Welcome to the Read it Forward Podcast, hosted by Senior Editor Abbe Wright. Every week, she sits down with authors to hear about their latest book, their writing process, and the books on their TBR pile. Abbe also shares what she's reading and serves up book recommendations that are sure to please. Listen along when you’re on the hunt for your next great read. It's Abbe's mission to comb her shelves to bring you the absolute best books out there.
There’s nothing better than a book-to-screen adaptation. Except maybe dissecting the adaptation with your friends and debating whether or not it does the book justice! Enter The Adaptables, the podcast that dives into your favorite book-to-screen adaptations. Hosted by two binge-watching and book-loving besties, Abbe Wright (Senior Editor of Read it Forward) and Emma Shafer (Product Manager at Penguin Random House), this season is all about the Hulu adaptation of Little Fires Everywhere. Joi ...
IQPC provides business executives around the world with tailored practical conferences, large scale events, topical seminars and in-house training programs, keeping them up-to-date with industry trends, technological developments and the regulatory landscape. IQPC's large scale conferences are market leading “must attend” events for their respective industries.IQPC produces more than 1,500 events annually around the world, and continues to grow. Founded in 1973, IQPC now has offices in major ...
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma chat about Episode 12, the series finale of the Hulu and BBC adaptation of NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney. They’re joined by Lauren Mechling, the author of HOW COULD SHE. Abbe, Emma, and Lauren discuss Connell’s chain, normal coupledom, what makes an adaptation great, and more. Discussion breakdown: I…
T
The Adaptables


1
Normal People S1E11 with Angela Ledgerwood
39:35
39:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:35
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma chat about episode 11 of the Hulu and BBC adaptation of NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney. They’re joined by Angela Ledgerwood, host of the Lit Up podcast. Abbe, Emma, and Angela discuss sex etiquette, portrayal of masculinity on TV shows, the tendency of falling back into self-destructive patterns, and …
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe chats about episode 10 of the Hulu and BBC adaptation of NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney. (Get well soon Emma!) She’s joined by Maris Kreizman, book critic and host of The Maris Review. Abbe and Maris discuss grappling with the loss of loved ones, dating people with mental health issues in college, Skyping, sap…
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma chat about episode 9 of the Hulu and BBC adaptation of NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney. They’re joined by Rebecca Leib, comedian, writer, co-host of Ghost Town Podcast, and a producer of Brain Games on National Geographic. Abbe, Emma, and Rebecca discuss why NORMAL PEOPLE is the perfect adaptation to s…
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma chat about episode 8 of the Hulu and BBC adaptation of NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney. They’re joined by Lisa Lucas, Executive Director at the National Book Foundation. Abbe, Emma, and Lisa discuss the perfect vacation read, interiority, the nuanced character developments that are sometimes lost in th…
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma chat about episode 7 of the Hulu and BBC adaptation of NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney. They’re joined by Siobhan Jones, Editorial Director at Book of the Month. Abbe, Emma, and Siobhan discuss boundaries, what not to say to your ex, the inevitability of compromise in a relationship, and more. Discussi…
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma chat about episode 6 of the Hulu and BBC adaptation of NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney. They’re joined by Sophie Vershbow, Assistant Director of Social Media at Random House Group. Abbe, Emma, and Sophie discuss Carly Rae Jepsen, nudes, the power dynamics of sex, abuse, and more. Discussion breakdown: …
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma chat about episode 5 of the Hulu and BBC adaptation of NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney. They’re joined by Cristina Arreola, Associate Marketing Manager at Sourcebooks. Abbe, Emma, and Cristina discuss The Friend Zone, power dynamics between Marianne and Connell, social capital, steamy, satisfying sex, …
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma chat about episode 4 of the Hulu and BBC adaptation of NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney. They’re joined by Rebecca Marsh, Associate Director of Publicity for Viking and Penguin Books. Abbe, Emma, and Rebecca discuss what goes down during NORMAL PEOPLE: The College Years, The Debs, the diversity of Dubli…
On this episode of The Adaptables, Emma chats about episode 3 of the Hulu and BBC adaptation of NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney. She's joined by Kelsey Manning, Senior Marketing Manager at Penguin Random House. Emma and Kelsey discuss what goes down at The Debs, Lorraine, a She's All That moment, and more. Discussion breakdown: Intro and Kelsey’s rel…
On this episode of The Adaptables, Emma chats about episode 2 of the Hulu and BBC adaptation of NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney. She's joined by Alli Hoff Kosik, host of the SSR Podcast. Emma and Alli discuss likeability, consent, teenage sex in movies, Marianne's killer style, and more. Discussion breakdown: Intro (0:30–2:51) Alli’s tenuous relation…
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma chat about episode one of the Hulu and BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney's bestselling novel, NORMAL PEOPLE. They’re joined by Michelle Hart, Assistant Books Editor at O, The Oprah Magazine. Abbe, Emma, and Michelle discuss the pressure of reading a highly-anticipated follow-up to a beloved book, the jo…
T
The Adaptables


1
Little Fires Everywhere S1E8 with Mira Jacob
41:44
41:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:44
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma chat about episode eight—the finale!—of the Hulu adaptation of Celeste Ng’s bestselling novel LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. They’re joined by Mira Jacob, author of GOOD TALK and THE SLEEPWALKER'S GUIDE TO DANCING. Abbe, Emma, and Mira discuss baby birds, trans-racial adoptions, being surprised by the adap…
T
The Adaptables


1
Little Fires Everywhere Interview with Celeste Ng
48:08
48:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:08
On this episode of The Adaptables, in anticipation of the finale episode of the Little Fires Everywhere adaptation on Hulu, Abbe sits down with author Celeste Ng to discuss how it felt to see her novel, LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE, adapted for TV. Abbe and Celeste discuss seeing Reese and Kerry embody her characters, watching the house burn, trusting a…
T
The Adaptables


1
Little Fires Everywhere S1E7 with Elena Nicolaou
41:32
41:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:32
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma chat about episode seven of the Hulu adaptation of Celeste Ng’s bestselling novel, LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. They’re joined by Elena Nicolaou, Culture Editor at OprahMag.com. Abbe, Emma, and Elena discuss courage, hypocrisy, Izzy’s sexuality, the enduring legacy of AIM screennames, and more. Discussio…
T
The Adaptables


1
Little Fires Everywhere S1E6 with Arianna Davis, Abbe Wright, and Emma Shafer
49:55
49:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:55
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma chat about episode six of the Hulu adaptation of Celeste Ng’s bestselling novel, LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. They’re joined by Arianna Davis, Digital Director of O, The Oprah Magazine. Abbe, Emma, and Arianna discuss birth control, ambition, Meredith Brooks, the one-hit wonder, likeability, natural hair…
T
The Adaptables


1
Little Fires Everywhere S1E5 with Taylor Noel, Abbe Wright, and Emma Shafer
35:16
35:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:16
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma dish about episode five of the Hulu adaptation of Celeste Ng’s bestselling novel LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. They’re joined by bookstagrammer Taylor Noel, the woman behind @books_with_taylor. Abbe, Emma, and Taylor discuss Alanis Morissette, Denison University, Magnolia Cupcakes, Celeste Ng’s moving abo…
T
The Adaptables


1
Little Fires Everywhere S1E4 with Camille Perri, Quan Barry, Abbe Wright, and Emma Shafer
43:25
43:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:25
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma dish about episode four of the Hulu adaptation of Celeste Ng’s bestselling novel LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. They’re joined by novelists Camille Perri, author of THE ASSISTANTS and WHEN KATIE MET CASSIDY, and Quan Barry, author of WE RIDE UPON STICKS. Abbe, Emma, Camille, and Quan discuss Pearl’s first …
R
Read it Forward


1
The Adaptables Podcast — Little Fires Everywhere, Episode 1 with R. Eric Thomas
50:24
50:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:24
The Adaptables is a podcast from Read it Forward and Penguin Random House that dives into your favorite book-to-screen adaptations. This season, we’re watching the Hulu adaptation of Celeste Ng's LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. Join hosts Abbe Wright and Emma Shafer as we interview authors, insiders and Celeste Ng, herself, about what makes an adaptable g…
T
The Adaptables


1
Little Fires Everywhere S1E3 with Grace Atwood, Becca Freeman, Abbe Wright, and Emma Shafer
42:05
42:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:05
On this episode of The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma dish about episode three of the Hulu adaptation of Celeste Ng’s bestselling novel LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. They’re joined by Grace Atwood and Becca Freeman from the Bad on Paper podcast! Abbe, Emma, Becca and Grace discuss awkward dinners at The Richardson household, the importance of that perfect dr…
T
The Adaptables


1
Little Fires Everywhere S1E2 with Taylor Jenkins Reid, Abbe Wright, and Emma Shafer
55:01
55:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:01
Today on The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma chat about episode two of the Hulu adaptation of Celeste Ng’s bestselling novel LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. They’re joined by Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of, most recently, DAISY JONES & THE SIX. Abbe, Emma, and Taylor discuss the forthcoming adaptation of DAISY JONES & THE SIX, mother/daughter drama, the endurin…
T
The Adaptables


1
Little Fires Everywhere S1E1 with R. Eric Thomas, Abbe Wright, and Emma Shafer
50:24
50:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:24
Today on The Adaptables, Abbe and Emma dive right in with episode one of the Hulu adaptation of Celeste Ng’s bestselling novel, LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE. They’re joined by R. Eric Thomas, author of HERE FOR IT: OR, HOW TO SAVE YOUR SOUL IN AMERICA, and Senior Staff Writer of ELLE.com. Abbe, Emma, and Eric discuss complicated mother/daughter relation…
T
The Adaptables


1
The Adaptables Trailer – Little Fires Everywhere
1:26
1:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:26
There’s nothing better than a book-to-screen adaptation. Except maybe dissecting the adaptation with your friends and debating whether or not it does the book justice! Enter The Adaptables, the podcast that dives into your favorite book-to-screen adaptations. Hosted by two binge-watching and book-loving besties, Abbe Wright (Senior Editor of Read i…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 52 - Marlon James and The Giver of Stars
30:19
30:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:19
Abbe chats with author Marlon James about his novel, Black Leopard, Red Wolf, and his new podcast, Marlon and Jake Read Dead People. He tells listeners about his new American citizenship, having a genre novel nominated for a National Book Award, being promiscuous when it comes to writing fiction, researching African history and mythology, Michael B…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 50 - Isabel Allende and Saints for All Occasions
31:25
31:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:25
In this episode, Abbe reviews one book she recently re-read: Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan. She finds that the book definitely holds up to the first time and rediscovers this family of characters all over again. Abbe also sits down with the legendary author Isabel Allende to discuss the Spanish Civil War, the current refugee cris…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 49 - Abbe and Penguin Random House’s CEO, Madeline McIntosh, Share Their Favorite Books of 2019
27:59
27:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:59
Recently, Abbe Wright, Read it Forward’s Senior Editor, was invited to be in conversation with Madeline McIntosh, CEO of Penguin Random House to talk about a topic they both love. Books! Specifically, what their favorite reads of 2019 were and what books they’re looking forward to giving to friends and family this holiday season. Listen in to their…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 47 - Elissa Altman and The Editor
35:37
35:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:37
In this episode, author Elissa Altman talks about her memoir Motherland, and her fraught—yet loving—relationship with her own mother. Next, Abbe welcomes fellow podcast host, Alli Hoff Kosik, into the studio to discuss her podcast SSR (Sh*t She Read), as well as re-reading and re-inspecting the books we adored from our childhoods. She mentions some…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 46 - Tiffany Jenkins and The Nickel Boys
36:23
36:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:23
In "What Abbe's Reading," Abbe reviews The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead, which was Read it Forward's October Book Club pick. Later, Abbe sits down with comedian and Juggling the Jenkins blogger, Tiffany Jenkins, about her inspiring and harrowing memoir, High Achiever, and why sometimes the truth really is stranger than fiction. Finally, Abbe cha…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 45 - Meg Wolitzer and The Other's Gold
36:29
36:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:29
Abbe hears from author Meg Wolitzer about her latest book, The Female Persuasion, her mentors (Nora Ephron!), and varying kinds of feminism. Abbe also sits down with novelist Christy Lefteri to talk about the Syrian refugee crisis and how it informs her book, The Beekeeper of Aleppo. Finally, Abbe reveals what she's reading: a work of fiction about…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 44 - Neil Patrick Harris and Normal People
38:42
38:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:42
Abbe chats with actor and author Neil Patrick Harris about magic, Gone Girl, being a bookseller, and the stories he reads with his twins. Oh, and his latest middle-grade series, The Magic Misfits, and his Choose Your Own Autobiography that puts the reader into his life story. She also talks female friendship and The Clog Life with How Could She aut…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 43 - Oyinkan Braithwaite and The Swallows
34:03
34:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:03
Abbe Wright sits down with Nigerian author Oyinkan Braithwaite to discuss her award-winning novel, My Sister, the Serial Killer, about older siblings, and not judging the actions of her characters. Later, Abbe chats with Rob Hart, author of The Warehouse, about setting his book in the undetermined "Near Future," and what the real impact of two-day …
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 42 - Deepak Chopra and The Bluest Eye
38:30
38:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:30
In the first episode of the fourth season of the Read it Forward podcast, Abbe interviews Deepak Chopra, M.D., about mindfulness and his latest work, Metahuman. Dr. Deepak Chopra is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation, the founder of the Chopra Foundation, and co-founder of Jiyo.com and the Chopra Center for…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 41 - Pop Culture Powerhouses Panel with Emily Nussbaum, Taffy Brodesser-Akner, Jia Tolentino, and Linda Holmes
58:17
58:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:17
In this special episode of the Read it Forward podcast, we invite you to listen to a live-stream of the Pop Culture Powerhouses Panel. This recent event brings together four preeminent voices in cultural journalism as they celebrate their hotly anticipated summer books and discuss the ways in which pop culture — everything from binge-worthy TV to u…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 40 - Beck Dorey-Stein and City of Girls
35:46
35:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:46
In this episode, Abbe talks about her summer vacation read, City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert. Then, she sits down for lots of laughs with author Beck Dorey-Stein to talk about her memoir, From the Corner of the Oval, now out in paperback, Obama, and the power of Craigslist. Finally, Abbe chats with RIF editor Eliza Smith about true stories writte…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 39 - Melissa de la Cruz and Trick Mirror
31:17
31:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:17
In this episode, Abbe tells us about Trick Mirror, New Yorker writer Jia Tolentino's meditation on culture and her place within it. Then, she sits down with author Melissa de la Cruz about her thriller, The Birthday Girl, and the enduring appeal of the love story between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. Finally, Read it Forward's assistan…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 38 - Joanne Ramos and The Chelsea Girls
32:18
32:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:18
In this episode, Abbe talks about what she's been reading: The Chelsea Girls, a brand new work of historical fiction from Fiona Davis, which takes place in the Chelsea Hotel. Then, she sits down with author Joanne Ramos to discuss her debut novel, The Farm, and what, if any, inspiration she drew from The Handmaid's Tale. Finally, we hear from Maris…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 37 - Jasmine Guillory and How Could She
31:05
31:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:05
In this episode, Abbe tells us about a great summer read about female friendship, How Could She by Lauren Mechling, which Elle, Vogue, and Cosmopolitan also raved about. Then, she sits down with author Jasmine Guillory to talk romance, diverse heroines, and Michelle Obama, as well as her latest novel, The Wedding Date. Finally, Abbe chats with Lear…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 36 - Nic Stone and I Like to Watch
37:06
37:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:06
In this episode, Abbe binge-reads I Like to Watch by Emily Nussbaum, combining her two loves of reading and TV. Then, she sits down with author Nic Stone about her third YA novel, Jackpot, and why it's important to talk to young people about real issues. Finally, Abbe welcomes Evvie Drake Starts Over author and Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast host L…
In this episode, Abbe raves about Very Nice by Marcy Dermansky, and the love triangle (love square?) that carries the plot. Then, she sits down with author Riley Sager about his latest thriller, Lock Every Door, and his love of scary movies. Finally, Abbe and colleague Amy Brinker talk about a book lover's greatest struggle: to dog-ear, or not to d…
In this episode, Abbe, despite being late to the game, raves about Tara Westover's memoir, Educated. Then, she chats and laughs with author Delia Owens about her novel, Where the Crawdads Sing, elephant behavior, and what it was like to meet fellow southern gal, Reese Witherspoon. She even shares what books she loves reading and re-reading and why …
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 33 - Taffy Brodesser-Akner and The New Me
33:37
33:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:37
In this episode, Abbe reviews The New Me by Halle Butler, and the book's relatable, albeit unlikeable, protagonist. Then, she sits down with author and journalist Taffy Brodesser-Akner about her novel, Fleishman is in Trouble, marriage, and Bradley Cooper. Finally, Abbe and author Camille Perri talk about When Katie Met Cassidy and other novels wit…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 32 - Dani Shapiro and Next Year in Havana
38:37
38:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:37
In this episode, Abbe tells us about a work of historical fiction with a dual narrative, Next Year in Havana. Then, she sits down with author Dani Shapiro about her latest memoir, Inheritance, and the power of secrets. Finally, Abbe teams back up with Emma to try and guess celebrity audiobook narrators. Will they get stumped by British accents? You…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 31 - Helen Ellis and The Spies of Shilling Lane
36:35
36:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:35
In this episode, Abbe tells us about a new WWII-set novel, The Spies of Shilling Lane. Then, she sits down with author, professional poker player, and all-around funny gal Helen Ellis about her new book of essays, Southern Lady Code. Southern Lady Code means: if you don’t have something nice to say, say something not-so-nice in a nice way. Finally,…
In this episode, Abbe tells us about the perfect paperback to take to the pool, Ghosted by Rosie Price. Then, she sits down with author Abby Maslin and her husband TC about Abby's memoir, Love You Hard, which details TC's brain injury and the way it changed their marriage. Finally, Abbe chats with Linda D. Anderson, Ph.D., Sonia R. Banks Ph.D., Mic…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 29 - Minnie Darke and Something in the Water
30:09
30:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:09
In this episode, Abbe tells us about the summer thriller she's been enjoying, Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman. Then, she sits down with author Minnie Darke about her novel, Star-Crossed, love, and astrology. Finally, Abbe chats with Sophie and Danielle from the Random House social media team about the books that belong on every millenn…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 28 - Nell Freudenberger and Dear Martin
35:26
35:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:26
In this episode, Abbe tells us about the young adult novel she's been devouring, Dear Martin by Nic Stone, which touches on the Black Lives Matter movement. Then, she sits down with author Nell Freudenberger about her novel, Lost and Wanted, and the physics involved in the plotline. Finally, Abbe chats with author Andrea Bartz about her thriller, T…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 27 - Megan Griswold and Gingerbread
32:26
32:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:26
In this episode, Abbe tells us about the fairytale-inspired book she's been reading: Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi. Then, our book correspondent, Emma, sits down with Megan Griswold about her memoir, The Book of Help, which follows her quest for alternative remedies to the pain and problems she's experiencing. Finally, Abbe chats with psychologist, …
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 26 - Sophie Kinsella and Daisy Jones & The Six
34:54
34:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:54
In this episode, Abbe talks about what she's been reading: Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, a uniquely-told novel that is rife with rock 'n roll drama. Then, she sits down with Shopaholic series author Sophie Kinsella about her latest standalone book, I Owe You One. Finally, Abbe chats with bookstagrammer Taylor Noel (@Books_With_Taylo…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 25 - Gretchen Rubin and A Gentleman in Moscow
35:29
35:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:29
In this episode, Abbe talks about what she's been reading: Book club fave A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. Then, she sits down with life guru Gretchen Rubin to discuss her latest book, Outer Order, Inner Calm, and how to declutter your life in order to feel better. Spoiler alert: you need to toss that orange lipstick you never wear. Finally, w…
R
Read it Forward


1
Episode 24 - Amber Tamblyn and Where the Crawdads Sing
36:50
36:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:50
In this episode—the first of our third season—Abbe shares what she's been reading: the wildly popular novel, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Then, she sits down with activist, actress and author Amber Tamblyn to discuss her memoir-cum-manifesto, Era of Ignition. Finally, some Game of Thrones fans join Abbe in the studio to talk about books …