This week, I talked to Shari Okeke about "The Hate U Give," fantastic book by Angie Thomas. Shari spoke honestly about being a mixed-race woman, raising-mixed race kids, and navigating a world that tries to silence Black women’s voices. Through her work with the CBC, she gives a voice and a platform to young people on her podcasts. I so enjoyed getting to know her and the frank and thoughtful conversation we shared. Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest:…

I was thrilled to learn that Suzie Bangoura is as delightful in person as she is online. The book she recommended is from a Sierra Leonean author, and we had wonderful discussion about West African literature and what it’s like to belong to three countries. Trigger warnings: this book discusses FGM (female genital mutilation.)  Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Suzie BangouraInstagram Books discussed in this episode: So the Path Does Not Die by Pede HollistThe Crown on NetflixHRH:…

Talking to Alyssa Archer is always a balm for my soul. In this conversation, we veered from homesteading, the Enneagram, her childhood love of fairy tales, and books that can be a form of healing from trauma. Play close attention to Alyssa’s accent, and how she gets more Texan every time she talks about her homestead!  Trigger warnings: this book does have a rape scene, and Alyssa and I discuss the scene and its aftermath in our conversation. If you or someone you know is a sexual assault survivor, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline for help at 800-656-4673.…

Marti Dumas and I first bonded over our shared love of coffee, books, and writing, and I am thrilled she joined me today. We talked about the vibrant literary scene in her hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, her visceral connection to the land, writing positive stories featuring children of color as the main characters, and her deep love of the work of Octavia Butler, and why he deeply layered “Wild Seed” is her Best Book Ever. Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host:…

Malavika Praseed invites guests to talk about their favorite books on to her podcast, “Your Favorite Book.” Sound familiar? She’s my Podcast Twin, and I’m delighted we found each other. I’m a big fan of her work, and I invited her to talk about her favorite book, “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” by Carson McCullers. But our conversation bounced all over the place, from her fascination with old Southern culture to weird literary crushes to how we deal with casual racism in old books. She’s whip smart and so funny. If you haven’t heard of her before, I know…

I was lucky enough to meet Robyn Shipton at a conference, and thrilled that she agreed to appear on my podcast. She is so creative and funny and honest – I could have talked to her all day. Our conversation veered from dreams and music to the definition of the word queer to fort building. It all makes sense. I know you’re going to love this chat as much as I did. Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Robyn…

Today we’re changing up the format a bit. With the holidays coming up, it’s time to start thinking about gift giving. I invited a bunch of my favorite young Bookworms, ages 5-23, to tell me about their favorite books. I love talking to kids, and I love talking about books – so this episode was an absolute delight to record. I hope you will find plenty of books for all the young people in your life! Remember your local indie bookstores when doing all of your shopping! Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever…

Today I am thrilled to be joined by Debra Dean, the bestselling author of four critically acclaimed books, including, “The Madonnas of Leningrad” and “Hidden Tapestry.” Reading Debra Dean’s favorite novel felt like the perfect choice for this moment in time. It is a gentle, comforting book, with bigger themes that reveal themselves slowly. The main character only begins to understand his role in history in retrospect. It was a fascinating read, and Debra is an enthusiastic and wonderful reading partner. Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the…

This week's episode was even more fun than usual, because I got to listen to two best friends talk about their favorite books. Daman Tiwana and Kyathi Thakur make me laugh and think every week on their podcast, "Brown Girls Read," and I was thrilled that I could talk to them together about each of their favorite books. Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Kyathi Thakur and Daman Tiwana of the Brown Girls Read PodcastInstagram/Twitter/Brown Girls Happy Hour Indie…

= Isn’t Pride and Prejudice supposed to be everyone’s favorite book? Are people embarrassed to admit how much they love it? Jaimie Morimoto and I delve into the “Pumpkin Spice” popularity of this novel. In addition to that, we serve up a hot take on Mr. Bennet’s parenting style and some redemption for Lydia. Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Jaimie MorimotoWebsite/Instagram Indie Bookstore Shoutout of the Week:Magers and Quinn, Minneapolis, Minnesota Books discussed in this episode: Pride and…

Marci Calabretta Cancio-Bello is equal parts quick wit and deep thinker. Talking to her was like talking to someone who can see deeper into the ocean than you can, and will gently explain it to you. Marci talks freely about how books saved her life, and this conversation was a balm for my soul after a rough week. I know you are going to love it.We talked for almost two hours, and I had to cut a lot of it to fit the podcast time restraints. But one thing I don’t want you to miss is that Marci is the…

There are some people who are so interesting, who have such fascinating lives and jobs, that I can't wait to invite them to the podcast. Then they turn around and scare the life out of me with their book choices. That's what happened with today's guest, Azhelle Wade. Azhelle designs toys for a living, and mentors others in the toy design process. She is sweet and funny and an utterly delightful guest. But the book she chose, "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston, is about a near-catastrophic outbreak of the Ebola virus. I don't read a lot of scary books,…

Today, adventure novelist, pilot, and airplane tinkerer joins me to give the definitive answer to the question, "What is the best book ever?" Nathan insists that his answer is the final answer to the question. I suppose after this I'll have to rename this show to "The Second or Third Best Book Ever."  I had so much fun chatting with Nathan. There is something magical about listening to someone who has thought so deeply about a book, particularly a book from childhood that still affects the reader so deeply. I know you're going to love this episode. Support the Best…

Cat lovers, rejoice! This is an episode about how a book about a cat led one man to change everything in his life. Chris Burch is a ceramics artist from Colorado Springs, Colorado (I am lucky enough to own one of his beautiful pieces.) In this wide ranging chat, Chris and I talked about the power of art, grief, and family, and how to find your center in ceramics and in life. It was a really powerful and moving conversation. Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best…

Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Elizabeth GowingWebsite/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn Books discussed in this episode: Stay With Me by Ayobami AdelbayoWhat It Means When a Man Falls From the Sky: Stories by Lesley Nneka ArimahChimamanda Ngozi AdichieAsian Enough (LA Times Podcast) episode with Viet Thanh NguyenWriting About Infertility in a World that Sees Childless Marriage as Tragedy: Ayobami Adebayo on Infertility in the Nigerian Novel, via Lit HubBrit BennettYaa GyasiA Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon JamesThe Book of Night…

Elizabeth Gowing on Playing Big by Tara Mohr Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Elizabeth GowingWebsite/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn Books discussed in this episode: Playing Big by Tara MohrThe Ideas PartnershipThe Rubbish-Picker’s Wife: An Unlikely Friendship in Kosovo by Elizabeth GowingThe Books and Travel Podcast: Travels in Blood and Honey – Kosovo with Elizabeth GowingKilling Floor (Jack Reacher Book 1) by Lee Child Discussed in our Patreon Exclusive Clip: The Last Days of the Romanovs by Robert Wilton (Note: some of these…

Dawn Davies on The Water Method Man by John Irving Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Dawn DaviesWebsite/Facebook/Instagram/Whistle Tree Writers/Whistle Tree Writers Instagram Books discussed in this episode: The Water Method Man by John IrvingMothers of Sparta: A Memoir in Pieces by Dawn DaviesDenise MassarPeter’s Chair by Ezra Jack KeatsCorduroy by Don FreemanThe Secret of the Mansion (Trixie Belden Book 1) by Julie CampbellThe Nancy Drew Mystery Stories Collection by Carolyn KeeneThe Hardy Boys Starter Set by Franklin W.…

Kenya Goree Bell on 9 Rules to Break by Sarah MacLean Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Kenya Goree BellWebsite/Instagram/Twitter/Facebook Books discussed in this episode: Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLeanLooking for Mr. Goodbar by Judith RossnerThe Lonely Lady by Harold RobbinsJackie CollinsSweet Valley HighRapper’s Delight by Kenya Goree BellTess GerritsonJames PattersonDean KoontzSixteen CandlesPretty in PinkNaima SimoneSally KilpatrickSierra SimoneCry of Metal and Bone by L. PenelopeNalini SinghLaura ThalassaLove Unexpected by QB TylerYour Dad Will…

Libbie Hawker on Dune by Frank Herbert Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Libbie HawkerBlog/Instagram   Books discussed in this episode: Dune by Frank Herbert (this is the first book, that I read with Libbie)The Complete Dune Series Set (Books 1-6) by Frank HerbertThe Eye of the World: Book One of the Wheel of Time by Robert JordanBaptism for the Dead by Libbie HawkerWatership DownCurious Toys by Elizabeth HandHenry Darger at MoMAAmmonite by Nicola GriffithOctavia ButlerThe Goldfinch by Donna…

Jeff Adams on The Understatement of the Year by Sarina Bowen Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Jeff AdamsWebsite/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Big Gay Fiction Podcast/Big Gay Author Podcast  Books discussed in this episode: The Understatement of the Year by Sarina Bowen(Part of the Ivy Years Series)New York City Gay Hockey AssociationTrouble Shooter Series by Suzanne Brockman (This is a 19-book series that begins with The Unsung Hero.)Love, SimonThe Front Runner by Patricia Nell WarrenSt. Nachos by Z.A. MaxfieldSimon Vs. The Homo Sapiens…

Asha Sabbella on The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Asha SabbellaInstagram/ Blog Books discussed in this episode:The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv ConstantineBook of the Month#bookstagramReese’s Book ClubThe Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah PekkanenThe Truth Hurts by Rebecca ReidThe Safe Place: A Novel by Anna DownesUs Against You: A Novel by Fredrick BackmanWhere the Crawdads Sing by Delia OwensAn American Marriage by Tayari JonesThe Jane Austen CollectionA Court of…

Farheen Abbas on The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Farheen Raza AbbasInstagram/ Podcast /Radio Caravan Go here to subscribe to my Patreon for on $5 a month.  Books discussed in this episode: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George SpeareHarry Potter by J.K. RowlingThe Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex HaleyTuesdays with Morrie by Mitch AlbomThe Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch AlbomThe Next Person You Meet…

Elizabeth Essex on Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Casey StarnesWebsite/Facebook/ Instagram  Books discussed in this episode: Lessons in French by Laura KinsalePersuasion by Jane AustenThe Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George SpeareThe Poetry of Robert Frost: The Collected Poems, Complete and UnabridgedThe Goose Girl by Shannon HaleFrom Cabin Boys to Captains: 250 Years of Women at Sea by Jo StanleyMost Secret and Confidential: Intelligence in the Age of Nelson by Steven…

Casey Starnes on A Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Casey StarnesWebsite/Facebook/ Instagram  Books discussed in this episode:The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. SalingerJ.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye: A Cultural History by Josef BensonThe Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert Iger  

Mark Leslie Lefebvre on Earth Abides by George R. Stewart Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Mark LefebvreWebsite/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube/Podcast  Books discussed in this episode:Earth Abides by George R. Stewart(side note: Mark recommends this one on audio)To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeGo Set a Watchman by Harper LeeThe Stand by Stephen KingThe World Without Us by  Alan WeismanAMC’s The Walking Dead (TV show)The Chrysalids by John WyndhamThe Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsStation Eleven by Emily St. John MandelCity of the…

Marion Hill on Memory and Dream by Charles deLint Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram  Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Marion HillWebsite/Instagram/GoodReads/BookBub Discussed in this episode: Memory and Dream by Charles de LintThe Little Country by Charles de LintCharles deLint Website The Spectator Bird by Wallace StegnerAscending (The Vardeshi Saga Book 1) by Meg PechenikThe Nightingale by Kristin HannahGuy Gavriel Kay Website The Diondray’s Chronicles Series by Marion HillDiondray’s Discovery (Book 1)Diondray’s Journey (Book 2)Diondray’s Roundabout (Book 3) Marion’s 25 by Marion HillMarion’s 25, Vol. 2 by Marion HillThe Hobbit by J.R.R.…

H. Claire Taylor on The Princess Bride by William Goldman Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram  Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Claire TaylorAuthor Website/FFS Media Website/Facebook Books discussed in this episode:The Princess Bride by William GoldmanThe Silence of the Lambs by Thomas HarrisGone with the Wind by Margaret MitchellShrek! By William SteigAs You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes(side note: this book is particularly wonderful on audio)Dan Brown MasterclassThe Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas AdamsThe Sirens of Titan by Kurt VonnegutTimequake by…

Amy Teegan on Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram  Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Amy TeeganWebsite Books discussed in this episode:Lolita by Vladimir NabokovThe Annotated Lolita: Revised and UpdatedSister Carrie by Theodore DreiserDinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne TylerEdgard Allen Poe, the Complete Poems (including Amy’s favorite, Annabel Lee)My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth RussellJonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna ClarkThe Interestings by Meg WolitzerThe Heart’s Invisible Furies by John BoyneA Little Life by Hanya YanagiharaOur Kind of Cruelty by Araminta HallThe Series of Unfortunate…

David Mills on Five Star Billionaire by Tash Aw Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram  Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: David MillsWebsite/Podcast/Vimeo Books discussed in this episode:Five Star Billionaire by Tash AwWhen a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. – Samuel JohnsonMysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael ChabonLess Than Zero by Brett Easton EllisHello Darlin’! Tall (And Absolutely True) Tales About My Life by Larry HagmanJohnny WooTimberlinaFocus People! Podcast with David Mills    

Moni Boyce on Bel Canto by Ann Patchett Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram  Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Moni BoyceWebsite/Facebook/Instagram /Twitter/Pinterest/Book+Main Books discussed in this episode:Bel Canto by Ann PatchettTaft by Ann PatchettRun by Ann PatchettParnassus Bookstore, Nashville TN (takes online orders and ships! Support indie bookstores!)Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine (part of the Stillhouse Lake Series)Business for Authors: How to Be an Author Entrepreneur by Joanna Penn EPISODE 004 TRANSCRIPTMoni Boyce on “Bel Canto” by Ann PatchettHi, Bookworms, welcome to Best Book Ever, the podcast where we talk about…

AJ Scudiere on Enchantment by Orson Scott Card Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram  Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Author AJ Scudiere, can be found here:Website/Facebook/Instagram AJ’s Romance Pen name, Savannah Kade, can be found here:Website/Facebook/Instagram Books discussed in this episode:Ticket to True Love Series, multiple authorsEnchantment by Orson Scott CardClive CusslerJack Reacher by Lee ChildLisa GardnerThe Murder List by Hank Phillipi RyanGirl on the Train by Paula HawkinsThe Coming Plague by Laurie GarrettAngel Fire East by Terry BrooksJim ButcherEnders Game by Orson Scott CardWicked by Gregory MaguireLolita by Vladimir NabokovPhoenix by…

Denise Massar on "Mothers of Sparta" by Dawn Davies Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book ever Podcast on Instagram  Host: Julie StraussWebsite/Instagram/Facebook Guest: Denise MassarWebsite/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Medium/Goodreads Books discussed in this episode:Mothers of Sparta by Dawn DaviesMary Karr, Author and MemoiristKnow My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller Books discussed in Patreon-Exclusive EpisodeInside Out: A Memoir by Demi MooreMe by Elton John Episode 002 TranscriptDenise Massar on “Mothers of Sparta” by Dawn Davies “Knowing what I know now about what his future holds, what his life will be like, the struggles he has already had, the…