Read The Damn Book

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/

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, Michelle Glogovac interviews David Conrad Perez about his new book, Fire in the Heart of the City. They explore the history of New York City through the lens of the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, examining its lasting impact on labor rights, workplace safety, philanthropy, and social reform. Perez shares the historical inspiration behind his work and discusses how this pivotal moment continues to shape conversations about workers, inequality, and the responsibility of communities to create meaningful change.What We're Talking About...The history and lasting impact of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory FireThe rise of modern philanthropy and charitable giving in New York CityHow media manipulation and public relations shape public perceptionThe influence of wealthy elites and philanthropy on social policyThe contributions of immigrant women to the labor movement and workers’ rightsThe evolution of labor unions, workers’ rights, and social activism in AmericaChapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:04 Overview of the Book and Its Significance03:29 The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: What Happened04:55 The Aftermath and Public Reaction to the Fire06:20 The Rise of Philanthropy and Its Complexities07:02 The Connection to New York Times and Media12:43 Why the Author Chose to Tell This Story14:51 Research Process and Archival Work24:23 Lessons and Legacy of the Fire and Social Movements29:10 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionLinks MentionedDavid Conrad-Perez's website: www.davidconradperez.com

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, author J.K. MacLaren discusses her debut novel Full Throttle, a steamy Formula One sports romance blending high-octane racing with amorous tension. She talks about her writing process and research into the F1 world, and dives into the novel's themes of family, feminism, and the balance of masculinity and femininity in modern romance.What We're Talking About...Writing "Full Throttle": J.K. MacLaren's process for crafting a debut Formula One sports romance novelF1 Racing Research: Behind-the-scenes research into motorsport details and authenticity in racing fictionFamily & Gender Roles: Exploring family dynamics and gender expectations in modern romancePersonal & Cultural Inspiration: How J.K. MacLaren's background shaped the novel's voice and storyFeminism & Masculinity: Balancing feminist themes with representations of masculinity in romance writingChapters0:00 Welcome to Full Throttle1:20 Falling for Formula One2:25 Writing a Racing Novel Without Being a Racer6:36 Shakespeare, Family, and Easter Eggs9:42 Family Pressure and Opposites Attract18:18 Cowboy Boots and Feminine Power27:49 What’s Next for the SeriesLinks MentionedJ.K. MacLaren's website: https://jkmaclaren.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkmaclarenOrder your copy of Full Throttle: https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9798217095476