#97 - The Remarkable 18th-Century Tale of Clara the Celebrity Rhino
Books & Looks
Ever wondered what it would be like to tour Europe with a pet rhino? In this episode, author Jillian Forsberg shares the unbelievable true story behind her novel The Rhino Keeper. Discover the joys, challenges, and surprising insights Forsberg gleaned while researching and writing this tale of interspecies friendship that will make you see rhinos in a whole new light. Links: "The Rhino Keeper" Book: Jillian Forsberg Website: Watch on YouTube: _ Produced by Find my book reviews on
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#96 - Irene Daria: How Schools Fail to Teach Reading (And What Parents Can Do)
Books & Looks
Two-thirds of American children grow up without knowing how to read well. Is your child's school setting them up for failure? Irene Daria, author of "I Didn't Believe Him," shares her shocking discovery of how schools are using disproven methods to teach reading. Learn why millions of kids are being falsely labeled as "learning disabled" and what you can do to protect your child's potential. Links: "I Didn't Believe Him" Book: Ireve Daria Website: Watch on YouTube: _ Produced by Find my book reviews on
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#95 - Abbott Kahler's "Eden Undone": Sex, Murder & the Search for Utopia
Books & Looks
Looking for your next unputdownable read? Dive into "Eden Undone," Abbott Kahler's meticulously researched true adventure saga of a utopian experiment gone horribly wrong in the Galapagos Islands. In this episode, Kahler shares the most shocking twists, juiciest scandals, and profound insights from her years investigating this stranger-than-fiction story. Whether you're fascinated by the dark side of human nature or just love a gripping historical yarn, you'll find "Eden Undone" impossible to resist. Hear how Kahler brought this lost piece of history to vivid life. Links: "Eden Undone" Book: ...
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#94 - "Street Fight": Anne Morrissy Uncovers Chicago's Forgotten Taxi Wars
Books & Looks
Hop in the backseat for a wild ride through Chicago's Taxi Wars with author Anne Morrissy! Her book "Street Fight" is your GPS to a time when hailing a cab meant risking your life. You'll learn the secrets behind the cutthroat competition, the innovations that shaped the taxi industry, and the larger-than-life personalities who fought for control. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for an electrifying true tale, this episode will keep you on the edge of your seat. Links: "Street Fight" Book: Anne Morrissy Website: Watch on YouTube: _ Produced by Find my book reviews...
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#93 - Bouncing Through History: Sarah Albee's Rubber-Fueled Adventure
Books & Looks
As a parent or educator, are you always on the lookout for books that make learning fun? Look no further than Sarah Albee's imaginative non-fiction works. In this episode, Albee shares her secrets for transforming complex subjects into engaging stories that respect children's intelligence. From hands-on science experiments to little-known historical anecdotes, Albee's books offer endless opportunities for kids to explore the world around them. Tune in for practical tips on fostering a love of reading and discovery in the young people in your life. Links: "Bounce!: A Scientific History of...
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#92 - Inside the Opioid Epidemic: Laura Essay Talks Her New Legal Novel & Years of Research
Books & Looks
In this eye-opening interview, author Laura Essay discusses her new legal novel "Side Effects Are Minimal" and shares insights from her years of research into the opioid epidemic. Essay, a former attorney, delves into the complexities of the crisis, the roles of various actors, and the importance of raising awareness through fiction. Discover the real-life inspirations behind Essay's gripping story and characters. Links: "Side Effects Are Minimal" Book: Laura Essay Website: Watch on YouTube: _ Produced by Find my book reviews on
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#91 - Madeline Martin on Wartime Resilience, Motherhood & the Power of Books
Books & Looks
Looking for your next immersive historical read? Tune in as Madeline Martin takes you behind the scenes of "The Booklover's Library", a novel Blaine DeSantis calls "almost more history than fiction." You'll hear how Martin's research shaped vivid characters and moving themes of motherhood, community, and the solace of stories in troubled times. Leave inspired to seek out the books that speak to your soul. Links: "The Booklover's Library" Book: Madeline Martin Website: Watch on YouTube: _ Produced by Find my book reviews on
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#90 - Sweet Success: The Triumphs and Tribulations of California's Sugar King
Books & Looks
Historian Sandra Bonura shares the fascinating story of Claus Spreckels, a German immigrant who became one of the wealthiest men in America during the Gilded Age. Discover how Spreckels built a sugar empire in California and Hawaii in her captivating biography "The Sugar King of California," which Blaine DeSantis calls "the best biography I've read in over 20 years." Links: "The Sugar King of California" Book: Dr. Sandra Bonura Website: Watch on YouTube: _ Produced by Find my book reviews on
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#89 - Aimie K. Runyan on Mademoiselle Eiffel: Gustave's Right-Hand Woman
Books & Looks
In this episode, author Aimie K. Runyan discusses her new biographical fiction novel, Mademoiselle Eiffel, which uncovers the little-known story of Claire Eiffel, Gustave Eiffel's daughter. Runyan shares fascinating insights from her research into Claire's pivotal role working alongside her famous father on projects like the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty, and how Claire stepped up to manage the family and business after her mother's death. A must-listen for fans of untold histories and remarkable women. Links: "Mademoiselle Eiffel" Book: Aimie K. Ryunyan Website: Watch on YouTube: _...
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#88 - The Duchess of Diamonds: Annie Reed Uncovers Gilded Age Grifter Cassie Chadwick
Books & Looks
She lied, she cheated, she swindled. And she almost got away with it. Annie Reed, author of "The Impostor Heiress," reveals the stranger-than-fiction tale of Cassie Chadwick, a woman who posed as Andrew Carnegie's daughter and conned her way into millions during the Gilded Age. But who was the real Cassie Chadwick hiding beneath all the diamonds and deception? Reed unravels the mysteries in this unbelievable true story of greed, manipulation and the art of the con. Links: "The Impostor Heiress" Book: Annie Reed Website: Watch on YouTube: _ Produced by Find my book reviews on
info_outlineAimie K. Runyan is a bestselling author known for her enchanting historical fiction novels set in France. Her latest book, "The Memory of Lavender and Sage," marks her exciting foray into contemporary fiction. Set in the charming fictional village of Saint-Colomb in Provence, the story follows Tempesta, a disaffected New York food critic who inherits a ramshackle farmhouse and discovers she has a magical gift for growing herbs that can influence people's emotions.
Discussed in this Episode:
- The allure of Provence as a setting for fiction and its influence on Aimie's writing
- Aimie's journey from historical to contemporary fiction and the challenges of the transition
- The power of food, herbs, and culinary traditions to bring people together and heal wounds
- Crafting authentic, atmospheric settings that transport readers to another time and place
- Insights on writing strong female characters, multi-generational storylines, and magical realism
Links:
- "The Memory of lavender and Sage" Book: https://amzn.to/3Kk6YfO
- Aimie K. Runyan Website: https://aimiekrunyan.com/
- Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xFI7iweFdCU
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Produced by Podcast Studio X.
Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.