Ep. 156 Books that Celebrate Family, Gratitude, and Giving Thanks

The mythological and the mysterious are intertwined in Yangsze Choo's novel "The Fox Wife."  The story is set in 1908 Manchuria (in northeast China,) and we meet a fox spirit named Snow who assumes a human form to track down the person responsible for her child's death.  Also in the novel, we meet Bao Gong, a retired teacher and detective who has a special gift to sniff out the truth and identify fox spirits.  So when Bao is hired to investigate a mysterious death, we see how the worlds of both Snow and Bao Gong begin to converge.
In this episode, Yangsze generously revisits her books "The Night Tiger" and "The Ghost Bride," two favorites of mine.  She also shares more about her  Malaysian roots and how they breathe life into her work, offering readers a chance to consider the intricate ties between humans and nature. Plus you'll get some great book recommendations and lots more.
BOOK:
The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

Peel back the layers of a diverse Palestinian American community in Baltimore.  That's what you can expect in "Behind You Is the Sea" by Susan Muaddi Darraj.  "Behind You Is the Sea" follows three main families - the Baladis, the Salamehs, and the Ammars - each navigating their own challenges living in America.   We also see the intersection of class, socio-economic and generation divides, and religious differences.  Plus how through struggles and transformations, stereotypes about Palestinian culture are challenged while also exploring themes of family, honor, and identity.  So in this episode, Susan shares insights into the lives of her characters who are caught in the midst of both personal, cultural, and generational tides in Baltimore. 
BOOK:
Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

THE BIBLIOLIFESTYLE 2024 SPRING READING GUIDE
Spring into reading this season!  Download your free copy of The 2024 Spring Reading Guide when you visit springreadingguide.com.  This year's guide has twenty-one books organized across six categories, plus fun recipes, spring activities, lifestyle tips, and more.   So download your free copy and discover your next favorite book!

If you love classic horror movies and 90’s nostalgia then you’re in for a treat because Emily Ruth Verona joins me on the couch to talk about her debut horror thriller "Midnight on Beacon Street."  In the novel, we follow a babysitter named Amy who is hired to watch two children while their mom goes on a date.  But Amy's world is turned upside down when a group of obnoxious teens arrives for a party, supernatural occurrences start happening, a mysterious caller hangs up as soon as she answers the phone, and one of the children she's babysitting finds himself standing over a dead body.  So in this episode, Emily and I talked about her new book, and we had so much fun playing some 90's classic horror movie trivia filled with fun facts, classic lines in movies, and lots more.
BOOK:
Midnight on Beacon Street by Emily Ruth Verona on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

THE BIBLIOLIFESTYLE 2024 SPRING READING GUIDE
Spring into reading this season!  Download your free copy of The 2024 Spring Reading Guide when you visit springreadingguide.com.  This year's guide has twenty-one books organized across six categories, plus fun recipes, spring activities, lifestyle tips, and more.   So download your free copy and discover your next favorite book!

Set in pre-Civil War New Orleans, we follow Ady, an enslaved girl who joins a secret resistance movement run by women who are fighting against slavery and sabotaging the Confederacy.   That's what you can expect in "The American Daughters" by Maurice Carlos Ruffin.  So in this episode, Maurice shares insights into "The American Daughters" and our conversation unravels the layered relationships between Ady and her mother, Sanite, and Lenore, a free Black woman and owner of the Mockingbird Inn which is a cover for a secret resistance movement.  Maurice also shares more about his writing process and his intentions while sharing how he uses documents and journals within his narrative to serve as a bridge between the past, present, and future. We also discuss his previous works "We Cast a Shadow" and "The Ones Who Don’t Say They Love You."  Wrapping up, we peek into Maurice's upcoming projects and he shares a great list of book recommendations.
BOOK:
The American Daughters by Maurice Carlos Ruffin on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

THE BIBLIOLIFESTYLE 2024 SPRING READING GUIDE
Spring into reading this season!  Download your free copy of The 2024 Spring Reading Guide when you visit springreadingguide.com.  This year's guide has twenty-one books organized across six categories, plus fun recipes, spring activities, lifestyle tips, and more.   So download your free copy and discover your next favorite book!

How do you prepare loved ones for your inevitable disappearance?  We unravel all this plus more in Joma West's novel, "Twice Lived."  In the novel, we follow a troubled teen, torn between two families and lives, while also navigating the challenges of shifting between parallel worlds.  As Canna and Lily face their final shift, they must prepare both families for their inevitable disappearance. "Twice Lived" is a coming-of-age fantasy that explores themes of family, friendship, loss, acceptance, and the unpredictable nature of life.  So, in this episode, Joma and I talked more about her book, and we had so much fun playing a game where Joma decides what world she would like to live in.
BOOK:
Twice Lived by Joma West on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

THE BIBLIOLIFESTYLE 2024 SPRING READING GUIDE
Spring into reading this season!  Download your free copy of The 2024 Spring Reading Guide when you visit springreadingguide.com.  This year's guide has twenty-one books organized across six categories, plus fun recipes, spring activities, lifestyle tips, and more.   So download your free copy and discover your next favorite book!

From talking about friends old and new, how to meet new friends, and rekindle old friendships that have fallen by the wayside, this is a heartfelt chat on the significance of friendships in adulthood.  Amy and I unravel the complex yet rewarding nature of friendships by sharing our experiences over the years.  Plus, Amy shares a treasure trove of book recommendations!  So whether you're seeking to revive a past company or yearn for new kindred spirits, this episode is a heartwarming invitation to explore the profound impact of friendship amidst life's ebb and flow, all while discovering your next great read.
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

THE BIBLIOLIFESTYLE 2024 SPRING READING GUIDE
Spring into reading this season!  Download your free copy of The 2024 Spring Reading Guide when you visit springreadingguide.com.  This year's guide has twenty-one books organized across six categories, plus fun recipes, spring activities, lifestyle tips, and more.   So download your free copy and discover your next favorite book!

This is a makeover reality television show and behind-the-scenes romance mash-up, where the lines between performance and authenticity blur.   Today on the couch, I'm joined by Jenny L. Howe, whose charm, laughter, and candid banter are as delightful as her romantic comedy "On the Plus Side."  In the novel, we meet Everly Winters, our lovable protagonist who prefers to blend into the background.  However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she's secretly nominated for her favorite makeover show.  As she navigates the challenges of being on screen, she forms a surprising bond with the cameraman, Logan.  But when their connection is exposed, Everly must decide if she will embrace herself and risk heartbreak in front of the world.
In this episode, we discuss the complexities of body image, reality TV romance, and the cherished yet challenging relationships with family that shape us.  Amidst the fun, we play a little game of "What Would You Rather Wear?  "laughing over fashion faux pas and cheering on the triumphs of individual styles that make us all unique.
BOOK:
On the Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

THE BIBLIOLIFESTYLE 2024 SPRING READING GUIDE
Spring into reading this season!  Download your free copy of The 2024 Spring Reading Guide when you visit springreadingguide.com.  This year's guide has twenty-one books organized across six categories, plus fun recipes, spring activities, lifestyle tips, and more.   So download your free copy and discover your next favorite book!

As I flipped through the pages of my journals, I gained so much perspective on life.  I had the opportunity to relive memories and experiences, and I have a tried and true place where I can work through the ups and downs.
In today's episode, I invite you into the intimate world of journaling, an endeavor that has shaped my life.  I talk about both personal and reading journals, types of journals, journaling techniques, benefits of journaling, and simple tips to help you get started and maintain your journal.
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

THE BIBLIOLIFESTYLE 2024 SPRING READING GUIDE
Spring into reading this season!  Download your free copy of The 2024 Spring Reading Guide when you visit springreadingguide.com.  This year's guide has twenty-one books organized across six categories, plus fun recipes, spring activities, lifestyle tips, and more.   So download your free copy and discover your next favorite book!

Family and social media can be loving and bring us together, but they can get complicated and messy fast.  In this episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Laurie Frankel, whose novel "Family Family" unravels the layers of family, specifically an adoptive family, as seen through the eyes of her protagonist, India Allwood, her adoptive daughter Fig and the daughter she gave up for adoption Rebecca.  Laurie's journey as an adoptive mother lends authenticity to the narrative, highlighting the complexities and the rich tapestry of relationships within a family, all wrapped up with her signature humor and depth.
We also peel back the layers of the online world, and Laurie and I acknowledge its power to both unite and isolate us.   Plus, our protagonist, India's narrative in "Family Family" is a powerful allegory for our times, where the digital age is a double-edged sword, and the definition of family extends beyond traditional blood ties.
BOOK:
Family Family by Laurie Frankel on Amazon or Bookshop.   
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

THE BIBLIOLIFESTYLE 2024 SPRING READING GUIDE
Spring into reading this season!  Download your free copy of The 2024 Spring Reading Guide when you visit springreadingguide.com.  This year's guide has twenty-one books organized across six categories, plus fun recipes, spring activities, lifestyle tips, and more.   So download your free copy and discover your next favorite book!

From literary fiction to thrillers, horror,  historical fiction, and more, this episode is a treasure trove for any bibliophile seeking a glimpse into some of the fantastic books we can look forward to in 2024.
SHOW NOTES & BOOKLIST:
Find the episode show notes and a list of all the books mentioned here.
LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
- Full List of My Most Anticipated Books of 2024
- Get The BiblioLifestyle 2024 Winter Reading Guide
- Get The Shortlist of books under consideration for the guide with book-like recommendations when you join the BiblioLifestyle Community.
MORE RESOURCES:
Visit bibliolifestyle.com for more information and resources to help you in your reading journey.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
Join the BiblioLifestyle Community & the Bring Your Own Book (BYOB) Club for a fun, online book club experience!  Come and share books you've read, get inspiration for what to read next, make friends, and encourage each other along the way.  Learn more and join the community: bibliolifestyle.com/community.

THE BIBLIOLIFESTYLE 2024 SPRING READING GUIDE
Spring into reading this season!  Download your free copy of The 2024 Spring Reading Guide when you visit springreadingguide.com.  This year's guide has twenty-one books organized across six categories, plus fun recipes, spring activities, lifestyle tips, and more.   So download your free copy and discover your next favorite book!