Discovering Family, Embracing Love: Margaret Walker's Search for Her Roots
Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
Release Date: 01/06/2025
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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....
info_outline
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_outline
Imagination Unleashed: Marie Nichols and the Power of Grandparent-Grandchild Bonds
Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
Discover the Heartwarming World of Intergenerational Storytelling with Marie Nichols In the latest episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with debut children's author Marie Nichols to explore the magical world of "We're Going to the Dinosaur Forest" - a book that celebrates the unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Marie Nichols takes listeners on a delightful journey behind her first children's book, inspired by real-life adventures with her grandson Bracken. The book follows a young boy's imaginative expedition into the dinosaur forest...
info_outline
Crafting Nightmares: JJ Allo's Literary Landscape
Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
Dive into the Spine-Chilling World of Connecticut Horror: An Exclusive Interview with J J Alo Horror fans, get ready for a thrilling journey into the creative mind behind "The Street Between the Pines"! In this captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, host Jed Doherty sits down with debut horror author J J Alo to explore the dark and fascinating origins of his first novel. Alo's gripping story follows a struggling Gulf War veteran who uncovers a terrifying connection between a deadly creature and an abandoned facility - a premise that will send shivers down your spine....
info_outline
"Between Hearts: Judy Humphrey's Resilient Journey"
Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast
In a captivating episode of the Connecticut Book Festivals Podcast, Judy Humphrey shares her remarkable life story through her memoir "Between Hearts," a testament to resilience, humor, and personal growth. Humphrey's journey begins during the pandemic, when she decided to transform her extraordinary life experiences into a book. A former military wife who moved 17 times in 14 years, she offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by military families. Her candid storytelling reveals the often-overlooked experiences of military spouses, particularly the strict social hierarchies and...
info_outlineJoin us on the Connecticut Book Festival Podcast as we welcome the remarkable Margaret Walker, author of the captivating memoir Ninzi's Secret. Margaret's journey is one of triumph, resilience, and the power of family - both found and forged.
From her impressive career as Xerox Corporation's Chief Trademark Counsel, protecting the iconic Xerox brand, to her deeply personal quest to uncover her own roots, Margaret's story is a tapestry of unique experiences. She shares how her lifelong curiosity about her biological parents led her on a pre-internet age search, piecing together clues and navigating the complexities of the adoption system.
What unfolds is a tale of love, loss, and the profound bond between an adoptive mother and her daughter. Margaret eloquently describes the joy and trepidation of being welcomed into her adoptive family at age 5, and the bittersweet reunion with her birth mother years later. Listeners will be moved by the vulnerability Margaret displays in sharing both the triumphs and the traumas that have shaped her life.
Beyond her personal narrative, Margaret's insights as a former trademark enforcer provide a fascinating glimpse into the high-stakes world of intellectual property protection. Her transition from legal warrior to celebrated author is a testament to the power of storytelling to heal and inspire.
Whether you're captivated by memoirs, intrigued by adoption journeys, or simply seeking an uplifting tale of resilience, Ninzi's Secret is a must-read. Join us as we dive into Margaret Walker's extraordinary life and uncover the remarkable story behind this compelling book.