The Watchung Booksellers Podcast

Watchung Booksellers
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Watchung Booksellers' community of writers and readers dive deep into what they do for the love of books.  Watchung Booksellers is located in the heart of Montclair, NJ, a literary beacon filled with writers, journalists, publishers, and avid readers. Each year we host hundreds of author events and every day the most interesting and dedicated readers walk through our doors. Their insights and enthusiasm have inspired us to share our conversations with book-lovers everywhere. We invite you to listen and be a part of our community!

  1. Episode 61: Customer Favorites of 2025

    DEC 2

    Episode 61: Customer Favorites of 2025

    In this episode of The Watchung Booksellers podcast, our customers tell us what their favorite reads of 2025 were. Memoir, fiction, manga, YA and more ... these rave reviews will help you find a perfect book for someone on your list.  Resources: Libby (Audiobooks through your library) Libro.fm ( Audio books through your indie bookstore)  Books: A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events. The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids’ Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch! Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.com Social: @watchungbooksellers Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

    21 min
  2. Episode 60: Shop Talk: Holiday Picks

    NOV 25

    Episode 60: Shop Talk: Holiday Picks

    In this episode of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, our buyers and booksellers give you recommendations for getting your holiday shopping done early! Nicole, Caroline, Asia, and Susie offer a slew of great ideas for gifts for everyone on your list. Listen to their suggestions (you can see them listed here), then come in store on Festivus Friday ready to shop! Nicole Ban is a lifelong New Jersey resident who began her bookstore career at B. Dalton. After a longstanding tenure at Montclair Book Center, Nicole made the leap to Watchung Booksellers and quickly established herself as the store's resident problem solver and tech troubleshooter, as well as cookbook and mystery buyer. Nicole is also a graduate of the French Culinary Institute. Asia Jannah was born and raised in Montclair, and has worked at Watchung Booksellers for a total of 9 years. She is currently the gift buyer for the flagship location. Her favorite genres include dark fiction, short stories, essays and memoirs. When she’s not at the bookstore arranging displays or inquiring about customer’s current reads, she enjoys knitting, crafting, and of course, reading. Caroline Shurtleff is the school event coordinator and a bookseller in The Kids’ Room at Watchung Booksellers. She graduated from Baylor University with a degree in English Literature. Caroline is a poetry editor at MAYDAY online magazine. Additionally, she writes and researches the show notes for the Watchung Bookseller Podcast. Caroline grew up in the Dallas-Forth Worth metroplex in Texas, and now lives in New Jersey.  Susie Sonneborn is a native Chicagoan, educator, bookseller, and Book Fairs Director with a passion for literacy and the arts. She holds a master's degree in education and social policy and has almost 20 years experience as a teacher and curriculum development specialist, integrating the arts into the core curriculum. When Susie is not coordinating school book fairs or helping customers find their "just right"  books, you can find her baking a tiny bit obsessively, enjoying nature with a big hat on, checking out cool art and performances or just hanging out with her husband and three remarkable and delightful sons. Books: A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events. The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids’ Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch! Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.com Social: @watchungbooksellers Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

    38 min
  3. Episode 59: Featured Event: Mona Awad

    NOV 18

    Episode 59: Featured Event: Mona Awad

    In this episode of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, we feature author Mona Awad, author of the bestselling novel Bunny, for the release of its sequel, We Love You, Bunny. She talked with Laura Sims about coming back to the dark and hilarious characters in Bunny, her love of fairy tales, and what's next in the Bunny-verse.  Mona Awad is the bestselling author of the novels Rouge, All’s Well, Bunny, and 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl. She is a three-time finalist for a Goodreads Choice Award, the recipient of an Amazon Best First Novel Award, and she was shortlisted for the Giller Prize. Bunny was a finalist for a New England Book Award and was named a Best Book of 2019 by Time, Vogue, and the New York Public Library. It is currently being developed for film with Bad Robot Productions. Rouge is being adapted for film by Fremantle and Sinestra. Margaret Atwood named Awad her “literary heir” in The New York Times’s T Magazine. She teaches fiction in the creative writing program at Syracuse University and is based in Boston. Laura Sims’s third novel, The Man, is due out from Putnam in July of 2026. Her novels How Can I Help You and Looker have been on Best Books lists in The New York Times, Vogue, People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Real Simple, Publishers Weekly, and more. An award-winning poet, Sims has published four poetry collections; her essays and poems have appeared in The New Republic, Boston Review, Lit Hub, and Electric Lit. She lives in New Jersey, where she works part-time as a children’s librarian. Resources: Bunny Film Margaret Atwood T Magazine Feature Rabbit Rabbit Books: A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events. The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids’ Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch! Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.com Social: @watchungbooksellers Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

    43 min
  4. Episode 58: Keeping Your Creative SPARK

    NOV 11

    Episode 58: Keeping Your Creative SPARK

    In this episode of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, authors Henry Neff and Cyndie Spiegel return to talk about how they stay creative during stressful times. From being soulful to joining a kinetic "kommunity," they share some great tips (and laughs) on how to ignite your creativity when life is hard.   Henry Neff is the author and illustrator of seven fantasy novels, including the 5-book "Tapestry" series and a novel for adults, The Witchstone. His work has received critical acclaim, won multiple awards, and been translated into nearly 20 languages around the world. Henry lives in New Jersey with his wife, two sons, and a pair of rescue pups. Cyndie Spiegel is a sought-after speaker and the best-selling author of two books; Microjoys: Finding Hope (Especially) When Life Is Not Okay and A Year of Positive Thinking: Daily Inspiration, Wisdom & Courage, which sold nearly 300,000 copies in the United States and has been translated into multiple languages. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two overly particular cats. Resources: Pomodoro Technique  Montclair Public Library Audiobooks through us! Books: A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events. The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids’ Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch! Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.com Social: @watchungbooksellers Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

    54 min
  5. Episode 57: From Page to Screen

    NOV 4

    Episode 57: From Page to Screen

    In this episode of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, authors Tom Perrotta and Warren Zanes discuss the process of adapting their books into film and television.  Tom Perrotta is the author of eleven works of fiction, including Election and Little Children, both of which were made into Oscar-nominated films, and The Leftovers and Mrs. Fletcher, which were adapted into acclaimed HBO series. His new novel is Ghost Town. Warren Zanes is the New York Times bestselling author of Petty: The Biography. As a member of the Del Fuegos, he has shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen, and continues to write and record music. Zanes holds a PhD in visual and cultural studies from the University of Rochester and presently teaches at New York University. He is a Grammy-nominated producer of the PBS series Soundbreaking and was a consulting producer on the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom. Zane’s work has appeared in Rolling Stone and the Oxford American, and he has served as a vice president at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Resources: Election Little Children Mrs. Fletcher  The Leftovers Deliver Me From Nowhere Soundbreaking  20 Feet from Stardom Shine a Light Crazy Heart A Complete Unknown Books: A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events. The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids’ Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch! Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.com Social: @watchungbooksellers Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

    58 min
  6. On Repeat: Season 2, Episode 38: Historical Fiction

    OCT 28

    On Repeat: Season 2, Episode 38: Historical Fiction

    Go back in time and listen to this conversation about Historical Fiction from Season 2! In this episode of The Watchung Booksellers Podcast, authors Laurie Lico Albanese and Anastasia Rubis discuss reading and writing historical fiction. Laurie Lico Albanese is a historical novelist, most recently of the acclaimed novel Hester,  which gives voice to Hester Prynne in a retelling of The Scarlet Letter. Hester was a Book of the Month club selection and an Audible and Goodreads Best Books of 2022. Laurie’s previous historical novels include Stolen Beauty, about the famed Gustav Klimt portrait known as The Lady in Gold. She lives in Montclair with her husband, where they raised their two grown children. She writes for New Jersey Monthly, teaches writing, and is at work on a new novel. Anastasia Rubis’ writing has appeared in the New York Times, Huffington Post, New York Observer, and literary journals. One of her stories, “Girl Falling,” was named a Notable Essay in Best American Essays of 2014. Another, “Blue Pools,” was included in the anthology Oh, Baby published by Creative Nonfiction. She co-wrote and co-directed a 13-minute documentary titled Breakfast Lunch Dinner: The Greek Diner Story. Her latest work, Oriana, is a novel based on the life of journalist Oriana Fallaci. Rubis earned a BA magna cum laude from Brown University and an MA from Montclair State University. She teaches memoir writing and is working on a second novel. She and her husband live in Montclair, where they raised their daughter, and spend summers in Greece, where their parents were born. Resources: Woman in Gold  Neue Galerie The Crown Oppenheimer Lee Books: A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events. The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids’ Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch! Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.com Social: @watchungbooksellers Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

    47 min
  7. On Repeat: Season 1, Episode 7: Thrill Seekers

    OCT 21

    On Repeat: Season 1, Episode 7: Thrill Seekers

    In honor of spooky season, enjoy this repeat episode from Season 1! In this episode of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, authors Laura Sims and Hillary Frank discuss thrillers--how we define them, why we are drawn to them, and how they compare in different mediums: print, audio, film, and television. Laura Sims is the author of How Can I Help You, a New York Times, Publishers Weekly, Book Riot, and CrimeReads Best Book of the Year. Her first novel, Looker, was included on “Best Books” lists including Vogue, People Magazine, and Real Simple. An award-winning poet, she has published four poetry collections.  Hillary Frank is the award-winning creator and host of The Longest Shortest Time and Here Lies Me. She is also the author and illustrator of three young adult novels and a collection of essays called Weird Parenting Wins.  Books: A full list of the books mentioned is available here. Resources: Rear Window Twin Peaks Get Out Promising Young Woman Severance No One Will Save You Parasite Baby Reindeer Law & Order: SVU The Shining  Books: A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events. The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids’ Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch! Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.com Social: @watchungbooksellers Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

    42 min
  8. Episode 56: Cook by the Book

    OCT 14

    Episode 56: Cook by the Book

    In this episode of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, food writer Marissa Rothkopf Bates and bookseller Nicole Ban talk about the joy of cooking and cookbook reading.  Marissa Rothkopf Bates is the creator and host of The Secret Life of Cookies podcast. A professionally trained chef and journalist, she writes for The New York Times, Newsweek, Food52, and Publishers Weekly. Her first cookbook The Secret Life of Chocolate Chip Cookies was released in September.  Nicole Ban is a lifelong New Jersey resident who began her bookstore career at B. Dalton. After a longstanding tenure at Montclair Book Center, Nicole made the leap to Watchung Booksellers and quickly established herself as the store's resident problem solver and tech troubleshooter, as well as cookbook and mystery buyer. Nicole is also a graduate of the French Culinary Institute. The French Culinary Institute became International Culinary Center which merged with the Institute of Culinary Education Marissa's NJ Monthly Review  Marissa NYT Restaurant Review Example  Marissa's List of Best Pizza in NJ Razza Jersey City Marissa's Review of Razza Burgoo Recipe  Taylor Swift Chai Cookie Recipe Rasp Guide Kathy Griffin's episode of Marissa's podcast J. Kenji López- Alt's Mac and Cheese Recipe Books: A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here. Register for Upcoming Events. The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, NJ. The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell. Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica. Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff. Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids’ Room! If you liked our episode please like, follow, and share! Stay in touch! Email: wbpodcast@watchungbooksellers.com Social: @watchungbooksellers Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest on our shows, events, and book recommendations!

    55 min
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About

Watchung Booksellers' community of writers and readers dive deep into what they do for the love of books.  Watchung Booksellers is located in the heart of Montclair, NJ, a literary beacon filled with writers, journalists, publishers, and avid readers. Each year we host hundreds of author events and every day the most interesting and dedicated readers walk through our doors. Their insights and enthusiasm have inspired us to share our conversations with book-lovers everywhere. We invite you to listen and be a part of our community!

Information

  • Creator
    Watchung Booksellers
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Watchung Booksellers Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Watchung Booksellers Podcast

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