Read it Forward: Recent Episodes
Abbe Wright
Welcome to the Read it Forward Podcast, hosted by Senior Editor Abbe Wright. Every week, she sits down with authors to hear about their latest book, their writing process, and the books on their TBR pile. Abbe also shares what she's reading and serves up book recommendations that are sure to please. Listen along when you’re on the hunt for your next great read. It's Abbe's mission to comb her shelves to bring you the absolute best books out there.
The Adaptables is a podcast from Read it Forward and Penguin Random House that dives into your favorite book-to-screen adaptations. This season, we’re watching the Hulu adaptation of Celeste Ng's LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. Join hosts Abbe Wright and Emma Shafer as we interview authors, insiders and Celeste Ng, herself, about what makes an adaptable great, why watching and reading are important self-care rituals, and the many other books and shows we are binging and loving right now. Because at The Adaptables, we love to watch what we read. (Warning: there will be little spoilers everywhere.)
Today on The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma dive right in to episode one of the Hulu adaptation of Celeste Ng’s bestselling novel, LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. They’re joined by R. Eric Thomas, author of HERE FOR IT: OR, HOW TO SAVE YOUR SOUL IN AMERICA, and Senior Staff Writer of ELLE.com.
Abbe, Emma, and Eric discuss complicated mother/daughter relationships, race, their favorite '90s moments in the show, Joshua Jackson’s epic underwear moment, and more.
Discussion breakdown:
- Recap of TV episode (2:30–4:30)
- Izzy lighting her hair on fire (“Your hair’s your best feature!” Is Izzy doing this on purpose?) (4:30–5:15)
- The complicated relationship between Izzy and Mia / Mia and Pearl (5:15–9:30)
- Bill as Joshua Jackson vs. his depiction in the book (9:30–11:05)
- Elena’s “discreet wine” (11:05–12:00)
- A better recap! (12:00–17:00)
- Quote from Celeste Ng “The TV show does dramatize the events more. You need something that makes the reader come back and watch the next episode. That’s the nature of a TV series.” (17:00–17:40)
- Favorite Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon moments (17:40–20:50)
- Race conversation (Mia and Pearl as black characters) (20:50–21:19)
- Quote from Celeste Ng about race, Black Lives Matter, #MeToo (12:19–23:20)
- Eric on being black in white spaces, class differences, ‘90s wokeness, “who has the right to raise a child?” (23:20–26:40)
- Pearl as the well-read one (26:40–27:50)
- Modern touches of show (27:50–28:30)
- Favorite ‘90s moments: soundtrack, nicotine patch, Janet Reno, Oklahoma City Bomber, ankle weights, Reeboks, Shasta, “Puka shell necklaces are how you know a white man is hot.” (28:30–31:30)
- Quote from Celeste Ng on the ‘90s touches of the show “They did a lot that the viewers may not notice to make the world feel like it was authentically of the time.” (31:30–32:05)
- More ‘90s talk (32:05–33:10)
- Quote from Celeste Ng on Izzy’s rebellion at concert “Not your puppet” (33:10–34:00)
- Emma and Eric on orchestra moment (34:00–35:20)
- Exposition, how show adapts to tell story through TV, how we learn about characters (35:20–37:00)
- Not in book: Pearl’s poetry as exposition (37:00)
- Emma’s dope hideaway, Abbe’s inflatable chair (38:30–39:10)
- Joshua Jackson’s package (“There was definition.” “I gasped audibly.”) (39:10–40:00)
- Quote from Celeste Ng on Joshua Jackson in Tighty Whities (40:00–40:15)
- Elena’s character and worldview and her relationship with Bill, sex (40:15–41:30)
- Sex on TV vs. sex in print (41:30–44:30)
- Episode 1 setting up some great things (44:30–47:00)
- Eric, Emma, and Abbe’s favorite adaptations (47:00–48:30)
- What are we reading now? (48:30–50:00)
TV show recap:
- Someone has burned down the house. Was it Izzy?
- Mia and Pearl arrive in town, are sleeping in car
- Mia and Elena meet, Elena shows Mia the
apartment * Izzy and Pearl become friends, Pearl is introduced to
Richardson household * Lexie, Tripp, Moody, and Izzy are introduced * We meet Linda (Rosemary DeWitt) * Mia and Elena talk about Mia being the house manager * Moody and Pearl bond * Izzy’s violin recital, writing “Not your puppet” across forehead and refusing to play * Fights between Izzy/Elena, Mia/Pearl * Mia giving a peace offering to Pearl * Two cliffhangers: Elena talks to reference and he’s never heard of Mia Warren. Mia is developing picture of Elena
LITTLE FIRES COUNT: 4
- 🔥House on fire
- 🔥Credits and title card (everything on fire)
- 🔥Izzy’s hair on fire
- 🔥Izzy with her candles and lighter
Send us an email or voice recording to AdaptablesPod@Gmail.com. What did you think of the episode? Are you watching the show? Is Hulu’s LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE a successful adaptation of the book?
Follow @ReadItForward on Twitter and Instagram, follow Eric on Twitter and Instagram at @oureric, tweet your thoughts on Episode 1 and other adaptations you love. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.
NEXT UP: We’ll recap episode two with Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of, most recently, DAISY JONES & THE SIX.
Abbe chats with author Marlon James about his novel, Black Leopard, Red Wolf, and his new podcast, Marlon and Jake Read Dead People. He tells listeners about his new American citizenship, having a genre novel nominated for a National Book Award, being promiscuous when it comes to writing fiction, researching African history and mythology, Michael B. Jordan, and finally, hosting his own podcast.
Marlon and Jake Read Dead People centers on Marlon and his editor Jake Morrissey debating dead authors. They ask hard-hitting questions like: "Jane Austen. Why?" and "Why read Trollope?", which, of course, leads to hysterical conversations that remind us of the best of college literature courses.
Abbe also recommends books for fans of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series—both the book and the TV adaptation on HBO. If you're looking for what to read after finishing the series, try some of these books. (And for even more, check out this list!)
She also reviews The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes, which is the perfect historical fiction read for the literary- and library-obsessed.
Abbe talks sobriety with Quit Like a Woman author and sober influencer, Holly Whitaker. If you're thinking about doing dry January, or considering the role alcohol plays in your life, this is a must-listen interview.
Abbe also chats with psychologist Kelly McGonigal, and author of The Joy of Movement, about the importance of movement in leading a fulfilling and happy life. We refer to the iconic quote from Legally Blonde: "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't."
Abbe also reviews a coming of age book she can't stop thinking about: Green by Sam Graham-Felsen.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcasts.
In this episode, Abbe reviews one book she recently re-read: Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan. She finds that the book definitely holds up to the first time and rediscovers this family of characters all over again.
Abbe also sits down with the legendary author Isabel Allende to discuss the Spanish Civil War, the current refugee crisis, the heroism of Greta Thunberg, and Allende's latest novel, The Long Petal of the Sea. Tune in to hear the story Isabel Allende tells that makes Abbe weep.
Finally, Abbe and debut novelist Kiley Reid chat about her novel, Such a Fun Age, and the race and power dynamics that are tied up in its plot.
Recently, Abbe Wright, Read it Forward’s Senior Editor, was invited to be in conversation with Madeline McIntosh, CEO of Penguin Random House to talk about a topic they both love. Books! Specifically, what their favorite reads of 2019 were and what books they’re looking forward to giving to friends and family this holiday season.
Listen in to their conversation here, which took place at the Tishman Auditorium at The New School in New York City on November 14, 2019.
In this episode, Abbe talks tacos and rock star chefs with food critic Jeff Gordinier, who has just published his travelogue-cum-memoir, Hungry: Eating, Road-Tripping, and Risking It All with the Greatest Chef in the World. The book details the several years he spent following perhaps the best chef in the world, René Redzepi, around the world and what it taught him about life, food, and himself.
Abbe also (rather unfairly) reviews Emily St. John Mandel's forthcoming novel, The Glass Hotel, which is not out until March 2020, but is so good she just couldn't resist.
Finally, Abbe brings Emma back into the studio and the two of them play everyone's favorite game: Guess the Celebrity Audiobook Narrator!
In this episode, author Elissa Altman talks about her memoir Motherland, and her fraught—yet loving—relationship with her own mother.
Next, Abbe welcomes fellow podcast host, Alli Hoff Kosik, into the studio to discuss her podcast SSR (Sht She Read), as well as re-reading and re-inspecting the books we adored from our childhoods. She mentions some of her favorite episodes, including #68: Just as Long as We're Together by Judy Blume with guest Caroline Moss, #61: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen with guest Sara Faring, and #56: The Outsiders* by S.E. Hinton, with guest Esther Zuckerman.
Finally, Abbe reviews a book she loved recently, The Editor by Steven Rowley, which is historical fiction centering around Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's life as a book editor.
In "What Abbe's Reading," Abbe reviews The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, which was Read it Forward's October Book Club pick.
Later, Abbe sits down with comedian and Juggling the Jenkins blogger, Tiffany Jenkins, about her inspiring and harrowing memoir, High Achiever, and why sometimes the truth really is stranger than fiction.
Finally, Abbe chats with journalist Andrew S. Lewis about man-made climate change and the lingering effects Hurricane Sandy has had on one community in New Jersey, which he documents in his book, The Drowning of Money Island.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcasts.
Abbe hears from author Meg Wolitzer about her latest book, The Female Persuasion, her mentors (Nora Ephron!), and varying kinds of feminism.
Abbe also sits down with novelist Christy Lefteri to talk about the Syrian refugee crisis and how it informs her book, The Beekeeper of Aleppo.
Finally, Abbe reveals what she's reading: a work of fiction about female friendship: The Other's Gold by Elizabeth Ames.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcasts.
Abbe chats with actor and author Neil Patrick Harris about magic, Gone Girl, being a bookseller, and the stories he reads with his twins. Oh, and his latest middle-grade series, The Magic Misfits, and his Choose Your Own Autobiography that puts the reader into his life story.
She also talks female friendship and The Clog Life with How Could She author and Vogue writer Lauren Mechling.
Finally, admittedly late to the party, Abbe reviews and raves about Normal People by Sally Rooney.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcasts.
Abbe Wright sits down with Nigerian author Oyinkan Braithwaite to discuss her award-winning novel, My Sister, the Serial Killer, about older siblings, and not judging the actions of her characters.
Later, Abbe chats with Rob Hart, author of The Warehouse, about setting his book in the undetermined "Near Future," and what the real impact of two-day shipping is.
Abbe also reviews a recent read, The Swallows by Lisa Lutz and revels in the high school drama within. The novel is perfect for fans of Gossip Girl or Pretty Little Liars, while still touching on some pretty serious subjects.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcasts.
In the first episode of the fourth season of the Read it Forward podcast, Abbe interviews Deepak Chopra, M.D., about mindfulness and his latest work, Metahuman. Dr. Deepak Chopra is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation, the founder of the Chopra Foundation, and co-founder of Jiyo.com and the Chopra Center for Wellbeing.
Abbe reflects on re-reading the late Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison's debut novel, The Bluest Eye.
Finally, she talks with environmental scientist, entrepreneur, and founder of Homestead Brooklyn, Summer Rayne Oakes about the benefits of being a plant parent and her book, How to Make a Plant Love You.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcasts.
In this special episode of the Read it Forward podcast, we invite you to listen to a live-stream of the Pop Culture Powerhouses Panel. This recent event brings together four preeminent voices in cultural journalism as they celebrate their hotly anticipated summer books and discuss the ways in which pop culture — everything from binge-worthy TV to ubiquitous celebrities to the rise of athleisure — influences how we behave as a society.
The women discuss their journalistic career paths, what it’s like to see their writing go viral, the joy and pressure of having readers anticipating their take on any subject, how writing a book compares to their day jobs, and of course, what cultural touchstones we should be paying attention to right now, all moderated by Read it Forward editor, Abbe Wright.
Taffy Brodesser-Akner is a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine known for her incisive, must-read features and celebrity profiles. Her book, Fleishman is in Trouble, is a finely observed, timely exploration of marriage, divorce, and the bewildering dynamics of ambition.
Linda Holmes is the beloved host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast. Her first novel, Evvie Drake Starts Over, is a charming and heartfelt story about the unlikely relationship between a young woman who’s lost her husband and a major league pitcher who’s lost his game.
Emily Nussbaum is The New Yorker’s fiercely original, Pulitzer-Prize winning culture critic. Her book, I Like to Watch, is a provocative collection of essays that argues for a new way of looking at TV.
Jia Tolentino is a breakout writer at The New Yorker. Her book, Trick Mirror, is a collection of original essays that examines the fractures at the center of contemporary culture.
In this episode, Abbe talks about her summer vacation read, City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Then, she sits down for lots of laughs with author Beck Dorey-Stein to talk about her memoir, From the Corner of the Oval, now out in paperback, Obama, and the power of Craigslist.
Finally, Abbe chats with RIF editor Eliza Smith about true stories written by young-ish authors.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcasts.
In this episode, Abbe tells us about Trick Mirror, New Yorker writer Jia Tolentino's meditation on culture and her place within it.
Then, she sits down with author Melissa de la Cruz about her thriller, The Birthday Girl, and the enduring appeal of the love story between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler.
Finally, Read it Forward's assistant editor, Jess, interviews author Julie Kibler about her work of historical fiction, Home for Erring and Outcast Girls, and the haunted place that inspired her story.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe talks about what she's been reading: The Chelsea Girls, a brand new work of historical fiction from Fiona Davis, which takes place in the Chelsea Hotel.
Then, she sits down with author Joanne Ramos to discuss her debut novel, The Farm, and what, if any, inspiration she drew from The Handmaid's Tale.
Finally, we hear from Maris Kreizman, book critic and podcast host of The Maris Review, about what books she's loving this summer and what she can't wait to read this fall.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe tells us about a great summer read about female friendship, How Could She by Lauren Mechling, which Elle, Vogue, and Cosmopolitan also raved about.
Then, she sits down with author Jasmine Guillory to talk romance, diverse heroines, and Michelle Obama, as well as her latest novel, The Wedding Date.
Finally, Abbe chats with Learning the Tropes podcast co-hosts Clayton and Erin about the reoccurrence of the rake with the heart of gold and other well-worn romance tropes, as well as the book with the minotaur at the center that they just couldn't put down.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe binge-reads I Like to Watch by Emily Nussbaum, combining her two loves of reading and TV.
Then, she sits down with author Nic Stone about her third YA novel, Jackpot, and why it's important to talk to young people about real issues.
Finally, Abbe welcomes Evvie Drake Starts Over author and Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast host Linda Holmes into the studio to talk coastal Maine, second chances and Judy Blume.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe raves about Very Nice by Marcy Dermansky, and the love triangle (love square?) that carries the plot.
Then, she sits down with author Riley Sager about his latest thriller, Lock Every Door, and his love of scary movies.
Finally, Abbe and colleague Amy Brinker talk about a book lover's greatest struggle: to dog-ear, or not to dog-ear.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe, despite being late to the game, raves about Tara Westover's memoir, Educated.
Then, she chats and laughs with author Delia Owens about her novel, Where the Crawdads Sing, elephant behavior, and what it was like to meet fellow southern gal, Reese Witherspoon. She even shares what books she loves reading and re-reading and why she resists having Where the Crawdads Sing classified as historical fiction.
Finally, in a moving conversation, Abbe gets personal with psychic medium and author, Laura Lynne Jackson, about her most recent work, Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe and messages we receive from loved ones on the other side.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe reviews The New Me by Halle Butler, and the book's relatable, albeit unlikeable, protagonist.
Then, she sits down with author and journalist Taffy Brodesser-Akner about her novel, Fleishman is in Trouble, marriage, and Bradley Cooper.
Finally, Abbe and author Camille Perri talk about When Katie Met Cassidy and other novels with queer protagonists that are perfect Pride Month reading.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe tells us about a work of historical fiction with a dual narrative, Next Year in Havana.
Then, she sits down with author Dani Shapiro about her latest memoir, Inheritance, and the power of secrets.
Finally, Abbe teams back up with Emma to try and guess celebrity audiobook narrators. Will they get stumped by British accents? You bet!
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe tells us about a new WWII-set novel, The Spies of Shilling Lane.
Then, she sits down with author, professional poker player, and all-around funny gal Helen Ellis about her new book of essays, Southern Lady Code. Southern Lady Code means: if you don’t have something nice to say, say something not-so-nice in a nice way.
Finally, Abbe chats with Victoria, Caroline, and Stacey, the three women behind Book Babes, the NYC-based book club for millennial women, about their ideal summer reads.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe tells us about the perfect paperback to take to the pool, Ghosted by Rosie Price.
Then, she sits down with author Abby Maslin and her husband TC about Abby's memoir, Love You Hard, which details TC's brain injury and the way it changed their marriage.
Finally, Abbe chats with Linda D. Anderson, Ph.D., Sonia R. Banks Ph.D., Michele L Owens, Ph.D. about the keys to communication and their book, Silent Agreements.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe tells us about the summer thriller she's been enjoying, Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman.
Then, she sits down with author Minnie Darke about her novel, Star-Crossed, love, and astrology.
Finally, Abbe chats with Sophie and Danielle from the Random House social media team about the books that belong on every millennial's bookshelf.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe tells us about the young adult novel she's been devouring, Dear Martin by Nic Stone, which touches on the Black Lives Matter movement.
Then, she sits down with author Nell Freudenberger about her novel, Lost and Wanted, and the physics involved in the plotline.
Finally, Abbe chats with author Andrea Bartz about her thriller, The Lost Night, and about characters in literature that drink too much.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe tells us about the fairytale-inspired book she's been reading: Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi.
Then, our book correspondent, Emma, sits down with Megan Griswold about her memoir, The Book of Help, which follows her quest for alternative remedies to the pain and problems she's experiencing.
Finally, Abbe chats with psychologist, author, and founding director of the Center for the Study of Boys’ and Girls’ Lives at the University of Pennsylvania, Michael C. Reichert, Ph.D., about his new work, How to Raise a Boy.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe talks about what she's been reading: Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, a uniquely-told novel that is rife with rock 'n roll drama.
Then, she sits down with Shopaholic series author Sophie Kinsella about her latest standalone book, I Owe You One.
Finally, Abbe chats with bookstagrammer Taylor Noel (@Books_With_Taylor) to talk about reads that will get your book club talking.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe talks about what she's been reading: Book club fave A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.
Then, she sits down with life guru Gretchen Rubin to discuss her latest book, Outer Order, Inner Calm, and how to declutter your life in order to feel better. Spoiler alert: you need to toss that orange lipstick you never wear.
Finally, we hear from eleven authors about their favorite library memories—from stumbling upon sci-fi shelves as kids to checking out books with their own children to discoveries at the Smithsonian, these authors celebrate all things library.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode—the first of our third season—Abbe shares what she's been reading: the wildly popular novel, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
Then, she sits down with activist, actress and author Amber Tamblyn to discuss her memoir-cum-manifesto, Era of Ignition.
Finally, some Game of Thrones fans join Abbe in the studio to talk about books that remind them of George R. R. Martin's beloved series.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe sits down with Marco Borges, author of The Greenprint, to hear about how to help your body and the planet, and what it's like to work with Beyoncé.
Then, Amy, Abbe, Emma discuss books that remind them of Zadie Smith's White Teeth.
Finally, our Book Doctor Stella delivers this week's litscriptions, offering up books to match every mood.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
Abbe interviews The Spy and The Traitor author Ben Macintyre and talks about his love of spies and what is so divine about John le Carré. Later, she sits down with author Annalena McAfee about her novel, Hame, set in the Scottish Hebrides islands. Finally, Emma and Abbe try to guess celebrity audiobook narrators.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Emma, Amy, and Abbe chat about the books they're reading right now. Abbe speaks with Transparent creator and author Jill Soloway to talk about their memoir, She Wants It. Finally, the co-hosts discuss Michelle Obama's best-selling memoir Becoming.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe sits down with actress and author Meg Tilly to talk about her debut romantic thriller, Solace Island. Next, Abbe, Emma, and Amy talk books that remind them of Emily St. John Mandel's novel Station Eleven. Finally, the co-hosts discuss books that center on wacky families and make you appreciate your own family this holiday season.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast.
In this episode, Abbe sits down with Modern HERstory author and activist Blair Imani to talk about the women and gender nonbinary people who have changed and are changing the world. Next, the Read it Forward editors come up with read-alikes for The Handmaid's Tale and also proffer books that feel like their favorite holiday movies.
Emma and Abbe chat with Forever35 podcast hosts, Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer, about books, authors, skincare, and self-care. Doree Shafrir is the author of the novel Startup, and the editor of an essay collection titled Love, Mom: Poignant, Goofy, Brilliant Messages from Home. Kate Spencer is the author of the memoir The Dead Moms Club.
As co-hosts of the podcast Forever35, Shafrir and Spencer often invite authors like Maeve Higgins and Jasmine Guillory to be guests on their show and discuss everything from their books to skincare and self-care. Emma and Abbe ask them all about their favorite books and authors—and face masks.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast
In this episode, Abbe sits down with Well-Read Black Girl founder Glory Edim to discuss diverse books and authors and her new anthology, Well-Read Black Girl: Finding our Stories, Discovering Ourselves. Then, Atomic Habits author James Clear stops into the studio to talk about how his book can teach us to change our lives, one tiny change at a time. Finally, our Book Doctor Stella delivers this week's litscriptions, offering up books to match every mood.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast
In this episode, Abbe sits down with Bibliophile author Jane Mount to talk about how her love of books has inspired her art. Next, Abbe and Emma are joined in the studio by Amy and special guest Emily Hughes for their own mini book club for Tana French's In The Woods. Finally, Emma and Abbe chat with author and comedian Maeve Higgins about her debut essay collection, Maeve in America.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast
On this week's episode, our book doctor Stella stops by to recommend books for every mood, then Abbe, Emma, and Amy chat about the best books to read if you love Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Finally, Emma and Abbe try to guess the identity of celebrity audiobook narrators.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast
In this episode, Abbe interviews Vanessa Hua, author of A River of Stars, Emma and Abbe gab about the books they've enjoyed recently, and Abbe sits down in the studio to talk to Young Benjamin Franklin author, Nick Bunker, about a book he thinks you've gotta read.
For more information about the books we discuss in this—and every—episode, visit us at readitforward.com/podcast
In the first episode of Season 2, Abbe, Amy, and Emma are recommending the spookiest reads they can handle! Next, they get the opportunity to sit down with Chelsea Clinton and talk about her inspiring new book for kids, Start Now! Finally, book doctor Stella joins them in the studio to recommend books to suit every mood!
[Click here for a list of all the books mentioned in this episode.]
In this bonus episode of the Read it Forward podcast, Abbe and Emma ask Amy Brinker, host of the former podcast, Beaks and Geeks, and new co-host of the Read it Forward podcast, to sit down with Ottessa Moshfegh, author of My Year of Rest and Relaxation.
Having recently published her second novel (her first novel was Eileen; she has also published a novella, McGlue, and a short story collection, Homesick for Another World), the two talk about Ottessa being in conversation with Lena Dunham, the inspiration behind the book, what she chooses to read in front of an audience, and the absurd questions she gets from fans.
Click here for a list of all the books mentioned in this episode!
In this bonus episode of the Read it Forward podcast, Abbe and Emma ask Amy Brinker, host of the former podcast, Beaks and Geeks, and new co-host of the Read it Forward podcast, to sit down with Tommy Orange, author of There There.
On the eve of There There's publication date, the two talk about Tommy's writing process and the inspiration behind the book, wrangling the interconnected storylines, and hearing that Louise Erdrich and Ethan Hawke are fans.
Click here for a list of all the books mentioned in this episode.
In this episode, Abbe and Emma share the books they're reading with one another. Then, they ask friend and host of the podcast Beaks & Geeks, Amy Brinker, into the studio for a Book Club for Three, and chat about The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin. Book Doctor Stella stops by and diagnoses readers, giving three books to read to heal any mood. Finally, DoSomething.org managing editor Ben Kassoy tells us the life-changing book he thinks everyone should read.
Click here for a list of all the books mentioned in this episode.
On this week's episode, Emma quizzes Abbe on all things Danielle Steel—about how many bestsellers she's written, what authors have outsold her and her main characters and plot points. Then, they sit down with Olympic medalist and author Deena Kastor about running marathons, writing her first book, Let Your Mind Run, and what nonfiction read she can't put down. Later, Abbe and Emma list transportive reads that will take you places and finally, Abbe sits down with Lance Richardson, author of House of Nutter, to discuss the most fascinating things he learned while researching and writing.
Click here for a list of all the books mentioned on this episode!
On this week's episode, Abbe and Emma sit down with author Fiona Davis and talk all about her marvelous NYC-set historical fiction, including her brand-new novel The Masterpiece. Fiona Davis also tells readers about the two books she thinks everyone should read. Then, the Book Doctor, Stella, stops by and gives listeners a litscription for books to read if they're feeling suspicious, empowered, or literary. Finally, Emma and Abbe discuss the new thrillers they've been devouring that are making their hearts race.
Click here for a list of all the books mentioned in the episode!
On this week's episode, Abbe and Emma head to the beach with perfect brand-new beach reads in their beach bags. Then, they share books that feel similar to the college-set, murder mystery that is Donna Tartt's The Secret History. Taraneh Djangi from Penguin Random House Audio comes into the studio and quizzes—and stumps—Abbe and Emma about celebrity audiobook narrators. Finally, friend of the pod Amy Brinker tells us about a book she thinks everyone should read, Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.
Click here for a list of all the books mentioned in this episode!
On this week's episode, as the summer heats up, Emma and Abbe read books that are set in icy locations. Then, Emma speaks with author Sally Franson about her debut novel, A Lady's Guide to Selling Out, and the books they loved as both children and adults. Finally, The Book Doctor Stella offers up litscriptions for if you're feeling dejected, serene and passionate.
Click here for a list of all the books mentioned in this episode!
On this week's episode, co-hosts Abbe and Emma discuss books that remind them of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, invite Amy Kaufman, author of Bachelor Nation, into the studio to discuss The Bachelorette and give us a book she thinks everyone should read, and finally, in honor of the 4th of July, Emma and Abbe pick a few books to help readers understand America today.
Click here for a list of all the books mentioned in this episode!
Co-hosts Abbe Wright and Emma Shafer invite friend of the pod, Margaret Dunham, into the studio to tell listeners about a book of short stories she thinks everyone should read; then, Abbe interviews Fatima Farheen Mirza, author of A Place for Us, about her debut novel; The Book Doctor Stella Spiegel swings by to match great books with any mood; and finally, Emma quizzes Abbe on all things Sophie Kinsella.
Click here for a list of books mentioned on this episode!
Co-hosts Abbe Wright and Emma Shafer tell listeners the books they're currently reading, talk about their favorite reads about female friendship, offer up some Read-Alikes for the fabulous Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, and invite Books for Better Living editor Ta-Tanisha Williams into the studio to chat about the book she thinks everyone has got to read.
Click here for a full list of books mentioned in this episode!
Read it Forward editors Emma Shafer and Abbe Wright host a Book Club for Two and discuss Kimmery Martin's novel Grey's Anatomy-esque novel, The Queen of Hearts. They do a Read-Alike for Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train, hear from The Book Doctor and invite editor Jesse Aylen into the studio to tell us about a book he thinks You've Gotta Read.
Click here for a full list of books mentioned in this episode!
Read it Forward editors Emma Shafer and Abbe Wright introduce the new Read it Forward podcast. They do a Read-Alike for Nina George's The Little Paris Bookshop, hear from The Book Doctor and invite Frances Mayes, the bestselling author of Under the Tuscan Sun, into the studio to talk about her new book, Women in Sunlight.
Click here for a full list of books mentioned in this episode!