Books Are My People
Find your next great read. Book recommendations, book news and guests, including top authors and other book enthusiasts who discuss what’s happening in the world of books with a focus on frontlist and backlist fiction including literary fiction, suspense, historical, memoir and nonfiction.
168 - Books and Boggy Things
This week, I catch up on the last couples of months, share bookish news, Booker Prize finalists and recommend six book I enjoyed reading over the summer.
Books Recommended:
The Foursome by Chrstine Baker Kline
Ungoldly Rich by Katherine McGee
Kitten by Stacey Yu
Why Q needs U by Dannny Bate
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson
Bog Queen By Anna North
Booker Prize Finalists:
The End of Everything by M. John Harrison
...
Fertile Senior Citizens with Laurie Frankel
In this episode, we get a visit from the amazing author, Laurie Frankel, author of the recently published, Enormous Wings. We discuss reproductive freedoms, bodily autonomy, aging and ageism.
And I make a very special and bittersweet announcement.
Books Mentioned:
Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel
The Beheading Game by Rebecca Lehmann
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
The Future by Naomi Alderman
Look What You Made My Do by John Lanchester
We Loved To Run by Stephanie Reents
Ot...
Meet Melissa Clark - A Force of Nature and My Sister!
Not only is my sister Melissa Clark a force of nature, she also published a fantastic young adult novel titled Force of Nature! We discuss podcasting, writing for children's television and novel writing on today's episode, plus we offer a slew of book recommendations.
This episode is sponsored by To Lay to Rest our Ghosts by Caitlin Hamlton Summie Learn more at caitlinhamiltonmarketing.com
Force of Nature by Melissa Clark
Books Recommended:
The Red Parts: Autobiography of a Trail by Maggie Nelson
Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel
Talking Dogs and Art
Today, we're talking about dogs and art, two of my favorite topics! In The Dog's Gaze: A Visual History, historian Thomas W. Lauqeur investigates why so many dogs are depicted in great works of art. We also chat about the long history of the relationship between humans and dogs.
Shownotes:
Today’s podcast is sponsored by Dancing Woman by Elaine Nell Orr
Books Discussed:
The Dog’s Gaze: A Visual History by Thomas W. Laqueur
Time Regained - Marcelle Proust
Flesh by David Szalay
King: A Street...
Monsters in the Archives - My Year of Fear with Stephen King
On episode #164 author and King scholar Caroline Bicks discusses her latest book, Monsters in the Archives: My Year of Fear with Stephen King.
We talk about what makes Stephen King so ubiquitously beloved across generations, how horror stories are a way to face our deepest fears and how King called upon Shakespeare for one of his most famous manuscripts.
Plus we get a guest author recommendation from Emily Franklin author of Love & Other Monsters. (Fearless, Sleepless, Deathless: What Fungi Taught Me about Nourishment, Poison, Ecology, Hidden Histories, Zombies, and Black Survival by Maria Pinto.
...
Brian Platzer - The Optimists
On episode 163, I speak with Brian Platzer author of The Optimists. We discuss many things including who influenced the creation of his protagonist and whether or not optimism can be taught.
This episode is sponsored by Fangs of Fate by Rebecca Parcha. Click here to listen to the audiobook.
Sheila Yasmin Marikar , author of Incidentals recommends With Friends Like You by Amy Chozick.
Rebecca Lehmann, author of The Beheading Game recommends The Unveiling by Quan Barry
Click here to enter the The Beheading Game book give...
Judy Blume: A Life - with Mark Oppenheimer
On episode 162, I'm visited by biographer Mark Oppenheimer, author of Judy Blume: A Life.
We discuss our favorite Judy Blume books, Blume's captivating draw as an author and we share some favorite book recommendations.
This episode is sponsored by Fangs of Fate by Rebecca Parcha. Click here to listen to the audiobook.
Books Recommended:
The Director by Daniel Kehlmann translated
Cursed Bread by Sophie McKintosh
Air Guitar: Essays on Art and Democracy by Dave Hickey
The Optimists by Brian Platzer
Lak...
Booker Prize Nominee Charlotte Wood and The Natural Way of Things
On episode 161 this week I'm visited by Booker Prize shortlist nominee, Charlotte Wood. We talk about internalized misogyny, systems of oppression, what it’s like to be a Booker Award finalist and Wood's reissue of her 2015 novel, The Natural Way of Things.
Books Recommended:
So Long, See You Tomorrow, William Maxwell
The Old Fire by Elisa Shua Disapin translated by Aneesa Abbas Higgins
Delirious by Damian Wilkins
How to Commit A Postcolonial Murder by Nina McConigley
Attention: Writing on Life, Art and the World by Anne Einreight out Ap...
Bad Asians - a conversation with author Lillian Li
This week, on episode 160 of Books Are My People, I speak with Lillian Li author of Bad Asians. We talk about identity, the perils of the internet, and the aftermath of the 2008 recession.
Shownotes:
How to Commit A Post Colonial Murder by Nina McConigley
Vigil by George Saunders
Nice Places by Vincent Chu
Pedro the Vast by Simón Lopez Trujillo translated by Sophie Hughes
House of Monstrous Women by Daphne Fama
Find Lillian Lee on Social Media @zillianzee
Se...
Meet Bookish Serial Makers: Monica and Cortney from Craft Cook Read Repeat
It's a bit of a longer episode today but I couldn’t tear myself away from my new Bay Area Crafty friends: Monica and Cortney from the fantastic podcast Craft Cook Read Repeat.
These joyful makers will inspire creativity and curiosity in the kitchen, on the needles on the nightstand and more. And, one of them answers the age-old question "Are Sophie scarves a project for beginning knitters?"
Plus, they share some of their favorite book recommendations.
And we get three bonus guest author recommendations this week:
Christina Hammonds Reed, author of T...
Heated Rivalry: I'm Going There
Yup, I finally read part of a romance novel and watched two romance shows. Who am I in 2026?
In episode #158 I announce some new forthcoming screen adaptations, we get a guest author book recommendation from Nalini Singh, author of Such A Perfect Family and I recommend five books to add to your TBR.
Join me on Substack.
Books Recommended:
Such a Perfect Family Nalini Singh
The Midnight Taxi - Yosha Gunasakera
The Irish Goodbye - Heather Aimee O’Neill
The Infamous Gilberts - Anjela Tomaski
A Dog's Spirit Jumps into a Boy - Sara Levine and The Hitch
This week on episode #157, I speak with one of my favorite authors, the delightful Sara Levine, author of The Hitch, out tomorrow. I talk about some of my New Year’s resolutions, the amazing new skill I taught my dog and winter break travel plans gone wrong. We also get a guest author recommendation from Mark Medley author of Live to see the Day.
PODCAST NOTES:
The Hitch by Sara Levine
Treasure Island by Sara Levine
War with the Newts – Karel Capek
Heart The Lover by Lil...
Back in Time Books out in 2012
This week, I go back in time to 2012 to share some of my favorite reads as well as discuss other, notable reads from that year.
We have a special guest author recommendation from Emily Wiberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka authors of Seeing Other People .
Happy New Year, everyone!
Shownotes:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Mr. Pe...
Best Books of 2025
Check out my top reads of 2025. I also include some books I read in 2025 that were previously published. I share what craft I'm struggling with, what Thanksgiving crop I grew this year as well as some bookish news.
Books Published in 2025 Mentioned:
Heart The Lover by Lily King
The Ten-Year Affair by Erin Somers
A Truce That Is Not Peace by Miriam Toews
Runs in the Blood by Matthew J. Trafford
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
Aja Gabel - When Art and Science Collide
This week, I speak with Aja Gabel, author of Lightbreakers. We talk about loss, writing and book recommendations, of course! We also get a guest author recommendation from Amie McNee, author of To Kill A Queen.
Books recommended:
Stories of Your Life by Ted Chiang
The Ten Year Affair by Erin Somers
Notes on Infinity by Austin Taylor
Maggie: or a man and a woman walk into a bar by Katie Lee
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
Find Aja Gabel on Instagram @AjaGabel
Me, Myself and I
Every once in a while I like to just record on my own! Especially when life gets hectic!
We get a guest author recommendation from Kristin Bair, author of Clementine Crane Prefers Not To.
I share a story about why I'll never wear white pants again, I talk about the National Book Award fiction contenders and I recommend five great reads. Enjoy!
In November, we'll be reading Washington Black and watching the TV series in my online bookclub on Substack. Come join us!
Books Recommended:
The Ex...
Nick Medina - Superstitious Fiction
This week, we're joined by Nick Medina, author of The Whistler. We talk about superstitions, narrative voice and so much more! We also get a book recommendation from Julian Brave NoiseCat, author of We Survived The Night.
Books Recommended:
Buffalo Hunter Hunter - Stephen Graham Jones
The Red Car by Marcy Dermasnky
Villain Hitting for Viscous Little Nobodies - Lindsay Wong (this one is forthcoming and not yet listed online.)
The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy
Angel Down by Daniel Krause
Other Books Men...
Read Like A Gilmore Girl
On episode 151 Kristine Eckart visits and talks about her new book, Meet Me At Luke's: Lessons in Life and Love from the Gilmore Girls.
We talk about Rory's booklist, sense of community and important lessons we can learn from the beloved series.
Books Recommended:
Spells and Forgotten Things by Brianne Randall
Hazel Says No by Jessica Burger Gross
Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood
Babel by RF Kuang
Where to find Kristine Eckart
We...
Matthew J. Trafford - The Grounded Fantastic
On episode #150, I sit down with Matthew J. Trafford to talk about his short fiction collection Runs in the Blood. We explore the grounded fantastic—where everyday life meets the surreal—and how queerness, family, and myth shape his stories.
Books Discussed:
This is It – Matthew Fox
Endling - Maria Reva
How to Restore A Timeline - Peter Counter
The Hounding - Xenobe Purvis
Cuckoo – Gretchen Felker-Martin
Other Books Mentioned:
How to Survive A Bear Attack - Claire Ca...
Laura Dickerman - Surprising Books That Subvert Expectations
This week, on episode #149 with Laura Dickerman, we discuss her debut novel, HOT DESK - a funny and touching book about two people who share a desk in the publishing industry, some of our favorite books that subvert expectations and, I've decided I only want to read whatever Laura Dickerman has read because she picks the best books!
We also get a guest author recommendation from Thomas Schlesser, author of MONA'S EYES.
I just so happen to be running a book giveaway for MONA'S EYES over on Instagram. Click here to see how to enter. T...
Reading About Adventure and Drawing Your Adventures with Samantha Dion Baker
This week, we speak with the delightful Samantha Dion Baker, artist and author of Draw Your Adventures: Making Art to Celebrate Everyday Experiences and Travel Near and Far.
This episode is sponsored by The Housekeeper’s Secret by Sandra Schnakenburg.
Enter the Mona’s Eyes Giveaway: closes September 15th, 2025
Open to U.S. Mailing addresses only
Thank you to Europa Editions for sponsoring this giveaway.
Guest author recommendation from Jessica Francis Kane, author of Fonseca.
Check out What Dan Read here. https://what-dan-read.com
...
Books About Death and Dying
This week, I'm joined by Lisa Pahl who talks about an inventive way to talk about death and dying, through use of The Death Deck. We also discuss books that deal with this topic.
The Clouds Far Behind Me by Laurie Lo Cicero
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living by Penny Hawkins Smith
Things in Nature Merely Grow by Yin Li
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family by Marguerite Magnuson
Learn mo...
Me, Myself and I
An adorably short episode where I talk about the Pulitzer winning book of fiction as well as ponder whether or not dead authors' work should be publishing after their death and without their permission. Plus, I recommend five books.
The Names by Florence Knapp
Sleep by Honor Jones
How Not To Drown In A Glass of Water by Angie Cruz
Warhol's Muses by Laurence Leamer
Is Mother Dead by Videos Hjorth
Check out Peggi Kroll Roberts on Instagram.
Support th...
Annie Hartnett - Slutty Golden Retrievers
Today, I'm in conversation with Annie Hartnett, author of the recently published Road to Tender Hearts. We talk about the inspiration for her protagonist, PJ as well as how many pages she wrote before she sold this novel.
Books Recommended:
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett
The Red Grove by Tessa Fontaine
Tilt by Emma Pattee
Women! In! Peril! by Jessie Ren Marshall
Three Bags Full by Leoni Swann
Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky
Guest Recommendation from Dean Van Nguyen, author o...
Lauren Steinstra - When Science and Novel Writing Collide
This week, I'm in conversation with Lauren Steinstra, author of The Beauty of the End. We discuss genetics, how her career in science influenced her work and whether or not people should delete their 23 and Me accounts. Plus, lots of book recommendations.
This episode is sponsored by People of the Titanic by Shawn Carlow
Andrew Porter, author of The Imagined Life recommends a favorite read.
Giveaway: Girls and Their Horses
Books Discussed:
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker
Sky Full of Elephants by Cab...
The Art of Painting Books with Jane Mount
On this episode of Books Are My People, I'm visited by artist and bibliophile Jane Mount. We discuss the importance of talking about banned books, her favorite book to paint, and how her degree in anthropology informs her work.
This episode is sponsored by People of the Titanic by Shawn Carlow
Books Recommended:
The Adventures of Amina Asarfti by Amina Someone
The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker
The Vanished Birds by Simonoa Jiminez
All that G...
Clowning Around with Kristen Arnett
This week, I'm joined by author Kristen Arnett. We chat about clown and how they relate to her latest novel, Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One.
Guest Book Author Recommendation: Eliza Kennedy Lucky Night recommends The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk
Book Recommendations:
State of Paradise by Laura Van Den Berg
Hot Air by Marcy Dermasnky
Lot by Bryan Washington
Kate & Frida by Kim Fey
Dry Season by Melissa Febos
Women’s Hotel by Daniel M. Lavery Substack through my Read with Me prog...
Book Podcasters Unite!
On this week’s episode of BOOKS ARE MY PEOPLE I’m joined by fellow book podcaster Traci Thomas of THE STACKS. We chat about some of her favorite author interviews, how she manages her reading time and, she even spills the tea regarding what kind of tea Regina Porter sent her after their interview!
Guest Book Recommendation: Will Bardenwerper author of Homestand Small Town Baseball and the Fight for the Soul of America recommends The Good Hand: a memoir by Michael Patrick F. Smith
Books Recommended:
One Day Everyone Will...
Jane Tara - Refusing to Disappear
This week, on episode #141 Jane Tara visits all the way from Australia to discuss her first book written for adults, Tilda is Visible. We talk about self love during the aging process, what it's like to write over 100 children's books and of course, we both recommend books.
Christine Murphy, author of Notes on Surviving the Fire also recommends a favorite read.
Books Recommended:
Pictures of You by Emma Grey
The Cafe with No Name by Robert Seethaler
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston
The Hy...
Fostering Community at the Culver City Book Festival
This week, I speak with Jennifer Caspar, founder and owner of Village Well Books & Coffee and one of their events coordinators, Brett Morrow. We focus on The Culver City Book Festival, Saturday, February 22nd from 10 - 5 pm. I will be there representing Books Are My People. Come say hi! We also talk about the many activities and events held at this wonderful independent bookstore.
Today’s episode is brought to you by MOLDed: A Memoir of Loss & Resilience - a dark yet humorous journey into the underreported expe...
Los Angeles is a Megacity
This week, Genaro Trejo, founder of Megacity Review visits and we talk about his new literary and art journal which amplifies underrepresented voices. Author Jane Corey recommends a favorite read and I breakdown my experience during the recent L.A. fires.
Jane Corry author of I Died on A Tuesday recommends Tell Me Everything by Elisabeth Strout
Recommended Books:
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
Homeseeking by Karissa Chen
Butter by Asako Yuzuki
Playworld by Adam Ross
Stolen by Ann-Helen Laestadius
Megacity Revi...
A Quick Fire Update
Be back in two weeks. Stay safe out there. Be kind to one another.
Support the show
Get your Books Are My People merch here!
I hope you all have a wonderfully bookish week!
Best Books of 2024
On Episode #138 I share my favorite reads and audiobook listens from 2024 as well as some favorite backlist titles I read this past year.
Watch me recommend books on The Mark Thompson Show.
Win a copy of Guilt and Ginataan. Click here to enter. Closes Thursday, January 2nd, 2024.
Read Faces in the Crowd by Valeria Luisella with me on Substack starting January 6th.
Books Recommended:
Clean by Alia Trabucco Zeran
Still Life With Remorse by Maira Kalman
Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
James by Percival Everett
The Extinction...
Back In Time: Favorite Books From 2013 Plus A Very Special Holiday Guest
This week, my favorite guest is back, my dad, writer Ron Clark! Plus, there’s even a special bonus guest. We all giggle. A lot. Then, I go back in time and recommend some of my favorite reads from 2013.
This episode is sponsored by Out Like A Lion by Tracey L. Thompson
Books Recommended:
Life After Life by Atkinson
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
The Flame Throwers by Rachel Kushner
The Interestings Meg Wolitzer
We Are All Completely Bes...
Daughters of Bronze - Reimagining the Past
A.D. Rhine - the pseudonym for co-authors Ashlee Cowles and Danielle Stinson are here to discuss their latest novel, Daughters of Bronze, a retelling of Homer's Iliad from the women who were there.
This episode is sponsored by Out Like A Lion by Tracey L. Thompson
Books Recommended:
Horses of Fire by A.D. Rhine
Daughters of Bronze by A.D. Rhine
A Woman in Berlin: Eight Weeks in the Conquered City: a Diary by Anonymous
James by Percival Everett
Versailles by Katheryn Davis
Nayantara Roy - Finding A Way Home
This week, I speak with Nayantara Roy about her debut novel The Magnificent Ruins. We speak about how she managed the logistics of her page-turning family saga, how her lived experience influenced this novel, as well as how long it took her to write this expansive novel.
This episode of Books Are My People is sponsored by Out Like A Lion by Tracy L. Thompson.
Guest author recommendation Mia P Manansala, author of Guilt and Ginataan recommends A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherri Thomas.
Books Recommended:
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
...Writing Advice and Origin Stories
This week, on episode 134, I'm joined by podcaster and writer Jonathan Small, author of the recently published Write About Now: Successful Authors on Overcoming Obstacles, Finding Inspiration and the Birth of Their Careers. He also has an incredible podcast called Write About Now!
We talk about origin stories, our shared love of book to film adaptations and Jonathan’s unique hybrid version of consuming books.
This episode is sponsored by Now You Owe Me by Aliah Wright.
Enter to win a copy of Night Magic. Closes October 30th, 2024.
Join me for my Bo...
Night Magic - Marvels of the Dark
In episode 133, I'm visited by Leigh Ann Henion author of Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark. We discuss artificial light, glowworms, mothapalooza and the biodiversity of night.
Plus, we get a guest recommendation from Dianne C Braley author of The Summer Before.
Book Recommendations:
Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark by Leigh Ann Henion
Wintering by Catherine May
Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach
The Shepherd's Life: Modern Dispatches from an Ancient Landscape by...
Louis Bayard - Oscar Wilde Was A Family Man
On episode 132 Louis Bayard discusses his latest historical novel, The Wildes: a novel in five acts. We talk about our shared affinity for Oscar Wilde, Bayyard's favorite work of Wilde's and we share some recent reads we loved.
In addition, Shannon Bowring, author of Where the Forest Meets the River recommends a favorite read.
Books Recommended:
The Wildes: A Novel In Five Acts by Louis Bayard
James by Percival Everett
Peggy by Rebecca Godfrey with Leslie Jamison
This is Happiness by Niall Williams
Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan <...
A Puzzling Mystery with Janice Hallett
This week, on episode 131, I speak with the incredibly creative and talented Janice Hallett about her latest novel, The Examiner. We discuss how she goes about crafting her novels and she shares some of her favorite reads.
Guest Author Recommendation:
Caroline Woods, author of The Mesmerist recommends The Divorcees by Rowan Beaird.
Get your Books Are My People coffee mug here!
Books Recommended:
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
You'd Look Better As A Ghost by Joanna Wallace
The Friend by Sigrid Nunez
