And Her Books: Recent Episodes
Megan Irving and Gabi LePage
Join your two long-distance internet pen-pals, Megan Casillas and Gabi LePage, for weekly chats celebrating the art of reading. Each week they'll cover the books they're reading, explore how storytelling influences creativity, and indulge in interviews with creative women about the work they're passionate about and, of course, their books.
We're popping in to let you know that we are taking a summer break! We will be back with new episodes in September. We couldn't record an episode without talking about some books though- we each share books we're taking on vacation this next month. See you soon!
Books discussed:
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo
The Guest by Emma Cline
My Murder by Katie Williams
The Blonde Identity Ally Carter
Fellowship Point by Alice Elliot Dark
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
This week, Gabi and Megan chat about how they plan out their TBR list, people their go-to recommendation sources, and books they're excited to read this summer!
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
We did not have a new episode last week because of the holiday weekend, but we are back this week with a back pocket favorites episode! In this series, Gabi and Megan each bring 3 back pocket recommendations to the episode- anything from skincare, fashion, food, or other random items they are currently obsessed with! They finish the episode with their back pocket book recommendations.
Gabi’s Picks:
- Outdoor Voices exercise sets
- TomaTruffle cheese by Point Reyes
- Sexy vs Unsexy Rec: Ruffled bodysuit / Lacie external hard drive
Megan’s Picks:
- Baggu Reusable Bags
- Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandals
- Kale Caeser Salad | Sanders Dark Chocolate Salted Caramels
Book Recommendations:
Gabi’s Pick: Summer Darlings by Brooke Lea Foster
Megan’s Pick: Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
This week Gabi and Megan chat with Aisha Washington, one of Gabi’s in-real-life friends. They talk to Aisha about her book club that has been running for over (11!) years. The three discuss how books bring us together, how their book club has been running for so long, and of course- give lots of recommendations!
The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe
Mrs. Nash’s Ashes by Sarah Adler
Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance by Alison Espach
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
The List by Yomi Adegoke
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra
Her Last Flight by Beatrice Williams
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez
Infinite Country by Patricia Engel
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka
Joan is Okay by Weike Wang
These Impossible Things by Salma El-Wardany
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
This week Gabi and Megan talk about their anticipated summer releases. They each share 3-4 picks and then 2 picks that they’re both excited about.
Megan’s Picks:
Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan- June 6, 2023
Banyan Moon by Thao Thai- June 27, 2023
Hello Stranger by Katherine Center- July 11, 2023
The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi - July 11, 2023
Gabi’s Picks:
Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon- July 4, 2023
Vanishing Maps by Cristina Garcia- July 18, 2023
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride- August 8, 2023
Picks We’re Both Excited About:
Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo- August 1, 2023
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett**- August 1, 2023
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod**
This week, Gabi and Megan discuss three places they would like to visit and the book they would bring to that place! They talk about travel, a few future trips, and the book they're currently reading.
Gabi’s Picks:
Copenhagen + Friends and Strangers by J. Courtney Sullivan
Lisbon + Hurricane Girl by Marcy Dermansky
Mexico City + Home Reading Service by Fabio Morábito and translated by Curtis Bauer
Megan’s Picks:
Ireland- The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue
New England- Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
Japan- Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
This week, Gabi and Megan pick out 5-6 books for each other to read this summer. They discuss books they think the other would like and what they’re currently reading!
Gabi’s Picks for Megan:
Eliza Starts a Rumor by Jane L. Rosen
The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Heartbroke by Chelsea Bieker
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Just By Looking at Him by Ryan O’Connell
Megan’s Picks for Gabi:
They’re Going to Love You by Meg Howrey
Ghosts by Dolly Alderton
Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft
These Impossible Things by Salma El-Wardany
Unlikely Animals Annie Hartnett
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
This week, Gabi and Megan discuss books that are popular: what their friends are reading and the buzzy books of bookstagram.
Gabi’s Picks:
- Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
- Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
- Happy Place by Emily Henry
- Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Megan’s Picks:
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
- Colleen Hoover phenomenon
- Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry
- The Way of Kings Brandon Sanderson
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
This week, Gabi and Megan talk about fast-paced books, books with short chapters, and short books that will help you get back into reading or out of a reading slump!
Gabi’s Recommendations:
- One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
- This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
- Pure Colour by Sheila Heiti
- Heartbroke by Chelsea Bieker
- Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang
Megan’s Recommendations:
- How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz
- Joan is Okay by Weike Wang
- Chorus by Rebecca Kauffman
- Have I Told You This Already by Lauren Graham
- My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout
Gabi’s TBR:
- Milk Blood Heat by Dantiel W. Moniz
- Jerks by Sara Lippmann
Megan’s TBR:
- Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson
- What Happened to Ruthie Ramirez by Claire Jimenez
- Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
This week, Gabi and Megan are sharing their back pocket favorites. This is a new series on And Her Books where Gabi and Megan both bring three favorites to the show that they're currently obsessed with. They talk about skincare, thrifting, Sofia Richie's wedding, and their current favorite book recommendations.
Megan's Back Pocket Favorites:
Girlfriend Collective set
Tombow Dual Brush Ben 942
Gabi's Back Pocket Favorites:
Glossier Brow Flick and Boy Brow Duo
Café con leche playlist on Spotify
Back Pocket Book Recs:
Gabi: Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me by Adrienne Brodeur
Megan: I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
This week, Gabi and Megan talk about where they have been finding inspiration recently and how it has been helping them with their work and in life!
Things mentioned:
Megan's tapered candles
Tapered Candleholders
Book Vase
Books We're Currently Reading:
Gabi's Picks: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfield and Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
Megan's Pick: The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
Memorable Buys from Indie Bookstores:
- Just Another Love Song by Kerry Winfrey from The Ripped Bodice
- The Bookshelf Shelf Subscription
- Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant + Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro from Vroman’s
- The Dutch House by Ann Patchett from The Tattered Cover
- Women Talking by Miriam Toews from Elliott Bay Book Company
- Cult Classic by Sloane Crosley from Powell’s
Favorite Indie Bookstores:
- A Capella Books in Atlanta
- Trident in Boston
- Livraria Lello in Porto
- The Book Mill in Montague, MA
- Third Place Books from Ravenna
- Eagle Harbor Books
- Blackwells
Recommendations from Listeners:
- Poor Richards in Colorado Springs @thebookish.type
- Vroman’s in Pasadena @thebookish.type
- Imprint Bookstore in Port Townsend, WA @thelivelylife
- Chaucers Books in Santa Barbara, CA @mackenzierobitaille
- Crow Bookshop and Phoenix Books in Burlington, VT @em_jacobs_reads
- Northshire Books in Manchester, VT @em_jacobs_reads
- All She Wrote Books in Somerville, MA @allshewrotebooks
- Park Road Books in Charlotte, NC @thebookishbollinger
- Broadways Books in Portland, OR @maxine.sferra.pho
This week, Megan and Gabi discuss their morning routines and reading rituals. They talk about skincare, tricks to not pick their phones up first thing in the morning, and what type of books they like to read first in the day. Then they recommend books that have good energy and just feel good!
Books with good energy:
Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett
Louise Penny series
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman
Follow us on Instagram:
@andherbookspod
This week Gabi and Megan share what they've been learning about recently. They talk about learning to say no, changing their thought patterns, going to therapy, and having long-distance friendships. They end the episode by sharing bookish moments they've had recently.
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
This week, we talk about all things vacation prep! How we pack for vacations, planning out plane outfits, and our must-read beach books!
Beach Read Picks:
Blush by Jamie Brenner
The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
This week we're each sharing our spring 2023 anticipated releases! We talk about being back on the podcast, the spring books on our TBR, and our favorite spring reads from 2022.
Megan’s Anticipated Releases:
Games and Rituals by Katherine Heiny
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
Gabi’s Anticipated Releases:
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfield
Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst
Old Enough by Hayley Jakobsen **2022 Spring Favorites:
Gabi's Pick: This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub Megan's Pick: The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka**
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
We are so excited to share that And Her Books is coming back! New episodes will be released every Tuesday starting April 4th.
Here's what you can expect from our relaunch:
Every week we will deep dive into a different topic: books, creativity, small-business, and lifestyle. For the second half of the episode we will cover a different book topic: the new releases we're excited about, what we're currently reading, the books we can't stop talking about, and so much more!
Follow us on Instagram at @andherbookspod for more updates and content! We are so excited to connect with you all again!
This week, we're chatting all about comfort reading! The last few weeks, we've had busier schedules than normal. We decided it would be nice to chat about what books we gravitate towards when we need some comfort. We discuss what we enjoy in a comfort read, our ideal reading spots, and give some of our favorite comfort reading recommendations!
Books Discussed:
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert
Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey
Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Normal People by Sally Rooney
American Royals by Katharine McGee
Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny
Louise Penny Series
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Join our Patreon
This week, we have a catch-up episode for you all! It's been a few weeks since we've been able to chat, so we have a conversation all about what we're reading, Gabi's recent beach trip, and how to get back into work mood after vacation.
Books Discussed:
The No-Show by Beth O'Leary
True Biz by Sara Nović
French Braid by Anne Tyler
Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Chorus by Rebecca Kauffman
Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney
Friends and Strangers by J. Courtney Sullivan
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
Join our Patreon!
This week, we are bringing a new type of episode for you: coffee chats! In these episodes, we'll bring in a guest and have a casual conversation about creativity, work, and books! Our first guest is Emily Arvizu, @emilyandthelibrary, on Instagram. We chat about her home in Maine, her career switch and the decision behind it, and why you should use your local library. We also talk about our current reality TV obsessions, why you should read more romance, and do a deep dive into The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join our conversation with Emily!
Books Discussed:
Good Rich People by Eliza Jane Brazier
Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann
Lease on Love by Falon Ballard
The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka
The No-Show by Beth O'Leary
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Lucie Yi is Not a Romantic by Lauren Ho
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow
Follow us on Instagram
Follow Emily: @emilyandthelibrary
This week, we're deep-diving into the book Lease on Love by Falon Ballard. Last week we chatted with Falon Ballard in a spoiler-free episode about her writing process and favorite books. Today we have a spoiler-filled episode for you with all of our thoughts on the book! If you haven't read it yet, there is a link to purchase it below.
Buy Lease on Love here!
Our episode with Falon Ballard
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This week, we interview Falon Ballard, author of the novel Lease on Love. We absolutely loved reading Lease on Love, so getting to chat with Falon was such a delight. We chat about her career as a wedding planner, the process of publishing her first novel, and some of her favorite books. No spoilers are discussed in this episode. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!
Falon's Books:
A book I recently loved: Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman
A new release I'm excited about: In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae
A book I always recommend: A Certain Appeal by Vanessa King
Megan's Books:
A book I recently loved: A Pho Love Story by Loan Le
A new release I'm excited about: Marrying the Ketchups by Jennifer Close
A book I always recommend: Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez
Gabi's Books:
A book I recently loved: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
A new release I'm excited about: The Lonely Stories: 22 Celebrated Writers on the Joys & Struggles of Being Alone
A book I always recommend: The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
Follow Falon on Instagram: @falonballard
Follow And Her Books on Instagram: @andherbookspod
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This week, Gabi and Megan discuss their most anticipated Spring book releases! They each share 5 books they're excited about and rapid-fire the titles they are both anticipating. This episode is full of new books to add to your list! You can shop them from the links below:
Gabi's Book Picks:
Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Sedating Elaine by Dawn Winter
Valleyesque: Stories by Fernando A. Flores
Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley
Megan's Book Picks:
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Four Treasures of the Sky by Jenny Tinghui Zhange
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
The Evening Hero by Marie Myung-Ok Lee
The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford
Books We're Both Anticipating:
Funny You Should Ask by Elyssa Sussman
The No-Show by Beth O'Leary
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
Flying Solo by Linda Holmes
Meant to Be Mine by Hannah Orenstein
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Join our Patreon Channel
This week we're chatting with Rae Lipkin, @a.rae.of.books on Instagram! We chat about her experience as a Queer Latina Jewish woman, her time working as a librarian, and what led her to convert to Judaism. This conversation is so uplifting, Rae's vulnerability was so encouraging to us! We also chat about baking, our current favorite books, and the time Rae opened for Jason Mraz.
Books Discussed:
Rae's Picks:
The last book I enjoyed: Once More with Chutzpah by Haley Neil
A new release I'm excited about: The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout
A book I always recommend: The Chestnut Man by Soren Sveistrup
Megan's Picks:
The last book I enjoyed: To All the Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han
A new release I'm excited about: Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman
A book I always recommend: Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
Gabi's Picks:
The last book I enjoyed: Lease on Love by Falon Ballard
A new release I'm excited about: Heartbroke by Chelsea Bieker
A book I always recommend: One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Follow Along:
Rae's Instagram
And Her Books Instagram
Join us on Patreon!
This week, we're discussing what we love in a spring read. A new season is right around the corner and we're thinking about the types of books we want to be reading in the coming months. We talk about new releases we're excited about, audiobooks, books with a strong sense of place, and everything we're currently reading.
Books We Talked About:
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Flying Solo by Linda Holmes
Local Missing Woman by Mary Kubica
Falling by T.J. Newman
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
The Switch by Beth O'Leary
Lease on Love by Falon Ballard
Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur
Speak, Okinawa: A Memoir by Elizabeth Miki Brina
The Floating Feldmans by Elyssa Friedland
The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent
The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka
A Brush With Love by Mazey Eddings
Heartbroke by Chelsea Bieker
Daughter of a Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
A Place To Hang The Moon by Kate Albus
Commencement by J. Courtney Sullivan
Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe by Jenny Colgan
In last week's episode, Megan interviewed Gabi. This week it's Megan's turn to be interviewed. We chat about Megan's illustration work, finding rest, and of course, her favorite books! Gabi asks Megan about her move to Seattle, favorite shows, books, and more.
Books Mentioned:
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant
Most Likely by Sarah Watson
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This week we're trying something new and interviewing each other. In today's episode, Megan interviews Gabi. We chat about Gabi's small business, how she got her start freelancing, and what inspired her to start the Literary League. Of course, we also chat about books. Megan asks Gabi about all her favorites: shopping, food, wine, and more!
Books Mentioned:
Hurricane Girl by Marcy Dermansky
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
This week, Gabi and Megan chat with Katelyn Lane, @heykatelyn__, on Instagram. Katelyn is a school counselor and content creator. She is passionate about books, style, intuitive eating, and all the rom-coms. She also recently launched her book club on Patreon.
AND HER BOOKS ANNOUNCEMENT!
We are now on Patreon! By supporting the And Her Books Patreon, you are helping fund our podcast. Your money goes toward allowing us to continue our creative work and enables us to pour more time into creating a community of readers.
Our Patreon channel is an opportunity to meet other readers and creatives. We'll host a quarterly read-along, share Patreon-only podcast episodes, and have many more perks for our bookish friends!
We are so grateful to you and your desire to see And Her Books grow! Become a member here!
Katelyn's Books:
The last book I loved: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
An upcoming release I'm excited about: Book Lovers by Emily Henry
A book I always recommend: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Megan's Books:
The last book I loved: Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
An upcoming release I'm excited about: In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer
A book I always recommend: The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
Gabi's Books:
The last book I loved: Hurricane Girl by Marcy Dermansky
An upcoming release I'm excited about: Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li
A book I always recommend: O Beautiful by Jung Yun
Follow Along:
@andherbookspod
Follow Katelyn at @heykatelyn__
This week, Gabi and Megan have a creativity episode for you. They are chatting about all the ways they want to be more creative in 2022. In this episode, they explore tips on being more productive, allowing yourself to have grace in your creativity, and what projects they are most excited about for the year.
Follow along on Instagram: @andherbookspod
This week, Gabi and Megan chat with Hannah Davis, @hansbookshelf. Hannah is a bookstagrammer, family photographer, and works in social media marketing. We talk about her photo shoots, the joys of using the public library, and why reading is supposed to be fun.
Hannah's Books:
The last book I loved: Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano, One True Loves by Elise Bryant, As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson
A new release I'm excited about: By the Book by Jasmine Guillory, Something Wilder by Christina Lauren, Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
A book I always recommend: Only When It's Us by Chloe Liese
Megan's Books:
The last book I loved: The Mismatch by Sara Jafari
A new release I'm excited about: The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka
A book I always recommend: The Switch by Beth O'Leary
Gabi's Books:
The last book I loved: Seasonal Work by Laura Lipman
A new release I'm excited about: This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
A book I always recommend: Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny
Where to Find Us:
Follow Hannah on Instagram
Follow And Her Books on Instagram
This week Gabi and Megan discuss books about love: romantic love, friendship, found family, and familial love. They talk about their favorite rom-coms and tropes and will add so many books to your TBR.
Books Discussed:
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
The Mismatch by Sara Jafari
Wahala by Nikki May
Most Likely by Sarah Watson
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssa Friedland
Beach Read by Emily Henry
A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss
Meant to Be Mine by Hannah Orenstein
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey
To Sir With Love by Lauren Layne
You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant
A Pho Love Story by Loan Lee
The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo
Good Rich People by Eliza Jane Brazier
The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova
This Must Be the Place by Maggie O'Farrell
This week, Gabi and Megan have a catch-up episode after a busy few weeks. They talk about their recent travels, upcoming projects they're excited about, and the books they're reading.
Books Discussed:
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny
Cultish by Amanda Montell
To Sir With Love by Lauren Layne
Seasonal Work by Laura Litman
Wahala by Nikki May
Finlay Donvan Knocks Em Dead by Elle Cosimano
To All The Boys I'ved Loved Before by Jenny Han
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler
This week, Gabi and Megan have a creativity episode for you. They chat about loneliness in self-employment and how they navigate those emotions. They talk about ways they are intentional about finding community and some tips that have helped them in their own career experiences.
They also talk about the Enneagram, starting a yoga practice, and their current reads!
Gabi and Megan chat with Mary @maryslittleway about starting a blog, finding your style, tips for starting a capsule wardrobe, and of course, all the books!
We recorded this episode back in November and had to push its publication date due to our holiday episode schedule, so we chat about the holidays and some events that have since passed! Megan's new release she is excited about is out now, so you can purchase it at the link below.
Books Discussed:
Mary's Book Picks:
A book I recently loved: Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes by Phoebe Robinson, The Divines by Ellie Eaton
A new release I'm excited about: Vladimir by Julia May Jones
A book I always recommend: Still Missing by Chevy Stevens
Megan's Book Picks:
A book I recently loved: 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
A new release I'm excited about: One True Loves by Elise Bryant
A book I always recommend: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Gabi's Book Picks:
A book I recently loved: The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
A new release I'm excited about: Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield
A book I always recommend: The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver
Follow Mary on Instagram: @maryslittleway
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
In this episode, Gabi and Megan each discuss their five most anticipated new releases for Winter 2022.
Gabi's Picks:
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xóchitl Gonzàlez Pub Date: January 4th
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Soloman Pub Date: January 11th
The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka Pub Date: January 25th
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson Pub Date: February 1st
Pure Color by Sheila Heti Pub Date: February 15th
Megan's Picks:
Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho Pub Date: January 4th
Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades Pub Date: January 4th
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan Pub Date: January 11th
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson Pub Date: February 1st
Red Thread of Fate by Lyn Liao Butler Pub Date: February 8th
This week, Gabi and Megan discuss their reading intentions for 2022. They chat about what they want more of in their reading lives for the new year and of course- talk about their current reads.
Mentioned in the episode:
From the Front Porch
@paulineisreading
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
Today, Gabi and Megan each discuss their top ten reads of the year. They rapid-fire each of their top books and then deep dive into their 2021 reading trends. This is our last episode of the year, thank you so much for being here and listening! We are extremely grateful to each of you.
Gabi's Top 10:
- The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent
- Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
- Reprieve by James Han Mattson
- Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
- Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann
- Infinite Country by Patricia Engel
- The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans
- The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
- I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
- A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss
Megan's Top 10:
- Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
- Infinite Country by Patricia Engel
- Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant
- Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
- This Must Be the Place by Maggie O'Farrell
- Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann
- The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova
- Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
- Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
- These Precious Days by Ann Patchett
This week, Gabi and Megan share their book recommendations for last-minute holiday gift ideas. They go through some general recommendations and then respond to guest submissions!
For the person who wants to get into fiction: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
For the person who's ready to escape to a small town: A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss
For the person who has read everything: My Reading Life: A Book Journal by Anne Bogel
For the hostess: 100 Cookies by Sarah Kieffer
For the person who loves a cozy mystery: A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Colette
For the person who needs rest: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
For the person who loves a wild story: Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder
For the man in your life: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
For the person who loves family drama: All Adults Here by Emma Straub
For the traveler: American Royals by Katherine McGee
Guest Submissions:Holly's Request: teenage sons, books with adventure, and quirky characters. Stay away from anything that is too heavy.
Recommendation: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn, Pendergast series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Orange World by Karen Russell, The Book of Joe by Jonathan Tropper
Hannah's Request: sci-fi, fantasy, young-adult thrillers
Recommendation: Brandon Sanderson The Stormlight Archives (The Way of the Kings) Legend by Marie Lu
Yente's Request: historical fiction, historical non-fiction, WWII lover, loves Band of Brothers
Recommendation: Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell
Amie's Request: loved the Thursday Murder Club
Recommendation: Agatha Christie, Sleep Donation by Karen Russell, The Switch by Beth O'Leary
Ashley's Request: sweet books, loves decorating, lives in a small town, loves to bake/cook/spend time with her dog
Recommendation: Cozy Minimalist Home by MyQuillyn Smith, The Late Bloomer's Club by Louise Miller
Julia's Request: A friend who wants to diversify her reading collection
Recommendation: Infinite Country by Patricia Engel and Somebody's Daughter by Ashley C. Ford
In this episode, Gabi and Megan discuss The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox. They discuss the small-town setting, their favorite characters, and their favorite holiday baking traditions!
Spoilers are discussed! We recommend pausing this episode and finishing the book before listening!
This week, Megan and Gabi share their holiday book recommendations and discuss their own TBR's for the season. They bring you a full list of festive recommendations!
Gabi's Recommendations
- It Won't Be Christmas Without You by Beth Reekles
- The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
- A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday
Megan's Recommendations
- Evergreen Tidings From the Baumgartners by Gretchen Anthony
- Winter Solstice by Rosamund Pilcher
- Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
Gabi's TBR
- Always, in December by Emily Stone
- Amor Actually by Alexis Daria
- Blame it on the Mistletoe by Beth Garrod
Megan's TBR
- The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo
- The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
- A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss
Gabi and Megan chat with Lauren McHugh, the owner of Simplicitee. Lauren is an avid bookstagrammer at @laurenlovesto. They chat about starting a small business, the idea of scarcity versus abundance, and finding rest in the midst of a busy world.
The Last Book You Loved:
Lauren's Pick: The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
Megan's Pick: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Gabi's Pick: Assembly by Natasha Brown
An Upcoming Release You're Excited About:
Lauren's Pick: Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Megan's Pick: Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez
Gabi's Pick: How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu
A Book You Always Recommend:
Lauren's Pick: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Megan's Pick: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Gabi's Pick: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
Find us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
Find Lauren on Instagram: @laurenlovesto
Shop Simplicitee
In this episode, Gabi and Megan discuss the books they're thankful for and why. They also chat about Thanksgiving traditions and their favorite dishes!
I'm thankful for books I can get lost in:
Megan's Picks: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn, Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant
Gabi's Picks: Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
I'm thankful for books that made me fall in love with reading:
Megan's Picks: Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Gabi's Picks: Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary, Nancy Drew Series by Carolyn Keene
I'm thankful for books that teach me/pull me into someone else's experience:
Megan's Picks: Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Infinite Country by Patricia Engel
Gabi's Picks: Infinite Country by Patricia Engel, Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
I'm thankful for short stories/short novels:
Megan's Picks: The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans, Matrix by Lauren Groff
Gabi's Picks: Orange World by Karen Russell, Fraternity by Benjamin Nugent
I'm thankful for books with a strong setting:
Megan's Picks: The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery, The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
Gabi's Picks: I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman, Cooking for Picasso by Camille Aubray
In this episode, Gabi and Megan chat with Linzi, @abookishendeavor on Instagram. We chat about her freelance graphic design work, moving to a different state, and the bookstore she is opening in 2022: Reading in Public Books!
Books Discussed:
The Last Book You Enjoyed:
Linzi's pick: The Ghost Variations by Kevin Brockmeier, Spirits Abroad: Stories by Zen Cho
Megan's pick: Still Life by Louise Penny
Gabi's pick: Payback's A Witch by Lana Harper
A New Release You're Looking Forward To:
Linzi's pick: The City of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Megan's pick: The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
Gabi's pick: The Bright Side Running Club by Josie Lloyd
A Book You Always Recommend:
Linzi's pick: Heartstopper Volume I: A Graphic Novel by Alice Oseman
Megan's pick: Passing by Nella Larsen
Gabi's pick: One Day in December by Josie Silver
Follow Along:
Linzi: @abookishendeavor
Linzi's Bookstore: Reading in Public Books
Reading in Public Books: Go Fund Me
Reading in Public Books: Merch Shop
And Her Books Instagram
This week Gabi and Megan do a bookish this or that, asking each other questions about their reading preferences. They talk about rom-com tropes, feel-good and feel-sad stories, and their favorite reading seasons. A fun mini-episode about all things bookish.
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
This week Gabi and Megan chat with Taryn Dennie, who you may know as @mentallybooked, on Bookstagram. They chat with Taryn about her social media, her role as Social Media Coordinator at Literary League, and get all the book recommendations.
The Last Book You Enjoyed:
Taryn's Pick: The Shimmering State by Meredith Westgate
Megan's Pick: Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey
Gabi's Pick: Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
A New Release You're Excited About:
Taryn's Pick: Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield, Beasts of a Little Land by Juhea Kim
Megan's Pick: Amor Actually: A Holiday Romance Anthology
Gabi's Pick: Must Love Books by Shauna Robinson
A Book You Always Recommend:
Taryn's Pick: Middlegame by Seanan McGuire
Megan's Pick: A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza
Gabi's Pick: The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths
Follow Taryn on Instagram: @mentallybooked
Follow us on Instagram: @andherbookspod
Gabi and Megan discuss finding balance when you have a creative job, how they navigate feeling creatively stuck, and of course- talk about books too!
What We're Reading This Week:
We're Both Reading: Payback's A Witch by Lana Harper and Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
Books We've Recently Bought:
Gabi: A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss
Megan: A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria
Gabi and Megan talk about what they love in a witchy read and deep dive into four books that are perfect to read in October!
Books Discussed:
This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron
We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper
In this week's episode, Gabi and Megan chat about their love of Gilmore Girls and give a ton of read-a-likes if you also love the show!
Gilmore Girl Read-a-likes: If you love Gilmore Girls...
For the small-town setting:
Payback's A Witch by Lana Harper
For the family dynamics:
Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur
For the rich people problems:
Summer Darlings by Brooke Lea Foster
For Luke's diner:
The Late Bloomers Club by Louise Miller
For the ivy-league lovers:
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
For desire, ambition, and experiences as a woman:
The Summer Demands by Deborah Shapiro
For the town gossip:
A Spell for Trouble by Esme Addison
For Chilton:
Most Likely by Sarah Watson
For Richard and Emily:
Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller
For Small-Town Vibes:
The Switch by Beth O’Leary
For Emily/Lorelai:
The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters by Balli Kaur Jaswal
For Lane/Mrs. Kim:
Revival Season by Monica West
In today's episode, Gabi and Megan discuss what they love in a book. They chat about their favorite genres, tropes, and give lots of recommendations!
Books Discussed:
Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia with the narrator Imani Jade Powers
Beach Read by Emily Henry
The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
How To Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
The Vanishing Half by Britt Bennett
Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn
Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy
Dial A For Aunties Jesse Q. Sutanto
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
The Margot Affair by Sanaë Lemoine
A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
Writers & Lovers by Lily King
The City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller
Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Scwab
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova
Other Things We Chatted About:
From The Front Porch Podcast
In this episode, Gabi and Megan interview Nnenna Odeluga @scsreads about the many industries she has worked in, how she balances work with her blog, and of course, her books.
Nnenna's Interview with Zakiya Dalila Harris, author of The Other Black Girl
Nnenna's Interview with Dawnie Walton, author of The Final Revival of Opal and Nev
Books Discussed:
A book you recently loved:
Nnenna's Pick: The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
Megan's Pick: Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi
Gabi's Pick: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
A book you always recommend:
Nnenna's Pick: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Megan's Pick: Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant
Gabi's Pick: Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
A new release you're excited about:
Nnenna's Pick: To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara
Megan's Pick: Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
Gabi's Pick: The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
Gabi and Megan chat about work, small businesses, books, and answer listener questions in this get to know your host's episode!
Megan and Gabi interview Holly, a family photographer who you may know on Instagram as @bookcooklook. They chat about photography, cooking inspired by the books you read, and all the books!
Note: At the 15:10 minute mark, Holly chats about a trip she took to Cuzco, not Chiang Mai. We wanted to clarify for listeners to know the location she was discussing!
Holly's Book Picks:
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
Lightning Strike by William Kent Krueger
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
Megan's Book Picks:
Palm Beach by Mary Adkins
A Lot Like Adiós by Alexis Daria
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Gabi's Book Picks:
The Guide by Peter Heller
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
Follow Us:
@andherbookspod
Holly at @bookcooklook
Gabi and Megan each discuss 10 fall releases they are excited about.
Gabi's list
- Fault Lines by Emily Itami Pub date: September 7th, 2021
- The Shaadi Set-up by Lillie Vale Pub date: September 7th, 2021
- Snowflake by Louise Nealon Pub date: September 7th, 2021
- Assembly by Natasha Brown Pub date: September 14th, 2021
- Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper Pub date: October 5th, 2021
- This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno Pub date: October12th, 2021
- A Season of Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss Pub date: October 19th, 2021
- Nice Girls by Catherine Dang Pub date: October 19th, 2021
- The Days of Afrekete by Asali Solomon Pub date: October 19th, 2021
- Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney Pub date: September 7th, 2021
Megan's List:
- Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead Pub date: September 7th, 2021
- Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang Pub date: September 7th, 2021
- The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina by Zoraida Cordova Pub date: September 7th, 2021
- Matrix by Lauren Groff Pub Date: September 7th, 2021
- I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness by Claire Vaye Watkins Pub Date: October 5th, 2021
- We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza Pub Date: October 5th, 2021
- A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria Pub Date: October 5th, 2021
- My Monticello by Jocelyn Nicole Jackson Pub Date: October 5th, 2021
- State of Terror by Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny Pub Date: October 12th, 2021
- A Season of Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss Pub Date: October 19th, 2021
- These Precious Days by Ann Patchett Pub Date: November 23rd, 2021
Other Things Discussed:
Olympus Texas by Stacey Swann
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
Inspector Gamache Series
These Precious Days essay
Join your two long-distance internet pen-pals, Megan Casillas and Gabi LePage, for weekly chats celebrating the art of reading. Each week they'll cover the books they're reading, explore how storytelling influences creativity, and indulge in interviews with creative women about the work they're passionate about and, of course, their books.
Books We Talked About:
Michelle's Picks:
A book I enjoyed recently: Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
An upcoming release I'm excited about: Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
A book I always recommend: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Megan's Picks:
A book I enjoyed recently: The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton
An upcoming release I'm excited about: The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Cordova
A book I always recommend: Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann
Gabi's Picks:
A book I enjoyed recently: Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder
An upcoming release I'm excited about: Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis
A book I always recommend: Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams
Follow us on Instagram:
Follow us on Instagram:
@andherbookspod
Gabi's Instagram: @booklanguage
Megan's Instagram: @poppyxpaper
Michelle's Instagram: @michellereadsbooks
Welcome to And Her Books! A podcast celebrating the art of reading. Each week we’ll cover the books we’re reading, explore how storytelling influences creativity, and indulge in interviews with creative women about the work they're passionate about and, of course, their books.
Gabi and Megan are two long-distant Internet friends that love to talk about books and creativity. As two small-business owners, they connected over their work and, of course, all the books.
Links:
Foxed
Literary League
Hannah Orenstein's Instagram
Emily Henry's Instagram
Bromance Books Series
Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein
Eliza Starts a Rumor by Jane L. Rosen
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssa Friedland
Follow us on Instagram:
@andherbookspod
Gabi's Instagram: @booklanguage
Megan's Instagram: @poppyxpaper