Gays Reading

New York Times bestselling author Mary Beth Keane ( Ask Again, Yes ) joins Jason to talk about her newest novel, Whale Harbor . They get into how the book echoes her own family, the most exciting thing that’s ever happened to her, and the surprising freedom of discovering that the worst thing that could happen might not be so bad after all. Mary Beth Keane is the author of five novels, including t...

Jason talks to debut author Rebecca Birrell about her novel Venus, Vanishing , this month's selection for The Nod™️ by Gays Reading with Aardvark Book Club. Rebecca Birrell is an art historian and a Bye-Fellow in the History of Art at Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge. She was formerly the curator of nineteenth and twentieth century paintings and drawings at the Fitzwilliam Museu...

Jason is joined by Ríoghnach Robinson, author of Bad Words-- this month’s Good Morning America Book Club pick--to talk about reviews, what makes us feel most human, Taylor Swift, and--maybe most importantly--their love of em dashes. RÍOGHNACH (pronounced ree-uh-nock) ROBINSON grew up in North Carolina, studied economics at Kenyon College, and now lives in New York City. Her books for young readers...

David Lauterstein , founder of iconic queer menswear brand, Nasty Pig, joins Jason to talk books--what he's reading now, and what went into writing Sodomy Gods , a love story for everyone, which he recently released as an audiobook. David Lauterstein is among the most influential forces in queer culture, celebrated as an unapologetic champion for sex-positivity since co-founding the iconic Nas...

Jason is joined by National Book Award finalist Deesha Philyaw to discuss her debut novel, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman . Deesha shares why she ghosted a hookup, the talent she'd perform if she were in a pageant, why queerness plays such a big role in her books, and much more. Deesha Philyaw ’s debut short story collection, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies , won the PEN/Faulkner...

Meg Mason ( Sorrow and Bliss ) joins Jason to talk about her new novel, Sophie, Standing There , a Reese's Book Club pick, and the books she's been reading between stops on her worldwide book tour. Meg Mason is the author of Sorrow and Bliss, which became an international bestseller after it was first published in Australia. Winner of the British Book Industry Book of the Year, and shortli...

Jason talks with author Min Jin Lee ( Pachinko ) about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles , her experience taking a class with The Artist's Way author Julia Cameron, why she's quick to curse, her new novel American Hagwon , and everything in between. Min Jin Lee is the author of the novels Free Food for Millionaires and Pachinko , a finalist for the National Book Award, runner-up for the Dayton...

Author Meg Howrey ( They're Going to Love You ) communed with her bookshelves to identify books that shaped her as a writer. She's self-taught, no MFA, no workshops, just a reader. Meg also talks about her latest novel, Body Language . Meg Howrey is the author of the novels Blind Sight , The Cranes Dance , The Wanderers , and most recently, They’re Going to Love You , which was a New York...

Jason talks to author Lucy Foley ( The Guest List ) about her experience working with the Agatha Christie estate to create a new Miss Marple book, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel . They talk about what makes a Foley Christie book, the things one can do on a ski vacation, her research trip to St. Moritz, and much more.   Lucy Foley studied English literature at Durham University and...

Molecular biologist turned award-winning chef, food writer, photographer, and bestselling cookbook author Nik Sharma shares what he's been reading lately and talks about his forthcoming cookbook, Fundamentals of Flavor . Nik Sharma is the bestselling author of cookbooks celebrated for blending culinary science with deeply personal storytelling: Season , The Flavor Equation , and Veg-Table . A form...

Jason is joined by author Emily St. John Mandel to talk about her new novel, Exit Party . They share how the end of the world is going for each of them, the state of knowing and not knowing something, Emily's evolution of embracing her bisexuality in writing this new novel, among other things.  EMILY ST. JOHN MANDEL is the author of six novels, most recently  Sea of Tranquility , which h...

The internet's favorite forager, Alexis Nikole Nelson aka Black Forager , talks to Jason about what's she's been reading and shares insights about her new book, Happy Snacking, Don't Die! Alexis Nikole Nelson , best known to most people as Black Forager , is a social media creator, vegan, urban forager, and outdoor educator who has amassed millions of followers. Her mother first showed her how to...

Jason is joined by Marlon James to talk about his Booker Prize longlisted novel, The Disappearers . They cover topics like Dolly Parton, growing up gay in Jamaica, the ballet that changed his life, and much more.  Marlon James  is the Booker Prize–winning and  New York Times  bestselling author of  A Brief History of Seven Killings ; the bestselling and National Book Award...

Jason talks to author  Josh Silver  about his breakout hit that everyone's talking about,  Fruit Fly , this month's selection for The Nod™️ by Gays Reading with Aardvark Book Club.  Josh Silver is the author of  HappyHead , which was shortlisted for the YA Book Prize and nominated for the Carnegie Medal, its sequel,  Dead Happy , and  Erase Me . Hi...

Jason talks to author  Chloe Benjamin , whose latest novel,  Under Story  was just announced as September 2026's Good Morning America Book Club pick. They discuss the various adventures writing the book took Chloe on, mushroom and psychedelic experiences, our relationship to time, and more.  Chloe Benjamin  is the author of  The Immortalists , a  N...

Jason talks to author Liane Moriarty about her newest novel (and first sequel), Big Little Truths. They discuss what makes her feel like a queen, the lyrics to "Come on Eileen," and that time she may or may not have been a taxi driver.  Liane Moriarty  is the author of the #1  New York Times  bestsellers  Big Little Lies, Apples Never Fall, The Husband’s Secret,...

Re-release | In honor of Rosie O'Donnell hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live this week, we're re-releasing her episode of Gays Reading! Host Jason Blitman sits down with often-mentioned Rosie O'Donnell to discuss her newest project, Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Children with Autism. They also talk books, Broadway, bootlegs, and more.  You can learn more about Guide Dogs of America by...

Re-release | In honor of the publication of the paperback edition of  Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil , we're re-releasing this conversation with V.E. Schwab  Host  Jason Blitman  welcomes bestselling author  Victoria "V.E." Schwab  for a conversation about her remarkable milestone—her 25th book,  Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil . They discuss the pr...

Re-release | Host Jason Blitman talks to Shobha Rao ( Indian Country ) live at Camino Books in San Diego. They discuss Laura Ingalls Wilder, the title’s double meaning from Rao’s childhood experience as “Indian,” the book’s central themes of water and rivers, the recurring power of three, and much more. This conversation originally took place on August 14, 2025.  Shobha Rao  moved t...

RE-RELEASE In honor of the Booker Prize 2026 Longlist announcement, we're re-releasing the conversation with Katie Kitamura, shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2025 for Audition . Jason talks to Katie about learned behaviors, the nature of intimacy, the art of performance, and her immersive process of writing. Perhaps most importantly, they talk at length about french fries. This episode originally...

Re-release | Host Jason Blitman chats with accidental poet Lyndsay Rush ( A Bit Much ) about the unique flavors of snacks, traumatic school memories, and the importance of embracing one's "bit much" personality. This episode originally aired October 29, 2024 Lyndsay Rush  is a comedy writer, cofounder of the branding agency Obedient, and the poet behind the popular In...

Host Jason Blitman talks to author Laura Dave about her latest thriller,  The First Time I Saw Him , a Reese's Book Club Pick. This conversation was recorded live at Warwick's in San Diego.  Laura Dave is the #1  New York Times  bestselling author of several novels, including  The Last Thing He Told Me  and  Eight Hundred Grapes . Her novels have sold more t...

In the season finale, host Jason Blitman talks to Jessica Knoll about her latest thriller,  Helpless , plus what actually makes a "poolside book" and the best ones to have in your bag this summer.  Jessica Knoll is the  New York Times  bestselling author of  Bright Young Women ,  The Favorite Sister ,  and  Luckiest Girl Alive —now a major motion p...

In this episode of  What Are You Reading?  host  Jason Blitman  talks to designer  Nate Berkus  about what he's been reading and about his newest book,  Foundations. Nate Berkus  is one of the world’s most influential interior designers, known for his elevated yet accessible approach to interiors. Along with creating award-winning interiors for private clien...

Host Jason Blitman welcomes back author and editor Jenny Jackson ( Pineapple Street ) to discuss her new novel, The Shampoo Effect , a Read with Jenna pick. Come for the chat about donuts (Lookin at you, Dunkin!), stay for Jenny's anticipated book recommendations. Jenny Jackson  is the  New York Times  bestselling author of  Pineapple Street.  A graduate of Willi...