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...
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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...
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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....
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"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_outlineWow, what an incredible life story Ron Pinciaro has! I really enjoyed chatting with him about his memoir, "Acknowledgement." It's clear he's been through a lot - from the secrets surrounding his parents' adoptions to the ups and downs of his 17-year life cycles.
One thing that stood out to me was Ron's fondness for his Jesuit high school education. Like me, he really appreciated how the Jesuits encouraged questioning and intellectual curiosity. That seems to have served him well, even when he was struggling to figure out his path in life.
It was fascinating to hear about Ron's early musical talents and how he ended up opening a successful clothing store with his friends during the Woodstock era. Rubbing elbows with the likes of Joe Cocker must have been quite the experience! Though it's a shame he didn't pursue music more seriously.
The real turning point, it seems, was Ron's involvement in gun violence prevention after the Newtown - Sandy Hook tragedy. The way he threw himself into that work, even amid the holidays, is truly admirable. Now that he's retired from that chapter, I'm glad Ron has had the chance to reflect on his life and put it all down on paper in "Acknowledgement." It sounds like such a unique and inspiring memoir. If you're anything like me, you'll be rushing to pick up a copy on Amazon. And if you get the chance, reach out to Ron directly - he seems more than happy to connect with readers.