Books Are My People
Books & Literature
About
Find your next great read. Book recommendations, book news and guests, including top authors and other book enthusiasts who discuss what’s happening in the world of books with a focus on frontlist and backlist fiction including literary fiction, suspense, historical, memoir and nonfiction.
Episodes
- Talking Dogs and Art
This episode discusses dogs in art history, referencing Thomas W. Lauqeur's The Dog's Gaze: A Visual History, and explores the historical relationship between humans and dogs. Several other books are also mentioned.
- Monsters in the Archives - My Year of Fear with Stephen King
On Books Are My People episode #164, Caroline Bicks discusses her book 'Monsters in the Archives: My Year of Fear with Stephen King.' The conversation covers Stephen King's enduring popularity, the function of horror in confronting fears,…
- Brian Platzer - The Optimists
On episode 163 of Books Are My People, host interviews author Brian Platzer about his novel The Optimists, discussing influences on his protagonist and the nature of optimism. Book recommendations are also shared.
- Judy Blume: A Life - with Mark Oppenheimer
Mark Oppenheimer, author of "Judy Blume: A Life," joins the podcast to discuss Judy Blume's appeal and share favorite books. Book recommendations include works by Daniel Kehlmann, Sophie Mackintosh, Dave Hickey, Brian Platzer, Rich Cohen,…
- Booker Prize Nominee Charlotte Wood and The Natural Way of Things
Charlotte Wood, nominee for the Booker Prize, discusses internalized misogyny, systems of oppression, and her novel "The Natural Way of Things" with "Books Are My People".
- Bad Asians - a conversation with author Lillian Li
This week, on episode 160 of Books Are My People, I speak with Lillian Li author of Bad Asians. We talk about identity, the perils of the internet, and the aftermath of the 2008 recession. Shownotes: How to Commit A Post Colonial Murder by…
- Meet Bookish Serial Makers: Monica and Cortney from Craft Cook Read Repeat
It's a bit of a longer episode today but I couldn’t tear myself away from my new Bay Area Crafty friends: Monica and Cortney from the fantastic podcast Craft Cook Read Repeat. These joyful makers will inspire creativity and curiosity in th…
- Heated Rivalry: I'm Going There
Yup, I finally read part of a romance novel and watched two romance shows. Who am I in 2026? In episode #158 I announce some new forthcoming screen adaptations, we get a guest author book recommendation from Nalini Singh, author of Such A…
- A Dog's Spirit Jumps into a Boy - Sara Levine and The Hitch
This week on episode #157, I speak with one of my favorite authors, the delightful Sara Levine, author of The Hitch, out tomorrow. I talk about some of my New Year’s resolutions, the amazing new skill I taught my dog and winter break trave…
- Back in Time Books out in 2012
This week, I go back in time to 2012 to share some of my favorite reads as well as discuss other, notable reads from that year. We have a special guest author recommendation from Emily Wiberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka authors of Seeing…
- Best Books of 2025
Check out my top reads of 2025. I also include some books I read in 2025 that were previously published. I share what craft I'm struggling with, what Thanksgiving crop I grew this year as well as some bookish news. Books Published in 2025…
- Aja Gabel - When Art and Science Collide
This week, I speak with Aja Gabel, author of Lightbreakers . We talk about loss, writing and book recommendations, of course! We also get a guest author recommendation from Amie McNee, author of To Kill A Queen. Books recommended: Stories…
- Me, Myself and I
Every once in a while I like to just record on my own! Especially when life gets hectic! We get a guest author recommendation from Kristin Bair, author of Clementine Crane Prefers Not To. I share a story about why I'll never wear white pan…
- Nick Medina - Superstitious Fiction
This week, we're joined by Nick Medina, author of The Whistler. We talk about superstitions, narrative voice and so much more! We also get a book recommendation from Julian Brave NoiseCat, author of We Survived The Night . Books Recommende…
- Read Like A Gilmore Girl
On episode 151 Kristine Eckart visits and talks about her new book, Meet Me At Luke's: Lessons in Life and Love from the Gilmore Girls. We talk about Rory's booklist, sense of community and important lessons we can learn from the beloved s…
- Matthew J. Trafford - The Grounded Fantastic
On episode #150, I sit down with Matthew J. Trafford to talk about his short fiction collection Runs in the Blood . We explore the grounded fantastic—where everyday life meets the surreal—and how queerness, family, and myth shape his stori…
- Laura Dickerman - Surprising Books That Subvert Expectations
This week, on episode #149 with Laura Dickerman, we discuss her debut novel, HOT DESK - a funny and touching book about two people who share a desk in the publishing industry, some of our favorite books that subvert expectations and, I've…
- Reading About Adventure and Drawing Your Adventures with Samantha Dion Baker
This week, we speak with the delightful Samantha Dion Baker, artist and author of Draw Your Adventures: Making Art to Celebrate Everyday Experiences and Travel Near and Far . This episode is sponsored by The Housekeeper’s Secret by Sandra…
- Books About Death and Dying
This week, I'm joined by Lisa Pahl who talks about an inventive way to talk about death and dying, through use of The Death Deck. We also discuss books that deal with this topic. The Clouds Far Behind Me by Laurie Lo Cicero Death of the Au…
- Me, Myself and I
An adorably short episode where I talk about the Pulitzer winning book of fiction as well as ponder whether or not dead authors' work should be publishing after their death and without their permission. Plus, I recommend five books. The Na…
- Annie Hartnett - Slutty Golden Retrievers
Today, I'm in conversation with Annie Hartnett, author of the recently published Road to Tender Hearts. We talk about the inspiration for her protagonist, PJ as well as how many pages she wrote before she sold this novel. Books Recommended…
- Lauren Steinstra - When Science and Novel Writing Collide
This week, I'm in conversation with Lauren Steinstra, author of The Beauty of the End. We discuss genetics, how her career in science influenced her work and whether or not people should delete their 23 and Me accounts. Plus, lots of book…
- The Art of Painting Books with Jane Mount
On this episode of Books Are My People, I'm visited by artist and bibliophile Jane Mount. We discuss the importance of talking about banned books, her favorite book to paint, and how her degree in anthropology informs her work. This episod…
- Clowning Around with Kristen Arnett
This week, I'm joined by author Kristen Arnett. We chat about clown and how they relate to her latest novel, Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One. Guest Book Author Recommendation: Eliza Kennedy Lucky Night recommends The Empusium by Olga Toka…
- Book Podcasters Unite!
On this week’s episode of BOOKS ARE MY PEOPLE I’m joined by fellow book podcaster Traci Thomas of THE STACKS. We chat about some of her favorite author interviews, how she manages her reading time and, she even spills the tea regarding wha…
- Jane Tara - Refusing to Disappear
This week, on episode #141 Jane Tara visits all the way from Australia to discuss her first book written for adults, Tilda is Visible. We talk about self love during the aging process, what it's like to write over 100 children's books and…
- Fostering Community at the Culver City Book Festival
This week, I speak with Jennifer Caspar, founder and owner of Village Well Books & Coffee and one of their events coordinators, Brett Morrow. We focus on The Culver City Book Festival, Saturday, February 22nd from 10 - 5 pm. I will be ther…
- Los Angeles is a Megacity
This week, Genaro Trejo, founder of Megacity Review visits and we talk about his new literary and art journal which amplifies underrepresented voices. Author Jane Corey recommends a favorite read and I breakdown my experience during the re…
- A Quick Fire Update
Be back in two weeks. Stay safe out there. Be kind to one another. Support the show Get your Books Are My People merch here! I hope you all have a wonderfully bookish week!
- Best Books of 2024
On Episode #138 I share my favorite reads and audiobook listens from 2024 as well as some favorite backlist titles I read this past year. Watch me recommend books on The Mark Thompson Show. Win a copy of Guilt and Ginataan. Click here to e…
- Back In Time: Favorite Books From 2013 Plus A Very Special Holiday Guest
This week, my favorite guest is back, my dad, writer Ron Clark! Plus, there’s even a special bonus guest. We all giggle. A lot. Then, I go back in time and recommend some of my favorite reads from 2013. This episode is sponsored by Out Lik…
- Daughters of Bronze - Reimagining the Past
A.D. Rhine - the pseudonym for co-authors Ashlee Cowles and Danielle Stinson are here to discuss their latest novel, Daughters of Bronze, a retelling of Homer's Iliad from the women who were there. This episode is sponsored by Out Like A L…
- Nayantara Roy - Finding A Way Home
This week, I speak with Nayantara Roy about her debut novel The Magnificent Ruins . We speak about how she managed the logistics of her page-turning family saga, how her lived experience influenced this novel, as well as how long it took h…
- Writing Advice and Origin Stories
This week, on episode 134, I'm joined by podcaster and writer Jonathan Small, author of the recently published Write About Now: Successful Authors on Overcoming Obstacles, Finding Inspiration and the Birth of Their Careers. He also has an…
- Night Magic - Marvels of the Dark
In episode 133, I'm visited by Leigh Ann Henion author of Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark . We discuss artificial light, glowworms, mothapalooza and the biodiversity of night. Plus, we g…
- Louis Bayard - Oscar Wilde Was A Family Man
On episode 132 Louis Bayard discusses his latest historical novel, The Wildes: a novel in five acts. We talk about our shared affinity for Oscar Wilde, Bayyard's favorite work of Wilde's and we share some recent reads we loved. In addition…
- A Puzzling Mystery with Janice Hallett
This week, on episode 131, I speak with the incredibly creative and talented Janice Hallett about her latest novel, The Examiner . We discuss how she goes about crafting her novels and she shares some of her favorite reads. Guest Author Re…
- Some Favorite Summer Reads
I read 40 books this summer! On episode 130, I share some of my favorites. This episode of Books Are My People is sponsored by Darrin Doyle’s Let Gravity Seize the Dead . Books Recommended: This Strange Eventful History by Claire Messud Be…
- A Magpie Tells The Story with Catherine Chidgey
Episode 129 of Books Are My People is sponsored by Let Gravity Seize the Dead by Darrin Doyle. This week, I speak with Catherine Chidgey, the award-winning author of The Axeman's Carnival and Pet. We talk about magpies and finding the perf…
- Catherine Newman - The Sandwich Generation and Book Recommendations
On episode 128 I speak with author Catherine Newman about summer hair, humor as survival strategy and Catherine’s previous job working in a sandwich shop. This episode of Books Are My People is sponsored by Let Gravity Seize the Dead by Da…
- Me, Myself and I: Celebrating Five Years of Podcasting with a Special Guest
These week, on episode 127 I take it back to the OG days of the podcast five years ago when I struggled to get a guest on the show. Now, I am so lucky to get to pick amazing guests! This episode of Books Are My People is sponsored by The Y…
- Let's Talk Picture Books
This week, on episode 126, I speak with picture book author Nell Cross Beckerman. We discuss how authors find illustrators, some of our favorite picture books and Nell’s recently published book, From Park to Playa: The Trails That Connect…
- How to Start an Independent Press
This week on episode #125, author and Drag Queen Story Hour founder Michelle Tea visits and talks to us about her new Press, Dopamine, its forthcoming anthology, Sluts and how she generates so much writing. This episode of Books Are My Peo…
- Turning Discarded Books Into Art
On episode #124, collage artist and printmaker Sarah Z. Short talks about her creative process, how language figures into her art, the books she used to love to teach and, she recommends some of her favorite reads on episode 124 of Books A…
- Murder in Sicily with Jo Piazza author of The Sicilian Inheritance
#123 with Jo Piazza The Sicilian Inheritance This week, I talk food and books with The Sicilian Inheritance author and podcaster extraordinaire, Jo Piazza. Book Recommended The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza The Secret Book of Flora Lee…
- Changing Legislation through Books with Garrard Conley
On episode #122, author Garrard Conley ( Boy Erased) speaks with me about his latest novel, All The World Beside . We talk about the research involved in writing historical fiction, how he helped change legislature, and some scandalous let…
- How to Write A Graphic Memoir
In episode #121, graphic memoirist, Kelcey Ervick joins the show to talk about her graphic memoir and what it’s like to write about and draw her lived experience. Books Recommended: I Was Their American Dream by Malaka Gharib The Extinctio…
- Roxana Robinson
On episode #120, Roxana Robinson ( Leaving ) and I discuss novels that move us, Parisian sewers and best approaches to teaching writing. Books Recommended: Leaving by Roxana Robinson Underland: A Deep Time Journey by Robert MacFarlane Pigl…
- Books About War
In episode #119, John Evans, owner of Diesel Bookstore talks about selling his independent bookstore, what he'll miss most and how books help us deal with difficult subjects such as war. Click below to purchase the books at my affiliate Bo…
- Building Community Through Books and Art
This week, on episode #118 of Books Are My People, I'm visited by H. Maria Armijo a visual artist, librarian and instructor on a mission to boost community literacy. We talk books and the importance of information literacy. Books recommend…