Drinks in the Library

Our book this week is An Object of Beauty, a novel released in 2010 by Steve Martin, chronicles the journey of the driven and charming Lacey Yeager as she navigates the New York art scene. Starting as an intern at Sotheby's, Lacey ascends to become a prominent gallery owner, revealing her questionable methods and the fluctuating dynamics of the art market from the 1990s to the present. Narrated by her friend Daniel, the story delves into themes of art, collecting, ambition, and social ambition within the art world, all infused with Martin's characteristic wit and dry humor.My guest this week is Amy Carleton, Ph D. She teaches in the Comparative Media Studies/Writing program at MIT and is the co-founder of Black Notes Project, a Charlotte, NC-based music festival and nonprofit, as well as the creator of Lecture Notes, a public humanities series (and now Substack!). Her research focuses on the behavioral economics of online communities and the intersection of race and digital culture. She is a recipient of the MIT Teaching With Digital Technology award, holds a graduate certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University, and was selected by the WikiEducation Foundation as a Wikipedia Black History Scholar. Find out more about Amy through her website TheAmyCarleton.comOur Drink this week is La Marca Prosecco, which is a popular offering at art galleries and showings. So sip some along with us as we dive into the art world of the 90s and 2000s!In this EpisodeWays of Seeing by John BergerBorn Standing Up by Steve MartinDavidson collegeExit Through the Gift Shop DocumentaryIsabella Stewart Garden Museum TheftThe Mint Museum Boston Museum of Fine ArtsBechtler Museum of Modern Art Harvey B. Gantt CenterInstitute of Contemporary ArtYour Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy RossNovant Health Art InitiativeVirginia Museum of Fine ArtsThe Story of Art Without Men by Katy HesselUnfinished: The Role of the Artist in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Lucas Cantor SantiagoA Little Life by Hanya YanagiharaRandom Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc Brookline BooksmithRJ Julia Bookstore

Happy New Year Libration Nation! We are kicking off the year with Heartbeat by Terreece M. Clarke, a romance suspense novel in which Mike and Maya find love in the midst of danger and messiness. This is the first book in Clarke’s Courageous Love Series, and with excellent characters and diverse voices, it is a favorite of this week’s guest, Liz Bullard!Liz Bullard is a multi-genre author, therapist, and coach known for her captivating storytelling and passion for helping creatives overcome obstacles. Her notable works include The Prophecy Series and the Lira Somers Mysteries—praised for fast-paced plots, vivid characters, and movie-like imagery. Liz’s love of reading and writing is evident in the eReads Podcast, where she celebrates the power of creativity and storytelling. When she’s not writing, coaching, or recording the podcast, she’s cooking, reading, or spending time with Preston the corgi.Our drink this week is a Hibiscus French 75 Mocktail, using one of my favorite syrups Wild Hibiscus, which includes hibiscus flowers that make the cocktail match Heartbeat’s cover!Ingredients1 oz NA gin.5 oz Wild Hibiscus syrup.5 oz fresh lemon juiceNA Sparkling wineIceLemon twist or edible flower (for garnish)1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, wild hibiscus syrup, and fresh lemon juice.2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15-20 seconds until the mixture is chilled.3. Place hibiscus flower from the syrup in a champagne flute.4. Pour mixture from shaker into flute5. Top it off: Gently top off the drink with your choice of chilled NA sparkling wine.In this EpisodeTerreece M. Clarke’s WebsiteJames PattersonJanet Evanovich

Hello Libration Nation! This week I am joined by Nick George, a poet and educator, to discuss This Is The Honey an anthology of poems edited by Kwame Alexander. We talked about Nick’s journey with poetry, the significance of diverse voices in poetic anthologies, and the importance of seeing yourself reflected in stories. We read and analyze poems from the anthology, including works by Mahogany L. Brown and Jabari Asim. This is the last episode of 2025 as I’m taking a little break to relax and spend time with my family. Looking forward to some great episodes coming out in 2026!Nicholas Steven George (or, Nick George the Poet) is a poet, educator, DJ and facilitator. He has performed at venues such as TedXCharlottesville, American Psychology Association Annual Convention, University of Lynchburg & Opera Roanoke. In performing his original work, he has opened for renowned poets like Jasmine Mans, Levi the Poet, Alysia Harris, Black Ice & Joshua Bennett. His work dwells at the intersection of culture, identity and spirituality. He has been writing, performing, and teaching for more than two decades. Nick’s award-winning work has been featured in a variety of industries and highlighted on platforms on the local and nationwide scale, ranging from private group facilitation and workshops, 1 on 1 coaching, and virtual/in-person performances. Find him on his website or on social media.Moscow Mule2 oz vodka1 oz fresh lime juice4 oz ginger beerFresh mint leaves (about 8-10)Lime wedge (for garnish)IceCopper mug (traditional)In the bottom of a copper mug, add the fresh mint leaves. Gently muddle them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their oils.Fill the mug with ice cubes.Pour the vodka and fresh lime juice over the ice.Top off with ginger beer, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh mint.Enjoy your refreshing Moscow Mule!In this EpisodeDrinks in the Library MerchSonya SanchezLangston HughesStill I Rise by Maya AngelouAmiri Baraka Black Art

Hello libration nation! This week's book is The Gunslinger by Stephen King a dark twisted fantasy novel and the first book in King’s The Dark Tower series. It follows the journey of Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, as he traverses a desolate and mysterious landscape in pursuit of the enigmatic Man in Black. The story blends elements of fantasy, horror, and Western, exploring themes of destiny, obsession, and the nature of good and evil, as Roland confronts both external foes and his own inner demons on his quest to reach the Dark Tower, the nexus of all universes.GuestBill Blume was determined to be a writer from a young age, often taking the lead in crafting adventures during childhood games in South Carolina. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, he worked as a TV news producer before transitioning to a dispatcher role for Henrico County Police in 2001. In Richmond, he and his wife became active in the local writing community, contributing to James River Writers, where he served on the board and continues to engage with fellow writers and industry professionals.He is the author of several books, and has an upcoming novel, To Hell and Back coming out January 20th, 2026.Our drink this week was a Dark & Stormy, the perfect dark and spicy drink to pair with an anti-hero like Roland Deschain.In This EpisodeSh*tty First Draft - Anne LamottGeorge Lucas Star Wars changesOriginal Gunslinger vs. Revised EditionShiver by Maggie SteifvaterJames River WritersBooks by Stephen KingBattle of the Planets SeriesMalinda Lo BooksNK Jemison BooksErin Bowman Books West of Apocalypse by Bill BlumeRichmond SPCARichmond Animal LeagueSarah Glenn Marsh

This week’s book is Kindred by Octavia Butler, a time-traveling story about Dana, who goes back in time to ensure the survival of her ancestors: an enslaved woman named Alice and her enslaver, Rufus. This complicated yet entrancing narrative is multifaceted, and my guest this week, Alethea McCollin, and I had a great conversation about the ways Butler challenges her readers to think about the implications of our actions and how they shape the future.Alethea McCollin is a multifaceted artist as a playwright, director, producer, actor, and founder of Orange Stilettos Productions, llc, known for her award-winning production of The Stilettos Monologues at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival. She has produced various works, including her play Renaming Shaim at Theatre Row, New York City, and directed her first short film, The Next Great Writer, showcased at the Virginia Screenwriters Forum. Additionally, Alethea serves as Executive Secretary on the Board of Directors of James River Writers and is an English instructor at Virginia State University.Our drink this week is one of Alethea’s favorite’s: Blackberry Citrus Tea, which is perfect for sitting by the fire curling up with a good book!In this EpisodeDrinks in the Library MerchKindred by Octavia ButlerJames River WritersVirginia State UniversityBooks by Toni MorrisonBooks by Gabrielle García MárquezBooks by Isabel AllendeNarrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas, an American Slave by Frederick DouglasThe Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride