Read The Damn Book

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Meg Anderson to discuss her debut novel, The Memory of Borrowed Books. Anderson shares the inspiration behind the novel and her journey as a writer while exploring themes of libraries, community, trauma, memory, and magical realism. The conversation delves into the powerful role libraries can play in bringing people together, the emotional impact of storytelling, and how personal experiences can shape a writer’s work. Anderson also discusses the creative process behind The Memory of Borrowed Books and what drew her to blend contemporary themes with elements of magical realism.What We're Talking About...Themes of trauma, grief, healing, and emotional resilience in The Memory of Borrowed BooksThe role of libraries and community in storytelling and connectionHow magical realism can explore trauma, grief, and other difficult subjectsMeg Anderson’s writing journey and path to publicationThe importance of supporting independent bookstores and local librariesChapters00:00 Introduction to Meg Anderson and her debut novel01:02 The inspiration behind The Memory of Borrowed Books02:36 The significance of the book's holographic cover04:12 Magical realism as a tool to address trauma06:44 The library as a metaphor for the mind08:02 The importance of libraries in community and healing13:28 Meg Anderson's writing journey and personal story16:24 Upcoming projects and themes in Meg's next book22:49 The vital role of librarians and libraries today25:03 The story of how the library in the novel was created28:28 Encouragement for aspiring writers and readers32:29 Where to find Meg Anderson and support her workLinks MentionedSourcebooks link: https://www.sourcebooks.com/the-memory-of-borrowed-books.html#9781464295164Order from Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-memory-of-borrowed-books/bc0007d314ac530a?ean=9781464295164

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with television host, film historian, and author Alicia Malone to discuss her cozy mystery novel, Murder at the Movies. Alicia shares her passion for classic films, her journey from television host to novelist, and the inspiration behind her transition into fiction writing. The conversation explores the intersection of film history and storytelling, the charm of small-town life, and the creative process of crafting a cozy mystery. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema, mystery novels, or behind-the-scenes insights into the writing process, this episode offers a closer look at Alicia Malone's literary debut and the stories that inspire her.What We're Talking About...Alicia Malone’s transition from television host to novelist and authorThe influence of classic movies and Hollywood on Alicia Malone’s writingThe inspiration and creative process behind Murder at the MoviesWriting a cozy mystery set around a small-town movie theaterThe role of independent and small-town theaters in building communityResearching film history for fiction and storytellingHitchcock’s influence and the legacy of classic Hollywood starsThe importance of preserving film history and classic cinemaBalancing a creative career, personal life, and writing ambitionsChapters00:00 Introduction to Alicia Malone and her new book02:05 Alicia Malone's background and love for classic films05:26 Inspiration behind writing Murder at the Movies11:08 Setting up for the second book and future plans16:20 The magic of watching classic films today20:21 Research process for film scripts at TCM26:22 The importance of small-town theaters and community30:37 Personal influences and family relationships in the book31:38 Closing thoughts and where to find Alicia MaloneLinks MentionedAlicia Malone’s website: http://aliciamalone.com

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, Kelly McWilliams discusses her powerful historical novel American Nightmare, a compelling story that explores the history of lynching, racial injustice, and civil rights activism in America. Inspired by real historical events and figures, including civil rights activist Walter White, the book examines the impact of racial violence and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. Kelly shares the inspiration behind the novel and discusses why confronting difficult chapters of American history is essential to understanding the present, fostering meaningful change, and empowering future generations.What We're Talking About...Walter White’s undercover work investigating and fighting lynching and racial violenceThe historical and modern connections between racial injustice and systemic racismThe NAACP’s role in civil rights activism, anti-lynching efforts, and organizing strategiesThe importance of confronting difficult and uncomfortable truths in American historyKelly McWilliams’ approach to blending historical fiction with horror and supernatural elementsThe importance of representation and stories of wealth, power, and resilience in Black communitiesThe historical and ongoing influence of hate groups, including the Ku Klux Klan and Proud BoysThe courage, resilience, and activism of civil rights leaders like Walter WhiteThe role of education and historical awareness in social justice and civil rights movementsKelly McWilliams’ personal journey, inspiration, and creative process behind American NightmareChapters00:00 — Meet Kelly McWilliams and American Nightmare01:05 — The Real-Life Walter White04:43 — Investigating Lynching at Great Personal Risk07:49 — Why We Must Get Uncomfortable12:37 — The NAACP’s Strategy of Resistance23:13 — Writing a Hero Who Fights from Within29:01 — Gloria Bell, Bishop, and the Humanity Behind the HistoryLinks MentionedOrder your copy of American Nightmare: https://calendly.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.penguinrandomhouse.com%2Fbooks%2F795671%2Famerican-nightmare-by-kelly-mcwilliams%2F&user_uuid=da80a4a6-14ef-4180-9551-8081e29a9c36&stage=1&hmac=77b1a4515f507b3472da74d2f4166e6f78994865d1ed424292c89028d7e1a9a5

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, Michelle Glogovac sits down with Anna Holmes, author of The Power of No, to explore the importance of saying no, setting boundaries, and reclaiming your time and energy. Anna shares the inspiration and personal journey behind her book, along with insights into how gender socialization can make it difficult for women to say no and prioritize their own needs. They discuss women’s empowerment, personal boundaries, self-advocacy, and practical ways to become more comfortable with saying no at any age. Whether you're learning to set healthier boundaries or looking to feel more confident advocating for yourself, this conversation offers thoughtful advice on the power of saying no.What We're Talking About...The power of saying no as a form of boundary-setting and self-empowermentHow women are socialized from childhood to say yes and prioritize othersThe evolution of The Power of No from an academic concept to accessible storytellingHow intuition can guide decision-making and help with setting healthy boundariesThe impact of media representation on women’s self-perception and confidenceHow age and life experience can make it easier to embrace the power of noThe connection between power, gender, and women’s ability to say noAnna Holmes’ personal stories and insights from her career and life experiencesHow childhood experiences can influence adult relationships, boundaries, and people-pleasingPractical advice for parents and women on building confidence, setting boundaries, and empowering othersChapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest Anna Holmes02:00 Anna Holmes' background and career journey04:01 The significance of saying no and its celebration06:01 Childhood socialization and the early lessons of no08:01 The role of media and representation in women's boundaries09:59 Personal stories and experiences with boundary-setting11:46 The evolution of the book and its core message14:00 The importance of intuition and self-trust in saying no16:00 The impact of age, experience, and confidence in boundary-setting17:54 Practical advice for parents and women to empower themselves19:56 The influence of media, culture, and societal expectations21:56 Future ideas: children's edition and early boundary education24:03 Closing thoughts and encouragement to embrace the power of noLinks MentionedAnna Holmes's website: http://www.annaholmes.comAnna Holmes's Instagram: https://instagram.com/annaholmesOrder your copy of The Power of No: https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9780593444573

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac interviews Emily Galvin Almanza, a former public defender and author of the children’s mystery novel Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt. Emily shares her journey from practicing law as a public defender to becoming a published author and discusses how her legal career inspired her writing.The conversation explores justice, legal rights, the criminal justice system, and the importance of teaching children about the law. Emily explains how Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt empowers young readers to understand their rights, ask questions, and think critically about the legal system while enjoying an engaging mystery story. This episode offers a fascinating look at children’s literature, legal education, social justice, and the power of storytelling to educate and empower young readers.What We're Talking About...Emily Galvin Almanza’s journey from public defender to children’s book authorThe inspiration behind Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable DoubtTeaching children about legal rights, justice, and the legal systemRepresentation of Bolivian culture and identity in children’s literatureThe role of public defenders in community empowerment and social justiceAddressing systemic issues within the juvenile justice systemThe importance and impact of early legal education for childrenRaising awareness about juvenile detention and youth justiceWhat’s next for the Andromeda Diaz book seriesChapters00:00 Introduction to Emily Galvin Almanza and her work01:20 Emily's background as a public defender03:10 Synopsis of Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt05:11 Legal issues faced by children and systemic challenges08:21 Teaching children their legal rights and powers14:43 Real-life cases and holistic defense approach18:51 Origin of the character Andromeda and cultural influences28:03 Next book in the series and raising the stakes30:45 Representation of juvenile detention and systemic change31:13 Where to find Emily and her booksLinks MentionedEmily Galvin Almanza's website: https://www.emilygalvinalmanza.comOrder your copy of Andromeda Diaz and the Reasonable Doubt: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/816163/andromeda-diaz-and-the-reasonable-doubt-by-emily-galvin-almanza/Emily Galvin Almanza's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galvinalmanza/