Meet Sam from the gorgeous, chic, always-on-point bookish account, __and.books. Her style is uncluttered, understated, yet so intuitively curated. She says she doesn’t try… but truly.. what’s her magic touch? Aside from her glorious feed, her taste in books is just as incredible. Joyce Carol Oates, Elena Ferrante, Ottessa Moshfengh, she has quality taste. In this episode, we discuss:
- Mind-bending stories from Joyce Carol Oates
- Sharing love for the amazing content creators on Bookstagram
- We bond over being picky bitches for good writing
- Dissecting the hype over Sarah J Mass
- Sam’s favorite authors (up to the Sam standard)
- Our weird emotional attachment to books
& so, so much more!!
Make sure to give DogEared Book Club a follow wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review! DM dogeared.bookclub on IG about what resonated, any guest suggestions (Leader or bookish), along with topics!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
alexandra shelly (00:17):
Hello Hello and welcome to dogeared book
club I'm your host AlexandraShelly also known as BB by many.
And if you are a regularlistener are obsessed with you
it really really means the worldto me that you listen like what
the heck. And if you are newHello I'm so over the moon that
(00:38):
we have found each other walk mydog, your book club. And this is
where I will connect you tobooks, thought leaders and avid
readers. I interviewed leaderswho are no changemakers CEOs,
authors, healers, artists,philanthropists, actors,
actresses. I don't know everyanyone who's cool, anyone who's
(01:00):
badass, but I also interviewamazing, bookish content
creators. Oh, gosh, you guys, Iobsessed with showing up for dog
eared book club. I'm tellingyou. It is amazing. And this
guest I am way too obsessed withI've become obsessed with
everyone. So I think that's justjust going to be a common theme.
(01:21):
So anyways, her name is Sam andshe is the creator of underscore
and dot books. I love her style.I came across her page,
honestly, I want to sayrecently, just a few months ago,
and I love her aesthetic. It'sso simple. It's so understated.
(01:41):
But it's really, really just,it's so I don't know, what do
you call it? It's so because Iwant to say curated, but it's
really elegant. I really reallywas taken aback by her elegant
approach and her artistry and Ialso love love, love her
captions. She gives suchgenerous descriptions and
(02:05):
synopsises and I, I love it. Ilove her and she's like the girl
you're like, damn, she, um,she's really really cool. Like,
she's just like the frickincoolest. And of course when we
talked. She's so so sweet. Sheis such a gentle, beautiful
(02:27):
soul. And of course she hasamazing taste in books. That's
another reason why I follow herbecause, yes, yes, yes, I save
her posts. Often I repost themoften. She's just incredible.
And she's based in Long Beach,which I just remembered. So
anyways, this was recorded abouta couple months ago. And then I
(02:51):
realized that on her story, itwas like, oh, reading
California, and I'm like, wait,what else? She was like, I think
we talked about this. I'm like,I am literally such a
knucklehead, she's been in LongBeach this whole time!? Are you
kidding? Um, so anyways, her andI will definitely have to meet
like, ASAP. But also she's goingto be a beautiful, amazing,
(03:13):
perfect mother. So I'll probablyhave to see her. I don't know. I
don't know, because I know.Anyways, I will see you soon,
Sam at some point, but I do wantto give you your privacy as a
beautiful new mother and withyour husband and your baby. But
anyways, why am I talking toher, but also like making a
(03:35):
pact? Whatever. You guys got me.So this conversation is so
beautiful again, as you know, wetalk about books, we talk about
the sacredness of reading, wetalk about her book peeves and
her bookish loves and how bookshave impacted her life. I mean,
what the heck, it's part of meis like, oh, like get super like
(04:00):
specific Bebe, like blah, blah,blah. But it's like, I mean, how
much more beautiful can you getwith a bookish conversation? We
talk about life we talk abouthow how books have really just
created so much of color andcreativity and impact into our
day to day but also ourrelationships and our
(04:20):
friendships. I mean, I don'tknow she's amazing like, what
else do you guys want me to liketell you anyways, whatever. So
make sure to give her a followit's @__and.books. And she is
incredible. Make sure to lookout for her books, her top ten,
eight books that will be comingout in the next week or so. And
(04:44):
again, please DM me, please letme know what connected with you
what your favorite part was abook that you are looking to
read that's in your cart, a bookthat you're racing to the store
for or a book that you've readthat you've read of hers that
you maybe you've read of mineAmen. And, of course, make sure
to give dogeared book club afollow and a review. It would
(05:05):
mean the world to me. I love youguys, and let's get right into
the episode.
But anyways, let's just getstarted. So, I love asking about
kind of what everyone's hisinspiration was, and especially
aesthetic. Because you guys havesuch a unique style and everyone
(05:32):
is like truly such a creator issounds like so bizarre to you,
everyone is such a creator onthis platform, but it's like
really such a beautiful niche.And I'm always so blown away by
everyone's creativity. So we'dlove to hear long winded
question. We'd love to hear whyyou started this page. And what
(05:53):
your inspiration was, likeaesthetic wise, or even just
mood wise.
Sam (06:00):
Okay, yeah, sure. I I actually started a Bookstagram a
long time ago, when like thatfirst wave of like Bookstagram
started popping off. And, likethe term influencer was being
thrown around a lot more. And Iwent into it thinking, like, I'm
(06:22):
gonna share everything I'mreading and all these books, and
it's gonna be so much fun. Andthen I didn't like I have a
tendency to start things at theworst time possible. Like, I
began it, right when I was goinginto like, the heavier end of my
college days. And I think it wasbecause I was looking for that
(06:44):
escapism, just any excuse to notwork on school. And so I quickly
just completely crashed, andthen ended up deleting it. And I
went in, and I followed everyoneI really enjoyed following on my
private account, but justcompletely got rid of
Bookstagram. But then after Ifinished school, I got that urge
(07:07):
to start again. And that's kindof where this one came around.
But I think this time I feel amore a little more genuine, in
what I do in my space that Ihave. I definitely don't curate
it. I mean, half of the poststhat I post aren't even edited,
(07:28):
just like I took a picture. Andit's a little, it's a little
less stressful this time around.And I also feel like I've made
more genuine connections, andmet people with much more like
minded taste and reading. So Ihave more motivation to do this
(07:52):
one. And no school.
alexandra shelly (07:54):
Oh, my God had no school dude, I can't even
imagine like getting a homeworkassignment right now. Like what?
But I love what you said,because it kind of ties into I
feel like everyone's purpose.Like you were in a place that
(08:14):
not saying like, you're comingat it in like an authentic way.
But you just like weren't inthis open, the best space to be
like, open and whatever, becauseyou were so busy with college
and you're, Oh my God, and thennow you're like, Okay, I have
this freedom to, you know, givemyself room to create and be
(08:37):
open with everyone and thenactually make connections
because yeah, that's where Ialways have to remind myself
like, it's so annoying because,you know, it's like, it's so
easy to get caught up in youknow, all of this stuff. And I'm
like, BeBe literally, everyonedoes this because it's fun. It's
(08:57):
just joy. Like it bringseveryone so much joy. And I
don't know, that's justeverything at the end of the
day. So yeah, I love it. Yousaid wonderful. And so just
diving right into the fun bookquestions. So when was your
first memory of reading?
Sam (09:20):
Um, I think I've always been around reading. Um, my mom
is a huge reader. But I doremember very specifically, I
think it was like in the summerto seventh or in the summer to
eighth grade. My stepmom broughthome this book called The wind
(09:43):
blows backwards by Mary DowningHahn. And it was the first time
I experienced reading as apleasure. Whereas before that it
was more just academic wise,like what you're being assigned
in school, which I do think I Ienjoyed a lot of those books,
but not the way that I enjoyedthis book. And I kind of came
(10:08):
into that. Oh, you mean, this iswhat reading can be like. And
that's why I think I have, Ialways hold my tongue. But when
someone's like, Oh, I just don'tread like my first thought is
like you just haven't found yourbook. And then also, I read Star
Girl by Jerry, Jerry Spinelli.And that one was also like a big
(10:34):
a very big kind of discoverymoment for me. And I was just
like, I just want to read everybook that's like this. And from
there, it just kind ofcatapulted into this obsession
that I've just had since.
alexandra shelly (10:52):
I love that so much. So how has your reading
has your reading changed at all?Like, I mean, this this could be
based on like genre or type ofliterature, or even like habits
or like rituals that you've kindof brought from the beginning to
now or? Yeah, let me just likeend the question. I'm really
(11:15):
good at.
Sam (11:20):
Um, yes, my writing has changed so much from when I
first started to what I readnow. I mean, if me back then
looked at what I'm reading now,I'd probably fall asleep. And
just be like, No, thank you.Because the what I was reading
then was just probably allromance. All fantasy, just sci
(11:42):
fi. Anything that was just likean escape, I really loved.
Whereas now I'm, I'm more sodrawn towards. Like, I guess I'd
say like more contemporaryfiction, or nonfiction,
especially poetry, I really lovepoetry now, so much more than I
(12:05):
did when I was younger. Mostlybecause going through college, I
studied English as well, Ilearned how to read poetry,
whereas before it was lost uponme. So I guess just kind of
became more refined, I foundthose little niches that I
enjoyed a lot more. And Inoticed I began to really enjoy
(12:32):
sort of stories about people'slives, like solitary moments
that, you know, an event happensand it causes this other thing
to happen and kind of how wedeal with things. I really love
reading books like that.
alexandra shelly (12:50):
I love that so much. Yeah, I feel like those
like those solitary moments evenare I remember, like having a
conversation with like, HannahFranklin. And she was like, it's
so funny, because I love thestories where people are like,
well, nothing really happens.And she's like, well, so much
(13:10):
happens. And it's just so funny,because I feel like the same way
to where I am like reallygravitating towards books where
I can like really sink my teethin. And like so much about like
human relationships and innerthoughts and, you know,
evolvement to, you know, like,what their purpose is. And like
(13:30):
those sometimes do tend to belike those, like really awkward,
silent moments, but I feel like,I don't know, maybe just because
like now that we're older, webecome like more introspective,
I'm not really sure why, but I'mtotally with you on that.
Sam (13:46):
It makes us feel, I think better or less alone, when we're
reading experiences that arethat other people are going
through that can either mirrorwhat we're experiencing, or are
either like worse than whatyou're going through. It's, it
can be very humbling. And Ijust, I find it very fascinating
(14:11):
reading about other people'slives and their experiences. But
seeing so many similarities,regardless of where you're from,
or your background, you know, Ijust finished reading House on
Mango Street. And it's justabout this young girl's
experience growing up in thishouse. But there are so many
(14:34):
moments when from her childhoodthat I can just relate with,
like playing with friends in thestreet, you know, or having
people over are sitting outsideand just eating like a popsicle
like they were such short littlechapters. But I mean, this
wasn't like in New York, kind ofin a different type of
(14:57):
upbringing, but we shared thosesimilarities, childhood. So it's
kind of cool to find, I guessyourself and other people.
alexandra shelly (15:08):
Oh my gosh, it's the freakin best I feel
like reading is like, Well,besides like literally being a
human being. I feel like readingis also like one of the other
avenues to actually like,understand how to put yourself
in someone's shoes.
Sam (15:24):
Definitely, you can definitely do that with ruining
for sure.
alexandra shelly (15:29):
Oh my god. Absolutely. Sometimes you get
heartbroken and you have torecover, but everything's fine.
So what are you reading? Now?How did you find out about it?
Do you like it? Do we love?
Sam (15:46):
I have been trying to focus more on reading books that I
already own, instead ofpurchasing more. I'm not saying
it's going well. I try. So I'mreading the historian right now
by Elizabeth Coase. Becausenobody believes. And I'm
(16:08):
enjoying it. I I had a postrecently about how I think
vampires are my favorite kind ofimaginary character. Yes. Well,
I
alexandra shelly (16:21):
think I remember that.
Sam (16:24):
I'm surprised at how many people feel the same way or like
about, you know, other things.But um, I love the vampire
aspect of it. And it's so Idon't want to say vague, but
like the vampire is like, mostlykind of just talked about and
only like minimally seen. Soit's kind of slow. I don't want
(16:52):
to say it's boring, because I'menjoying it. But if the writing
wasn't so good, I probably wouldhave stopped reading it.
alexandra shelly (17:04):
It totally makes sense. It's so it's so
funny. I can relate to you onthat. Because I'm Yeah, so like,
I've been reading books ofJacob. And it's really
beautiful. And like, Olga issuch a beautiful writer. And
this like, her translator didlike an amazing job. And yeah,
like, definitely my ADHD iskicking in. I'm like, oh, like
(17:25):
tomorrow, I'm going to SanFrancisco with my family. And
I'm like, okay, like, it's sucha big book. I feel like I'm not
going to have enough time tolike, read as much as I want.
Like, why is it so big? Whathave I done, but then I read it,
and I'm like, Oh, my gosh, Ilove it. And it really forces me
to like, like I said earlierlike to like really like sink my
teeth and just to like, bepatient and like read a big
(17:46):
story that does feel slow, butlike so much is going on. So I
don't know, I feel like I I feellike I kind of lost track of
like, whereby whereby whateverscience was going, but I really
do on your like, like this book.I'm having not like mixed
(18:08):
feelings. You're like, why can IWhy can't I talk right now? You
know what I mean?
Sam (18:14):
No, I get what you're saying. That's how I That's how
I feel when I read it all overthe place. I even find myself
daydreaming while I'm readingit. And I'm like, wait, where
was I? I have to come back. Butthe book in itself is intriguing
enough to keep me going. But Imean, the pages are like, damn
(18:39):
near as thin as the frickinBible, like 100 pages. And it's
really good. But it's so full ofjust history. Like this writer
literally did her work. But I'mjust kind of like, Can we get a
little more story in here? Justa little bit more shot
alexandra shelly (19:02):
up? No, literally. Yes. Same with this
one. Like it is really like, Ithink I remember I because I
can't read an article for thelife of me because just
attention span. But yeah, likeOlga, like, I think it took her
seven years to write this book.I'm like, Baby took her seven
years. Like you could do this,like at least give it the energy
(19:24):
it deserves. And I'm like Taviand like try to remember all the
names like they're all like, ohmy god, like there's like Polish
Jewish Christian names. Whatelse like Turkish like, all
these different religions andcultures, and I'm just like, I
don't know if I can remember allof it. I'm just gonna like try
to grasp the idea.
Sam (19:46):
Yes. And on top of it, it has three points of view, that
change without letting you knowthey're changing. It's like one
paragraph will be from thefather's perspective. And then
the next one will be From thedaughter's. And if I'm not
paying attention, close enough,I, all of a sudden, I'm lost.
(20:07):
And I have to go back and likereread, just to like, remember
where I am. But for some reason,I just don't want to quit this
book. And I'm like, this is theonly thing I'm gonna read in
April, aside from House on MangoStreet, which was like 100
pages. So it's not even, it waslike an afternoon. And I'm just
(20:28):
thinking, I was thinking today,I need to count how many pages
there are, and align that withhow many days are left in the
month, so that I can like, givemyself daily goals. Because for
some reason, I just want tofinish this frickin book. But I
don't know that's that's where Iam right now. That's also kind
(20:48):
of why I gave myself like such asmall goal of reading like two
books a month this year. BecauseI didn't want to if I came into
this situation, I didn't want tofeel like I had to pressure
myself to hurry and finish or ormove on. I struggle was real.
alexandra shelly (21:07):
Oh my god. That's like really crazy that we
asked what was that noise? I wasso weird. I don't know if you
heard that sounds like a likeone of those like chickens
squeaky
Sam (21:19):
a fire truck just went by my place.
alexandra shelly (21:22):
Oh my god, maybe so many noises in Los
Angeles. But okay, this is it'sso interesting. What I don't I
like it's I sound so like,corny. I feel like what I just
call people by their like handlebecause it's just so catchy. But
(21:43):
I don't remember his name. Ithink it's Zack. Like guy who
has the literature lab profile.Okay, yeah, okay. He posted
something that was just like itliterally just has spoke to my
soul. The last like few weeksand I wanted to ask like how you
it seems like you kind ofanswered it. But maybe we can
(22:05):
like dig into it a little bitmore because it's even something
I'm trying to figure out myself.He was like, Do you guys ever
get like super stressed withlike, all you have to do your To
Do lists, you know, yourerrands, and going to sleep and
seeing friends and like readingall the books you want. Like it
was just a short caption. And Iwas just like, Oh my God. Like,
it's just crazy. Like I've eventhinking. I mean, I've just been
(22:28):
thinking for the last few days.I'm like, How are my days flying
by so fast? And I didn't evenget a chance to like read yet
today. I'm freaking out. It'slike writtens the thing? It's
like all of our things. It'slike, oh my God, how do we keep
up? But yeah. Love to hear?
Sam (22:45):
Yes. Especially because I see people on Instagram who have
read like 30 books in one month.I'm like, there's the last 30
books. That's a book a day. Iswear those people all work in
(23:07):
publishing or something becauseit is a sport to read that many
books. I would don't I wouldn'teven want to read that many
books in one month. I feel likeat that point, what's the
purpose of reading? Are yougetting anything out of
everything you're reading?Because also I have to account
for the book hangovers. Likesome books. I've finished. Oh my
god, I'm just like, a weeklater. I'm still thinking about
(23:30):
it. I haven't had the ability topick up another book. So I
definitely feel I don'tnecessarily feel pressure I
think I used to but not so muchanymore. Now I'm just kind of
like it. Whatever. Whatever Iread is what I read.
alexandra shelly (23:52):
Yeah, my God. No, I I love that. I know what
was it? Yeah, I think yeah, Iknow, I saw someone there were
like 50 bucks. I'm like, Do youhave a job like
Sam (24:07):
a social life for me, like I'm at the I'm working for eight
hours Monday through Friday. Andthen I come home and I like
probably just sit on my couchand watch tick tock for at least
another hour to unwind. And thenit's like, I've got to you know,
cook myself dinner and then youknow, eventually make my way to
(24:31):
if I feel like it cracking openliterally always bring a book
with me because I just go downin the courtroom courtyard of my
office building and I just readfor like an hour. At least I
read a little bit, just aboutevery day.
alexandra shelly (24:47):
Absolutely. I know and it's not even like It's
like honestly guys like good foryou if you feel like read that
many books a month. But yeah,it's so it's so wild. But it is
interesting because I feel likeI Every single one of you guys
that I've connected with like,everyone has been so I don't
know, like no one I don't thinkI've really met. Any one of you
(25:10):
guys have been really like, oh,like, I have to read this money
a month you guys are just likeI'm just reading when I can. And
I mean, that's even just suchlike a reminder to myself, like
just like literally read whenyou can and like a good reader
just like you could read, like,you couldn't read and you read
whatever you can. And like,that's amazing. Just that
(25:31):
impostor syndrome, you know?
Sam (25:34):
Yeah. Especially being in, I think the Bookstagram
community, there comes thisslight pressure to produce
content. Regardless of you know,how popular or unpopular you
want to be on the platform.There's this like, Oh, I didn't
really read anything. I didn'treally post anything, kind of
nagging feeling. But then it'skind of like, well, what I don't
(25:57):
want to post like a ton of crap,or do I want to post something
that I'm like, actuallygenuinely excited to talk about
and share. You know, so I, I,you know, thankfully, I don't
get that feeling as muchanymore. But a lot when I did it
the first time around. I hadthat feeling like all the time.
alexandra shelly (26:14):
Yeah. Oh, totally. I know. Yeah. When I
first started like, I wasdefinitely having major. Yeah,
major impostor because I waslike, I first of all, like, some
of the photos like people takeare like, so professional, like
weight
Sam (26:32):
range from limitless like, Girl, every photo. God, I don't
want to like print them out andpost like hanging them on my
wall art art doing art.
alexandra shelly (26:43):
Oh my god. I know. I want more like go to an
art dealer. I'm like $5 million.Don't like what's so amazing.
Yeah. It's unbelievable. Or justeven I don't know, just some
people just like read you. Likesometimes, like the type of
books people read. I'm like, amI even smart enough to like,
read that book? Like, I don'tknow. I'm scared.
Sam (27:05):
I have. I have the same feeling. That's why I always
read the sample before I buy thebook. Those free samples. I
always read them first. BecauseI can't tell you how many books
I've wasted money on that. I'vejust ended up donating. Ah, and
without even cracking open. doso now. I'm like, before I
(27:27):
purchased anything, at least seeif you like the writing?
alexandra shelly (27:32):
Yes, absolutely. Yeah. Like what I'm,
I mean, I'm sure like, we all doit. I'm like acting like it's a
new thing. I like have starteddoing where like, I read the
first page of the book when I'mlike in the bookstore. And I'm
like, am I do I feel it? Isthere a spark? So? Yeah,
Sam (27:53):
it's a good tactic, or vibing with this book or not?
Yeah,
alexandra shelly (27:57):
exactly. Cuz I don't know. I feel like it'd be
pretty like pick a like, I'mjust I don't know. Anyway, yeah.
Sam (28:07):
I'm like, because I think also to every book, I think
takes me like 10 or 15 pages toeven like mentally retain what's
happening. So I genuinely onlygo in to see if I like the
writing style. If I like howthey're presenting what they're
presenting. I'll get it. BecauseI know I most likely not
(28:31):
retained anything anyway. But Ido remember that I liked the
writing.
alexandra shelly (28:35):
Oh my god. Yes. Yes. Did you are you or
someone I swear to God, therehas definitely been like that
tweet or something around whereit's like, what's it about? And
it was like, I don't know. Likeit was a vibe. Like, that's me.
Saying, right, right. I don'tknow. It's just kind of a vibe,
(28:56):
your heart we got broken.Anyways, so trying to think so.
No, I feel like you've kind ofalready talked about that. I
have like a Rolodex ofquestions. And I'm like, okay,
like, where's this conversationgoing? What's the energy? So,
what is an author that you wouldlove to have? Write about your
(29:19):
life? And why?
Sam (29:23):
Oh, gosh, I don't even know. Probably Joyce Carol
Oates. I love her writing. Andshe's so diverse. The very first
time I was ever creeped out bywriting was by her. And it was a
short story. And I'm blanking onthe name of what it was called.
(29:48):
But it was it was a metaphorbasically for a young girl
coming of age and She, she meetsthis boy color called Arnold
theme at, I think like a circusor something. And he's older
(30:11):
than her, and he kind of startsto hit on her. And then they go,
like, they're separate ways. Butthen he, her parents go out one
day, and he shows up in his carout front of her house. And he's
like, I'm here for you. And I'mjust like, Oh, my God, how did
you find her? But the way thatshe wrote that was so
(30:35):
intimidating. That I didn't evenrealize what it was about until
I reread it again. And then Ithink read, like CliffsNotes
about it, where it's like abouta young girl getting her period
for the first time. And how evenif you're not ready, it's sort
(30:55):
of like, thrusted upon you. Andjust sort of the terror that
comes along with that. But it's,she writes it as if this man is
like, coming to take her andlike, force her to be with him.
It's so weird, but so good. AndI, I think ever since then, I've
(31:17):
just been obsessed with herwriting, that she can write
anything. I don't think I havean interesting enough life for
her to want to write about me. Iwould love that.
alexandra shelly (31:32):
That is so interesting. I was like, Wow, is
this woman going like my darkVanessa vibes? Like, where could
this possibly that's like, whatwas her period? Like? Like? I
don't know, I feel like
Sam (31:47):
I think it's more so just pointing out that pressure of
becoming a young woman. But alsohow you're sort of seen once you
become a woman to like men inthis like, I will. You know, I
will take you as my own I willcome for you kind of a thing.
alexandra shelly (32:10):
Oh my god. Okay, what's this book called?
Sam (32:13):
I'm looking for right now. But so the guy his name is
Arnold friend or something likethat. But it's supposed to be
his he's the archfiend of thenot like the story like, bad
guy. Thing. Excuse my typing.
alexandra shelly (32:32):
No, you're totally good. We're on that
we're on the move.
Sam (32:40):
It's called Where are you going? Where have you been?
alexandra shelly (32:44):
Oh, okay. I feel like I've probably I feel
like that. Think I've seen thattitle on bookshelves. I would
not think about a period when Isee that. Um, yeah,
Sam (32:57):
I only discovered that when I went and I read an analysis of
it. Because I wanted tounderstand what they were.
Because there's this. There'sthis spirit sense throughout the
whole entire thing. It's almostfeels like, you know, in
summertime when you're likeoutside all day, and you start
(33:17):
to get that sort of fog. Like,is this real? Is this not real?
Yeah. That is how that storyfeels the entire time. Is this
real? Is this not real? Andthere's so many little things
throughout the story. And it's ashort story. I think it's like,
(33:38):
maybe 10 pages at most. And it'sjust the amount of stuff that
happens within it is just veryunsettling. I don't even know
how to describe it. So I justwent off on a tangent about it.
alexandra shelly (33:55):
No, I love it. That's that's what we do. So
it's a short story in that book,
Sam (34:04):
though, it's just that's it. Oh, that's short story.
Yeah. Oh, whole thing.
alexandra shelly (34:10):
The whole thing. So where where? Whatever.
We're, where are you? Where areyou going? Is a whole book. You
said? Oh, 10 pages. Okay, manapproaching her.
Sam (34:22):
Yeah, it's just a short story. Oh, okay.
alexandra shelly (34:25):
I was what I was so I was like this book
cannot 10 pages. I'm so I'mconfused. Um, okay, so what are
some of your bookish... I'mgonna usually ask, like, what
are the bookish pet peeves? I'mgonna like, make happy and you
know, talking shit. Okay, solike, what is like a bookish pet
(34:49):
peeve, or maybe one or multipleand then like, what are your I
mean, we can go on forever, butthat's why it's amazing. What
are like some of your favoritethings about books or like
bookish things.
Unknown (35:01):
Favorite things about books. Um, and my book pet
peeve. I don't know if I have abook pet peeve. I think bad
writing. That's my big petpeeve. Bad writing. How did this
get published? So edited thisalso finding this kind of
(35:23):
snobbish especially because I amnot perfect. But when I find
errors like grammatical orspelling errors in a published
book, for some reason thatirritates me, like, I'll
highlight it and circle it. AndI always have these thoughts.
Like, I'm gonna email thepublisher, you highlight it
alexandra shelly (35:43):
and circle it. That's high.
Sam (35:48):
It's a little bit aggressive. But yeah, for some
reason, I don't know why itbothers me so much. And then
things I like about books. Justbooks, I think, in general,
(36:10):
reading them, buying themlooking at them. My dresser
Yeah, the high that they give mefinishing a really good book. I
love that feeling. You know,that's truly what keeps me
reading, like reading somethingand just getting this full
(36:31):
feeling. And just still yearslater, being able to think about
it. I, you know, I love that Iabsolutely love that and look
forward to it.
alexandra shelly (36:43):
I love that. I know, I'm looking at this stack
right now I have of like, Ithink it's all the books I've
recently finished or whatever.And I'm just like, ah, like the
just remembering the feelingsthey gave me. I love it.
Sam (36:57):
Yeah. And I have. I have books that I'll look at. And
they're tied to memories. Like,I had this book when I went
here. So anytime I see it or,you know, find it again perusing
my bookshelf, I'll rememberthese like memories attached to
them. It's like smell memory.But with books.
alexandra shelly (37:21):
Yes. I love it so much. Or even like there's
times where I feel a certainfeeling. And I'm like, oh my
god, like, that's the feelingthis book gave me. Oh my god.
It's like, tying an emotion tolike, a random emotion from a
(37:43):
day to like the book. It's like,that's how that's how connected
it became, like, my heart.
Sam (37:54):
Yeah, I read this one book. I can't remember what it was
called. I read it. Like, I thinkit was called action. Blood was
like a fantasy novel. And I readit with a as like a book club
with my, my sister. And I didn'tlike the book, really. But I
(38:15):
took it with me on my honeymoon.So now like, I'll randomly think
about that book, because it waswith me on my honeymoon. But I
like it, but I didn't reallylike it. But still Just it
triggers that memory. And I hadobviously had a very fun time on
my honeymoon. So it almost sortof cancels out the negative
experience I had with the bookstuff. And in my mind, I'm like,
(38:37):
That book was great. No, Ididn't like it.
alexandra shelly (38:40):
Oh my god. That's frickin hilarious. So
what book was it?
Unknown (38:44):
Um, I think it was called Blood and Ash.
alexandra shelly (38:48):
Oh, blood. Oh, wait, you know, you just said
that. And yes, that's like oneof those super popular. Is it
like an actor acotar book?
Unknown (38:58):
I can. No, no, no, it's not. But it's like, I feel like
in the same genre. Again, it'sabout vampires. So I was like,
Sign me up.
alexandra shelly (39:10):
You just didn't like it.
Unknown (39:12):
Yeah... I think it was the writing. I didn't like the
writing. I think the concept wasgood. I just think overall, I
just didn't like the executionof it.
alexandra shelly (39:23):
Hmm. See, that's where I feel like an
asshole. And I get reallynervous about reading fantasy
books. And even honestly, likesome romance novels, because I'm
worried like, the writing won't.I don't know like, I just won't
like it because I feel likemaybe it's because the way you
(39:45):
know, society perceives them islike they're like catchy like
they're cheesy, but I feel likesome are actually like, I don't
know. For instance, I feel like1Q84 Is 100% a love story like
Whoa, whoa, whoa what's bestlove story ever! But it wouldn't
be coined as that by society Ifeel like it's like alternate
(40:08):
universe's and whatever, butthen. I don't know, like, for
some reason I have a difficulttime with like, like I've been
wanting to maybe do, what is itread like the Court of Thorns
and thorn bushes? I don't knowwhat it's called.
Unknown (40:26):
Yeah. A Court of Thorns and Roses. Yeah, I read the
first two books in that series.Okay. When they came out, and I
think that was kind of the lastbook that I read, before, like,
my tastes really startedshifting. So, which was that?
(40:46):
The second book, which Iremember being like, Oh, my God,
I fucking love this book. Thisman is just like, daddy. You
know, totally in love with it.But then, a year later, the
third book came out. And I wasreading and I was like, What is
this garbage?
alexandra shelly (41:05):
What is this garbage?!
I mean, I just I didn't evenfinish it. i It was just, and I
don't I don't want to attackpeople's reading or anything. I
just that book was not made forme, you know? And there's
(41:27):
definitely I think it's morealluring. If you read with a
group of friends. Yeah. Becausethen it's like you can get into
the gossip of it. Like whenyou're just kind of reading it
by yourself. You don't get tokind of you don't get to like,
geek out about it or whatever.As much. Yeah. And I think
that's kind of the hype of SarahJ Mass is, reading with a group
(41:53):
could have a completelydifferent experience versus just
reading it by herself.
Unknown (42:00):
I also really wanted to wanted to read her Throne of
Glass series, which I heard wasbetter. And I bought the whole
series on Kindle. And I read thefriends books. And I just
remember being like, Oh, wow,that was a letdown. Like, why do
I just so badly want to lovefantasy and like romance again,
(42:22):
the way that I used to and I'mjust like, why don't I enjoy
these anymore?
alexandra shelly (42:28):
Hmm. Go on, like a girls trip. And then
you'll be like, I love this!
Unknown (42:33):
Yeah, I wanted to do a book club with my aunt, my
sister and read like a romancebook. Like my aunt's like, Yeah,
let's do it. Let's read a smuttyone! And then I just was looking
at some of them to read and Icouldn't find anything that
sounded interesting.
alexandra shelly (42:53):
You know what? If you have one, I still want to
make you like, do anythingthat's like, aggressive and
another way, but honestly, youknow what? No, I'll do it. Why
am I asking? Bebe? Oh, it'slike, oh, like, send me a
picture of the first page. AndI'll see like, if I agree with
it or something. And I'm like,No, I can literally look it up
(43:13):
on Google. Like, what's yourproblem? But anyways, now I'm
curious because you seem reallypicky with your writing. I'm
really picky with my writing.But Okay, couple final
questions. I just made up thisone because this is fun and just
about us being like pickywriters. Is there I feel like
(43:33):
it's really hard, ugh, like forme it's so hard to be like, wow,
like they are the most perfect,amazing, best writer ever. Like
I feel like I have favoritewriters. But is there maybe like
one I find it's really hard likeone or maybe just like a few
writers and you'd be likethey're perfect. They're
amazing. I love them.
Unknown (43:55):
Yeah, I do. I have a few. I have two authors who I
really enjoy Elena Ferrante, Ilove her as well as Donatella Di
(44:20):
Pietrantonio, I'm gonna butcherthis last name, Di Pietrantonio,
or something like that. She'sanother Italian writer. But, um,
they both have their bookstranslated by Anne Goldstein.
And I absolutely I don't know ifthese books are, you know, in
this manner in their originallanguage, or if and just this is
(44:43):
Anne's kind of writing stylecoming in. But I absolutely love
those books. And that writingstyle. I mean, they're just,
they're so well done and thestories really grab you and pull
you in. Just from the beginning.Also I really love Hanya
(45:04):
Yanagihara who wrote a LittleLife. Which will I mean, that
book had a chokehold on me. I, Ifelt like I just went through an
emotional roller coaster. Like Iphysically remember throwing
that book across the room andlike, like proceeding to just
(45:25):
ugly cry for like, and I didn'teven I couldn't even pick—like
that book sat on the floor, likethree days and my husband was
like, why is your book on thefloor? Like? Don't touch it.
alexandra shelly (45:44):
I was just going to ask you I was like, how
does, our poor partners likethey have to handle us. Like,
what is wrong with these people?
Sam (45:57):
Just goes with it now. So funny.
alexandra shelly (45:59):
All right. Oh, my God, I'm crying. That's
frickin hilarious. Don't touchit. Oh, okay.
Yes. I really, that's who I needto like playing with my chord. I
really, really need to readElena Ferrante on top of the
(46:21):
many million other authors needto read but yes, I have not read
her yet.
Sam (46:26):
Yeah. And Elena, she just like, I mean, I feel like both,
or all three of the authors thatI just mentioned. Just really
get people and the experience.It makes me wonder about them. I
mean, and I think that's like asign of just a really great
(46:47):
writer. Because also, like ElenaFerrante is, like, almost like
non existent person. Like, Idon't even there's no, like
information of her out there.It's like, I think it's a pen
name. But um, so It like makesme wonder about these writers
and kind of what their lives arelike, and Are they pulling from
(47:13):
experiences that they've had? Orare they just truly so talented?
They're able to just pull thesecharacters out of their head
that are so three dimensional.
alexandra shelly (47:24):
Hmm. Yeah, I do. God Who was I talking about
this with? Yeah, I do find thatvery, very interesting. How
like, it was like the first timeI Oh, I remember I was talking
to Hannah Franklin. She waslike, yeah, she's literally no
one knows who she is. Like, noone's seen her face. Like she
(47:45):
has someone show up like,whatever. I just that like blew
my mind. I don't know. Just Ifeel like I understand. Maybe as
I said, it doesn't make anysense. But like, as an actor,
like, you can keep your lifevery private. But, with books,
it's like, what is your life?Like, if you could write that?
(48:07):
Like what you just said is like,so interesting. Like, are you a
hermit? Are you like, alwaysaround people like do other like
Do your friends know? Not tocall you do you have friends?
Kids? Like what do you eat? Doyou sleep? Are you a ghost?
Like, oh my god. Yeah. Now I'mspiraling. But I need an
(48:28):
uninspiral because I haven'teven read her yet!
Sam (48:33):
Well, I would, I would definitely recommend her. She's.
She's a really great writer.
alexandra shelly (48:39):
Oh my gosh. Okay, and should I start with My
Brilliant Friend or somethingelse?
Sam (48:45):
I think that you can start with My Brilliant Friend, My
Brilliant Friend is a it's aseries, the cosmopolitan one.
And I only read the first book,I do want to read them all. But
I did really enjoy it. It's alot thicker than her other book,
(49:09):
the last daughter that I read,which was more of a quick read.
But felt like a 400 page booklike it just it really shoved so
much into so little. And I lovethat and I think that's also I
tend to gravitate towardsshorter books because I a love
(49:29):
that sort of instantgratification you get from a
short book, but also I find itso impressive when and it sounds
like negative but to me it's apositive when you can make a
short book feel like a reallylong book.
alexandra shelly (49:43):
Oh my god. Absolutely. Like yeah, I asked.
I also love like short storiestoo, for the same reason where
it's like if you're able to tiea story up, or like not even if
you like know what the ending isor whatever like If you're able
to literally just create a solidstory that is not that long,
(50:06):
that is so impressive becausewriters just want to write, you
don't want to edit down like youdon't want to pare it down you
want to use like all the funwords you want to use, like all
the fun whatever metaphors andstuff and like when writers are
able just to be like, boop, it'sso amazing writer crush,
Sam (50:26):
love. Yes, instantly. I do have a writer crush on her. Or
him I mean, could be a man,right? It
alexandra shelly (50:41):
Ah, okay. So, final question. Why do you read?
Sam (50:51):
I do I read. Oh, I mean, it's been so long at this point.
I don't think I could not read.I think the obvious answer is
it's just kind of a way to, likeshut your brain off. Even if a
book really requires thought.It's a different source of
(51:14):
thought. Not like a thought ofthe stuff I have to do today or
that email. I forgot to sendthat work. That's gonna drive me
nuts until I get it. It's justits own area. It's an escape.
It's a reprieve. And it's achance to I guess step outside
(51:36):
of your life and into somethingelse for a little while. There's
something really romantic aboutthat notion to me.
alexandra shelly (51:46):
I love that a lot. Beautiful. I just like
closed my eyes and like reallyhad that sink in. That was
wonderful. Oh yes. Oh my gosh,thank you so much for taking
time out of your busy day. Andchatting with me this is I love
these so so much honestly, Ilove sitting down and creating
(52:10):
like amazing connections withyou guys and just talking about
just what we love books. Soyeah, I
Sam (52:17):
could talk about books dude all day every day. It's one of
my favorite topics.
alexandra shelly (52:22):
I really want to create, baby steps Beebs, to
create like you know how there'sComiCon, book-a-con, like there
needs to be something because—we are so
Sam (52:42):
Like a book meet up for bookstagram? I think they do
those but, more small andconcentrated..
alexandra shelly (52:53):
Oh my god, like how sick like it could be
like the book fair for adultswith like, a tea club because or
like a wine club? I don't feel Iwas like, No, we're not really
like clubbers. Like couldn'treally Yeah. But there'd be like
a lounge room.
Sam (53:11):
It's a book fair that we have money for this time.
alexandra shelly (53:14):
Yes. It's not like those weird science books.
It's like, no, it's like goodshit. It's like, first edition.
Or maybe they'll even come outyet. Yeah. Or maybe like there's
like a couple cool authors.They're like, I don't know.
Sam (53:34):
Yeah, I mean, I guess that would kind of just be when like
publication companies puttogether their like book. I'm
gonna say fairs because I can'tthink of what the word is. Where
you like meet authors and stuff.I don't know. I think that might
be close to actual publicationhow
alexandra shelly (53:55):
like, like when they do a book signing?
Sam (53:59):
Know when they have just like a ton of authors come and
like, sign books and giveinterviews and stuff. I feel
like those exist. Like awarethat my knowledge of them is not
very expensive. I think they doGod.
alexandra shelly (54:19):
I was like, where the hell have I BEEN! I
didn't even know those existed.Well, anyways, maybe one day,
there'll be a dog your bookfair. And all the poops could
come together. Yes, yes. Well, Ihope you have an amazing rest of
your evening. And again, thankyou so so much. This means the
(54:42):
world.
Sam (54:44):
Yeah, thank you again. This was a lot of fun. Yes,
alexandra shelly (54:47):
You the best!
Hello, hello. Thank you so somuch for listening. You guys
have no idea how much it meansfor me to have you guys come
back and And also again beingpatient with me I've been really
behind and I'm trying not tostress myself out with all this
(55:07):
I really want to show to dogyour book club, fully present
but also with absolute joy. Thisis not meant to stress me out.
This is meant to be a beautifuloutlet of creativity. So anyways
make sure to give her a followat double underscore and books
pretty much Sam and she's goingto be the queen with the amazing
aesthetic as you'll see. Makesure to again check out her
(55:31):
post, check out her synopsisesand her reviews and be on the
lookout for her top 10 Eight to10 I usually say like 8, 10, 12
books coming up in the nextcouple of weeks. They will not
only be posted on Instagram,they will also be available on
my bookshop.org affiliate pageand again it makes sure to give
(55:54):
DogEared Book Club a follow in areview on Apple podcasts or
Spotify. And again DM me I wouldlove to hear your thoughts, your
suggestions, any accounts youwould like me to follow like me
to check out but also of course,like me to interview and any
leaders, any authors, anyonethat you're interested hearing
(56:14):
from. I love you guys and I willsee you guys next time.
Hello Hello and welcome to dogeared book
club I'm your host AlexandraShelly also known as BB by many.
And if you are a regularlistener are obsessed with you
it really really means the worldto me that you listen like what
the heck. And if you are newHello I'm so over the moon that
(00:38):
we have found each other walk mydog, your book club. And this is
where I will connect you tobooks, thought leaders and avid
readers. I interviewed leaderswho are no changemakers CEOs,
authors, healers, artists,philanthropists, actors,
actresses. I don't know everyanyone who's cool, anyone who's
(01:00):
badass, but I also interviewamazing, bookish content
creators. Oh, gosh, you guys, Iobsessed with showing up for dog
eared book club. I'm tellingyou. It is amazing. And this
guest I am way too obsessed withI've become obsessed with
everyone. So I think that's justjust going to be a common theme.
(01:21):
So anyways, her name is Sam andshe is the creator of underscore
and dot books. I love her style.I came across her page,
honestly, I want to sayrecently, just a few months ago,
and I love her aesthetic. It'sso simple. It's so understated.
(01:41):
But it's really, really just,it's so I don't know, what do
you call it? It's so because Iwant to say curated, but it's
really elegant. I really reallywas taken aback by her elegant
approach and her artistry and Ialso love love, love her
captions. She gives suchgenerous descriptions and
(02:05):
synopsises and I, I love it. Ilove her and she's like the girl
you're like, damn, she, um,she's really really cool. Like,
she's just like the frickincoolest. And of course when we
talked. She's so so sweet. Sheis such a gentle, beautiful
(02:27):
soul. And of course she hasamazing taste in books. That's
another reason why I follow herbecause, yes, yes, yes, I save
her posts. Often I repost themoften. She's just incredible.
And she's based in Long Beach,which I just remembered. So
anyways, this was recorded abouta couple months ago. And then I
(02:51):
realized that on her story, itwas like, oh, reading
California, and I'm like, wait,what else? She was like, I think
we talked about this. I'm like,I am literally such a
knucklehead, she's been in LongBeach this whole time!? Are you
kidding? Um, so anyways, her andI will definitely have to meet
like, ASAP. But also she's goingto be a beautiful, amazing,
(03:13):
perfect mother. So I'll probablyhave to see her. I don't know. I
don't know, because I know.Anyways, I will see you soon,
Sam at some point, but I do wantto give you your privacy as a
beautiful new mother and withyour husband and your baby. But
anyways, why am I talking toher, but also like making a
(03:35):
pact? Whatever. You guys got me.So this conversation is so
beautiful again, as you know, wetalk about books, we talk about
the sacredness of reading, wetalk about her book peeves and
her bookish loves and how bookshave impacted her life. I mean,
what the heck, it's part of meis like, oh, like get super like
(04:00):
specific Bebe, like blah, blah,blah. But it's like, I mean, how
much more beautiful can you getwith a bookish conversation? We
talk about life we talk abouthow how books have really just
created so much of color andcreativity and impact into our
day to day but also ourrelationships and our
(04:20):
friendships. I mean, I don'tknow she's amazing like, what
else do you guys want me to liketell you anyways, whatever. So
make sure to give her a followit's @__and.books. And she is
incredible. Make sure to lookout for her books, her top ten,
eight books that will be comingout in the next week or so. And
(04:44):
again, please DM me, please letme know what connected with you
what your favorite part was abook that you are looking to
read that's in your cart, a bookthat you're racing to the store
for or a book that you've readthat you've read of hers that
you maybe you've read of mineAmen. And, of course, make sure
to give dogeared book club afollow and a review. It would
(05:05):
mean the world to me. I love youguys, and let's get right into
the episode.
But anyways, let's just getstarted. So, I love asking about
kind of what everyone's hisinspiration was, and especially
aesthetic. Because you guys havesuch a unique style and everyone
(05:32):
is like truly such a creator issounds like so bizarre to you,
everyone is such a creator onthis platform, but it's like
really such a beautiful niche.And I'm always so blown away by
everyone's creativity. So we'dlove to hear long winded
question. We'd love to hear whyyou started this page. And what
(05:53):
your inspiration was, likeaesthetic wise, or even just
mood wise.
Sam (06:00):
Okay, yeah, sure. I I actually started a Bookstagram a
long time ago, when like thatfirst wave of like Bookstagram
started popping off. And, likethe term influencer was being
thrown around a lot more. And Iwent into it thinking, like, I'm
(06:22):
gonna share everything I'mreading and all these books, and
it's gonna be so much fun. Andthen I didn't like I have a
tendency to start things at theworst time possible. Like, I
began it, right when I was goinginto like, the heavier end of my
college days. And I think it wasbecause I was looking for that
(06:44):
escapism, just any excuse to notwork on school. And so I quickly
just completely crashed, andthen ended up deleting it. And I
went in, and I followed everyoneI really enjoyed following on my
private account, but justcompletely got rid of
Bookstagram. But then after Ifinished school, I got that urge
(07:07):
to start again. And that's kindof where this one came around.
But I think this time I feel amore a little more genuine, in
what I do in my space that Ihave. I definitely don't curate
it. I mean, half of the poststhat I post aren't even edited,
(07:28):
just like I took a picture. Andit's a little, it's a little
less stressful this time around.And I also feel like I've made
more genuine connections, andmet people with much more like
minded taste and reading. So Ihave more motivation to do this
(07:52):
one. And no school.
alexandra shelly (07:54):
Oh, my God had no school dude, I can't even
imagine like getting a homeworkassignment right now. Like what?
But I love what you said,because it kind of ties into I
feel like everyone's purpose.Like you were in a place that
(08:14):
not saying like, you're comingat it in like an authentic way.
But you just like weren't inthis open, the best space to be
like, open and whatever, becauseyou were so busy with college
and you're, Oh my God, and thennow you're like, Okay, I have
this freedom to, you know, givemyself room to create and be
(08:37):
open with everyone and thenactually make connections
because yeah, that's where Ialways have to remind myself
like, it's so annoying because,you know, it's like, it's so
easy to get caught up in youknow, all of this stuff. And I'm
like, BeBe literally, everyonedoes this because it's fun. It's
(08:57):
just joy. Like it bringseveryone so much joy. And I
don't know, that's justeverything at the end of the
day. So yeah, I love it. Yousaid wonderful. And so just
diving right into the fun bookquestions. So when was your
first memory of reading?
Sam (09:20):
Um, I think I've always been around reading. Um, my mom
is a huge reader. But I doremember very specifically, I
think it was like in the summerto seventh or in the summer to
eighth grade. My stepmom broughthome this book called The wind
(09:43):
blows backwards by Mary DowningHahn. And it was the first time
I experienced reading as apleasure. Whereas before that it
was more just academic wise,like what you're being assigned
in school, which I do think I Ienjoyed a lot of those books,
but not the way that I enjoyedthis book. And I kind of came
(10:08):
into that. Oh, you mean, this iswhat reading can be like. And
that's why I think I have, Ialways hold my tongue. But when
someone's like, Oh, I just don'tread like my first thought is
like you just haven't found yourbook. And then also, I read Star
Girl by Jerry, Jerry Spinelli.And that one was also like a big
(10:34):
a very big kind of discoverymoment for me. And I was just
like, I just want to read everybook that's like this. And from
there, it just kind ofcatapulted into this obsession
that I've just had since.
alexandra shelly (10:52):
I love that so much. So how has your reading
has your reading changed at all?Like, I mean, this this could be
based on like genre or type ofliterature, or even like habits
or like rituals that you've kindof brought from the beginning to
now or? Yeah, let me just likeend the question. I'm really
(11:15):
good at.
Sam (11:20):
Um, yes, my writing has changed so much from when I
first started to what I readnow. I mean, if me back then
looked at what I'm reading now,I'd probably fall asleep. And
just be like, No, thank you.Because the what I was reading
then was just probably allromance. All fantasy, just sci
(11:42):
fi. Anything that was just likean escape, I really loved.
Whereas now I'm, I'm more sodrawn towards. Like, I guess I'd
say like more contemporaryfiction, or nonfiction,
especially poetry, I really lovepoetry now, so much more than I
(12:05):
did when I was younger. Mostlybecause going through college, I
studied English as well, Ilearned how to read poetry,
whereas before it was lost uponme. So I guess just kind of
became more refined, I foundthose little niches that I
enjoyed a lot more. And Inoticed I began to really enjoy
(12:32):
sort of stories about people'slives, like solitary moments
that, you know, an event happensand it causes this other thing
to happen and kind of how wedeal with things. I really love
reading books like that.
alexandra shelly (12:50):
I love that so much. Yeah, I feel like those
like those solitary moments evenare I remember, like having a
conversation with like, HannahFranklin. And she was like, it's
so funny, because I love thestories where people are like,
well, nothing really happens.And she's like, well, so much
(13:10):
happens. And it's just so funny,because I feel like the same way
to where I am like reallygravitating towards books where
I can like really sink my teethin. And like so much about like
human relationships and innerthoughts and, you know,
evolvement to, you know, like,what their purpose is. And like
(13:30):
those sometimes do tend to belike those, like really awkward,
silent moments, but I feel like,I don't know, maybe just because
like now that we're older, webecome like more introspective,
I'm not really sure why, but I'mtotally with you on that.
Sam (13:46):
It makes us feel, I think better or less alone, when we're
reading experiences that arethat other people are going
through that can either mirrorwhat we're experiencing, or are
either like worse than whatyou're going through. It's, it
can be very humbling. And Ijust, I find it very fascinating
(14:11):
reading about other people'slives and their experiences. But
seeing so many similarities,regardless of where you're from,
or your background, you know, Ijust finished reading House on
Mango Street. And it's justabout this young girl's
experience growing up in thishouse. But there are so many
(14:34):
moments when from her childhoodthat I can just relate with,
like playing with friends in thestreet, you know, or having
people over are sitting outsideand just eating like a popsicle
like they were such short littlechapters. But I mean, this
wasn't like in New York, kind ofin a different type of
(14:57):
upbringing, but we shared thosesimilarities, childhood. So it's
kind of cool to find, I guessyourself and other people.
alexandra shelly (15:08):
Oh my gosh, it's the freakin best I feel
like reading is like, Well,besides like literally being a
human being. I feel like readingis also like one of the other
avenues to actually like,understand how to put yourself
in someone's shoes.
Sam (15:24):
Definitely, you can definitely do that with ruining
for sure.
alexandra shelly (15:29):
Oh my god. Absolutely. Sometimes you get
heartbroken and you have torecover, but everything's fine.
So what are you reading? Now?How did you find out about it?
Do you like it? Do we love?
Sam (15:46):
I have been trying to focus more on reading books that I
already own, instead ofpurchasing more. I'm not saying
it's going well. I try. So I'mreading the historian right now
by Elizabeth Coase. Becausenobody believes. And I'm
(16:08):
enjoying it. I I had a postrecently about how I think
vampires are my favorite kind ofimaginary character. Yes. Well,
I
alexandra shelly (16:21):
think I remember that.
Sam (16:24):
I'm surprised at how many people feel the same way or like
about, you know, other things.But um, I love the vampire
aspect of it. And it's so Idon't want to say vague, but
like the vampire is like, mostlykind of just talked about and
only like minimally seen. Soit's kind of slow. I don't want
(16:52):
to say it's boring, because I'menjoying it. But if the writing
wasn't so good, I probably wouldhave stopped reading it.
alexandra shelly (17:04):
It totally makes sense. It's so it's so
funny. I can relate to you onthat. Because I'm Yeah, so like,
I've been reading books ofJacob. And it's really
beautiful. And like, Olga issuch a beautiful writer. And
this like, her translator didlike an amazing job. And yeah,
like, definitely my ADHD iskicking in. I'm like, oh, like
(17:25):
tomorrow, I'm going to SanFrancisco with my family. And
I'm like, okay, like, it's sucha big book. I feel like I'm not
going to have enough time tolike, read as much as I want.
Like, why is it so big? Whathave I done, but then I read it,
and I'm like, Oh, my gosh, Ilove it. And it really forces me
to like, like I said earlierlike to like really like sink my
teeth and just to like, bepatient and like read a big
(17:46):
story that does feel slow, butlike so much is going on. So I
don't know, I feel like I I feellike I kind of lost track of
like, whereby whereby whateverscience was going, but I really
do on your like, like this book.I'm having not like mixed
(18:08):
feelings. You're like, why can IWhy can't I talk right now? You
know what I mean?
Sam (18:14):
No, I get what you're saying. That's how I That's how
I feel when I read it all overthe place. I even find myself
daydreaming while I'm readingit. And I'm like, wait, where
was I? I have to come back. Butthe book in itself is intriguing
enough to keep me going. But Imean, the pages are like, damn
(18:39):
near as thin as the frickinBible, like 100 pages. And it's
really good. But it's so full ofjust history. Like this writer
literally did her work. But I'mjust kind of like, Can we get a
little more story in here? Justa little bit more shot
alexandra shelly (19:02):
up? No, literally. Yes. Same with this
one. Like it is really like, Ithink I remember I because I
can't read an article for thelife of me because just
attention span. But yeah, likeOlga, like, I think it took her
seven years to write this book.I'm like, Baby took her seven
years. Like you could do this,like at least give it the energy
(19:24):
it deserves. And I'm like Taviand like try to remember all the
names like they're all like, ohmy god, like there's like Polish
Jewish Christian names. Whatelse like Turkish like, all
these different religions andcultures, and I'm just like, I
don't know if I can remember allof it. I'm just gonna like try
to grasp the idea.
Sam (19:46):
Yes. And on top of it, it has three points of view, that
change without letting you knowthey're changing. It's like one
paragraph will be from thefather's perspective. And then
the next one will be From thedaughter's. And if I'm not
paying attention, close enough,I, all of a sudden, I'm lost.
(20:07):
And I have to go back and likereread, just to like, remember
where I am. But for some reason,I just don't want to quit this
book. And I'm like, this is theonly thing I'm gonna read in
April, aside from House on MangoStreet, which was like 100
pages. So it's not even, it waslike an afternoon. And I'm just
(20:28):
thinking, I was thinking today,I need to count how many pages
there are, and align that withhow many days are left in the
month, so that I can like, givemyself daily goals. Because for
some reason, I just want tofinish this frickin book. But I
don't know that's that's where Iam right now. That's also kind
(20:48):
of why I gave myself like such asmall goal of reading like two
books a month this year. BecauseI didn't want to if I came into
this situation, I didn't want tofeel like I had to pressure
myself to hurry and finish or ormove on. I struggle was real.
alexandra shelly (21:07):
Oh my god. That's like really crazy that we
asked what was that noise? I wasso weird. I don't know if you
heard that sounds like a likeone of those like chickens
squeaky
Sam (21:19):
a fire truck just went by my place.
alexandra shelly (21:22):
Oh my god, maybe so many noises in Los
Angeles. But okay, this is it'sso interesting. What I don't I
like it's I sound so like,corny. I feel like what I just
call people by their like handlebecause it's just so catchy. But
(21:43):
I don't remember his name. Ithink it's Zack. Like guy who
has the literature lab profile.Okay, yeah, okay. He posted
something that was just like itliterally just has spoke to my
soul. The last like few weeksand I wanted to ask like how you
it seems like you kind ofanswered it. But maybe we can
(22:05):
like dig into it a little bitmore because it's even something
I'm trying to figure out myself.He was like, Do you guys ever
get like super stressed withlike, all you have to do your To
Do lists, you know, yourerrands, and going to sleep and
seeing friends and like readingall the books you want. Like it
was just a short caption. And Iwas just like, Oh my God. Like,
it's just crazy. Like I've eventhinking. I mean, I've just been
(22:28):
thinking for the last few days.I'm like, How are my days flying
by so fast? And I didn't evenget a chance to like read yet
today. I'm freaking out. It'slike writtens the thing? It's
like all of our things. It'slike, oh my God, how do we keep
up? But yeah. Love to hear?
Sam (22:45):
Yes. Especially because I see people on Instagram who have
read like 30 books in one month.I'm like, there's the last 30
books. That's a book a day. Iswear those people all work in
(23:07):
publishing or something becauseit is a sport to read that many
books. I would don't I wouldn'teven want to read that many
books in one month. I feel likeat that point, what's the
purpose of reading? Are yougetting anything out of
everything you're reading?Because also I have to account
for the book hangovers. Likesome books. I've finished. Oh my
god, I'm just like, a weeklater. I'm still thinking about
(23:30):
it. I haven't had the ability topick up another book. So I
definitely feel I don'tnecessarily feel pressure I
think I used to but not so muchanymore. Now I'm just kind of
like it. Whatever. Whatever Iread is what I read.
alexandra shelly (23:52):
Yeah, my God. No, I I love that. I know what
was it? Yeah, I think yeah, Iknow, I saw someone there were
like 50 bucks. I'm like, Do youhave a job like
Sam (24:07):
a social life for me, like I'm at the I'm working for eight
hours Monday through Friday. Andthen I come home and I like
probably just sit on my couchand watch tick tock for at least
another hour to unwind. And thenit's like, I've got to you know,
cook myself dinner and then youknow, eventually make my way to
(24:31):
if I feel like it cracking openliterally always bring a book
with me because I just go downin the courtroom courtyard of my
office building and I just readfor like an hour. At least I
read a little bit, just aboutevery day.
alexandra shelly (24:47):
Absolutely. I know and it's not even like It's
like honestly guys like good foryou if you feel like read that
many books a month. But yeah,it's so it's so wild. But it is
interesting because I feel likeI Every single one of you guys
that I've connected with like,everyone has been so I don't
know, like no one I don't thinkI've really met. Any one of you
(25:10):
guys have been really like, oh,like, I have to read this money
a month you guys are just likeI'm just reading when I can. And
I mean, that's even just suchlike a reminder to myself, like
just like literally read whenyou can and like a good reader
just like you could read, like,you couldn't read and you read
whatever you can. And like,that's amazing. Just that
(25:31):
impostor syndrome, you know?
Sam (25:34):
Yeah. Especially being in, I think the Bookstagram
community, there comes thisslight pressure to produce
content. Regardless of you know,how popular or unpopular you
want to be on the platform.There's this like, Oh, I didn't
really read anything. I didn'treally post anything, kind of
nagging feeling. But then it'skind of like, well, what I don't
(25:57):
want to post like a ton of crap,or do I want to post something
that I'm like, actuallygenuinely excited to talk about
and share. You know, so I, I,you know, thankfully, I don't
get that feeling as muchanymore. But a lot when I did it
the first time around. I hadthat feeling like all the time.
alexandra shelly (26:14):
Yeah. Oh, totally. I know. Yeah. When I
first started like, I wasdefinitely having major. Yeah,
major impostor because I waslike, I first of all, like, some
of the photos like people takeare like, so professional, like
weight
Sam (26:32):
range from limitless like, Girl, every photo. God, I don't
want to like print them out andpost like hanging them on my
wall art art doing art.
alexandra shelly (26:43):
Oh my god. I know. I want more like go to an
art dealer. I'm like $5 million.Don't like what's so amazing.
Yeah. It's unbelievable. Or justeven I don't know, just some
people just like read you. Likesometimes, like the type of
books people read. I'm like, amI even smart enough to like,
read that book? Like, I don'tknow. I'm scared.
Sam (27:05):
I have. I have the same feeling. That's why I always
read the sample before I buy thebook. Those free samples. I
always read them first. BecauseI can't tell you how many books
I've wasted money on that. I'vejust ended up donating. Ah, and
without even cracking open. doso now. I'm like, before I
(27:27):
purchased anything, at least seeif you like the writing?
alexandra shelly (27:32):
Yes, absolutely. Yeah. Like what I'm,
I mean, I'm sure like, we all doit. I'm like acting like it's a
new thing. I like have starteddoing where like, I read the
first page of the book when I'mlike in the bookstore. And I'm
like, am I do I feel it? Isthere a spark? So? Yeah,
Sam (27:53):
it's a good tactic, or vibing with this book or not?
Yeah,
alexandra shelly (27:57):
exactly. Cuz I don't know. I feel like it'd be
pretty like pick a like, I'mjust I don't know. Anyway, yeah.
Sam (28:07):
I'm like, because I think also to every book, I think
takes me like 10 or 15 pages toeven like mentally retain what's
happening. So I genuinely onlygo in to see if I like the
writing style. If I like howthey're presenting what they're
presenting. I'll get it. BecauseI know I most likely not
(28:31):
retained anything anyway. But Ido remember that I liked the
writing.
alexandra shelly (28:35):
Oh my god. Yes. Yes. Did you are you or
someone I swear to God, therehas definitely been like that
tweet or something around whereit's like, what's it about? And
it was like, I don't know. Likeit was a vibe. Like, that's me.
Saying, right, right. I don'tknow. It's just kind of a vibe,
(28:56):
your heart we got broken.Anyways, so trying to think so.
No, I feel like you've kind ofalready talked about that. I
have like a Rolodex ofquestions. And I'm like, okay,
like, where's this conversationgoing? What's the energy? So,
what is an author that you wouldlove to have? Write about your
(29:19):
life? And why?
Sam (29:23):
Oh, gosh, I don't even know. Probably Joyce Carol
Oates. I love her writing. Andshe's so diverse. The very first
time I was ever creeped out bywriting was by her. And it was a
short story. And I'm blanking onthe name of what it was called.
(29:48):
But it was it was a metaphorbasically for a young girl
coming of age and She, she meetsthis boy color called Arnold
theme at, I think like a circusor something. And he's older
(30:11):
than her, and he kind of startsto hit on her. And then they go,
like, they're separate ways. Butthen he, her parents go out one
day, and he shows up in his carout front of her house. And he's
like, I'm here for you. And I'mjust like, Oh, my God, how did
you find her? But the way thatshe wrote that was so
(30:35):
intimidating. That I didn't evenrealize what it was about until
I reread it again. And then Ithink read, like CliffsNotes
about it, where it's like abouta young girl getting her period
for the first time. And how evenif you're not ready, it's sort
(30:55):
of like, thrusted upon you. Andjust sort of the terror that
comes along with that. But it's,she writes it as if this man is
like, coming to take her andlike, force her to be with him.
It's so weird, but so good. AndI, I think ever since then, I've
(31:17):
just been obsessed with herwriting, that she can write
anything. I don't think I havean interesting enough life for
her to want to write about me. Iwould love that.
alexandra shelly (31:32):
That is so interesting. I was like, Wow, is
this woman going like my darkVanessa vibes? Like, where could
this possibly that's like, whatwas her period? Like? Like? I
don't know, I feel like
Sam (31:47):
I think it's more so just pointing out that pressure of
becoming a young woman. But alsohow you're sort of seen once you
become a woman to like men inthis like, I will. You know, I
will take you as my own I willcome for you kind of a thing.
alexandra shelly (32:10):
Oh my god. Okay, what's this book called?
Sam (32:13):
I'm looking for right now. But so the guy his name is
Arnold friend or something likethat. But it's supposed to be
his he's the archfiend of thenot like the story like, bad
guy. Thing. Excuse my typing.
alexandra shelly (32:32):
No, you're totally good. We're on that
we're on the move.
Sam (32:40):
It's called Where are you going? Where have you been?
alexandra shelly (32:44):
Oh, okay. I feel like I've probably I feel
like that. Think I've seen thattitle on bookshelves. I would
not think about a period when Isee that. Um, yeah,
Sam (32:57):
I only discovered that when I went and I read an analysis of
it. Because I wanted tounderstand what they were.
Because there's this. There'sthis spirit sense throughout the
whole entire thing. It's almostfeels like, you know, in
summertime when you're likeoutside all day, and you start
(33:17):
to get that sort of fog. Like,is this real? Is this not real?
Yeah. That is how that storyfeels the entire time. Is this
real? Is this not real? Andthere's so many little things
throughout the story. And it's ashort story. I think it's like,
(33:38):
maybe 10 pages at most. And it'sjust the amount of stuff that
happens within it is just veryunsettling. I don't even know
how to describe it. So I justwent off on a tangent about it.
alexandra shelly (33:55):
No, I love it. That's that's what we do. So
it's a short story in that book,
Sam (34:04):
though, it's just that's it. Oh, that's short story.
Yeah. Oh, whole thing.
alexandra shelly (34:10):
The whole thing. So where where? Whatever.
We're, where are you? Where areyou going? Is a whole book. You
said? Oh, 10 pages. Okay, manapproaching her.
Sam (34:22):
Yeah, it's just a short story. Oh, okay.
alexandra shelly (34:25):
I was what I was so I was like this book
cannot 10 pages. I'm so I'mconfused. Um, okay, so what are
some of your bookish... I'mgonna usually ask, like, what
are the bookish pet peeves? I'mgonna like, make happy and you
know, talking shit. Okay, solike, what is like a bookish pet
(34:49):
peeve, or maybe one or multipleand then like, what are your I
mean, we can go on forever, butthat's why it's amazing. What
are like some of your favoritethings about books or like
bookish things.
Unknown (35:01):
Favorite things about books. Um, and my book pet
peeve. I don't know if I have abook pet peeve. I think bad
writing. That's my big petpeeve. Bad writing. How did this
get published? So edited thisalso finding this kind of
(35:23):
snobbish especially because I amnot perfect. But when I find
errors like grammatical orspelling errors in a published
book, for some reason thatirritates me, like, I'll
highlight it and circle it. AndI always have these thoughts.
Like, I'm gonna email thepublisher, you highlight it
alexandra shelly (35:43):
and circle it. That's high.
Sam (35:48):
It's a little bit aggressive. But yeah, for some
reason, I don't know why itbothers me so much. And then
things I like about books. Justbooks, I think, in general,
(36:10):
reading them, buying themlooking at them. My dresser
Yeah, the high that they give mefinishing a really good book. I
love that feeling. You know,that's truly what keeps me
reading, like reading somethingand just getting this full
(36:31):
feeling. And just still yearslater, being able to think about
it. I, you know, I love that Iabsolutely love that and look
forward to it.
alexandra shelly (36:43):
I love that. I know, I'm looking at this stack
right now I have of like, Ithink it's all the books I've
recently finished or whatever.And I'm just like, ah, like the
just remembering the feelingsthey gave me. I love it.
Sam (36:57):
Yeah. And I have. I have books that I'll look at. And
they're tied to memories. Like,I had this book when I went
here. So anytime I see it or,you know, find it again perusing
my bookshelf, I'll rememberthese like memories attached to
them. It's like smell memory.But with books.
alexandra shelly (37:21):
Yes. I love it so much. Or even like there's
times where I feel a certainfeeling. And I'm like, oh my
god, like, that's the feelingthis book gave me. Oh my god.
It's like, tying an emotion tolike, a random emotion from a
(37:43):
day to like the book. It's like,that's how that's how connected
it became, like, my heart.
Sam (37:54):
Yeah, I read this one book. I can't remember what it was
called. I read it. Like, I thinkit was called action. Blood was
like a fantasy novel. And I readit with a as like a book club
with my, my sister. And I didn'tlike the book, really. But I
(38:15):
took it with me on my honeymoon.So now like, I'll randomly think
about that book, because it waswith me on my honeymoon. But I
like it, but I didn't reallylike it. But still Just it
triggers that memory. And I hadobviously had a very fun time on
my honeymoon. So it almost sortof cancels out the negative
experience I had with the bookstuff. And in my mind, I'm like,
(38:37):
That book was great. No, Ididn't like it.
alexandra shelly (38:40):
Oh my god. That's frickin hilarious. So
what book was it?
Unknown (38:44):
Um, I think it was called Blood and Ash.
alexandra shelly (38:48):
Oh, blood. Oh, wait, you know, you just said
that. And yes, that's like oneof those super popular. Is it
like an actor acotar book?
Unknown (38:58):
I can. No, no, no, it's not. But it's like, I feel like
in the same genre. Again, it'sabout vampires. So I was like,
Sign me up.
alexandra shelly (39:10):
You just didn't like it.
Unknown (39:12):
Yeah... I think it was the writing. I didn't like the
writing. I think the concept wasgood. I just think overall, I
just didn't like the executionof it.
alexandra shelly (39:23):
Hmm. See, that's where I feel like an
asshole. And I get reallynervous about reading fantasy
books. And even honestly, likesome romance novels, because I'm
worried like, the writing won't.I don't know like, I just won't
like it because I feel likemaybe it's because the way you
(39:45):
know, society perceives them islike they're like catchy like
they're cheesy, but I feel likesome are actually like, I don't
know. For instance, I feel like1Q84 Is 100% a love story like
Whoa, whoa, whoa what's bestlove story ever! But it wouldn't
be coined as that by society Ifeel like it's like alternate
(40:08):
universe's and whatever, butthen. I don't know, like, for
some reason I have a difficulttime with like, like I've been
wanting to maybe do, what is itread like the Court of Thorns
and thorn bushes? I don't knowwhat it's called.
Unknown (40:26):
Yeah. A Court of Thorns and Roses. Yeah, I read the
first two books in that series.Okay. When they came out, and I
think that was kind of the lastbook that I read, before, like,
my tastes really startedshifting. So, which was that?
(40:46):
The second book, which Iremember being like, Oh, my God,
I fucking love this book. Thisman is just like, daddy. You
know, totally in love with it.But then, a year later, the
third book came out. And I wasreading and I was like, What is
this garbage?
alexandra shelly (41:05):
What is this garbage?!
I mean, I just I didn't evenfinish it. i It was just, and I
don't I don't want to attackpeople's reading or anything. I
just that book was not made forme, you know? And there's
(41:27):
definitely I think it's morealluring. If you read with a
group of friends. Yeah. Becausethen it's like you can get into
the gossip of it. Like whenyou're just kind of reading it
by yourself. You don't get tokind of you don't get to like,
geek out about it or whatever.As much. Yeah. And I think
that's kind of the hype of SarahJ Mass is, reading with a group
(41:53):
could have a completelydifferent experience versus just
reading it by herself.
Unknown (42:00):
I also really wanted to wanted to read her Throne of
Glass series, which I heard wasbetter. And I bought the whole
series on Kindle. And I read thefriends books. And I just
remember being like, Oh, wow,that was a letdown. Like, why do
I just so badly want to lovefantasy and like romance again,
(42:22):
the way that I used to and I'mjust like, why don't I enjoy
these anymore?
alexandra shelly (42:28):
Hmm. Go on, like a girls trip. And then
you'll be like, I love this!
Unknown (42:33):
Yeah, I wanted to do a book club with my aunt, my
sister and read like a romancebook. Like my aunt's like, Yeah,
let's do it. Let's read a smuttyone! And then I just was looking
at some of them to read and Icouldn't find anything that
sounded interesting.
alexandra shelly (42:53):
You know what? If you have one, I still want to
make you like, do anythingthat's like, aggressive and
another way, but honestly, youknow what? No, I'll do it. Why
am I asking? Bebe? Oh, it'slike, oh, like, send me a
picture of the first page. AndI'll see like, if I agree with
it or something. And I'm like,No, I can literally look it up
(43:13):
on Google. Like, what's yourproblem? But anyways, now I'm
curious because you seem reallypicky with your writing. I'm
really picky with my writing.But Okay, couple final
questions. I just made up thisone because this is fun and just
about us being like pickywriters. Is there I feel like
(43:33):
it's really hard, ugh, like forme it's so hard to be like, wow,
like they are the most perfect,amazing, best writer ever. Like
I feel like I have favoritewriters. But is there maybe like
one I find it's really hard likeone or maybe just like a few
writers and you'd be likethey're perfect. They're
amazing. I love them.
Unknown (43:55):
Yeah, I do. I have a few. I have two authors who I
really enjoy Elena Ferrante, Ilove her as well as Donatella Di
(44:20):
Pietrantonio, I'm gonna butcherthis last name, Di Pietrantonio,
or something like that. She'sanother Italian writer. But, um,
they both have their bookstranslated by Anne Goldstein.
And I absolutely I don't know ifthese books are, you know, in
this manner in their originallanguage, or if and just this is
(44:43):
Anne's kind of writing stylecoming in. But I absolutely love
those books. And that writingstyle. I mean, they're just,
they're so well done and thestories really grab you and pull
you in. Just from the beginning.Also I really love Hanya
(45:04):
Yanagihara who wrote a LittleLife. Which will I mean, that
book had a chokehold on me. I, Ifelt like I just went through an
emotional roller coaster. Like Iphysically remember throwing
that book across the room andlike, like proceeding to just
(45:25):
ugly cry for like, and I didn'teven I couldn't even pick—like
that book sat on the floor, likethree days and my husband was
like, why is your book on thefloor? Like? Don't touch it.
alexandra shelly (45:44):
I was just going to ask you I was like, how
does, our poor partners likethey have to handle us. Like,
what is wrong with these people?
Sam (45:57):
Just goes with it now. So funny.
alexandra shelly (45:59):
All right. Oh, my God, I'm crying. That's
frickin hilarious. Don't touchit. Oh, okay.
Yes. I really, that's who I needto like playing with my chord. I
really, really need to readElena Ferrante on top of the
(46:21):
many million other authors needto read but yes, I have not read
her yet.
Sam (46:26):
Yeah. And Elena, she just like, I mean, I feel like both,
or all three of the authors thatI just mentioned. Just really
get people and the experience.It makes me wonder about them. I
mean, and I think that's like asign of just a really great
(46:47):
writer. Because also, like ElenaFerrante is, like, almost like
non existent person. Like, Idon't even there's no, like
information of her out there.It's like, I think it's a pen
name. But um, so It like makesme wonder about these writers
and kind of what their lives arelike, and Are they pulling from
(47:13):
experiences that they've had? Orare they just truly so talented?
They're able to just pull thesecharacters out of their head
that are so three dimensional.
alexandra shelly (47:24):
Hmm. Yeah, I do. God Who was I talking about
this with? Yeah, I do find thatvery, very interesting. How
like, it was like the first timeI Oh, I remember I was talking
to Hannah Franklin. She waslike, yeah, she's literally no
one knows who she is. Like, noone's seen her face. Like she
(47:45):
has someone show up like,whatever. I just that like blew
my mind. I don't know. Just Ifeel like I understand. Maybe as
I said, it doesn't make anysense. But like, as an actor,
like, you can keep your lifevery private. But, with books,
it's like, what is your life?Like, if you could write that?
(48:07):
Like what you just said is like,so interesting. Like, are you a
hermit? Are you like, alwaysaround people like do other like
Do your friends know? Not tocall you do you have friends?
Kids? Like what do you eat? Doyou sleep? Are you a ghost?
Like, oh my god. Yeah. Now I'mspiraling. But I need an
(48:28):
uninspiral because I haven'teven read her yet!
Sam (48:33):
Well, I would, I would definitely recommend her. She's.
She's a really great writer.
alexandra shelly (48:39):
Oh my gosh. Okay, and should I start with My
Brilliant Friend or somethingelse?
Sam (48:45):
I think that you can start with My Brilliant Friend, My
Brilliant Friend is a it's aseries, the cosmopolitan one.
And I only read the first book,I do want to read them all. But
I did really enjoy it. It's alot thicker than her other book,
(49:09):
the last daughter that I read,which was more of a quick read.
But felt like a 400 page booklike it just it really shoved so
much into so little. And I lovethat and I think that's also I
tend to gravitate towardsshorter books because I a love
(49:29):
that sort of instantgratification you get from a
short book, but also I find itso impressive when and it sounds
like negative but to me it's apositive when you can make a
short book feel like a reallylong book.
alexandra shelly (49:43):
Oh my god. Absolutely. Like yeah, I asked.
I also love like short storiestoo, for the same reason where
it's like if you're able to tiea story up, or like not even if
you like know what the ending isor whatever like If you're able
to literally just create a solidstory that is not that long,
(50:06):
that is so impressive becausewriters just want to write, you
don't want to edit down like youdon't want to pare it down you
want to use like all the funwords you want to use, like all
the fun whatever metaphors andstuff and like when writers are
able just to be like, boop, it'sso amazing writer crush,
Sam (50:26):
love. Yes, instantly. I do have a writer crush on her. Or
him I mean, could be a man,right? It
alexandra shelly (50:41):
Ah, okay. So, final question. Why do you read?
Sam (50:51):
I do I read. Oh, I mean, it's been so long at this point.
I don't think I could not read.I think the obvious answer is
it's just kind of a way to, likeshut your brain off. Even if a
book really requires thought.It's a different source of
(51:14):
thought. Not like a thought ofthe stuff I have to do today or
that email. I forgot to sendthat work. That's gonna drive me
nuts until I get it. It's justits own area. It's an escape.
It's a reprieve. And it's achance to I guess step outside
(51:36):
of your life and into somethingelse for a little while. There's
something really romantic aboutthat notion to me.
alexandra shelly (51:46):
I love that a lot. Beautiful. I just like
closed my eyes and like reallyhad that sink in. That was
wonderful. Oh yes. Oh my gosh,thank you so much for taking
time out of your busy day. Andchatting with me this is I love
these so so much honestly, Ilove sitting down and creating
(52:10):
like amazing connections withyou guys and just talking about
just what we love books. Soyeah, I
Sam (52:17):
could talk about books dude all day every day. It's one of
my favorite topics.
alexandra shelly (52:22):
I really want to create, baby steps Beebs, to
create like you know how there'sComiCon, book-a-con, like there
needs to be something because—we are so
Sam (52:42):
Like a book meet up for bookstagram? I think they do
those but, more small andconcentrated..
alexandra shelly (52:53):
Oh my god, like how sick like it could be
like the book fair for adultswith like, a tea club because or
like a wine club? I don't feel Iwas like, No, we're not really
like clubbers. Like couldn'treally Yeah. But there'd be like
a lounge room.
Sam (53:11):
It's a book fair that we have money for this time.
alexandra shelly (53:14):
Yes. It's not like those weird science books.
It's like, no, it's like goodshit. It's like, first edition.
Or maybe they'll even come outyet. Yeah. Or maybe like there's
like a couple cool authors.They're like, I don't know.
Sam (53:34):
Yeah, I mean, I guess that would kind of just be when like
publication companies puttogether their like book. I'm
gonna say fairs because I can'tthink of what the word is. Where
you like meet authors and stuff.I don't know. I think that might
be close to actual publicationhow
alexandra shelly (53:55):
like, like when they do a book signing?
Sam (53:59):
Know when they have just like a ton of authors come and
like, sign books and giveinterviews and stuff. I feel
like those exist. Like awarethat my knowledge of them is not
very expensive. I think they doGod.
alexandra shelly (54:19):
I was like, where the hell have I BEEN! I
didn't even know those existed.Well, anyways, maybe one day,
there'll be a dog your bookfair. And all the poops could
come together. Yes, yes. Well, Ihope you have an amazing rest of
your evening. And again, thankyou so so much. This means the
(54:42):
world.
Sam (54:44):
Yeah, thank you again. This was a lot of fun. Yes,
alexandra shelly (54:47):
You the best!
Hello, hello. Thank you so somuch for listening. You guys
have no idea how much it meansfor me to have you guys come
back and And also again beingpatient with me I've been really
behind and I'm trying not tostress myself out with all this
(55:07):
I really want to show to dogyour book club, fully present
but also with absolute joy. Thisis not meant to stress me out.
This is meant to be a beautifuloutlet of creativity. So anyways
make sure to give her a followat double underscore and books
pretty much Sam and she's goingto be the queen with the amazing
aesthetic as you'll see. Makesure to again check out her
(55:31):
post, check out her synopsisesand her reviews and be on the
lookout for her top 10 Eight to10 I usually say like 8, 10, 12
books coming up in the nextcouple of weeks. They will not
only be posted on Instagram,they will also be available on
my bookshop.org affiliate pageand again it makes sure to give
(55:54):
DogEared Book Club a follow in areview on Apple podcasts or
Spotify. And again DM me I wouldlove to hear your thoughts, your
suggestions, any accounts youwould like me to follow like me
to check out but also of course,like me to interview and any
leaders, any authors, anyonethat you're interested hearing
(56:14):
from. I love you guys and I willsee you guys next time.
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