Jenny Hollander, EVERYONE WHO CAN FORGIVE ME IS DEAD
Zibby interviews debut author Jenny Hollander about EVERYONE WHO CAN FORGIVE ME IS DEAD, a relentlessly twisty and bitingly sharp thriller (with smart, dark humor, long-buried secrets, and a chilling mystery) about a woman who is haunted by a harrowing event she witnessed at journalism school. Jenny delves into the themes of trauma, identity, and the media’s exploitation of the tragedy explored in the book. She also touches on her own experiences (as a British expat in NYC and as someone who struggles with anxiety) to reveal her connections to the story.
Sagit Schwartz, SINCE SHE'S BEEN GONE
Zibby speaks to debut author and psychotherapist Sagit Schwartz about SINCE SHE’S BEEN GONE, an intense, masterfully plotted thriller about a clinical psychologist who is racing to uncover the truth about her mother’s death while struggling with her mental health. Sagit reflects on the emotional journey of writing this book, which is dedicated to her late mother, who passed away from cancer. She also shares her connection to the book’s focus on eating disorders and then discusses the themes of love, loss, and resilience.
Kristin Hannah, THE WOMEN
#1 New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah joins Zibby to discuss THE WOMEN, a novel of searing insight and lyric beauty about a young nurse whose life is changed by the Vietnam War. Kristin dives into the nuances of writing and publishing, touching on the impact of social media and the industry's unpredictability. Then, she discusses her newest novel, touching on the personal significance of the story, the extensive research that went into its creation, and the themes of love, loss, and friendship that it explores. After speaking passionately about the female nurses who served in Vietnam, she concludes with advice for aspiring authors.
Chris Cander, THE YOUNG OF OTHER ANIMALS
Zibby welcomes bestselling author and repeat MDHTTRB author Chris Cander to discuss THE YOUNG OF OTHER ANIMALS, a deeply suspenseful and profoundly moving novel about the dark secrets and the shared trauma that threaten to destroy an already shaky bond between a mother and a daughter. Chris describes her own experience of a violent attack in Spain at the age of nineteen and reflects on the process of fictionalizing her trauma for this novel. She and Zibby also discuss the novel’s narrative structure, character development, and the themes of trauma, memory, family dynamics, and forgiveness. Finally, Chris touches on the evolution of her book’s title and gorgeous cover design and ends with valuable advice for aspiring authors.
Alex Michaelides, THE FURY
#1 New York Times bestselling author Alex Michaelides joins Zibby to discuss THE FURY, a masterfully paced thriller about a reclusive ex-movie star and her famous friends whose spontaneous trip to a private Greek island is upended by a murder. Alex and Zibby delve into the creative process behind this novel, including its unique narrative structure, the balance between structure and spontaneity, and the inspiration drawn from Greek mythology and Alex’s upbringing in Cyprus. He also describes the joys and anxieties of authorship and book tours and then shares details on the film and TV adaptations already in the works!
Donna Hemans, THE HOUSE OF PLAIN TRUTH: A Novel
Zibby Books author alert!! Zibby interviews award-winning author and repeat MDHTTRB guest Donna Hemans about THE HOUSE OF PLAIN TRUTH, a lush, evocative story about a fractured Jamaican family, a tapestry of family secrets that has been buried for decades, and a daughter determined to reclaim her home. Donna shares the personal history that inspired her novel—it involves her own family’s migration from Jamaica to Cuba and eventually to the United States. She also delves into her book's themes of home, family, memory, identity, and the quest for belonging across generations and continents. Finally, she shares insights into her writing process, the journey of self-discovery through storytelling, and her current reading interests!
Laurie Frankel, FAMILY FAMILY
Zibby speaks to New York Times bestselling author Laurie Frankel about FAMILY FAMILY, a propulsive, funny, and strikingly tender novel about a famous actress and adoptive mother who finds herself in trouble when she criticizes the new movie she’s in.. because of its negative portrayal of adoption. Laurie explains why she is motivated to challenge prevailing adoption narratives and why it is so important to represent all kinds of adoptive families. She and Zibby also talk about the book's social media and cancel culture aspects, and then Laurie reflects on her writing journey (it all started with Shakespeare). She also shares her book recommendations and best advice for aspiring writers.
Jessica Saunders, LOVE, ME
Debut author Jessica Saunders joins Zibby to discuss LOVE, ME, a deliciously readable second-chance romance about Rachel Miller, a lawyer and married mom of two, whose life takes an unexpected turn when letters and photos of her and her high school boyfriend, now a famous actor, are published in a tabloid. Jessica reveals that the inspiration for this story came from a family member whose ex married someone famous. She also talks about her own background as a lawyer and her writing journey, and then the two discuss first loves, loss, motherhood, balancing family life, and the excitement of this book being out in the world!
Lea Carpenter, ILIUM
Zibby welcomes back her very first MDHTTRB guest, Lea Carpenter, this time to discuss ILIUM, the spellbinding and unexpectedly poignant espionage story of a high-stakes CIA operation and the young woman who unwittingly becomes the perfect asset to complete it. Lea reveals where her title came from, and then discusses the fascinating aspects of her book, from espionage techniques and the complexities of “forever wars” to the theme of love. She also shares insights into her writing style, the influence of her editor, and the exciting next step for this novel—an adaptation!
Sophie Cousens, THE GOOD PART
Zibby speaks to author Sophie Cousens about THE GOOD PART, an enchanting and moving modern-day 13 Going on 30 that Zibby “inhaled in two days.” Sophie delves into the inspiration behind this novel, which follows Lucy, a 26-year-old who, after making a wish, wakes up 16 years into the future—successful, married, and with children. She and Zibby discuss the themes of loneliness, female friendships, and growing up. Then, Sophie provides a glimpse into her writing process and shares what it was like for her first book to be adapted for the big screen.
Tamika Christy, ROUX
In this special episode of the podcast (a live event at Zibby’s Bookshop!), Gabi Conti interviews award-winning author Tamika Christy about ROUX, a stunning and challenging novel about three generations of an African American family, and the traumas, secrets, and battles they endure. Tamika discusses her book’s themes, from family dynamics to healing, and then describes her writing process, mainly focusing on character development and maintaining authenticity. After sharing her thoughts on potential adaptations of her book, she answers questions from the audience.
Emma Noyes, GUY'S GIRL
Zibby welcomes Emma Noyes to discuss her adult debut, GUY’S GIRL, a raw and beautifully written story about twenty-somethings Ginny and Adrian as they navigate adulthood and an intoxicating, unexpected love, set against the backdrop of Ginny’s recovery from anorexia and bulimia while navigating life in New York City. Emma opens up about her personal experience with OCD and eating disorders, revealing that her own recovery inspired her novel. She and Zibby discuss the themes of friendship dynamics, young womanhood, misconceptions around eating disorders, and the importance of seeking professional help.
Maria Hummel, GOLDENSEAL
Maria Hummel joins Zibby to discuss GOLDENSEAL, an utterly inventive novel that burns with atmosphere, mystery, and resentment, as two estranged friends reunite to confront each other. Maria provides insights into her inspiration for the novel (it involves LA's art and hotel culture) and then discusses the themes she enjoyed exploring: aging, loneliness, friendship, and the impact of historical events. She also talks about her creative process, the emotional toll of writing about characters dealing with tragedy, the excitement of her last novel being a Reese’s Book Club pick, and what she is working on next!
James Patterson, HOLMES, MARPLE & POE + WHAT REALLY HAPPENS IN VEGAS + THE SECRET LIVES OF BOOKSELLERS AND LIBRARIANS
Literary giant James Patterson joins Zibby (again!) to discuss three of his recent publications: two nonfiction books, THE SECRET LIVES OF BOOKSELLERS AND LIBRARIANS and WHAT REALLY HAPPENS IN VEGAS, and an unputdownable thriller, HOLMES, MARPLE, AND POE. James shares his admiration for booksellers and librarians, highlighting their sense of humor and their bravery in a time of book banning and violent incidents. He recounts anecdotes from all the interviews he conducted (including insights from Judy Blume!). James also describes his upcoming projects and offers his best advice for aspiring authors.
Katherine Vaz, ABOVE THE SALT
Zibby welcomes Portuguese-American author Katherine Vaz to discuss ABOVE THE SALT, an irresistible and sweeping love story that follows two Portuguese refugees who flee religious violence and reignite their budding romance in Civil War America. Katherine shares the fascinating backstory of her novel, which is based on the true story of religious persecution in Portugal’s Madeira island, and then delves into her writing process and the importance of balancing poetic language with a compelling story. Katherine also shares her love of language (including the concept of “saudade”), the emotional inspirations she draws from her own life when writing, her next project, and her best advice for aspiring authors.
Rachel Renée Russell, DORK DIARIES 15: Tales from a Not-So-Posh Paris Adventure
Zibby interviews Rachel Renée Russell, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of DORK DIARIES, and Nikki Russell, her daughter and illustrator. Rachel and Nikki reveal the inspiration behind their latest book, DORK DIARIES 15: Tales from a Not-So-Posh Paris Adventure (it involves a pandemic-impacted trip…), and then discuss their creative process, the enduring popularity of their characters, the unexpected success of the franchise, and the positive impact they’ve had on young readers. Ultimately, the interview provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into an incredible mother-daughter dynamic that has fueled the success of DORK DIARIES for over a decade.
Jamie Varon, MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY
Debut novelist Jamie Varon joins Zibby to discuss her dazzling, heart-warming, and smartly crafted rom-com, MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY. Jamie talks about her protagonist, Poppy, who is an aspiring novelist. When her beloved aunt dies, she leaves Poppy a trip to a stunning villa (and secretive writers’ residency) in the French Riviera and a challenge to finish her novel in six months. Poppy has to confront her writer’s block, family drama, complicated romances, and self-doubt. Jamie also describes her writing process (particularly in crafting a slow-burn romance and developing such memorable characters), her own experiences in the South of France, her background in nonfiction writing, and the journey that led her to publish her first novel.
Miriam Landis, LAUREN IN THE LIMELIGHT
Zibby welcomes professional ballerina and faculty member at the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Miriam Landis, to discuss LAUREN IN THE LIMELIGHT, a heart-warming middle-grade novel that revolves around three young dancers in a small-town ballet school in Mercer Island as they navigate the challenges of ballet, including the significant milestone of going on pointe. Miriam shares insights into her writing process during the pandemic, her decision to start her own publishing house, Rhododendron Press, and the importance of authentic representation in literature, especially for the dance community.
Angela Brown, OLIVIA STRAUSS IS RUNNING OUT OF TIME
Zibby’s Book Club alert! Debut author Angela Brown joins Zibby to discuss OLIVIA STRAUSS IS RUNNING OUT OF TIME, a bighearted and dazzling comedy of errors about an everyday suburban mom on the verge of turning 40… and what happens when her best friend takes her to a trendy wellness clinic with a state-of-the-art genetic test that can predict the exact date of one’s death! Angela talks about the inspiration behind the story, her exploration of middle age (which, Zibby says, needs a rebrand!), and the importance of portraying realistic relationships in literature. She also describes her writing process and shares valuable advice for aspiring authors, including setting deadlines and embracing rejection.
Beth O'Leary, THE WAKE UP CALL
Bestselling author Beth O’Leary joins Zibby to discuss THE WAKE-UP CALL, an utterly delicious rom-com about Izzy and Lucas, two receptionists at a beautiful but rundown hotel in England, who find a collection of old wedding rings and compete to return them to their owners, hoping that the rewards might help them save the hotel. (This is challenging because they hate each other!) Beth describes the inspiration behind this story (it involves a fascination with rings) and her writing trajectory since the success of her 2019 debut, THE FLATSHARE, which has sold over a million copies. In the end, she shares details of her upcoming book and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers.