Bookish Flights: Themed Book Recommendations & Author Interviews

Kara Infante
  • 5.0 (101)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Bookish Flights is the place to talk books and reading. This podcast focuses on connection, storytelling and the transformative power of books. Each episode invites guests to share the three books that have influenced them, unlocking their wisdom and how it changed their lives. Books are a bridge that connects us, a remedy for loneliness, and the best conversational currency to be the most interesting person in the room! Rooted in the belief that stories shape who we are, this podcast brings people together through a shared love of literature. Perfect for book lovers, Bookish Flights inspires listeners to discover the books that can shape their own lives. You will love this show If you have ever asked: What are the best fiction and non-fiction books to read?Which books should I add to my reading list?How can I find more time to read?What are the best books for exploring new genres?What books are perfect for my kids?What is the publishing journey like for authors?What books do my favorite authors love to read?Discover book recommendations across a wide range of genres, including historical fiction, romantasy, rom-coms, mysteries, thrillers and personal development. Check out the website www.bookishflights.com to see book club picks and the wide range of book flights. 

  1. Aug 12

    How Art Keeps History Alive: Thao Thai on The Seekers of Deer Creek (E233)

    Send us Fan Mail Today's episode features Thao Thai, bestselling author of Banyan Moon. She joins us to discuss her latest novel, The Seekers of Deer Creek, a captivating story of two estranged sisters whose search for a lost painting uncovers long-buried family secrets stretching across generations and continents. In our conversation, we explore the many ways art preserves history and memory, the fascinating world of art conservation, and what it truly means to be an artist. Thao shares how her travels inspired the settings in the novel, why creativity is essential even in the busiest seasons of life, and how motherhood has shaped her writing. We also discuss the joy of reading physical books, the importance of making space for creativity, and why everyone has an inner artist waiting to be discovered. Episode Highlights The inspiration behind The Seekers of Deer CreekWhy art is one of history's greatest storytellersThe unseen work of preserving paintings and cultural artifactsVietnamese identity and artistic legacyBalancing motherhood and a creative careerThe value of reading physical booksWhy everyone should embrace their inner artistThao's book flight includes books about art and artists Connect with Thao: InstagramWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine ArdenAll the Beauty in the World by Patrick BringleySula by Toni MorrisonClutch by Emily NemensBook Flight Almost Life by Kiran Millwood HargraveSirens & Muses by Antonia AngressAnita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    How Art Keeps History Alive: Thao Thai on The Seekers of Deer Creek (E233)

  2. Aug 7

    Rhys Bowen on The Castle in the Glen, Dual Timelines & Writing Historical Mysteries (E232)

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen to discuss her latest novel, The Castle in the Glen. We explore the inspiration behind the story, why the Isle of Skye was the perfect setting, and how Rhys layers mysteries "like peeling away the layers of an onion." Rhys also shares why she always travels to every location she writes about, how switching between her beloved mystery series and standalone novels keeps her creatively energized, and why returning to longtime characters feels like attending a high school reunion with old friends. Rhys’ book flight includes dual-timeline novels. Episode Highlights: The inspiration behind The Castle in the Glen and writing a novel in another author's voiceWhy the Isle of Skye became the perfect settingHow traveling to each setting shapes her storytellingThe differences between writing standalone novels and a long-running seriesWhy revisiting recurring characters feels like reconnecting with old friendsWhy she believes she'll always have more stories than she can write Connect with Rhys: WebsiteFacebookSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Tony Hillerman booksAgatha Christie booksThe Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienMolly Murphy series by Rhys BowenJane Eyre by Charlotte BronteThe Chateau on Sunset by Natasha LesterBook Flight The Book of Lost and Found by Lucy FoleyThe Restoration Garden by Sara BlaydesHomecoming by Kate Morton✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    Rhys Bowen on The Castle in the Glen, Dual Timelines & Writing Historical Mysteries (E232)

  3. Aug 5

    Writing Hope, Humor, and Older Characters: Anna Johnston on When Lemons Give You Life (E231)

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Bookish Flights, internationally bestselling author Anna Johnston of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife and she  returns to discuss her heartfelt new novel, When Lemons Give You Life. Inspired by her years working in aged care, Anna shares why she loves writing older characters who remind us that every stage of life still has purpose, dignity, and the capacity for joy.  Episode Highlights: The inspiration behind When Lemons Give You Life and why she calls it "an antidote to despair"Writing Lisa's character from her own experience of receiving an adult ADHD diagnosisThe misconceptions surrounding ADHD in women and why she hopes readers feel seenResearching the unique challenges older LGBTQ+ adults can face in aged careWhy cooking can become its own love language and a powerful way to care for othersHow stories help us build empathy and compassion—especially for older generationsAnna's book flight features 3 memoirs Connect with Anna: InstagramFacebookWebsite Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Maureen Fry and the Angel of the North / The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel JoyceMy Friends by Fredrik BackmanBook Flight Don’t Buy What I’m Selling by Lu ChekowskyImogen in Waiting by Lindsay BartelsThe Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie JakuThis episode is sponsored by Baker Book House, they brought a sweet, summer contemporary book flight. Enjoy 30% off and free shipping on any books ordered directly through their website. Bookmarked for Love by Sarah MonzonIn a Word, Yes by Kit ToselloAlmost by Design by Jenny Erlingsson✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    Writing Hope, Humor, and Older Characters: Anna Johnston on When Lemons Give You Life (E231)

  4. Jul 29

    Neurodivergent Parenting: Faith, Grace, and Practical Strategies with Ginny Kochis (E230)

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by Ginny Kochis, author of Quirky Catholic Kids. Ginny shares what inspired her to write a practical guide for parents raising neurodivergent children through the lens of faith, while reminding us that many of these lessons apply to parenting children of all ages. We discuss what neurodivergence really means, why emotional regulation begins with us as parents, and how learning to respond instead of react can transform our homes. Ginny also offers practical next steps for families who suspect their child may be experiencing developmental or learning differences, including resources available through schools, Child Find, and neuropsychological evaluations. Above all, this conversation is an encouraging reminder to celebrate the unique children God has entrusted to us rather than comparing them to someone else's expectations. Episode Highlights: What inspired Ginny to write Quirky Catholic KidsWhat neurodivergence is—and what it isn'tWhy emotional regulation can't be taught in the middle of a meltdownPractical ways parents can respond instead of reactLearning to embrace your child's unique giftsFinding evaluations and support through schools, Child Find, and neuropsychologistsParenting with faith, grace, and confidence instead of comparisonConnect with Ginny: WebsitePurchase Quirky Catholic KidsInstagramSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Episode 46: A Book Flight Representing Neurodivergent Teens with Ginny KochisRaising Your Spirited Child by Mary Scheedy KurcinkaA Million Junes by Emily HenryAnnabel Monaghan’s booksAshley Poston booksKatherine Center booksBook Flight Physica by Hildegaard van BingenA Call to a Deeper Love: The Family Correspondence of the Parents of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus by Louis and Zelie MartinGod Loves the Autistic Mind by Father Matthew Snyder✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    Neurodivergent Parenting: Faith, Grace, and Practical Strategies with Ginny Kochis (E230)

  5. Jul 27

    What Actually Makes Someone a Reader? It's Simpler Than You Think (E229)

    Send us Fan Mail As a physical therapist, I spent years helping people build habits that would improve their lives long after they left the clinic. Those experiences taught me that lasting change doesn't happen in one big moment—it happens through small, consistent choices. Lately, I've found myself asking that same question about reading. What makes someone a reader? As a lifelong reader and mom of three, I wanted to know what the research actually says about why some people develop a lifelong love of books while others struggle to make reading a habit. In this solo episode, we're diving into the science behind reading habits and the practical ways we can create environments where reading becomes a joyful, natural part of everyday life. In this episode, we discuss: Why enjoyment matters more than pressure when it comes to lifelong readingThe powerful role parents and caregivers play by modeling readingHow your environment influences your reading habits more than motivation aloneWhy giving children—and adults—the freedom to choose their own books makes all the differencePractical ways to encourage a lifelong love of reading at any ageWhether you're hoping to read more yourself or you're raising the next generation of readers, this episode is filled with encouraging, research-backed ideas that you can start putting into practice today. Books Mentioned Atomic Habits by James ClearI'd Love to Hear From You - What made you a reader? Come join the conversation on Instagram and Threads @bookishflights, and let me know the book, person, or moment that sparked your love of reading. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd be so grateful if you'd follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a fellow book lover. Happy reading, my friends! ✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    What Actually Makes Someone a Reader? It's Simpler Than You Think (E229)

  6. Jul 22

    Books and Wine: The Novel Pairing with Erin Kirschenmann (E228)

    Send us Fan Mail This week, I’m joined by Erin Kirschenmann—lifelong reader, wine educator, and founder of Novel Pairings, an online book and wine membership that brings together thoughtfully curated books, wine pairings, playlists, community, and in-person events. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or someone who has no idea what to order, Erin makes wine feel approachable and fun. We talk about why books and wine pair so naturally and how to take the intimidation out of choosing a bottle. Erin and I also issued a challenge for all of us: a few times each day, reach for your book instead of your phone. Slow down. Be intentional. And maybe even pour yourself a glass of wine while you're at it. Special Offer Erin is generously offering Bookish Flights listeners their first month of Novel Pairings completely free. Use the code BOOKISHFLIGHTS when you join. Whether you're looking for your next great read, your next favorite bottle of wine, or simply an excuse to slow down and enjoy both, I think you're going to love this conversation. Connect with Erin: InstagramWebsiteSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: The Hunting Party by Lucy FoleyThe Ex Hex by Erin StirlingAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidRites of the Starling by Devney PerryLands of Lost Borders by Kate HarrisThe Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate FaganPlot PendingSense and Sensibility by Jane AustenJane Eyre by Charlotte BronteThe Historian by Elizabeth KostovaMaine Characters by Hannah OrensteinThe Astral Library by Kate QuinnThe Wedding People by Alison EspachBook Flight The Science of Wine by Jaime GoodeBig Macs and Burgundy by Vanessa PriceWine and War by Don & Petie Kladstrup✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    Books and Wine: The Novel Pairing with Erin Kirschenmann (E228)

  7. Jul 15

    The Big Truths Fiction Can Tell with Julie Carrick Dalton (E227)

    Send us Fan Mail This week, I'm joined by Julie Carrick Dalton, journalist, former organic farmer and beekeeper, and author of The Forest Becomes Her. Julie's novels are deeply rooted in the natural world, exploring the relationship between people, place, and the communities we build together. Inspired by her own experience watching a beloved forest disappear to development, The Forest Becomes Her is ultimately a story about what a community loses when a forest is gone. Through the lives of three women navigating grief, motherhood, and identity, Julie invites readers to consider our connection to the land beneath our feet and the lasting impact of the choices we make. In this episode, we talk about how Julie's years running an organic farm shaped every one of her novels, the decision to purchase a 220-acre forest to preserve it, why fiction allows her to explore life's biggest truths, and the joy of listening to audiobooks while tending her garden Episode Highlights: How Julie's years running an organic farm continue to inspire her writing & real-life experience behind The Forest Becomes HerParenting, motherhood, and raising children with a connection to natureHow fiction helps us understand the world in ways journalism sometimes cannotJulie's love of gardening with an audiobook playing in the backgroundJulie's Book Flight and fictional books that help us see the world differently Connect with Julie: WebsiteInstagramFacebookSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: The Last Beekeeper by Julie Carrick DaltonRed Clocks by Leni ZumasThe Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John MandelJane Eyre by Charlotte BronteThe Afterlife Project / The Gatepost by Tim WeedBook Flight Station Eleven by Emily St. John MandelA Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghySalvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    The Big Truths Fiction Can Tell with Julie Carrick Dalton (E227)

  8. Jul 8

    Why Stories Matter at Every Age: The Gift of a Reading Life with Kate DiCamillo (E226)

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by beloved children's author Kate DiCamillo for a conversation about something much bigger than writing. We explore what it means to be a reader, why stories shape us long after childhood, and how a love of books can become one of the greatest gifts we pass from one generation to the next. Kate's stories, including Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and Flora & Ulysses, have become treasured companions for millions of readers and families. As The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane celebrates its 20th anniversary with a beautiful collector's edition this fall, Kate reflects on the enduring power of children's literature and the stories that continue to find us at every stage of life. Together, we talk about reading aloud, protecting time to read in a busy world, why literature helps us tell and bear the truth, and how simply showing up each day can transform both our reading lives and our creative lives. Whether you've loved Kate's books since childhood, are discovering them with your own children, or simply want to rekindle your love of reading, this conversation is a beautiful reminder of why stories matter at every age. Episode Highlights: Why Kate has always identified first and foremost as a reader.The magic of reading aloud and why it allows us to meet one another without our armor.The children's books every adult should revisit.Kate's daily reading habit, including putting her phone on Airplane Mode.The surprising lesson she's learned from showing up to write every day.Kate's Book Flight includes books she routinely re-reads and she wants everyone to read Connect with Kate: WebsiteFacebookSome links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Ribsy by Kate DiCamilloCharlotte’s Web by E.B. WhiteThe Once and Future Kingby T.H. WhiteTheo of Golden by Allen LeviIsak Dinesen by Judith ThurmanSame as it Ever Wasby Claire LombardoDeath at the Sign of the Rook by Kate AtkinsonBook Flight Foster by Claire KeeganGilead by Marilynne RobinsonOld Filth by Jane Gardham✨ Find Your Next Great Read! We just hit 175 episodes of Bookish Flights, and to celebrate, I created the Bookish Flights Roadmap — a guide to all 175 podcast episodes, sorted by genre to help you find your next great read faster. Explore it here → www.bookishflights.com/read/roadmap Support the show Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening! InstagramFacebookWebsite

    Why Stories Matter at Every Age: The Gift of a Reading Life with Kate DiCamillo (E226)
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About

Bookish Flights is the place to talk books and reading. This podcast focuses on connection, storytelling and the transformative power of books. Each episode invites guests to share the three books that have influenced them, unlocking their wisdom and how it changed their lives. Books are a bridge that connects us, a remedy for loneliness, and the best conversational currency to be the most interesting person in the room! Rooted in the belief that stories shape who we are, this podcast brings people together through a shared love of literature. Perfect for book lovers, Bookish Flights inspires listeners to discover the books that can shape their own lives. You will love this show If you have ever asked: What are the best fiction and non-fiction books to read?Which books should I add to my reading list?How can I find more time to read?What are the best books for exploring new genres?What books are perfect for my kids?What is the publishing journey like for authors?What books do my favorite authors love to read?Discover book recommendations across a wide range of genres, including historical fiction, romantasy, rom-coms, mysteries, thrillers and personal development. Check out the website www.bookishflights.com to see book club picks and the wide range of book flights. 

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