In this *spoiler free* conversation, host Jason Blitman talks to author Alejandro Varela, about his book MIDDLE SPOON, the October Gays Reading Book Club pick with Allstora.

MIDDLE SPOON unpacks what happens when you’ve got the husband, the kids, the bougie life… AND you’re going through a breakup with your boyfriend. Provocative, witty, and deeply human—this one’s not afraid to challenge the so-called “rules” of love.

Alejandro Varela’s debut novel, The Town of Babylon, was a finalist for the National Book Award. His short story collection, The People Who Report More Stress, was one of Publishers Weekly’s best works of fiction in 2023, a finalist for the International Latino Book Awards, and longlisted for the Aspen Literary Prize, the Story Prize, and the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award. Varela is an editor-at-large of Apogee Journal, holds a master’s degree in public health, and is based in New York.

What do you get when you join the Gays Reading Book Club?

• Curated book delivered monthly to your door (at a discount!) – the books we’d call “accessibly literary”
• 30% Off Allstora’s website
• Access to the book club “Kiki” to talk about the books
• Exclusive author Q&As
• Allstora donates a children’s book to an LGBTQIA+ youth
• This club exclusively supports LGBTQIA+ authors
• And more!

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