Turning The Page

Mariam sits down with debut author Daniel Guy to discuss his first novel, 2151: The Evolution Complex. The science fiction work follows three teenagers through their search for their abducted parents in a world of artificial intelligence, genetic modification, and floating cities. Mariam and Daniel discuss his writing journey and his inspiration for the 2151 with a few hints of what’s to come in the following two titles in the series, 2152 and 2153. You can find Daniel’s book on his website or your favorite bookstore, and for checkout from the library.

Later, Mariam and Erin discuss Mariam’s picks for new releases in October, including highly anticipated titles from Barbara Kingsolver (Partita), Silas House (The Tulip Poplars) and Sarah J. Maas (A Court of Splintered Harmony). In the Behind the Scenes segment, Erin talks with Eden Osborne, Learning and Development Specialist for Lexington Public Library, about her work and upcoming projects.

Mariam sits down with acclaimed author and now University of Kentucky professor, Melissa Scholes Young, about her latest book, The Hive. They talk about Melissa’s journey to writing, teaching, and the inspirations for her novels and upcoming collection of poetry. Melissa’s books are available for checkout from the library and for purchase from your favorite bookstore.

Later, Mariam announces the 2026 Community Reads book and author visit, and talks about her September TBR list, including We Chase Shadows by Richard Osman, Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros, Hollywood Ending by John Green and more. Erin chats with Mora, the library’s Program Evaluator, about her work in the returning Behind the Scenes segment. 

Acclaimed author Hannah Pittard joins us for a riveting conversation about her writing process, her memoir We Are Too Many and her autobiographical fiction novel, If You Love it, Let it Kill You. Hannah’s works are available for checkout from the library and for purchase from your favorite bookstore.

Later, Mariam and Erin talk about Mariam’s TBR list for June, including Whistler by Ann Patchett, The Jellyfish Problem by Tessa Yang, and Heather by Caitlin Mullen. Erin interviews Sonya and Alyssa from Lexington Public Library’s Collection Services department in the returning segment, Behind the Scenes.

Mariam sits down with Cynthia Ellingsen, bestselling author of The Cut of the Moon, The Lost Letters of Aisling and The Starlight Cove series. They discuss Cynthia’s use of dual timelines in her works, her inspiration for her works, how she approaches writing, and what’s upcoming next. Cynthia’s works are available for checkout from the library and for purchase from your favorite bookstore.

Later, Erin and Mariam talk about upcoming book releases and library programs for April 2026.

Mariam sits down with local author and attorney Anthony B. Gray to discuss his debut novel Torrent. They talk about his inspiration for his main character, how grief plays an important role in the novel, and the novel is about survival outside of the strategic world of the courtroom. They also talk about Anthony’s lifelong love of stories and storytelling, and his future projects. Torrent is available for checkout from the library and for purchase from your favorite bookstore.

Later, Erin and Mariam talk about Mariam’s long March to-be-read list, and highlights of programs being hosted at all library branches in March 2026.

This episode is an archive recording of a live event held February 12, 2026. 

Mariam sits down with acclaimed poet, author, and educator Frank X Walker, a pioneer of the Affrilachian literary movement and former Kentucky Poet Laureate. Professor Walker shares insights from his groundbreaking work, discusses the power of storytelling in shaping cultural identity, and reflects on his journey as a writer and advocate for Appalachian voices. Following the conversation, Professor Walker reads some of his poetry and participates in an audience Q&A session, in which attendees engage directly with Professor Walker and explore his perspectives on literature, history, and community.

This episode has only been lightly edited from its original live content, including some setup audio removal and audio mastering. Some audience members chose not to ask their questions with the microphone, but the answers to their questions are preserved in this recording.

Mariam sits down with Wes Browne, author of Hillbilly Hustle and They All Fall the Same, to discuss both of his books, his writing journey and how his work is influenced by Appalachian Kentucky and his background as an attorney. Wes talks about how becoming a part owner in a pizza shop in Richmond influenced the story of his first book, and how a fan-favorite character from Hillbilly Hustle became the focus of They All Fall the Same, with the background of actual Kentucky events in 2020. Hillbilly Hustle and They All Fall the Same are available for checkout and purchase from your favorite local bookstore.

Later, Erin and Mariam talk about highlights of upcoming January releases, and January programming. The Art Beat calendar can be found on our website.

Mariam sits down with our own Bill Widener to chat about his graphic novel review publication for the library, 741.5 and his work selecting graphic novels for the library’s collection. He also DJ’s at WRFL, the University of Kentucky’s student-run radio station. They discuss trends in graphic novel publishing, and highlights some of Bill’s favorite titles and recommendations. The full archive of Bill’s 741.5 publication is available on our website, and his show on WRFL is Phantom Power Double Hour, 6-8 PM, Fridays, on 88.1 FM WRFL or online at wrfl.fm. 

Later, Erin and Mariam talk about programs at the library for December, particularly during the school break, and books coming out in January 2026. Thank you for joining us this year on Turning the Page!

Mariam sits down with local author Fiona Young-Brown about her newest book Secret Lexington: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure. They talk about what brought Fiona to Kentucky from the UK and her writing process while discussing a few of the places highlighted in the book. Secret Lexington is available for checkout and for purchase from your favorite bookstore or from the publisher.

Later, Mariam highlights some memoirs coming out in November, and Erin highlights just a few of the programs happening at the library this month.

On this episode of Turning the Page, Courtney Block, academic librarian and author joins us by phone to talk about her upcoming work, Inside the World's Haunted Libraries. She and Mariam discuss the inspiration for her work, and how her academic background and work as a university reference librarian informs her view into the paranormal.

In the second half of the episode, Mariam tells us about the two books that have her attention this month, I Just Wish I had Bigger Kitchen by Kate Strickler, and Silas House's new murder mystery set in Kentucky titled Dead Man Blues. Erin talks about the library's busy October, and highlights several programs happening over the month.