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Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books™️

John Irving, THE LAST CHAIRLIFT

Season 16, Ep. 65

John Irving, one of the world’s greatest novelists of all time, joins Zibby (who idolizes him!!) in this once-in-a-lifetime interview to discuss The Last Chairlift, a sweepingly cinematic, multigenerational ghost story about a slalom skier, her accidental pregnancy, and, years later, the son who returns to Aspen to uncover her story. After discussing this latest release, Mr. Irving describes the fascinating process behind each of his iconic books, revealing he has piles of notes waiting to be turned into novels (but refuses to start writing them until he knows exactly how they will end!). He also shares how helpful and influential his first readers (like Kurt Vonnegut!) and editors have been in his career.


You can all meet John Irving at the Santa Fe International Literary Festival on May 20th!


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