Wild Precious Life

Rufi Thorpe is the author of four novels, The Girls from Corona del Mar, Dear Fang, With Love, The Knockout Queen, which was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner award, and her newest Book, Margo's Got Money Troubles, which was recently shortlisted for the Kirkus Prize. On today’s show, Rufi and Annmarie talk about professional wrestling, OnlyFans, and the countless sacrifices parents make for their kids. 

Episode Sponsors:

{pages} a bookstore – The place for book lovers of all ages, where reading, meeting and discussing books is a way of life. We offer a carefully curated selection of new fiction, non-fiction, children’s, cooking, surf, coffee table books and bestsellers. We are proud of our knowledgeable and caring staff who can match any reader with the perfect book. Learn more or shop online at pagesabookstore.com.

Annabelle’s Book Club LA – A highly curated collection of books and gifts with a modern point of view. Founded by 17-year-old Annabelle Chang, this YA-focused bookstore aims to spark imagination, inspire connection, and bring joy to people of all ages. Stop or find us online at annabellesbookclubla.com.

Titles by Rufi Thorpe:

Dear Fang, With Love

The Knockout Queen

The Girls from Corona del Mar

Margo’s Got Money Troubles

Other Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Dennis Lehane

Walter Mosley

Here are a few trailers for some of Rufi’s favorite shows:

30 Rock 

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

I Think You Should Leave

The Eric Andre Show

Follow Rufi Thorpe:

Instagram: @rufithorpe

Twitter: @RufiThorpe

Facebook: RufiThorpeAuthor

rufithorpe.com

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Ann Garvin is a USA Today Bestselling author of six novels. She writes about people who do too much in a world that asks too much from them. A former Registered Nurse, Ann currently teaches creative writing at Drexel University. Her latest book is BUMMER CAMP, in which “two sisters scramble to save their family’s legacy in a funny, huge-hearted novel about grandiose plans and summers to remember.” On today’s show, Ann and Annmarie talk about head lice, tick bites, weirdness, and the worries and wonders of camp. 

Episode Sponsors:

Mystery to Me – A general bookstore with a very specific name. Of course we curate a wide selection of mystery as well as general and literary fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, fantasy, rom-com, horror, graphic novels, young adult titles, and a delightful children's section. Visit our Madison, Wisconsin location or shop online at mysterytomebooks.com.

Bluestockings – A collectively-run NYC activist center, community space and feminist bookstore that offers mutual aid, harm reduction support, non-judgemental resources, and a warming/cooling place that is radically inclusive of all genders, cultures, expansive sexualities and identities. Bluestockings seeks to empower all people to challenge oppression and participate in creating a society which is equitable, cooperative, and free, and we strive to empower our worker-owners through non-hierarchy, cooperation, and consensus-based decision making, providing an example of the society we are working toward. Stop by or shop online at bluestockings.com.

Titles Mentioned in this Episode:

Bummer Camp, by Ann Garvin

Olive Kitteridge, by Elizabeth Strout

Station Eleven, by Emily St. John Mandel

Here’s the trailer for Station Eleven.

Check out Tall Poppy Writers.

Follow Ann Garvin:

Instagram: @anngarvin_

Twitter: @anngarvin_

Facebook: @ann.w.garvin

anngarvin.com

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Wade Rouse is the USA TODAY, Publishers Weekly, and internationally bestselling author of more than a dozen books which have been translated into 21 languages. On today’s show, Annmarie and Wade discuss difficult parents, screened-in porches, and how to pursue a writing life against the odds.

Episode Sponsors:

Literary Cleveland – Where writers can explore other voices and discover their own. The Inkubator is Literary Cleveland’s free annual festival for writers and readers. Generate new writing, improve your craft, and advance your career. Register for classes, sign up for our free writing conference, and find your writing community at LitCleveland.org.

Mac’s Backs – A proud Cleveland indie bookstore with three floors for browsing, great online service, and chocolate milkshakes right next door. Find your next great read and shop online at macsbacks.com.

Titles Mentioned in this Episode:

Magic Season, by Wade Rouse

The Recipe Box: A Novel, by Viola Shipman

Here’s the trailer for Terms of Endearment.

Follow Wade Rouse:

Instagram: @authorwaderouse and @viola_shipman

Twitter: @waderouse and @viola_shipman

Facebook: @authorwaderouse and @authorviolashipman

YouTube: @WadeRouse

waderouse.com and violashipman.com

Photo Credit: Ivan Hundric Photography

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Sarah Manguso is the author of nine books, most recently the novel LIARS.

Her work’s been recognized by an American Academy of Arts and Letters Literature Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Rome Prize, and her writing has been translated into thirteen languages. On today’s show, Sarah and Annmarie discuss marriage and how our best intentions often crumble in the face of gender roles, misogyny, the patriarchy, and myriad forces so much larger than we are.

Episode Sponsors:

McNally Jackson – Independent booksellers with locations in Nolita, Williamsburg, Seaport, Rockefeller, and Downtown Brooklyn. To find your next great read, drop by or shop online at www.mcnallyjackson.com

Annabelle’s Book Club LA – A highly curated collection of books and gifts with a modern point of view. Founded by 17-year-old Annabelle Chang, this YA-focused bookstore aims to spark imagination, inspire connection, and bring joy to people of all ages. Stop or find us online at annabellesbookclubla.com.

Stories Mentioned in this Episode:

Liars, by Sarah Manguso

Learn more about Amber Heard and Gabby Petito.

Creep, by Myriam Gurba

Follow Sarah Manguso:

sarahmanguso.com

Photo Credit: Beowulf Sheehan

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Rachelle Bergstein is a lifestyle writer, author and editor. Her latest book is The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood For All of Us. On today’s show, Annmarie and Rachelle discuss taboo topics from childhood – periods! bras! masturbation! – and how Judy Blume books demystified all of them. 

Episode Sponsors:

McNally Jackson – Independent booksellers with locations in Nolita, Williamsburg, Seaport, Rockefeller, and Downtown Brooklyn. To find your next great read, drop by or shop online at www.mcnallyjackson.com

Women & Children First – A bookstore that understands the transformative power of literature. As intersectional trans-inclusive feminists, we believe books are tools for liberation. Since 1979, we’ve celebrated and amplified under-represented voices. We offer a welcoming space for learning, dialogue, and reflection, and strive toward a feminist, equitable workplace. Come visit our Chicago location or shop online at womenandchildrenfirst.com.

Judy Blume Titles Mentioned in this Episode:

Deenie

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

Forever…

Then Again, Maybe I Won’t

Blubber

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great

It's Not the End of the World

Other Titles Mentioned:

The Genius of Judy: How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood For All of Us, by Rachelle Bergstein

Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma, by Claire Dederer

Biography of X, by Catherine Lacey

The Recovering: Intoxication and Its Aftermath, by Leslie Jamison

Here’s some 90s music to leave you with: Under the Bridge, by Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Follow Rachelle Bergstein:

Twitter: @RaBergstein

Instagram: @rachellewb

rachellebergstein.com

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Emma Copley Eisenberg is a queer writer in Philadelphia, where she co-founded Blue Stoop, a community hub for the literary arts. Her latest book is HOUSEMATES which we talk about today. On today’s show, Emma and Annmarie discuss queer aunties, the magic of road trips, and whether art can actually save our lives.

Episode Sponsors:

The Head & The Hand – A nonprofit independent publisher and community bookstore based in the Kensington/Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, where we’re committed to serving as a launchpad for the next generation of local writers. We strive to create innovative relationships between authors and their audiences, and we publish and stock writing with the power to both entertain and spark change. Come visit or find us online at theheadandthehand.com.

Women & Children First – A bookstore that understands the transformative power of literature. As intersectional trans-inclusive feminists, we believe books are tools for liberation. Since 1979, we’ve celebrated and amplified under-represented voices. We offer a welcoming space for learning, dialogue, and reflection, and strive toward a feminist, equitable workplace. Come visit our Chicago location or shop online at womenandchildrenfirst.com.

Titles Mentioned in this Episode:

Housemates, by Emma Copley Eisenberg

The Third Rainbow Girl: The Long Life of a Double Murder in Appalachia, by Emma Copley Eisenberg

Nicotine, by Nell Zinks

The Girls of Slender Means, Murial Spark

All This Could Be Different, by Sarah Thankham Mathews

Sophie's Choice, by William Styron

Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott

A Grace Paley Reader: Stories, Essays, and Poetry

Blue Stoop, a home for Philly writers

Learn more about Emma Goldman’s ice cream parlor here

Jordan Kisner podcast Thresholds

Follow Emma Copley Eisenberg:

Twitter: @frumpenberg

Instagram: @frumpenberg

emmacopleyeisenberg.com

Photo credit: Kenzi Crash

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R.O. Kwon is the author of the nationally bestselling novel The Incendiaries, which was named a best book of the year by more than forty publications. On today’s show, Annmarie and R.O. discuss her new book, Exhibit, an exhilarating novel that’s been called “the sexiest book of the year.” They also talk about photography, the torture and timelessness of ballet, and what it means for women to put voice to their desires both in and out of the bedroom.

Episode Sponsors:

Duende District – We make tiny bookstores for & by people of color— where all are welcome. What you'll find at each Duende District is a lovingly curated selection of new & used adult & children's books by authors of color in English & Spanish. Each boutique partnership offers a uniquely crafted & inviting literary space focused on engaging communities of color, while also inviting all people to participate in the experience. Visit our locations in Albuquerque & Brooklyn, or find us online at duendedistrict.com.

Loyalty Bookstores – A Black, Asian, and Queer owned bookstore, which aims to be the Mid-Atlantic’s neighborhood spot for books, gifts, and programming. At Loyalty, we highlight the diverse voices and creatives who make our communities great. We work to create an inclusive, welcoming environment because, well, books are home. Visit our DC and Silver Spring locations or find us online at loyaltybookstores.com.

Yu and Me Books – A bookstore / café / and bar that showcases strong, diverse voices, with a focus on immigrant stories, in a space where we can dream together, strive for change, and push systems closer to justice. Come to our NYC location to sip, read, and share amazing conversations, or find us online at yuandmebooks.com.

Titles Mentioned in this Episode:

Exhibit, by R.O. Kwon

The Incendiaries, by R.O. Kwon

Kink: Stories, edited by Garth Greenwell and R.O. Kwon

Small Rain, by Garth Greenwell

Follow R.O. Kwon:

Twitter: @rokwon

Instagram: @ro.kwon

ro-kwon.com

Photo credit: Jesse Dittmar

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Nicola Yoon is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Instructions for Dancing, Everything, Everything, and The Sun Is Also a Star, and she was the first Black woman to hit #1 on the New York Times Young Adult bestseller list. On today’s show, Nicola and Annmarie discuss Nicola’s new adult book, One of Our Kind, “a terrifying and thought-provoking look at what it means to be truly free in America.” They also talk about Black joy, pursuing dreams, and also why it’s totally fine when your kids want to dye their hair blue.

Episode Sponsors:

Annabelle’s Book Club LA – A highly curated collection of books and gifts with a modern point of view. Founded by 17-year-old Annabelle Chang, this YA-focused bookstore aims to spark imagination, inspire connection, and bring joy to people of all ages. Stop or find us online at annabellesbookclubla.com.

Rep Club – A bookshop and creative space curated by Blackness in Los Angeles, California. Named one of Issa Rae's "favorite places in Los Angeles," this Black, queer, and woman-owned space hosts bookish events  and can help you find your next 5-star read. Wherever you are, shop online at rep.club. For a limited time, listeners can get 10% off your next read with code WILD at checkout! 

Books by Nicola Yoon:

Everything, Everything

The Sun Is Also a Star

Instructions for Dancing

One of Our Kind

Blackout, by Nicola Yoon, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, and Nic Stone

Whiteout, by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon 

If you’re looking for a throwback karaoke song, here’s Making Love Out of Nothing at All, by Air Supply. 

Follow Nicola Yoon:

Facebook: NicolaYoonWriter

Twitter: @NicolaYoon

Instagram: @nicolayoon

nicolayoon.com

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Jacquelyn Mitchard is the best-selling author of 23 books, including A Very Inconvenient Scandal, The Good Son, and The Deep End of the Ocean, which was the inaugural selection for Oprah Winfrey’s book club. In today’s episode, Jacquelyn and Annmarie talk about the opportunities and challenges of balancing motherhood and the writing life, finding character names in cemeteries, and how no story is ever truly complete until the reader is holding the author’s hand.

Episode Sponsors:

Aesop’s Fable – An independent bookshop in Holliston, Massachusetts with a focus on inspiring creativity and growth in readers of all ages. Stop by or shop online at aesopsfable.com.

Brewster Book Store – A full-service independent shop filled to the brim with books, toys, games, greeting cards, and gifts. We’ve been matching readers with books for over 40 years, and we’re proud of our collection of Cape Cod books, our extensive children's section, and our wide selection of books for readers of all tastes and ages. We believe books have the power to change lives. Come in or shop online at brewsterbookstore.com.

A Small Selection of Books by Jacquelyn Mitchard:

A Very Inconvenient Scandal

The Deep End of the Ocean

The Good Son

A Theory of Relativity

Films Mentioned in this Episode:

Wuthering Heights – Here’s a clip from the 1992 version starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche.

Here’s a trailer for North by Northwest.

Here’s a clip from the film Glory.

Here’s the trailer for American Fiction.

Finally, if you’re a writer and want to journey with Jacquelyn Mitchard along the Mediterranean Sea this fall, learn more HERE. 

Follow Jacquelyn Mitchard:

Facebook: jacquelyn.mitchard

Twitter: @JackieMitchard

Instagram: @jacquelynmitchard

Goodreads: jacquelyn_mitchard

jacquelynmitchard.com

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Alua Arthur is the most visible and active death doula working in America today. She’s a recovering attorney and the founder of Going with Grace, a death doula training and end-of-life planning organization. Her TED Talk titled, “Why Thinking About Death Helps You Live a Better Life,” has over 1.5 million views. In today’s episode, Annmarie and Alua discuss Briefly Perfectly Human, Alua’s life-changing, soul-gathering memoir. They also discuss how talking about death can help all of us live better lives. 

Episode Sponsors:

Octavia’s Bookshelf – An independent bookstore in Pasadena, California where readers of all walks of life can enjoy our store full of books written by BIPOC writers. Octavia’s Bookshelf is a place to find your new BFF inside a book, a space to find community, enjoy a cup of coffee, read, relax, find unique and specially curated products from artisans from around the world and in our neighborhood. Stop by or shop online at octaviasbookshelf.com.

Rep Club – A bookshop and creative space curated by Blackness in Los Angeles, California. Named one of Issa Rae's "favorite places in Los Angeles," this Black, queer, and woman-owned space hosts bookish events    and can help you find your next 5-star read. Wherever you are, shop online at rep.club. For a limited time, listeners can get 10% off your next read with code WILD at checkout! 

Titles Discussed in this Episode:

Briefly Perfectly Human, by Alua Arthur

Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides

Conscious Grieving, by Claire Bidwell Smith

Love on the Scottish Spring Isle, by Beatrice Bradshaw

Fathers and Sons, by Howard Cunnell

Follow Alua Arthur:

Instagram: @going_with_grace

Twitter: @goinggracefully

Facebook: @goingwgrace

goingwithgrace.com

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