On Beauty by Zadie Smith with Virginia Pye
On Beauty by Zadie Smith follows two feuding families—the liberal Belseys and the conservative Kippses—whose lives collide in a New England university town, exploring themes of race, family, politics, and love through sharp satire and witty dialogue.
Kirkus Reviews calls Marriage and Other Monuments, Virginia Pye’s recently published book, “A fascinating and audacious novel of family, marriage and a society in flux.” It is a #1 Amazon bestseller in New Southern FictionVirginia’s essays have appeared in The New York Times, Literary Hub, Publisher’s Weekly, Writer’s Digest, The Rumpus, and elsewhere. She has taught writing at New York University and the University of Pennsylvania, and, most recently, at GrubStreet in Boston. Virginia is Fiction Editor of the literary journal Pangyrus and serves on the board of the Women’s National Book Association, Boston Chapter.
Drink this week: The Zadie Smith - obvi! This recipe is from the book: Free the Tipple: Kickass Cocktails Inspired by Iconic Women - Check it out!
Ingredients
1 sugar cube
2 shots bourbon
2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
½ shot crème de cacao
½ shot absinthe
Garnish: lemon peel
Directions
Put a sugar cube in a mixing glass with enough water to soften it and crush with a spoon. Add bourbon, bitters, crème de cacao, and ice, and stir until chilled.
Take a teacup and pour in absinthe. Turn the glass until the absinthe has coated it on all sides, and then pour out the excess. Strain the bourbon mixture into the teacup and garnish
In this Episode
Marriage and Other Monuments by Virginia Pye
Style Weekly Best of Richmond 2026
Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica with Ashley Peters
Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica is a dystopian horror novel where a virus makes all animal meat poisonous, leading to the legalization and industrialization of human cannibalism! Yes, it’s quite a story by Argentine author Bazterrica, but it also does what great horror does so well, that it makes you think about parallels in our real world, and led to an amazing conversation between myself and author Ashley Peters!
Author Ashley Peters resides in East Austin, Texas, with her partner, Danny, and their three rescue mutts—Bently, Fredrik, and Bruno. A self-declared bibliophile and lifelong storyteller, she has been crafting tales since childhood, along the way writing for various scholarships and minor publications before fully committing herself to the realm of novel creation.
When she is not writing, she can be found immersed in nature, far from the noise of the world—hiking, kayaking, savoring inventive cuisine, or enjoying a matcha latte. At home, her garden and personal library serve as sanctuaries, though she deeply appreciates the artistic and quirky spirit that defines Austin. Having traveled extensively, she credits each place and community with shaping her life in meaningful and lasting ways. While she cannot predict what lies ahead, she embraces each new chapter as an opportunity for adventure, always ready to choose a daring side quest over a mundane path.
Our drink is a very dark Blackberry Margarita, and the reason we picked it? Well, I’ll let you figure that one out 😂
Blackberry Margarita
Ingredients
2 oz silver tequila
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz blackberry syrup
0.5 oz grenadine
Black sugar, for rimming
Crushed ice
Fresh blackberries, for garnish
Directions
Prepare your glass. Use a lime wedge to moisten the rim of a margarita or cocktail glass. Dip the rim into a shallow plate of black sugar, rotating gently to coat evenly. Set aside.
Combine ingredients. In a cocktail shaker, add the silver tequila, fresh lime juice, blackberry syrup, and grenadine. Fill the shaker with crushed ice.
Shake thoroughly. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels frosty and the drink is well chilled.
Serve. Fill the prepared glass with fresh crushed ice. Strain the mixture into the glass.
Garnish. Add a few fresh blackberries on top. Serve immediately!
In this Episode
Tickets to my Live Interview with Award Winning Author Meg Medina at the Bon Air Book Festival
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen with Alexandra Potter
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a sharp, witty exploration of love, class, and social expectation in Regency-era England, centered on the spirited Elizabeth Bennet and the enigmatic Mr. Darcy. As misunderstandings and first impressions give way to self-awareness, the novel reveals how pride and prejudice can obscure, and ultimately illuminate, the path to happiness.
Alexandra Potter always dreamed of becoming a writer. After graduating from the University of Liverpool with a degree in English Literature, she moved to London, where she worked for various magazines. A brief detour—sparked by redundancy—led her to travel to Sydney, where she secured a position at Vogue. It was during this time that a chance article about novelists under the age of thirty inspired her to finally take the leap and try her hand at writing a novel.
Her latest book, So I Met This Guy, is out now, and she will be embarking on a book tour in both the US and the UK Tickets Here!
Nothing pairs more with English sensibility than a cuppa tea, which Alex and I both enjoyed during our conversation across the pond!
In This Episode
Lizzy Bennett Diaries - web series
Me and Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Bridget Jones Diary by Helen Fielding
Wuthering Heights Film by Emerald Fennell with Carrie Pruett
2 Years of Drinks in the Library gets a special episode!
Carrie Pruett, who did the DITL Wuthering Heights Book episode with me, and I discussed the Wuthering Heights Film by director Emerald Fennell, and it was so much fun! There are spoilers so please pause if you are waiting to see it (although the book came out in 1847 so you how mad can you be at spoilers?)
The perfect drink pairing with this book is a very dark and full bodied red wine (we tried Witching Hour Red Blend) and Raspberry Dark Chocolate (we tried Ghiridelli). This is the ONLY food drink pairing for this film, I fully expect this fact to be added to the film’s Wikipedia page!
Thank you so much to Carrie for recording with me, this was a lot of fun, who knows, maybe more film reviews are in DITL’s future!
Here are a few things Carrie mentioned in the episode:
Wuthering Heights (1939) - stars Laurence Olivier
Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights (1992) - stars Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche
Wuthering Heights (2011) - directed by Andrea Arnold (Allison Anders misquoted in episode).
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
