Libro.fm Podcast

In the final episode of our first-ever Libro.fm Podcast Extravaganza, we interview author Steven Rowley. We discuss "The Guncle" and its sequel, themes of grief and humor in his books, his experience narrating his own audiobooks, and more. The episode concludes with the hosts discussing plans for Independent Bookstore Day. Photo credit: Afonso Salcedo READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get 2 extra free credits to use on any audiobooks. About Steven Rowley: Steven Rowley is the New York Times bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus, a Washington Post Notable Book of 2016, The Editor, named by NPR as one of the Best Books of 2019, The Guncle, a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for 2021 Novel of the Year and winner of the 22nd Thurber Prize for American Humor, and The Celebrants, a TODAY Show Read With Jenna Book Club pick. His fiction has been published in twenty languages. All of his books are in development for feature film or television adaptation. Read Steven’s books: The Guncle The Guncle Abroad The Celebrants Lily and the Octopus The Editor Books discussed on today's episode: Weetzie Bat by Francesca Block

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast Extravaganza, Craig and Karen interview Dr. Darcie Little Badger, author of "Elatsoe" and the prequel "Sheine Lende." Dr. Little Badger discusses her background as an oceanographer and her transition to full-time writing, the influence of her family on her work, and indigenous futurism. Photo: Bekah M. Photography READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get 2 extra free credits to use on any audiobooks. About Dr. Darcie Little Badger: Darcie Little Badger is a Lipan Apache writer with a PhD in oceanography. Her critically acclaimed debut novel, Elatsoe, was featured in Time Magazine as one of the best 100 fantasy books of all time. Elatsoe also won the Locus award for Best First Novel and is a Nebula, Ignyte, and Lodestar finalist. Her second fantasy novel, A Snake Falls to Earth, received a Nebula Award, an Ignyte Award, and a Newbery Honor and is on the National Book Awards longlist. Her third book, Sheine Lende, is the prequel to Elatsoe and will be published in 2024. Read Darcie’s books: Elatsoe Sheine Lende A Snake Falls to Earth Books discussed on today's episode: Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward The Grip of It by Jac Jemc James by Percival Everett

On today’s episode, we sat down with Pulitzer Prize-winning author of ‘Less,’ Andrew Sean Greer. We discuss how he approached writing the sequel ‘Less is Lost’, book recommendations, his favorite burrito in San Francisco, and what it's like to be a crossword clue and question on Jeopardy. Photo credit: Kaliel Roberts READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get 2 extra free credits to use on any audiobooks. About Andrew Sean Greer: Andrew Sean Greer is the author of seven works of fiction, including the bestsellers The Confessions of Max Tivoli and Less. Greer has taught at a number of universities, including Stanford and the Iowa Writers Workshop, been a TODAY show pick, a New York Public Library Cullman Center Fellow, a judge for the National Book Award, and a winner of the California Book Award and the New York Public Library Young Lions Award. He is the recipient of a NEA grant, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Read Andrew's books: Less is Lost Less The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells The Story of a Marriage Books discussed on today's episode: The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer Funny Story by Emily Henry

In this episode, we interview author Hanif Abdurraqib about his new book, "There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension," his writing process, and the themes of aging and mortality in his book. We also discuss his upcoming tour and the importance of place and community in his work, as well as his favorite style of french fry. Photo: Kate Sweeney (https://www.katesweeneyphotography.com) READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get 2 extra free credits to use on any audiobook. About Hanif Abdurraqib: Hanif Abdurraqib is a poet, essayist, and cultural critic from Columbus, Ohio, and the recipient of a MacArthur Foundation “Genius” grant. His most recent book, A Little Devil in America, was the winner of the Carnegie Medal and the Gordon Burns Prize and a finalist for the National Book Award. His first collection of essays, They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, was named one of the books of the year by NPR, Esquire, BuzzFeed, O: The Oprah Magazine, Pitchfork, and Chicago Tribune, among others. Read Hanif’s books: There's Always This Year They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us A Fortune For Your Disaster A Little Devil in America Books discussed on today's episode: The Apology by Jimin Han The Men Can't Be Saved by Ben Purkert Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange

Join Craig and Karen for the first ever Libro.fm Podcast Extravaganza, a week-long celebration of authors, narrators, booksellers, and more leading up to Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday April 27th, 2024! Stay tuned for conversations with authors Hanif Abdurraqib, Andrew Sean Greer, Darcie Little Badger, and Steven Rowley. Libro.fm also has a huge sale and Golden Ticket Giveaway this week—head over to https://libro.fm/ibd for more details. Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get 2 extra free credits to use on any audiobooks. READ TRANSCRIPT

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we sat down with S.A. Cosby, bestselling author of All the Sinners Bleed and Razorblade Tears. We discussed his background and inspiration for becoming a writer, as well as his experiences with growing up in the South and writing a middle-grade book with Questlove. Photo credit: From the author @leoking8473 READ TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. About S.A. Cosby: S. A. Cosby is an Anthony Award-winning writer from Southeastern Virginia. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller Razorblade Tears & Blacktop Wasteland, which won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, was a New York Times Notable Book, and was named a best book of the year by NPR, The Guardian, andLibrary Journal, among others. When not writing, he is an avid hiker and chess player. Read S.A. Cosby’s books: Razorblade Tears All the Sinners Bleed My Darkest Prayer Blacktop Wasteland The Rhythm of Time Books discussed on today's episode: Ozark Dogs Everybody Knows Beware the Woman Lowdown Road She’s Not Sorry Sociopath: A Memoir

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we sat down in person with Casey McQuiston, bestselling author of Red, White, and Royal Blue, One Last Stop, and I Kissed Shara Wheeler. We discussed audiobooks, their writing process, their upcoming novel ‘The Pairing,’ and what it was like to work at Cold Stone Creamery and sing whenever they got tipped. Photo credit: Sylvia Rosokoff READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. About Casey McQuiston: Casey lives at the intersection of fun, escapist romantic adventure and smart-mouthed characters with bad manners and big hearts. They were born and raised in the Deep South, which taught them how to love a good story and a great biscuit, and now lives and works in New York City with their dog, Pepper. Read Casey’s books: One Last Stop I Kissed Shara Wheeler The Pairing Red, White & Royal Blue Books discussed on today's episode: Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands *The Prospects The Most Fun We Ever Had They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we sat down in person with bestselling author and physician, Dr. Abraham Verghese. His most recent novel ‘The Covenant of Water’ was an instant New York Times Bestseller, an Oprah Book Club Pick, and one of Barack Obama’s top books of 2023. We discuss his research process, how he auditioned to narrate his own book, how his work as a physician impacts his writing, and his recipe for “bachelor chicken”. Photo credit: Christopher Michel - via CC BY-SA 3 READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. About Abraham Verghese: Abraham Verghese, MD, MACP, is a best-selling author and a physician with a reputation for his focus on healing in an era where technology often overwhelms the human side of medicine. He received the Heinz Award in 2014 and was awarded the National Humanities Medal, presented by President Barack Obama, in 2015. Read Abraham’s books: The Covenant of Water The Tennis Partner Cutting for Stone Books discussed on today's episode: Tom Lake by Ann Patchett The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou Whalefall by Daniel Kraus The Fetishist by Katherine Min

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we speak with writer, small business owner, politician, and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams. We cover her newest novel, her work in politics, book banning, her romance writer alter-ego, and more. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via CC BY-SA 3. license. READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. About Stacey Abrams: Stacey Abrams is the four-time New York Times bestselling author of Stacey’s Extraordinary Words, While Justice Sleeps, Our Time is Now, and Lead from the Outside; an entrepreneur; and a political leader. She is the award-winning producer of the documentary, All In: The Fight for Democracy, which made the 2021 Academy Award shortlist for best documentary. Read Stacey's books: Rogue Justice While Justice Sleeps Our Time Is Now Lead from the Outside Books discussed on today's episode: What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama Network Effect by Martha Wells The Last Lion by William Manchester Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn How to Loiter In a Turf War by Coco Solid

In this episode of the Libro.fm Podcast, we were lucky enough to interview award-winning author Kacen Callender about their new book, "Stars in Your Eyes." We also discuss the importance of finding community and connection in their work, their experience in publishing, book banning, and more! READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. About Kacen Callender: Kacen Callender is a Saint Thomian author of children's fiction and fantasy, best known for their Stonewall Book Award and Lambda Literary Award-winning middle grade debut Hurricane Child. Their fantasy novel, Queen of the Conquered, is the 2020 winner of the World Fantasy Award and King and the Dragonflies won the 2020 National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Read Kacen's books: Stars in Your Eyes Felix Ever After King and the Dragonflies Hurricane Child Moonflower Books we discussed on today's episode: Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones Hitchcock's Blondes by Laurence Leamer One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

We sat down with author Kelsey Norris, whose debut collection of short stories, 'House Gone Quiet,' released on October 17th, 2023. We discussed the themes of her stories—the search for home and a sense of community and belonging—, her journey to becoming a full-time writer, multi-narrator audiobooks, the publishing industry, and more. READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. About Kelsey Norris: Kelsey Norris is a writer and editor from Alabama. She earned an MFA from Vanderbilt University and has worked as a teacher in Namibia, a school librarian, and a bookseller. Her work has been published in The Kenyon Review, Black Warrior Review, and The Rumpus, among others. She is currently based in Washington, DC. Get Kelsey's book: House Gone Quiet (Stories) Books we discussed on today's episode: Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender Tell Me I'm Worthless by Alison Rumfitt Sisters of the Lost Marsh by Lucy Strange The Changeling by Victor LaValle Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

On this episode of the podcast, we chat with Kelly Jensen of Book Riot and Leah Johnson, author and owner of independent bookstore Loudmouth Books, to discuss combatting censorship, the importance of libraries, and much more. READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. About Kelly Jensen: Kelly Jensen is an Editor at Book Riot, the largest independent book website in North America. She covers all things young adult literature and has written about censorship for nearly ten years. She is the author of three critically-acclaimed and award-winning anthologies for young adults. About Leah Johnson: Leah Johnson is an eternal midwesterner and author of award-winning books for children and young adults. Her bestselling debut YA novel, You Should See Me in a Crown, was a Stonewall Honor Book, and the inaugural Reese's Book Club YA pick. In 2021, TIME named You Should See Me in a Crown one of the 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time. Books we discussed on today's episode: Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson Hope by Andrew Ridker Everything I Need I Get from You by Kaitlyn Tiffany The Forest Demands Its Due by Kosoko Jackson Outrage Machine by Tobias Rose-Stockwell The September House by Carissa Orlando

On today's episode, we sit down with Danny Caine, part owner of The Raven Book Store, poet, and author. We discuss his book How to Resist Amazon and Why and his forthcoming book How to Protect Bookstores and Why, what running a bookstore is like, the need for strong local communities, and why he considers himself a really good grocery shopper. READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. About Danny Caine: Danny Caine is the owner of the Raven Book Store in Lawrence, Kansas. He is the author of the book "How to Resist Amazon and Why," and the forthcoming “How to Protect Bookstores and Why” from Microcosm Publishing. The author of the poetry collections "Continental Breakfast," "El Dorado Freddy's" and "Flavortown," his writing has appeared in Literary Hub, Publishers Weekly, DIAGRAM, Barrelhouse and other publications. He was the recipient of the 2019 Bookseller of the Year Award from the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association. Read Danny’s' books: How to Resist Amazon and Why How to Protect Bookstores and Why Books we discussed on today's episode: The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen Holly by Stephen King The September House by Carissa Orlando

On today's episode, we sit down with James McBride, a novelist, musician, and educator. We discuss his newest novel 'The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store', the writing process, the state of public education, the power of positive thinking, and much more. Author photo credit: Chia Messina READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. About James McBride: James McBride is an accomplished musician and author of the National Book Award–winning The Good Lord Bird, the #1 bestselling American classic The Color of Water, and the bestsellers Song Yet Sung and Miracle at St. Anna. He is also the author of Kill ’Em and Leave, a James Brown biography. A recipient of the National Humanities Medal in 2016, McBride is a Distinguished Writer in Residence at New York University. Read James' books: Deacon King Kong The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store The Color of Water Five-Carat Soul The Good Lord Bird Books we discussed on today's episode: The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer Happiness by Matthieu Ricard Pretend I'm Dead by Jen Beagin Gone to the Wolves by John Wray

On today's episode, we chat with Nadia Odunayo, Founder and CEO of The StoryGraph, an indie alternative to Amazon-owned Goodreads. We discuss how The StoryGraph was founded, how it grew, and where it's going next, as well as the importance of indie companies in an ever-monopolized industry. READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. About Nadia Odunayo: Nadia is the founder and CEO at The StoryGraph. She studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at University College, Oxford. She is a fan of fiction & storytelling, and how these can be used as tools for education, the process and execution around building products, particularly from scratch, and singing & dance. Books we discussed on today's episode: The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin American Kingpin by Nick Bilton Thank You For Listening by Julia Whelan Come and Get It by Kiley Reid American Queen by Sierra Simone The Art Thief by Michael Finkel The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride How to Resist Amazon and Why by Danny Caine

On today’s episode, we speak with author V.E. Schwab about The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue coming to paperback, the forthcoming addition to the Shades of Magic series, fan art, book tours, and more! Author photo credit: Jenna Maurice READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. About V.E. Schwab: VICTORIA “V. E.” SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the acclaimed Shades of Magic series, the Villains series, the Cassidy Blake series and the international bestseller The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Her work has received critical acclaim, translated into over two dozen languages, and optioned for television and film. When not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters. Listen to V.E. Schwab's books: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue A Darker Shade of Magic Gallant The Fragile Threads of Power Vicious Books we discussed on today's episode: Little Thieves by Margaret Owen Woman, Eating by Claire Kohda Pageboy by Elliot Page I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

In this episode, we speak with Ling Ling Huang, author of Natural Beauty and Grammy Award winning artist, about her debut novel, her journey to becoming an author, and how her music career and writing are intertwined. READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. About Ling Ling Huang: Ling Ling Huang is a violinist and writer. Committed to expanding the concepts of tradition, Ling Ling is an active presence in the New York musical scene, appearing on stages from Carnegie Hall to National Sawdust. Her debut novel, Natural Beauty, was published in April 2023 by Dutton, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Constance Wu and Drew Comins are producing a series adaptation. Listen to Ling Ling's book: Natural Beauty Books we discussed on today's episode: Venomous Lumpsucker by Ned Beauman Rouge by Mona Awad The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw The Fragile Threads of Power by V. E. Schwab Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

On today's episode we sat down with author TJ Klune. We discuss his writing in depth, his new book "In the Lives of Puppets", robots, queer representation in literature and media, book banning, and more! READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. About TJ Klune: TJ KLUNE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories. Listen to TJ Klune's books: The House in the Cerulean Sea Under the Whispering Door In the Lives of Puppets Books we discussed on today's episode: Silver in the Wood & Drowned Country by Emily Tesh The Stolen Heir by Holly Black Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst

On today's episode we sit down with author Sara Nović. We talk not only about her writing, but also the importance of ASL representation—including in audiobooks. Sara is the author of the instant NYT Bestseller True Biz, as well as the books Girl at War and America is Immigrants. For this episode we also released the full video of the interview which can be watched here: https://youtu.be/G3J3uhYPCnM READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Photo credit © Zach Stone Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. Listen to Sara Nović's books: True Biz Girl At War America is Immigrants Books we discussed on today's episode: Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminsky Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson Lucky Red by Claudia Cravens I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself by Marisa Crane Big Swiss by Jen Beagin In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune

On today's episode we sat down with author Grady Hendrix. Grady is the author of "The Final Girl Support Group", "The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires", and most recently "How to Sell a Haunted House". READ FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT About Grady: Grady Hendrix is an American author, journalist, public speaker, and screenwriter. He has written many books of fiction and non-fiction including: Horrorstör, My Best Friend's Exorcism, The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, The Final Girl Support Group, and most recently How to Sell a Haunted House. Hendrix lives in Manhattan and was one of the founders of the New York Asian Film Festival. © Photo by Albert Mitchell via/ Penguin Random House Use promo code: LIBROPODCAST when signing up for a Libro.fm membership to get an extra free credit to use on any audiobook. Listen to Grady's books: How to Sell a Haunted House The Final Girl Support Group My Best Friend’s Exorcism The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires Paperbacks from Hell Horrorstör Books we discussed on today's episode: Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson True Biz by Sara Novic Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson The Survivalists by Kashana Cauley