Episodes

  • The Best Books of 2024

    The Best Books of 2024
    Jan 8 2025
    We read a total of 482 books and are excited to share fifteen of our favorite titles from our 2024 reading list. Explore these new releases alongside our favorite backlist books for your best reading year yet.We invite you to browse our book lists featuring 25 of our favorites. Patrons will receive a printable checklist with today's book titles and some of our honorable mentions. SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!Best Books of the Year Full Lists:Larry's Top 25 Books of 2024 (Including Honorable Mentions)Amy's Top 25 Books of 2024Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:The God of the Woods by Liz MooreCleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco MellorsBlue Sisters by Coco MellorsFamily Family by Laurie FrankelReal Americans by Rachel KhongHere One Moment by Liane MoriartyBeautiful Ugly by Alec FeeneyPS I Hate You by Lauren ConnollyThe Women by Kristin HannahThe Great Alone by Kristin HannahHoney by Isabel BontaCinema Love by Jiaming TangThe Wedding People by Alison EspachWish You Weren't Here by Christy SchilligFriends with Secrets by Christine GundersonThings Don’t Break on Their Own by Sarah Easter CollinsJames by Percival EverettThe House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ KluneAdventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark TwainWicked by Gregory MaguireDear Fang, with Love by Rufi ThorpeDon’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman ConfinoShe’s Up to No Good by Sara Goodman ConfinoCrafting a Killer Redemption Story With Heart (Rob Hart Interview)The Wishing Game by Meg ShafferHow Braving a Literary Seminar Shaped The Lost Story (With Meg Shaffer)The Best Escapist Island Books Podcast with Meg ShafferThe Westing Game by Ellen RaskinThe Chronicles of Narnia by CS LewisCamp Damascus by Chuck TingleEverything Beautiful Began After by Simon Van BooyWe Could Be So Good by Cat SebastianThe Nix by Nathan HillThe Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Cohen LoigmanRedefining the Missing Girl Narrative With Emiko JeanThe Kennedy Ryan Phenomenon: Inclusive Narratives With Heart (Kennedy Ryan Interview)Bookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Browse Our 2025 Book Club BooksConnect with Larry on InstagramConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    1 hr and 58 mins
  • The Best Agatha Christie Books Deep Dive Podcast

    The Best Agatha Christie Books Deep Dive Podcast
    Dec 20 2024
    Uncover the Agatha Christie beginner's guide with Victoria from The Reader's Couch! Explore her best-underrated gems and find new modern authors like Christie.Deep dive into Agatha Christie's legacy with Victoria Wood from The Reader's Couch podcast! In this episode of the All-Star Book Influencer Series, we uncover what makes Christie's mysteries so enduring, why her storytelling resonates across generations, and how contemporary authors like Sophie Hannah and Louise Penny have taken cues from her genius.Takeaways include:Victoria's introduction to Christie through The Body in the Library.Christie's masterful use of red herrings in stories like And Then There Were None.Underrated gems like Crooked House that deserve the spotlight.The timeless appeal of the universal themes in Christie's work.We also discuss how personal connections to literature enhance our reading experiences from other well-known authors and the evolution of Christie's legacy through modern adaptations.BONUS CONTENT: Be sure to check out Victoria's article, "Beginner's Guide to Agatha Christie Books," which helps new readers explore Poirot, Miss Marple, and her standalone novels.Meet Victoria Wood (The Reader’s Couch Podcast)Victoria Wood hosts The Reader’s Couch Podcast. She is a reading enthusiast who has successfully guided self-proclaimed “non-readers” into cultivating and sustaining reading habits and assisted readers in fostering more intentional and fulfilling reading lives. She hosts conversations with authors to learn more about their writing and reading lives.Mentioned in this episode:The Reader's Couch PodcastBibliolifestyle's Booktube ChannelBibliolifestyleSalem's Lot by Stephen KingSalem's LotThe Perfect Couple by Elin HildebrandThe Perfect CoupleLady in the Lake by Laura LippmanLady in the LakeDisclaimer by Renee KnightWicked by Gregory MaguireLetterboxd appDead in Long Beach, Californiaby Venita BlackburnThe Body in the Library by Agatha ChristieThe Secret History by Donna TarttHercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie & Sophie HannahAnd Then There Were None by Agatha Christie The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie A Pocketful of Rye by Agatha Christie Crooked House by Agatha ChristieThe Pale Horse by Agatha Christie ConclaveConnect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Victoria on The Reader's Couch Podcast, Instagram, and YouTubeConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    32 mins
  • Meet the 2025 MomAdvice Book Club Books

    Meet the 2025 MomAdvice Book Club Books
    Dec 6 2024

    Join the NEW 2025 MomAdvice Book Club and discover 12 incredible novels together along with many interactive author discussions for this year’s festivities.

    It's my favorite day of the year (CUE THE CONFETTI) and I'm so excited to invite you to the 2025 MomAdvice Book Club! This year, we're mixing things up to make your book club experience even more immersive and engaging.

    As I've done in years past, I've curated twelve fantastic reads spanning genres like historical fiction, romance, contemporary fiction, and even a touch of horror—there's something for everyone this year!

    To discover this year's selections, you can head to today's post, which includes all the details, including the recommended format, the reading mood of the novel, and pacing information. Each description also offers the accompanying reader experience, which is PRETTY EPIC this year. After discussing what changes you want to see this year, I hope you'll be excited to experience this with me.

    I've also uploaded a podcast going through each of these books for those of you that prefer an audio experience with some behind-the-scenes details. I hope you'll join me on this reading adventure!

    Connect With Me:

    JOIN THE 2025 MomAdvice Book Club

    Connect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdvice

    Get My Happy List Newsletter

    Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    31 mins
  • Your Gateway to Literary Fiction Books

    Your Gateway to Literary Fiction Books
    Nov 15 2024
    Dive into the world of literary fiction books with Tina from Book Talk, etc. Discover her top 5 book recommendations for readers and why she loves the genre.I'm so excited to launch our new All-Star Book Influencer series with our first guest, Tina from Book Talk, etc., who joins the show to offer our listeners her top recommendations for the best literary fiction novels.What Can You Expect From the All-Star Book Influencer Series?The All-Star Book Influencers Series will spotlight conversations with influential figures in the book world, from bookstagrammers and booktubers to podcast hosts and reading community leaders. Each of our upcoming guests has chosen their dream topic to discuss on our show.Here's what you can come to expect in the months ahead:Diverse Perspectives: Each guest will bring their unique take on reading, from curating lists that challenge our norms to reviving under-the-radar titles that deserve a second glance.Fresh Recommendations: We'll cover everything from contemporary must-reads to cozy classics, ensuring our conversations remain as varied and engaging as your tastes.Actionable Inspiration: Get ready for book talk that goes beyond the pages—these episodes will help you consider why you read what you do and how to open new pathways to reading more, reading diversely, and making your reading life more intentional.Today, we define what we think makes a great literary fiction book, whether novels need satisfying endings to be favorites, and share Tina's top five recommendations for beginning a literary fiction reading journey.We also discover more of her behind-the-scenes content creation process, including her experiences in the podcasting world, her transition to BookTube, and what she has learned about the importance of authenticity in content creation.BONUS BOOK LIST: Don't miss this week's bonus book list featuring 15 literary fiction titles perfect for escaping this reading season. This curated list includes both Tina's favorites and mine to kickstart your new reading journey.Meet TinaTina Books is a bookish content creator and book podcaster. She is a self-proclaimed book pusher with a passion for new releases who focuses on mystery/thriller, literary fiction, horror, contemporary fiction, and memoir. Tina cohosts Book Talk, etc., a weekly book recommendation podcast. She can be found on Instagram and TikTok at TBR, etc. She is also finding her way on Booktube, also at TBR, etc. Mentioned in this episode:NEW BONUS BOOK LIST: 15 Literary Fiction Books For Character-Driven AdventuresJoin the November Book Club Chat (This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel)Book Talk, etc. PodcastEvenityThe Nonfiction November Challenge You NeedNotionA Little Life by Hanya YanagiharaA24 FilmsDemon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverThe Safekeep by Yael Van Der WoudenIn Memoriam by Alice WinnThe Facemaker by Lindsey FitzharrisThe Nickel Boys by Colson WhiteheadThe Nickel Boys movieKanopyNever Let Me Go by Kazuo IshiguroNotes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka30 Fictional Serial Killer Books to Read NowThe Enchanted by Rene DenfeldThe Child Finder by Rene DenfeldAmy's Interview with Rene DenfeldBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Tina on the Book Talk, etc. Podcast, Instagram, Tiktok, and YouTubeConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    41 mins
  • Redefining the Missing Girl Narrative With Emiko Jean

    Redefining the Missing Girl Narrative With Emiko Jean
    Nov 1 2024
    In this episode, Emiko Jean discusses flipping the script on the traditional missing girl narrative in her new police procedural, The Return of Ellie Black.This week, we’re joined by New York Times bestselling author Emiko Jean to discuss her latest police procedural novel, The Return of Ellie Black.In today’s episode, Emiko offers a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process for The Return of Ellie Black, including the extensive research involved in portraying true crime elements and what missing girl narratives have been missing from their portrayals. She also opens up about the emotional challenges of writing certain scenes through the darker aspects of this thriller.Don’t miss this week’s bonus book list, where we offer 23 atmospheric books perfect for your fall book stack. This list includes cozy fantasy, moody thrillers, and magical realism.Patrons can join us for a bonus spoiler-filled conversation with Emiko Jean, where we discuss the surprising plot twists in The Return of Ellie Black ending, and her plans for the upcoming Detective Chelsea Calhoun series.Meet Emiko JeanEmiko Jean is a New York Times bestselling author of adult and young adult fiction. Her books have been published in over 30 languages and have been featured by Good Morning America as a GMA Book Club pick and by Reese Witherspoon as a YA Book Club pick. Her work has appeared in Marie Claire, Entertainment Weekly, Time, Cosmopolitan, Shondaland, and Bustle. She lives in Washington with her husband and two kids. Mentioned in this episode:NEW BONUS BOOK LIST: 24 Atmospheric Books to Get Lost InJoin the November Book Club Chat (This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel)The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko JeanUnder the Bridge Limited SeriesUnder the Bridge by Rebecca GodfreyWhat Happened to Nina by Dervla McTiernan Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean Other books by Emiko Jean:Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko JeanTokyo Ever After by Emiko JeanEmpress of all Seasons by Emiko JeanWe’ll Never Be Apart by Emiko JeanBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Emiko Jean on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    44 mins
  • How Braving a Literary Seminar Shaped The Lost Story (With Meg Shaffer)

    How Braving a Literary Seminar Shaped The Lost Story (With Meg Shaffer)
    Oct 18 2024
    Meg Shaffer takes us behind the scenes to the literary seminar with legendary writer Richard Russo, who helped her craft her cozy fantasy book, The Lost Story.Imposter syndrome is real and even our favorite authors experience it as they contemplate their next project. In this week's episode, we welcome back bestselling author Meg Shaffer to join us to discuss her latest cozy fantasy novel, The Lost Story, and the literary seminar with Richard Russo that guided this story and gave Meg the writing encouragement she always needed. Today, we discuss Meg's unique research methods, including how she used Fiverr to fact-check archery scenes and gain insights into the pressures of writing a second novel after the commercial success of The Wishing Game.Don’t miss this week’s bonus book list with 23 cozy fantasy books to read this autumn. This new book list includes upcoming titles, new releases, and, of course, those backlist book gems you have come to expect!Patrons can join us for a bonus spoiler-filled conversation with Meg Shaffer, where we discuss The Lost Story ending, her favorite moments in the book, and her top book recommendations from her spicy romance writing career for Harlequin!Meet Meg ShafferMeg Shaffer is the USA Today bestselling author of The Wishing Game, which was a Goodreads Choice Awards finalist, a Book of the Month finalist for Book of the Year, a #1 Barnes & Noble bestseller, and a Reader's Digest Best Book of the Year. Her second novel, The Lost Story, is an instant national bestseller and is available now from Ballantine.With an MFA in TV and Screenwriting from Stephens College, Shaffer lives in Kentucky with her husband and two cats—though the cats, unfortunately, aren't writers.Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like The Lost Story. All purchases support this year's programming. Mentioned in this episode:BONUS BOOK LIST: 23 Cozy Fantasy Books To Lower Your Stress LevelsJoin the October Book Club Chat (Severance by Ling Ma)The Lost Story by Meg ShafferThe Wishing Game by Meg ShafferThe Wishing Game Interview (Meg Shaffer's First Show)The House on the Cerulean Sea by T.J. KluneLord of the Flies by William GoldingChronicles of Narnia by C.S. LewisThe Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire LombardoThe Magic of Old Hollywood Books with Molly Fader EpisodeThe Neverending Story by Michael EndeJack Gibbons, Chopin PianistIt by Stephen KingBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Meg Shaffer on Instagram or her WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    46 mins
  • Crafting a Killer Redemption Story With Heart (Rob Hart Interview)

    Crafting a Killer Redemption Story With Heart (Rob Hart Interview)
    Oct 4 2024
    Rob Hart discusses his gripping novel, Assassins Anonymous, and the heartfelt storytelling approach that defines his work.When Steven Spielberg's production company, Amblin Entertainment, snaps up the rights to a book within 24 hours of acquisition, you know the book must be incredible.Today, Rob Hart joins us to discuss his new novel Assassins Anonymous and the unique background he brings to crafting a great fight sequence. This thriller offers readers humor, heart, and loads of cinematic action, making it an absolute favorite from my reading year. We discuss his plans for continuing this book series for readers and how he continually pivots genres and projects in his writing career. Readers should prepare for deliciously clever plot twists, which we discuss in our patron spoiler-filled episode about the shocking Assassins Anonymous ending Hart crafted!BONUS BOOK LISTWhether you're in the mood for twisty thrillers, laugh-out-loud moments, or heartwarming escapes, I've rounded up 17 of my favorite binge-worthy books that are perfect for breaking out of a reading slump.Meet Rob HartRob Hart is the author of Assassins Anonymous, The Paradox Hotel, The Warehouse, the Ash McKenna crime series, and the co-author of Scott Free with James Patterson. He's worked as a book publisher, a reporter, a political communications director, and a commissioner for the city of New York. Hart lives on Staten Island. Grab a digital copy of my 2024 Summer Reading Guide, featuring incredible novels like Assasins Anonymous. All purchases support this year's programming. Download Today's Show TranscriptBONUS BOOK LIST: Books to Get Out of a Reading Slump Book List (17 Book Ideas)Join the October Book Club Chat (Severance by Ling Ma)Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart The Warehouse by Rob Hart The Paradox Hotel by Rob Hart Blood in the Cut by Alejandro Nodarse Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett Bookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores!Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Rob Hart on Instagram or his WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    34 mins
  • Peek Inside This Disability-Inclusive Bookshop and Why it Matters

    Peek Inside This Disability-Inclusive Bookshop and Why it Matters
    Sep 19 2024
    Discover the best Disability Pride Books curated by Cindy Otis from The Stacks Bookstore, who offers readers a virtual tour of her disability-inclusive space.Cindy Otis's journey to opening The Stacks offers a vital and well-thought conversation about her own limitations in accessing bookshops and what was top of mind for her customers when designing an accessible and welcoming space for all, especially those with disabilities in Savannah, Georgia. From ramps to fonts to her bookshop's tagline, Cindy's thoughtful design choices ensure every reader can enjoy the magic of books. Her small business journey will mesmerize you.Get her top five book recommendations to celebrate Disability Pride Month all year long! But the best part is that you can support her shop through your purchases today in today's special Disability Pride Month book list. Let's shower Cindy's shop with some love this month. Meet Cindy OtisCindy Otis is a writer and the author of the novel At the Speed of Lies, which is now out with Scholastic, and the critically acclaimed nonfiction book True or False, published by Macmillan.Her other written work has appeared in publications such as USA Today, the New York Times, CNN, and Teen Vogue. She previously served as an intelligence analyst and manager at the CIA. She is not just a bookseller but a champion for inclusivity and accessibility in the literary world.Mentioned in this episode:PLEASE NOTE: ALL PURCHASES FROM TODAY'S SHOW SUPPORT THE STACKS BOOKSTORE SHOP THE DISABILTY PRIDE BOOK LISTAt the Speed of Lies by Cindy L. OtisTrue or False by Cindy L. OtisCindy’s TikTokThe Stacks: How a Small Bookstore Plans to Make Big Waves on Waters AvenueThe Lumbering Giants of Windy Pines by Mo NetzBeing Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith HeumannKiss Quotient by Helen HoangTrue Biz by Sara NovicThe Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-JonesThe Kennedy Ryan Phenomenon: Inclusive Narratives with HeartDOWNLOAD TODAY'S SHOW TRANSCRIPTConnect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonFollow The Stacks Bookstore on Instagram or TiktokConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)
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    50 mins