BOOK PODCAST: The Book Podcast: Recent Episodes
Thomas Wallace
BOOK PODCAST: The Book Podcast (gotta love a redundancy) is a podcast dedicated to all things books, things books-adjacent, and everything in between. In this bi-weekly podcast, host Thomas Wallace shares thoughts on a variety of literary topics, discussing both recent and all-time favorite books; favorite authors; and the interconnected world of film and literature.
In this episode, Harper Lee. Her life. Her work. Her magnificence.
Harper Lee's life after MOCKINGBIRD was explored in New York Times bestselling author and The New Yorker staff writer Casey Cep's FURIOUS HOURS: MURDER, FRAUD, AND THE LAST TRIAL OF HARPER LEE.
Casey Cep's book in an incredible book. I highly recommend reading it.
BOOKS DISCUSSED:
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9780060935467
GO SET A WATCHMAN by Harper Lee
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9780062409867
* FURIOUS HOURS by Casey Cep
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9781101972052
In this episode, I discuss classic author E.M. Forster's posthumous novel MAURICE, contemporary author William di Canzio's recently published follow-up novel ALEC, and love. Just...just love. and relationship stuff.
Both these novels are beautiful and haunting and deserving of reading. Di Canzio's ALEC is one of the best books I've read this year. Highly recommended.
If you'd like to purchase either or both these novels, follow the links below!
MAURICE by E.M Forster
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9780393310320
ALEC by William di Canzio
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9781250849236
In this episode, I discuss the incredible crimelife of biographist-turned-literary-forger Lee Israel. She couldn't sell a book. So, she forged letters. Then, she wrote a memoir detailing her lack of career and plethora of crimes. This story is whackadoo, and that's why I love it.
Fun note about the book: it includes reproductions of her forgeries!
This memoir was adapted to film under the same name in 2008. The film starred Melissa McCarthy as Lee Israel and handsome British actor Richard E. Grant as her accomplice Jack Hock.
– BOOKS DISCUSSED:
• CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? by Lee Israel
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9781982100339
Audiobook narration by Jane Curtin
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781508266839
Not a Libro.FM member? Follow the referral link below for all the info!
https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm280585
This episode is a dream-come-true moment! Joining me in a discussion of audiobooks and audiobook production is actor, director, writer, and (my favorite) audiobook narrator Gabra Zackman.
In this episode, Zackman and I dscuss her career and the work that goes into creating audiobooks. I'm beyond thankful for Gabra's time. Again, dream-come-true moment!
Gabra Zackman links:
https://www.gabrazackmanauthor.com/
https://www.gabrazackman.com/
Insta:
www.instagram.com/gabracadabranyc
www.instagram.com/audiobookgoddess
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/gabrazackman
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/GabraZackmanAuthor
BOOK DISCUSSED WITHIN EPISODE:
- G-MAN: J. EDGAR HOOVER AND THE MAKING OF THE AMERICAN CENTURY
by Beverly Gage. Narrated by Gabra Zackman
Available from Libro.fm
https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780593628942-g-man
Not a Libro.FM member? Follow my referral link below for more info!
https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm280585
"Sins of the Father" is written in three parts and performed by Thomas Wallace.
- Disclaimer: Though inspired by true events, this story is a complete work of fiction. The characters and matters depicted are entirely fictitious. This story does not depict actual persons, living or dead, or actual events. It is intended purely for entertainment.
Happy Halloween!
In this episode, I introduce you to my all-time favorite author, The Queen of Crime...Agatha Christie! And, I discuss my all-time favorite book, the 1939 novel AND THEN THERE WERE NONE.
This book can be purchased following the link below!
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9780062073471
"Sins of the Father" is written in three parts and performed by Thomas Wallace.
- Disclaimer: Though inspired by true events, this story is a complete work of fiction. The characters and matters depicted are entirely fictitious. This story does not depict actual persons, living or dead, or actual events. It is intended purely for entertainment.
Happy Halloween!
"Sins of the Father" is written in three parts and performed by Thomas Wallace.
- Disclaimer: Though inspired by true events, this story is a complete work of fiction. The characters and matters depicted are entirely fictitious. This story does not depict actual persons, living or dead, or actual events. It is intended purely for entertainment.
Happy Halloween!
I said early on I was gonna do it, and I'm doing it. This one is all about cults and cult-lit.
BOOKS DISCUSSED:
- THE STORM IS UPON US by Mike Rothschild
- CULTISH by Amanda Montell
- ROAD TO JONESTOWN by Jeff Guinn
- THE PROJECT by Courtney Summers
- THE PROGRAM by Toni Natalie
- CAPTIVE Catherine Oxenberg
Other books I recommend:
- GOING CLEAR by Lawrence Wright
- Nonfiction about Church of Scientology
- HELTER SKELTER by Vincent Bugliosi
- Nonfiction account of Manson murders
- THE GIRLS by Emma Cline
- Fiction novel about Manson girls
- THE BURNING GIRLS by CJ Tudor
- Spooky fiction novel about a creepy village
- DEVIL’S CREEK by Todd Keisling
- Spooky fiction novel about a creepy village
- CULTS by Max Cutler
- Nonfiction compendium based on the Parcast Orginal podcast "Cults"
- THE BIG LIE by Jonathan Lemire
- Nonfiction look at the cult of Trump and electional denial
Any and all of these books can be purchased at the BOOK PODCAST Bookshop at
https://bookshop.org/shop/bookpodcast
Welp. Here it is. Part 2 of the Anne Rice project thing I did to myself starting with INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE.
There are practically 50 shades of this book in existence today. But, the film version of this book (hardly an honest "adaptation") was my introduction into the erotic fiction world. This book.....well, just listen to the episode.
If you'd like to purchase Anne Rice's EXIT TO EDEN, follow the link below!
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9780061233494
This episode is all about the books I read in July and August! I read several not-worth-recommending books while avoiding the sweltering summer heat. So, I'm just mentioning in this episode the books I actually liked and do, in fact, recommend.
– BOOKS DISCUSSED:
• LITTLE RABBIT by Alyssa Songsiridej
• WRITERS & LOVERS by Lily King
• HOW TO BE MANLY by Maureen O’Leary
• PLEASE DON’T SIT ON MY BED IN YOUR OUTSIDE CLOTHES by
Phoebe Robinson
• FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK by Elissa Sussman
• HAWK MOUNTAIN by Conner Habib
• A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY by Brian D. Kennedy
• UNMASK ALICE by Rick Emerson
• THE SANATORIUM by Sarah Pearse
• CONVERSATIONS WITH FRIENDS by Sally Rooney
• BOOK
• VERITY by Colleen Hoover
Wanna purchase any or all the books you hear about today? Visit the Book Podcast bookshop!
https://bookshop.org/shop/bookpodcast
Registered Nurse, multi-media artist, and dearest friend Kayla Davis is back, baby! And in this part two of two, she and I tackle the film adaptation of Jeff Vandermeer's ANNIHILATION.
The paperback of this novel can be purchased here:
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9780374104092
The three-books-in-one collection can be purchased here:
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9780374261177
In this first of two parts: I'm joined by Registered Nurse, multi-media artist, and dearest friend Kayla Davis to discuss Jeff Vandermeer's weird-fiction bestseller ANNIHILATION.
Wanna read it? You really should! The standalone novel can be purchased here:
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9780374104092
The SOUTHERN REACH TRILOGY 3-in-1 omnibus can be purchased here:
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9780374261177
In this Part 1 of a 2-part Anne Rice read-and-judge, I bring you INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE.
(Part 2, as I mention in the episode, will be EXIT TO EDEN. So, this is a thing that is happening.)
You can purchase your own copy of Anne Rice's INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE here!
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9780345409645
This episode is all about the books I read (and listened to) during May and June! As I say in the episode, I marathoned way too many books to mention in one episode. So, I'm sticking to the books I scored a 4 or 5 out of 5. It's another dirty dozen books I highly recommend!
– BOOKS DISCUSSED:
• THE PORTRAIT OF A MIRROR by A. Nathasha Joukovsky
• THE APPEAL by Janice Hallett
• WHEN THINGS GET DARK edited by Ellen Datlow
• SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE TYPING by Calvin Kasulke
• SEA OF TRANQUILITY by Emily St John Mandel
• THE STARLESS SEA by Erin Morgenstern
• GREETINGS FROM NEW NASHVILLE by Steve Haruch, editor
• THE ABSOLUTIST by John Boyne
• THE CHARM OFFENSIVE by Alison Cochrun
• IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND by Robby Weber
• A BURNING by Megha Majumdar
• JUST BY LOOKING AT HIM by Ryan O’Connell
Wanna purchase any or all the books you hear about today? Visit my bookshop!
https://bookshop.org/shop/bookpodcast
I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I reference in this Heidi Schreck's play WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME. Never has her play felt more important and relevant to me than right now.
I'm still in the processing and understanding phase of all this. I have homework to do.
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/
This episode marks both the (lucky) 13th episode of this podcast and the 2nd anniversary of my book-talk journey!
If you have followed my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thomaswallacern/, you'll recall I briefly discussed The Bell Witch as my 1-year anniversary post. Now, another year later, I'm revisiting the subject and expanding on the history and mystery!
-- BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:
- THE BELL WITCH: THE FULL ACCOUNT by Pat Fitzhugh
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9780970515605
- THE BELL WITCH: AN AMERICAN HAUNTING by Brent Monahan
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9780312262921
- THE AUTHENTICATED HISTORY OF THE BELL WITCH by M.V. Ingram
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9781482031638
- THE BELL WITCH OF TENNESSEE by Charles Bailey Bell
- THE INFAMOUS BELL WITCH OF TENNESSEE by Charles Edwin Price
I finally read a Jane Austen novel! And for my first JA experience, I chose the novel that was the basis for that beautiful 2005 Kiera Knightly/Matthew Macfadyen film adaptation.
Mostly, because I wanted to talk about that beautiful 2005 Kiera Knightly/Matthew Macfadyen film adaptation. Which I've seen an uncomfortable amount of times.
If you'd like to purchase a copy of this novel, follow the link!
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9780141439518
The recording of the COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER episode was a 4-hour conversation between me and Malinda May. The actual Loretta portion of the conversation was half that time. So, this episode is the rest of what Malinda and I discussed. We talked a lot about growing up in the south and Southern culture. And I loved this so much, I felt I needed to share it. And. Let's face it. I needed more Malinda.
Enjoy this addendum to the Loretta Lynn conversation.
"If you knew Loretta, you'd know that ain't no act."
In this episode, I'm joined by my dearest friend--actor, comedian, and most amazing person ever--Malinda May to discuss The First Lady of Country Music herself...Mrs. Loretta Lynn!
Did you know Loretta Lynn wrote three memoirs?
- COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER (which was adapted into a phenomenal film starring Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones)
- STILL WOMAN ENOUGH (which she wrote after her husband passed away)
- ME & PATSY KICKIN' UP DUST: MY FRIENDSHIP WITH PATSY CLINE
I highly highly highly recommend these books! STILL WOMAN ENOUGH has been out of print for a while, but can be found on the used book/Ebay circuit.
COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER and ME & PATSY can be purchased from my affiliate bookshop!
https://bookshop.org/shop/bookpodcast
In this episode, I'm telling you all about the books I read in March and April! Several winners. Lots more front list reads than my usual. Which is something I'm actually trying do be better at.
– BOOKS DISCUSSED:
• MY ANNIHILATION by Fuminori Nakamura
• VLADIMIR by Julia May Jonas
• THE STORY OF YOU by Ian Morgan Cron
• THE REMOVED by Brandon Hobson
• ALL SYSTEMS RED by Martha Wells
• SAILOR PROOF by Annabeth Albert
• ALEC by William di Canzio
• ANONYMOUS SEX edited by Hillary Jordan and Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan
• THE 57 BUS by Dashka Slater
• THE BOOK OF COLD CASES by Simone St. James
• WHAT WE DON'T TALK ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT FAT by
Aubrey Gordon
• THE MAID by Nita Prose
Wanna purchase any or all the books you hear about today? Visit my bookshop!
https://bookshop.org/shop/bookpodcast
In this episode, I take you through the heartbreaking story of Christopher McCandless and the book he inspired, Jon Krakauer's INTO THE WILD. Content warning: this one is a sad one. But, it's just too important to not tell.
If you'd like to purchase this book, click my affiliate bookstore link below!
https://bookshop.org/a/82152/9780385486804
In this week's episode, I'm discussing one of my absolute favorite literary genres: Memoirs. And, I have a few recent favorites to tell you about!
While you're listening, check out the new BOOK PODCAST: The Book Shop!
https://bookshop.org/shop/bookpodcast
-- BOOKS DISCUSSED:
I mentioned several in this episode, but the ones I highlight:
- KNOW MY NAME by Chanel Miller
- ME by Elton John
- THE MEANING OF MARIAH by Mariah Carey
- THE ANSWER IS by Alex Trebek
- THIS WILL ALL BE OVER SOON by Cecily Strong
- BECOMING DUCHESS GOLDBLATT by Anonymous
- OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HUNGER by Lisa Donovan
In this episode, I geek the F out over Roderick Thorp's NOTHING LASTS FOREVER and the film it inspired, the Christmas classic DIE HARD!
I had never seen DIE HARD before this episode. And my gah...what a ride.
-- BOOKS DISCUSSED
- NOTHING LASTS FOREVER by Roderick Thorp
- DIE HARD: THE ULTIMATE VISUAL HISTORY by James Mottram and David S. Cohen
If you like what you hear and wanna read any of the books mentioned, visit the new BOOK PODCAST: The Bookshop! www.bookshop.com/shop/bookpodcast
In this episode, I'll tell you all about the books I read in the past two months! There were some winners. There were some...that weren't so much. I'm glad I read them all, and I'm so happy to get to talk to you all about them!
If you like what you hear and wanna read any of the books mentioned, visit the new BOOK PODCAST: The Bookshop! www.bookshop.com/shop/bookpodcast
I'm so happy to announce BOOK PODCAST now has a book shop! Like what you hear on the pod and find yourself wanting to read some of the books mentioned? Simply visit bookshop.org/shop/bookpodcast for all them book shopping needs! Prices are legit, shipping is fast, and you support this podcast endeavor.
New episode drops next week!
https://bookshop.org/shop/bookpodcast
In this episode, I get very soapbox-y over convicted fraudster Elizabeth Holmes and the absolutely brilliant book that brought down her billion-dollar scam company Theranos, journalist John Carreyrou's BAD BLOOD.
It's wild, y'all. WILD.
In this episode, I deep-dive into Stephen King's debut novel and all the films that followed! They're all gonna laugh at you!!!
-- BOOKS DISCUSSED:
- ON WRITING by Stephen King
- CARRIE by Stephen King
- STIFFED by Susan Faludi
I read several (too many?) books in 2021. And in this episode, I'm offering my thoughts on my 2021 Honorable Mentions!
Books Discussed:
- AMORALMAN by Derek DelGaudio
- THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- THE JIGSAW MAN by Nadine Matheson
- CULTURE WARLORDS by Talia Lavin
- REVIVAL SEASON by Monica West
- THE APOLLO MURDERS by Chris Hadfield
Follow the podcast on Instagram @bookpodcasttbp and contact the pod at bookpodcasttbp@gmail.com
It's the premier episode! In this episode, I discuss two of my all-time favorite novels/films: F. Scott Fitzgerald's THE GREAT GATSBY and its literary antonym, Erich Segal's LOVE STORY.
A recorded a little Merry Christmas message for you! I can't wait to bring you the first OFFICIAL episode. Premiere episode releases soon!