Podcasts about dolen perkins valdez

Season 6 finale, Baddies! We wrap up Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez with reflections on legacy, growth, and the power of knowing where you come from. From conversations about Black womanhood and community to navigating change, purpose, and the end-of-year reset—we're closing this chapter with gratitude! Plus, we share what's ahead for 2026, how to stay connected through our Substack, Bookum club, and socials, and why this season means so much to us. Gatekeeper Press- https://gatekeeperpress.com/online-consultation/ Boom Town- https://bookshop.org/p/books/boom-town-nic-stone/1f424fb1fb494094?ean=9781668056271&next=t Kayla Nicole Tik Tok- https://www.tiktok.com/@iamkaylanicolesweetie/video/7567447791098694943?lang=en We can't wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to shewellread@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬ Follow SHE WELL READ! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewellread/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeDCLdTX/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shewellread Substack- https://substack.com/@shewellread Bookum- https://app.bookumapp.com/clubs/668ad565858c97a7faafafb1 Bookshop Storefront- https://bookshop.org/shop/shewellread More links including discount codes: https://bio.site/shewellread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Well Read Baddies! We're back with chapters 41–44 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and the emotional stakes are higher than ever. This week, we follow generations fighting for legacy, land, and love, as long-held secrets finally lead to moments of truth and restoration. We're also chatting about friendship, indie book recs, and all the pop culture chaos that kept us laughing through it all. Tap in for one of our last deep dives of the season — and don't forget to leave us a voice note for the finale! oin our virtual book club on the Bookum app, browse our Bookshop.org list, and listen on Libro.fm. Leave us a voice note with your thoughts, and if you'd like to support the show directly, our $5 Substack tier keeps this indie pod running. Links below! Next chapters: Epilogue and Authors Note Gatekeeper Press- https://gatekeeperpress.com/online-consultation/ The Last Man on Earth- https://amzn.to/3JikJdU We can't wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to shewellread@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬ Follow SHE WELL READ! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewellread/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeDCLdTX/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shewellread Substack- https://substack.com/@shewellread Bookum- https://app.bookumapp.com/clubs/668ad565858c97a7faafafb1 Bookshop Storefront- https://bookshop.org/shop/shewellread More links including discount codes: https://bio.site/shewellread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Well Read Baddies! We're back with chapters 37–40 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and the tension is building. In this episode, family loyalties are tested, the past comes knocking, and tough choices put legacy and belief to the ultimate test. We explore how history, rest, and resilience shape the women at the heart of this story — and what it really means to fight for what's yours. Next chapters: 41-44 Gatekeeper Press- https://gatekeeperpress.com/online-consultation/ We can't wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to shewellread@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬ Follow SHE WELL READ! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewellread/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeDCLdTX/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shewellread Substack- https://substack.com/@shewellread Bookum- https://app.bookumapp.com/clubs/668ad565858c97a7faafafb1 Bookshop Storefront- https://bookshop.org/shop/shewellread More links including discount codes: https://bio.site/shewellread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Well Read Baddies! We're back with chapters 33–36 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and trust us, the stakes are sky-high. In this episode, four generations land under one roof, “land vs. family” collisions take center stage, and Wade's rushed trial delivers a gut-punch verdict that threatens the Kingdom itself. We break down the courtroom power plays, the consequences of that fateful deed, and how generational guilt ripples through Nikki's present. Plus, in our coffee break, we share our latest reads — Lana dives into Make a Scene by Mimi Grace, while Sam revisits Deja Brew by Celestine Martin. We also chat about our realistic fall TBR goals and what's coming next in our Substack roundup. Content warning: racial violence, wrongful conviction, family conflict. Reading along or just here for the convo, grab your copy of Happy Land and tune in — things are getting real in the Kingdom. P.S. Join our virtual book club on the Bookum app, browse our Bookshop.org list, and listen on Libro.fm. Leave us a voice note with your thoughts, and if you'd like to support the show directly, our $5 Substack tier keeps this indie pod running. Links below! We can't wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to shewellread@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬ Follow SHE WELL READ! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewellread/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeDCLdTX/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shewellread Substack- https://substack.com/@shewellread Bookum- https://app.bookumapp.com/clubs/668ad565858c97a7faafafb1 Bookshop Storefront- https://bookshop.org/shop/shewellread More links including discount codes: https://bio.site/shewellread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Well Read Baddies! We're back with chapters 29–32 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez — and trust us, the drama is drama-ing. In this episode, we talk family reunions, tough choices, and one wild cliffhanger you won't see coming. We also share what we're watching, and drop some book and show recs you'll want to add to your list. Whether you're reading along or just here for the conversation, grab your copy of Happy Land and tune in — things are heating up in the kingdom. Next chapters: 33-36 We can't wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to shewellread@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬ Follow SHE WELL READ! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewellread/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeDCLdTX/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shewellread Substack- https://substack.com/@shewellread Bookum- https://app.bookumapp.com/clubs/668ad565858c97a7faafafb1 Bookshop Storefront- https://bookshop.org/shop/shewellread More links including discount codes: https://bio.site/shewellread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Well Read Baddies! We're back with chapters 25–28 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. In this episode, we dive into the return of William, Luella's impossible choices, and the emotional fallout that leaves everyone questioning love, loyalty, and legacy. From shocking reunions to heartbreaking losses, this section takes us on a wild ride—and we have thoughts! Whether you're reading along or just here for the drama, grab your copy of Happy Land and tune in as things go way left. Next chapters: 29-32 Vitamin Drops- https://www.amazon.com/Trace-Minerals-Servings-Absorption-Vegetarian/dp/B09NMMXTX7 We can't wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to shewellread@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬ Follow SHE WELL READ! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewellread/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeDCLdTX/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shewellread Substack- https://substack.com/@shewellread Bookum- https://app.bookumapp.com/clubs/668ad565858c97a7faafafb1 Bookshop Storefront- https://bookshop.org/shop/shewellread More links including discount codes: https://bio.site/shewellread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final installment of my interview with Dolan Perkins Valdez, the New York Times bestselling author of “Wench,” “Bomb,” “Take My Hand,” and most recently, Happyland, we get a peek at where her personal throughline is leading her next and hear her answers to my fast final five questions about what she's currently reading, listening to, and dreaming of eating.We covered:The visual artists who are currently inspiring her, some living, some deadHer favorite historical fiction authorsThe AMAZING sounding historical fiction writers conference that cemented her path as a historical fiction authorHow she's re-thinking how she spends her time now that her older daughter is going off to collegeThe romance novel she stayed up too late reading and the Netflix series about high school girls she watched with her daughterThe music she listens to when her energy flagsConnect with Dolen on Instagram @dolenperkinsvaldezFor full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com.Thank you for listening!And thanks to this week's sponsor, Air Doctor Pro. Visit airdoctorpro.com and use code KATE to save 30% off an amazing indoor air filter *and* receive a free three-year warranty (an $84 value). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dolan Perkins Valdez, multiple award-winning author of “Wench,” “Bomb,” and “Take My Hand.” Her newest book, “Happyland,” is inspired by the true story of a secret community of formerly enslaved people in Appalachia.In this episode, we get into the nitty gritty of the ideas, thought processes, and beliefs that fuel her work, including:The part of writing a novel that can make her feel like “the book is taking years off my life”The surprising number of drafts it takes to get to a publishable manuscriptHow to elicit feedback that is actually helpful from early readersIdentifying your “good readers”The research habit that can bite her in the buttThe part of the writing process where her writerly demons tend to pop up the mostBuilding your day around when your brain is at its bestWhy she writes every book as if it's her lastWhy she views all writing as politicalWriting what's in your heart, not what you think will sellThe question she asks herself when she's writing things that scare herConnect with Dolen on Instagram @dolenperkinsvaldezFor full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com.Thank you for listening!And thanks to this week's sponsor, Air Doctor Pro. Visit airdoctorpro.com and use code KATE to save 30% off an amazing indoor air filter *and* receive a free three-year warranty (an $84 value). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Well Read Baddies! We're back with chapters 21–24 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. In this episode, we unpack Nikki's discoveries about heirs' property law, the heartbreaking history of Black land loss, and her tense confrontation with one of the Thomas brothers. Whether you're reading along or just here for the conversation, grab your copy of Happy Land and tune in as we cross the halfway point of the book! Next chapters: 25-28 00:00 Intro 02:02 Church Announcements 02:47 Coffee Break 14:27 Get into the Chapter We can't wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to shewellread@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬ Follow SHE WELL READ! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewellread/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeDCLdTX/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shewellread Substack- https://substack.com/@shewellread Bookum- https://app.bookumapp.com/clubs/668ad565858c97a7faafafb1 Bookshop Storefront- https://bookshop.org/shop/shewellread More links including discount codes: https://bio.site/shewellread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest this week is Dolan Perkins-Valdez, the New York Times bestselling author of the novels “Wench,” “Bomb,” “Take My Hand,” and most recently, “Happyland.” Her books are all inspired by fascinating facets of American history that are in danger of being forgotten. They have earned awards from the NAACP, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and the American Bar Association. And they've been named best books of the year by Goodreads users and Amazon editors. Dolan is a three-time nominee for a United States Artists Fellowship and an associate professor in the literature department at American University.We covered:Why she goes to the special archives in the library in any town she visitsWhy emails from readers are the best giftHow she recovers from book tourWhat teaching offers her (beyond benefits and a 401K)Her specific writing processThe handicraft that makes her “most at peace”Her pre-writing morning routineHow she measures her writing process (hint: it's not word count)Connect with Dolen on Instagram @dolenperkinsvaldezFor full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com.Thank you for listening!And thanks to this week's sponsor, Aqua Tru. Visit aquatru.com and use code KATE to save 20% off a great countertop reverse osmosis water filter that I have been using and loving for years now. Comes with a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Well Read Baddies! In this episode we're diving into chapters 17–20 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Nikki uncovers the truth about her family's land, we learn more about heirs' property, and tensions rise as the Kingdom of Happy Land faces new threats. We also recap Birmingham's “Behind the Ink” event with Kennedy Ryan and share a few of our latest reads. Whether you're reading along or just tuning in for the tea, join the convo on the Bookum app (don't miss the Happy Land Nook on October 2nd!) and drop us a spoiler-free voice note—link to do so below! 00:00 Intro 01:10 Church Announcements 03:07 Coffee Break 13:15 Get Into the Chapters Next episode: chapters 21–24 We can't wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to shewellread@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬ Follow SHE WELL READ! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewellread/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeDCLdTX/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shewellread Substack- https://substack.com/@shewellread Bookum- https://app.bookumapp.com/clubs/668ad565858c97a7faafafb1 Bookshop Storefront- https://bookshop.org/shop/shewellread More links including discount codes: https://bio.site/shewellread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Well Read Baddies! We're back with Episode 4 of Season 6, diving into chapters 13–16 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. This week, Luella steps into leadership, Robert rises as king (and maybe something more…), and Nikki follows fresh clues with Miss Maddie Mae that bring family history into focus. Grab your copy of Happy Land and join our virtual book club on Bookum! 00:00 Intro 00:57 Church Announcements 02:36 Coffee Break 23:17 Get Into the Chapters Next episode: chapters 17–20. We can't wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to shewellread@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬ Follow SHE WELL READ! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewellread/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeDCLdTX/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shewellread Substack- https://substack.com/@shewellread Bookum- https://app.bookumapp.com/clubs/668ad565858c97a7faafafb1 Bookshop Storefront- https://bookshop.org/shop/shewellread More links including discount codes: https://bio.site/shewellread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Well Read Baddies, we're back with Episode 3 of Season 6! This week we're diving into chapters 9–12 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Whether you're reading along or just tuning in for the tea, welcome in! Grab your copy of Happy Land, join our discussion on the Bookum app, and share your spoiler-free thoughts with us! 00:00 Intro 00:46 Church Announcements 02:50 Coffee Break 25:01 Get Into the Chapters Next episode: chapters 13–16. Mentions in episode: Jennette's New Book- https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/735278/half-his-age-by-jennette-mccurdy/ Wicked at The BJCC- https://www.bjcc.org/upcoming-events/wicked/ We can't wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to shewellread@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬ Follow SHE WELL READ! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewellread/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeDCLdTX/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shewellread Substack- https://substack.com/@shewellread Bookum- https://app.bookumapp.com/clubs/668ad565858c97a7faafafb1 Bookshop Storefront- https://bookshop.org/shop/shewellread More links including discount codes: https://bio.site/shewellread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey Well Read Baddies, we're back with Episode 2 of Season 6! This week we're diving into chapters 5–8 of Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, exploring family rifts, community secrets, and the rise of the Kingdom of Happy Land. Whether you're reading along or just tuning in for the tea, welcome in! Grab your copy of Happy Land, join our discussion on the Book'em app, and share your spoiler-free thoughts with us! 01:13 Church Announcements 02:34 Coffee Break 15:19 Get Into the Chapters Next episode: chapters 9–12. We can't wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to shewellread@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬ Follow SHE WELL READ! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewellread/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeDCLdTX/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shewellread Substack- https://substack.com/@shewellread Bookum- https://app.bookumapp.com/clubs/668ad565858c97a7faafafb1 Bookshop Storefront- https://bookshop.org/shop/shewellread More links including discount codes: https://bio.site/shewellread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well Read Baddies, we're back! Season 6 is officially here, and we're starting strong with our seasonal book pick—Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. In this premiere episode, Lana and Sam break down chapters 1–4, unpacking family secrets, generational patterns, and the roots of the Kingdom of Happy Land. Whether you're a returning listener or brand new to the club, welcome in! Grab your copy of Happy Land , join our discussion on the Bookum app, and leave us a voice note with your thoughts—just no spoilers please! 00:00 Welcome to Season Six! 01:51 Church Announcements 05:37 Coffee Break 23:33 Get Into the Chapters Next episode: chapters 5–8. We can't wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to shewellread@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬ Follow SHE WELL READ! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewellread/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeDCLdTX/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shewellread Substack- https://substack.com/@shewellread Bookum- https://app.bookumapp.com/clubs/668ad565858c97a7faafafb1 Bookshop Storefront- https://bookshop.org/shop/shewellread More links including discount codes: https://bio.site/shewellread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey well read baddies! It's the last bonus episode before we kick off rewind episodes—and we've got updates galore. We're revealing our Season 6 book pick (Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez—our first historical fiction!), and announcing a special virtual book club collab with Chid from the But What Do I Know? podcast featuring author Danielle Allen. In Coffee Break, we're talking Cowboy Carter tour chaos, Love Island drama, and why some of y'all need to let us have fun. Plus: audiobook recs, upcoming Substack drops, and a reminder to leave us a voice note. New season starts August 28—tap in! Register for our virtual event with the BWDIK Podcast and Author Danielle Allen: https://forms.gle/kgCZzezHCRvLodes9 Partnership Deck- https://www.canva.com/design/DAEYH_BO5sw/RyRc3-E_Wh8Yfsj45LotoA/edit?utm_content=DAEYH_BO5sw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton We can't wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to shewellread@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬ Follow SHE WELL READ! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewellread/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeDCLdTX/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shewellread Substack- https://substack.com/@shewellread Bookum- https://app.bookumapp.com/clubs/668ad565858c97a7faafafb1 Bookshop Storefront- https://bookshop.org/shop/shewellread More links including discount codes: https://bio.site/shewellread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dolen Perkins-Valdez joins the Exchange to discuss her new book, "Happy Land".

Host Jo Reed and AudioFile's Kendra Winchester dive into dazzling performances by Bahni Turpin and Ashley J. Hobbs in this historical fiction audiobook. When Nikki drives into the mountains of North Carolina to visit her grandmother for the first time, she doesn't know what to expect. Soon, she's learning all about her ancestor, Luella, who was queen of a small kingdom in Happy Land. Together, Hobbs and Turpin pair perfectly, bringing vibrant energy to their performances. Read our review of the audiobook at our website Published by Penguin Audio. Discover thousands of audiobook reviews and more at AudioFile's website.  Support for Behind the Mic comes from Hachette Audio and NIGHT WATCHER, by Daphne Woolsoncroft (of the Going West podcast), who read an audio-exclusive author's note before the stunning dual-narration by Will Collyer and Helen Laser. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dolen Perkins-Valdez shares the riveting history behind her new book, Happy Land, the research surprises she uncovered, and how urgency drives her storytelling.In today's Book Gang episode, New York Times bestselling author Dolen Perkins-Valdez joins me to discuss Happy Land, a transporting novel inspired by the true story of a lost kingdom built by freed people in the hills of North Carolina. This dual-timeline story explores land, lineage, and the courage it takes to reclaim what is yours. Dolen's excavation process informs this sweeping novel—even uncovering a few historical inaccuracies along the way. The result is a stunning celebration of Black heritage and a poignant reclamation of overlooked American history that has captivated her readers.In this moving conversation, Dolen and I discuss:Why Dolen feels an urgency behind each book she writes—and how it drives her to shape her manuscriptsThe immersive research that brought the Kingdom community to life, including conversations with local historians and surprising archival discoveries.How the concept of royalty and reclamation shaped the story—and why the roles of Black women in these communities are long overdue for deeper recognition.BONUS BOOK LIST: This week, I'm sharing a companion list of 27 Historical Fiction Book Club Books to Check Out Now, featuring new releases and timeless backlist picks that will spark incredible conversations within your book club.Meet Dolen Perkins-ValdezDolen Perkins-Valdez is the New York Times bestselling author of Wench, Balm, Take My Hand, and her newest novel, Happy Land. Her work has earned honors from the NAACP, the American Bar Association, and the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, and she's been recognized as one of the most vital voices chronicling American historical life.In addition to her writing, Dolen is an associate professor of literature at American University. She has introduced modern editions of Twelve Years a Slave and Behind the Scenes, bringing an unflinching dedication to uncovering hidden histories and amplifying overlooked Black stories. She lives in Washington, DC, with her family. Mentioned in this episode:Browse the 2025 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide (with ads) or download the 48-page reading guide ($7) to support our show. If you are a show patron, please check your inbox for your copy as part of your member benefits. Thank you for supporting my small business!   Download Today's Show TranscriptJoin the June Book Club Chat (The Reckless Oath We Made)BONUS BOOK LIST: 27 Historical Fiction Book Club Books For Your Next MeetingHappy Land by Dolen Perkins-ValdezTake My Hand by Dolen Perkins-ValdezTake My Hand Book Club Discussion on PatreonOcean VuongBlack History Research CommitteeSadie Smathers PattonThe Black Utopians by Aaron RobertsonBlue Ridge Archive Web ExhibitTranscendent Kingdom by Yaa GyasiGood Dirt by Charmaine WilkersonThe Queen of Sugar Hill by Rashonda TateBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Dolen on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation) 

Writer's Voice: compelling conversations with authors who challenge, inspire, and inform. Episode Summary In this episode of Writer's Voice, we speak with two authors who excavate buried truths and challenge dominant cultural narratives. Dolen Perkins-Valdez discusses her historical novel Happy Land, inspired by a real African American community founded after the Civil War in North … Continue reading Kingdoms Lost & Myths Undone: Dolen Perkins-Valdez on HAPPY LAND and Nancy Reddy on THE GOOD MOTHER MYTH →

This week on Black & Published, Nikesha speaks with Dolen Perkins-Valdez, about her new historical fiction novel, Happy Land. The books is based on the true story of how a group of Black people founded their own Kingdom on more than 200 acres of mountain land that straddled North and South Carolina. In writing Happy Land, Dolen is correcting the historical record about the origins of the Happy Land settlers that has stood as the final word 75 years. How she learned about this intentional Black settlement and the research she says is still required. Plus, the reason Dolen believes land ownership represents the possibility of Black imagination. And, how the kingdom of the happy land may provide a Blueprint for Black people today living in this time of crisis. Mahogany Books Mentioned in this episode:Rate & ReviewThanks for listening, family! Please do us a solid and take a quick moment to rate and/or leave a review for this podcast. It will go a long way to making sure content featuring our stories and perspectives are seen on this platform

The Names by Florence Knapp is a stunning story about the power of family, legacy, language and lineage. Florence joins us to talk about writing in alternate timelines, the power of a name, fate vs choice, parenting and more with guest host Brenda Allison. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Brenda Allison and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The Names by Florence Knapp This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

  We are delighted to welcome Dr. Dolen Perkins Valdez back to the program today. Dolen is an associate professor of English literature at American University, but our listeners better know her as an award-winning, critically-acclaimed novelist. Her previous works are Wench, Balm, and Take My Hand. Today we'll be discussing her latest release, Happy Land, which is published by Berkley. 

When Nikki travels to visit her grandmother in western North Carolina, she expects answers about her family's history. But instead, she uncovers her connection to the Kingdom of the Happy Land, a community of formerly enslaved people. Dolen Perkins-Valdez's new novel Happy Land follows Nikki as she delves deeper into family secrets. The author says she was inspired by the true story of an autonomous Black community that once lived in the mountains of Appalachia. In today's episode, Perkins-Valdez joins NPR's Michel Martin for a conversation about how the author first heard of this little-known chapter in North Carolina history.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Do you know the true story of the Kingdom of the Happy Land? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Dolen Perkins-Valdez on her new book Happy Land.  Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate! Dolen Perkins-Valdez is the New York Times bestselling author of Take My Hand. Dolen is an Associate Professor of Literature at American University, a graduate of Harvard, and a former University of California President's Postdoctoral Fellow at UCLA. https://dolenperkinsvaldez.com  For more show information visit: www.MariannePestana.com

Cynthia Morahan reviews Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez published by Hachette

April is almost here, bringing a treasure trove of new releases. This week Sara, Natalia, Meka, Shannon, Stacy, Kristin, Georgina, and Shan are here to share the books they're most looking forward to reading. Titles mentioned include:Emily Henry, Great Big Beautiful LifeAllison Raskin, Save the DateZoe Hana Mikuta, The Coven TendencySaumya Dave, The Guilt PillElise Hooper, The Library of Lost DollhousesJ. Penner, A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic (Adenashire #1)Juliette Cross, Firebird (The Fire That Binds #1)Victoria Lavine, Any Trope But YouAbby Jimenez, Say You'll Remember MeAisha Saeed, The MatchmakerPatrice Caldwell, Where Shadows Meet (Where Shadows Meet #1)Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Happy LandKaylie Smith, Enchantra (Wicked Games #2)Kat Singleton, In Good Company (Pembroke Hills #1)Viola Shipman, The Page TurnerOlivie Blake, Gifted & TalentedE.M. Lindsey, Royal CrushLiann Zhang, Julie Chan Is DeadNana Malone, The Gold Coast DilemmaMaika Moulite & Maritza Moulite, The Summer I Ate the RichLondon Sperry, Passion ProjectLyla Sage, Wild and Wrangled (Rebel Blue Ranch #4)Jennifer Weiner, The Griffin Sisters' Greatest HitsDebbie Charles, Dances with Pucks (Texas Tornados #1)You can always contact the Book Bistro team by searching @BookBistroPodcast on facebook, or visiting:https://www.facebook.com/BookBistroPodcast/You can also send an email to:TheBookBistroPodcast@gmail.comFor more information on the podcast and the team behind it, please visit:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/book-bistro

Hey well-read baddies! This week, we're back with another #Black365 minisode and we sit down with bestselling author Dolen Perkins-Valdez to talk about her new novel Happy Land, inspired by the real-life Kingdom of the Happy Land—a self-sufficient Black community founded by formerly enslaved people in 1873. With little recorded history on this lost American kingdom, Dolen's research brings this untold story to life. We discussthe real history behind Happy Land and why it disappeared, the power of historical fiction in reclaiming Black narratives, and how economic independence has always been a form of resistance. If you love historical fiction, hidden history, or powerful storytelling, this episode is for you! 02:01 Church Announcements 4:36 Coffee Break 35:33 Get into the Guest Connect with Dolen- https://dolenperkinsvaldez.com/ Books mentioned and recs- https://bookshop.org/shop/shewellread We can't wait to hear from you! :) Please send any questions or comments about this episode to shewellread@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the SWR Podcast page: https://www.shewellread.com/contact OR leave us a Voice Note at https://www.speakpipe.com/shewellread‬ Follow SHE WELL READ! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shewellread/ TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeDCLdTX/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/shewellread More links including discount codes: https://bio.site/shewellread Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York Times bestselling author of "Take My Hand" and associate professor of literature at American University, Dolen Perkins-Valdez takes us inside her book "Happy Land" about the true story of the Kingdom of Appalachia. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Rachel's Recommendations Favorite 2024: What's Not Mine by Nora Decter Non-2024 book: Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez 2024 book no one read: Dead in Long Beach, California by Venita Blackburn Most anticipated 2025 by a Chicago author: Original Sins by Eve L. Ewing Most anticipated by an author with a long gap since last book: Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Small press titles: The Gloomy Girl Variety Show by Freda Epum Leave: A Postpartum Account by Shayne Terry No Offense: A Memoir in Essays by Jackie Domenus Friends might think you're nuts but sorry not sorry: The Harder I Fight the More I Love You by Neko Case   Greg's Recommendations Favorite 2024: There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension, by Hanif Abdurraqib Non-2024 Book: Bunny, by Mona Awad 2024 Book No One Read: Familiaris, by David Wroblewski Most Anticipated Chicago: All the Water in the World, by Eiren Caffall Most Anticipated after long gap: Dream Count, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Most Anticipated Small Press: A Forty-Year Kiss, by Nickolas Butler Friends Might Think I'm Nuts: Great Big Beautiful Life, by Emily Henry ... Mark Twain, by Ron Chernow   Mike's Recommendations Street Fight by Anne Morrissy The Overstory by Richard Powers Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism by Eve L. Ewing People of Means by Nancy Johnson Vanishing Daughters by Cynthia Pelayo True Failure by Alex Higley All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall The El by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr The Antidote by Karen Russell Stag Dance by Torrey Peters Sour Cherry by Natalia Theodoridou The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity by Sarah Schulman Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins A Danger to the Minds of Young Girls: Margaret C. Anderson, Book Bans, and the Fight to Modernize Literature by Adam Morgan Waterline by Aram Mrjoian

In this episode Lissa and Bukata talk with Author Dolen Perkins-Valdez about her latest book Take My Hand. As a pre-eminent chronicler of American historical life, Dolen talks about her research, her passion for uplifting the authentic voice and the responsibility we have for the fallout of our good deeds. Inspired by true events that rocked the nation, a profoundly moving novel about a Black nurse in post-segregation Alabama who blows the whistle on a terrible wrong done to her patients, from the New York Times bestselling author of Wench.  Black Market Reads is produced by The Givens Foundation for African-American Literature in partnership with iDream.tv.  Funding for Black Market Reads: On Health is provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, as part of Blue Cross' long-term commitment to improving the health of Minnesota communities and ensuring that all people have opportunities to live the healthiest lives possible.  

For this month's book club pick, we are headed into 1970's Montgomery, Alabama. Based on a true story, Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez is an unflinching exploration of accountability and redemption through an era that was plagued with bias and coercion. The central character, Civil Townsend, is a complicated heroine fresh out of nursing school with a deep desire to make a difference in her Black community at the Montgomery Family Planning Clinic. During her first week on the job, Civil encounters two young girls who have their agency usurped by the current government authority which mandates that because they Black, poor, and disabled, the girls' ability to have children should be curbed. Years later, Civil Townsend must reconcile her role and complicity in a story that must not be forgotten.What unfolds is a shocking and heartbreaking expose of how girls and women have had their agency taken away in ways that echo for generations.  Inspired by true events, Dolen recounts her research process and how she wanted to write “bruised characters” that evoke outrage and empathy. Jen and Dolen dive into Dolen's history as a writer, the context of what was happening in 1973 when the case that this story is based broke into the public sphere, and all the themes of this book that make it impossible to put down. This is a story that must not be forgotten and Dolen writes it so you won't ever forget.    * * * Guest's Links: Dolen's Website Dolen's Facebook Dolen's Twitter Dolen's Instagram Books & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez Balm by Dolen Perkins-Valdez Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez Relp v. Weinberger Case Roe v. Wade Case Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshananthan Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb Happiness Falls by Angie Kim Connect with Jen! Jen's website - http://jenhatmaker.com/  Jen's Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenhatmaker Jen's Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenHatmaker/  Jen's Facebook - https://facebook.com/jenhatmaker Jen's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JenHatmaker?sub_confirmation=1 The For the Love Podcast is a production of Four Eyes Media, presented by Audacy.  Four Eyes Media: https://www.iiiimedia.com/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While we put the final touches on Season Three, we wanted to share an episode from another podcast that we think you'll love: Black & Published, hosted by Nikesha Elise Williams.  On today's episode, Nikesha's guest is Dolen Perkins-Valdez, author of the historical fiction novel TAKE MY HAND. It's a story based on the real-life Relf sisters of Montgomery, Alabama, who were forcibly sterilized by the workers of a federal family planning clinic in 1973. Subscribe to listen to more episodes from the latest season of Black & Published:  https://blackpublished.buzzsprout.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://ursastory.com/join

This week on Black and Published, Nikesha speaks with Dolen Perkins-Valdez, the New York Times bestselling author of  Take My Hand. The novel was awarded a 2023 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association, and Fiction Award from Black Caucus of the American Library Association. Dolen, who is an Associate Professor in the MFA Program at American University in Washington, D.C.,  is widely considered a pre-eminent chronicler of American historical life. In our conversation, Dolen discusses why telling the hard truths of history in a way that is easy for readers to stomach is her gift. How her love of archival research lays the foundation for her work as a historical fiction novelist. And the reason she believes she doesn't get enough credit for the doors she opened in historical Black writing. Support the showFollow the Show: IG: @blkandpublished Twitter: @BLKandPublished Follow Me:IG: @nikesha_elise Twitter: @Nikesha_Elise Website: www.newwrites.com

This season on Black & Published we're meeting the moment. According to Pen America's 2023 report, Banned in the USA, 138 school districts in 32 states banned books. The majority of those books featured queer themes and characters, protagonists of color, or addressed racism and activism. So this season we're talking about it all: book bans, mass incarceration, reproductive freedom, homophobia and transphobia, rape culture, racism and white supremacy and so much more.Look for new episodes starting next week featuring authors: Terah Shelton Harris, Jennifer Baker, Dolen Perkins Valdez, jarrett hill, Tre'Vell Anderson, Minda Honey, Lamya H and many many more. Support the showFollow the Show: IG: @blkandpublished Twitter: @BLKandPublished Follow Me:IG: @nikesha_elise Twitter: @Nikesha_Elise Website: www.newwrites.com

MahoganyBooks welcomed NAACP Image Award-winning and New York Times Best-Selling author, Dolen Perkins-Valdez for a book discussion and audience Q&A for her riveting work, Take My Hand.MakerSPACE is here to meet the needs of today's entrepreneurs, creatives, and work-from-home professionals. We do this through private offices, coworking spaces, and a host of other resources, including conference rooms, a photo studio, podcast studios; a creative workshop, and a retail showroom—that is perfect for any e-commerce brand. Mention code MAHOGANY for all current specials, as we have two locations to best serve you.Support the Show.Thanks for listening! Show support by reviewing our podcast and sharing it with a friend. You can also follow us on Instagram, @MahoganyBooks, for information about our next author event and attend live.

We talked with:Dolen Perkins-Valdez is the New York Times bestselling author of "Wench," "Balm," and most recently "Take My Hand." In 2011, she was a finalist for two NAACP Image Awards and the Hurston-Wright Legacy Award for fiction. Dolen is the current chair of the board of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation. She is currently associate professor in the Literature Department at American University and lives in Washington, D.C., with her family.Swapna Reddy, J.D., DrPH, M.P.H., is a clinical associate professor at Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions. At Arizona State University, Dr. Reddy teaches undergraduate and graduate coursework — including as faculty at Arizona State University's Barrett, the Honors College in Medical Studies. Additionally, she is an adjunct assistant professor in Health Care Administration at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Reddy also was named a Fulbright Specialist.We talked about:In this episode, Dr. Millstine and her guests discuss:Historical fiction that's not that historical … or fictitious. "We're still living many of the issues that are being discussed in this book," Dr. Reddy says. Women and girls are still fighting for the right to control their own reproductive choices — whether that's to reproduce or not to reproduce.The need to feel heard. There are too many anecdotes about women not being heard in the doctor's office. You may know Serena William's story of repeatedly asking doctors to take her risk of blood clots seriously after giving birth, but you probably know someone much closer to you who's experienced the same thing.The road to hell … How could so many people allow the forced sterilization of women to happen in the U.S.? In Dolen's book (as in life) good intentions aren't a barrier to doing real harm. We talk about the need to examine our own culpability in harmful systems.Can't get enough?Purchase "Take My Hand."From Bookshop.orgFrom AmazonFrom Barnes & NobleWant to read more on the topic? Check out our blog:Racism, accelerated aging and the biases of health careAsk the Gynecologist: Is abortion illegal?Beyond contraception: Other uses for birth control Got feedback?If you've got ideas or book suggestions, email us at readtalkgrow@mayo.edu. We invite you to complete the following survey as part of a research study at Mayo Clinic. Your responses are anonymous. Your participation in this survey as well as its completion are voluntary.

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

A fun chat wit Dolen Perkins-Valez all about her book Take My Hand, reproductive justice, fish & grits, hooking the reader, and why she was scared to write this book. Plus – we continue to recap our trip to London with a tale of Day Five Tim.    HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW! For all … Continue reading Fish & Grits For Breakfast With Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Montgomery, Alabama, 1973. Fresh out of nursing school, Civil Townsend intends to make a difference, especially in her African American community. At the Montgomery Family Planning Clinic, she hopes to help women shape their destinies, to make their own choices for their lives and bodies.  Winner of the 2023 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work. Take My Hand is inspired by true story of government overreach in the forced sterilization of women and young girls. 

WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with D.C. author and American University professor Dolen Perkins-Valdez, who just earned an NAACP Image Literary Award for her harrowing novel "Take My Hand." It explores the tragic true story of the Relf sisters, who were sterilized by a federally-funded family-planning clinic in Montgomery, Alabama in 1973. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WTOP Entertainment Reporter Jason Fraley chats with D.C. author and American University professor Dolen Perkins-Valdez, who just earned an NAACP Image Literary Award for her harrowing novel "Take My Hand." It explores the tragic true story of the Relf sisters, who were sterilized by a federally-funded family-planning clinic in Montgomery, Alabama in 1973. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley's "Clarion") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A review of "Take My Hand" by Dolen Perkins-Valdez which tells the story of a recently graduated nurse who learns about an unethical medical program and becomes a whistleblower.    Show notes are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/take-my-hand-book-review.

In today's episode, Emily speaks with author Dolen Perkins-Valdez about her recent novel Take My Hand, based on the 1973 case of the Relf sisters who were forcibly sterilized at a federally-funded health clinic in Montgomery, Alabama.  Find show notes, transcript, and more at thenocturnists.com.

Dolen Perkins-Valdez, the New York Times bestselling author of Wench, joins Zibby to discuss her latest novel, Take My Hand, which grapples with the painful history of eugenics and coerced sterilization in America. Dolen shares what inspired her to write a fictionalized version of what happened to the Relf sisters, what she hopes the story will add to the current conversation surrounding reproductive rights, and what her writing process has looked like since the pandemic. The two also talk about the need for more writers' retreats, and what Dolen is working on next.Purchase on Amazon or Bookshop.Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zQda9VBookshop: https://bit.ly/3pdZKzwSubscribe to Zibby's weekly newsletter here.Purchase Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books merch here. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're BACK and continuing our series about how a book gets made! This week we're chatting with Amanda Bergeron, an executive editor at Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House, and Carley Fortune, the author of Every Summer After.    Amanda breaks down the acquisition & publication process from the editor's end, how many submissions she receives, and what leads her to choose a book to work on. Carley shares her writing process from conception to submission, how she felt when she got her initial edit letter, and how much her manuscript changed from acquisition to publishing. We also ask them about how many rounds of edits they worked through together, what happens when they disagree on a change, and what makes a successful author/editor relationship.    Find Carley Fortune at @carleyfortune on Instagram, carleyfortune.com, and get a signed copy of Every Summer After via Blue Willow Bookshop in Houston Texas.    Books Carley and Amanda are Excited about The No-Show by Beth O'Leary A Hundred Other Girls by Iman Hariri-Kia (Out July 26)  Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez   Obsessions  Becca:  Paris, Perfected Burgundy Wines! Digit for a rainy day fund Olivia:  Pod Meets World Podcast   What we read this week Olivia:  Process: The Writing Lives of Great Authors by Sarah Stodola The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark Becca: Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore The Cloisters by Katy Hays (Out November 1) The Work Wife by Alison B Hart   This Month's Book Club Pick: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus   Sponsors: Better Help - Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/badonpaper True Bill - Start canceling unwanted subscriptions today at Truebill.com/BOP ReTold Recycling - Go to RetoldRecycling.com and get 10% off with code BOP10 on all Retold Bags and make recycling a part of your summer clean-up!  Betches - Listen to @Betches on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.   Join our Facebook group for amazing book recs & more!  Like and subscribe to RomComPods. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.  Follow us on Instagram @badonpaperpodcast. Follow Olivia on Instagram @oliviamuenter and Becca @beccamfreeman.

In the Spring 2022 Book Preview, Catherine (Gilmore Guide to Books) and I shared our most anticipated books that released April – May 2022.  In today's episode, we're circling back to update you on the books we've had a chance to read — or at least attempted.  Given my ongoing success rate with spring releases, I'm starting to wonder if that is just the best season for my type of books!  This post contains affiliate links, through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Introducing Summer Shelves (a companion to my Summer Reading Guide)… In addition to my annual 2022 Summer Reading Guide, I'm introducing Summer Shelves, a companion exclusively for Superstars Patrons ($7/mo). Summer Shelves features BACKLIST summer reading recommendations from over 25 former podcast guests and our team members. The Summer Shelves design is clean, crisp, and unique and is available in a PDF file format via Patreon. If you'd like to get the Summer Shelves companion guide, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You'll also get access to a monthly bonus podcast series called Double Booked (where Catherine or Susie and I share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show) and my Rock Your Reading Tracker. Get Summer Shelves! Highlights Catherine and Sarah continue with fairly high success rates for 2022 so far. Sarah had three 5-star spring releases! Catherine and Sarah share their best and worst picks from the Spring 2022 Book Preview. Spring Books Read Before the Preview [5:08] Sarah's Picks: Bomb Shelter by Mary Laura Philpott (April 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:12] Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (April 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:13]  Catherine's Pick: The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (April 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:55] Spring Circle Back [3:34] April Sarah's Picks: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (April 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:52] Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (April 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:32] When We Fell Apart by Soon Wiley (April 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:22] Catherine's Picks: Four Treasures of the Sky by Jenny Tinghui Zhang (April 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:55] An Unlasting Home by Mai Al-Nakib (April 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:39]  May Sarah's Pick: The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz (May 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:06]  Catherine's Picks: Dark Circles by Caite Dolan-Leach (May 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:39] Elektra by Jennifer Saint (May 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:01]  Siren Queen by Nghi Vo (May 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:24] Other Books Mentioned The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne [12:27] What Comes After by JoAnne Tompkins [13:58]  Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [18:46] Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson [21:28] Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett [22:13] Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders [22:42] The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini [28:13] Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner [30:42] Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson [31:02] Dead Letters by Caite Dolan-Leach [34:14]  The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [36:11]  You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz [36:26]  Circe by Madeline Miller [41:14] Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid [45:36] Other Links Smithsonian Magazine | The Transcontinental Railroad Wouldn't Have Been Built Without the Hard Work of Chinese Laborers Smithsonian Magazine | What Archaeologists Are Learning About the Lives of the Chinese Immigrants Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 6 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Ann Arbor, MI.

Dolen Perkins Valdez talks about her writing journey. She is now a bestselling author of many books, including #TakeMyHand and #Wench.#KarenHunterShowGet her latest book: https://www.amazon.com/Take-My-Hand-D...JOIN Knarrative/Knubia: https://www.knarrative.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.