Charlie Jane Anders joins us to discuss her eagerly anticipated new novel, Lessons in Magic and Disaster (Tor, Aug. 19), about a young witch who teaches her mother how to do magic. In a starred review, Kirkus says it offers “much to ponder, much to cry over and rage against, much to appreciate.” Then our editors recommend their top picks in books for the week.

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On a special Romance Episode, Ivy Fairbanks joins us to discuss Heart Strings (Putnam, Aug. 12), the second book in her popular “Love in Galway” series. Kirkus: “When two exes reunite to attend a weekend-long wedding in Ireland, old feelings resurface” in this “charming and spicy” second-chance romance. Then our editors recommend some of their favorite romances and books about love.

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On our Best August books episode, Kirkus’ editors share their top titles for the month. River Selby joins us to discuss Hotshot: A Life on Fire (Atlantic Monthly, Aug. 5), a debut memoir chronicling their time as an elite firefighter. Kirkus: “With fortitude and admirable vulnerability, Selby brings readers directly into a tumultuous time and place. Like fire, this book burns hot” (starred review).

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Joseph Lee joins us to discuss Nothing More of This Land: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity (One Signal/Atria, July 15). Kirkus: “A Wampanoag journalist looks at what it means to be Native American….A searching and timely exploration of indigeneity and its many interpretations” (starred review). Then our editors recommend their top picks in books for the week.

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Adriana Trigiani joins us to discuss her latest novel, The View From Lake Como (Dutton, July 8)—an instant New York Times bestseller. Kirkus: ““A good Italian American daughter’s 30-something rebellion forces her entire family to reckon with their choices, resulting in a happily-ever-after for all that’s like the best affogato: rich, bitter, sweet.” Then our editors recommend their top picks in books for the week.

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Bruce Holsinger joins us to discuss Culpability (Spiegel & Grau, July 8), an Oprah’s Book Club pick. Kirkus: “Medieval historian-turned-novelist Holsinger seems to have created his own subgenre of psychosocial thriller, spinning super-smart, propulsive page-turners out of zeitgeisty worries like ultracompetitive school admissions (The Gifted School, 2019), disaster relief (The Displacements, 2022), and now, to absolutely crushing effect, artificial intelligence” (starred review). Then our editors recommend their top picks in books for the week.

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On a special episode celebrating graphic literature, author-illustrator Chanté Timothy joins us to discuss her middle-grade debut, Supa Nova (Nosy Crow, June 3). Kirkus: “Ecological concerns prompt a young Black inventor to create a plastic-eating creature….Just the ticket for unstoppable young mixers and makers with big dreams.” Then our editors recommend their top picks in graphic literature.

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On our Best July Books episode, Kirkus’ editors share their top titles for the month. Then essayist and critic Maris Kreizman joins us to discuss I Want To Burn This Place Down (Ecco, July 1). Kirkus calls Kreizman’s latest “an intelligent and entertaining read” featuring “unexpectedly charming personal essays about disillusionment, diabetes, and despair.”

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Grace Flahive joins us to discuss her debut novel, Palm Meridian (Avid Reader Press, June 24). Kirkus: “The funnest book about death and post-apocalyptic living to date.” Then our editors recommend their top picks in books for the week.

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Caro De Robertis joins us to discuss So Many Stars: An Oral History of Trans, Nonbinary, Genderqueer, and Two-Spirit People of Color (Algonquin, May 13). Kirkus: “A colorful tapestry of potent, radiant, and relevant testimonials from queer people of color” (starred review). Then our editors recommend their top picks in books for the week.

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