Weekly Highlights for Book Lovers
Rachel Goldberg-Polin
I’m sitting in an airport having just finished Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s memoir When We See You Again about her son Hersh’s murder while he was a hostage. I don’t even have words. I’ve finally stopped staring out the window with my hand over my mouth, shaking my head, reeling from her words. I’ll be interviewing Rachel next week in what will undoubtedly be the most emotional, meaningful interview of my life. Please join us in Westchester at 7 pm on April 23rd to hear her story. Hosted by the UJA Federation of New York. Details here.
Totally Booked with Zibby
We’ve moved to three times a week, Tuesday - Thursday. Here are a few upcoming episodes.
That’s What Friends Are For
Bestselling memoirist Wade Rouse shares about his first novel That’s What Friends Are For inspired by “The Golden Girls.” In crafting humorous story lines about four gay friends in later life, Wade explores complex issues ranging from prejudice and discrimination to loyalty and love. We spoke about the book live at Zibby’s Bookshop.
Little Free Library
I touched base with Little Free Library CEO Daniel Gumnit about how to promote literacy, why stories are best when shared, and exactly how to bring a Little Free Library to your “neck of the woods.” Learn more here.
Celebrity Spotlight: Gina Gershon
Actress Gina Gershon takes us through the unexpected, entertaining steps to becoming a star and the attitude it takes to do so in her memoir Alphapussy: How I Survived the Valley and Learned to Love My Boobs.
Next week! Bestselling Author Annabelle Gurwitch on Lung Cancer, Humor, and Adventure
I’ve been a fan of actress and bestselling author Annabelle Gurwitch since I first read You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up. I’ve interviewed her on my podcast about her last book You’re Leaving When? and then got lucky enough to publish her new book, The End of My Life is Killing through Zibby Publishing — which has now been on the USA Today bestseller list for two weeks! You might have seen Annabelle lately because she has been all over the media with shout-outs from and interviews with Bill Maher, Drew Barrymore, Terry Gross at NPR, and Jenna Fischer. The book is hilarious and heartbreaking, fast-paced, thought-provoking, and a must-read. Hear from Annabelle and me at Totally Booked: Live in New York.
Plus Angela Nissel, Leslie Harter-Berg, and Sally Hepworth!
If you wouldn’t mind voting for Totally Booked in the Webby Awards, that would be amazing. We’re nominated for best individual podcast episode in the Arts.
Events This Week
Wednesday, April 15th at 7 pm: Zibby’s Book Club with Emma Tourtelot, No One You Know. Sign up here for this free, virtual Q&A event.
Wednesday, April 15th at 7:30 pm. The Braid performance of On Being Jewish Now at Temple Isaiah in Beverly Hills, CA. Tickets here.
Thursday, April 16th, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm (half-day passes available): Totally Booked: Live. Humor, Self-Discovery and Love. Tickets here. New York.
Thursday, April 16th at 7 pm ET: Zoom performance of The Braid’s On Being Jewish Now. Tickets here.
Sunday, April 19th at 2 pm ET: Zoom performance of The Braid’s On Being Jewish Now. Tickets here.
Watch: The “Totally Booked” TV Show on JBS
New episodes every Thursday at 7:30 pm ET on the JBS network. Watch here.
Read On Being Jewish Now, the Substack
Have you read the essays we release every week on our Substack, On Being Jewish Now? Writers from all over the world have been reflecting on what it means and how it feels to be Jewish now.
Speaking of which, the anthology hit the USA Today bestseller list again this week for week #28. Thank you all for the support.
Did You See The News?
People magazine revealed my cover! Between Books: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot comes out September 22nd. More info here.
Product of the Week
If you’re in the mood for some high-end, glam sunglasses, use code ZIBBY15 to take 15% off your next pair at Tiwi.
Or 15% off dog products at Dogistry.com with ZIBBY15.
I’m obsessed with this J.McLaughlin purse. I was on the fence about it but it goes with everything, you can dress it up or dress it down, and it’s super light. That’s me on Friday outside Daunt Books in London!
Love the cover!
Do you ever do Zoom talks. I live in Maine.