October | 2025 | Top Shelf with Carol Ann Tack

Matthew Norman on Love, Loss, and Holiday Movie Magic

“Why is it that the holidays always seem to arrive out of nowhere…?”
That question comes from Henry, one half of the unforgettable duo in Matthew Norman’s latest novel, Grace & Henry’s Holiday Movie Marathon. The book follows a sentimental advertising creative and a no-nonsense bar owner who discover an unexpected second chance at love binge-watching iconic holiday films—and it’s every bit as poignant and heartwarming as that setup promises.
For our fourth interview episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Matthew to talk about his absolutely delightful new novel. We covered everything from the magic of holiday movies, to music, grief, the New York Jets, and so much more. It’s a wide-ranging, genuinely fun conversation, and I’m so grateful to Matthew for joining me!

Matthew Norman recommends: The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu; the work of Richard Russo; the work of Nick Hornby; the work of Allison Larkin.

Follow Matthew Norman on all social media platforms @thenormannation