The Reader's Couch

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Have you ever found yourself struggling to choose the perfect book as a gift?  In this episode, you'll get tips and tricks on how to select the perfect book for every bookworm in your life.  We touch on some gift-giving etiquette, and I walk you through The BiblioLifestyle 2023 Holiday Gift Guide, an excellent resource for your book lovers gift search.  I'll share the sixteen main categories and various subcategories that cater to a spectrum of interests - from debut fiction and stunning editions to wellness and pop culture books, plus lots more.
THE 2023 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR BOOK LOVERS:
The BiblioLifestyle 2023 Holiday Gift Guide has a book for everyone on your list, from the best debut fiction to the person on your list who is an art or history buff, spends the weekend trying a new recipe, working on home design or gardening, or the true crime fanatic or lover of the outdoors, we've gathered the top books that would make a perfect book lovers gift that any reader would appreciate and be excited to receive.  Click here to download your free copy of The 2023 Holiday Gift Guide here. 
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
 Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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Ever wondered about the mysterious world of puzzles and the mind of a master puzzle-maker?  In this episode, I chat with author Danielle Trussoni about her latest novel, "The Puzzle Master."  We explore the intricate life of the book's protagonist, Mike Brink, a world-renowned puzzle maker with a rare medical condition who stumbles upon a dangerous conspiracy.  Alongside this, Danielle gives us a sneak peek into the next Mike Brink book, shares valuable insights into her research process, and writing journey, gives advice for budding authors, and shares some great book recommendations.  Tune in to discover how puzzles can unravel intriguing narratives and unlock the secrets of the human brain.
BOOK:
The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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Ever feel like you're in the midst of a whirlwind during the holiday season, barely finding time to breathe, let alone read?   This episode is about carving out quality time to enjoy your favorite books during the holiday hustle and bustle.  While it may seem impossible, with a little bit of planning and prioritization, it's achievable.  So, let me share some practical tips that have helped me maintain my reading habit amidst the holiday chaos.
FOR MORE ON END-OF-YEAR READING GOALS:
Listen to Ep. 144 Revisit Your Reading Goals: Doing A Fourth-Quarter Check-In
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
 Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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A Babalawo is asked to cleanse and rid his debt collector's home of spirits before Noche Buena, and in exchange, he will forgive his debt.  In this episode, I chat with author Raul Palma about his debut novel "A Haunting in Hialeah Gardens," and we take a deep dive into the supernatural and the issue of personal debt.  Palma offers an insightful analysis of Hugo's personality and the transformation of Miami and its influence on Palma's writing.  Plus, we also get some great book recommendations and a sneak peek into his current projects.
BOOK:
A Haunting in Hialeah Gardens by Raul Palma on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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In this episode, I share six must-read classic mystery novels, discuss the iconic authors and characters that have shaped the genre, and give my thoughts on what makes a mystery novel great.  From Agatha Christie to Seishi Yokomizo, and in between an iconic French detective roaming the streets of Paris to an inspector solving one of history's most infamous mysteries from his hospital bed, get ready for an enthralling journey through the pages of these timeless classic mysteries.
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
 Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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Hear the gripping tale of Kissen, a state-sanctioned assassin of gods, and her pilgrimage in the riveting debut novel, 'Godkiller' as we chat with the book's author, Hannah Kaner.  Join us and explore her literary world filled with gods, secrets, and a diverse cast of characters navigating their thrilling journey.  Hannah unpacks her inspiration for the trilogy, the creation of the world in Godkiller, a sneak peek into book two in the trilogy entitled Sunbringer,  and her passionate dedication to reflecting our world's diversity with respect and authenticity.  She even shares her favorite books and offers tips for readers finding it tough to fit reading into their hectic schedules.
BOOK:
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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Are you ready to immerse yourself in the magic of autumn and celebrate its rich hues, comforting scents, and seasonal joys?   In this episode, I'm giving you your ultimate guide to autumn seasonal living and how to embrace the autumn season and savor its magic.  I share practical tips and insights on how to fully enjoy the season, from indulging in outdoor activities like hay rides and apple picking to creating a cozy autumnal atmosphere right in your home.  This episode is a celebration of all things fall and a guide to living intentionally with the season.  So, if you want to make the most of the fall season, there's something for everyone in this episode.  So, prepare to toast to a season filled with warmth, joy, and vibrant hues!
FOR MORE ON SEASONAL LIVING:
Listen to Ep. 104 Summer State of Mind: Discovering the Joy in Seasonal Living
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
 Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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In this episode, I've dug into our archives and brought back cool chats with three authors.  Our first author, Elisabeth Thomas, tells us about the secluded and prestigious university nestled in the woods of rural Pennsylvania in her debut novel.  Then Alice Feeney tells us about her twisty, dark thriller about two intertwined lives with deadly consequences.  Lastly, join us as Alix E. Harrow tells us about her novel set in the late 1800s, where three sisters use witchcraft to reshape history amidst the suffragette movement.  So listen in and immerse yourself in the enthralling worlds these authors have conjured.
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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Unearth the magic of autumn with three classic novels that capture the essence of this beautiful season.  Navigate the moors of Yorkshire, immerse yourself in the community of seven African-American women, and get lost in an engaging and entertaining gothic satire.  Each book, though different, offers a unique perspective on the human condition, making them ideal companions for those cozy, introspective autumn evenings.  So get ready to wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, brew a warm cuppa, and delve into the world of classics that perfectly resonate with the changing weather and vibes of autumn!
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

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Embark on a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds with the vibrant flavors of West Africa.  In this episode, Chef Pierre Thiam joins us on the couch to discuss his new cookbook, "Simply West African: Easy, Joyful Recipes for Every Kitchen."  Chef Pierre takes us on a gastronomical adventure, introducing us to the diverse and rich culinary traditions of West Africa, how he's blended familiar dishes with a unique West African twist, all seasoned with the philosophy of "Teranga" - the Senegalese value of hospitality and sharing.
Chef Pierre and I continue our discussion, emphasizing the importance of cooking with the senses and understanding the cultural connections behind the ingredients we use.  He also helps us build our West African kitchen by sharing the essential tools and ingredients we should have in our pantry.  This episode is not just an exploration of West African cuisine but a culinary journey that allows you to appreciate and understand the culture behind it.  So, tune in, and let's bring the comforting and irresistible flavors of West Africa into your kitchen!
BOOK:
Simply West African by Pierre Thiam with Lisa Katayama on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.