Monthly Archives: August 2021

Episode 70: Interview with Isla Morley



In this luminous historical fiction narrative inspired by the fascinating real case of the Blue People of Kentucky, Isla Morley probes questions of identity, love, and family in her breathtaking new novel.

In 1937, there are recesses in Appalachia no outsiders have ever explored. Two government-sponsored documentarians from Ohio, a writer and photographer are dispatched to penetrate this wilderness and record what they find for President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration. For photographer Clay Havens, the assignment is his last chance to reboot his flagging career. So when he and his journalist partner are warned away from the remote Spooklight Holler outside of town, they set off eagerly in search of a headline story.

I was hooked from the first page, second sentence. Morley’s prose is luminous indeed and I was thrilled to host her for this episode. A must read and book club gold. Can’t thank her enough for joining me.

Isla Morley recommends, The Body by Bill Bryson; Leaving Coy’s Hill by Katherine Sherbrooke; How to Fly by Barbara Kingsolver

   


Episode 69: Interview with Megan Abbott



Just after being selected as the August Read with Jenna pick for her latest book, The Turnout,  I was thrilled to host Megan AbbottAbbott was waving to us from Queens when we spoke…

Taut and unnerving, The Turnout is Megan Abbott at the height of her game. With uncanny insight and hypnotic writing, it is a sharp and strange dissection of family ties and sexuality, femininity and power, and a tale that is both alarming and irresistible and I will not say another word about it, I was on the edge of my seat. Give a listen!

Megan Abbott recommends: Blacktop Wasteland and Razorblade Tears, both by S.A.Cosby; Dreamgirl by Laura Lippman; The Collective by Alison Gaylin

Place you hold for all Megan Abbott titles here. 

    

 


Episode 67: Interview with Claire Luchette



Claire Luchette is so wildly talented that I would follow them anywhere. Here, it’s to Woonsocket along with four women who are searching for meaning and a sense of belonging from each other and the world beyond. The result is a novel that’s blazingly original, wry, and perfectly attuned to the oddness―and the profundity―of life.”
―Cristina Henríquez, author of The Book of Unknown Americans

What a pleasure to sit down with Claire Luchette to talk about her gorgeous debut, Agatha of Little Neon. The book offers a view into the lives of women and the choices they make. It is a novel about female friendship and devotion, the roles made available to us, and how we become ourselves. I loved this absolute gem of a book…thank you so much for joining me Claire Luchette!

Claire recommends:  Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So ; Something New Under the Sun by Alexanda Kleeman