The Books We Loved

Today Olivia and Manda share their favorite books featuring exotic (or not too far flung) locales. We'll spin the globe, and where it stops, nobody knows!

Olivia and Manda are joined by repeat guest, Angie, for a robust discussion of Alice Walker's The Color Purple, as part of the podcast's Summer Reading series. Be sure to read or listen to, The Joy Luck Club, in preparation for July's Summer Reading title! 

We sit down with author Kayla Ancrum to ask her about her writing, her life, and her writing life. 

Learn more about Kayla and her most recent book, The Corruption of Hollis Brown, by visiting her website. 

K. Ancrum, is an author of award winning contemporary YA notably THE WICKER KING, DARLING and the critically acclaimed ICARUS. K. is a Chicago native passionate about diversity and representation in young adult fiction. She currently writes most of her work in the lush gardens of the Chicago Art Institute.

Today the ladies talk about beloved author, and honorary Midwesterner, John Green! They'll discuss his books, especially Looking for Alaska (no spoilers!)--as it turns 20 y.o.--and his cultural impact. 

We ask author Katie Spina five questions about her writing life, the books that shaped her, and the library memories she holds dear. 

Ms. Katie is an award-winning kidlit author who writes stories for kids where finding your fit means trusting in who you are. She's an avid reader that loves to talk about all sorts of books to kids of different interests. Learn more at her website, katiespina.com. 

Be prepared to jot down all of the summer themed recommendations the girls are throwing your way today! Olivia and Manda will also reveal a timely secret you won't want to miss! 

Today Olivia and Manda do an author/illustrator spotlight on the much loved, Eric Carle!

Today Olivia and Manda celebrate three years of the podcast w stats, quizzes, book recs, and lots of laughs. 

Mariel and Olivia welcome author Daniel Lavery to the studio to talk about Daphne Dumaurier's Rebecca. 

Read more about Daniel and his recent novel, Women's Hotel (available at TPL and wherever you acquire books) here. 

Today Olivia and Manda will be having a tuff discussion about Greasers, Socs, and S.E. Hinton's timeless classic, The Outsiders.