Books Are My People

Back in Time Books out in 2012

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I go back in time to 2012 to share some of my favorite reads as well as discuss other, notable reads from that year. We have a special gue...

Best Books of 2025

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Check out my top reads of 2025. I also include some books I read in 2025 that were previously published. I share what craft I'm struggling with, ...

When art and science collide

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I speak with Aja Gabel, author of Lightbreakers. We talk about loss, writing and book recommendations, of course! We also get a guest autho...

Me, Myself and I

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every once in a while I like to just record on my own! Especially when life gets hectic! We get a guest author recommendation from Kristin Bair, auth...

Superstitious Fiction

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we're joined by Nick Medina, author of The Whistler. We talk about superstitions, narrative voice and so much more! We also get a book...

Read Like A Gilmore Girl

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 151 Kristine Eckart visits and talks about her new book, Meet Me At Luke's: Lessons in Life and Love from the Gilmore Girls. We talk ...

The Grounded Fantastic

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode #150, I sit down with Matthew J. Trafford to talk about his short fiction collection Runs in the Blood. We explore the grounded fantastic—...

Surprising Books That Subvert Expectations

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, on episode #149 with Laura Dickerman, we discuss her debut novel, HOT DESK - a funny and touching book about two people who share a desk in...

Reading About Adventure and Drawing Your Adventures with Samantha Dion Baker

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we speak with the delightful Samantha Dion Baker, artist and author of Draw Your Adventures: Making Art to Celebrate Everyday Experiences a...

147 - Books About Death and Dying

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I'm joined by Lisa Pahl who talks about an inventive way to talk about death and dying, through use of The Death Deck. We also discuss...

Me, Myself and I

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An adorably short episode where I talk about the Pulitzer winning book of fiction as well as ponder whether or not dead authors' work should be p...

Slutty Golden Retrievers - The Always Original, Annie Hartnett

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm in conversation with Annie Hartnett, author of the recently published Road to Tender Hearts. We talk about the inspiration for her pro...

When Science and Novel Writing Collide

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I'm in conversation with Lauren Steinstra, author of The Beauty of the End. We discuss genetics, how her career in science influenced ...

The Art of Painting Books with Jane Mount

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Books Are My People, I'm visited by artist and bibliophile Jane Mount. We discuss the importance of talking about banned books...

Clowning Around with Kristen Arnett

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I'm joined by author Kristen Arnett. We chat about clown and how they relate to her latest novel, Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One. ...

Book Podcasters Unite!

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this week’s episode of BOOKS ARE MY PEOPLE I’m joined by fellow book podcaster Traci Thomas of THE STACKS. We chat about some of her favorite a...

Refusing to Disappear

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, on episode #141 Jane Tara visits all the way from Australia to discuss her first book written for adults, Tilda is Visible. We talk about s...

Fostering Community at the Culver City Book Festival

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I speak with Jennifer Caspar, founder and owner of Village Well Books & Coffee and one of their events coordinators, Brett Morrow. We f...

Los Angeles is a Megacity

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Genaro Trejo, founder of Megacity Review visits and we talk about his new literary and art journal which amplifies underrepresented voices....

A Quick Fire Update

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Be back in two weeks. Stay safe out there. Be kind to one another. Support the showGet your Books Are My People coffee mug here!I hope you all have a...

Best of Books 2024

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On Episode #138 I share my favorite reads and audiobook listens from 2024 as well as some favorite backlist titles I read this past year. Watch me rec...

Back In Time: Favorite Books From 2013 Plus A Very Special Holiday Guest

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, my favorite guest is back, my dad, writer Ron Clark! Plus, there’s even a special bonus guest. We all giggle. A lot. Then, I go back in t...

Reimagining the Past

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A.D. Rhine - the pseudonym for co-authors Ashlee Cowles and Danielle Stinson are here to discuss their latest novel, Daughters of Bronze, a retelling ...

Finding A Way Home

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I speak with Nayantara Roy about her debut novel The Magnificent Ruins. We speak about how she managed the logistics of her page-turning fa...

Writing Advice and Origin Stories

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, on episode 134, I'm joined by podcaster and writer Jonathan Small, author of the recently published Write About Now: Successful Author...

Marvels of the Dark

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 133, I'm visited by Leigh Ann Henion author of Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark. W...

Oscar Wilde Was A Family Man

29 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 132 Louis Bayard discusses his latest historical novel, The Wildes: a novel in five acts. We talk about our shared affinity for Oscar Wilde...

A Puzzling Mystery

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, on episode 131, I speak with the incredibly creative and talented Janice Hallett about her latest novel, The Examiner.  We discuss how she...

Some Favorite Summer Reads

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I read 40 books this summer! On episode 130, I share some of my favorites. This episode of Books Are My People is sponsored by Darrin Doyle’s Let Gr...

A Magpie Tells The Story with Catherine Chidgey

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 129 of Books Are My People is sponsored by Let Gravity Seize the Dead  by Darrin Doyle. This week, I speak with Catherine Chidgey, the award...

The Sandwich Generation and Book Recommendations

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 128 I speak with author Catherine Newman about summer hair, humor as survival strategy and Catherine’s previous job working in a sandwich...

Me, Myself and I: Celebrating Five Years of Podcasting with a Special Guest

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

These week, on episode 127  I take it back to the OG days of the podcast five years ago when I struggled to get a guest on the show. Now, I am so luc...

Let's Talk Picture Books

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, on episode 126, I speak with picture book author Nell Cross Beckerman. We discuss how authors find illustrators, some of our favorite pictu...

How to Start an Independent Press

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week on episode #125, author and Drag Queen Story Hour founder Michelle Tea visits and talks to us about her new Press, Dopamine, its forthcoming...

Turning Discarded Books Into Art

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On episode #124, collage artist and printmaker Sarah Z. Short talks about her creative process,  how language figures into her art, the books she use...

Murder in Sicily with Jo Piazza author of The Sicilian Inheritance

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

#123 with Jo Piazza The Sicilian InheritanceThis week, I talk food and books with The Sicilian Inheritance author and podcaster extraordinaire, Jo Pi...

Changing Legislation through Books with Garrard Conley

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On episode #122, author Garrard Conley (Boy Erased) speaks with me about his latest novel, All The World Beside. We talk about the research involved i...

How to Write A Graphic Memoir

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In episode #121, graphic memoirist, Kelcey Ervick joins the show to talk about her graphic memoir and what it’s like to write about and draw her liv...

Roxana Robinson

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On episode #120, Roxana Robinson (Leaving) and I discuss novels that move us, Parisian sewers and best approaches to teaching writing.  Books Recomme...

Books About War

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In episode #119, John Evans, owner of Diesel Bookstore talks about selling his independent bookstore, what he'll miss most and how books help us ...

Building Community Through Books and Art

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, on episode #118 of Books Are My People, I'm visited by H. Maria Armijo a visual artist, librarian and instructor on a mission to boost...

Five Great Book Recommendations

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On episode #117, learn about three new works of fiction, one memoir and a backlisted short fiction collection. Join my book club if you're lookin...

Bookshop.org and the Importance of Independent Bookstores

01 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, on episode #116, Andy Hunter CEO of Bookshop.org stops by and talks about how he started his company and he shares some of his favorite recent ...

Best Books of 2023

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, on episode #115, my father and screenwriter Ron Clark and I talk movies and I recommend my favorite reads from 2024. Books recommended:Chain-G...

Best Books of 2014

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today on episode #114 I go back in time and review my favorite book from 2014.  Etsy Link To My JournalsSend me an email at [email protected]...

A Grandmother Begins The Story

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, on episode #113, Michelle Porter and I discuss her debut fiction novel, A Grandmother Begins The Story. Books Recommended:A Grandmother Begins...

Edward Carrey

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I get a visit from one of my favorite authors, Edward Carrey. We talk about his latest novel, Edith Holler.  Books Recommended:Edith Holler b...

Five Great Book Recommendations

23 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, on episode #111, I recommend five great  reads. Books Recommended:Pet by Catherine ChidgeyThe Art Thief by Michael FinkelShark Heart by Emily...

Reproductive Rights and Women's Healthcare

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On  episode #110 I speak with author Kerri Maher. We talk about reproductive rights, historical fiction and her latest novel, All You Have To Do Is C...

Theives' Gambit and Wanderlust

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, on episode #109, I speak with young adult Kayvion Lewis, author of the recently published Thieves’ Gambit. We talk about her writing process ...

Pockets and Fashion in Books And Culture

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, on episode #108, I speak with Hannah Carlson, who has a PHD in material culture, to talk about her book, Pockets: An Intimate History of How We...

Dreamgirls

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, on episode 107 I speak with author Denene Millner about her latest novel, One Blood, and her experience novelizing the film Dreamgirls.Click on...

Stephen Sondheim, Writer's Strike and Books

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shownotes:Today, on episode #106,  I am joined by screenwriter, Ron Clark, who also happens to be my father. We discuss the writer's strike, Ste...

Historical Fiction and Hotel Laguna

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, on episode #105 historical fiction author, Nicola Harrison pops by to discuss her latest novel, Hotel Laguna.Recommended Books:Shoulder Season ...

Suspense Novels and May Cobb

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, on episode #104, A Likable Woman author, May Cobb, and I talk about how we unknowingly used to be neighbors, what it means to be an unlikable ...

Bookpage Magazine

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today on episode #103, you won't believe how many books Bookpage Editor, Savanna Walker looks at a month in order to make her review selections a...

Book Recommendations from a Book Editor

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, on episode #102, listen to learn about Katie Mouallek's life as an editor in Amsterdam, her love of Southern storytelling and her number o...

Bookstagram and Book Influencers

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today on episode #101,  I speak with lawyer and Bookstagrammer, Caroline Dreyfus of @Texacalibooks. She shares with us three books that make her happ...

100 Episodes of Book Recommendations

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week,  on episode #100, I celebrate my 100th podcast episode! Want more book recommendations? Sign up for my newsletter here. Win Pineapple Stre...

99 - Books Are My People with Jenny Jackson, author of Pineapple Street

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, editor and author, Jenny Jackson, comes on the show to discuss her novel, Pineapple Street.  Want more book recommendations? Sign up for ...

98 - Books Are My People with Rebecca Makkai, author of I Have Some Questions For You

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Want more books in your life? Sign up for my weekly newsletter here. Books Recommended: I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca  MakkaiThe Door by ...

97 - Books Are My People with Priya Guns, author of Your Driver Is Waiting

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

97 – Books Are My people with Priya GunsWant more book recommendations in your life? Sign up for my weekly newsletter! Want to send a little love m...

96 - Books Are My People with Amy Poeppel, author of The Sweet Spot

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Amy Poeppel and I discuss her new novel, The Sweet Spot, how monologues can help a writer find their character's voice and find out wh...

95 - Books Are My People with Grady Hendrix

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Want even more book recommendations? Sign up for my weekly newsletter! We talk about puppets, Muppets, our mutual love for Jim Henson, how Grady visc...

94 - Books Are My People with Parini Shroff, author of The Bandit Queens

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Parini Shroff, author of The Bandit Queens, visits and we talk about how we like to organize our books, what inspired her novel and what sh...

93 - Books Are My People with soThis founder, Annie Long Sullivan

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sign up for my new Books Are My People Newletter here!     This week, I speak with  Annie Long Sullivan, founder of soThis, a bookclub with benef...

92 - Books Are My People - Back in Time 2015

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

92 – Books Are My People – Just Jennifer – Back in time to 2015click here to sign up for my newsletter!  Books Recommended:Fates and Furies by...

Books Are My People #91 - with Anna Caputo

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

91 – Books Are My People with Anna CaputoBooks Discussed:Thank you for Listening by Julia WhelanDaisy Darker by Alice FeeneyPoster Girl by Veronica ...

90 - Books Are My People with Tracy Dawson

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Books Are My People – Episode 90This week, I welcome author and actor Tracy Dawson, author of Let Me Be Frank: A Book about Women Who Dressed Like M...

89 - Books Are My People with Author Brittany Ackerman (The Brittanys)

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

89 – Books Are My People with Brittany Ackerman (author of The Brittanys and The Perpetual Motion Machine)The Brittanys  by Brittany AckermanThe Pe...

88 - Books Are My People with Author Rachel Harrison (Such Sharp Teeth)

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I have the perfect Halloween guest, Rachel Harrison, author of the recently published, Such Sharp Teeth. We talk about reads for spooky sea...

GUEST HOST: The Perks of Being a Book Lover Podcast with Sean Petrie from Typewriter Rodeo

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I'm taking the week off to wrap up my teaching commitments, so I've enlisted some help from my friends Amy and Carrie over at The Perks of B...

87 - Books Are My People (with author A.M. Homes)

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I welcome acclaimed author, A.M. Homes to the show! We talk about her latest novel, The Unfolding, as well as her writing habits and what m...

Episode #86 - Books Are My People with BookPage editor, Cat Acree

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I am joined by Cat Acree, Deputy Editor of BookPage Magazine. We chat about how we select our next picks, changes in the publishing industr...

85 - Books Are My People with Italic Type Founder, Emily Achler

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Thinks week I speak with Emily Achler, founder of Italic Type. She recommends books, speaks with us about her online book community and talks bout how...

84 - Books Are My People with Christopher Farnsworth (Reunion)

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

 Today, author Christopher Farnsworth visits and discusses his new novel, Reunion. We also talk about why writers write and he recommends some of his...

83 - Books Are My People with Author Katie Hafner (The Boys)

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Click here to purchase any of the books mentioned today.This week, I am joined by Katie Hafner, author of The Boys. We talk about how reading is like ...

Books Are My People - Episode #82

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I recommend The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka and other great books! Also, find out how you can get your favorite book recommendation on the sho...

Books Are My People - Episode #81

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I’m joined by The Village Well Books and Coffee owner, Jennifer Caspar who talks about what it takes to run a bookstore as well as shares...

Books Are My People - episode #80

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, a book about murder turns murderous in my bookish news segment, I recommend five recent paperback releases and five great books that I&apos...

Books Are My People - Episode #79 with Julie Clark, author of The Lies I Tell

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I'm joined by bestselling author and friend, Julie Clark! She talks about her recently released summer thriller, The Lies I Tell and r...

Books Are My People #78 with Author Eva Silverfine

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, author Eva Silverfine visits and discusses her novel, How to Bury Your Dog. We chat about writing, Kate Bush, the environment and other gre...

Special Event! Books Are My People visits The Perks of Being a Book Lover Podcast

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm broadcasting a guest episode I recorded over at the The Perks of Being a Book Lover Podcast with Amy and Carrie! Subscribe to The Perk...

Books Are My People - Episode #77 with My Summer Darlings author May Cobb

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, author May Cobb visits and talks about her latest release, My Summer Darlings. We chat about writing in a pandemic and discuss some of our ...

Books Are My People - Episode #76 with Kristen Hong of Fridge Love

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I'm joined by fridge organization and meal prep and planning guru, Kristen Hong, author of Fridge Love. She shares great food storage ...

Books Are My People - Episode #75

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I discuss the International Booker Prize shortlist and recommend books including Defenestrate, Unlikely Animals and other great books! Book...

Books Are My People - Episode #74 with A.E. Copenhaver

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I'm joined by author A. E. Copenhaver, author of My Days of Dark Green Euphoria. We discuss eco-anxiety, the ethics of literature and ...

Books Are My People - Episode #73 with artist and illustrator Sara Boccaccini Meadows

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I'm joined by artist and illustrator Sara Boccaccini Meadows. We discuss what a day in the life of an artist is like and talk about bo...

Books Are My People - Episode #72 with Marit Weisenberg

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we are so lucky to be visited by Marit Weisenberg, author of the recently published, This Golden State. We discuss genetic testing and some of ...

Books Are My People - Episode #71

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I recommend Mercy Street by Jennifer Haigh and Quiet in Her Bones by Nalini Singh as well as other great books! I also announce my next gue...

Books Are My People Episode #70 - with author Sarah Blake

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, author Sarah Blake visits to talk about her latest novel, Clean Air! We also recommend books, books and more books including When We Lost O...

Books Are My People - #69 - with Valerie Jauregui of the J3 Foundation

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I'm joined by librarian and J3  children's literacy program director, Valerie Jauregui of the J3 Foundation. We discuss some of ...

Books Are My People - Episode #68 - with Carrie and Amy from The Perks of Being A Podcast Lover

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I'm joined by Carrie and Amy from the podcast, The Perks of Being a Podcast Lover and we discuss some of our favorite recent reads, cr...

Books Are My People - Episode 67

09 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I look at Mouth to Mouth by Antoine Wilson, Reckless Girls. by Rachel Hawkins and other great books out now! Books Discussed:Mouth to Mout...

Books Are My People - Episode #66 - BEST OF 2021 and 2016

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I go back in time to my favorite books in 2016 as well as recommend my favorite reads form 2021. Get your to read list ready! I'm slin...

Books Are My People - Episode #65 with Dinah Manoff

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, author and actor, Dinah Manoff is here to discuss her novel, The Real True Hollywood Story of Jackie Gold and recommend some of her favorit...

Books Are My People Episode #64 with Jessica Laguna from The Towering TBR

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, bookstagrammer Jessica Laguna from The Towering TBR visits and recommends some great reads! We discuss The Brittanys by Brittany Ackerman, ...

Books Are My People - Episode 63

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 63 of Books Are My People, I talk about Lean Your Loneliness Slowly Against Mine by Klara Hveberg, The Teller of Secrets by Bise Adjapon an...

Books Are My People Episode #62

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode I talk about Win Me Something by Kyle Lucia Wu, New York My Village by Uwem Akpan and other great books!  Books Discussed:Win me Some...

Books Are My People - Episode #61 with Darrin Doyle

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, on episode 61, author Darrin Doyle and I discuss his latest  novel, The Beast in Aisle 34 and other great books including, The Auctioneer ...