Category: Libraries

Ep. 74: Jennifer Robson, Author of Our Darkest Night

Posted in Audiobooks, Books for Adults, Libraries, Podcast, Reading Life1 Comment

This week, my guest on the podcast is historical fiction author Jennifer Robson. Fans of The Gown will love her latest novel, Our Darkest Night: A Novel of Italy and the Second World .

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“Robson shines with this stellar WWII story. Expert characterizations and perfect pacing are rounded out by lyrical prose … This will break readers’ hearts.” -Publishers’ Weekly Starred Review

An academic by background, a former editor by profession, and a lifelong history nerd, Jennifer Robson is now a full-time writer. She is the author of six novels set during and after the two world wars: Somewhere in France, After the War is Over, Moonlight Over Paris, Goodnight from London, The Gown, and her latest, Our Darkest Night: A Novel of Italy and the Second World War.

To learn more about Jennifer Robson and follow her on social media visit https://jennifer-robson.com.


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

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. 

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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. 73: Jennie Fields, Author of Atomic Love

Posted in Books for Adults, Libraries, Podcast, Reading LifeLeave a comment

I’m excited to share a conversation with Jennie Fields, author of an enthralling new historical fiction novel, Atomic Love.

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“A novel of science, love, espionage, beautiful writing, and a heroine who carves a strong path in the world of men.” — Ann Patchett

Jennie Fields received an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and is the author of the novels Lily Beach, Crossing Brooklyn Ferry, The Middle Ages, and The Age of Desire. A Chicago native, Fields was inspired by her own mother’s work as a University of Chicago-trained biochemist in the 1950s. After years as a creative director at large New York ad agencies, Fields now lives with her husband in Nashville, Tennessee.

To learn more about Jennie Fields and follow her on social media visit https://www.jenniefields.com. 


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

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. 

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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. 72: Evie Dunmore, Author of A Rogue of One’s Own

Posted in Books for Adults, Libraries, Podcast, Reading LifeLeave a comment

Historical romance fans and anyone who has been binge watching Bridgerton, this week’s episode is for you! My guest is USA TODAY bestselling author Evie Dunmore, whose new book in the League of Extraordinary Women series is called A Rogue of One’s Own. 

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Rich with subplot, historical detail and beautifully descriptive writing that keeps the pages turning until the delightfully unconventional happy ending.” —NPR

Evie Dunmore is also the author of Bringing Down the Duke, which she wrote inspired by the magical scenery of Oxford, her passion for romance, women pioneers, and all things Victorian. In her civilian life, she is a consultant with a M.Sc. in Diplomacy from Oxford. Evie is a member of the British Romantic Novelists’ Association (RNA). 

To learn more about Evie Dunmore and follow her on social media visit http://eviedunmore.com. 


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

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. 

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Visit the London School of Economics mentioned on this episode: https://www.lse.ac.uk/library/collection-highlights/The-Womens-Library

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.

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Thanks for supporting A Bookish Home and your local indies!

Ep. 67: Hank Phillippi Ryan, Author of The First to Lie

Posted in Books for Adults, Libraries, Podcast, Reading LifeLeave a comment

This week my guest is award winning author and investigative reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan, whose latest book, The First to Lie is a chilling psychological suspense novel. In a starred review Publishers Weekly called The First to Lie “Stellar.. Hank Phillippi Ryan could win a sixth Agatha with this one.” 

The First to Lie is exactly the kind of gripping, suspenseful read I love staying up with on a fall night, eagerly turning the pages. This book kept me guessing from start to finish. I also could have chatted with Hank about her career as both an award-winning investigative reporter and author all day. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

About Hank Phillippi Ryan:

Hank Phillippi Ryan is the USA Today bestselling author of 12 mystery novels, Hank has also won multiple prestigious awards for her crime fiction fiction: five Agathas, three Anthonys, the Daphne, two Macavitys, and the coveted Mary Higgins Clark Award. She is also the on-air investigative reporter for Boston’s WHDH-TV. She’s won 37 EMMYs, 14 Edward R. Murrow awards and dozens of other honors for her groundbreaking journalism. National book reviews have called Hank a “master at crafting suspenseful mysteries” and “a superb and gifted storyteller.” 

Listen and subscribe on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

To learn more about Hank Phillippi Ryan and follow her on social media visit https://hankphillippiryan.com.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

A Bookish Home has teamed up with Bookshop.org! Support A Bookish Home and independent bookstores at the same time when you purchase books from our new online bookshop!*

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Browse books by authors interviewed on the podcast, titles mentioned on the show, and more recommendations from your host and librarian, Laura Szaro Kopinski. 

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Is there an author or someone in the book world you’d love to hear interviewed on the podcast? Let me know in the comments or wherever you hang out on social media, I’m @abookishhome.

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.

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Thanks for supporting A Bookish Home and your local indies!

Ep. 66: Amy Elizabeth Bishop, Literary Agent at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret

Posted in Books for Adults, Children's, Libraries, Podcast, Read Aloud, Reading LifeLeave a comment

Are you curious about the role of the agent in the publishing process? Tune into this week’s episode with Amy Elizabeth Bishop, Literary Agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.

On this episode you’ll also hear from Amy about one of her projects that was recently chosen for Reese’s Book Club and Book of the Month!

Amy joined Dystel, Goderich & Bourret in 2015, after completing an internship with them in 2014. Before diving into the world of publishing, she graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a degree in Creative Writing.

Listen and subscribe on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

To learn more about Amy Elizabeth Bishop and follow her on social media visit https://www.dystel.com/amy-bishop.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

A Bookish Home has teamed up with Bookshop.org! Support A Bookish Home and independent bookstores at the same time when you purchase books from our new online bookshop!*

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Browse books by authors interviewed on the podcast, titles mentioned on the show, and more recommendations from your host and librarian, Laura Szaro Kopinski. 

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Is there an author or someone in the book world you’d love to hear interviewed on the podcast? Let me know in the comments or wherever you hang out on social media, I’m @abookishhome.

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.

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Thanks for supporting A Bookish Home and your local indies!

Ep. 65: Kelly Yang, Author of Three Keys

Posted in Books for Adults, Children's, Libraries, Podcast, Read Aloud, Reading LifeLeave a comment

Today we have a special episode with one of my favorite kid lit authors, Kelly Yang. Librarians, parents, and teachers, her books are must purchases for your bookshelves!

Kelly Yang is the NYTimes Bestselling author of the middle grade novel Front Desk and its new sequel Three Keys, as well as a young adult novel, Parachutes. Front Desk won the 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature and was chosen a Best Book of the year by multiple Organizations including NPR, the Washington Post and the NY Public Library.

Kelly’s family immigrated to the United States from China and she grew up in California in circumstances very similar to those of Mia Tang in the the Front Desk books.. She went to college at thirteen, eventually graduating from UC Berkeley and Harvard Law School. She is the founder of The Kelly Yang Project, a leading writing and debating program for children in Asia and the United States. Kelly has three children and splits her time between Hong Kong and San Francisco, California.

Listen and subscribe on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

To learn more about Kelly Yang and follow her on social media visit https://kellyyang.com.

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

A Bookish Home has teamed up with Bookshop.org! Support A Bookish Home and independent bookstores at the same time when you purchase books from our new online bookshop!*

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Browse books by authors interviewed on the podcast, titles mentioned on the show, and more recommendations from your host and librarian, Laura Szaro Kopinski. 

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Is there an author or someone in the book world you’d love to hear interviewed on the podcast? Let me know in the comments or wherever you hang out on social media, I’m @abookishhome.

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.

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Thanks for supporting A Bookish Home and your local indies!

Ep. 64: Author Michelle Hoover Shares the 2020 Massachusetts Book Award Winners

Posted in Books for Adults, Libraries, Podcast, Read Aloud, Reading LifeLeave a comment

Today we have a special episode all about the Massachusetts Book Awards! The winners and honorees were just announced yesterday.

My guest is author Michelle Hoover, the 2020 Coordinator for the Massachusetts Book Awards, who I served with as a lead juror in the children’s picture book and early reader category. Michelle will give some behind the scenes and help us add to our “to be read lists” as she shares the winners and honorees.

Michelle is a 2014 NEA Fellow and has been a Writer-in-Residence at Bucknell University, a MacDowell Fellow, and a winner of the PEN/New England Discovery Award. Her debut, The Quickening, was a 2010 Massachusetts Book Award “Must Read.” Her latest novel, Bottomland, was the 2017 All Iowa Reads selection. Michelle teaches at GrubStreet, where she leads the Novel Incubator program.  She is a native of Iowa and lives in Boston. 

Listen and subscribe on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

To learn more about Michelle Hoover and follow her on social media visit http://www.michelle-hoover.com. 

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

A Bookish Home has teamed up with Bookshop.org! Support A Bookish Home and independent bookstores at the same time when you purchase books from our new online bookshop!*

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Browse books by authors interviewed on the podcast, titles mentioned on the show, and more recommendations from your host and librarian, Laura Szaro Kopinski. 

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Is there an author you’d love to hear interviewed on the podcast? I’d love to hear! Let me know in the comments or wherever you hang out on social media, I’m @abookishhome.

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.

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Thanks for supporting A Bookish Home and your local indies!

Ep. 63: Steven Rowley, Author of The Editor

Posted in Books for Adults, Libraries, Podcast, Reading Life, Summer ReadingLeave a comment

Today on A Bookish Home, I’m talking about all things books and writing with Steven Rowley, bestselling author of The Editor, which is now out in paperback.

This book is a fascinating window into the writing life and the author/editor relationship. The novel also explores a lesser known chapter of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s life, her time in publishing.

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“Filled with whimsy and warmth, the Lily and the Octopus author’s second novel centers on the complex relationship between a fledgling writer and his fabulous editor, the latter of whom becomes a mentor, friend, and maternal figure. Oh, and she happens to be Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, but that’s Mrs. Onassis to you.”

— O, The Oprah Magazine

Listen and subscribe on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

“Steven Rowley has hit a home run. What a stunning portrayal of family this is. At equal turns laugh-out-loud funny and searingly poignant, Rowley has created a truly unforgettable story of a son trying to understand his mother. The Editor is one of those exceptional stories that is both a joy to read on every page and also deeply profound. It took my breath away.”

— TAYLOR JENKINS REID, AUTHOR OF DAISY JONES AND THE SIX

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

A Bookish Home has teamed up with Bookshop.org! Support A Bookish Home and independent bookstores at the same time when you purchase books from our new online bookshop!*

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Browse books by authors interviewed on the podcast, titles mentioned on the show, and more recommendations from your host and librarian, Laura Szaro Kopinski.

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Is there an author you’d love to hear interviewed on the podcast? I’d love to hear! Let me know in the comments or wherever you hang out on social media, I’m @abookishhome.

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.

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Thanks for supporting A Bookish Home and your local indies!

Ep. 62: Fiona Davis, Author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue

Posted in Books for Adults, Libraries, Podcast, Reading Life, Summer ReadingLeave a comment

Today on A Bookish Home, the podcast, I’m chatting with library fan and historical fiction author, Fiona Davis, whose new book is called The Lions of Fifth Avenue.

I loved the bookish mystery at the heart of this story and being able to step into the world of the New York Public Library during alternating time periods. Fellow bibliophiles will want to get their bookstore orders and library holds ready!

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“Davis delves into the history of the New York Public Library in this delightful mystery … The characters and story are stellar, but the real star of the show is the library, which Davis evokes beautifully.”

— Publishers Weekly, starred review

 

 

Listen and subscribe on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

 

“Fiona Davis has again produced a first-class tale … intrigue seeps through until the final pages, revealing New York in the early 1900s, the beginnings of the feminist movement and the insidious sale of stolen rare books. It’s a literary delight.”— Authorlink

 

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

A Bookish Home has teamed up with Bookshop.org! Support A Bookish Home and independent bookstores at the same time when you purchase books from our new online bookshop!*

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Browse books by authors interviewed on the podcast, titles mentioned on the show, and more recommendations from your host and librarian, Laura Szaro Kopinski.

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What are your favorite books about books? Let me know wherever you hang out on social media @ABookishHome.

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.

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Thanks for supporting A Bookish Home and your local indies!

 

Ep. 61: Kim Johnson, Author of This Is My America

Posted in Books for Adults, Children's, Libraries, Podcast, Summer ReadingLeave a comment

This week, I’m sharing an interview with Kim Johnson, author of the phenomenal and timely new young adult book, This Is My America.

Teens and adults alike, this is essential reading that provides a window into Black Lives Matter activism as well as the human impact of racism in our criminal justice system through the characters of Tracy and her family. 

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“Harrowing and worthwhile; a call-to-action from the anti-racist insights of a generation of black activists.”

– Kirkus, starred review

You can also listen on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

I hope you order This Is my America or pick it up at your local library. And if you are a teacher or librarian, this is a must purchase for your classroom or library shelves.

My prediction is before long there won’t be room for all the award medals on the cover of this classic in the making.

 

Browse Books Mentioned On This Episode:

A Bookish Home has teamed up with Bookshop.org! Support A Bookish Home and independent bookstores at the same time when you purchase books from our new online bookshop!*

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Browse books by authors interviewed on the podcast, titles mentioned on the show, and more recommendations from your host and librarian, Laura Szaro Kopinski.

We hope this helps you discover your next favorite read! You can also browse titles here and then request them from your local library.

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What are you reading this summer? Share your recommendations and tag @ABookishHome.

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.

Bookshop.org is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. Thanks for supporting A Bookish Home and your local indies!