Bookworms, do you ever think to yourself, “I’m so glad I get to be alive at the same time as this magical person?” That was my exact thought after I talked with Adrian Cepeda, owner of the Golden Lab Bookshop in Queens, New York. His infectious love of books and commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusivity in literature is a joy to behold. Adrian uplifts voices that aren’t always at the forefront of popular literature, so readers can connect with stories they can relate to. In today’s episode, Adrian and I grappled with how we can continue to appreciate classic literature, even if social norms have changed, and how Gabriel García Márquez didn’t invent magical realism, but perfected it. Finally, Adrian nearly gave me a heart attack when he showed me the horror book he’s currently reading. Support the Best Book Ever Podcast on Patreon Follow the Best Book Ever Podcast on Instagram or on the Best Book Ever Website Host: Julie Strauss Website/Instagram Guest: Adrian Cepeda Golden Lab Bookshop/Instagram/TikTok Do you have a book you want to tell me about? Go HERE to apply to be a guest on the Best Book Ever Podcast. (Note: I’m not doing any of my usual affiliate links this week. All of the links for this episode take you to the Golden Lab Bookshop. Thank you for supporting this indie bookstore, not just for the books we talk about on today’s episode, but for any book buying you do! Remember to show our beloved indie bookstores ALL the love this holiday season!) Discussed in this episode: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez (If you can read Spanish, Adrian especially recommends this book in its original language.) The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz Leaf Storm and Other Stories by Gabriel García Márquez Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel García Márquez A Farewell to Gabo and Mercedes: A Son’s Memoir of Gabriel García Márquez and Mercedes Barcha by Rodrigo Garcia Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw Discussed in our Patreon Segment: Get a personalized book recommendation from the Golden Lab Bookshop Liane Moriarty Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bestbookeverpodcast.substack.com

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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