Bookish Flights: Themed Book Recommendations & Author Interviews

Kara Infante
  • 5.0 (100)
  • 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. 3d ago

    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)

  2. 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)

  3. 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)

  4. Jul 1

    What If? The Magic of Middle Grade Stories and Raising Readers with Becca Wierwille (E225)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Bookish Flights, I’m joined by middle grade author and podcaster Becca Wierwille. She is the author of the Road Trip Rescue series and the Scout and Barnaby Mysteries. Becca writes stories that help kids embrace what makes them unique and discover the adventures waiting for them. Together, we discuss the power of children's books, how stories help build empathy, the importance of reading aloud, and why the middle grade years are such a pivotal time in a reader's life. We also chat about her podcast, Ice Cream with Authors, and the books that helped shape her journey from young reader to published author. Episode Highlights: Why “work-life harmony” matters more than work-life balanceThe power of small actions and intentional pausesCareer reinvention and starting over in different seasons of lifeHow burnout often disconnects us from our own needsRecognizing the through-lines in your personal and professional journeyBuilding a life that prioritizes flexibility, family, and fulfillment Connect with Becca: WebsitePurchase:Road Trip Rescue series (ages 8-12 years old)Scout and Barnaby (ages 6-10 years old), Kickstarter campaign for Book 4InstagramSome 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: Writing Off Social podcastThe Read-Aloud Family by Sarah MackenzieSecrets at Sparhawk Point by Anna Rose JohnsonInto a Golden Era by Gabrielle MeyerTo Love a Lady by Gabrielle MeyerBook Flight Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Contemporary Realistic Fiction, ages 9-12)Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence (Fairy Tale Fantasy, ages 8-12; featured on Ep. 4 of Ice Cream with Authors) The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry by Anna Rose Johnson (Historical, ages 8-12; featured on Ep. 38 with Ice Cream for Authors)✨ 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 If? The Magic of Middle Grade Stories and Raising Readers with Becca Wierwille (E225)

  5. Jun 24

    Exploring the Hard Parts of Being Human Through Small Press Books with Martha Engber (E224)

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Bookish Flights, I’m joined by award-winning author Martha Engber for a thoughtful conversation about storytelling, curiosity, and the power of fiction to help us better understand ourselves and others. We chat about her Mary Donahue Chronicles, including Winter Light and Scattered Light, and explore themes of trauma, healing, self-worth, and the experiences that shape us throughout our lives. Drawing from her background in journalism, Martha shares how observation and asking questions have shaped her writing, why curiosity matters more than judgment, and how stories can offer readers a safe space to explore difficult topics.  Episode Highlights: Martha's journey from journalism to novelist and screenwriterHow journalism taught her the art of observation and asking better questionsWhy curiosity is essential for both writers and readersThe role fiction plays in helping us understand our own lives and experiencesWriting about trauma, healing, and the hard things we face as humansThe conversation around trigger warnings in booksGiving ourselves grace and letting go of unrealistic expectationsReading what you love instead of what you think you should readMartha's book flight featuring small press books and authentic human storiesConnect with Martha: 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: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererBook Flight Perfect Little Worlds by Clifford Mae HendersonA Little Lifeby Hanya YanagiharaThe Outsiders by S.E. HintonDessert Pairing The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers✨ 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

    Exploring the Hard Parts of Being Human Through Small Press Books with Martha Engber (E224)

  6. Jun 17

    Finding Your Third Act: Writing, Podcasting, & Lifelong Learning with Landis Wade (E223)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Bookish Flights, I am joined by author and podcaster Landis Wade. A recovering trial lawyer, Landis is the author of the award-winning Indie Retirement Mystery series, including his newest release, Deadly Gold Rush. He is also the founder of the Charlotte Readers Podcast, where he has interviewed more than 500 authors. Our conversation goes beyond mystery writing as we discuss finding a meaningful "third act" after a successful career, the surprising similarities between law and storytelling, the value of writing communities, and why it's never too late to learn something new. Landis shares wisdom from both sides of the microphone and offers encouragement for writers at every stage of the journey. Episode Highlights: Transitioning from trial lawyer to author and podcasterBuilding a creative "third act" after a successful careerWhy lawyers often make strong writersLessons learned from interviewing more than 500 authorsThe importance of finding a writing group and literary communityWhy rejection is a shared experience among all writersHow persistence can help writers navigate setbacksEmbracing lifelong learning and new challengesA look at Deadly Gold Rush and the history that inspired the novelConnect with Landis: WebsiteInstagramFacebookGet Landis’ books:The Writing LifeIndie Retirement seriesSome 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: David Baldacci booksSteve Berry booksA Time to Kill by John GrishamOld Schoolby Gordon KormanThe Thursday Murder Club by Richard OsmanThe Eighteenth Green by Webb HubbellRevelation by Robert ParkerBook Flight Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtryThe Sackett Family saga by Louis L’AmourAll the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy✨ 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

    Finding Your Third Act: Writing, Podcasting, & Lifelong Learning with Landis Wade (E223)

  7. Jun 12

    BFF Book Club - The Life She Forgot with Joanna Davidson Politano (E222)

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Bookish Flights, I'm joined by Joanna Davidson Politano to discuss her latest novel, The Life She Forgot. Known for her atmospheric historical fiction and layered mysteries, Joanna shares the inspiration behind the novel, the first in a new series set around a house built into the cliffs of Cornwall. We talk about her love of creating immersive settings and why she believes there's a difference between a romance and a true love story. We also talk about writing while raising young children, the twists and turns of crafting a mystery, and how books allow us to travel the world without ever leaving home. Episode Highlights: Why Joanna believes "it is fun to travel through fiction"The difference between a romance and a love storyWhat it means to truly love someone well How she builds twists and surprises into her novelsBecoming a "naptime novelist" while raising young childrenConnect with Joanna: InstagramFacebookWebsite📚 Next Meet the Author Book Club - Spies, Lies and Alibis with Natalie Walters 🗓️ Aug 24th | 🕓 5 pm PST / 7 pm CST / 8 pm EST This romantic suspense novel is packed with danger, secrets, second chances, and plenty of twists. We'll be reading it together and then welcoming Natalie Walters for a live author conversation. Register Here. Books and authors mentioned in the episode: Kristy Cambron booksThe Hobbit by J.R.R. TolkienBook Flight The Splendor Falls by Susanna KearsleyThis Promise Remains by Darcy SchockThe Bookshop of 99 Doors by Jaime Jo Wright✨ 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

    BFF Book Club - The Life She Forgot with Joanna Davidson Politano (E222)

  8. Jun 10

    Old Hollywood, Glamour, & Jane Eyre: Inside The Chateau on Sunset with Natasha Lester (E221)

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Bookish Flights, I’m joined by New York Times bestselling author Natasha Lester to discuss her latest novel, The Chateau on Sunset, a feminist reimagining of Jane Eyre set within the legendary walls of the Chateau Marmont. Natasha shares the fascinating history behind one of Hollywood’s most infamous hotels, where generations of actors, musicians, writers, and dreamers have lived, worked, and occasionally gotten into trouble. We talk about her research process, what it was like staying at the Chateau herself, and how the hotel's rich history inspired the atmosphere of the novel. Episode Highlights: The fascinating history of the Chateau Marmont and its connection to Hollywood legends and why it makes the perfect summer readThe enduring appeal of Gothic storytelling and Jane EyreThe themes of ambition, identity, and independence woven throughout Natasha's novelsWhy women should never feel the need to make themselves smaller to get aheadThe importance of turning dreams into actionNatasha's book flight includes some of her favorite reads Connect with Natasha: InstagramWebsiteFacebookSome 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: Demon Copperhead by Barbara KingsolverHello Beautiful by Ann NapolitanoEnid Blyton booksYesteryear by Caro Claire BurkeBook Flight The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’FarrellThe Night Circus by Erin MorgensternRomantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld✨ 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

    Old Hollywood, Glamour, & Jane Eyre: Inside The Chateau on Sunset with Natasha Lester (E221)
See All (230)

5
out of 5
100 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. 

Information

You Might Also Like