Are you an avid reader looking for your next great read? Or maybe you're someone who wants to fall in love with books? Look no further! Our podcast is the perfect place for all kinds of readers. With a wide range of genres, from romance to thrillers, historical fiction to non-fiction, we've got you covered. Hosted by Whitney Clark, each episode goes beyond the next chapter and explores important topics such as improving literacy rates in our communities, the concept of silent book clubs, banned books, audiobooks vs. physical books, finding more time to read, and encouraging children to read.
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RSS FeedIt's time to take a trip to Italy! On this episode, we're joined by Sarah Penner who is out with her new book "The Amalfi Curse." It's set in present-day Positano and in the 1800s. The novel features witches, sunken treasure, and forbidden love in a picturesque Italian village. This is Penner's third book following her debut "The Lost Apothecary" in 2021. One of the main characters is a nautical archeologist and in her research for the book, Penner actually got two online certifications on the subject. She chats with Whitney about that, her research trips to Italy, how she was able to quit her full time job, her adventures in scuba diving and why she thinks women need to sometimes be selfish in accomplishing their dreams.
She's a reader favorite, and now Jeneva Rose is out with her latest book "The Perfect Divorce." This is the sequel to "The Perfect Marriage," which was Rose's debut in 2020. It has sold more than 2 million copies! In the new book, we are once again in Sarah Morgan's world as she has started a new family 11 years after she defended her husband in a high-profile murder case. Rose talks to our host Whitney Clark about how she connects with readers on social media, what it's like being on a book tour as an expectant mom, and Rose also talks about her two other books being released this year!
You've likely been reading Jennifer Weiner's books for years, and now she's out with a new novel called "The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits." The No. 1 New York Times bestseller is known for her hit novels including "In Her Shoes and "Good In Bed." Her newest book is set in two timelines. In the present day, no one knows why the Griffin sisters' band implodes after they rose to fame in the early 2000's. Jennifer talks to our host Whitney about pop culture, often complex sister relationships, and what research she had to do (including an interview with an American Idol star).
We are taking you to the Land of Oz! You may have seen the movie "Wicked," but before it was a movie, it was a hit Broadway musical. And before that, it was a book originally published in 1995. While the book and the movie are much different, the author of the book "Wicked," Gregory Maguire, is out with a new book called "Elphie." It's a prequel that dives into Ephaba's childhood. What happened to the Wicked Witch of the West before she gets to Shiz University? Whitney got to talk to Maguire about the new book, why he chose to write it now, and what it was like to visit the film set!
Ahead of St. Patrick's Day, we're going beyond the next chapter and taking you to Ireland! We're joined this week by Valley teacher and author Jennifer Deibel. She's out with a new book called "Heart of the Glen." Jennifer teaches in the Valley and is passionate about reading and literacy. She also spent 10 years living in Ireland and Austria. She talks about how she became an author, what surprised her most about the publishing world, and what gives her hope while working in public education.
Calling all historical fiction fans! On this episode, our host Whitney Clark is joined by New York Times best-selling author Fiona Davis. She's out with a new book called "The Stolen Queen." This novel takes us from The Met to Egypt! It's a mix of glamour and mummies, mystery, and Davis describes it as a cross between "Indiana Jones," "Thelma & Louise" and "The Devil Wears Prada." Davis talks about how she went from acting to writing, why it's so important to portray female friendships in her novels, and what research went into this book. It included a trip to Eygpt!
Do you need a hug? We all do sometimes! In honor of Valentine's Day, this week we are joined by two librarians from the Maricopa County Library District with their book recommendations: specifically books that feel like a hug! They offer a few titles that may give you some comfort, a sense of community, feel-good reads, cozy fantasy books and more. Here is the list:
"Britt-Marie Was Here" by Fredrik Backman
The Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire
"Legends & Lattes" by Travis Baldree
"This Is How You Lose the Time War" by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
"The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse" by Charlie Mackesy
"How to Stop Time" by Matt Haig
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, New York Times best-selling author Tessa Bailey is out with her latest spicy sports romance “Dream Girl Drama.” When a professional hockey player and a harp player have a chance encounter, there is an instant love connection. Unfortunately though Sig and Chloe find out their parents are engaged and they have to make some tough choices about their careers and relationship. The new release comes as Tessa is making a stop in the Valley on her book tour! She talks to Whitney about what she loves about meeting her readers, what her husband thinks about her love stories, why romance has become such a popular genre, and how a real-life hockey player inspired this book!
It's a new year, which means we have another year of new books and reading to look forward to! On this episode, we're joined by Rylie Occhipinto and Melati Parker from Wijaya House in Tempe. It's a locally owned bookstore and flower shop with regular classes for the community! They talk to Whitney about which books they are looking forward to this year. That includes the following:
Whitney's picks:
"Atmosphere" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
"Elphie" by Gregory Maguire
"One Golden Summer" by Carley Fortune
Melati's picks:
"King of Ashes" by S.A. Cosby
"Katabasis" by R.F. Kuang
"The Listeners" by Maggie Stiefvater
"Witchcraft for Wayward Girls" by Grady Hendrix
"The Unworthy" by Agustina Bazterrica
"Courtroom Drama" by Neely Tubati-Alexander
Rylie's picks:
"My Friends" by Fredrik Backman
"The Lamb" by Lucy Rose
"Fun and Games" by John Patrick McHugh
"Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins
Do you set high standards for yourself or others? Do you consider yourself a "perfectionist"? In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Ellen Hendriksen who's out with a new book called "How to Be Enough: Self-Acceptance for Self-Critics and Perfectionists." The author is a clinical psychologist who's been featured in major publications like the New York Times, the Washington Post, Psychology Today and many more. She also founded an award-winning podcast called Savvy Psychologist. Dr. Hendriksen talks about different forms of perfectionism, how it can lead to burnout and what you can do if you recognize those symptoms in yourself.