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On this dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, Laura catches you up on her reading from December 2021 and January 2022. From year-end musings to ALA award winners, picture books to non-fiction there's a lot to catch up on.  Check out the #grownupspicturebookclub with @noextrawords on Instagram for February's book club pick, Unspeakable. Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

On this dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, our Library Laura Podcast guest is author Kari Cope. She's recently written a book, There's Always Water in the Wilderness: A Close Look at the Biblical Motifs of Wells and Wildernesses. On today's episode, we chat about the writing process, Kari's reading life, what it means to closely read a text and why it's important when it is applied to reading Scripture, and swap some great book recommendations!  Find Kari at @cope.kari on Instagram and her email is Kari(at)karicope(dot)com. She'd love to hear from you. Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

On this week’s dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, our guest is Nancy McConnell, the author of Into the Lion’s Mouth. It’s a middle grade historical fiction novel set in 1498 Venice. This is her debut novel but she has several other manuscripts in the works, including a graphic novel in collaboration with her daughter, Rebecca. She’s also a mother and an educator. We have a great conversation about her reading and writing life and swap some wonderful recommendations for both children and adult books.   Visit www.nancymcconnell.com or connect with Nancy on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. If you're looking for seasonal book recommendations or middle grade reads, she's a great person to ask! You can purchase Into the Lion's Mouth on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or Immortal Works. (And of course your local indie bookstore can order it!) Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

On this dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, our guest is author Tom Kreffer. Tom is the author of two books about fatherhood, Dear Dory: Journal of A Soon-to-be First-time Dad and Dear Arlo: Adventures in Dadding. In his books of daily journal entries, Kreffer alternates between profound and profane as he chronicles his wife's pregnancy and their child's first year. We talk about his writing process, the joys and struggles of parenthood, what he enjoys reading, and what he's writing next!  Find and follow Tom Kreffer on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads, and on his website. Don't forget to pick up a copy of Dear Dory: Journal of A Soon-to-be First-time Dad and Dear Arlo: Adventures in Dadding. for yourself or a parenting friend.  Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

On this dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, your host Laura talks about all the books she read in November 2021. It was a great reading month with a fun variety of books, from picture books to YA, non-fiction to novels. Let me know what you've been reading, or what you're looking forward to reading as 2021 quickly draws to a close.  Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

Welcome to this dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm. Today's Library Laura Podcast guest is author Kyra Ann Dawkins. She's the author of The We and the They, as well as being a writer, an editor, a book reviewer, and an aspiring storyteller. Her book is guided by oral tradition and rooted in collective identity, which we'll talk about. We also talk about what makes good children's stories! Krya is an avid reader and we swap some great book recommendations on everything from C.S. Lewis and Isabel Allende, to books with themes of autism and ones that incorporate folklore.  Get in touch with Kyra Ann Dawkins on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. Find The We and The They on Amazon or Bookshop.org wherever books are sold! Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

In this week's dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, our Library Laura Podcast guest is Lenore Stutznegger. Lenore is the author of Blue Shadows Fall, a debut YA dark fantasy novel set in post-apocalyptic Appalachia. We have a great conversation today about her book, being a reader, artist, and writer, geeky easter eggs, her love of fantasy books, underground libraries, and so much more. There's (of course) lots of great book recommendations, too.  Find Lenore online on Instagram or her website, and pick up a copy of her book from Bookshop, Amazon, or your favorite indie bookstore.  Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

On this episode of the Library Laura Podcast, your host Laura shares all the books she read in October of 2021. From middle grade mysteries to inspiring and thought-provoking nonfiction, from books set in bookshops to children's picture books, there's a lot to talk about.  Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Come tell us on social media what you've been reading lately, or if there was a book on today's episode that sparked your interest! Find and follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

I'm very excited to be talking with Megan Saben on today's episode of the Library Laura Podcast. She's the author of Something Better Coming, a children's picture book about the resurrection of Jesus that just released this fall. She's also a writer for Redeemed Reader and the mother of 5 boys living in Virginia. We have a lot in common, which you'll see throughout the episode as we discuss knitting, baseball, books, writing, tea, and more. We originally recorded this episode in early August, but I've been holding onto it until her book arrived state-side and is ready to order. You can get a copy today through her website: literariteapress.com!  Connect with Megan Saben and Literaritea Press online on Facebook, Instagram, and the website. Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog.  

On this week's dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, our Library Laura Podcast guest is Jodi Meltzer. Jodi is the award-winning author of two children's books, When You Lived in My Belly (about a baby and mother's journey from conception to birth, which we talked about on the Mother's Day Episode 56. ) and Goodnight Star, Whoever You Are (which addresses childhood grief). Goodnight Star, Whoever You Are helps kids cope with grief, loss, and longing in an enchanting way, sparking meaningful conversations about the everlasting power of love. Jodi is also a prolific blogger (especially about parenting, divorce, and grief) with a journalism background. We also chat about what middle grade books her son Alex might enjoy reading since he liked my recommendations so much last time!  Keep in touch with Jodi Meltzer on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, or visit her website.  Preorder Goodnight Star, Whoever You Are before October 26th!  Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

On this week's dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, your host Laura shares her reading list from September 2021. She read a surprising amount of both middle grade books and non-fiction this month, as well as some more mysteries! Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org. Come tell us what you've read in September or if there's a book Laura read this month that now you want to read on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or on the Podcast Blog.  Also, this is an announcement that due to the upcoming birth of Baby Miller (and the busy holiday season) the podcast is officially moving to 2 or 3 episodes a month rather than weekly episodes until further notice. Thanks for your flexibility during this exciting time.

On this week's dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, our Library Laura Podcast guest is author, illustrator and animator Ken Priebe. He's the author of several books for children, including The Ice Cream Truck at Midnight, Let There Be Owls Everywhere, and Gnomes of the Cheese Forest And Other Poems. His next book, Goblabet, is coming in 2022 and being published by Bandersnatch Books. This episode is a treasure trove of book recommendations for kids and kids-at-heart. We talk about influences on his work and art, his love for whimsically spooky monsters, the joys and trials of having multiple library cards, and the delights of reading with your children.  Follow Ken @booksbykenpriebe and @ken.a.priebe on Instagram, and check out his website.  Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

On this week's dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, our guest is debut author Rab Ferguson. He's written a young adult climate change novel, Landfill Mountains, that blends all the coming-of-age and young love of YA with a bleak, futuristic landscape and eerie characters plucked straight from folktales. The result is an ode to the fragile beauty of our planet and the timeless art of oral storytelling. I first met Rab through the Big Kids Book Club Podcast, and today we have a great chat about storytelling and its role in his life and career, as well as what inspired his first book. We also swap some great book recommendations!  Don't miss the giveaway of one copy of Landfill Mountains on the Library Laura Podcast social media accounts thanks to Onwe Press.  Get in touch with Rab on his website and @rabtales on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Buy a copy of Landfill Mountains as a book or ebook today! (affiliate links)  Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org (affiliate link) Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

On this week's dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, our Library Laura Podcast guest is Author Risa Nyman. She's written two middle grade mysteries, Swallowed by A Secret and Spooked by A Suspicion. She's a Boston native -- and has the accent to prove it -- but recently moved to Rhode Island. Before becoming a published author, she worked for many years for the League of Women Voters.  Get in touch with Risa Nyman on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and on her website. Pick up a copy of Swallowed by a Secret and Spooked by a Suspicion today!  Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog.  September is National Suicide Prevention Month. If you or a friend needs help or support, you can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) anytime. Take care of yourselves, friends! 

On this week's dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, podcast host Laura tells about all the books she read in August 2021. We've got loads of mysteries and fantasy this month, with some middle grade adventure and even some non-fiction thrown in for good measure.  Drop a comment and let me know what you've been reading lately! Or is there a book from this list that you're interested in reading? Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

On this week's dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, our Library Laura Podcast guest is Emily VanderBent. She's the author of Crimson Time, a YA Historical Fantasy novel, and is releasing the second book in that series, Fractured Past, in December 2021. She loves looking at the untold and underrepresented stories of women in history, as well as presenting history in a different light through fantasy fiction. In addition to being an author, she's a historian and an author coach with New Degree Press. We have a great conversation about with lots of book recommendations, as well as stories about the reading and writing life.  Pick up a copy of Emily's book, visit her website, and follow her on Instragram @emilyvanderbent_author Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

On this week's dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, our guest is Jennifer Neves. She's a mother and writer living in Palermo, Maine. This year she published a collection of essays called Freedom Farm, about growing up in Maine and later moving back to raise her four children there. We talk about poetry and essays, authors from Maine, the writing process, and swap some great book recommendations.  Pick up a copy of Freedom Farm and visit Jennifer on her website, Facebook, or Instagram.  Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

On this week's dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, your host Laura talks about her July 2021 reading. There's quite a variety, from middle grade to YA, non-fiction, to romance. Laura also ponders why she might like mysteries better than romances, and talks about the parenting/baby books she had been keeping mum about the last several months.  Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

On this week's dose of book recommendations, library love and literary enthusiasm, our guests Daniel Friend and Daniel Hsieh are here to talk about A Compass for Deep Heaven: Navigating the C.S. Lewis Ransom Trilogy. They are two of ten contributors to this brand new book, edited by Dr. Diana Pavlac Glyer and Julianne Johnson. My sister, Rachel Roller, is also a contributor, which is how I got connected with this fascinating project. Written to be accessible and useful to fans and scholars alike, A Compass for Deep Heaven provides the background information, historical context, and literary insight readers need to navigate the cosmos of Lewis’s science fiction. It does not merely inform; it shows how these contexts clarify key messages and reveal the real-world warnings hidden there. Purchase a copy today, or find out more about at CSLewisCompass.com and on Facebook and Twitter.  Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog. 

On this week's dose of book recommendations, library love, and literary enthusiasm, our guest is author and anthropologist Mackenzie Finklea. She's written "Beyond the Halls: An Insider's Guide to Loving Museums" and has a work of fiction set to come out in December 2021. She's also given a Ted Talk and is a publishing coach. We talk historical fiction and museums, swap some great book recommendations, and more.  Find Mackenzie on her website, Twitter, her personal and author Instagram accounts, and on Facebook. Pick up a copy of Beyond the Halls online or from your local indie bookstore.  Books from today's episode are on the Library Laura storefront on bookshop.org Follow the Library Laura Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and on the Podcast Blog.