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Want to learn more about the Texas Book Festival? Visit https://texasbookfestival.org/

In this episode of 'More Than a Book Club,' hosts Leyna and LJ share personal updates, including Leyna's daughter's recent health scare and their experiences with family challenges. They dive into their recent literary adventures, discussing various books they've read and their excitement for upcoming literary events, particularly the Texas Book Festival. The conversation flows through different genres, authors, and the joy of discovering new literature, all while reflecting on their personal stories and connections through reading. In this engaging conversation, Leyna and LJ explore a variety of literary themes, from middle grade literature to true crime and historical narratives. They discuss the importance of making history engaging for younger audiences, delve into the complexities of war and its aftermath, and reflect on the ongoing issues faced by Native Americans. The excitement builds as they anticipate the upcoming Texas Book Festival, sharing their thoughts on various authors and books they are eager to explore. Their discussion highlights the joy of reading and the connections it fosters among people.

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Leyna and LJ dive into the beloved series, Gilmore Girls, focusing on the first season's characters and storylines. We dive into our favorite characters, explore relationships, and dish on all things Stars Hollow! We're doing a deep dive on the first seven episodes of Season 1 in this episode of More Than a Book Club Podcast.

#GilmoreGirls #Podcast #TVShowReview #BookClub

Want to support More Than a Book Club Podcast? Buy us a book (or a coffee!) at buymeacoffee.com/morethanabookclubpod

Want to learn more about Gretchen Anthony's Books? Visit https://www.gretchenanthony.com/

Want to learn more about The Middle Book Club? Visit https://themiddlebookclub.substack.com/

For a list of books discussed in the podcast, scroll to the bottom of the show notes!

In this episode of More Than a Book Club, hosts Leyna and LJ welcome author Gretchen Anthony to discuss her online book club, The Middle Book Club, which focuses on literature featuring women in midlife. The conversation explores the representation of middle-aged women in literature and media, the importance of community through books, and the challenges and reinventions that come with this stage of life. They also share book recommendations that highlight middle-aged heroines and discuss the evolving perception of middle age. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the themes of middle age, literature, and personal reinvention. They discuss the impact of literary adaptations, the importance of humor in midlife, and the challenges of navigating relationships and expectations. The conversation highlights the significance of seeing relatable narratives in media, the concept of menopause and its effects on relationships, and the newfound confidence that comes with embracing one's identity in midlife. Ultimately, the speakers celebrate the adventures and possibilities that life offers beyond the age of 40.

Books:

Tired Ladies Take a Stand by Gretchen Anthony

Hot Not Bothered by Harper Ford

Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce

Strike Me Down by Mindy Majia - Strike Me Down

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy

All Fours by Miranda July

Sandwhich by Catherine Newman

Confessions of a 40 Something F**k Up Alexander Potter

Between Wrath and Mercy by Jess Wisecup

Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand

Vox by Christina Dalcher

This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub

We're All Adults Here by Emma Straub

The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

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In this episode of the More Than a Book Club podcast, hosts Leyna and LJ dive into a variety of literary topics, including their recent reads, reflections on true crime documentaries, and discussions about reality TV shows. They also engage in a fun 'Would You Rather' game centered around their book club selections, exploring themes of friendship, survival, and romance in literature. The conversation flows seamlessly from personal updates to deeper literary discussions, providing listeners with insights into their reading experiences and preferences. In this engaging conversation, Leyna and LJ delve into the realms of fantasy literature, discussing their favorite series, characters, and the nuances of reading recommendations. They explore the intricacies of character relationships, particularly in series like 'Throne of Glass' and 'Zodiac Academy', while also engaging in a fun 'Would You Rather' segment that tests their preferences in various fantasy scenarios. The discussion transitions into the magical world of Harry Potter, where they debate iconic choices and reflect on the significance of age in literature, particularly regarding middle-aged characters. Their light-hearted banter and shared insights create a rich tapestry of literary exploration.

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In this episode of the More Than a Book Club podcast, hosts Leyna and LJ reflect on their previous recording, share their recent literary adventures, and discuss the dynamics of their book club. Leyna shares her thoughts on various books, including a unique Minotaur romance, while LJ highlights the importance of shared reading experiences. They celebrate the release of a new cozy mystery and dive into a detailed discussion about 'The Busybody Book Club', exploring its characters and themes. The episode concludes with a positive note on the engaging plot and character development, leaving listeners eager for more.

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In this episode, hosts Leyna and LJ share their recent adventures at a local bookstore and discuss their latest reads, including true crime literature. They delve into the complexities of the Ted Bundy case, exploring the psychology of serial killers and the societal implications of true crime narratives. The conversation also touches on the JonBenét Ramsey case and the evolution of rape kits in evidence collection, highlighting the importance of understanding these issues in a broader context. In this episode, the hosts delve into the complexities of the justice system, particularly regarding sexual assault cases and the impact of media narratives. They discuss the heartbreaking realities faced by victims, the power dynamics in politics and media, and the role of DNA evidence in solving crimes. The conversation shifts to the chilling case of Israel Keyes and the mysterious disappearance of Amy Bradley, highlighting the terrifying aspects of true crime and the societal issues surrounding it. The hosts reflect on their fascination with true crime, the psychological implications, and the importance of believing victims.

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Learn all about Jennifer Jabaley and her new book, What's Yours is Mine at: https://jenniferjabaley.com/

In this engaging conversation, Leyna and LJ welcome author Jennifer Jabaley to discuss her debut adult novel, 'What's Yours is Mine.' They explore her transition from writing young adult fiction to adult thrillers, the challenges of character development, and the themes of motherhood and competition that permeate her work. Jennifer shares her journey of writing, the importance of research, and the impact of competitive sports on families. The discussion also touches on the complexities of navigating reviews and the emotional rollercoaster of being a new author. In this engaging conversation, Jennifer Jabaley discusses her experiences as an author and optometrist, touching on the emotional weight of patient care, the pressures of youth competition, and the intricacies of her writing process. The dialogue explores the balance between personal and professional life, the impact of social media on teenagers, and the importance of support systems in family and sports. Jabaley also shares insights into her future projects and the influences of her medical career on her writing.

Want to support More Than a Book Club Podcast? Buy us a coffee (or a new book) at: ⁠coff.ee/morethanabookclubpod⁠

Want to get past guest Christine Wellert's debut novel? Order your copy of Beach Club Bloodshed here.

In this episode of the More Than a Book Club podcast, hosts Leyna and LJ discuss their recent reading experiences, share insights from their author interviews, and dive into a detailed discussion about Fredrik Backman's book 'My Friends'. They reflect on the joy of reading, the connections formed through literature, and the importance of supporting authors. The conversation flows through various themes, including personal anecdotes, book recommendations, and the excitement of meeting authors in person. In this episode, the hosts delve into the themes of friendship, art, and the complexities of generational trauma as they discuss Frederick Bachman's latest novel. They explore the journey of Louisa, an aspiring artist, as she uncovers the story behind a mysterious painting and the friendships that shape her life. The conversation touches on the importance of found family, loyalty, and the struggles of breaking cycles of trauma. With a focus on Backman's unique storytelling style, the hosts highlight the balance of heavy topics with a light touch, making for a compelling and relatable narrative.

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Ready to learn even more about Geneva Lee? Visit https://genevalee.com/.

In this engaging episode, hosts Leyna and LJ welcome author Geneva Lee, known for her Filthy Rich series. They discuss Geneva's journey from writing young adult fiction to romance, the intricacies of character development, and the importance of cliffhangers in storytelling. Geneva shares insights into her writing process, the significance of research, and her commitment to creating strong female characters. The conversation also touches on reader expectations and the balance of humor and serious themes in her work. As they explore the future of the Filthy Rich series, Geneva expresses her excitement for upcoming projects and the potential for new stories within her expansive universe.

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Want to learn more about Susan Fletcher and her available books? Visit www.susanfletcher.com

In this episode of the More Than a Book Club Podcast, hosts Leyna and LJ welcome author Susan Fletcher to discuss her new book, Sea Change. The conversation delves into the inspiration behind the book, which is a modern retelling of The Little Mermaid, and explores themes of genetics, climate change, and identity. Susan shares her writing process, the challenges of creating a dystopian world, and the importance of community support. The discussion also touches on the role of librarians in fostering a love for reading and the significance of safe literature for young adults. Susan's journey as a writer and her future projects are also highlighted, making for an engaging and insightful episode.