Archive for the ‘Reads’ Category

Guide to the Celeste Ng Books and Exclusive Author Interview

Wednesday, July 26th, 2023

Celeste Ng discusses her debut novel in this author interview. Discover the Celeste Ng books in order & her writing process for “Everything I Never Told You.”

Let’s dive into the behind-the-scenes story of Everything I Never Told You with an exclusive interview with the author.

Everything I Never Told You Book Synopsis

Everything I Never Told You is a beautiful character-driven debut novel set in 1970s Ohio.

When a family’s daughter goes missing, the lives of her family members begin unravel through Ng’s beautiful storytelling.

From the inception of the parents’ relationship to the intricate dynamics of every family member, including the missing Lydia, this novel presents a profound exploration of untold stories.

Within its pages lie the unspoken narratives of each character – the parents’ feelings of disappointment, the challenges of belonging due to racial differences, and the burdens of fulfilling expected roles within the family, regardless of their desires.

This novel is an excellent choice for book club discussions, as it delves into significant themes like parental roles and expectations, the heartache of youth, and the struggles of fitting in.

However, it’s essential to clarify that this work leans more towards being character-driven story rather than a conventional mystery or thriller.

It is such an honor to have Celeste Ng join me today. in this special interview

Guide to the Celeste Ng Books and Exclusive Author Interview

You open with the death of Lydia in the very opening sentences of the book and then build the story from there. Why did you decide to start with her tragic death and then work your way out in the story?

In earlier drafts, the book began quite differently: “At first, they don’t know where Lydia has gone.”

And neither did the reader until about thirty or forty pages in.

What I realized, eventually, was that this pointed the reader in the wrong direction. It prompted the reader to focus on whether Lydia was alive or dead rather than on what happened within the family to lead to her death.

So in the last draft of the novel, I changed the opening and put Lydia’s fate right up front. Once you know that Lydia is dead, that information colors everything you read afterward.

Race plays a big part in this novel. I was embarrassingly unaware of racial discrimination among Asians in the 70s, particularly in the disapproval of the relationship between the white mother (Marilyn) & the Asian father (James) in the Lee family.

Was this something that you had heard about, researched, or have you experienced this discrimination firsthand?

Unfortunately, discrimination among Asians isn’t just limited to the 1970s.

It still happens today, both overtly and in what we might now call microaggressions: small actions, often not intended as malicious, that remind people of their otherness.

With one exception, every moment of racism or racial tension in the novel is something that I or someone I know personally has experienced firsthand.

And these moments aren’t rare: every person of color I’ve spoken with has experienced something similar, no matter where they live.

How did you react when you learned that your debut novel was chosen as the Book of the Year on Amazon in 2014?

And now, do you face greater expectations to produce a follow-up that matches the same level of greatness in your next book?

Here’s how I found out about the Amazon pick: I was sitting in my living room drinking tea and playing with my son when someone tweeted “Congratulations!” at me.

I actually had to tweet back, “On what?!” So the whole experience has been surreal, and I’m very grateful to Amazon’s editorial team for championing the book.

I do feel some pressure to deliver another book that will live up to the response for this first one—how could I not?

But honestly, the expectations have an upside as well.

Writing is such an uncertain job; you work for years on a single project and hope that when it’s done, someone will read it.

Having so many people read and respond to the book makes me more optimistic that people will want to read the next one, too.

The title of your book, Everything I Never Told You, is the anthem of every character in this book, as they all have their own secrets and struggles that they can’t seem to share with others.

Was there anything you have never shared with someone that you wished you would have, and what message do you hope your readers will walk away with from reading this book?

My father passed away unexpectedly over a decade ago, and I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye properly.

(None of us did.)

I think about that a lot, about what I’d have said if we’d had another chance to talk.

And even now, I often think of things that I’d like to share with him—not important things necessarily, just jokes he’d have enjoyed or observations he’d have gotten a kick out of.

More than the Big Important Topics, those kinds of small things are the glue that holds a relationship together.

I guess I hope that readers will close the book thinking about how life is short—and precious—and will make a conscious choice to never take the time they have with loved ones for granted.

As a mom, I really struggled with Marilyn leaving her family behind in this book because she felt she did not get to pursue her own dreams.

I admit, I was pretty angry with her as this family hobbled along in her absence. I think being a mom does mean sometimes we have to put our dreams on hold in order to make our family lives work.

Did you sympathize with Marilyn? Have you ever had to put anything on hold in your own life because of your family?

It’s totally okay to be angry with Marilyn! (She makes some questionable choices, as do all the other characters.)

But you’re right, being a mom, you’re in a constant juggling act trying to balance the needs of your family and your own needs.

This is true for any parent, of course, but in today’s world, it’s especially true for mothers.

As a working mom myself, I end up putting my family before my own wants a lot of the time—as do most parents, I think.

Sometimes these are small things: maybe I’d rather have chicken one night, but I cook spaghetti because that is what my kid will eat.

Sometimes they’re larger: for example, I’d love to go on a writing retreat, like the ones at McDowell (where someone brings you your lunch every day while you work!).

But that would be a huge strain on my family, so it’s off the table, at least for a while.

And in fact, I’d miss them too much if I were away for so long.

That’s the thing that makes it hardest: you’re not just choosing between something you want and something they want; you’re choosing between something you want and something they want that you want too.

Your desires get all mixed up with your family’s and it becomes hard to even tell what you yourself want. So yes, I have a lot of sympathy for Marilyn.

What can we expect from you in your next book?

The next book is still very much in draft form, so I won’t say too much about it yet—I’m still working out the details!

But it takes place in my hometown of Shaker Heights, Ohio. It focuses on a family living there and a mother-daughter pair (with some secrets in their past) who move in from out of town and the ways those two families get entangled and stir up trouble for one another.

Editor’s Update: Can you guess what book this is? It’s Little Fires Everywhere!

If you could tell anyone to read one book right now (other than your own) what would that book be? (read all the recommendations from authors HERE)

Just one?

That’s a very hard choice to make.

I’d go with The Bluest Eye, because Toni Morrison is one of my all-time favorite authors and that book says so much about race and culture, identity and love, and it’s beautifully written.

New to Celeste Ng? Here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions!

How To Pronounce Celeste Ng

If you don’t know how to pronounce her name- check out her X handle.

What are the best Celeste Ng books?

My favorite books by Celeste Ng are Everything I Never Told You and Little Fires Everywhere.

Her highest-rated novel on GoodReads is her second book, Little Fires Everywhere.

What Celeste Ng Movies Are Coming Out?

Two of Celeste Ng’s books have been optioned for the tv screen, but no films yet.

Little Fires Everywhere became a Hulu series and Everything I Never Told You series is currently in development.

We have provided more information in the book list below.

Is it necessary to read Celeste Ng’s books in a specific order?

No, each book is a standalone story.

What are the Celeste books in the order published?

Everything I Never Told You (2014)

Little Fires Everywhere (2017)

Six Shorts 2017 (2017)

Our Missing Hearts (2022)

Fourteen Days: An Unauthorized Gathering (2024)

Celeste Ng Books

Celeste Ng is an Asian American author known for her critically-acclaimed novels.

She pursued higher education at Harvard University and honed her writing craft through an MFA from the renowned Helen Zell Writers' Program at the University of Michigan.

Her writing extends beyond novels, with fiction and essays showcased in esteemed publications such as the New York Times and The Guardian.

Notably, she has received several honors, including the Pushcart Prize, a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, and a Guggenheim Fellowship, all celebrating her exceptional contributions to literature.

Celeste Ng grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Shaker Heights, Ohio.

Browse this list of all the Celeste Ng books. We also share where to stream the movie and tv adaptations.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Fourteen Days: A Collaborative Novel

Celeste Ng’s new book is an anthology series that will hit store shelves on February 6th, 2024.

Amidst the early days of COVID-19 lockdowns in Manhattan's Lower East Side, Fourteen Days weaves an enthralling tale of resilience through the lives of a diverse group of neighbors.

A different author pens each character's story in this anthology series.

This novel celebrates the strength of community, revealing how connections bloom even amidst the darkest times.

The complete list of contributing writers on this anthology project is extensive, including Charlie Jane Anders, Margaret Atwood, Jennine Capó Crucet, Joseph Cassara, Angie Cruz, Pat Cummings, Sylvia Day, Emma Donoghue, Dave Eggers, Diana Gabaldon, Tess Gerritsen, John Grisham, Maria Hinojosa, Mira Jacob, Erica Jong, CJ Lyons, Tommy Orange, Mary Pope Osborne, Douglas Preston, Alice Randall, Ishmael Reed, Roxana Robinson, Nelly Rosario, James Shapiro, Hampton Sides, R.L. Stine, Nafissa Thompson-Spires, Monique Truong, Scott Turow, Luis Alberto Urrea, Rachel Vail, Weike Wang, Caroline Randall Williams, De’Shawn Charles Winslow, and Meg Wolitzer.

Our Missing Hearts

In the gripping world of Celeste Ng's new novel, we are transported to a dystopian America where a heart-wrenching reality unfolds—children are forcibly separated from their parents due to their “un-American values.”

In a post-"Crisis" America, marked by economic decline and chaos, the government enacted the PACT (Preserving American Culture and Traditions Act) to revive the economy and preserve American values.

Twelve-year-old Bird Gardner's life takes an unexpected turn when he receives a cryptic letter, setting him on a quest to find his missing mother, a Chinese American poet.

As he delves into his mother's folktales and joins an underground network of heroic librarians, Bird uncovers the truth about her disappearance, leading him to New York City.

Six Shorts 2017: The finalists for the 2017 Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award

Discover the best short fiction with Six Shorts 2017, a collection of stories shortlisted for the prestigious Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award, boasting past winners and shortlisted authors such as Junot Díaz, Anthony Doerr, and Hilary Mantel.

Chosen by a distinguished panel of judges, including Booker-winner Anne Enright and Orange-winner Rose Tremain, this anthology features compelling tales by acclaimed authors Kathleen Alcott, Bret Anthony Johnston, Richard Lambert, Victor Lodato, Celeste Ng, and Sally Rooney, competing for the coveted £30,000 prize.

You can browse all of Celeste Ng’s essays on her site.

Little Fires Everywhere

In this riveting novel, the lives of the seemingly perfect Richardson family and the enigmatic mother and daughter they welcome into their community become intricately entangled.

Set in the idyllic suburb of Shaker Heights, where rules govern every aspect of life, the arrival of artist Mia Warren and her daughter Pearl disrupts the carefully planned existence.

As secrets unravel and a custody battle unfolds, Little Fires Everywhere explores the power of hidden truths, the essence of identity, and the unyielding force of motherhood.

The demand for a Little Fires Everywhere sequel has piqued readers' interest.

Although there are no concrete plans for one, Celeste Ng appears receptive to the possibility.

Little Fires Everywhere was adapted as a drama series starring Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, and Joshua Jackson.

Unfortunately, there will be no Little Fires Everywhere season 2. Of course, if Celeste writes that book sequel, we might have more in store.

The tv series is available to stream on Hulu or through Prime Video.

Everything I Never Told You

Tragedy strikes when Lydia, the beloved child of a Chinese American family, is found dead in a local lake.

This heart-wrenching novel weaves a captivating narrative that delves into the complexities of family bonds.

Following a fierce multi-studio bidding war, Variety reported that Annapurna Television had secured the rights to adapt Celeste Ng's acclaimed debut novel.

The Everything I Never Told You tv series is in development.

Don’t miss this list of 14 Books by AAPI Authors to Read Now. We included this book in our Book Gang podcast episode with Kristen Mei Chase.

Love Reese’s picks? Don’t miss this list of the best celebrity book club books I’ve read.

Love this author interview? Stream the Book Gang Podcast wherever you get podcasts. We discuss debuts, backlist, and under-the-radar book gems with your favorite authors.

TELL ME: What is your favorite Celeste Ng book?

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Tags: Celeste Ng Interview, Everything I Never Told You Book Review, Everything I Never Told You Interview
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The Exclusive Ruth Ware Interview You Need to Read

Tuesday, July 25th, 2023

Ruth Ware discusses her debut thriller in this author interview. Get the Ruth Ware books list and discover the books in order, including “In a Dark, Dark Wood.”

Thrillers are my jam in the summer, and today I am sharing a very special interview with my favorite thriller writer, Ruth Ware.

Be sure to scroll down for the complete list of Ruth Ware books and answers to your most asked questions.

We also share where to stream the movie adaptations of her upcoming films.

In a Dark Dark Wood is Ruth Ware’s intriguing debut novel.

Leonora, a reclusive writer, receives a surprise invitation from an old friend inviting her to a weekend away as one last hurrah before she gets married.

Set in a glass house in the woods, the four acquaintances share revelations and begin to realize their party is not alone.

Forty-eight hours later, Leonora (Nora) awakes in a hospital bed, knowing that someone is dead.

Nora desperately tries to piece together what happened, forcing her to revisit times in her past that she would instead leave buried.

I’m pretty picky about thrillers, and this one delivers beautifully.

The pacing is perfect and reads like a great Agatha Christie whodunit mystery.

Enjoy the ride, and then get ready to see this one brought to life on the big screen by Reese Witherspoon’s production team.

The Exclusive Ruth Ware Interview You Need to Read

I understand that the idea for this novel came to you when a friend said, “I’ve never read a thriller set on a hen night.”

As an American, I had no idea this was what these were called!

Did your wheels immediately start turning when you heard this story idea?

Yes, it was like a little light bulb went on in my head!

I immediately started thinking of characters and settings, and I knew this story was begging to be written.

One of the fun things about writing the book has been finding out all the different bachelorette traditions around the world and how they vary.

Rights have been sold everywhere from Sweden to Indonesia and as you can imagine, the local hen party traditions are very different – sometimes it’s small stuff like I had no idea that Americans don’t use L-plates as part of their bachelorette celebrations, whereas in the UK, they are an essential part of the bride-to-be’s outfit.

In case you didn’t know, L-plates are the signs that learner drivers put on their cars to show they are not experienced road users.

I have NO idea what they have to do with weddings!

Sometimes there are very wild and weird traditions – in Sweden, brides are often “kidnapped” for their hen party, sometimes in a worryingly realistic fashion!

However, differences aside, I think it’s a surprisingly universal celebration – most countries have some kind of pre-marriage send-off.

You created a hen night in the middle of nowhere, in the woods, in a glass house, with no phone reception. Hello, nightmares!

Why did you put these poor people in a glass house and did any books or movies help inspire your scary premise for the story?

Actually, initially, the glass house was very different; when I wrote the first few chapters, the setting was a tumbledown cottage, much closer to the croft that Flo’s aunt demolished to make way for her modernist house.

But then, a few chapters in, I started to realise that one of the themes of the book is about having your public persona stripped away and people seeing the real you, and the idea of not having anywhere to hide from scrutiny.

So I thought how much more interesting to make the house an extension of that?

I was definitely inspired by watching too many scary movies as a kid – there’s something so vulnerable about a house with a lot of windows where the inhabitants are being watched without knowing it!

How challenging was it for you to switch between your two plots? Did you write each separately from start to finish, or did you switch back and forth?

I wrote it almost exactly as you read it – swapping back and forth as I wrote it.

I think many people are surprised at that, but it’s the only way I know how to write – I find it too hard to keep up with what the reader knows if I write out of sequence.

I need to keep pace with their experience as I write, or I get the tension and the moments of revelation wrong.

Ruth Ware Posing With In a Dark, Dark Wood Billboard

Your debut novel succeeded tremendously, becoming a New York Times bestseller and a Sunday Times bestseller.

Notably, it also caught the attention of Reese Witherspoon’s production team, who secured the film rights for the book.

What has this experience been like, and what has surprised you the most about the success of this novel?

Oh – I mean, just insane. I honestly have no words for how much this has gob-smacked me, and I’m not a person who’s usually lost for words.

I would have been delighted if a few hundred people in the UK bought my book – the fact that it’s sold in America, let alone places like Thailand and Estonia… I find it very hard to remember when I’m walking the kids to school or loading the dishwasher!

The thing that feels most surreal is probably the film stuff.

I used to work in publishing, so it’s a world I feel pretty comfortable in.

Whereas I know absolutely nothing about the movie business – that really does feel like something that happens to other people, not my little book!

You were one of the first three books to be published under Scout Press, which I can only imagine was a huge honor.

Did this help in the promotion and success of your book?

Scout have been indescribably amazing to work with.

I actually didn’t know the whole deal about the new imprint when I signed up with Simon & Schuster, and I remember when I found out I had this butterflies-in-the-pit-of-my-stomach moment where I suddenly realised they were putting so much trust in my book, making it one of their launch list.

Publishing a book is a sort of weird experience because although writers often compare their books to babies, the truth is, you create this thing, but you’re not really responsible for sending it out into the world – that’s down to the publisher.

They decide the look, how it’s marketed, and often even the title.

And I’ve worked in this business long enough to know how painful it can be when a writer has radically different ideas about what their book is, compared to their publisher.

But from the moment I saw that incredible cover that Scout produced, I just knew I was in safe hands, and I couldn’t have been more right.

They’ve been amazing to work with.

There is so much bravery in putting your work out there since writing is very personal. Did you struggle with this, and what would you say to another writer struggling with unleashing their work into the world?

I did struggle with this – I wrote a lot of books growing up and in my early twenties, and they all went under the bed because I was basically too chicken to show them to anyone.

But in the end, I just got to a place where I realised that however bad I might feel if I failed, I’d feel worse if I didn’t even try in the first place.

I don’t know what I would say to another writer because I didn’t have the magic confidence pill back then, and I still don’t. Ultimately I think I wrote a book that I couldn’t bear to shelve.

But maybe… maybe my advice would be baby steps.

Share your book with a trusted friend – someone who knows you well enough to be honest as well as supportive, the kind of person who you’d take clothes shopping and trust to say “you know what, that dress isn’t flattering on you.”

Or, if that’s too scary, find a writing group online.

And above all, try not to take it personally. Writing is personal, it has to be, but rejection rarely is.

I understand you are terrified of reading scary books.

What is the scariest book you have ever read?

Do you feel more in control of things, writing your own scary book, or did you end up terrifying yourself?

Yes, I’m a terrible coward! I’m getting sent a lot of books to blurb now, and I’m realising that there’s a whole swathe of crime that’s just waaaay out of my comfort zone in terms of horrible things happening to people.

It’s mainly prolonged violence and torture I find I can’t read – I skipped over all the Theon chapters in Game of Thrones, for example.

For plain scariness… maybe Black House by Peter Straub and Stephen King, which I read while on holiday in a very remote Dorset village, and it scared the daylights out of me.

We were staying in a converted church, a fairly spooky location in itself, which probably didn’t help.

Two of my favourite scary books are The Haunting of Hill House and The Woman in Black, which are my kind of scary – nail-biting but nobody gets locked in a basement and tortured.

But yes, it’s very different writing my own books – so much of the scariness is suspense, not knowing when the curtain will get ripped back, so I think it’s very difficult to scare yourself to the same extent.

The element of surprise isn’t there.

Editor’s Note: Ruth Ware also shares her FAVORITE BOOKS with our readers. You’ll love discovering her favorite Agatha Christie book.

We never give away spoilers, but how hard was it to craft In the Dark, Dark Wood ending of your book?

Did you try different endings out, or did it all come together quickly?

This is really hard to write without spoiling, but I had the ending in mind right from the beginning, but it slightly changed in the way it played out.

And certain characters who were going to die, didn’t, and vice versa.

What can we expect from you next? Any involvement in the film writing?

Are you working on your next book or taking time to savor the success of this first one?

No one’s asked me to write the film, but that’s probably a good thing since I know precisely zip about screenwriting!

However, I am not good at sitting on my hands, and I find the only cure for pre-publication nerves is writing another book, so I am currently working on book three.

My second thriller, The Woman in Cabin 10 is already written.

Editor’s Note: Ruth Ware has TEN books now!

New to Ruth Ware? Here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions!

What are the best Ruth Ware books?

I loved In a Dark, Dark Wood, The Woman in Cabin 10, and The Turn of the Key. Ruth’s highest-rated book on GoodReads, however, is Turn of the Key!

You can’t go wrong with an author who has been heralded as the Agatha Christie of our lifetime.

What Ruth Ware Movies Are Coming Out?

Several of Ruth Ware’s books have been optioned for the screen.

In a Dark, Dark Wood had film rights acquired by New Line Cinema. Reese Witherspoon’s Pacific Standard is attached to produce.

The Woman in Cabin 10 movie news had some exciting recent developments.

Her thriller novel The Woman in Cabin 10 is set for a film adaptation with Keira Knightley starring as the lead, Variety reports.

Ware shared news of the latest adaptation on the social platform X, writing, “Nobody told me that one of the hardest parts about being a writer would be KEEPING AMAZING SECRETS. Yes, THE Keira Knightley.”

Is it necessary to read Ruth Ware’s books in a specific order?

At this time, each of her books can be enjoyed as a standalone story.

What are the Ruth Ware books in the order published?

We have listed all of the descriptions of each book below!

Ruth Ware has nine books, currently.

In a Dark, Dark Wood (2015)

The Woman in Cabin 10 (2016)

The Lying Game (2017)

The Death of Mrs. Westway (2018)

The Turn of the Key (2019)

One by One (2020)

Snowflakes (2020)

The It Girl (2022)

Zero Days (2023)

One Perfect Couple (2024)

Authors Like Ruth Ware to Check Out

If you like Ruth Ware, try Clare Mackintosh, Lisa Jewell, Alice Feeney, or Gilly McMillan for some other great thriller writer options.

Ruth Ware Books

Ruth Ware is an international number-one bestselling author. Her books have been optioned for film and TV and published in over 40 languages. A graduate of Manchester University, Ruth lives near Brighton with her family.

Browse this list of all the Ruth Ware books. We also share where to stream the movie adaptations.

One Perfect Couple

This new book from Ruth Ware explores the darker sides of reality-tv.

Based on Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, this high-tension thriller by Ruth Ware follows five couples trapped on a storm-swept island with a killer among them. Lyla, struggling in her career and relationship, joins her boyfriend Nico on the reality TV show One Perfect Couple.

Whisked off to Ever After Island, they compete against other couples for a cash prize, but chaos ensues when the first challenge goes wrong, and an overnight storm cuts them off.

Deprived of phones and contact with the crew, survival becomes more challenging. As tensions rise and water runs low, Lyla realizes the game is terrifyingly real and deadly.

Zero Days

Meet Jack and her husband, Gabe, the most sought-after penetration specialists corporations hire.

Jack becomes the prime suspect when a routine job ends in tragedy and Gabe is found dead.

Now, on the run and with time running out, she must uncover the true killer while navigating a web of deception.

Universal International Studios has optioned the Zero Days movie! According to Deadline, UIS won the book in a bidding war against ten other parties.

The It Girl

In this riveting dual-timeline murder mystery, Hannah's life takes a shocking turn a decade after the tragic death of her dazzling friend, April.

Now married and expecting her first child, Hannah's world is upended when fresh evidence emerges.

This new information casts doubt on the guilt of the man convicted of April's murder.

As she rekindles old connections and digs deeper into the past, Hannah unravels a web of secrets among her inseparable friends, discovering a chilling truth beneath their facades.

Could there be a hidden murderer among them?

One by One

Tensions rise when a tech start-up's corporate retreat in the French Alps turns sinister after a contentious buyout offer.

Stranded by a devastating avalanche, the coworkers must confront their darkest truths as the chalet becomes a chilling battleground.

Survival is uncertain, and the true nature of each individual is revealed one by one.

If you love a locked-room mystery, readers praised this as one of her most suspenseful books.

Snowflakes (Hush collection)

In this gripping Amazon short story from the Hush collection, the secluded life of Leah and her family on a remote island is threatened when her father's increasing paranoia drives him to build a barrier between their home and the outside world.

As the wall rises, tensions escalate, and Leah becomes haunted by the fear that the violence they left behind may have finally caught up with them.

Craving more remote island book adventures? Don’t miss this book list of 22 enthralling books set on islands.

The Turn of the Key

Rowan Caine seizes the chance for a dream live-in nannying job with an alluring salary.

But her excitement turns to terror as she finds herself entangled in a nightmarish reality—a child dead, and she stands accused of murder.

Rowan desperately unravels the sinister events leading to her incarceration from her prison cell, exposing the twisted secrets lurking within the "smart" home in the Scottish Highlands.

If you love this book, don’t miss this book list of the best psychological thrillers to check out.

The Death of Mrs. Westaway

Hal unexpectedly inherits a substantial fortune in a twist of fate, though the letter was meant for someone else.

As a skilled tarot card reader, she sees an opportunity to claim the money, leading her to attend the deceased's funeral.

But amid the eerie gathering, Hal becomes increasingly aware that something is amiss, and the mysterious inheritance holds dark secrets that could alter her life forever.

The Lying Game

In the picturesque coastal village of Salten, a shocking discovery sets off a chain of events that reunites four former best friends.

Fatima, Thea, Isa, and Kate receive a cryptic text message that has them returning to their haunting past at a boarding school.

This is where they once played the dangerous Lying Game, and they soon realize that buried secrets will resurface with deadly consequences in this atmospheric thriller.

The Woman in Cabin 10

Journalist Lo Blacklock's dream assignment becomes a chilling nightmare when she witnesses a woman thrown overboard during a luxury cruise on the Aurora exclusive ship.

As she struggles to convince others of the horrifying event, the ship continues its journey.

Lo is desperate to unravel the truth in this atmospheric thriller, leaving readers on edge until the final, haunting page.

The Woman in Cabin 10 movie is set to star Keira Knightley starring as the lead, Variety reports.

The adaptation, penned by Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, will be directed by Simon Stone and developed by Netflix.

In a Dark, Dark Wood

In a spine-chilling weekend getaway in the English countryside, reclusive writer Leonora finds herself entangled in a web of dark secrets and unsettling memories.

A sinister presence lurks in the woods as night descends and friends gather.

As past and present collide, Leonora's resolve is tested.

In a Dark, Dark Wood movie news: New Line has acquired the film rights for Ruth Ware's bestseller, with Reese Witherspoon and Bruna Papandrea's Pacific Standard producing.

This movie is in development now.

Love Reese’s picks? Don’t miss this list of the best celebrity book club books I’ve read, including the inside scoop on some of Reese Witherspoon’s selections in our celebrity book club deep dive Book Gang episode.

Love this author interview? Stream the Book Gang Podcast wherever you get podcasts. We discuss debuts, backlist, and under-the-radar book gems with your favorite authors.

TELL ME: What is your favorite Ruth Ware book?

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Tags: In a Dark Dark Wood Interview, In a Dark Dark Wood Review, Ruth Ware
Posted in Sundays With Writers | No Comments »

The Magic of Old Hollywood Books

Friday, July 21st, 2023

Molly Fader discusses her remarkable historical fiction novel, The Sunshine Girls, and collection of Old Hollywood books as captivating as the silver screen.

The Magic of Old Hollywood Books with Molly Fader

If you have a nurse in your family, this show is dedicated to you! In today’s episode of Book Gang, we have the pleasure of hosting Molly Fader, an award-winning author who wrote one of my favorite historical fiction novels this year, The Sunshine Girls.

The Sunshine Girls intricately weaves together the themes of three friends navigating nursing school, Hollywood adventures, and the Vietnam War in one delicious soapy escape.

Inspired by Molly’s mother’s nursing career in the 1960s, we delve deeper into the charming friendship story that overlapped with her mother’s, as well as how she wanted to capture the traditional yet, sometimes sexist aspects of nursing school with the contrasting opportunities for independence it offered to women in these careers.

Molly also addresses her unique writing experience under pen names, with over 50 romance novels published. If you are curious about series writing for Harlequin, she explains how this taught her to be a better writer while managing her larger-than-life role as a mom.

If you want to dive deeper into the best Old Hollywood book stack, we have you covered in the second part of our conversation. Molly is a seasoned reader of the golden age of Hollywood. From real-life movie stars to science fiction explorations in the film industry, you will find more than a few movie stars to love in your book stack today.

The Best Books About Old Hollywood to Get Swept Away

Today’s BONUS BOOK LIST celebrates our favorite classic Hollywood moments in our fiction and nonfiction stacks, so don’t miss this special list we have crafted for our summer series.

Meet Molly Fader

Molly Fader is the author of The McAvoy Sister’s Book Of Secrets. As Molly O’Keefe, she is the USA Today Bestselling author of over 50 contemporary romances. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, two kids, and a rescue dog.

The Magic of Old Hollywood Books

Listen to the Book Gang Podcast:

Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform!

Mentioned in this episode:

Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including our monthly FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more!

2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

The Sunshine Girls by Molly Fader

Elizabeth A. Allen

When I Die I’m Going to Heaven ‘Cause I’ve Spent My Time in Hell by Barbara Kautz

Home Before Morning by Lynda Van Devanter

Molly O’Keefe

M. O’Keefe

The Petticoat Kid

Stuntman! by Hal Needham

Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts

The Greatest Showman

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Amy’s interview with Taylor Jenkins Reid

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Taylor Jenkins Reid Writes Her Own Hollywood Success Story

Writing Nuanced Queer Protagonists: A Q&A with the Taylor Jenkins Reid

Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter Confidential by Tab Hunter

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

Cleopatra

Interview: How Jess Walter Became a Bestselling Author

The Zero by Jess Walter

Citizen Vince by Jess Walter

Siren Queen by Nghi Vo

Interview with an Author: Nghi Vo

The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and give a matching 10% to independent bookstores.

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Tags: Molly Fader Interview, The Sunshine Girls
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The Best Books About Old Hollywood to Get Swept Away

Friday, July 21st, 2023

Looking for books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo? These books about old Hollywood are for you! This book list celebrates the silver screen moments.

This week we celebrate the golden age of Hollywood in our fiction and nonfiction lives. These classic Hollywood tales explore the larger-than-life adventures in the film industry and the movie stars that created them.

If you missed the Book Gang podcast, Molly Fader joined me to share her favorite Hollywood moments in her book stack. We also discuss how she created her fictional Hollywood set in her historical fiction novel, The Sunshine Girls.

Listen to the full episode (the show notes are located here) below and subscribe to the Book Gang podcast for more episodes like this one.

For today’s topic, I made a list of recommended fiction and nonfiction books to explore this week’s topic.

As a book curator, finding top-rated books for one curated stack takes a lot of work. This list should satisfy your craving for a memorable and glitzy summer set.

Remember, you can find our book club member recommendations at the end of our book lists!

If you love this list, you can support my work through a one-time donation on Buy Me a Coffee or join our Patreon community for book fun all year long. The financial support helps us keep the lights on in our online space.

Best Fiction Books About Old Hollywood

Dive into the best fiction books that transport you to a bygone era of the silver screen. This list includes recommendations from today's guest author, Molly Fader.

The Sunshine Girls by Molly Fader

We must start this book list by including the star of today’s show, The Sunshine Girls.

This captivating historical fiction novel follows three friends in nursing school during the Vietnam War. The story's most surprising element is how a nursing career collides with a job on a Hollywood set.

The story begins in Greensboro, Iowa, with the funeral of BettyKay Beecher, a beloved nurse and mother. Clara and Abby, her daughters, face tense moments due to their contrasting lives and approach to settling her estate.

However, things take an unexpected turn when Kitty Deveraux, a famous Hollywood actress, appears at their mother's funeral.

Listen to Molly's interview as she discusses the overlap with her mother's career in nursing and how other nurses have found a profound connection to her work through this book.

Do Tell by Lindsay Lynch

This new debut explores the captivating world of golden age Hollywood, when a character actress, Edie O'Dare, finds herself at a career crossroads.

Working as a columnist, Edie discovers a scandalous assault claim against a famous actor.

When she publishes the story, it sets off a chain of life-altering events for everyone involved.

This story explores the darker side of fame, forcing us to confront who holds the reins in telling women's stories.

If you want the best reviews on new release books, join my Patreon for the FULLY BOOKED show that gives you a monthly reading guide and podcast on all the buzziest books of the year.

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul

When Kitty Karr Tate, a beloved white silver screen icon, bequeaths her multimillionaire dollar estate to three Black women, it makes headline news.

Long-held secrets begin to surface in Kitty's journal as the siblings become the unexpected heirs to Kitty's estate.

Debut novelist, Crystal Smith Paul, explores themes of race, identity, and the complexities of family dynamics. Readers witness the discrimination of Jim Crow era as it clashes with the hope of Hollywood.

Crystal Smith Paul was also a Book Gang guest discussing her writing process and the best historical fiction books for summer. You can read excerpts from our interview on the site.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A Hollywood list is only complete with the first book in Reid's series on famous fictional women. I've read every book from Taylor Jenkins Reid and count this among my favorites.

Aging actress Evelyn Hugo handpicks a virtually unknown reporter, Monique Grant, to pen her multimillion-dollar biography.

Evelyn reveals the truth about her intriguing love life and the sacrifices she made, offering readers an insider look.

Take advantage of my exclusive interview with Taylor Jenkins Reid, where we discuss her writing process.

Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts

This historical fiction novel introduces readers to Maud and Frank Baum, the real-life couple who brought us the beloved story of Oz.

Follow their remarkable journey as Maud forsakes her Ivy League education to embark on a life with the enchanting Frank.

Later, Maud strives to preserve the essence of her late husband's masterpiece during the filming of The Wizard of Oz. Get ready for some beautiful cameos with Judy Garland!

This meticulously researched dual-timeline novel takes you behind the scenes, offering fascinating insights into one of Hollywood's most iconic films.

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walters

Molly described this as a juicy Hollywood drama that is also a great introduction to the classic film Cleopatra.

In a small coastal town in Italy, the filming of Cleopatra brings Hollywood's golden couple, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, to its shores.

Readers experience the tumultuous drama through the unique lens of the son of an innkeeper, who dreams of escaping the island.

This dual timeline story intertwines love and Hollywood glamour. We also discover the enduring power of a decades-long fateful connection.

If you have struggled to connect to this novel, many readers shared that the audiobook experience created a wholly immersive experience.

This was an Audie Award Nominee for Fiction and Best Solo Narration in 2013, narrated by Edoardo Ballerini.

Siren Queen by Nghi Vo

Molly highly recommends this mesmerizing science fiction novel that makes Old Hollywood studio heads actual monsters.

Luli Wei, a Chinese-American aspiring actress, has three rules: "No maids, no funny talking, no fainting flowers.”

As she embraces this spotlight, she embarks on a thrilling journey of self-discovery. She also begins to challenge the conventions of Hollywood.

Molly highly recommends this mesmerizing science fiction novel that makes Old Hollywood studio heads actual monsters.

Strangers in the Night: A Novel of Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner by Heather Webb

This mesmerizing and scandalous love affair between two legendary figures in Hollywood is told in alternating voices.

Follow the passionate journey of Hollywood beauty Ava Gardner and iconic crooner Frank Sinatra as they navigate fame, infidelity, and their careers. Readers describe this as an immersive experience that will send you on a Google fact-finding mission when you are done.

This novel features a star-studded cast with Mickey Rooney, Ingrid Bergman, and Grace Kelly. It also vividly portrays an unforgettable love story that spanned decades.

The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki

This Hollywood-adjacent story explores the life of Marjorie Post, heiress to the Post company fortune.

Following her father's early days in the cereal industry, Marjorie's innovative business decisions propelled the Post brand to household fame.

Throughout her life, she rubs elbows with Presidents, government officials, and Hollywood stars as her wealth and fortune grow.

Be prepared for party scenes that are reminiscent of The Great Gatsby on the infamous Mar-a-Lago property.

The Beautiful Strangers by Camille Di Maio

This genre-bending book is set in 1950s Hollywood. Kate Morgan embarks on a quest to fulfill her grandfather's plea: seek out the mysterious figure known as "the beautiful stranger."

As she immerses herself in the glamourous Hotel del Coronado, where Some Like It Hot is being filmed, Kate meets a ghost who shares her same name.

This storyline weaves the perspectives of both Kate and the ghost, blending two generations and delivering a riveting narrative filled with secrets, romance, and the allure of old Hollywood.

The audiobook is available as part of the Scribd catalog. Learn how to use the Scribd app with my beginner's tutorial.

The Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda Skenandore

I couldn't add this to my cart fast enough after Molly described this novel set in America's only leper colony.

Follow Mirielle's journey from a glamorous socialite married to a silent film producer to a quarantined patient.

Readers are taken on an unforgettable journey as she navigates isolation, stigma, and a fight for self-worth in the face of an incurable disease.

Skenandore is a registered nurse, shedding light on a forgotten health crisis that mirrors many moments in these parallel times.

This novel is available for FREE in the Prime library right now. If you love book deals, don't miss the free Amazon First Reads book you get every single month.

Best Nonfiction Books About Old Hollywood

Uncover secrets, scandals, and untold stories of Hollywood's legendary stars in this nonfiction book stack.

Tab Hunter Confidential: The Making of a Movie Star by Tab Hunter

I discovered this influential memoir while preparing for today's show. Taylor Jenkins Reid credited it as the most impactful novel that shaped her writing in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

In 1950s Hollywood, a remarkably handsome teenager named Tab Hunter soared to stardom. It wasn’t without challenges.

Tab's poignant memoir unveils his journey to becoming a Hollywood heartthrob as he grapples with his identity as a gay man.

This theme resonated with Reid in her fictional exploration that now is Booktok famous. Many readers describe this as an eye-opening on the early days of Hollywood.

The Lady from the Black Lagoon: Hollywood Monsters and the Lost Legacy of Milicent Patrick by Mallory O'Meara

In this acclaimed biography, Mallory O'Meara unveils the hidden story of Milicent Patrick, the talented woman behind the iconic monster design in Creature from the Black Lagoon.

As O'Meara delves into the depths of Hollywood's past, she uncovers the injustices faced by Patrick, whose contributions were overshadowed and her career cut short.

This remarkable true-life detective story pays tribute to a forgotten feminist trailblazer, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in the industry.

Looking for more books from books about Hollywood? Here is a short list from the MomAdvice Book Club community.

The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty

Stars Over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner

The Girls in the Picture by Melanie Benjamin

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love this post? don’t miss our FREE 2023 Summer Reading Guide!

2023 Summer Reading Guide from MomAdvice.com

What is your favorite book about the early days of Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below what this list is missing!

Tags: Molly Fader, old Hollywood, The Sunshine Girls
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Andy Weir Exclusive Interview on The Martian

Thursday, July 20th, 2023

Andy Weir discusses his science-fiction debut novel, The Martian. Get the list of all the Andy Weir books and learn how The Egg brought him internet fame.

Andy Weir Exclusive Interview on the Martian

Andy Weir, a now widely acclaimed author, became a household name because of his remarkable science fiction debut, The Martian.

Did you know that this novel was initially self-published in 2011 but only gained widespread recognition after its rerelease in 2014?

Weir’s exceptional talent also earned him the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer at the Hugo Awards!

Now a New York Times bestselling author, this mission to Mars is just the start of his career. It also was adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film starring Matt Damon in the lead role.

In this suspenseful and thrilling story, astronaut Mark Watney becomes one of the first to set foot on Mars.

Little does he know that he’ll face the daunting possibility of being the first person to die on the red planet.

After a devastating dust storm nearly claimed his life, Mark finds himself stranded and utterly alone on Mars.

With no means of communication with Earth and limited supplies, he must battle against the harshest environment to survive.

But Mark refuses to surrender to fate.

Armed with his ingenuity and engineering skills, he tenaciously confronts each seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Will his resourcefulness be enough to bring him home?

Readers have loved his ingenious ideas for survival that enthralled the science geek in all of us.

The novel also has lots of unexpected humor, making Mark a character you can’t help but cheer for.

Andy Weir Exclusive Interview On The Martian

Having hit the front page of Reddit with your short story, The Egg you shared feeling sad that this debut novel wasn’t receiving as much attention.

**Now that The Martian is finally gaining the recognition it deserves, is the project proving more rewarding?**

Oh definitely. That was before The Martian really took off.
Since then, it’s become more well-known than The Egg. It’s been a very exciting ride.

Some of my favorite scenes in your book are when Watney discovers what fills his crewmates USB drives.

I love that they brought disco music and fabulous shows like ***Three’s Company*. What would you put on your USB drive to take with you to Mars?**

Probably a bunch of 1980’s music. And I’d bring the entire archive of Doctor Who. You may not have noticed, but I’m a nerd.

Any thoughts on commercial space flight? Any plans to purchase a ticket?

It feels like it’s just around the corner. The trick is getting the price down.

Most people can’t pay $200,000 for a trip to space.

But if that were brought down to $10,000 it would probably have millions of customers.

As for myself, I’m afraid to fly in ordinary planes; I certainly wouldn’t be able to go to space.

Do you see us putting a man on Mars in your lifetime?

That’s a tough one to predict. With our modern technology, we can make extremely effective rovers.

It makes people ask why we should risk human life.

There are many solid reasons to send people instead of robots, but that fundamental concern, and the tremendous cost increases associated with manned spaceflight, will always be a factor.

Considering we haven’t returned to the moon yet, I’m honestly not sure if we’ll see anyone on Mars soon.

Which do you think is harder- the first time we put a man on the moon or when we put a man on Mars?

Putting a man on Mars is definitely the larger challenge.

Even when you account for the technology level of the Apollo era compared to now.

The Moon is just so much closer and easier to work with.

Do you have other great book suggestions for readers just jumping into the science fiction genre?

Yes, I recommend Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.

It’s my favorite book of the decade so far, and it has excellent crossover appeal.

You don’t have to be a “sci-fi person” to enjoy it.

Do you think you would survive if you were stranded on Mars?

I doubt it. It would require great bravery and fortitude and exceptional strength of character.

I’m just a normal guy.

Who would you invite to dinner if you could dine with one astronaut, living or dead?

John Young. He’s the consummate astronaut.

He was on numerous spaceflights, including Apollo 16, when he walked on the Moon.

Fun fact: Apollo astronauts wore bio-monitoring equipment, so their heart rate was recorded throughout their missions.

As you can imagine, during the launch, their heart rates tended to spike, usually to around 140 or 150 beats per minute.

John Young’s heart rate never got above 70 during the Apollo 16 launch.

Nerves of steel.

I understand that you started your computer programming career at 15. What came first, your love of computers or your passion for space?

Definitely my love of space.

I grew up with it. I can’t remember any time when I wasn’t interested in space travel.

I am building a passion for science in my children. Do you have any suggestions for fostering that passion in them?

First, find their passion.

Whatever it is.

Art? Music? Fast Cars?

Doesn’t matter.

Then show them how science makes those things possible.

Because in the modern era, everything is a science.

If they like art, show them the science of computer modeling.

If they like Music, show them how musical instruments are made with modern machinery and precision.

If they like cars, well you get the idea.

If you could tell anyone to read one book (other than your own), what would that book be?

“I, Robot” by Isaac Asimov. In my opinion, it’s one of the greatest sci-fi books of all time.

New to Andy Weir? Here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions!

Where can I Watch The Martian movie?

You can stream the movie on Prime Video or wherever you rent your films for purchase.

Director Ridley Scott and stars Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, and Jeff Daniels made this book a fan favorite.

Below we have also included important Andy Weir movie updates, including the Project Hail Mary movie information.

Is it necessary to read Andy Weir’s books in a specific order?

Each of his books can be enjoyed as a standalone story except the books in The Martian series.

Diary of An AssCan is considered The Martian #0.5 prequel.

What are the Andy Weir books in order published?

The Egg (short story), 2009
The Martian, 2011
Diary of an AssCan, 2015 (The Martian #0.5)
Artemis, 2017
Cheshire Crossing, 2019
Randomize, 2019
Project Hail Mary, 2021

Andy Weir Books

Andy Weir, a former software engineer, turned his dream of writing into a reality.

A lifelong space nerd, he now resides in California, captivating readers with his compelling stories and passion for space exploration.

Browse this list of all the Andy Weir books, including his self-published works. We also share where to stream the movie adaptations.

Project Hail Mary

In Andy Weir’s new book, readers are taken on an impossible mission to save Earth from certain destruction.

Our unlikely hero is a middle school science teacher, but he can't remember that in the opening pages of our story.

He only knows that he is far from home and his two crewmates are now corpses.

As Ryland Grace pieces together what has led to this moment, the reader follows his journey from the beginning of this mission.

What holds this all together is an unlikely bond and friendship Ryland could have never expected in this interstellar adventure.

The Project Hail Mary movie is currently in development, with Andy Weir and Drew Goddard serving as writers.

Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, this film will star Ryan Gosling.

Randomize (Forward Collection)

Somewhere in the near future, Vegas games will be scam-proof, but ingenious heists are not.

When an IT expert is tasked with securing the keno game with a foolproof quantum computer system, she soon discovers that human ingenuity can still outwit even the most advanced technology.

This story is part of the Forward collection, featuring six captivating tales of the near and far future.

Be sure to try the audiobook narrated by Janina Gavankar from True Blood.

This short story is available for free with Prime. If you love free books, don't miss this post on how to get free Kindle books!

Cheshire Crossing: [A Graphic Novel]

This captivating graphic novel collaboration was created by Andy Weir and Sarah Andersen.

Alice, Wendy, and Dorothy are three iconic heroines from Wonderland, Neverland, and Oz.

They join forces at Cheshire Crossing, a boarding school for girls with magical world-crossing abilities.

As they navigate through different universes, their adventures inadvertently spark a dangerous alliance between their villains.

Artemis

Head to the Moon's first and only city in this heist-filled sci-fi adventure.

Readers meet a young smuggler named Jazz Bashara who finds herself entangled in a high-stakes conspiracy that could jeopardize the entire lunar colony.

This novel offers sharp wit, captivating world-building, and a cleverly flawed protagonist.

If you are intrigued by a space heist, check out this list of the best con artist books.

The Martian

Readers recommend the amazing audiobook, narrated by Will Wheaton.

Mark Watney’s crew has left him for dead during a brutal dust storm. Now unable to leave, he must defy all odds to survive on Mars.

With Weir's ingenuity and signature humor, readers embark on a thrilling quest for survival in this gripping sci-fi adventure.

You can also read The Martian prequel Diary of an Asscan (The Martian #0.5) for free online to gain more insight into Mark’s adventures.

The Egg

This intriguing short story launched Andy Weir into internet fame.

Initially released on his website Galactanet on August 15, 2009, its universal appeal has led to translations in over 30 languages.

In The Egg, we follow the journey of a nameless 48-year-old man who, after his passing, embarks on a profound exploration of the meaning of life.

This thought-provoking narrative delves into existential questions, leaving readers with a lasting impact and a fresh perspective on existence itself.

This short story is available exclusively on Audible, or you can read it for free online.

Love this author interview? Stream the Book Gang Podcast wherever you get podcasts. We discuss debuts, backlist, and under-the-radar book gems with your favorite authors.

TELL ME: What is your favorite Andy Weir book?

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Tags: Andy Weir, Andy Weir Interview, The Martian, The Martian Interview
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John Green Exclusive Interview: The Fault In Our Stars Movie

Wednesday, July 19th, 2023

John Green joins us to discuss The Fault in Our Stars movie adaptation. Get the entire young adult book list of the John Green books in this interview post.

John Green Exclusive Interview: The Fault In Our Stars Movie

Have you ever wondered about the adaptation process for an author? John Green is the first author we have featured whose book is adapted into a movie.

We discuss the process of book adaptation, casting, and what it would be like as a writer to watch your book evolve into this format.

Make sure to scroll down for books by John Green (FULL LIST)!

The Fault in Our Stars Book

The Fault in Our Stars is the story of an unlikely group of friends that meet through their Cancer Kid Support Group.

Hazel has experienced a medical miracle, and her tumor has been shrinking, buying her a few more years, but she finds that she is depressed despite the good news. Her doctors encouraged her to participate in a support group that permanently alters Hazel’s path.

When she meets Augustus, they quickly form a deep bond that neither could have ever anticipated.

John Green Exclusive Interview: The Fault In Our Stars Movie

John Green Author Interview

In our interview, John opened up about his initial apprehensions regarding selling the film rights of this novel, emphasizing his fear of “sentimentalizing his story.”

Green candidly shared, “I was worried that the characters would be defined by their disability. I didn’t want it to be the defining feature of their lives.”

He also expressed a deep appreciation for the magic of books remaining untouched by the filmmaking process, acknowledging the powerful connection readers form with the characters and their stories.

Green laughed and shared, “For the rest of my life, when I close my eyes and think about Harry Potter, I will see Daniel Radcliffe just because the image is powerful and overwhelms the text.”

However, the genuine commitment and passion displayed by producers Wyck Godfrey and Isaac Klausner ultimately convinced him.

He commended their efforts to incorporate fan-favorite lines and passages, contributing to the movie adaptation’s authenticity and emotional depth.

The Fault in Our Stars Cast

When asked who he envisioned for the cast, Green described his detachment from imagining this casting.

He said, “I’m really bad at looking at faces and understanding faces. So, I don’t see faces that clearly when I’m writing.”

The casting process proved serendipitous when Shailene Woodley auditioned and effortlessly personified the character of Hazel Grace Lancaster.

The role of Augustus Waters, portrayed by Ansel Elgort, initially posed a hurdle but became an embodiment of the character once he shared the screen with Shailene.

John Green’s involvement allowed him to witness firsthand the passion and dedication of the production team and the cast.

Although he had no official role, his presence on set was part of his daily routine. Seeing the profound impact of bringing his cherished story to life on the big screen was so rewarding.

Green ended our interview with this statement, “I felt like I was being given such a tremendous gift just to be able to be there and watch them make this movie, to make it so carefully and thoughtfully.”

John Green Movie and TV Shows (Full List)

Where can I Watch The Fault In Our Stars movie?

Currently, The Fault in Our Stars movie is available for streaming on HBO Max.

For those interested, renting or purchasing options are also accessible via Amazon Instant Video, Vudu, Google Play, and iTunes.

Below we have also included where to stream ALL the John Green movies and tv shows.

New to John Green? Here are some answers to the most asked questions!

Is it necessary to read John Green’s books in a specific order?

John Green has eight stand-alone books with their own set of characters and storylines.

However, some readers choose to follow the publication order.

What are the John Green books in order?

Looking for Alaska
An Abundance of Katherines
Paper Towns
Let It Snow
Will Grayson, Will Grayson
The Fault In Our Stars
Turtles All the Way Down
The Anthropocene Reviewed

John Green Books

John Green is a New York Times bestselling author. Green's book has received many literary achievements, including a Printz medal in 2006 and winning an Edgar Award in 2009, with two nominations for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.

His books have achieved global recognition, having been translated into more than 55 languages and selling over 24 million copies worldwide.

With his brother Hank, John created the vlogbrothers YouTube channel, which fostered a community of "nerdfighters," advocating for positive changes worldwide. They also launched Crash Course, an educational YouTube channel, where they teach humanities and science courses to millions of subscribers.

John Green currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Browse this list of all the John Green books with recommended ages for reading from the publisher. We have also included where to stream the movie and tv series adapations for each book.

The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet

John Green's new book is an essay collection that readers highly recommend on audiobook.

Through a symphony of thought-provoking essays, he reviews a diverse array of human-centered phenomena.

This explores the mundane to the extraordinary, with the author's signature wit and complexity, revealing the paradoxes of our modern existence.

This masterful collection celebrates our intricate relationship with the world, offering an open-hearted exploration of human experience and a genuine appreciation for the wonders surrounding us.

This is Green's first nonfiction essay collection and was published in 2021.

The recommended reading age is for an adult reader, but older teens will also appreciate this.

Turtles All the Way Down

Aza Holmes finds herself unexpectedly involved in the search for a missing billionaire, Russell Pickett, due to the allure of a substantial reward and her adventurous best friend, Daisy.

As they delve into the investigation and connect with Pickett's son, Davis, Aza battles her own internal struggles.

Green beautifully crafts the spiraling thought processes of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The film adaptation is coming to HBO Max film with Isabela Merced and Felix Mallard taking on the leading roles of Aza Holmes and Davis Pickett Jr..

This novel was published in 2017, and the recommended reading age is 14 years and up.

The Fault in Our Stars

Despite experiencing a medical miracle that temporarily halts her terminal condition, Hazel has always known the inevitable outcome.

However, everything changes when the charming and unexpected Augustus Waters enters her life at a Cancer Support Group, turning her story into an unforeseen and transformative journey of love and hope.

Be sure to read the interview with John Green (above) with details on where to stream the movie now.

This novel was published in 2012, and the recommended reading age is 14 years and up.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

In the heart of Chicago, two teenagers named Will Grayson find their lives unexpectedly converging on a cold night.

In this poignant and hilarious collaborative novel by John Green and David Levithan, the two Will Graysons navigate a journey of self-discovery, leading to the creation of an extraordinary high school musical.

This novel was published in 2009, and the recommended reading age is 14 years and up.

Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances

A Christmas Eve snowstorm blankets Gracetown, causing delightful chaos among its residents.

As one brave soul ventures out from a stranded train, their actions set off a chain of events that will transform multiple lives.

Join three bestselling authors, John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle, as they weave together three interconnected tales of holiday romance that all beautifully converge.

You can stream this PG-13 feel-good movie on Netflix now.

This novel was published in 2009, and the recommended reading age is 12 years and up.

Paper Towns

Quentin Jacobsen has admired Margo Roth Spiegelman from a distance, but when she reappears in his life, seeking his help for a daring revenge plan, he can't resist following her lead.

Margo vanishes as the night unfolds, leaving cryptic clues for Q to unravel.

Determined to find her, he embarks on an exhilarating journey, discovering that the girl he once idealized might be far more complex than he ever imagined.

You can stream the Paper Towns movie now.

This Edgar Award winner was published in 2008, and the recommended reading age is 14 years and up.

An Abundance of Katherines

Meet Colin Singleton, a quirky, anagram-loving genius with an uncanny knack for dating girls named Katherine.

The problem?

He’s been dumped by Katherines nineteen times.

Embarking on a road trip with his best friend, he seeks to create The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, aiming to decipher the future of relationships and love.

This novel was published in 2006, and the recommended reading age is 12 years and up.

Looking for Alaska

Take an unforgettable journey to Culver Creek Boarding School, where Miles "Pudge" Halter first encounters the captivating Alaska Young.

Alaska and Pudge form a close connection as the only two students left at school during the holidays.

During their shared moments, they dig up information about their fellow students wandering the boarding school halls together.

Little does Pudge know that Alaska's impact will reshape his world, dividing his life into a distinct before and after.

Looking For Alaska is an 8-episode limited series now on Hulu for streaming.

This novel was published in 2005, and the recommended reading age is 14 years and up.

Love this author interview? Stream the Book Gang Podcast wherever you get podcasts. We discuss debuts, backlist, and under-the-radar book gems with your favorite authors.

TELL ME: What is your favorite John Green book?

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Tags: John Green Interview, The Fault In Our Stars Movie
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After I Do: Taylor Jenkins Reid Interview Exclusive

Tuesday, July 18th, 2023

Discover the inspiration for After I Do with this exclusive author interview. Explore the best Taylor Jenkins Reid books in order with this book list.

After I Do: Taylor Jenkins Reid Interview Exclusive

Taylor Jenkins Reid creates the most relatable love stories. I’ve read ALL of Taylor’s novels, and After I Do remains one of my favorites.

Today we discuss this incredible novel with the author to learn more about her writing process.

Be sure to stick around for the complete book list of ALL the books by the author.

In this novel, Lauren and Ryan’s marriage reaches the breaking point, and they decide to take a year apart.

They only have one rule: no contact is allowed. As Lauren embarks on a journey to discover a new identity, she also seeks to understand the concept of marriage.

As she begins challenging the traditional notions of monogamy and marriage, she grapples with the true meaning of love.

This surprisingly hopeful book is filled with memorable characters that feel like your own family.

After I Do: Taylor Jenkins Reid Exclusive Interview

I’ve read and loved ALL of your books, but this novel might be my favorite. Why did you write about a married couple taking a year apart in After I Do?

First of all, thank you for reading all of my books!

I came up with the idea for After I Do just as I was finishing Forever, Interrupted.

I knew that I wanted to delve into a story of what happens after you’ve fallen out of love. I figured the most interesting way for me to do that was to create two people who used to be madly in love with each other and find themselves on the edge of divorce.

Then the question becomes, “Can they fall back in love?” Answering that was the fun of writing the book.

Ryan’s unsent emails give us insight into his side of the story, while Lauren’s perspective is hers. Why did you tell the story this way instead of a “he said, she said” viewpoint?

Great question. I wrestled with this for a long time. There was even a draft – I think maybe it was draft three – where I worried that I needed to scrap half of the book and add in Ryan’s point of view.

But I really wanted this to feel like a story of self-exploration and not a book where the reader was choosing sides.

I wanted the audience to connect with Lauren and her family. So I decided to stick with her point of view and work hard at making Ryan’s voice come through.

There were moments when I laughed out loud at the minor irritations of their married life. Did you channel some of your silly inner rages with your spouse in the email banter between Lauren & Ryan?

Ha! I tried really hard not to air my own dirty laundry in the book but I did tap into the feeling of, “I love you but I hate you so damn much,” in order to capture how frustrating it can be to live with another human being.

I’m sure some of my own marriage snuck in there unbeknownst to me… Case in point: I have a dog named Rabbit and Lauren and Ryan’s dog is named Thumper (who was a rabbit).

I didn’t even notice it until a reader pointed it out.

So there’s probably more of me in there than I realize.

There are many beautiful moments in this book, but one line really stood out for me in particular that I highlighted. It was, “We are two people who used to be in love. What a beautiful thing to have been. What a sad thing to be.” That was my favorite.

Were there any scenes that were particularly emotional for you to write about?

I’m thrilled you said that because that line was a particular favorite of mine as well! I always have certain ideas or sentiments that I try to write towards as I’m crafting my first draft.

And I was most definitely writing toward that line.

There were a few scenes that were very gratifying and deeply emotional to write but they are all at the end, and I don’t want to spoil anything.

Suffice it to say, the resolution of everyone’s storylines meant a lot to me.

This novel offers an incredible ensemble cast. Did you have a favorite family member? Do you ever envision writing a book about any of the other characters in this story?

I think every single character in this book has more stories ahead of them.

This is why I’m super excited that I’ve signed a deal with ABC Family to adapt After I Do as a half-hour series.

It’s very early stages and the development process is never a sure thing, but I’m very excited about the idea of seeing where Charlie, Rachel, Leslie, Mila, Lauren, and Ryan’s stories take them.

I know you did a lot of research on marriages as you were preparing for this book. Why did you want to research the history of marriage, and what was the most interesting thing you discovered about the act of marriage?

The book is about Lauren and Ryan’s marriage, but it’s also about marriage in general.

It’s about opting out of marriage, childless marriage, marriage equality, non-monogamous marriage, raising children, etc.

So I wanted to learn about the many different ways humans have interpreted the word and how the definition is changing with every generation.

I think the most interesting thing I learned is just how rare monogamous love-based marriage truly is. This type of marriage that we refer to as “traditional marriage,” is fairly new and not particularly common in human history.

Did writing about Lauren’s flaws make you hyper-aware of your own? Did it bring out any of your own insecurities about marriage?

It definitely made me think about what I do in my own relationship that might one day lead to systemic problems.

When you write a book about how a marriage has gone wrong, it makes you look at your own relationship and analyze whether you’re guilty of any of the things your characters are.

I think writing the book was one of the best things I did for my marriage because it required me to truly ask myself what I thought could ruin a relationship.

And once you answer a question like that, you have to start heeding your own advice.

You are a triple threat! Not only do you write books, but you also have a tv series (Resident Advisors), and write for magazines. How do you keep inspired, and do you have a system for gathering and storing your ideas for these storylines?

I’m a big proponent of lists. I have To Do lists every day as well as project lists on the walls of my office.

What projects am I currently working on?

What still needs to be done for each one?

What do I need to do today?

And then I have a master list of every idea I’ve ever had, that I use as a well to draw from whenever an opportunity arises.

I’ve been blessed with a neurotic, type-A working style, which means that everything is compartmentalized and controlled.

That being said, I have a decidedly un-neurotic and non-type-A living style. So I never miss a deadline but I am always losing my keys.

Forever Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I am so excited to hear that, “Forever, Interrupted,” is being adapted into a screenplay. What can you tell us about this project?

As announced, Dakota Johnson is attached to star as Elsie! Which is very exciting.

And as I understand it, the script is being written right now.

I am a big fan of the producers – and trust their vision — so I know they are doing a great job bringing Elsie, Susan, and Ben to life.

Editor’s Note: This still shows as in development.

If you could tell anyone to read one book (other than your own) what would that book be? (see the full list of author’s book recommendations)

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. I stumbled upon it at the used bookstore attached my library and bought a copy of it for four dollars last December. I have since recommended it to everyone that will listen to me and have bought multiple copies.

It is a retelling of the story of Achilles’s life leading up to and through the Trojan War. I can’t tell you what I love most about it because I love everything about it so much.

It is stunningly romantic, a pleasure to read, incredibly thought-provoking, and epically tragic, with some of the most wonderful sentences I’ve read in some time. It manages to straddle both classic literature and soap opera in one story.

It’s so good (and so juicy) that I would call it a guilty pleasure except that you have nothing to feel guilty about because it’s so very beautiful and keenly smart.

New to Taylor Jenkins Reid Books? Here are some answers to the most asked questions!

What are the Taylor Jenkins Reid Books in order?

Forever, Interrupted
After I Do
Maybe in Another Life
One True Loves
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Daisy Jones & The Six
Malibu Rising
Carrie Soto is Back

Do you need to read the Taylor Jenkins Reid books in order?

You don’t have to read her books in a specific order. Each novel stands alone with its own distinct characters and storylines. I have noted where characters may overlap below.

What are the Taylor Jenkins Reid books ranked?

Remember, I’ve never met a Taylor Jenkins Reid book that I didn’t love.

My top three picks are The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, After I Do, and Carrie Soto is Back.

Taylor Jenkins Reid Books

This book list includes all of the author’s published books.

Taylor Jenkins Reid is a bestselling author whose works have earned her a place on the New York Times Bestseller list.

Her books have received recognition from prominent book clubs and platforms such as Reese's Book Club, Read with Jenna, and Book of the Month.

Taylor Jenkins Reid lives in Los Angeles with her husband (Alex Jenkins Reid), where she continues to write and captivate readers with her storytelling.

Carrie Soto Is Back

Reid serves her readers a powerful dose of love and drama on and off the tennis courts in this new novel.

Legendary athlete Carrie Soto makes a daring decision to come out of retirement and reclaim her tennis record. She’s fought for her tennis titles all her life while refusing to be a media darling.

As she jumps back into training at thirty-seven, she challenges her body beyond its capabilities to try to win Wimbledon again.

Readers should note that Carrie Soto also makes a character cameo appearance in Malibu Rising.

Carrie Soto is Back was published in 2022.

Malibu Rising

If you love this book, a television adaptation will be coming to Hulu with Reid serving as an executive producer soon.

It is the Riva family's annual end-of-summer party, and this is a gathering that will change all their lives.

Through each sibling's viewpoints, we uncover the unique ways their parent's love story binds them together.

As the night unfurls, their personal challenges and well-guarded secrets are unveiled, entwined with a catastrophic event.

This character-driven novel was selected as a Read With Jenna book club pick. Don’t miss our Celebrity Book Deep Dive podcast episode as we discuss Jenna’s book club and our top recommendations from 3 of the most popular book clubs.

Malibut Rising was published in 2021.

Daisy Jones & The Six

Love this novel? You can watch the tv series adaptation on Amazon Prime. Season one has ten episodes available for streaming. The series stars Riley Keough, Sam Claflin, and Camila Morrone.

In 1977, Daisy Jones & The Six reigned the charts, propelled by the magnetic personas of Daisy Jones and Billy Dunne.

The band soared from obscurity to stardom, but their ascent ended following a triumphant performance at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Many years later, the band members unite to divulge the long-awaited truth on why.

Told in interview format, the reader uncovers the origin story of Daisy Jones & the Six from their humble beginnings to their explosive endings.

It's the stuff of legends, as all good rock and roll stories are.

Daisy Jones & the Six was published in 2019.

Evidence of the Affair

This moving short story, in its entirety, is told through letters.

A desperate woman pens a letter to a man she’s never met—a choice that will forever change their lives.

It begins, “My heart goes out to you, David. Even though I do not know you…”

The correspondence between Carrie Allsop and David Mayer reveals, piece by piece, the painful details of a devastating affair between their spouses.

Not only do you get to read the love letters between the people having the affair, but you also get to read the reactions of their spouses who uncover the details.

The consequences of this are believable and gorgeously written.

Evidence of the Affair was published in 2018.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

This Booktok book made Taylor Jenkins Reid a household name. It will be adapted as a feature film for Netflix by Little Fires Everywhere showrunner Liz Tigelaar.

Evelyn Hugo is an aging starlet who has decided to hire a magazine reporter to write her biography.

It is the chance of a lifetime for a virtually unknown writer to be given a story worth millions.

Evelyn’s love life has been something that Hollywood has often speculated on, but no one could ever guess who captured Evelyn’s heart and how she was able, at times, to make her relationship work with the love of her life.

Now she is ready to divulge all her secrets, but only if it is published upon her death. This juicy tell-all is one of Reid’s best novels.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was published in 2017.

One True Loves

This novel was made into a movie starring Simu Liu, Phillipa Soo, and Luke Bracey. It is available to stream on Prime.

When Emma’s husband dies in a helicopter crash, she is left to rebuild her life without her high school sweetheart.

After years of loneliness, she finds love again with an old high school friend.

Just before her second wedding, though, she receives a call that her husband, Jesse, is still alive.

Emma now must choose between the man she loved and lost or the new love of her life.

One True Loves was published in 2016.

Maybe in Another Life

Amid uncertainty about her future, Hannah Martin returns to her hometown and reunites with her best friend, Gabby.

When they venture out to a bar, she unexpectedly encounters her high school sweetheart, Ethan.

As midnight approaches, Gabby proposes to leave, but at that very moment, Ethan offers a ride if Hannah chooses to stay.

In a captivating exploration of parallel lives, this explores the possibility of soulmates intertwining Hannah's two distinct worlds.

If you love this book, don’t miss our full list of the best time travel books to read now.

Maybe In Another Life was published in 2015.

After I Do

After reaching a breaking point, Lauren and Ryan devise a plan to take a year apart to rediscover their marriage.

As Lauren embarks on a journey of self-discovery, she faces the opinions of friends and family who challenge her beliefs about love.

This unconventional love story examines the complexities of marriage and the pursuit of a new path to lasting happiness.

I highly recommend the audiobook performed by Julia Whelan! Don’t miss my Julia Whelan interview on the Book Gang podcast, to learn about her career as an audiobook narrator.

After I Do was published in 2014.

Forever, Interrupted

Elsie Porter, an average twentysomething, experiences an extraordinary twist of fate when she meets the charming Ben Ross.

Their love blossoms quickly, leading to an elopement, but tragedy strikes when Ben is tragically killed in an accident shortly after.

This Taylor Jenkins Reid debut masterfully weaves together the story of Elsie and Ben's enchanting romance with Elsie's journey of healing.

It also offers an unexpected relationship with her mother-in-law, Susan.

Forever Interrupted was published in 2013.

Love this author interview? Stream the Book Gang Podcast wherever you get podcasts. We discuss debuts, backlist, and under-the-radar book gems with your favorite authors.

TELL ME: What is YOUR favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid book?

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Tags: After I Do Interview, Forever Interrupted Movie, Taylor Jenkins Reid Interview
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The Best Con Artist Queens in Literature

Friday, July 7th, 2023

Wendy Heard discusses her con artist book of the summer, You Can Trust Me. Learn what it takes to write a thriller & get our best books on scammers and cons.

It’s our first thriller discussion of the summer. Join me in an enthralling conversation with renowned thriller author Wendy Heard as we dive deep into the world of thriller writing with her new release, You Can Trust Me.

Summer, a skilled pickpocketer, takes Leo, a young woman living on the streets, under her wing, embarking on a dangerous con that quickly spirals out of control. Their target? An enigmatic billionaire named Michael.

But as they delve deeper, they uncover a startling revelation—Michael is not who he appears to be, putting both Summer and Leo in grave danger.

When Leo mysteriously disappears, Summer refuses to stand by idly. Determined to rescue her friend, she infiltrates Michael’s private island, only to find herself trapped with no escape. As the suspense escalates, Summer realizes she may have met her match in this high-stakes page-turner.

Today we discuss why con artists are having a moment in pop culture on our screens and in our book stacks. In this absorbing interview, Wendy shares the art of crafting a riveting con artist sequence and why the four-act structure works so well in her writing process. We also discuss the challenges of juggling TWO book launches in one month and the differences between writing for a YA audience and adults.

If you want to dive deeper into the best con artist book stack, we have you covered in the second part of our conversation. Wendy brings her favorite con artist queens and shares why you should add these to your book stack too.

Captivating Con Artist Books to Read Now Book List

Today’s BONUS BOOK LIST offers the best books with grifters, scam artists, heists, and cons. This includes Wendy’s top picks and all my favorite con artist moments in fiction and nonfiction. Don’t miss it!

Meet Wendy Heard

Wendy Heard is the author of suspense and thrillers for adults and teens, including We’ll Never Tell, The Kill Club, She’s Too Pretty to Burn, and Dead End Girls. Her latest adult novel is You Can Trust Me. Heard has spent most of her life in Los Angeles, loves all things vintage, and has a collection of thrillers and adventure books from the ’80s.

The Best Con Artist Queens in Literature

Listen to the Book Gang Podcast:

Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform!

Mentioned in this episode:

2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

Breathe and Count Back From Ten by Natalia Sylvester

Fables Books

MomAdvice Book Club

Breathe and Count Back From Ten Book Chat

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

Scamanda Podcast

You Can Trust Me by Wendy Heard

Remember Me by Christopher Pike

The Best Plus-Size Romance Characters to Love with Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

We’ll Never Tell by Wendy Heard

Los Feliz Murder Mansion

The Hotel Cecil

The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark

The Last Flight by Julie Clark

The Arrangement by Robyn Harding

Pretty Things by Janelle Brown

Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft

The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and give a matching 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

Connect with Wendy on Instagram or her Website

Connect with Amy on Instagram, on TikTok, or MomAdvice

Join the MomAdvice Book Club

Shop Our Bookish Shirts to support the show

Buy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)

Tags: Con Artist Books, Wendy Heard Interview, You Can Trust Me
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Captivating Books on Con Artists to Read Right Now

Friday, July 7th, 2023

Discover tales of deceit in this new book list filled with gripping con artist books. Dig into the world of scams and cons in fiction and nonfiction.

Captivating Books on Con Artists to Read Right Now

Con artists are having a pop culture moment, aren’t they? Today’s book list and podcast interview with acclaimed thriller author Wendy Heard delved into the world of her latest release, You Can Trust Me.

If you missed the Book Gang podcast, you could explore the art of crafting thrilling con artist sequences in this fun summer author interview.

Wendy is masterful in her storyteller and has found inspiration in surprising places.

Listen to the full episode (the show notes are located here) below and subscribe to the Book Gang podcast for more episodes like this one.

To support today’s discussion, today’s book list includes the most gripping tales of grifters, scams, and cons.

Unlike many online book lists, my curated selection blends my tried-and-true recommendations and some well-known classics. I respect the value of your reading time, ensuring you only have the best books to read.

Don’t miss what our fantastic book club members recommend at the end—I can’t wait to discover these books with you.

Captivating Books on Con Artists to Read Right Now

This captivating collection of books on con artists and scams will keep you on the edge of your seat.

From acts of cunning deception to thrilling schemes to gripping tales of trickery, this book stack of nonfiction and fiction books will enthrall you.

From masterful manipulations to intricate schemes, these fiction books take readers on a wild ride, exploring the psychology, deception, and high-stakes games of some of the most cunning con artists.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Best Books on Con Artists & Scams in Fiction

These fictional con artist stories offer unexpected plot twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.

You Can Trust Me by Wendy Heard

The inspiration for today’s book list is this new twisty summer thriller from Wendy Heard! With well-woven backstories and perfect pacing, you can finish this thriller in a single day.

Summer and Leo, two fiercely independent women, fuel their "financial independence" through their skills as pickpockets and con artists.

When Leo sets her solo sights on the ultimate score, conning a billionaire, she mysteriously disappears, leaving Summer to uncover the truth by infiltrating this billionaire's exclusive island.

As the women navigate a high-stakes game set in motion through their con, they must confront the possibility that they may have met their match.

Learn more in today’s Book Gang podcast as we discuss Wendy's four-act screenwriting structure in her storytelling and the most challenging aspects of writing this page-turning thriller.

Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang

Liann Zhang is an author to watch this year, bringing a lot of frothy fun to our book stacks with her debut thriller exploring the darker secrets of influencer culture.

Julie and Chloe are identical twin sisters whose lives veered into very different paths after their parents tragically died in a car accident.

Julie is sent to her penny-pinching aunt and is unhappily working a minimum-wage job at a supermarket. A wealthy white family adopts Chloe, and she has become an influencer with a rabid following.

These estranged sisters only interact when Chloe uses Julie's unfortunate life for a video, gifting her sister a house, when she realizes philanthropic work is trending, and her sponsorships could be lucrative.

Despite their complicated relationship, Julie can't help but answer the phone when Chloe reaches out in a bewildering call that indicates she could be in trouble.

Trouble is putting it mildly because Julie finds her sister's cold, dead body in her high-rise apartment with few clues as to what could have happened.

When confusion ensues on the case, and the cops believe it is Julie who has died and not the infamous Chloe, she decides this could be reparations for all her life's hardships.

She swiftly takes over her sister's world in a classic con story moment filled with fun revelations on what it would be like to be suddenly inundated with love and scrutiny by your fandom.

Release Date- 29 April 2025

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

This Reese's Book Club pick garners it's title from this intriguing line- "The first lie wins. That lie that sets the stage for everything that comes after it. The first lie has to be the strongest. The most important."

Evie Porter is a cunning con artist who has done a great job with her fabricated identity, thanks to always nailing her first lie.

Tasked by her boss to target Ryan Sumner, Evie finds herself dangerously drawn to him, blurring the lines between her carefully fabricated self and who she really is.

But when her carefully constructed worlds collide. Evie must confront her past and the sinister forces manipulating her life.

The First Lie Wins movie is currently in production. Grey's Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff is teaming up with Octavia Spencer to bring the book adaptation to Hulu.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

Kuang's buzzy book explores the underbelly of the publishing industry, which readers will find polarizing, propulsive, and eye-opening.

June Hayward and Athena Liu were destined to be literary stars when they entered Yale in the same year and began publishing their work.

June hasn't had nearly the degree of success, though, as Athena, and she often wonders if it might be because of the color of her skin rather than the words.

When Athena dies right before June's eyes, though, on a rare evening together, she heads home, only realizing later that Athena's manuscript is still in her bag.

Rather than return the manuscript to her family, she retools its story and message, pitching the idea to her editor.

As this narrative explores the themes of Athena's ancestors and history, she must take a somewhat ambiguous pseudonym, Juniper Song, to help readers connect with her work.

Or should we say Athena's work?

As you can imagine, the book reviewer’s reception is mixed.

This meta-exploration offers thought-provoking insights into cancel culture, publishing practices, and the complexities of identity in publishing.

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

Sarah Waters is one of my favorite historical fiction writers, and this Dickensian tale novel wins for some of the BEST con artist twists. If you want to be introduced to her work, this is where I would start.

Sue Trinder has been raised by a nurturing "baby farmer" in a London slum alongside a family of cunning thieves.

When a sophisticated con man named Gentleman proposes a scheme to win an heiress's fortune, he calls upon Sue for assistance.

The plan, however, takes an unexpected turn as Sue develops sympathy and care for her unsuspecting target, Maud Lilly. What unfolds yields shocking plot twists and turns that left me gasping out loud. I'm jealous of any reader that gets to read this for the first time.

The Fake by Zoe Whittall

Shelby and Gibson have both been going through pivotal upheavals in their lives. Gibson, once happily married, is now processing his impending divorce. Shelby also has lost her spouse tragically through her wife's unexpected death.

These losses and longings for something new are why they both become enraptured by a new woman who has entered their life. Cammie is a charismatic character who promises the sympathy and excitement they crave. The fact that she’s overcoming a string of calamities only makes her more endearing and intriguing.

As Shelby and Gibson become more intertwined with Cammie, they realize that things aren't as they seem.

Readers are lead on a soapy adventure that you know where you are headed but it will still keep you flipping pages for the satisfying reveal. This novel is spicy and frothy.

Bluff by Michael Kardos

UPDATE- This twisty thriller is part of our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club.

A former card-trick prodigy turned struggling magician, Natalie Webb seizes an opportunity to write about the art of cheating at cards for a magazine when she finds herself in financial peril.

However, her journalistic endeavor quickly becomes a high-stakes test of her talent and identity when an intriguing poker cheat begins to challenge her abilities.

Acclaimed audiobook narrator, Julia Whelan, narrated this under-the-radar thriller and shared that it deserves much more attention than it has gotten.

From laugh-out-loud moments to thoughtfully crafted sleight-of-hand scenes, I was entranced with Kardos’s writing and Whelan’s captivating narration.

Don't miss my Julia Whelan interview on the podcast to learn more about her intriguing daily life as an audiobook narrator.

The Assistants by Camille Perri

Tina Fontana works for the head honcho at her lucrative company. When a technical error occurs with an expense report, Tina uses it to her advantage to pay off her $20K in student loan debt.

The problem is when other people in the office have noticed and want their loans paid off too. As more people become involved, more money is funneled, more loans are paid, and more stress that Tina will get busted.

I recommend this modern-day Robin Hood story on audiobook. Jorjeana Marie did a magnificent job narrating this student loan heist. Once you start this, you won't be able to stop!

Counterfeit by Kristin Chen

This novel was a favorite among our book club members, and I recommend the audiobook for this quick escape.

Ava hasn't heard from Winnie in over twenty years. Truth be told, her life has not worked out as she hoped it would despite doing her best to put on a stunning optical illusion of perfection. In contrast, Winne's alluring life promises everything she longs for.

When Wendy explains she is assisting Chinese factories and American retailers and is interested in expanding her business, she offers Ava the opportunity of a lifetime to collaborate.

Ultimately, in this story the reader must decide if Ava is the victim or the accomplice in a counterfeit handbag schemes with a few good plot twists.

If you love this, be sure to check out our list of 14 AAPI authors to check out now!

Cover Story by Susan Rigetti

Lora can’t believe she has landed a summer internship at ELLE Magazine, where she meets Cat Wolff, a contributing editor and heir to a clean-energy mogul. The two begin a side project crafting a short story for a potential magazine submission.

Cat has story ideas, but they aren't fleshed out well. Lora is a great writer but struggling to make rent. Why not solve both issues at once?

Cat's brilliant plan is that Lora can move into the Plaza Hotel with her, and the two can work on the story together. Lora’s name won’t be on the work, but she can earn a salary and get her start as a ghostwriter.

As Lora grapples with this decision, she also loves the lifestyle that Cat provides and the ability to do what she loves. Unfortunately, it becomes more and more difficult as she awaits those preciously few paychecks and as the work gains notoriety. What's a girl to do?

This fast cat-and-mouse page-turner is a guaranteed reading slump-buster. Be warned, the book's ending might inspire you to read this book twice.

Pretty Things by Janelle Brown

Two wildly different women, one a grifter, the other an heiress, are brought together by the scam of a lifetime in this page-turner.

Nina grows up with a con artist mother who tries her best to provide for her. Despite her profession, she manages to get Nina into a good school.

When Nina finds friendship with a wealthy boy at school, they find comfort in being outcasts together. As their friendship blossoms into something more, they get busted by his father, and Nina is removed from the prestigious school and taken away from the one boy who loves her.

Now an adult, Nina has become a skilled con artist, partnering with her boyfriend on crimes. When encountering financial difficulties, they target the family of Nina's former love interest.

However, they soon discover that the target of their con has been leading a scam of her own as a fake heiress, leading to a suspenseful battle of wits and deception.

I’ve read all of Brown’s books and count this among my favorite for readers who love substance to their thrillers.

Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft

Wendy Heard knew this book was for her when she read this line in the synopsis, "The challenge isn't getting the ring, but rather the approval of Colin's family and everyone else in their tax bracket."

In this tale of deception and ambition, Bea, mentored by her con artist mother, embarks on a treacherous journey from small-scale scams to targeting the affluent Collin Case.

As she becomes entangled in a dangerous game with Gale, Collin's childhood friend, Bea must confront her true identity amidst a web of twists and turns.

With sharp prose and captivating characters, Croft unveils the hidden layers of women in elite society, weaving a narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting Bea's ultimate fate.

What struck me the most about Croft’s writing was her ability to write detailed ensemble casts, building believable characters in every room. This is all made possible through Croft's screenwriting lens. It's no surprise that this con artist thriller will be adapted for screen.

Heard loved this debut thriller because it's not just a con on this one man; it's a con on his entire family and community.

The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark

I never imagined I would develop such an intense admiration for an anti-heroine like Meg, but this chameleon-like con artist found her way into my heart.

Meg effortlessly assumes any identity necessary to deceive her unsuspecting targets, leaving them reeling before realizing they've been conned.

While many believe Meg left Los Angeles due to a scandalous relationship that marred her reputation, Kat knows the real reason for Meg's sudden departure. This reason has profoundly affected Kat's life. Consequently, she patiently awaits her revenge a decade later.

But as these women's connection deepens, Kat's once-solid assumptions crumble.

This riveting narrative explores the blurred lines between revenge and justice, presenting alternating perspectives that make it impossible to put down.

Lucky by Marissa Stapley

The MOST recommended book about con artists from our book club was this selection also selected as a Reese's Book Club book.

Lucky, a resilient and skilled grifter, finds herself on the run after her boyfriend disappears, leaving their faces plastered on the news.

As she navigates the dilemma of winning a $390 million lottery ticket that she can’t cash in on, she must also acknowledge the relationships in her life.

With the threat of prison looming and her fortune seemingly out of reach, Lucky begins to uncover a path to personal redemption and acknowledge the true fragility of luck. From confronting her father to seeking out her long-lost mother, the readers journey through her past in a narrative that alternates between present and past.

This selection was a Reese's Book Club Pick, and I encourage you to check out this list of my favorite celebrity book club picks, which includes the BEST deep dive into the history of celebrity book clubs on the Book Gang podcast.

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

Published in 1955, readers might not know that Patricia Highsmith's well-known American classic mystery novel is the first in a five-book Ripley series.

When Tom is given the opportunity to retrieve the wealthy Dickie Greenleaf from Italy, what begins as a seemingly harmless mission morphs into a dangerous obsession.

Tom's initial charisma appears harmless, but his fixation on Dickie quickly escalates into something obsessive and perilous.

Highsmith's masterful portrayal of a con artist's descent into darkness keeps readers on edge until the shocking conclusion.

Although Patricia Highsmith passed away in 1995, her legacy continues to thrive through this remarkable tale, a reference point for countless books exploring the realm of con artists.

After you finish the book, watch the movie adaptation, released in 1999, featuring Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The Arrangement by Robyn Harding

Wendy Heard recommended this suspense novel that explores the world of sugar babies and sugar daddies for our con artist stack.

Natalie, a struggling art student in New York City, is drawn to the glamorous lifestyle of her classmate Ava, who finds financial support from wealthy older men.

Natalie, encouraged by Ava, adventures into the realm of sugar daddies learning about the world of negotiations and arrangements. In these passages, Heard was captivated as it outlined the terms of these agreements, which can work differently for each person.

While negotiated initially as a business arrangement, Natalie falls for the charming married lawyer, who is thirty years her senior. And, when she can't let go of him, she begins conning her way into Gabe's world, from stalking and spying to befriending his daughter.

With captivating characters, Heard sympathized with the financial hardships of Natalie, was intrigued by how these arrangements work, and found this story full of suspense (and even a little murder)!

The Best Books on Con Artists & Scams in Nonfiction

Looking for true crime con artists and high-stakes scams in a nonfiction narrative? From astonishing tales of real-life cons to some of the most notable fraudsters in history, these nonfiction books read like fiction, and are so absorbing.

The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity by Axton Betz-Hamilton

This 2020 Edgar Award Winner true crime book made me think about identity theft in a brand new way.

At age 11, Axton discovers that her family's identity has been stolen. Her parents are unsure who would target them, but they suspect it is a family member.
As Axton's family faces financial difficulties, it creates instability in Axton's world and paranoia that someone is watching them.

When Axton later discovers HER identity was stolen, she must uncover her family's secrets. With thousands of dollars in debt and ruined credit history, she won't just find who did this to her but devote her entire life to the research.

Hey, Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and the Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing by Emily Lynn Paulson

What could be more alluring than the opportunity to make money working from home? This juicy tell-all offers compelling research on multilevel marketing scams, and the women who find themselves entrapped.

Paulson documents her personal journey as she rises to the top of the MLM pyramid, only to uncover the unsettling truth behind its culture and business practices.

With sharp wit, astute observations, and a unique perspective from the top of the pyramid scheme, this eye-opening book exposes the cult-like ideologies and societal impact of MLMs and how they con women with alluring promises of free trips, cars, and friendship.

Listen to my Emily Lynn Paulson interview on how this adventure impacted her sobriety journey.

My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress by Rachel DeLoache Williams

Anna Delvey's rise to notoriety through the Netflix series overshadowed and, at times, glamorized the true impact of her crimes on her victims.

I encourage readers to read this detailed account from Rachel DeLoache Williams that offers a starker view at what had transpired.

Posing as a wealthy heiress, Anna led a life of extravagance in New York, but when her friends became entangled in her web of deceit, and she refused to repay them, the harsh reality of her deception set in.

Through Rachel's harrowing experience of financial strain, desperate pleas for repayment, and the ensuing depression, readers witness the devastating consequences of Anna's actions, ultimately leading to her criminal charges.

Bad Blood by John Carreyrou

Elizabeth Holmes, a young entrepreneur, founded Theranos and claimed to have developed a revolutionary device capable of conducting multiple tests on a small amount of blood.

However, when investigations revealed that her technology was flawed, she resorted to deception to maintain investor interest.

The story unravels with whistleblowers exposing the false claims, leading to the downfall of Theranos and raising concerns about the gullibility of individuals, including influential figures, who placed their trust in Holmes.

This chilling and mind-boggling true crime narrative highlights the audacity and manipulative nature of Holmes, ultimately leading to the company's demise.

If you love it, the Hulu limited series, The Dropout, is magnificent and a must-watch accompaniment.

Catch Me If You Can by Frank W. Abagnale with Stan Redding

Frank Abagnale Jr. documents his unbelievable life story as a con artist, embodying various identities and eluding authorities with cunning brilliance.

What makes this true story fascinating is that Abagnale managed to successfully pose as an airline pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, all before reaching the age of 21.

Not only did his captivating adventures keep readers on the edge of their seats, but it also inspired a thrilling film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg.

The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio portraying the charismatic Abagnale's and Tom Hanks as the determined FBI agent hot on his trail.

The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin

Redemption stories are possible, and this gripping memoir takes the reader on a surprisingly hopeful & empowering rollercoaster journey.

The story unfolds quickly when the police arrive at the million-dollar home of a seemingly perfect cul-de-sac. Lara, a typical soccer mom, has been battling a dark secret.

Prescribed opioids, she has slid into the slippery slope of heroin, struggling with a crippling addiction.

Desperate to keep her electricity and heat on while still funding her habit, she steals her neighbors' mail, money, and credit cards.

Lara is convicted of thirty-two felonies and becomes inmate S32179. In this setting, she learns that jail is a class system with a power structure between an adolescent sleepover party and Lord of the Flies.

But Lara quickly figures out the social hierarchy and, ultimately, brings love and healing to her fellow inmates as she climbs the ladder to become the "shot caller," showing that jailhouse politics aren't that different from the PTA meetings she used to attend.

In prison, these women nickname Lara "Mama Love," an endearing nickname that sticks.

What she doesn't expect is to fall back in love with reading again and how it will allow her to reinvent herself as a ghostwriter, crossing paths with influential figures like Oprah, The Dalai Lama, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

A must-read for fans of Orange is the New Black; this memoir showcases that redemptive stories are just as compulsive as their counterparts.

Looking for more books from books on con artists and scams? Here is a short list from the MomAdvice Book Club community.

Con/Artist: The Life and Crimes of the World’s Greatest Art Forger by Tony Tetro

The Guest by Emma Cline

Who Is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews

The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

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love this post? don’t miss our FREE 2023 Summer Reading Guide!

What is your favorite con artist book? Let us know in the comments below what this list is missing!

Tags: Con Artist Books, Fiction Con Artist Books, Nonfiction Con Artist Books
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The Best Debut Novels of 2023 (So Far)

Friday, June 23rd, 2023

Thao Thai discusses her multigenerational debut novel, Banyan Moon, a Vietnamese tale that transports readers. We also discuss the best debut novels of 2023.

We are celebrating the best debut novels of 2023 (so far) with debut novelist Thao Thai, author of Banyan Moon. Set against the stunning backdrop of Vietnam and Florida, this novel will be one of your favorite reads this year.

This emotional debut novel follows three generations of Vietnamese American women grappling with the death of their matriarch, Minh. As they begin clearing out the sprawling Banyan House, they unravel long-buried secrets about themselves and each other.

In today’s interview, we discuss what elements of Thao’s personal story made their way into this multigenerational legacy story that spans decades and generations, shedding light on the unique bonds of motherhood.

Thao shares her family’s intriguing history, from surprisingly sentimental heirlooms to the Vietnamese folk tales woven into this story’s threads. We also discuss the complicated journey of writing mother-daughter relationships and what details were crucial in capturing the motherhood journey.

I’m excited to share this Thao Thai interview with you and celebrate her beautiful publishing journey.

We would also like to congratulate Thao Thai on being selected for the Read With Jenna Book Club for July 2023!

In a piece for the Today show she shared, “I had been carrying this hope (to be selected) secretly in my heart for so long. I wanted it with every fiber of my being actually. She really picks diverse books that deal with a lot of issues, of family and heritage, and her books have always spoken to me. So the thought of being on that list — I would dream about it, I would literally dream it.”

Since this was one of my favorite debuts of the year, Thao joins me in conversation about some of the best debuts published in 2023. I share some trivia about two of her favorite books and bring a couple of my favorites (so far) to round out this stack.

The Best Debut Novels of 2023 to Not Miss

Take advantage of today’s bonus book list too! I’ve compiled a complete list of all the best debuts I’ve read this year. It was a fun reading assignment, and I have so many books to share with you today!

Meet Thao Thai

Thao Thai lives in Ohio with her husband and daughter. Her work has been published in the Los Angeles Review of Books, WIRED, Sunday Long Read, Catapult, and other publications. She received her MFA from The Ohio State University and her MA from The University of Chicago. Banyan Moon is her first novel.

The Best Debut Novels of 2023 (So Far)

Listen to the Book Gang Podcast:

Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform!

Mentioned in this episode:

2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

MomAdvice Book Club

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle Book Chat

Banyan Moon by Thao Thai

Tanya Ho Design

The Ringling

Cupcakes and Cashmere

Cup of Jo

Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? by Crystal Smith Paul

Exclusive Crystal Smith Paul Interview

Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major

The Best Life Lessons From Time Travel Books (Cesca Major podcast episode)

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

The Best Escapist Books Set on Islands (Meg Shaffer podcast episode)

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue

Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes

What Lies Behind the Postcard: Jasmin Iolani Hakes on the New Meaning of Summer Reading

Sunshine Nails by Mai Nguyen

Not So Pretty

Weyward by Emilia Hart

Emilia Hart: “If it doesn’t convince you as the writer, it won’t convince the reader.”

2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and give a matching 10% to independent bookstores.

Connect With Us:

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Tags: Banyan Moon, Banyan Moon Interview, Thao Thai Interview
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Archive for the ‘Reads’ Category

Everything I Never Told You Book Synopsis

Guide to the Celeste Ng Books and Exclusive Author Interview

You open with the death of Lydia in the very opening sentences of the book and then build the story from there. Why did you decide to start with her tragic death and then work your way out in the story?

Race plays a big part in this novel. I was embarrassingly unaware of racial discrimination among Asians in the 70s, particularly in the disapproval of the relationship between the white mother (Marilyn) & the Asian father (James) in the Lee family.

Was this something that you had heard about, researched, or have you experienced this discrimination firsthand?

How did you react when you learned that your debut novel was chosen as the Book of the Year on Amazon in 2014?

And now, do you face greater expectations to produce a follow-up that matches the same level of greatness in your next book?

The title of your book, Everything I Never Told You, is the anthem of every character in this book, as they all have their own secrets and struggles that they can’t seem to share with others.

Was there anything you have never shared with someone that you wished you would have, and what message do you hope your readers will walk away with from reading this book?

As a mom, I really struggled with Marilyn leaving her family behind in this book because she felt she did not get to pursue her own dreams.

I admit, I was pretty angry with her as this family hobbled along in her absence. I think being a mom does mean sometimes we have to put our dreams on hold in order to make our family lives work.

Did you sympathize with Marilyn? Have you ever had to put anything on hold in your own life because of your family?

What can we expect from you in your next book?

If you could tell anyone to read one book right now (other than your own) what would that book be? (read all the recommendations from authors HERE)

New to Celeste Ng? Here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions!

How To Pronounce Celeste Ng

What are the best Celeste Ng books?

What Celeste Ng Movies Are Coming Out?

What are the Celeste books in the order published?

Love this author interview? Stream the Book Gang Podcast wherever you get podcasts. We discuss debuts, backlist, and under-the-radar book gems with your favorite authors.

TELL ME: What is your favorite Celeste Ng book?

The Exclusive Ruth Ware Interview You Need to Read

I understand that the idea for this novel came to you when a friend said, “I’ve never read a thriller set on a hen night.”

As an American, I had no idea this was what these were called!

Did your wheels immediately start turning when you heard this story idea?

You created a hen night in the middle of nowhere, in the woods, in a glass house, with no phone reception. Hello, nightmares!

Why did you put these poor people in a glass house and did any books or movies help inspire your scary premise for the story?

How challenging was it for you to switch between your two plots? Did you write each separately from start to finish, or did you switch back and forth?

Your debut novel succeeded tremendously, becoming a New York Times bestseller and a Sunday Times bestseller.

Notably, it also caught the attention of Reese Witherspoon’s production team, who secured the film rights for the book.

What has this experience been like, and what has surprised you the most about the success of this novel?

You were one of the first three books to be published under Scout Press, which I can only imagine was a huge honor.

Did this help in the promotion and success of your book?

There is so much bravery in putting your work out there since writing is very personal. Did you struggle with this, and what would you say to another writer struggling with unleashing their work into the world?

I understand you are terrified of reading scary books.

What is the scariest book you have ever read?

Do you feel more in control of things, writing your own scary book, or did you end up terrifying yourself?

We never give away spoilers, but how hard was it to craft In the Dark, Dark Wood ending of your book?

Did you try different endings out, or did it all come together quickly?

What can we expect from you next? Any involvement in the film writing?

Are you working on your next book or taking time to savor the success of this first one?

New to Ruth Ware? Here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions!

What are the best Ruth Ware books?

What Ruth Ware Movies Are Coming Out?

Is it necessary to read Ruth Ware’s books in a specific order?

What are the Ruth Ware books in the order published?

Authors Like Ruth Ware to Check Out

Love this author interview? Stream the Book Gang Podcast wherever you get podcasts. We discuss debuts, backlist, and under-the-radar book gems with your favorite authors.

TELL ME: What is your favorite Ruth Ware book?

The Magic of Old Hollywood Books

Listen to the Book Gang Podcast:

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for more books from books about Hollywood? Here is a short list from the MomAdvice Book Club community.

What is your favorite book about the early days of Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below what this list is missing!

Andy Weir Exclusive Interview On The Martian

Having hit the front page of Reddit with your short story, The Egg you shared feeling sad that this debut novel wasn’t receiving as much attention.

Now that The Martian is finally gaining the recognition it deserves, is the project proving more rewarding?

Some of my favorite scenes in your book are when Watney discovers what fills his crewmates USB drives.

I love that they brought disco music and fabulous shows like Three’s Company. What would you put on your USB drive to take with you to Mars?

Any thoughts on commercial space flight? Any plans to purchase a ticket?

Do you see us putting a man on Mars in your lifetime?

Which do you think is harder- the first time we put a man on the moon or when we put a man on Mars?

Do you have other great book suggestions for readers just jumping into the science fiction genre?

Do you think you would survive if you were stranded on Mars?

Who would you invite to dinner if you could dine with one astronaut, living or dead?

I understand that you started your computer programming career at 15. What came first, your love of computers or your passion for space?

I am building a passion for science in my children. Do you have any suggestions for fostering that passion in them?

If you could tell anyone to read one book (other than your own), what would that book be?

New to Andy Weir? Here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions!

Where can I Watch The Martian movie?

Is it necessary to read Andy Weir’s books in a specific order?

What are the Andy Weir books in order published?

Love this author interview? Stream the Book Gang Podcast wherever you get podcasts. We discuss debuts, backlist, and under-the-radar book gems with your favorite authors.

TELL ME: What is your favorite Andy Weir book?

The Fault in Our Stars Book

John Green Exclusive Interview: The Fault In Our Stars Movie

John Green Author Interview

Where can I Watch The Fault In Our Stars movie?

New to John Green? Here are some answers to the most asked questions!

**Now that The Martian is finally gaining the recognition it deserves, is the project proving more rewarding?**

I love that they brought disco music and fabulous shows like ***Three’s Company*. What would you put on your USB drive to take with you to Mars?**