Book of the Month Live
Episodes
Victor LaValle loves monsters.
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do you think you would do well in the Wild West? Victor LaValle says he has no chance! We're talking with Victor LaValle, author of Lone Women to disc...
Kristen Loesch writes her own fairy tales.
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do porcelain dolls freak you out? Us too… We sat down with Kristen Loesch to talk all about her debut novel, The Last Russian Doll. She dives into t...
Jenny Jackson's neighbors are celebrities.
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What's something in your home you detest, but your partner won't get rid of? Listen on to hear Jenny Jackson's answer! We sat down with Jenny Jackson ...
Emilia Hart has a vast knowledge of crows.
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
True or false: crows hold grudges. Emilia Hart has the answer. Today, we're talking with debut author Emilia Hart to discuss her novel, Weyward, the m...
Julia Bartz's novel is inspired by female psychopaths.
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you wrote a psychological thriller about a writing retreat, would you still attend a real-life writing retreat? Julia Bartz would! Today, we're tal...
Eleanor Shearer's book research helped her reconnect with family.
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Will writing a novel clear your skin? To what lengths will a mother go to find her family? Today, we're talking with debut author Eleanor Shearer, aut...
Kate Clayborn destroyed her old journals.
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A romantic lead with nice forearms and a rescue dog? What more could you want! We're talking to Kate Clayborn, author of Georgie, All Along, about the...
Jessica George says it's never too late to bloom.
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
True or false: Google is a reliable source for dating advice. Today, we're talking with Jessica George, author of Maame, about Googling embarrassing q...
Beezy Marsh could never live a life of crime.
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Want to learn more about the UK's very real (and very absurd) laws? Want to hear how 1940's criminals got away with stealing furs? You've come to the ...
Leigh Bardugo is inviting demons to her birthday party.
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Can a dark academia author recognize the names of demons? Can she tell us what really goes on behind closed doors in a secret society? Today, we're ta...
Lauren Kung Jessen is an online dating success story.
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After her own meet cute happened online, Lauren Kung Jessen decided she wanted to write about the world of online dating, but with a Chinese twist. To...
Kayla Olson would reboot her first kiss.
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What book do you get when you combine inspiration from Cory and Topanga's relationship on Boy Meets World, the pressures of fame, and a story of secon...
Kate Alice Marshall can't seem to get out of the woods.
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
She may have focused on writing her novel instead of paying attention in class, but it certainly paid off. Today, we sit down with Kate Alice Marshall...
Deepti Kapoor's vices are a high-quality glass of vino and watching TV with her cat.
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Age really does matter when writing a book. Deepti Kapoor says that if she had written Age of Vice in her 20's, it would be completely different. Toda...
We're wrapping up with hilarious true crime pro-tips from Karin Slaughter.
29 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Holidays, Listeners! In the spirit of the season, we are reflecting on and celebrating awesome conversations we had this year. We're wrapping up...
We're celebrating family, the modern western, and Kali Fajardo-Anstine.
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Holidays, Listeners! In the spirit of the holiday season, we are reflecting and celebrating some awesome conversations we had this year. First u...
R.F. Kuang should start a secret society.
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you were to create a secret society of people who sleep on their sides, what would you call it? Today, we sit down with R.F. Kuang to talk about he...
Stacy Willingham tells us why we're all so obsessed with stories about murder.
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Would you rather lose control of your mind or your body? What if you lost control of both? Repeat BOTM author Stacy Willingham's newest novel explores...
Amita Parikh thinks book people should care about sports.
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you're scared of heights, can your dream circus act still be to walk on the tightrope? Our next author thinks so. We're talking with Amita Parikh a...
Lily Brooks-Dalton would (maybe) survive the apocalypse.
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Would writers survive the end of the world? Is LASIK eye surgery the key to an apocalyptic future? And what roles do isolation and connection play in ...
Alison Cochrun draws inspo from '90s holiday rom-coms.
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Boozy grandmothers are truly the life of any holiday party. In today's episode, Alison talks about what Christmas looks like in Portland, complete wit...
We're thankful for family, food, storytelling, and Adriana Trigiani
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Thanksgiving, listeners! In celebration of the holiday season, we are re-airing our very first episode of VBT, featuring author Adriana Trigiani...
Onyi Nwabineli thinks closure is overrated.
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're taking an emotional journey with our next guest, Onyi Nwabineli. Her debut novel Someday, Maybe tackles some really tough subjects like suicide,...
Ruth Emmie Lang talks magical road trips and the American dream.
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we get to ask a screenwriter-turned-author the most important question of them all: Is the book always better than the movie? Ruth Emmie Lang j...
Matthew Quick is sharing the love.
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our next guest went from teaching students, to becoming a Jungian expert, to writing another novel that's stirring conversations all over the country....
And the 2022 Book of the Year Award goes to...
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The day everyone has been waiting for has finally arrived, and we are pleased to announce the 2022 golden Lolly goes to... Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and...
Deep Dive: The Book of the Year 2022 Finalists
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's the question we've all been asking ourselves since January 1, 2022: Which book is going to win the Book of the Year Award at Book of the Month fo...
Chloe Gong writes a love letter to Shanghai and Shakespeare.
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do flirty bisexuals make the best spies? Where does this historical fiction writer get her fight scene inspirations? What would happen if Pinocchio re...
Claudia Lux thinks they serve Jägermeister in Hell
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you think of Hell, what do you think of? To our next guest, Claudia Lux, it means unpredictable puddles, non-stop car horns, and waking up in a h...
VBT Brief 4: Halloween Night // Take 3: Secret Keeper
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Written by Book of the Month author Kiersten White. Author website: https://www.kierstenwhite.com/ New members can get Kiersten White's novel The Gui...
VBT Brief 4: Halloween Night // Take 2: Flesh and Blood
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Written by Book of the Month author Laura Hankin. Author website: https://www.laurahankin.com/ New members can get Laura Hankin's novel Happy & You K...
VBT Brief 4: Halloween Night // Take 1: The Fortune Estate
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Written by Book of the Month author Julie Clark. Author website: https://julieclarkauthor.com/ New members can get Julie Clark's novels The Lies I Te...
Sarah Addison Allen believes in the healing power of food.
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is the number one export of Other Birds' fictional Mallow Island? Marshmallows. And today, we're talking with a very sweet guest, Sarah Addison A...
GennaRose Nethercott hangs out in graveyards.
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why are we so afraid of monsters? What would you do if you saw a house running around town on chicken legs? If your past determines your magical abili...
Laurie Lico Albanese talks Hawthorne, Salem, and cranky witches
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when an author takes a literary classic and adds sythensisia, a new romantic interest, and really big shirt sleeves? We are talking with ...
Deanna Raybourn is a born assassin.
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you were in the dentist office, how would you ward off a potential killer? What does the old lady in the park have in her bag (besides a fluffy dog...
Carolyn Huyhn celebrates messy women.
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Writing a book with over 14 characters that have main-character energy is a real challenge, but Carolyn Huynh executed it perfectly in her debut novel...
Ali Hazelwood starts with the sex scenes.
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As a lover of Star Trek and a writer of fanfiction, Ali Hazelwood was destined to become a scientist and romance author. Today, she sits down to talk ...
VBT Brief 3: The Mistake // Take 3: Baby Brain
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Written by Book of the Month author Sarah Penner. Author website: https://www.sarahpenner.com/ New members can get Sarah Penner's novel, The Lost...
VBT Brief 3: The Mistake // Take 2: Truth Over Dare
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Written and recorded by Book of the Month 3peat author Katherine Center. Author website: https://katherinecenter.com/ New members can get Katheri...
VBT Brief 3: The Mistake // Take 1: My High School Bully
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Written by Book of the Month author Abby Jimenez. Author website: https://www.authorabbyjimenez.com/ New members can get Abby Jimenez's novel Part ...
Alice Feeney punched a doctor in the face.
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When crafting her characters, Alice Feeney likes to get inside their minds, no matter how dark (except for all of the murdery bits). Today, we're sitt...
Karin Slaughter might help you bury a body.
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Prom night is a memorable night for many Americans, but it's also a great setting for a murder. Today we sit down with Karin Slaughter to talk about ...
Lisa Jewell finds evil characters delicious.
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Can you fend off an intruder with a pool noodle? Why is it important to feel unsettled when finishing a thriller novel? We answer these questions and ...
Jillian Medoff asks strangers for help.
16 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Powerful corporate executive by day and successful novelist by night. Jillian Medoff really does do it all. In this episode, Jillian shares how talkin...
Taylor Hahn wants you to start swinging.
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's not everyday that authors go from being top-notch lawyers to writing novels about swingers. But Taylor Hahn is not your average author. On today'...
Jennifer Hillier thinks we could all be killers.
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you're a thriller author researching how to get away with murder, what kind of targeted ads start popping up? Our next guest, Jennifer Hillier, is ...
VBT Brief 2: The Psychic // Take 3: Miss Fortune
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Written by Book of the Month author Elyssa Friedland. Author website: http://www.elyssafriedland.com/ New members can get Elyssa Friedland's novel,...
VBT Brief 2: The Psychic // Take 2: Keep an Eye Out for Daisies
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Written by Book of the Month author Hannah Orenstein. Author website: http://hannahorenstein.com/ New members can get Hannah Orenstein's novel,...
VBT Brief 2: The Psychic // Take 1: What's Your Name?
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Written by Book of the Month author Chloe Gong. Author website: https://thechloegong.com/ New members can get Chloe Gong's novel, These Viol...
Katherine Center feasts on romance novels.
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
She is an expert in all things adorable, a BOTM 3peat author, and can give you the inside scoop on what makes a great kiss. In this episode, Katherin...
Blake Crouch has seen the future.
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After listening to today's episode, Blake Crouch will have you questioning everything. Are the biggest global corporations run solely by AI? Could gen...
Gabrielle Zevin will never stop playing
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you could live in any video game, what would it be? Or are we actually living in one giant simulation already? We're here to answer these questions...
VBT Brief 1: The Reunion // Take 3: The Not-So-Perfect Landing
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Written by Jocelyn Kender. Browse great reads at bookofthemonth.com and new members can get their first book for just $9.99 with code VBT at checko...
VBT Brief 1: The Reunion // Take 2: The Thing About Brad
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Written by Danica Lo. Author website: https://www.danicalo.com Browse great reads at bookofthemonth.com and new members can get their first book fo...
VBT Brief 1: The Reunion // Take 1: Desdemona and the Family Business
27 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're kicking off our new VBT Briefs series with Book of the Month 3peat author Helen Hoang. New members can get Helen Hoang's most recent work, The H...
Kali Fajardo-Anstine is a 2-time dropout
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when you take tea leaf reading, family secrets, and powerful premonitions and blend them into an epic Western novel? You get Kali Fajardo...
Chelsea Abdullah wants a bag of infinite space
14 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How can one little lamp cause so much trouble? And how do video game characters fit all of their potions, weapons, and maps into their pockets? On tod...
Julie Clark is really paranoid
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How can you fit conniving con artists, edge-of-your-seat endings, and shifty scammers all into one podcast episode? Listen to find out! Repeat BOTM au...
Isabel Cañas is a self-proclaimed "wuss"
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How does an author go from writing Lord of the Rings fanfic to a spine-chilling tale about the supernatural? Author Isabel Cañas sits down with Edito...
Kellye Garrett doesn't love writing
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been so petty that you left your glass right next to the coaster, knowing that it might drive your own mother to murder? Well, our next ...
Adriana Trigiani manifested this
17 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every conversation with Adriana Trigiani is one to remember. According to Adriana, this one was years of manifestation in the making! Editorial Direct...
Introducing Virtual Book Tour
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Since we've never been ones to keep interesting new books to ourselves, we're kicking off a series of conversations with Book of the Month authors abo...