We're back! No guest for this month's YNGR, so Hannah and I are taking a look at some books we're excited to read this summer. HannahThe Roanoke Girls - Amy EngelConfessions - Kanae Minato, Stephen SnyderPerks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen ChobskyFourth Wing - Rebecca YarrosThe Husband’s Secret - Liane MoriartyYou Shouldn’t Have Come Here - Jeneva RoseJA Boy and His Dog at the End of the World - C.A. FletcherDogs of War - Adrian TchakovskyTell Me an Ending - Jo HarkinWayward - Chuck WendigThe Ferryman - Justin CroninChildren of Memory - Adrian TchaikovskyConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

Welcome to Chapter 41! My guest is J.J. Johnson, a husband, father, podcaster, and Award Winning Middle-Grade author. He grew up in Pryor Oklahoma, attended Oklahoma Baptist University where he majored in Theology. He now lives in Edmond with his wife and two boys who are commonly known online as - Hobbit 1 and Hobbit 2.J.J. and I talk about his award-winning Iggy and Oz series and his passion for writing books that connect with middle-grade boys. We also talk about being an independent author and how J.J. integrates his faith into his work for both kids and adults. Connect with J.J.: website | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramMentioned on the Show:Bobbsey Twins - Laura Lee HopeHardy Boys - Franklin W. DixonTrapped in Death Cave - Bill WallaceDanger on Panther Peak - Bill WallaceWheel of Time - Robert JordanRealm MakersDiary of a Wimpy Kid - Jeff KinneyGoosebumps - R. L. SteinI Survived series - Lauren TarshisKim VentrellaCharlotte's Web - E.B. WhiteRay BradburyDark Tower Series - Stephen KingDead Zone - Stephen KingThe Long Walk - Stephen KingOld Man's War - John ScalziMistborn Trilogy - Brandon SandersonFahrenheit 451 - Ray BradburyHeir to the Empire - Timothy ZahnConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

J and Hannah are joined by Aubrey Stanley, a Bookstagrammer who is part of The Bookish BFFs. Connect with Aubrey: BookishBFFs Connect with Hannah: website | Twitter | Instagram Bookcast conversation with Hannah about The Ashford House.AubreyThe Man Who Died Twice - Richard OsmanThe Thursday Murder Club - Richard OsmanNever Lie - Freda McFaddenDon’t You Cry - Mary KubicaHannahWhen All the Girls Have Gone - Jayne Ann KrentzFrankenstein - Mary ShelleyThe Echo Wife - Sarah GaileyMurder On the Orient Express - Agatha ChristieJ The Ashford House - Hannah Joy HerronSand - Hugh HoweyThe Nickel Boys - Colson WhiteheadWatchmen - Alan Moore and Dave GibbonsConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

We're talking about the Oklahoma Center for the Book and the Oklahoma Book Awards with OCB Executive Director, Connie Armstrong. Connie has led the Center since 2009. She holds degrees in history and political sciences from the University of Oklahoma and the University of Central Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Center for the Book is a state affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, and is organized to focus attention on the vital role of books and reading in our lives. The Center promotes the past, current, and future works of Oklahoma authors; promotes the literary heritage of the state; and encourages reading for pleasure by Oklahomans of all ages.In our conversation we talk about the work of the Center and the upcoming Awards, being held on April 22.Connect with the Center for the Book: website | Twitter | FacebookI’m taking a few episodes to highlight some other bookish podcasts by inviting hosts to provide reviews. Our review for this episode comes from Pamela Wilson, host of the Picky Bookworm, a podcast aimed at introducing lesser-known authors to the world through weekly chats. Pamela also owns The Picky Bookworm, a website dedicated to promotion of indie books, and editing and proofreading services. Her dream is to have a community where authors and bloggers alike can feel supported and encouraged. Pamela reviews Falling Through The Weaving by Leia Talon.Connect with Pamela: website | Twitter | InstagramMentioned on the show:The Boy Who Carried Bricks - Alton CarterHannah E. HarrisonS.E. HintonRalph EllisonAlexander Lawrence PoseyWoody GuthrieAngie DeboJohn BerrymanLynn RiggsDr. H. Wayne MorganMuriel WrightErrol GibsonToni HillermanRilla AskewBob BurkeSheldon RussellMichael WallaceAll that is Wicked - Kate Winkler DawsonSherlock HolmesBarker & Llewelyn Novels - Will ThomasConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

Welcome to Volume Four of Behind the Rain: An Audio Anthology of Oklahoma Poetry.I'm excited to share with you the work of these 11 Oklahoma poets. Open Mic Night - Kara LisaSoft As Cotton - Brand RackleyInstagram: @brandrackley The Honesty of Grief - Alannah BenaeInstagram: @alannah_benaeSome Days - Sally HochInstagram: @sallyhochwriterCabin - David JenningsWebsite: davidjenningsartinphotographyandpoetry.comChrono - MAC WoodsInstagram: @mac_since1985Forever - Shy NortonInstagram: @shylascribblesartHeart of the House - Breanne LynnettInstagram: @breannelynnettCartridge - Thomas JuarezWebsite: thomasjuarez.comTwitter: @thomasj66714281Wildflowers at Dusk - Ken HadaTwitter: @KhadakhadaKenWebsite: kenhada.orgStillwater and Muffled Underwater Thoughts - Ruth KeyWebsite: thesouljar.blogspot.comIf you'd like to submit a poem for consideration for Volume Five of Behind the Rain (releasing July 14, 2023), visit okiebookcast.com/behindtherain for details.Connect with the Bookcast @okiebookcast on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more Oklahoma voices. Connect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

I'm really excited to interview my Your Next Great Read cohost and favorite oldest daughter, Hannah Herron for this chapter of the Bookcast! Hannah has a new book coming out this month - The Ashford House - so this felt like the perfect time for a conversation about her work. Hannah is an author, screenwriter, and educator from Norman, Oklahoma. She’s written two books - Sleep Tight and Awake, the latter of which was an Oklahoma best seller, and her latest book The Ashford House releases on April 18. In addition to her novels, Hannah has written a screenplay called Sawtooth that was honored at the 2022 Broadcast Education Association in the feature film screenwriting category.  In our conversation we talk about her interest in writing horror and thrillers, as well as her work across other genres. We talk about the new book and Hannah also shares things she’s learned about her own writing from teaching others. Connect with Hannah: website | Twitter | InstagramOur review for this episode comes from my fellow bookish podcaster, Raye, host of Being Bookish, a great podcast featuring reviews and conversations with authors. She describes herself as an Avid reader and book collector who reads anything but thrillers. Raye reviews Circe by Madeline Miller. Connect with Raye: website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTokMentioned on the Show:Awake - Hannah Joy HallStephen KingPaul TremblayRiley SagerRuth WareChronicles of Narnia - C.S. LewisThe Haunting of Hill House - Shirley JacksonBeing Bookish podcastCirce - Madeline MillerConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

Hannah and J are joined by OKC Bookstagrammer, Melissa Coast (AKA stickynote_bookrecs on Instagram). The conversation ranges from haunted houses to classic sci-fi to some surprise romance entries. As always, something for everyone. We also have a special announcement from Hannah about her new book - The Ashford House - coming April 18!Connect with Hannah: website | Twitter | InstagramBooks discussed on the show:MelissaI, Robot - Isaac AsimovThe Vanishing Half - Brit BennettWhat Follows Is True: Crescent Hotel - Sean FitzgibbonGregor the Overlander - Suzanne CollinsHannahCrazy Rich Asians - Kevin KwanHome Before Dark - Riley SagerAnatomy: A Love Story - Dana SchwartzAnd Then There Were None - Agatha ChristieJI Am All Crying Inside: and Other Stories - Clifford D. SimakHow to Sell a Haunted House - Grady HendrixHyperion - Dan SimmonsPatriot Games - Tom ClancyConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

Chapter 38 finds me in Crescent, OK at Paper Pages Bookstore talking with owner Karen Payne. Paper Pages is a fantastic store featuring a wide variety of books, as well as gifts and locally-sourced pastries and coffee. In our conversation we talk about the role of the store in the community, Karen's commitment to supporting local vendors and authors, and the joys and challenges of owning a store in a smaller community.Connect with Paper Pages: Facebook | Instagram | TikTokCheck out pictures of the store.For our review this episode, I'm revisiting one of my favorite reads of 2022 - Oscar Hokeah's Calling for a Blanket Dance - winner of the 2023 Pen/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel. You'll hear Oscar talking about his novel from our conversation in Chapter 25 and then a few comments from me from the September edition of Your Next Great Read. Listen to the full interview with Oscar.Listen to the September YNGR.Mentioned on the show:Anne of Green Gables - L.M. MontgomeryOutlander - Diana GabaldonThe Baptist Bootlegger - Nicholas LyonVerity - Colleen HooverFinlay Donavan Series - Elle CosimanoThe Nightingale - Kristin HannahCalling for a Blanket Dance - Oscar HokeahPaper Pages Vendors:Quincy Bake ShopRural Route Coffee RoastersKelsey's PensSerendipity PotteryConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

Chapter 37 of the Bookcast focuses on the Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc. - a non‑profit federation of writers' groups from across Oklahoma and beyond dedicated to promoting higher standards for the written word. I sat down with Nick Lyon (President) and Bre Lockhart (Conference Coordinator) about OWFI and it's mission and the upcoming conference. Connect with OWFI: website | FacebookNicholas Lyon is the author of the historical novel The Baptist Bootlegger and current president of the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. For his day job, he teaches English to high school students who would rather be on TikTok. He is also a woodturner and musician. He lives with his wife and two kids in Guthrie, OK.Connect with Nick: website | Twitter | FacebookBre Lockhart is a fantasy and sci-fi author with pen names in the genres of mystery and poetry. She’s also a fiction editor, an admin for Tulsa Writers Syndicate,  a writer for Indie Author Magazine, and the conference coordinator for OWFI. Connect with Bre: website | Facebook | TwitterOur review for this episode comes from Bookcast guest and friend of the show, Betsey Kulakowski. Betsey is the best-selling author of The Veritas Codex paranormal thriller series. Her 5th book in the Series, The Lost Templar was released in December of 2022, and she's preparing for the spring launch of the 6th book -- The Pirate's Curse.  Betsey reviews Stranger in the Woods by Anni Taylor.Connect with Betsey: website | Instagram My book is available for preorder on Kindle! Order now and get yours when it drops on March 14!God Help Me! I'm a Young DadMentioned on the show:Paper Pages BooksDear Writer, You Need to Quit - Becca SymeFirst Blood - David MorrellHow to Sell a Haunted House - Grady HendrixJosh MalermanMy Heart is a Chainsaw - Stephen Graham JonesStephen KingNeil GaimanTao WongMatt DinnimanDawn ChapmanReady Player One - Ernest ClineLance HawvermaleLord of the Rings - J.R.R. TolkienSilence of the Lambs - Thomas HarrisConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

Our guest for this month's YNGR is Mel Odom. Mel is the author of over 200 novels and is a professor in the Professional Writing department at the University of Oklahoma. He's also a Bookcast alum, appearing on Chapter 4 of the show way back in 2021.Listen to chapter 4 of the Bookcast. Be sure to stay through the end of the conversation for a big announcement!Connect with Mel: website | FacebookConnect with Hannah: website | Twitter | InstagramBooks Discussed on the Show:MelThe Girl From Everywhere - Heidi HeiligSleep No More - Jane Ann KrentzThe Never Game - Jeffery DeaverThe Gray Man - Mark GreaneyHannahDead Silence - S.A. BarnesBook Lovers - Emily HenryLocal Woman Missing - Mary KubicaShutter Island - Dennis LaHaneJThe Book of Accidents - Chuck WendigThe Handmaid's Tale - Margaret AtwoodShutter - Ramona EmersonThe Children of Men - P. D. JamesConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

My guest for Chapter 36 is author, historian, and attorney Bob Burke. Bob has written over 150 books about Oklahoma and Oklahomans, ranging from topics like The Oklahoma City Bombing to the Oklahoma State Fair to Oklahoma legends like Wiley Post and Ralph Ellison. Bob is a 3-time winner of the Oklahoma Book Award, received  the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oklahoma Center for the Book, and has been inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame, and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Bob and I talk about his interest in Oklahoma, his passion for writing biographies, his extensive writing process and working with co-authors. I also got to hear a ton of stories from Bob about everything from baseball to Donald Duck. Connect with Bob: website | FacebookOur review  is from Sheeva Azma, Sheeva is a freelance science writer, digital and strategic communicator, and science policy wonk who merges her interests in science, writing, and policy to solve hard problems through effective messaging with her science communications company, Fancy Comma, LLC. She is a scientist turned science writer who has written two books designed to encourage scientists to try their hand at science writing. Sheeva reviews Who Can Hold the Sea by by James D. Hornfischer. Connect with Sheeva: website | TwitterMentioned on the show:Typically I try to include all of the books mentioned, but Bob talked about so many different books and projects that it seemed best to point you to his catalog. Books by Bob BurkeDavid McCulloughConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

Love fantasy stories and dragons? Then I've got the conversation for you!My guest, Kathryn Fogleman-White, describes herself as Keeper of Dragons, and lover of coffee.  As a Master Storyteller, Kathryn believes in providing quality books that give readers a chance to pause and take a brain break from the rest of the world. She the author of the Tales of the Wovlen series of novels and co-author of Books 4 and 5 of the Heroes of Ravenford series. As a writing coach, Kathryn believes that authors - published and aspiring - should never feel alone in their writing.  We cover a lot of ground in our conversation, talking about her unique approach to writing, working on her first novel at 10 years old, and of course, dragons. Connect with Kathryn: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookOur review today comes from Nicholas Lyon.  Nicholas is the author of the recently published novel The Baptist Bootlegger about a Baptist preacher bootlegging hooch in 1950's Oklahoma. He is also the current president for the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. and a high school English teacher. He lives in Oklahoma with his wife and two boys. Nicholas reviews The Discretionist by Lance Hawvermale.Connect with Nicholas: Twitter | FacebookMentioned on the Show:Eragon - Christopher PaoliniDragonheartThe Hobbit - J.R.R. TolkienTales of the Wovlen - Kathryn FoglemanNigel Andreola - Starry Night MediaHeroes of Ravenford - F. P. SpiritDr. Caroline LeafDr. John TownsendDr. Henry CloudLord of the Rings - J.R.R. TolkienThe Baptist Bootlegger - Nicholas LyonThe Discretionist - Lance HawvermaleConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

Welcome to the January edition of Your Next Great Read! Hannah and I are joined by Oklahoma author Jamie (J. L.) Hyde to talk about the books we're loving and why you might love them too! Plenty of thrillers and true-crime this month, with other great books thrown in as well. Connect with Jamie: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTokPurchase Jamie's books: jlhyde.com/booksConnect with Hannah: website | Twitter | InstagramBooks discussed on the show:JamieThe Turn of the Key - Ruth WareLessons in Chemistry - Bonnie GarmusAll Good People Here - Ashley FlowersMurder In Greenwich: Who Killed Martha Moxley? - Mark FuhrmanHannahThe Pale Blue Eye - Louis BayardFairy Tale - Stephen KingMurder at Archly Manor - Sarah RosettThe Stranger Beside Me - Ann RuleJSurrender: 40 Songs, One Story - BonoAll Systems Red - Martha WellsGone Tomorrow - Lee ChildIn Cold Blood - Truman CapoteConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

Welcome to Chapter 34! I had the joy of talking with Andrew Berzanskis, Editorial Director for the University of Oklahoma Press. Andrew has worked in publishing for two decades, during which his work involved acquiring books for the University of Washington Press, West Virginia University Press, and the University of Georgia Press. He got his start in university press publishing through an editorial fellowship at the University of Texas Press. In our conversation, you’ll learn about the mission of OU Press and some of the similarities and differences between university presses and the larger commercial publishers. We also talk about the kinds of books featured by OU Press and Andrew walks through the publication process from acquisition to production, including some incredible advice for authors interested in working with these presses.Connect with Andrew and OU Press: Website | Andrew on Twitter | OU Press on TwitterDoing something a little different with the review this month. The book is Rilla Askew's Prize for the Fire, reviewed by Rilla (giving a synopsis of the book from Chapter 30 of the show) and me providing a short review (from the November episode of Your Next Great Read).Mentioned on the show:Prize for the Fire - Rilla AskewThe Good Country: A History of the American Midwest, 1800-1900 - Jon LauckA Promise Kept: The Muscogee (Creek) Nation and McGirt v. Oklahoma - Robert J. Miller and Robbie EthridgeBrandon HobsonJoy HarjoSanora BabbWay I See It - Wampus ReynoldsPekolah Stories - Amanda BalesGarth Brooks: The Road Out of Santa Fe - Matt O'MeiliaWoody GuthrieLiterati Press Comics and NovelsMagic City BooksFull Circle BooksMusic by JuliusHConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

Welcome to Volume Three of Behind the Rain: An Audio Anthology of Oklahoma Poetry. I'm excited to share with you the work of these 11 Oklahoma poets. Darkness Comes to Me - Ken HadaTwitter: @KhadakhadaKenWebsite: kenhada.orgOld Car - David JenningsWebsite: davidjenningsartinphotographyandpoetry.comEstelle and Rain in the Forecast - Ruth KeyWebsite: thesouljar.blogspot.comA Circle Seen from all Sides - Caleb JordanTwitter: @gkmonthlySelections from A Wichita Mountains Ontology - Seth CopelandTwitter: @SethTCopelandWebsite: https://neutralspaces.co/seth_t_copeland/Preservation - Brand RackleyInstagram: @brandrackley to do list - Nicholas AllenTwitter: @nallenwritesWebsite: nallenwrites.comNo, Thank You - Shayla RaquelInstagram: @shaylaleeraquelWebsite: shaylaraquel.comThe Ghosts Still Live Here - Durell CarterInstagram: @DurellrcCicadas and Sycamores - Thomas JuarezTwitter: @thomasj66714281Remembering Oklahoma - Linda Neal ReisingTwitter: @nealreisingIf you'd like to submit a poem for consideration for Volume Four of Behind the Rain (releasing April 15, 2023), visit okiebookcast.com/behindtherain for details.Connect with the Bookcast @okiebookcast on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more Oklahoma voices. Connect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

As we turn the calendar over to 2023, some of my former guests and reviewers have checked in for this special "Where Are They Now?" episode of the Bookcast. I've included each guest's name and the episodes where you can hear more from them, as well as a link to their websites. Enjoy this opportunity to catch up with these friends!Charles J. Martin - Chapter 1literatipressok.comBetsey Kulakowski - Chapter 27authorbetseykulakowski.comDebra Chandler - Chapter 3dechandlerwrites.comMark Edward Jones - Chapter 2mejbooksllc.comHannah Herron - Chapter 1hannahjoyherron.comAmy M. Le - Chapter 2quillhawkpublishing.comJerry Bennett - Chapter 19thejerrybennett.comAmy Prokopis - Chapter 17amyprokopis.comGinny Myers Sain - Chapter 7ginnymyerssain.comConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

It's the year-end edition of Your Next Great Read. No guest this month so Hannah and I took a few minutes to talk about our favorite and least favorite reads from this year as well as our regular conversation about what we're reading and why you might enjoy it too. Remember - you can purchase all the books mentioned on the show through the links below or by visiting the Next Great Read store on Bookshop.org.Connect with Hannah: website | Twitter | InstagramHannahBest of the Year:  Project Hail Mary - Andy WeirLeave No Trace - Mindy MejiaThe Power - Naomi AldermanVerity - Coleen HooverInto the Water - Paula HawkinsJBest of the Year: Dead Silence - S.A. BarnesBlowback - James Patterson and Brendan DuBoisThe Invention of Sound - Chuck PalahniukWe Could Be Heroes - Mike ChenTime and Again - Clifford D. SimakOther books mentionedThe Martian - Andy WeirResurrection Day - Brendan DuBoisEverything You Want Me to Be - Mindy MejiaFight Club - Chuck PalahniukThe Girl on the Train - Paula HawkinsCity - Clifford D. SimakWay Station - Clifford D. SimakConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

It's Chapter 32 of the Okie Bookcast!Today I talk with Kylar Merrell, comic writer and artist and the driving force behind Foreign Press Comics - an Oklahoma-based publisher. Kylar has created several titles, including Terminal, Valkyrian, and his contributions to the newly released Fletcher Cross anthology. He's also the host of the Comics Unscripted podcast. He describes himself as a fifth grade science teacher by day and a comic creator and publisher by night. We have a great time talking about the world of independent comics, but also about the creative process and the cool ways in which Kylar is using Foreign Press Comics to bring artists together.Connect with Kylar: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website | PodcastOur reviewer for this episode is John-Eric Osborn. Eric is a comic artist and creator whose work includes one of my favorite comics - We Promised Utopia - and one of my Next Great Read cohost Hannah’s favorites - Hiro Doggie: Space Corgi. Eric is reviewing Desolation Jones by Warren Ellis and J.H. Williams. Connect with Eric: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | WebsiteMentioned on the show:DC New 52Francis ManapulAdora and the Distance - Mark Bernadin, Ariela Kristantina (Illustrator)  and Bryan Valenza (Illustrator) Pandemics in Panels - Foreign Press ComicsFletcher Cross - Foreign Press ComicsSoonerConNew World ComicConNew World ComicsNew Star ComicsThe Rez Detectives: Justice Served Cold - Steven Paul Judd (Author), Tvli Jacob (Author),  M. K. Perker (Illustrator) Heathen - Natasha AltericiBlankets - Craig ThompsonSkim - Mariko Tamaki and Jillian TamakiFun Home - Alison BechdelComics Unscripted PodcastConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

It's Chapter 31 of the Okie Bookcast!My guest is award-winning children's author, Mariana Llanos. Mariana is a Peruvian-born writer of children’s books who has lived in Oklahoma since 2002 and started her publishing career in 2013 with her book Tristan Wolf. She is the author of 12 published books, the latest of which, Run Little Chaski, an Inka Trail Adventure, won the 2022 Oklahoma Book Award in the children’s books category. She also recently released an audio story titled Qoritika and the Three Alpacas, produced by Sony Music Entertainment. Connect with Mariana: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website Our review comes from June Coleman. June is a retired Language Arts teacher from Yukon. Always wanting to write a book, reading about Fred Rogers caught her attention when he wrote, “Let some word that is heard be yours.”  June says we are never too old to change our trajectory; but we must be willing to step WAY OUT of our comfort zones. So, she did just that in releasing her debut Christian children’s book “Introducing Joyfull Lee” for ages 5-9.  Her purpose was to promote reading and show children what forgiveness and grace looks like in a world somewhat lacking in both.  June says that chocolate won’t solve many problems, but it’s a fine place to start.June reviews 96 Miles by J. L. Esplin.Connect with June: Instagram | Facebook Mentioned on the Show:Run Little Chaski - Mariana LlanosRun Little Chaski song in English and SpanishQoritika and the Three Alpacas - Mariana LlanosLatinX PitchSCBWIThe Last Cuentista - Donna Barba HigueraSinging with Elephants - Margarita EngelIntroducing Joyfull Lee - June Coleman96 Miles - J. L. EsplinMusic by JuliusHConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH

It's a family affair on Your Next Great Read! Co-hosts J Hall and Hannah Joy Herron are joined by special guest, Susan Hall (J's Mom and Hannah's Grammie). We're talking about what we're reading, why we love it, and why you might love it, too.We've got something for everyone in this conversation - children's books, comics, thrillers, historical fiction, and more. Remember - you can purchase all the books mentioned on the show through the links below or by visiting the Next Great Read store on Bookshop.org.Connect with Hannah: website | Twitter | InstagramSusanHer Hidden Genius - Marie BenedictThe Boys from Biloxi - John GrishamHorse - Geraldine BrooksGiraffes Can’t Dance - Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-ReesHannahThe Missing - C L TaylorWhat Alice Forgot - Laine MoriartyDark Places - Gillian FlynnHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone - J. K. RowlingJHeat 2 - Michael Mann and Meg GardinerPrize for the Fire - Rilla AskewGlamorella’s Daughter - Bennett and MartinEncyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective - Donald J. SobolConnect with J: website | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookShop the Bookcast on Bookshop.orgMusic by JuliusH