Episódios
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Hello Libration Nation! This week, we're diving into a beautifully heartwarming poetry collection, Dog Songs by the illustrious Mary Oliver. Joining me is the wonderful Amanda Sue Creasey, a high school English teacher and the Outdoors Writer for Cooperative Living Magazine. Her novel An Expected Endwas published in 2023. She holds an undergraduate degree in German, English, and Secondary Education from Michigan State University, and a graduate degree in Creative Writing from the University of Denver.
Her work appears in three Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and her poetry, outdoor journalism, and nature photography have earned recognition from the Poetry Society of Virginia and Virginia Outdoor Writers Association.
When she isn’t writing, she enjoys hiking, walking, and standup paddle boarding with her dogs, as well as running and reading. A member of James River Writers, the Poetry Society of Virginia, and Virginia Outdoor Writers Association, she resides in Chester, Virginia, with her husband; Archie the parrot; and two rescue dogs, Nacho and Soda, chihuahua mix littermates who rule the house.
Our beverage for this literary evening is a delightful choice—the refreshing Choice Organics peppermint tea. It’s perfect for winding down in the evening and complements our discussion about the meditative nature of Mary Oliver's work. Though we tossed around several options, including coffee, peppermint tea won out as the ideal calming companion to poetry—offering warmth and comfort as we settled into our discussion.
Mary Oliver's deep connection to nature is another theme we touch on. In "Dog Songs," Oliver beautifully links the nature of dogs to our human experience, inviting us to embrace the interconnectedness of all living things—a reflection that is both contemporary and timeless. For those who are grieving the loss of a dog or simply cherish the companionship of their canine friends, "Dog Songs" serves as a comforting reminder that such bonds are both profound and eternal.
Choice Organic Peppermint Tea
In this Episode
An Unexpected End by Amanda Sue Creasey
Explore More Column by Amanda Sue Creasey for Cooperative Living Magazine
Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Knowby Alexandra Horowitz
Earthly Bodies by Vanessa Chakour
Not MFA novel writing class by Matt Cricchio
The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Sarah Good
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Welcome back Libration Nation! This week, we're delving into a classic piece of Southern writing with The Prince of Tides by the remarkable Pat Conroy. My guest this week is the amazing, award winning author, Laura Elliott, who I had the pleasure of interviewing while we both were attending the Virginia Library Association Conference last month. Laura really helped us hit a home run with tying the drink in, because she owns a copy of Pat Conroy’s cookbook, and shared with me the recipe for Pat Conroy’s Iced Fruit tea!
Laura shared with me the ways that Pat Conroy impacted her writing, particularly her historical fiction novel Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waveswhich is set in tidewater Virginia and also won the Virginia Library Association Cardinal Cup Award in 2023. Listening to Laura talk about the historical events that framed her story while looking out at the water of Norfolk, realizing how close we were to where those events occurred, is something I don’t think I’ll ever get over
Laura, also known L. M. Elliott was an award-winning, Washington-based magazine journalist, primarily covering women’s issues, before becoming a New York Times best-selling author of historical and biographical fiction. Her novels explore a variety of eras (the Italian Renaissance, American Revolution, Great Depression, WWII, and the Cold War), and are written for a variety of ages.
These works have won the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, VLA's Cardinal Cup, and the Grateful American Book Prize; and been named NCSS/CBC Notables (National Council of Social Studies/Children’s Book Council), Bank Street College of Education Best Books, Kirkus Bests, Jr. Library Guild Gold Selections, and received many starred reviews. Elliott holds a BA from Wake Forest University and a master’s in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is a lifelong Virginian and history-lover.
Laura Elliott shares a touching recount of her personal encounter with Pat Conroy, capturing his gracious spirit and the profound impact he had on her craft. Their conversation, much like Conroy's novels, was rich with storytelling and an appreciation for the nuances of human experience. In discussing "The Prince of Tides," Laura elaborates on the intricate themes and Southern settings that Conroy brings to life. The novel’s protagonist, Tom Wingo, narrates a saga interwoven with familial struggles, the haunting legacy of mental illness, and the eternal tug of the natural world against societal constraints. Conroy's narrative prowess shines through as he paints vivid, albeit sometimes tragic, tapestries of life in the South. Laura segues this conversation into reflections on her own works, particularly her upcoming book Truth, Lies, and Questions in Between, showcasing how her journalistic roots and Conroy's influence weave into her storytelling style.
Our conversation was not just about storytelling but also about the power of narratives to heal and connect. Books, like the tea we shared, offer a therapeutic escape—a thread of connection through time. As we hold onto these stories, let's remember how they can offer clarity in our storms, much like the stars guiding characters in Laura's story.
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with friends, leave us your thoughts, and subscribe for more enriching discussions. Until next time, keep your tea iced and your bookshelf stocked!
Pat Conroy’s Iced Fruit Tea (makes 3 quarts)
4 tea bags
1 lemon
1 orange, sliced, plus more for garnish
1/2 pint strawberries or raspberries, plus more for garnish
1 cup cubed fresh pineapple, plus more for garnish
1. Place the tea bags in a large heatproof pitcher. Using a vegetable peeler or small paring knife, remove the rind from the lemon, being careful not to include any of the bitter white pith. Cut into strips and reserve. Juice the lemon and reserve.
2. In a kettle, bring 10 cups fresh, cold water to a rolling boil. Pour over tea bags and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your preference. Remove the tea bags and discard. Add the lemon rind, lemon juice, and other fruits. Refrigerate overnight.
3. Strain the fruit from the tea and discard. Pour the tea over ice cubes and garnish with a pineapple cube, an orange slice, or a strawberry.
In this Episode
Laura’s Website
Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves by LM Elliott
Truth, Lies, and the Questions in Between by LM Elliott
Southern Festival of the Book
Boozy Booksellers
Pat Conroy Cookbook
Great Santini by Pat Conroy
My Episode with Lisa Varga, VLA director and Library Journal’s 2024 Librarian of the Year
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Hello, Libration Nation! This week, we're diving into the vibrant world of "Paper Girls," an imaginative comic series by Brian K. Vaughn with artwork by Cliff Chiang. This series, which intertwines coming-of-age narratives with sci-fi elements, is a thrilling ride that takes us through time travel and interwoven destinies.
Joining me this week is comedian and bookseller Mary Jane French. Mary Jane has been performing Stand-up since she was 18-years-old. After starting her gender transition, she began cultivating material that captured her early experiences with transition and recorded it in a home-made special entitled Mary Jane French: Bearded Woman. Currently Mary Jane is producing comedy shows in Richmond, VA with Traverse Comedy.
This week, we indulged in a delightful drink choice: a warm, soothing apple cider, which is perfect as we slip further in our fall season, it’s a bit of a play on words, as Mary Jane explains, Apple products play a quirky role in the series. While ours was the classic non-alcoholic version, we can't forget to mention that apple ciders can be easily personalized with a splash of your favorite spirit, or simply enjoyed with a cinnamon stick for a spicy twist.
As always, if you enjoyed our lively discussion and want to help us grow our community, please share, like, review, and subscribe wherever you tune into our episodes. We appreciate your support and look forward to bringing more exciting conversations your way!
In this Episode
Garden Grove Brewing in Carytown
Bottoms Up Pizza in Shockoe Bottom
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina series
Saga Series by Brian K Vaughn
Something’s Killing the Children series
Papergirls TV Show
Traverse Comedy
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It's Spooky Season Libration Nation! In this spine-tingling episode, I'm joined by Grace Todd, fellow Richmond podcast host of the "Didn't Read It" podcast, to delve into Shirley Jackson's chilling classic, The Haunting of Hill House. Over Dark Manhattans, we uncover the eerie atmosphere of Hill House, its unsettling characters, and ghostly legacies. Grace shares her deep connection to the novel, analyzing themes of female empowerment, queer undertones, and the metaphorical menace of family structures. We also touch on Jackson's other works and Grace's latest horror series on her podcast. Perfect for horror enthusiasts and fans of eerie literature, this episode offers a blend of humor and spooky insights. Cheers to a frightfully good time!
Grace is an intermittent editor, book gremlin, and aspiring failed novelist. While her MFA in creative writing primarily served to exacerbate both her single-minded obsession with fiction and her dubious mental health, it did give her an excuse to lose herself in books when she should have been doing her day job, for which she is thankful. The book piles in her house are becoming more perilous and less structurally sound by the day.
We recorded this episode in Grace's studio at the Black Iris Social Club, which was so cool, and features a bar where Brett, their charming barkeep, poured us Dark Manhattans, which are delicious with the spice of danger!
Dark Manhattan Recipe
2 oz Cynar
1 oz rye whiskey
1 oz Amaro (Brett made ours with Amaro y Arroyo from the Virginia distillery Copper Fox)
Dash of orange bitters
Garnish - Luxardo Dark Cherries
Serve on ice or stir and shake into a chilled glass - enjoy!
In this Episode
The Haunting of Hill House TV Show
The Haunting (1960s Jackson-sanctioned film version)
We Have Always Lived in the Castle Film
Books by Shirley Jackson
The Shirley Jackson Awards
Thoughts on Shirley Jackson and Queerness
Shirley Jackson's NYT Obituary (not mentioned in the episode but very interesting nonetheless)
Shirley (Elizabeth Moss film)
Didn't Read It episode on Shirley Film
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Hello Libration Nation! In this podcast episode, I'm excited to discuss The Rose Code by Kate Quinn with my cousin Christine O'Brien—a nurse, wife, fur-mom, and avid reader. We'll delve into the lives of female codebreakers at Bletchley Park during WWII, exploring their friendships, struggles, and key plot twists. Christine shares her insights on the serious tone of the novel and its historical significance, making it a great pick for book clubs. Join us for this enriching conversation paired with a delightful rosé from Christine's wine club, Armitage. Cheers!
Drink Pairing
Pinot Noir Rosé from Armitage Wines
In this Episode
Bletchley Park
Olsa Benning
Armitage Wines -
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Kate Quinn’s Wikipedia Page
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In this episode, we are discussing Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott, a novel originally published in 1929 and a fascinating account of the experiences of women during the Jazz age. I'm joined by Juliana Soltis, an internationally acclaimed cellist, to discuss the book's continued relevance and its portrayal of female independence during the Jazz Age, akin to a 'Sex and the City' for that era. We also shed light on Parrott's obscured legacy in contrast to Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby.' Moreover, Juliana speaks about her new album American Woman, which highlights lost works by female composers, underscoring the importance of preserving and celebrating women's contributions to art and culture. We wrap up with a tasty note, enjoying a non-alcoholic gin fizz themed to the novel, reflecting Prohibition-era cocktail culture
Juliana Soltis is an internationally-acclaimed cellist, specializing in telling the forgotten stories of classical music. Her latest release from PARMA Recordings, American Woman, explores the lost legacy of America's women composers and is now streaming across all platforms. When not on the road or in the recording studio, Juliana makes her home in Richmond's historic Church HIll neighborhood, where she caters to the every whim of her two greyhounds, Rain and Ceci.
Gin Fizz Recipe
2 ounces gin (We used Monday NA Gin)
1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
3/4 ounce simple syrup
1 egg white (about 1/2 ounce)
Club soda, to top (about 1 ounce)
Directions
Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white to a shaker and vigorously dry-shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds.
Add 3 or 4 ice cubes and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Double-strain into a chilled Collins glass and top with club soda.
In this Episode
Juliana Soltis’ Website
American Woman Album
Becoming the Ex-Wife by Dr. Marsha Gordon (Ursula Parrott’s Biography)
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Presentation by Dr. Marsha Gordon on Ursula Parrott (we didn’t discuss this in the episode but I found it absolutely fascinating!)
Bright Lights Big City by Jay McInerney
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This week we are discussing The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson, a thrilling account of Winston Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister of the UK, and some of the darkest moments for England and Allied forces. My guest is Helen Gabay from Richmond, Virginia. She's the mom of an awesome 12-year-old boy, Charlie, and married to Tim, aka "Mr. Fix-it," a talented local contractor. Helen leads a skilled sales team at a major IT advisory company and enjoys working with some of the brightest minds in technology.
Her passions include reading, travel, and history. She studied Political Science, English, and History at The George Washington University. Known for reading obsessively about her travel destinations, Helen often takes her family on walking tours during vacations. In 2020, she had planned a trip to England that fell through, but soon after, she became captivated by Erik Larson’s masterful narrative non-fiction The Splendid and the Vile. Since then, she’s visited London and many of Winston Churchill's historical sites.
Our drink this week is a Gin Gimlet made with Plymouth Gin, which was Churchill’s preferred gin! Helen served the drinks in classic coupe glasses, which was so fun, fancy, and authentic to the story!
Gin Gimlet (with Plymouth Gin)
2 oz. Plymouth Gin Navy Strength
1 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. part simple syrup
Shake with ice and strain.*
*Helen’s tip: When serving in coupe glasses, fill them with ice water and let them sit for a few minutes to serve cold!
In this Episode
Gin Gimlet invented by Royal Navy to prevent scurvy
Books by Erik Larson
Walking with Destiny by Andrew Roberts (Churchill’s biography)
Washington Post criticism of The Splendid and the Vile
Expo: The Magic of the White City (Documentary on 1893 World’s Fair)
Sliding Doors Film
WWII Films
Darkest Hour Film
Pearl Harbor Film
Dunkirk Film
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Hello Libration Nation! Ready to go back to the 90s? Today, we're talking about one of the defining books of a generation: Generation X by Douglas Coupland. I'm joined by David How—father, husband, music lover, and proud Canadian 🇨🇦. David shared how this book shaped his life, his love of music, and what it was like coming of age during that unforgettable era. So grab your own drink, settle in, and let’s dive into a conversation that’s all about nostalgia, music, and the power of storytelling.
We're cracking open a classic Canadian drink, a beer and clam🍺, but I chatted with a few of you on Threads and you let me know they can also be called a Red Eye or a Clameye🍅. No matter what you call it, crack open a Molson’s, pour a shot of Clamato in, and sip along with us!
Beer and Clam Drink
Molson’s Canadian Beer
1 shot Clamato
Optional: worcestershire sauce pepper, celery salt, lime
In this Episode
Reality Bites film
Say Anything film
Singles film
BBC Bookclub interview with Douglas Coupland
Roy Lichtenstein artist
Books by Chuck Klosterman
Music
Older:
Talking Heads
Nirvana
The Pixies
Weezer
Green Day
Modern:
MJ Lenderman
Alvvays
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I had an amazing chat with Katie Dolan about “The Midwife” by Jennifer Worth, the book that inspired the TV show “Call the Midwife”. We dived into all things birthing, motherhood, and the magic of community.
Katie dove into her birthing and mothering experiences, the book's rich historical backdrop of East End, London, after WWII, and how media shapes our views on childbirth. We also celebrated the incredible importance of building and cherishing our communities.
Katie is a long-time resident of Bon Air, Virginia, balancing life as a mother of (soon-to-be) six children and wife to one! A lover of all things literature, she’s an avid reader across genres. Currently, Katie is taking a break from her work as a postpartum doula to prepare for the arrival of baby number six.
Our drinks this week were from Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox our beloved Bon Air Coffee shop. Katie sipped on a Virginia Fog Tea, while I enjoyed an Iced Chai Latte, one of my favorite treats!
In this Episode
Call the Midwife TV show
Article by David Books “Communities of Character”
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For the dog lovers of Libration Nation, have we got the episode for you! This week, we are discussing Abigail Thomas’s memoir, A Three Dog Life which documents her experience living with her husband after his traumatic brain injury.
"The startling power and beauty of Abigail Thomas's memoir comes not only from her acute perceptions of a man without memories and her fear of losing her husband but from her refusal to surrender the shards of a loving relationship."-- O, the Oprah Magazine
I’m joined this week by Joyce A. Miller, a writer living in the Church Hill section of Richmond, VA. She has written and indie-published two books: Joe Harris, the Moon, historical fiction based on the true story of Miller’s granduncle who played baseball in the 1910s and 1920s, and Look! You’re Dancing: A Memoir of Dogs, Dance and Devotion, which chronicles Miller’s journey of adopting six greyhounds over the past twenty years and how she danced with several of them. Miller is also a member of James River Writers. Before she started writing, Miller worked for over thirty years as a mechanical designer at a nuclear physics laboratory.
As Abigail Thomas loved her home city of Manhattan as well as the drink, we thought it was a perfect pairing with this book!
Manhattan Recipe
2 ounces rye whiskey
1 ounce sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Garnish: brandied cherry (or lemon twist, if preferred)
In this Episode
Joyce’s Website (with links to books, newsletter)
James River Greyhounds
Gari Melcher Website (and Corinne!)
James River Writers
Greyhound Health Initiative
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Calling all #librationnation leaders! This week we are discussing the groundbreaking book for managers, “First Break All the Rules” By Marcus Buckingham with Ira Holliday. Husband, father, avid golfer and business strategist are several of the key attributes used to describe Ira Holliday. With over 25 years of Fortune 200 experience in the areas of digital transformation, HR services and agile delivery, Ira has amassed quite the collection of business and leadership-focused authors within his library, including “First Break All The Rules, a New York Times bestseller.
Our drink this week is a Smoked Old Fashioned, which Ira introduced to me, which is a traditional old fashioned but finished using a smoker kit, which gives it an additional layer, perfect for fall.
Old Fashioned Recipe
1 teaspoon sugar
3 dashes Angostura bitters
1 teaspoon water
2 ounces bourbon (or rye whiskey, if preferred)
Garnish: orange twist
In This Episode
Cocktail Smokers
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Gen Z and Millennials visit the library more than older generations
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What if I told you that your entire life boils down to just 4,000 weeks? Oliver Burkeman's Four Thousand Weeks will change the way you think about how you spend your time, and this is the exact topic of the amazing conversation I had with Rebecca Schinsky from BookRiot!
Rebecca Schinsky is the Chief of Staff for Riot New Media Group, which runs Book Riot, the largest independent publication covering books and the publishing industry in North America. With over 15 years of experience working in the bookish internet, Rebecca is an expert in building communities and products that enrich readers' lives and promote literary culture. Outside of work, she's passionate about travel, cooking and baking, movies, meditation, and the power of a nice, long walk.
I was so thrilled when Rebecca agreed to come on the podcast! I've been a longtime listener of the Book Riot Podcast, which she co-hosts with Jeff O’Neal. It’s one of my favorite listens, and I’ve learned so much about the book and publishing universe from it. I actually first heard about Four Thousand Weeks from Rebecca talking about it on the Book Riot Podcast, so it was a full-circle moment to discuss it with her.
Our drink this week is one of Rebecca’s favorites: a Manhattan. It was the perfect drink to sip on while we explored all the amazing ideas in this book!
Manhattan Recipe
2 ounces rye whiskey
1 ounce sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Garnish: brandied cherry (or lemon twist, if preferred)
In this episode
BookRiot
BookRiot Podcast
Oliver Burkeman’s Website
OliverBurkeman Books
Edelweiss and NetGalley (digital galleys for booksellers, librarians etc.)
Booklist Magazine
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Good Morrow Libration Nation! This week we are LIVING in Henry VIII’s court, delving deeply into Hilary Mantel's historical novel, Wolf Hall Exploring the complex character of Thomas Cromwell, the historical context of Henry VIII's reign, and Mantel's meticulous attention to historical accuracy.
My guest this week is Valerie Adachi. Valerie is a self-proclaimed bookworm who even enjoyed reading cereal boxes as a kid, she reminisces over the tactile joy of spreading the New York Times across her kitchen table.
Recently completing a second master's degree out of sheer curiosity, she embodies a passion for continuous learning and personal growth. Her love for finding and trying new recipes has even inspired her son to become a skilled cook and baker. Adventure always seems to be around the corner for her, often appearing spontaneous but rooted in long-percolating ideas—like the decision to add a new puppy to her already bustling pack, turning her quiet life topsy-turvy.
Beyond her love for dogs, she thrives on live music, good food and drink shared with family and friends, and the thrill of knowing that adventure is always nearby, maybe we a cozy reading spot.
We paired the book with a Whiskey Neat, we drank Oak & Eden Toasted Oak Bourbon & Spire Whiskey - absolutely delicious and pair perfectly with the moodiness of the story.
In this Episode
New York Time’s List of the 100 best books of the 21st century
Virago Spirits (Richmond gin distillery Valerie mentions)
Beacon Mercantile
A Man for All Seasons
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Welcome to another episode Libration Nation! Today, we're diving deep into the surreal and thought-provoking world of Victor Pelevin's "Generation P," also known as "Homo Zapiens" in English. Joining us is Pelevin aficionado Dr. Albert Arias, and we unravel the complex tapestry of post-Soviet Russia's chaotic transition to capitalism, examining the Western cultural invasion and the profound philosophical layers infused with Buddhism and spirituality that Pelevin navigates in his works We'll also chatter about the intriguing film adaptation, the psychedelic journeys depicted in the narrative, and the eerie foresight of fictional leaders born from deep fakes.
Dr. Arias is a graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine (2001), and he completed his residency in psychiatry as well as a master’s degree in clinical and translational research at the University of Connecticut Health Center. He was on the faculty at UCONN School of Medicine and then went on to be a faculty member at Yale University School of Medicine for 7 years in the department of psychiatry before joining VCU in 2018 as an associate professor and the Associate Division Chair for Addiction Psychiatry. He is the current President of the Psychiatric Society of Virginia.
Dr. Arias’ current research focuses on studying the effects of medications on mood disorders and addictions.
We paired the book with Moscow Mules as a tie-in with the author’s home country.
Moscow Mule*
.5 ounce lime juice
2 ounces vodka
4 fluid ounces ginger beer, or to taste
Lime wedge for garnish
*Not required, but generally served in a copper cup
In this episode
Books by Victor Pelevin
Victor Pelevin, Russia’s most mysterious modern writer
Film Adaptation
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Welcome back, Libration Nation! Today, we're diving into the timeless world of Judy Blume's "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." Joining me is the my fellow librarian Jess Harshbarger, as we explore the impact of this iconic coming-of-age story. From touching on friendship, puberty, and identity, to discussing its still-relevant themes 50 years after publication, we’ve got it all covered. Pour yourself a “Blue GigiRita” and enjoy the conversation! 🎧📚🍹
Jess is a library branch manager and has worked in public libraries for the last 18 years. She is a Virginia native but has also spent time in Arizona, North Carolina and Ohio. She is married with two children and three dogs. Her favorite pastime is listening to live music and dreams of competing on a music trivia show one day. In the last five years she has embraced her inner artist. Her style fits best in abstract realism and she mostly uses acrylic medium. She posts under Whimsical Wallflower on Facebook and Whimsical Wallflower Art on instagram, although with her ADHD she admittedly has a hard time keeping up with posts.
Blue GigiRita
1 oz Grand Marnier
1 oz Blue Curaçao
2 oz Tequila
1 oz Simple Syrup or Agave
.5 oz Lime Juice
Add salt if you want!
In this Episode
Books by Judy Blume
Judy Blume Documentary
ALA’s Banned Books
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“The Limit Does Not Exist!”
Calling all Mathletes! This week we are talking about the troubled life of mathematician Milo Andret, the protagonist and anti-hero of Ethan Canin’s book "A Daughter’s Almanac". This book is a favorite of my guest, Marty Mooradian.
When Marty isn’t selling apartment complexes with Colliers International, he’s acting in plays and tv commercials, producing electronic dance music and living his best life as the most well known “Dining Room DJ” in Bon Air. Marty has a passion for music and great writing and if he ever gets more time on his hands he’ll get back to making some of the best sour dough on the planet.
Seven and Seven Drink
2 ounces Seagram's 7 Crown Whiskey
4 to 6 ounces 7-Up soda, to taste
Lemon wedge, for garnish
In this Episode
Books by Ethan Canin
Khan Academy
Interview with Ethan Canin
What is a scorpion pepper?
Libby App for Libraries
Hoopla for Libraries
The Rent Collector by Cameron Wright
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This week we are reading a BOOK, and I mean that in the best possible way. The Book of Night Women by Booker Prize winner Marlon James is moving, heartbreaking, magical, and dark. It is also a favorite of this week’s guest, Elizabeth Klaczynski. Elizabeth is a public historian and a curator currently living in Richmond, Virginia. She blames the American Girls series for her love of both history and reading. Elizabeth usually has her head buried in a book, but you can also find her anywhere there is water or playing with her very spoiled fur babies.
This Week’s Drink
Equiano Rum - the first African and Caribbean rum distillery
In this Episode
Books by Marlon James
The Bitter Southerner
The Known World by Edward P. Jones
Rosenwald Schools Exhibition at VA Museum of History and Culture
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It’s Christmas in July! This week we are visiting the world of Narnia, where it is always Winter but never Christmas, at least until the Pevensie children get involved. This week’s guest is Erin Surber, Erin is an avid reader and an enthusiastic library patron. She has four children ages spanning 18 months to 9 years old. Erin has worked in the video production industry for 14 years and now hold the position of Head of Production for a Richmond-based production company. She loves being outside, hiking, running (slowly), and kayaking. Also very into cooking, traveling, and all things dark chocolate!
Our cocktail is staying on the Christmas theme with a Narnia 75, which I found on the FoodNetwork UK’s Christmas recipe page!
Narnia 75 Cocktail
25ml gin
1 tsp white sugar
10ml lime juice
100ml Champagne
In this Episode
Friendship of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien
Worthdays - Richmond area non-profit to support those impacted by the foster care system
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Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Because you are super hot!
Yes, this is a very corny way to start this post, but this week’s episode features the pod’s first romance novel, and it was recorded on a very HOT summer day. This weekI am talking about Always Only You by Chloe Liese with Sara Mueller. Sara is a library assistant manager and has been working in libraries for 11 years. An avid reader since she could learn to put words together, Sara loves sharing her passion for books with anyone who will listen. She is a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic who enjoys romance novels - the steamier the better - as well as thrillers, mysteries, and literary works. Sara is a plant mom with an ever growing brood of plant babies and often spends her free time at her favorite garden-center finding new plants to adopt. She dreams of one day owning an alpaca farm and having a personal library with its own rolling shelf ladder.
We paired the novel with Sangria, which you can really make so many ways, but here is my recipe for a pitcher to share with friends:
Sangria
1 bottle red wine
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brandy
1 Apple, chopped
1 Peach, chopped
I recommend letting it blend in the fridge for a few hours before serving so the fruit soaks up the liquid.
In this episode
Storygraph
Own Voices Books
Chloe Liese’ Website
Books by Helen Hoang
Books by Olivia Dade
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
Towards the end of the episode Sara and I discuss books that use Autism in characters as a plot device. As neither Sara or I have Autism, I wanted to share thoughts on this subject from someone who does.
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There is no getting around this: I was THRILLED when Lisa agreed to come on the podcast. Lisa is the Executive Director of the Virginia Library Association, immediate past chair of the Virginia Beach Public Library Board, and a member of the ALA Policy Corps focusing on Unite Against Book Bans. She also was named the LIBRARIAN OF THE YEAR 2024 by Library Journal, an award she won because of her advocacy in the fight against book bans. Lisa is a hero of mine, and I am also very grateful to call her my friend.
Our book this week is Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!: Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens by Kate Bowler. Lisa lives in Virginia Beach and we recorded at the beautiful OceanFront Marriott in Virginia Beach. I want to thank the staff of the Marriott for letting us record in their executive suite overlooking the ocean. Our drink this week is one Lisa recommends for a beach day, a Ruby Red Grapefruit Crush!
Ruby Red Grapefruit Crush Ingredients
4 oz (½ cup) grapefruit juice
1 oz (2 tablespoons) vodka
½ oz (1 tablespoon) triple sec (orange liqueur)
2 oz (¼ cup) lemon-lime soda or club soda
In This Episode
Unite Against Book Bans - https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/
Virginia Library Association - https://www.vla.org/
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Virginia Society of Association Executives
Everything Happens - Kate Bowler’s podcast
Gigi’s Episode on Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird
Rob Delaney’s Episode of Everything Happens
Catastrophe TV Show
Terrible, Thanks for Asking Podcast
The Hot Young Widows Club by Nora McInerny
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