Book Gang

Author Meagan Church unpacks the hidden lives of women in her chilling novel, The Mad Wife, as we explore the history of hysteria in women's health diagnoses.

If you loved Meagan Church’s historical fiction, you’ll be captivated by the bold turn she takes in The Mad Wife, her third novel. Rooted in the untold medical stories of women’s lives, this book lulls readers into the familiar rhythms of mid-century domesticity, before flipping the script with a shocking plot twist.

In our revealing conversation, we explore:

• Building a Vivid 1950s World – From S&H stamps to molded salads, how Meagan nailed the texture of the era, weaving ordinary domestic details into a setting that feels both authentic and unsettling.
• From History to Suspense – Why Meagan pivoted from a traditional historical fiction lens in her earlier novels to the creeping tension of domestic suspense, and how she made the genre shift feel authentic to her writing process. We discuss the bravery required for this project and how she felt haunted, both in real life and on the page, as she told Lulu's story.
• The Medical History of “Hysteria” – What her chilling research revealed about diagnoses like hysteria, prescriptions like Miltown, and procedures like lobotomy and ECT that shaped women’s lives in disturbing ways.

📚 As a bonus for listeners, don’t miss this week’s companion list: Books With Good Plot Twists That Will Make Your Jaw Drop. Patrons will also receive today’s printable checklist to take on their next visit to the library.

Meagan Church is the Southern indie bestselling author of The Girls We Sent Away, The Last Carolina Girl , and The Mad Wife, this month's Barnes & Noble Book fiction pick. She writes to tell grounded stories that explore the complexity of human nature. Her historical fiction chronicles the plight and fight of unheard voices of the past. After receiving a B.A. in English from Indiana University, Meagan built a career as a storyteller and freelance writer for brands, blogs, and organizations. She is an adjunct professor for Drexel University’s MFA in Creative Writing program, helping authors tell their own stories through editing, coaching, and workshops. A Midwesterner by birth, she now lives in North Carolina with her high school sweetheart, three children, and a plethora of pets.

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UPDATED BOOK LIST: Books With Good Plot Twists

Join the October Book Club on 10/24 at 8 PM ET (Diavola by Jennifer Thorne)

The Last Carolina Girl by Meagan Church

The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church

The Mad Wife by Meagan Church

The Best Book Club Books to Spark Conversation

Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan

On Writing by Stephen King

Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild

Donut Dollies of Vietnam

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities

Megan’s Jello Instagram

How to Make Glow in the Dark JELL-O

Miltown

Mother’s Little Helper

Unwell Women by Elinor Cleghorn

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Terah Shelton Harris

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Curious about indie publishing? Physician Paria Hassouri shares her debut journey to publish Harvesting Rosewater, centering a woman's midlife awakening.

If you’ve ever been interested in the independent publishing process, you’re not alone. Today’s revealing conversation with Paria Hassouri, a pediatrician, whose debut, Harvesting Rosewater, recently hit bookstores, takes readers inside her remarkable publishing process. Discover how Paria balances medicine and storytelling in today's under-the-radar debut feature, which centers on a physician's midlife awakening that I guarantee you will not be able to put down.

In our illuminating conversation, we explore:

• Independent Publishing Adventures- Paria opens up about her unique indie publishing path, sharing how she navigated editing, securing book blurbs, and the creative freedom that comes with going her own way—plus the surprises that made the process both challenging and rewarding.
• Uncovering Autofiction Elements From Paria's Life- Drawing on her own childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, Paria shares personal memories and reflections from this challenging period in her young life in her story. She shares how blending real-life experiences with fiction has allowed her to explore her own identity, belonging, and what she hopes readers will take away from her book.
• The Women's Life Freedom Movement- We explore how themes of women’s rights and resistance shaped this story, offering readers deeper insight into lives under restrictive systems and the tragedy that sparked the movement.

📚 As a bonus for listeners, don't miss this week's companion list: Compelling Books About Doctors Every Reader Should Read. Explore 24 novels on practicing medicine, from historical fiction to romance - there is a little something for every kind of reader. Patrons will also receive today's printable checklist to bring on their next visit to the library.

Paria Hassouri is an author and pediatrician whose essays have appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Huffington Post. Her memoir, Found in Transition: A Mother's Evolution During Her Child's Gender Change, was published in 2020. She has shared stories on stage with Expressing Motherhood, taught writing and advocacy classes at UCLA, and been featured widely for her work. A proud Iranian-American and mother of three, she lives in Los Angeles, where she continues to provide gender-affirming care for trans and gender-diverse youth.

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NEW BOOK LIST: 24 Compelling Books About Doctors Every Reader Should Read

Join the September Book Club Chat TONIGHT (Rust & Stardust by T. Greenwood)

Harvesting Rosewater by Paria Hassouri

Found in Transition by Paria Hassouri

Slanting Towards the Sea bu Lidija Hilje

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

Penitence by Kristin Koval

Sandwich by Catherine Newman

All Fours by Miranda July

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

What Could Be Saved by Liese O’Halloran Schwarz

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

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In Anyone's Ghost, August Thompson captures the ache of growing up while growing as a writer after his hard-won pursuit of the MFA program at NYU.

How do you write a coming-of-age story that's both deeply vulnerable and slyly funny, all while resisting clichés about queerness and masculinity? August Thompson joins me to talk about his debut novel, Anyone's Ghost, a Lambda finalist and one of my favorite under-the-radar gems.

From his MFA experience at NYU to navigating long COVID while finishing the book, Thompson reflects on the highs and lows of becoming a first-time author and the vulnerable process of rejection. He also shares how humor, bisexuality, and memory shape his storytelling, which major literary prizes have now recognized with adoration.

In our funny conversation, August and I discussed:

• How Art Helped Form the Bones of August's Story – August shares the books, films, and music that inspired his book, which even brought in the lead singer from The National for a book signing moment of his dreams at The Strand.
• Mining Adolescence for Humor– The role of humor was as imperative as Thompson's love story, and why he wanted to balance this story with this unexpected levity amidst the yearning.
• The Fresh Perspective on Sexuality For Readers – Thompson discusses his approach to writing about bisexuality and the narratives regarding male bisexuality that he still wishes to see in publishing, while celebrating being longlisted for a Lambda Literary Award.

📚 BONUS BOOK LIST: As a bonus for listeners, don't miss this week's companion list: Books About Music That Hit All the Right Notes. Explore 41 novels and memoirs that celebrate musicians, bands, songwriting, and life behind the scenes. Patrons will also receive today's printable checklist to bring on their next library day.

Meet August Thompson

August Thompson is from the middle of nowhere, New Hampshire, and has lived in Los Angeles, NYC, Berlin, and Madrid. His debut novel, Anyone's Ghost, was a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award, longlisted for the Center For Fiction Debut Novel Prize, and named a best book of the year by Amazon, Vogue, and Elle. His writing has appeared in The Guardian, The New York Times Magazine, and beyond.

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NEW BOOK LIST: 41 Books About Music That Hit the Right Notes

Join the September Book Club Chat (Rust & Stardust by T. Greenwood)

Anyone's Ghost by August Thompson

Malcom X

The Insider

A24

Neon

The National

Anyone's Ghost by The National

Strand Books

Sad Dad Book Club

This Book Cover Designer Reveals His Surprising Process (Podcast Interview with August Thompson's Paperback Book Cover Designer)

Lillian Vernon Writers House

The Wassaic Project

Katie Kitamura

Jonathan Safran Foer

Jeffrey Eugenides

Moonlight

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

Call Me By Your Name by André Acimen

The Talented Mr. Ripley

Chris Bram

Franny and Zooey by JD Salinger

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In The Sideways Life of Denny Voss, Holly Kennedy brings humor & heart to a neurodivergent hero, sharing how Lake Union Publishing shaped her journey.

What happens when good intentions collide with messy realities? In The Sideways Life of Denny Voss, Holly Kennedy introduces us to Denny, an unforgettable, neurodivergent character whose big heart and distinct voice make him a narrator you'll want to follow anywhere… even into a goose-napping, an accidental bank robbery, and now a murder trial.

In this conversation, Holly and I talk about the long road it took to trust her voice enough to bring Denny's story into the world, the challenges of writing authentically from a neurodivergent perspective, and the unique publishing journey she's experienced with Lake Union.

And yes, we dig into how timely themes like gun violence filter through Denny's television obsessions and what it means to write a novel that feels both tender and topical today.

In our warm conversation, Holly and I discussed:

📚 Creating Denny's Voice – Why stepping into first person unlocked the looping, offbeat, parenthetical style that makes Denny on a page so unforgettable.

📚 Publishing with Lake Union – Holly offers the most fascinating details on the unexpected perks of working with Amazon's literary imprint and how their editorial/marketing approach shaped her novel's success. From focus groups to algorithm pivots, she candidly shares why this was the publishing house for her book.

📚 Writing Through Timely Themes – How Denny's fixation on TV gun violence mirrors today's anxieties, and why Kennedy leaned into that reality even though it made it difficult to find a publishing house for her novel.

📚 FREE BONUS BOOK LIST: This week, I'm sharing 51 funny books to add levity and laughter to your stacks because, in light of the headlines, we all need a little more joy in this burning world. Patrons can also grab the printable checklist of all 52 titles for their next library day as a thank-you for your support.

Meet Holly Kennedy

Born and raised in Canada, Holly Kennedy currently lives near the Rocky Mountains in Alberta with her family and their Newfoundland dog, Wallace. She is the author of four novels, and her books have been translated into multiple languages. When she's not writing, you'll typically find her reading, spending time with family, or indulging her not-so-secret obsession: watching true crime TV shows like Dateline. To learn more, visit her website or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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NEW BOOK LIST: 51 Funny Books to Read Because We Need Them More Than Ever

Join the September Book Club Chat (Rust & Stardust by T. Greenwood)

The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy 

Logan Center

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

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In her dazzling debut novel Aftertaste, Daria Lavelle takes us on a sensory journey where food, grief, & romance intertwine in this inventive ghost story. 

What if you could taste the ghosts of the people you've lost? In this intimate conversation, Daria shares how her Ukrainian heritage, her childhood food memories, and her love of genre-bending storytelling all shaped one of the most unique novels of the year.

You'll love the reveals of how this story took on surprising symbolism, the genre challenges of marketing such a unique book, and the reader stories that have stayed with her long after her tour ended.

📚 FREE BONUS BOOK LIST: Today, we celebrate books about food with this new list of 33 books that aren't just about what's on the plate, but more about the bigger stories simmering behind every meal.

In our warm conversation, Daria and I discussed:

• Identifying The Taste of Ghosts– How she discovered the idea of "clairgustance," the psychic ability to taste the favorite foods of the dead, and transformed it into a fully fleshed-out magic system for her story.
• Weaving In Her Cultural Identity– From the "stinky lunchbox" moments of childhood to the joy and shame often tied to food in immigrant families, Daria shares how her own memories informed the emotional heartbeat of Aftertaste.
• Cinematic Writing & What's Next– With Sony Pictures developing Aftertaste for film, Daria talks about writing with cinematic flair and the thrill of seeing her work move to the screen.

Meet Daria Lavelle

Daria Lavelle is an American fiction writer. Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and raised in the New York metro area, her work explores themes of identity and belonging through magic and the uncanny. Her short stories have appeared in The Deadlands, Dread Machine, and elsewhere, and she holds degrees in writing from Princeton University and Sarah Lawrence College. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, children, and goldendoodle, all of whom love a great meal almost as much as she does.

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NEW BOOK LIST: 33 Incredible Books About Food

NEW BOOK LIST: 41 Immersive Speculative Fiction Books

Join the September Book Club Chat (Rust & Stardust by T. Greenwood)

Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Fantasmagoriana

The Anatomy of Story by John Truby

Glee Mashups

Chocolate Nut from Le Jules Verne

I Grew Up Ashamed of My Immigrant Parents' Food. Now I'm Teaching My Kids Lunch Room Tolerance

What Dreams May Come

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TikTok creator and pop-cultural sleuth Josh Lora (TellTheBeees) helps us build the ultimate Airport Novels book list to carry you through your next flight.

What makes a perfect book to snag in the airport bookstore? In this fun episode, TikTok creator and pop-cultural sleuth Josh Lora (TellTheBeees) helps us create the perfect book list to get you through delayed flights, endless terminals, and jet-lagged landings with an unputdownable book.

This conversation marks the final installment in the All-Star Book Influencer Series, which has brought together incredible voices in the literary community. I hope you have enjoyed these conversations with our guests, including podcasters, bookstagrammers, and BookTubers, who brought fresh passion and unique perspectives to the page.

As a TikTok creator turned sociological book commentator, Josh offers fresh takes on what we read, and why we pick certain books up in unexpected places—like airport bookstores!

In our fun conversation, we discuss:

• Inside the TellTheBeees TikTok Account: Josh shares how TellTheBeees came to life, what it means to cover pop culture through a sociological lens, and how he spots trends quickly enough to keep TikTok buzzing.
• Defining the Airport Novel: Together, we unpack what makes a book "airport friendly," whether that's a punchy plot, instant engagement, or that oh-so-rare "I-can't-put-this-down" quality.
• The Changing Reputation of Airport Picks:  Gone are the days of dull formula fiction. Josh argues that the airport rack is now a place for surprising, thoughtful, and truly compelling reads. Snag his list of best recommendations for your next flight from today's bestsellers!

Meet Josh Lora

Josh Lora, known online as TellTheBees, is a TikTok creator and cultural critic who explores the intersection of books, sociology, and media. His videos dissect everything from reality TV trends to bookish themes through a thoughtful, sociological lens. He’s built a vibrant audience by pairing sharp cultural observations with book recommendations that feel both fun and deeply insightful.

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Join the August Book Club Chat TONIGHT (The Wedding People)

RESERVE OUR FALL GUEST'S BOOKS NOW

The Celebrity Book Club Deep Dive Episode You Need

Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Fleishman Is in Trouble

The Age of Adeline

Cult Classic by Sloane Crosley

Woman of the Hour by Claire Polders

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley

Triangle of Sadness

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

The Maid by Nita Prose

Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper

The Group by Mary McCarthy

Saints For All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan

Liars by Sarah Manguso

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Self Care by Leigh Stein

Severance by Ling Ma

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio 

Books About Alternative Realities or Parallel Lives You Will Love

Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe 

Like Mother, Like Daughter by Kimberly McCreight

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

The Unseen World by Liz Moore

Heft by Liz Moore

Long Bright River by Liz Moore

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

Real Americans by Rachel Khong 

Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

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Join Cindy from Thoughts from a Page as we explore unforgettable books featuring older characters. These are her top five picks that deserve space on your TBR.

The All‑Star Book Influencer Series is back, and I can't wait to introduce

you to more incredible voices in the literary community. Our guests include podcasters, bookstagrammers, and BookTubers who bring fresh passion and unique perspectives to the page.

Cindy has a pulse on what's next in the publishing world and brings her seasoned perspective on how literature is embracing life beyond midlife. As one of those trusted guides, she offers not only spot-on recommendations but also the tools to discover books you might otherwise miss.

In this cozy conversation, Cindy and I discuss:

• How to Discover What's Next in Books – Cindy shares her strategies for staying ahead of the curve, spotting trends, and helping readers discover gems beyond the bestseller lists.
• Why Older Characters Matter – We talk about the joys of reading characters in later stages of life, how these stories expand our empathy, and what publishing is (and isn't) getting right in portraying aging.
• Cindy's Top Five Picks with Older Characters – From cozy mysteries to poignant literary fiction, Cindy highlights unforgettable stories that prove life experience makes for some of the most compelling characters on the page.

📚 FREE BONUS BOOK LIST: Today, we celebrate senior characters with this new list of 52 books with older protagonists that prove that fresh adventures are, in fact, ageless endeavors. Binge these new releases and backlist gems, including today's recommendations from Cindy!

Meet Cindy Burnett

Cindy Burnett is the host of the Thoughts from a Page podcast where she chats with guests about the books she loves and recommends. Episodes include author interviews and conversations with publishing insiders about the latest and greatest books. An avid reader and reviewer, Cindy also crafts Winter and Summer Reading Guides, writes two book columns for The Buzz Magazines in Houston, and promotes books across social media. When she isn't reading, Cindy loves attending the theatre, visiting National Parks, and traveling.

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Meet Our September Author Guests on Amy's IG

Join the August Book Club Chat 08/29 (The Wedding People)

NEW BONUS BOOK LIST: 52 Books With Older Protagonists

BONUS BOOK LIST: 40 Books About Midlife to Add to Your Stack (in case you missed it!)

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab

Husbands and Lovers by Beatriz Williams

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Vera Wong Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf

The Best One Bed Trope Books For Romance Lovers 

The Flat Share by Beth O'Leary

The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 years old by Hendrik Groen

The Big Finish by Brooke Fossey

The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

Sundays With Writers: The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood

Fountain Bookstore

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There is nothing more transformative than midlife stories, and Renee from It's Book Talk & More joins me to explore the books that reshape how we see this stage.

The All‑Star Book Influencer Series is back, and I can't wait to introduce you to more incredible voices in the literary community. Our guests include podcasters, bookstagrammers, and BookTubers who bring fresh passion and unique perspectives to the page.

Renee has been a trusted voice in the bookish space for years, first co-hosting Book Talk Etc. and now curating her popular Substack newsletter, It's Book Talk & More.

Today, she shares what inspired her move to this new platform, how her reading life has evolved, and why midlife books are resonating with her and her audience more than ever.

In this rich and relatable conversation, Renee and I discuss:

• Inside It's Book Talk & More – Renee shares the origin story of her Substack and the creative freedom she's found since transitioning from podcasting. Learn how her approach to reading and reviewing has shifted in this new format.
• Why Midlife Stories Matter – We talk about the transformative nature of midlife for women, the stereotypes that need dismantling, and the novels that reflect the realities of reinvention and joy from this season.
• Renee's Favorite Midlife Reads – Discover the five midlife books that have offered her guidance, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on this stage of life.

📚 FREE BONUS BOOK LIST: 40 Best Books About Midlife, including shiny new releases, buzzy upcoming titles, and backlist favorites that prove this stage of life is just getting started from a midlife reader.

Meet Renee

Renee is the creator and writer behind It's Book Talk & More, a Substack newsletter where she shares thoughtful book reviews, curated recommendations, and personal reflections on reading life. Formerly the co-host of the Book Talk Etc. Podcast, Renee brings a seasoned perspective to the literary conversation, with a special passion for stories that center women in midlife.

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Meet Our September Author Guests on Amy's IG

Join the August Book Club Chat 08/29 (The Wedding People)

BONUS BOOK LIST: 40 Books About Midlife to Add to Your Stack

Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaquad

Role Playing by Cathy Yardley

Leaving by Roxanna Robinson

A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen

Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman

The Celebrity Book Club Deep Dive Episode You Need

Don’t Be a Stranger by Susan Minot

One’s Company by Ashley Hutson

The Elements by John Boyne

A History of Loneliness by John Boyne

A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne

Private Rites by Julie Armfield

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Dive into a stack of mind‑bending thrillers with Kate from Bookwild. Discover her top 5 speculative fiction picks in today's All-Star Book Influencer series.

The All‑Star Book Influencer Series is back, and I can't wait to introduce you to more incredible voices in the literary community. Our guests include podcasters, bookstagrammers, and BookTubers who bring fresh passion and unique perspectives to the page.

Today, we are discussing mind-bending thrillers and who better to guide us than Kate from Bookwild, a podcast dedicated entirely to the art of the twist? In this week's conversation, we explore what makes a thriller truly mind-bending, the tropes that never get old, and the books that broke our brains in the best way.

In this thrilling conversation, Kate and I discuss:

Inside the Bookwild Podcast – Kate shares the origin story of her show and how it became a space to celebrate everything from domestic suspense to speculative thrillers. Learn how she curates episodes that keep listeners hooked week after week.

Tropes, Trends & Upcoming Obsessions – From the thriller tropes that never fail her to the themes she's hoping will take over the suspense landscape, Kate gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what keeps her reading.

5 Mind-Bending Thrillers Kate Can't Stop Thinking About – Discover Kate's top picks that push the boundaries of the genre with jaw-dropping twists and speculative elements. She shares why these reads stand out in a sea of thrillers and why they deserve a spot on your TBR.

📚 FREE BONUS BOOK LIST: 41 Speculative Fiction Books (I WENT CRAZY ON THIS ASSIGNMENT) that include upcoming releases, shiny new releases, and backlist books that every reader will love.

Meet Kate Hergott

Kate Hergott is the host of Bookwild, a fiction podcast launched by the Bookwild Collective. On Tuesdays, she conducts compelling interviews with authors about their books and creative processes. Fridays bring vibrant chats with bookstagrammers and BookTubers, exploring bookish trends, mood reads, and mutual obsessions.

Download Today's Show Transcript

Join the August Book Club Chat 08/29 (The Wedding People)

BONUS BOOK LIST: 41 Immersive Speculative Fiction Books to Read Now

Amy on the Bookwild Podcast

Rust and Stardust by T. Greenwood

In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhorn

A Fatal Intrusion by Isabella Maldonado and Jeffrey Deaver.

Trust Issues by Elizabeth McCullough Keenan & Greg Wands

The Close-Up by Pip Drysdale

Cross My Heart by Megan Collins

Return to Me

The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni

Oddity

Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon

Swiped by L.M. Chilton

Assassin's Anonymous by Rob Hart

Crafting a Killer Redemption Story with Heart

Digital Dating Turns Deadly in This Debut Murder Mystery

The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene

Recursion by Blake Crouch

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

Books About Parallel Universes and the Multiverse to Read Now

Time Loop Books for Readers Who Love Loops

Books About Alternate Realities or Parallel Lives You Will Love

The Best Time Travel Books to Escape Real Life

The Best Time Travel TV Shows and Movies

The Mechanics of Memory by Audrey Lee

The Man Who Saw Seconds by Alexander Boldizar

Vox by Christina Dalcher

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Alexander Boldizar on Bookwild podcast

The Prediction by Faith Gardner

Black Mirror

If You Can Hear This by Faith Gardner

The Paradox Hotel by Rob Hart

WandaVision

Dark Space by Rob Hart & Alex Segura

The Medusa Protocol by Rob Hart

Manifest

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Journalist Honor Jones discusses her debut novel, Sleep, which explores the #MeToo movement from childhood to the newsroom through a unique fictional lens.

Honor Jones's debut novel, Sleep, opens in the heat of a seemingly idyllic summer childhood, where ten-year-old Margaret navigates unspoken secrets within her home. But as the years unfold, the story quietly traces how early moments of confusion ripple forward into Margaret's adult life, particularly as she covers the Weinstein trial as a journalist. With a clear-eyed and unsettling voice, Sleep becomes a meditation on what women bury, what they minimize, and what begins to surface when the cultural tide shifts.

In this intriguing conversation, Honor and I discuss:

• How journalism shaped her approach to fiction: Honor reflects on the transition from shaping others' stories to crafting her own and how editing longform narratives influenced her writing style.
• Writing a woman who can believe others but not herself: Margaret is a woman who has built a career amplifying the voices of survivors, yet has never fully named her own story. Honor explores how Margaret reconciles the gap between public belief and private suppression, and how the novel plays with what we notice versus what we choose not to see.
• Portraying the unspoken conversations around #MeToo: From the charged stillness of newsroom dynamics to a dinner party scene, Honor unpacks how people speak around harm instead of through it. We explore her decision to include moments of discomfort and how those honest tensions reflect the real ways people deal with trauma.

📚 FREE BONUS BOOK LIST: 36 Me Too Books that showcase the struggles of women throughout history. From young adult to memoir to literary fiction- this week's book list illuminates.

Meet Honor Jones

Honor Jones is a writer and editor who has worked at The Atlantic, The New York Times, and The New Republic. Her writing has also appeared in The Cut and The New Yorker. Sleep is her debut novel.

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!  

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Join the July Book Club Chat TONIGHT (Husbands & Lovers)

BONUS BOOK LIST: 36 Me Too Books

Sleep by Honor Jones

Sarah Harman - All the Other Mothers Hate Me Podcast Interview

All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harmon

Claire Hoffman - Sister, Sinner Podcast Interview

Sister, Sinner by Clare Hoffman

Jenisha from Kentucky

How I Demolished My Life

Sundays with Writers: Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg

Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg

Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur

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