Where We Read

Bestselling author Amy Bloom is widely known for 2022 memoir “In Love.” The memoir follows her journey with her late husband, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. The pair made a decision to travel to Switzerland to help him end his life. Bloom’s latest book is different. “Blunt Instrument” is a vivacious, and often hilarious, murder mystery that’s set in the world of academia. And it’s partly inspired by Wesleyan University. Bloom recently sat down with us to talk about her book and writing process. Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

Did you know that the Library of Congress is home to half a million children’s books? That’s a lot of summer reading! Today, it’s our annual summer reading show, dedicated to all things YA and kid’s reads. We’ll hear from the author of “Tell Me A Story: Fantastic Children’s Books from the Library of Congress” and talk about the books to inspire the young reader in your household. We want to hear about your favorite YA read that brings you back to those carefree summer days; email us at wherewelive@ctpublic.org. Guest: Kym Powe: Children and YA Consultant for the Connecticut State Library Hannah Freece: Writer-Editor, Publishing Office at Library of Congress. She is the editor of “Tell Me A Story: Fantastic Children’s Books from the Library of Congress”

Arthur Sze took an non-traditional path to becoming the U.S. Poet Laureate. Born in 1950 to Chinese immigrants, his family wanted him to pursue a safe career path that would assure security and prosperity. But while studying at MIT, he felt the call to write and study poetry; a call that changed the trajectory of his life. Sze spent his career translating traditional Chinese poetry. He also taught at the Institute of American Indian Arts in New Mexico and is now a professor emeritus of the institute. Sze is currently traveling the country with his signature Poet Laureate project “Words Bridging Worlds,” a series of workshops and readings that celebrate poetry in translation. He joins us for a conversation on poetry, the power of language and the art of translation.

“An Arcane Inheritance," the latest novel of author Kamilah Cole, weaves dark academia with occult secrets at a fictional Ivy League school based in Hartford. The story follows the ambitious, determined Ellory Morgan, a Jamaican immigrant and first-generation college student pursuing a degree in political science. A lavish scholarship allows her to begin her college education at Warren University, but soon after arriving on campus, things start to unravel into the paranormal. We'll explore Cole's latest book, ask what drew her to Hartford and explain "dark academia" — a popular genre where brooding and blazers meet ivory towers and sinister secrets. GUEST: Kamilah Cole: author of several books including “An Arcane Inheritance"

Every year, the Westport Library hosts a series of author conversations bringing the community together to bond over a book and a shared love of reading. This year, Where We Live host Catherine Shen hosted one of these conversations and spoke to award-winning author Eiren Caffall. Today, we will listen back to that conversation. Caffall is the author of “All the Water in the World.” It's the story of one family living in a nearly deserted New York City in the years after the glaciers melt. Guest: Eiren Caffall: author of the memoir "The Mourner’s Bestiary" and the novel "All the Water in the World" Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

At a time where we are feeling increasingly disconnected, poetry has a powerful way of fostering community. Today, during National Poetry Month, we hear from poets and educators. We'll also check in with some students competing in the Poetry Out Loud competition. It's a competition where students dedicate time to study, memorize and then recite their chosen poem outloud. And as the kids will tell us, it’s not as easy as you might think. Guests: Nadia Sims: Manchester Poet Laureate Jenny Heikkila Diaz: Project Coordinator, The Word and Community Activator, CT Poetry Out Loud Christian Herron: high school student who was one of the winners of the 2026 CT Youth Slam Emma Frisbie: 11th Grade student at East Lyme High School competing in the National Poetry Out Loud Melanie Faranello: local author and Founder of Poetry on the Streets If you want to hear more conversations about books and poetry, sign up for our Where We Read newsletter. It’s a monthly rundown of what the Where We Live team is reading and highlights of some of the best author interviews on Connecticut Public. Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

It all started with a typo. Anelise Chen was going through a difficult divorce. Her career and job security was tenuous. She just got into a bike accident leaving her with bruised ribs, and she received a text from her mom: “Clam down! Just clam down.”  This typo inspired a journey of healing: a journey that included retreating, diving into her family history and learning everything she could about the life of a clam, and other mollusks, some of the most resilient species on our planet. She joins us for the hour to talk about her new book "Clam Down: A Metamorphosis." GUESTS: Anelise Chen: author of "Clam Down: A Metamorphosis" and Associate Professor at Columbia University

Five-time James Beard Award winner Dorie Greenspan joins us for a conversation about baking, memory and the joy of sharing something homemade. Her newest cookbook, "Dorie’s Anytime Cakes," is a love letter to the simple cakes that fill our kitchens and our lives. From the ones we nibble all day long to the ones we bake for people we love, these are cakes meant for every moment. This hour, we’re celebrating the comfort and connection that come from turning on the oven and gathering around something delicious. GUESTS: Dorie Greenspan: Five-time James Beard Award-winning cookbook author. Her latest is "Dorie’s Anytime Cakes." 

Samin Nosrat's 2017 debut “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” was a breakout hit in the cooking world — teaching people of all skill levels the building blocks of flavor. Nosrat won a James Beard award and the book was adapted into a Netflix documentary. After her massive success, Nosrat found herself in a low. She was diagnosed with clinical depression, and said the joy she once found with cooking, stopped being attainable. But it was cooking for community, and for her found family, that brought her back. Nosrat's new book focuses on bringing families of all types to the table, and building community through great food.  Nosrat recently joined us to talk about her book, and what's inspiring her today. GUEST: Samin Nosrat: cook, teacher and author of “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” and “Good Things: Recipes and Rituals to Share with People You Love" Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

Fewer adults in the U.S. are reading for pleasure. So what does that mean for early readers? Establishing reading routines like story time can be important for brain development and lifelong literacy skills. Rahele Jomepour-Bell/Provided Today, it’s our fall reading show, and we’re dedicating the hour to young adult and children’s books. Our panel will share their favorites. If you have a young reader at home, we want to hear from you! What does story time look like in your household? GUESTS: Kym Powe: Children and Young adult Consultant for the Connecticut State Library Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason: Author of Grandmother Moon and 2024 Gilder Lehrman Institute Teacher of the Year Winsome Bingham: Children’s book author and Army Veteran

Best-selling author Wally Lamb spent nine years working on his newest book, "The River Is Waiting." In this time, he wrestled with self-doubt, navigated his own sobriety journey and worked as a teacher at York Correctional Institution, Connecticut’s only women’s prison. His new book explores addiction, reckoning and forgiveness, and the injustice that exists in prison today. It follows one man’s experience in prison after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the death of his son. GUEST: Wally Lamb: author of "The River Is Waiting." He is also the author of "She’s Come Undone" and "I Know This Much Is True."

Author and poet Ocean Vuong grew up in Hartford, Connecticut. It's a city he describes as having beautiful, vibrant life. His mother worked in a nail salon and his stepfather worked in manufacturing. Speaking about his mother and aunts, who immigrated from Vietnam, Vuong says he was raised by storytellers. Today, Vuong is one of the nation's most celebrated storytellers. He's winner of a prestigious MacArthur "genius" Grant and a tenured professor at New York University. His new book, "The Emperor of Gladness," is set in the fictional town of East Gladness, Connecticut. Vuong said he started writing the book to start to navigate grief after his mother’s death. He joined us to talk about his book, and how growing up in Connecticut shaped his writing. GUEST: Ocean Vuong:writer, professor and author of "The Emperor of Gladness" Chloe Wynn, Coco Cooley and Isaac Moss contributed to this hour. Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

What role can poetry play in times of political and social turmoil? This hour, we’re joined by Connecticut-based poets who will share how their work challenges dominant narratives and amplifies voices from the margins. They’re part of a Ridgefield, Connecticut-based festival called “Poetry in the Garden.” This year, the festival will mark its fifth year with a series of poetry-filled evenings featuring the work of Indigenous, immigrant, LGBTQ+, and Black poets. GUESTS: Barb Jennes: Director of Poetry in the Garden at Keeler Tavern Museum, Ridgefield’s Poet Laureate Emerita from 2020-2023 Joan Kwon Glass: Korean American poet, author of poetry collection: “Daughter of Three Gone Kingdoms”

What meal instantly takes you back to childhood? Whether it’s a dish made with grandparents or a recipe passed down through generations, food has the power to unlock memories.  This hour, two local children’s authors share their belief in food’s ability to connect us. They discuss their latest novels, the challenges they face in an industry that often pigeonholes writers of color, and how they tackle complex emotions in stories for young readers. GUESTS: Debbi Michiko Florence: author of children’s and middle grade books including her latest, Last Chance Academy: A Study in Secrets Caela Collins: owner of Caela Enterprises, LLC, and author of Food Is Love This episode originally aired on May 5, 2025.

Reading can take us on adventures beyond our own backyards but perhaps not too far! Amity Gaige is the author of Heartwood. It explores the story of one woman who gets lost on the Appalachian Trail. Did you know this trail runs through Connecticut? And Ethan Rutherford is the author of North Sun: the Voyage of the Whaleship Esther. Connecticut was once home to one of the largest whaling ports in the world. These local authors join us for an hour to talk about their new books and we want to hear what you’re reading right now! GUESTS: Amity Gaige: author of four books including her latest, Heartwood. She also teaches creative writing at Yale. Ethan Rutherford: author of North Sun: the Voyage of the Whaleship Esther. He teaches creative writing at Trinity College.   This episode originally aired on April 10, 2025.

Visual poet Monica Ong grew up as an art school kid. She had a deep interest in photography and print artistry, but she also had a deep love for language. Mixing these two mediums has resulted in something she calls visual poetry: an alchemy of text and image where the elements of an image, also make up a poem. She joins us this hour to talk about her work and her new book Planetariawhere she explores astronomy, motherhood and the diaspora identity. GUEST: Monica Ong:Connecticutartist and visual poet Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

Can you remember a teacher who changed the course of your life? Maybe it was someone who helped you find your voice? Or someone who challenged you to think differently? This hour, we’re exploring the impact of great mentors – those who shape us both in and beyond the classroom.  Sarah Ruhl, author of the new book, “Lessons from My Teachers” shares personal stories and reflects on the lasting power of mentorship.  GUESTS: Sarah Ruhl: Author of “Lessons from My Teachers.” Sarah is also a playwright, two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, a Tony Award nominee, and the recipient of the MacArthur Genius Fellowship.

Born in Pittsburgh, Micahel Luo is the son of Chinese immigrants. He attended Harvard, and later became a reporter at the New York Times and today he is the Executive Editor at The New Yorker. One rainy afternoon in 2016, he was standing on the sidewalk with his family and some friends after church, trying to decide where to go to lunch when a stranger accosted him and his family. “Go back to China,” she said. Today, he joins us for the hour to talk about his new book on the hidden history of brutality and violence that so many Chinese Americans faced at the turn of the century. Learn more about Michael Luo's upcoming event at the Mark Twain House here. GUEST: Michael Luo: Executive Editor for the New Yorker, and author of the book Strangers in the Land: Exclusion, Belonging, and the Epic Story of the Chinese in America

Tolkien Reading Day is held on March 25th each year. Libraries here in Connecticut and across the globe mark this day by paying homage to the works of J.R.R Tolkien. They host “second breakfasts,” offer presentations on Hobbit lore, and encourage visitors to read their favorite passages aloud. This hour, we explore why Tolkien's characters and fantastical world building continues to resonate with readers today. GUESTS: David Thorn Wenzel, Illustrator and children's book artist best known for his graphic novel adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit Michael Whelan: Illustrator specializing in fantasy and science fiction, winner of 15 Hugo Awards Kate Noonan: Senior Reference Librarian, South Windsor Public Library

Children’s book author Mac Barnett has been named the Library of Congress' newest National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and during this appointment, he will be focusing on some really important literature: picture books. Picture books can inspire young readers to make reading a habit, but don’t dismiss them as solely books for kids. Mac Barnett believes that picture books are real literature and can be enjoyed at any age. Today, he joins us to talk about picture books and we also hear from picture book lovers locally. Kym Powe from the Connecticut State Library joins us. And we want to hear from you: do you have a favorite picture book? GUESTS: Mac Barnett: U.S. National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature at the Library of Congress, and children's book author Kym Powe: Children and Young Adult Consultant for the Connecticut State Library

Poet Reginald Dwayne Betts was part of a carjacking in a Virginia mall parking lot when he was 16 years old. He was charged as an adult and sentenced to 9 years in prison. Dwayne was released in 2005. Today, he’s a lawyer and award-winning poet. He’s also the founder and CEO of a nonprofit organization called Freedom Reads. It provides handcrafted bookcases full of brand new books to prisons. For Dwayne, and other incarcerated people, those books can be a lifeline— a connection to the rest of the world. This hour, listen back to our candid conversation with Dwayne as he reflects on his poetry, the power of books, and life after prison. We also take a visit to the Freedom Reads workshop and hear from some of the formerly incarcerated people who build the bookcases and bring them to prisons. GUEST: Reginald Dwayne Betts: Award-winning poet, whose books include Felon and the upcoming Doggerel. He's also a lawyer and the Founder and CEO of Freedom Reads Michael Byrd: Library Production Assistant at Freedom Reads Steven Parkhurst: Communications Manager at Freedom Reads James Flynn: Library Production Assistant at Freedom Reads Special thanks to Kevin Baker and Ivan Dominguez at Freedom Reads. This episode originally aired on December 6, 2024. 

The Mohegan Tribe—a sovereign and federally recognized Indian tribe in Southeastern Connecticut—has a longstanding belief in the power of storytelling. This oral tradition is a form of spoken record-keeping. Stories can often capture a deeper and fuller understanding of culture and beliefs than historical texts. This hour, we talk to Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, the tribe’s vice chair of the council of elders and tribal historian. Melissa is part of a long line of “culture bearers,” tasked with keeping the traditions of the Mohegan Tribe alive through stories. GUESTS: Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, the Mohegan Tribe’s vice chair of the council of elders and tribal historian Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

The Stowe Center for Literary Activism in Hartford is rethinking how they present the complex legacy of author Harriet Beecher Stowe and her best known work, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Today, Erika Slocumb, Director of Interpretation and Visitor Experience at the Stowe Center joins us to talk about the changes this local museum is making to better showcase literary activism of the past, and how it influences the future. We’ll also hear from Possible Futures, an independent bookstore and neighborhood bookspace in New Haven. We learn about their efforts to promote works by diverse authors, and using books to promote change. GUESTS: Erika Slocumb: Director of Interpretation and Visitor Experience at the Stowe Center for Literary Activism in Hartford Grégory Pierrot: Associate Professor at the English Department at the University of Connecticut Lauren Anderson: founder and bookseller at Possible Futures independent bookstore in New Haven

Author Scott Shigeoka has spent a lot of time being curious about curiosity. It started with a trip across the country, meeting people with very different views than him and finding ways to build connections across political lines. In his book Seek: How Curiosity can Transform Your Life and Change the World, Scott describes ways to bring curiosity to our lives and our relationships. There’s many ways to build curiosity. It may even be contagious! But there are also several deterrents to curiosity, or curiosity killers. But becoming more curious could start with challenging our own thinking. GUEST: Scott Shigeoka: author of Seek: How Curiosity can Transform Your Life and Change the World Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

Poet laureates do a lot more than write poetry. Since 1985, Connecticut state poet laureates have worked to promote the literary arts and poetry throughout the Nutmeg state, visiting schools, performing spoken word and passing on poetry to the next generation of writers. There is no straight path to this position. Some of our guests today have been writing poetry all their lives. Others got bitten by the poetry bug a little later. Today, three poet laureates from around our state join us in the studio. GUESTS: Antoinette Brim Bell: Connecticut State Poet Laureate Nadia Sims: Manchester Poet Laureate Frederick-Douglass Knowles II: Hartford Poet laureate Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. This show originally aired on August 13, 2024.

As the author of the children’s book My Mama is a Pilot, Saba Shahid says she wants children to feel “represented and valued” through her stories. Only 1% of commercial airline pilots are women of color. And Saba Shahid’s path to becoming a pilot is a little bit different than most. It actually started as a pandemic hobby! Saba Shahid is this year’s recipient of the Girl Scouts Legacy of Leadership Award. She joins us for the hour to talk about her remarkable career, and her work as a Lifetime Girl Scout. GUESTS: Saba Shahid: Author, pilot, and recipient of this year's Girl Scouts of Connecticut 2024 Legacy of Leadership Award Elicia Pegues Spearman: CEO of the Girl Scouts of Connecticut Stephanie Abrams: President & CEO of the New England Air Museum Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. This episode originally aired September 17, 2024.

Sy Montgomery is the author of several books on animals, ordinary and extraordinary. Her new book What the Chicken Knows tackles one of the most common birds on the planet, but she argues that chickens are truly exceptional creatures. Today, Sy joins us for the hour to talk about her new book and her experience owning and raising chickens. Although chickens have a reputation of being rather unintelligent creatures, they actually have distinct personalities and communities. Later, we touch on a recent avian flu outbreak that occurred in Texas, and what poultry farmers and chicken owners in our state need to know about it. If you have chickens, we want to hear from you this hour. GUEST: Sy Montgomery: author of What the Chicken Knows: A New Appreciation of the World's Most Familiar Bird Indu Upadhyaya: Food Safety Extension Specialist, at UConn Extension College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.

It’s hard getting your book published. It’s even harder when you’re an author of color. Between 1950 and 2018, 96% of American fiction books published were written by white authors. Today, hear from two Latina authors in Connecticut about their debut books. They’ll talk about navigating the publishing industry and the importance of centering marginalized voices. In her novel, The Girls in Queens, Christine Kandic Torres tells the story of two Latinx women coming of age in Queens, New York. In her memoir, A Body Across Two Hemispheres, Victoria Buitron shares how she came of age between Ecuador and the United States. We'll also hear about their work as editors of the 2024 Connecticut Literary Anthology. GUESTS: Christine Kandic Torres: author of The Girls in Queens and fiction editor of the 2024 Connecticut Literary Anthology Victoria Buitron: author of A Body Across Two Hemispheresand nonfiction editor of the 2024 Connecticut Literary Anthology Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. This episode originally aired July 11, 2024.

Percival Everett is the author of 24 novels, four short story collections, and six collections of poetry. His 2001 novel Erasure was adapted as the feature film American Fiction, which was nominated this year for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Everett has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. His newest novel, James, reimagines Adventures of Huckleberry Finn “from the enslaved Jim’s point of view.” This hour, Percival Everett joins us in studio. GUEST: Percival Everett: Novelist and poet The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Noseletter, an email compendium of merriment, secrets, and ancient wisdom brought to you by The Colin McEnroe Show. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. Colin McEnroe and Cat Pastor contributed to this show, which originally aired June 5, 2024.

National Hobbit Day is this week. From the rolling hills of the Shire to the great forests of Mirkwood, J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantastical worlds have inspired generations of illustrators to bring imagined concepts to life through art. This hour, we sit down with three local fantasy and science-fiction illustrators, including David Wenzel, who created a graphic novel adaptation of The Hobbit. GUESTS: David Thorn Wenzel, Illustrator and children's book artist best known for his graphic novel adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit Michael Whelan, Fine artist of Imaginative Realism, Illustrator of Science Fiction and Fantasy Tom Kidd, Science fiction and fantasy illustrator

Here in Connecticut and across the country, a growing number of obstetric units are closing, creating “maternity care deserts.” Today on Where We Live, we explore the long-term impact of quality medical care on maternal health. And later, we hear from local author, Kassondra Mangione, about her new book: Poemspartum. GUESTS: Katy Golvala, Health Reporter, Connecticut Mirror Alecia McGregor, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Politics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Kassondra Mangione, Author of Poemspartum

Many of us grew up with classic comics such as the funnies in the Sunday newspaper! But comics aren’t just tiny anecdotes of humor anymore. They tackle serious content, reaching readers of all ages. And with more artists and authors coming on the scene, we are seeing more diverse stories and storytelling. And although newspaper comics aren’t going anywhere, graphic novels are reigning the day. 35 million graphic novels were sold in 2022, making it the third best selling genre of book. Today, we hear from local cartoonists about their work, and hear about the evolution of comics and graphic novels. A local librarian joins us as well who says that graphic novels are serious reading. Have you picked up a graphic novel this year? We want to hear from you. GUESTS: Maria Scrivan:author and cartoonist living in Greenwich, Connecticut KC Councilor:a local cartoonist and associate professor of communication at Southern Connecticut State University Stephanie Smith: Teen Librarian at the Avon Free Public Library Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

Every year, we produce a summer reading hour to talk about some of our favorite books of this year, and give you recommendations of the best beach reads. And this year, we’re diving into the illustrious, the notorious, the infamous paperback: the romance novel. There’s a lot of stigma attached to romance reading, especially within the reading community. But this top grossing genre is actually one of the most popular book genres in the world. Today, we go beyond harlequin bodice rippers and Fabio and dive into the world of romance with our panel. Got a favorite romance novel or love story? We want to hear from you. GUESTS: AK Nevermore: president of the Connecticut Romance Writers of America and author living in Connecticut Michelle Smith: President/Owner The BookSmiths Shoppe, LLC. in Danbury Lauren Anderson: Founder of Possible Futures Bookspace in New Haven. Authors featured in this broadcast: AK Nevermore Kristan Higgins Amy Neff JJ Graham Krystal Marquis Chloe Liese Book recommendations from the staff at Connecticut Public Normal People, by Sally Rooney A Court of Thorns and Roses (series),by Sarah J Mass Fourth Wing (Empyrean series),- Rebecca Yarros Author Emily Henry Author Casey McQuiston The Selection,series by Kiera Cass Bridgeton,series by Julia Quinn The Princess Diaries, series by Meg Cabot Conversations with Friends,by Sally Rooney Persuasion by Jane Austin Dylan Reyes contributed to this episode which originally aired May 24, 2024.

Historian and scholar Deb Harkness was studying the intersection of science and magic in history and the humanities, when she was struck by the trend of "vampire boyfriend" stories in books and popular culture. She asked herself, "What if there really are these creatures living around us? What do they do for a living? Why have I never met any of them? And would it really be a great thing to have a supernatural significant other? I don't think so... I thought, right now people can't handle the idea of two women or two men getting married, and yet we think we want a vampire boyfriend. What is going on?" These questions yielded the acclaimed historical fantasy series, "All Souls." The latest installment, titled "The Black Bird Oracle," is due out July 16. With ancestral ties to accused witches in New England, Harkness says she considers the book a "love letter to my Connecticut and New England ancestors." This hour, Harkness joins us to discuss. GUESTS: Dr. Deborah Harkness: Historian; Author, "All Souls"series and "The Black Bird Oracle"; Professor, University of Southern California

In 2023, book club event listings grew 24% over the prior year according to the ticketing platform Eventbrite. Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and RuPaul are among the celebrities who have launched their own book clubs. This hour, we hear about these new communities of readers, and how the influence of BookTok and BookStagram factors. We’re joined by one Silent Book Club chapter taking off in New Haven, and a shoreline-area business owner arranging “Blind Dates with a Book.” Plus, Anthony Bagley founded “Black Kidds Read Too” in his hometown. GUESTS: Britt Rivera: Content Creator; Founder, Silent Book Club New Haven Anthony "Da Kidd PG" Bagley: CEO and Founder, A Kidd From New Haven Alyssa Korzon: Co-Owner, Bookish Babes and Brews

In the LGBTQ community, “found” or “chosen family” can be crucial. It's the idea of a social support system beyond your biological family, and one of the themes Ella Dawson explores in her book, But How Are You, Really? This hour, the sex and culture columnist from Connecticut joins us to discuss her first novel, found family, burnout, second-chance romances, and much more. GUESTS: Ella Dawson: Sex and Culture Critic; Author, "But How Are You, Really?"

Author Garrard Conley published his first book in 2016, "Boy Erased". The bestselling memoir, relaying Conley's experience undergoing conversion therapy at 19, inspired a major motion picture two years later. This hour, Conley discusses his newest book and his first foray into fiction. "All the World Beside"explores queerness in Puritan New England. Set in 1700s Massachusetts and inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," an affair unfolds between Arthur Lyman, a physician, and Nathaniel Whitfield, a reverend. GUESTS: Garrard Conley: Author, All the World Beside and Boy Erased Cat Pastor contributed to this episode which originally aired April 4.

You’re never too young to learn about climate change. Younger Americans are more likely to engage with the issue, according to research on Gen Z and Millennials from Pew. This hour, we hear from the authors of three children’s books about climate change, and taking action, including UConn sociologist Dr. Phoebe Godfrey, meteorologist Paul Douglas, environmental scientist Lena Champlin, and resident in psychiatry Jeremy Wortzel. GUESTS: Dr. Phoebe Godfrey: Professor in Residence of Sociology, University of Connecticut Dr. Jeremy Wortzel: Co-Author, Coco’s Fire: Changing Climate Anxiety Into Climate Action Dr. Lena Champlin: Co-Author and Illustrator, Coco’s Fire: Changing Climate Anxiety Into Climate Action Paul Douglas: Meteorologist; Author, A Kid's Guide to Saving the Planet: It's not Hopeless and We're Not Helpless Cat Pastor contributed to this episode which originally aired April 25.

"An act of translation is always an act of betrayal." This idea, and the questions it inspires, are central to author Rebecca or RF Kuang’s 2022 novel, Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators' Revolution. As the title promises, the book also explores the nature of revolution and the "necessity of violence," in addition to those complex questions surrounding the art of translation. This hour, we revisit our conversation with the author, which was focused on the award-winning book, during an event organized by local bookseller RJ Julia. On the importance of student revolutions, Kuang reflects, "The student's weakness is precisely his allure. The fact that the student is so naïve and doesn't have the jadedness of somebody who's been through more; the fact that students are dreamers, that they are romantic idealists; that kind of hope, that kind of ability to imagine an alternate future is beautiful and it matters and I hope we keep seeing that." GUESTS: RF or Rebecca Kuang: Award-winning author of the Poppy War trilogy, Babel: An Arcane History, Yellowface, and Katabasis (forthcoming). She has an MPhil in Chinese Studies from Cambridge and an MSc in Contemporary Chinese Studies from Oxford; she is now pursuing a PhD in East Asian Languages and Literatures at Yale. Cat Pastor contributed to this episode which originally aired December 18, 2023.

Maurice Sendak is often celebrated for his contributions to children’s book art. You’re likely familiar with Where The Wild Things Are, or even Higglety Pigglety Pop. But in the late artist’s own words, "I do not believe that I have ever written a children's book. I do not know how to write a children’s book. How do you set out to write a children’s book?" This hour, we’re exploring the Maurice Sendak Foundation in Ridgefield, where Sendak lived for forty years. There, the many layers of his artistic legacy live on, with the help of the experts and friends who knew and loved him best. We hear from them. Twelve years after the artist's passing, the Foundation and HarperCollins are releasingTen Little Rabbits. GUESTS: Lynn Caponera: President and Treasurer, Maurice Sendak Foundation Dr. Jonathan Weinberg: Curator, Maurice Sendak Foundation Cat Pastor contributed to this episode which originally aired February 12, 2024.

Romance novels have long had a reputation for being flimsy, sexist, trashy bodice-rippers. But there’s lots more to the genre than meets the eye. This hour, we look at what makes romance novels work – and why so many of us are devouring them. GUESTS:  Olivia Waite: The New York Times Book Review’s romance fiction columnist who writes queer and historical romance, fantasy, and critical essays on the genre’s history and future Jason Rogers: Olympic medalist, journalist covering masculinity, and the founder of a now-defunct romance book club for men Tony Horvath: Creative director for the long-time romance-novel publisher Harlequin, where he oversees production of about 80 book covers a month Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Noseletter, an email compendium of merriment, secrets, and ancient wisdom brought to you by The Colin McEnroe Show. Colin McEnroe, Lily Tyson, Jonathan McNicol, Carolyn McCusker, and Cat Pastor contributed to this show, which originally aired on June 1, 2023.

Are you finally reading that bestseller that’s been collecting dust on your nightstand? Are you revisiting a dog-eared old favorite? If you're reading poolside, beachside or from your favorite park bench, we want to hear from you because today is Where We Live's Summer Reading Show! If you don't know what to read this summer, we've got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a new fiction to thrill you, or a memoir to inspire you, we have reading recommendations to make the most of these long summer days. And the benefits of summer reading for children are numerous. Studies show that not only does reading help with preventing summer learning loss, but help with social-emotional reading. We'll hear from two children's librarians in our state. Buckle in as we dive into the best books of the summer. Tell us what you're reading! GUESTS: Mary Parmelee: Director of Youth Services at The Westport Library Kym Powe: Children and YA Consultant for the Connecticut State Library Mandy Dorso: Bookstore Manager, Atticus Books in New Haven Khamani Harrison: Owner of Key Bookstore in Hartford