Find your book club picks and get your literary fix here. I lead bookish discussions with authors, friends and family minus the scheduling, wine, charcuterie board and the book you didn’t have time to finish. My tastes skew toward the literary but I can’t resist a good thriller or the must-read book of the season. If you like authors like Donna Tartt, Ann Patchett, Jonathan Franzen, Marie Benedict and Rachel Hawkins this podcast is for you.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The New York Times Top 100 Books of the 21st Century
30:27
30:27
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
30:27
The New York Times has released their Top 100 Books of the 21st Century so far. I discuss. Book discussed: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishuguro The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead 2666 by Roberto Bolano The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen The Known World by Edward P. Jones Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel The Warm of Ot…
…
continue reading
Book blogger Susan Matheson is back with her picks for summer reading and I have a new name! Books discussed: The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier Sandwich by Catherine Newman Wives Like Us by Plum Sykes You Are Here by David Nicholls Anxious People by Fredrik Backman The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard Follow Bedside Table Books: Instagram: @b…
…
continue reading
Hi Red Fern Listeners! I was recently lucky enough to be a return guest on The TallMikeWine Podcast and I wanted to share the episode with you. We discuss summer reading and red wine. Mike is a self-professed wine geek who creates fun, relatable conversations around wine. And did I mention that he is a former disc jockey? Books discussed: Swan Song…
…
continue reading
I dive into two very long books that are also worth the investment. The Bee Sting by Paul Murray tells the story of a contemporary Irish family that has fallen on hard times and is full of secrets. Contemporary family saga Wellness by Nathan Hill is set in the suburbs of Chicago an explores the malaise of middle age marriage. It is also a send up o…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Asking for a Friend and Holiday Gift Giving Recommendations.
45:13
45:13
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
45:13
Book Blogger and author Kerry Clare joins the podcast to discuss her new book Asking for a Friend. It is a novel about intense female friendship and how key relationships created in our youth endure or break apart. We also chat about her blog Pickle Me This and her role as editor of the book recommendation site 49th Shelf. We wrap up with five hot …
…
continue reading
Lifestyle Instagrammer and best selling author Anna Kloots joins the podcast to discuss her new memoir My Own Magic. She talks about new beginnings in the face of divorce, her love of pumpkin pie, and of course, how to make your own magic. Follow Anna: Instagram: @annakloots Follow Red Fern Book Review: Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Five-Star Weekend, Tom Lake and Truth & Beauty
29:53
29:53
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
29:53
A discussion of Ann Patchett's latest novel Tom Lake as well her memoir Truth & Beauty about her deep friendship with writer Lucy Grealy. Elin Hilderbrand's latest novel, The Five-Star Weekend, is also discussed. Follow Red Fern Book Review: Website and to leave a voicemail: https://www.redfernbookreview.com Instagram: @redfernbookreview Facebook: …
…
continue reading
Award-winning Young Adult fiction novelist Pam Withers stops by the podcast to discuss her latest book Mountain Runaways. This fast-paced novel tells the story of the three kids, Jon, Korka and Aron, who lose their parents in an avalanche and decide to run away into the mountains and fend for themselves until the oldest sibling, Jon, turns 18 and c…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Fall Reads 2023 with Susan Matheson
43:39
43:39
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
43:39
Book blogger Susan Matheson returns to the podcast with her line up of must have fall reads. We also discuss a book that we both disagreed upon: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang. Susan's Top Picks for Fall 2023 The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok The Class by Ken Dryden A New Season by Terry Fallis The Golden Gate by Amy Chua A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of…
…
continue reading
Award-winning mystery writer Iona Whishaw drops by the podcast to discuss the latest book in her Lane Winslow mystery series. To Track a Traitor spans both world wars and is a tale of sibling rivalry, infidelity and espionage. Iona's backstory is just as compelling as her writing. Her books are inspired by the British Columbia town of her childhood…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Librarianist and You Could Make This Place Beautiful
27:01
27:01
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
27:01
Amy kicks off Season Four of the podcast with a discussion of the literary novel The Librarianist by Patrick deWitt and the memoir You Could Make This Place Beautiful by poet Maggie Smith. The Librarianist is the story of retired librarian Bob Comet. Hoping to fill a void in his life, he volunteers at a senior's centre. Amid a community of strange …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bonus Episode: The TallMikeWine Podcast/The Books Episode with Amy Mair
1:00:05
1:00:05
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
1:00:05
Hi Red Fern Listeners! I was recently a guest on a fabulous wine podcast called The TallMikeWine Podcast. Host Mike Stone and I talk about, what else, but books and wine. I offer up a mini summer reading list and Mike explains how he comes up with all those wine adjectives. Mike is a self-professed wine geek who creates fun, relatable conversations…
…
continue reading
Book blogger Susan Matheson stops by the podcast to talk about her favourite reads for summer. Her selections range from a cozy mystery to a contemporary memoir. Books and Resources discussed: Go as a River by Shelley Read The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bingley Darling by India Knight The Mitford Affair by …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Pineapple Street and Ghost Music
29:55
29:55
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
29:55
Amy and Geoff review the popular fiction novel Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson and literary fiction novel Ghost Music by An Yu. Pineapple Street is a bird's eye view into the moneyed Brooklyn Heights family The Stocktons. Sasha, a middle-class New England girl, marries into the family and tries to find her way. Set in Beijing, Ghost Music is a qu…
…
continue reading
Retired English Professor Dr. Mason Harris drops by the podcast to discuss one of his favourite books Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. This book combines elements of Gothic, Horror and Romantic literature. Dr. Harris delves in to Shelley's scandalous background and draws parallels between the Romantics and 1960s radicalism. Books and Resources discuss…
…
continue reading
We review two of the buzziest books of early 2023: Fast-paced gangster novel set in India Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor and friendship travel story/thriller with Daisy Jones and the Six (by Taylor Jenkins Reid) vibes The Villa by Rachel Hawkins. Age of Vice is a contemporary novel set in India. It is equal parts thriller and family saga and centres …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and This Time Tomorrow
29:56
29:56
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
29:56
We review one of our favourite books of last year Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin as well as This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is the story of three friends Sadie, Sam and Marx and their foray into the video gaming industry. It is a campus novel as well as a look at video gaming as high …
…
continue reading
Author Cedar Bowers joins the podcast to discuss her 2021 debut novel Astra. The book follows the life of a young woman who is born on a B.C. commune from the perspective of 10 different people. Cedar discusses life growing up in a remote community, the failed promise of the back-to-the land movement and if we can ever really know somebody. Books a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Sea of Tranquility and When They Lost Their Heads
29:18
29:18
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
29:18
I review two novels by current Canadian literary stars Emily St. John Mandel and Heather O'Neill. Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel is a science fiction novel about art, time, travel, love and plague that takes readers from 1912 Vancouver Island to a dark colony of the moon 500 years later. The author also incorporates references to her e…
…
continue reading
Vancouver author Jen Sookfong Lee joins the podcast to talk about her latest book Superfan. Jen uses her lifelong obsession with pop culture as a lens to explore family, grief, the power of female rage, Asian fetish, and what it costs to resist the trap of being a “good Chinese girl.” I pines over Andrew McCarthy and Jen muses over whether Kanye We…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The White Ship and The Splendid and the Vile
38:39
38:39
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
38:39
Fantasy Fiction lover turned historian David Gates is back on the podcast to discuss two English history books: The White Ship by Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer and The Splendid and the Vile by journalist Erik Larson. The White Ship is an examination of the 1120 shipwreck that threw the future of the crown into question. The Splendid and …
…
continue reading
My dear friend Alison Schmelke joins the podcast, perhaps a bit reluctantly, and together we interview our idol author and blogger Catherine Newman. We reminisce about Catherine's column Ben & Birdy and how it got us through the early days of parenthood. Catherine discusses her poignant, hilarious and nostalgic novel, We All Want Impossible Things.…
…
continue reading
Geoff and Amy's trip to Europe Part Two. They are back home and reflecting on their recent trip to Paris. They discuss four books set in the City of Light including one book that pushes the podcast's PG rating! Books and Resources Discussed: Ticket to Paradise, movie 2022 Earful Tower https://theearfultower.com/ Marie Antoinette, movie 2006 Henry a…
…
continue reading
Amy and Geoff discuss their trip to Amsterdam and review books and movies set in this gorgeous, progressive city. Tulip Fever is a historical novel set in 17th-century Amsterdam during the rise of tulip trade. The Dinner is a contemporary domestic thriller that takes place over the course of one meal at a high-end restaurant. Books and Resources di…
…
continue reading
Author Chelene Knight joins the podcast to discuss her debut novel Junie. The book is set in Hogan's Alley, the once thriving Black and immigrant community located in Vancouver's East End. Junie is a creative, observant child who moves to the alley with her mother Maddie who is an aspiring jazz singer and alcoholic. Chelene discusses Black Joy, Bla…
…
continue reading
The summer may be over but British Columbia treasure Grant Lawrence visits the podcast to discuss his latest book Return to Solitude about life in Desolation Sound. It's been over a decade since renowned broadcaster and indie rock musician Grant Lawrence launched his writing career with the award-winning Adventures in Solitude, yet some things neve…
…
continue reading
Susan Matheson of Bedside Table Books discusses her top reads of the fall season. Amy and Susan talk about how to match books with your travels Books and Resources Discussed The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier The Snow Goose: A Story of Dunkirk by Paul Gallico Mrs. Harris Go…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Lookout: Love, Solitude, and Searching for Wildfire in the Boreal Forest
41:32
41:32
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
41:32
Wildfire Lookout Trina Moyles joins the podcast to talk about her memoir Lookout: Love, Solitude and Searching for Wildfire in the Boreal Forest. She joins direct from her remote lookout tower in Northern Alberta. Lookout is a book about isolation, the environment, wildlife and love. The book has been compared the book to Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Tr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Fresh Water For Flowers and Painting Time
37:47
37:47
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
37:47
Friend and music teacher Cynthia Friesen returns to the podcast to discuss two books by French authors: Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin and Painting Time by Maylis de Kerangal. We discuss the art of translation and whether decorative art is an art or a science. Cynthia pulls up to the piano and plays a song. Listen to my previous episode …
…
continue reading
Season 3 of the Red Fern Book Review kicks off with a review of one of the biggest books of the year: The Candy House by Jennifer Egan. Geoff is back on the podcast with a new job title. Amy and Geoff decide whether or not The Candy House is sci fi and if it surpasses the book's precursor: A Visit from the Goon Squad. Books and Resources Discussed:…
…
continue reading
Book Blogger Susan Matheson is back to discuss her top picks to stuff in your beach bag this summer. Her selections range from frothy to serious. Amy and Susan discuss the power of book cover art. Books and Resources Discussed: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield Evening by Susan Minot The Dutch House by Ann Patchett Lessons in Chemistry by Bo…
…
continue reading
Poet Samantha Reynolds is on the podcast to talk about her practice of writing one poem a day. And that isn't even her day job! We talk parenting, observation, what to share and not share. Sam even fits in a reading or two. Follow Sam: Website: https://bentlily.com/ Instagram: @bentlily Follow Red Fern Book Review: Website and to leave a voicemail:…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Rock Paper Scissors and Sometimes I Lie
26:31
26:31
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
26:31
Bookstagrammer Danielle Peters joins the podcast to talk about her favourite genre: thrillers. Danielle reviews Rock Paper Scissors and Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney, reveals what she looks for in a suspense novel and how she incorporates reading into her everyday life. Books and Resources Discussed: The River at Night by Erica Ferencik Rock Pape…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Our Country Friends and Bel Canto
30:01
30:01
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
30:01
Photographer and friend Brian McConville is back on the podcast to talk about books and captivity. Amy and Brian discuss Our Country Friends by Gary Shteyngart. Set in the rolling hills of upstate New York, this satirical novel focuses on a group of friends who gather in a country house to wait out the pandemic. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett is also di…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Lost in Translation and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
30:50
30:50
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
30:50
Amy's resident artsy friend Myriam is back on the podcast. This time the topic is screenplays as literature. A screenplay is a cross between a book and a play. Unlike a favourite book, Myriam says that reading a screenplay is complement to watching a movie. Amy and Myriam both agree that reading about harder topics like fights and violence can be e…
…
continue reading
Best selling author Susan Juby is on the podcast to talk about her delightful murder mystery Mindful of Murder. The novel features Helen Thorpe as a smart, preternaturally calm and insightful butler who uses her sleuthing skills to unravel the mystery of the death of her former employer. Susan talks about the joys of owning her first Instant Pot an…
…
continue reading
Amy interviews bestselling author Katherine Heiny about her hilarious, big-hearted novel Early Morning Riser. The book features a cast of lovable characters in a small town whose lives are forever changed after an accident. Katherine talks about literary influences from Anne Tyler and Stephen King and relives her 20s when she one day wore a bridesm…
…
continue reading
Geoff is in the house to discuss one of his favourite authors, Mr. Difficult himself, Jonathan Franzen. Franzen's latest book, Crossroads, is discussed. Set in the 1970s, this book is the story of a Midwestern family at a pivotal moment of moral crisis. Amy and Geoff also discuss Mayflies by Andrew O'Hagan. This poignant and at times fun book looks…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Book of Form and Emptiness, Parakeet and Lincoln in the Bardo
27:02
27:02
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
27:02
Three magical realism novels, The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki, Parakeet by Marie-Helene Bertino and Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders, are reviewed. Books and Resources Discussed: Only Murders in the Building, Hulu and Disney+ Everything is Alive, podcast The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki Parakeet by Marie-Helene Berti…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Starless Sea and The Shadow of the Wind
31:36
31:36
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
31:36
Fantasy Fiction aficionado and Instagram mixologist Jeanette Bruce joins Red Fern to discuss fantasy fiction and a classic thriller. The Starless Sea is a luminous fantasy novel heavy on imagery and lighter on world building. The Shadow of the Wind is a timeless, modern classic set in Barcelona about a young man who owns a copy of a rare book at hi…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie and The Mysterious Affair at Styles
25:51
25:51
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
25:51
Historical novel The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict delves into the mysterious, real-life disappearance of Agatha Christie. I compare this novel to Christie’s first book The Mysterious Affair at Styles. It's been over 100 years since the mystery queen penned her first book but it is a page turner. Books and Resources discussed: The Red …
…
continue reading
Women and Literature expert Reema Faris is back to look at contemporary romance fiction and adaptations. Reema and Amy discuss the continued proliferation of romance fiction and if there is such a thing as one true love. Books and Resources discussed: Bridgerton, Netlix The Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn Dune (2021), movie The Wheel of Time, Amaz…
…
continue reading
Women and literature academic Reema Faris joins Red Fern to discuss the enduring popularity of romance fiction. In this first of a two-parts series, the history of romance novels is examined. Amy makes an argument for Hallmark Christmas movies. Books and resources discussed: A Natural History of the Romance Novel by Pamela Regis Pamela by Samuel Ri…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Friend and The Pull of the Stars
29:59
29:59
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
29:59
Writer and academic Suzanne Scott drops by the podcast to discuss two books that inspire her as a writer. The Friend is an experimental book that Suzanne describes as a jazz piece riffing and improvising on the themes of suicide, writing and dogs. The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue is a gripping historical novel set during the Spanish Flu at a …
…
continue reading
English teacher Liz Kelsey is back in the house to discuss David Copperfield. The most autobiographical of all of Dickens' works, David Copperfield is a blend of truth and fiction. The novel offers up an early example of the found or unconventional family as well as an array of eccentric characters who are very supportive and happy. There is also a…
…
continue reading
Friend and academic Liz Kelsey joins Amy in a two part episode on the classics. In the first episode Liz explores Jane Austen's lesser known work Lady Susan. The novella was was written when Jane was a teen and published after her death. It centres around the life of beautiful, racy widow Lady Susan Vernon who is often described as the most accompl…
…
continue reading
Amy reviews two books focused on 20th-century women who broke barriers in their careers and personal lives. Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead is a historical novel centred around the lives of famed aviator Marian Graves. The Barbizon: The Hotel that Set Women Free by Paulina Bren is a social history of the world's most famous women's hotel. Located …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Who is Maud Dixon? and Apples Never Fall
22:47
22:47
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
22:47
Happy New Year and welcome back to the Red Fern Book Review! Amy reviews two of the biggest books of 2021: Who is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews and Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty. Both are bestselling mysteries that are executed very differently. Who is Maud Dixon? is a clever thrill ride that combines an edgy whodunit reminiscent of Patric…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Dusk, Night, Dawn and The Best of Me
23:51
23:51
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
23:51
Amy looks at two short story collections by well-known essayists and humourists Anne Lamott and David Sedaris. In Dusk, Night, Dawn: On Revival and Courage, Anne Lamott examines how to get joy and hope back in this crazy world. Her answer is a dash of spirituality and a lot of humour. The Best of Me is a greatest hits by quirky, impulsive, awkward …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Spectacular, All's Well, Nightbitch
30:18
30:18
נגן מאוחר יותר
נגן מאוחר יותר
רשימות
לייק
אהבתי
30:18
Fellow bibliophile Lorraine Weir joins the podcast to talk about Vancouver Writers Festival event The Spectacular Complexity of Womanhood with authors Mona Awad, Zoe Whittall and Rachel Yoder. All three authors have written fresh, new novels borne out of their own life struggles. The books are also all anchored by strong female protagonists who als…
…
continue reading