Books for Adults – A Bookish Home Podcast

Ep. 96: Patti Callahan Henry, Author of Once Upon a Wardrobe

March 7, 2022Posted in Books for Adults, History, Research1 Comment

Bestselling novelist and Friends & Fiction co-host Patti Callahan Henry joins the show this week to tell us about her new book Once Upon a Wardrobe, which pulls back the curtain on the early life of C. S. Lewis.

We discussed what the Narnia books have meant to Patti, how the pandemic set this novel in motion, soaking up the magic of the setting on a research trip, and much more.

“I advise you to read this book, then wait for a while and then read it again, for while it may not be Narnia, there is magic in it.” —Douglas Gresham, C.S. Lewis’ Stepson

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Patti Callahan Henry is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sixteen novels and podcast host. She is the recipient of The Christy Award 2019 Winner “Book of the Year”; The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year for 2020 and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year for 2019. She is the co-host and co-creator of the popular weekly online Friends and Fiction live web show and podcast. Patti is also a contributor to the monthly life lesson essay column for Parade Magazine. A full-time author and mother of three, she now resides in both Mountain Brook, Alabama, and Bluffton, South Carolina with her husband.

To learn more about Patti Callahan Henry and follow her on social media visit https://www.patticallahanhenry.com/.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 95: Catherine Ostler, Author of The Duchess Countess

February 23, 2022Posted in Books for Adults, History, ResearchLeave a comment

This week, I’m speaking with Catherine Ostler about her new book, The Duchess Countess: The Woman Who Scandalized Eighteenth-Century London, which explores the life of the stylish and infamous Elizabeth Chudleigh, Duchess of Kingston.

We discuss Elizabeth Chudleigh’s notoriety and what it reveals about the Georgian era, writing the book you want to read, the literary characters the Duchess Countess inspired, transporting readers to the past, and much more.

“The real-life tale of Elizabeth Chudleigh is begging for a Netflix adaptation, with shades of Jane Austen, Bridgerton, and a dash of The Scarlet Letter.” —The New York Times

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Catherine Ostler is an author and journalist who has been editor-in-chief of Tatler, the Evening Standard (London), and editor of The Times (London) Weekend Edition. She has also written for a wide range of publications, including Vogue, Daily Mail (London), and Newsweek. She read English at Oxford University, specializing in literature.

To learn more about Catherine Ostler and follow her on social media visit https://www.catherineostler.com.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 94: Fiona Davis, Author of The Magnolia Palace

February 10, 2022February 10, 2022Posted in Books for Adults, Reading LifeLeave a comment

This week, Fiona Davis is back on the podcast to discuss her new novel, The Magnolia Palace, which reveals secrets, betrayal, and murder within one of New York City’s most impressive Gilded Age mansions.

We discuss why The Frick Museum piqued her curiosity, crafting dual timeline historical fiction, the revision stage of her writing process, and much more.

“I savor every glorious new Fiona Davis novel and The Magnolia Palace has it all—two intriguing heroines, two fabulous time periods to get swept up in, and a delicious mystery that keeps you on tenterhooks. I loved every minute of it!” — Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls and Sunflower Sisters

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of six historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including The Dollhouse, 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 a dozen languages and she’s based in New York City.

To learn more about Fiona Davis and follow her on social media visit https://www.fionadavisbooks.com.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 93: Eve Rodsky on Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World

January 27, 2022February 5, 2022Posted in Books for Adults, Podcast, Reading LifeLeave a comment

Today I’m excited to share an interview with an author changing the way we think about the mental load, invisible labor, and equality at home. In her new book Find Your Unicorn Space, Eve Rodsky helps women carve out time for creativity and gives overworked moms “permission to be interesting”⎻minus the guilt.

“Magnificent! Eve Rodsky illuminates the importance of investing in the creative pursuits that make your life more deeply fulfilling.” — Reese Witherspoon

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Rodsky’s work is backed by Hello Sunshine—Reese Witherspoon’s media company whose mission is to change the narrative for women through storytelling. A Fair Play documentary is the in the works and she also has a new podcast with Dr. Aditi Nerurkar called Time Out that you can listen to here.

Eve Rodsky received her B.A. from the University of Michigan, and her J.D. from Harvard Law School. After working in foundation management at J.P. Morgan, she founded the Philanthropy Advisory Group to advise families and charitable foundations on best practices. Rodsky was raised by a single mom in New York City and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their three children.

To learn more about Eve Rodsky and follow her on social media visit https://www.everodsky.com/ and https://www.fairplaylife.com/.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 92: Suzanne Park, Author of So We Meet Again

January 10, 2022January 10, 2022Posted in Books for Adults, Podcast, Reading LifeLeave a comment

Today my guest is Suzanne park, whose new romantic comedy is called So We Meet Again. In this book a young Korean American woman’s journey to finding a new career and new love means learning to embrace the awkward and unexpected—exploring familial expectations, finding your voice, and unimaginably falling for your childhood rival.

“Heartwarming and empowering…Jess flourishes as a budding entrepreneur, rediscovering how important her cultural roots and family are to her; meanwhile, she slowly comes to terms with the fact that dashing Daniel may be the perfect fit for her after all. Park is a master in crafting comedic yet endearing moments that become the foundation for intricate character development. This is sure to be a hit.” — Publishers Weekly

Suzanne Park is a Korean-American writer who was born and raised in Tennessee. In her former life Suzanne was a stand up comedian. She also graduated from Columbia University and received an MBA Degree from UCLA. Suzanne currently resides in Los Angeles and her books have been featured in “best of” lists in NPR, Real Simple, Buzzfeed, The Today Show and many more.

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

To learn more about Suzanne Park and follow her on social media visit https://www.suzannepark.com.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 90: Sarah McCraw Crow, Author of The Wrong Kind of Woman

November 4, 2021November 4, 2021Posted in Books for Adults, Podcast, Reading LifeLeave a comment

Today I’m sharing an inspiring conversation with author Sarah McCraw Crow. Her debut novel The Wrong Kind of Woman, is about a woman who finds her way through grief when she helps bring the women’s movement to an all male college campus in the early 1970s.

Sarah McCraw Crow’s articles and short stories have run in many magazines and literary journals. She’s a graduate of Dartmouth College, Stanford University, and Vermont College of Fine Arts, and she lives on an old farm in New Hampshire with her family.

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

A glorious debut filled with characters grasping to find a place to belong in a world on the edge of change. -Carol Rifka Brunt

To learn more about Sarah McCraw Crow, follow her on social media, and stay in the know about upcoming author events visit https://sarahmccrawcrow.com.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 88: Christina Baker Kline, Author of The Exiles

October 5, 2021September 30, 2021Posted in Audiobooks, Books for Adults, Podcast, Reading LifeLeave a comment

If you love reading (or writing!) novels that bring untold women’s stories to life, this week’s episode is for you. Tune into my conversation with Christina Baker Kline, whose brilliant, captivating novel The Exiles is now out in paperback.

A #1 New York Times bestselling author of eight novels, including The Exiles, Orphan Train, and A Piece of the World, Christina Baker Kline is published in 40 countries. Her novels have received the New England Prize for Fiction, the Maine Literary Award, and a Barnes & Noble Discover Award, among other prizes, and have been chosen by hundreds of communities, universities and schools as “One Book, One Read” selections. Her essays, articles, and reviews have appeared in publications such as the New York Times and the NYT Book Review, The Boston Globe, The San Francisco Chronicle, LitHub, Psychology Today, and Slate.

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

A powerful, emotionally resonant novel that captures the hardship, oppression, opportunity and hope of four women’s lives—three English convicts and an orphaned Aboriginal girl—in nineteenth-century Australia.

To learn more about Christina Baker Kline, follow her on social media, and stay in the know about upcoming author events visit http://christinabakerkline.com.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 86: Katie Crouch, Author of Embassy Wife

September 2, 2021September 1, 2021Posted in Books for Adults, Podcast, Reading LifeLeave a comment

Tune into this week’s episode with New York Times bestselling author Katie Crouch. Her new novel, Embassy Wife follows two women abroad searching for the truth about their husbands—and their country.

Katie is also the author of Girls in Trucks, Men and Dogs, and Abroad. She has written essays for The New York Times, Glamour, The Guardian, Slate, Salon, and Tin House. A former resident of Namibia and San Francisco, she now lives in Vermont with her family and teaches creative writing at Dartmouth College.

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

In addition to sketching complex characters with rich backstories, Crouch excels at moving the plot forward while not missing any opportunity to observe the human condition. With wit and tenderness, [Embassy Wife] explores the complicated nature of race, power, marriage, colonization, diplomacy, and community. A sharp, funny, page-turning romp. —Kirkus

To learn more about Katie, follow her on social media, and stay in the know about upcoming author events visit https://us.macmillan.com/author/katiecrouch/

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 85: Kristin Harmel, Author of The Forest of Vanishing Stars

August 19, 2021Posted in Books for Adults, Podcast, Reading Life, Summer Reading1 Comment

This week my guest is Kristin Harmel, whose new historical novel, The Forest of Vanishing Stars, is about a young woman who uses her knowledge of the wilderness to help Jewish refugees escape the Nazis during World War II. This is such a compelling, heart wrenching read and hearing about the inspiration for this novel and the research Kristin did was fascinating. I hope you tune in and of course, pick up a copy of the book.

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

With breathtaking natural descriptions, vivid historical details, and a brave heroine worth cheering for who must fulfill a destiny prophesied since birth, this novel is not to be missed!

—Heather Webb, bestselling author

Kristin Harmel is the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names, The Winemaker’s Wife, and a dozen other novels that have been translated into twenty-nine languages and are sold all over the world. She is also the co-founder and co-host of the weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction. She lives in Orlando, Florida.

To learn more about Kristin, follow her on social media, and stay in the know about upcoming author events visit https://kristinharmel.com.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.

Ep. 83: Sarah Penner, Author of The Lost Apothecary

July 22, 2021July 21, 2021Posted in Books for Adults, Libraries, Podcast, Reading Life, Summer ReadingLeave a comment

This week I’m chatting with Sarah Penner, whose debut novel The Lost Apothecary was an instant NY Times bestseller and is being translated into 30 languages worldwide. We discuss Sarah’s inspiring path to publication, writing a dual timeline historical novel, the casting of the phenomenal audiobook, and much more!

You can also listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Spellbinding… Like in a well-brewed potion, all the ingredients have been given exactly the right level of care and time, and the result is a novel that simply overwhelms with its delicate spell.

—Bookpage

A graduate of the University of Kansas, Sarah spent thirteen years in corporate finance and now writes full-time. She and her husband live in St. Petersburg, Florida. To learn more about Sarah Penner, follow her on social media, and stay in the know about upcoming author events visit https://www.sarahpenner.com/.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

Looking for a book mentioned on the podcast? Want to browse books by past guests? Visit A Bookish Home Podcast’s Bookshop.org page.

Happy Reading and Listening,

Laura Szaro Kopinski

ABookishHome.com

*A Bookish Home is now an affiliate of Bookshop.org. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small commission if you purchase something through the Bookshop.org links provided.