1920s Historical Fiction and the Power of Knowing What You Don’t Like in Books with Jennifer S. Brown (E148)
In today’s episode, Jennifer S. Brown. Jennifer’s debut novel, Modern Girls, was a USA Today bestseller, a Massachusetts Book Award “Must Read,” and a 2016 Goodreads Choice semifinalist for Historical Fiction. She teaches writing, both in-person in the Boston area and online through the Loft Literary Center. She holds a BFA in film and television from NYU and an MFA in creative writing from the University of Washington. The Whisper Sister is her second novel.
In this episode, Jennifer shares her Book Flight featuring historical fiction novels set in the 1920s—an era rich with social change, cultural shifts and unforgettable stories. We also talk about the value of recognizing what you don’t like in books and how that awareness can guide your reading life.
Episode Highlights:
How Jennifer’s background in film influences her approach to writing fiction.
The significance of cultural and familial traditions in storytelling.
Why research is one of her favorite parts of the writing process.
The importance of being honest about what you don’t enjoy in a book.
How living in various parts of the U.S. shaped her.
The role of family support throughout her creative journey.
Connect with Jennifer:
Show Notes
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Books and authors mentioned in the episode:
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Iona Iverson’s Guide to Commuting by Clare Pooley
Shark Heart by Emily Habeck
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
Matrix by Lauren Groff
The Liar’s Gospel by Naomi Alderman
At the Wolf’s Table by Rosella Postorino
The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gillman
Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Dubois by Honore Fanonne Jeffers
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
James by Percival Everett
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Book Flight
The Girls at the Kingfisher Club by Genevieve
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!
