Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel with Dave Valeza
This week, we're diving into Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel—a hauntingly beautiful novel that blends post-apocalyptic survival with the enduring power of art, memory, and human connection. Set in the aftermath of a devastating pandemic, the story weaves together multiple timelines and characters, from a Shakespearean theater troupe traveling the ruins of North America to the lives they left behind.
Our guest is Dave Valeza, who grew up in Covina, California, after emigrating with his family from Manila, Philippines. Pursuing his love of drawing, Dave earned a bachelor’s degree in illustration and a master’s in sequential art. A passionate visual storyteller, he especially loves drawing people, fashion, and technology. In his spare time, Dave enjoys cooking, reading, and sketching in Savannah, Georgia - where he lives with his husband and family. Find out more about Dave and his work at davevaleza.com.
Our drink this week fits right into a dystopian world. It’s a simple Mimosa—cocktail or mocktail style—made with sparkling wine or ginger beer/ginger ale. But here’s the twist: you must drink it out of a random old cup you found lying around. That’s the full Station Eleven experience—elegance in the ruins. Cheers!
In this Episode
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Four Eyes: A Graphic Novel by Rex Ogle (Author) Dave Valeza (Illustrator)
Pizza Face: A Graphic Novel by Rex Ogle (Author) Dave Valeza (Illustrator)
Blubber by Judy Blume
Forever by Judy Blume
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe with Jess Harshbarger
This week’s episode is about one of my personal favorite books, Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe, and I’m joined by returning guest and longtime friend (and librarian) Jess Harshbarger! This book is everything to me — OnlyFans, motherhood, wrestling, robots, and cosplay are brought together to create this absolutely amazing work of art.
The Time Travelers Wife by Audrey Niffenegger with Heather Maury
Join passionate librarians as they dive into the bestselling novelThe Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. In this episode of the podcast Drinks at the Library, we explore the novel’s unique take on time travel, love, fate, and loss—paired with The Ephemeral Encounter cocktail, a perfect drink to explore Henry and Claire’s timeless love.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers with Emily James
In A Psalm for the Wild-Built ,Becky Chambers invites readers into a serene, post-collapse world where a wandering tea monk named Dex crosses paths with a curious robot, sparking a journey of introspection and philosophical wonder. Together, they explore what it means to be content, connected, and truly alive in a world that has learned to live gently.
My guest this week is Emily James, a marketing strategist who moved to Richmond 15 years ago to attend VCU and forgot to leave after graduation. Growing up, she always had her nose in a book and rediscovered her love of reading as an adult thanks to the pandemic, motherhood, and the Libby app. When she's not lost in a good story, you can find her watching reality TV, playing tabletop games, or spending time with her family.
The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie with Kemper Donovan
This week, we’re off to the deceptively cozy village of St. Mary Mead, where gossip flows freely and murder is just around the hedgerow. Join us as Miss Marple makes her unforgettable debut in The Murder at the Vicarage —knitting needles in hand and sharper than ever.
My guest this week is author Kemper Donovan. Kemper began his writing career while still working as a manager, eventually publishing his debut novel, The Decent Proposal, after a lengthy journey to publication. Around the same time, he co-created the podcast All About Agatha with his friend Catherine Brobeck, celebrating the work of Agatha Christie. Following Catherine’s passing in 2021, Kemper has continued the podcast on his own, and his passion for Christie’s mysteries led him to create his own Ghostwriter mystery series including books The Busy Body and Loose Lips, now published by Kensington Books. He lives with his husband and their two daughters, and when not writing or podcasting, he enjoys running and making valiant attempts at playing the violin.
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher with Bill Howard
Welcome to this week’s episode of Drinks in the Library! Today we’re exploring Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher, a darkly whimsical tale of a shy princess who undertakes an impossible quest — armed with a dustwitch, a reluctant fairy godmother, and a dog made of bones — to rescue her sister from a cruel prince and a cursed kingdom.
My guest this week is my husband, Bill Howard. I asked if he wanted me to read a little bio for him, and he said he’d actually prefer to have even less of himself on the internet — which, frankly, is impossible given all the stuff I’ve already spilled about him on this podcast.
Both Bill and I love Nettle & Bone so much and it was fun to talk with him about it! This book is a dark fairy tale and I wanted to pick a dark drink, I think any will do but I went with an Espresso Martini because that is one of Bill’s favorite cocktails.
The Women by Kristin Hannah with Sarah Glover
Hello Libration Nation, this week we are discussing The Women by Kristin Hannah. The Women is a powerful, heart-wrenching novel that follows a young nurse, Frankie McGrath, as she volunteers to serve in the Vietnam War — a world of violence, loss, and unspoken heroism. Through her journey, Hannah shines a light on the often overlooked stories of the women who fought, served, and survived, both overseas and at home.
My guest this week is my friend and neighbor, Sarah Glover. Sarah is a teacher by day, mom 24/7. Baker of cookies and sarcasm. Fueled by coffee, true crime, and dark humor. Probably judging your grammar while reading murder mysteries.
Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins with Michael Bickett
Hello Libration Nation! This week we are discussing Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins. This is a love story… kind of. It’s about a princess, an outlaw, a lot of philosophical rambling, and a surprising number of Camel cigarettes. Tom Robbins basically asks: how do you make love stay? The answers are weird, hilarious, and occasionally involve explosives.
I'm so excited for my guest this week: Michael Bickett is an award-winning podcaster with over a decade of experience and 1,000+ podcast credits. As the Founder and COO of Certified Crucial, he helps creators monetize their podcasts through eco-friendly, custom merchandise solutions. Michael is also the Founder and CEO of Geeks Under the Influence, an award-winning digital media company and podcast network.
A mentor for the RVA Community of Podcasters, he’s passionate about making the podcast industry more inclusive and accessible. With expertise in branding, monetization, and community-building, Michael is a sought-after speaker on topics like creator-driven merchandise, co-branded deals, and creating equitable opportunities in digital spaces.
Since Tom Robbins did spend some time here in Richmond, I wanted to pick a drink that is local. We went with Kopper Kettle's Bourbon Whiskey
In this Episode
Geeks Under the Influence Digital Media
Village Café - Richmond, Virginia
Books by Kurt Vonnegut - Or listen to my Slaughterhouse Five Episode
The Last Ranger by Peter Heller with Sarah Glenn Marsh
Hello Libration Nation! I’m thrilled to welcome Sarah Glenn Marsh to this week's episode as we uncover the wonders of "The Last Ranger" by Peter Heller. A thrilling exploration of nature's beauty and human empathy, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. And we've paired it with the citrusy and daring Lone Ranger cocktail—tequila, lemon, and a hint of rose—capturing the essence of adventure.
Sarah Glenn Marsh has been an avid fantasy reader since the day her dad handed her a copy of The Hobbit and promised it would change her life. She believes we all deserve happy endings and is an author of books for everyone, including many young adult, middle grade, and picture book titles. She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her family, including one sweet daughter, one slightly dull sword, and the chaos of many pets, like a turtle named Muffin who she definitely did not bring back from any haunted swamp. We Could Be (Anti)heroes is her first adult novel and will be coming out Spring 2026.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler with Gretchen Gales
Hello, Libration Nation! 📚✨ This week, we’re diving into Parable of the Sower by the legendary Octavia Butler. If you haven’t read it yet, get ready—it’s a powerful, thought-provoking novel that feels more relevant than ever.
My guest this week is the lovely Gretchen Gales, a writer, teacher, editor, and occasional artist. Her first poetry chapbook Agora Alien Buddha Press, 2023) is available now. Gretchen's work has also appeared in Ms., HuffPost, Next Avenue, YourTango, Well + Good, and others. See more of her work at www.writinggales.com.
Our drink this week is a green tea highball, which pairs with the Earthseed, which if you have read the book you know is a major part of the story, and if you haven't read the book yet, now is your chance!
Now one last thing, if you love this podcast, do me a favor—take a moment to review, give us a star rating, and most importantly, tell two friends about Drinks in the Library this week. It makes a huge difference!
Green Tea Highball
2 oz. Whisky
2½ oz. Tea
½ oz. Simple syrup
½ oz. Lemon juice
Top up with Soda
Pour over ice in a highball glass, garnish with a lemon wheel.
In this Episode
Parable of the Sower Graphic Novel
John Green's take on Parable of the Sower
Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten with Mair Downing
Hello, Libration Nation! 📚✨ This week, we're diving into Be Ready When the Luck Happens by none other than Ina Garten. And joining me is the fabulous Mair Downing!
Our drink this week is a classic Cosmopolitan because Ina Garten has a hilarious video she made at the beginning of the pandemic where she makes a giant, I mean GIANT cosmopolitan, Mair even brought over a giant martini glass for us to replicate it!
A little bit about Mair:
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.
WHY MAIR?
Everything Mair does is focused on minimizing stress and maximizing joy. She is trained in developing strategies that enhance her clients' strengths, setting them up for early success. She values honesty and transparency and runs an accountable, process-centric business. Behind every seamless transaction is a great deal of preparation—she ensures that everything is in place to make the process feel effortless.
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. For quiet moments, she finds peace sitting on a dock, watching the water glimmer with a good book. Favorite right now: Demon Copperhead.
So, grab your Cosmo and settle in for a great conversation! And before we dive in, I have a quick favor to ask—if you love this podcast, take a moment to review, give us a star rating, and most importantly, tell two friends about Drinks in the Library this week. It really helps us grow!
In this Episode
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë with Carrie Pruett
Our book this week is the classic love, revenge, and ghost story, Withering Heights by Emily Brontë, and my guest this week is Carrie Pruett.
Carrie is a power user of the Henrico County, Virginia library. She loves books, movies, and also loves podcasts about books and movies. She frequently appears on the podcast 'Worst Bestsellers' to talk about teenage vampires and horse girls. When she was 13, she accidentally read 'Wuthering Heights' because her mom told her it was 'like Pride and Prejudice.' (It wasn't). Ever since then, she has enjoyed stories about terrible people who make bad decisions, especially if they do it in English country houses.
Our drink this week is a Sam Smith beer from Yorkshire England, near the moors where Wuthering Heights is set. Sam Smith is Yorkshire’s oldest brewery, it even predates the Brontë sisters and was is a great drink to enjoy while reading this dark, brooding ghost story.
If you enjoy the show, please either head over to where you get your podcast and give me 5 stars and a review, or tell two people about it this week. This helps me grow the show and keep it going, as always, I appreciate your support!
Drinks in the Library Turns One Year Old!
Happy One Year Anniversary, Libration Nation! 🥳 One year ago, February 20, 2024 the very first episode of Drinks of the Library came into this world. I have so many thoughts on what this year has been like, but today I just want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way.
To celebrate I’ve put together a “clip” episode 🎬, on sitcoms they would call it a “flashback” episode which sounds much more mysterious than clip, but makes far less sense for a podcast, so here we are.
I wish I could have gotten a part of every single episode because I’ve loved them all in different ways, but my apologies this was not possible (also clips from 50 episodes would have been like 3 hours long and none of y’all are listening to that).
I love you so much, thank you for supporting your local library, & me ❤️ Gigi
In this Episode
The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger with James Hudson
Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantel with Valerie Adachi
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros with Hannah Hauck
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xóchitl Gonzalez with Stephanie Lau
Four Thousand weeks by Oliver Burkeman with Rebecca Schinsky
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume with Jess Harshbarger
Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas with Joyce Miller
A Doubter’s Almanac by Ethan Canin with Marty Mooradian
Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! By Kate Bowler with Lisa Varga
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson with Beka Castagna
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara with Allison Schwalm
The Friday Night Club by Sofia Lundberg, Alyson Richman, and MJ Rose with Izzie Call
Dog Songs by Mary Oliver with Amanda Sue Creasey
Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan and Cliff Chiang with Mary Jane French
Generation X by Douglas Coupland with David How
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and the Chronicles of Narnia Series by CS Lewis with Erin Surber
The Detective Josie Quinn Series by Lisa Regan with Kristin Miller
This week’s episode covers the Detective Josie Quinn series by Lisa Regan, a police procedural in a small town in Pennsylvania, and my guest this week is Kristin Miller. Kristin is an 80s baby who is an explorer at heart. She is a lifelong reader who recently returned to the US after living abroad in five different countries over nine years. She is now an elementary ESL teacher here in Virginia
Josie Quinn is a coffee fanatic getting drinks at her local coffee shop, so Kristin and I grabbed coffees from one of my favorite local coffee shops: Coco And Hazel!
In this Episode
The Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan with Madison Schmidt
When I was a baby librarian there was not a book requested more than The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, and all the books that came after it in the series. I was so excited when this week’s guest wanted to talk about it!
Madison is a lover of history that hosts the history podcast It's a History Podcast that covers all things history. When she is not working on researching, recording, or editing, she has her nose in a book. While currently immersed in the “Romantasy” series of ACOTAR and Fourth Wing, Madison's love for fantasy started with the Percy Jackson and the Olympian series.
Having read the series all in one go, Madison has reread these books a number of times. They were an important part of her finding her love for fantasy, as well as furthering her love for reading.
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks with Nancy Houser-Bluhm
This week we are discussing The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and take life to the next level level by Gay Hendricks. This book encourages readers to go beyond their internal limits, release outdated fears and learn a whole new set of powerful skills and habits to liberate authentic greatness. I am joined this week with author Nancy Houser-Bluhm.
Nancy Houser-Bluhm lived in the foothills west of Denver, Colorado for over 25 years with her husband and menagerie of pets. She hailed from Michigan but growing up watching Bonanza, led to a longing to go west.. They have journeyed back to Michigan and are creating a new “Bluhmerosa”. Years of rock climbing and skiing shifted to biking, skiing, yoga, breathing in nature; and daily doses of writing with a variety of groups. Her most recent novel, The Nickel Loop was released July 22, 2024
Drink
In Nancy’s latest book the character enjoys the classic Four Roses Bourbon so Nancy and I sipped on that as we talked!
In this Episode