The Reader's Couch

Send me a text message Set against the backdrop of the Olympic Games, the story follows Olivia, who lands her dream job at the Olympics, and Ezekiel, a sprinter participating in the Olympic Games, aiming for gold.  We see them navigate personal and professional challenges while forming a genuine connection.  The discussion delves into the author's inspiration, the layered storytelling, and th...

Send me a text message Get a detailed recap of this book-to-screen adaptation!  Apple TV+'s new series "Lady in the Lake" is an adaptation of Laura Lippman's 2019 novel.  The series, set in 1966 Baltimore, stars Natalie Portman as Maddie and Moses Ingram as Cleo.  The story begins with a young Jewish girl, Tessie, going missing while also following the converging lives of two w...

Send me a text message How does a week-long family vacation at Cape Cod highlight how much of life changes, remains the same, and spotlights all the highs, lows, complexities and simplicities in life?  That's what you discover in this episode, but also in Catherine Newman's novel "Sandwich."  The novel is set against the backdrop of an annual family beach vacation.  It follows...

Send me a text message Let's return to 1999 and have fun adventures in New York City!  In this episode, author Suzanne Rindell joins me to talk about her novel, "Summer Fridays."  The story follows Sawyer, an editorial assistant in NYC during the summer of 1999, as she forms an unexpected friendship with Nick amidst their partners' busy schedules.  Suzanne shares her inspiratio...

Send me a text message From books about road trips, family beach vacations, the Olympics, and an Italian island, in this episode I share seven beach read book recommendations across various genres for the summer.  Don't forget to share your what you've been reading and doing this summer via text or Spotify Q&A. SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST: Find the episode show notes and a list of all...

Send me a text message Are you superstitious?  Do you believe heirloom rings carry past karma?  Author Jessie Rosen joins me on the couch to talk all things heirloom rings, Italy, self-discovery, and, of course, her novel, 'The Heirloom.'  The story follows Shea Anderson, a marketing executive in Los Angeles, who is superstitious about vintage engagement rings.  Despite her grandmother&a...

Send me a text message Friends and avid readers Victoria, Laura, and Francesca discuss their lives in Florida, their favorite childhood and current books, self-care routines, and lots more.  The episode wraps with the announcement of their upcoming live show, Novel Nights, premiering on July 11th, 2024, on YouTube!  The show is set to air weekly and will feature seasonal content, book recommendati...

Send me a text message What does it mean to truly live?  Douglas Westerbeke’s debut novel "A Short Walk Through a Wide World" is set in 1885 Paris.  The story follows nine-year-old Aubrey, who must constantly travel to stay alive due to a mysterious illness or curse.  We see her form friendships, have romances, and find joy while discovering what it means to truly live.  Douglas shares m...

Send me a text message Have you ever wondered which classic novels are perfect for summer reading?  Well, I share three timeless classic novels, explain why these books are ideal for summer, and share tips on enhancing your reading experience.  I also shared the first text I received and an update on my recent move.   Plus I share what's coming up in the next solo show.  Stay hydrated, stay c...

Send me a text message Ever wondered what goes on in the minds of young athletes?  Whether you're a sports fan or not, this episode offers an intriguing mix of competitive spirit, emotional depth, and the surreal.  In Headshot by Rita Bullwinkle, we follow eight young female boxers competing over a hot July weekend at Bob's Boxing Palace in Reno, Nevada, detailing their physical matches...

Send me a text message Have you ever considered that aging could be the most exciting part of your life?  In Clare Pooley’s How to Age Disgracefully , we meet Daphne, a 70-year-old woman who steps out of 15 years of isolation and joins a senior citizens club, uncovering friendship, love, and a mission to save their community center.  So, in this novel, you can expect themes of aging, community, an...

Send me a text message Ever wondered what dark secrets could lie behind the inheritance of a luxurious apartment?  In The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger, we follow Rosie, a true crime writer, and her actor husband Chad as they experience the eerie and suspenseful events that unfold after inheriting a lavish Park Avenue apartment with a sinister past.  In this episode, Lisa Unger shares character i...

Send me a text message Make the most of your summer through reading and engaging in enjoyable activities. In this episode, I discuss The BiblioLifestyle 2024 Summer Reading Guide and the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge. I also share eight standout books to add to your reading list, offer a list of summer activities, and discuss seasonal living. Plus, I read and respond to listener reviews and messag...

Send me a text message Travel to Jamaica with Ishi and I, and get recommendations for food, drinks, and a list of things to do on your next visit, all while we talk about her debut novel.   Sweetness in the Skin by Ishi Robinson is a coming-of-age story about a Jamaican teenager who uses her baking skills to overcome familial challenges and societal biases to pursue her dream. BOOK: Get a copy of...

Send me a text message This is a fictional biography of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in the U.S. Cabinet as the secretary of labor in FDR’s cabinet.  In this novel, we learn about Frances’s professional achievements and personal life, including her struggles to raise a family. BOOK: Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray on Amazon or Bookshop .    SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST: Find t...

Send me a text message Come with us on a historical journey through books highlighting women's remarkable contributions to society.  Cindy Burnett from the Thoughts from a Page Podcast joins me on the couch to share five books about trailblazing women in history. SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST: Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here . MORE RESOURCES: Visit bibliolif...

Send me a text message Can the music of our youth forever shape our lives?  In Mariah Stovall's novel "I Love You So Much It's Killing Us Both," she explores the enduring impact of teen friendships and punk anthems on our identities.   So in this episode, we talk about the complexities of adolescent relationships, the powerful role of music in forming connections and memories,...

Send me a text message From what defines a historical rom-com, similarities and differences between other sub-genres, and how it provides a seamless transition for fans of contemporary rom-coms, Francesca from the Under the Book Covers blog shares all that plus more in the episode.  Get her expert recommendations for must-read authors and books within the genre. Additionally, we explore Francesca&...

Send me a text message Go on a magical adventure with this book about books by author Gareth Brown.  In "The Book of Doors" we meet Cassie Andrews, a bookseller in New York City, who is given a magical book capable of transporting her anywhere, and with this book, any and every door will open for her.   So along with her roommate, Izzy, they embark on a grand adventure, but soon they enc...

Send me a text message From ebook and audiobook bundles, and discounted books from popular retailers, to library resources and platforms plus lots more.  Today on the couch I’m super excited to chat with Laura Yamin from the What to Read Next podcast and blog about how readers can read more books at low to no cost.  We talk about using library resources, getting different library cards, and utiliz...

Send me a text message Jetset to the Turks and Caicos, get recommendations of what to do when visiting, and learn more about Leanne’s debut novel Never Been Better.  In the novel, we meet a woman navigating mental health struggles, love, and friendships while attending a destination wedding for her best friends in Turks and Caicos. BOOK: Never Been Better by Leanne Toshiko Simpson on Amazon or Boo...

Send me a text message "Piglet" explores the ambitions and desires of a woman whose life is upended by a shocking betrayal just before her wedding.   This leaves her questioning her choices and desires while grappling with family pressures, work stress, her relationship with food,  the chaos of life itself, and her pursuit of creating the perfect cake.  But through this journey, we see h...

Send me a text message Can you imagine a world where the season of autumn stays indefinitely?  Well, that’s exactly what happens in Amy Avery’s novel “The Longest Autumn.”   In the novel, Amy transports us to a world where the four seasons are gods.   Each god is transported from what is known as the divine realm to the human world every season and back again via an ancient portal called the Mirro...

Send me a text message These novels not only stand the test of time but also resonate deeply with the themes of spring which include: growth, rebirth, and self-discovery.  From the landscapes of Italy and England to the enchanting confines of a garden and the intricate social fabric of a 19th-century English town, these stories also invite readers on a journey through love, freedom, and the quest...

Send me a text message Get a mashup of historical fiction, women’s fiction, mystery, and lots of humor in CJ Wray’s novel “The Excitements.”  In the novel we meet Josephine and Penny, two brave and witty World War II veterans who are in their late nineties and they haven't lost their killer instinct or their joy for life. They’re both in Paris to receive a prestigious honor for their role in...