Drinks in the Library

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson with Grace Todd Oct 29, 2024

It's Spooky Season Libration Nation! In this spine-tingling episode, I'm joined by Grace Todd, fellow Richmond podcast host of the "Didn't Read It" podcast, to delve into Shirley Jackson's chilling classic, The Haunting of Hill House. Over Dark Manhattans, we uncover the eerie atmosphere of Hill House, its unsettling characters, and ghostly legacies. Grace shares her deep connection to the novel, analyzing themes of female empowerment, queer undertones, and the metaphorical menace of family structures. We also touch on Jackson's other works and Grace's latest horror series on her podcast. Perfect for horror enthusiasts and fans of eerie literature, this episode offers a blend of humor and spooky insights. Cheers to a frightfully good time!

Grace is an intermittent editor, book gremlin, and aspiring failed novelist. While her MFA in creative writing primarily served to exacerbate both her single-minded obsession with fiction and her dubious mental health, it did give her an excuse to lose herself in books when she should have been doing her day job, for which she is thankful. The book piles in her house are becoming more perilous and less structurally sound by the day.

We recorded this episode in Grace's studio at the Black Iris Social Club, which was so cool, and features a bar where Brett, their charming barkeep, poured us Dark Manhattans, which are delicious with the spice of danger!

Dark Manhattan Recipe

2 oz Cynar

1 oz rye whiskey

1 oz Amaro (Brett made ours with Amaro y Arroyo from the Virginia distillery Copper Fox)

Dash of orange bitters

Garnish - Luxardo Dark Cherries

Serve on ice or stir and shake into a chilled glass - enjoy!

In this Episode

The Haunting of Hill House TV Show

The Haunting (1960s Jackson-sanctioned film version)

We Have Always Lived in the Castle Film

Books by Shirley Jackson

The Shirley Jackson Awards

Thoughts on Shirley Jackson and Queerness

Shirley Jackson's NYT Obituary (not mentioned in the episode but very interesting nonetheless)

Shirley (Elizabeth Moss film)

Didn't Read It episode on Shirley Film

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn with Christine O’Brien Oct 22, 2024

Hello Libration Nation! In this podcast episode, I'm excited to discuss The Rose Code by Kate Quinn with my cousin Christine O'Brien—a nurse, wife, fur-mom, and avid reader. We'll delve into the lives of female codebreakers at Bletchley Park during WWII, exploring their friendships, struggles, and key plot twists. Christine shares her insights on the serious tone of the novel and its historical significance, making it a great pick for book clubs. Join us for this enriching conversation paired with a delightful rosé from Christine's wine club, Armitage. Cheers!

Drink Pairing

Pinot Noir Rosé from Armitage Wines

In this Episode

Bletchley Park

Olsa Benning

Armitage Wines -

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Kate Quinn’s Wikipedia Page

Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott with Juliana Soltis Oct 15, 2024

In this episode, we are discussing Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott, a novel originally published in 1929 and a fascinating account of the experiences of women during the Jazz age. I'm joined by Juliana Soltis, an internationally acclaimed cellist, to discuss the book's continued relevance and its portrayal of female independence during the Jazz Age, akin to a 'Sex and the City' for that era. We also shed light on Parrott's obscured legacy in contrast to Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby.' Moreover, Juliana speaks about her new album American Woman, which highlights lost works by female composers, underscoring the importance of preserving and celebrating women's contributions to art and culture. We wrap up with a tasty note, enjoying a non-alcoholic gin fizz themed to the novel, reflecting Prohibition-era cocktail culture

Juliana Soltis is an internationally-acclaimed cellist, specializing in telling the forgotten stories of classical music. Her latest release from PARMA Recordings, American Woman, explores the lost legacy of America's women composers and is now streaming across all platforms. When not on the road or in the recording studio, Juliana makes her home in Richmond's historic Church HIll neighborhood, where she caters to the every whim of her two greyhounds, Rain and Ceci.

Gin Fizz Recipe

2 ounces gin (We used Monday NA Gin)

1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

3/4 ounce simple syrup

1 egg white (about 1/2 ounce)

Club soda, to top (about 1 ounce)

Directions

Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white to a shaker and vigorously dry-shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds.

Add 3 or 4 ice cubes and shake vigorously until well-chilled.

Double-strain into a chilled Collins glass and top with club soda.

In this Episode

Juliana Soltis’ Website

American Woman Album

Becoming the Ex-Wife by Dr. Marsha Gordon (Ursula Parrott’s Biography)

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Presentation by Dr. Marsha Gordon on Ursula Parrott (we didn’t discuss this in the episode but I found it absolutely fascinating!)

Bright Lights Big City by Jay McInerney

The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson with Helen Gabay Oct 08, 2024

This week we are discussing The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson, a thrilling account of Winston Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister of the UK, and some of the darkest moments for England and Allied forces. My guest is Helen Gabay from Richmond, Virginia. She's the mom of an awesome 12-year-old boy, Charlie, and married to Tim, aka "Mr. Fix-it," a talented local contractor. Helen leads a skilled sales team at a major IT advisory company and enjoys working with some of the brightest minds in technology.

Her passions include reading, travel, and history. She studied Political Science, English, and History at The George Washington University. Known for reading obsessively about her travel destinations, Helen often takes her family on walking tours during vacations. In 2020, she had planned a trip to England that fell through, but soon after, she became captivated by Erik Larson’s masterful narrative non-fiction The Splendid and the Vile. Since then, she’s visited London and many of Winston Churchill's historical sites.

Our drink this week is a Gin Gimlet made with Plymouth Gin, which was Churchill’s preferred gin! Helen served the drinks in classic coupe glasses, which was so fun, fancy, and authentic to the story!

Gin Gimlet (with Plymouth Gin)

2 oz. Plymouth Gin Navy Strength

1 oz. lime juice

1/2 oz. part simple syrup

Shake with ice and strain.*

*Helen’s tip: When serving in coupe glasses, fill them with ice water and let them sit for a few minutes to serve cold!

In this Episode

Gin Gimlet invented by Royal Navy to prevent scurvy

Books by Erik Larson

Walking with Destiny by Andrew Roberts (Churchill’s biography)

Washington Post criticism of The Splendid and the Vile

Expo: The Magic of the White City (Documentary on 1893 World’s Fair)

Sliding Doors Film

WWII Films

Darkest Hour Film

Pearl Harbor Film

Dunkirk Film

Generation X by Douglas Coupland with David How Oct 01, 2024

Hello Libration Nation! Ready to go back to the 90s? Today, we're talking about one of the defining books of a generation: Generation X by Douglas Coupland. I'm joined by David How—father, husband, music lover, and proud Canadian 🇨🇦. David shared how this book shaped his life, his love of music, and what it was like coming of age during that unforgettable era. So grab your own drink, settle in, and let’s dive into a conversation that’s all about nostalgia, music, and the power of storytelling.

We're cracking open a classic Canadian drink, a beer and clam🍺, but I chatted with a few of you on Threads and you let me know they can also be called a Red Eye or a Clameye🍅. No matter what you call it, crack open a Molson’s, pour a shot of Clamato in, and sip along with us!

Beer and Clam Drink

Molson’s Canadian Beer

1 shot Clamato

Optional: worcestershire sauce pepper, celery salt, lime

In this Episode

Reality Bites film

Say Anything film

Singles film

BBC Bookclub interview with Douglas Coupland

Roy Lichtenstein artist

Books by Chuck Klosterman

Music

Older:

Modern:

The Midwife by Jennifer Worth with Katie Dolan Sep 24, 2024

I had an amazing chat with Katie Dolan about “The Midwife” by Jennifer Worth, the book that inspired the TV show “Call the Midwife”. We dived into all things birthing, motherhood, and the magic of community.

Katie dove into her birthing and mothering experiences, the book's rich historical backdrop of East End, London, after WWII, and how media shapes our views on childbirth. We also celebrated the incredible importance of building and cherishing our communities.

Katie is a long-time resident of Bon Air, Virginia, balancing life as a mother of (soon-to-be) six children and wife to one! A lover of all things literature, she’s an avid reader across genres. Currently, Katie is taking a break from her work as a postpartum doula to prepare for the arrival of baby number six.

Our drinks this week were from Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox our beloved Bon Air Coffee shop. Katie sipped on a Virginia Fog Tea, while I enjoyed an Iced Chai Latte, one of my favorite treats!

In this Episode

Call the Midwife TV show

Article by David Books “Communities of Character”

A Three Dog Life with Joyce A. Miller Sep 17, 2024

For the dog lovers of Libration Nation, have we got the episode for you! This week, we are discussing Abigail Thomas’s memoir, A Three Dog Life which documents her experience living with her husband after his traumatic brain injury.

"The startling power and beauty of Abigail Thomas's memoir comes not only from her acute perceptions of a man without memories and her fear of losing her husband but from her refusal to surrender the shards of a loving relationship."-- O, the Oprah Magazine

I’m joined this week by Joyce A. Miller, a writer living in the Church Hill section of Richmond, VA. She has written and indie-published two books: Joe Harris, the Moon, historical fiction based on the true story of Miller’s granduncle who played baseball in the 1910s and 1920s, and Look! You’re Dancing: A Memoir of Dogs, Dance and Devotion, which chronicles Miller’s journey of adopting six greyhounds over the past twenty years and how she danced with several of them. Miller is also a member of James River Writers. Before she started writing, Miller worked for over thirty years as a mechanical designer at a nuclear physics laboratory.

As Abigail Thomas loved her home city of Manhattan as well as the drink, we thought it was a perfect pairing with this book!

Manhattan Recipe

2 ounces rye whiskey

1 ounce sweet vermouth

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Garnish: brandied cherry (or lemon twist, if preferred)

In this Episode

Joyce’s Website (with links to books, newsletter)

James River Greyhounds

Gari Melcher Website (and Corinne!)

James River Writers

Greyhound Health Initiative

First Break All the Rules with Ira Holliday Sep 10, 2024

Calling all #librationnation leaders! This week we are discussing the groundbreaking book for managers, “First Break All the Rules” By Marcus Buckingham with Ira Holliday. Husband, father, avid golfer and business strategist are several of the key attributes used to describe Ira Holliday. With over 25 years of Fortune 200 experience in the areas of digital transformation, HR services and agile delivery, Ira has amassed quite the collection of business and leadership-focused authors within his library, including “First Break All The Rules, a New York Times bestseller.

Our drink this week is a Smoked Old Fashioned, which Ira introduced to me, which is a traditional old fashioned but finished using a smoker kit, which gives it an additional layer, perfect for fall.

Old Fashioned Recipe

1 teaspoon sugar

3 dashes Angostura bitters

1 teaspoon water

2 ounces bourbon (or rye whiskey, if preferred)

Garnish: orange twist

In This Episode

Cocktail Smokers

The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier

Gen Z and Millennials visit the library more than older generations

Four Thousand Weeks with Rebecca Schinsky Sep 03, 2024

What if I told you that your entire life boils down to just 4,000 weeks? Oliver Burkeman's Four Thousand Weeks will change the way you think about how you spend your time, and this is the exact topic of the amazing conversation I had with Rebecca Schinsky from BookRiot!

Rebecca Schinsky is the Chief of Staff for Riot New Media Group, which runs Book Riot, the largest independent publication covering books and the publishing industry in North America. With over 15 years of experience working in the bookish internet, Rebecca is an expert in building communities and products that enrich readers' lives and promote literary culture. Outside of work, she's passionate about travel, cooking and baking, movies, meditation, and the power of a nice, long walk.

I was so thrilled when Rebecca agreed to come on the podcast! I've been a longtime listener of the Book Riot Podcast, which she co-hosts with Jeff O’Neal. It’s one of my favorite listens, and I’ve learned so much about the book and publishing universe from it. I actually first heard about Four Thousand Weeks from Rebecca talking about it on the Book Riot Podcast, so it was a full-circle moment to discuss it with her.

Our drink this week is one of Rebecca’s favorites: a Manhattan. It was the perfect drink to sip on while we explored all the amazing ideas in this book!

Manhattan Recipe

2 ounces rye whiskey

1 ounce sweet vermouth

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Garnish: brandied cherry (or lemon twist, if preferred)

In this episode

BookRiot

BookRiot Podcast

Oliver Burkeman’s Website

OliverBurkeman Books

Edelweiss and NetGalley (digital galleys for booksellers, librarians etc.)

Booklist Magazine

Wolf Hall with Valerie Adachi Aug 27, 2024

Good Morrow Libration Nation! This week we are LIVING in Henry VIII’s court, delving deeply into Hilary Mantel's historical novel, Wolf Hall Exploring the complex character of Thomas Cromwell, the historical context of Henry VIII's reign, and Mantel's meticulous attention to historical accuracy.

My guest this week is Valerie Adachi. Valerie is a self-proclaimed bookworm who even enjoyed reading cereal boxes as a kid, she reminisces over the tactile joy of spreading the New York Times across her kitchen table.

Recently completing a second master's degree out of sheer curiosity, she embodies a passion for continuous learning and personal growth. Her love for finding and trying new recipes has even inspired her son to become a skilled cook and baker. Adventure always seems to be around the corner for her, often appearing spontaneous but rooted in long-percolating ideas—like the decision to add a new puppy to her already bustling pack, turning her quiet life topsy-turvy.

Beyond her love for dogs, she thrives on live music, good food and drink shared with family and friends, and the thrill of knowing that adventure is always nearby, maybe we a cozy reading spot.

We paired the book with a Whiskey Neat, we drank Oak & Eden Toasted Oak Bourbon & Spire Whiskey - absolutely delicious and pair perfectly with the moodiness of the story.

In this Episode

New York Time’s List of the 100 best books of the 21st century

Virago Spirits (Richmond gin distillery Valerie mentions)

Beacon Mercantile

A Man for All Seasons

Homo Zapiens with Dr. Albert Arias Aug 20, 2024

Welcome to another episode Libration Nation! Today, we're diving deep into the surreal and thought-provoking world of Victor Pelevin's "Generation P," also known as "Homo Zapiens" in English. Joining us is Pelevin aficionado Dr. Albert Arias, and we unravel the complex tapestry of post-Soviet Russia's chaotic transition to capitalism, examining the Western cultural invasion and the profound philosophical layers infused with Buddhism and spirituality that Pelevin navigates in his works We'll also chatter about the intriguing film adaptation, the psychedelic journeys depicted in the narrative, and the eerie foresight of fictional leaders born from deep fakes.

Dr. Arias is a graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine (2001), and he completed his residency in psychiatry as well as a master’s degree in clinical and translational research at the University of Connecticut Health Center. He was on the faculty at UCONN School of Medicine and then went on to be a faculty member at Yale University School of Medicine for 7 years in the department of psychiatry before joining VCU in 2018 as an associate professor and the Associate Division Chair for Addiction Psychiatry. He is the current President of the Psychiatric Society of Virginia.

Dr. Arias’ current research focuses on studying the effects of medications on mood disorders and addictions.

We paired the book with Moscow Mules as a tie-in with the author’s home country.

Moscow Mule*

.5 ounce lime juice

2 ounces vodka

4 fluid ounces ginger beer, or to taste

Lime wedge for garnish

*Not required, but generally served in a copper cup

In this episode

Books by Victor Pelevin

Victor Pelevin, Russia’s most mysterious modern writer

Film Adaptation

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret with Jess Harshbarger Aug 13, 2024

Welcome back, Libration Nation! Today, we're diving into the timeless world of Judy Blume's "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." Joining me is the my fellow librarian Jess Harshbarger, as we explore the impact of this iconic coming-of-age story. From touching on friendship, puberty, and identity, to discussing its still-relevant themes 50 years after publication, we’ve got it all covered. Pour yourself a “Blue GigiRita” and enjoy the conversation! 🎧📚🍹

Jess is a library branch manager and has worked in public libraries for the last 18 years. She is a Virginia native but has also spent time in Arizona, North Carolina and Ohio. She is married with two children and three dogs. Her favorite pastime is listening to live music and dreams of competing on a music trivia show one day. In the last five years she has embraced her inner artist. Her style fits best in abstract realism and she mostly uses acrylic medium. She posts under Whimsical Wallflower on Facebook and Whimsical Wallflower Art on instagram, although with her ADHD she admittedly has a hard time keeping up with posts.

Blue GigiRita

1 oz Grand Marnier

1 oz Blue Curaçao

2 oz Tequila

1 oz Simple Syrup or Agave

.5 oz Lime Juice

Add salt if you want!

In this Episode

Books by Judy Blume

Judy Blume Documentary

ALA’s Banned Books

A Doubter’s Almanac with Marty Mooradian Aug 06, 2024

“The Limit Does Not Exist!”

Calling all Mathletes! This week we are talking about the troubled life of mathematician Milo Andret, the protagonist and anti-hero of Ethan Canin’s book "A Daughter’s Almanac". This book is a favorite of my guest, Marty Mooradian.

When Marty isn’t selling apartment complexes with Colliers International, he’s acting in plays and tv commercials, producing electronic dance music and living his best life as the most well known “Dining Room DJ” in Bon Air. Marty has a passion for music and great writing and if he ever gets more time on his hands he’ll get back to making some of the best sour dough on the planet.

Seven and Seven Drink

2 ounces Seagram's 7 Crown Whiskey

4 to 6 ounces 7-Up soda, to taste

Lemon wedge, for garnish

In this Episode

Books by Ethan Canin

Khan Academy

Interview with Ethan Canin

What is a scorpion pepper?

Libby App for Libraries

Hoopla for Libraries

The Rent Collector by Cameron Wright

The Book of Night Women with Elizabeth Klaczynski Jul 30, 2024

This week we are reading a BOOK, and I mean that in the best possible way. The Book of Night Women by Booker Prize winner Marlon James is moving, heartbreaking, magical, and dark. It is also a favorite of this week’s guest, Elizabeth Klaczynski. Elizabeth is a public historian and a curator currently living in Richmond, Virginia. She blames the American Girls series for her love of both history and reading. Elizabeth usually has her head buried in a book, but you can also find her anywhere there is water or playing with her very spoiled fur babies.

This Week’s Drink

Equiano Rum - the first African and Caribbean rum distillery

In this Episode

Books by Marlon James

The Bitter Southerner

The Known World by Edward P. Jones

Rosenwald Schools Exhibition at VA Museum of History and Culture

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe with Erin Surber Jul 23, 2024

It’s Christmas in July! This week we are visiting the world of Narnia, where it is always Winter but never Christmas, at least until the Pevensie children get involved. This week’s guest is Erin Surber, Erin is an avid reader and an enthusiastic library patron. She has four children ages spanning 18 months to 9 years old. Erin has worked in the video production industry for 14 years and now hold the position of Head of Production for a Richmond-based production company. She loves being outside, hiking, running (slowly), and kayaking. Also very into cooking, traveling, and all things dark chocolate!

Our cocktail is staying on the Christmas theme with a Narnia 75, which I found on the FoodNetwork UK’s Christmas recipe page!

Narnia 75 Cocktail

25ml gin

1 tsp white sugar

10ml lime juice

100ml Champagne

In this Episode

Friendship of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien

Worthdays - Richmond area non-profit to support those impacted by the foster care system

Always Only You with Sara Mueller Jul 16, 2024

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Because you are super hot!

Yes, this is a very corny way to start this post, but this week’s episode features the pod’s first romance novel, and it was recorded on a very HOT summer day. This weekI am talking about Always Only You by Chloe Liese with Sara Mueller. Sara is a library assistant manager and has been working in libraries for 11 years. An avid reader since she could learn to put words together, Sara loves sharing her passion for books with anyone who will listen. She is a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic who enjoys romance novels - the steamier the better - as well as thrillers, mysteries, and literary works. Sara is a plant mom with an ever growing brood of plant babies and often spends her free time at her favorite garden-center finding new plants to adopt. She dreams of one day owning an alpaca farm and having a personal library with its own rolling shelf ladder.

We paired the novel with Sangria, which you can really make so many ways, but here is my recipe for a pitcher to share with friends:

Sangria

1 bottle red wine

1 cup orange juice

1/4 cup brandy

1 Apple, chopped

1 Peach, chopped

I recommend letting it blend in the fridge for a few hours before serving so the fruit soaks up the liquid.

In this episode

Chloe Liese’ Website

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

Towards the end of the episode Sara and I discuss books that use Autism in characters as a plot device. As neither Sara or I have Autism, I wanted to share thoughts on this subject from someone who does.

Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! With Lisa Varga Jul 09, 2024

There is no getting around this: I was THRILLED when Lisa agreed to come on the podcast. Lisa is the Executive Director of the Virginia Library Association, immediate past chair of the Virginia Beach Public Library Board, and a member of the ALA Policy Corps focusing on Unite Against Book Bans. She also was named the LIBRARIAN OF THE YEAR 2024 by Library Journal, an award she won because of her advocacy in the fight against book bans. Lisa is a hero of mine, and I am also very grateful to call her my friend.

Our book this week is Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day!: Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs & In-Betweens by Kate Bowler. Lisa lives in Virginia Beach and we recorded at the beautiful OceanFront Marriott in Virginia Beach. I want to thank the staff of the Marriott for letting us record in their executive suite overlooking the ocean. Our drink this week is one Lisa recommends for a beach day, a Ruby Red Grapefruit Crush!

Ruby Red Grapefruit Crush Ingredients

4 oz (½ cup) grapefruit juice

1 oz (2 tablespoons) vodka

½ oz (1 tablespoon) triple sec (orange liqueur)

2 oz (¼ cup) lemon-lime soda or club soda

In This Episode

Unite Against Book Bans - https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/

Virginia Library Association - https://www.vla.org/

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Virginia Society of Association Executives

Everything Happens - Kate Bowler’s podcast

Gigi’s Episode on Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird

Rob Delaney’s Episode of Everything Happens

Catastrophe TV Show

Terrible, Thanks for Asking Podcast

The Hot Young Widows Club by Nora McInerny

From the Dust Returned with Harry Szabo Jul 02, 2024

Hello Libration Nation! This week I am discussing From the Dust Returned with Harry Szabo. Harry is a writer and union organizer. Their books, What Big Teeth and We All Fall Down, explore bad queer representation. They live with their three cats in Richmond, Virginia.

From the Dust Returned has such an Addams Family vibe, so for our drink I went with the red wine The Fugitive by C.A. Dry Creek because the picture on the label reminded me of cousin Itt.

In this episode

Friendship of Charles Addams and Ray Bradbury

Harry’s Website

Moby Dick Commentary

United Campus Workers of Virginia

Bird by Bird with Gigi Howard Jun 25, 2024

Hello Libration Nation - I’m back! So, after all these interviews talking with wonderful people about their favorite books, I felt it was time to share some of my own things, and who better to do that with than my husband Bill as our first guest host?!

This week we are talking Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont, one of my favorite books, and a source of inspiration for doing this podcast as well. Our drink this week is a GigiRita, which is just a Margarita with Grand Mariner that a I gave this silly eponymous names a few years ago after making them at home with friends, they are amazing and a staple at my house when hosting!

GigiRita

1 oz Grand Marnier

2 oz Tequila

1 oz Simple Syrup or Agave

.5 oz Lime Juice

Add salt if you want!

In this episode

Small Victories by Anne Lamott

Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott

Somehow by Anne Lamott

Return of Hyperion with Bill Howard Jun 11, 2024

Hello Libration Nation! So this week I am announcing that I am taking a tiny two week break from the podcast BECAUSE I am working with my friends at EveryLibrary to host some author interviews over the next two weeks. EveryLibrary is the only political action committee for libraries, and I’m thrilled to be partnering with them and doing my favorite thing, promoting storytelling and libraries!

Here is the interview schedule:

June 13, 2024 at 2pm Mary Jane Wells, author

June 13, 20247 pm Alexis Landau, author, with Cassandra Campbell narrator

June 18 7 pm Alison Larkin, author

June 20 7 pm Jason June, author

More info and links to tune in can be found on EveryLibrary’s Website

The regularly scheduled podcast will be back in 2 weeks on Tuesday June 25. I’m really excited for the interviews I’ve already recorded and can’t wait to get them out to you then.

Included here is my very first episode that I did with my husband, Bill, on the book Hyperion. So if you haven’t gotten around to that episode, here it is. As I’ve said before since this was my very first recording the audio isn’t the best, however the jokes are solid gold. Enjoy!

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with Keely Blue Jun 04, 2024

We are going under the sea, 20,000 leagues worth to be precise! It was sincerely so wonderful to talk with Keely Blue about this novel that she loves dearly and learn all the ways it has impacted her. Keely is a library worker by day and singer by night. She fronts the alternative indie band The Tea Lights. In her spare time, she loves walking, collecting records, and escaping into fictional worlds.

For our drink Keely picked a Dark ’n Stormy, a classic ginger beer based cocktail that pairs perfectly with some of the darker scenes in this classic novel by Jules Verne!

Dark ’n Stormy Cocktail

1 part Dark Rum

3 parts Ginger Beer

Splash of lime juice

In this Episode

The Tea Lights

Voyage of the Nautilus Project

Explanation of the (mis)translations of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Jules Verne’s editor and the homeland of Captain Nemo

Isaac Asimov

Ursula LeGuin

Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Project Gutenberg

How Public Domain Works

Ahab’s Wife with Dr. Nan Carmack May 28, 2024

I’m so thrilled this week to be talking with Dr. Nan Carmack about a book that profoundly impacted her, Ahab’s Wife, or the Star-gazerby Sena Jeter Naslund. This book is a brilliant recapturing of the life of Ahab’s wife from Moby Dick and is the author, Nasland’s demonstration of a beautiful female journey in juxtaposition of Melville’s inherently male story. The life of our protagonist, Una, is largely set in Nantucket, so we enjoyed Nantucket cocktails while discussing all the interesting aspects of this adventure novel.

Nan Carmack is the Director of Library Development and Networking at the Library of Virginia. She works with all of the public libraries in the commonwealth. She is also an adjunct professor at Old Dominion University's Masters in Library and Information Science. After a first career as a mental health therapist and then a short stint as an independent bookstore owner, Nan finds that public libraries are the perfect intersection of social justice and intellectual curiosity. She is an amateur artist and enjoys getting her hands dirty in the garden. She has become one of those embarrassing people whose dogs are her children, now that her family has flown the coop. She and her husband live in Richmond, VA. Naps are a priority in her life.

Nantucket Cocktail

1.5 oz. White Rum

2.5 oz. Cranberry Juice

Splash Grapefruit Juice

Lime for garnish (optional)

In this episode:

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

Port William Series (Jayber Crow) by Wendell Berry

Ron Rash Books

Silas House Books

Gangsters of Capitalism by Jonathan M. Katz

Abundance: A Novel of Marie Antoinette by Sena Jeter Naslund

Virginia Literary Awards

Sherlock in Love by Sena Jeter Naslund

This Tender Land by William Kent Kruger

In Distrust of Movements by Wendell Berry

The Friday Night Club with Izzie Call May 21, 2024

This week I am discussing The Friday Night Club: A Novel of Artist Hilma af Klint and Her Creative Circle by Sofia Lindberg, Alyson Richman and MJ Rose. I was so pleased that my friend and museum educator Izzie Call came on the pod and shared her passion and inspiration in learning about “The Mother of Abstract Art” Hilma af Klint. Izzie is a passionate educator who loves art and reading, and listening to her bring these two loves together is a true gift. Enjoy!

In this Episode:

Linda Nochlin’s Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?

Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

Hilmas work The Swan, No. 12, Group IX/SUW from 1915 that was featured in Upgraded: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilma_af_Klint#/media/File%3AHilma_af_Klint_-_1915_-_The_Swan_-_No_16.jpg

Guggenheim website that shows the 2019 exhibition of Hilma’s work that inspired the book: https://www.guggenheim.org/exhibition/hilma-af-klint

To compare Hilmas work to the “Father of Abstract Art”: take a look at some of Wasily Kandinskys work and compare to Hilmas. https://artsandculture.google.com/entity/wassily-kandinsky/m0856z?hl=en

Swedish 75 Cocktail

3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice

6 Tablespoons gin

2 Tablespoons lingonberry jam

Ice cubes for shaking

dry sparkling wine, chilled

Marzahn, Mon Amour with Patricia Smith May 14, 2024

Libration Nation is going International! This week we are discussing the German book Marzahn, Mon Amour by Katja Oskamp, which was the winner of the Dublin Literary Award 2023. Also, this Mother’s Day Week, my guest is none other than the Queen of Libration Nation herself, my mother Patricia Smith! Marzahn, Mon Amour is about the experiences of a woman who becomes a pedicurist in Marzahn, Berlin and chronicles the stories of her clients, mostly seniors who came of age in East Berlin before the Wall came down. These stories are told with compassion and curiosity, documenting the beauty and truth of a people who have experienced both tragedy and triumph.

Our drink this week is an Aperol Spritz, which is featured in the book and is perfect beverage to enjoy all summer long!

Aperol Spritz Recipe

Ice

3 ounces Aperol

3 ounces dry Prosecco

1 ounce club soda

Orange slice, for garnish

In this episode

Hoopla for Libraries

Marzahn, Berlin

Dublin Literary Award

The Clown by Heinrich Boll

The Last Book in the Universe with Heather Knapp May 07, 2024

Hello Libration Nation! This week I am talking with writer, library worker and avid reader Heather Knapp about a book that had a big impact on her as a child and kicked-off her love of reading: The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick.

One of the characters in this story LOVES Chocolate, so Heather and I paired it with a Chocolate Martini Mocktail!

Chocolate Martini Mocktail

3/4 cups milk of your choice

1 tbsp. sweetened condensed milk

3 tbsp chocolate syrup

Whipped Cream (optional)

1 teaspoon flaked chocolate for garnish (optional)

In this episode

Brave New World

Famous People with Epilepsy

Fourth Wing with Hannah Hauck Apr 30, 2024

But I gotta know what’s your Romanta-ta-cy? If you are Hannah “H Bomb” Hauck the answer to this is Fourth Wing and everything else that is coming next from Rebecca Yarros. This is a fun romp with my BFF as we discuss Fourth Wing and everything around the creation of this story, deep diving into both the smut and the publishing industry. Seriously, where else are you going to find this kind of content?! Hannah also made her own cocktail for this episode, “The Wingleader”, a light twist on a Margarita!

The Wingleader

1.5 oz Tequila

1 oz Triple Sec

.5 oz Lime Juice

2 oz Orange Juice

1 oz Club Soda

.5 oz Agave

In this episode

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Elhors Danlos syndrome

Red Tower Books

Rebecca Yarros Romance Novels

Ranganthan’s Five Laws of Library Science

Book Riot Podcast - First Edition

Rebecca Yarros Non-Profit One October

The Catcher in the Rye with James Hudson Apr 23, 2024

This week I am talking with librarian James Hudson about The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger, an American classic and a book that had a huge impact on James as a teenager. We recorded this episode on St. Patrick’s Day, and decided to celebrate with a Guinness Beer, probably the least phony beer out there and hopefully a choice Holden would respect.

In this episode

The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger

Various Catcher in the Rye covers

Papyrus SNL skit

Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace

H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Coming thro’ the Rye poem by Robert Burns

Rushmore film by Wes Anderson

The Royal Tenenbaums film by Wes Anderson

From Here to Eternity with Kierston Foutz Apr 16, 2024

Giddy-up folks, we are talking about everyone’s favorite topic: DEATH. I loved talking with Kierston about all things death, funeral practices from around the world, grief, and love. Kierston is a library customer services supervisor and loves to read, especially books that teach her something new. You can follow her beautifully curated Instagram: @oursharedshelves For our discussion Kierston chose From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death by Caitlin Doughty, a mortician who is fascinated by death. There are so many different funeral and burial practices around the world and this book explores many of them.

For our drink we went witha beer: the Rogue Dead Guy Ale, which is delicious and a great choice to go along with the title.

In this episode:

Ask a Mortician - Caitlin Doughty’s YouTube

Human Remains Project in Cullowhee NC (Correction: In the pod I misremembered this program being at UNC Pembroke - It’s at Western Carolina University. Apologies to the entire UNC school system!)

Congratulations! The Best is Over by R. Eric Thomas

Celebrating Dia de los Muertos in Mexico

Olga Dies Dreaming with Dr. Stephanie Lau Apr 09, 2024

This week I am joined by Dr. Stephanie Lau, she is research faculty in the School of Education at VCU, she has a Masters of Arts in Teaching as well as a PhD in Public Policy and Administration. She is also a wife and mom of two young boys, and on top of all this she has co-run our neighborhood bookclub with me since 2021!

Stephanie picked one of the many books we have read for bookclub,Olga Dies Dreaming Xóchitl González. Olga is a wedding planner in Brooklyn trying to find her way, but will her mother-turned-Puerto-Rico-revolutionary ruin all her plans? This book is LAY-ERED, there is so much about family, parenthood, Puerto Rican history, love, loss, and maybe everything else in-between. We had a great time talking about this book and I loved the thoughtfulness Stephanie came to this conversation with, and how much of the nuance from the novel she was able to cipher out and demonstrate what a tremendous book this is.

For the drink we chose a Caipinhara, which is the national drink of Brazil and absolutely delicious. Why did we choose a Brazilian drink to discuss a book largely about Puerto Rico? You will just have to listen to the episode to find out!

Caipinhara Recipe

½ lime, quartered

1 teaspoon white sugar

2 ½ fluid ounces cachaça (Brazilian rum)

1 cup ice cubes

Squeeze and drop lime wedges into a large rocks glass. Add sugar and muddle until juices release.

Pour in cachaça and ice. Stir well.

Although I was not able to find a Zero-proof cachaça, using a Ritual Rum will work to make a refreshing alcohol free option!

In this episode:

Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA)

Caipinhara

Anita de Monte Laughs Last - Xóchitl González latest book!

Vote for DITL for Best Podcast at Richmond Magazine (voting is going until April 26th!)

Anne of Green Gables with Deanna Firehair Apr 02, 2024

Did you read the Anne of Green Gables series as a young girl and then walk through the woods pretending to be Anne and Diana? Yes? So did I and so did my friend Deanna!

Talking with Deanna about this book was so much fun, celebrating Anne and the cultural impact this story has had. A famous Anne quote is: “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”. Well, I’m so glad I live in a world where there is an Anne of Green Gables.

Spoiler alert (Not really this is an iconic scene at this point): In the first book Anne accidentally gets her bestie Diana drunk on current wine, which she believes is raspberry cordial. Current wine apparently takes months, so we decided to make Raspberry Cordial Mules, which can be enjoyed with or without alcohol by making it with zero-proof vodka. I got the recipe from this lovely website and made the cordial myself in less than an hour!

Raspberry Cordial Mule

12 oz. Frozen Raspberries

3 cups Water

¾ cup Sugar

2 tsp. Lime Juice plus more for cocktails

Vodka

Ginger Beer

Fresh Raspberries (for garnish)

In this episode:

Deanna’s Instagram

Anne of Green Gables 2 part special (Megan Fellows version is cannon)

LM Montgomery

Unreasonable Hospitality with Allison Schwalm Mar 26, 2024

Hello Libration Nation!

This week I talk with realtor and small business owner Allison Schwalm about the book Unreasonable Hospitalityby Will Guidara. This book is about all things hospitality and customer service and Allison expands on how it inspires her own business practices. It’s a great book for anyone who is aiming to grow their business, or is interested in showing caring and respect through service. Also, this is the book Richie is reading during season one of The Bear! I have never felt cooler.

For our drink Allison chose a Paloma, which is a favorite of both of ours and I think feels very “restauranty” and fancy. We recorded while Allison was doing dry January, so we made it non-alcoholic by using Ritual Tequila which I bought at Ceremony, an adorable and very hip shop in the Fan RVA, check it out!

You can find Allison on Instagram: Allison Schwalm and Allison Schwalm Summit Properties

Paloma Recipe (Non-Alcoholic)

3 ounces Ritual tequila (2 oz if using alcoholic tequila)

2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice, plus wedges for garnish

2 ounces club soda

½ ounce lime juice

¼ ounce simple syrup

Lastly a shameless plug for you to vote for Drinks in the Library as the Best Podcast for Richmond Magazine’s Best & Worst list. I also endorse Allison Schwalm as Best Entrepreneur for this list, please include us in your voting activities!

Here is a list of things discussed in this podcast:

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

Summit Properties Allison’s Realty Company

Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Ceremony Dry Bottle Shop

Ritual Tequila (Non- alcoholic)

Young Mother in Richmond

11 Madison Park NYC

The Big Brunch Cooking Show

The Bear TV Show

Brené Brown Books

Lessons in Chemistry with Haley Houghton Mar 19, 2024

Hello Libration Nation! This week I’m joined by Haley Houghton, an educator and book enthusiast. The book we discuss is “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus. For our drink we chose coffee (this was recorded in the morning and as busy moms we weren’t quite ready to get at it), and Haley added a little chemistry twist by making it in an Aeropress. In this episode we discuss turning 40, our two person only book-club, and the general bad-assery of Bonnie Garmus in writing the strong, quirky, brilliant female character Elizabeth Zott.

Haley mentions this story is a tragicomedy, which is right on and there are some great read-alike out there if you want more like this book:

Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

The Elegance of the Hedgehog* by Muriel Barbery

*We did refer to this as The Elegance of the Porcupine which I think is a very cute and relatable mistake

Mistborn with Beka Castagna Mar 12, 2024

Hello Libration Nation! This week’s episode features librarian Beka Castagna as we discuss her latest fantasy obsession, the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson. Beka walks me through the premise of the book, its characters, and the series role as one of the biggest-name fantasy series on the market. We also discuss this Wired article, which was my entree into the insanely complicated world of who Brandon Sanderson is and what it’s like to be a Brandon Sanderson fan (did you know he lives in an underground castle?!) Also, I repeatedly call the subtitle of the book “The Final Kingdom” when it is in fact “The Final Empire” -my apologies - please don’t come at me!

For our drink we chose “The Survivor”, a moniker of one of the story’s main characters. Pineapple and chocolate is a somewhat bizarre choice for a drink, but we’ll let you decide what you think, cheers!

1.5 oz. White rum

0.25 oz. Crème de cacao (dark)

1 oz. Pineapple juice

0.25 oz. Lime juice

The Exorcist with Matthew Knotts Mar 05, 2024

Hello Libration Nation! This week horror film enthusiast Matthew Knotts is here to talk about one of his favorite books and films “The Exorcist” by William Peter Blatty. The episode touches equally with the film side of the story as well as the book and was delightful and hilarious to record.

For our drink we went with the Exorcist Cocktail from this website. The ingredients are:

3/4 oz of Lime Juice
1 1/2 oz of Tequila
3/4 oz of blue curacao liqueur

For ours we added a little grapefruit juice just to add a little flavor.

There is also a surprise drink twist about halfway through, you will have to listen to find out! Cheers!

_____

I do want to mention that we discuss JK Rowling towards the end of the conversation and we did not bring up any of her troubling beliefs and actions against the Transgender community. This was not intentional and was an oversight as we focused on her writing, however just a reminder this IS the 3rd episode a podcast I’ve ever produced, so I’m learning and will try to do better next time.

Man’s Search for Meaning with Dr. Kara Keuthan Feb 27, 2024

In this episode I’m joined by one of my very best friends Dr. Kara Keuthan, to discuss Man’s Search for Meaning by Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, Dr Viktor Frankl. Kara tells the story of surviving a terrible accident at 18 years old, and how a few years after it she found a great deal of connection and meaning after reading this tremendous book by Dr. Frankl. Kara shares how she also found her way to the field of psychiatry and how through her own trauma she is able to help others find resilience and strength.

For our drink we chose to honor Dr. Frankl’s homeland of Austria with an Austrian Rosé, Pratsch. Although a lot of what we cover is heavy, we do discuss a wine note that wine-experts label “Funky” but that I oh-so-eloquently-call “Tastes like feet”. Cheers!

In this Episode:

My friends at EveryLibrary

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

Hyperion with Bill Howard Feb 20, 2024

I could not pick a better first guest than my life-partner, Bill! We discuss one of his favorite books Hyperion, land some pretty decent jokes, and consider the potential that we get cancelled on this very first podcast episode. Kidding (I hope!)

The book is Hyperion by Dan Simmons, and Bill choose to pair our household beverage, a Gin & Fresca, or as we call them “A Girlfriend” (GF, get it?!)

Girlfriends:

2 oz Gin

6 oz

That’s it! Stir over ice and let your tastebuds explode!

Follow us on Instagram @Drinksinthelibrary

www.drinksinthelibrary.com

Drinks in the Library Trailer Feb 19, 2024

Drinks in the Library is thinly library where drinks aren’t just allowed, they are required! Each episode librarian Gigi Howard interviews a guest about a much loved book and we pair it with a drink!

Instagram: @DrinksintheLibrary

www.drinksinthelibrary.com

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