Red Fern Book Review by Amy Mair

I dive into two very long books that are also worth the investment. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray tells the story of a contemporary Irish family that has fallen on hard times and is full of secrets. Contemporary family saga Wellness by Nathan Hill is set in the suburbs of Chicago an explores the malaise of middle age marriage. It is also a send up on our preoccupation with the wellness industry. Both books have deep character backstories and are considered tragicomic novels. Books and resources discussed:One Day (2024), NetflixMillionaire Matchmaker, NetflixThe Bee Sting by Paul MurrayWellness by Nathan HillFollow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

Book Blogger and author Kerry Clare joins the podcast to discuss her new book Asking for a Friend. It is a novel about intense female friendship and how key relationships created in our youth endure or break apart. We also chat about her blog Pickle Me This and her role as editor of the book recommendation site 49th Shelf. We wrap up with five hot books perfect for all the people on your holiday gift giving list. Follow Kerry:Instagram: @kerryreadsBlog: Pickle Me ThisBook Recommendation Site: 49th ShelfFollow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

Lifestyle Instagrammer and best selling author Anna Kloots joins the podcast to discuss her new memoir My Own Magic. She talks about new beginnings in the face of divorce, her love of pumpkin pie, and of course, how to make your own magic.  Follow Anna:Instagram: @annaklootsFollow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

A discussion of Ann Patchett's latest novel Tom Lake as well her memoir Truth & Beauty about her deep friendship with writer Lucy Grealy.  Elin Hilderbrand's latest novel, The Five-Star Weekend, is also discussed. Follow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

Award-winning Young Adult fiction novelist Pam Withers stops by the podcast to discuss her latest book Mountain Runaways. This fast-paced novel tells the story of the three kids, Jon, Korka and Aron, who lose their parents in an avalanche and decide to run away into the mountains and fend for themselves until the oldest sibling, Jon, turns 18 and can become their legal guardian. They have to deal with illness, injury, wild animals and each other. Pam talks about why YA fiction has such crossover appeal and how to get boys to read. She has created the website www.yadudebooks.ca as a resource for young male readers and is the author of Jump Starting Boys: Help Your Reluctant Reader Find Success in School and Life.Follow Pam:Instagram: @pamwithersauthorWebsite: www.yadudebooks.caFollow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

Book blogger Susan Matheson returns to the podcast with her line up of must have fall reads. We also discuss a book that we both disagreed upon: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang.Susan's Top Picks for Fall 2023The Leftover Woman by Jean KwokThe Class by Ken DrydenA New Season by Terry FallisThe Golden Gate by Amy ChuaA Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road by Darryl JonesTalking at Night by Claire DeverleyFollow Bedside Table Books:Instagram: @bedside_table_booksWebsite: https://bedsidetablebooks.com/ Follow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

Award-winning mystery writer Iona Whishaw drops by the podcast to discuss the latest book in her Lane Winslow mystery series. To Track a Traitor spans both world wars and is a tale of sibling rivalry, infidelity and espionage. Iona's backstory is just as compelling as her writing. Her books are inspired by the British Columbia town of her childhood and her mother's experience as a World War II spy.  She talks about her journey to becoming a novelist and how the question "Why Not Me?" gave her the conviction to pursue her dreams in her 60s. Follow Iona Whishaw:Website: https://ionawhishaw.caInstagram: @ionawhisawauthorFollow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

Amy kicks off Season Four of the podcast with a discussion of the literary novel The Librarianist by Patrick deWitt and the memoir You Could Make This Place Beautiful by poet Maggie Smith. The Librarianist is the story of retired librarian Bob Comet. Hoping to fill a void in his life, he volunteers at a senior's centre.  Amid a community of strange peers, Bob reflects on his past and his character is revealed. You Could Make This Place Beautiful is a firsthand account about the breakdown of a marriage and the rebirth of a person. Told through gorgeous prose, the memoir is sad, funny and hopeful. Amy also discusses the Netflix comedy Fisk and the podcast I've Had It.Follow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

Hi Red Fern Listeners! I was recently a guest on a fabulous wine podcast called The TallMikeWine Podcast. Host Mike Stone and I talk about, what else, but books and wine.  I offer up a mini summer reading list and Mike explains how he comes up with all those wine adjectives. Mike is a self-professed wine geek who creates fun, relatable conversations around wine. And did I mention that he is a former disc jockey? Enjoy, and I will be back in the fall with a new lineup.Follow Mike StoneWebsite: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1435309Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tallmikewine/Follow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

Book blogger Susan Matheson stops by the podcast to talk about her favourite reads for summer. Her selections range from a cozy mystery to a contemporary memoir.Books and Resources discussed:Go as a River by Shelley ReadThe Golden Spoon by Jessa MaxwellAll the Beauty in the World by Patrick BingleyDarling by India KnightThe Mitford Affair by Marie BenedictThe Pursuit of Love by Nancy MitfordThe House of Lincoln by Nancy HoranLoving Frank by Nancy HoranMarch by Geraldine BrooksThe African Samurai by Craig ShreveOne Night in Mississippi by Craig ShreveFollow Bedside Table Books:Instagram: @bedside_table_booksWebsite: https://bedsidetablebooks.com/Follow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

Amy and Geoff review the popular fiction novel Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson and literary fiction novel Ghost Music by An Yu. Pineapple Street is a bird's eye view into the moneyed Brooklyn Heights family The Stocktons. Sasha, a middle-class New England girl, marries into the family and tries to find her way. Set in Beijing, Ghost Music is a quiet book that examines the sad life of retired concert pianist Song Yan. A mysterious parcel of mushrooms begins arriving at her door each week and suddenly her life changes. Geoff also talks about his third failed attempt at reading Cormac McCarthy.Books and Resources discussed:The Passenger by Cormac McCarthyStella Maris by Cormac McCarthyThe Road by Cormac McCarthyAll the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthyPineapple Street by Jenny JacksonGhost Music by An YuBraised Pork by An YuWiser than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, podcastThe Diplomat, NetflixFollow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

Retired English Professor Dr. Mason Harris drops by the podcast to discuss one of his favourite books Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. This book combines elements of Gothic, Horror and Romantic literature. Dr. Harris delves in to Shelley's scandalous background and draws parallels between the Romantics and 1960s radicalism.Books and Resources discussed:Frankenstein by Mary ShelleyThe Villa by Rachel HawkinsListen to my episode on the Villa here: The Age of Vice and The Villa, Season 3, Episode 15. Follow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

We review two of the buzziest books of early 2023: Fast-paced gangster novel set in India Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor and friendship travel story/thriller with Daisy Jones and the Six (by Taylor Jenkins Reid) vibes The Villa by Rachel Hawkins. Age of Vice is a contemporary novel set in India. It is equal parts thriller and family saga and centres around the Wadia crime family. The book is about gangsters, lovers, false friendships, forbidden romance and corruption. The Villa is a classic beach and escapist read. It is popular fiction with backstory and a bit of a bite.Books and resources discussed:Age of Vice by Deepti KapoorThe Villa by Rachel HawkinsParty Down, CraveShantaram by Gregory David RobertsShantaram, Apple PlusFollow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

We review one of our favourite books of last year Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin as well as This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is the story of three friends Sadie, Sam and Marx and their foray into the video gaming industry. It is a campus novel as well as a look at video gaming as high art. This Time Tomorrow is a fun, nostalgic read with the main character, Alice, travelling back in time to the '90s. The book is a look at father/daughter relationships and a love letter to the '90s. It answers the question: Would you change the past if you could?Books and Resources Discussed:Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle ZevinThis Time Tomorrow by Emma StraubThe Midnight Library by Matt HaigThe Last of Us (Netflix)Shrinking (Apple Plus)Only Murders in the Buliding (Disney Plus)Check out our episode on the Midnight Library here:The Midnight Library, Klara and the Sun and Hamnet, Season 1, Episode 13Follow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

Author Cedar Bowers joins the podcast to discuss her 2021 debut novel Astra. The book follows the life of a young woman who is born on a B.C. commune from the perspective of 10 different people.  Cedar discusses life growing up in a remote community, the failed promise of the back-to-the land movement and if we can ever really know somebody.Books and Resources discussed:Astra by Cedar BowersA Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray BelcourtThe Island of Forgetting by Jasmine SealyWe Measure the Earth with Our Bodies by Tsering Yangzom LamaThe Stone Angel by Margaret LaurenceFollow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

I review two novels by current Canadian literary stars Emily St. John Mandel and Heather O'Neill. Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel is a science fiction novel about art, time, travel, love and plague that takes readers from 1912 Vancouver Island to a dark colony of the moon 500 years later. The author also incorporates references to her earlier award-winning novels Station Eleven and The Glass Hotel.When We Lost Our Heads by Heather O'Neill is a historical fiction, satirical novel about 19th-century Montreal. It takes readers into the brutality of factory life and the opulent lives of Montreal’s wealthy while exploring sex, desire and class.Books and Resources Discussed:Significant Others, podcastBorgen, NetflixDicte, Prime VideoSea Tranquility by Emily St. John MandelWhen We Lost Our Heads by Heather O'NeillStation Eleven by Emily St. John MandelStation Eleven, HBOThe Glass Hotel by Emily St. John MandelCloud Atlas by David MitchellNever Let Me Go by Kazuo IshiguroHeavenly Creatures, movie (1994)The Virgin Cure by Ami McKayFollow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

Vancouver author Jen Sookfong Lee joins the podcast to talk about her latest book Superfan. Jen uses her lifelong obsession with pop culture as a lens to explore family, grief, the power of female rage, Asian fetish, and what it costs to resist the trap of being a “good Chinese girl.” I pines over Andrew McCarthy and Jen muses over whether Kanye West will get a second chance in the court of public opinion.Listen to a previous interview with Jen here:The Shadow List, Season 2, Episode 8Books and Resources discussed:The Joy Luck Club by Amy TanThe White Lotus, HBONormal People by Sally RooneySuperfan by Jen Sookfong LeeThe End of East by Jen Sookfong LeeFollow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

Fantasy Fiction lover turned historian David Gates is back on the podcast to discuss two English history books: The White Ship by Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer and The Splendid and the Vile by journalist Erik Larson. The White Ship is an examination of the 1120 shipwreck that threw the future of the crown into question.  The Splendid and the Vile is a riveting account of Winston Churchill and his first year in office when he is trying to keep the Germans at bay and get the Americans in his back pocket. Larson uses primary source documents to construct a very readable non fiction story that reads like a thriller.Books and Resources Discussed: The White Ship by Charles SpencerThe Splendid and the Vile by Erik LarsonThe Spy and the Traitor by Ben McintyreA Spy Among Friends by Ben McintyreColditz: Prisoners of the Castle by Ben McintyreCheck out a previous episode with David:The Kingdoms, Season 2, Episode 7Follow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

My dear friend Alison Schmelke joins the podcast, perhaps a bit reluctantly,  and together we interview our idol author and blogger Catherine Newman. We reminisce about Catherine's column Ben & Birdy and how it got us through the early days of parenthood.  Catherine discusses her poignant, hilarious and nostalgic novel, We All Want Impossible Things. It is the story about two best friends Edi and Ash and Edi's last days in hospice.Follow Catherine Newman: Instagram: @catherinewmanWebsite:  catherinenewmanwriterFollow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter

Geoff and Amy's trip to Europe Part Two. They are back home and reflecting on their recent trip to Paris. They discuss four books set in the City of Light including one book that pushes the podcast's PG rating!  Books and Resources Discussed:Ticket to Paradise, movie 2022Earful Tower https://theearfultower.com/Marie Antoinette, movie 2006Henry and June by Anaïs NinMurder in Clichy by Cara BlackJacqueline in Paris: A Novel by Ann MahThe Margot Affair (debut novel) by Sanaë LemoineAtonement by Ian McEwanFollow Red Fern Book Review:Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.comInstagram: @redfernbookreviewFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redfernbookreview/Newsletter: https://www.redfernbookreview.com/newsletter