This Is The Author

In this special edition of our podcast This Is the Author, we’re celebrating Library Card Sign-up Month by asking authors to share some of their favorite library memories. Listen to Gretchen Rubin, Mira Jacob, Laura Lynne Jackson, Elissa Altman, Emily Nussbaum, Ocean Vuong, Geraldine Brooks, and Jane Green share why libraries are so special to them.

In this episode, meet Marie Forleo, author of EVERYTHING IS FIGUREOUTABLE; Lee Hartley Carter, author of PERSUASION; and Jorjeana Marie, author of IMPROV FOR WRITERS. Whether it’s figuring out what stands between you and your dreams, crafting a persuasive message, or actualizing your artistic talents – each of these authors offer compelling insights and problem-solving tools that you can apply to both your personal and professional life. Find out what it was like for them to record their work, plus hear why for one of these authors, reading the “smack down” portion of her audiobook was especially fun. EVERYTHING IS FIGUREOUTABLE by Marie Forleo: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/567276/everything-is-figureoutable/ PERSUASION by Lee Hartley Carter: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/576098/persuasion/ IMPROV FOR WRITERS by Jorjeana Marie: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/575394/improv-for-writers/

In this episode, meet Elissa Altman, author of MOTHERLAND; Olivia Gatwood, author of LIFE OF THE PARTY; and Caitlin Moscatello, author of SEE JANE WIN. Whether they explored the mother-daughter relationship and the complexities of caregiving, tackling phobias through poetry, or the political campaigns of four female first-time candidates, these authors have all written and narrated timely and personal stories that will immediately pull you in. Find out what it was like for these authors to record their audiobooks, plus hear why one author likes to listen to audiobooks as she gets ready in the morning! MOTHERLAND by Elissa Altman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/553946/motherland/ LIFE OF THE PARTY by Olivia Gatwood: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/600047/life-of-the-party/ SEE JANE WIN by Caitlin Moscatello: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/566480/see-jane-win/

In this episode meet Ibram X. Kendi, author of HOW TO BE AN ANTIRACIST; Maggie Paxson, author of THE PLATEAU; and Gretchen Rubin, author of FORTY WAYS TO LOOK AT WINSTON CHURCHILL. These authors have researched their subjects deeply, unearthing history and examining the stories of others. They’ve each found themselves personally moved by the power of history and how it is at work in all of our lives. Hear more about how recording these audiobooks affected them, and what “little” audiobook one of these authors returns to again and again. HOW TO BE AN ANTIRACIST by Ibram X. Kendi: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/564299/how-to-be-an-antiracist/ THE PLATEAU by Maggie Paxson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/318886/the-plateau/ FORTY WAYS TO LOOK AT WINSTON CHURCHILL by Gretchen Rubin: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/158609/forty-ways-to-look-at-winston-churchill/

In this episode, meet Pablo Cartaya, author of EACH TINY SPARK; Ibi Zoboi, author of MY LIFE AS AN ICE CREAM SANDWICH; and Natasha Diaz, author of COLOR ME IN. Each author has written a nuanced coming-of-age novel for kids and teens, featuring young characters looking to find their place within their communities, their friendship circles, and even their own families—without losing what is unique about themselves. Plus, find out why one of these authors picked “Pew!” as the best word to describe the experience of recording her audiobook. EACH TINY SPARK by Pablo Cartaya: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/570364/each-tiny-spark/ MY LIFE AS AN ICE CREAM SANDWICH by Ibi Zoboi: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/538516/my-life-as-an-ice-cream-sandwich/ COLOR ME IN by Natasha Diaz: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565269/color-me-in/

S4 E46: In this episode meet Sister Helen Prejean, author of RIVER OF FIRE; Mat Best, author of THANK YOU FOR MY SERVICE; and Mike Donehey, author of FINDING GOD’S LIFE FOR MY WILL. Each of these authors shares their personal story in an honest, authentic voice that will make listeners reconsider everything from religion to life in the army. And find out which author would cast Chris Pratt as their audiobook narrator. RIVER OF FIRE by Sister Helen Prejean: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/133675/river-of-fire/ THANK YOU FOR MY SERVICE by Mat Best: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/557219/thank-you-for-my-service/ FINDING GOD’S LIFE FOR MY WILL by Mike Donehey: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/586107/finding-gods-life-for-my-will/

S4 E44: In this episode meet Gretchen McCulloch, author of BECAUSE INTERNET; Jia Tolentino, author of TRICK MIRROR; and Carrie Goldberg, author of NOBODY’S VICTIM. These women explore different facets of today’s culture and society—everything from the internet’s effect on language to reality TV and wedding culture to society’s treatment of victims of assault. Then find out which author finally took a stand in the gif (jiff) versus gif debate! Because Internet by Gretchen McCulloch: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/540664/because-internet/ Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/567511/trick-mirror/ Nobody's Victim by Carrie Goldberg and Jeannine Amber: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/563897/nobodys-victim/

S4 E45: In this episode meet Monica Swanson, author of BOY MOM; Hannah Shaw, author of TINY BUT MIGHTY; and Oren Klaff, author of FLIP THE SCRIPT. The life lessons these authors share will appeal to everyone from animal lovers to parents to business owners. Plus discover which author was inspired by the audiobook BIG MAGIC, by Elizabeth Gilbert. Boy Mom by Monica Swanson and Wendy Speake: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/580301/boy-mom/ Tiny But Mighty by Hannah Shaw: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/591628/tiny-but-mighty/ Flip the Script by Oren Klaff: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/564813/flip-the-script/

S4 E43: In this episode meet Julianna Miner, author of RAISING A SCREEN-SMART KID; Reverend Molly Baskette & Dr. Ellen O’Donnell, authors of BLESS THIS MESS; and Natalie Wexler, author of THE KNOWLEDGE GAP. When it comes to parenting and education, there is a lot of content out there, and this can feel overwhelming. These authors hope to share their knowledge and experience with listeners in order to educate and guide them. Plus find out why one author struggled with pronouncing the word ‘data.’ Raising a Screen-Smart Kid by Julianna Miner: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/558408/raising-a-screen-smart-kid/ Bless This Mess by Rev. Molly Baskette and Ellen O'Donnell, PhD: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/602309/bless-this-mess/ The Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/547653/the-knowledge-gap/

S4 E42: In this episode meet Mollie Hemingway, co-author of JUSTICE ON TRIAL; Janet Messineo, author of CASTING INTO THE LIGHT; and Bruce Deel, author of TRUST FIRST. These audiobooks allow the listener to go behind the scenes of a monumental news event, to see through a woman’s point of view in the male-dominated world of fishing, and to become inspired to help others. Plus discover which author is excited for her mom to hear the audiobook. Justice on Trial by Mollie Hemingway and Carrie Severino: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/618205/justice-on-trial/ Casting into the Light by Janet Messineo: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/576850/casting-into-the-light/ Trust First by Sara Grace and Bruce Deel: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/588937/trust-first/

S4 E41: In this episode meet Danielle Weisberg and Carly Zakin, authors of HOW TO SKIMM YOUR LIFE; Kristy Shen, co-author of QUIT LIKE A MILLIONAIRE; and Summer Rayne Oakes, author of HOW TO MAKE A PLANT LOVE YOU. With topics like making day-to-day tasks easier, learning about money, and caring for plants, these books were inspired by these women’s desire to help others. Plus, discover which author’s dream narrator is Lorelei King—the voice behind Stephanie Plum. How to Skimm Your Life by The Skimm: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/606226/how-to-skimm-your-life/ Quit Like a Millionaire by Kristy Shen, Bryce Leung and JL Collins: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/592323/quit-like-a-millionaire/ How to Make a Plant Love You by Summer Rayne Oakes: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/599282/how-to-make-a-plant-love-you/

S4 E40: In this episode meet Vivian Mabuni, author of OPEN HANDS, WILLING HEART; Laura Lynne Jackson, author of SIGNS; and Nathan Finochio, author of HEARING GOD. These authors are all about connection and guidance, and their audiobooks will help you find your anchor and guide you to a fulfilled life by connecting to God, the Other Side, or to others. Plus find out why one author chose LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE as her last great audiobook listen. Open Hands, Willing Heart by Jennie Allen and Vivian Mabuni: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/573381/open-hands-willing-heart/ Signs by Laura Lynne Jackson: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/554649/signs/ Hearing God by Nathan Finochio: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/573380/hearing-god/

S4 E39: In this episode meet Ruth Reichl, author of SAVE ME THE PLUMS; Emily Nussbaum, author of I LIKE TO WATCH; and Emilie Pine, author of NOTES TO SELF. Each of these nonfiction writers shares work inspired by her life, whether it’s a memoir about her career or essays about personal-yet-universal experiences. And find out which writer would cast Julia Whelan as her dream narrator. Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/210646/save-me-the-plums/ I Like to Watch by Emily Nussbaum: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/563025/i-like-to-watch/ Notes to Self by Emilie Pine: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/607959/notes-to-self/

S4 E37: In this episode meet Elaine Welteroth, author of MORE THAN ENOUGH; Amber Scorah, author of LEAVING THE WITNESS; and Tiffany Jenkins, author of HIGH ACHIEVER. These women share their personal journeys—complete with mistakes and hardships—in such an intimate and vulnerable way that listeners will be inspired to examine their own lives and spark conversations with those around them. Plus find out which author describes the recording process as being “a little bit like therapy.” More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/598362/more-than-enough/ Leaving the Witness by Amber Scorah: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/549565/leaving-the-witness/ High Achiever by Tiffany Jenkins: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/612800/high-achiever/

S4 E38: In this episode meet Jon Meacham, co-author of SONGS OF AMERICA; Matthew Stanley, author of EINSTEIN’S WAR; and Steve Sheinkin, author of AMELIA EARHART AND THE FLYING CHARIOT. History is the driving force behind each of these authors’ audiobooks. These authors use storytelling as a way to engage and connect listeners to the past, to topics ranging from American music to Amelia Earhart to World War I. Even non-history buffs will fall in love with history after listening to each author talk about his audiobook. Then find out which author would cast Helen Mirren as his audiobook narrator. Songs of America by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/612367/songs-of-america/ Einstein's War by Matthew Stanley: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/608113/einsteins-war/ Amelia Earhart and the Flying Chariot by Steve Sheinkin: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/563483/amelia-earhart-and-the-flying-chariot/

S4 E36: In this episode meet Ocean Vuong, author of ON EARTH WE’RE BRIEFLY GORGEOUS; Jamil Zaki, author of THE WAR FOR KINDNESS; and Winona Guo & Priya Vulchi, authors of TELL ME WHO YOU ARE. By sharing their stories, these authors are breaking down barriers from language to race in order to help people find commonalities and connection. Discover which author would have a famed DEAD POETS SOCIETY actor narrate their audiobook. On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/600633/on-earth-were-briefly-gorgeous/ The War for Kindness by Jamil Zaki: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/550616/the-war-for-kindness/ ell Me Who You Are by Winona Guo and Priya Vulchi: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/602186/tell-me-who-you-are/

S4 E35: In this episode meet Larry Diamond, author of ILL WINDS; Amanda Little, author of THE FATE AND THE FOOD; and Elliot Ackerman, author of PLACES AND NAMES. Each of these authors tackles necessary and timely subjects in their audiobooks, from the alarming rise of anti-democratic politics around the world to climate change. Listeners will come away with a new understanding of the world after hearing from these authors. Plus, find out why one author would cast Will Ferrell to read his audiobook. Ill Winds by Larry Diamond: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/588987/ill-winds/ The Fate of Food by Amanda Little: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/536426/the-fate-of-food/ Places and Names by Elliot Ackerman: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/580119/places-and-names/

S4 E34: In this episode meet Jennifer Pastiloff, author of ON BEING HUMAN; Megan Monahan, author of DON’T HATE, MEDITATE!; and Ayaz Virji, author of LOVE THY NEIGHBOR. These authors share messages of happiness, lightness, and hope in their audiobooks. They will inspire listeners to find each of these feelings in their own lives, and to make a change within themselves and in the world around them. And hear how one author couldn’t decide between two dream narrators: Idris Elba and Michelle Obama. On Being Human by Jennifer Pastiloff: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/579736/on-being-human/ Don't Hate, Meditate! by Megan Monahan: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/592542/dont-hate-meditate/ Love Thy Neighbor by Alan Eisenstock and Ayaz Virji, M.D.: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/591608/love-thy-neighbor/

S4 E33: In this episode meet Jane Green, author of THE FRIENDS WE KEEP; Leah Hager Cohen, author of STRANGERS & COUSINS; and Belinda Luscombe, author of MARRIAGEOLOGY. At the heart of each of these audiobooks is the idea that relationships shape us, from friends and families to lovers and spouses. Indeed, these women are excited about the relationship between themselves and you, the listener. Plus discover which author found accent inspiration from the audiobook A GAME OF THRONES and the rest of the series. The Friends We Keep by Jane Green: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/540213/the-friends-we-keep/ Strangers and Cousins by Leah Hager Cohen: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/318957/strangers-and-cousins/ Marriageology by Belinda Luscombe: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/556998/marriageology/

S4 E32: In this episode meet Robert Knott, author of ROBERT B. PARKER’S BUCKSKIN; Eric Liu, author of BECOME AMERICA; and Jill Lepore, author of THIS AMERICA. Told in varying styles, from a beloved and uniquely American genre of fiction to meditations about our country today, these audiobooks all took inspiration from the history of the United States of America. Plus, find out which author has been told he sounds just like actor Rob Lowe. Robert B. Parker's Buckskin by Robert Knott: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/557797/robert-b-parkers-buckskin/ Become America by Eric Liu: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/608645/become-america/ This America by Jill Lepore: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/621073/this-america/