Totally Booked with Zibby

Zibby was “lucky” (get it?) to speak to Julie Pennell about her light, entertaining summer read centered around three sisters who win the lottery and have to decide what really matters.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This best friend duo, co-hosts of the podcast We Fight So You Don’t Have To, have written yet another novel together. And they’re still friends! Listen to Zibby chat with them about the importance of highlighting other authors, podcasting, collaborating, and more.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eliza Starts a Rumor is irresistible, as is Jane L. Rosen (who tells Zibby that she’s besties with Katie Couric)!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Crayon Man will make you reconsider every time your child snaps a crayon in half. Part history, part fun story, this book is delightful, as was the conversation Natascha had with Zibby!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s no rhyme or reason to why kids are obsessed with some books, but Stephen Shaskan’s new series, Pizza & Taco, is one of those books. Listen to Stephen discuss her passion for delighting kids and how he works! ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I spoke to children’s book author Chiomah Momah from her home office all the way in Nigeria. (Ignore the part, please, when I didn’t realize the city she lived in was the capital! Oops!) Her picture book, First Day at the Big School, about a young child getting ready to go to school, is so relatable that I’ve already read it to my rising kindergartener several times. I loved hearing about how she found time to write it with her big full-time job and how she handled the pandemic! ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What even is the difference between YA, middle grade, and adult books? Iva-Marie’s latest book in the roller-rink heyday of the 1970s is about teens, so it must be YA. But it doesn’t have to be read by teens. Any grown-up who wants a quick dip into the past should pick it up -- and listen to this chat! ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who hasn’t baked lately? For anyone who has ever procrastinated -- especially anyone who finds baking to be the ultimate in distracting time-sinks -- Erin Gardner has the answers. Recipes, tips and more make this highly relatable mama and baker extraordinaire the ultimate procrastibaker.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maybe early success can be a bad thing. Rachel Freidman debates this in her book and in conversation with Zibby as she reflects on her early achievements in music and then, even, in her first book. But then what? What happens after? And how do you hold onto creativity? Rachel goes back to her “band camp” friends to glean some life lessons.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don’t sweatpants kinda make you feel blech? There’s something psychologically helpful about actually getting dressed, even in a pandemic. George Brescia is a stylist to the stars who has filled his book with advice for everyone on how to find and rock their own style. This isn’t a what-should-you-wear book. Instead, George explains to Zibby how he’s more of a fashion curator, a psychologist for the shelves. ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the advice every parent can use right about now. Listen to Dr. Claire Nicogossian’s soothing, sensible advice for a quick dose of sanity in the chaos of today.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ready to move? Debating whether to move? Need a housewarming-ish gift? Ali Wenzke’s super-useful book gives tips, quizzes, charts and more to make any move easier. Zibby and Ali talked about mothering through the pandemic, the value of structure, and so much more.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer Steil was a hostage while pregnant. That’s just one of many notable life experiences that informs her work with depth and intrigue. EXILE MUSIC is no exception. It was hard to put down! She spoke to Zibby about motherhood, travel, inspiration, and resilience.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karma Brown and Zibby hit it off right away as they talked about Recipe For A Perfect Wife. They jumped right in to Karma’s cancer experience, how she used her sister as her surrogate, and what life as a mom means to her now. They spoke about her many books, why her characters keep getting in accidents, and the meaning of life! ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wow, was Zibby impressed by Beatriz’s giant intellect! This historical fiction author spouted facts and figures at a steady clip while explaining the inspiration behind her latest novel. ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leah and Zibby swapped stories about the sights and sounds in their neighborhoods in the late afternoons that signal the end of the day. The fish market in Mumbai to the ice cream truck peddling down tree-shaded streets on Long Island united them across the world as they discussed mother-in-laws, marriage surprises and more.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Columbia professor, Lynn Steger Strong teaches writing so could give advice for hours. Listen to her hand-picked tips and her journey to writing Want.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Debra Jo Immergut, the author of You Again, a thriller about what happens when your present self sees your younger self on the street and what ensues after, is riveting. A “Sliding Doors” type of story, You Again will make you rethink your entire life. It even involves a mother’s sojourn into Antifa and more surprises.  ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby and Stephanie were supposed to talk about the art world and the history behind some of history’s greatest artists, but instead they spoke about the stroke that unexpectedly hit Stephanie’s husband one evening and changed their lives. Hear what Stephanie has never shared before about her private life -- and why she is so captivated by superstars like Raphael. ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A searing novel about Applachain heartbreak, Shiner is Amy Jo Burns’ story based on her own environment growing up. Listen to her talk to Zibby about trauma, secrets, loss and more.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seven Lies is a big book bursting on the scene, but you wouldn’t know it listening to Elizabeth Kay chat nonchalantly with Zibby about the auction that took place around this hot property. A publishing industry insider, Elizabeth incorporated all the elements of a suspenseful, thought-provoking narrative in the web of lies that blankets her book.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brooke’s novel The Big Finish was inspired by her own grandfather and his experience at a nursing home. Brooke spoke to Zibby about both having four kids, managing intergenerational care, and what it takes to write a book.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A former entertainment reporter, Aimee Agresti spills all in this delicious novel, The Summer Set, about an aging A-list star. Zibby and Aimee dished about their favorite shows, stars, and more.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sonali Dev is obsessed with Bollywood. In fact, she tried to replicate many things she loves about those bright, beautiful movies in the plot of her novel, Recipe For Persuasion!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amity Gaige’s novel Sea Wife is a beautifully written novel about the effects of a sea voyage on a couple and family. Amity talks to Zibby about writing and more! ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby still can’t stop thinking about the characters in The Second Home, an ode to Cape Cod in Christina Clancy’s debut novel about parents, children, places that matter, babysitters, awful men, sibling lore, and more.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elise Hooper loves doing research. Fast Girls, her historical novel about women runners in the Olympics, highlights her love of working out -- and Google deep dives. Elise and Zibby chatted about her process, her relationship to exercise, and more! ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harvard grad and real estate exec, Amanda Brainerd, worked on this novel for years. A look back at the 1980s told through the lens of girls away at boarding school, this coming-of-age tale about falling in love and finding yourself is not to be missed. Listen to Zibby chat with another Upper East Side mom about life, writing, and parenthood! ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brandy starts her book with a scene of a busy mom on the toilet hiding from her kids. That’s the tone of this tell-it-like-is conversation with Zibby. A podcaster herself, Brandy confessed all types of things about parenting, discussed her writing process, and gave hope to moms who are struggling. ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lauren Ho, the author of debut novel Last Tang Standing, spoke to me from Malaysia about her book which she swears isn’t really about her mother. A comedienne at heart (who hadn’t heard of Midge Maisel — a crime!), Lauren discussed her anxieties about writing, being single, stalking bookstores with her kids, and more.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thank You For Voting was supposed to be research that Erin Geiger Smith did for the renowned author and Parnassus Bookstore owner, Ann Patchett. But after Erin threw herself into the work for so long, Ann said that Erin should finish writing the book herself! This accidental treatise on the history of voting will encourage everyone to vote in the upcoming election. Something more critical now than ever before. ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This heart-breaking yet inspirational story by Jason Rosenthal is an ode to his deceased wife, Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Amy wrote a “Modern Love” piece in the New York Times as she was dying called, “You May Want to Marry My Husband.” His memoir, My Wife Said You May Want To Marry Me, was based on his answer to her article, also in the “Modern Love” column. Jason spoke to Zibby about everything from falling in love to putting himself back together after the worst came true. ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Janine Reid can’t stop kicking her perfectionist self for trusting the first doctor who dismissed her son’s symptoms. Years later, after her son declined and treatment was no longer an option, Janine looks back at how this struggle upended her plans and taught her what’s really important about life.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. Losing a child. Jayson Greene lived through it and even wrote about it in this powerful account of his daughter’s injury and subsequent death due to an errant brick that flew off an Upper West Side building. This inspirational, gutting story and conversation will make you rethink what you thought you knew about everything from organ donation to conquering tragedy.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chef Lisa Baker Morgan writes about the terrifying illness that landed her in a French hospital, separated from her two daughters (but with a very dashing paramour) in her beautiful memoir, PARIS PART-TIME. With an inside look at the Parisian real estate market -- and food markets -- this book will instantly transport you to another time and place. Lisa shares all with Zibby as they laugh about the craziness of dating -- with kids!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jasmine Guillory’s book The Proposal was a Reese’s Book Club pick and bestseller. Party of Two, a novel about a white Senator and a black lawyer who fall in love and have to contend with the public eye during their new romance, is even better! It'll leave you craving a slice of chocolate cake after reading Jasmine’s mouth-watering descriptions of basically everything. Her characters have a real appetite for food, adventure, and love.  ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Judith Warner's latest book is called And Then They Stopped Talking to Me: Making Sense of Middle School. She is a best-selling author, a special correspondent for Newsweek, and journalist who had a New York Times column. She's an extremely compelling speaker and writer, and this book provides invaluable insight about the (sometimes really painful) memories from navigating adolescence, and for parents trying to intellectually make sense of what's going on with their middle schoolers. It’s also about the memories from adolescence that adults carry with them and how that translates into their own parenting. ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Beanland is the author of the novel Florence Adler Swims Forever, through which she takes family history and secret-keeping to a riveting place. Based on a tragedy that took place in the 1930s in her own family, we talked about how Rachel grew up with this family lore, whether it's justified to keep hard truths from the people they impact, and how that narrative has shaped her relationships.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I interviewed the amazing Taffy Brodesser Akner about her bestselling first novel, Fleishman Is in Trouble, as part of the Streicker Center from Temple Emanu-El's "Women on the Move" series. Taffy was formerly a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine and has written for GQ, ESPN the Magazine, and many other publications. We laughed about how many people in her circle think that they know who her protagonist is based on - or even thought “Fleishman” was supposed to be them! I loved Taffy's insights about the role of Judaism in her book, what makes a good interview, and where she wrote this novel. (Hint: it involves a couch in the bathroom at Nordstroms.) I truly loved connecting with Taffy.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bethany Saltman is the author of Strange Situation: A Mother's Journey into the Science of Attachment. She's also an award-winning editor and researcher. Her work can be seen in publications like The New Yorker, New York magazine, Atlantic Monthly, Parents and many others. Strange Situation is a beautiful memoir of Bethany's 10-year journey researching and exploring the science of attachment. The science is fascinating but I really loved that this was a coming-of-age story about motherhood that explored her own upbringing to who she became as a parent. We talked about expectations about what motherhood "should" feel like, Bethany's Buddhist practice, growing up in a 1970's household of "benign parental neglect," and unpacking the heavy things she was carrying from her childhood in order to be the parent she envisioned for her daughter.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I had a blast interviewing former child actress from “The Wonder Years” Danica McKellar about her latest book called The Times Machine! Like me, you probably adored her first as Winnie! (My daughter knows her from “Project MC2” on Netflix.) Among other great acting roles and becoming a parent, Danica started McKellar Math. She developed her own math theorem, spoke before the congressional committee in 2007 about why kids' math scores are far behind those in other countries, and how we should really start in middle school targeting kids for math. Now she has written ten different math books (all of which have terrific titles). She's a total star and her passion has helped so many kids and families get through the stress of learning math together.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catherine Newman is the author of the fantastic book How to Be a Person: 65 Hugely Useful, Super-Important Skills to Learn before You're Grown Up. She's the etiquette columnist at Real Simple magazine and the editor of the James Beard Award-winning nonprofit kids' cooking magazine ChopChop. I'm so glad Catherine was inspired to write this book because it's an amazing way to get kids comfortable with basic skills from table-setting to apologizing and help them feel independent while doing it. I followed Catherine's advice to get the book and just leave it somewhere accessible for everyone in the family - they'll be inclined to read this practical, fun, graphic novel-esque book. It's a favorite in my house!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I had the most fun laughing and talking with Kevin Kwan who is the author of Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, the international best-selling novels and almost unprecedented single-author trifecta. The film adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians became Hollywood's highest-grossing romantic comedy in over a decade. His latest book is called Sex and Vanity. Kevin and I talked about his upbringing in Singapore and Texas, satirizing social codes and outlandish snobbery, being a lifelong observer, and his funny and terrific advice to authors: "don't be afraid to really take a chance and let your freak flag fly" because you never know what'll happen when you just write from your own place of authenticity.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I adored interviewing J. Courtney Sullivan about her latest book Friends and Strangers, which comes out today! She is a New York Times best-selling author and her newest novel has been on every most-anticipated list and best-book-of-the-summer list there basically is for 2020. I felt like Courtney was in my brain when I was reading - it took me back to being a new mom. We talked about her book's central and intricate dynamic between a babysitter and a new parent, what it means to have a safety net, and what we envision as marriage and raising children and the nuances we learn along the way about what those things *really* look like.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kerry Kletter is a critically acclaimed author who also has an extensive background in theater and has appeared in film, television, and on stage. I loved talking to her about her most recent book and first adult novel, East Coast Girls. We went deep about the central theme of shared trauma that appears in her work: how does an author's experiences impact what they want to write about and how they shape their characters? How do you excavate your true self and dismantle dysfunctional coping mechanisms? How can writers give words to experience so that other people feel seen and validated? How can we adapt to give people room to grow? I think you'll really enjoy Kerry's insights.** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonnie Tsui’s mom actually reached out to me after seeing me on and suggested I interview her daughter! Turns out, Bonnie wrote a fantastic, thought-provoking book recently called Why We Swim, a perfect book for these summer months. Part-memoir and part-investigative journalism, Why We Swim will make anyone long for the blood-pressure-lowering effects of staying underwater. Bonnie is a native New Yorker, Harvard University graduate where she rowed crew and snowboarded, a frequent contributor to The New York Times and California Sunday magazine, a live storyteller, author, and surfer. Bonnie's parents met in a swimming pool in Hong Kong, which is just so fitting. Her book is absolutely fascinating - a personal, cultural, scientific, and journalistic exploration of the human relationship with water and swimming. Bonnie explained how we're wired to respond to water and the psychological benefits of being around and in water for our mental health. I think you'll want to take a swim after listening. ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am such a HUGE fan of Glennon Doyle’s. I loved her book Untamed and could relate to so many parts of it. Talking to Glennon and hearing her soulful advice was just second to none! An activist and thought leader, parent, wife, and inspired writer, Glennon is the author of #1 New York Times bestseller Untamed, a Reese's Book Club selection, Love Warrior, an Oprah's Book Club selection, and the New York Times bestseller Carry on, Warrior. Glennon founded Together Rising, a non-profit that “transforms collective heartbreak into effective action.” I felt like I was bordering on obsequiousness in this episode as I gushed and gushed, but I truly loved talking to Glennon about following her heart, remarriage, kids, and role modeling. Funny enough, the day after I interviewed her and discussed her marriage to Olympic soccer champion, I interviewed another member of the US Olympic soccer team. None of it helped with the backyard soccer I attempted with my kids, but all of it inspired me in many, many ways!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary Morris is the author of the new, critically acclaimed travel memoir All the Way to the Tigers. She is an award-winning author and has written three story collections, four travel memoirs, and five novels. She also teaches writing at Sarah Lawrence. Mary and I talked about how an accident halted her regular state of constant motion, spurred her on to deep self-exploration, and created this brilliant memoir. Her skating incident even served as a roadmap to helping her cope with the pandemic pause. Mary has an exceptional zest for life that's clear in our conversation and her writing. Find out if she ever makes it to the tigers!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carlos Whittaker is the author of three books, Moment Maker: You Can Live Your Life or It Will Live You, Kill the Spider, and most recently, Enter Wild: Exchange a Mild and Mundane Faith for Life with an Uncontainable God. Carlos's wife calls him "a hope dealer" (listen to learn what that means!). Carlos has been a recording artist signed to a major label, a social media maven, and now spends the majority of his time writing books and speaking on stages around the world. His first speaking engagement happened just two weeks after he decided to leave his music career behind when he was invited to speak at the White House for President Obama's Easter Prayer Breakfast. I think you'll love hearing Carlos's story as much as I did. By the end I accomplished my goal of being allowed to use his friends-only nickname: Los!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susan Burton's memoir, Empty, is one of my favorite recent books. I'm really excited to share our conversation which we had at the beginning of the pandemic. Now it feels like a lifetime ago! Susan is an editor at This American Life on where the episodes she has produced include "Ten Sessions," "Five Women," and "Tell Me I'm Fat.” Her writing has appeared in the New York Times Magazine, Slate, The New Yorker, and others. Empty is the story of Susan’s secret eating disorders, both anorexia and binge eating disorder, that defined her adolescence and adulthood. We talked about her book becoming both a confession about the painful secrets she had been living with and sharing her story as a means of recovery and connection. Our interview was the first one she had done and she meaningfully shed light on habits and compulsions, how we hide our turmoil, and the road to sharing ourselves with the people closest to us. ** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact [email protected].) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.