Episode 161 features fictional mermaids, bears, and time travel adventure to stop the not so fictional nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl. We talk with Rachel Barenbaum about ATOMIC ANNA, her new novel that’s a fascinating mix of historical fiction, thriller, and a family saga about multigenerational women working together to prevent both personal and community catastrophe.

Shout outs:

THE MERMAID OF BLACK CONCH by Monique Roffey

BEAR by Marian Engle

Biblioadventures we’ve been on include seeing Gabrielle Zevin author of TOMORRROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW at RJ Julia’s and a stop at the new Brookfield Public Library.

We’re looking forward to events with Mark Harper at the Savoy Bookstore and Cafe, Elissa Altman & Katherine May at Barnswallow Books, and Jamie Ford at the Westerly Library!

EAST OF EDEN, one of Emily’s favorite novels of all time, was also a hit with Chris. There’s more John Steinbeck in our future, specifically CANNERY ROW and SWEET THURSDAY.