The Magic of Belonging in Found Family Books

SUPPORT MY WORK through Patreon!I’m thrilled to introduce you to our new contributor voice to the Book Gang podcast. Jessica Bearak is likely a familiar voice to you because she is such a loyal participant in so many book club spaces around the web. It was such a treat to meet her IN PERSON earlier this year, and after having the best time discussing our books together, I asked if she could picture herself sharing the microphone with me.  Learn more about Jessica’s reading life and the surprising destination I took her to when she visited that kickstarted our year together. We brainstormed many fun ideas for the days ahead but knew we needed to start things off with a magical hook.  What could be better to celebrate this occasion than a book stack filled with found family?  Today, we will dive into the concept of the found family trope and its significance in literature and our lives, especially around the holidays. From insights from past guests to the trivia we discovered about some of our favorite beloved stories, there is something for everyone in today’s introductory episode. I hope you feel compelled to share this episode and support our new voice today. Check out our BONUS “found family” book list that includes our favorite historical fiction, middle-grade novels, and even a dark psychological thriller with this theme. EDITOR'S NOTE- Thank you to Lynda Cohen Loigman for the gorgeous chat on The Matchmaker's Gift (accidentally missing from this morning's intro!!)Meet Jessica BearakJessica is a lifelong book lover who embarked on her literary journey at three, immersing herself in childhood classics like "The Velveteen Rabbit" and "The Phantom Tollbooth." Jessica actively participates in two in-person book clubs and many online discussions regularly. She has been an invaluable member of the MomAdvice Book Club and joins us as a regular contributing voice.Mentioned in this episode:Joining the Patreon community is an affordable way to support the show and gain access to a wealth of resources, including access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! The 2023 MomAdvice Book Club Books (thank you to EVERY AUTHOR who participated!)The Memoirs of Stockholm Sven by Nathaniel Ian MillerThe 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Books AnnouncedFound Family Trope Books to Read Now (BONUS BOOK LIST)The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery WilliamsFrom The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler by E.L KonigsburgThe Phantom Tollbooth by Norton JusterEncyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Mysterious Handprints by Donald J Sobol (includes the story Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Fighter Kite)Public Library of Saint Joseph CountyWhat Chosen Family Means and How to Build Your OwnMatt Cain’s Publishing Journey: The Secret Life of Albert EntwistleThe Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt CainThe Magic of Old Hollywood BooksThe Sunshine Girls by Molly FaderThe Second Life of Mirielle West by Amanda SkenandoreBest Books About Hollywood to Get Swept AwayMoloka’i by Alan BrennertDaughter of Moloka’i by Alan BrennertVera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q SutantoStrange Sally Diamond by Liz NugentHow to Use the Storygraph App For a Better Reading Life2023 Summer Reading GuideThe Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan GemeinhartCoyote Lost and Found by Dan GemeinhartThe Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen OakleyThe Spectacular Life Lessons from Books About Road TripsMosquitoland by David ArnoldThe Best Prime Reading Guide (FREE books, including The Second Life of Mirielle West)Amy’s Interview with Nathaniel Ian MillerThe Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh Shop the above (Amazon) links or through my Book Gang Bookshop Page!! They pay a 10% commission on every sale and match 10% to independent bookstores.Connect With Us:Get My Happy List NewsletterConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceConnect With Jessica on InstagramJoin the MomAdvice Book ClubShop Our Bookish Shirts to support the showBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)