Lovely Books

In this episode, Emmy B interviews author Diana Abu-Jaber on her personal story and character connection with her most recent novel, "Fencing With The King".
Diana expresses her hope to see more middle eastern, own voices stories in contemporary fiction to encourage more connection, more understanding, and more appreciation for the global community we are currently navigating. 

In this episode with bookstagrammer Courtney Sharpe, we discuss Kristin Hannah's bestselling novel "Firefly Lane." Released in 2008, a Netflix series 2021, this novel has touched the hearts of women for the past decade. 

In this episode of Lovely Book, Emmy shares her top five, unhighlighted book read in 2021, and five anticipated reads that you won't want to miss in 2022!

TOP 5 2021
HAMNET by Maggie O'Farrell
PROJECT HAIL MARY by Andy Weir
THE GOOD SISTER by Sally Hepworth
THE GIRL WITH THE LOUDING VOICE by Abi Dare
CLOUD CUCKOO LAND by Anthony Doerr

5 ANTICIPATED READS
I MUST BETRAY YOU by Ruta Sepetys (FEB 2022)
THE UNKNOWN BELOVED by Amy Harmon ( APR 2022)
FRENCH BRAID by Anne Tyler (MAR 2022)
THE CANDY HOUSE by Jennifer Egan (APR 2022)
THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (MAY 2022)

In this episode; freelance journalist, essayist, and novelist Margarita Goken Silver discusses her memoir, "I Named My Dog Pushkin". Her immigrant stories, told in essays, tells of the little known history of the 2nd Jewish Migration from the Soviet Union shortly before the fall of the Iron Curtain. Margarita tells a unique and often hilarious tale of coming of age and reinventing yourself in a new culture.

In this episode, host Emmy B highlights Hispanic, Own Voices authors in contemporary fiction.
Her list of MUST READ BOOKS includes:

"A Long Petal to the Sea" by Isabel Allende
"The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros
"Like Water for Chocolate" by Laura Esquivel
"The House of Broken Angels" by Luis Alberto Urrea
ALL BOOKS by Elizabeth Acevedo
 

In this episode, Emmy B and Megan Ribelin discuss the YA fantasy, adventure, romance book- "Fable" by Adrienne Young. This is book beating with adventure as our young female heroine captures our heart and shows us what it means to be gritty.

This is a great discussion of a fun book that will sweep you away. And a fantasy book with as much to teach as it has to tell!

Megan also recommends:

"Red Rising" by Pierce Brown
"The Four Winds" by Kristin Hannah
"A Gentleman In Moscow"  by Amor Towles

In this episode, Emmy B and Whitney Flygare talk all the psychology in one of our favorite psychological thrillers, "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides. As a debut novel, this one has kept  us talking even two years after reading it for the first time.  A teacher of psychology, Whitney shares some great insights into what make this book so unforgettable.

In this episode, Emmy B and Kristen Smith discuss two newer middle grade novels by author, mother, and educator Katie Proctor. All three of us are passionate about the impact a meaningful middle grade book can have on young readers, as they navigate a diverse world and try to grow into great humans. Both of these books offer powerful characters and create an opportunity for increased empathy and understanding of the many life circumstances and stories we will encounter in our lifetimes. They help us remember to "just be kind."

Connect with Kristen Smith:

IG: @kristens.reading.nook

In this episode, Emmy B and the fabulous Amy Harmon, discuss fantasy and dual timelines between separate novels. It's a deep dive with insights and laughter. Hope you'll join us!