By Her Shelf: Recent Episodes
Erica D Hearns
By Her Shelf Podcast is all about introducing readers to books worth reading and people worth following. Each week, you'll get to know one reader based solely on her (or, on occasion, his) shelf--the books she/he reads, writes, or helps bring into the world. Occasionally, By Her Shelf will feature solo episodes from founder and podcast host Erica D. Hearns, topical episodes featuring By Her Shelf Contributors Alex and Christina, or other special bookish content.
Today's episode is a very special one. Today I'm sharing the title, description, and heart behind my upcoming bible study, Altered: Redefining Womanhood Through 10 Encounters with Christ. Friends, I'm so excited for this book to be on shelves and discussed in bible studies. Hopefully this episode will get you just as pumped to have it in your hands. You can find out more about Altered on my website, www.byhershelfmedia.com
Today is our epic finale to the 12 Books of Christmas 2020. This book was my introduction to an author I’ve wanted to read for some time. Book 12 is based on the author’s personal experience and the R. Kelly scandal. It involves a young black woman who aspires to be a singer, and someone she meets who could possibly make her dream come true. But their meeting has devastating consequences for both of them. Think you know which book I'm featuring today? Tune in to see if you're correct, and possibly add this New York Times Bestseller to your TBR pile.
Book 11 is a rerelease from one of my favorite authors. It’s a romance with fantasy elements that centers around a guardian angel who’s desperately trying to right her wrongs and bring a hero home. Think you know which book I'm featuring today? Tune in to see if you're correct, and possibly add this fantasy laced romance to your TBR pile.
Book 10 is a literary fiction novel and my introduction to a well-known, award-winning African American author. She’s well known for her memoir, but book 10 is a split narrative. It centers around a sixteen-year old’s coming of age party and the custom-made dress she wears—a dress designed for her mother that her mother never got to wear. Think you know which book I'm featuring today? Tune in to see if you're correct, and possibly add this lush literary fiction novel to your TBR pile.
Book 9 is an inspirational second chance romance by an award-winning author in the genre. It involves an Amish woman harboring a tragic secret, and the man she left behind. Think you know which book I'm featuring today? Tune in to see if you're correct, and possibly add this Amish inspirational romance to your TBR pile.
Book 8 is a memoir looking at different aspects of hope written by a fellow HopeWriter. HopeWriters is an online community for writers of hope. This book tells the story of the author’s personal journey with hope in difficult situations. Think you know which book I'm featuring today? Tune in to see if you're correct, and possibly add this beautiful memoir to your TBR pile.
Book 7 is a debut Middle Grade novel authored by someone I follow on Instagram. It centers around a young girl who stumbles upon an abandoned graveyard, and the spirit that attaches itself to her. Think you know what book I'm reviewing today? Tune in to see if you're correct and possibly add this stunning debut to your TBR pile.
Today, we're getting to know Cindy LaFavre Yorks by her shelf.
Cindy LaFavre Yorks is an award-winning writer whose articles have appeared in hundreds of magazines and newspapers, including the LA Times, New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune and People Magazine. After decades of covering celebrities, fashion and the red carpet circuit, she traded in her stilettos for sandals and entered her own side door of special needs parenting. Married to husband Ben for 35 years, she is now the empty nested mother to two sons and lives in Orange County, California. The Side Door: Welcoming God's Divine Detours is the first in Cindy's trilogy of devotion books. Connect with her at www.cindyyorks.com.
In this episode, Cindy and I chat about:
Why movie versions of books often disappoint readers
Marie Kondo for book lovers
Binge reading
Why being in a room with these two authors would be her version of Dante's Inferno.
**Since recording this episode, Cindy has released the other two books in her Door Trilogy. The Trap Door released in December 2019, and The Vault Door released December 18th!
Book 6 is a memoir by an author I interviewed on this podcast. We talked about this book's interesting structure/framework. Although I interviewed her over a year ago, I didn't finish her book until this year, and I'm kicking myself for not finishing it sooner? Think you know which book I'm discussing today? Tune in to find out if you're right. You might find another book to add to your towering TBR pile.
Book 5 is by a New York Times Bestseller author in the YA genre. This book is told partially in the epistolary style with one character writing letters to another and is the follow up to the authors NYT Bestselling debut novel. Think you know which book I'm discussing today? Tune in to find out if you're right. You might find another book to add to your towering TBR pile.
Book 4 is from a person whose career is based on books and reading. They work in a unique environment, and their career saw them behind bars frequently. Think you know which book I'm referring to? Tune in to find out if you're correct. Maybe you'll find another must read book for your TBR pile.
Book 3 of the 12 Books of Christmas series is an award winning middle grade novel centered around a Native American tweenager (who prefers to be called Indian) taking a cross country road trip with her grandparents to visit her mother. On the way, she tells them the story of her friend, her friend's disappearing mother, and the lunatic. Think you know which book I'm talking about today? Tune in to find out for sure. Perhaps you'll have one more book to add to your TBR pile.
Day 2 of the 12 Books of Christmas mini-season features a memoir by a singer-slash-reality tv star turned fashion mogul who posed an age-old philosophical question to a generation of fans. Think you know which book I chose for today? Tune in to find out if you're right or if this is one you'd love to add to your TBR pile.
Day 1 of the 12 Books of Christmas mini-season features a book by a well-known YA author whose work is having a moment right now. This particular book takes place in sixty seconds...and in an elevator. Think you know which book kicks off this year's chronicling of my best reads of 2020? Listen in as I share what made this book a no-brainer for this list.
Welcome back to my favorite series of the year! Today kicks off By Her Shelf's annual 12 Books of Christmas series, where I share 1 book that impacted me this year each day for 12 straight days. This introductory episode will tell you everything you need to know about the 12 Books of Christmas 2020 episodes, including the clues for book number one in the series. Check it out, then hop right into episode 1.
Today's episode is a special solo episode about reading in a time of pandemic, protests, and a push for performative, political posting (and reading!). If all the world is going through has been negatively impacting your reading, this episode will give you the encouragement and permission you need to take back your bookshelf. I hope you enjoy it.
Welcome back to By Her Shelf! After an unintended hiatus (hello wedding planning followed by a global pandemic!), I'm back with a new episode featuring a very special guest. Today's episode is the first where we'll get to know a reader by HIS shelf--my husband, Brian Welch.
Brian is an avid audio book listener who recently watched the movie based on one of his favorite recent reads. His reaction is hardly surprising to anyone who reads the book before seeing the movie, but it's fun to hear his reaction.
I have a confession to make: I only gave you 10 books that impacted me this year in my 12 Books of Christmas series because only 10 books stood out to me at the time. I'm happy to report that since I recorded the series, I've read two books that begged to be a part of the series. I sat down to record an episode highlight both of these recent reads, one of which became my favorite read of 2019. If you're still looking for the perfect read to bring in the new year with, maybe one of these books will be perfect for you.
Welcome to Day 12 of the 12 Books of Christmas Series on the By Her Shelf Podcast! I've been sharing the books that impacted me the most this year with you for 11 days straight, but today's episode is a little different.
Today, I'm sharing the books listeners and fellow readers said impacted them the most this year. I also share how I did on my reading goals and what you can expect from By Her Shelf in the new year. I hope you enjoy this reading wrap up post, and have a happy holiday season with your family. Until next year, I'm wishing you more people worth following, but more importantly, more books worth reading!
Welcome to Day 11 of the 12 Books of Christmas Series on the By Her Shelf Podcast! I'm posting a short episode each day featuring one book that's impacted me this year.
In this episode, I do something a little different from the previous 10 and share the books I still haven't finished, the book I still haven't started, and the books I'm having major FOMO over. I invite you to tell me what I should read (or finish) before the new year and tell you how your most impactful books of 2019 can be featured on the last episode of the series.
Welcome to Day 10 of the 12 Books of Christmas Series on the By Her Shelf Podcast! I'm posting a short episode each day featuring one book that's impacted me this year.
In this episode, I share about a book of poetry written by an author you likely haven't read. The poems in this collection met me at a time when I needed them, and I can't wait to tell you about them! This episode is a little different from the previous ones, but in a way I hope you'll enjoy! Here's to making Book 10 famous!
Welcome to Day 9 of the 12 Books of Christmas Series on the By Her Shelf Podcast! I'm posting a short episode each day featuring one book that's impacted me this year.
In this episode, I share about a book written by someone who used to run a big Christian women's conference that looks at an aspect of faith we don't always consider. This book met me in a really difficult season and helped to shift my perspective and grow my understanding of faith at a critical point in my life. I hope you enjoy my review of Book 9!
Welcome to Day 8 of the 12 Books of Christmas Series on the By Her Shelf Podcast! I'm posting a short episode each day featuring one book that's impacted me this year.
In this episode, I share about a book on one of my favorite pastimes, featuring essays about some of my heroes that are written by some of my other heroes. This anthology features some of the best writers writing today, and the combination of these amazing voices creates a literary gumbo I truly savored. I hope you enjoy my review of Book 8!
Welcome to Day 7 of the 12 Books of Christmas Series on the By Her Shelf Podcast! I'm posting a short episode each day featuring one book that's impacted me this year.
In this episode, I share about a book written by a master in their genre writing under a pseudonym about a character who makes a tragic mistake and must deal with the consequences. The hallmarks of this author's books--realistic characters and dialogue--paired with a ticking clock kept me turning the pages. I hope you enjoy my review of Book 7!
Welcome to Day 6 of the 12 Books of Christmas Series on the By Her Shelf Podcast! I can't believe we're halfway through this series! I'm posting a short episode each day featuring one book that's impacted me this year.
In this episode, I share about a book by an author I know through social media and writing groups. This book, published by a publisher who puts out happy endings monthly, is centered around a young girl who's having trouble adjusting, but loves books, and one bookstore in particular. This charming and heartwarming story set in a small town with a big heart will tug on yours. I hope you enjoy my review of Book 6!
Welcome to Day 5 of the 12 Books of Christmas Series on the By Her Shelf Podcast! I'm posting a short episode each day featuring one book that's impacted me this year.
In this episode, I share about a book centered around a controversial topic by an author known for choosing current events and hot button issues in their fiction. This book is told from multiple points of view chronologically backwards. The author's attempt at a balanced portrayal of a divisive issue is beautifully written if not perfectly executed, and the unique structure is surprisingly compelling given the story being told. I hope you enjoy my review of Book 5!
Welcome to Day 4 of the 12 Books of Christmas Series on the By Her Shelf Podcast! I'm posting a short episode each day featuring one book that's impacted me this year.
In this episode, I share about a memoir about how a chance discovery changed the life of an author who writes both fiction and non-fiction. The author's ability to cultivate intimacy and convey the immediacy of the events in this book, along with the beauty of the writing, makes this book a compelling read. I hope you enjoy my review of Book 4!
Welcome to Day 3 of the 12 Books of Christmas Series on the By Her Shelf Podcast! I'm posting a short episode each day featuring one book that's impacted me this year.
In this episode, I share about the latest book from one of my auto-buy authors that hit me in the feels. I watched this author fight for the words in this book as I followed her on Instagram, and received encouragement from episodes of her podcast. This non-fiction book is a must for anyone wrestling with unfulfilled desires/longings. I hope you enjoy this brief review of Book 3!
Welcome to Day 2 of the 12 Books of Christmas Series on the By Her Shelf Podcast! I'm posting a short episode each day featuring one book that's impacted me this year.
In this episode, I share about a book chronicling the meteoric rise and fall of a medical technology darling and her startup company. The author's journalistic perspective and the way he was able to simultaneously encapsulate each person's character AND unravel this complicated timeline makes this non-fiction work read like the last page turning medical thriller. I hope you enjoy my review of Book 2!
Welcome to a special episode of By Her Shelf! Every day for the next twelve days, I'll be sharing my thoughts on one book I read that impacted me this year.
In this first episode, I share about the book that broke my reading slump this summer. This tale of two sisters whose bond is tested when the man one is in love with becomes interested in the other was a real page turning debut. Full of dark humor, this character driven book had just enough plot to keep things interesting. I hope you enjoy it.
Today, we're getting to know Betsy Pendergrass By Her Shelf! Besty is a wife, a mom of four, a writer, and a passionate gatherer. Betsy and her husband Taylor share tips for gathering people and recipes for feeding them in the community they've built at gatheringaround.com.
In this episode, Betsy and I discuss:
Plot driven vs. character driven novels Scary librarians and One More Page Syndrome.
You can find all the books we discussed at www.byhershelf.com
Today, we’re getting to know Kate Motaung by her shelf:
Kate Motaung is the author of A Place to Land: A Story of Longing and Belonging, Influence: Building a Platform that Elevates Jesus (Not Me), A Start-Up Guide for Online Christian Writers, and Letters to Grief. She is the host of Five Minute Friday, an online community that encourages and equips Christian writers, and the owner of Refine Services, a company that offers writing and editing services. Kate and her South African husband have three children. Find Kate at Heading Home, Five Minute Friday, or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
In this episode, Kate and I chat about the bookish assignment that made her hate reading, the book that inspired her to restart her book, A Place to Land, as a memoir, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and so much more.
On this episode, we're getting to know Christina Yother By Her Shelf!
Christina is the Amazon bestselling author of the Hollow Hearts historical romance series. She have been involved with writing, blogging, and social media for several years and earned a Ph.D. in 2012 by writing one of the first dissertations to explore how women build community through writing online. She lives in smal-town Georgia with her husband and three children. You can find her writing at christinayother.com.
In this episode, Christina and I chat about: -Hollow Hearts, Christina's historical fiction trilogy. -Books you don't remember buying (or reading) -Censorship vs. age appropriateness -Dust jackets and dog-eared pages
And so much more.
Christina even convinces me to join her in an informal Goodreads challenge (which I haven't stuck to--sorry Christina) that you may want to implement if you're guilty of a certain reading habit.
Today, we're getting to know Amanda Pittman By Her Shelf:
Amanda Pittman is a Christian, a wife, and a mother. She is the author of two books, “Reflecting God’s Beauty,” and “Love Your First Year of Marriage.” Amanda is the founder of the Confident Woman Mentorship Program and helps her husband pastor The Gathering Oasis Church Downtown. In her free time, Amanda creates social media content that inspires and equips women to be confident and Christ-centered.
In this episode, Amanda and I discuss:
- Consumption vs. creation in social media and reading
- Why even avid readers should give themselves space to write
- The odd reading habit Amanda shares with her mother
...and so much more.
Amanda was the very first person I interviewed for By Her Shelf, and this interview really set the tone for me. Her words about creating and using our voices were the exact encouragement I needed to hear as I was stepping into this new space. If you find yourself struggling with self-confidence or using your voice, I know you will be encouraged by this conversation as well.
Quotes:
- One of the most valuable things we've been given is our voice.
- It's not that you don't have any valuable thoughts, it's that you haven't give your mind any air to breathe.
- What are you doing with all the information you stored up?
- At the end of the day our confidence boils down to what we believe and if we believe the best about ourselves. If we believe what God says we are and who God says we are, then we're going to walk in confidence.
- Having the mindset of contentment and compassion is a way we can reflect the beauty of God and not the ugliness of the world.
The Books (These are affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you buy through them at no cost to you):
- Amanda's auto-buy author: Lysa TerKeurst
- Amanda's current reads: Believe Bigger by Marshawn Daniels (Kindle)and It's Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst (Kindle)
- Books Amanda references when providing pre-marital counseling with her husband: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Kindle), Amanda & her husband's book, Love Your First Year of Marriage, and Saving Your Marriage before It Starts by Les & Leslie Parrott (Kindle)
- Amanda's surprising book: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (Kindle)
- The best books for personal growth: The Bible
- The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren (Kindle)
Links
- SYMBIS- Pre-Marital Counseling Program
- Amanda's husband's new book, Your Bible, Your Money
- Glow Getter Inc. (Instagram)
- Confident Woman Online Conference Recordings
- Amanda's website, Instagram, and YouTube channel
Today, we're getting to know Abigail Rudibaugh By Her Shelf:
Abigail calls Cincinnati, Ohio home alongside her husband and two young daughters. As a graduate from Miami University of Ohio in Integrated Language Arts, she spent nine years teaching, but is now taking time to nourish her writer's soul. Abigail believes that in a prescriptive and productive world, poetry has become the umbrella in which she can finally find some shade. Find her on Instagram & Twitter @pocketsoflovely or at pocketsoflovely.com
In this episode, Abby and I discuss:
-The "lovely" story behind the name Pockets of Lovely
-How being a writer has changed the way she reads
-The late Mary Oliver, one of Abby's favorite poets
-Embarrassing book habits
-FOMO on pop lit conversations
And so much more.
Whether or not you consider yourself to be a poetry lover, I guarantee you'll connect with some part of this interview with Abby.
The books (These are affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you buy through one of these links):
The first book Abby remembers loving (Kindle)
The assigned reading that surprised her (in a good way) (Kindle)
This classic was disliked twice in five interviews! (Kindle)
A Thousand Mornings Kindle Version
Ariel by Sylvia Plath (Kindle)
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (Kindle)
Abby's Surprising Book (Kindle)
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Kindle)
Liane Moriarty
John Steinbeck
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (Kindle)
Abby's current read (Kindle)
Up next for Abby (Kindle)
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (Kindle)
The Links:
I'm Nobody! Who are you? by Emily Dickinson
Abby's site: Pockets of Lovely
Poet Mary Oliver
"A Thousand Mornings"
Poet Wendell Berry
Recordings of Sylvia Plath reading poems from Ariel
Newsletter subscribers will receive two special emails this week: A list of diverse books if Madeleine's episode inspired you and a list of can't miss poetry collections if Abby's episode sparked your poetry reading fancy. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.
Next week's episode is actually the first episode I recorded for the podcast. My guest is an entrepreneur and content creator focused on empowering women to be confident and cultivate self-esteem. You don't want to miss getting to know this powerhouse By Her Shelf. Be sure to subscribe so you don't!
If you're loving the show, I would really appreciate it if you left a rating/review on iTunes. It helps others find the show...and maybe their next favorite book.
Today we’re getting to know Madeleine Riley By Her Shelf:
Madeleine is a special education teacher by day and a voracious bookworm by night. She shares her bookish life on her literary-themed Instagram @topshelftext. A loyal New Englander, she loves the ocean, cats, organizing, and is an aspiring gardener. When she grows up, she wants to be the muggle version of Hermione Granger.
In this episode, Madeleine and I discuss:
How she implements reading into her curriculum as a special education teacher
How watching the white Nationalist march in Charlottesville, Virginia sparked the Diverse Books Club, and why she shuttered the club with over 13,000 members
How she makes her Instagram more accessible and inclusive
The feedback she receives the most often from her appearance on What Should I Read Next
The book recommendation she’s been avoiding.
Full show notes available at:
http://byhershelf.com/2019/01/28/bhs-episode-3-the-muggle-version-of-hermione-granger-with-madeleine-riley
Today I have the absolute pleasure of introducing you to Agatha Marshall. Agatha is a mom, the author of the cookbook Come Eat with Aggie, an entrepreneur, and a publishing consultant with Lincross Publishing, an independent publisher assisting authors who want to publish their passion professionally while keeping their rights and royalties. We discuss Agatha's work with Lincross, her cookbook "sheroes," and the oft-assigned play she dislikes so much she can barely utter its name. If you're an aspiring author, or aspiring to put down the takeout menu and learn to cook fabulous meals on a less glamorous budget, you need to get to know Agatha by her shelf today.
On this episode, I give the origin story for By Her Shelf, the blog as well as the podcast. I share what you can expect, challenge you to get after the thing you've been dragging your feet on, and encourage you to acknowledge and spread the gift of literacy.