Books & Looks

In this episode, author Aimie K. Runyan discusses her new biographical fiction novel, Mademoiselle Eiffel, which uncovers the little-known story of Claire Eiffel, Gustave Eiffel's daughter. Runyan shares fascinating insights from her research into Claire's pivotal role working alongside her famous father on projects like the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty, and how Claire stepped up to manage the family and business after her mother's death. A must-listen for fans of untold histories and remarkable women.

Links:

• "Mademoiselle Eiffel" Book: https://amzn.to/3Y61iOn
• Aimie K. Ryunyan Website: https://aimiekrunyan.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eTTTnY6rZRo

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

She lied, she cheated, she swindled. And she almost got away with it. Annie Reed, author of "The Impostor Heiress," reveals the stranger-than-fiction tale of Cassie Chadwick, a woman who posed as Andrew Carnegie's daughter and conned her way into millions during the Gilded Age. But who was the real Cassie Chadwick hiding beneath all the diamonds and deception? Reed unravels the mysteries in this unbelievable true story of greed, manipulation and the art of the con.

Links:

• "The Impostor Heiress" Book: https://amzn.to/3ZwtSt9
• Annie Reed Website: https://www.authoranniereed.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/brEund2FJvc

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Adoptee and author Janet Sherlund gets personal about her search for belonging in this must-listen episode. Sharing insights from her memoir "Abandoned at Birth," Sherland offers a relatable perspective on the challenges adoptees face in forming their identities and connecting with their roots. Gain a deeper understanding of the adoption experience and the importance of openness and honesty in helping adoptees thrive. 

Links:

• "Abandoned at Birth" Book: https://amzn.to/3TvUcQw
• Janet Sherlund Website: https://www.abandonedatbirthbook.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i-CJvuWePYQ

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Join author Allison Alsup as she discusses her debut novel "Foreign Seed". Alsup shares the decade-long journey of writing her book, from the initial spark of inspiration to the extensive research and revisions that shaped the final story. She also delves into the historical and personal influences behind her complex characters and offers a sneak peek at her upcoming second novel.

Links:

• "Foreign Seed" Book: https://amzn.to/4dgCYxH
• Allison Alsup Website: https://www.allisonalsup.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KcnZSyIgyfw

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

If you've ever found yourself lost in the aisles of a bookstore, this episode is for you. Dr. Evan Friss, author of "The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore," shares his passion for the magic of bookstores and the communities they create. Learn about the innovators who revolutionized bookselling, the cozy charm of indie shops, and the surprising role of department stores in book culture. Whether you're a bibliophile or just looking for your next great read, this episode will deepen your appreciation for the power of bookstores in our lives.

Links:

• "The Bookshop" Book: https://amzn.to/3Z3QCk9
• Evan Friss Website: https://evanfriss.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yAQ8jR_fvLw

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

What happens when you leave everything behind to start anew in the wilds of Montana? Author Lynne Spriggs O'Connor did just that, and the experience transformed her in ways she never imagined. From learning to hunt elk to finding unexpected love, O'Connor's memoir "Elk Love" challenges us to consider: How deeply can nature change us if we let it?

Links:

• "Elk Love" Book: https://amzn.to/3AFUMEI
• Lynne Spriggs O'Connor Website: https://lynneoconnorauthor.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VyqDHzP67aM

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Dive into the captivating world of the Old West with author Chris Wimmer as he shares the stories behind his hit book "The Summer of 1876." Discover the lesser-known tales of American history and learn how Wimmer brings these narratives to life through his immersive podcasts. Whether you're a history buff or just love a good story, this episode is packed with fascinating insights you won't find in any textbook.

Links:

• "The Summer of 1876": https://amzn.to/4fPF5Lg
• Black Barrel Media: https://blackbarrelmedia.com
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/F9HV4iZNb00

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Today we’re joined by acclaimed author and former New York Times obituary writer Margalit Fox. Margalit discusses her captivating new historical true crime book, "The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum," which uncovers the extraordinary life of a forgotten female crime boss in 1860s New York.

Book Spotlight: "The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum": "The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum" tells the astonishing story of Fredericka Mandelbaum, a poor Jewish immigrant who rose to become the first major female organized crime boss in America. With meticulous research and engrossing prose, Margalit Fox brings to life this overlooked figure from New York's underworld and the corrupt society that allowed her empire to flourish.

Discussed in this Episode:

• The incredible rags-to-riches tale of Fredericka Mandelbaum, a German-Jewish immigrant who built a criminal empire as a "fence" for stolen goods
• How Mandelbaum leveraged societal changes, corrupt politicians, and an eager new middle class to create a thriving underworld business
• The difference between a bank robber and a bank burglar, and how Mandelbaum's crew used clever tactics to carry out heists
• Mandelbaum's opulent lifestyle and her surprising role as a beloved benefactor in her Lower East Side community
• The shrewd methods Mandelbaum used to elude authorities, including secret rooms, hidden compartments, and a network of safe houses
• The shifting attitudes towards crime that eventually led to increased pressure on Mandelbaum and her empire
• Insights into Margalit Fox's research process and her fascination with uncovering forgotten stories from the past

Links:

• "The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum": https://amzn.to/3SNPRYt
• Margalit Fox Website: https://margalitfox.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-DjNl7kLS1s

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Today we welcome Paige McClanahan, travel writer for the New York Times and author of the eye-opening new book "The New Tourist." With a career spanning continents and cultures, Paige brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation about how tourism has evolved over the past half-century.

Book Spotlight: "The New Tourist":

"The New Tourist" is a captivating deep dive into the world of modern travel, exploring how tourism has transformed since the 1970s. Through a blend of historical analysis, on-the-ground reporting, and over 2,000 interviews, Paige uncovers the complex realities behind an industry that moves more than a billion people each year.

Discussed in this Episode:

• The explosive growth of global tourism, from 25 million annual trips in 1950 to over 1.5 billion today
• The story of Tony and Maureen Wheeler, founders of Lonely Planet, and how their guidebooks reshaped budget travel
• Social media's double-edged impact on travel, from democratizing voices to overwhelming fragile destinations
• Barcelona's battle against overtourism and the importance of sustainable tourism management
• Reexamining "tourist traps" like Amsterdam's Red Light District and understanding their appeal
• The environmental cost of travel and the urgent need for transformation in the aviation industry
• How personal connections formed through travel can break down stereotypes and foster cross-cultural understanding

Links:

• "The New Tourist": https://amzn.to/46EABCT
• Paige McClanahan Website: https://www.paigemcclanahan.com
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZsjsxnXqagg

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.

Today we sit down with Jaclyn Goldis, the author of the thrilling new novel "The Main Character." Goldis, who previously practiced law in Chicago, has been dreaming of becoming a full-time writer since childhood. Her earlier works include the historical fiction "When We Were Young" and the thriller "The Chateau."

Book Spotlight: "The Main Character":

"The Main Character" is a gripping mystery set on the luxurious Orient Express, following Rory, a disgraced news anchor turned main character in a famous author's latest novel. As Rory embarks on a journey from Italy's Cinque Terre to Positano, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and murder.

Discussed in this Episode:

• The unique writing process of the fictional author Ginevra X, who hires real people as inspiration for her characters
• Goldis' inspiration for the book, including a fascinating article about the revamped Orient Express
• The challenges of writing an ensemble cast and creating distinct character perspectives
• Goldis' personal connection to the story, drawing from her father's experiences as a Jewish refugee from the Soviet Union
• The art of crafting a compelling murder mystery and keeping readers guessing until the end
• Goldis' thoughts on adapting her novels for television or film and her upcoming thriller "The Safari"

Tune in for an engaging conversation about the twists and turns of "The Main Character," Goldis' journey from lawyer to author, and the real-life experiences that shape her captivating stories. Whether you're a fan of mysteries, thrillers, or simply love a good read, this episode offers fascinating insights into the world of writing and the creation of a page-turning novel.

Links:

• "The Main Character": https://amzn.to/3ymAjnB
• Jaclyn Goldis Website: https://www.jaclyngoldis.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/suCdYIp9tzE

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.