The Bookshop Podcast

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with Aina Marti, founder of Heloise Press, who shares her journey from academia to independent publishing and how she's created a home for contemporary female voices from around the world.• From academic roots studying Spanish and English literature to completing a PhD in comparative literature• How reading Rachel Cusk's Arlington Park became an epiphany moment that inspired her to start a publishing company• The clear vision behind Heloise Press: publishing contemporary female voices telling women's stories that other women can relate to• Working across languages and the importance of building strong relationships between authors and translators• Why many internationally successful authors prefer working with smaller presses when being translated into English• The value of continuing to publish multiple books by the same author to help build their presence in new markets• Creating a cohesive visual identity with distinctive book covers designed by Laura Kloss• How small and medium presses are taking risks on unique voices that larger publishing houses often overlookIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends and family, subscribe wherever you listen, and leave a review to help others discover the show.Click Here to receive a 40% discount on Abandonment by Erminia Dell’Oro. The voucher code is bookshop to be applied at checkout. Héloïse PressKairos, Jenny ErpenbeckBarbara Pym BooksArlington Park, Rachel CuskSupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textIn this episode, Mandy welcomes Paul Rudnick back to the show to discuss his hilarious new novel What Is Wrong With You?SynopsisA tech billionaire and the flight attendant he’s marrying. A TV superhero who used to be married to the flight attendant. A Manhattan book editor and the sensitivity associate who got him fired. A twenty-three-year-old wild child prodigy who’s perhaps the savior of American literature. A vengeful Arkansas sheriff who sells a vitamin-enriched, ten-pounds-off-today demulsifier. A Wall Street bro who raps on TikTok. Two dentists—possibly stalking each other.What do these people have in common? Invited or not, they’re all headed to the most anticipated destination wedding ever, on the billionaire’s private island, to seek romance, to cause mayhem, and to figure out everyone else’s futures and maybe even their own.Find out what happens in Paul Rudnick’s heartfelt new novel, which dares to pose the question essential to anyone who’s ever been in love: What Is Wrong with You?To get your copy of What Is Wrong With You? visit your local independent bookstore. The novel is available on March 25, 2025, from Simon & Schuster.Paul RudnickWhat Is Wrong With You?, Paul RudnickThe Dutch House, Ann PatchettLong Island Compromise, Taffy Brodesser-AknerStag Dance, Torrey PetersOur Evenings, Alan Hollinghurst Miranda July Books                                                                                                                                                                                    Support the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textIn this episode, I speak with sci-fi writer, editor, and publisher Jean-Paul L. Garnier, who shares his journey from avid reader to the owner of Space Cowboy Books, a thriving indie bookstore and publishing house in Joshua Tree, California. He reveals how science fiction offers writers complete creative freedom to explore human psychology through fantastical settings.More than just a desert bookstore, Space Cowboy Books represents a multifaceted literary ecosystem. Starting in 2016 as a modest shed, it quickly expanded into a proper storefront near Joshua Tree National Park – where the stunning landscape and dark skies provide constant inspiration. The store's "free books for kids" program showcases Garnier's commitment to childhood literacy, eventually growing into partnerships with local nonprofits to build school libraries. Whether you're a science fiction enthusiast, aspiring writer, independent bookshop lover, or simply curious about literary entrepreneurship, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how one passionate reader created a thriving literary hub in the California desert. To help the show reach more people, please share episodes with friends and family and on social media, and remember to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to this podcast.Space Cowboy BooksMichael Moorcock Interview With Mandy Jackson-Beverly Jean-Paul L. Garnier BooksKurt Vonnegut BooksFrank Herbert BooksMichael Moorcock BooksGloriana, Or The Unfulfill’d Queen, Michael Moorcock Brent A. Harris Mari Collier, Books New Maps of Hell: A Survey of Science Fiction, Kingsley AmisThomas M. Disch BooksSupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textDiscover the intricate layers of family dynamics and cultural identity in The Magnificent Ruins, the debut novel by Nayantara Roy. Set against the vibrant backdrops of Brooklyn and Kolkata, the story centers around Lila, a millennial who inherits her grandfather's crumbling mansion, unleashing a wave of family secrets and legacies that challenge her understanding of self and history. Nayantara enriches our conversation with her multicultural experiences, navigating the dual identities of a television executive and novelist. Her reflections on the cultural nuances of silence in familial relationships and the complexities of unspoken expectations within traditional Indian contexts resonate deeply, inviting listeners to explore their backgrounds. As we delve into essential themes, including the process of writing across different mediums, Nayantara shares her unique insights into storytelling, emphasizing the interplay between words and visual narratives. This dialogue addresses sensitive subjects such as inherited trauma and the delicate balance between tradition and personal choice, making it relevant to anyone who has wrestled with their family's legacy.Join us on this thought-provoking journey as we uncover the inspirations behind The Magnificent Ruins and gain a deeper understanding of how stories shape our identities. Check out the episode for a fascinating look into Nayantara's creative world, and be inspired to explore your own stories. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review!Nyantara RoyThe Magnificent RuinsThe Way You Make Me Feel, Nina SharmaEvents, Mandy Jackson-BeverlySupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textThe story of Kett's Books reveals how a community rallied to keep a beloved local bookshop in their town. Through the values of collaboration and empathy, the bookshop has become a thriving center for readers and volunteers alike, bridging the gap between literature and community.• Discussion of the closure of the original local bookshop • Formation of a community-led initiative to open Ketz Books • Tracy's background as a story strategist and its relevance to bookselling • The significance of the name Ketz Books and its historical roots • Community involvement in curating the bookshop's offerings • Overview of a typical day at the bookshop with volunteer engagement • Insights into Wyndham's historical context and attractions • Recommendations for local visitors on exploring Wyndham's literary sceneKett’s BooksThe Bookseller, Tim SullivanCreation Lake, Rachel KushnerThe Kings of London, William ShawThe Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, Shehan KarunatilakaAbandonment, Erminia Dell’Oro Support the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with Marissa Stapley about her novel The Lightning Bottles. The story navigates the intertwined paths of love, fame, and addiction through the lens of the 90s music scene. The episode explores themes of identity, media scrutiny, and the struggle for redemption, highlighting the complex dynamics between its characters.• Discussion on the transition from journalism to fiction writing • The role of deadlines in fostering creativity • Key themes of addiction and codependency in relationships • Exploration of media representations of women in music • The significance of fan relationships and personal growth • Insights into the writing and publishing journey • Sharing of personal anecdotes related to addiction and redemptionSupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textJoin me in conversation with Cathy Slater, owner of Dulwich Books, as she sheds light on the profound connection between independent bookstores and their communities. Through her journey, Cathy illustrates how booksellers can make a significant impact by understanding readers' needs while emphasizing diversity in literature and the importance of small presses.In this episode:• Sharing insights from a career in publishing to bookselling• The lasting history and impact of Dulwich Books in its community• Exploring the challenges and joys of promoting diverse literature• The reciprocal relationship between the bookstore and local schools• Advocating for the roles of small and medium presses in the industry• Addressing how to engage children in reading amidst digital distractions• Highlighting the passion-driven bookselling model and reader connectionDulwich BooksJames, Percival EverettRichard Osman BooksWilliam Boyd BooksCormac McCarthy BooksHeld, Anne MichaelsSort of Books episode on The Bookshop PodcastOonagh Stransky (Héloïse Press) episode on The Bookshop PodcastLa Peste, Albert CamusShakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent, Judi Dench, Brendan O’HeaTom Lake, Ann PatchettSally Rooney BooksDav Pilkey BooksHamnet, Maggie O’FarrellTime of the Child, Niall WilliamsLinks to help with L.A. Fire Relief:California Community FoundationCalifornia Fire FoundationWorld Central KitchenUnited Way of Greater Los AngelesAmerican Red CrossPasadena Humane SocietyLost Angeles fire Department FoundationMutual Aid LASupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with Matt Lupica, General Manager of Rosebud Book Barn, a family-run independent bookstore in Victoria, Australia. We explore the unique relationship between the bookstore and its community, the importance of customer feedback, and the innovative tools that help independent bookstores thrive in today's digital age.We also discuss:• Insights into Matt's unconventional journey into bookselling• The role of community in shaping the offerings at The Book Barn• Exploring the integration of art supplies to cater to local artists• The significance of YourBookstore.io in connecting readers and bookstores• Using circlepos.com to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience• Personal reading habits that include customer recommendations• The evolving landscape of independent bookstores in AustraliaSupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textIn this episode, I chat with translator Oonagh Stransky about her love of the Italian language, the importance of small presses, Héloïse Press, and the art of translating books to English. Oonagh Stransky has translated a range of fiction and nonfiction writers, including Roberto Saviano, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Giuseppe Pontiggia, and Carlo Lucarelli. Her work has received important prizes and nominations. Born in Paris, Stransky grew up in the Middle East, London, and the United States and attended Mills College, Middlebury College, and Columbia University. A member of PEN American Center and the American Literary Translators Association, she currently lives in Tuscany. Support the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links

Send us a textJennifer Clement is President Emerita of the human rights and freedom of expression organization PEN International and the only woman to hold the office of President (2015-2021) since the organization was founded in 1921. Under her leadership, the groundbreaking PEN International Women’s Manifesto and The Democracy of the Imagination Manifesto were created. As President of PEN Mexico (2009-2012), Clement was instrumental in changing the law to make the crime of killing a journalist a federal crime. Clement is the author of the novels A True Story Based on Lies, The Poison That Fascinates, Prayers for the Stolen, Gun Love, and Stormy People, as well as several poetry books, including Poems and Errors, published by Kaunitz-Olsson in Sweden.  Clement also wrote the acclaimed memoirs Widow Basquiat on New York City in the early 1980s and the painter Jean-Michel Basquiat, which NPR named the best book of 2015 in seven different categories, and The Promised Party on her life in Mexico City and New York. Clement’s books have been translated into 38 languages and have covered topics such as the stealing of little girls in Mexico, the effects of gun violence, and the trafficking of guns into Mexico and Central America, as well as writing about her life in the art worlds of Mexico and New York.Clement is the recipient of Guggenheim, NEA, MacDowell, and Santa Maddalena Fellowships, and her books have twice been a New York Times Editor’s Choice Book. Prayers for the Stolen was the recipient of the Grand Prix des Lectrices Lyceenes de ELLE(sponsored by ELLE Magazine, the French Ministry of Education and the Maison des écrivains et de la littérature)  and a New Statesman Book of the Year, picked by the Nobel Laureate Kazuo Ishiguro. Gun Love was an Oprah Book Club Selection, National Book Award, and Aspen Words Literary Prize finalist.  Among other publications, Time magazine named it one of the top 10 books of 2018.  At NYU, she was the commencement speaker for the Gallatin graduates 2017 and gave the Lectio Magistralis in Florence, Italy, for the Premio Gregor von Rezzori. Clement is a member of Mexico’s prestigious Sistema Nacional de Creadores de Arte. For Clement’s work in human rights, she was awarded the HIP Award for contribution to Latino communities by the Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP) Organization, and she was also the recipient of the Sara Curry Humanitarian Award. Most recently, she was given the 2023 Freedom of Expression Honorary title on World Press Day by Brussels University Alliance VUB and ULB in partnership with the European Commission, European Endowment for Democracy, and UNESCO, among others. Other laureates include Svetlana Alexievich, Zhang Zhan, Ahmet Altan, Daphne Caruana Galizia, and Raif Badawi. Jennifer Clement was raised in Mexico, where she lives. She and her sister Barbara Sibley founded and directed the San Miguel Poetry Week. Clement has a double major in anthropology and English Literature from New York University (Gallatin) and an MFA from the University of Southern Maine (Stonecoast). She was named a Distinguished Alumna by the Kingswood Cranbrook School.Jennifer ClementThe Promised Party, Jennifer ClementA ManSupport the showThe Bookshop PodcastMandy Jackson-BeverlySocial Media Links