Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books

Zibby thinks Didn't See That Coming is the best book title. It really hits home and she had a great time talking to Rachel about encouraging people who are going through something difficult to get to the other side, the different ways grief manifests, and absorbing the role of being a healer to others.

Julie Buxbaum became so obsessed with the 2019 college admissions scandal that she was inspired to write Admission. Zibby loved talking about Julie's compelling characters, what it must feel like to be a teeager at the center of a huge media fallout, what achievement means, what success costs, and ethical parenting. 

Hope Edelman talked about her research process for this poignant book, what her term AfterGrief means, bereavement leave, and confiding in others. Her moving advice resonated with Zibby: release yourself from the idea of an end point for mourning and consider grief as ebbs and flow of intensity rather than an end point. 

Zibby and Dr. Evan Antin both brought furry, four-legged guests to their interview. He shared his passion for animals, wildlife conservation, and vet medicine and talked about some of his wildest adventures around the globe (tune in for snake bite sagas), his advice for being a responsible pet parent, and what it was like being named one of People's Sexiest Men Alive!

Peace Adzo Medie's latest work of fiction is a Reese's Book Club pick and she talked to Zibby about the themes she explored: how culture shapes women's lives, class divide, generational views on what a marriage ought to be like, and the difficulty in parting with comfort for the unknown.

Zibby talked to powerhouse writer Janet Evanovich about her New York Times best-seller and twenty-seventh book in the best-selling Stephanie Plum series, her start as a romance novelist, and her love of comic books, drawing, and adventure. 

Wandering in Strange Lands was a labor of love for Morgan Jerkins. She talked to Zibby about her inspiration for the book, inheriting trauma, and why she encourages aspiring writers to investigate ideas that make them afraid.

Laura Vanderkam is a time management expert and says that "once a second is gone, all the money in the world can't buy it back." Her wisdom and research resonates as we navigate 2020. Zibby got the low-down on how to successfully work from home, configure childcare, and create priority checklists. 

Kim Brooks knows what it means for one seemingly small decision to snowball into something unexpected. She described the catalyst event that led her to write Small Animals (a must-read for parents) to Zibby. They talked about the anxiety of raising children, examining the culture of parenthood and how it shifts over generations, and marriage, divorce and coparenting. 

Matthew John Bocchi was a child when his father died in the World Trade Center on 9/11. He and Zibby had a moving conversation about the long-lasting effects of this tragedy, coping mechanisms, addiction, abuse, and hope. 

Zibby talked to Liz Petrone about her soulful memoir, which poignantly explores mental illness and expressed the need for our society to do better in telling the truth about depression, anxiety, and disordered behaviors. 

Zibby loved Sarah Crossan's unique writing style and the format of Here Is the Beehive; it reads almost like one big long poem. This novel about adultery, seduction and loyalty will be a book club pick on Zibby’s Virtual Book Club! Sarah and Zibby talked all about secrets, intuition, the shock value of grief, and universal compassion. 

Clarissa Ward is a badass journalist. She talked to Zibby about her trajectory studying comparative literature at Yale, wanting to become an actress, and the epiphany moment that led to her career as an award-winning war correspondent.

Cameron Douglas wrote a raw and intimate portrait of being raised as Hollywood royalty (the son of Michael Douglas and grandson of Kirk Douglas) and experience becoming a drug addict who served time in prison. He spoke openly with Zibby about anxiety, addiction, survival, and transformation.

Fariha Roisin's novel is gripping and bold and at times so disturbing it’s almost hard to read. Zibby was fascinated by their talk about abuse, autonomy, humor, self-discovery, victimhood, ancestral trauma, and much more. 

Christa Parravani's memoir is so open and deep that Zibby felt like she already knew her before their interview. Christa talked about both wanting to have the choice for reproductive healthcare and loving and wanting children; navigating associated emotional, financial, and regulatory aspects of the options women face; and her belief that by sharing stories there is justice and liberation for women.

Cecily von Ziegesar wrote the book series Gossip Girl that inspired the hit TV show (Xoxo). Her recent novel, Cobble Hill, is just as entertaining. She talked to Zibby about how being a grown up doesn't mean you always act like one, being able to intimately write New York-based stories as a native Manhattanite, and learning to poke fun at yourself. 

Bryan Washington says his editor calls his debut novel Memorial a "rom-com with teeth.” Zibby calls it "powerful and raw.” Good Morning America agreed and selected it as their November book pick! Bryan spoke to Zibby about wanting to write a love story about characters that he hadn't seen on the page, his Jamaican heritage, and more.

In honor of the historic win yesterday of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris (the first woman VP ever -- and a woman of color!!), I'm re-releasing my interview with THE NEW FIRST LADY OF THE UNITED STATES Prof. Jill Biden!! We discussed the many themes of her recent memoir: loss, family traditions, education, motherhood, and more. I am truly filled with HOPE after this monumental moment in history, a moment our country so desperately needed. Let's hear it for healing and reclaiming the soul of our nation. And congratulations to Jill!! 

Zibby was delighted to talk to the legendary doyenne of fiction, Alice Hoffman, who called her latest novel "an escape" for her as a writer. They chatted about witchcraft, fairy tales, female heroines, and more.

Susie Yang's novel, which was recently selected as a TODAY Show #ReadwithJenna pick, is utterly compelling. She talked to Zibby about having a vivid imagination, writing emotions that create a visceral reaction in readers, and the feeling of being an outsider and the natural pull to belong to something. 

Zibby was thrilled to interview New York Times bestselling author Brit Bennett as part of a PEN America Virtual Author Event. In their live conversation, Brit paints a brilliant picture of how she crafts interwoven stories across timelines, the literature of passing, and the fluidity of identity.

Bestselling author Nicole Krauss spoke to Zibby about travel, religion, Nicole's fearless collection of fiction and how she writes characters so compassionately. This incredibly bright literary icon also touched on the paradoxes of people, the dichotomy of women and men, and the reimagining of relationships. 

 

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, former director of special events at Vogue, was a confidant to Melania Trump from the early 2000s until she found herself in the wake of the Trump family's ascension to the White House and a controversy around inauguration finance irregularities. In her book, and talk with Zibby, she talks candidly about trust and betrayal, facing scrutiny in the spotlight, and re-examining friendship.

Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney's novel is versatile and innovative - it's filled with gorgeous illustrations and reads like a mix of poetry, first-person narratives, gospel rhythms, and blues. Zibby loved interviewing the husband-and-wife duo about the three generations of voices they brought to life in this book, drawing from history and experience to craft their work, and the secrets to a successful collaboration.

 

 

Bestselling author Sophie Kinsella's special blend of comedy and romance shines through in her latest novel. Zibby, who has been inhaling the “Shopaholic" novels for years, loved getting to chat with one of her favorite authors about bedtime chaos, books, deal breakers, and decision fatigue (from online dating to online shopping!).

Zibby and Jane Igharo had an animated conversation about Jane's debut novel, inspired by her own experiences being caught between familial expectations and following her heart. Jane talked about everything from trying to understand the motivations of immigrant parents to preserving culture, from creating Nigerian heroines in fiction to her childhood dream of being a Disney channel actress… and even her affinity for Miley Cyrus songs. 

Zibby was moved by Charlotte Wood's beautifully written novel about well-worn friendships, getting older, and processing grief. They talked about how sustaining female friendships can be, how relationships adapt as people change over the course of their lives, and how personal the space of a book is for readers.

Max Gross's debut novel weaves an imaginative, humorous, and distinct story about a tiny Jewish village that existed in isolation, overlooked by the Nazis during World War II, forces during the Cold War, and modern technology - until a series of events pushes the community straight into the twenty-first century. Zibby and Max talked about growing up in New York, the haunting experience of visiting Auschwitz, the significance of history, and more. 

Sara Seager is an preeminent astronomer, planetary scientist, and MIT professor whose luminous memoir is about how she had to reinvent herself in the wake of tragedy and discovered the power of connection on this planet as she searches our galaxy for another Earth. It's one of Zibby's favorite recent books and she talked with Sara about grief, rebuilding, and our earth and beyond.

Elizabeth Lesser is an author, cofounder of Omega Institute, has given two popular TED talks, and is a member of Oprah Winfrey's SuperSoul100. She told Zibby that she's been preparing her whole life to write her fourth book, Cassandra Speaks. Elizabeth shared that her curiosity about power and perspective stemmed from her childhood growing up as the daughter of a feminist mother and a domineering father and the question she has pursued since: what about history and culture would be different if women were the storytellers? 

Megan Harlan moved seventeen times across four continents when she was growing up. She told Zibby about her relationship with "place" as a result of her nomadic childhood, living life in all sorts of homes from a posh flat in London to a Texas to a trailer in Saudi Arabia, and the drive to explore different corners of the world.

Ann Shen is a beautiful illustrator, designer, and author and her striking new book highlights some of history's biggest fashion moments and women who broke the mold wearing them. She and Zibby talked about female role models who broke the rules, the role of style in culture, and embracing a signature look.

TV fashion and lifestyle expert Sydney Sadick believes confidence is an accessory that never goes out of style. She and Zibby chatted about developing personal style, "quarantine fashion," sourcing pieces that pop on a budget, and how the way we dress can impact our mood.

When Alisson Wood was a 17-year-old high school student, she became enmeshed in an abusive relationship with an English teacher. She talked to Zibby about the grooming that created a blueprint for her understanding of love for a long time, the complicated storm of power, sex, and gender dynamics, and why sharing her experience is so important to empower others who have experienced trauma.

Zibby was deeply moved by New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Berg's sensational and loving memoir about caring for her parents in their twilight years. Elizabeth's beautiful writing provides inspiration, comfort, and a guidebook for navigating the emotional and practical conditions of caregiving. 

 

Christie Tate knows what it feels like for someone’s life to look really great on paper and yet still feel inwardly lost and lonely. She talked to Zibby about the transformative experience of starting group therapy as a law student which helped crack her open, create an emotionally full life, and ultimately allow her to share the importance of connecting with others through her terrific memoir. 

Leave the World Behind is the “it” book of the moment: a Jenna’s Book Club pick on TODAY, a Barnes & Noble pick, and on the short-list for the National Book Award. Rumaan's striking book has captivated readers around the globe! Zibby loved the sentiment he shared about how deeply meaningful it is when people take the limited time they have to appreciate someone else's art.

Zibby had such a special conversation with fellow book enthusiast and former First Daughter Jenna Bush Hager. Jenna talked candidly about what it was like to go through loss in the spotlight and lose loved ones who are public figures, especially as a busy mom. She and Zibby chatted about running to the bus stop, heels vs. clogs, working out, and their mutual affection for writing and writers. 

 

Brooke Hecker began writing letters 'from the tooth fairy' for her daughter for each tooth she lost. She eventually turned the notes into this collection, which is a delightful snapshot of different parts of childhood through the lens of the tooth fairy. Zibby knows a lot of parents will be able to relate to this and might just start their own family traditions as a result.

Zibby and Tami Charles did an Instagram Live together to launch her new book, which Tami wrote as a tribute to her 10-year-old son. It’s a reminder to all children, especially those from marginalized communities, that they are an important part of the universe. Zibby had a heartfelt conversation with Tami about her poetic children's book, how this story came to her in a dream, and the power in telling children that they matter.

Zibby talked to Eva Chen, Director of Fashion Partnerships at Instagram, sartorial icon, and author of the most charming children's books. They discussed their dream home libraries, turning to reading for a sense of belonging, and the magic that stories can bring to little ones and grown-ups alike.

Alyssa Milano (actor, producer, designer, philanthropist, humanitarian and author!) spoke with Zibby about how her character Hope wants to change the world but has to get through the trials and tribulations of middle school first, introducing kids to ideas about activism and community through a lens they can relate to, and how to parent during culturally-charged moments.

Zibby loved talking to Kwame Mbalia about his exploration of "non-Western fantasy and science fiction and imagining scientific innovations for future worlds through the eyes of African and African Americans" through his phenomenal book series which is a must-read for families.

Interviewing Kathie Lee Gifford was such a treat for Zibby. Kathie Lee, who says she's a kid at heart, talked to Zibby about imparting important values to your children, having perspective, and how it's never too late to dream.

Oliver Jeffers is a celebrity in Zibby's house; she and her children love his books, especially HOW TO CATCH A STAR. With beautiful illustrations and thought-provoking writing, WHAT WE’LL BUILD, his latest book, was inspired by the birth of his daughter and the possibility of changing the world.

Lauren Tarshis told Zibby that she didn't read a book until she was fourteen years old, which is an amazing part of Lauren's journey to becoming a New York Times best-selling author of dozens of books. Lauren’s I SURVIVED books are a terrific lesson in empathy - helping kids (and grown ups!) imagine what it's like to be in someone else's shoes when they're facing hardship.

Zibby got to interview actor, director, and author Lou Diamond Phillips and his wife Yvonne about how Lou's latest book, The Tinderbox, was inspired by a series of Yvonne's drawings. They talked to Zibby about coming from military backgrounds, how there's no science to writing, and the importance of having someone to bounce ideas around with, plus how helpful author Chris Bohjalian was to the whole process.

Zibby enjoyed interviewing co-authors, critique partners, and longtime friends Kimberly Derting and Shelli Johannes about their popular book series. They shared their love of science, keeping their kids entertained, their favorite subscription boxes, and more.

Zibby talked to Sophie Blackall about her beautifully illustrated children's book and how she wanted to create something that makes kids feel connected around the globe. They also discussed how being curious opens doors to new worlds and Sophie's new retreat for children's book authors and illustrators. But really they spoke about life, loss, and the true meaning of it all.