Best Amy Smalley Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 63 - Golden Retriever & Grumpy Cat with Amy Smalley and Carrie Vittitoe of the Perks of Being a Book Lover 1:16:03

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10d ago1:16:03

1:16:03

On this episode, Amy Smalley and Carrie Vittitoe, co-hosts of the Perks of Being a Book Lover Podcast, discuss their sometimes opposite book preferences, how having a podcast has changed their reading lives, and we laugh a lot. If you enjoy this conversation, definitely check out their show, which has a lot of their fun banter. The Perks of Being a…

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Episode 64 - It Takes One Book with Cynthia Chen 53:12

3d ago53:12

53:12

On this episode, Cynthia Chen, a fellow Read and Runner, shares some of her piping hot takes about the reading life. She also discusses how she got back into reading after an eight year hiatus and tips for people who want to get back into reading. She gives a lot of really great book recommendations for Chicago books and we talk about how annoying …

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S13:Ep260 - I Think We've Been Here Before with Guest Suzy Krause + Diary Book Recs 1:03:07

8d ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Suzy Krause at her website suzykrause.com/ and on IG at @suzykrause Usually, Christmas in July sales feature new cars or mattresses, but we are…

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Episode 62 - The Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge with Madi Badger 1:08:00

17d ago1:08:00

1:08:00

On this episode, Madi Badger, a PhD student, discusses the book series that changed her reading life, the reading challenge that has taken over her reading life, and some amazing bookstore stories. We discuss a shared love of paperbacks and how many different ways there are to use the library, including as a bad bookish habit. Follow Madi on Instag…

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S13:Ep259 - A Fashionably French Murder with Guest Colleen Cambridge - 7/9/25 1:09:21

22d ago1:09:21

1:09:21

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Colleen Gleason/Colleen Cambridge at her website www.colleengleason.com or on IG @colleengleason Typically Amy has not been a cozy mystery read…

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Episode 61 - Never as Good as the Book with Katie Blechle 48:52

24d ago48:52

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On this episode, Katie Blechle, a mom and educator, talks about her true love of reading over TV, how she incorporates reading into her life as a mom, and the books about strong women that she really loves. We also go down a shared rabbit hole that’s one of my absolute favorite non-book topics. Follow Katie on Instagram Books mentioned in this epis…

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Episode 60 - Pull Your Guts out Through Your Nose with Melissa Joulwan of Strong Sense of Place 1:14:09

1M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

On this episode, Melissa Joulwan, author and co-host of the podcast Strong Sense of Place, discusses the way her personal reading life and work for the show overlap. We talk about her deep and varied book preferences, our shared love for diving deep into a backlist, and you get to hear the fabulous way she describes the books she loves. Strong Sens…

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Episode 59 - Picked it Up Out of FOMO with Samiksha Gaur 53:41

1M ago53:41

53:41

On this episode, Samiksha Gaur, a mom and baker who has found herself enjoying dark romance recently, talks to me about her life engaging with bookish social media. We talk about a bunch of series that she loves, how she got back into reading later in life, and we give a big shoutout to Tanima Kazi for getting us connected! Follow Samiksha on Insta…

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Episode 58 - Challenges My Expectations with Jess Abra Sandy 1:00:49

1M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

On this episode, Jess Abra Sandy, a self-described lapsed opera singer and cyber security expert talks about how poetry has provided for her in different ways as her seasons of life change. We also talk about books that make us want to throw them across the room, how her reading life has changed as her kid has grown, and Jess shares a lot of very i…

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Episode 57 - It's Not Cheating with Caroline Pilman 56:44

2M ago56:44

56:44

On this episode, Caroline Pilman, a fellow Chicago Public Schools teacher, and I discuss the many ways of reading, all of which are acceptable. We also discuss a shared pet peeve in children’s literature, how a seasonal career can affect the reading life, and how Chicago Public Schools does one thing right. American Library Association Lists CPS Ba…

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Episode 56 - Feels Folkloric with Meara McNitt 54:47

2M ago54:47

54:47

On this episode, Meara McNitt, a social media professional who loves stories of all types, discusses her love for all kinds of books, including an interest that her friends suggest she doesn’t yell about in the bookstore. She talks about a lot of books that haven’t appeared on the show yet and I go on a bit of a rant about one of my favorite hot ta…

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Episode 55 - Competitive Reading with Austin Waters 59:04

2M ago59:04

59:04

On this episode, Austin Waters, a friend of mine from high school, describes how he has had lots of experience with many different types of reading and writing. We discuss reading plays, how we read so many good books in high school, and how competition in reading can be detrimental. Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s reading: West With …

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S12:Ep258 - Summer Reading with Bookseller Sam Miller - 5/21/25 1:01:19

2M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. This week we have Sam Miller, manager at Carmichael’s Bookstore in Louisville, with us to chat about books readers might want to consider for their summer r…

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Episode 54 - Take My Books Where They Belong with Chelsey Stone 1:00:20

2M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

On this episode, Chelsey Stone, a freelance writer and book tour leader, describes herself as someone who reads to learn. She brings a lot of really great non-fiction books to the show, and while some of them can be a bit of a bummer, these books help Chelsey learn more about herself and the world while facing reality through reading. NatGeo articl…

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Episode 53 - Horror for Anxious Readers with Johanna @memydogandbooks 1:05:26

3M ago1:05:26

1:05:26

On this episode, Johannah @memydogandbooks who loves to shout about books on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and I discuss leaning into cozy hobbies, reading widely and eclectically, and an overlapping prize interest for us. We also discuss how horror is an underrated genre and why it works, even for scaredy-cats! Find Johanna on Instagram Find Joh…

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S12:Ep257 - A Forty Year Kiss with Guest Nickolas Butler + Book Club Recs - 5/7/25 1:08:10

3M ago1:08:10

1:08:10

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Nickolas Butler at https://nickolasbutler.com/ or on IG @wiscobutler Amy discovered Nickolas Butler earlier this year when she attended the aut…

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Episode 52 - My Entire Life is Words with Hannah Gordon 59:19

3M ago59:19

59:19

On this episode, Hannah Gordon, a fellow CPS teacher and I discuss the importance of the library as a public service, how your reading life can turn around from what people expect of you as a child, and she brings some really great books to the show that haven’t been talked about yet. Find Hannah on TikTok Book Talk and Signing for The Kat Bunglar …

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Episode 51 - More Beautiful Thoughts with Christopher Hermelin of So Many Damn Books 1:01:58

3M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

On this episode, Christopher Hermelin, host of the podcast So Many Damn Books and I discuss his life that revolves around books, our shared love for stories on the continuum of weird, and we both go on a bit of a tear about over-comped books. You can also hear me get totally sucked in by something Christopher recommends. So Many Damn Books The Rovi…

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S12:Ep256 - The Husbands with Guest Holly Gramazio + National Poetry Month - 4/23/25 1:07:16

3M ago1:07:16

1:07:16

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Holly Gramazio at her website https://www.hollygramazio.net/ or on IG at holly_gramazio When we first heard the premise of Holly Gramazio’s nov…

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Episode 50 - How to Raise a Reader with Mary Hopper Welander 52:21

3M ago52:21

52:21

On this episode, my mom, Mary Hopper Welander, and I discuss shared reading memories from my childhood, how much the library has impacted both of our reading lives, and how her reading life has changed in retirement. She also gives some great advice about how to develop a love of reading in your child. Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s …

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Episode 49 - Read Everything All the Time with Alayna Mills 1:01:55

4M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

On this episode, Alayna Mills, a college writing teacher, discusses their love for reading everything all the time, by incorporating reading into all parts of their day. We also talk about their wide reading preferences, we get deep on a few specific books, and we find a shared notebook of book prize stress. Follow Alayna on Instagram Books mention…

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S12:Ep255 - Six Walks with Guest Ben Shattuck + Books Recs for Walking - 4/9/25 1:04:12

4M ago1:04:12

1:04:12

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Ben Shattuck at his website https://www.benshattuck.com/ or on IG @Benshattuck_ This week we chat with Ben Shattuck, author of Six Walks: In th…

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Episode 48 - A Community of Problematic Characters with Bre @Brezzylovesbooks 54:53

4M ago54:53

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On this episode, Bre @Brezzylovesbooks, a therapist who also runs the Raleigh chapter of Well-Read Black Girl, and I discuss our shared love of book communities, problematic characters, and why romance isn’t our reading preference. I also give a rare TV recommendation! Follow Bre on Instagram More info about Well-Read Black Girl in Raleigh Well-Rea…

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Episode 47 - Political Intrigue with Trevor Dykes 55:34

4M ago55:34

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On this episode, Trevor Dykes, a fantasy reader who has written his own fantasy saga, and I discuss how he fits in reading as a father of two young kiddos, what piques his interest in a fantasy, and how much of a commitment some of the long series are. We also get into the difference between the second in a trilogy versus the second in a series - t…

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S12:Ep254 - The Book Riot Podcast with guest Rebecca Schinsky + Western Book Recs 1:09:06

4M ago1:09:06

1:09:06

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Rebecca Schinsky on IG @rebeccaschinsky and Book Riot at www.bookriot.com In this week’s episode, we chat with Rebecca Schinsky, who is chief o…

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Episode 46 - The Struggle for Good with Maggie Brennan 1:01:41

4M ago1:01:41

1:01:41

On this episode, Maggie Brennan, a loyal member of the Off Color Book Club, and I discuss the retellings she will always read, how being an oldest sister impacted her reading life, and the way that her Irish family has impacted her reading life. She also talks about her favorite fantasy and sci-fi and how these genres can tell stories that reflect …

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Episode 45 - TBR Snowball with Deedi Brown 59:57

5M ago59:57

59:57

On this episode, Deedi Brown, who runs The Booker of the Month book club, and I discuss the crossover love of literary fiction and genre, getting sucked in by award lists, and how being more involved in books turns into a snowball! Follow Deedi on Instagram Find Deedi’s Substack here Get more information about Booker of the Month Club Support my Op…

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S12:Ep253 - The Lost Year with Guest Katherine Marsh + Cat Book Recs - 3/12/25 1:11:30

5M ago1:11:30

1:11:30

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Katherine Marsh at her website www.katherinemarsh.com or on IG at @katherinemarshauthor. This week we chat with Katherine Marsh, author of The …

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Episode 44 - Bad Decisions and Good Sex with Meredith Turits 57:54

5M ago57:54

57:54

On this episode, Meredith Turits, debut novelist, and I discuss the process of making her book come to life, how amazing her editor is, and the best ways to support friends who are writers. We also discuss her book, Just Want You Here, which I encourage anyone to go pick up! Order Just Want You Here! Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s re…

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Episode 43 - Insatiable Curiosity with Rebecca Schinsky and Jeff O'Neal 1:05:20

5M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

On this episode, Rebecca Schinsky and Jeff O’Neal of Book Riot sit down and talk to me about their reading lives. We talk about their professional work in the world of books, how Oliver Burkeman would feel about my bad bookish habit, and how any book can be interesting if you’re curious enough. Listen to the Book Riot Podcast Listen to First Editio…

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S12:Ep252 - A Tribute of Fire with Guest Sariah Wilson + Picture Books - 2/26/25 1:07:44

5M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Sariah Wilson at her website www.sariahwilson.com or on IG - @sariahwilsonauthor We chat this week with Sariah Wilson, the author of many, many…

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Episode 42 - Working on Your Brain with Betsy Kipnis 56:01

5M ago56:01

56:01

On this episode, Betsy Kipnis, a multi-hyphenate who loves a wide variety of authors, and I discuss some shared favorites, great Chicago bookstores, and she has some great stories. She discusses books that are multi-sensory and we get spicy about a beloved author. Betsy’s Blog - Bookisshh Barbara Kingsolver’s Recovery Center Books mentioned in this…

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Episode 41 - Completely Booked with Jordan Hernandez 1:00:40

5M ago1:00:40

1:00:40

On this episode, Jordan Hernandez, who organizes the book community Completely Booked and I discuss what diverse books means to her, how to curate a feed that provides diverse options, and so many amazing book recommendations. If you want to join Completely Booked, you can send Jordan a DM on Instagram to get added to the email list! Follow Complet…

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S12:Ep251 - Silent Book Club with Guest Brittany Brar + We Like Big Books - 2/12/25 1:05:56

6M ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find if there is a chapter of Silent Book Club near you or look into starting your own by going to their website; https://silentbook.club/ For show …

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Episode 40 - Character Studies with Jocelyn Aspa 55:22

6M ago55:22

55:22

On this episode, bookstagrammer and journalist Jocelyn Aspa and I discuss books with extensive character development, how everything makes us cry, and why we gravitate towards books with low ratings on Goodreads. We also discuss how we determine books to pack on a trip which can be a little extra. Follow Jocelyn on Instagram Books mentioned in this…

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Episode 39 - Soft Heart, Thick Skin with David Jay Collins 1:01:25

6M ago1:01:25

1:01:25

On this episode, indie author David Jay Collins and I discuss his work writing books in and about Chicago, how he keeps going by honoring his characters, and the unique ways that he connects with his readers. We also discuss his reading life, including a current fast from horror content which blows my mind! Follow David on Instagram Order any of Da…

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S12:Ep250 - They All Fall The Same with Guest Wes Browne + Artsy Fartsy Book Recs - 1/29/25 1:06:11

6M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Wes Browne at www.wesbrowneauthor.com or on IG at @browne_all_over This week we chat with Wes Browne, a Michigan transplant who has been a Kent…

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Episode 38 - Ate it Up with Ree @Read_withRee 47:12

6M ago47:12

47:12

On this episode, Ree @Read_withree on instagram, discusses her love for thrillers and mysteries. We also talk about a shared favorite author, the joy that book people can bring, and how to make bookstagram a place of enjoyment. Follow Ree on Instagram Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s reading: There is a Rio Grande in Heaven by Ruben Re…

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Episode 37 - All Print, All the Time with Leah Rachel von Essen 1:02:39

6M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

On this episode, Leah Rachel von Essen, whose job is books, and I discuss our shared love of translated literature, especially genre fiction from other countries, and our shared love of reading and walking. She also talks about her very entertaining experiences with the library as a child and shares about her current work with Chicago Books to Wome…

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S12:Ep249 -The Lost Story with Guest Meg Shaffer + Library Book Recs - 1/15/25 1:04:31

7M ago1:04:31

1:04:31

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Meg Shaffer at www.megshaffer.com or on IG at meg_shaffer. This week we officially begin Season 12 so we have both a guest and book recommendat…

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Episode 36 - Reading Helps Me Figure it Out with Shakia Perry 1:02:08

7M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

On this episode, Shakia Perry, a very creative book lover who creates amazing book-related experiences for friends and family, discusses how she loves fiction to get into the messiness of other people. We also discuss our love for the library, reading pretty much wherever, and how much Libby can stress you out. Follow Shakia on Instagram! Books men…

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Episode 35 - Best of 2024 Part 2 1:27:54

7M ago1:27:54

1:27:54

On this episode, past guests of Books with Betsy and I share our favorite books of 2024! Listen to hear about lots of great 2024 books and the excellent backlist we got to this year. Books mentioned in this episode: Betsy’s Top 11 Books (in no particular order): Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe The Reformatory by Tananarive Due Enter Ghost…

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S12:Ep248 - Best of 2024 Year in Review - 1/1/25 59:54

7M ago59:54

59:54

Website- www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod FaceBook - Perks of Being a BookLover. To send us a message, go to our website and click the Contact button. This week we are doing our 2024 recap, covering the books that earned 5 stars. We’ve also got some audio interspersed in the episode from 2024 guests to The Perk…

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Episode 34 - Best of 2024 Part 1 1:34:01

7M ago1:34:01

1:34:01

On this episode, past guests of Books with Betsy and I share our favorite books of 2024! Listen to hear about lots of great 2024 books and the excellent backlist we got to this year. Books mentioned in this episode: Betsy’s Best Categorically (books that…): Shocked me: How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix None of This is True by Lisa Jewell…

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Episode 33 - I'll Crack it Open with Stephanie Majercik 56:38

7M ago56:38

56:38

On this episode, Stephanie Majercik, a reader who reads widely, and I discuss our shared tricks for Book of the Month, why passing around books is great, and how her reading chair revolutionized her reading life. We also discuss her book club and the bookish names she has for her collection of house plants. Read & Run Chicago - The Great Believers …

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S11:Ep247 - REMIX with Guest Tracey Clark - 12-18-24 58:07

7M ago58:07

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You can find Tracy Clark on social media on Instagram @tpclark2000 and on her website www.tracyclarkbooks.com/ For show notes for any episode, go to our website at www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. We are also on Instagram @perksofbeingabookloverpod and on FB Perks of Being a Book Lover This week we have a Remix episode and catch up with Tracy Clark,…

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Episode 32 - Where Literature is at this Moment with Bernie Lombardi 50:03

8M ago50:03

50:03

On this episode, Bernie Lombardi, a professor and researcher, discusses how his popular bookstagram and award lists are intertwined, along with his experiences reading the lists and even getting to go to the final ceremonies of a few awards! We also hear about his new author obsession and a very cool way that he tracks his reading each year. Bernie…

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S11:Ep246 - REMIX With Guest Sharon Short - 12/11/24 1:02:14

8M ago1:02:14

1:02:14

Our website - www.perksofbeingabooklover.com. Instagram - @perksofbeingabookloverpod Facebook - Perks of Being a Book Lover. To send us a message go to our website and click the Contact button. You can find Sharon Short at her website, www.sharonshort.com and on Instagram at @sharongshortauthor. This week we have a Remix episode and catch up with S…

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Episode 31 - These are my Trophies with Jenn Moland-Kovash 1:01:18

8M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

On this episode, Jenn Moland-Kovash and I discuss our shared interest in thrift-store book sections, the joy of walking around a bookstore and pointing out the books we have read, and her theories about why romantasy is popular. Jenn also gets me on a roll about the difference between book collecting and reading and why sprayed edges mean nothing t…

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REPLAY - S9:E198 | 2023 Holiday Book Buying Guide with Book Seller Sam Miller | 11/29/23 1:01:10

8M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

This is a REPLAY episode from our Holiday gift buying guide from 2023. We will be back next week with a REMIX episode with former guest Tracy Clark who has a new mystery you won't want to miss. This week we chat with our favorite bookseller, Sam Miller, from Carmichael’s Bookstore. Each November we let her do the heavy lifting and share books that …