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
Fantomina by Eliza Haywood with Samantha DeShazo
We are going back in time and discussing Amatory Fiction in the 18th century novel Fantomina by Eliza Haywood. This incredible story explores the complexities of identity and desire through the story of a young woman who adopts multiple personas to navigate the intricacies of romantic entanglements in 18th-century society. This provocative tale delves into themes of gender, autonomy, and the hidden depths of passion, highlighting the lengths one will go to in pursuit of love and self-discovery.
Samantha DeShazo was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. She earned her MA in English at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2022, where she studied literature of the long eighteenth century. She is an educator who currently works with first year college students. When she's not working, she can be found with her nose in a book or pampering her beloved dog, Henry.
Our drink this week was courtesy of Samantha, it is a Creme Earl Grey Black Tea fromThe Spice & Tea Exchange of Richmond. It is absolutely delicious, smells like Fruity Pebbles, and would definitely have been all the rage in Fanomina’s time
In this Episode
Fantomina by Eliza Haywood
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Richmond
Frankstein by Mary Shelley
Didn’t Read It Podcast Fantomina Episode
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Pamela by Samuel Richardson
Love in Excess by Eliza Haywood
Betsy Thoughtless by Eliza Haywood
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll with ELizabeth Wiley
We are going down the rabbit hole this week folks! Join us as we dive into the whimsical world of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, a timeless tale that explores the boundaries of imagination and reality. We’ll unravel the quirky characters, enchanting landscapes, and profound themes that have captivated readers for generations.
My guest this week is Elizabeth Wiley, an award-winning audiobook narrator with a decade of experience in genres like Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, and Biography. Originally from Minnesota and now based in Williamsburg, Virginia, she records in her home studio. Elizabeth enjoys discussions on the intersection of arts and sciences with her NASA engineer partner. Her interests include sailing, skiing, yoga, and nature spirituality, along with a fondness for Birkenstocks and Hygge.
The Queen of Hearts Special Cocktail
2 oz Vanilla Vodka
Chocolate Covered Cherries
Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with chocolate covered cherries and enjoy!
In this Episode
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Too Old for This by Samantha Downing (Liz’s latest narration!)
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland narrated by Christopher Plummer
White Rabbit (Go Ask Alice) - song by Jefferson Airplane
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norman Juster
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe with Erin Surber (REdux)
It’s Christmas in July! This week we are visiting the world of Narnia, where it is always Winter but never Christmas, at least until the Pevensie children get involved. This week’s guest is Erin Surber, Erin is an avid reader and an enthusiastic library patron. She has four children ages spanning 18 months to 9 years old. Erin has worked in the video production industry for 14 years and now hold the position of Head of Production for a Richmond-based production company. She loves being outside, hiking, running (slowly), and kayaking. Also very into cooking, traveling, and all things dark chocolate!
Our cocktail is staying on the Christmas theme with a Narnia 75, which I found on the FoodNetwork UK’s Christmas recipe page!
25ml gin
1 tsp white sugar
10ml lime juice
100ml Champagne
In this Episode
Friendship of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien
Worthdays - Richmond area non-profit to support those impacted by the foster care system
The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman with Angie Zhao
Hello Libration Nation! This week we are discussing The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman. This newly released middle-grade book features Clare, an undead fox who ushers wandering animal souls to the afterlife realms of peace, pleasure, progress, and pain in the perpetual autumn setting of Deadwood Forest. Clare lives a solitary life, meticulously tending to his mushroom garden and enjoying his tree sap tea, until a badger named Gingersnipes arrives and disrupts his routine.
My guest this week is Angie Zhao. Born and raised in Richmond, Angie was a VCU English major and has spent the past four years working as an Events and Marketing Manager at a children's bookstore in Richmond. When she's not planning author events and school visits, she loves visible mending, making jewelry for her friends, trail running, and, of course, getting lost in a good story. A lover of books for both children and adults, Angie is drawn to clever, form-bending tales and writing that finds magic in the mundane.
Clare’s favorite drink is his tree sap tea; we created this using black tea, maple syrup, and peaches since we recorded in the summer. Feel free to add bourbon if you like, and enjoy it hot or cold year-round as you imagine yourself cozying up in Deadwood Forest!
Maple Peach Tea Sipper
2 oz. Bourbon (optional)
4 oz. Fresh-Brewed Black Tea
0.75 oz Maple Syrup
1/8th of Fresh Peach (softened works best)
Fresh Mint (optional)
Mudldle fresh peach, add bourbon, maple syrup, and ice. Shake.
Strain into glass with ice and top with fresh-brewed tea.
Garnish with with mint and peach slices, enjoy!
In this Episode
Vanishing World by Sayaka Murata
Marcin Minor Illustrator
Marisa Calin Audiobook Narrator
The Lion of Lark Hayes Manor by Aubrey Hartman
The Book of Joy by Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Here For it by R. Eric Thomas with Izzie Call
If you have listened to the podcast for awhile, you have probably heard me reference the book Here For it: Or, How To Save Your Soul in America by R. Eric Thomas. It is a favorite of mine and had a big impact on me when I read it the first time in June of 2020, so I was SO excited when my friend and returning guest Izzie Call read it, loved it as well, and wanted to come on and talk about it with me. In the episode I referenced the review I wrote about it at the time, but then I never read the review so here it is: Eric Thomas grew up thinking he was a normal kid until others made him feel that he wasn’t. Black, gay, and Christian, these essays reflect upon his experience of never fitting in, being discriminated against, and his hopeful journey to find his place in a country that he loves. Thomas’ conversational writing style draws the reader in, and his ability to add humor to heartbreaking moments truly make these stories come to life. In a time when we can all use to learn more about other’s experiences, this book was enlightening and truthful, with jokes that landed like Kerri Strug in the ‘96 Olympics.
My guest this week is the always delightful Izzie Call. Izzie works as a museum educator for the VMFA coordinating projects related to the permanent collections and special exhibition displays including digital components, labels, and web
resources. Izzie is a lifelong, passionate educator and feels most at home speaking about art with those who have an interest in learning.
Also, thank you to Eric Thomas for sharing his favorite drink with me when in a moment of bravado (delusion?) I reached out to him on IG. It is a Cosmopolitan and he said he is bringing it back as a recession indicator!
Cosmo Recipe
1 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 oz triple sec (I use Cointreau)
1.5-2 oz vodka
Shake hard with ice, pour into martini glass, garnish with orange or lime, and enjoy!
In this Episode
Eric’s Newsletter - Check It Out!
Ali Hazelwood Hunger Games Drama
Frida Kahlo VMFA Exhibit (on view through 9/28/25)
Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! By Kate Bowler With Lisa Varga REDUX
Gigi and Lisa discuss Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! By Kate Bowler.
Anne of Green Gables By LM Montgomery with Deanna Firehair Redux
Did you read the Anne of Green Gables series as a young girl and then walk through the woods pretending to be Anne and Diana? Yes? So did I and so did my friend Deanna!
Talking with Deanna about this book was so much fun, celebrating Anne and the cultural impact this story has had. A famous Anne quote is: “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”. Well, I’m so glad I live in a world where there is an Anne of Green Gables.
Spoiler alert (Not really this is an iconic scene at this point): In the first book Anne accidentally gets her bestie Diana drunk on current wine, which she believes is raspberry cordial. Current wine apparently takes months, so we decided to make Raspberry Cordial Mules, which can be enjoyed with or without alcohol by making it with zero-proof vodka. I got the recipe from this lovely website and made the cordial myself in less than an hour!
Raspberry Cordial Mule
12 oz. Frozen Raspberries
3 cups Water
¾ cup Sugar
2 tsp. Lime Juice plus more for cocktails
Vodka
Ginger Beer
Fresh Raspberries (for garnish)
In this episode:
Anne of Green Gables 2 part special (Megan Fellows version is cannon)
Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz with Magan Vernon
Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz is a memoir about her decade-long entrapment in a manipulative Christian cult during her time on One Tree Hill. The book details how the group controlled her life, career, and finances—until motherhood and the support of friends gave her the strength to break free.
My guest this week is the lovely Magan Vernon, an author who has been living off reader tears since she wrote her first short story in 2004. She now spends her time killing off fictional characters, pretending to plot while she really just watches Netflix, and she tries to do this all while her kids run amok around her Texas ranch. Subscribe to her Newsletter and join her Facebook Fan Group here: Magan’s Minions (Reader Group)
Strawberry Champagne Margarita
fresh strawberries, trimmed
2 oz. tequila
1 oz. fresh lime juice
.25 cups sparkling wine
Optional: 4 oz. triple sec or 2 tablespoons agave syrup, for a sweeter margarita
Place strawberries in a large glass. Using a muddler, muddle the strawberries until they resemble puree.
Add tequila, lime juice, and strawberry puree to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. If you would like to add a sweetener to the cocktail, add triple sec or agave syrup to the cocktail shaker as well.
Fill cocktail glass or champagne flute halfway full with ice. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a strawberry or lime.
In this Episode
Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz
Paris, The Memoir by Paris Hilton
Magan’s Library’s Reading Challenge (that I am totally stealing!)
Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl with Mandy Naglich
The song “Welcome to New York” has been in my head all week preparing for this episode on the book Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise, a witty and revealing memoir by renowned food critic Ruth Reichl. During her time as The New York Times restaurant critic, Reichl went undercover in elaborate disguises to avoid preferential treatment and uncover the truth about New York’s dining scene. Blending memoir, food writing, and restaurant reviews, the book offers delicious behind-the-scenes stories, vivid character sketches, and reflections on identity, privilege, and the power of perception, all served under the iconic Manhattan skyline.
The amazing person who came to me with this book is Mandy Naglich, an author, journalist, and certified taster. She travels the world to report stories on food and drink culture for a variety of outlets as well as her own personal platform, Drinks with Mandy. Her award-winning book, How to Taste, takes readers on a journey into their senses and introduces them to the quirky characters in the world of professional tasting along the way.
Cosmo Recipe (Mandy’s Version)
0.5 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz pomegranate juice (the stuff you find in the refrigerated section is best!)
0.5 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 oz triple sec (I use Cointreau)
1.5-2 oz vodka
Shake hard with ice, pore into martini glass, don’t over-strain so you can enjoy the ice-chips, garnish with orange, and enjoy!
In This Episode
Mandy’s Linktree (Instagram, TikTok, Writing, and more!)
National Homebrew Competition Mandy won this in 2021
How to Taste - Mandy’s Book
The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma with Dr. Meghan Waldron
In The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, Robin Sharma tells the story of a high-powered lawyer who trades his fast-paced life for spiritual enlightenment in the Himalayas. This modern fable blends personal development with timeless wisdom, offering a roadmap to finding purpose, balance, and joy.
Today’s guest, Dr. Meghan Waldron, is a lifelong dreamer, writer, and educator who believes every student has a story to tell. With nearly two decades in K–12 and now in higher ed, she helps students find confidence and joy in writing through reflection, creativity, and honest feedback. Meghan is also a professional writer and recently earned her EdD in Educational Leadership from VCU. When she’s not teaching or writing, she’s out adventuring with her sons.
Our drink this week is the Fountain of Youth. The book talks extensively about the “Fountain of Life,” which is essentially water—and as a proud water drinker, I say stay hydrated, friends! But for our more adventurous summer days, this cocktail—with its bright notes of lemon and elderflower—is a perfect treat. Cheers!
Fountain of Youth Cocktail (from Rebecca Creek Distillery)
2 oz Vodka
¾ oz Elderflower Liqueur
¾ oz fresh lemon juice
2 sprigs of mint leaves
2 oz Prosecco
Add Vodka along with Elderflower Liqueur and Lemon juice together in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously for a few seconds and then strain into a rocks glass filled with ice
Top off with Prosecco.
Garnish with the two sprigs of mint leaves.
In this Episode
https://www.smartsolutionsva.com/ - Meghan’s Tutoring Company
The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
The Alchemist by Paula Coelho