Poured Over

Elizabeth Gilbert on ALL THE WAY TO THE RIVER

20 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert covers the full emotional spectrum, from love and loss to hope and healing. Elizabeth joined us live at...

Agustina Bazterrica on THE UNWORTHY

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica gives us a harrowing look at a dystopian future through an unforgettable heroine. Agustina joined us live at B&N ...

M.L. Rio on HOT WAX

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hot Wax by M.L. Rio is a gripping story of grief, love and rock 'n roll. M.L. joins us to talk about method writing, road tripping, creating fictiona...

Catherine Chidgey on THE BOOK OF GUILT

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey is a unique, genre-bending novel that asks, what would the world look like if no one won WWII? Catherine joins...

Mick Herron on CLOWN TOWN

13 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Clown Town by Mick Herron takes us back into the orbit of misfit spies and heart-racing adventure in the bestselling Slough House series. Mick joins ...

Maggie Smith and Saeed Jones on THE PEOPLE'S PROJECT

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The People's Project by Maggie Smith and Saeed Jones is a carefully curated collection of poetry, essays and art from some of our greatest voices. Ma...

Dan Brown on THE SECRET OF SECRETS

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown is another mind-bending, globe-spanning maze of a story featuring Robert Langdon. Dan joins us to talk about revis...

Andrew Joseph White on YOU WEREN'T MEANT TO BE HUMAN

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You Weren't Meant to Be Human by Andrew Joseph White is a gritty and guttural story of an alien invasion in the mountains of West Virginia. Andrew jo...

Stephen Greenblatt on DARK RENAISSANCE

06 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dark Renaissance by Stephen Greenblatt is a riveting look into the mysterious life of the brilliant and oft-misunderstood writer, Christopher Marlowe...

Eliana Ramage on TO THE MOON AND BACK

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

To the Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage is a sweeping story of a woman's journey to become the first Cherokee astronaut. Eliana joins us to talk about ...

Patrick Ryan on BUCKEYE

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Buckeye by Patrick Ryan is an intimate portrait of small-town, midcentury America. Patrick joins us to chat about writing family mythologies, the pas...

Dana A. Williams on TONI AT RANDOM

30 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Toni at Random by Dana A. Williams takes readers into the inner world of Toni Morrison as a literary editor. Dana joins us to chat about language, th...

Miriam Toews on A TRUCE THAT IS NOT PEACE

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Truce That is Not Peace by Miriam Toews is a heartfelt and hopeful memoir about life and art. Miriam joins us to talk about why she writes, silence...

R.F. Kuang on KATABASIS

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang is a gripping tour de force that takes us into the depths of the underworld alongside two rival academics. Kuang joins us to ...

Alexis Okeowo on BLESSINGS AND DISASTERS

23 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Blessings and Disasters by Alexis Okeowo is a riveting and empathetic portrait of a misunderstood U.S. state. Alexis joins us to talk about growing u...

Poured Over Double Shot: Emily Adrian and Jo Hamya

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Seduction Theory by Emily Adrian isn't your average campus novel. Emily joins us to talk about writing comedy, marriage plots, reading classics and m...

Nicholas Boggs on BALDWIN: A LOVE STORY

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Three decades in the making, Baldwin: A Love Story by Nicholas Boggs explores the personal relationships that made James Baldwin the indelible figure...

Cleyvis Natera on THE GRAND PALOMA RESORT

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Grand Paloma Resort by Cleyvis Natera centers on a tropical paradise hiding a sinister secret. Cleyvis joins us to talk about the intricacies of ...

Elaine Castillo on MODERATION

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Moderation by Elaine Castillo is a warm, funny and surreal story about the blurred lines between high tech and humanity. Elaine joins us to talk abou...

Jon Lee Anderson and Scott Anderson on TO LOSE A WAR and KING OF KINGS

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Scott and Jon Lee Anderson — award-winning journalists, bestselling authors, and brothers — both have new books out this month. The Anderson brot...

Chloé Caldwell on TRYING

09 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trying by Chloé Caldwell is a poignant memoir of self-exploration, home and identity. Chloé joins us to talk about minimalist writing, her journey ...

Kelly and Zach Weinersmith on A CITY ON MARS

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A City on Mars by Hugo Award-winning duo Kelly and Zach Weinersmith is a gripping take on one of humanity's biggest questions. The Weinersmiths join ...

Jason Mott on PEOPLE LIKE US

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

People Like Us by National Book Award-winning author Jason Mott is a brilliant story of grief, fear, hope and joy. Jason joins us to talk about story...

Aiden Thomas on CEMETERY BOYS

02 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas is a heartfelt story of first love, identity and home. Aiden joins us to talk about fan interactions, reflecting on the...

Stephanie Wambugu on LONELY CROWDS

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lonely Crowds by Stephanie Wambugu is a heartfelt and empathetic coming-of-age story centered on the volatile relationship between two artists. Steph...

Chris Nashawaty on THE FUTURE WAS NOW

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Future Was Now by Chris Nashawaty is a fascinating deep-dive into an era we'll never forget — the summer blockbuster season of 1982. Chris joins...

Maris Kreizman on I WANT TO BURN THIS PLACE DOWN

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I Want to Burn This Place Down by Maris Kreizman is a funny, honest and hopeful collection of essays from a cultural critic. Maris joins us to talk a...

Katie Yee on MAGGIE; OR, A MAN AND A WOMAN WALK INTO A BAR

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee is funny, full of heart and folklore, centered on a woman determined to find humor in her h...

Loretta Rothschild on FINDING GRACE

19 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild is a page-turning family drama, a second-chance love story, and a meditation on the fragile nature of life, all i...

Hala Alyan on I'LL TELL YOU WHEN I'M HOME

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I'll Tell You When I'm Home is a poignant exploration of place and identity by Hala Alyan, the author of Salt Houses. Hala joins us to talk about poe...

Honorée Fanonne Jeffers on MISBEHAVING AT THE CROSSROADS

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Misbehaving at the Crossroads by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers is an indelible collection of essays on womanhood, home and history. Honorée joins us to t...

Gary Shteyngart on VERA, OR FAITH

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart is a story about a modern family coming apart at the seams — and one child is at the center of it all. Gary joins...

Sophie Elmhirst on A MARRIAGE AT SEA

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst is an engrossing true account of a shocking shipwreck that's part love story and part peril on the high seas. So...

Poured Over Double Shot: Aisling Rawle and Emily Nussbaum

05 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Reality TV has changed our cultural landscape… for better or worse. We're tackling reality TV with two books — The Compound by Aisling Rawle and ...

Dr. Jessica B. Harris on BRAIDED HERITAGE

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Braided Heritage by Dr. Jessica B. Harris is a sweeping account of food, home and culture featuring stories and recipes from the acclaimed culinary h...

John Ganz on WHEN THE CLOCK BROKE

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When the Clock Broke by John Ganz is a sweeping and detailed portrait of the roots of deepening conflict in America. John joined us to talk about ele...

Catherine Newman on SANDWICH

28 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sandwich by Catherine Newman is a charming, often laugh-out-loud funny story about a woman being pushed and pulled between her parents and her childr...

Rob Hart on THE MEDUSA PROTOCOL

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Medusa Protocol by Rob Hart takes us back into the world of reformed hitmen from Our Mystery Monthly Pick, Assassins Anonymous. Rob joins us to t...

Megan Abbott on EL DORADO DRIVE

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott is a twisty story of friendship, love and betrayal. Megan joins us to talk sisterhood, suspense, Real Housewives, MLM...

Yael van der Wouden on THE SAFEKEEP

21 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden — winner of the 2025 Women's Prize for Fiction — is an indelible debut novel about love, loss, war and want. ...

Tourmaline on MARSHA

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Marsha by Tourmaline — artist, activist, and one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in the World — is the inspiring story of icon Marsha P. Jo...

Dennard Dayle on HOW TO DODGE A CANNONBALL

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How to Dodge a Cannonball by Dennard Dayle is a rollicking satire of the Civil War centered on one unforgettable protagonist. Dennard joins us to tal...

Jess Walter on SO FAR GONE

14 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

So Far Gone by Jess Walter is a timely thriller steeped in the sociopolitical landscape of the nation. Jess joins us to talk about conspiracy theorie...

Molly Jong-Fast on HOW TO LOSE YOUR MOTHER

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How to Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast is a heartfelt and honest exploration of complicated childhoods, life and grief. Molly joined us live at B...

Kyra Davis Lurie on THE GREAT MANN

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Great Mann by Kyra Davis Lurie transports readers into a narrative of wealth, race, class and fame. Kyra joins us to chat about writing Los Angel...

Susan Morrison on LORNE

07 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The history of Saturday Night Live and the man who made it, Lorne by Susan Morrison is an honest and earnest look at how such a simple concept took o...

Rob Franklin on GREAT BLACK HOPE

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Great Black Hope by Rob Franklin is a story about identity, home and hope from a fresh new voice in fiction. Rob joins us to chat about party novels,...

Maggie Stiefvater on THE LISTENERS

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater is historical fiction set against the backdrop of World War II and the bombing of Pearl Harbor. With complex and co...

Laura Pegram, Edwidge Danticat and Princess Joy L. Perry on SING THE TRUTH

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Laura Pegram, Edwidge Danticat and Princess Joy L. Perry joined us live at B&N Upper West Side to celebrate 15 Years of The Kweli Journal. Listen in a...

Robert Macfarlane on IS A RIVER ALIVE?

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Travel writing, ecological reporting and history flow together in a portrait of one of nature's most powerful features in Is a River Alive? by Robert...

Tayari Jones and A.M. Homes on 30 Years of the Women's Prize for Fiction

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tayari Jones and A.M. Homes joined us live at B&N Upper West Side to celebrate 30 Years of the Women's Prize for Fiction and riff on the craft of wri...

Alison Bechdel on SPENT

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Spent by Alison Bechdel is a big-hearted and funny account of life and art from a beloved author. Alison joins us to talk about late-stage capitalism...

Sarah Kay on A LITTLE DAYLIGHT LEFT

17 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Inspiring and uplifting, A Little Daylight Left by Sarah Kay is a poetry collection aimed at lighting the fire in you, whether you're facing new chal...

Ron Chernow on MARK TWAIN

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Twain by Ron Chernow is a deep dive into the life of one of America's literary geniuses through the eyes of a master biographer. Ron joins us to...

Ocean Vuong on THE EMPEROR OF GLADNESS

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are the books you read and then there are the books you experience, like The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong. Poet, photographer and bestsel...

Florence Knapp on THE NAMES

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Names by Florence Knapp is a stunning story about the power of family, legacy, language and lineage. Florence joins us to talk about writing in a...

Jemimah Wei on THE ORIGINAL DAUGHTER

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei is a story about the dawn of the internet, budding influencer culture and complicated family ties. Jemimah joins...

Michael Luo on STRANGERS IN THE LAND

03 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Strangers in the Land by Michael Luo is a gripping history of Chinese immigrants in America, from the nineteenth century to modern times. Michael join...

Shelby Van Pelt on REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is the big-hearted tale of a detective octopus helping a grieving aquarium employee solve the mystery ...

Omar El Akkad On Writing

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Omar El Akkad began writing fiction while working as a journalist, leading to two novels and an essay collection: American War, What Strange Paradise ...

Denne Michele Norris on WHEN THE HARVEST COMES

26 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When the Harvest Comes by Denne Michele Norris is a story about fathers and sons, love, life and inheritance. Denne joins us to talk about capturing ...

Andrew Porter on THE IMAGINED LIFE

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Imagined Life by Andrew Porter is a novel about fathers and sons, complex family mythologies and buried secrets. Andrew joins us to talk about fi...

Suleika Jaouad on THE BOOK OF ALCHEMY

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever wanted to start journaling, we've got you covered. The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad is filled with inspiration, advice and anecdo...

Camilla Barnes on THE USUAL DESIRE TO KILL

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our favorite book families tend to be delightfully dysfunctional, and there are none quite like the one in The Usual Desire to Kill by Camilla Barnes...

Kevin Nguyen on MY DOCUMENTS

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mỹ Documents by Kevin Nguyen follows four cousins navigating a tumultuous political landscape, internment camps, exploitation and isolation. Kevin ...

Reginald Dwayne Betts on DOGGEREL

12 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Doggerel by Reginald Dwayne Betts is a profound new collection on the intricacies of humanity and life, with man's best friend as its focal point. Re...

Kaliane Bradley on THE MINISTRY OF TIME

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley is escapist and relatable, poignant and funny. This genre-bending novel is firing on all storytelling cylinde...

Katie Kitamura on AUDITION

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Audition by Katie Kitamura follows one woman's daring exploration of identity, life and love. Katie joins us to talk about writing in first person, u...

Ferris Jabr on BECOMING EARTH

05 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After you read Becoming Earth by Ferris Jabr, be prepared to reconsider everything you think, know or believe to be true thanks to this engaging and ...

Maggie Smith on DEAR WRITER

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With personal anecdotes, writing exercises and a deep-dive into the pillars of creativity, Dear Writer by Maggie Smith is a one-stop-shop for budding...

Jennifer Haigh on RABBIT MOON

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rabbit Moon by Jennifer Haigh is a story of sisterhood, secrets and complicated family mythologies. Jennifer joined us to talk about writing in publi...

Nicole Cuffy on O SINNERS!

29 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

O Sinners! by Nicole Cuffy is a story about identity, grief, belonging, cults and coming-of-age centered on a young journalist in the California redw...

Dennis E. Staples on PASSING THROUGH A PRAIRIE COUNTRY

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Passing Through a Prairie Country by Dennis E. Staples is a chilling tale of fear and folklore set in a labyrinthine casino on an Ojibwe reservation ...

Brian Goldstone on THERE IS NO PLACE FOR US

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As timely as any book can possibly be, There Is No Place for Us is a sweeping and comprehensive journalistic investigation into a troubling new tren...

Revisiting Hilary Mantel on THE MIRROR AND THE LIGHT

22 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Mirror and the Light is the final book in Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall Trilogy, showcasing the final years of Thomas Cromwell. Before you watch the ...

Chris Bohjalian on THE JACKAL'S MISTRESS

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Jackal's Mistress by Chris Bohjalian is a sweeping tale of humanity and hope centered on two remarkable characters faced with a gruesome time in A...

Lauren Christensen on FIRSTBORN

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Firstborn by Lauren Christensen is a memoir of tragedy and hope that depicts grief and love with tenderness and heart. Christensen joins us to talk a...

Scaachi Koul on SUCKER PUNCH

15 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sucker Punch by Scaachi Koul is a witty and wise collection of essays on family, love, divorce and healing. Koul joins us to talk about what lead her...

Karen Russell on THE ANTIDOTE

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Antidote by Karen Russell is a transportive story about history, American ideology, and community. Russell joins us to talk about creating her ca...

Torrey Peters on STAG DANCE

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stag Dance by Torrey Peters is a series of short stories and a novel that examine gender identity, pushing societal boundaries and more. Peters joins ...

Chloe Dalton on RAISING HARE

08 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton is the inspiring and extraordinary story of an unlikely connection between a woman and a wild hare. Dalton joins us to t...

Karen Thompson Walker on THE STRANGE CASE OF JANE O.

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker is a mesmerizing story about motherhood, memory and complicated family ties based on case notes f...

Laila Lalami on THE DREAM HOTEL

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami is an engrossing, dire and dystopian story about authoritarianism, survival and the fight for privacy in a surveillan...

Sarah Jones on DISPOSABLE

01 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Disposable by Sarah Jones is a compassionate examination of the most overlooked people in the United States. Jones joins us to talk about what inspire...

Sonya Walger on LION

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lion by Sonya Walger is an autobiographical novel detailing the life and loss of her complicated and charismatic father. Walger joins us to talk about...

Holly Brickley on DEEP CUTS

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley is a big-hearted story with an eclectic soundtrack and sentences that'll stick in your head like your favorite lyrics. Br...

Matthew Goodman on PARIS UNDERCOVER

22 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Paris Undercover by Matthew Goodman sheds new light on the story of two women who rescued Allied soldiers during World War II and the complicated his...

Ali Smith on GLIFF

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gliff by Ali Smith is the story of two siblings navigating a dystopian world that feels timely and hopeful amid themes of isolation and identity. Smi...

Eric Puchner on DREAM STATE

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dream State by Eric Puchner is a story spanning fifty years, with three best friends grappling with life, love, family and climate change set against ...

Sarah Chihaya on BIBLIOPHOBIA

15 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bibliophobia by Sarah Chihaya reflects on the books that change the way we think about life and literature. Chihaya joins us to talk about these "Life...

Eowyn Ivey on BLACK WOODS, BLUE SKY

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey delves into the wilderness in this tender, bold and enchanting fable set in Alaska. Ivey joins us to talk about h...

Alejandro Heredia on LOCA

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Loca by Alejandro Heredia is a stunning novel about identity, home, life and love that takes readers through one epic, life-changing year alongside t...

Jennifer Finney Boylan on CLEAVAGE

08 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cleavage by Jennifer Finney Boylan interrogates modern and relevant themes of gender and sexuality with writing that is both entertaining and educatio...

Geraldine Brooks on MEMORIAL DAYS

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks explores what it means to truly grieve — a moving account of what it is to love, to lose and to heal. Brooks joins...

Allegra Goodman on ISOLA

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Isola by Allegra Goodman is a story of courage and isolation and a sweeping tale of companionship against all odds. Goodman joins us to talk about th...

Charmaine Wilkerson on GOOD DIRT

01 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson takes us from New England to West Africa and France on a quest to uncover the secrets of the past and build a new fu...

Adrienne Young on A SEA OF UNSPOKEN THINGS

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young is a breathtaking journey of grief, love and history about a woman that loses her twin brother in a freak a...

Imani Perry on BLACK IN BLUES

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People Imani Perry studies the color blue in all its history and hues in this remarkable analysis...

Revisiting Colson Whitehead on THE NICKEL BOYS

25 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Nickel Boys, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead, is a story of injustice and ultimately hope about two young men at a Florida r...

Elizabeth Harris on HOW TO SLEEP AT NIGHT

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How to Sleep at Night is a tender and timely novel telling a heartfelt story about marriage, love and politics. Harris joined us live to talk about wr...