GSMC Book Review Podcast

GSMC Audiobooks Network

Welcome to the GSMC Book Review Podcast, where literature comes to life through captivating conversations! Spearheaded by our remarkable host, Sarah Meckler, we dive into the fascinating realm of books, inviting authors to share their creative journeys and the inspirations behind their latest works. With Sarah's probing questions and keen insights, we delve beyond the written pages, exploring the authors' thoughts, their creative processes, and the intricate details that shape their narratives. Whether they're weaving mysteries or penning memoirs, crafting fantasy sagas or sculpting sci-fi masterpieces, Sarah uncovers the human stories behind the stories we love. But we don't stop at the authors. GSMC Book Review Podcast embraces bookworms from all walks of life. From children to teens to adults, and from the casual readers to the most avid bibliophiles, we cater to all tastes and preferences. We talk about books that spark joy, provoke thought, transport us to different worlds, and touch our hearts. Join us for a literary adventure as Sarah Meckler guides us into the enchanting world of books, one author at a time. GSMC Book Review Podcast - your personal guide to the authors' minds and the stories they weave.

  1. 2D AGO

    The Bridge by Shanna Hatfield | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Sarah chats with Shanna Hatfield about the inspiration behind this suspenseful and uplifting story, the characters whose lives collide during one unforgettable moment, and the powerful themes of hope, courage, and second chances that shape the novel. Set on the iconic St. Johns Bridge in Portland, The Bridge follows five strangers whose lives intersect during a tense holiday crisis. Sergeant Archer Raines is determined to finally spend Christmas with his wife, but duty calls when a desperate man threatens to jump from the bridge. Meanwhile, Rosalee, a meticulous accountant and expectant mother, finds her carefully organized world thrown into chaos when she goes into labor during a traffic standstill. Exhausted nurse Nova, tow truck operator Carter, and recent graduate Ian are also pulled into the unfolding drama, each facing unexpected choices that could change their lives forever. During the interview, Shanna shares how she built a story around a single pivotal moment and created a cast of characters whose journeys highlight compassion, resilience, and human connection. Sarah and Shanna also discuss crafting multiple character perspectives and why holiday settings can heighten both emotion and tension in storytelling. Listeners who enjoy uplifting fiction, holiday reads, and character driven suspense will appreciate this inspiring conversation with an author who blends heart, hope, and high stakes storytelling. Tune in to discover the story behind The Bridge and learn how one frozen moment can lead to powerful change. Subscribe to the GSMC Book Review Podcast for more engaging author interviews and book discussions. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    44 min
  2. MAR 5

    The Hostess by Courtney Psak | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Sarah welcomes author Courtney Psak to discuss her suspenseful novel, The Hostess, a chilling story set against the glamorous yet unsettling backdrop of the Hamptons. Natalie and her husband leave the city after a devastating accident, hoping a peaceful getaway will give Natalie time to heal. Their last minute rental in the Hamptons appears to be the perfect escape. The estate is breathtaking, complete with sweeping ocean views, a wraparound porch, and elegant architecture that feels straight out of a dream. Yet the beauty of the house masks an atmosphere that quickly becomes uneasy. The property’s owner, Sadie, is charismatic, sophisticated, and immediately intriguing. Natalie finds herself drawn to her mysterious hostess, but something about Sadie feels just out of reach. As their relationship grows, small details begin to raise troubling questions. When Natalie learns that a previous guest vanished without explanation, curiosity turns into fear. During this conversation, Sarah and Courtney explore the inspiration behind The Hostess, the psychological tension that fuels the story, and the themes of trust, vulnerability, and hidden identities. Courtney also shares insights into crafting suspense, building layered characters, and creating a setting that feels both luxurious and ominous. Fans of psychological thrillers and atmospheric suspense will enjoy this behind the scenes discussion about the twists, secrets, and storytelling techniques that make The Hostess such a compelling read. Tune in to the GSMC Book Review Podcast for engaging author interviews, book discoveries, and thoughtful conversations about the stories that keep readers turning pages. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    40 min
  3. FEB 24

    White Flight by Bill Hillmann | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Sarah welcomes acclaimed Chicago author Bill Hillmann to discuss his powerful novel White Flight, a gritty, thought-provoking story about violence, class mobility, race, and redemption.  Set between Chicago’s working-class neighborhoods and the charged streets of New Orleans, White Flight follows Golden Gloves boxer Joe Walsh as his promising future collides with tragedy. After a fatal campus fight leaves him wanted for murder, Joe goes on the run, only to face another life-altering moment when he intervenes in a racially charged street attack. Hillmann unpacks how Joe’s journey explores masculinity, inherited trauma, moral courage, and the true meaning of escape. In this compelling conversation, Bill shares the real-life influences behind the novel, the symbolism of boxing as both discipline and destruction, and the weight carried by the title White Flight. The discussion also explores art as salvation, the tension between running from consequences and standing your ground, and the layered portrayal of race and class in modern America. Fans of literary fiction, coming-of-age novels, Chicago literature, and boxing stories won’t want to miss this episode. If you’re drawn to character-driven fiction that confronts difficult social questions head-on, this interview offers insight straight from the author himself. Subscribe to the GSMC Book Review Podcast for in-depth author interviews, thoughtful literary discussions, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from today’s most compelling writers. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    56 min
  4. FEB 17

    Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun by Judith Lissauer Cromwell | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Sarah has a conversation with acclaimed biographer Judith Lissauer Cromwell to discuss her compelling biography, Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun: Portrait of an Artist, 1755–1842. This captivating work chronicles the extraordinary life of Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, one of the most celebrated portrait artists of the 18th and early 19th centuries. Best known as the favored painter of Marie Antoinette, Vigée Le Brun rose to prominence in a male-dominated art world, overcoming barriers that denied women formal artistic training. Her luminous portraits of European royalty and aristocracy now hang in some of the world’s most prestigious museums. But at the height of her fame, the French Revolution forced her into exile, separating her from her homeland and reshaping her career. In this insightful conversation, Cromwell shares the research behind the biography, drawing from Vigée Le Brun’s memoirs, archival sources, and historical reevaluation. Sarah and Judith explore themes of artistic ambition, motherhood, survival during political upheaval, and the resilience required to rebuild a career across a continent in turmoil. They also discuss the artist’s twelve-year exile, her return to France after Napoleon restored stability, and her enduring legacy as a pioneering woman in art history. If you’re passionate about historical biography, women artists, French history, or stories of perseverance, this episode offers rich context and inspiration. Tune in to discover how talent, charisma, and determination secured Vigée Le Brun’s place in art history. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    1h 8m
  5. FEB 11

    The Cover Girl by Amy Rossi | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Sarah sits down with debut author Amy Rossi to discuss her powerful and emotionally resonant novel, The Cover Girl. At the heart of the story is Birdie Rhodes, discovered at just thirteen by legendary modeling agent Harriet Goldman and launched into the high-stakes world of fashion. What begins as a dream opportunity quickly becomes something far more complicated when Birdie falls for a much older rock star, setting off a chain of events that reshapes her life. From the glamour of the modeling industry to the raw energy of the LA punk scene and the heartbreak of the AIDS crisis in Boston, Birdie’s journey spans decades of cultural change, personal reinvention, and buried trauma. In this thoughtful conversation, Amy Rossi shares the inspiration behind Birdie’s story, the complexities of power and identity in the fashion and music industries, and the emotional weight of writing about fame, exploitation, and second chances. Sarah guides a compelling discussion about  what it means to confront the past after years of silence. Fans of contemporary literary fiction, stories about the cost of celebrity, and character-driven novels exploring trauma and healing won’t want to miss this episode. Tune in for an insightful author interview that explores the darker side of almost-fame—and the strength it takes to reclaim your narrative. Subscribe to the GSMC Book Review Podcast for more bestselling authors, debut voices, and unforgettable stories. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    1h 4m
  6. FEB 4

    Kinship Medicine by Wendy Johnson | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Sarah talks with physician, author, and public health thinker Dr. Wendy Johnson to discuss her powerful and timely book, Kinship Medicine: Cultivating Interdependence to Heal the Earth and Ourselves. Modern life promises convenience and progress, yet many of us feel more isolated, unhealthy, and disconnected than ever. In Kinship Medicine, Dr. Johnson challenges the foundations of how we live and care for one another, arguing that human health cannot be separated from community, environment, and our relationship with the living world. Drawing on public health, sociology, anthropology, human ecology, and her experience as a family physician, she reframes medicine through an ecosystem lens, one that recognizes interdependence as essential, not optional. During this thoughtful conversation, Sarah and Dr. Johnson explore how loneliness, industrial diets, systemic inequality, and profit-driven healthcare systems quietly erode our well-being. They also discuss how trauma can be carried across generations, why eliminating a single organism can disrupt entire ecosystems, and how reconnecting with non-human life plays a vital role in healing both people and planet. The discussion goes beyond diagnosis and offers hope. Dr. Johnson shares real-world examples of communities already building healthier, more resilient ways of living and caring for one another. She also reflects on how embracing mortality can shift our fears and help us live more fully. This episode is perfect for listeners interested in health, wellness, environmental studies, social justice, and nonfiction books that challenge conventional thinking. Whether you’re passionate about sustainable living, holistic medicine, or reimagining what a healthy society could look like, this conversation offers insight, clarity, and inspiration. Tune in to the GSMC Book Review Podcast, where meaningful books spark meaningful conversations. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    1h 2m
  7. JAN 27

    The Girl Without a Voice by Sandra J. Paul | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Sarah sits down with author Sandra J. Paul to discuss her chilling psychological suspense novel, The Girl Without a Voice. Set against the eerie backdrop of the fall of 1980, this gripping story blends the tension of a thriller with the unsettling pull of true crime. The novel follows Alice, a young woman born mute and isolated from the outside world by her controlling parents. Her life changes forever when she overhears her terminally ill father confess to a series of murders during his final days. With no voice of her own and few people she can trust, Alice turns to her neighbor and closest friend, Hailey. Together, they set out to uncover the truth by retracing her father’s past as a traveling salesman, uncovering disturbing connections to missing women along the way. In this interview, Sandra J. Paul talks with Sarah about crafting suspense through silence, writing from a nonverbal perspective, and exploring the psychological impact of family secrets. They also discuss the novel’s true-crime influences, the power of female friendship, and what it means to reclaim agency after a lifetime of control and fear. Perfect for fans of dark psychological fiction and readers who enjoyed Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll, this episode offers thoughtful insights into storytelling, character development, and the enduring fascination with crimes hidden in plain sight. Tune in to discover how The Girl Without a Voice turns silence into its most haunting weapon—only on the GSMC Book Review Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    1h 2m
  8. JAN 23

    Hey, Pickpocket by Allison Cundiff | GSMC Book Review Podcast

    Sarah welcomes debut novelist Allison Cundiff to discuss her literary fiction novel, Hey, Pickpocket, a heartfelt and beautifully written story about identity, belonging, and the search for home. Hey, Pickpocket follows Frances, a woman determined to leave her past behind as she travels to Ireland in hopes of beginning again. Surrounded by striking landscapes and rich local culture, Frances encounters a memorable cast of characters who challenge her assumptions, push her toward emotional honesty, and help her rethink what home truly means. Through love, loss, and quiet moments of revelation, Frances’s journey becomes one of healing and self-discovery. During the conversation, Allison Cundiff shares insights into crafting a debut novel infused with lyrical prose, dry wit, and emotional depth. Sarah and Allison explore how travel shapes perspective, how community influences healing, and why stories about hope resonate so strongly with readers. The interview also touches on Allison’s background as a poet, teacher, beekeeper, and traveler, as well as how her understanding of trauma and her Buddhist leanings inform the novel’s compassionate tone. Perfect for fans of literary fiction, character-driven stories, and introspective reads, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how fiction can reflect our deepest questions about identity and belonging. Whether you’re a reader searching for your next meaningful novel or a writer interested in the creative process behind a debut book, this episode of the GSMC Book Review Podcast is one you won’t want to miss. If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe to the show: you can find us on iTunes or on any app that carries podcasts as well as on YouTube. Please remember to subscribe and give us a nice review. This way you will always be among the first to get the latest GSMC Book Review Podcasts. We would like to thank our Sponsor: GSMC Podcast Network Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gsmc-book-review-podcast/id1123769087 GSMC YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-EKO3toL1A Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSMC_BookReview Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSMCBookReview/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gsmcbookreview Tiktok: @gsmcbookreview Bluesky: @gsmcbookreview.bsky.social GSMC Podcast Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gsmcpodcastnetwork GSMC Sports Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCSportsNetwork. GSMC Entertainment Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCEntertainmentNetwork GSMC News Network YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GSMCNEWSNETWORK   Disclaimer: The views expressed on the GSMC Book Review Podcast are for entertainment purposes only. Reproduction, copying, or redistribution of The GSMC Book Review Podcast without the express written consent of Golden State Media Concepts LLC is prohibited.

    50 min
3.9
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Welcome to the GSMC Book Review Podcast, where literature comes to life through captivating conversations! Spearheaded by our remarkable host, Sarah Meckler, we dive into the fascinating realm of books, inviting authors to share their creative journeys and the inspirations behind their latest works. With Sarah's probing questions and keen insights, we delve beyond the written pages, exploring the authors' thoughts, their creative processes, and the intricate details that shape their narratives. Whether they're weaving mysteries or penning memoirs, crafting fantasy sagas or sculpting sci-fi masterpieces, Sarah uncovers the human stories behind the stories we love. But we don't stop at the authors. GSMC Book Review Podcast embraces bookworms from all walks of life. From children to teens to adults, and from the casual readers to the most avid bibliophiles, we cater to all tastes and preferences. We talk about books that spark joy, provoke thought, transport us to different worlds, and touch our hearts. Join us for a literary adventure as Sarah Meckler guides us into the enchanting world of books, one author at a time. GSMC Book Review Podcast - your personal guide to the authors' minds and the stories they weave.