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The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah with Kara Infante
May 12, 2026
Unknown duration
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens with Francine Prose
May 5, 2026
Unknown duration
Sole Survivor by Derek Hansen with Heather Morris
Apr 28, 2026
Unknown duration
Shark Heart by Emily Habeck with Ashley Hall
Apr 21, 2026
Unknown duration
Culpability by Bruce Holsinger with Barbara Ferrara
Apr 14, 2026
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/12/26 |  The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah with Kara Infante | The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah follows two sisters in Nazi-occupied France as they navigate love, loss, resistance, and survival during World War II. Through their very different paths, the novel explores the courage of ordinary women and the sacrifices made in the face of war.My guest this week is Kara Infante, a mom, wife and host of the Bookish Flights Podcast At Bookish Flights, Kara Infante and her guests tell their stories through the books they love. Each episode features a book flight - three thoughtfully paired books connected by a theme, topic, or genre. Think of it like a wine flight…but for books. Kara and I are both on each other’s shows this week, so head over there to hear me talk about 3 books I love by Xochitl GonzalezDrink Options:Lyre’s Classico NA Sparkling WineLavender French 75Ingredients1 ½ oz Empress gin ¾ oz fresh lemon juice½ oz lavender simple syrup3 oz chilled champagne or proseccoIceOptional garnish:Lemon twistDried culinary lavenderDirectionsAdd gin, lemon juice, and lavender simple syrup to cocktail shaker with ice.Shake well until chilled.Strain into a champagne flute or coupe.Top with sparkling wineGarnish with a lemon twist or a pinch of dried lavender. In this episodeBookish Flight Episode with Kristin HannahBooks by Tracy LangeThe Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna JohnstonThe Road to Tender Hearts by Annie HartnettThe Vanishing Half by Britt BennettBooks by Kate QuinnBooks by Marie Benedict | — | ||||||
| 5/5/26 |  Great Expectations by Charles Dickens with Francine Prose✨ | literaturefiction+3 | Francine Prose | Great ExpectationsThe Vixen+7 | LondonBritish | Great ExpectationsCharles Dickens+7 | — | — | |
| 4/28/26 |  Sole Survivor by Derek Hansen with Heather Morris✨ | fictionliterature+3 | Heather Morris | Sole SurvivorThe Tattooist of Auschwitz+4 | New ZealandGreat Barrier Island | Sole SurvivorHeather Morris+3 | — | — | |
| 4/21/26 |  Shark Heart by Emily Habeck with Ashley Hall✨ | surreal love storymagical realism+4 | Emily HabeckAshley Hall | Communities in Schools ChesterfieldShark Heart | — | Shark HeartEmily Habeck+5 | — | — | |
| 4/14/26 |  Culpability by Bruce Holsinger with Barbara Ferrara✨ | techno-thrillerfamily drama+4 | Barbara Ferrara | Tarnished Truth BourbonCulpability+1 | VirginiaCavalier Hotel+1 | CulpabilityBruce Holsinger+7 | — | — | |
| 4/7/26 |  We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman with Lindsey Goldstein✨ | friendshipgrief+5 | Catherine NewmanLindsey Goldstein | Sauvignon BlancLeia Vinters Sauvignon Blanc+4 | Irvine, CA | Catherine NewmanLindsey Goldstein+6 | — | — | |
| 3/31/26 |  Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas W. Tallamy with Leslie Eva Tayloe✨ | biodiversitynative plants+4 | Douglas W. TallamyLeslie Eva Tayloe | Homegrown National ParkFredericksburg Goat Farm+5 | VirginiaRappahannock River | biodiversity lossnative plants+3 | — | — | |
| 3/24/26 |  In the Time of The Butterflies by Julia Alvarez with Fran Dorsey✨ | sisterhoodcourage+4 | Fran Dorsey | Cuba Libre DrinkApple Watch+4 | — | Julia AlvarezMirabal sisters+6 | — | — | |
| 3/17/26 |  Gone by Michael Grant with Fiona Fenn✨ | dystopian fictionsurvival+3 | Michael GrantFiona Fenn | Sarah J. MaasThe Spoken World Podcast+8 | — | GoneMichael Grant+6 | — | — | |
| 3/10/26 |  On Beauty by Zadie Smith with Virginia Pye✨ | family dynamicsrace+4 | Zadie SmithVirginia Pye | Free the Tipple: Kickass Cocktails Inspired by Iconic WomenKirkus Reviews+9 | — | Zadie SmithVirginia Pye+4 | — | — | |
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| 3/3/26 |  Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica with Ashley Peters✨ | dystopian horrorcannibalism+3 | Ashley Peters | Tender is the Flesh | East Austin, Texas | Agustina BazterricaAshley Peters+5 | — | — | |
| 2/24/26 |  Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen with Alexandra Potter✨ | loveclass+5 | Alexandra Potter | VogueBrontë Parsonage+6 | SydneyLondon+1 | Pride and PrejudiceJane Austen+7 | — | — | |
| 2/21/26 |  Wuthering Heights Film by Emerald Fennell with Carrie Pruett | 2 Years of Drinks in the Library gets a special episode!Carrie Pruett, who did the DITL Wuthering Heights Book episode with me, and I discussed the Wuthering Heights Film by director Emerald Fennell, and it was so much fun! There are spoilers so please pause if you are waiting to see it (although the book came out in 1847 so you how mad can you be at spoilers?)The perfect drink pairing with this book is a very dark and full bodied red wine (we tried Witching Hour Red Blend) and Raspberry Dark Chocolate (we tried Ghiridelli). This is the ONLY food drink pairing for this film, I fully expect this fact to be added to the film’s Wikipedia page!Thank you so much to Carrie for recording with me, this was a lot of fun, who knows, maybe more film reviews are in DITL’s future!Here are a few things Carrie mentioned in the episode: Wuthering Heights (1939) - stars Laurence OlivierEmily Bronte's Wuthering Heights (1992) - stars Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche Wuthering Heights (2011) - directed by Andrea Arnold (Allison Anders misquoted in episode). | — | ||||||
| 2/17/26 |  The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow with Angie Hilliker Ph.D. | This week’s book is The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow, the story of three sisters in 1893: Juiper, Agnes and Beatrice who are hunted by forces who will not suffer a witch to vote, they must use their magic, their wits and alliances to find a way to survive. This led to such an interesting conversation about feminism, sisterhood, science, and lots of magic with this week’s guest: Angie Hilliker!Angie Hilliker (Ph.D.) is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Richmond where she teaches undergraduates about the amazing molecular machines in our cells. She also has a research lab where she works with these budding scientists to understand how our cells regulate mRNA, the molecular recipes cells use to make proteins. She is always curious about something, whether it’s something in the lab, in a book, exploring a hobby (including playing the flute and making pottery), or exploring something with her husband and son. When she isn’t reading science papers for work, she likes to read fantasy, historical fiction and romance novels.In this Episode James River WritersUniversity of RichmondThe Sackler FamilyThe Poe Museum - RichmondAlly McBealThe Wayward Sisters:Herbal, floral, lightly sweet, and aromatic — like walking through a moonlit herb garden. Contains three major flavor components to represent the three sisters in the novel. Ingredients:2 oz Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice Gin (Represents the youngest, but the most intense sister, James Juniper)1 oz Bénédictine (made from 27 herbs, roots, etc.; a collaboration between a wine merchant and a chemist; represents the oldest sister Beatrice Belladonna, a scholar)1 tsp of chai tea simple syrup (represents the middle sister, Agnes Amaranth, hard worker, steady, sometimes maternal, like a bracing cup of tea)2 dashes of orange bitters (there is a lot of bitterness between the sisters, balances the sweetness of the simple syrup)Orange slice (so much better than lime… this is how G&T are often served in Scotland)Tonic waterInstructions:To make the simple syrup, heat 1 c. water, 1 c. sugar, and 6 chai tea bags over medium. Stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil and then remove from heat and let cool. Remove tea bags and store syrup in the fridge. Add the Gin, Bénédictine, and chai tea simple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled, about 15 seconds.Strain into a glass with ice.Add two dashes of orange bitters and squeeze in the juice from a slice of orange and drop the slice in the glass. Swirl or stir to mix. • 5. Top with tonic water to your preferred level and enjoy! | — | ||||||
| 2/10/26 |  Twilight by Stephanie Meyer with Burn Before Reading Podcast | Hi Librarian Nation! This week we are discussing Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, the now-ubiquitous tale of Bella Swan and the vampire who just can’t quit her, Edward Cullen. This story has, of course, been widely read and adapted into famous films, and I was so happy to discuss it with this week’s guests, Christina and Lelia from fellow Richmond book podcast Burn Before Reading!I was on Burn Before Reading last week talking about being a librarian during the Fifty Shades of Grey craze, so please go check it out (heads up that Burn Before Reading is for mature audiences only!).Burn Before Reading Podcast is where hosts Christina Kann and Lelia Hilton in an exploration of bad writing, cringey memories, and scandalous literary history. The cringe factor of literature is as ancient as writing itself, and Burn Before Reading is here to explore it all. Every week, Christina & Lelia delve into the story of a piece of writing, a writer, a movement, or a memory to unpack the people they used to be and appreciate how far they’ve come!O-Positive Party Punch (from Slugs on the Refrigerator Blog)Ingredients (per glass):3 oz. cranberry juice2 oz.pomegranate juice3 oz.sparkling waterSqueeze of fresh orangeInstructions:Fill a glass with ice.Add cranberry and pomegranate juices.Squeeze in orange and stir.Top with sparkling water and a thin apple slice.In this EpisodeVote for DITL in Style Weekly’s Best of Richmond 2026Drinks in the Library Merch!The Butterfly EffectMean Girls FilmThis is the Skin of a Killer, Bella!The Byrd TheaterBooks by Stephenie MeyerSinners FilmBury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by VE Schwab | — | ||||||
| 2/3/26 |  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl with Matthew Stern | Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is a whimsical children’s novel about Charlie Bucket, a kind, poor boy who wins a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the mysterious Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Since so many know this story, Matthew and I were able to have a conversation about the book’s history and Dahl’s legacy, and about how art and our views of it change over time.Matthew Stern is an award-winning public speaker and writer with over 40 years of professional experience. His works include the novels Amiga and The Remainders, as well as the best-selling public speaking book Mastering Table Topics. A lifelong resident of Southern California, he grew up in Reseda, graduated from California State University, Northridge, and now lives in Lake Forest. When he’s not rooting for the Dodgers and Rams, he enjoys exercising and spending time with his wife, adult children, and granddaughter. You can find him on social media platforms @MASwriterOur drink this week is a Greek Cheek Beer, a favorite of Matthew’s from his home in California, and a reference to the gum-smacking habits of Violet Beauregaard. If you are in California definite check it out. For those of us outside of the Golden State, Sam Adams Chocolate Bock would have be a great pairing for this book.In this EpisodeRoald Dahl Revision ControversyWonka vs Wonka The problem with overly likable characters - Matthew Stern | — | ||||||
| 1/27/26 |  Libby Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth with Kendall Concini-Moore | This week’s book is Libby Lost & Found, by Stephanie Booth, about Libby Weeks, the reclusive author of the hit fantasy series “The Falling Children”, who faces a crisis when she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's and struggles to complete her overdue manuscript. In desperation, she enlists the help of eleven-year-old superfan Peanut Bixton, who knows the series inside and out but has her own hidden troubles. As Libby grapples with her diagnosis, Peanut and her family work to protect and help her save herself and the series.My guest this week is Kendall Concini-Moore. Kendall‘s greatest adventure began not on the page, but at home, as a mother. Her book Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure was inspired by her own family and her struggles with depression, or her “cloud.” With empathy and playful hearts, her family encourages her to rest, reminding her that it’s okay to not be okay, because clouds don’t last forever. Complete with discussion questions and resources, this picture book gives children ages 4-8 the language to understand when someone they love is struggling, while celebrating that sometimes, simply being together is the most caring thing. You can find out more about her and her book on her website, https://cloudydaychronicles.org/, through her Substack where she shares resources: cloudydaychronicles.substack.com/ and on social media @cloudydaychronicles.Kendall curated our drink this week: A Black Manhattan with a coffee twist, listen to the episode to learn how this was inspired by the book and what author Stephanie Booth thought Libby’s favorite drink would be!Ingredients2 oz rye whiskey (or bourbon if you want it softer)1 oz Amaro¼ oz coffee liqueur (just a pinch—enough to deepen, not dominate)2-3 dashes orange bitters (optional but rounds it out)Luxardo cherry or orange twist for garnishDirectionsAdd rye (or bourbon), amaro, coffee liqueur, and bitters to a mixing glass.Fill with ice and stir vigorously for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.Strain into a chilled coupe (for up) or an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube (for on the rocks).Garnish with a Luxardo cherry or a long orange twist. In this episodeChuck Palahniuk Laurie NotaroPatrick RothBrandon SandersonEvery Heart a Doorway EpisodeTweetsie RailroadDrop Dead GenerousA Doubters Almanac Episode | — | ||||||
| 1/20/26 |  Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger with Valerie Adachi | Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger revolves around identical twins, Elspeth and Edie, who have a deep but complicated bond that is tested when Elspeth, a reclusive woman living in London, dies and leaves her apartment to her American nieces, Julia and Valentina. As the twins settle into Elspeth's home, they become entangled in the mysteries of her past and the supernatural presence that lingers in the apartment, particularly the ghost of Elspeth herself. My guest this week is Valerie Adachi. Valerie is a self-proclaimed bookworm who even enjoyed reading cereal boxes 🥣as a kid, she reminisces over the tactile joy of spreading the New York Times 📰 across her kitchen table.Adventure always seems to be around the corner for her, often appearing spontaneous but rooted in long-percolating ideas—like the decision to add a new puppy 🐶 to her already bustling pack, turning her quiet life topsy-turvy.Beyond her love for dogs 🐕 , she thrives on live music, good food and drink shared with family and friends, and the thrill of knowing that adventure is always nearby, maybe we a cozy reading spot 📖SPOILER ALERT! For the first episode ever, we do discuss the ending, so heads up if you plan to read the book. I do give you a heads up in the episode so you know when to stop, but if you have read it already or want to hear the ending, listen all the way through!In This EpisodeMirror TwinsHighgate CemeteryEarl Grey Hot ToddyIngredients:1 cup water1 Earl Grey tea bag1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste)1-2 ounces whiskey (such as bourbon or rye)1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juiceLemon slice (for garnish)Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnishDirections1. Boil the water in a small saucepan or kettle.2. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the Earl Grey tea bag. Steep for about 3-5 minutes, depending on your preference for strength.3. Remove the tea bag and stir in the honey until fully dissolved.4. Add the whiskey and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the tea mixture, stirring gently to combine.5. Pour the hot toddy into a mug or heatproof glass.6. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick, if desired.7. Serve warm and enjoy your soothing hot toddy! | — | ||||||
| 1/13/26 |  An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin with Amy Carleton, Ph D. | Our book this week is An Object of Beauty, a novel released in 2010 by Steve Martin, chronicles the journey of the driven and charming Lacey Yeager as she navigates the New York art scene. Starting as an intern at Sotheby's, Lacey ascends to become a prominent gallery owner, revealing her questionable methods and the fluctuating dynamics of the art market from the 1990s to the present. Narrated by her friend Daniel, the story delves into themes of art, collecting, ambition, and social ambition within the art world, all infused with Martin's characteristic wit and dry humor.My guest this week is Amy Carleton, Ph D. She teaches in the Comparative Media Studies/Writing program at MIT and is the co-founder of Black Notes Project, a Charlotte, NC-based music festival and nonprofit, as well as the creator of Lecture Notes, a public humanities series (and now Substack!). Her research focuses on the behavioral economics of online communities and the intersection of race and digital culture. She is a recipient of the MIT Teaching With Digital Technology award, holds a graduate certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University, and was selected by the WikiEducation Foundation as a Wikipedia Black History Scholar. Find out more about Amy through her website TheAmyCarleton.comOur Drink this week is La Marca Prosecco, which is a popular offering at art galleries and showings. So sip some along with us as we dive into the art world of the 90s and 2000s!In this EpisodeWays of Seeing by John BergerBorn Standing Up by Steve MartinDavidson collegeExit Through the Gift Shop DocumentaryIsabella Stewart Garden Museum TheftThe Mint Museum Boston Museum of Fine ArtsBechtler Museum of Modern Art Harvey B. Gantt CenterInstitute of Contemporary ArtYour Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy RossNovant Health Art InitiativeVirginia Museum of Fine ArtsThe Story of Art Without Men by Katy HesselUnfinished: The Role of the Artist in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Lucas Cantor SantiagoA Little Life by Hanya YanagiharaRandom Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc Brookline BooksmithRJ Julia Bookstore | — | ||||||
| 1/6/26 |  Heartbeat by Terreece M. Clarke with Liz Bullard | Happy New Year Libration Nation! We are kicking off the year with Heartbeat by Terreece M. Clarke, a romance suspense novel in which Mike and Maya find love in the midst of danger and messiness. This is the first book in Clarke’s Courageous Love Series, and with excellent characters and diverse voices, it is a favorite of this week’s guest, Liz Bullard!Liz Bullard is a multi-genre author, therapist, and coach known for her captivating storytelling and passion for helping creatives overcome obstacles. Her notable works include The Prophecy Series and the Lira Somers Mysteries—praised for fast-paced plots, vivid characters, and movie-like imagery. Liz’s love of reading and writing is evident in the eReads Podcast, where she celebrates the power of creativity and storytelling. When she’s not writing, coaching, or recording the podcast, she’s cooking, reading, or spending time with Preston the corgi.Our drink this week is a Hibiscus French 75 Mocktail, using one of my favorite syrups Wild Hibiscus, which includes hibiscus flowers that make the cocktail match Heartbeat’s cover!Ingredients1 oz NA gin.5 oz Wild Hibiscus syrup.5 oz fresh lemon juiceNA Sparkling wineIceLemon twist or edible flower (for garnish)1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, wild hibiscus syrup, and fresh lemon juice.2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is chilled.3. Place hibiscus flower from the syrup in a champagne flute.4. Pour mixture from shaker into flute5. Top it off: Gently top off the drink with your choice of chilled NA sparkling wine.In this EpisodeTerreece M. Clarke’s WebsiteJames PattersonJanet Evanovich | — | ||||||
| 12/16/25 |  This is the Honey by Kwame Alexander with Nick George The Poet | Hello Libration Nation! This week I am joined by Nick George, a poet and educator, to discuss This Is The Honey an anthology of poems edited by Kwame Alexander. We talked about Nick’s journey with poetry, the significance of diverse voices in poetic anthologies, and the importance of seeing yourself reflected in stories. We read and analyze poems from the anthology, including works by Mahogany L. Brown and Jabari Asim. This is the last episode of 2025 as I’m taking a little break to relax and spend time with my family. Looking forward to some great episodes coming out in 2026!Nicholas Steven George (or, Nick George the Poet) is a poet, educator, DJ and facilitator. He has performed at venues such as TedXCharlottesville, American Psychology Association Annual Convention, University of Lynchburg & Opera Roanoke. In performing his original work, he has opened for renowned poets like Jasmine Mans, Levi the Poet, Alysia Harris, Black Ice & Joshua Bennett. His work dwells at the intersection of culture, identity and spirituality. He has been writing, performing, and teaching for more than two decades. Nick’s award-winning work has been featured in a variety of industries and highlighted on platforms on the local and nationwide scale, ranging from private group facilitation and workshops, 1 on 1 coaching, and virtual/in-person performances. Find him on his website or on social media.Moscow Mule2 oz vodka1 oz fresh lime juice4 oz ginger beerFresh mint leaves (about 8-10)Lime wedge (for garnish)IceCopper mug (traditional)In the bottom of a copper mug, add the fresh mint leaves. Gently muddle them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils.Fill the mug with ice cubes.Pour the vodka and fresh lime juice over the ice.Top off with ginger beer, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint.Enjoy your refreshing Moscow Mule!In this EpisodeDrinks in the Library MerchSonya SanchezLangston HughesStill I Rise by Maya AngelouAmiri Baraka Black Art | — | ||||||
| 12/9/25 |  The Gunslinger by Stephen King with Bill Blume | Hello libration nation! This week's book is The Gunslinger by Stephen King a dark twisted fantasy novel and the first book in King’s The Dark Tower series. It follows the journey of Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, as he traverses a desolate and mysterious landscape in pursuit of the enigmatic Man in Black. The story blends elements of fantasy, horror, and Western, exploring themes of destiny, obsession, and the nature of good and evil, as Roland confronts both external foes and his own inner demons on his quest to reach the Dark Tower, the nexus of all universes.GuestBill Blume was determined to be a writer from a young age, often taking the lead in crafting adventures during childhood games in South Carolina. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, he worked as a TV news producer before transitioning to a dispatcher role for Henrico County Police in 2001. In Richmond, he and his wife became active in the local writing community, contributing to James River Writers, where he served on the board and continues to engage with fellow writers and industry professionals.He is the author of several books, and has an upcoming novel, To Hell and Back coming out January 20th, 2026.Our drink this week was a Dark & Stormy, the perfect dark and spicy drink to pair with an anti-hero like Roland Deschain.In This EpisodeSh*tty First Draft - Anne LamottGeorge Lucas Star Wars changesOriginal Gunslinger vs. Revised EditionShiver by Maggie SteifvaterJames River WritersBooks by Stephen KingBattle of the Planets SeriesMalinda Lo BooksNK Jemison BooksErin Bowman Books West of Apocalypse by Bill BlumeRichmond SPCARichmond Animal LeagueSarah Glenn Marsh | — | ||||||
| 12/2/25 |  Kindred by Octavia Butler with Alethea McCollin | This week’s book is Kindred by Octavia Butler, a time-traveling story about Dana, who goes back in time to ensure the survival of her ancestors: an enslaved woman named Alice and her enslaver, Rufus. This complicated yet entrancing narrative is multifaceted, and my guest this week, Alethea McCollin, and I had a great conversation about the ways Butler challenges her readers to think about the implications of our actions and how they shape the future.Alethea McCollin is a multifaceted artist as a playwright, director, producer, actor, and founder of Orange Stilettos Productions, llc, known for her award-winning production of The Stilettos Monologues at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival. She has produced various works, including her play Renaming Shaim at Theatre Row, New York City, and directed her first short film, The Next Great Writer, showcased at the Virginia Screenwriters Forum. Additionally, Alethea serves as Executive Secretary on the Board of Directors of James River Writers and is an English instructor at Virginia State University.Our drink this week is one of Alethea’s favorite’s: Blackberry Citrus Tea, which is perfect for sitting by the fire curling up with a good book!In this EpisodeDrinks in the Library MerchKindred by Octavia ButlerJames River WritersVirginia State UniversityBooks by Toni MorrisonBooks by Gabrielle García MárquezBooks by Isabel AllendeNarrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas, an American Slave by Frederick DouglasThe Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride | — | ||||||
| 11/25/25 |  Animorphs by KA Applegate with Fiona Fenn (Redux) | Happy Thanksgiving! I’m taking the week to relax with family. Please enjoy the re-airing of this recording, which originally aired December 17, 2024.Hello Libration Nation! This week we are discussing the classic series Animorphsby K.A. Applegate. Animorphs is a collection of 54 middle-grade books in which five young adults are gifted the power to morph into animals. It was a bit of a cult phenomenon when it was originally published in the late '90s and has recently seen a resurgence online.My guest is Fiona Fenn. Fiona is an author of fantasy novels that put complicated “heroes” front and center. A fan of villains, redemption arcs, and intense explorations of healing in all its forms, her debut novel, The Crack at the Heart of Everything, is a love letter to every villain who wanted to do better but never got the chance.I so enjoyed this conversation with Fiona, talking about the Animorphs series and her love for it, as well as her experience writing and publishing her first novel and everything that goes into this process.Our drink this week is a Flying Saucer, as the Animorphs series begins with the kids meeting an alien who has flown to EarthFlying Saucer Recipe (from Bevvy.com)INGREDIENTS1 oz Amaretto Di Saronno liqueur1 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur3 oz cream3 oz iceCombine in blender until smooth and creamy, serve with cinnamon stick for garnish!In this EpisodeFiona Fenn’s WebsiteBuy The Crack at the Heart of Everything by Fiona FennMichael Grant Gone seriesTiny Fox PressAnimorphs AloudQueer Liberation LibraryKA Applegate WebsiteFree Animorphs PDFsFiona Fenn’s Substack | — | ||||||
| 11/18/25 |  The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary with Ashley Jones | The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary is a charming romantic comedy about two strangers, Tiffy and Leon, who share a London flat but have never met, communicating only through notes. As they navigate their unconventional living arrangement, they gradually develop a deep connection that leads to unexpected romance.My guest this week is the hilarious Ashley Jones, who dreams of owning a stationery store and recapping reality TV for a living (dream big), all while aiming to finally shoot a T-shirt gun, an ambition she’s pursued for over a decade. Ashley is one of my favorite people I follow on social media, and I hope you follow her there too! You can find Ashley on Instagram @AshleyJonesy, Threads @AshleyJonesy, on TikTok @ohashleyjonesy and NOW on her just launched substack Yap Time: The Newsletter you read before a nap.I had such a great time chatting with Ashley, we share so many of the same passions (Bravo shows, Taylor Swift, Pop Culture in general) that we frequently got off topic and I had to cut a good portion of the show, which I will be calling “The Lost Episode”, which will not be released and will become part of the lore of the show until fans clamor for me to release it 10 years from now, a la “All Too Well” 10 minute version, which is a Taylor reference and I promise that’s the last one, at least for the podcast intro!Together we delve into the plot of The Flatshare , focusing on the characters' humanity and the book's feel-good nature. Ashley reflects on how the book changed her perspective on reading for enjoyment. We also talked about the value of empathy, dealing with insecurities, and the joy of following passions, ending the conversation with a nod to Ashley’s love for Sonic's Coke Zero and styrofoam cups.In This EpisodeKelce Bowl (Super Bowl LVII)Not Gonna Lie (Kylie Kelce’s Podcast - my #1 rival!)Orpheus by Sara BareillesStyrofoam cups outlawed in VirginiaSonic Drive InBeth O’Leary’s WebsiteBooks by Beth O’LearyBrett Goldstein | — | ||||||
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