Episodes

Here For it by R. Eric Thomas with Izzie Call
Gigi Howard Gigi Howard

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.

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Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! By Kate Bowler With Lisa Varga REDUX
Gigi Howard Gigi Howard

Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! By Kate Bowler With Lisa Varga REDUX

There is no getting around this: I was THRILLED when Lisa agreed to come on the podcast. Lisa is the Executive Director of the Virginia Library Association, immediate past chair of the Virginia Beach Public Library Board, and a member of the ALA Policy Corps focusing on Unite Against Book Bans. She also was named the LIBRARIAN OF THE YEAR 2024 by Library Journal, an award she won because of her advocacy in the fight against book bans. Lisa is a hero of mine, and I am also very grateful to call her my friend.

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