Why would a successful romance writer dive in to epic fantasy? And what is the appeal of that genre? Lyz Kelley is swinging for the bleachers with her new writing genre, and she had a lot to teach me about the genre that I know so little about. 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: Lyz KelleyWebsite/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube Books discussed in this episode:Magic’s Pawn by Mercedes LackeyMagic’s Promise by Mercedes LackeyMagic’s Price by Mercedes LackeyNancy DrewThe Hardy BoysJRR TolkienDoctors Without BordersHarry…

Mia Hopkins is straight up one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. I could talk to her all day about books, baking, mothering, and life in general. The book she chose, “The Proposition” by Judith Ivory, is a sort of gender-swapped take on “My Fair Lady.” I loved reading it, and I really loved talking about it with Mia. 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: Mia HopkinsWebsite/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/The Baker’s Notebook Podcast Books discussed in this episode: The Proposition by…

Zenobia Neil and I talked for over two hours, and honestly I could have talked to her for the rest of the day. She is fun and hilarious and smart as hell and just plain interesting. Not only that, but the book she chose immediately went on my list of Top Ten books. It was a great read, and an even better bookish conversation. 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: Zenobia NeilWebsite/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram Books discussed in this episode: Skylight Books Skylight…

I laughed so hard while recording with Miranda that my daughter actually came into my office to check on me. Miranda officially coined my new favorite book genre: Bumpy Covers. You already know exactly what that means, don’t you? There are certain books you turn to when you can’t deal with the world, and those books frequently have bumpy covers. Miranda cherishes books, and I so enjoyed talking to her about how she lives with them, how she shows them love, how she marks them up, and why “Memoirs of a Geisha” by Arthur Golden is the Best Book Ever.…

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…