Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is a whimsical children’s novel about Charlie Bucket, a kind, poor boy who wins a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the mysterious Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Since so many know this story, Matthew and I were able to have a conversation about the book’s history and Dahl’s legacy, and about how art and our views of it change over time.Matthew Stern is an award-winning public speaker and writer with over 40 years of professional experience. His works include the novels Amiga and The Remainders, as well as the best-selling public speaking book Mastering Table Topics. A lifelong resident of Southern California, he grew up in Reseda, graduated from California State University, Northridge, and now lives in Lake Forest. When he’s not rooting for the Dodgers and Rams, he enjoys exercising and spending time with his wife, adult children, and granddaughter. You can find him on social media platforms @MASwriterOur drink this week is a Greek Cheek Beer, a favorite of Matthew’s from his home in California, and a reference to the gum-smacking habits of Violet Beauregaard. If you are in California definite check it out. For those of us outside of the Golden State, Sam Adams Chocolate Bock would have be a great pairing for this book.In this EpisodeRoald Dahl Revision ControversyWonka vs Wonka The problem with overly likable characters - Matthew Stern

This week’s book is Libby Lost & Found, by Stephanie Booth, about Libby Weeks, the reclusive author of the hit fantasy series “The Falling Children”, who faces a crisis when she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's and struggles to complete her overdue manuscript. In desperation, she enlists the help of eleven-year-old superfan Peanut Bixton, who knows the series inside and out but has her own hidden troubles. As Libby grapples with her diagnosis, Peanut and her family work to protect and help her save herself and the series.My guest this week is Kendall Concini-Moore. Kendall‘s greatest adventure began not on the page, but at home, as a mother. Her book Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure was inspired by her own family and her struggles with depression, or her “cloud.” With empathy and playful hearts, her family encourages her to rest, reminding her that it’s okay to not be okay, because clouds don’t last forever. Complete with discussion questions and resources, this picture book gives children ages 4-8 the language to understand when someone they love is struggling, while celebrating that sometimes, simply being together is the most caring thing. You can find out more about her and her book on her website, https://cloudydaychronicles.org/, through her Substack where she shares resources: cloudydaychronicles.substack.com/ and on social media @cloudydaychronicles.Kendall curated our drink this week:  A Black Manhattan with a coffee twist, listen to the episode to learn how this was inspired by the book and what author Stephanie Booth thought Libby’s favorite drink would be!Ingredients2 oz rye whiskey (or bourbon if you want it softer)1 oz Amaro¼ oz coffee liqueur (just a pinch—enough to deepen, not dominate)2-3 dashes orange bitters (optional but rounds it out)Luxardo cherry or orange twist for garnishDirectionsAdd rye (or bourbon), amaro, coffee liqueur, and bitters to a mixing glass.Fill with ice and stir vigorously for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.Strain into a chilled coupe (for up) or an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube (for on the rocks).Garnish with a Luxardo cherry or a long orange twist. In this episodeChuck Palahniuk Laurie NotaroPatrick RothBrandon SandersonEvery Heart a Doorway EpisodeTweetsie RailroadDrop Dead GenerousA Doubters Almanac Episode

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger revolves around identical twins, Elspeth and Edie, who have a deep but complicated bond that is tested when Elspeth, a reclusive woman living in London, dies and leaves her apartment to her American nieces, Julia and Valentina. As the twins settle into Elspeth's home, they become entangled in the mysteries of her past and the supernatural presence that lingers in the apartment, particularly the ghost of Elspeth herself. My guest this week is Valerie Adachi. Valerie is a self-proclaimed bookworm who even enjoyed reading cereal boxes 🥣as a kid, she reminisces over the tactile joy of spreading the New York Times 📰 across her kitchen table.Adventure always seems to be around the corner for her, often appearing spontaneous but rooted in long-percolating ideas—like the decision to add a new puppy 🐶 to her already bustling pack, turning her quiet life topsy-turvy.Beyond her love for dogs 🐕 , she thrives on live music, good food and drink shared with family and friends, and the thrill of knowing that adventure is always nearby, maybe we a cozy reading spot 📖SPOILER ALERT! For the first episode ever, we do discuss the ending, so heads up if you plan to read the book. I do give you a heads up in the episode so you know when to stop, but if you have read it already or want to hear the ending, listen all the way through!In This EpisodeMirror TwinsHighgate CemeteryEarl Grey Hot ToddyIngredients:1 cup water1 Earl Grey tea bag1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste)1-2 ounces whiskey (such as bourbon or rye)1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juiceLemon slice (for garnish)Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnishDirections1. Boil the water in a small saucepan or kettle.2. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the Earl Grey tea bag. Steep for about 3-5 minutes, depending on your preference for strength.3. Remove the tea bag and stir in the honey until fully dissolved.4. Add the whiskey and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the tea mixture, stirring gently to combine.5. Pour the hot toddy into a mug or heatproof glass.6. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick, if desired.7. Serve warm and enjoy your soothing hot toddy!

Our book this week is An Object of Beauty, a novel released in 2010 by Steve Martin, chronicles the journey of the driven and charming Lacey Yeager as she navigates the New York art scene. Starting as an intern at Sotheby's, Lacey ascends to become a prominent gallery owner, revealing her questionable methods and the fluctuating dynamics of the art market from the 1990s to the present. Narrated by her friend Daniel, the story delves into themes of art, collecting, ambition, and social ambition within the art world, all infused with Martin's characteristic wit and dry humor.My guest this week is Amy Carleton, Ph D. She teaches in the Comparative Media Studies/Writing program at MIT and is the co-founder of Black Notes Project, a Charlotte, NC-based music festival and nonprofit, as well as the creator of Lecture Notes, a public humanities series (and now Substack!). Her research focuses on the behavioral economics of online communities and the intersection of race and digital culture. She is a recipient of the MIT Teaching With Digital Technology award, holds a graduate certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University, and was selected by the WikiEducation Foundation as a Wikipedia Black History Scholar. Find out more about Amy through her website TheAmyCarleton.comOur Drink this week is La Marca Prosecco, which is a popular offering at art galleries and showings. So sip some along with us as we dive into the art world of the 90s and 2000s!In this EpisodeWays of Seeing by John BergerBorn Standing Up by Steve MartinDavidson collegeExit Through the Gift Shop DocumentaryIsabella Stewart Garden Museum TheftThe Mint Museum Boston Museum of Fine ArtsBechtler Museum of Modern Art Harvey B. Gantt CenterInstitute of Contemporary ArtYour Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy RossNovant Health Art InitiativeVirginia Museum of Fine ArtsThe Story of Art Without Men by Katy HesselUnfinished: The Role of the Artist in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Lucas Cantor SantiagoA Little Life by Hanya YanagiharaRandom Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc Brookline BooksmithRJ Julia Bookstore

Happy New Year Libration Nation! We are kicking off the year with Heartbeat by Terreece M. Clarke, a romance suspense novel in which Mike and Maya find love in the midst of danger and messiness.  This is the first book in Clarke’s Courageous Love Series, and with excellent characters and diverse voices, it is a favorite of this week’s guest, Liz Bullard!Liz Bullard is a multi-genre author, therapist, and coach known for her captivating storytelling and passion for helping creatives overcome obstacles. Her notable works include The Prophecy Series and the Lira Somers Mysteries—praised for fast-paced plots, vivid characters, and movie-like imagery. Liz’s love of reading and writing is evident in the eReads Podcast, where she celebrates the power of creativity and storytelling. When she’s not writing, coaching, or recording the podcast, she’s cooking, reading, or spending time with Preston the corgi.Our drink this week is a Hibiscus French 75 Mocktail, using one of my favorite syrups Wild Hibiscus, which includes hibiscus flowers that make the cocktail match Heartbeat’s cover!Ingredients1 oz NA gin.5 oz Wild Hibiscus syrup.5 oz fresh lemon juiceNA Sparkling wineIceLemon twist or edible flower (for garnish)1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, wild hibiscus syrup, and fresh lemon juice.2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is chilled.3. Place hibiscus flower from the syrup in a champagne flute.4. Pour mixture from shaker into flute5. Top it off: Gently top off the drink with your choice of chilled NA sparkling wine.In this EpisodeTerreece M. Clarke’s WebsiteJames PattersonJanet Evanovich

Hello Libration Nation! This week I am joined by Nick George, a poet and educator, to discuss This Is The Honey an anthology of poems edited by Kwame Alexander. We talked about Nick’s journey with poetry, the significance of diverse voices in poetic anthologies, and the importance of seeing yourself reflected in stories. We read and analyze poems from the anthology, including works by Mahogany L. Brown and Jabari Asim. This is the last episode of 2025 as I’m taking a little break to relax and spend time with my family. Looking forward to some great episodes coming out in 2026!Nicholas Steven George (or, Nick George the Poet) is a poet, educator, DJ and facilitator. He has performed at venues such as TedXCharlottesville, American Psychology Association Annual Convention, University of Lynchburg & Opera Roanoke. In performing his original work, he has opened for renowned poets like Jasmine Mans, Levi the Poet, Alysia Harris, Black Ice & Joshua Bennett. His work dwells at the intersection of culture, identity and spirituality. He has been writing, performing, and teaching for more than two decades. Nick’s award-winning work has been featured in a variety of industries and highlighted on platforms on the local and nationwide scale, ranging from private group facilitation and workshops, 1 on 1 coaching, and virtual/in-person performances. Find him on his website or on social media.Moscow Mule2 oz vodka1 oz fresh lime juice4 oz ginger beerFresh mint leaves (about 8-10)Lime wedge (for garnish)IceCopper mug (traditional)In the bottom of a copper mug, add the fresh mint leaves. Gently muddle them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils.Fill the mug with ice cubes.Pour the vodka and fresh lime juice over the ice.Top off with ginger beer, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint.Enjoy your refreshing Moscow Mule!In this EpisodeDrinks in the Library MerchSonya SanchezLangston HughesStill I Rise by Maya AngelouAmiri Baraka Black Art

Hello libration nation! This week's book is The Gunslinger by Stephen King a dark twisted fantasy novel and the first book in King’s The Dark Tower series. It follows the journey of Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, as he traverses a desolate and mysterious landscape in pursuit of the enigmatic Man in Black. The story blends elements of fantasy, horror, and Western, exploring themes of destiny, obsession, and the nature of good and evil, as Roland confronts both external foes and his own inner demons on his quest to reach the Dark Tower, the nexus of all universes.GuestBill Blume was determined to be a writer from a young age, often taking the lead in crafting adventures during childhood games in South Carolina. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, he worked as a TV news producer before transitioning to a dispatcher role for Henrico County Police in 2001. In Richmond, he and his wife became active in the local writing community, contributing to James River Writers, where he served on the board and continues to engage with fellow writers and industry professionals.He is the author of several books, and has an upcoming novel, To Hell and Back coming out January 20th, 2026.Our drink this week was a Dark & Stormy, the perfect dark and spicy drink to pair with an anti-hero like Roland Deschain.In This EpisodeSh*tty First Draft - Anne LamottGeorge Lucas Star Wars changesOriginal Gunslinger vs. Revised EditionShiver by Maggie SteifvaterJames River WritersBooks by Stephen KingBattle of the Planets SeriesMalinda Lo BooksNK Jemison BooksErin Bowman Books West of Apocalypse by Bill BlumeRichmond SPCARichmond Animal LeagueSarah Glenn Marsh

This week’s book is Kindred  by Octavia Butler, a time-traveling story about Dana, who goes back in time to ensure the survival of her ancestors: an enslaved woman named Alice and her enslaver, Rufus. This complicated yet entrancing narrative is multifaceted, and my guest this week, Alethea McCollin, and I had a great conversation about the ways Butler challenges her readers to think about the implications of our actions and how they shape the future.Alethea McCollin is a multifaceted artist as a playwright, director, producer, actor, and founder of Orange Stilettos Productions, llc, known for her award-winning production of The Stilettos Monologues at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival. She has produced various works, including her play Renaming Shaim at Theatre Row, New York City, and directed her first short film, The Next Great Writer, showcased at the Virginia Screenwriters Forum. Additionally, Alethea serves as Executive Secretary on the Board of Directors of James River Writers and is an English instructor at Virginia State University.Our drink this week is one of Alethea’s favorite’s: Blackberry Citrus Tea, which is perfect for sitting by the fire curling up with a good book!In this EpisodeDrinks in the Library MerchKindred by Octavia ButlerJames River WritersVirginia State UniversityBooks by Toni MorrisonBooks by Gabrielle García MárquezBooks by Isabel AllendeNarrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas, an American Slave by Frederick DouglasThe Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

Happy Thanksgiving! I’m taking the week to relax with family. Please enjoy the re-airing of this recording, which originally aired December 17, 2024.Hello Libration Nation! This week we are discussing the classic series Animorphsby K.A. Applegate. Animorphs is a collection of 54 middle-grade books in which five young adults are gifted the power to morph into animals. It was a bit of a cult phenomenon when it was originally published in the late '90s and has recently seen a resurgence online.My guest is Fiona Fenn. Fiona is an author of fantasy novels that put complicated “heroes” front and center. A fan of villains, redemption arcs, and intense explorations of healing in all its forms, her debut novel, The Crack at the Heart of Everything, is a love letter to every villain who wanted to do better but never got the chance.I so enjoyed this conversation with Fiona, talking about the Animorphs series and her love for it, as well as her experience writing and publishing her first novel and everything that goes into this process.Our drink this week is a Flying Saucer, as the Animorphs series begins with the kids meeting an alien who has flown to EarthFlying Saucer Recipe (from Bevvy.com)INGREDIENTS1 oz Amaretto Di Saronno liqueur1 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur3 oz cream3 oz iceCombine in blender until smooth and creamy, serve with cinnamon stick for garnish!In this EpisodeFiona Fenn’s WebsiteBuy The Crack at the Heart of Everything by Fiona FennMichael Grant Gone seriesTiny Fox PressAnimorphs AloudQueer Liberation LibraryKA Applegate WebsiteFree Animorphs PDFsFiona Fenn’s Substack

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary is a charming romantic comedy about two strangers, Tiffy and Leon, who share a London flat but have never met, communicating only through notes. As they navigate their unconventional living arrangement, they gradually develop a deep connection that leads to unexpected romance.My guest this week is the hilarious Ashley Jones, who dreams of owning a stationery store and recapping reality TV for a living (dream big), all while aiming to finally shoot a T-shirt gun, an ambition she’s pursued for over a decade. Ashley is one of my favorite people I follow on social media, and I hope you follow her there too! You can find Ashley on Instagram @AshleyJonesy, Threads @AshleyJonesy, on TikTok @ohashleyjonesy and NOW on her just launched substack Yap Time: The Newsletter you read before a nap.I had such a great time chatting with Ashley, we share so many of the same passions (Bravo shows, Taylor Swift, Pop Culture in general) that we frequently got off topic and I had to cut a good portion of the show, which I will be calling “The Lost Episode”, which will not be released and will become part of the lore of the show until fans clamor for me to release it 10 years from now, a la “All Too Well” 10 minute version, which is a Taylor reference and I promise that’s the last one, at least for the podcast intro!Together we delve into the plot of The Flatshare , focusing on the characters' humanity and the book's feel-good nature. Ashley reflects on how the book changed her perspective on reading for enjoyment. We also talked about the value of empathy, dealing with insecurities, and the joy of following passions, ending the conversation with a nod to Ashley’s love for Sonic's Coke Zero and styrofoam cups.In This EpisodeKelce Bowl (Super Bowl LVII)Not Gonna Lie (Kylie Kelce’s Podcast - my #1 rival!)Orpheus by Sara BareillesStyrofoam cups outlawed in VirginiaSonic Drive InBeth O’Leary’s WebsiteBooks by Beth O’LearyBrett Goldstein

The Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano follows a witty, overworked single mom and novelist who accidentally becomes entangled in real-life crime while trying to meet her writing deadlines. Blending humor, suspense, and heart, the series delivers a fast-paced mix of murder, motherhood, and unexpected friendship.A little bit about this week's (returning) guest, Mair Downing.Mair transitioned into real estate from a Fortune 200 company because she wanted a career where she could make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether working with buyers, sellers, or investors—helping clients right-size or find that perfect river getaway—she believes in the energy that comes from realizing goals are within reach. And with Mair’s guidance, they are.FREE TIMEWhen Mair isn’t showing homes or preparing listings, she’s cheering on her teen daughters in their various activities—soccer, volleyball, and basketball—or snuggling with her Havanese, Odie (and, of course, her husband, too!). She loves to travel, enjoy great food, and soak in all that life has to offer. Check up her "What's Up Wednesday series on Instagram: @obsessedwithhomes For quiet moments, she finds peace sitting on a dock, watching the water glimmer with a good book. Favorite right now: Black Phone by Joe HillDeath by Chocolate Cocktail - we recorded this episode on Día De Los Muertos, also as the book titles and story contents often involve a little murder, we knew we needed a “deadly” cocktail!Servings: 1Ingredients¾ oz vodka ¾ oz Bailey’s Irish Cream ¾ oz dark crème de cacao ¼ cup chocolate ice cream½ cup iceChocolate shavings, for garnishInstructionsCombine the vodka, Bailey’s, dark crème de cacao, chocolate ice cream, and ice in a blender.Blend until smooth.Pour into a chilled wine glass.Garnish with chocolate shavings and enjoy!In this EpisodeDITL Merch is now out! Please considering one of these adorable items to support the show.Barbara Streisand films Funny Girl and What’s Up DocDrawing Hands by MC EscherBlack Phone by Joe HillBrave New World by Aldous HuxleyPushcart PrizeO. Henry Award

I’m so excited to share the audio from my very first live recording, held on October 28 at M.M.LaFleur Georgetown. I had the pleasure of interviewing Ally Kirkpatrick, owner of Old Town Books, about The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating a story that deeply influenced her decision to open her bookstore.A huge thank you to M.M.LaFleur and their wonderful Georgetown staff for being so kind, supportive, and making this event possible, and to Ally for being such a generous guest and collaborator.Since we recorded in an open space, I made a few audio adjustments to smooth out background noise. While it sounds crisp and clear overall, you might notice a few spots that move a bit quickly as I balanced the levels.BookThe Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey is a quiet, meditative memoir that finds wonder in the smallest details of life. As the bedridden author observes a snail living beside her, she discovers unexpected lessons about resilience, curiosity, and the beauty of slowing down.GuestAlly Kirkpatrick, an Alexandria native, founded Old Town Books in 2018 to create space for her love of reading, writing, and community. She also loves her family, shop dog Scout, and gardening. Ally’s current picks include happy-ending thrillers, journalist-written nonfiction, reimagined history, and beautiful gardening books. Recently her debut essay Gnawing was featured in Roxane Gays’s The Audacity, learn more about her writing at allykirkpatrick.com.Drink For our drink this week we had two options, the first was “The MM Spritz”, a white wine spritzer named in honor of our lovely host, MM LaFleur Georgetown. The second was a NA option, Herb & Orchid dealconized wine alternative, which was so tasty, and the connection to nature paired perfectly with the book.In this EpisodeCommunity Bookstore Brooklyn NYElisabeth Tova Bailey’s website - where you can listen to a snail eating Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott - check out the DITL episode on this book!The Governeses by Anne SerreGnawing by Ally Kirkpatrick on Roxane Gay’s The AudacityAlly Kirkpatrick’s YouTubeThe John Burroughs MedalFabled Ice Cream These Truths by Jill LeporeBooks by Lindsey Chervinsky, presidential historianYou Never Forget Your First by Alexis Coe

Carrie by Stephen King tells the story of a shy, bullied teenager who endures relentless cruelty at school and terrifying abuse at home from her fanatically religious mother. When Carrie discovers her telekinetic powers, years of repression and pain erupt in a devastating act of vengeance on prom night.GuestNathan Lawrie-Buchholz is a special education teacher who loves books that make him afraid to turn off the lights. Nathan has frightened his friends and family with scary stories written in the margins of school notebooks since he was young. Profane Beasts is his debut novel. Nathan’s experience as a teacher inspires him to write about professionals who make a living separating their emotional needs from the people they serve. Nathan writes about the anxiety of walking that line between being professionally empathetic and dangerously involved that all social workers must navigate. Nathan lives in Henrico, Virginia with his wife Haley, their rescue pittie mix Ziti, and their internet famous cat Marston. He can be found searching independent bookstores for old paperbacks or investigating exciting places to eat in the Richmond area. You can find him on Instagram Goodreads or on his websiteOur drink this week is a Bloody Mary, of course as a homage to the moment Carrie had enough. I use Zing Zang to make my Bloody Mary’s, to some this is a controversial choice, but I’m sorry, I know what I like!Bloody Mary Recipe3 parts Zing Zang® Bloody Mary Mix1 part your favorite vodkaDirectionsPour over ice and stirAdd a squeeze of limeGarnish with celery, olives, hot sauce, bacon, anything you like really!In this EpisodeBlair Witch Project Marketing CampaignOn Writing by Stephen KingAll 4 Carrie Movies RankedCuckoo by  Gretchen Felker Martin Books by Eric LaRoccaBooks by T. KingfisherBunny by Mona AwadFountain Bookstore in Richmond, VirginiaWhickerman FilmWorld War Z by Max BrooksThe Great Dismal SwampCajun Queen Tour New OrleansAbi’s Books and Brews

Hello, Libration Nation! This week, I'm doing something a bit different and sharing 15 books that I loved in 2025! This format is a departure from the regular show, but I wanted to highlight some personal favorites that haven't made it onto the show yet. If you want to give feedback on this or for future episodes, reach out to me at drinkspod@gmail.com.This week’s drink is a fabulous rosé from none other than the Duchess of Sussex herself, Meghan Markle! I’ll also be sharing a tasting video on Instagram, so stay tuned!No show notes this week—I really want you to listen to the episode in full, so I won’t be listing the books just yet. But don’t worry, I’ll share that list closer to the holiday season!And if you haven’t registered yet, don’t miss my live event on Tuesday, October 28 at M.M.LaFleur Georgetown! I’ll be interviewing Ally Kirkpatrick, owner of Old Town Books, and it’s going to be a delightful and fun evening!Date: Tuesday, October 28 Time: 6-8 PM Location: M.M.LaFleur, 1344 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC What to expect: - Drinks & light bites before & after the recording - Shop M.M.LaFleur’s cozy fall collection at 15% off - Browse our in-store library curated by Old Town Books RSVP & more details: https://luma.com/hbsnu98yEnjoy the episode!

In Surrender by Bono, the iconic frontman of U2, shares a deeply personal memoir that explores his life’s journey through music, activism, and spirituality. With candid reflections and heartfelt anecdotes, he invites readers into the experiences that shaped both his artistry and his commitment to making a difference in the world.Heidi K. Brown is a former lawyer, a law professor, a writer, a novice boxer, a passionate U2 fan, a proud introvert, and a feisty solo traveler. She is the author of three books about well-being and healthy performance for law students, lawyers, and other members of the legal profession: The Introverted Lawyer,Untangling Fear in Lawyering, and The Flourishing Lawyer. Heidi is an internationally recognized public speaker on topics of self-empowerment, authenticity, and self-discovery. Heidi launched her debut travel memoir, The Map I Draw: A Memoir of Travel as a Passport to Self, in June 2025. You can find more at https://heidikristinbrown.com and  her substack Heidiography.Our drink this week is Irish Whiskey, specifically  Writer’s Tears if you can get it! If you are in the United States you can order it through Reserve Bar.In this Episodehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Joshua_TreeIs U2 the longest running band on the planet?Ali Hewson - Chernobyl InternationalThe Creative Act by Rick RubinThe Creative Habit by Twyla TharpSteven Pressfield BooksHeidi’s Keynote at University of Richmond Law School GraduationJoshua Tree Bar Manhattan (sadly now closed!)

In Solito, a memoir by poet Javier Zamora recounts his harrowing and heartfelt journey as a nine-year-old traveling alone from El Salvador to the United States to reunite with his parents. Through vivid detail and deep emotion, he captures the fear, hope, and resilience of migration through a child’s eyes.Donna McCarthy is a retired high school special education teacher who’s been happily retired for seven years. She volunteers as a Friend of the Newburgh Free Library and leads a book club for fellow retired teachers. Donna loves spending time with her grandson, she’s a proud bi-coastal grandma often traveling to visit him in California from her home in New York, and she never passes up a chance to travel, whether it’s exploring somewhere new in the U.S. or heading abroad. Also, she is my aunt!Our drink this week is Horchata, a drink well known in Central America and one that Javier drinks in the book. A classic rice drink, I linked below a recipe from El Salvador, but you can also try it by using this mix or purchasing one at your local Pollo Campero!Horchata Salvadoreña4oz morro seed2oz peanuts2 oz de sesame seeds1 tbsp of coaca powder1 oz pumpkin seed1 oz cinammon 1/4 tbsp Vanilla or to taste2 oz dried corn2 oz riceSugar to taste1 - 1 1/2 gallons of Water - this can be subbed with any milk you'd like or split.In this EpisodeAmerican Dirt by Jeanne CumminsSalvadorean Civil WarCoyote (Colloquial for human smuggler)Javier Zamora’s WebsiteSecond Attempt Crossing PoemUnaccompanied by Javier Zamora

Welcome back to Drinks in the Library! Today, we're exploring the delightful and charming world of Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. This romantic comedy takes us on a whirlwind journey through love, politics, and the complexities of identity as we follow the unexpected romance between Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales.My guest this week is Katharine Herndon, who lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband, two boys, and a hound dog named Lola. She used to teach (English, of course), but the homework got to her, so she decided to take up nonprofit work instead (insert laughter). Currently the Executive Director of James River Writers, she is an enthusiastic advocate for the RVA literary community and can be found at nearly all JRW events. In her free time she kills plants, burns things more than she cooks, knits very sporadically, and is still looking for some form of tolerable exercise. Our drink this week was a nod to our friends across the pond: The New G&T (Gin and Earl Grey Tea)2 ounce Earl Grey Tea2 ounce Gin1 ounce Maple Syrup3/4 ounce Lemon JuiceFresh Mint or Dried Rose Petals for garnish, optionalIn a rocks glass add ice and set aside. In your cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients, except for the garnish. Fill the shaker with ice and put the cap on. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, or until the shaker is extremely cold.Strain cocktail into your prepared rocks glass and garnish with mint or rose petals, if using. Serve immediately.In This EpisodeThe Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham JonesIn A Jam by Kate CanterburyAmerican Royals by Catherine McGeeRed White and Royal Blue FilmMemoirs of a Geisha by Arthur GoldenThe Horse Whisperer FilmAre You There God? It’s Me Margaret FilmJim Dale Actor & Audiobook NarratorI Kissed Shara Wheelerby Casey McQuistonThe Goblin Emperor by Katherine AddisonJames River Writers Thursday Night Writes

Hello Libration Nation! Our book this week is Catwings a whimsical and heartwarming tale by beloved author Ursula K. Le Guin. The story follows four ordinary kittens born with an extraordinary gift—they have wings. As they set out to find a safe place in the world, the kittens discover both the beauty and challenges of being different. With gentle language and charming illustrations, Catwings is a modern classic that captures the magic of imagination, the courage of leaving home, and the comfort of finding where you belong.My guest this week is the amazing Dr. Julia Skinner, she is a food writer whose work includes the award-winning book Our Fermented Lives. She is the founder of The Culinary Curiosity School, and also runs Root, a food-focused community and consulting organization offering classes, consulting on creative projects, a weekly newsletter, and more. She's also the founder of Roots and Branches, where she coaches other writers to help them find their voice and share their most important work with the world. She is also a nature lover, a teacher, and a traveler who firmly believes in finding, and sharing, the magic of everyday life. She has a PhD in Library & Information Science, and lives between Atlanta, GA and Cork, Ireland. As a special treat for Libration Nation: use the code DRINKSPOD to for 30% off anything at both The Culinary Curiosity School and Roots and Branches (Thank you Julia!)You can follow her work in her newsletter, or find her on social:@bookishjulia (writing)@rootkitchens (food)@yourrootsandbranches (coaching)@culinary.curiosity.school (culinary courses) For our drink we have two options: Simple Cat Lovers' Cocktail This is basically a Kentucky mule, with an added herbal garnish and/or herbal syrup (depending on your preference) in place of lime. Stir together 1 - 1 1/2 c ginger beer to 1 shot bourbonAdd herbal syrup (below) to taste (optional)Garnish with fresh lemon balm, basil, or mint: lightly crush or roll before adding to the cocktail for maximum flavor Herbal syrup (makes about 1 quart): Combine 2 c sugar to 2 c water with a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Add 1-2 c packed fresh herbs, depending how strong you'd like it (like basil, mint, lemon balm, or mountain mint). Simmer on M/L for 10-15 minutes or until aromatic and flavorful. Cool and store in the fridge in an airtight container.  Catwings Cocktail (tailor made by Julia!) This cocktail has a few steps, but I promise they're worth it: And you can batch out the syrup and tea by doubling or tripling the recipe to make these for a group or to keep the ingredients on hand in the fridge (where they'll last a week). The tea can be nice on its own, and any leftover syrup is perfect for adding to coffee or other beverages or drizzling on desserts. For a non-alcoholic version, swap in your favorite NA gin, or try this sea buckthorn-based NA spirit.  Makes 4 cocktails For the herbal tea:(Note: you may not have all these dried herbs available. If not, just use 1/4-1/2 tsp catnip and 1 tsp chamomile. Or, just a chamomile tea bag). ·         1/4 tsp dried catnip·         1/4 tsp dried chamomile flower·         1/4 tsp Angelica root·         1/4 tsp elecampene Steep the herbs in 3/4 c hot water for 10-12 minutes. Strain and cool completely. For the lemon balm syrup: (Note: You can play with other herbs you like here too, catnip, mountain mint, and/or basil might be fun choices depending on your tastes and what’s available). ·         1 packed cup fresh lemon balm leaves·         1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar·         2/3 c water·         pinch salt·         1 c sugar Heat all ingredients together over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until fragrant and flavorful. Remove from heat, then cool completely and strain.  For the cocktail ·         Divide the herbal tea across 4 rocks glasses (add ice, if desired)·         Add 1 shot gin to each glass·         Add 1 shot of syrup to each glass and stir·         Top with sparkling wine or soda water to taste.·         Garnish with fresh lemon balm, if desired.In this EpisodeSteering the Craft by Ursula Le Guin

Welcome back Libration Nation! Today, I’m excited to share one of my recent favorites: Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson. This delightful tale is a blend of humor, adventure, and sweetness, following a young woman on a perilous quest to save the man she loves. As we embrace the cozy vibes of autumn, I thought it was the perfect time to dive into this enchanting fantasy.Joining me today is my husband, Bill, making his fourth appearance on Drinks in the Library. As always, we have a great time riffing and cracking each other up!Tress loves a salty tea, so I wanted to go with a salty drink and went with a Salted Caramel Coffee Martini, for a non-alcoholic option a Salted Caramel Latte would be perfect!Salted Caramel Coffee Martini1 oz Bailey's Salted Caramel Cream1.5 oz. Vanilla Vodka1-2 oz. Coffee or EspressoIceWhipped Cream, Salt, or caramel syrup (optional)Pour Bailey's, vodka, and coffee into a shaker over ice. Shake and pour into chilled martini glass• 2. Garnish with cream, salt, and chocolate syrup and enjoy!NA Option - A cold Brew Salted Caramel Latte would be perfect!In this EpisodeMistborn EpisodeBrandon Sanderson - The Economics of Books and EntertainmentThe Princess Bride FilmThe Princess Bride  by William GoldmanReese Witherspoon Woman of the Year SpeechHitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Gin & TonicsTress of the Emerald Sea Premium HardcoverThe Substance FilmBrandon Sanderson KickstarterBooks by T. Kingfisher

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh tells the poignant story of Victoria Jones, a young woman who uses the Victorian tradition of flower symbolism to communicate her emotions and navigate her troubled past. As she learns to reconcile her experiences through the meanings of various flowers, she embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery that intertwines love, loss, and the power of community and relationships.My guest this week is Mary Green, a florist, wife, dog-mom, plant lover, and also my next door neighbor. Mary loves live music, spending time with friends and family, and books with dark twists and turns. She is a florist at Strawberry Fields Flowers & Finds, where she is able to share her horticulture knowledge and passion for all things plants!Hibiscus Paloma Mocktail1 grapefruit wedge½ oz fresh lime juice3 oz NA tequila (I used Ritual Tequila)¼ cup club soda1 tsp Hibiscus Simple Syrup (I used Wild Hibiscus, found at Total Wine)2 oz fresh grapefruit juicekosher salt for garnishDirectionsPour kosher salt on a small plate. Rub the rim of a highball glass with a grapefruit and dip the rim of glass in salt.In a glass, combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, and hibiscus simple syrup. Stir in tequila, add ice, and top with club soda. Garnish.In This EpisodeThe Complete Language of FlowersbyS. Theresa Dietz .5 Bottle Shop

Hello Libration Nation! This week, we are diving into the captivating world of "The Murderbot Diaries," a remarkable series by Martha Wells. Follow the journey of an anxious, self-aware rogue security android, known as Murderbot, as it navigates a galaxy filled with humans and complex emotions. My guest this week is Hayley DeRoche, also known as SadBeige, They are a public librarian, activist and meme creator, known for being the content creator behind the "Werner Herzog's sad beige clothes for sad beige children" series. Her funny memes and sarcastic reels have garnered a following of 450,000 on Instagram, where she goes by the handle @officialsadbeige. You can also follow their substack Weird, But Okay. Their book A Field Guide for Sad Beige Parents will be coming out Spring 2026.Hayley has a collection of shirts and sweatshirts that are so cute and funny AND support public libraries - check them out! Also, 20% of the proceeds from sales of this collection go to support the Women’s Prison Book Project, which supports incarcerated Women, Trans, and Non-Binary people in the U.S. - because everyone deserves the right to read books they enjoy.Sanctuary Moon Cocktail2 oz. Herbal Gin (St George’s Terroir)0.5 oz Lemon Juice0.5 oz Simple Syrup4 oz Soda WaterLemon for garnish (optional)Pour gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a shaker over ice. Shake and pour into highball glass over iceAdd soda water and mix gently with a spoon. Garnish with lemon and enjoy!In this EpisodeThe Murderbot Diaries by Martha WellsFar From the Tree by Andrew SolomonFive Laws of Library Science by SR RanganathanMurderbot TV Show on AppleGrizzly Man Documentary by Werner HerzogWeird, But Okay - Hayley’s SubstackWomen’s Prison Book Project

We are going back in time and discussing Amatory Fiction in the 18th century novel Fantomina by Eliza Haywood. This incredible story explores the complexities of identity and desire through the story of a young woman who adopts multiple personas to navigate the intricacies of romantic entanglements in 18th-century society. This provocative tale delves into themes of gender, autonomy, and the hidden depths of passion, highlighting the lengths one will go to in pursuit of love and self-discovery.Samantha DeShazo was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. She earned her MA in English at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022, where she studied literature of the long eighteenth century. She is an educator who currently works with first year college students. When she's not working, she can be found with her nose in a book or pampering her beloved dog, Henry.  Our drink this week was courtesy of Samantha, it is a Creme Earl Grey Black Tea fromThe Spice & Tea Exchange of Richmond. It is absolutely delicious, smells like Fruity Pebbles, and would definitely have been all the rage in Fanomina’s timeIn this EpisodeFantomina by Eliza HaywoodThe Spice & Tea Exchange of RichmondToni MorrisonFrankstein by Mary ShelleyThe Law of CovertureDidn’t Read It Podcast Fantomina EpisodeAmatory FictionSense and Sensibility by Jane AustenPamela by Samuel RichardsonLove in Excess by Eliza HaywoodBetsy Thoughtless by Eliza Haywood

We are going down the rabbit hole this week folks! Join us as we dive into the whimsical world of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, a timeless tale that explores the boundaries of imagination and reality. We’ll unravel the quirky characters, enchanting landscapes, and profound themes that have captivated readers for generations.My guest this week is Elizabeth Wiley, an award-winning audiobook narrator with a decade of experience in genres like Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, and Biography. Originally from Minnesota and now based in Williamsburg, Virginia, she records in her home studio. Elizabeth enjoys discussions on the intersection of arts and sciences with her NASA engineer partner. Her interests include sailing, skiing, yoga, and nature spirituality, along with a fondness for Birkenstocks and Hygge.The Queen of Hearts Special Cocktail 2 oz Vanilla Vodka3 oz TJ’s To the Power of 7 Red juiceChocolate Covered CherriesShake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with chocolate covered cherries and enjoy!In this EpisodeAlice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis CarrollToo Old for This by Samantha Downing (Liz’s latest narration!)Red, Wine and Blue VirginiaLM Elliott’s websiteMy interview with LM ElliottAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland narrated by Christopher PlummerGo Ask Alice (film)White Rabbit (Go Ask Alice) - song by Jefferson AirplaneThe Phantom Tollbooth by Norman JusterJohn Tenniel’s Alice in Wonderland illustrationsRichmond SPCA Critter Camp

It’s Christmas in July! This week we are visiting the world of Narnia, where it is always Winter but never Christmas, at least until the Pevensie children get involved. This week’s guest is Erin Surber, Erin is an avid reader and an enthusiastic library patron. She has four children ages spanning 18 months to 9 years old. Erin has worked in the video production industry for 14 years and now hold the position of Head of Production for a Richmond-based production company. She loves being outside, hiking, running (slowly), and kayaking. Also very into cooking, traveling, and all things dark chocolate!Our cocktail is staying on the Christmas theme with a Narnia 75, which I found on the FoodNetwork UK’s Christmas recipe page!Narnia 75 Cocktail25ml gin1 tsp white sugar10ml lime juice100ml ChampagneIn this EpisodeFriendship of CS Lewis and JRR TolkienWorthdays - Richmond area non-profit to support those impacted by the foster care system

Hello Libration Nation! This week we are discussing The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest  by Aubrey Hartman. This newly released middle-grade book features Clare, an undead fox who ushers wandering animal souls to the afterlife realms of peace, pleasure, progress, and pain in the perpetual autumn setting of Deadwood Forest. Clare lives a solitary life, meticulously tending to his mushroom garden and enjoying his tree sap tea, until a badger named Gingersnipes arrives and disrupts his routine.My guest this week is Angie Zhao. Born and raised in Richmond, Angie was a VCU English major and has spent the past four years working as an Events and Marketing Manager at a children's bookstore in Richmond. When she's not planning author events and school visits, she loves visible mending, making jewelry for her friends, trail running, and, of course, getting lost in a good story. A lover of books for both children and adults, Angie is drawn to clever, form-bending tales and writing that finds magic in the mundane.Clare’s favorite drink is his tree sap tea; we created this using black tea, maple syrup, and peaches since we recorded in the summer. Feel free to add bourbon if you like, and enjoy it hot or cold year-round as you imagine yourself cozying up in Deadwood Forest!Maple Peach Tea Sipper2 oz. Bourbon (optional)4 oz. Fresh-Brewed Black Tea0.75 oz Maple Syrup1/8th of Fresh Peach (softened works best)Fresh Mint (optional)Mudldle fresh peach, add bourbon, maple syrup, and ice. Shake. Strain into glass with ice and top with fresh-brewed tea. Garnish with with mint and peach slices, enjoy!In this EpisodeVanishing World by Sayaka MurataMarcin Minor IllustratorMarisa Calin Audiobook NarratorThe Lion of Lark Hayes Manor by Aubrey HartmanThe Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond TutuTJ Clune BooksKatherine Applegate BooksReading in the Middle Podcast

If you have listened to the podcast for awhile, you have probably heard me reference the book Here For it: Or, How To Save Your Soul in America by R. Eric Thomas. It is a favorite of mine and had a big impact on me  when I read it the first time in June of 2020, so I was SO excited when my friend and returning guest Izzie Call read it, loved it as well, and wanted to come on and talk about it with me. In the episode I referenced the review I wrote about it at the time, but then I never read the review so here it is: Eric Thomas grew up thinking he was a normal kid until others made him feel that he wasn’t. Black, gay, and Christian, these essays reflect upon his experience of never fitting in, being discriminated against, and his hopeful journey to find his place in a country that he loves. Thomas’ conversational writing style draws the reader in, and his ability to add humor to heartbreaking moments truly make these stories come to life. In a time when we can all use to learn more about other’s experiences, this book was enlightening and truthful, with jokes that landed like Kerri Strug in the ‘96 Olympics.My guest this week is the always delightful Izzie Call.  Izzie works as a museum educator for the VMFA coordinating projects related to the permanent collections and special exhibition displays including digital components, labels, and webresources. Izzie is a lifelong, passionate educator and feels most at home speaking about art with those who have an interest in learning.Also, thank you to Eric Thomas for sharing his favorite drink with me when in a moment of bravado (delusion?) I reached out to him on IG. It is a Cosmopolitan and he said he is bringing it back as a recession indicator!Cosmo Recipe 1 oz cranberry juice0.5 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice 1 oz triple sec (I use Cointreau)1.5-2 oz vodka Shake hard with ice, pour into martini glass, garnish with orange or lime, and enjoy!In this EpisodeBooks by R. Eric ThomasWebsite - R.Eric ThomasEric’s Newsletter - Check It Out!Cosmos TV ShowAli Hazelwood Hunger Games DramaFrida Kahlo VMFA Exhibit (on view through 9/28/25)

Please enjoy the re-airing of this episode which was originally released July 9, 2024.There is no getting around this: I was THRILLED when Lisa agreed to come on the podcast. Lisa is the Executive Director of the Virginia Library Association, immediate past chair of the Virginia Beach Public Library Board, and a member of the ALA Policy Corps focusing on Unite Against Book Bans. She also was named the LIBRARIAN OF THE YEAR 2024 by Library Journal, an award she won because of her advocacy in the fight against book bans. Lisa is a hero of mine, and I am also very grateful to call her my friend.Our book this week is Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!: Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens by Kate Bowler. Lisa lives in Virginia Beach and we recorded at the beautiful OceanFront Marriott in Virginia Beach. I want to thank the staff of the Marriott for letting us record in their executive suite overlooking the ocean. Our drink this week is one Lisa recommends for a beach day, a Ruby Red Grapefruit Crush!Ruby Red Grapefruit Crush Ingredients4 oz (½ cup)  grapefruit juice1 oz (2 tablespoons) vodka½ oz (1 tablespoon) triple sec (orange liqueur)2 oz (¼ cup) lemon-lime soda or club sodaIn This EpisodeUnite Against Book Bans - https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/Virginia Library Association - https://www.vla.org/Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle ZevinVirginia Society of Association ExecutivesEverything Happens - Kate Bowler’s podcastGigi’s Episode on Anne Lamott’s Bird by BirdRob Delaney’s Episode of Everything HappensCatastrophe TV ShowTerrible, Thanks for Asking PodcastThe Hot Young Widows Club by Nora McInerny

This is such a special episode because, for the first time ever, I’m interviewing an author about their book, because it’s one of my favorite books! Gingko Season by Naomi Xu Elegant is a story about a young woman, Penelope Lin, who is moving through the world after her first big heartbreak and discovering herself while on the cusp between young adulthood and adulthood. The depiction of this time of life is just one of the things I loved about this book, and I was thrilled to be able to discuss it with Naomi!Naomi Xu Elegant is a freelance journalist and the author of the novel Gingko Season. She lives in New York. Naomi’s writing has appeared in Monocle, Fortune, Atlas Obscura, Nikkei Asia, The Drift, and elsewhere. She is co-editor of Gully, an independent literary magazine, and she writes a monthly Substack called Luanqibazao.I would love for you to read Gingko Season, check out this review from the New York Times!Our drink this week is a Lychee Martini, which is featured in the book. As I found out during our discussion, including these martinis was an Easter egg for Naomi’s mom, because they’re her favorite cocktail. I asked if she’d be willing to share the recipe with us as a special addition to the episode, and she did! She said the secret is to blend whole lychees and lychee juice together, then strain the mixture through a sieve to get that lovely, milky color.Lychee Martini Recipe2 oz. vodka2 oz. lychee juiceShake in a cocktail shaker over ice.Serve neat in a cocktail glass.Garnish with a whole lychee (optional)Naomi’s mom’s tip: Blend whole lychees with lychee juice (both canned), then strain through a sieve to get your juice. The blended fruit gives it that lovely, clouded look.You can also add a bit of citrus or a dash of dry vermouth—lychee martinis are meant for everyone!In This EpisodeGarden State FilmFriday I’m In Love - Phoebe Bridgers CoverNapoleon FilmFoot Binding HistoryMiddlemarch by George EliotIn Search of Lost Time by Marcel ProustKazou IshiguroSally RooneyElena FerranteA Feather on the Breath of God by Sigrid NunezThe Sympathizer by  Viet Thanh NguyenThe Candy House by Jennifer EganNaomi’s Substack

Note: This episode was originally published April 2, 2024, I’ll be back with new content next week, enjoy!Did you read the Anne of Green Gables series as a young girl and then walk through the woods pretending to be Anne and Diana? Yes? So did I and so did my friend Deanna! Talking with Deanna about this book was so much fun, celebrating Anne and the cultural impact this story has had. A famous Anne quote is: “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”. Well, I’m so glad I live in a world where there is an Anne of Green Gables.Spoiler alert (Not really this is an iconic scene at this point): In the first book Anne accidentally gets her bestie Diana drunk on current wine, which she believes is raspberry cordial. Current wine apparently takes months, so we decided to make Raspberry Cordial Mules, which can be enjoyed with or without alcohol by making it with zero-proof vodka. I got the recipe from this lovely website and made the cordial myself in less than an hour!Raspberry Cordial Mule12 oz. Frozen Raspberries3 cups Water¾ cup Sugar2 tsp. Lime Juice plus more for cocktailsVodkaGinger BeerFresh Raspberries (for garnish)In this episode:Deanna’s InstagramAnne of Green Gables 2 part special (Megan Fellows version is cannon)LM Montgomery

Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz is a memoir about her decade-long entrapment in a manipulative Christian cult during her time on One Tree Hill. The book details how the group controlled her life, career, and finances—until motherhood and the support of friends gave her the strength to break free.My guest this week is the lovely Magan Vernon, an author who has been living off reader tears since she wrote her first short story in 2004. She now spends her time killing off fictional characters, pretending to plot while she really just watches Netflix, and she tries to do this all while her kids run amok around her Texas ranch. Subscribe to her Newsletter and join her Facebook Fan Group here: Magan’s Minions (Reader Group)Strawberry Champagne Margaritafresh strawberries, trimmed2 oz. tequila1 oz. fresh lime juice.25 cups sparkling wineOptional: 4 oz. triple sec or 2 tablespoons agave syrup, for a sweeter margaritaPlace strawberries in a large glass. Using a muddler, muddle the strawberries until they resemble puree.Add tequila, lime juice, and strawberry puree to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. If you would like to add a sweetener to the cocktail, add triple sec or agave syrup to the cocktail shaker as well.Fill cocktail glass or champagne flute halfway full with ice. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a strawberry or lime.In this EpisodeDinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy LenzOne Tree HillTex WatsonThe White Lotus Cocktail BookSpecsParis, The Memoir by Paris HiltonMagan’s Library’s Reading Challenge (that I am totally stealing!)

The song “Welcome to New York” has been in my head all week preparing for this episode on the book Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise, a witty and revealing memoir by renowned food critic Ruth Reichl. During her time as The New York Times restaurant critic, Reichl went undercover in elaborate disguises to avoid preferential treatment and uncover the truth about New York’s dining scene. Blending memoir, food writing, and restaurant reviews, the book offers delicious behind-the-scenes stories, vivid character sketches, and reflections on identity, privilege, and the power of perception, all served under the iconic Manhattan skyline.The amazing person who came to me with this book is Mandy Naglich, an author, journalist, and certified taster. She travels the world to report stories on food and drink culture for a variety of outlets as well as her own personal platform, Drinks with Mandy. Her award-winning book, How to Taste, takes readers on a journey into their senses and introduces them to the quirky characters in the world of professional tasting along the way. Cosmo Recipe (Mandy’s Version)0.5 oz cranberry juice0.5 oz pomegranate juice (the stuff you find in the refrigerated section is best!) 0.5 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice 1 oz triple sec (I use Cointreau)1.5-2 oz vodka Shake hard with ice, pour into martini glass, don’t over-strain so you can enjoy the ice-chips, garnish with orange, and enjoy!In This EpisodeMandy’s Linktree (Instagram, TikTok, Writing, and more!)Ruth Reichl’s SubstackNational Homebrew Competition Mandy won this in 2016Cicerone Beer CertificationHow to Taste - Mandy’s BookCork DorkDrinks with Mandy

In The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, Robin Sharma tells the story of a high-powered lawyer who trades his fast-paced life for spiritual enlightenment in the Himalayas. This modern fable blends personal development with timeless wisdom, offering a roadmap to finding purpose, balance, and joy. Today’s guest, Dr. Meghan Waldron, is a lifelong dreamer, writer, and educator who believes every student has a story to tell. With nearly two decades in K–12 and now in higher ed, she helps students find confidence and joy in writing through reflection, creativity, and honest feedback. Meghan is also a professional writer and recently earned her EdD in Educational Leadership from VCU. When she’s not teaching or writing, she’s out adventuring with her sons. Our drink this week is the Fountain of Youth. The book talks extensively about the “Fountain of Life,” which is essentially water—and as a proud water drinker, I say stay hydrated, friends! But for our more adventurous summer days, this cocktail—with its bright notes of lemon and elderflower—is a perfect treat. Cheers! Fountain of Youth Cocktail (from Rebecca Creek Distillery) 2 oz Vodka¾ oz Elderflower Liqueur¾ oz fresh lemon juice2 sprigs of mint leaves2 oz Prosecco Add Vodka along with Elderflower Liqueur and Lemon juice together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.Shake vigorously for a few seconds and then strain into a rocks glass filled with iceTop off with Prosecco.Garnish with the two sprigs of mint leaves. In this Episode https://www.smartsolutionsva.com/ - Meghan’s Tutoring Company The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma The Camino The Way Film The Alchemist by Paula Coelho

This week, we're diving into Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel—a hauntingly beautiful novel that blends post-apocalyptic survival with the enduring power of art, memory, and human connection. Set in the aftermath of a devastating pandemic, the story weaves together multiple timelines and characters, from a Shakespearean theater troupe traveling the ruins of North America to the lives they left behind. Our guest is Dave Valeza, who grew up in Covina, California, after emigrating with his family from Manila, Philippines. Pursuing his love of drawing, Dave earned a bachelor’s degree in illustration and a master’s in sequential art. A passionate visual storyteller, he especially loves drawing people, fashion, and technology. In his spare time, Dave enjoys cooking, reading, and sketching in Savannah, Georgia - where he lives with his husband and family. Find out more about Dave and his work at davevaleza.com. Our drink this week fits right into a dystopian world. It’s a simple Mimosa—cocktail or mocktail style—made with sparkling wine or ginger beer/ginger ale. But here’s the twist: you must drink it out of a random old cup you found lying around. That’s the full Station Eleven experience—elegance in the ruins. Cheers!   In this Episode Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel  Four Eyes: A Graphic Novel by  Rex Ogle  (Author) Dave Valeza  (Illustrator) Pizza Face: A Graphic Novel by  Rex Ogle  (Author) Dave Valeza  (Illustrator) Blubber by Judy Blume Forever by Judy Blume Summer Sisters by Judy Blume

Happy Pride Month Libration Nation! This week’s episode is so special and fun, with returning guest Rachel Yorkshire! Rachel is bringing us a wealth of books with LGBTQ stories by queer authors that she loves. We also enjoyed Iced Coffees, which as Rachel says, is the gayest of all drinks! Rachel lives in Richmond with her wife Marissa and their very spoiled dog. She and her wife both post their bookish endeavors and reviews over on their bookstagram lesbereaders, and they would love for you to give them a follow. If she’s not reading, Rachel is probably daydreaming, laughing with friends, or bothering her dog.  The first Pride March in New York City was held on June 28, 1970, on the one year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. This month, I encourage you to read stories that celebrate the LGBTQ community, and the contributions they have made toward our society. There is a lot of hate being directed towards this community right now, and I encourage all of us to stand with them, show support and solidarity. In This Episode Rachel’s previous DITL Episode - Carry On by Rainbow Rowell LesBeReaders (Rachel and her Wife’s Bookstagram) Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby Vampires Never Get Old by Natalie C. Parker & Zoraida Córdova (for fans of Vampire Stories) Bad Gays: A Homosexual History by Ben Miller  & Huw Lemmey (for History Nerds)  Fun Home by Alison Bechdel (for people who love Graphic Novels) The Bechdel Test Heartstopper by Alice Oseman (for people who love Graphic Novels)  The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (for fans of High Fantasy) It Came from the Closet Edited by Joe Vallese (for fans of Horror Movies) Too Scary; Didn’t Watch Podcast Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas (for when you want a Supernatural YA Novel) Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (for people who love coming of age stories) Moby Dyke: An Obsessive Quest To Track Down The Last Remaining Lesbian Bars In America by Krista Burton (for Gays who love going to the bars!) Stonewall Sports League Richmond Babes of Carytown Gay Bar: Why We Went Out by Jeremy Atherton Lin (for Gays who love going to the bars!)  The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun (for fans of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette—but make it gay) Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield (for when you want a Spooky, Mysterious, SAD book) Movies That Made Me Gay by Larry Duplechan (for fans of Classic Cinema) Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender (for fans of Fluffy Rom-Coms) A little Pride Month History Here For It by R. Eric Thomas (one of Gigi’s favorite books and writer)

This week’s episode is about one of my personal favorite books, Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe, and I’m joined by returning guest and longtime friend (and librarian) Jess Harshbarger! This book is everything to me — OnlyFans, motherhood, wrestling, robots, and cosplay are brought together to create this absolutely amazing work of art. Jess is a library branch manager and has worked in public libraries for the last 18 years.  She is a Virginia native but has also spent time in Arizona, North Carolina and Ohio. She is married with two children and three dogs. Her favorite pastime is listening to live music 🎶 and dreams of competing on a music trivia show one day. In the last five years she has embraced her inner 👩🏻‍🎨 . Her style fits best in abstract realism and she mostly uses acrylic medium. She posts under Whimsical Wallflower on Facebook and @whimsicalwallflowerart on instagram, although with her ADHD she admittedly has a hard time keeping up with posts. Pornstar Martini (from Delish.com)2oz. vanilla vodka1oz. passion fruit liqueur (such as Passoã)1oz. passion fruit purée1/2oz. fresh lime juice1/2oz. simple syrupSliced fresh passion fruit, for garnish1oz. ProseccoDicrectionsFill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, liqueur, purée, lime juice, and simple syrup. Cover and vigorously shake until outside of shaker is very frosty, about 20 secondsPour into a coupe or wine glass. Garnish with passion fruit slices.Pour Prosecco into a shot glass. Drink separately or pour into cocktail.In This EpisodeJess’ Previous DITL Episode - Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy BlumePouredOver Podcast interviewing Rufi ThorpeInterview with Rufi ThorpeWriter’s Digest - Rufi Thorpe Interview

Welcome back to another episode of Drinks at the Library, the podcast where we pair the perfect drink with the perfect book. Today, we're diving into a love story that bends time and breaks hearts—The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. It’s a tale of fate, longing, and the delicate threads that tie us to the people we love...even if time itself tries to pull us apart. My guest this week is Heather Maury, a Richmond-area librarian and a life-long reader. Her favorite book, to this day, is the children's book, "Mandy" by Julie Edwards (better known as Julie Andrews). Anything by TJ Klune and Sadeqa Johnson are instant buys for her. She loves movies, especially anything that Henry Cavill is in, anything that features Tom Cruise running, and anything that's a musical. She is a die-hard Duranie and a certified Swiftie. She lives with 5 cats, 2 dogs, a guinea pig, and some fish. Oh, and she also has two kids (a college freshman and a 1st grader) and a husband.  To match this beautifully complex narrative, our drink this week is The Ephemeral Encounter a  cocktail plays with the idea of fleeting moments and the blending of different times —just like Henry and Clare's love story. So, pour yourself a glass, get comfortable, and let's unravel the timelines of this unforgettable romance. The "Ephemeral Encounter" Cocktail: This cocktail plays with the idea of fleeting moments and the blending of different times. Ingredients: 1.5 oz Gin (a classic spirit, representing the timeless nature of their love)0.75 oz Elderflower Liqueur (St. Germain, for a touch of ethereal sweetness and floral notes, like fleeting memories)0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice (for a bright, sharp contrast, representing the jarring moments of time travel)0.25 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur (a hint of cherry, for the sweet, romantic core of their relationship, with a slight "old fashioned" feel)2-3 Dashes of Lavender Bitters (to add a calming, slightly mysterious element, like the ever-present mystery of Henry's travels)Sparkling Wine or Soda Water (to top, adding effervescence, like the unpredictable flow of time)Lavender sprig and a cherry, for garnish. In this Episode The American Library Association The Time Travelers Wife - film The Time Travelers Wife - TV show

In A Psalm for the Wild-Built ,Becky Chambers invites readers into a serene, post-collapse world where a wandering tea monk named Dex crosses paths with a curious robot, sparking a journey of introspection and philosophical wonder. Together, they explore what it means to be content, connected, and truly alive in a world that has learned to live gently. My guest this week is Emily James, a marketing strategist who moved to Richmond 15 years ago to attend VCU and forgot to leave after graduation. Growing up, she always had her nose in a book and rediscovered her love of reading as an adult thanks to the pandemic, motherhood, and the Libby app. When she's not lost in a good story, you can find her watching reality TV, playing tabletop games, or spending time with her family. Our protagonist, Dex, is a tea monk who makes teas personalized for whoever they are helping, so our drink this week is tea—whatever your favorite version may be. Pour a mug, relax, and take a break listening to this amazing episode! In this Episode The Libby App The Aurelian Cycle by Rosaria Munda This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone  and Amal El-Mohtar Hoopla The Enneagram SolarpunkBooks by Becky Chambers

This week, we’re off to the deceptively cozy village of St. Mary Mead, where gossip flows freely and murder is just around the hedgerow. Join us as Miss Marple makes her unforgettable debut in The Murder at the Vicarage—knitting needles in hand and sharper than ever.My guest this week is author Kemper Donovan. Kemper began his writing career while still working as a manager, eventually publishing his debut novel, The Decent Proposal, after a lengthy journey to publication. Around the same time, he co-created the podcast All About Agatha with his friend Catherine Brobeck, celebrating the work of Agatha Christie. Following Catherine’s passing in 2021, Kemper has continued the podcast on his own, and his passion for Christie’s mysteries led him to create his own Ghostwriter mystery series including books The Busy Body and Loose Lips, now published by Kensington Books. He lives with his husband and their two daughters, and when not writing or podcasting, he enjoys running and making valiant attempts at playing the violin.Our drink this week is Miss Marples Cherrry Blossom from the book Agatha Whiskey by Colleen Mullany in which Kemper wrote the forward!MISS MARPLE’S CHERRY BLOSSOM Serves 2Miss Jane Marple's character is based loosely on Agatha's grandmother and her friends, and has appeared in twelve novels and twenty short stories. She makes her own cherry brandy from her garden, claiming that a bit of brandy helps ease one's nerves. Cheers to that, Jane!1 ounce gin1 ounce cherry brandy1 ounce sake¾ ounce grenadine1 ounce lemon juiceEdible flowers for garnishIn a shaker with ice, combine all ingredients. Shake well, strain into coupe glasses, garnish with edible flowers, and serve.Mocktail! Replace the gin with Monday or another nonalcoholic spirit, the cherry brandy with San Pellegrino's Sanbitter Red or another nonalcoholic aperitif, and the sake with Gekkeiken alcohol-free Daiginjo Sake or another nonalcoholic sake. Prepare as above.In this EpisodeAll About Agatha PodcastKemper’s WebsiteHercule Poirot SeriesThe Murder at the Vicarage Episode- All About Agatha PodcastDr. Mark Aldridge - Agatha Christie HistorianShedunnit PodcastAnne of Green Gables Episode -Drinks in the Library

Welcome to this week’s episode of Drinks in the Library! Today we’re exploring Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher, a darkly whimsical tale of a shy princess who undertakes an impossible quest — armed with a dustwitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, and a dog made of bones — to rescue her sister from a cruel prince and a cursed kingdom.My guest this week is my husband, Bill Howard. I asked if he wanted me to read a little bio for him, and he said he’d actually prefer to have even less of himself on the internet — which, frankly, is impossible given all the stuff I’ve already spilled about him on this podcast.Both Bill and I love Nettle & Bone so much and it was fun to talk with him about it! This book is a dark fairy tale and I wanted to pick a dark drink, I think any will do but I went with an Espresso Martini because that is one of Bill’s favorite cocktails. Espresso Martini1 ounce espresso or cold brew coffee2 ounces vodka1 ounce coffee liqueur, I used Virago, and RVA distillery.5 ounce simple syrup, or to tasteIceShake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. You can be cute an garnish it with coffee beans if you want!In this EpisodeRic FlairCharlotte Hornets Starter JacketsBooks by T. KingfisherMistborn by Brandon Sanderson DITL EpisodeHyperion by Dan Simmons DITL EpisodeFamily SearchHugo Awards

Hello Libration Nation, this week we are discussing The Women by Kristin Hannah. The Women is a powerful, heart-wrenching novel that follows a young nurse, Frankie McGrath, as she volunteers to serve in the Vietnam War — a world of violence, loss, and unspoken heroism. Through her journey, Hannah shines a light on the often overlooked stories of the women who fought, served, and survived, both overseas and at home.My guest this week is my friend and neighbor, Sarah Glover. Sarah is a teacher by day, mom 24/7. Baker of cookies and sarcasm. Fueled by coffee, true crime, and dark humor. Probably judging your grammar while reading murder mysteries.Our drink this week was Cut Water Mai Tais! In the book while on R&R Frankie and her friends cut loose with this refreshing, fruity rum drink, so Sarah and I decided to as well!My plug for this week is that it’s Independent Bookstore Day this coming Saturday April 26th. Please make an effort to support your local shop by visiting them in person or shopping online or through Bookshop.org Here in Richmond you can visit nine participating shops for a chance to earn a $50 gift card. Start at any of the nine participating stores and they will give you a Passport and your first stamp. First day is April 26th. You have until May 10th to get all nine. Nine participating stores:@resist_bks (Sat pop up with @thelitbaebookshop)@tlbookshopva @bbgbbooks @fountainbookstore @abi_books_brews @bookpeoplerva @ilysm_books @midlobooks @shelflifebooksrvaIn this EpisodeBooks by Kristin Hannah

Hello Libration Nation! This week we are discussing Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins. This is a love story… kind of. It’s about a princess, an outlaw, a lot of philosophical rambling, and a surprising number of Camel cigarettes. Tom Robbins basically asks: how do you make love stay? The answers are weird, hilarious, and occasionally involve explosives. I'm so excited for my guest this week: Michael Bickett is an award-winning podcaster with over a decade of experience and 1,000+ podcast credits. As the Founder and COO of Certified Crucial, he helps creators monetize their podcasts through eco-friendly, custom merchandise solutions. Michael is also the Founder and CEO of Geeks Under the Influence, an award-winning digital media company and podcast network. A mentor for the RVA Community of Podcasters, he’s passionate about making the podcast industry more inclusive and accessible. With expertise in branding, monetization, and community-building, Michael is a sought-after speaker on topics like creator-driven merchandise, co-branded deals, and creating equitable opportunities in digital spaces. Since Tom Robbins did spend some time here in Richmond, I wanted to pick a drink that is local. We went with Kopper Kettle's Bourbon Whiskey  In this Episode Geeks Under the Influence Digital Media Certified Crucial Michael Bickett Linktree Village Café - Richmond, Virginia Books by Tom Robbins On the Road - Jack Kerouac Books by Kurt Vonnegut - Or listen to my Slaughterhouse Five Episode

Hi Libration Nation! I am coming to you this National Library week with a delightful book Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire, which offers a whimsical, yet dark exploration of fantasy realms where each child's story revolves around finding and losing mystical doors to other worlds. My guest this week is Britt Keup. Britt is a corporate girly by day, and an avid reader at night. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Britt created her Bookstagram account, what_britt_reads, to share her lifelong love of reading and be a part of a community that loves reading as much as she does. Although she isn't posting on the grid as often, she is still furiously reading behind the scenes and sharing fun instagram stories about all of the books she's reading and her love of her two pups, Ollie and Smokey. Aside from devouring a great book, Britt enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Bryan, her pups, fitness, live music, spending time with friends and she's currently writing her first novel! If you're looking for book recommendations, check her out on her Bookstagram account, what_britt_reads. Our drink this week is one of my favorite Cabernet Sauvignon’s, a profile both Britt and I love: Double Black’s Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles Lastly, it is National Library Week, support your local library by visiting a branch, getting a library card if you don’t already have one, and finding other ways to get involved, libraries need our support now more than ever. In this Episode Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas ACOTAR - A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Crescent City Series - by Sarah J. MaasThrone of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco

Hello Libration Nation!, I am so excited for you to hear this week’s episode. Our book is Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe, and my guest is the absolutely amazing Forest Issac Jones. If you didn’t guess it immediately, we paired this book with the most Irish of drinks, a smooth, cold Guinness beer.Forest Issac Jones is an award-winning author of nonfiction, history, and essays. He specializes in Irish history, the US Civil Rights Movement, and Northern Ireland. He lives in Salem, Virginia. His book, Good Trouble: The Selma, Alabama, and Derry, Northern Ireland Connection 1963-1972, will be released on April 1st, 2025, so if you’re reading this, it’s out!This episode was so special as Forest spoke with me about his experience writing Good Trouble and reading Say Nothing, exploring the Northern Ireland Troubles and the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. I cannot say enough about what I learned through reading this book, interviewing Forest, and all I can say, if you’re listening to me, to check out Good Trouble now!And also, if you are loving Drinks in the Library, please go to wherever you listen to your podcasts and leave a review and five stars. I really do check those every week, and it’s so encouraging to me to see the numbers go up. Also, support the show by telling two friends about it this week. This really helps me grow and shares our love of books, reading, and, of course, amazing beverages!In this EpisodeSay Nothing Series on HuluDisappearance of Jean McConvilleBloody Sunday, Derry Ireland January 30, 1972Understanding Northern Ireland’s TroublesOn Bloody Sunday:A New History of the Day and Its Aftermath by Those Who Were There  by Julieann CampbellBurntollet Bridge AttackSelma to Montgomery MarchDolours and Marian PriceGerry AdamsBrendan HughesNorthern Ireland Internment: What is its legacy?Edmund Pettus Bridge Bloody Sunday March 7, 1965Eamonn McCannMarian Price lawsuit against Disney+ over Say Nothing TV ShowBoston College Tapes: Troubles CofessionsSheyann Webb-ChristburgRichard SmileyBilly McVeigh and the Derry riotsOnce Upon a Time in Northern Ireland - PBS seriesBernadette Devlin

Hello Libration Nation! I’m thrilled to welcome Sarah Glenn Marsh to this week's episode as we uncover the wonders of "The Last Ranger" by Peter Heller. A thrilling exploration of nature's beauty and human empathy, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. And we've paired it with the citrusy and daring Lone Ranger cocktail—tequila, lemon, and a hint of rose—capturing the essence of adventure. Sarah Glenn Marsh has been an avid fantasy reader since the day her dad handed her a copy of The Hobbit and promised it would change her life. She believes we all deserve happy endings and is an author of books for everyone, including many young adult, middle grade, and picture book titles. She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her family, including one sweet daughter, one slightly dull sword, and the chaos of many pets, like a turtle named Muffin who she definitely did not bring back from any haunted swamp. We Could Be (Anti)heroes is her first adult novel and will be coming out Spring 2026. And hey, before you go—if you’re loving Drinks in the Library, can you do me a favor? Drop a quick review, hit us with some stars, and most importantly, tell two friends this week. Sharing is caring, and it helps us keep the good times rolling.  The Lone Ranger Cocktail (fron liquor.com) 1 1/2 ounces tequila1 ounce lemon juice1/2 ounce rich simple syrup2 ounces brut rosé sparkling wineGarnish: lemon twist Add the tequila, lemon juice and simple syrup to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.Add the sparkling wine.Strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.Garnish with a lemon twist. In this Episode Sarah’s Books on Bookshop.org The Last Ranger by Peter Heller Sarah Glenn Marsh's Website Kook by Peter Heller Yellowstone National Park Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy

Hello, Libration Nation! 📚✨ This week, we’re diving into Parable of the Sower  by the legendary Octavia Butler. If you haven’t read it yet, get ready—it’s a powerful, thought-provoking novel that feels more relevant than ever. My guest this week is the lovely Gretchen Gales, a writer, teacher, editor, and occasional artist. Her first poetry chapbook Agora Alien Buddha Press, 2023) is available now. Gretchen's work has also appeared in Ms., HuffPost, Next Avenue, YourTango, Well + Good, and others. See more of her work at www.writinggales.com.  Our drink this week is a green tea highball, which pairs with the Earthseed, which if you have read the book you know is a major part of the story, and if you haven't read the book yet, now is your chance! Now one last thing, if you love this podcast, do me a favor—take a moment to review, give us a star rating, and most importantly, tell two friends about Drinks in the Library this week. It makes a huge difference!Green Tea Highball2 oz. Whisky2½ oz. Tea½ oz. Simple syrup½ oz. Lemon juiceTop up with SodaPour over ice in a highball glass, garnish with a lemon wheel. In this Episode Well + GoodQuail Bell MagazineLibby HooplaKindred by Octavia ButlerParable of the Sower Graphic NovelKindred Graphic NovelJohn Green's take on Parable of the SowerLife as We Knew It by Susan Beth PfefferAnnihilation by Jeff VandermeerValley HaggardThe Glass Castle by Jeannette WallsEducated by Tara WestoverCrying in H Mart by Michelle ZaunerBooks by R. Eric Thomas Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Hello, Libration Nation! 📚✨ This week, we're diving into Be Ready When the Luck Happensby none other than Ina Garten. And joining me is the fabulous Mair Downing!Our drink this week is a classic Cosmopolitan because Ina Garten has a hilarious video she made at the beginning of the pandemic where she makes a giant, I mean GIANT cosmopolitan, Mair even brought over a giant martini glass for us to replicate it!In this EpisodeOlive Kittridge by Elizabeth StroutIna Garten Cocktail HourA little bit about Mair:Mair transitioned into real estate from a Fortune 200 company because she wanted a career where she could make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether working with buyers, sellers, or investors—helping clients right-size or find that perfect river getaway—she believes in the energy that comes from realizing goals are within reach. And with Mair’s guidance, they are.WHY MAIR?Everything Mair does is focused on minimizing stress and maximizing joy. She is trained in developing strategies that enhance her clients' strengths, setting them up for early success. She values honesty and transparency and runs an accountable, process-centric business. Behind every seamless transaction is a great deal of preparation—she ensures that everything is in place to make the process feel effortless.FREE TIMEWhen Mair isn’t showing homes or preparing listings, she’s cheering on her teen daughters in their various activities—soccer, volleyball, and basketball—or snuggling with her Havanese, Odie (and, of course, her husband, too!). She loves to travel, enjoy great food, and soak in all that life has to offer. For quiet moments, she finds peace sitting on a dock, watching the water glimmer with a good book. Favorite right now: Demon Copperhead.So, grab your Cosmo and settle in for a great conversation! And before we dive in, I have a quick favor to ask—if you love this podcast, take a moment to review, give us a star rating, and most importantly, tell two friends about Drinks in the Library this week. It really helps us grow!

Our book this week is the classic love, revenge, and ghost story, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, and my guest this week is Carrie Pruett.Carrie is a power user of the Henrico County, Virginia library. She loves books, movies, and also loves podcasts about books and movies. She frequently appears on the podcast 'Worst Bestsellers' to talk about teenage vampires and horse girls.  When she was 13, she accidentally read 'Wuthering Heights' because her mom told her it was 'like Pride and Prejudice.'  (It wasn't).  Ever since then, she has enjoyed stories about terrible people who make bad decisions, especially if they do it in English country houses.Our drink this week is a Sam Smith beer from Yorkshire England, near the Moores where Wuthering Heights is set. Sam Smith is Yorkshire’s oldest brewery, it even predates the Brontë sisters and was is a great drink to enjoy while reading this dark, brooding ghost storyIf you enjoy the show, please either head over to where you get your podcast and give me 5 stars and a review, or tell two people about it this week. This helps me grow the show and keep it going, as always, I appreciate your support!In this EpisodeGone Girl by Gillian FlynnBooks by Tana FrenchJane Eyre by Charlotte BrontëBooks by Thomas Hardy All Creatures Great and Small by James HerriotThe Brontës by Juliet BarkerWorst Bestsellers Podcast

Raise your wands Libration Nation! This week’s book is Carry On by Rainbow Rowell a magical mages story about Simon Snow, the worst chosen one ever according to his roommate and nemesis, Baz. Carry On is the first book in a trilogy and is a ghost story, a love story and a mystery. It has just as much kissing and talking as you'd expect from a Rainbow Rowell story - but far, far more monsters. My guest this week is Rachel Yorkshire, she lives in Richmond with her wife Marissa and their very spoiled dog. She and her wife both post their bookish endeavors and reviews over on their bookstagram lesbereaders, and they would love for you to give them a follow. If she’s not reading, Rachel is probably daydreaming, laughing with friends, or bothering her dog.  In this story Simon is known for devouring Sour Cherry Scones, so our drink pages homage to that with a Tart Cherry Cocktail! Sparkling Cherry Lime Mocktail  (from a life delicious) Ingredients1/4 cup Frozen Cherries (dark, sweet & red tart)1/2 lime juice2 tbsps Tart Cherry Juice, unsweetenedIceSparkling WaterGarnish with fresh mint and/or limeIn this EpisodeFangirl by Rainbow RowellTJ Klune BooksCasey McQuiston BooksLegends and Lattes by Travis BaldreeFandom Forward (formerly the Harry Potter Alliance)Tumblrarians List from my friend Kate Tkacik’s Tumblr (I miss those days so much!)

Happy One Year Anniversary, Libration Nation! 🥳 One year ago, February 20, 2024 the very first episode of Drinks of the Library came into this world. I have so many thoughts on what this year has been like, but today I just want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. To celebrate I’ve put together a “clip” episode 🎬, on sitcoms they would call it a “flashback” episode which sounds much more mysterious than clip, but makes far less sense for a podcast, so here we are. I wish I could have gotten a part of every single episode because I’ve loved them all in different ways, but my apologies this was not possible (also clips from 50 episodes would have been like 3 hours long and none of y’all are listening to that). I love you so much, thank you for supporting your local library, & me ❤️ Gigi In this EpisodeThe Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger with James HudsonWolf Hall by Hillary Mantel with Valerie AdachiFourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros with Hannah HauckOlga Dies Dreaming by Xóchitl Gonzalez with Stephanie LauFour Thousand weeks by Oliver Burkeman with Rebecca SchinskyAre You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume with Jess HarshbargerThree Dog Life by Abigail Thomas with Joyce MillerA Doubter’s Almanac by Ethan Canin with Marty MooradianMistborn by Brandon Sanderson with Beka CastagnaUnreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara with Allison SchwalmHave a Beautiful, Terrible Day! By Kate Bowler with Lisa VargaFirst, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham with Ira HollidayThe Friday Night Club by Sofia Lundberg, Alyson Richman, and MJ Rose with Izzie CallDog Songs by Mary Oliver with Amanda Sue CreaseyPaper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang with Mary Jane FrenchGeneration X by Douglas Coupland with David HowThe Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and the Chronicles of Narnia Series by CS Lewis with Erin Surber

This week’s episode covers the Detective Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan, a police procedural in a small town in Pennsylvania, and my guest this week is Kristin Miller. Kristin is an 80s baby who is an explorer at heart. She is a lifelong reader who recently returned to the US after living abroad in five different countries over nine years. She is now an elementary ESL teacher here in Virginia. Josie Quinn is a coffee fanatic getting drinks at her local coffee shop, so Kristin and I grabbed coffees from one of my favorite local coffee shops: Coco And Hazel! In this EpisodeLisa Regan’s WebsiteLisa Regan’s FacebookLisa Regan’s Readers Lounge for FansCastle SeriesBones SeriesSue Grafton Alphabet Series Lynn Raye Harris BooksAllison Brennan BooksLaura Griffin BooksMelinda Leigh BooksKendra Elliott Books

When I was a baby librarian there was not a book requested more than The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, and all the books that came after it in the series. I was so excited when this week’s guest wanted to talk about it!Madison is a lover of history that hosts the history podcast It's a History Podcast  that covers all things history. When she is not working on researching, recording, or editing, she has her nose in a book. While currently immersed in the “Romantasy” series of ACOTAR and Fourth Wing, Madison's love for fantasy started with the Percy Jackson and the Olympian series. Having read the series all in one go, Madison has reread these books a number of times. They were an important part of her finding her love for fantasy, as well as furthering her love for reading. Our drink this week is a Blue Hawaii Cocktail, as you will find out, Percy has a bit of an obsession with blue foods, and he just cannot stay away from water, so this drink is a perfect match! Blue Hawaii Cocktail (from liquor.com) 3/4 ounce vodka3/4 ounce light rum1/2 ounce blue curaçao3 ounces pineapple juice1 ounce sweet and sour mix  In This EpisodeIt’s a History Podcast - AppleIt’s a History Podcast - SpotifyLet’s Talk About Myths Baby - PodcastMythology - Edith HamiltonThe Lightning Thief - FilmACOTAR - A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J. MaasFourth Wing - Listen to my Fourth Wing Episode!

This week we are discussing The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and take life to the next level level  by Gay Hendricks. This book encourages readers to go beyond their internal limits, release outdated fears and learn a whole new set of powerful skills and habits to liberate authentic greatness. I am joined this week with author Nancy Houser-Bluhm. Nancy Houser-Bluhm lived in the foothills west of Denver, Colorado for over 25 years with her husband and menagerie of pets. She hailed from Michigan but growing up watching Bonanza, led to a  longing to go west.. They have journeyed back to Michigan and are creating a new “Bluhmerosa”. Years of rock climbing and skiing shifted to biking, skiing,  yoga, breathing in nature; and daily doses of writing with a variety of groups. Her most recent novel, The Nickel Loop was released July 22, 2024 DrinkIn Nancy’s latest book the character enjoys the classic Four Roses Bourbon so Nancy and I sipped on that as we talked! In this EpisodeNancy’s Website Buy Nancy’s books!Nancy’s BlogSage Adderly Creative WritingA Year in Balance by Angela Cominos Koehler

I’m so excited to bring you something a little different—not a book, but a genre that’s new to me: FanFiction. Specifically, Dramione Fanfiction, which features stories pairing Harry Potter villain Draco Malfoy with Hermione Granger, the series’ female lead, heroine, and Harry’s BFF. In this episode, I’m joined by a fellow RVA book-lover, Jaclyn Wilkins, who explains to me (and you!) the ins and outs of the Dramione Fanfiction world.Jaclyn is the owner of The Bookmark, RVA's only mobile bookstore! She’s a stay-at-home mom whose favorite hobby—reading—turned into her dream job. She loves fantasy and world-building books the most and is always happy to recommend them to her customers. In her store, you’ll find new releases, pre-loved books, and bookish merchandise, all available at local markets in Richmond, VA. You can find details about her next stop on her Instagram, @thebookmarkbox. She’s eager to meet more book besties, so be sure to stop by and chat with her about your favorite books!Our drink this week comes from Fiction & Fizz. Jaclyn reached out to founder Kimberly Parrilla to find the perfect drink to pair with Draco and Hermione's angst and romance—a Firewhiskey! (It was absolutely amazing, by the way!)Firewhiskey Recipe - from Fiction & Fizz2 oz Fireball Whiskey3 - 4 oz Pineapple JuiceShake and serve over ice, enjoy!In this EpisodeManacled by SenLinYuACOTAR - A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J MassAvendell Artwork from ManacledRoses and Chains by Julie SotoThe Right Thing To Do by LovesBitca8 (Julie Soto)All The Wrong Things by LovesBitca8 (Julie Soto)The Auction by LovesBitca8 (Julie Soto)Secrets and Masks by Emerald_SlytherinGreenlight by SereneMusafirLakeside Farmer’s Market Lovefest - Find Jaclyn here February 9th!

Today we’re stepping into the surreal, tragic, and darkly comedic world of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five—a story about war, time travel, and what it means to say, 'So it goes.' My guest this week is Kat McClesse. Kat is an Archaeologist with her M.A. in Bioarchaeology and an amateur photographer. Slaughterhouse Five has been one of her favorite books since childhood and sparked a lifelong interest in activism and human rights. She's has a passion for horror and has driven her fiance insane with "too many books" (his words). They live in Tuckahoe, Virginia with their 2 cats.  The protagonist of this story is Billy Pilgrim, a veteran of WWII who becomes unstuck in time. An important moment in the story is where time is explained as a bug caught in amber, so we paired it with an “Amber Old Fashioned” Amber Old Fashioned Recipe (from vinepair.com)1 ounce bourbon1 ounce rich aged rum1 tablespoon simple syrup1 dash peach bitters1 dash Angostura bittersGarnish: Citrus peel Directions Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled.Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.Garnish with citrus peel. In This EpisodeThe Things They Carried by Tim O’BrienUnbroken by Laura HillenbrandThe Writer’s Crusade by Tom RostonI Am Malala by Malala YousafzaiSlaughterhouse Five: the Graphic Novel by Ryan North and Albert Montes

Artist and author Julia Marshel is someone who sees the world through a lens of wonder and joy. From a young age, Julia discovered that if you look closely, the world reveals an infinite variety of amazing things. That same sense of discovery became a gift she and her wife, Claudia, shared with their three daughters, raising them to see and celebrate the beauty in nature. Her books How Many Will We Find? and My Friend the Maple Tree illustrate this love and her desire to pass it on to others. Our drink this week is a Boulevardier, which I chose because of its beautiful red color. Interestingly enough, the red in Campari originally came from Carmine, which is one of the colors Julia talks about in the episode, yes - bug blood! Boulevardier Recipe from Liquor.comIngredients1 1/4 ounces bourbon (or rye)1 ounce Campari1 ounce sweet vermouthGarnish: orange twistStepsAdd bourbon, Campari and sweet vermouth into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.Garnish with an orange twist. In this Episode JuliaMarshel.com - Julia’s website Buy Julia’s Books!Julia Marshel Paints - FacebookJulia Marshel Paints - InstagramColor: A Natural History of the Palette by Victoria FinleyRESONATE Podcast FestivalDaniel Smith YavapaiGeorgia O’Keefe’s Ghost RanchBreath (2 AM) by Anna NalickDawn Flores at VMFA

Hello Libration Nation! This week’s book is Daring Greatly by Dr. Brené Brown, and I’m talking about it with my fellow librarian and library advocacy rockstar - Sonya Durney! Sonya is a passionate advocate for libraries and open education. Sonya is the Scholarly Communication Research & Teaching Librarian at the University of New England, is past president of the Maine Library Association, a member of the American Library Association Policy Corps, and serves on the executive board of the Maine Freedom of Information Coalition. As the Scholarly Communication Research & Teaching Librarian at the University of New England, Sonya liaises with the College of Business and the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences while actively contributing to various university committees, including the Open Educational Resources Steering Committee, Equity and Diversity Council of Chairs, and the University Faculty Assembly. Sonya holds an MLIS from Simmons College, a BA in Political Science from Framingham State University, and a doctorate in Public Policy focusing on Educational Leadership from the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine. Her research centers on the intersection of public policy and libraries, exploring how legislation shapes access to information. When she’s not immersed in her work or reading, Sonya loves to spend time outdoors in Maine, enjoying adventures with her husband, son, and their beloved chocolate lab, Bourbon. The challenges librarians face today echo Brown’s idea of “being in the arena.” Whether it’s addressing book bans or advocating for community resources, stepping up despite the fear of criticism embodies the very essence of daring greatly, and Sonya shares her experiences and inspiration pulled from Brené Brown’s work. Please continue to support your local library by visiting www.UniteAgainstBookBans.org and finding ways you can get involved. Our drink this week is a Mezcal Paloma to highlight Brené Brown’s Texas roots, however she is also proudly sober and I wanted to honor that as well, so I’m also including a Paloma recipe using Ritual Zero Proof Tequila, which I have made for a previous episode. Mezcal Paloma (link to full recipe with directions) ¼ cup kosher salt 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 lime, zested and sliced 2 oz Mezcal or sub tequila 2 oz Grapefruit juice 1 oz honey simple syrup Club soda Paloma Recipe (Non-Alcoholic) 3 ounces Ritual tequila 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice, plus wedges for garnish2 ounces club soda½ ounce lime juice¼ ounce simple syrupIn this episodeALA Policy Corps Maine Library AssociationBooks by Brené BrownBrené Brown’s PodcastsSuper Soul Sunday - Oprah’s podcast with Brené BrownPodcast episode where Brent discusses libraries“When you defund a library, you can change the economic future of an entire family. So cut that shit out.” -Brené Brown

Hello Libration Nation! This week we are discussing the classic series Animorphs by K.A. Applegate. Animorphs is a collection of 54 middle-grade books in which five young adults are gifted the power to morph into animals. It was a bit of a cult phenomenon when it was originally published in the late '90s and has recently seen a resurgence online.My guest is Fiona Fenn. Fiona is an author of fantasy novels that put complicated “heroes” front and center. A fan of villains, redemption arcs, and intense explorations of healing in all its forms, her debut novel, The Crack at the Heart of Everything, is a love letter to every villain who wanted to do better but never got the chance.I so enjoyed this conversation with Fiona, talking about the Animorphs series and her love for it, as well as her experience writing and publishing her first novel and everything that goes into this process.Our drink this week is a Flying Saucer, as the Animorphs series begins with the kids meeting an alien who has flown to EarthFlying Saucer Recipe (from Bevvy.com)INGREDIENTS1 oz Amaretto Di Saronno liqueur1 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur3 oz cream3 oz iceCombine in blender until smooth and creamy, serve with cinnamon stick for garnish!In this EpisodeFiona Fenn’s WebsiteBuy The Crack at the Heart of Everything by Fiona FennMichael Grant Gone seriesTiny Fox PressAnimorphs AloudQueer Liberation LibraryKA Applegate WebsiteFree Animorphs PDFsFiona Fenn’s Substack

Hello Libration Nation! In this week’s episode I’m chatting with David Crowley, nonprofit leader and podcaster, about The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger and Mark Schultz. Over a glass of Longevity Cabernet Sauvignon, we explored the Harvard study’s core finding: strong, meaningful relationships are key to happiness and health. David shared insights from his work with Social Capital Inc., which combats social isolation, and his personal journey maintaining relationships throughout various phases of life. Together, we reflected on building deeper connections in a digital age.David Crowley founded Social Capital Inc. (SCI) over 20 years ago in his hometown of Woburn, Massachusetts. Under his leadership, SCI has grown to serve communities across the region while continuing to make a difference in Woburn. Prior to SCI, David was the Executive Director of Boston-based Generations Inc. (now Literations). He has been involved in AmeriCorps since the program began in 1993, and served as the founding Director of the Kentucky Community Service Commission, which oversees the program for the state.  David graduated from Harvard University with a degree in Government. Unsure of his long term plans, and after many service activities in college, David set out to do a year of service in rural Kentucky, which began his career serving his community! In his free time, he enjoys cooking for his family, reading and walking nearby Horn Pond. He also shares his kitchen creations on his food & wine blog, Cooking Chat. He also hosts two podcasts: Cook Local, Eat Local and SCI's Cultivating Connections podcasts.DrinkLongevity Cabernet SauvignonLongevity WinemakersIn this EpisodeSocial Capital Inc.Cooking Chat (David’s Food & Wine Blog)Cook Local, Eat Local PodcastSCI’s Cultivating Connections PodcastBowling Alone by Robert D. PutnamRecent NYT interview with Robert Putnam (not mentioned in the episode but really interesting read on loneliness)

Listener update: I am taking a short pause over the holidays from all the editing and content creation that goes into this podcast. I have plenty of recordings completed that I can’t wait to share with you, and I plan to air new content every-other week starting next week Tuesday December 3rd. Today’s episode is a replay of an episode I released back in June, I hope you enjoy it!So, after all these interviews talking with wonderful people about their favorite books, I felt it was time to share some of my own things, and who better to do that with than my husband Bill as our first guest host?!This week we are talking Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, one of my favorite books, and a source of inspiration for doing this podcast as well. Our drink this week is a GigiRita, which is just a Margarita with Grand Mariner that a I gave this silly eponymous names a few years ago after making them at home with friends, they are amazing and a staple at my house when hosting!GigiRita1 oz Grand Marnier2 oz Tequila1 oz Simple Syrup or Agave.5 oz Lime JuiceAdd salt if you want!In this episodeSmall Victories by Anne LamottOperating Instructions by Anne LamottSomehow by Anne Lamott

Hello Libration Nation! This week, we're diving into a beautifully heartwarming poetry collection, Dog Songs by the illustrious Mary Oliver. Joining me is the wonderful Amanda Sue Creasey, a high school English teacher and the Outdoors Writer for Cooperative Living Magazine. Her novel An Expected Endwas published in 2023. She holds an undergraduate degree in German, English, and Secondary Education from Michigan State University, and a graduate degree in Creative Writing from the University of Denver.Her work appears in three Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and her poetry, outdoor journalism, and nature photography have earned recognition from the Poetry Society of Virginia and Virginia Outdoor Writers Association.When she isn’t writing, she enjoys hiking, walking, and standup paddle boarding with her dogs, as well as running and reading. A member of James River Writers, the Poetry Society of Virginia, and Virginia Outdoor Writers Association, she resides in Chester, Virginia, with her husband; Archie the parrot; and two rescue dogs, Nacho and Soda, chihuahua mix littermates who rule the house.Our beverage for this literary evening is a delightful choice—the refreshing Choice Organics peppermint tea. It’s perfect for winding down in the evening and complements our discussion about the meditative nature of Mary Oliver's work. Though we tossed around several options, including coffee, peppermint tea won out as the ideal calming companion to poetry—offering warmth and comfort as we settled into our discussion.Mary Oliver's deep connection to nature is another theme we touch on. In "Dog Songs," Oliver beautifully links the nature of dogs to our human experience, inviting us to embrace the interconnectedness of all living things—a reflection that is both contemporary and timeless. For those who are grieving the loss of a dog or simply cherish the companionship of their canine friends, "Dog Songs" serves as a comforting reminder that such bonds are both profound and eternal.Choice Organic Peppermint TeaIn this EpisodeAn Unexpected End by Amanda Sue CreaseyExplore More Column by Amanda Sue Creasey for Cooperative Living MagazineInside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Knowby Alexandra HorowitzEarthly Bodies by Vanessa ChakourNot MFA novel writing class by Matt CricchioThe Crucible by Arthur MillerSarah Good

Welcome back Libration Nation! This week, we're delving into a classic piece of Southern writing with The Prince of Tides by the remarkable Pat Conroy. My guest this week is the amazing, award winning author, Laura Elliott, who I had the pleasure of interviewing while we both were attending the Virginia Library Association Conference last month. Laura really helped us hit a home run with tying the drink in, because she owns a copy of Pat Conroy’s cookbook, and shared with me the recipe for Pat Conroy’s Iced Fruit tea!Laura shared with me the ways that Pat Conroy impacted her writing, particularly her historical fiction novel Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waveswhich is set in tidewater Virginia and also won the Virginia Library Association Cardinal Cup Award in 2023. Listening to Laura talk about the historical events that framed her story while looking out at the water of Norfolk, realizing how close we were to where those events occurred, is something I don’t think I’ll ever get overLaura, also known L. M. Elliott was an award-winning, Washington-based magazine journalist, primarily covering women’s issues, before becoming a New York Times best-selling author of historical and  biographical fiction. Her novels explore a variety of eras (the Italian Renaissance, American Revolution, Great Depression, WWII, and the Cold War), and are written for a variety of ages.These works have won the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, VLA's Cardinal Cup, and the Grateful American Book Prize; and been named NCSS/CBC Notables (National Council of Social Studies/Children’s Book Council), Bank Street College of Education Best Books,  Kirkus Bests, Jr. Library Guild Gold Selections, and received many starred reviews.  Elliott holds a BA from Wake Forest University and a master’s in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill. She is a lifelong Virginian and history-lover.Laura Elliott shares a touching recount of her personal encounter with Pat Conroy, capturing his gracious spirit and the profound impact he had on her craft. Their conversation, much like Conroy's novels, was rich with storytelling and an appreciation for the nuances of human experience. In discussing "The Prince of Tides," Laura elaborates on the intricate themes and Southern settings that Conroy brings to life. The novel’s protagonist, Tom Wingo, narrates a saga interwoven with familial struggles, the haunting legacy of mental illness, and the eternal tug of the natural world against societal constraints. Conroy's narrative prowess shines through as he paints vivid, albeit sometimes tragic, tapestries of life in the South. Laura segues this conversation into reflections on her own works, particularly her upcoming book Truth, Lies, and Questions in Between, showcasing how her journalistic roots and Conroy's influence weave into her storytelling style.Our conversation was not just about storytelling but also about the power of narratives to heal and connect. Books, like the tea we shared, offer a therapeutic escape—a thread of connection through time. As we hold onto these stories, let's remember how they can offer clarity in our storms, much like the stars guiding characters in Laura's story.If you enjoyed this episode, share it with friends, leave us your thoughts, and subscribe for more enriching discussions. Until next time, keep your tea iced and your bookshelf stocked!Pat Conroy’s Iced Fruit Tea (makes 3 quarts)4 tea bags1 lemon1 orange, sliced, plus more for garnish1/2 pint strawberries or raspberries, plus more for garnish1 cup cubed fresh pineapple, plus more for garnish1. Place the tea bags in a large heatproof pitcher. Using a vegetable peeler or small paring knife, remove the rind from the lemon, being careful not to include any of the bitter white pith. Cut into strips and reserve. Juice the lemon and reserve.2. In a kettle, bring 10 cups fresh, cold water to a rolling boil. Pour over tea bags and let steep for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your preference. Remove the tea bags and discard. Add the lemon rind, lemon juice, and other fruits. Refrigerate overnight.3. Strain the fruit from the tea and discard. Pour the tea over ice cubes and garnish with a pineapple cube, an orange slice, or a strawberry.In this EpisodeLaura’s WebsiteLouisa June and the Nazis in the Waves by LM ElliottTruth, Lies, and the Questions in Between by LM ElliottSouthern Festival of the BookBoozy BooksellersPat Conroy CookbookGreat Santini by Pat ConroyMy Episode with Lisa Varga, VLA director and Library Journal’s 2024 Librarian of the Year

Hello, Libration Nation! This week, we're diving into the vibrant world of "Paper Girls," an imaginative comic series  by Brian K. Vaughn with artwork by Cliff Chiang. This series, which intertwines coming-of-age narratives with sci-fi elements, is a thrilling ride that takes us through time travel and interwoven destinies.Joining me this week is comedian and bookseller Mary Jane French. Mary Jane has been performing Stand-up since she was 18-years-old. After starting her gender transition, she began cultivating material that captured her early experiences with transition and recorded it in a home-made special entitled Mary Jane French: Bearded Woman. Currently Mary Jane is producing comedy shows in Richmond, VA with Traverse Comedy. This week, we indulged in a delightful drink choice: a warm, soothing apple cider, which is perfect as we slip further in our fall season, it’s a bit of a play on words, as Mary Jane explains, Apple products play a quirky role in the series. While ours was the classic non-alcoholic version, we can't forget to mention that apple ciders can be easily personalized with a splash of your favorite spirit, or simply enjoyed with a cinnamon stick for a spicy twist.As always, if you enjoyed our lively discussion and want to help us grow our community, please share, like, review, and subscribe wherever you tune into our episodes. We appreciate your support and look forward to bringing more exciting conversations your way!In this EpisodeGarden Grove Brewing in CarytownBottoms Up Pizza in Shockoe BottomChilling Adventures of Sabrina seriesSaga Series by Brian K VaughnSomething’s Killing the Children seriesPapergirls TV ShowTraverse Comedy

It's Spooky Season Libration Nation! In this spine-tingling episode, I'm joined by Grace Todd, fellow Richmond podcast host of the "Didn't Read It" podcast, to delve into Shirley Jackson's chilling classic, The Haunting of Hill House. Over Dark Manhattans, we uncover the eerie atmosphere of Hill House, its unsettling characters, and ghostly legacies. Grace shares her deep connection to the novel, analyzing themes of female empowerment, queer undertones, and the metaphorical menace of family structures. We also touch on Jackson's other works and Grace's latest horror series on her podcast. Perfect for horror enthusiasts and fans of eerie literature, this episode offers a blend of humor and spooky insights. Cheers to a frightfully good time!Grace is an intermittent editor, book gremlin, and aspiring failed novelist. While her MFA in creative writing primarily served to exacerbate both her single-minded obsession with fiction and her dubious mental health, it did give her an excuse to lose herself in books when she should have been doing her day job, for which she is thankful. The book piles in her house are becoming more perilous and less structurally sound by the day.We recorded this episode in Grace's studio at the Black Iris Social Club, which was so cool, and features a bar where Brett, their charming barkeep, poured us Dark Manhattans, which are delicious with the spice of danger!Dark Manhattan Recipe2 oz Cynar1 oz rye whiskey1 oz Amaro (Brett made ours with Amaro y Arroyo from the Virginia distillery Copper Fox)Dash of orange bittersGarnish - Luxardo Dark CherriesServe on ice or stir and shake into a chilled glass - enjoy!In this EpisodeThe Haunting of Hill House TV ShowThe Haunting (1960s Jackson-sanctioned film version)We Have Always Lived in the Castle FilmBooks by Shirley JacksonThe Shirley Jackson AwardsThoughts on Shirley Jackson and QueernessShirley Jackson's NYT Obituary (not mentioned in the episode but very interesting nonetheless)Shirley (Elizabeth Moss film)Didn't Read It episode on Shirley Film

Hello Libration Nation! In this podcast episode, I'm excited to discuss The Rose Code by Kate Quinn with my cousin Christine O'Brien—a nurse, wife, fur-mom, and avid reader. We'll delve into the lives of female codebreakers at Bletchley Park during WWII, exploring their friendships, struggles, and key plot twists. Christine shares her insights on the serious tone of the novel and its historical significance, making it a great pick for book clubs. Join us for this enriching conversation paired with a delightful rosé from Christine's wine club, Armitage. Cheers!Drink PairingPinot Noir Rosé from Armitage WinesIn this EpisodeBletchley ParkOlsa BenningArmitage Wines -The Book of Lost Names by Kristin HarmelThe Women by Kristin HannahKate Quinn’s Wikipedia Page

In this episode, we are discussing Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott, a novel originally published in 1929 and a fascinating account of the experiences of women during the Jazz age. I'm joined by Juliana Soltis, an internationally acclaimed cellist, to discuss the book's continued relevance and its portrayal of female independence during the Jazz Age, akin to a 'Sex and the City' for that era.  We also shed light on Parrott's obscured legacy in contrast to Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby.' Moreover, Juliana speaks about her new album American Woman, which highlights lost works by female composers, underscoring the importance of preserving and celebrating women's contributions to art and culture. We wrap up with a tasty note, enjoying a non-alcoholic gin fizz themed to the novel, reflecting Prohibition-era cocktail cultureJuliana Soltis is an internationally-acclaimed cellist, specializing in telling the forgotten stories of classical music. Her latest release from PARMA Recordings, American Woman, explores the lost legacy of America's women composers and is now streaming across all platforms. When not on the road or in the recording studio, Juliana makes her home in Richmond's historic Church HIll neighborhood, where she caters to the every whim of her two greyhounds, Rain and Ceci.Gin Fizz Recipe2 ounces gin (We used Monday NA Gin)1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed3/4 ounce simple syrup1 egg white (about 1/2 ounce)Club soda, to top (about 1 ounce)DirectionsAdd the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white to a shaker and vigorously dry-shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds.Add 3 or 4 ice cubes and shake vigorously until well-chilled.Double-strain into a chilled Collins glass and top with club soda.In this EpisodeJuliana Soltis’ WebsiteAmerican Woman AlbumBecoming the Ex-Wife by Dr. Marsha Gordon (Ursula Parrott’s Biography)The Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldPresentation by Dr. Marsha Gordon on Ursula Parrott (we didn’t discuss this in the episode but I found it absolutely fascinating!)Bright Lights Big City by Jay McInerney

This week we are discussing The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson, a thrilling account of Winston Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister of the UK, and some of the darkest moments for England and Allied forces. My guest is Helen Gabay from Richmond, Virginia. She's the mom of an awesome 12-year-old boy, Charlie, and married to Tim, aka "Mr. Fix-it," a talented local contractor. Helen leads a skilled sales team at a major IT advisory company and enjoys working with some of the brightest minds in technology.Her passions include reading, travel, and history. She studied Political Science, English, and History at The George Washington University. Known for reading obsessively about her travel destinations, Helen often takes her family on walking tours during vacations. In 2020, she had planned a trip to England that fell through, but soon after, she became captivated by Erik Larson’s masterful narrative non-fiction The Splendid and the Vile. Since then, she’s visited London and many of Winston Churchill's historical sites.Our drink this week is a Gin Gimlet made with Plymouth Gin, which was Churchill’s preferred gin! Helen served the drinks in classic coupe glasses, which was so fun, fancy, and authentic to the story!Gin Gimlet (with Plymouth Gin)2 oz. Plymouth Gin Navy Strength1 oz. lime juice1/2 oz. part simple syrupShake with ice and strain.**Helen’s tip: When serving in coupe glasses, fill them with ice water and let them sit for a few minutes to serve cold!In this EpisodeGin Gimlet invented by Royal Navy to prevent scurvyBooks by Erik LarsonWalking with Destiny by Andrew Roberts (Churchill’s biography)Washington Post criticism of The Splendid and the VileExpo: The Magic of the White City (Documentary on 1893 World’s Fair)Sliding Doors FilmWWII FilmsDarkest Hour FilmPearl Harbor FilmDunkirk Film

Hello Libration Nation! Ready to go back to the 90s? Today, we're talking about one of the defining books of a generation: Generation X by Douglas Coupland. I'm joined by David How—father, husband, music lover, and proud Canadian 🇨🇦. David shared how this book shaped his life, his love of music, and what it was like coming of age during that unforgettable era. So grab your own drink, settle in, and let’s dive into a conversation that’s all about nostalgia, music, and the power of storytelling.We're cracking open a classic Canadian drink, a beer and clam🍺, but I chatted with a few of you on Threads and you let me know they can also be called a Red Eye or a Clameye🍅. No matter what you call it, crack open a Molson’s, pour a shot of Clamato in, and sip along with us!Beer and Clam DrinkMolson’s Canadian Beer1 shot ClamatoOptional: worcestershire sauce pepper, celery salt, limeIn this EpisodeReality Bites filmSay Anything filmSingles filmBBC Bookclub interview with Douglas CouplandRoy Lichtenstein artistBooks by Chuck KlostermanMusicOlder:Talking HeadsNirvanaThe PixiesWeezerGreen DayModern:MJ LendermanAlvvays

I had an amazing chat with Katie Dolan about “The Midwife” by Jennifer Worth, the book that inspired the TV show “Call the Midwife”. We dived into all things birthing, motherhood, and the magic of community.Katie dove into her birthing and mothering experiences, the book's rich historical backdrop of East End, London, after WWII, and how media shapes our views on childbirth. We also celebrated the incredible importance of building and cherishing our communities.Katie is a long-time resident of Bon Air, Virginia, balancing life as a mother of (soon-to-be) six children and wife to one! A lover of all things literature, she’s an avid reader across genres. Currently, Katie is taking a break from her work as a postpartum doula to prepare for the arrival of baby number six.Our drinks this week were from Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox our beloved Bon Air Coffee shop. Katie sipped on a Virginia Fog Tea, while I enjoyed an Iced Chai Latte, one of my favorite treats!In this EpisodeCall the Midwife TV showArticle by David Books “Communities of Character”

For the dog lovers of Libration Nation, have we got the episode for you! This week, we are discussing Abigail Thomas’s memoir, A Three Dog Life which documents her experience living with her husband after his traumatic brain injury."The startling power and beauty of Abigail Thomas's memoir comes not only from her acute perceptions of a man without memories and her fear of losing her husband but from her refusal to surrender the shards of a loving relationship."-- O, the Oprah MagazineI’m joined this week by Joyce A. Miller, a writer living in the Church Hill section of Richmond, VA. She has written and indie-published two books: Joe Harris, the Moon, historical fiction based on the true story of Miller’s granduncle who played baseball in the 1910s and 1920s, and Look! You’re Dancing: A Memoir of Dogs, Dance and Devotion, which chronicles Miller’s journey of adopting six greyhounds over the past twenty years and how she danced with several of them. Miller is also a member of James River Writers. Before she started writing, Miller worked for over thirty years as a mechanical designer at a nuclear physics laboratory.As Abigail Thomas loved her home city of Manhattan as well as the drink, we thought it was a perfect pairing with this book!Manhattan Recipe2 ounces rye whiskey1 ounce sweet vermouth2 dashes Angostura bittersGarnish: brandied cherry (or lemon twist, if preferred)In this EpisodeJoyce’s Website (with links to books, newsletter)James River GreyhoundsGari Melcher Website (and Corinne!)James River WritersGreyhound Health Initiative

Calling all #librationnation leaders! This week we are discussing the groundbreaking book for managers, “First Break All the Rules” By Marcus Buckingham with Ira Holliday. Husband, father, avid golfer and business strategist are several of the key attributes used to describe Ira Holliday. With over 25 years of Fortune 200 experience in the areas of digital transformation, HR services and agile delivery, Ira has amassed quite the collection of business and leadership-focused authors within his library, including “First Break All The Rules, a New York Times bestseller.Our drink this week is a Smoked Old Fashioned, which Ira introduced to me, which is a traditional old fashioned but finished using a smoker kit, which gives it an additional layer, perfect for fall.Old Fashioned Recipe1 teaspoon sugar3 dashes Angostura bitters1 teaspoon water2 ounces bourbon (or rye whiskey, if preferred)Garnish: orange twistIn This EpisodeCocktail SmokersThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierGen Z and Millennials visit the library more than older generations

What if I told you that your entire life boils down to just 4,000 weeks? Oliver Burkeman's Four Thousand Weeks will change the way you think about how you spend your time, and this is the exact topic of the amazing conversation I had with Rebecca Schinsky from BookRiot!Rebecca Schinsky is the Chief of Staff for Riot New Media Group, which runs Book Riot, the largest independent publication covering books and the publishing industry in North America. With over 15 years of experience working in the bookish internet, Rebecca is an expert in building communities and products that enrich readers' lives and promote literary culture. Outside of work, she's passionate about travel, cooking and baking, movies, meditation, and the power of a nice, long walk.I was so thrilled when Rebecca agreed to come on the podcast! I've been a longtime listener of the Book Riot Podcast, which she co-hosts with Jeff O’Neal. It’s one of my favorite listens, and I’ve learned so much about the book and publishing universe from it. I actually first heard about Four Thousand Weeks from Rebecca talking about it on the Book Riot Podcast, so it was a full-circle moment to discuss it with her.Our drink this week is one of Rebecca’s favorites: a Manhattan. It was the perfect drink to sip on while we explored all the amazing ideas in this book!Manhattan Recipe2 ounces rye whiskey1 ounce sweet vermouth2 dashes Angostura bittersGarnish: brandied cherry (or lemon twist, if preferred)In this episodeBookRiotBookRiot PodcastOliver Burkeman’s WebsiteOliverBurkeman BooksEdelweiss and NetGalley (digital galleys for booksellers, librarians etc.)Booklist Magazine

Good Morrow Libration Nation! This week we are LIVING in Henry VIII’s court, delving deeply into Hilary Mantel's historical novel, Wolf Hall Exploring the complex character of Thomas Cromwell, the historical context of Henry VIII's reign, and Mantel's meticulous attention to historical accuracy.My guest this week is Valerie Adachi. Valerie is a self-proclaimed bookworm who even enjoyed reading cereal boxes as a kid, she reminisces over the tactile joy of spreading the New York Times across her kitchen table.Recently completing a second master's degree out of sheer curiosity, she embodies a passion for continuous learning and personal growth. Her love for finding and trying new recipes has even inspired her son to become a skilled cook and baker. Adventure always seems to be around the corner for her, often appearing spontaneous but rooted in long-percolating ideas—like the decision to add a new puppy to her already bustling pack, turning her quiet life topsy-turvy.Beyond her love for dogs, she thrives on live music, good food and drink shared with family and friends, and the thrill of knowing that adventure is always nearby, maybe we a cozy reading spot.We paired the book with a Whiskey Neat, we drank Oak & Eden Toasted Oak Bourbon & Spire Whiskey - absolutely delicious and pair perfectly with the moodiness of the story.In this EpisodeNew York Time’s List of the 100 best books of the 21st centuryVirago Spirits (Richmond gin distillery Valerie mentions)Beacon MercantileA Man for All Seasons

Welcome to another episode Libration Nation! Today, we're diving deep into the surreal and thought-provoking world of Victor Pelevin's "Generation P," also known as "Homo Zapiens" in English. Joining us is Pelevin aficionado Dr. Albert Arias, and we unravel the complex tapestry of post-Soviet Russia's chaotic transition to capitalism, examining the Western cultural invasion and the profound philosophical layers infused with Buddhism and spirituality that Pelevin navigates in his works We'll also chatter about the intriguing film adaptation, the psychedelic journeys depicted in the narrative, and the eerie foresight of fictional leaders born from deep fakes.Dr. Arias is a graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine (2001), and he completed his residency in psychiatry as well as a master’s degree in clinical and translational research at the University of Connecticut Health Center. He was on the faculty at UCONN School of Medicine and then went on to be a faculty member at Yale University School of Medicine for 7 years in the department of psychiatry before joining VCU in 2018 as an associate professor and the Associate Division Chair for Addiction Psychiatry. He is the current President of the Psychiatric Society of Virginia.Dr. Arias’ current research focuses on studying the effects of medications on mood disorders and addictions.We paired the book with Moscow Mules as a tie-in with the author’s home country.Moscow Mule*.5 ounce lime juice2 ounces vodka4 fluid ounces ginger beer, or to tasteLime wedge for garnish*Not required, but generally served in a copper cupIn this episodeBooks by Victor PelevinVictor Pelevin, Russia’s most mysterious modern writerFilm Adaptation

Welcome back, Libration Nation! Today, we're diving into the timeless world of Judy Blume's "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." Joining me is the my fellow librarian Jess Harshbarger, as we explore the impact of this iconic coming-of-age story. From touching on friendship, puberty, and identity, to discussing its still-relevant themes 50 years after publication, we’ve got it all covered. Pour yourself a “Blue GigiRita” and enjoy the conversation! 🎧📚🍹Jess is a library branch manager and has worked in public libraries for the last 18 years.  She is a Virginia native but has also spent time in Arizona, North Carolina and Ohio. She is married with two children and three dogs. Her favorite pastime is listening to live music and dreams of competing on a music trivia show one day. In the last five years she has embraced her inner artist. Her style fits best in abstract realism and she mostly uses acrylic medium. She posts under Whimsical Wallflower on Facebook and Whimsical Wallflower Art on instagram, although with her ADHD she admittedly has a hard time keeping up with posts. Blue GigiRita1 oz Grand Marnier1 oz Blue Curaçao 2 oz Tequila1 oz Simple Syrup or Agave.5 oz Lime JuiceAdd salt if you want!In this EpisodeBooks by Judy BlumeJudy Blume DocumentaryALA’s Banned Books

“The Limit Does Not Exist!”Calling all Mathletes! This week we are talking about the troubled life of mathematician Milo Andret, the protagonist and anti-hero of Ethan Canin’s book "A Daughter’s Almanac". This book is a favorite of my guest, Marty Mooradian.When Marty isn’t selling apartment complexes with Colliers International, he’s acting in plays and tv commercials, producing electronic dance music and living his best life as the most well known “Dining Room DJ” in Bon Air. Marty has a passion for music and great writing and if he ever gets more time on his hands he’ll get back to making some of the best sour dough on the planet.Seven and Seven Drink2 ounces Seagram's 7 Crown Whiskey4 to 6 ounces 7-Up soda, to tasteLemon wedge, for garnishIn this EpisodeBooks by Ethan CaninKhan AcademyInterview with Ethan CaninWhat is a scorpion pepper?Libby App for LibrariesHoopla for LibrariesThe Rent Collector by Cameron Wright

This week we are reading a BOOK, and I mean that in the best possible way. The Book of Night Women by Booker Prize winner Marlon James is moving, heartbreaking, magical, and dark. It is also a favorite of this week’s guest, Elizabeth Klaczynski. Elizabeth is a public historian and a curator currently living in Richmond, Virginia.  She blames the American Girls series for her love of both history and reading.  Elizabeth usually has her head buried in a book, but you can also find her anywhere there is water or playing with her very spoiled fur babies. This Week’s DrinkEquiano Rum - the first African and Caribbean rum distilleryIn this EpisodeBooks by Marlon JamesThe Bitter SouthernerThe Known World by Edward P. JonesRosenwald Schools Exhibition at VA Museum of History and Culture

It’s Christmas in July! This week we are visiting the world of Narnia, where it is always Winter but never Christmas, at least until the Pevensie children get involved. This week’s guest is Erin Surber, Erin is an avid reader and an enthusiastic library patron. She has four children ages spanning 18 months to 9 years old. Erin has worked in the video production industry for 14 years and now hold the position of Head of Production for a Richmond-based production company. She loves being outside, hiking, running (slowly), and kayaking. Also very into cooking, traveling, and all things dark chocolate!Our cocktail is staying on the Christmas theme with a Narnia 75, which I found on the FoodNetwork UK’s Christmas recipe page!Narnia 75 Cocktail25ml gin1 tsp white sugar10ml lime juice100ml ChampagneIn this EpisodeFriendship of CS Lewis and JRR TolkienWorthdays - Richmond area non-profit to support those impacted by the foster care system

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Because you are super hot!Yes, this is a very corny way to start this post, but this week’s episode features the pod’s first romance novel, and it was recorded on a very HOT summer day. This weekI am talking about Always Only You by Chloe Liese with Sara Mueller. Sara is a library assistant manager and has been working in libraries for 11 years. An avid reader since she could learn to put words together, Sara loves sharing her passion for books with anyone who will listen. She is a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic who enjoys romance novels - the steamier the better - as well as thrillers, mysteries, and literary works. Sara is a plant mom with an ever growing brood of plant babies and often spends her free time at her favorite garden-center finding new plants to adopt. She dreams of one day owning an alpaca farm and having a personal library with its own rolling shelf ladder. We paired the novel with Sangria, which you can really make so many ways, but here is my recipe for a pitcher to share with friends:Sangria1 bottle red wine1 cup orange juice1/4 cup brandy1 Apple, chopped1 Peach, choppedI recommend letting it blend in the fridge for a few hours before serving so the fruit soaks up the liquid.In this episodeStorygraphOwn Voices BooksChloe Liese’ WebsiteBooks by Helen HoangBooks by Olivia DadeThe Flatshare by Beth O’LearyTowards the end of the episode Sara and I discuss books that use Autism in characters as a plot device. As neither Sara or I have Autism, I wanted to share thoughts on this subject from someone who does.

There is no getting around this: I was THRILLED when Lisa agreed to come on the podcast. Lisa is the Executive Director of the Virginia Library Association, immediate past chair of the Virginia Beach Public Library Board, and a member of the ALA Policy Corps focusing on Unite Against Book Bans. She also was named the LIBRARIAN OF THE YEAR 2024 by Library Journal, an award she won because of her advocacy in the fight against book bans. Lisa is a hero of mine, and I am also very grateful to call her my friend.Our book this week is Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!: Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens by Kate Bowler. Lisa lives in Virginia Beach and we recorded at the beautiful OceanFront Marriott in Virginia Beach. I want to thank the staff of the Marriott for letting us record in their executive suite overlooking the ocean. Our drink this week is one Lisa recommends for a beach day, a Ruby Red Grapefruit Crush!Ruby Red Grapefruit Crush Ingredients4 oz (½ cup)  grapefruit juice1 oz (2 tablespoons) vodka½ oz (1 tablespoon) triple sec (orange liqueur)2 oz (¼ cup) lemon-lime soda or club sodaIn This EpisodeUnite Against Book Bans - https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/Virginia Library Association - https://www.vla.org/Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle ZevinVirginia Society of Association ExecutivesEverything Happens - Kate Bowler’s podcastGigi’s Episode on Anne Lamott’s Bird by BirdRob Delaney’s Episode of Everything HappensCatastrophe TV ShowTerrible, Thanks for Asking PodcastThe Hot Young Widows Club by Nora McInerny

Hello Libration  Nation! This week I am discussing From the Dust Returned with Harry Szabo. Harry is a writer and union organizer. Their books, What Big Teeth and We All Fall Down, explore bad queer representation. They live with their three cats in Richmond, Virginia.From the Dust Returned has such an Addams Family vibe, so for our drink I went with the red wine The Fugitive by C.A. Dry Creek because the picture on the label reminded me of cousin Itt.In this episodeFriendship of Charles Addams and Ray BradburyHarry’s WebsiteMoby Dick CommentaryUnited Campus Workers of Virginia

Hello Libration Nation - I’m back! So, after all these interviews talking with wonderful people about their favorite books, I felt it was time to share some of my own things, and who better to do that with than my husband Bill as our first guest host?! This week we are talking Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont, one of my favorite books, and a source of inspiration for doing this podcast as well. Our drink this week is a GigiRita, which is just a Margarita with Grand Mariner that a I gave this silly eponymous names a few years ago after making them at home with friends, they are amazing and a staple at my house when hosting! GigiRita1 oz Grand Marnier2 oz Tequila1 oz Simple Syrup or Agave.5 oz Lime JuiceAdd salt if you want!In this episodeSmall Victories by Anne LamottOperating Instructions by Anne LamottSomehow by Anne Lamott

Hello Libration Nation! So this week I am announcing that I am taking a tiny two week break from the podcast BECAUSE I am working with my friends at EveryLibrary to host some author interviews over the next two weeks. EveryLibrary is the only political action committee for libraries, and I’m thrilled to be partnering with them and doing my favorite thing, promoting storytelling and libraries!Here is the interview schedule: June 13, 2024 at 2pm  Mary Jane Wells, authorJune 13, 20247 pm Alexis Landau, author, with Cassandra Campbell narratorJune 18 7 pm Alison Larkin, authorJune 20 7 pm Jason June, author More info and links to tune in can be found on EveryLibrary’s WebsiteThe regularly scheduled podcast will be back in 2 weeks on Tuesday June 25. I’m really excited for the interviews I’ve already recorded and can’t wait to get them out to you then. Included here is my very first episode that I did with my husband, Bill, on the book Hyperion. So if you haven’t gotten around to that episode, here it is. As I’ve said before since this was my very first recording the audio isn’t the best, however the jokes are solid gold. Enjoy!

We are going under the sea, 20,000 leagues worth to be precise! It was sincerely so wonderful to talk with Keely Blue about this novel that she loves dearly and learn all the ways it has impacted her. Keely is a library worker by day and singer by night. She fronts the alternative indie band The Tea Lights. In her spare time, she loves walking, collecting records, and escaping into fictional worlds.For our drink Keely picked a Dark ’n Stormy, a classic ginger beer based cocktail that pairs perfectly with some of the darker scenes in this classic novel by Jules Verne!Dark ’n Stormy Cocktail1 part Dark Rum3 parts Ginger BeerSplash of lime juiceIn this EpisodeThe Tea LightsVoyage of the Nautilus ProjectExplanation of the (mis)translations of 20,000 Leagues Under the SeaJules Verne’s editor and the homeland of Captain NemoIsaac AsimovUrsula LeGuinHitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas AdamsProject GutenbergHow Public Domain Works

I’m so thrilled this week to be talking with Dr. Nan Carmack about a book that profoundly impacted her, Ahab’s Wife, or the Star-gazer by Sena Jeter Naslund. This book is a brilliant recapturing of the life of Ahab’s wife from Moby Dick and is the author, Nasland’s demonstration of a beautiful female journey in juxtaposition of Melville’s inherently male story. The life of our protagonist, Una, is largely set in Nantucket, so we enjoyed Nantucket cocktails while discussing all the interesting aspects of this adventure novel.Nan Carmack is the Director of Library Development and Networking at the Library of Virginia. She works with all of the public libraries in the commonwealth. She is also an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University's Masters in Library and Information Science. After a first career as a mental health therapist and then a short stint as an independent bookstore owner, Nan finds that public libraries are the perfect intersection of social justice and intellectual curiosity. She is an amateur artist and enjoys getting her hands dirty in the garden. She has become one of those embarrassing people whose dogs are her children, now that her family has flown the coop. She and her husband live in Richmond, VA. Naps are a priority in her life.Nantucket Cocktail1.5 oz. White Rum2.5 oz. Cranberry JuiceSplash Grapefruit JuiceLime for garnish (optional)In this episode:The Red Tent by Anita DiamantPort William Series (Jayber Crow) by Wendell BerryRon Rash BooksSilas House BooksGangsters of Capitalism by Jonathan M. KatzAbundance: A Novel of Marie Antoinette by Sena Jeter NaslundVirginia Literary AwardsSherlock in Love by Sena Jeter NaslundThis Tender Land by William Kent KrugerIn Distrust of Movements by Wendell Berry

This week I am discussing The Friday Night Club: A Novel of Artist Hilma af Klint and Her Creative Circle by Sofia Lindberg, Alyson Richman and MJ Rose. I was so pleased that my friend and museum educator Izzie Call came on the pod and shared her passion and inspiration in learning about “The Mother of Abstract Art” Hilma af Klint. Izzie is a passionate educator who loves art and reading, and listening to her bring these two loves together is a true gift. Enjoy!In this Episode:Linda Nochlin’s Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy ChevalierThe Goldfinch by Donna TarttHilmas work The Swan, No. 12, Group IX/SUW from 1915 that was featured in Upgraded: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilma_af_Klint#/media/File%3AHilma_af_Klint_-_1915_-_The_Swan_-_No_16.jpgGuggenheim website that shows the 2019 exhibition of Hilma’s work that inspired the book: https://www.guggenheim.org/exhibition/hilma-af-klintTo compare Hilmas work to the “Father of Abstract Art”: take a look at some of Wasily Kandinskys work and compare to Hilmas. https://artsandculture.google.com/entity/wassily-kandinsky/m0856z?hl=enSwedish 75 Cocktail3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice6 Tablespoons gin2 Tablespoons lingonberry jamIce cubes for shakingdry sparkling wine, chilled

Libration Nation is going International! This week we are discussing the German book Marzahn, Mon Amour by Katja Oskamp, which was the winner of the Dublin Literary Award 2023. Also, this Mother’s Day Week, my guest is none other than the Queen of Libration Nation herself, my mother Patricia Smith!  Marzahn, Mon Amour  is about the experiences of a woman who becomes a pedicurist in Marzahn, Berlin and chronicles the stories of her clients, mostly seniors who came of age in East Berlin before the Wall came down. These stories are told with compassion and curiosity, documenting the beauty and truth of a people who have experienced both tragedy and triumph.Our drink this week is an Aperol Spritz, which is featured in the book and is perfect beverage to enjoy all summer long!Aperol Spritz RecipeIce3 ounces Aperol3 ounces dry Prosecco1 ounce club sodaOrange slice, for garnishIn this episodeHoopla for LibrariesMarzahn, BerlinDublin Literary AwardThe Clown by Heinrich Boll

Hello Libration Nation! This week I am talking with writer, library worker and avid reader Heather Knapp about a book that had a big impact on her as a child and kicked-off her love of reading: The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick. One of the characters in this story LOVES Chocolate, so Heather and I paired it with a Chocolate Martini Mocktail!Chocolate Martini Mocktail3/4 cups milk of your choice1 tbsp. sweetened condensed milk3 tbsp chocolate syrupWhipped Cream (optional)1 teaspoon flaked chocolate for garnish (optional)In this episodeBrave New WorldFamous People with EpilepsyReady Player OnePercy Jackson SeriesBluey TV ShowA Clockwork Orange

But I gotta know what’s your Romanta-ta-cy? If you are Hannah “H Bomb” Hauck the answer to this is Fourth Wing and everything else that is coming next from Rebecca Yarros. This is a fun romp with my BFF as we discuss Fourth Wing and everything around the creation of this story, deep diving into both the smut and the publishing industry. Seriously, where else are you going to find this kind of content?! Hannah also made her own cocktail for this episode, “The Wingleader”, a light twist on a Margarita!The Wingleader1.5 oz Tequila1 oz Triple Sec.5 oz Lime Juice2 oz Orange Juice1 oz Club Soda.5 oz AgaveIn this episodeIron Flame by Rebecca YarrosElhors Danlos syndromeRed Tower BooksRebecca Yarros Romance NovelsRanganthan’s Five Laws of Library ScienceBook Riot Podcast - First EditionRebecca Yarros Non-Profit One October

This week I am talking with librarian James Hudson about The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger, an American classic and a book that had a huge impact on James as a teenager. We recorded this episode on St. Patrick’s Day, and decided to celebrate with a Guinness Beer, probably the least phony beer out there and hopefully a choice Holden would respect.In this episodeThe Catcher in the Rye by JD SalingerVarious Catcher in the Rye covers Papyrus SNL skitInfinite Jest by David Foster WallaceH is for Hawk by Helen MacdonaldDavid Copperfield by Charles DickensComing thro’ the Rye poem by Robert BurnsRushmore film by Wes AndersonThe Royal Tenenbaums film by Wes Anderson

Giddy-up folks, we are talking about everyone’s favorite topic: DEATH. I loved talking with Kierston about all things death, funeral practices from around the world, grief, and love. Kierston is a library customer services supervisor and loves to read, especially books that teach her something new. You can follow her beautifully curated Instagram: @oursharedshelves For our discussion Kierston chose From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death by Caitlin Doughty, a mortician who is fascinated by death. There are so many different funeral and burial practices around the world and this book explores many of them. For our drink we went witha beer: the Rogue Dead Guy Ale, which is delicious and a great choice to go along with the title.In this episode:Ask a Mortician - Caitlin Doughty’s YouTube Human Remains Project in Cullowhee NC (Correction: In the pod I misremembered this program being at UNC Pembroke - It’s at Western Carolina University. Apologies to the entire UNC school system!)Congratulations! The Best is Over by R. Eric Thomas Celebrating Dia de los Muertos in Mexico

This week I am joined by Dr. Stephanie Lau, she is research faculty in the School of Education at VCU, she has a Masters of Arts in Teaching as well as a PhD in Public Policy and Administration. She is also a wife and mom of two young boys, and on top of all this she has co-run our neighborhood bookclub with me since 2021! Stephanie picked one of the many books we have read for bookclub, Olga Dies Dreaming Xóchitl González. Olga is a wedding planner in Brooklyn trying to find her way, but will her mother-turned-Puerto-Rico-revolutionary ruin all her plans? This book is LAY-ERED, there is so much about family, parenthood, Puerto Rican history, love, loss, and maybe everything else in-between. We had a great time talking about this book and I loved the thoughtfulness Stephanie came to this conversation with, and how much of the nuance from the novel she was able to cipher out and demonstrate what a tremendous book this is.For the drink we chose a Caipinhara, which is the national drink of Brazil and absolutely delicious. Why did we choose a Brazilian drink to discuss a book largely about Puerto Rico? You will just have to listen to the episode to find out!Caipinhara Recipe½ lime, quartered1 teaspoon white sugar2 ½ fluid ounces cachaça (Brazilian rum)1 cup ice cubes Squeeze and drop lime wedges into a large rocks glass. Add sugar and muddle until juices release.Pour in cachaça and ice. Stir well.Although I was not able to find a Zero-proof cachaça, using a Ritual Rum will work to make a refreshing alcohol free option!In this episode:Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) CaipinharaAnita de Monte Laughs Last - Xóchitl González latest book!Vote for DITL for Best Podcast at Richmond Magazine (voting is going until April 26th!)

Did you read the Anne of Green Gables series as a young girl and then walk through the woods pretending to be Anne and Diana? Yes? So did I and so did my friend Deanna! Talking with Deanna about this book was so much fun, celebrating Anne and the cultural impact this story has had. A famous Anne quote is: “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”. Well, I’m so glad I live in a world where there is an Anne of Green Gables.Spoiler alert (Not really this is an iconic scene at this point): In the first book Anne accidentally gets her bestie Diana drunk on current wine, which she believes is raspberry cordial. Current wine apparently takes months, so we decided to make Raspberry Cordial Mules, which can be enjoyed with or without alcohol by making it with zero-proof vodka. I got the recipe from this lovely website and made the cordial myself in less than an hour!Raspberry Cordial Mule12 oz. Frozen Raspberries3 cups Water¾ cup Sugar2 tsp. Lime Juice plus more for cocktailsVodkaGinger BeerFresh Raspberries (for garnish)In this episode:Deanna’s InstagramAnne of Green Gables 2 part special (Megan Fellows version is cannon)LM Montgomery

Hello Libration Nation!This week I talk with realtor and small business owner Allison Schwalm about the book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. This book is about all things hospitality and customer service and Allison expands on how it inspires her own business practices. It’s a great book for anyone who is aiming to grow their business, or is interested in showing caring and respect through service. Also, this is the book Richie is reading during season one of The Bear! I have never felt cooler.For our drink Allison chose a Paloma, which is a favorite of both of ours and I think feels very “restauranty” and fancy. We recorded while Allison was doing dry January, so we made it non-alcoholic by using Ritual Tequila which I bought at Ceremony, an adorable and very hip shop in the Fan RVA, check it out!You can find Allison on Instagram: Allison Schwalm and Allison Schwalm Summit PropertiesPaloma Recipe (Non-Alcoholic)3 ounces Ritual tequila (2 oz if using alcoholic tequila)2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice, plus wedges for garnish2 ounces club soda½ ounce lime juice¼ ounce simple syrupLastly a shameless plug for you to vote for Drinks in the Library as the Best Podcast for Richmond Magazine’s Best & Worst list. I also endorse Allison Schwalm as Best Entrepreneur for this list, please include us in your voting activities!Here is a list of things discussed in this podcast:Unreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraSummit Properties Allison’s Realty CompanyInto Thin Air by Jon KrakauerCeremony Dry Bottle ShopRitual Tequila (Non- alcoholic) Young Mother in Richmond11 Madison Park NYCThe Big Brunch Cooking ShowThe Bear TV ShowBrené Brown Books

Hello Libration Nation! This week I’m joined by Haley Houghton, an educator and book enthusiast. The book we discuss is “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus. For our drink we chose coffee (this was recorded in the morning and as busy moms we weren’t quite ready to get at it), and Haley added a little chemistry twist by making it in an Aeropress. In this episode we discuss turning 40, our two person only book-club, and the general bad-assery of Bonnie Garmus in writing the strong, quirky, brilliant female character Elizabeth Zott.Haley mentions this story is a tragicomedy, which is right on and there are some great read-alike out there if you want more like this book:Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria SempleEleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail HoneymanThe Elegance of the Hedgehog* by Muriel Barbery*We did refer to this as The Elegance of the Porcupine which I think is a very cute and relatable mistake

Hello Libration Nation! This week’s episode features librarian Beka Castagna as we discuss her latest fantasy obsession, the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson. Beka walks me through the premise of the book, its characters, and the series role as one of the biggest-name fantasy series on the market. We also discuss this Wired article, which was my entree into the insanely complicated world of who Brandon Sanderson is and what it’s like to be a Brandon Sanderson fan (did you know he lives in an underground castle?!) Also, I repeatedly call the subtitle of the book “The Final Kingdom” when it is in fact “The Final Empire” -my apologies - please don’t come at me!For our drink we chose “The Survivor”, a moniker of one of the story’s main characters. Pineapple and chocolate is a somewhat bizarre choice for a drink, but we’ll let you decide what you think, cheers!1.5 oz. White rum0.25 oz. Crème de cacao (dark)1 oz. Pineapple juice0.25 oz. Lime juice

Hello Libration Nation! This week horror film enthusiast Matthew Knotts is here to talk about one of his favorite books and films “The Exorcist” by William Peter Blatty. The episode touches equally with the film side of the story as well as the book and was delightful and hilarious to record. For our drink we went with the Exorcist Cocktail from this website. The ingredients are:3/4 oz of Lime Juice 1 1/2 oz of Tequila 3/4 oz of blue curacao liqueurFor ours we added a little grapefruit juice just to add a little flavor.There is also a surprise drink twist about halfway through, you will have to listen to find out! Cheers!_____I do want to mention that we discuss JK Rowling towards the end of the conversation and we did not bring up any of her troubling beliefs and actions against the Transgender community. This was not intentional and was an oversight as we focused on her writing, however just a reminder this IS the 3rd episode a podcast I’ve ever produced, so I’m learning and will try to do better next time.

I could not pick a better first guest than my life-partner, Bill! We discuss one of his favorite books Hyperion, land some pretty decent jokes, and consider the potential that we get cancelled on this very first podcast episode. Kidding (I hope!)The book is Hyperion by Dan Simmons, and Bill choose to pair our household beverage, a Gin & Fresca, or as we call them “A Girlfriend” (GF, get it?!)Girlfriends:2 oz Gin 6 oz That’s it! Stir over ice and let your tastebuds explode! Follow us on Instagram @Drinksinthelibrarywww.drinksinthelibrary.com

Drinks in the Library is thinly library where drinks aren’t just allowed, they are required! Each episode librarian Gigi Howard interviews a guest about a much loved book and we pair it with a drink!Instagram: @DrinksintheLibrarywww.drinksinthelibrary.com