Ep 434: Hospitable books with a strong sense of welcome
Jun 11, 2024
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A bookseller and marketing director shares her love for hospitality in books, seeking welcoming stories. They discuss selecting comforting reads, setting attainable goals, and exploring literature on hospitality, comfort, and exceptional experiences. Recommendations include cozy English hotel tales and memoirs about transformative journeys.
Books can offer a warm sense of welcome through vicarious experiences.
The podcast explores the theme of hospitality in books set in hotels and restaurants.
Book recommendations focus on creating inviting spaces and the transformative power of shared experiences.
Deep dives
Four Books Recommended for a Bookstore Owner and Hospitality Enthusiast
In this episode, a bookstore owner and hospitality enthusiast shares insights on creating inviting spaces based on her love for hospitality. Recommendations include 'The Wake Up Call' by Beth O'Leary, a romance about a struggling boutique hotel that transforms through an enemies-to-lovers plot; 'Fly Girl' by Anne Hood, a memoir about a flight attendant's experiences at work; 'Babette's Feast' by Isaac Denison, a novella about a transformative dinner party; and 'Shopkeeping' by Peter Miller, a reflection on the importance and dynamics of public spaces such as shops.
Introduction to 'The Wake Up Call' by Beth O'Leary
This contemporary romance novel follows the story of a struggling boutique hotel in England, run by a family facing financial challenges. A tale of enemies-to-lovers unfolds between two front desk workers, amidst efforts to revamp the hotel's image and create memorable guest experiences.
Explore 'Fly Girl' by Anne Hood
In this memoir, Anne Hood recounts her experiences as a flight attendant in the late '70s and early '80s, revealing the transformative power of travel and the human connections she formed while working in the airline industry.
Dive into 'Babette's Feast' by Isaac Denison
This Danish novella tells the story of Babette, a former chef who hosts a lavish dinner for villagers in a strict religious community, leading to profound transformations in relationships and perceptions. The dinner serves as a symbol of generosity and the power of shared experiences.
Experience 'Shopkeeping' by Peter Miller
Peter Miller's exploration of the philosophy behind creating and maintaining a shop offers insights into the art of curation, customer experiences, and the significance of public spaces. Through anecdotes and reflections, the book sheds light on the role of shopkeepers in shaping community connections and the unique dynamics of retail environments.
Reading offers a wide range of vicarious experiences, and today's guest is looking for books that make her feel warmly welcome.
Adrianne Carnes is a bookseller and marketing director for a local independent bookstore in Texas, where she loves to create an inviting space for the readers who frequent her shop. Adrianne's interest in hospitality started in her youth, when she traveled often with her parents and was charmed by her experiences.
These days, Adrianne enjoys finding inviting books as well as stories set in a hotel or restaurant, but finding the right titles feels overwhelming. Today Anne helps Adrianne navigate the massive availability of interesting books and discuss how to know she's found a title that feels worth spending time on. Anne closes with recommendations of books that offer a sense of hospitality and welcome.
Find the full list of titles mentioned today and share your recommendations for Adrianne on our show notes page at whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com/434.
What Should I Read Next? is sponsored by BetterHelp.