Meg's Reading Room

Welcome to Meg's Reading Room! I'm so glad you're here. On this podcast, I share personal and comforting conversations with writers and bookish friends as we reflect on our reading lives. We share the stories we're loving, but also the stories we're living. I hope this time together can be a soft place to land in the middle of your week. Welcome in!

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20 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Ep 137: Living a Dog-Eared Reading Life with Jess Sporaa / Dog-Eared Books
Welcome in! On today's episode, I'm joined by Jess Sporaa (@bibliophage.jess). Jess is a self-proclaimed midlife mom of four and bookseller at the cozy Dog-Eared Books in Ames, Iowa. In our conversation, Jess shares how spending her days in a bookstore has changed her reading life and how she's discovering her personal style off the page. Mentioned in this episode: Dog-Eared Books Shatter Me Fur-Ocious Readers The Sweet Spot HeartLand The Secret Bookstore Sleuth Society Catch the Devil Project Hail Mary Legends & Lattes Lonesome Dove Chunky Classics Book Club It's Hard to Be an Animal The Road to Tender Hearts Remarkably Bright Creatures Poets Square The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Good Joy, Bad Joy Creepy Kid Sipsworth A Pair of Aces Christina Lauren We the Women Domino Style Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom Connect with Jess on Instagram @bibliophage.jess Connect with Dog-Eared Books on Instagram @dogearedbooksames
Wednesday · 48 min
Ep 136: 2026 Mid-Year Check In with Amy and Jeannie
Welcome in, friends. On this week's episode, I'm joined by Amy (@livingwellread) and Jeannie (@reidallday) to discuss our reading lives and favorite books so far this year. Jeannie: The Burning Side A House to Call Home The House of Hidden Letters Amy: Writers & Lovers Lady Tremaine A Tale of Two Cities Meg: Glaciers Dolly All the Time The Top of the World Shared favorite: Whistler Also mentioned in this episode: Beth is Dead The Reservation Birdy Heart the Lover From the Front Porch Podcast Ep 576: What Would the March Sisters Read? Read Aloud Revival Podcast Roots and Sky: A Journey Home in Four Seasons Farmhouse The Little House Let's Go Home: The Wonderful Things About a House Kin This is Not About Us Yesteryear Nora Goes Off Script John Mayer / You Can Depend on Me All the Colors of the Dark What Grows in Weary Lands: On Christian Resilience Great Expectations East of Eden Bleak House Conquer a Classic / The Bookshelf These Precious Days Tom Lake This is a Story of a Happy Marriage Ann Patchett on Poured Over The Borrowers The Penderwicks The Fatal Unpleasantness at Netherfield: A Novel The Murder of Mr. Wickham Sanditon The Complete Stories: Flannery O'Connor The Other Bennet Sister The Other Bennet Sister / BritBox California or Dust Light and Air Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom Connect with Amy on Instagram @livingwellread Connect with Jeannie on Instagram @reidallday
July 15 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep 135: Writing a Wonderful Life with Ethan Joella (THE TOP OF THE WORLD)
Welcome in! One of my favorite authors and book friends, Ethan Joella returns to my reading room to discuss his newest novel, THE TOP OF THE WORLD. Mentioned in this episode: The Top of the World The Ferryman's Wife Heart the Lover The Things We Never Say The Reservation I'll Come to You Whistler Home of the American Circus It's a Wonderful Life Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom Connect with Ethan on Instagram @joellawriting
July 1 · 48 min
Ep 134: Diving Deep Into the Love of Reading with Meg Medina (GRACIELA IN THE ABYSS)
It's a true "Meg's" Reading Room today! In this episode, I'm joined by award-winning and New York Times best-selling author, Meg Medina to discuss her middle grade fantasy novel, GRACIELA IN THE ABYSS -- releasing in paperback on July 7th by Candlewick Press! Meg is a Newbery Medalist, served as the 2023-2024 National Ambassador of Young People’s Literature, and has written beloved books for kids of all ages. In our conversation, Meg shares about GRACIELA IN THE ABYSS and how this story stayed and grew with her over time. We also discuss Meg's writing life in this season, the books she's excited about, why she loves celebrating new authors, and how we can create more ease in our reading lives -- especially in the summer. Meg is a champion of writers, a cheerleader of readers, and celebrates stories in a way that is so inspiring to me. I'm so honored to be able to share her warmth and wisdom with you today. Welcome in! Mentioned in this episode: Graciela in the Abyss (Paperback) Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away Whalefall Balbusso Twins Lighthouse Ladies: Shining a Spotlight on Hardy Heroines A Boy Called Bat Queso, Just in Time The Lion's Run The New Girl Roxie in Color Land Gabby Torres Gets a Billion Followers It's All of Nothing, Vale Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom Connect with Meg on Instagram @megmedinabooks Sign up for Meg's newsletter: Sobremesa ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
June 24 · 1 hr 6 min
Ep 133: Taking a Chance on Your Dreams with Wendy Lu (CASTING APRIL)
Welcome in, friends. On today's episode, I'm joined by children's book author and award-winning disability journalist, Wendy Lu to discuss her debut middle grade novel, Casting April. Mentioned in this episode: Casting April A Wrinkle in Time Yellowface The Wrong Way Home American Girl Series Ep 125: Celebrating 40 Years of American Girl with Valerie Tripp Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom Connect with Wendy on Instagram @wendyluwrites ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
June 17 · 52 min
Ep 132: Renovating My Reading Life
Welcome in, friends. On today's episode, I'm sharing how I'm renovating my reading life and making more room in this busy season. Mentioned in this episode: Annie Shelf Subscription (The Bookshelf) Libro.fm Libby App Breathing Room (Take a Moment) Ep 130 : Reading Through a Rut with Alex Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
June 10 · 21 min
Ep 131: Reading Like There's No Tomorrow with Paige Classey (ANNA-JANE AND THE ENDLESS SUMMER)
Welcome in, friends. On today's episode, I'm joined by author and school librarian, Paige Classey to discuss her debut middle grade novel in verse, ANNA-JANE AND THE ENDLESS SUMMER. Mentioned in this episode: Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer Hatchet Alone The Summer I Turned Pretty Series My Side of the Mountain I Survived Series Doe Boyle Station Eleven Dear America Series American Girl Series Ep 125: Celebrating 40 Years of American Girl with Valerie Tripp Out of the Dust A Long Way Down Shout The Book Thief SCBWI Surviving the Madisons All the Colors of the Dark Kill Creatures The Grace Year Ep 94: How Gilmore Girls Shapes a Life with Kristine Eckart (MEET ME AT LUKE'S) Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom Connect with Paige on Instagram @paigeclassey ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
June 3 · 42 min
BONUS: Mommy's Reading Room (HOME FOR A BUNNY)
On this bonus episode of Meg's Reading Room, Mommy Meg and a very special guest read Home for a Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown. ~~ Music credit
May 27 · 3 min
Ep 130: Reading Through a Rut with Alex
Welcome in, friends. On today's episode, I'm joined by my husband and favorite public librarian, Alex to discuss his favorite books of the year (so far!) and how he's reading through burnout. Mentioned in this episode: Heart of Darkness Vigil Vigil / Audiobook Lincoln in the Bardo / Audiobook Football Angel Down Sacred and Terrible Air Thomas Pynchon All We Say Country People North Woods More of Alex on Meg's Reading Room: Ep 2: Interviewed by a Librarian Ep 21: New Year, Same Reader Ep 40: For the Love of Libraries Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
May 27 · 33 min
Ep 129: Small Creature, Big Dreams with Margi Preus (THE SHREW DETECTIVE: THE CASE OF THE PILFERED PEARLS)
Welcome in, friends. On today's episode, I'm joined by children's book author and Newbery Honor winner, Margi Preus to discuss her newest middle grade novel (and mystery series!), THE SHREW DETECTIVE: THE CASE OF THE PILFERED PEARLS. Mentioned in this episode: The Shrew Detective: The Case of the Pilfered Pearls Harriet the Spy Pippi Longstocking Island of the Blue Dolphins The Correspondent The Bell in the Lake This is Happiness Mary Oliver Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom Connect with Margi on Instagram @margipreus ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
May 20 · 34 min
BONUS: Breathing Room (Take a Moment)
Let's take a moment to breathe together this Maycember. Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
May 13 · 8 min
Ep 128: Your Motherhood is Poetry with Special Guests
Welcome in, friends. On today's episode, I'm joined by some of my favorite mothers to honor and celebrate the experience of motherhood through their beautiful poetry. Mentioned in this episode: Elysse Wagner @writtenbyelysse Shows Up Late With Coffee Megan Minutillo Weiner @meganminutillo Jennifer Shoop @magpiebyjenshoop Magpie by Jen Shoop Small Wonders Karen McMillan @mother_truths Mother Truths : Poems on Early Motherhood Katie Lowe @katielowewords Nicole Zwolinski @nicolezwrites Motherhead Kaylin Weir @kaylinwrites Allison Mei-Li @writtenbyallison A History of Holding: Poems on Motherhood Ep 115: Sharing What We're Holding Kate Aasa @kate_aasa_writes Reese Landry @reeselandrypoetry Hope, Love, and the Lack Thereof Jillian Stacia @jillianstacia Set the Bone Hannah Rosenberg @hannahrowrites Same Ep 20: Your Life is Poetry Ep 99: Catching Up with Hannah Rosenberg Rachel Beachy @rachelbeachywrites Tiny Universe Ep 47: The Poetry of Motherhood Ep 89: Living in the Mess and Wonder Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
May 8 · 20 min
Ep 127: Books Good Enough to Eat with Holly / BookCookLook
Welcome in, book friends! On today's episode, I'm joined by photographer, at-home cook, and devoted reader, Holly from @bookcooklook. Mentioned in this episode: Cutting for Stone This is Not About Us Anastasia Krupnik Lois Lowry The Guncle The Correspondent Meg's Reading Room Ep: 46 Virginia Evans Raising Hare Villa Coco Dolly All The Time Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom Connect with Holly on Instagram @bookcooklook ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
April 29 · 35 min
Ep 126: Being a Voice for Books and Libraries with Carol Ann Tack / Top Shelf Podcast
Happy National Library Week, book friends! On today's episode, I'm joined by librarian and Top Shelf podcast host, Carol Ann Tack. Mentioned in this episode: Top Shelf podcast Daunt Books Half Magic The Library Pros Lessons in Chemistry Hammered: The Fight of My Life A Tender Age Libby Hoopla Libro.fm The Doorman Good Neighbors Coyoteland Whistler Land Man Overboard The Shampoo Effect Kin The Bullet Swallower Swift River The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye Seascraper Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom Connect with Carol Ann on Instagram @carolanntack ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
April 22 · 46 min
Ep 125: Celebrating 40 Years of American Girl with Valerie Tripp
Welcome in, book friends! For my 125th episode, I’m SO EXCITED to share my conversation with one of my heroes in literature and life, Valerie Tripp! Valere is a prolific and beloved children’s book author – best known for her work with the American Girl book series. It’s very possible that she has shaped your childhood reading life through her incredible stories and characters – Felicity Merriman, Molly McIntire, Kit Kittredge, Josefina Montoya, Maryellen Larkin, and Samantha Parkington… just to name a few! In our conversation, we discuss how Valerie became the first voice trusted by Pleasant T. Rowland with Pleasant Company/American Girl, why Valerie and Pleasant were so inspired by books like Anne of Green Gables and Little Women where girls were the heroines and agents of change, how working with the artists, advisors, and product developers helped to bring the characters off the page, how the American Girls have walked with Valerie through the many eras and changes of her own life, what she thinks her characters would be standing and speaking up for today, and how she finds hope and courage through her love of history. Valerie also shares about her voracious reading life and why Eleanor Roosevelt became her lifelong mentor. This episode is a masterclass in storytelling and how the stories we love shape and sustain us through the many seasons of our lives. It’s also a celebration of Valerie’s legacy within an influential company, her devoted friendship and gratitude to Pleasant Rowland, and her treasured connection to her community of readers (her “alums”) who still hold onto the hope of her stories today. You may listen to this episode on Meg’s Reading Room (Ep. 125) wherever you listen to podcasts. I hope our conversation inspires you to celebrate the things that bring you joy, too. Mentioned in this episode: American Girl Pleasant T. Rowland Anne of Green Gables Little Women Understood Betsy The Sherwood Ring Janet Shaw Susan Adler Changes for Molly Nellie's Promise Really Truly Ruthie Very Funny, Elizabeth Brave Emily My Antonia Death Comes for the Archbishop Elizabeth Strout History Matters No Ordinary Time Charlotte's Web Essays of E.B. White Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
April 15 · 1 hr 28 min
Ep 124: Slowing Down What We Can with Grace P. Pouch (SAVORING CHILDHOOD: PRACTICAL WISDOM FOR SLOWING DOWN)
On today's episode, I'm joined by author, Grace P. Pouch to discuss her beautiful new book, SAVORING CHILDHOOD: Practical Wisdom for Slowing Down. Mentioned in this episode: Savoring Childhood: Practical Wisdom for Slowing Down Renovaré Life: A Love Story Little Women Catch Me & Kiss Me & Say It Again Mandie books My Side of the Mountain Jane Eyre The Great Divorce Sign of the Beaver Bridge to Terabithia The Fellowship of the Ring The Hobbit To Kill a Mockingbird The Serviceberry Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom Connect with Grace on Instagram @grace.pate.pouch ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
April 10 · 50 min
Ep 123: Writing a Tapestry of Place and Time with Bonnie Blaylock (THE WATER WOMEN)
On today's episode, I'm joined by author, Bonnie Blaylock to discuss her newest historical fiction novel, THE WATER WOMEN. Mentioned in this episode: The Water Women Bees in June Ep 81: Elizabeth Bass Parman Light to the Hills Just Ask Your Mom Podcast Body and Soul The Whalebone Theatre Isola This Is Not About Us The Black Stallion Series Dune Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom Connect with Bonnie on Instagram @blaybon ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
April 8 · 30 min
Ep 122: Writing Between Selves and Seasons with Tory Henwood Hoen (BEFORE I FORGET)
Welcome in! I'm so glad you're here with me. On today's episode, I'm joined by author, Tory Henwood Hoen to discuss her bestselling novel, BEFORE I FORGET. Mentioned in this episode: Before I Forget The Arc Dick Johnson is Dead The Correspondent / Audiobook Ep 46: Virginia Evans on Meg's Reading Room Lady Tremaine / Audiobook Broken Country / Audiobook This Story Might Save Your Life / Audiobook All Fours / Audiobook Before I Forget / Audiobook Barrie Kreinik CT Public Radio / Tory Henwood Hoen, Barrie Kreinik Big Red Barn Owl Babies Corduroy The Story of Ferdinand Eloise Matilda Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom Connect with Tory on Instagram @toryhenwoodhoen ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
April 3 · 38 min
Ep 121: The Layers of Luck, Loss, and Love with Kelly Cervantes (THE LUCKIEST)
This episode contains personal reflections on child loss, illness, grief, and marriage. Please listen with care. ~~ “We are all nesting dolls, carrying the earlier iterations of ourselves inside." - Maggie Smith On today's episode, I'm joined by USA Today Bestselling author and advocate, Kelly Cervantes, to discuss her powerful memoir, THE LUCKIEST: A Memoir of Love, Loss, Motherhood, and the Pursuit of Self. Mentioned in this episode: The Luckiest Maggie Smith Poet Normal Broken Hamilton CURE Epilepsy Joan Didion Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom Connect with Kelly on Instagram @kellygc411 ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
April 1 · 54 min
Ep 120: The Books That Keep Us Company with N. West Moss (BIRDY)
Welcome in! I'm so glad you're here with me. On today's episode, I'm joined by author, N. West Moss to discuss her debut middle grade novel, BIRDY. Mentioned in this episode: Birdy The Odyssey Tillerman Cycle series Harriet the Spy The Wizard of Oz David Copperfield Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin The Snow Child Small Things Like These Maniac McGee Star Girl The Long Winter The Serviceberry Support Meg's Reading Room buymeacoffee.com/megsreadingroompodcast I always hope our time together can be a soft place to land when you need it most. By supporting Meg's Reading Room, you're helping to keep our show running and our episodes AD free. Thank you for believing in the work we're doing and helping us to connect to more listeners like you. Connect with me on Instagram @megsreadingroom Connect with West on Instagram @nwestmoss ~~ Music credit: Clavin Clavier
March 25 · 53 min

Meg's Reading Room

Ep 137: Living a Dog-Eared Reading Life with Jess Sporaa / Dog-Eared Books

Ep 136: 2026 Mid-Year Check In with Amy and Jeannie

Ep 135: Writing a Wonderful Life with Ethan Joella (THE TOP OF THE WORLD)

Ep 134: Diving Deep Into the Love of Reading with Meg Medina (GRACIELA IN THE ABYSS)

Ep 133: Taking a Chance on Your Dreams with Wendy Lu (CASTING APRIL)

Ep 132: Renovating My Reading Life

Ep 131: Reading Like There's No Tomorrow with Paige Classey (ANNA-JANE AND THE ENDLESS SUMMER)

BONUS: Mommy's Reading Room (HOME FOR A BUNNY)

Ep 130: Reading Through a Rut with Alex

Ep 129: Small Creature, Big Dreams with Margi Preus (THE SHREW DETECTIVE: THE CASE OF THE PILFERED PEARLS)

BONUS: Breathing Room (Take a Moment)

Ep 128: Your Motherhood is Poetry with Special Guests

Ep 127: Books Good Enough to Eat with Holly / BookCookLook

Ep 126: Being a Voice for Books and Libraries with Carol Ann Tack / Top Shelf Podcast

Ep 125: Celebrating 40 Years of American Girl with Valerie Tripp

Ep 124: Slowing Down What We Can with Grace P. Pouch (SAVORING CHILDHOOD: PRACTICAL WISDOM FOR SLOWING DOWN)

Ep 123: Writing a Tapestry of Place and Time with Bonnie Blaylock (THE WATER WOMEN)

Ep 122: Writing Between Selves and Seasons with Tory Henwood Hoen (BEFORE I FORGET)

Ep 121: The Layers of Luck, Loss, and Love with Kelly Cervantes (THE LUCKIEST)

Ep 120: The Books That Keep Us Company with N. West Moss (BIRDY)