"People who love books, we're the last line of reason and discourse…" National Book Award winner James McBride’s newest novel, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store showcases the complicated and compassionate lives of the inhabitants of a small Pennsylvania town. McBride joins us to discuss the research he does, his personal connections to the book, telling stories that need to be told and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was produced and hosted by Miwa Messer a...
Aug 08, 2023•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast I Will Greet the Sun Again by Khashayar J. Khabushani is the story of a young Iranian American boy growing up in the San Fernando Valley with his brothers. With basketball, his family and the influences around him, he begins to understand his identity. Khabushani joins us to talk about the different realities within L.A., the rewriting process, what he learned as a teacher and more. With ten rich and beautifully crafted stories, Jamel Brinkley’s collection Witness shows a glimpse of life for peo...
Aug 05, 2023•2 hr 36 min•Transcript available on Metacast "My overarching goal is to enchant people the way I am enchanted." Explore the ocean and its wonders in Susan Casey’s The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean . With an eclectic cast of scientists and enthusiasts along with the author’s firsthand experience diving into the unknown of the deep, this is a one of a kind look at one of the most important features of our planet. Casey joins us to talk about the fascinating geography and animal life she’s seen, the importance of connecting ...
Aug 03, 2023•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Tom Lake by Ann Patchett is a rich, multidimensional story of family, love and summer stock theater. Patchett joins us to talk about the wealth of influences that inspired this novel, wanting to write a happy book, being an author and a bookseller and more. Jimin Han’s The Apology follows a surprising and funny 105-year-old woman as she fends off an intergenerational curse. Han joins us to talk about the humor in her characters, claiming space as a writer, what she’s learned while teaching and m...
Aug 01, 2023•2 hr 42 min•Transcript available on Metacast "There's always this thing that makes you kind of gravitate towards an idea… that you just feel this kind of throb or this pulse that's there within it.” Colin Walsh’s debut novel, Kala , bridges the literary and the thrilling with a group of friends confronting their teenage years as the unraveling of a mystery from their past throws one small Irish town into turmoil. Walsh joins us to talk about creating his characters’ voices, weaving together multiple timelines, the challenges and nostalgia ...
Jul 29, 2023•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast "The fantastical worlds, the science fiction worlds offer a place where they can explore..." Light Bringer , the 6th installment in Pierce Brown’s Red Rising series, will bring fans back to beloved worlds and characters as the space opera saga hurtles forward. Brown joins us to talk about what other works inspired these books, how this genre can offer space for the outsiders, working toward the conclusion of the series and more with guest host, Kat Sarfas. We end this episode with TBR Topoff boo...
Jul 27, 2023•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast “If you're going to go to dark places… then you better go armed with humor.” Pulitzer Prize Winner Richard Russo returns to upstate New York with Somebody’s Fool , which reunites readers with beloved characters as they continue their lives in North Bath. Russo joins us to talk about the idea of a regional writer, getting the atmosphere of small towns, writing humor and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was produced and hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harr...
Jul 25, 2023•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Writing duo Christine Pride and Jo Piazza return with You Were Always Mine , a timely, tender and thought-provoking novel about race, motherhood and family ties. They joined us to talk about the challenges and surprises of cowriting, how they balance responsibilities and deadlines, the responses of their families to the book and more, live at Barnes & Noble Union Square with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed by Ha...
Jul 22, 2023•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast “I feel this book is really about America.” David Lipsky’s The Parrot and the Igloo is not the climate change story you might expect — with a distinct and even humorous narrative voice and a wild story you’ll need to read to believe, this book will change the way we look at one of our most pressing issues. Lipsky joins us to talk about why he decided to approach the topic in this way, the importance of balancing levity with a serious subject, his favorite literary influences and more with guest ...
Jul 20, 2023•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast “And I'm grateful for the times I got to ask questions. I got to be curious, I got to say, Hey, this looks different over there .” A Renaissance of Our Own is both memoir and manifesto; a rallying cry to reimagine how we exist and interact with the world and each other. Author and activist Rachel Cargle joined us to talk about ambition and curiosity, imposed expectations, grief and joy, her work with the Loveland Foundation, finding what we value most and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Ov...
Jul 18, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast “Every reader can have a different opinion at the end between admiration and disgust and nobody's wrong.” The Art Thief by Michael Finkel is the stranger-than-fiction true story of Stéphane Breitweiser’s infamous and incredible career as — you guessed it, one of the world’s most notorious art thieves. Finkel joined us to talk about his own interactions with Breitweiser, the notion of obsession, how we should start viewing art and more with guest host, Allie Ludlow. This episode of Poured Over wa...
Jul 15, 2023•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast “That to me is part of the joy … of memoir, which is — it is all about looking back.” Beth Nguyen’s Owner of a Lonely Heart is a memoir about motherhood, loss and coming-of-age while navigating the refugee experience, told with a vivid and powerful voice. Nguyen joins us to talk about the feeling of writing nonfiction, the importance of names, generational impacts on the way we view life and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. We end this episode with TBR Topoff book recommendations from...
Jul 13, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson is a novel of family and freedom as one young man navigates coming of age as a Londoner born to Ghanian parents. Nelson joins us to talk about the change and growth in his second book, visiting Ghana while writing, the importance of place and more. In her short story collection, Temple Folk , Aaliyah Bilal examines and illuminates some of the realities of the Black Muslim experience through her stunning prose and deep characters. Bilal talks with us on how she...
Jul 11, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Transcript available on Metacast “... what is it like to live your life through the books you read?" The Librarianist by Patrick deWitt is a warm, introspective novel about a retired librarian who lives his life surrounded by books, and the impact he has on those around him. DeWitt joins us to talk about finding the story’s voice, balancing humor and melancholy, writing in different genres and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. We end this episode with TBR Topoff book recommendations from Jamie and Mary. This episode o...
Jul 08, 2023•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast “What part of yourself is actually in each character?” Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur is a family drama set on the shores of Cape Cod, full of complicated relationships, secrets and revelations. Brodeur joined us to talk about creating her detailed characters, writing intuitively, her career in the literary world and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occas...
Jul 06, 2023•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast Whether it’s to 18th century Prague or present-day Los Angeles, you’ll find yourself transported with these fast paced and thrilling reads and their complicated characters and dynamic plots. The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni is thriller unlike any other with its intricate web of enigmas and ancient mysteries that will keep you guessing until the very end. Trussoni joins us to talk about how she developed her characters and plots, the immense amount of research she did before writing, why we...
Jul 04, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Transcript available on Metacast “This whole life experience is just a ride, and occasionally we get to steer it.” Jason Mraz’s new album Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride combines elements from his previous music with all new influences for this journey through sound. Mraz joins us to talk about writing new songs, his time on Broadway, his take on concert etiquette and more with Poured Over guest host, Allyson Gavaletz. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Allyson Gavaletz and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes lan...
Jul 01, 2023•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast “I didn't want to get sick of my work … let's write something that I'm going to enjoy.” Open Throat by Henry Hoke is a novel unlike any other. This propulsive and vulnerable story reflects humanity from the perspective of a queer mountain lion living under the Hollywood sign. Hoke and his editor, Jackson Howard, join to talk about the process of writing this book, the canon of queer literature, the setting of LA and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was host...
Jun 29, 2023•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast “God, I was an idiot, but I had good legs.” Caroline O’Donoghue’s The Rachel Incident is a witty and emotional journey through friendships, first loves and all the challenges that come with being in your early 20s. O’Donoghue joins us to talk about her incredibly relatable characters, realistic love interests, writing for adults and YA and more with guest host, Jenna Seery. We end this episode with TBR Topoff book recommendations from Madyson and Mary. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by J...
Jun 27, 2023•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast Elysha Chang’s debut, A Quitter’s Paradise , is the story of one woman’s journey through family secrets, grief and love told with humor and heart. Chang and her publisher, Sarah Jessica Parker, join us live at Barnes & Noble Union Square to talk about the challenges of writing this novel, what they look for in books, getting into the publishing industry and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Lian...
Jun 24, 2023•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast “I found in nature that kind of the same appeal that I find in books which is: … they're both filled with these rich particularities and they're also … mysteriously universal.” Jennifer Ackerman’s What an Owl Knows is a compelling and vivid investigation into one of our world’s most beloved and mysterious animals. Ackerman talks with us about her journey to the world of birds, the incredible researchers she worked with on the book, the roles nature plays in daily life and more with guest host Je...
Jun 22, 2023•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast “Does one ever move on from someone they love dying?” Lorrie Moore’s I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home is a story of love, family, life and death, written with the unmistakable wit and humor her readers cherish. Moore talks with us about her distinct authorial voice, balancing humor and grief, the difference in reviewing television and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. We end this episode with TBR Topoff book recommendations from Marc and Madyson. This episode of Poured Over was hos...
Jun 20, 2023•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast Two authors take on historical fiction with these novels featuring queer love, heartbreak, coming of age and agency with rich settings and vibrant casts, from 17th century France to the wild, wild American West. Celia Bell’s The Disenchantment finds Paris amidst political and social upheaval, while one noblewoman balances her unhappy marriage and her female lover in the tenuous world of high society intrigue. Bell joins us to talk about this particularly interesting time period, how a fairy tale...
Jun 17, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast These two new novels ask a crucial question: who gets to tell our stories? Keziah Weir’s The Mythmakers follows one young journalist as she seeks answers within the unpublished manuscript of a recently dead author while her own life starts to crumble. Weir joins us to talk about likeable female characters, what makes the literary canon, AI storytelling and more. My Murder by Katie Williams is a fast-paced, inventive mystery where the victims of a serial killer are brought back to life to solve t...
Jun 15, 2023•2 hr 31 min•Transcript available on Metacast These two novels transport readers into rich, vivid historical settings — whether it’s a journey from colonial India to Europe, or through the canals of 18th century Venice. Loot by Tania James follows one young artist from his homeland across the world to retrieve a stolen wooden tiger in an engrossing adventure. James joins us in conversation about the choice to write historical fiction, the vast web of colonization and empire (including stolen art), how she came to the voice of the novel and ...
Jun 13, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Powerful women, families of all kinds, fantastical adventures and so much more unite these two spellbinding tales. Juno Dawson’s The Shadow Cabinet is the second installment in her series of witches, intrigue and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. Dawson joins us to talk about the importance of complex female characters, the response to This Book is Gay, the strength her characters find together and more with Poured Over guest host, Marie Hendry. Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs finds two...
Jun 10, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Either/Or , Elif Batuman’s sequel to Pulitzer Prize finalist The Idiot , is the humorous and relatable ongoing story of a Turkish American surviving college in the 90s. Batuman joins us to talk about her approach to writing fiction, how her own life influences her work, analyzing literature and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Executive Producer Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. Follow us here for new episodes Tuesdays and Thursdays (with ...
Jun 08, 2023•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast “This is the place; this is the right place for me, it’s home.” Demon Copperhead , Barbara Kingsolver’s Pulitzer Prize-winning return to Appalachia, is the story of a young boy growing into adulthood amid the struggle and beauty of this oft-overlooked corner of America. Kingsolver joins us to talk about the truth of Appalachian culture, how journalism made her the novelist she is today, the politics of art and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by ...
Jun 06, 2023•57 min•Transcript available on Metacast “What if we could do anything? Should we do it? What are the consequences?” Ramona Ausubel’s new novel The Last Animal asks big questions about motherhood, grief and our responsibility to the planet. And there’s a woolly mammoth. Ausubel joins us to talk about the realities of working in male dominated fields, the differences in writing novels and short stories, the power of storytelling and more with Miwa Messer, host of Poured Over. We end this episode with TBR Topoff book recommendations from...
Jun 03, 2023•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast These two authors tackle important subjects with new research and keen insight. Héctor Tobar’s Our Migrant Souls delves into the “Latino” identity with thorough analysis of history, culture and extensive interviews. Tobar joins us to talk about the concepts of ethnicity and race, hearing stories from people across the country and more. King: A Life is the comprehensive new biography of Martin Luther King Jr. compiling new information with in-depth research to create a definitive portrait of this...
Jun 01, 2023•2 hr 40 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
