Episodes
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In this special wrap up episode, my dear friend Jeannie returns to help me close out this very exciting year. I share about my reading life, my favorite recommendations, and how the podcast has changed so much for me.
Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community!
Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Jeannie on Instagram @reidallday
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In today's episode, I am joined by Simon Van Booy. Simon is the award-winning, bestselling author of more than a dozen books for adults and children, including The Illusion of Separateness, The Presence of Absence, and his most recent novel, Sipsworth. Simon is also the editor of three volumes of philosophy and has written for The New York Times, The Financial Times, The Washington Post, and the BBC. His books have been translated into many languages and optioned for film. Raised in rural North Wales, he currently lives in New York where he is also a book editor and a volunteer E.M.T. crew chief.
In our conversation, we discuss Sipsworth and Simon's writing process but mostly we just talk about life, parenting, and mice. It was an absolute thrill to spend time with the author who wrote my most memorable read of the year.
Order SIPSWORTH here
Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Simon on Instagram @simonvanbooy
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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On this bonus episode of Meg's Reading Room, Mommy Meg reads SANTA MOUSE & MORTIMER'S CHRISTMAS MANGER.
Our family wishes yours a very Merry Christmas!
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In today's episode, I am joined by Mindy Nichols Wendell. Mindy is a wife, mother, and grandmother (of 5!) living in New York. Mindy spent more than thirty years teaching writing, literature, and poetry in a college classroom. She is now the debut middle grade author of LIGHT AND AIR.
In our conversation, we discuss her beautiful book -- the inspiration behind it and her process for writing it. Mindy also shares some of the books that have shaped her reading life, why historical fiction is important for young readers, and what her life looks like in this season.
I wish I could pop over to Mindy's house for a cup of honey water. She is so encouraging and inspires me in countless ways. I know you will love our conversation -- especially if you have a dream of writing your own story someday!
Mentioned in this episode:
Light and AirEverything is TuberculosisA Place to Hang the MoonConnect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Mindy on Instagram @mnwendell
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In today's episode, I am joined by Jeannie. Jeannie is a wife, a mother, a former educator, a current worship director, and a devoted reader.
In our conversation, we discuss the books Jeannie loves to read and recommend, what she looks for in a good book, her recent reading life epiphany (gotta have the meat and potatoes!), and our shared love for The Bookshelf.
I love following along with Jeannie's reading life. She is so fun and so loving and I am so grateful to call her my friend.
Mentioned in this episode:
Peace Like a RiverShark HeartMercuryDemon CopperheadFerrisThe Hotel BalzaarThe Watsons Go To BirminghamSame As It Ever WasAll the Colors of the DarkThe Mythmakers12 Tiny ThingsMiddle Grade Matters Podcast / Kate DiCamilloComfort of CrowsConnect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Jeannie on Instagram @reidallday
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In today's episode, I am joined by Sarah E. Westfall. Sarah is a mother, podcast host (Human Together), and lifelong writer. We discuss Sarah's book, The Way of Belonging and why "belonging is not something to attain, but someone to become." Sarah also shares some of the books that have shaped her life, the books she's enjoying now, and what her life looks like in this season.
It was such an honor and a joy to spend time with her and I can't wait to share our conversation with you.
You can order her beautiful book here: The Way of Belonging
Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Sarah on Instagram @sarah_westfall
www.sarahewestfall.com
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In today's episode, I am joined by Amy. Amy is a wife, a mother of two children (and 2 dachshunds), a teacher, and an avid reader living in Virginia. Her bookstagram, @livingwellread, is one of my favorites to follow for so many reasons.
In our conversation, we discuss the beauty of living a well read life. Amy shares some of the books she's enjoying, how audiobooks and films can help with reading classic literature, and also some great advice for living within your bookish season.
I truly adore Amy's heart and reading life and can't wait for you to meet her.
Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Amy on Instagram @livingwellread
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In today's episode, I am joined by Kate (@thesaltybookworm). She is the Manager/Events Coordinator and Bookseller at Thunder Road Books (@thunderroadbooks) in Spring Lake, New Jersey. Kate is a mom to her fur babies, a cancer survivor, and an incredible cheerleader for books and authors.
In our conversation, we discuss all things books and what it's really like to run a bookstore. I also ask Kate how she ended up in a James Patterson book! The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians
We had so much fun chatting and shared too many titles to list here so please contact Kate at Thunder Road Books to order anything you heard mentioned. Kate can also help you pick just the right book for your own reading taste.
Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Kate on Instagram @thesaltybookworm
Follow Thunder Road Books on Instagram @thunderroadbooks
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Welcome to my Reading Room!
In today's episode, I had the absolute delight of speaking with debut author, Anna Johnston about her wonderful book THE BORROWED LIFE OF FREDERICK FIFE. We also discussed the importance of positive aging, the power of kindness, and how Anna is making room for herself during this busy and exciting season. It was such an honor to spend time with Anna and I am so excited to share our conversation with you. We need kindness more than ever.
Top 10 Library Reads Pick
Zibby Books Most Anticipated Reads List
Mentioned in this episode:
The Borrowed Life of Frederick FifeThe Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold FryMaureen: A Harold Fry NovelLula Dean's Little Library of Banned BooksTilda Is VisibleLenny Marks Gets Away with MurderThe Last Love NotePictures of YouConnect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Anna on Instagram @annajohnstonauthor
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Let's take a few moments to quiet the noise, calm our hearts, and breathe together.
The Peace of Wild Things, Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Will on Instagram @willthereader
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Welcome to my Reading Room!
In today's episode, I am checking in to share what my life looks like right now, what I've been reading and loving, and what is bringing me joy. Thank you for being here. I am so grateful for your support and encouragement.
Mentioned in this episode:
Shauna Niequist SubstackThe Golden BacheloretteDancing With The StarsThe Great British Baking OffPBS NewsHourMrs. Quinn's Rise to FameThe Hotel BalzaarFrom Here to the Great UnknownA Bit MuchThe Simple Faith of Mister RogersCelebrate Every DayConnect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In today's episode, I am joined by Will (@willthereader). Will is a reader, writer, husband to @annmariereads, and cat dad living in rural Tennessee. He has been serving in full-time ministry for 20 years.
In our conversation, we discuss how living and serving in a small town affects Will’s reading, writing, and ministry. Will also shares why he loves reading quiet stories and why bearing witness to goodness matters. Our conversation helped me take a much-needed deep breath. I hope it brings peace to your day, too.
Mentioned in this episode:
GileadThe HoursWendell BerryMcKAY'sElizabeth StroutFredrik BackmanConnect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Will on Instagram @willthereader
Connect with Ann Marie on Instagram @annmariereads
Subscribe to Will’s Substack
Will Norrid Writes
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In today's episode, I am joined by Beth Anne (@bookworm_baggins). Beth Anne is a mother of 5, book lover, bookstagrammer, and the new COO/ Marketing Director of Owl's Nest Publishers.
In our conversation, we discuss Beth Anne's love for reading and publishing the hidden gems, how she's balancing her many roles, and why she loves a good mystery. It was so fun to get to know Beth Anne and learn more about the publishing world. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.
Mentioned in this episode:
The Hardy BoysThe HobbitMiddle Grade Matters Podcast / Kate DiCamilloThe Hotel BalzaarWe Solve MurdersThursday Murder ClubAnthony HorowitzLouise PennyThe Sherlock SocietyLes MiserablesRobyn Field / Peony Watercolor's Wish for Sun and MoonCandle Wick TrimmerConnect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Beth Anne on Instagram @bookworm_baggins
Follow Owl's Nest Publishers
Subscribe to the Owl's Nest Podcast
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In today's episode, I am joined by Jen (@jensreadinglife). Jen is a mom, voracious reader, and lover of all things cozy. In our conversation, we discuss why Jen decided to create a Booktube channel, why she loves books with staying power, and why reading what you love really matters. Jen's delightful reading life influences and inspires my own in countless ways. I can't wait for you to meet her.
Mentioned in this episode:
Kate HoweGina StanyerMiranda MillsAgatha ChristiePersephone BooksDean Street Press Furrowed MiddlebrowCharlotte's WebRalph S. MouseThe One and Only IvanOne School One BookTreasure IslandHarry Potter Vanity FairDE StevensonConnect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Jen on Instagram @jensreadinglife
Follow Jen's Reading Life on YouTube
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In today's episode, I am joined by Robyn Field. Robyn is a mom to two little boys (and 1 on the way!) and middle grade author living in Georgia. Robyn's debut middle grade novel, PEONY WATERCOLOR'S WISH FOR SUN AND MOON was published by Owl's Nest Publishers in August 2024. In our conversation, we discuss Robyn's new book and how we are both doing our best to find magic in the margins and the mess.
I loved spending time with Robyn. She is so kind and relatable and I know our conversation will resonate with so many of you.
Mentioned in this episode:
Peony Watercolor's Wish for Sun and MoonOwl's Nest PublishingLaura Ingalls WilderA Place to Hang the MoonThe GiverThe Legend of GreyhallowElla EnchantedLittle WomenThe Lord of the RingsThe HobbitCultivate What Matters plannerConnect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Robyn on Instagram @robynfieldwriting
Order Peony Watercolor's Wish for Sun and Moon
www.robynfieldauthor.com
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In today's episode, I am joined by Erin. Erin is the Online Sales Manager at The Bookshelf in Thomasville, GA. She is also a mother of 4 young children and an avid reader. In our conversation, we discuss our love of audiobooks and how being a bookseller and a busy mother affects Erin's personal reading life. Knowing Erin is a gift to my reading life and my whole life. I know you will love what she has to share.
Mentioned in this episode:
The Bookshelf From the Front PorchShelf SubscriptionsLibby AppLibroFMBoats on the BayScrambled EggsMargo's Got Money TroublesI Cheerfully RefuseThe UndercurrentThe President's LawyerTell Me EverythingGolden BacheloretteConnect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Erin on Instagram @erinpfielding
Follow The Bookshelf on Instagram @bookshelftville
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In today's episode, I am joined by Annie. Annie is a mother, teacher, runner, and lifelong reader. In our conversation, we discuss how to live and read within your own life season. If you're in the thick of parenting young children like I am, Annie's experience and encouragement will be especially comforting.
Mentioned in this episode:
What Should I Read Next? (Episode 391)Anne BogelFrom the Front PorchThe Wild RobotWest with GiraffesSilent Book ClubConnect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Annie on Instagram @anniemccloskey422
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In today's episode, I am joined by Beth from Small Home Comforts. Beth is a mother, homemaker, homebody, and owner of Small Home Comforts. In our conversation, Beth and I discuss her reading life, the importance of comfort and hospitality, and all about Beth's delightful new bookish offering -- Small Home Comforts Book Box.
Mentioned in this episode:
Small Home ComfortsSHC Book BoxMiranda MillsJen's Reading LifeSally ClarksonBetsy-TacyUnderstood BetsyLittle WomenGeorgette HeyerD.E.A.R. DayConnect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
Connect with Beth on Instagram @smallhomecomforts
Connect with Beth on Facebook @smallhomecomforts
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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I couldn't let Mary Oliver's birthday go by without a special episode to honor her. I hope these few moments together can bring some extra peace to your week.
Mentioned in this episode:
Mary OliverA Path With Heart, Jack KornfieldThe Summer Day, Mary OliverConnect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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Welcome to my Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here with me.
In today's episode, I am joined by my Librarian Husband as he asks me questions about my reading life. You'll hear why I started the podcast, how my reading journey began, how it's going now, and even a bookish hot-take! ;)
Mentioned in this episode:
The Baby-Sitters ClubSweet Valley High / Sweet Valley TwinsThe Bookshelf Shelf SubscriptionsFrom the Front Porch PatreonFrom the Front Porch PodcastLibby AppRead with JennaThe StoryGraphIna Garten / Be Ready When Luck HappensKelly Bishop / The Third Gilmore GirlBarnes and NobleConnect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom
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Music credit: Clavin Clavier
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