Fully Booked by Kirkus Reviews

Poet and essayist Ross Gay joins us to discuss The Book of (More) Delights (Algonquin, Sept. 19). Kirkus: “Keenly observed and delivered with deftness, these essays are a testament to the artfulness of attention and everyday joy” (starred review). Then our editors share their top picks in books for the week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Fully Booked Takeover, sponsored by Penguin Young Readers Group, special guest host Jason Reynolds (Stuntboy, In-Between Time, etc.) talks with author and activist Christine Platt (The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less, etc.). Then our editors share their top picks in books for the week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Critically acclaimed novelist Mona Awad discusses her book 'Rouge', a mesmerizing tale about a woman's struggle with physical beauty and a cultlike spa after her mother's death. They explore the wordplay between 'Rogue' and 'Rouge', the connection between beauty and horror in fairy tales, and analyze the book cover. The chapter also includes book recommendations and discussions on dystopian and suspenseful thrillers, stolen photos, and stories from a collection.

Alice Carrière joins us to discuss Everything/Nothing/Someone (Spiegel & Grau, Aug. 29), a memoir of mental illness from the daughter of American artist Jennifer Bartlett and German actor Mathieu Carrière. Kirkus: “[Carrière’s] artistic prowess and determination to unearth and interpret the true narrative arc of her life and healing shine through… A spellbinding memoir” (starred review). Then our editors share their top picks in books for the week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author Jamel Brinkley discusses his new collection 'Witness' set in NYC ethnic neighborhoods undergoing change. They explore themes of black performance, perception, and action in literature, and discuss the complexity of identity and faith in a YA memoir. The chapter also highlights the significance of forgiveness and acceptance.

Jenn Shapland, author of 2020 National Book Award finalist My Autobiography of Carson McCullers, discusses her eloquent and vibrantly lucid collection of essays exploring the permeability of human bodies. The topics covered include invisible structures, subtext, Michelle de Montaigne's influence on the essay form, and the National Book Award experience.

Special guest host Karin Slaughter interviews crime writer Wanda M. Morris. They discuss their experiences as in-house lawyers in employment law, upcoming book on heirs property in low country Georgia, denial of generational wealth, and the portrayal of trees in picture books. The episode also explores a dark Irish family in 'The Beasting' and announces the next guest and book pick.

Arianne Shahvisi joins us to discuss Arguing for a Better World: How Philosophy Can Help Us Fight for Social Justice (Penguin, July 18). Using the tools of philosophy, Shahvisi, a senior lecturer in ethics at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, shows readers how to contemplate, comprehend, and substantiate their moral positions, with the express purpose of fostering understanding in divisive political conversations. Then our editors share their top picks in books for the week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brando Skyhorse joins us to discuss My Name Is Iris (Avid Reader Press, Aug 1). Kirkus calls this sophomore novel from the author of The Madonnas of Echo Park, “a well-imagined allegory of divisive racial politics.” Then our editors share their top picks in books for the week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this week's Fully Booked Takeover, special guest host Megan Abbott (Beware the Woman) interviews novelist Ivy Pochoda (Sing Her Down). And in a sponsored interview, Megan talks with Preeti Chhibber and Alex Segunda, authors of original Spider-Man stories for young readers from publisher Marvel. Then our editors share their top picks in books for the week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.