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Rating
4.8from
This podcast has
98 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Gigi HowardExplicit
No
Date created
2024/02/19
Latest episode
2026/02/10
Average duration
-
Release period
9 days
Description
Drinks in the library, the only library where drinks aren’t just allowed, they are required! Each episode librarian Gigi Howard interviews a guest about their favorite book and we pair it with a drink for you to make at home or share with your next book club meet-up!
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Check latest episodes from Drinks in the Library podcast
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer with Burn Before Reading Podcast
2026/02/10
Hi Librarian Nation! This week we are discussing Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, the now-ubiquitous tale of Bella Swan and the vampire who just can’t quit her, Edward Cullen. This story has, of course, been widely read and adapted into famous films, and I was so happy to discuss it with this week’s guests, Christina and Lelia from fellow Richmond book podcast Burn Before Reading!
I was on Burn Before Reading last week talking about being a librarian during the Fifty Shades of Grey craze, so please go check it out (heads up that Burn Before Reading is for mature audiences only!).
Burn Before Reading Podcast is where hosts Christina Kann and Lelia Hilton in an exploration of bad writing, cringey memories, and scandalous literary history. The cringe factor of literature is as ancient as writing itself, and Burn Before Reading is here to explore it all. Every week, Christina & Lelia delve into the story of a piece of writing, a writer, a movement, or a memory to unpack the people they used to be and appreciate how far they’ve come!
O-Positive Party Punch (from Slugs on the Refrigerator Blog)
Ingredients (per glass):
3 oz. cranberry juice
2 oz.pomegranate juice
3 oz.sparkling water
Squeeze of fresh orange
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice.
Add cranberry and pomegranate juices.
Squeeze in orange and stir.
Top with sparkling water and a thin apple slice.
In this Episode
Vote for DITL in Style Weekly’s Best of Richmond 2026
Drinks in the Library Merch!
The Butterfly Effect
Mean Girls Film
This is the Skin of a Killer, Bella!
The Byrd Theater
Books by Stephenie Meyer
Sinners Film
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by VE Schwab
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl with Matthew Stern
2026/02/03
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is a whimsical children’s novel about Charlie Bucket, a kind, poor boy who wins a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the mysterious Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Since so many know this story, Matthew and I were able to have a conversation about the book’s history and Dahl’s legacy, and about how art and our views of it change over time.
Matthew Stern is an award-winning public speaker and writer with over 40 years of professional experience. His works include the novels Amiga and The Remainders, as well as the best-selling public speaking book Mastering Table Topics. A lifelong resident of Southern California, he grew up in Reseda, graduated from California State University, Northridge, and now lives in Lake Forest. When he’s not rooting for the Dodgers and Rams, he enjoys exercising and spending time with his wife, adult children, and granddaughter. You can find him on social media platforms @MASwriter
Our drink this week is a Greek Cheek Beer, a favorite of Matthew’s from his home in California, and a reference to the gum-smacking habits of Violet Beauregaard. If you are in California definite check it out. For those of us outside of the Golden State, Sam Adams Chocolate Bock would have be a great pairing for this book.
In this Episode
Roald Dahl Revision Controversy
Wonka vs Wonka The problem with overly likable characters - Matthew Stern
Libby Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth with Kendall Concini-Moore
2026/01/27
This week’s book is Libby Lost & Found, by Stephanie Booth, about Libby Weeks, the reclusive author of the hit fantasy series “The Falling Children”, who faces a crisis when she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's and struggles to complete her overdue manuscript. In desperation, she enlists the help of eleven-year-old superfan Peanut Bixton, who knows the series inside and out but has her own hidden troubles. As Libby grapples with her diagnosis, Peanut and her family work to protect and help her save herself and the series.
My guest this week is Kendall Concini-Moore. Kendall‘s greatest adventure began not on the page, but at home, as a mother. Her book Mom’s Cloud and the Beach Adventure was inspired by her own family and her struggles with depression, or her “cloud.” With empathy and playful hearts, her family encourages her to rest, reminding her that it’s okay to not be okay, because clouds don’t last forever. Complete with discussion questions and resources, this picture book gives children ages 4-8 the language to understand when someone they love is struggling, while celebrating that sometimes, simply being together is the most caring thing. You can find out more about her and her book on her website, https://cloudydaychronicles.org/, through her Substack where she shares resources: cloudydaychronicles.substack.com/ and on social media @cloudydaychronicles.
Kendall curated our drink this week: A Black Manhattan with a coffee twist, listen to the episode to learn how this was inspired by the book and what author Stephanie Booth thought Libby’s favorite drink would be!
Ingredients
2 oz rye whiskey (or bourbon if you want it softer)
1 oz Amaro
¼ oz coffee liqueur (just a pinch—enough to deepen, not dominate)
2-3 dashes orange bitters (optional but rounds it out)
Luxardo cherry or orange twist for garnish
Directions
Add rye (or bourbon), amaro, coffee liqueur, and bitters to a mixing glass.
Fill with ice and stir vigorously for 20–30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
Strain into a chilled coupe (for up) or an old-fashioned glass over a large ice cube (for on the rocks).
Garnish with a Luxardo cherry or a long orange twist.
In this episode
Chuck Palahniuk
Laurie Notaro
Patrick Roth
Brandon Sanderson
Every Heart a Doorway Episode
Tweetsie Railroad
Drop Dead Generous
A Doubters Almanac Episode
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger with Valerie Adachi
2026/01/20
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
Mirror Twins
Highgate Cemetery
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.
2026/01/13
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
Davidson college
Exit Through the Gift Shop Documentary
Isabella Stewart Garden Museum Theft
The Mint Museum
Boston Museum of Fine Arts
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Harvey B. Gantt Center
Institute of Contemporary Art
Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross
Novant Health Art Initiative
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
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
Brookline Booksmith
RJ Julia Bookstore
Heartbeat by Terreece M. Clarke with Liz Bullard
2026/01/06
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
Terreece M. Clarke’s Website
James Patterson
Janet Evanovich
This is the Honey by Kwame Alexander with Nick George The Poet
2025/12/16
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
Drinks in the Library Merch
Sonya Sanchez
Langston Hughes
Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
Amiri Baraka Black Art
The Gunslinger by Stephen King with Bill Blume
2025/12/09
Hello libration nation! This week's book is The Gunslinger by Stephen King a dark twisted fantasy novel and the first book in King’s The Dark Tower series. It follows the journey of Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, as he traverses a desolate and mysterious landscape in pursuit of the enigmatic Man in Black. The story blends elements of fantasy, horror, and Western, exploring themes of destiny, obsession, and the nature of good and evil, as Roland confronts both external foes and his own inner demons on his quest to reach the Dark Tower, the nexus of all universes.
Guest
Bill Blume was determined to be a writer from a young age, often taking the lead in crafting adventures during childhood games in South Carolina. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, he worked as a TV news producer before transitioning to a dispatcher role for Henrico County Police in 2001. In Richmond, he and his wife became active in the local writing community, contributing to James River Writers, where he served on the board and continues to engage with fellow writers and industry professionals.He is the author of several books, and has an upcoming novel, To Hell and Back coming out January 20th, 2026.
Our drink this week was a Dark & Stormy, the perfect dark and spicy drink to pair with an anti-hero like Roland Deschain.
In This Episode
Sh*tty First Draft - Anne Lamott
George Lucas Star Wars changes
Original Gunslinger vs. Revised Edition
Shiver by Maggie Steifvater
James River Writers
Books by Stephen King
Battle of the Planets Series
Malinda Lo Books
NK Jemison Books
Erin Bowman Books
West of Apocalypse by Bill Blume
Richmond SPCA
Richmond Animal League
Sarah Glenn Marsh
Kindred by Octavia Butler with Alethea McCollin
2025/12/02
This week’s book is Kindred by Octavia Butler, a time-traveling story about Dana, who goes back in time to ensure the survival of her ancestors: an enslaved woman named Alice and her enslaver, Rufus. This complicated yet entrancing narrative is multifaceted, and my guest this week, Alethea McCollin, and I had a great conversation about the ways Butler challenges her readers to think about the implications of our actions and how they shape the future.
Alethea McCollin is a multifaceted artist as a playwright, director, producer, actor, and founder of Orange Stilettos Productions, llc, known for her award-winning production of The Stilettos Monologues at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival. She has produced various works, including her play Renaming Shaim at Theatre Row, New York City, and directed her first short film, The Next Great Writer, showcased at the Virginia Screenwriters Forum. Additionally, Alethea serves as Executive Secretary on the Board of Directors of James River Writers and is an English instructor at Virginia State University.
Our drink this week is one of Alethea’s favorite’s: Blackberry Citrus Tea, which is perfect for sitting by the fire curling up with a good book!
In this Episode
Drinks in the Library Merch
Kindred by Octavia Butler
James River Writers
Virginia State UniversityBooks by Toni Morrison
Books by Gabrielle García Márquez
Books by Isabel Allende
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas, an American Slave by Frederick Douglas
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Animorphs by KA Applegate with Fiona Fenn
2025/11/25
Happy Thanksgiving! I’m taking the week to relax with family. Please enjoy the re-airing of this recording, which originally aired December 17, 2024.
Hello Libration Nation! This week we are discussing the classic series Animorphsby 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
Flying Saucer Recipe (from Bevvy.com)
INGREDIENTS
1 oz Amaretto Di Saronno liqueur
1 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur
3 oz cream
3 oz ice
Combine in blender until smooth and creamy, serve with cinnamon stick for garnish!
In this Episode
Fiona Fenn’s Website
Buy The Crack at the Heart of Everything by Fiona Fenn
Michael Grant Gone series
Tiny Fox Press
Animorphs Aloud
Queer Liberation Library
KA Applegate Website
Free Animorphs PDFs
Fiona Fenn’s Substack
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary with Ashley Jones
2025/11/18
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 I 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
Styrofoam cups outlawed in Virginia
Sonic Drive In
Beth O’Leary’s Website
Books by Beth O’Leary
Brett Goldstein
The Finlay Donovan Series by Elle Cosimano with Mair Downing
2025/11/11
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
DITL Merch is now out! Please considering one of these adorable items to support the show.
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
Pushcart Prize
O. Henry Award
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey with Ally Kirkpatrick
2025/11/04
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.
In this Episode
Community Bookstore Brooklyn NY
Elisabeth Tova Bailey’s website - where you can listen to a snail eating
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott - check out the DITL episode on this book!
The Governeses by Anne Serre
Gnawing by Ally Kirkpatrick on Roxane Gay’s The Audacity
Ally Kirkpatrick’s YouTube
The John Burroughs Medal
Fabled Ice Cream
These Truths by Jill Lepore
Books by Lindsey Chervinsky, presidential historian
You Never Forget Your First by Alexis Coe
Carrie by Stephen King with Nathan Buchholz
2025/10/28
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
All 4 Carrie Movies Ranked
Cuckoo by Gretchen Felker Martin
Books by Eric LaRocca
Books by T. Kingfisher
Bunny by Mona Awad
Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia
Whickerman Film
World War Z by Max Brooks
The Great Dismal Swamp
Cajun Queen Tour New Orleans
Abi’s Books and Brews
Required Listening with Gigi Howard
2025/10/21
Hello, Libration Nation! This week, I'm doing something a bit different and sharing 15 books that I loved in 2025! This format is a departure from the regular show, but I wanted to highlight some personal favorites that haven't made it onto the show yet. If you want to give feedback on this or for future episodes, reach out to me at [email protected].
This week’s drink is a fabulous rosé from none other than the Duchess of Sussex herself, Meghan Markle! I’ll also be sharing a tasting video on Instagram, so stay tuned!
No show notes this week—I really want you to listen to the episode in full, so I won’t be listing the books just yet. But don’t worry, I’ll share that list closer to the holiday season!
And if you haven’t registered yet, don’t miss my live event on Tuesday, October 28 at M.M.LaFleur Georgetown! I’ll be interviewing Ally Kirkpatrick, owner of Old Town Books, and it’s going to be a delightful and fun evening!
Date: Tuesday, October 28
Time: 6-8 PM
Location: M.M.LaFleur, 1344 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC
What to expect:
- Drinks & light bites before & after the recording
- Shop M.M.LaFleur’s cozy fall collection at 15% off
- Browse our in-store library curated by Old Town Books
RSVP & more details: https://luma.com/hbsnu98y
Enjoy the episode!
Podcast reviews
Read Drinks in the Library podcast reviews
It’s a History Podcast 2024/12/20
What’s better than books??
Gigi hosts a great show that allows her guests to really highlight what they love about their favorite books! And she also has a fun drink to pair wit...
OneTaker 2024/10/30
Focused and Fun!
What more could you want? Gigi does an excellent job of discussing a book with a guest: listeners get insightful thoughts about a particular work.
SB934 2024/05/29
The best book podcast there is!
I love learning about new books and all sorts of interesting facts about them. Gigi is a wonderful host and listening to her and her guests is a highl...
megg_12344 2024/03/05
A very fun, enjoyable listen!
Gigi is a wonderful podcast host. She is funny and intriguing. This pod is a favorite part of my week and I look forward to each new episode. It is a ...
Psmithez 2024/02/19
like the trailer
sounds like a unique way to learn new things about books that you already have read or may want to read. I’m intrigued.
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