Happy Hour
Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
Discover "Happy Hour": A Groundbreaking Menopause Romance Novel by Elissa Bass In an enlightening episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, author Elissa Bass shares the inspiring story behind her innovative novel "Happy Hour" - a unique reverse age gap romance set on Cape Cod during the off-season. Bass, a 62-year-old former journalist, drew inspiration from her personal 11-year menopause journey to create a compelling narrative that challenges societal expectations. The novel follows KK, a 55-year-old protagonist navigating life's complexities after a marriage breakdown, who...
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Selkie Moon
Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
Dive into the Magical World of Selkie Folklore with Author Kelly Jarvis In a captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with local author Kelly Jarvis to explore her enchanting new novella, "Selkie Moon." Set in the mystical Orkney Islands of Scotland, this compelling story weaves together family dynamics, folklore, and the transformative power of storytelling. Jarvis, a professor at Central Connecticut State University and contributing writer for the Fairy Tale Magazine, brings a unique perspective to her writing. Her novella centers on Isla, a...
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The Big Yellow Adventure
Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
In this episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty welcomes Paul Mayer, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at DATCO, to discuss his new children’s picture book, "The Big Yellow Adventure." The episode highlights Connecticut’s vibrant literary scene and focuses on how Mayer’s book helps first-time school bus riders, especially kindergartners, overcome anxiety about their first day on the bus. Paul Mayer shares the inspiration behind "The Big Yellow Adventure," which stems from his own son’s nervousness about riding the school bus. The book follows...
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Books from Birth: How Reach Out and Read Transforms Children's Lives
Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
Imagine a world where every child starts their journey with the power of books, guided by caring doctors who understand the magic of storytelling. That's exactly what Reach Out and Read is doing, and we sat down with Dr. Michelle Shiffman to uncover this incredible program's impact. Reach Out and Read isn't just about handing out books – it's a revolutionary approach to child development. From birth to age five, pediatricians give families age-appropriate books during wellness visits, creating magical moments of connection and learning. Dr. Shiffman explains that more than 90% of a child's...
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Try Before You Trust: Constance Briones Unveils a Forgotten Poet's Story
Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
Dive into the Untold Story of Isabella Whitney: A Rebellious Poet Who Defied 16th Century Expectations In this captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, author Constance Briones brings to life the remarkable story of Isabella Whitney, a groundbreaking poet who challenged the literary norms of Tudor England. If you're a history buff, literature lover, or simply enjoy stories of incredible women who refused to be silenced, this episode is your perfect literary escape. Briones reveals how Isabella, a young woman from an upper-class family, navigated the strict social...
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Laughing Through Life: Aline Weiller's Creative Nonfiction Spreads The Fun!
Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
Dive into the Delightful World of Aline Weiller: Award-Winning Author and Midlife Comedian Looking for a dose of inspiration and laughter? The Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast just dropped an incredible episode featuring Aline Weiller, the creative genius behind the award-winning book "Fun: Essays on a Life Embraced." Weiller isn't your typical author. A publicist by day and stand-up comedian by night, she's carved out a unique space in the literary world with her hilarious and heartfelt creative nonfiction. Her book recently snagged first place in the Connecticut Press Club's creative...
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Billy Kowalewski: Exploring the Afterlife Through Young Adult Fantasy
Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
Dive into the Mystical World of Reincarnation with Author Billie Kowalewski In this captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with young adult fantasy author Billie Kowalewski to explore her groundbreaking novel "Our Lives in Between" - a mind-bending journey that challenges everything we think we know about life, death, and existence. Kowalewski's debut novel introduces readers to a fascinating concept: Earth is essentially a cosmic classroom where souls come to learn about themselves. The story follows Harmony, a character who helps her...
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Gregory Armstrong: Writing Through Life's Challenges
Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
Dive into the Heartfelt World of "Mad Season" with Author Gregory Armstrong In this captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with Gregory Armstrong to explore the deeply moving story behind his novel "Mad Season." If you're looking for a powerful tale of personal transformation, healing, and the courage to face your past, this is one conversation you won't want to miss. Armstrong's novel follows Ellis Grace Garrity, a young woman who experiences a devastating tragedy at 11 and spends the next 15 years running from her pain. When life suddenly...
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Dreaming in Color: The Poetry and Mysteries of Laurel Peterson
Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
In the latest episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with the remarkable Laurel Peterson, a multi-talented writer who seamlessly weaves poetry and mystery into captivating narratives that explore the depths of human experience. Peterson's poetry collection "Do You Expect Your Art to Answer?" offers a fascinating journey through ekphrastic poetry, where each poem responds to a unique piece of artwork. Inspired by a provocative moment at the Whitney's Biennial, the book challenges readers to look deeper into artistic expression and personal interpretation....
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Liver, Life & Survival
Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
In this powerful episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, host Jed Lee sits down with John Hoffman, author of "Liver: My Journey of Transplant Survival," to share an extraordinary story of medical resilience, hope, and personal transformation. Diagnosed with biliary atresia at just eight weeks old, Hoffman underwent his first experimental liver transplant in 1981 when liver transplants for infants were still a groundbreaking procedure. Growing up with a massive surgical scar and daily medications, he navigated childhood with remarkable normalcy, participating in sports and...
info_outlinen this captivating episode of the CT Book Festivals podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with Lisa Franco, the author of the acclaimed book "My Dearest Darling: Letters of Love in Wartime." Lisa's journey to uncover this remarkable piece of history is nothing short of extraordinary.
It all began when Lisa, a self-proclaimed "naturally curious journalist," stumbled upon a treasure trove of World War II-era letters in the basement of an antique store on Cape Cod. As she delved into the beautifully written correspondence between a young naval officer, Donald, and his sweetheart, Marjorie, she was immediately drawn into their timeless love story.
"The letters were so amazingly, beautifully written, full of love and longing," Lisa recounts, her voice brimming with emotion. "I couldn't stop thinking about them." Determined to preserve this piece of history, Lisa embarked on an 11-year odyssey to track down the family and bring their story to life.
Through her meticulous research, Lisa not only uncovered the historical context of the letters but also the profound sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation. "You can't let it go away," she emphasizes, "This generation is dying, and we need to remember their legacy."
As Jed and Lisa discuss the book's impact, it becomes clear that "My Dearest Darling" is more than just a romance – it's a testament to the power of communication, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring strength of true love, even in the face of war.
Whether you're a history buff, a hopeless romantic, or simply someone who appreciates the lost art of letter writing, this episode of the CT Book Festivals podcast is a must-listen. Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary tale of "My Dearest Darling" and the remarkable woman who brought it to life