Bookish Flights: Books, Author Interviews & Must-Read Recommendations

Kara Infante

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. Why Speculative Fiction Lets Us Explore the Hardest Parts of Being Human with Michelle Maryk (E217)

    6D AGO

    Why Speculative Fiction Lets Us Explore the Hardest Parts of Being Human with Michelle Maryk (E217)

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m joined by Michelle Maryk to discuss her debut novel, The Found Object Society—an atmospheric speculative suspense story that blends grief, curiosity, addiction, and the supernatural into a wholly original reading experience. Michelle shares her journey back to fiction after careers in acting, comedy, and voice work, and how those experiences helped shape her confidence and voice as a writer. We talk about her lifelong love of horror and speculative fiction, the emotional themes underneath the story, and the kind of reading experience she hopes to create for readers. This conversation explores storytelling, creativity, grief, and learning to trust yourself on the page—all while diving into a novel built around a mysterious society where members can relive the final moments of someone else’s life. Episode Highlights: How Michelle’s background in improv, acting, and comedy shaped her writing voiceWhy speculative fiction and horror have always felt like home to her as a storytellerWhat she hopes readers take away from The Found Object Society Connect with Michelle: InstagramFacebookWebsiteSome 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: Margaret Atwood booksMidnight in the Bright Ideas Bookstore by Matthew SullivanMidnight at Soap Lake by Matthew SullivanLou Berney booksMegan Abbott booksOn Writing by Stephen KingTime and Again by Jack FinneyKing of Ashes by S.A. CrosbyThe Doorman by Chris PavoneBook Flight The Paradox Hotel by Rob HartThe Dream Hotel by Laila LalamiGood Neighbors by Sarah Langan✨ 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

    37 min
  2. Writing The Revenge Party, Unlikeable Characters & Polished Online Lives with Emily Lynn Paulson (E216)

    MAY 15

    Writing The Revenge Party, Unlikeable Characters & Polished Online Lives with Emily Lynn Paulson (E216)

    Send us Fan Mail Emily Lynn Paulson joins us on Bookish Flights to talk about her latest novel, The Revenge Party, a dark and twisty psychological thriller about power, manipulation, revenge, and the masks people wear behind polished lives. Known for exploring the tension between image and reality in both her fiction and nonfiction, Emily shares what it was like stepping into thriller writing after writing so personally in memoir and investigative nonfiction. We also talk about creativity, motherhood, online identity, and the freedom, and the vulnerability that comes with different forms of storytelling. Plus, Emily brings a fascinating book flight centered around influencer families and curated lives. Episode Highlights: Transitioning from nonfiction into fictionWriting thrillers with emotional and thematic depthThe freedom of fictional storytellingWhy writing unlikeable characters can be difficultBalancing writing with motherhood and everyday lifeConnect with Emily: 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: Strangers by Belle BurdenAmerican Fantasy by Emma StraubBook Flight Like, Follow, Subscribe by Fortesa LatifiA Well-Trained Wife by Tia LevingsYesteryear by Caro Claire Burke✨ 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

    29 min
  3. A Love Letter to Libraries (and Readers) with Gigi Howard (E215)

    MAY 13

    A Love Letter to Libraries (and Readers) with Gigi Howard (E215)

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to Bookish Flights, where we tell our stories through the books that shape us. Today’s episode is a celebration of libraries and the magic that happens inside them. I’m joined by Gigi Howard — librarian of 15 years and host of Drinks in the Library, the only library where drinks aren’t just allowed, they’re required. We talk about her librarian heart, the unwritten (and very real) rules of librarianship, and why protecting a reader’s experience matters so deeply. Gigi shares what it’s really like working in a library, why she started her podcast, and how books can meet us exactly where we are. Whether you’re a lifelong library lover or someone trying to find your way back to reading, this conversation is a reminder that there truly is a book for everyone. So grab your library card — or your favorite drink — and let’s dive in. Episode Highlights: What 15 years in libraries has taught Gigi about readersThe “rules” of librarianship (and why they matter)The brilliance of graphic novels and raising kids who love books and storiesThe question every librarian asks to find the right bookHow Drinks in the Library came to lifeWhy diminishing a reader’s experience does more harm than goodA full Xochitl Gonzalez book flightConnect with Gigi: InstagramDrinks in the Library PodcastSubstackSome 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: Gingko Season by Naomi Xu ElegantThe Thirteenth Tale by Diane SetterfieldOnce Upon a River by Diane SetterfieldBird by Bird by Anne LamottOn Beauty by Zadie SmithXochitl Gonzalez Book Flight Anita de Monte Laughs LastOlga Dies DreamingLast Night in Bro✨ 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

    53 min
  4. Large Casts, Found Family, & Fantasy Worlds with Chawna Schroeder (E214)

    MAY 6

    Large Casts, Found Family, & Fantasy Worlds with Chawna Schroeder (E214)

    Send us Fan Mail Today I’m joined by author Chawna Schroeder, a fantasy writer who describes herself as a “boundary stretcher,” someone who explores what it means to live beyond the boxes we often place around ourselves, our faith, and even our imagination. After more than two decades studying the craft of writing, Chawna creates richly layered stories that blend faith, philosophy, and speculative worldbuilding. In this episode, we’re talking about Perplexity, the second book in her Sceptre & the Stylus series. This story weaves together political intrigue, hidden dangers, and characters navigating loss, responsibility, and purpose. We also dive into the books that shaped her as a reader, featuring a book flight centered on ensemble casts and found family. Episode Highlights: What it means to be a “boundary stretcher” in both life and writingWhy she’s drawn to large, interconnected character castsA simple breakdown of the difference between science fiction and fantasyHow faith, purpose, and identity show up in her storiesWhy stories allow us to step into someone else’s life in a meaningful wayConnect with Chawna: FacebookWebsiteSome 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 Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. TolkienA Little Princess by Frances Hodgson BurnettAngela Bell’s episodeFirebird by Kathy TyresSharon Hinck booksThe Bandit of Ashley Downs by Dave & Neta JacksonGeorge Muller: The Guardian of Bristol's Orphans by Janet & Geoff BengeBook Flight Recorder by Cathy McCrumb (adult sci-fi)The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud by Jenny Cote (middle grade historical fantasy)Criss Cross by C.C. Warrens (contemporary adult suspense)✨ 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

    49 min
  5. BFF Book Club - The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake with Rachel Linden (E213)

    MAY 1

    BFF Book Club - The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake with Rachel Linden (E213)

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Rachel Linden for the latest installment of the BFF Book Club, all about her novel The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake. This was such a fun conversation. Rachel shares the inspiration behind the story, why she loves weaving food into her writing, and the “research loophole” she’s fully embracing—traveling, wandering, and eating her way through her settings. We also talk about the deeper themes of the book, including healing, second chances, and what it looks like to live a fulfilled life in different seasons. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek at her upcoming novel A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity (releasing 05/19) and hints at a new genre she’s stepping into next. Episode Highlights: The inspiration behind The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake.Why Rachel keeps coming back to food as a storytelling thread.Her perspective on “research” and how it shapes her books.Exploring what a fulfilled life looks like in different seasons.The heart behind writing stories rooted in healing and growth.Connect with Rachel: InstagramFacebookWebsite📚 Next Meet the Author Book Club 🗓️ June 1st | 🕓 5 pm PST / 7 pm CST / 8 pm EST If you’d like to join us for an upcoming discussion, next month’s pick is The Life She Forgot by Joanna Davidson Politano - a historical story woven with mystery and heart, following a woman uncovering fragments of a past she can’t fully remember. As she pieces together lost memories, she’s drawn into questions of identity, truth, and what it really means to start over. It’s a blend of intrigue, emotion, and discovery—perfect if you love stories about hidden histories and second chances. Register Here. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Emily Henry booksKatherine Center booksAbby Jimenez booksA Second Chance Scottish Summer by Rachel Mae LindenRecipe for a Charmed Life by Rachel LindenBook Flight The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie BostwickKate & Frida by Kim FayRemarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby van Pelt✨ 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

    42 min
  6. More Than Rescue Animals: Writing, Connection, and Purpose with Holly Gutwillinger (E212)

    APR 29

    More Than Rescue Animals: Writing, Connection, and Purpose with Holly Gutwillinger (E212)

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Holly Gutwillinger, a heartfelt writer born and raised in a small town in northern Ontario. Holly is a proud dog mom to two rescue dogs and one cat, and her love for animals shines through in both her life and her storytelling. We talk about her podcast and debut book, North of Broken and Furever Home, and the creative journey that led her there. Holly shares what it looked like to build a creative life over time, the seasons of trying different paths, and what it finally felt like to land on writing as her true passion. Episode Highlights: The journey of trying different paths before finding writing.The inspiration behind her stories and connection to her own animals.Writing anthropomorphic characters and asking readers to see the world through a dog’s perspective.The mindset shift from “rescuing” her dogs to truly accepting them.Why creativity doesn’t have to be rushed and can evolve over time.Connect with Holly: InstagramRamblings from the Little Shed PodcastWebsiteSome 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: Too Good to be Real by Melanie JohnsonAnnie Hartnett’s episode (Ep. 199)Animals in Fantasy Book Flight with Books Are Magical Podcast (Ep. 54)The Red Tent by Anita DiamantBook Flight Lily and the Octopus by Steven RowleyThe Road to Tender Hearts by Annie HartnettFaking Christmas by Cindy Steel✨ 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

    39 min
  7. From Headlines to Plot Twists: Jennifer van der Kleut on The Better Mother (E211)

    APR 22

    From Headlines to Plot Twists: Jennifer van der Kleut on The Better Mother (E211)

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Jennifer van der Kleut (née McBride). Jennifer is an award-winning former journalist of both print and digital publications, including the D.C. affiliate of ABC7 News. A graduate of San Jose State University, she spent most of her life in the San Francisco Bay Area before moving to the Norther Virginia suburbs of D.C., where she currently lives with her husband and two sons. When she is not writing, she loves going to the beach with her family, going to concerts with her girlfriends, and getting lost in the pages of a book. We are here today to discuss her debut psychological thriller, The Better Mother. Episode Highlights: How journalism trained her to write with clarity, focus, and purposeThe shift from reporting facts to creating fictional worldsWhy she’s drawn to writing from a villain’s perspectiveWhat she loved most about writing The Better MotherHow understanding “why” drives both journalism and fictionConnect with Jennifer: InstagramFacebookWebsiteSome 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: Lucy Foley booksCarol Goodman booksKaira Rouda booksRobyn Harding booksAshley Winstead booksDream Harbor book series by Laurie GilmoreElin Hilderbrand booksThe Storyteller by Jodi PicoultThe Locked Ward by Sarah PekkanenThis is Not a Game by Kelly MullenBook Flight The Last Celebrity by Madeleine HenryTell Me What You Did by Carter WilsonThe Only One Left by Riley Sager✨ 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

    38 min
  8. History, Mystery & Hidden Manuscripts: The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton w/ Jennifer N. Brown (E210)

    APR 17

    History, Mystery & Hidden Manuscripts: The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton w/ Jennifer N. Brown (E210)

    Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Jennifer N. Brown. Jennifer is the Dean of Arts & Sciences at Bentley University, where she is also Professor of English and Media Studies, with a specialization in medieval literature written for and by women. She has published a lot on this topic but The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is her first novel. She lives in the Boston area with her husbnad, their two children, and two miniature dachshunds.  Episode Highlights: The real history behind Elizabeth Barton and the lost manuscriptWriting as both a historian and a novelistThe freedom fiction offers compared to academic writingBalancing historical accuracy with compelling storytellingWriting across dual timelines (historical + modern)How present-day perspectives shape historical fictionThe role of empathy in both history and readingLetting go of perfection and knowing when to finish a book Connect with Jennifer: 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: Orlando by Virginia WoolfHeart the Lover by Lily KingFlashlight by Susan ChoiBook Flight The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John FowlesThe Weight of Ink by Rachel KadishWolf Hall by Hilary Mantel✨ 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

    35 min
5
out of 5
94 Ratings

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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