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Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books™️
Pico Iyer, THE HALF KNOWN LIFE: In Search of Paradise
Zibby speaks to bestselling author Pico Iyer about The Half Known Life: In Search of Paradise, a mesmerizing account of over fifty years of world travels and the hopeful search for a paradise on earth. Pico discusses the pandemic, and how the constant reminder of death illuminated what was actually important in our lives, and then describes his close relationship with the Dalai Lama, whom he admires for his profound respect for others. He also talks about his love of travel, writing, bookstores (which he beautifully calls hospitals for the soul), and reading a great book on his sun-facing terrace in Japan. Finally, he shares what his next book is about – monks and the beauty of their stillness.
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1. Elizabeth Jannuzzi, SOBER MOM: A Memoir
23:26||Season 27, Ep. 1Elizabeth Jannuzzi and I spoke about her journey from being a high-functioning alcoholic who managed to hide her addiction from her family to a "sober mom." Liz shares her most shameful moments, the affair that almost blew up her marriage, and how she turned her life around.
100. Justin Halpern, GET LOST
21:04||Season 26, Ep. 100I’ve been a fan of Justin Halpern’s for years and have read all his hilarious, heartbreaking, original stories. His debut novel Get Lost is a new take on some themes he’s been writing about all along. And it’s funny! We talked about his screenwriting and how an encounter with Quinta Brunson on a studio lot changed everything. You can also watch his hilarious event at Zibby's Bookshop here!!
99. Michael Cunningham, UNSAYABLE: A Life in Writing
23:42||Season 26, Ep. 99Well, he said it. Prize-winning author Michael Cunningham opens up about his formative relationships as he teaches the reader what great writing looks like. I read his unforgettable novel The Hours for a now-defunct book club years ago. I couldn’t wait to discuss! A professor, Michael shares in the book and on the podcast, what his secrets are. By including sample paragraphs throughout, we pick up his vast knowledge. He then intersperses his own story including a chapter that . . . you never would have guessed. Loved this conversation!
98. Matthew Quick, DAD, LOVE, ME: A Memoir
30:39||Season 26, Ep. 98August Book Club Pick!! You might know bestselling author Matthew Quick from his blockbuster hit Silver Linings Playbook, which became an Academy Award-winning film. Now we not only get a behind-the-scenes look at his personal life, but also his professional struggles, something most accomplished authors don’t open up about.Matthew shares what happened after Hollywood lost interest and how he dealt with it. He faced many demons in his attempts to cope with his difficult childhood, particularly his volatile relationship with his father, from alcohol to excessive exercise. The writing is exceptional. The honesty? Next level. It's midlife reinvention at its finest.Join us for a virtual Q&A book club on August 13th at 7:00 pm. Register here!
97. Bruce Holsinger, CULPABILITY
22:49||Season 26, Ep. 97Obsessed. Super obsessed. Can’t stop talking about this book and recommending it. I have to admit, my mother is the one who finally got me to read it. Apparently, Oprah selecting it last year paled in comparison to my mom! Culpability raises all sorts of questions about ethics, secrets, AI, family loyalties, success, and love. Bruce Holsinger and I discussed all of it, including how he completely rewrote this novel based on one car ride.
96. Daniel Silva, RANSOM
25:18||Season 26, Ep. 96I can’t stop thinking about my interview with #1 New York Times bestselling author Daniel Silva. Not only did we discuss the themes in his latest book Ransom (and his wife!), but we covered how he feels about the fact that men aren’t reading anymore. He discusses how women are all over the bestseller list right now and his concern going forward. Curious what you all think!
95. Jean Kwok, DOMINION
13:37||Season 26, Ep. 95Jean Kwok ventured into writing fantasy after her own divorce, which we discuss, in addition to how she grew up working in sweatshops in Chinatown and ended up at Harvard. Jean, a Read with Jenna pick, is one of the most effusive, lovely authors who is constantly lifting others up.
94. Jo Piazza, THE PARISIAN HEIST
22:40||Season 26, Ep. 94You know who was probably excited when masked robbers invaded the Louvre? Just kidding. But Jo Piazza’s novel The Parisian Heist couldn’t be more timely! Hear from mega-bestselling author and host of Under the Influence Jo Piazza as we discuss the other Jo—Jo van Gogh, art, her own love of art history, forgotten women, and twisty reads.
93. Rachel Beanland, THE HALF LIFE
19:53||Season 26, Ep. 93This is the third book I’ve interviewed Rachel Beanland about; I just love her writing. Did you know she won the National Jewish Book Award for debut fiction for Florence Adler Swims Forever? In The Half Life, she takes us to Sardinia into the military world where one young woman finds her way. We spoke about Rachel’s late father, her own experience growing up on military bases, how to really figure out who you are, and more. Rachel will be at our Naples Book Lovers Retreat January 22-24, 2027. Learn more about that here.