Zibby speaks with debut author Elizabeth Camarillo Gutierrez about MY SIDE OF THE RIVER, a tender memoir about her experience as the daughter of Mexican immigrants and what happened when her parents were kicked out of the United States when she was just fifteen years old, leaving her to raise her little brother by herself. Elizabeth talks about her childhood in Southern Arizona and then delves into the heart of her story, touching on themes of separation, generational trauma, resilience, and the toll of the American dream. She also reflects on the memoir-writing process, the discomfort of re-sharing painful memories, her TED Talk experience, and her best advice for aspiring authors. 

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Beloved teacher and librarian John Schu joins Zibby to discuss LOUDER THAN HUNGER, a heart-wrenching and transformative novel-in-verse about a sensitive teen struggling with crippling anxiety and anorexia—inspired by the author’s experiences. John delves into his journey with mental health and the importance of crafting narratives that inspire without inadvertently glorifying harmful behaviors. He also explores the relationships portrayed in the book, touches on the themes of resilience and forgiveness, and shares his passion for musical theater and Broadway musicals!

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Zibby speaks to author and Zibby’s Bookshop manager Katrina Leno about her quirky middle-grade fantasy novel, THE UMBRELLA MAKER’S SON. Katrina delves into the fantasy world of Roan, where it is always raining, and the struggles of young Oscar, whose family legacy as umbrella makers clashes with his own dreams. They delve into Katrina’s writing process, her path to becoming an author, and how her experiences working in a bookstore, living abroad in Scotland, and working in fashion have influenced her writing.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/43iBfnY

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Zibby is joined by New York Times bestselling authors Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis to discuss 2054, an explosive work of speculative fiction set twenty years after their first book, 2034, that shows a future America grappling with a violent partisan divide and a radical leap forward in AI. The co-authors discuss the inspiration behind this novel, their collaborative writing process, and the relevance of the book’s themes (like political polarization and the potential consequences of unchecked technological progress) to contemporary society. They also reveal the potential for adaptation into film or television!

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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New York Times bestselling author Allison Winn Scotch joins Zibby once again, this time to discuss TAKE TWO, BIRDIE MAXWELL, a witty and warm novel about Birdie Maxwell, America’s rom-com sweetheart, as she navigates being canceled and seeks redemption in her hometown. Allison reveals how an anonymous love letter she received in college inspired this story, touches on the themes of second chances and nostalgia, and then examines the evolution of her writing style over the last twenty years, highlighting her decision to embrace storytelling that brings joy and entertainment to readers. Finally, she offers valuable advice for aspiring authors! 

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Zibby interviews Forbes contributor Amy Shoenthal about THE SETBACK CYCLE, a guide with revolutionary strategies for working through life’s toughest moments, supported by research and personal stories from today’s most prolific leaders and innovators. Amy discusses the four phases of the setback cycle (Establish, Embrace, Explore, and Emerge), emphasizing how setbacks can actually lead to the best opportunities and growth. She also explores the intersection of personal and societal setbacks, noting the role of community and support in overcoming challenges. Overall, the episode offers invaluable insights for anyone facing adversity—personal or professional.

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Zibby speaks with critically acclaimed essayist and journalist Lisa Selin Davis about HOUSEWIFE: Why Women Still Do It All and What to Do Instead, a deeply-researched, passionate, and vindicating book that masterfully dismantles misconceptions and encourages women to choose the best path for themselves. Lisa reflects on her fascination with the concept of the housewife and then delves into the challenges faced by modern-day mothers who have to balance work, family, and personal fulfillment. She highlights the importance of redefining traditional parenthood and embracing a more equitable distribution of labor—which will require affordable childcare and flexible work policies.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4abzmM7

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Hailed as the queen of Irish crime fiction, New York Times bestselling author Tana French joins Zibby to discuss THE HUNTER, a spellbinding novel set in the Irish countryside about a retired Chicago detective and a local teenager whose estranged father’s return disrupts their lives. Tana describes the delicate balance of relationships and the looming threat of revenge in her book, weaving in themes of resilience, moral ambiguity, and the allure of buried treasure. Then, she discusses her unexpected journey to becoming a writer, her creative process (and how it is informed by her background in acting), and her eclectic reading habits, from classic Westerns to historical romance.

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Trigger warning: domestic violence.

Emmy Award-winning television host, veteran journalist, and bestselling author Tamron Hall joins Zibby to discuss WATCH WHERE THEY HIDE, an edge-of-your-seat thriller featuring journalist Jordan Manning as she delves into the case of a missing mother. Tamron analyzes her complex protagonist and then shares the personal experiences that inspired elements of the novel, from news reporting and gender disparities in journalism to the sinister aspect of online gaming and her sister’s tragic experience with domestic violence. Finally, she shares her best advice for aspiring authors. (P.S. You can use code JORDANMANNING for 15% on Bookshop.org!)

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3TCabN8

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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Zibby speaks to one of her greatest literary role models, #1 New York Times bestselling author Anna Quindlen, about AFTER ANNIE, a breathtakingly beautiful novel about family, friendship, and the power of love to transcend loss—and a Zibby’s Book Club pick! They delve into the core themes of the book: grief, resilience, and the intricacies of familial and friend relationships, all of which Anna has drawn from her own experiences and observations. Finally, Anna reflects on her writing process, the challenges of publication, the unpredictability of the literary world, and the importance of perseverance.

Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/48QDfoO

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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].)

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