Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger with Valerie Adachi
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger revolves around identical twins, Elspeth and Edie, who have a deep but complicated bond that is tested when Elspeth, a reclusive woman living in London, dies and leaves her apartment to her American nieces, Julia and Valentina. As the twins settle into Elspeth's home, they become entangled in the mysteries of her past and the supernatural presence that lingers in the apartment, particularly the ghost of Elspeth herself.
My guest this week is Valerie Adachi. Valerie is a self-proclaimed bookworm who even enjoyed reading cereal boxes 🥣as a kid, she reminisces over the tactile joy of spreading the New York Times 📰 across her kitchen table.
Adventure always seems to be around the corner for her, often appearing spontaneous but rooted in long-percolating ideas—like the decision to add a new puppy 🐶 to her already bustling pack, turning her quiet life topsy-turvy.
Beyond her love for dogs 🐕 , she thrives on live music, good food and drink shared with family and friends, and the thrill of knowing that adventure is always nearby, maybe we a cozy reading spot 📖
SPOILER ALERT! For the first episode ever, we do discuss the ending, so heads up if you plan to read the book. I do give you a heads up in the episode so you know when to stop, but if you have read it already or want to hear the ending, listen all the way through!
In This Episode
Earl Grey Hot Toddy
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 Earl Grey tea bag
1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste)
1-2 ounces whiskey (such as bourbon or rye)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Lemon slice (for garnish)
Cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish
Directions
1. Boil the water in a small saucepan or kettle.
2. Once boiling, remove from heat and add the Earl Grey tea bag. Steep for about 3-5 minutes, depending on your preference for strength.
3. Remove the tea bag and stir in the honey until fully dissolved.
4. Add the whiskey and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the tea mixture, stirring gently to combine.
5. Pour the hot toddy into a mug or heatproof glass.
6. Garnish with a lemon slice and a cinnamon stick, if desired.
7. Serve warm and enjoy your soothing hot toddy!
An Object of Beauty by Steve Martin with Amy Carleton, Ph D.
Our book this week is An Object of Beauty, a novel released in 2010 by Steve Martin, chronicles the journey of the driven and charming Lacey Yeager as she navigates the New York art scene. Starting as an intern at Sotheby's, Lacey ascends to become a prominent gallery owner, revealing her questionable methods and the fluctuating dynamics of the art market from the 1990s to the present. Narrated by her friend Daniel, the story delves into themes of art, collecting, ambition, and social ambition within the art world, all infused with Martin's characteristic wit and dry humor.
My guest this week is Amy Carleton, Ph D. She teaches in the Comparative Media Studies/Writing program at MIT and is the co-founder of Black Notes Project, a Charlotte, NC-based music festival and nonprofit, as well as the creator of Lecture Notes, a public humanities series (and now Substack!). Her research focuses on the behavioral economics of online communities and the intersection of race and digital culture. She is a recipient of the MIT Teaching With Digital Technology award, holds a graduate certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University, and was selected by the WikiEducation Foundation as a Wikipedia Black History Scholar. Find out more about Amy through her website TheAmyCarleton.com
Our Drink this week is La Marca Prosecco, which is a popular offering at art galleries and showings. So sip some along with us as we dive into the art world of the 90s and 2000s!
In this Episode
Ways of Seeing by John Berger
Born Standing Up by Steve Martin
Exit Through the Gift Shop Documentary
Isabella Stewart Garden Museum Theft
Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross
The Story of Art Without Men by Katy Hessel
Unfinished: The Role of the Artist in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Lucas Cantor Santiago
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
Random Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc
Heartbeat by Terreece M. Clarke with Liz Bullard
Happy New Year Libration Nation! We are kicking off the year with Heartbeat by Terreece M. Clarke, a romance suspense novel in which Mike and Maya find love in the midst of danger and messiness. This is the first book in Clarke’s Courageous Love Series, and with excellent characters and diverse voices, it is a favorite of this week’s guest, Liz Bullard!
Liz Bullard is a multi-genre author, therapist, and coach known for her captivating storytelling and passion for helping creatives overcome obstacles. Her notable works include The Prophecy Series and the Lira Somers Mysteries—praised for fast-paced plots, vivid characters, and movie-like imagery. Liz’s love of reading and writing is evident in the eReads Podcast, where she celebrates the power of creativity and storytelling. When she’s not writing, coaching, or recording the podcast, she’s cooking, reading, or spending time with Preston the corgi.
Our drink this week is a Hibiscus French 75 Mocktail, using one of my favorite syrups Wild Hibiscus, which includes hibiscus flowers that make the cocktail match Heartbeat’s cover!
Ingredients
1 oz NA gin
.5 oz Wild Hibiscus syrup
.5 oz fresh lemon juice
NA Sparkling wine
Ice
Lemon twist or edible flower (for garnish)
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, wild hibiscus syrup, and fresh lemon juice.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is chilled.
3. Place hibiscus flower from the syrup in a champagne flute.
4. Pour mixture from shaker into flute
5. Top it off: Gently top off the drink with your choice of chilled NA sparkling wine.
In this Episode
This is the Honey by Kwame Alexander with Nick George The Poet
Hello Libration Nation! This week I am joined by Nick George, a poet and educator, to discuss This Is The Honey an anthology of poems edited by Kwame Alexander. We talked about Nick’s journey with poetry, the significance of diverse voices in poetic anthologies, and the importance of seeing yourself reflected in stories. We read and analyze poems from the anthology, including works by Mahogany L. Brown and Jabari Asim. This is the last episode of 2025 as I’m taking a little break to relax and spend time with my family. Looking forward to some great episodes coming out in 2026!
Nicholas Steven George (or, Nick George the Poet) is a poet, educator, DJ and facilitator. He has performed at venues such as TedXCharlottesville, American Psychology Association Annual Convention, University of Lynchburg & Opera Roanoke. In performing his original work, he has opened for renowned poets like Jasmine Mans, Levi the Poet, Alysia Harris, Black Ice & Joshua Bennett. His work dwells at the intersection of culture, identity and spirituality. He has been writing, performing, and teaching for more than two decades. Nick’s award-winning work has been featured in a variety of industries and highlighted on platforms on the local and nationwide scale, ranging from private group facilitation and workshops, 1 on 1 coaching, and virtual/in-person performances. Find him on his website or on social media.
Moscow Mule
2 oz vodka
1 oz fresh lime juice
4 oz ginger beer
Fresh mint leaves (about 8-10)
Lime wedge (for garnish)
Ice
Copper mug (traditional)
In the bottom of a copper mug, add the fresh mint leaves. Gently muddle them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils.
Fill the mug with ice cubes.
Pour the vodka and fresh lime juice over the ice.
Top off with ginger beer, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint.
Enjoy your refreshing Moscow Mule!
In this Episode
Animorphs by KA Applegate with Fiona Fenn (Redux)
Hello Libration Nation! This week we are discussing the classic series Animorphs by K.A. Applegate. Animorphs is a collection of 54 middle-grade books in which five young adults are gifted the power to morph into animals. It was a bit of a cult phenomenon when it was originally published in the late '90s and has recently seen a resurgence online.
My guest is Fiona Fenn. Fiona is an author of fantasy novels that put complicated “heroes” front and center. A fan of villains, redemption arcs, and intense explorations of healing in all its forms, her debut novel, The Crack at the Heart of Everything, is a love letter to every villain who wanted to do better but never got the chance.
I so enjoyed this conversation with Fiona, talking about the Animorphs series and her love for it, as well as her experience writing and publishing her first novel and everything that goes into this process.
Our drink this week is a Flying Saucer, as the Animorphs series begins with the kids meeting an alien who has flown to Earth.
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary with Ashley Jones
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary is a charming romantic comedy about two strangers, Tiffy and Leon, who share a London flat but have never met, communicating only through notes. As they navigate their unconventional living arrangement, they gradually develop a deep connection that leads to unexpected romance.
My guest this week is the hilarious Ashley Jones, who dreams of owning a stationery store and recapping reality TV for a living (dream big), all while aiming to finally shoot a T-shirt gun, an ambition she’s pursued for over a decade. Ashley is one of my favorite people I follow on social media, and I hope you follow her there too! You can find Ashley on Instagram @AshleyJonesy, Threads @AshleyJonesy, on TikTok @ohashleyjonesy and NOW on her just launched substack Yap Time: The Newsletter you read before a nap.
I had such a great time chatting with Ashley, we share so many of the same passions (Bravo shows, Taylor Swift, Pop Culture in general) that we frequently got off topic and had to cut a good portion of the show, which I will be calling “The Lost Episode”, which will not be released and will become part of the lore of the show until fans clamor for me to release it 10 years from now, a la “All Too Well” 10 minute version, which is a Taylor reference and I promise that’s the last one, at least for the podcast intro!
Together we delve into the plot of The Flatshare , focusing on the characters' humanity and the book's feel-good nature. Ashley reflects on how the book changed her perspective on reading for enjoyment. We also talked about the value of empathy, dealing with insecurities, and the joy of following passions, ending the conversation with a nod to Ashley’s love for Sonic's Coke Zero and styrofoam cups.
In This Episode
Kelce Bowl (Super Bowl LVII)
Not Gonna Lie (Kylie Kelce’s Podcast - my #1 rival!)
Orpheus by Sara Bareilles
The Finlay Donovan Series by Elle Cosimano with Mair Downing
The Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano follows a witty, overworked single mom and novelist who accidentally becomes entangled in real-life crime while trying to meet her writing deadlines. Blending humor, suspense, and heart, the series delivers a fast-paced mix of murder, motherhood, and unexpected friendship.
A little bit about this week's (returning) guest, Mair Downing.
Mair transitioned into real estate from a Fortune 200 company because she wanted a career where she could make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether working with buyers, sellers, or investors—helping clients right-size or find that perfect river getaway—she believes in the energy that comes from realizing goals are within reach. And with Mair’s guidance, they are.
FREE TIME
When Mair isn’t showing homes or preparing listings, she’s cheering on her teen daughters in their various activities—soccer, volleyball, and basketball—or snuggling with her Havanese, Odie (and, of course, her husband, too!). She loves to travel, enjoy great food, and soak in all that life has to offer. Check up her "What's Up Wednesday series on Instagram: @obsessedwithhomes
For quiet moments, she finds peace sitting on a dock, watching the water glimmer with a good book. Favorite right now: Black Phone by Joe Hill
Death by Chocolate Cocktail - we recorded this episode on Día De Los Muertos, also as the book titles and story contents often involve a little murder, we knew we needed a “deadly” cocktail!
Servings: 1
Ingredients
¾ oz vodka
¾ oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
¾ oz dark crème de cacao
¼ cup chocolate ice cream
½ cup ice
Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Instructions
Combine the vodka, Bailey’s, dark crème de cacao, chocolate ice cream, and ice in a blender.
Blend until smooth.
Pour into a chilled wine glass.
Garnish with chocolate shavings and enjoy!
In this Episode
Barbara Streisand films Funny Girl and What’s Up Doc
Drawing Hands by MC Escher
Black Phone by Joe Hill
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey with Ally Kirkpatrick
I’m so excited to share the audio from my very first live recording, held on October 28 at M.M.LaFleur Georgetown. I had the pleasure of interviewing Ally Kirkpatrick, owner of Old Town Books, about The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating a story that deeply influenced her decision to open her bookstore.
A huge thank you to M.M.LaFleur and their wonderful Georgetown staff for being so kind, supportive, and making this event possible, and to Ally for being such a generous guest and collaborator.
Since we recorded in an open space, I made a few audio adjustments to smooth out background noise. While it sounds crisp and clear overall, you might notice a few spots that move a bit quickly as I balanced the levels.
Book
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey is a quiet, meditative memoir that finds wonder in the smallest details of life. As the bedridden author observes a snail living beside her, she discovers unexpected lessons about resilience, curiosity, and the beauty of slowing down.
Guest
Ally Kirkpatrick, an Alexandria native, founded Old Town Books in 2018 to create space for her love of reading, writing, and community. She also loves her family, shop dog Scout, and gardening. Ally’s current picks include happy-ending thrillers, journalist-written nonfiction, reimagined history, and beautiful gardening books. Recently her debut essay Gnawing was featured in Roxane Gays’s The Audacity, learn more about her writing at allykirkpatrick.com.
Drink
For our drink this week we had two options, the first was “The MM Spritz”, a white wine spritzer named in honor of our lovely host, MM LaFleur Georgetown. The second was a NA option, Herb & Orchid dealconized wine alternative, which was so tasty, and the connection to nature paired perfectly with the book.
Carrie by Stephen King with Nathan Buchholz
Carrie by Stephen King tells the story of a shy, bullied teenager who endures relentless cruelty at school and terrifying abuse at home from her fanatically religious mother. When Carrie discovers her telekinetic powers, years of repression and pain erupt in a devastating act of vengeance on prom night.
Guest
Nathan Lawrie-Buchholz is a special education teacher who loves books that make him afraid to turn off the lights. Nathan has frightened his friends and family with scary stories written in the margins of school notebooks since he was young. Profane Beasts is his debut novel. Nathan’s experience as a teacher inspires him to write about professionals who make a living separating their emotional needs from the people they serve. Nathan writes about the anxiety of walking that line between being professionally empathetic and dangerously involved that all social workers must navigate. Nathan lives in Henrico, Virginia with his wife Haley, their rescue pittie mix Ziti, and their internet famous cat Marston. He can be found searching independent bookstores for old paperbacks or investigating exciting places to eat in the Richmond area. You can find him on Instagram Goodreads or on his website
Our drink this week is a Bloody Mary, of course as a homage to the moment Carrie had enough. I use Zing Zang to make my Bloody Mary’s, to some this is a controversial choice, but I’m sorry, I know what I like!
Bloody Mary Recipe
3 parts Zing Zang® Bloody Mary Mix
1 part your favorite vodka
Directions
Pour over ice and stir
Add a squeeze of lime
Garnish with celery, olives, hot sauce, bacon, anything you like really!
In this Episode
Blair Witch Project Marketing Campaign
On Writing by Stephen King
Cuckoo by Gretchen Felker Martin
Bunny by Mona Awad
Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia
World War Z by Max Brooks
Surrender by Bono with Heidi K. Brown
In Surrender Bono, the iconic frontman of U2, shares a deeply personal memoir that explores his life’s journey through music, activism, and spirituality. With candid reflections and heartfelt anecdotes, he invites readers into the experiences that shaped both his artistry and his commitment to making a difference in the world.
Heidi K. Brown is a former lawyer, a law professor, a writer, a novice boxer, a passionate U2 fan, a proud introvert, and a feisty solo traveler. She is the author of three books about well-being and healthy performance for law students, lawyers, and other members of the legal profession: The Introverted Lawyer, Untangling Fear in Lawyering, and The Flourishing Lawyer. Heidi is an internationally recognized public speaker on topics of self-empowerment, authenticity, and self-discovery. Heidi launched her debut travel memoir, The Map I Draw: A Memoir of Travel as a Passport to Self, in June 2025. You can find more at Heidikritinbrown.com and her substack Heidiography.
Our drink this week is Irish Whiskey, specifically Writer’s Tears if you can get it! If you are in the United States you can order it through Reserve Bar.
In this Episode
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Joshua_Tree
Is U2 the longest running band on the planet?
Ali Hewson - Chernobyl International
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
Heidi’s Keynote at University of Richmond Law School Graduation
Joshua Tree Bar Manhattan (sadly now closed!)
Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston with Katharine Herndon
Today, we're exploring the delightful and charming world of Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. This romantic comedy takes us on a whirlwind journey through love, politics, and the complexities of identity as we follow the unexpected romance between Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales.
My guest this week is Katharine Herndon, who lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband, two boys, and a hound dog named Lola. She used to teach (English, of course), but the homework got to her, so she decided to take up nonprofit work instead (insert laughter). Currently the Executive Director of James River Writers, she is an enthusiastic advocate for the RVA literary community and can be found at nearly all JRW events. In her free time she kills plants, burns things more than she cooks, knits very sporadically, and is still looking for some form of tolerable exercise.
Our drink this week was a nod to our friends across the pond:
The New G&T (Gin and Earl Grey Tea)
2 ounce Earl Grey Tea
2 ounce Gin
1 ounce Maple Syrup
3/4 ounce Lemon Juice
Fresh Mint or Dried Rose Petals for garnish, optional
In a rocks glass add ice and set aside. In your cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients, except for the garnish. Fill the shaker with ice and put the cap on. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, or until the shaker is extremely cold.
• 2. Strain cocktail into your prepared rocks glass and garnish with mint or rose petals, if using. Serve immediately.
Catwings by Ursula K. Le Guin with Dr. Julia Skinner
Hello Libration Nation! Our book this week is Catwings a whimsical and heartwarming tale by beloved author Ursula K. Le Guin. The story follows four ordinary kittens born with an extraordinary gift—they have wings. As they set out to find a safe place in the world, the kittens discover both the beauty and challenges of being different. With gentle language and charming illustrations, Catwings is a modern classic that captures the magic of imagination, the courage of leaving home, and the comfort of finding where you belong.
My guest this week is the amazing Dr. Julia Skinner, she is a food writer whose work includes the award-winning book Our Fermented Lives. She is the founder of The Culinary Curiosity School, and also runs Root, a food-focused community and consulting organization offering classes, consulting on creative projects, a weekly newsletter, and more. She's also the founder of Roots and Branches, where she coaches other writers to help them find their voice and share their most important work with the world.
She is also a nature lover, a teacher, and a traveler who firmly believes in finding, and sharing, the magic of everyday life. She has a PhD in Library & Information Science, and lives between Atlanta, GA and Cork, Ireland.
Check out her work, as a special treat for Libration Nation: use the code DRINKSPOD to for 30% off anything at both The Culinary Curiosity School and Roots and Branches
You can follow her work in her newsletter, or find her on social:
@bookishjulia (writing)
@rootkitchens (food)
@yourrootsandbranches (coaching)
@culinary.curiosity.school (culinary courses)
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson with Gigi Howard
Welcome back Libration Nation! Today, I’m excited to share one of my recent favorites: Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson. This delightful tale is a blend of humor, adventure, and sweetness, following a young woman on a perilous quest to save the man she loves. As we embrace the cozy vibes of autumn, I thought it was the perfect time to dive into this enchanting fantasy.
Joining me today is my husband, Bill, making his fourth appearance on Drinks in the Library. As always, we have a great time riffing and cracking each other up!
Tress loves a salty tea, so I wanted to go with a salty drink and went with a Salted Caramel Coffee Martini, for a non-alcoholic option a Salted Caramel Latte would be perfect!
Salted Caramel Coffee Martini
1 oz Bailey's Salted Caramel Cream
1.5 oz. Vanilla Vodka
1-2 oz. Coffee or Espresso
Ice
Whipped Cream, Salt, or caramel syrup (optional)
Pour Bailey's, vodka, and coffee into a shaker over ice. Shake and pour into chilled martini glass
• 2. Garnish with cream, salt, and chocolate syrup and enjoy!
NA Option - A cold Brew Salted Caramel Latte would be perfect!
In this Episode
Brandon Sanderson - The Economics of Books and Entertainment
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Reese Witherspoon Woman of the Year Speech
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Gin & Tonics
Tress of the Emerald Sea Premium Hardcover
The Substance Film
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh with Mary Green
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh tells the poignant story of Victoria Jones, a young woman who uses the Victorian tradition of flower symbolism to communicate her emotions and navigate her troubled past. As she learns to reconcile her experiences through the meanings of various flowers, she embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery that intertwines love, loss, and the power of community and relationships.
My guest this week is Mary Green, a florist, wife, dog-mom, plant lover, and also my next door neighbor. Mary loves live music, spending time with friends and family, and books with dark twists and turns.
Hibiscus Paloma Mocktail
1 grapefruit wedge
½ oz fresh lime juice
3 oz NA tequila (I used Ritual Tequila)
¼ cup club soda
1 tsp Hibiscus Simple Syrup (I used Wild Hibiscus, found at Total Wine)
2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
kosher salt for garnish
Directions
Pour kosher salt on a small plate. Rub the rim of a highball glass with a grapefruit and dip the rim of glass in salt.
In a glass, combine grapefruit juice, lime juice, and hibiscus simple syrup. Stir in tequila, add ice, and top with club soda. Garnish.
In This Episode
The Complete Language of Flowers by S. Theresa Dietz
The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells with Hayley DeRoche
Hello Libration Nation! This week, we are diving into the captivating world of "The Murderbot Diaries," a remarkable series by Martha Wells. Follow the journey of an anxious, self-aware rogue security android, known as Murderbot, as it navigates a galaxy filled with humans and complex emotions.
My guest this week is Hayley DeRoche, also known as SadBeige, They are a public librarian, activist and meme creator, known for being the content creator behind the "Werner Herzog's sad beige clothes for sad beige children" series. Her funny memes and sarcastic reels have garnered a following of 450,000 on Instagram, where she goes by the handle @officialsadbeige. You can also follow their substack Weird, But Okay. Their book A Field Guide for Sad Beige Parents will be coming out Spring 2026.
Hayley has a collection of shirts and sweatshirts that are so cute and funny AND support public libraries - check them out! Also, 20% of the proceeds from sales of this collection go to support the Women’s Prison Book Project, which supports incarcerated Women, Trans, and Non-Binary people in the U.S. - because everyone deserves the right to read books they enjoy.
2 oz. Herbal Gin (St George’s Terroir)
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
0.5 oz Simple Syrup
4 oz Soda Water
Lemon for garnish (optional)
Pour gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a shaker over ice. Shake and pour into highball glass over ice
Add soda water and mix gently with a spoon.
Garnish with lemon and enjoy!
In this Episode
The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon
Five Laws of Library Science by SR Ranganathan
Murderbot TV Show on Apple
Grizzly Man Documentary by Werner Herzog
Weird, But Okay - Hayley’s Substack