BBE Reads Memoirs

Or, How To Learn From Other People's Mistakes

When I started this podcast, I asked my bestie Denise to be my first guest. It was a no-brainer: we talk books nonstop, so I knew she had incredible taste in books. She’s a kind person, so I knew that she’d forgive any awkwardness or mistakes. And she makes me laugh more than just about anyone else I know, so I knew we’d have fun.

Denise is a memoir junkie, so she chose a book that we had already read and talked about in real life. That conversation with her gave me the confidence to continue on with the podcast, and a lot of people have chosen memoirs as their favorite books since.

• 002 Denise Massar on “Mothers of Sparta” by Dawn Davies

• 023 Marci Calabretta Cancio-Bello on “The Magical Language of Others” by E.J. Koh

• 038 Jennifer Madrid Rosales on “A Cup of Water Under My Bed” by Daisy Hernandez

• 042 Christophe Zajac-Denek on “Little Legs, Big Heart” by Kristen DeAndrade

• 051 Jhoanna Belfer on “The Body Papers” by Grace Talusan

• 053 Swetha Nisthala on “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert

• 055 Ashley Shannon on “Furiously Happy” by Jenny Lawson

• 058 Mark Lefebvre on “Traveling Music” by Neil Peart

• 066 Marianne Reiner on “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson

• 071 Jeremy Patlen on “Just Kids” by Patti Smith

• 088 Margit Sperling on “Me Talk Pretty One Day” by David Sedaris

• 090 Jerry Fu on “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand

• 097 Lizbeth Meredith on “What Comes Next and How to Like It” by Abigail Thomas

• 099 Kelly Pollock on “All That She Carried” by Tiya Miles

• 110 Jasmine Vyas on “Tastes Like War” by Grace M. Cho

• 114 Victoria Snow on “Hidden Valley Road” by Robert Kolker

• 121 Brina Patel on “Between Two Kingdoms” by Suleika Jaouad

• 124 Skye Pratt Epperson on “Educated” by Tara Westover

Julie’s Current Read:

I’m on vacation with my family this week. Gone for 7 days, so I brought 8 books. But at this very moment, I’m working on Banyan Moon by Thao Thai. I got this from Book of the Month, and I’m weirdly proud that this is one of the first times since I’ve had a BOTM membership that I started one of my monthly books fairly soon after I ordered it. Look at that! I didn’t leave it on my shelf for two years! Who would have thought?

Julie’s Current Listen:

Both my mom (fiction junkie) AND my dad (history/nonfiction buff) recommended Horse by Geraldine Brooks to me. If it captures both of their interest, you know it’s something special. I’ve read a lot of Geraldine Brooks before, but this is my first of hers on audio, and so far I’m really loving it. I wanted something immersive and engaging for the trip, and no one can weave a story like Brooks does.

Julie’s Current Obsession:

Mole Verde

My god, is there anything better than Mexican food?

No, there is not. I have never been unhappy in Mexico, or while eating Mexican food.

I’ve been trying to make authentic mole at home, with only middling results so far. But I am determined! My current obsession is green mole, which is brighter and a bit lighter than the darker sauces. I am particularly fond of this green one, which highlights summer tomatillos.