Totally Booked with Zibby

Zibby interviews #1 New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Mitchard, A VERY INCONVENIENT SCANDAL, a page-turning family drama about a young woman who returns home to announce her pregnancy and marriage, only to discover her widowed father is marrying her best friend. The story was partly inspired by Mitchard's own experience; her widowed father introduced her to his new partner, who turned out to be a high school acquaintance. Mitchard discusses complex family dynamics, the importance of empathy in navigating familial changes, and the differences in how men and women perceive and handle such situations differently. Mitchard also shares insights into her writing process, advising aspiring authors to be patient with their stories and stressing the importance of reading for writers.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/481tsN7Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Moran about her thoughtful and provocative new book, WHAT ABOUT MEN: A FEMINIST ANSWERS THE QUESTION. Caitlin shares her insights on modern masculinity. The discussion delves into how young men often feel overlooked and the impact of influencers who promote outdated, misogynistic views. Ultimately, Caitlin emphasizes the need for more positive, progressive conversations about masculinity. The episode also touches on Caitlin's personal experiences, her thoughts on reading and writing, and her upcoming projects, including a humorous sci-fi novel. This podcast episode is ideal for listeners interested in gender dynamics, feminism, the creative process of writing, and fans of Caitlin Moran's work.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3NcMcRaShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews Jane Ferguson about NO ORDINARY ASSIGNMENT, a fascinating memoir that chronicles her career as a Middle East and South Asia war correspondent spanning thirteen years. Jane writes candidly about her industry and her motivations for choosing such a perilous career, linking her unpredictable home life, childhood anxiety, and constant sense of displacement to her ability to handle fear and chaos in conflict zones. Jane also details her transition from fashion and lifestyle stories to frontline reporting in war-torn countries. She reflects on the emotional toll of her work, particularly her experience in Syria, and the lingering effects of trauma. Tune in if you're interested in journalism, the complexities of conflict coverage, and personal resilience.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3GuXlZLShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews beloved New York Times bestselling author Mitch Albom about his latest novel, THE LITTLE LIAR. Set in a coastal Greek city during the Holocaust, the book centers on Nico, an honest boy forced by Nazis to deceive Jews about their fate. The narrative spans decades, intertwining the lives of Nico, his brother, a girl named Fannie, and a Nazi officer, exploring themes of honesty, survival, revenge, and devotion. Mitch Albom discusses the historical context of the novel and his emotional writing process, emphasizing the story’s relevance to today's era of subjective truths. This episode is great for those interested in historical fiction, the complexities of human nature, and the moral dilemmas faced during wartime.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/47IGPBlShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special podcast episode presented by Nordstrom, Zibby speaks with Danny Pellegrino about his hilarious collection of essays, THE JOLLIEST BUNCH: UNHINGED HOLIDAY STORIES. Danny explains that the book, inspired by his own family, is a humorous yet heartfelt look at the chaos and emotions surrounding the holiday season. It includes anecdotes (like a hectic cross-country road trip) and the familiar stress of holiday hosting. The book aims to capture both the joy and the pressure of holiday traditions. Danny also discusses his career as a podcaster, his passion for cooking, and his desire to write a children's book about rodents. He concludes by offering advice to aspiring authors, stressing the importance of authenticity and writing from the heart.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3sXjJYJShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews Ali Rosen about her fiction debut, RECIPE FOR SECOND CHANCES, an enchanting second-chance romance set against the backdrop of an Indian-Italian wedding in Umbria, Italy. Ali, an accomplished cookbook author and TV host, discusses her transition from writing cookbooks to fiction. The conversation also touches on Ali's approach to writing, how she balances work and family, her plans for her next novel (this time set in Ireland!), and her advice for aspiring authors, especially about finding joy in what they read and write. The interview concludes with a discussion about Ali's TV show, her cooking philosophy, and the importance of prioritizing personal happiness.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3t2VqZiShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby chats with writer, sailor, and scientist Hannah Stowe about her exquisite, luminous memoir, MOVE LIKE WATER: MY STORY OF THE SEA. Hannah describes her unique upbringing in Pembrokeshire, Wales, surrounded by the sea and abundant marine life, which sparked her passion for marine biology and sailing. She recounts her experiences working on research boats and studying marine life. She also discusses a significant spinal injury sustained while surfing, highlighting the dismissive attitudes of healthcare professionals and her struggle with the physical and mental aspects of healing. Zibby and Hannah also touch on Hannah's family background, her future plans, including a book about the history of women in seafaring, and her approach to life and creativity. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3T3sz1AShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode (a live event for the Streicker Center!), Zibby speaks to New York Times bestselling author Ann Napolitano about HELLO BEAUTIFUL, a big, emotional, heartwrenching family drama. Ann delves into the emotional and creative journey of writing this book, revealing the depths of her immersion in the narrative and her subsequent feelings of loss upon completion. She touches on her writing process, including the balance between lyrical and analytical thinking, and the influence of her own life experiences on her characters. The conversation also explores the impact of her book's selection for @oprahsbookclub on her life and the broader implications of her work. Audience questions bring to light Ann's approach to character perspectives, her literary influences, and her reading recommendations, culminating in a rich dialogue about the nuances of storytelling and the personal connections writers forge with their creations.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4adZ8jRShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews author Ramona Ausubel about her playful, witty, and resonant new novel, THE LAST ANIMAL, which came from the idea of de-extincting woolly mammoths and evolved into a story about a single mom and her daughters grappling with creation, extinction, and family dynamics. Ramona reflects on her writing journey, from a shy, poetic child to a published author influenced by personal experiences and literary figures like George Saunders. Ramona emphasizes the richness of the writing process over the end goal of publication and shares her future projects, including a new novel, short stories, and a craft book. The interview also touches on Ramona's participation in a panel at the book fair and her plans to enjoy the local Miami culture.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3N1piwcShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarah Blakley-Cartwright joins Zibby to discuss ALICE SADIE CELINE, a hypnotic, sexy, and incisive debut novel that explores the complex love story between a girl and her best friend's mother, raising questions about boundaries and relationships. Sarah elaborates on the characters in her book, particularly Celine, a bold, middle-aged woman struggling with visibility and identity. Sarah also discusses her background in the literary world, including her roles at various publications and her journey from writing YA to adult fiction. Finally, she gives advice for aspiring authors, including writing what they love, working with their weaknesses, and thinking long-term about their careers.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/46wXFC5Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.