The Books We Loved

Summer Book Club: The Joy Luck Club

Today Olivia and Manda tackle Amy Tan's, The Joy Luck Club, a story focusing on themes of mothers and daughters, the immigrant experience, and hope. Don't forget to read Willa Cather's, My Antonia, in preparation for next month's final installment of TBWL's Summer Reading series! 

Nonfiction that reads like Fiction

Olivia and Manda are joined by Hannah (from Community Engagement), for a rousing conversation about nonfiction books that are so fascinating that they read like fiction. Books chatted about today include:
Stiff: the Curious Life of Human Cadavers, Mary Roach
Sharks Don't Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist, Jasmin Graham
Soul of an Octopus, Sy Montgomery
Unbroken: a World War II story of survival, resilience, and redemption, Laura Hillenbrand
Nobody Will Tell You This But Me, Bess Kalb
Lab Girl, Hope Jahren
Good Talk, Mira Jacob
Fun Home, Alison Bechdel 
Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi
The Devil in the White City, Eric Larson
The Poisoner's Handbook, Deborah Blum
The Ghost Map, Steven Johnson
Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot

I Know What You Did Last Summer

Today Manda and Karen (from Adult Services) discuss Lois Duncan's 1970s teen thriller, and the 1997 movie adaptation, of I Know What You Did Last Summer. This episode might have you looking over your shoulder, or into the trunk of your car...

BONUS: GREAT SCOTT! Back to the Future turns 40!

Join Olivia and Manda as they celebrate the beloved classic movie, Back to the Future, in honor of it's 40th anniversary this summer. 

The other globetrotters

Today Olivia and Manda share their favorite books featuring exotic (or not too far flung) locales. We'll spin the globe, and where it stops, nobody knows!

Summer Book Club: The Color Purple

Olivia and Manda are joined by repeat guest, Angie, for a robust discussion of Alice Walker's The Color Purple, as part of the podcast's Summer Reading series. Be sure to read or listen to, The Joy Luck Club, in preparation for July's Summer Reading title! 

Five Questions With... Author Kayla Ancrum

We sit down with author Kayla Ancrum to ask her about her writing, her life, and her writing life. 
Learn more about Kayla and her most recent book, The Corruption of Hollis Brown, by visiting her website. 
 
K. Ancrum, is an author of award winning contemporary YA notably THE WICKER KING, DARLING and the critically acclaimed ICARUS. K. is a Chicago native passionate about diversity and representation in young adult fiction. She currently writes most of her work in the lush gardens of the Chicago Art Institute.

Don't forget to be Awesome!

Today the ladies talk about beloved author, and honorary Midwesterner, John Green! They'll discuss his books, especially Looking for Alaska (no spoilers!)--as it turns 20 y.o.--and his cultural impact. 

Five Questions With... Katie Spina

We ask author Katie Spina five questions about her writing life, the books that shaped her, and the library memories she holds dear. 
Ms. Katie is an award-winning kidlit author who writes stories for kids where finding your fit means trusting in who you are. She's an avid reader that loves to talk about all sorts of books to kids of different interests. Learn more at her website, katiespina.com. 
 

Summer recs and a surprise!

Be prepared to jot down all of the summer themed recommendations the girls are throwing your way today! Olivia and Manda will also reveal a timely secret you won't want to miss!