Book Gang

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Faceout Studio book designer Elisha Zepeda as he takes us on a journey from working in a bookstore to navigating his first year in book cover design. 

Elisha navigates the challenges of cover rejection through a unique avenue- his TikTok account, where readers can discuss the rejected and accepted designs with him.

Today he shares what he sees as emerging trend in cover design and the struggles he’s faced with everything from font selection to breaking out of the “girl turning away” cover that we can’t seem to escape from as readers.  

If you are entertaining a self-publishing journey, Elisha shares valuable tips on communication, budgeting, and bringing your visions to life in your book covers. 

We couldn’t have him on the show and not discuss his recommendations for some standout covers that have captured his imagination and hear more about his process of honoring an author’s work through unique details that created reverence for the person who spent months or even years on their books. 

Meet Elisha Zepeda 

Elisha is a book designer for Faceout Studio in Oregon. He documents his publishing journey on his Tiktok account, where readers can see how his book designs evolve from concept to final product.

When not designing books, he is writing/recording music, toying with a film camera, or defending the merits of decaf over regular coffee. You can view his portfolio on his website, where he curates his work. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Book Gang Patreon-This provides valuable financial support to my show. You will also receive our FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, a 30-page monthly newsletter, and access to our monthly Zoom book club.

Meet the NEW 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Books

The Unseen World by Liz Moore

The Mindful Librarian Substack

Faceout Studio

Browse Elisha's Entire Portfolio

Dudley's Bookshop

The Best Libby App Tips and Tricks

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

Yellowface by R. F. Kuang

Cities of Women by Kathleen B. Jones

The Woman with a Purple Heart by Diane Hanks

Bluff by Michael Kardos

Shake It Up, Baby! by Ken McNab

Criterion Collection Posters

Bliss Montage by Ling Ma

Rodrigo Corral

Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss

Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou

Bad Thoughts by Nada Alic

Bookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!

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Subscribe to my FREE Happy List Newsletter

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Emily Habeck discusses her widely imaginative debut novel, Shark Heart, and how this writing project transformed her life and the lives of her readers.

It's no secret that Shark Heart was my favorite debut of the year, and today's meaningful author conversation only solidified this moving reading experience.

We discuss the unusual overlap to our love stories and the other surprising emotional connections readers have made to this imagined world.

Emily's success in literary fiction was a surprise, but the reason for her jump from screenplay writing to a novel may surprise you with how she ended up here.

Drawing from her theatrical background, Habeck shares more about her unique story structure and how magical realism can still offer the reader a grounded experience.

Discover today's BONUS BOOK LIST with 29 of the best magical realism books for your book stack this month.

Emily joins our patron space to discuss the Shark Heart ending with surprising candidness on some of this story's more unusual paths she chose, but even more so, the ways she DIDN’T decide to go to get to this book’s ending.

You will receive this episode AND today's book list as a thank you for supporting my show.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join the Book Gang Patreon

Meet the NEW 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Books

Banyan Moon by Thao Thai

The Best Debut Novels of 2023

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Shark Heart by Emily Habeck

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

The Candy House by Jennifer Egan

The Vegetarian by Han Kang

Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder

Connect With Us:

Subscribe to my FREE Happy List Newsletter

Connect With Emily on Instagram or her Website

Connect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdvice

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

Bookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!

SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!

Sarah Adler discusses writing her quirky debut novel Mrs. Nash's Ashes and her favorite memorable "only one bed" moments in romance.

Sarah Adler didn’t know she was writing a romance book when she started her novel. She wasn’t even a romance reader. All of that changed, though, when she wrote Mrs. Nash’s Ashes, her debut romance novel. 

Today, Sarah Adler provides a behind-the-scenes look into her publishing journey, recounting the rollercoaster ride of rejections, what it is like to have a novel go to auction, and what this book taught her about identity that she was surprised to uncover through her characters.

Sarah’s “only one bed” scene I now count among my favorite romance moments, and we discuss her favorite books that uniquely capture this dilemma and why this has become such a beloved romance trope for readers. 

Don’t miss today's BONUS BOOK LIST, which includes The Best One Bed Trope Books for Romance Lovers. Patrons of our show will receive a printable version of today’s book list as a thank you for your support! 

Sarah Adler writes romantic comedies about lovable weirdos finding their happily ever afters. She lives in Maryland with her husband and daughter and spends an inordinate amount of her time yelling at her mischievous cat to stop opening the kitchen cabinets.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

Meet the NEW 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Books

Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan

The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church

Mrs. Nash’s Ashes by Sarah Adler

You by Caroline Kepnes

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

One’s Company by Ashley Hutson

Paint by Number Jesus Art

Mrs. Nash’s Ashes Playlist

The WAVES Program in World War II

New Orleans Rush by Kelly Siskind

A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare

A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare

Comic Absurdity and Deep Emotion: PW Talks with Tessa Dare

A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

Beth O'Leary | 'I wrote almost all the book on the train...'

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

Happy Medium by Sarah Adler

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and match 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Connect with Sarah on Instagram, on Substack, or on Her Website

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Head to art school with debut novelist Antonia Angress today. We discuss the inspiration for her debut novel, Sirens & Muses, which one of our best debuts of 2023.

If you have ever dreamed of attending art school, you will want to tune in to today's discussion and fictional art book stack.

Today, we are joined by debut novelist Antonia Angress as she shares her inspiration for Sirens & Muses and how pursuing an MFA program allowed her the time and resources to finally pivot from a career in teaching to her dream of writing.

Angress shares the surprising discovery that her novel, set during the financial crisis of the 2010s, has been deeply meaningful for Gen Z readers as they also face their own uncertainty and disillusionment.

We also discuss how success in the art world is often influenced by class, making it inaccessible to marginalized groups, and what we can learn from adding characters from different wealth spectrums to her dialogue to showcase the scarcity of artistic resources for many students.

Check out this BONUS LIST of 27 book titles that include the best books about art and artists for your month. Patrons receive a printable version of today's checklist as a thank you! 

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including our monthly FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

The Best Books About Art & Artists to Read Now

Meet the NEW 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Books

Bluff by Michael Kardos

The Best Fiction Books of 2023

The Best Debut Novels of 2023 to Not Miss

Sirens & Muses by Antonia Angress

Sirens & Muses Book Club Guide & Cocktail Recipe

Life Drawing by Robin Black

Self-Portrait with Boy by Rachel Lyon

Zoe Kravitz & Thomas McKenzie to Lead Mona Fastvold’s Psychological Horror “Self-Portrait”

The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis

“The Masterpiece:” NYC's Grand Central as One of the Stars

The Fiona Davis Interview You Need to Hear

My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok

Fake Like Me by Barbara Bourland

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and match 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Connect With Antonia Angress on Instagram or Website

Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

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Cue the confetti! This week's episode shares the top fifteen books we have read this year after screening HUNDREDS of books.

This discussion includes the best fiction books of 2023 and some of our favorite backlist books we were thrilled to discover this year. There is TRULY something for everyone.

We invite you to browse today's bonus book list featuring our favorites. Larry also offers an incredible expanded list for your reading life. Patrons will receive a printable checklist with today's book titles and some of our honorable mentions. 

Connect With Us:

Meet the NEW 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Books

Connect with Larry on Instagram

Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

Get My Happy List Newsletter

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

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Meet MY new book gang collaboration with Victoria from The Reader's Couch Podcast and Cindy from Thoughts from a Page Podcast, as we embark on a new reading journey together. 

I'm thrilled to bring you a special pop-up episode announcing a fabulous new collaboration for the upcoming year. I couldn't be more excited to team up with my bookish friends, Victoria from The Reader's Couch  Podcast and Cindy from Thoughts from a Page Podcast, as we embark on our own little book gang adventure.

These incredible hosts share my love for reading and authors. Today we dive into how this love for reading began and take a behind-the-scenes look at how our communities started. 

You'll also get a sneak peek at our favorite reads of the year and the upcoming releases we can't wait to get our hands on.

Through this partnership, you can expect to hear us regularly on each other's podcasts, discussing our favorite books and delving into all the reading-related fun that fuels our shows and passions. 

It is SO beautiful when women lift each other up, and I hope you feel that excitement today through this new collaboration effort.

Meet Victoria Wood (The Reader's Couch Podcast) 

Victoria Wood hosts The Reader's Couch Podcast. She is a reading enthusiast who has successfully guided self-proclaimed "non-readers" into cultivating and sustaining reading habits and assisted readers in fostering more intentional and fulfilling reading lives. She hosts conversations with authors to learn more about their writing and reading lives. 

Meet Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page Podcast)

Cindy Burnett hosts the Thoughts from a Page Podcast where she engages in compelling author interviews and discussions with industry professionals. Beyond her podcast, she actively promotes books through social media, writes columns for The Buzz Magazines, contributes monthly reviews to Bookreporter.com, and co-creates Conversations from a Page—an author event series in Houston.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

Meet the NEW 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Books

Bluff by Michael Kardos

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene

Trixie Belden The Secret of the Mansion by Julie Campbell

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Six Months to Live by Lurlene McDaniel

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Enid Blyton

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Turn of the Screw by Henry James

The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure

Shark Heart by Emily Habeck

The Girls We Sent Away by Meagan Church

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos

Homecoming by Kate Morton

I Could Live Here Forever by Hannah Halperin

The Last Word by Taylor Adams

The Three of Us by Ore Agbaje-Williams

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

The Dissonance by Shaun Hamill

A Cosmology of Monsters by Shaun Hamill

A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall

The Great Divide by Cristina Henriquez

The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez

Real Americans by Rachel Khong

Goodbye Vitamin by Rachel Khong

Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange

There There by Tommy Orange

The Angel of Indian Lake by Stephen Graham Jones

My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones

Don’t Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham Jones

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

Northwoods by Amy Pease

The Turtle House by Amanda Churchill

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and match 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Connect with Victoria Wood on The Reader's Couch Podcast, Instagram, or Bibliolifestyle

Connect with Cindy Burnett on Thoughts from a Page Podcast, Instagram, or the Thoughts from a Page website.

Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

Get My Happy List Newsletter

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!

I’m thrilled to introduce you to our new contributor voice to the Book Gang podcast. Jessica Bearak is likely a familiar voice to you because she is such a loyal participant in so many book club spaces around the web. 

It was such a treat to meet her IN PERSON earlier this year, and after having the best time discussing our books together, I asked if she could picture herself sharing the microphone with me.  Learn more about Jessica’s reading life and the surprising destination I took her to when she visited that kickstarted our year together. 

We brainstormed many fun ideas for the days ahead but knew we needed to start things off with a magical hook.  What could be better to celebrate this occasion than a book stack filled with found family?  

Today, we will dive into the concept of the found family trope and its significance in literature and our lives, especially around the holidays. 

From insights from past guests to the trivia we discovered about some of our favorite beloved stories, there is something for everyone in today’s introductory episode. I hope you feel compelled to share this episode and support our new voice today. 

Check out our BONUS “found family” book list that includes our favorite historical fiction, middle-grade novels, and even a dark psychological thriller with this theme. 

EDITOR'S NOTE- Thank you to Lynda Cohen Loigman for the gorgeous chat on The Matchmaker's Gift (accidentally missing from this morning's intro!!)

Meet Jessica Bearak

Jessica is a lifelong book lover who embarked on her literary journey at three, immersing herself in childhood classics like "The Velveteen Rabbit" and "The Phantom Tollbooth." 

Jessica actively participates in two in-person book clubs and many online discussions regularly. She has been an invaluable member of the MomAdvice Book Club and joins us as a regular contributing voice.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

The 2023 MomAdvice Book Club Books (thank you to EVERY AUTHOR who participated!)

The Memoirs of Stockholm Sven by Nathaniel Ian Miller

The 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Books Announced

Found Family Trope Books to Read Now (BONUS BOOK LIST)

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

From The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler by E.L Konigsburg

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Mysterious Handprints by Donald J Sobol (includes the story Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Fighter Kite)

Public Library of Saint Joseph County

What Chosen Family Means and How to Build Your Own

Matt Cain’s Publishing Journey: The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain

The Magic of Old Hollywood Books

The Sunshine Girls by Molly Fader

The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore

Best Books About Hollywood to Get Swept Away

Moloka’i by Alan Brennert

Daughter of Moloka’i by Alan Brennert

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q Sutanto

Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent

How to Use the Storygraph App For a Better Reading Life

2023 Summer Reading Guide

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

Coyote Lost and Found by Dan Gemeinhart

The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley

The Spectacular Life Lessons from Books About Road Trips

Mosquitoland by David Arnold

The Best Prime Reading Guide (FREE books, including The Second Life of Mirielle West)

Amy’s Interview with Nathaniel Ian Miller

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh
 

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and match 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Get My Happy List Newsletter

Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

Connect With Jessica on Instagram

Join the MomAdvice Book Club

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Join us in Part 2 of the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club as we unveil the second half of our carefully curated book selections and how to join!

Cue the confetti! I'm hosting my first backlist book club year in honor of my 20th year as an online creator, and I would be HONORED to have you join me on this journey.

This year's offerings include backlist books from 1979 up to 2022! Some of these are new favorites, while others are books I have wanted to discuss for years. 

Won't it be so fun to revisit some of our favorite books over the years?

Please visit the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Guide to access today's selections with full descriptions of each book and how to join. 

Connect With Me:

JOIN THE 2024 MomAdvice Book Club

Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

Get My Happy List Newsletter

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

Join us in Part 1 of the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club as we unveil the first half of our carefully curated book selections and how to join!

Cue the confetti! I'm hosting my first backlist book club year in honor of my 20th year as an online creator, and I would be HONORED to have you join me on this journey.

This year's offerings include backlist books from 1979 up to 2022! Some of these are new favorites, while others are books I have wanted to discuss for years. 

Won't it be so fun to revisit some of our favorite books over the years?

Please visit the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Guide to access today's selections with full descriptions of each book and how to join. 

Connect With Me:

JOIN THE 2024 MomAdvice Book Club

Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

Get My Happy List Newsletter

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!

Chronic pain shouldn't stop you from living your best reading life. A registered osteopath shares her surprising tips for a cozy winter reading season. 

Does the perfect reading chair exist? How do I maintain a good reading posture? And what book format is best for someone who has chronic pain problems?

The answers might surprise you in this special winter reading episode dedicated to anyone navigating chronic pain challenges.

Today's podcast will help you create the perfect cozy reading space while acknowledging the additional challenges you might face, especially during winter.

This week's remarkable guest is Alexandra Orfanides, a registered osteopath,  the creative mind behind Hypermobility HQ on TikTok, and the host of Help! I’m Hypermobile Podcast.  

With her wealth of experience in the medical space, Alex shares insights on the best ways to give your body TRUE rest when reading. 

As a bonus, Alex shares a touching personal connection to literature and discusses her recent challenges with connecting to books. To kick start her reading life up again, I'm providing three book recommendations to reignite her passion for literature.

BONUS COZY READING GUIDE

Check out our bonus Cozy Reading Guide featuring all the products recommended by Alex and essential items that have personally helped me navigate my health challenges while reading.

Meet Alex

Alexandra Orfanides brings her expertise as an osteopath with a Master's degree in Osteopathy and a Bachelor's degree in English language and literature. This unique combination couldn’t have been more perfect for today’s show. 

Alex offers in-person and virtual consultations to patients. She hosts the new podcast "Help! I'm Hypermobile," and uses her various platforms to raise awareness about hypermobility to help her community navigate daily challenges. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including our monthly FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

2023 MomAdvice Fall Reading Guide

Cozy Reading With Chronic Pain Guide (links to all the products featured)

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Breathe and Count Back From Ten by Natalia Sylvester

Watch Alex's Towel Trick on TikTok

Dysautonomia

Animation tablet

Penguin upright mouse

Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami

The Ladies Handbook for Her Mysterious Illness by Sarah Ramey

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers - solar punk

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers

Wild Geese by Mary Oliver

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstances by Ruth Emmie Lange

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and match 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Get My Happy List Newsletter

Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

Connect With Alex on Instagram, Tiktok, her Podcast, or Website

Join the MomAdvice Book Club

Shop Our Bookish Shirts to support the show

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!

Celebrate the feel-good moments and literary achievements of the Second Chance Book Club for inmates and their tireless leader, Jennifer Williams. 

Join us for a heartwarming Book Gang podcast episode as we meet Jennifer, the "book lady" of Danville, VA, changing incarcerated women's lives through the Second Chance Book Club. 

Today, we explore the logistics and challenges of running an incarcerated book club and the incredible rewards that Jennifer has witnessed in their participants. 

Plus, Jennifer shares three of her favorite backlist book club books. Get book recommendations and learn how you can help support this incredible initiative. 

If you would love to be a part of her literary legacy, head to her holiday gift registry to donate books for their prison book club. The inmates get to keep the books they read, and Jennifer highlights the incredible ways reading helps as they move on to their next chapter in life. 

BONUS BOOK CLUB BOOK LIST: 

Thanks to the support of Patreon members, listeners have access to a bonus curated list of the best book club books to discuss now created by historical fiction writer Meagan Church. 

It was such a fantastic book list that we have updated this with Jennifer's book club books she recommends for impactful conversations. 

Meet Jennifer Williams

Jennifer Williams, the "book lady" of Danville, Virginia, is on a mission to donate 1 million books to local children. A dedicated teacher, she is working two jobs to fund her initiative. 

Jennifer's commitment extends to running a women's book club at the Danville Jail, where members have become avid readers. 

Her work has garnered community support and recognition for its positive influence in her town. We are proud to support this literary hero on the podcast today.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including our monthly FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

Second Chance Book Club Gift Registry- PLEASE Donate a Book

2023 MomAdvice Fall Reading Guide

The Best Book Club Books to Discuss Now (BONUS BOOK LIST)

Meet the ‘Book Lady’. She’s determined to donation 1 million books to Virginia kids

Jennifer on the Today Show 

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit

If the Creek Don’t Rise by Leah Weiss

All the Little Hopes by Leah Weiss

The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens

Nothing More Dangerous by Allen Eskens

Murphy’s Boy by Torey Hayden

Trapped in Silence

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and match 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Connect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdvice

Connect with the Second Chance Book Club on Facebook

Join the MomAdvice Book Club

Shop Our Bookish Shirts to support the show

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!

Matt Cain discusses the challenging history in publishing for LGBTQ History Month. Discover the inspiration for his book, The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle.

We are giving listeners a peek behind the paywall to share one of my favorite interviews of 2023 in honor of LGBTQ History Month. 

Join us as we delve into the captivating world of renowned author Matt Cain, as we celebrate his charming novel, The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle.

Beyond discussing his book, Matt opens up about the immense publishing challenges he faced, most notably with The Madonna of Bolton, a novel rejected more than 30 times for being deemed 'too gay.' 

Discover how it evolved into one of the fastest crowdfunded projects on Unbound after Matt courageously unveiled his rejection letters to the world, and how he views the publishing world now. 

We'll also explore the genre of UpLit, its key markers, and what to expect in UpLit books. The answer might surprise you!

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including our monthly FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

2023 MomAdvice Fall Reading Guide

The Best Books for LGBTQ History Month (BONUS BOOK LIST- UPDATED!)

Celebrate LGBTQ History With This Curated Stack- Jeffrey Dale Lofton Interview

The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain

What is Uplit?

Madonna of Bolton by Matt Cain

Becoming Ted by Matt Cain

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Attitude Magazine

Attitude Heroes Podcast

The Albert Kennedy Trust

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce

Eleanor Elephant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

POV: Albert's First Night Out Playlist

Becoming Ted Playlist

Shirley Valentine

Magic Season by Wade Rouse

Amy’s interview with Wade Rouse

My Policeman by Bethan Roberts

Matt’s Graham Norton interview

The Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman

Amy’s Interview with Lynda Cohen Loigman

Matzah Book Soup Book Club

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and match 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Connect with Matt Cain on Instagram or on his Website

Connect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdvice

Join the MomAdvice Book Club

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!

Debut novelist and senior advisor to the Library of Congress, Jeffrey Dale Lofton, discusses identity and self-discovery for LGBTQ History Month in October.

Jeffrey Dale Lofton is one of the most intriguing voices I've read this year, and  I count his debut among my favorites of 2023. 

Join us on an inspiring journey as we sit down with Jeffrey Dale Lofton, the talented debut author behind Red Clay Suzie a fictional memoir that delves into the depths of identity, self-discovery, and the journey of growing up as a gay boy in the Deep South. 

In this intimate conversation, Lofton shares his personal experiences that shaped this remarkable narrative, the challenges of navigating his own identity, and the power of storytelling to bridge understanding, especially in the LGBTQ community.  

As a senior advisor to the Library of Congress, Lofton brings a unique perspective to literature and history. Be sure to tune in to the second half of our conversation to discover his top book recommendations for LGBTQ History Month. 

Don’t miss this week’s bonus book list-  The Best Books for LGBTQ History Month! 

This list includes fiction and nonfiction books on queer history. 

Meet Jeffrey Dale Lofton

Jeffrey Dale Lofton transitioned from a career in acting to pursue post-graduate studies, earning Master's degrees in Public Administration & Library and Information Science. 

Currently, he serves as a senior advisor at the Library of Congress, indulging in his love for books.

Originally from Warm Springs, Georgia, the author now resides in Washington, DC. 

Red Clay Suzie is his debut novel and was longlisted for The Center for Fiction 2023 First Novel Prize.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including our monthly FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

2023 MomAdvice Fall Reading Guide

The Best Books for LGBTQ History Month (BONUS BOOK LIST)

Red Clay Suzie by Jeffrey Dale Lofton

In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner

And I Do Not Forgive You by Amber Sparks

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Call Me by Your Name by Andre Aciman

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

The Best Libby App Tips & Tricks

The Honeys by Ryan La Sala

Pete Cross, Audio Book Narrator

The Born This Way Foundation

The Trevor Project

LGBTQ History Month

How to Survive A Plague by David France

My Government Means to Kill Me by Rasheed Newson

Rasheed Newson’t Debut Novel Retells the Early Years of AIDS in New York City

The Other Pandemic by Lynn Curlee

Short Film Starring My Beloved’s Red Bronco by K. Iver

Who is This Grief For?

The Center for Fiction 2023 First Novel Prize Longlist

This post contains affiliate links. Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and match 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Connect with Jeffrey on Instagram or his Website

Connect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdvice

Join the MomAdvice Book Club

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Celebrate literary lessons found in books about mothers! Adele Griffin shares her riveting surrogacy story in her debut and how these characters shaped her story.

Adele Griffin knew something had been missing from her fiction for a long time. 

Although she knew it was missing, she admits that it took her years to process and refine this motherhood journey into her adult fiction debut, The Favor. 

In this moving conversation, we discuss her riveting surrogacy journey and what writers have gotten wrong when writing about this deeply personal partnership. It is a profound bond that can have lifelong impacts on all parties involved, but the author’s challenge was packaging it lightly for a reader like her. 

As a seasoned author of over thirty books, she describes her unique challenges and hurdles in writing adult voices and, ultimately, the literary mothers who shaped this story, and how she viewed motherhood. 

In one of the most eclectic stacks brought to our show, we will discover surprising trivia behind some well-known classics and contemporary literature that brings modern motherhood issues to light.

Bonus Books About Mothers Book List:

Today's BONUS BOOK LIST explores The Best Page Turners About Motherhood to Read Now. 

This book list includes Adele’s fiction, nonfiction, and memoir selections. I’ve rounded out this stack with the most compelling books I’ve read on motherhood. 

And if you want to dive into Adele's page-turning plot twists, you will love today's bonus. Patrons get an additional  SPOILER-FILLED episode with Adele, discussing three pivotal moments in her book's ending. 

Meet Adele Griffin

Adele Griffin is the author of over thirty highly acclaimed books across various genres, including Sons of Liberty and Where I Want to Be, both National Book Award finalists. 

The Favor is her adult fiction debut.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including our monthly FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

MomAdvice Fall Reading Guide

2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

True Biz by Sara Novic

The Favor by Adele Griffin

Adele’s Pinterest Board

The Kingdom of Prep by Maggie Bullock

Vampire Island Series by Adele Griffin

Witch Twins Series by Adele Griffin

All of a Kind Family by Sydney Taylor

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

Meg Shaffer Interview (The Wishing Game)

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

10 Fascinating Facts About Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women

Waiting for Daisy by Peggy Orenstein

Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott

Some Assembly Required by Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott, Who Wrote the ‘Operating Instructions’ on Motherhood Tackles the Sequel

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Little Fires Everywhere Trailer

Guide to the Celeste Ng Books

Celeste Ng: The WD Interview

Hello Beautiful by Anne Napolitano

You’ll Never Guess What Anne Napolitano Was Doing When Oprah Called

The Celebrity Book Club Deep Dive Episode You Need

The Best Page Turners About Motherhood to Read Now

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and match 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Connect with Adele on Instagram or her Website

Connect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdvice

Join the MomAdvice Book Club

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Dreaming of writing a murder mystery book? Listen to the inspiring story of a mother and daughter who crafted their whodunit amidst a cancer diagnosis. Today Nina Simon discusses her debut novel, “Mother-Daughter Murder Night.”

How does a former NASA engineer make the shift to murder mystery writer?

 In this fascinating Book Gang episode, we sit down with the talented Nina Simon to uncover the remarkable journey behind her debut novel, Mother-Daughter Murder Night. 

When Nina's mother battled stage 4 cancer in late 2020, it prompted her to leave her CEO position and care for her. 

Amidst the challenges, Nina and her mother found solace in their shared love for murder mysteries, leading them to write a mystery book of their own to keep them busy during their long days in the hospital room.

Today, we explore the authenticity of mother-daughter relationships portrayed in the story and the intricate balance between land conservation and community tensions depicted in her novel’s narrative. 

We also discuss the therapeutic power of creativity, courage, and resilience that emerged through the act of storytelling bonding Nina and her mother during this challenging period. 

THIS WEEK'S SPECIAL BONUS BOOK LIST- THE 2023 FALL READING GUIDE

Looking for the best new fall books? Don't miss the MomAdvice Fall Reading Guide with 37 new books for fall. Read the guide for free or join the paid community for the 26-page printable version. 

Patrons can follow Nina to our spoiler-filled bonus conversation to discuss the killer AND if a Mother-Daughter Murder Night sequel is in the works for the writer.  Don't miss the fun!

Meet Nina Simon

Nina Simon has donned numerous hats throughout her journey, from being a NASA engineer and slam poet to a mystery game designer, exhibit developer, museum director, and founder of a global nonprofit. 

Her career has predominantly unfolded within the realm of museums and cultural centers, earning her recognition as a "museum visionary" by Smithsonian Magazine due to her community-centered design approach. 

As an Ashoka fellow, she established OF/BY/FOR ALL, a worldwide nonprofit that crafts digital tools empowering civic and cultural entities to embrace inclusivity, relevance, and sustainability.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Nina lives with her husband and daughter in an off-grid community in the Santa Cruz mountains. 

Mother-Daughter Murder Night is her debut novel. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon gives you access to the 2023 Fall Reading Guide printable and a bonus episode with Nina Simon. Get the September FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

Mother Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Magic Lessons Podcast

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

The Kayak Connection

S. A. Cosby

Don’t Know Tough by Eli Cranor

Louise Penny

Inspector Gamache Series

Three Pines

David Joy

Miss Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries

Nina’s Book Tour

2023 FALL READING GUIDE HERE

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and match 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Connect with Nina on Instagram or her Website

Connect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdvice

Join the MomAdvice Book Club

Shop Our Bookish Shirts to support the show

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!

Join us as Fiona Davis, the acclaimed author of seven historical fiction novels, delves into her latest historical fiction book, "The Spectacular," which immerses readers into the world of the legendary Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in the 1950s.  

From surprising dance routines to the hidden life of the Rockettes, discover the secrets of this iconic dance troupe and how Fiona masterfully captures the essence of movement and history on the page.  

Plus, learn the inside scoop on Fiona's new book she is writing, and what iconic New York City landmark she has selected for her next book destination. 

Readers can access today  a BONUS FIONA DAVIS BOOK LIST to browse all the Fiona Davis books in order and my recommendations for your best book stack.  

BONUS PATREON SHOW:

Patreon Pals can access our bonus SPOILER episode that will delve deep into The Spectacular ending with the author. 

Fiona masterfully crafted an emotional punch that caught me off guard. in this bonus episode, I had the privilege of asking Fiona why she chose this ending. 

We also discuss why creatives must process things on paper and what she wants readers to learn from this protagonist's journey. 

Meet Fiona Davis

Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of seven historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including The Spectacular, The Magnolia Palace, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her novels have been chosen as “One Book, One Community” reads and her articles have appeared in publications like The Wall Street Journal and O the Oprah magazine.  

She first came to New York as an actress, but fell in love with writing after getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages and she's based in New York City.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

MomAdvice Reading Retreat

Rhonda Malkin

Vera-Ellen

Radio City Music Hall’s Secret Apartment

The Mad Bomber

Incendiary by Michael Cannell

The Novel Neighbor’s Looks as Books

The Favor by Adele Griffin

Blake Lively’s Met Gala dress

Sirens and Muses by Antonia Angress

The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis

The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis

2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and give a matching 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Connect with Fiona on Instagram or her Website

Connect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdvice

Join the MomAdvice Book Club

Shop Our Bookish Shirts to support the show

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!

Emily Lynn Paulson discusses her eye-opening memoir, Hey, Hun. Learn how rising to the top of an MLM led to her addiction and recovery in a pyramid scheme.

What is the most Googled fact about Emily Lynn Paulson?

At the time of this recording, roughly 125 people each month, likely after reading this memoir, ask this question- what MLM was Emily Paulson in?

Today we discuss why she chose a fictitious name for her beauty brand, and what she hopes it signals to the reader.

Join us in this eye-opening Book Gang episode with Emily Lynn Paulson, author of Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing. 

Pulled into a high-pressure sales routine, Emily joins the #girlboss community for an MLM beauty brand. 

Rising to the top of the MLM pyramid required Paulson never to take no for an answer and do anything to sit at the top.

As a result, Paulson achieves millionaire status, but it costs her the expense of loved ones, her sobriety, her health, and her moral compass. 

Emily unveils the darker side of multi-level marketing companies and cult-like ideologies through her well-researched memoir. We also discuss how her relationship with alcohol has changed since this time and the unexpected joy of being sober. 

If you want to dive deeper into the best books about addiction and recovery, we have you covered in the second part of our conversation. 

 Emily brings her favorite books, and discusses her best alcohol-free mocktails for your summer. We share our favorite sober memoir moments in today’s podcast conversation. 

Today's BONUS BOOK LIST includes The Best Books on Addiction and Recovery for our summer series that share the magic of a sober life.   This includes fiction, nonfiction, and memoir selections. 

Meet Emily Lynn Paulson

Emily Lynn Paulson is an accomplished author known for her books "Highlight Real: Finding Honesty and Recovery Beyond the Filtered Life" and "Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing." Her impactful TEDx talks challenge parenting norms, alcohol use, and feminism. Featured in major publications like the Today Show, Tamron Hall Show, and the New York Times, Emily resides in Central Oregon with her husband and five children. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including our monthly FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins Veldez

Fables Books

Hey, Hun by Emily Lynn Paulson

De Soi Non-Alcoholic Aperitifs

Hoplark

Amy’s Favorite Copper Mugs

Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction by Elizabeth Vargas

Push Off From Here: Nine Essential Truths to Get You Through Sobriety by Laura McKowen

We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life by Laura McKowen

Drinking Games by Sarah Levy

Cup of Jo

It’s Not About the Wine: The Loaded Truth Behind the Mommy Wine Culture by Celeste Yvonne

The Ultimate Mom Challenge

Dry Humping: A Guide to Dating, Relating and Hooking Up Without the Booze by Tawny Lara

2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and give a matching 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Connect with Emily on Instagram or her Website

Connect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdvice

Join the MomAdvice Book Club

Shop Our Bookish Shirts to support the show

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!

Molly Fader discusses her remarkable historical fiction novel, The Sunshine Girls, and collection of Old Hollywood books as captivating as the silver screen.

If you have a nurse in your family, this show is dedicated to you! In today's episode of Book Gang, we have the pleasure of hosting Molly Fader, an award-winning author who wrote one of my favorite historical fiction novels this year, The Sunshine Girls. 

The Sunshine Girls intricately weaves together the themes of three friends navigating nursing school, Hollywood adventures, and the Vietnam War in one delicious soapy escape. 

Inspired by Molly's mother's nursing career in the 1960s, we delve deeper into the charming friendship story that overlapped with her mother's, as well as how she wanted to capture the traditional yet sometimes sexist aspects of nursing school with the contrasting opportunities for independence it offered to women in these careers. 

Molly also addresses her unique writing experience under pen names, with over 50 romance novels published. If you are curious about series writing for Harlequin, she explains how this taught her to be a better writer while managing her larger-than-life role as a mom. 

If you want to dive deeper into the best Old Hollywood book stack, we have you covered in the second part of our conversation. Molly is a seasoned reader of the golden age of Hollywood. From real-life movie stars to science fiction explorations in the film industry, you will find more than a few movie stars to love in your book stack today. 

Today's BONUS BOOK LIST celebrates our favorite classic Hollywood moments in our fiction and nonfiction stacks, so don't miss this special list we have crafted for our summer series.  

Meet Molly Fader

Molly Fader is the author of The McAvoy Sister’s Book Of Secrets. As Molly O’Keefe, she is the USA Today Bestselling author of over 50 contemporary romances. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, two kids, and a rescue dog.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including our monthly FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

GET THE BEST BOOKS ABOUT OLD HOLLYWOOD BONUS BOOK LIST

The Sunshine Girls by Molly Fader

Elizabeth A. Allen

When I Die I’m Going to Heaven ‘Cause I’ve Spent My Time in Hell by Barbara Kautz

Home Before Morning by Lynda Van Devanter

Molly O’Keefe

M. O’Keefe

The Petticoat Kid

Stuntman! by Hal Needham

Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts

The Greatest Showman

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Amy’s interview with Taylor Jenkins Reid

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Taylor Jenkins Reid Writes Her Own Hollywood Success Story

Writing Nuanced Queer Protagonists: A Q&A with the Taylor Jenkins Reid

Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter Confidential by Tab Hunter

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

Cleopatra

Interview: How Jess Walter Became a Bestselling Author

The Zero by Jess Walter

Citizen Vince by Jess Walter

Siren Queen by Nghi Vo

Interview with an Author: Nghi Vo

The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and give a matching 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Connect with Molly on Instagram or her Website

Connect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdvice

Join the MomAdvice Book Club

Shop Our Bookish Shirts to support the show

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!

Wendy Heard discusses her con artist book of the summer, You Can Trust Me. Learn what it takes to write a thriller & get our best books on scammers and cons.

It's our first thriller discussion of the summer. Join me in an enthralling conversation with renowned thriller author Wendy Heard as we dive deep into the world of thriller writing with her new release, You Can Trust Me.

Summer, a skilled pickpocket, takes Leo, a young woman living on the streets, under her wing, embarking on a dangerous con that quickly spirals out of control. Their target? An enigmatic billionaire named Michael. 

But as they delve deeper, they uncover a startling revelation—Michael is not who he appears to be, putting both Summer and Leo in grave danger.

When Leo mysteriously disappears, Summer refuses to stand by idly. Determined to rescue her friend, she infiltrates Michael's private island, only to find herself trapped with no escape. As the suspense escalates, Summer realizes she may have met her match in this high-stakes page-turner.

Today we discuss why con artists are having a moment in pop culture on our screens and in our book stacks. In this absorbing interview, Wendy shares the art of crafting a riveting con artist sequence and why the four-act structure works so well in her writing process. We also discuss the challenges of juggling TWO book launches in one month and the differences between writing for a YA audience and adults.  

If you want to dive deeper into the best con artist book stack, we have you covered in the second part of our conversation. Wendy brings her favorite con artist queens and shares why you should add these to your book stack too.

Today's BONUS BOOK LIST offers the best books with grifters, scam artists, heists, and cons. This book list includes Wendy's top picks and all my favorite con artist moments in fiction and nonfiction. Don't miss it! 

Meet Wendy Heard

Wendy Heard is the author of suspense and thrillers for adults and teens, including We’ll Never Tell, The Kill Club, She's Too Pretty to Burn, and Dead End Girls. Her latest adult novel is You Can Trust Me. Heard has spent most of her life in Los Angeles, loves all things vintage, and has a collection of thrillers and adventure books from the ’80s.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including our monthly FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

Breathe and Count Back From Ten by Natalia Sylvester

Fables Books

MomAdvice Book Club

Breathe and Count Back From Ten Book Chat

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

Scamanda Podcast

You Can Trust Me by Wendy Heard

Remember Me by Christopher Pike

The Best Plus-Size Romance Characters to Love with Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

We’ll Never Tell by Wendy Heard

Los Feliz Murder Mansion

The Hotel Cecil

The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark

The Last Flight by Julie Clark

The Arrangement by Robyn Harding

Pretty Things by Janelle Brown

Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft

The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin

20 Books About Con Artists We Recommend Bonus Book List

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and give a matching 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Connect with Wendy on Instagram or her Website

Connect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdvice

Join the MomAdvice Book Club

Shop Our Bookish Shirts to support the show

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!

Thao Thai discusses her multigenerational debut novel, Banyan Moon, a Vietnamese tale that transports readers. We also discuss the best debut novels of 2023.

We are celebrating the best debut novels of 2023 (so far) with debut novelist Thao Thai, author of Banyan Moon, on Book Gang today. 

Set against the stunning backdrop of Vietnam and Florida, Banyan Moon will be one of your favorite reads this year. 

This emotional debut novel follows three generations of Vietnamese American women grappling with the death of their matriarch, Minh. As they begin clearing out the sprawling Banyan House, they unravel long-buried secrets about themselves and each other.  

In today’s interview, we discuss what elements of Thao's personal story made their way into this multigenerational legacy story that spans decades and generations, shedding light on the unique bonds of motherhood. 

Thao shares her family's intriguing history, from surprisingly sentimental heirlooms to the Vietnamese folk tales woven into this story's threads. We also discuss the complicated journey of writing mother-daughter relationships and what details were crucial in capturing the motherhood journey. 

I’m excited to share this Thao Thai interview with you and celebrate her beautiful publishing journey.

Since this was one of my favorite debuts of the year, Thao joins me in conversation about some of the best debuts published in 2023. I share some trivia about two of her favorite books and bring a couple of my favorites (so far) to round out this stack. 

We would also like to congratulate Thao Thai on being selected as the Read With Jenna Book Club July 2023 selection! 

BONUS BOOK LIST ALERT! 

Take advantage of today's bonus book list! I've compiled a complete list of all the best debuts I've read in 2023. It was a fun reading assignment, and I have so many to share with you today!  

Meet Thao Thai

Thao Thai lives in Ohio with her husband and daughter. Her work has been published in the Los Angeles Review of Books, WIRED, Sunday Long Read, Catapult, and other publications. She received her MFA from The Ohio State University and her MA from The University of Chicago. Banyan Moon is her first novel. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including our monthly FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! 

2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

MomAdvice Book Club

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle Book Chat

The Best Debuts of 2023 to Not Miss BONUS BOOK LIST

Banyan Moon by Thao Thai

Tanya Ho Design

The Ringling

Cupcakes and Cashmere

Cup of Jo

Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul

Exclusive Crystal Smith Paul Interview

Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major

The Best Life Lessons From Time Travel Books (Cesca Major podcast episode)

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

The Best Escapist Books Set on Islands (Meg Shaffer podcast episode)

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue

Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes

What Lies Behind the Postcard: Jasmin Iolani Hakes on the New Meaning of Summer Reading

Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen

Not So Pretty

Weyward by Emilia Hart

Emilia Hart: “If it doesn’t convince you as the writer, it won’t convince the reader."

BONUS LIST:  BEST DEBUTS OF 2023 

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and give a matching 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Connect with Thao on Instagram or her Website

Connect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdvice

Join the MomAdvice Book Club

Shop Our Bookish Shirts to support the show

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)