Archive for the ‘Reads’ Category

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 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 Author Interview

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 Movie Poster

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 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.

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.

Book Gang Podcast

TELL ME: What is your favorite John Green book?

This post contains affiliate links.

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.  

After I Do Book by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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

Taylor Jenkins Reid Interview Author Headshot

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.

After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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.

Resident Advisors

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

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. 

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.

Book Gang Podcast

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

This post contains affiliate links.

Pin It

The Best Con Artist Queens in Literature

Friday, July 7th, 2023
The Best Con Artist Queens in Literature

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.

You Can Trust Me by Wendy Heard

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!

Author Wendy Heard

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:

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

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)

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

this post contains affiliate links

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

2023 Summer Reading Guide from MomAdvice.com

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

Captivating Books on Con Artists to Read Right Now

The Best Debut Novels of 2023 (So Far)

Friday, June 23rd, 2023
The Best Debut Novels of 2023 (So Far)

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

Banyan Moon by Thai Thai

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! 

Thao Thai author of Banyan Moon

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.”

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

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 Thao 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)

The Best Wedding Themed Rom-Com Books

Thursday, June 8th, 2023
The Best Wedding-Themed Rom-Com Books (With Byron Lane)

Byron Lane joins the podcast to discuss his charming fictional wedding rom-com book, Big Gay Wedding, and top book recommendations for the wedding season.

In this delightful Book Gang podcast episode, the talented author, Byron Lane, of Big Gay Wedding and A Star is Bored, discusses his writing journey. 

Big Gay Wedding by Byron Lane

In the novel Big Gay Wedding, Chrissy owns a Louisiana farm that combines manners and animal encounters for children in town.

She’s been content with her well-orchestrated and polite life until her son, Barnett, returns home with an unconventional request – to host a “big gay wedding” on her property. 

The problem is that Chrissy hasn’t told anyone in town about her son and must now grapple with her expectations for his imagined future too. 

As you’ll discover, this conversation takes a surprisingly personal turn; we discuss Byron’s struggles and what he hopes this novel means for others in the LGBTQ community.

With his heartfelt proposal to Steven Rowley immortalized in his book’s acknowledgments, we explore whether any of their other moments made their way into the story.

Join us as we dive into the world of this charming new wedding rom-com, a perfect selection for Schitt’s Creek fans!

That’s not all, though; Byron brings his favorite books about weddings, including some hot new releases to check out from now from your local indie bookshop or library! We also discuss some little-known trivia around a wedding season classic! 

Meet Byron Lane author of A Star is Bored and Big Gay Wedding

Meet Byron Lane

Byron Lane is the author of A Star Is Bored, hailed by the New York Times Book Review as “wildly funny and irreverent.” He’s a playwright, screenwriter, Emmy Award–winning journalist, and former assistant to actress Carrie Fisher. 

He’s originally from New Orleans and lives in Palm Springs, California, with his husband, author Steven Rowley, and their rescue dogs, Raindrop and Shirley. His newest novel Big Gay Wedding is on store shelves now from Henry Holt. 

The Best Wedding Themed Rom-Com Books

Listen to the Book Gang Podcast:

Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform!

Mentioned in this episode:

Big Gay Wedding by Byron Lane

MomAdvice Book Club

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain

The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle Book Chat

A Star is Bored by Byron Lane

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Bridesmaids Best Friend Speech

Father of the Bride

The Editor by Steven Rowley

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley

Book Soup

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

D’Vaughn and Kris Plan A Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins

Harlequin Romance Carina Press

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

The Romance Recipe by Ruby Barrett

Liar City by Allie Therin

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Q&A: Casey McQuiston, Author of Red, White & Royal Blue

The Royal We by Heather Cocks

Red, White & Royal Blue Movie

Best Men by Sidney Karger

Sidney Karger: On Applying Real Emotions to Fictional Characters 

The Gay Best Friend by Nicholas DiDomizio

Burn it All Down by Nicholas DiDomizio

The Spectacular Life Lessons From Books About Road Trips

2023 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide

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! 

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 Byron on his website or on Instagram

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)

The Best Books About Weddings

Thursday, June 8th, 2023
The Best Books About Weddings from MomAdvice.com

This book list celebrates the BEST books about weddings. From wedding rom-coms to historical fiction- celebrate a fictional wedding season escape.

I’m so thrilled to be joined by author Byron Lane on today’s Book Gang podcast as he discusses his charming fictional wedding rom-com, Big Gay Wedding. You can learn more about this gorgeous story in our book list today. 

In today’s heartfelt conversation, we delve into Byron’s personal experiences and aspirations for the LGBTQ+ community, offering a captivating glimpse into the world of this quirky and adorable wedding novel.

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.

In honor of today’s discussion, we are celebrating the joys of the wedding season with this delightful boo list that captures these special moments in our fictional book stacks. 

Don’t miss the end of this list highlighting our book club members’ favorites, which I can’t wait to check out this summer.

The Best Books About Weddings

Whether you're attending a wedding or longing to relive your own special day, this curated fiction wedding book stack is your perfect companion. We hope you love these selections that Byron Lane and I have selected for your best summer!

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

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

The Wedding Season by Katy Birchall

It Had to Be You by Georgia Clark

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

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

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

2023 Summer Reading Guide
The Best Books About Weddings

The Best Escapist Island Books (Podcast)

Friday, May 26th, 2023
The Best Escapist Books Set on Islands

Escape real life with these island books. Learn why The Wishing Game is just the book escape you need with our interview with Meg Shaffer.

Let’s head to a fictional island with this Meg Shaffer interview as we discuss her magical debut, The Wishing Game.  

About Meg Shaffer’s Book

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

In this Willy Wonka-style adventure, we follow the story of Lucy Hart, a 26-year-old teacher’s aide who has always found solace in the pages of the Clock Island series by Jack Masterson. Lucy’s financial life is problematic, but mostly because it has become a hurdle to adoption. 

A public letter begins to go viral, sharing that a new book- A Wish for Clock Island– has been written and only one copy exists. Jack has plans to give it away to someone courageous, clever, and who knows how to make wishes.

This invitation also says that you should check your mailbox if you know the answer to the riddle “Why is a raven like a writing desk?”  

And Lucy just so happens to know the answer to this mysterious package’s question, as do a few other longtime readers that have had beautiful interceptions throughout their lives with Jack. 

Based on the true story of a boy who ran away and showed up on the doorstep of his favorite fantasy author, we learn more about Meg’s writing process and why she wanted to write this love letter to our childhood reading. We also discuss a few other islands to escape to when you need a literary vacation. 

Don’t miss today’s bonus book list with 22 more books set on islands for the best armchair travel escapes. 

Meg Shaffer

Meet Meg Shaffer

Meg Shaffer is a part-time creative writing instructor and a full-time MFA candidate in TV and Screenwriting at Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri. Find her online or at home, watching Hitchcock films and/or writing Star Trek fan fiction when she should be doing her homework.

The Best Escapist Books Set on Islands (Podcast)

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 author interviews and curated book lists. And if you’re a fan of the show, sharing it with just one friend, leaving a like, or leaving a review can go a long way in helping the podcast reach new listeners. 

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer

Currently Reading Podcast

Magic Season Book Chat

The Twelve Lives of Alfred Hitchcock by Edward White

The Lodger

Joan Harrison

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Peter and the Wolf

This American Life: Just South of the Unicorns

Piers Anthony Xanth Series

Books & Books

Green Glass Door Game

Ray Bradbury Short Stories 

Revelle by Lyssa Mia Smith

Scribd

How to Use the Scribd App for Your Reading Life

Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

We’ll Never Tell by Wendy Heard

You Can Trust Me by Wendy Heard

Shop the above (Amazon) links or shop 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 Amy on Instagram or on TikTok

Connect with Meg on her site or Instagram

Join the MomAdvice Book Club

Shop Our Bookish Shirts to support the show

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

22 Enthralling Books Set on Islands to Read Now

Friday, May 26th, 2023
22 Enthralling Books Set on Islands to Read Now

Escape real life with these 22 books set on islands. Whether you crave adventure, a love story, a small town, or historical fiction, this list has you covered.

In today’s Book Gang episode, Meg Shaffer discussed her magical fantasy debut, The Wishing Game.

The Wishing Game takes readers on an extraordinary adventure to a realm where wishes become a reality.

Meg Shaffer masterfully weaves a tale that captures the imagination and transports readers to a hope-filled fantasy world of childhood reading. During our podcast episode, Meg shared her inspiration behind this captivating story and how she brought her Clock Island fantasy to life.

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.

This isn’t our only island escape! Each podcast episode in our summer series offers an accompanying bonus book list to expand your summer stack. In addition, our authors have been assigned their show topic around elements of their own stories.

This week’s island book list includes Meg’s favorite books, my favorite books, and even some beautiful suggestions from my fellow MomAdvice Book Club members.

YOU are the real experts, friends!

Whatever you are craving, today’s island book list will satisfy your cravings for wanderlust. This list offers fantasy adventures, romance, and even thriller escapes.

22 Enthralling Books Set on Islands to Read Now

22 Enthralling Books Set on Islands to Read Now

Escape to captivating worlds with these 22 island-based books. Discover thrilling tales and immerse yourself in the allure of secluded paradises and small island towns.

This post contains affiliate links.

Looking for more island escapes? Here is a short list from the MomAdvice Book Club community.

Meet Me in Paradise by Libby Hubscher
Float Plan by Trish Doller
Shipped by Angie Hockman
Moti on the Water
by Leylah Attar
Moloka’i by Alan Brennert
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

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

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

2023 Summer Reading Guide from MomAdvice.com

2023 Summer Reading Guide (37 New Books)

Thursday, May 11th, 2023
2023 Summer Reading Guide (37 New Books)

Discover your perfect summer read with our ultimate summer reading guide! Explore 37 handpicked books across romance, historical fiction, thriller, and more.

It’s summer reading season, and I am so excited to share this year’s SUPER-SIZE guide with you with the best books to read this summer.

This year’s guide is more robust than any other year I’ve offered it, with 37 carefully screened books. 

I have read and reviewed each book, ensuring that only the best and most engaging titles make it to your summer reading list. These aren’t just the beach reads this year but an eclectic collection of literary fiction, nonfiction, contemporary, and nonfiction. 

But that’s not all!

We will share exclusive conversations with many talented authors featured in this guide throughout the summer. I hope you’ll connect more deeply with the books and the person who penned them through this summer author series.

Each author has also been assigned a fun summer topic (dates and topics are listed at the end of the guide).

The honest truth, though, is that there will never be a time when I feel like I am done with this guide. Many books will miss the list, but they will be beautiful discoveries for later. 

You can listen to today’s Book Gang podcast with a few highlights from this year’s selections.

Please Support My Small Business

If you love the guide, I would be SO GRATEFUL if you would consider making a small one-time donation through our new Buy Me a Coffee page! It will help keep the lights on at MomAdvice and fund our future author conversations.

If you are feeling generous, join my Patreon community and unlock a printable guide along with over 200 bookish benefits, including a guide like this EVERY MONTH.

The Best Beach Reads for 2023 from MomAdvice.com

2023 Summer Reading Guide (37 New Books)

2023 Summer Reading Guide (37 New Books)

Let’s dive into this year’s incredible selections! Here are my 37 picks for the best year of summer reading! Thank you to the publishing houses that submitted advanced copies for this year’s guide.

Best Romance Books for 2023

Best Romance Books for 2023

Discover the best romance books to curl up with and lose yourself in a world of love, passion, and happily ever afters. From steamy contemporary romances to heartwarming closed-door romance, I've got you covered!

Best Historical Fiction Books for Summer

Best Historical Fiction Books for Summer

Step back in time with these handpicked selections of the best historical fiction books for summer. From epic sagas set to intimate portraits of everyday people in times of significant change, these gripping tales will transport you to another era. If you love these, don't miss our historical fiction book list with the most-anticipated books for summer.

Best Contemporary Fiction Books for 2023

Best Contemporary Fiction Books for 2023

Discover a world of captivating storytelling this summer with the best contemporary fiction books and women's fiction books. Whether you're a fan of immersive family sagas, coming-of-age journeys, or even time travel, this curated page-turning book list is for you.

Best Literary Fiction Books for 2023

Best Literary Fiction Books for 2023

This list of captivating stories offers thought-provoking narratives with my collection of the best literary fiction for your summer.

Best Books in 2023

Best Fantasy Books in 2023

I know this fantasy book list for 2023 is short, but I promise to expand this later throughout our summer! Please leave a comment and let me know what YOUR favorites were this year.

Best Nonfiction Books of 2023

Discover the captivating world of nonfiction with this curated selections of the best books of 2023. These nonfiction books are as compulsively readable as any fiction read, including memoirs and narrative nonfiction.

Best Thriller Books in 2023 (Mystery and Suspense Novels)

Best Thriller Books in 2023 (Mystery and Suspense Novels)

Experience spine-chilling suspense and heart-pounding thrills with our curated selection of the best thriller books in 2023. We also will delve into the captivating world of mystery and suspense novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

This post contains affiliate links

Meet the Authors on the Book Gang Podcast

You can stream Book Gang wherever you get podcasts or check this page for all the past episodes. Please see above for the descriptions and links to purchase these books!

Best Book Club Books to Spark Conversation (Meagan Church, Author of The Last Carolina GirlSTREAMING NOW)

The Spectacular Life Lessons from Books About Road Trips (Colleen Oakley, Author of The Mostly True Story of Tanner and LouiseSTREAMING NOW)

The Best Historical Fiction Books for Summer (Crystal Smith Paul, Author of Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?STREAMING NOW)

The Best Escapist Books Set on Islands (Meg Shaffer, Author of The Wishing Game, airing on May 26th )

The Best Wedding Rom-Com Books (Byron Lane, Author of Big Gay Wedding, airing on June 9th)

The Best Debut Novels of 2023 (Thao Thai, Author of Banyan Moon, airing on June 23rd)

The Best Con Artist Queens in Literature (Wendy Heard, Author of You Can Trust Me, airing on July 7th )

The Best Old Hollywood Books for Summer (Molly Fader, Author of The Sunshine Girls, airing on July 21st )

2023 MomAdvice Summer Book Club (see the full list)

Please note, you must be a member of the FREE MomAdvice Book on Facebook to join these discussions. To interact with our book club bonuses (author interviews, playlists, and extra podcast episodes), join the Patreon!

May Book Club: (Magic Season by Wade Rouse, meeting on 05/26 at 8 PM, RSVP!)

June Book Club: (The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain, meeting on 06/30 at 8 PM, RSVP!)

July Book Club: (Breathe & Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester, on 7/28 at 8 PM RSVP!)

TELL ME: What book are you most excited to read this summer?

Loved the guide? We are grateful for your support through the Buy Me a Coffee page or Patreon! We can’t fund this space without you- xx