment he knew he had to write this book, how he outlines, side characters, the crossover from screenwriting, why he chose Joshua Tree, California, as the desert setting, endings, AI, and much more. For more information on Writers on Writing and to become a supporter, visit our Patreon page. For a one-time donation, visit Ko-fi. You can help out the show and indie bookstores by buying books at our bookstore on bookshop.org. It's stocked with titles by our guest authors, as well as our personal favorites. And on Spotify, you'll find an album's worth of typewriter music like what you hear on the show. It's perfect for writing. Look for the artist, Just My Type. You can find hundreds of past interviews on our website. (Recorded May 15, 2026) Host: Barbara DeMarco-Barrett Host: Marrie Stone Music: Travis Barrett (Stream his music on Spotify, Apple Music, Etc.)      

Jeff and Rebecca talk about some new best books of the year so far lists, adaptation news, recent reading, and more before talking with the new President of the American Library Association, Dr. Maria McCauley. Follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Join The Book Riot Podcast Patreon for bonus content and ad-free listening. Subscribe to The Book Riot Newsletter for regular updates to get the most out of your reading life. Discussed in this episode: Barnes & Noble's best books of the year so far Amazon's picks for best book of the year so far from the last 10 years Goodreads users' hit new books of the year so far Open Road to publish Choose Your Own Adventure ebooks New Franzen short story is an excerpt from his novel in progress Anna Kendrick to direct Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo adaptation for Netflix Netflix announces new book-to-screen hub God of the Woods casting news This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at meritbeauty.com. Thanks to our sponsor, Quince! Go to Quince.com/bookriot for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer is here and it's a great time to share a book with a child or find some books that will light up the imaginations of the kids you love. Host Charity Nebbe is joined by expert readers to talk about the best new titles in children's and young adult literature, from 'Little Women' reimagined as a mystery thriller to a fish-boy undercover at an elementary school.