Run or show up: How books can help both

We all know that books can help us escape from the real world and can also show us how to show up in the world as our full selves. This episode celebrates both ends of that spectrum. Sally brings us some of her favorite quick horror novelas, the perfect escape this time of year. Knox then tells us about the impact the book Fat Girl Hike had on her. Finally, Ashley chats with Jayne Allen, author of the thoughtful holiday rom-com The Most Wonderful Time.

Small-Scale Fears of the Spooky Season (0:21)

Novellas are perfect for when you’re sick, for a read marathon, or when you’re completely overwhelmed by life and need a quick read to escape reality for a while. As the weather gets colder and we snuggle up into spooky season, Sally has some short, spooky books for you to read.

Fat Girl Hiking (6:18)

Nox shared a review of Fat Girl Hiking: An Inclusive Guide to the Outdoors for Any Body Size or Ability by Summer Michaud-Skog. Knox discussed how the book impacted her as a fat, disabled person of color. She shares some parts that really resonated and inspired her, as well as some that needed a little more depth. Overall, this book is highly recommended!

Identity, joy and travel with Jayne Allen (16:10)

In this spoiler-free conversation, Ashley and Jayne Allen discuss Jayne’s novel The Finest Hours, how it’s more than just a holiday novel, and how to navigate freshness and difficult conversations , bringing this story to life.

Books/Resources Mentioned

Haunting Sweet Home by Sarah Pinsker

Graveyard Shift by ML Rio

“Night of the Mannequin” by Stephen Graham Jones

“Half of Your Shadow Still Remains” by Sunny Moraine

Fat Girl Hiking by Summer Michaud-Skog

“The Best of Times” by Jayne Allen

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Follow Ashley: Instagram // twitter // website

Follow Jayne Allen: Instagram

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This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral lands of the Dakota people.

Original music from @agate rose

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