June 9, 2023 • 47 mins
Hello!!!! This is such a gorgeous episode, with an amazing bookstagrammer, Margaux at @margauxreads. Also, the timing was BRILLIANT and completely unplanned. Margaux is a Queer, Black and vocab-lovin' reader. She is obsessed with anything related to coming of age stories, literary fiction, queerness, Blackness and just damn' good writing. Follow Margaux if you want super incredible book recs, thoughtful reviews, and very entertaining stories with words of the day and -what-if/this-or-that polls.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Margaux's love of words
- Why she started a bookstagram
- What kind of reader they she wants to advocate
- The importance of queer literature
- The types of stories she'd like to see more of in queer stories (books, movies, etc.)
- Margaux's favorite authors
- Margaux's favorite style of writing
- If Margaux could have an author write about her life, who would it be
- Why does Margaux read?
FOLLOW MARGAUX ON IG HERE
FOLLOW ME ON IG HERE
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Alexandra (00:00):
Hello, hello and welcome to DogEared Book Club I
am your host, Alexandra Shelly.
And the mission of DogEared bookclub is to connect you all to books,
thought leaders and avid readers.
Thank you so, so much forfinding me if you are new here.
And if you are a regular listeneror a follower on Instagram,
(00:25):
Thank you so, so much for supporting thepodcast and supporting my page, supporting
the content, supporting the magic.
I love this community so, so much.
And.
It means the world to me that I notonly have the space and time to now
come back and serve this community withthese beautiful conversations, but I
(00:48):
also get to serve you all in this wayand support and embolden the reader book
community in any way, shape or form.
It just.
Makes me so, so happy.
And if you haven't already makesure to give me a follow on
instagram@dogeared.book club.
(01:08):
And make sure to give this podcast tofollow wherever you love to listen.
Oh, hello, you guys.
I am so excited tointroduce this conversation.
Do you all am it's super interesting.
The timing.
I was very, very accidental.
I had a beautiful conversationwith Margo who is the guests
(01:33):
for today's conversation.
And funny enough, I was travelingall of may and now that I'm back
and it's dune and we're pumped up.
It is also pride month and thisis absolutely perfect because
not only is Margo a beautifulmember of the LGBTQ community.
(01:53):
But she is also someone whoI had really, really amazing
conversation with in terms of queerrepresentation, queer authors, and.
Queer literature in, you know, media andbooks and what we are eager to see in the
book community and in the reader space.
(02:14):
So anyways, happy pride month, and thisjust came at such a beautiful time.
And if you don't know Margo,please run over to Margo's page.
I love Margo because not onlydoes she have just absolutely
amazing book recommendationsand we have similar loves, but.
(02:35):
She also does these daily wordsof the day and I just love it.
And we also get into why.
Margo is obsessed withwords and vocabulary and.
She shares some of her background and herfamily's background as to why she's a word
(02:56):
addict, a vocab addict, and a book addict.
And then of course, like I said earlier,we get into queer representation and
queer stories and literature and a media.
And then we get into, of course,some of her favorite books and
the books that really inspiredher, but also favorite authors.
(03:19):
And.
Favorite memories of reading, you know,the usual, if you have listened to
dogeared book club, And i don't thinkthere's really anything else to say
besides hello you guys i am so excitedto be here thank you so much for being
so patient with me always and let'sjust get right into this conversation
(03:41):
Okay, great.
Oh my God, thank God.
Okay.
Wow.
All right, people, listeners,everyone listening, we have had the
weirdest technical freaking hiccupsand it's never happened before, but
Margot is an angel and thank you.
Margaux (03:58):
Thank you for being so patient, but
Alexandra (04:02):
oh my gosh.
But thank you so much for.
Taking the time outta your busyday, busy life, and I am so
excited to connect with you.
You're a book Instagramaccount that I love following.
I always look forward to your post, yourwords of the day, and I just thank you.
Can't wait to talk to youand get to know you more.
Margaux (04:22):
Thank you so much.
I'm so excited to be here.
I'm so appreciated that youeven asked me to do this.
So yeah, let's get into it.
I'm excited.
Alexandra (04:30):
Yes.
Okay.
So I wanna get into, you know,why did you start your book
Margaux (04:37):
Instagram account?
So I started actually as a studygram account, which is just like
bookstagram really, except for students.
Um, and when I graduated from my programwith my master's, uh, back in 2020.
I still wanted to be in thatcommunity where people were reading
(04:57):
and learning and talking, and whenI found books to Graham like that
same day, I was like, this is great.
It works out.
Like I can just join in this communitysuper easily because I'm already a reader.
I already love it, and I wastechnically already here.
So it just sort of reallyworked out nice and easy.
Alexandra (05:14):
Dick.
God, I was on mute.
Oh my God.
This is because I like you'll seethroughout the conversation I, oh my God.
Wait, now you're muted.
It looks like.
Margaux (05:28):
Wait, okay.
Yeah, I can hear you repeat.
Alexandra (05:31):
No, I purposely mute myself sometimes because as you'll realize what
you already probably realize, I make a lotof noises and I react and I'm like, oh.
So sometimes I'm , I just need tomute myself so I don't interrupt.
Oh.
Geez.
Okay.
We, we got this.
We got it.
Okay.
So yeah, I would love to learnabout your love for words.
(05:54):
You do your words of the day, andI always look forward to them.
And I just wanna knowwhat is the genesis of it?
Like why you do it.
Are you an English major?
And I know you also mentioned yourmom, in her background and how
that love kind of permeated to you.
So I'd love to just hear more about it.
Margaux (06:13):
Yeah.
Yeah.
It honestly, it was the perfectstorm with me and my mom.
Um, you know, she was an English major.
She teaches English atthe college level now.
Um, I was an English major and words,I just, I just love them so much.
I mean, they're great.
I love talking to people about them.
I love sharing them andeducating people on them.
Um, it's just nice and it,it's a really good way to.
(06:36):
Uh, create more community within acommunity that's already very robust.
But, you know, you've got thesepeople who love words as much as I
do now, and providing the word ofthe day just sort of brings in that
sort of tight-knit community thatI love so much on books to Graham.
Mm-hmm.
And, um, yeah, I just, I love doing it.
I love doing it.
I love that everybody else loves that.
I do it so it works for everybody.
(06:57):
Yes.
Alexandra (06:58):
Oh my goodness.
And I would love to learn about, ugh,damn it, it's made sense in my head
and now I'm like trying to have, I'mhaving difficulty putting words to it.
Um, I'm sorry.
I guess like what kind of reader?
Do you like to promote andcelebrate on books Instagram?
Because I know we're all types of readers,but I guess what kind of reader are
(07:19):
you and like how is your, how is yourreading evolved being on books Instagram?
Margaux (07:25):
Oh man, it, it has evolved a lot.
Definitely has evolved a great deal.
I think that I tend to relate.
To the passionate, active reader.
And when I say passionate,active, I mean we're all
passionate about reading in books.
Um, but I think when I think about thepassionate, active reader, I think about
the reader who like exclaims out loudwhen something crazy happens in the
(07:47):
book and we're like, they just have totell their friend or their family member
about it, they have to post about itbecause they just can't believe it's
happening or it's so good, or maybe it'sso bad you just have to talk about it.
Um, I just love, I love the interactionof it and reading, you know, it can be a
very solitary activity, but it can alsobe an activity that promotes community.
(08:11):
Like I said before, I, I hate to soundlike a broken record, but the kind of
reader that I have become on books toBookstagram has definitely, I've grown
leaps and bounds in that way because Ifeel much more engaged with my reads.
And with the community thatwe're cheering them with.
Um, so yeah, it all, itall works out so nicely.
It, it's great.
I love it.
Alexandra (08:31):
Yes.
And even like even referring backto your, your most recent post
where I was like, ding dong, butyour, your post about Shark Heart.
I thought that was just such aperfect way of actually relating to
literally what you just said aboutbeing such an active, passionate
reader and then you get excited.
We all get excited and I feellike that's the point of reading.
(08:54):
It's so, it's so unbelievable.
Margaux (08:57):
Yes, exactly.
A hundred percent agree.
Yes.
Alexandra (09:00):
So I would love to learn what books are you reading right
now and how did you find them?
Why are you reading them?
Yes,
Margaux (09:07):
yes.
I'm actually reading The LateAmericans by Brandon Taylor right now.
Ooh.
Um, it's a gorgeous book.
I'm about, oh man, I'm about 75%of the way through it right now.
Um, and it, it's great.
I love it.
I don't have any complaints.
Brandon Taylor is a brilliant writer.
Um, I love real life, so I knewthis was gonna be amazing as well.
(09:29):
And it is.
Um, I'm also reading the Ethics ofAmbiguity by Simone de Beauvoir,
and that is also going great.
It's a little bit heavier, um, justbecause, you know, a philosophical
text for me, like I love them, but theyare, uh, a little bit more complex to
read than the average, um, literaryfiction or contemporary fiction book.
(09:50):
Um, it's got that sort of textbookfeel to it sometimes, but it's
really good, really informative.
Um, so yeah, I love them both and they'reboth buddy res, which is partially why
I'm doing them right now, but also justbecause I just really wanted to read them.
Ooh,
Alexandra (10:04):
I love it.
I know I've been definitelyeyeing Brandon Taylor.
He's like, I've been around and then ofcourse learning about him on Instagram.
And this is like more of aspecific question, but what's,
what's his writing like?
Could you like, compare to anyone?
Margaux (10:19):
Oh, oh man.
Um, trying to think of an author tocompare him to that I'm familiar with.
That's rough.
I think I would probably go with, Hmm.
Okay.
I'm, I'm gonna say Katie Kenmore'swriting sort of reminds me of
(10:44):
Brandon Taylor's and vice versa.
They both have an extremelyinsightful, raw quality to their
writing that I just really respond to.
And yeah, that's the closestcomparison I have right now.
Um, but I know that there's probablya much better one somewhere.
Alexandra (11:02):
Oh my gosh.
Wait and wait, what's her name?
Katie.
Yeah,
Margaux (11:05):
Katie Kitora.
She wrote, um, aSeparation and Intimacies.
Oh,
Alexandra (11:12):
okay.
Okay.
Okay.
Good to know.
I haven't read her either.
Ugh.
Oh God.
Great.
Always so many books on the list.
And so this question kind ofgoes, or like these two questions
kind of go hand in hand.
So do you have a favorite genre?
Does that also tie in with yourfavorite author, or is that
(11:33):
separate?
Margaux (11:34):
Oh no, absolutely.
I tend to gravitate toward contemporaryfiction, literary fiction, and poetry.
Like those are pretty much my big threes.
Um, and a lot of my favorite books,honestly, I feel like most of them
fall into the literary fiction genre.
Mm.
Alexandra (11:51):
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
I, I'm, I would say I'mlike, about the same way.
And I guess like, what, whatis it about literary fiction?
Uh, contemporary friction poetry.
Friction fiction.
Um, yeah.
What is it about the genres thatyou really gravitate toward?
Like, towards, uh, you know,what inspires you about
Margaux (12:10):
them?
Um, I think on a craft level, I justappreciate, generally, I appreciate
the structure of the average allliterary or contemporary fiction book.
Mm-hmm.
Um, I like unreliable narrators, Ilike dysfunctional relationships.
I like coming of age, uh,pretty much anything queer.
And I feel like all of those things, theycan be found in other genres, but for
(12:35):
whatever reason, literary and contemporaryfiction and poetry just really seem to be.
The best agent for those facets.
Yes.
That I
Alexandra (12:44):
love.
Yeah.
Yes, absolutely.
And I feel like, okay, please excuse meif I have been living under a rock because
I'm, I'm an ally of the queer community.
I am personally not queer, but I, I'vebeen getting really pumped because I feel
like there's more queer representationin books and in shows and movies
Margaux (13:05):
recently.
Oh yeah, absolutely.
I would, I would agree with
Alexandra (13:09):
that.
Yes.
Yes, I know.
And it's been really amazing.
Like as I've, I, it was weird.
Well I started my Instagram accountduring Covid, so of course I feel
like that's like 90% of everyone.
Yeah.
And then even cuz I follow you.
And then I also lovefollowing, um, @baosbooks
and then I follow like@litfic who's just amazing.
(13:29):
Mm-hmm.
And I feel like all of youguys are really good at, books.
For like, almost like advocatesfor like, representation of like
diverse voices or minority voices.
So , have you found yourself in thatway where you're like, wait, I need
to start talking about this more,like, not enough people are talking
(13:50):
about it, or has it allowed youto find people that are similar and
like maybe embrace that side of youthat like wants to be that advocate?
I feel like that was a Okay.
Oh
Margaux (14:00):
yeah, question.
No, no.
Yeah.
For you're totally, totally right.
I bookstagram and the exposure I getthere definitely, um, it adds to the
sort of advocate or enhances the sortof advocate that I want to be for
the, I I think that there was alreadyadvocacy in me before bookstagram, but
(14:23):
the community sort of rallying around.
The books to Graham community.
Rallying around the queercommunity I think has sort of
enhanced my passion for it.
I want other people, especially youngerpeople, to see the sort of representation
that I'm seeing now that I wish Ihad seen, you know, 15 years ago.
(14:44):
Yes, that would've been great, but Ithink that Bookstagram has a way of
really sort of concentrating that.
That community in a way that isbeneficial for everybody, and it
definitely inspires me to join itand to be part of that movement.
Alexandra (15:00):
Hell yeah.
I love it.
And so I would love to learnlike what kinds of queer
representation in literature andbooks are you excited to see?
Or, you know, maybe newkinds of representation.
You're like, oh my God,why did I think about that?
And maybe are there types of repre, arethere types of queer representation in
books, in literature that you've seenor heard that you're like, wait, what?
(15:24):
Like are not, are not so great ormaybe toxic to the queer community?
Um,
Margaux (15:30):
you know,
I think that there is a lot of greatrepresentation out there right now.
Mm.
And I, I prefaced that, Iprefaced this statement with
that because I don't want to.
Claim that any representationis wrong per se.
(15:51):
Oh, okay.
But I think it's important that there'sa little bit more, um, light shed
on the ambiguous nature of cominginto yourself as a queer person.
I think a lot of books and a lot ofshows and a lot of movies like there,
there tends to be a sort of glossingover of all of the, the conflict.
(16:15):
The inner conflict that comes withcoming out or, you know, coming out
just to yourself, just deciding, youknow, figuring out who you are and what
you like and what your life looks like.
I think there could be more representationfor the gray area where you're still
trying to figure it out and you're notsure how to label or if you want to label.
Um, so I, I would loveto see more of that.
(16:37):
Um, especially in literature.
I think a lot of times it's always,you know, I decided I wasn't straight,
and then I decided I was this, andthen I came out as this, and then
it was a straight path forward.
Like I, I think I would like to seea little bit more of the, of the
conflict involved because I thinkthat could ultimately help, uh,
today's youth, today's queer youth,and seeing that they're not alone in
(16:58):
their confusion or their, um, theirfrustration or, you know, just the
fact that they don't know everything.
They don't have allthe answers right away.
I think having that sort of, um, Thatsort of connection would be beneficial
just overall across the board.
Alexandra (17:14):
Yes.
I love that.
I love that so, so, so much.
And I would, or, um, have you readbooks lately or any books that you have
read that have, um, that have, how,how do you put it, like illustrated
that, that kind of gray area.
Margaux (17:33):
You know, I'm trying to think and nothing is coming to mind
off the top of my head, but mm-hmm.
There was one book I read a coupleyears ago called For Today, I Am a Boy.
Oh.
And it, it was, I thinkit's by Kim Fu f u.
But let me, I'm gonna doublecheck that and get back to
you for sure on the author.
But the book did a pretty good job ofcreating that sort of ambiguousness
(17:59):
around what the main character.
Ultimately decided to, or ultimatelycame to know who they were.
I, like, for example, when I was, uh,reviewing the book, I actually emailed
the author and asked, you know, howshould I discuss your main character?
Like, do they have pronounsI should adhere to?
Like, I don't, I just don'twant to, you know, misgender
(18:20):
them or anything like that.
In this review, especially for abook I love so much, and the author
got back to me and was like, youknow, I wrote the character like
this, and I sort of put it out.
I put them out into the world so thateverybody else could have their own
interpretation of this character.
So I, I thought that that was kindanice because usually you come out
of it and you're like, okay, thismain character identified as this
(18:42):
with these pronouns In the end.
And here's how I feel about it.
Like with that book, there was a littlebit more wiggle room and while it made
for an interesting reviewing experience,I still very much appreciated the
fact that there was gray area and itwas still sort of unknown in the end.
And I just think that sort of thingcould definitely be beneficial.
Alexandra (19:02):
I really love that.
Oh my gosh.
Thank you so much for being sogenerous with, you know, that
explanation that is so amazing.
And so how.
So, I know we've kind of touchedupon it, but I would also love
to learn like a little bit more.
So I guess like when you, you know,started bus when you, as you've been
(19:25):
in Instagram for quite some time,like how, how have you been inspired?
Like, I guess like when you go onit every day and you're like, oh my
gosh, I am so looking forward to this.
I'm so excited for this,or I'm gonna avoid this.
Or just like, I wanna do more of this.
Margaux (19:43):
Um, inspiration on books.
Instagram is tricky because I try toavoid any sort of copycat situation
and it's, it's difficult on books.
Instagram, honestly, any online community,um, it's difficult to draw inspiration
without it seeming like, you know, you'rejust picking up and taking off with
(20:03):
somebody's idea or image or whatever.
Um, so I, I try to be very carefulabout that because I don't want anybody
to feel like, you know, I'm trying tohijack their ideas or anything like that.
Um, but when I do feel inspiredon Instagram, it's usually
by all of my followers.
Like my followers are brilliant people,and it's nice to see, you know, how
(20:25):
creative they are with their photosand their review style, their stories.
I feel like I get the sort of general.
Um, inspiration from them as awhole, more so than, you know, I
feel inspiration from this personfor this and this person for that.
It's more of a collective sortof, okay, all my followers are
posting all this amazing stuff.
I wanna post something amazing too,and I just sort of get the gears going
(20:49):
and hope that whatever I come outwith is as amazing as their stuff.
Oh my God.
Stop
Alexandra (20:54):
it.
Yes.
Also, God, this is so ADHD of me.
I'm like, Looping backto your word to the day.
Mm-hmm.
How do you pick them?
Margaux (21:07):
Oh man.
Those honestly, words of the daycome a million different ways.
Usually it's from whateverbook I'm currently reading.
Um, I also tend to, so like sometimeswhen I'm like at a loss for a brand
new word, I'll go to Maryam Webster.
And I'll just like type in randomletters that don't really belong
(21:29):
together and on their site, when youdo that, the dropdown suggests words
that they think you meant to type.
And sometimes those words willbe brand new to me and I'll be
like, oh, great, this is good.
I'll use that instead.
But yeah, nine times outta 10, it'scoming from a book, um, a conversation
where somebody used the word thatI had to look up or, um, like an
(21:51):
article from The Atlantic or theNew Yorker or something like that.
Oh my gosh.
Alexandra (21:55):
I freaking love it.
And so it was so, so adhdbecause this question came up.
Cause I was like, I'm gonna askthis question before I just.
Totally chime in like a peanut gallery,but I just was, so first I first, I
don't even know why I keep thinking aboutit, but the one you posted, what was it
yesterday on Monday It was 'agog' and likethat sounds like a Star Wars character.
Margaux (22:19):
Yes, that one.
That one actually came I thinkfrom um, The Late Americans
I love it.
Oh
Alexandra (22:31):
my gosh, I love it so much.
And, okay, so I would love to learnmore about your favorite authors.
Who are some of your favorite authorsand maybe when did you start loving them?
What was the first book you picked upand you began to fall in love with them?
Margaux (22:48):
Oh wow.
Okay.
Um, so definitely Sevki isway up there on the list.
Um, I first read Crime and Punishment.
During undergrad and I liked it, butI didn't appreciate it the way I do
a book that I read for fun cuz I wasreading it for class at the time.
(23:09):
So that one was great.
And when I came back to it years later,it was, it blew my mind completely.
I was like, wow.
This is one of the bestthings I've ever read.
So I proceeded to read pretty mucheverything else he's published.
Um, and I've loved it.
The Brothers Karma was like oneof my favorite books of all time.
So yeah, da Soki is way up there.
(23:31):
Um, and I've been writing with himfor a long time, so that's for sure.
Um, who else do we got?
I love Honey Fab Deeb.
He is easily my favorite nonfictionauthor in one of my favorite poets.
Um, I love the writing he doesabout music and about pop culture.
(23:52):
Um, I just think he's just a veryimportant author writing really
important things right now, and it'sgreat to witness that in history or
I guess it's not history right now,but it will, it will be down the line.
So, I really appreciate,appreciate him for that.
Um, I'm trying to think ofone more just to round it out.
There's so many.
Um, I'm gonna go with Jhumpa Lahirifrom Love Everything About Her.
(24:21):
I read whereabouts and Iwas actually late to her.
I read whereabouts likelast year and loved it.
Completely loved it.
I read Interpreter ofMaladies earlier this year.
And love that one even more.
So, yeah, she's got a, I think anotherbook coming out this year that I'm
looking forward to reading as well.
But yeah, all three of them aregreat in my book, autobi for sure.
Alexandra (24:44):
Ah, I freaking love it.
And I have seen, Iprobably see Brothers of.
Kerman or whatever.
Carmen can't carry him his off,like at every single bookstore.
And I'm always like, I should read this.
Like, I, I don't know, I should read it.
And this is just selfishly me likewanting to know what is his writing Like,
Margaux (25:08):
honestly, it's very accessible.
Like I, I think a lot ofpeople get in their head about
Destoevsky because of mm-hmm.
Um, the, the very much, you know, classic.
Category that his work isin, but it's, it's extremely
accessible, it's super readable.
Um, I, I can't recommendit enough, honestly.
And it's, it's one of those thingswhere you really have to get in there
(25:31):
to see, like I could describe it asbeing fairly easy to read, but I know
that there's still a block, especiallyif you've never read his work before.
So, I would recommenddefinitely just giving it a try.
Um, because really it,it's not hard at all.
You would think there'd be a bunchof like 50 cent words in there,
but it's all very easy peasy.
Um, yeah, I have no complaints at
Alexandra (25:53):
all.
Oh my gosh.
Amazing.
I love that.
And I would love to learn whatare, if you can at least.
Like compile, let's say, cause I knowwe have like 7 million favorite books.
I guess like, let's do, I wanna say eight,but I don't know if that's too much.
Or like if you could describe yourselfin a collection of books, or if
(26:15):
someone was like, Hey, I wanna get toknow you, and you handed them a stack
of books, like what would that be?
Margaux (26:22):
Oh my God.
Oh, I'm stressed out.
Okay.
Um, okay.
So I would definitely go with, I'm gonnaput Giovanni's room up there for sure.
Alexandra (26:38):
Oh my God.
I need, I, I have that on my list.
I love James Baldwin.
Margaux (26:43):
Love 'em.
Love.
You have to read it.
It's so good.
Um, okay.
Yeah.
Giovanni's room, um, womanWithout Shame by Sandra Cisneros.
That's actually a poetry collection.
Love, love everything about it.
Um, what else?
Um, definitely Open Waterby Caleb Azuma Nelson.
(27:04):
Ooh.
Uh, let's see.
I would also, honestly, I wouldinclude Crime and Punishment too, just
because it's like one of my favorites.
Like I'm not sure there's anythingin there that would really.
Speak to who I am as a person, but it'sjust a really good book that I love.
I wanna include that one.
Um, what is that for?
(27:26):
Um, let's see, ButterHoney Pig Bread for sure.
By Francesca Ekwuyasi what's name?
Yeah, I know, right?
It is kind of a mouthful,but it's such a good book.
I love it so much.
I think about it like every day.
Oh yeah.
Um, what else?
Um, I would also include contentWarning, everything by mek.
(27:52):
I love their work.
That was, I think that's theironly book of poetry to date,
but I, I love it so much.
So that's definitely going in there.
Um, less Than Zero byBrett Easton Ellis, and.
I think I'll also includeReal Life by Brandon Taylor.
(28:17):
Hmm.
Yeah.
Is that, is that eight, is that six
Alexandra (28:21):
title?
Honestly, don't even worry.
I know.
Cause I was like, I, it's like I,I wasn't sure if I should give like
a loose number, just so I know.
Cause sometimes people just likeneed guardrails or sometimes people
are like, good with spontaneity.
I don't know.
It's, it's interesting causeusually I'm like, yeah, whatever.
And then some people are like, but what?
Like, what do you need from me?
And I'm like, it's ok.
(28:42):
Like you're fine.
Oh my gosh.
So what about, I wanna getlike really writer, nerdy here.
Like what kinds of writingare you really drawn to?
Like when you're reading a bookand you like highlight something,
like why do you highlight it?
Or like why do you wanna remember it?
Margaux (29:05):
I think that the writing I'm drawn to, Um, it, like I
said earlier, I mentioned earlierabout, um, Brandon Taylor about
how his writing is just very raw.
Yes.
And there's a very, uh, sortof a voyeuristic quality to the
characters that he portrays andthe, the scenarios he lays out.
So I think I'm drawn tothe realistic nature of it.
(29:28):
Like when a character says somethingthat I have thought or said before in
some capacity, I'm always intriguedby that because it's like, oh wow.
You know, I feel lessalone in that thought.
And I feel more like in tunedwith like society in general.
I know that sounds likesuper extreme, but it's true.
I feel, I feel a connectionwhen there's something in a
(29:50):
book that reflects back on me.
Something I think, or somethingI've felt before in the past
or something I'm feeling now.
It's all very feeling based, so it'shard to, it's hard to describe and
like nail down, but usually I justlook for writing That speaks to me on,
you know, on a, on an emotional level.
And it, because I'm a crazy mood reader,that emotion can change from book to book.
(30:15):
But usually I find somethingthat really resonates because
it's something that I feel.
To be true or something I've consideredand maybe I haven't reached, you know,
that sort of confirmation that, youknow, what I thought was true and
real until I saw it in a book and Ithought, wow, this whole time, so, yeah.
Alexandra (30:38):
Oh, I love that.
I really, really, really resonatewith that so, so much like I, I know
I'm not, I've, I've kind of tried.
For instance, I feel like I almost ruinedmy experience when I was reading Books
of Jacob, uh, because I really do loveOlga and I was getting really wrapped up
(31:00):
and like, oh, I have to like, rememberall the characters and all the things
cuz like, oh, like all kinds of families.
And I had different color tabs for likedifferent things and it was just, So I
stressed myself out and I didn't actuallylet myself like really feel into the book.
And I'm, I really resonate withwhat you said about you as a reader.
Cuz I really, that's why Iam really drawn to books.
(31:22):
Like, because it just makesme feel something and I, yeah.
Or even the joke of like rememberinga book, but like remembering the vibes
and not like exactly what happened.
Like I am all for that and I just,I just, I love, I love that so much.
And what kinds of books or, youknow, reading experiences do you
(31:45):
want to have, um, you know, this yearor like you're looking forward to?
Margaux (31:52):
Oh, I want, I, I really hope that the reads that I have for the rest
of the year are, Illuminating to me.
I like to learn things from thebooks I read and not so much in the
sense where, you know, like it's anon-fiction book where, you know,
you read it to learn something new.
Like, I want to learn something new fromthe, the fiction I read and the poetry
(32:16):
I read, like on an emotional level.
I want to feel like I've reacheda new, um, sort of sphere
of thinking or I've had my.
Uh, my opinion sort of turned overand changed because I, I'm a firm
believer that, you know, when you'represented with new information and new
scenarios, you are to apply that anduse it to change your thinking for the
(32:40):
better or to at least evolve somehow.
And I like the idea of gaining thatfrom the books I read, new perspectives,
um, you know, new characterswith new problems that I haven't.
You know, encountered or considered.
Um, I just, I just wanna learn, I justwanna learn on an emotional level.
Alexandra (32:59):
Ah, yes.
I was like, keep your mouthshut cuz I literally wanted
to like snap and be like, yes.
Like, I so, so love that.
And I was even thinking right before,our conversation kind of going through
the questions I wanted to ask andeverything and I was like , I read
to find meaning, like I just, I readto make sense of the world and then
(33:23):
make sense of people and like mm-hmm.
You know, shit is wild and confusingand beautiful and I just love the book
community so much because, you know, we.
Are just so enraptured by meaningand by like understanding how
we can be better stewards ofmeaning of life and everything.
(33:46):
So I just Exactly.
I love, I love that.
I really, really resonate with you.
Good.
Margaux (33:51):
Good.
Yes.
Alexandra (33:53):
And so is there anything on your tbr R Like what?
Like give us, give us the list.
Oh my
Margaux (34:01):
God, there Actually, that
Alexandra (34:03):
was a dumb question.
Like there's so many, I guess like what'slike on your recent TBR, that's better
Margaux (34:10):
oh my God.
So it's a shame because I'm actually,I'm recording this for my office right
now and my TBR piles are in the livingroom, so like I can, I'm, I'm trying to
visual them right now, but, Um, there'sdefinitely a short story collection, uh,
called Wednesday's Child by Ian Lee thatI am really looking forward to reading.
Shout out to FSG for shootingthat over to me recently.
(34:34):
Yes.
Um, that's gonna be great.
I read, um, the Book of Goose by thatauthor last year and loved it, so
I'm really looking forward to that.
Um, the count of Monte Christo isway up high on my tbr r I can't
believe I haven't read it yet, butI, I've only heard good things.
I purchased the book like late last year,so I, I have no excuse at this point.
(34:55):
I'm really hoping to knock thatout before the end of the year.
Um, what else?
There's also a bunch of books Ifeel like that are coming out that.
Are not out yet that I wanna read.
Uh, small Worlds I think just cameout like last week or something.
And, um, Yellow Face but yeah, I,I really do wanna read that book.
Um, yeah, there, I could go on all night.
(35:17):
Just know that there, there's definitelya tbr r about a mile long for me.
Alexandra (35:23):
Oh my God.
I know when, literally the moment thatcame outta my mouth, I'm like, that was,
this could have been like two hours.
Like, what are you doing?
Like all of our, like,I, I should know better.
But yes.
Count of Monte Christo, I've been meaningto read that, but I'm like so nervous.
I don't know why I'm nervous.
And then Book of Goose,I'm really excited.
(35:44):
That is on my shelf and yellow face.
I am.
So excited.
I really, I really, really wantto run to the store for that book
Margaux (35:53):
too.
Yes, yes, me too.
It it's gonna be great.
I've heard only good things so far.
Alexandra (35:58):
Yes.
So I would love to get into,I kind of love like this, you
know, sect of the podcast.
It's really fun and silly.
So what are some book icks?
Margaux (36:12):
Oh my God.
Okay.
Um, okay, so I hate to dothis on your podcast, but.
dog-earring the pages.
I can't.
Alexandra (36:23):
Oh, I get you.
You're good.
You, someone said that yesterday.
It was so funny.
Margaux (36:29):
Oh God.
I feel so bad.
I, I just can't do it.
And like sometimes I want to, because I'llbe reading and I have no bookmark near me,
like no receipt, no credit card, nothing.
And I'm like, what am I gonna do?
So I end up just like, Placing the bookface down on the page that I'm on instead
of, instead of folding the page down.
So that's definitely something I justcannot get behind as hard as I try.
(36:54):
Um, what else?
And you know what, whatelse is a, like a minor ick?
I try not to judge other people'schoices, but I am a heavy annotator.
Okay.
I love annotation.
It really helps me feel like I'mfurther immersed in the book.
Like I'm, I'm reading actively.
And some people, they cannot even conceiveof writing even their name in their books.
(37:19):
And I'm like, what?
How do you do that?
How do you read without underliningthe most amazing line you ever read?
Like what?
So that's, I hate to call it an ickcause like it sounds so bad, but
like I just, I don't understand it.
I can never understand that.
So that's that.
Um, I feel like those are my only ones.
I used to have a thing against hardcoverbooks because, I just felt like
(37:41):
they were impossible to lug around.
It just felt super inconvenient, but Ihave softened on that over the years.
So yeah, definitely the dogearring and the passionate anti
annotation are my main things.
Alexandra (37:56):
Oh my God, the an, I know.
It's so funny.
I think while some, my, my, Idon't think my brother's finished
that many books, but like he.
Wants to keep his books totally pristine.
I'm like, gross, terrifying.
Can I trust you?
Like what?
Margaux (38:15):
Can't relate.
I can't,
Alexandra (38:17):
can't relate.
My books are so jacked up.
They're literally flying apart, but
I
Margaux (38:21):
love it.
Right?
That's how I like it.
I can't describe it.
Alexandra (38:25):
That's how I like it.
Oh my gosh.
Okay.
And so then I know we've talkedabout like book xs and also what
makes you gravitate towards books.
But I guess like are there any, likeyou read a summary of a book or you
see a book and is there somethingwhere you're like, oh my god, yes.
Like I need to pick it up, or like yougravitate right to it when you're in the
Margaux (38:47):
bookstore?
Oh man.
I feel like there isn't anything inparticular that I can just like point
my finger on and be like, that's it.
Hmm.
But my process, I mean, itreally works out for me.
Usually when I'm in the bookstore andI don't have like a set list of things
I wanna pick up, I'll go to the, to thesection of the store where I need to be
usually, you know, fiction or poetry.
(39:09):
And I'll decide if I like the cover.
I'll read the blurb on theback and if all of that checks
out, I'll read like the first.
Four to five sentences, and if all ofthat checks out, then I'm good to go.
It, it usually depends on the mood I'm in.
Um, I usually try to cater to my mood inthe moment and try to foresee the mood
(39:30):
I'm gonna be in when I'm reading it.
Um, so it, it's not, it'scertainly not an exact science.
Um, but I definitely go offvibes more than anything.
And the vibes tend to be, uh, youknow, a combination of the cover, the
blurb, and like the first paragraph.
Alexandra (39:47):
Yes.
Yes.
I love, I I know it's so funny,like I, I don't know why I
get hard on myself sometimes.
I'm like, I, I, I'm avery picky like reader.
I'm like, I, if I do not like,like X, Y, Z, then absolutely not.
And I'm like, do I notgive these books a chance?
And I'm like, no, I'm not wasting my time.
Margaux (40:11):
Yeah, it's, it's hard.
It can be difficult cause I, I don'twanna be the kind of reader that,
you know, decides just based offthe genre that I'm definitely not
gonna read it or the cover even.
Um, but yeah, I try to maintain, youknow, an openness for really any book cuz
I, I'm willing to give anything a try.
I just know that usually thosepoints or the things that lead me
(40:31):
toward the books that I'm, thatI end up falling in love with.
Alexandra (40:35):
Mm.
And have there been any books thatyou've read recently or in the last
couple years or whatever, where youwould've never expected yourself
to gravitate towards or like,
Margaux (40:50):
oh, there are, let me think about that.
I feel like over the last.
Like couple of years.
I have just had a really good timeand really good luck picking books
and, and like actually liking them.
Like, and I feel like there aren't anythat I went into feeling skeptical.
(41:14):
Um, even the, for example, I'm not muchof a graphic novel reader and that is not
to say that I don't like graphic novels.
I just.
Typically don't end up with them.
And I received wash daydiaries in the mail.
God, that must have been late last yearnow, but I read it, cover a cover in like
(41:34):
one sitting, and I was so surprised justbecause, just because of the nature of the
book, like, I mean, it turned out to bean extremely relatable and lovely story.
And I'm still thankful for thatexperience, um, that I probably
wouldn't have had if I had just sortof written it off as a graphic novel
that I'm probably not gonna like, youknow, it felt like I was really giving
it a chance and it really delivered.
So, I don't know.
(41:55):
I feel like that's the closestI've come lately to picking
anything up that I wasn't sureabout that ended up being good.
But I feel bad cuz like that one wasreally good and I feel bad for even
second guessing it at all to begin with.
Alexandra (42:09):
Oh my god.
I know.
It's so funny how we have theselike internal conflicts, like
literally no one cares about.
We're like, oh my God, I'm so sorry.
But it's like just like,just like deal with it.
Oh my God.
Just so freaking funny.
And so, okay, couple of final questions.
(42:31):
If you could have an author writeabout your life, who would it be?
Margaux (42:37):
Ooh.
Um, definitely Hanif Abdurraqib,like I just know he would do it.
Right, for sure, for sure.
No questions asked.
Do it right.
And
Alexandra (42:50):
what is it about his writing?
Margaux (42:54):
He's just got this very.
Laid back, but still incredibly impressiveand acute way of talking about life.
Like I just, mm, I can't even describe it.
It feels very 3D when I'm reading him.
I feel like I'm right in the moment, andI know that's incredibly cliche because
(43:14):
I think a lot of us love the writers.
We love because they create theseworlds that we can just instantly
inhabit as soon as we get into the book.
And that's certainly true of me.
But with.
Abdu, he's work.
I feel, I just feel like I'mpresent on a whole separate level.
I think that he is extremely giftedwhen it comes to transporting the
(43:35):
reader to where he wants them to be.
And if somebody's gonna write aboutmy life, I would love for it to have
that sort of immersive quality sothat you're not just reading about
my life, but you're feeling it.
You're feeling what I felt.
You're seeing what I went through.
And I think that he is just theperfect author to make that happen.
Alexandra (43:55):
Mm.
Okay.
That is amazing.
I love, I was so, I was taken back by whenyou said very laid back, but like mm-hmm.
Such a, like a tension to, um, likereally immersing you like, which is so,
it's almost like, it's like an oxymoron.
So I was like, what?
That is so awesome.
(44:15):
And.
Okay, so I love ending the podcastwith this question, and I know we've
kind of touched upon layers of it,but it's just a really, really great
way to tie up the conversation.
So why do you read?
Margaux (44:32):
Why do I read?
Oh man, I read To Escape.
I read to Learn, and I think mostlyI read to feel, um, I, I just,
I love feeling my feelings and Ithink that books really, oh, yeah.
(44:52):
Help me to do that.
Um, yeah, they, they help me open upin ways that, you know, I can't, or
don't usually achieve with people.
For example, like I feel like readinggives me the opportunity to really dive
in and sort of flag myself open andsort of let these experiences happen
and let me, They let me react to them.
(45:14):
However, however I do and I, thatfreedom appeals to me as well.
So definitely the ability to feel and letmyself feel whatever I want without shame.
Yes.
Alexandra (45:26):
I honestly loved how you said that because I feel like.
Or I don't know, like you dovea little deeper with it where
it's to feel and , feel my way.
But having the freedom and notbeing judged for it and it's like
your own experience, honestly.
I really, really love that answer.
(45:47):
Ah, well thank you so much.
This has been such a wonderfulconversation and you've been
like, you've just been amazing.
Margaux (45:55):
Great.
Thank you so much.
It's been great for me too.
It's totally mutual.
Yes.
Alexandra (46:00):
Hello, everyone.
Thank you so, so much for listeningto this episode, wherever you are and
whatever you're doing, it always means theworld to me, to again, serve you in this
way and embolden the book community, butalso to hold these precious conversations
about books and literature and.
(46:21):
Empowerment and expansion and loveand authenticity and, oh my goodness.
It just makes my heart so, so happyto again, show up and do this for
you and show up and do this for me.
And also get to now call Margota friend because selfishly.
That is, that is a great accomplishment.
I just adored Margo.
(46:42):
And again, if you haven't alreadymake sure to follow the podcast
wherever you love to listen.
Share this episode with anyone thatyou think would be into and ready
for the magic and eager to connectwith Margo in any way possible.
Make sure to follow Margo on Instagram atMargo reads and then make sure to follow
(47:04):
me on Instagram at dogeared book club.
Nope, dog ear.book club.
And that's where you can not onlyfind the podcast, episode updates and
podcasts updates, but also you will find.
All of my bookish updates, allof my book, recs and reviews.
That's where I kind of love to havefun and get into my creative writer.
(47:27):
You know, my creative writers seats,but also write out very thoughtful
reviews and very thoughtful captions.
That's where I get a kind ofa full X to my writer muscles.
So.
Please enjoy and i love you guys so somuch and thank you so much for showing
up here and i will catch you guys next
time
Hello, hello and welcome to DogEared Book Club I
am your host, Alexandra Shelly.
And the mission of DogEared bookclub is to connect you all to books,
thought leaders and avid readers.
Thank you so, so much forfinding me if you are new here.
And if you are a regular listeneror a follower on Instagram,
(00:25):
Thank you so, so much for supporting thepodcast and supporting my page, supporting
the content, supporting the magic.
I love this community so, so much.
And.
It means the world to me that I notonly have the space and time to now
come back and serve this community withthese beautiful conversations, but I
(00:48):
also get to serve you all in this wayand support and embolden the reader book
community in any way, shape or form.
It just.
Makes me so, so happy.
And if you haven't already makesure to give me a follow on
instagram@dogeared.book club.
(01:08):
And make sure to give this podcast tofollow wherever you love to listen.
Oh, hello, you guys.
I am so excited tointroduce this conversation.
Do you all am it's super interesting.
The timing.
I was very, very accidental.
I had a beautiful conversationwith Margo who is the guests
(01:33):
for today's conversation.
And funny enough, I was travelingall of may and now that I'm back
and it's dune and we're pumped up.
It is also pride month and thisis absolutely perfect because
not only is Margo a beautifulmember of the LGBTQ community.
(01:53):
But she is also someone whoI had really, really amazing
conversation with in terms of queerrepresentation, queer authors, and.
Queer literature in, you know, media andbooks and what we are eager to see in the
book community and in the reader space.
(02:14):
So anyways, happy pride month, and thisjust came at such a beautiful time.
And if you don't know Margo,please run over to Margo's page.
I love Margo because not onlydoes she have just absolutely
amazing book recommendationsand we have similar loves, but.
(02:35):
She also does these daily wordsof the day and I just love it.
And we also get into why.
Margo is obsessed withwords and vocabulary and.
She shares some of her background and herfamily's background as to why she's a word
(02:56):
addict, a vocab addict, and a book addict.
And then of course, like I said earlier,we get into queer representation and
queer stories and literature and a media.
And then we get into, of course,some of her favorite books and
the books that really inspiredher, but also favorite authors.
(03:19):
And.
Favorite memories of reading, you know,the usual, if you have listened to
dogeared book club, And i don't thinkthere's really anything else to say
besides hello you guys i am so excitedto be here thank you so much for being
so patient with me always and let'sjust get right into this conversation
(03:41):
Okay, great.
Oh my God, thank God.
Okay.
Wow.
All right, people, listeners,everyone listening, we have had the
weirdest technical freaking hiccupsand it's never happened before, but
Margot is an angel and thank you.
Margaux (03:58):
Thank you for being so patient, but
Alexandra (04:02):
oh my gosh.
But thank you so much for.
Taking the time outta your busyday, busy life, and I am so
excited to connect with you.
You're a book Instagramaccount that I love following.
I always look forward to your post, yourwords of the day, and I just thank you.
Can't wait to talk to youand get to know you more.
Margaux (04:22):
Thank you so much.
I'm so excited to be here.
I'm so appreciated that youeven asked me to do this.
So yeah, let's get into it.
I'm excited.
Alexandra (04:30):
Yes.
Okay.
So I wanna get into, you know,why did you start your book
Margaux (04:37):
Instagram account?
So I started actually as a studygram account, which is just like
bookstagram really, except for students.
Um, and when I graduated from my programwith my master's, uh, back in 2020.
I still wanted to be in thatcommunity where people were reading
(04:57):
and learning and talking, and whenI found books to Graham like that
same day, I was like, this is great.
It works out.
Like I can just join in this communitysuper easily because I'm already a reader.
I already love it, and I wastechnically already here.
So it just sort of reallyworked out nice and easy.
Alexandra (05:14):
Dick.
God, I was on mute.
Oh my God.
This is because I like you'll seethroughout the conversation I, oh my God.
Wait, now you're muted.
It looks like.
Margaux (05:28):
Wait, okay.
Yeah, I can hear you repeat.
Alexandra (05:31):
No, I purposely mute myself sometimes because as you'll realize what
you already probably realize, I make a lotof noises and I react and I'm like, oh.
So sometimes I'm , I just need tomute myself so I don't interrupt.
Oh.
Geez.
Okay.
We, we got this.
We got it.
Okay.
So yeah, I would love to learnabout your love for words.
(05:54):
You do your words of the day, andI always look forward to them.
And I just wanna knowwhat is the genesis of it?
Like why you do it.
Are you an English major?
And I know you also mentioned yourmom, in her background and how
that love kind of permeated to you.
So I'd love to just hear more about it.
Margaux (06:13):
Yeah.
Yeah.
It honestly, it was the perfectstorm with me and my mom.
Um, you know, she was an English major.
She teaches English atthe college level now.
Um, I was an English major and words,I just, I just love them so much.
I mean, they're great.
I love talking to people about them.
I love sharing them andeducating people on them.
Um, it's just nice and it,it's a really good way to.
(06:36):
Uh, create more community within acommunity that's already very robust.
But, you know, you've got thesepeople who love words as much as I
do now, and providing the word ofthe day just sort of brings in that
sort of tight-knit community thatI love so much on books to Graham.
Mm-hmm.
And, um, yeah, I just, I love doing it.
I love doing it.
I love that everybody else loves that.
I do it so it works for everybody.
(06:57):
Yes.
Alexandra (06:58):
Oh my goodness.
And I would love to learn about, ugh,damn it, it's made sense in my head
and now I'm like trying to have, I'mhaving difficulty putting words to it.
Um, I'm sorry.
I guess like what kind of reader?
Do you like to promote andcelebrate on books Instagram?
Because I know we're all types of readers,but I guess what kind of reader are
(07:19):
you and like how is your, how is yourreading evolved being on books Instagram?
Margaux (07:25):
Oh man, it, it has evolved a lot.
Definitely has evolved a great deal.
I think that I tend to relate.
To the passionate, active reader.
And when I say passionate,active, I mean we're all
passionate about reading in books.
Um, but I think when I think about thepassionate, active reader, I think about
the reader who like exclaims out loudwhen something crazy happens in the
(07:47):
book and we're like, they just have totell their friend or their family member
about it, they have to post about itbecause they just can't believe it's
happening or it's so good, or maybe it'sso bad you just have to talk about it.
Um, I just love, I love the interactionof it and reading, you know, it can be a
very solitary activity, but it can alsobe an activity that promotes community.
(08:11):
Like I said before, I, I hate to soundlike a broken record, but the kind of
reader that I have become on books toBookstagram has definitely, I've grown
leaps and bounds in that way because Ifeel much more engaged with my reads.
And with the community thatwe're cheering them with.
Um, so yeah, it all, itall works out so nicely.
It, it's great.
I love it.
Alexandra (08:31):
Yes.
And even like even referring backto your, your most recent post
where I was like, ding dong, butyour, your post about Shark Heart.
I thought that was just such aperfect way of actually relating to
literally what you just said aboutbeing such an active, passionate
reader and then you get excited.
We all get excited and I feellike that's the point of reading.
(08:54):
It's so, it's so unbelievable.
Margaux (08:57):
Yes, exactly.
A hundred percent agree.
Yes.
Alexandra (09:00):
So I would love to learn what books are you reading right
now and how did you find them?
Why are you reading them?
Yes,
Margaux (09:07):
yes.
I'm actually reading The LateAmericans by Brandon Taylor right now.
Ooh.
Um, it's a gorgeous book.
I'm about, oh man, I'm about 75%of the way through it right now.
Um, and it, it's great.
I love it.
I don't have any complaints.
Brandon Taylor is a brilliant writer.
Um, I love real life, so I knewthis was gonna be amazing as well.
(09:29):
And it is.
Um, I'm also reading the Ethics ofAmbiguity by Simone de Beauvoir,
and that is also going great.
It's a little bit heavier, um, justbecause, you know, a philosophical
text for me, like I love them, but theyare, uh, a little bit more complex to
read than the average, um, literaryfiction or contemporary fiction book.
(09:50):
Um, it's got that sort of textbookfeel to it sometimes, but it's
really good, really informative.
Um, so yeah, I love them both and they'reboth buddy res, which is partially why
I'm doing them right now, but also justbecause I just really wanted to read them.
Ooh,
Alexandra (10:04):
I love it.
I know I've been definitelyeyeing Brandon Taylor.
He's like, I've been around and then ofcourse learning about him on Instagram.
And this is like more of aspecific question, but what's,
what's his writing like?
Could you like, compare to anyone?
Margaux (10:19):
Oh, oh man.
Um, trying to think of an author tocompare him to that I'm familiar with.
That's rough.
I think I would probably go with, Hmm.
Okay.
I'm, I'm gonna say Katie Kenmore'swriting sort of reminds me of
(10:44):
Brandon Taylor's and vice versa.
They both have an extremelyinsightful, raw quality to their
writing that I just really respond to.
And yeah, that's the closestcomparison I have right now.
Um, but I know that there's probablya much better one somewhere.
Alexandra (11:02):
Oh my gosh.
Wait and wait, what's her name?
Katie.
Yeah,
Margaux (11:05):
Katie Kitora.
She wrote, um, aSeparation and Intimacies.
Oh,
Alexandra (11:12):
okay.
Okay.
Okay.
Good to know.
I haven't read her either.
Ugh.
Oh God.
Great.
Always so many books on the list.
And so this question kind ofgoes, or like these two questions
kind of go hand in hand.
So do you have a favorite genre?
Does that also tie in with yourfavorite author, or is that
(11:33):
separate?
Margaux (11:34):
Oh no, absolutely.
I tend to gravitate toward contemporaryfiction, literary fiction, and poetry.
Like those are pretty much my big threes.
Um, and a lot of my favorite books,honestly, I feel like most of them
fall into the literary fiction genre.
Mm.
Alexandra (11:51):
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
I, I'm, I would say I'mlike, about the same way.
And I guess like, what, whatis it about literary fiction?
Uh, contemporary friction poetry.
Friction fiction.
Um, yeah.
What is it about the genres thatyou really gravitate toward?
Like, towards, uh, you know,what inspires you about
Margaux (12:10):
them?
Um, I think on a craft level, I justappreciate, generally, I appreciate
the structure of the average allliterary or contemporary fiction book.
Mm-hmm.
Um, I like unreliable narrators, Ilike dysfunctional relationships.
I like coming of age, uh,pretty much anything queer.
And I feel like all of those things, theycan be found in other genres, but for
(12:35):
whatever reason, literary and contemporaryfiction and poetry just really seem to be.
The best agent for those facets.
Yes.
That I
Alexandra (12:44):
love.
Yeah.
Yes, absolutely.
And I feel like, okay, please excuse meif I have been living under a rock because
I'm, I'm an ally of the queer community.
I am personally not queer, but I, I'vebeen getting really pumped because I feel
like there's more queer representationin books and in shows and movies
Margaux (13:05):
recently.
Oh yeah, absolutely.
I would, I would agree with
Alexandra (13:09):
that.
Yes.
Yes, I know.
And it's been really amazing.
Like as I've, I, it was weird.
Well I started my Instagram accountduring Covid, so of course I feel
like that's like 90% of everyone.
Yeah.
And then even cuz I follow you.
And then I also lovefollowing, um, @baosbooks
and then I follow like@litfic who's just amazing.
(13:29):
Mm-hmm.
And I feel like all of youguys are really good at, books.
For like, almost like advocatesfor like, representation of like
diverse voices or minority voices.
So , have you found yourself in thatway where you're like, wait, I need
to start talking about this more,like, not enough people are talking
(13:50):
about it, or has it allowed youto find people that are similar and
like maybe embrace that side of youthat like wants to be that advocate?
I feel like that was a Okay.
Oh
Margaux (14:00):
yeah, question.
No, no.
Yeah.
For you're totally, totally right.
I bookstagram and the exposure I getthere definitely, um, it adds to the
sort of advocate or enhances the sortof advocate that I want to be for
the, I I think that there was alreadyadvocacy in me before bookstagram, but
(14:23):
the community sort of rallying around.
The books to Graham community.
Rallying around the queercommunity I think has sort of
enhanced my passion for it.
I want other people, especially youngerpeople, to see the sort of representation
that I'm seeing now that I wish Ihad seen, you know, 15 years ago.
(14:44):
Yes, that would've been great, but Ithink that Bookstagram has a way of
really sort of concentrating that.
That community in a way that isbeneficial for everybody, and it
definitely inspires me to join itand to be part of that movement.
Alexandra (15:00):
Hell yeah.
I love it.
And so I would love to learnlike what kinds of queer
representation in literature andbooks are you excited to see?
Or, you know, maybe newkinds of representation.
You're like, oh my God,why did I think about that?
And maybe are there types of repre, arethere types of queer representation in
books, in literature that you've seenor heard that you're like, wait, what?
(15:24):
Like are not, are not so great ormaybe toxic to the queer community?
Um,
Margaux (15:30):
you know,
I think that there is a lot of greatrepresentation out there right now.
Mm.
And I, I prefaced that, Iprefaced this statement with
that because I don't want to.
Claim that any representationis wrong per se.
(15:51):
Oh, okay.
But I think it's important that there'sa little bit more, um, light shed
on the ambiguous nature of cominginto yourself as a queer person.
I think a lot of books and a lot ofshows and a lot of movies like there,
there tends to be a sort of glossingover of all of the, the conflict.
(16:15):
The inner conflict that comes withcoming out or, you know, coming out
just to yourself, just deciding, youknow, figuring out who you are and what
you like and what your life looks like.
I think there could be more representationfor the gray area where you're still
trying to figure it out and you're notsure how to label or if you want to label.
Um, so I, I would loveto see more of that.
(16:37):
Um, especially in literature.
I think a lot of times it's always,you know, I decided I wasn't straight,
and then I decided I was this, andthen I came out as this, and then
it was a straight path forward.
Like I, I think I would like to seea little bit more of the, of the
conflict involved because I thinkthat could ultimately help, uh,
today's youth, today's queer youth,and seeing that they're not alone in
(16:58):
their confusion or their, um, theirfrustration or, you know, just the
fact that they don't know everything.
They don't have allthe answers right away.
I think having that sort of, um, Thatsort of connection would be beneficial
just overall across the board.
Alexandra (17:14):
Yes.
I love that.
I love that so, so, so much.
And I would, or, um, have you readbooks lately or any books that you have
read that have, um, that have, how,how do you put it, like illustrated
that, that kind of gray area.
Margaux (17:33):
You know, I'm trying to think and nothing is coming to mind
off the top of my head, but mm-hmm.
There was one book I read a coupleyears ago called For Today, I Am a Boy.
Oh.
And it, it was, I thinkit's by Kim Fu f u.
But let me, I'm gonna doublecheck that and get back to
you for sure on the author.
But the book did a pretty good job ofcreating that sort of ambiguousness
(17:59):
around what the main character.
Ultimately decided to, or ultimatelycame to know who they were.
I, like, for example, when I was, uh,reviewing the book, I actually emailed
the author and asked, you know, howshould I discuss your main character?
Like, do they have pronounsI should adhere to?
Like, I don't, I just don'twant to, you know, misgender
(18:20):
them or anything like that.
In this review, especially for abook I love so much, and the author
got back to me and was like, youknow, I wrote the character like
this, and I sort of put it out.
I put them out into the world so thateverybody else could have their own
interpretation of this character.
So I, I thought that that was kindanice because usually you come out
of it and you're like, okay, thismain character identified as this
(18:42):
with these pronouns In the end.
And here's how I feel about it.
Like with that book, there was a littlebit more wiggle room and while it made
for an interesting reviewing experience,I still very much appreciated the
fact that there was gray area and itwas still sort of unknown in the end.
And I just think that sort of thingcould definitely be beneficial.
Alexandra (19:02):
I really love that.
Oh my gosh.
Thank you so much for being sogenerous with, you know, that
explanation that is so amazing.
And so how.
So, I know we've kind of touchedupon it, but I would also love
to learn like a little bit more.
So I guess like when you, you know,started bus when you, as you've been
(19:25):
in Instagram for quite some time,like how, how have you been inspired?
Like, I guess like when you go onit every day and you're like, oh my
gosh, I am so looking forward to this.
I'm so excited for this,or I'm gonna avoid this.
Or just like, I wanna do more of this.
Margaux (19:43):
Um, inspiration on books.
Instagram is tricky because I try toavoid any sort of copycat situation
and it's, it's difficult on books.
Instagram, honestly, any online community,um, it's difficult to draw inspiration
without it seeming like, you know, you'rejust picking up and taking off with
(20:03):
somebody's idea or image or whatever.
Um, so I, I try to be very carefulabout that because I don't want anybody
to feel like, you know, I'm trying tohijack their ideas or anything like that.
Um, but when I do feel inspiredon Instagram, it's usually
by all of my followers.
Like my followers are brilliant people,and it's nice to see, you know, how
(20:25):
creative they are with their photosand their review style, their stories.
I feel like I get the sort of general.
Um, inspiration from them as awhole, more so than, you know, I
feel inspiration from this personfor this and this person for that.
It's more of a collective sortof, okay, all my followers are
posting all this amazing stuff.
I wanna post something amazing too,and I just sort of get the gears going
(20:49):
and hope that whatever I come outwith is as amazing as their stuff.
Oh my God.
Stop
Alexandra (20:54):
it.
Yes.
Also, God, this is so ADHD of me.
I'm like, Looping backto your word to the day.
Mm-hmm.
How do you pick them?
Margaux (21:07):
Oh man.
Those honestly, words of the daycome a million different ways.
Usually it's from whateverbook I'm currently reading.
Um, I also tend to, so like sometimeswhen I'm like at a loss for a brand
new word, I'll go to Maryam Webster.
And I'll just like type in randomletters that don't really belong
(21:29):
together and on their site, when youdo that, the dropdown suggests words
that they think you meant to type.
And sometimes those words willbe brand new to me and I'll be
like, oh, great, this is good.
I'll use that instead.
But yeah, nine times outta 10, it'scoming from a book, um, a conversation
where somebody used the word thatI had to look up or, um, like an
(21:51):
article from The Atlantic or theNew Yorker or something like that.
Oh my gosh.
Alexandra (21:55):
I freaking love it.
And so it was so, so adhdbecause this question came up.
Cause I was like, I'm gonna askthis question before I just.
Totally chime in like a peanut gallery,but I just was, so first I first, I
don't even know why I keep thinking aboutit, but the one you posted, what was it
yesterday on Monday It was 'agog' and likethat sounds like a Star Wars character.
Margaux (22:19):
Yes, that one.
That one actually came I thinkfrom um, The Late Americans
I love it.
Oh
Alexandra (22:31):
my gosh, I love it so much.
And, okay, so I would love to learnmore about your favorite authors.
Who are some of your favorite authorsand maybe when did you start loving them?
What was the first book you picked upand you began to fall in love with them?
Margaux (22:48):
Oh wow.
Okay.
Um, so definitely Sevki isway up there on the list.
Um, I first read Crime and Punishment.
During undergrad and I liked it, butI didn't appreciate it the way I do
a book that I read for fun cuz I wasreading it for class at the time.
(23:09):
So that one was great.
And when I came back to it years later,it was, it blew my mind completely.
I was like, wow.
This is one of the bestthings I've ever read.
So I proceeded to read pretty mucheverything else he's published.
Um, and I've loved it.
The Brothers Karma was like oneof my favorite books of all time.
So yeah, da Soki is way up there.
(23:31):
Um, and I've been writing with himfor a long time, so that's for sure.
Um, who else do we got?
I love Honey Fab Deeb.
He is easily my favorite nonfictionauthor in one of my favorite poets.
Um, I love the writing he doesabout music and about pop culture.
(23:52):
Um, I just think he's just a veryimportant author writing really
important things right now, and it'sgreat to witness that in history or
I guess it's not history right now,but it will, it will be down the line.
So, I really appreciate,appreciate him for that.
Um, I'm trying to think ofone more just to round it out.
There's so many.
Um, I'm gonna go with Jhumpa Lahirifrom Love Everything About Her.
(24:21):
I read whereabouts and Iwas actually late to her.
I read whereabouts likelast year and loved it.
Completely loved it.
I read Interpreter ofMaladies earlier this year.
And love that one even more.
So, yeah, she's got a, I think anotherbook coming out this year that I'm
looking forward to reading as well.
But yeah, all three of them aregreat in my book, autobi for sure.
Alexandra (24:44):
Ah, I freaking love it.
And I have seen, Iprobably see Brothers of.
Kerman or whatever.
Carmen can't carry him his off,like at every single bookstore.
And I'm always like, I should read this.
Like, I, I don't know, I should read it.
And this is just selfishly me likewanting to know what is his writing Like,
Margaux (25:08):
honestly, it's very accessible.
Like I, I think a lot ofpeople get in their head about
Destoevsky because of mm-hmm.
Um, the, the very much, you know, classic.
Category that his work isin, but it's, it's extremely
accessible, it's super readable.
Um, I, I can't recommendit enough, honestly.
And it's, it's one of those thingswhere you really have to get in there
(25:31):
to see, like I could describe it asbeing fairly easy to read, but I know
that there's still a block, especiallyif you've never read his work before.
So, I would recommenddefinitely just giving it a try.
Um, because really it,it's not hard at all.
You would think there'd be a bunchof like 50 cent words in there,
but it's all very easy peasy.
Um, yeah, I have no complaints at
Alexandra (25:53):
all.
Oh my gosh.
Amazing.
I love that.
And I would love to learn whatare, if you can at least.
Like compile, let's say, cause I knowwe have like 7 million favorite books.
I guess like, let's do, I wanna say eight,but I don't know if that's too much.
Or like if you could describe yourselfin a collection of books, or if
(26:15):
someone was like, Hey, I wanna get toknow you, and you handed them a stack
of books, like what would that be?
Margaux (26:22):
Oh my God.
Oh, I'm stressed out.
Okay.
Um, okay.
So I would definitely go with, I'm gonnaput Giovanni's room up there for sure.
Alexandra (26:38):
Oh my God.
I need, I, I have that on my list.
I love James Baldwin.
Margaux (26:43):
Love 'em.
Love.
You have to read it.
It's so good.
Um, okay.
Yeah.
Giovanni's room, um, womanWithout Shame by Sandra Cisneros.
That's actually a poetry collection.
Love, love everything about it.
Um, what else?
Um, definitely Open Waterby Caleb Azuma Nelson.
(27:04):
Ooh.
Uh, let's see.
I would also, honestly, I wouldinclude Crime and Punishment too, just
because it's like one of my favorites.
Like I'm not sure there's anythingin there that would really.
Speak to who I am as a person, but it'sjust a really good book that I love.
I wanna include that one.
Um, what is that for?
(27:26):
Um, let's see, ButterHoney Pig Bread for sure.
By Francesca Ekwuyasi what's name?
Yeah, I know, right?
It is kind of a mouthful,but it's such a good book.
I love it so much.
I think about it like every day.
Oh yeah.
Um, what else?
Um, I would also include contentWarning, everything by mek.
(27:52):
I love their work.
That was, I think that's theironly book of poetry to date,
but I, I love it so much.
So that's definitely going in there.
Um, less Than Zero byBrett Easton Ellis, and.
I think I'll also includeReal Life by Brandon Taylor.
(28:17):
Hmm.
Yeah.
Is that, is that eight, is that six
Alexandra (28:21):
title?
Honestly, don't even worry.
I know.
Cause I was like, I, it's like I,I wasn't sure if I should give like
a loose number, just so I know.
Cause sometimes people just likeneed guardrails or sometimes people
are like, good with spontaneity.
I don't know.
It's, it's interesting causeusually I'm like, yeah, whatever.
And then some people are like, but what?
Like, what do you need from me?
And I'm like, it's ok.
(28:42):
Like you're fine.
Oh my gosh.
So what about, I wanna getlike really writer, nerdy here.
Like what kinds of writingare you really drawn to?
Like when you're reading a bookand you like highlight something,
like why do you highlight it?
Or like why do you wanna remember it?
Margaux (29:05):
I think that the writing I'm drawn to, Um, it, like I
said earlier, I mentioned earlierabout, um, Brandon Taylor about
how his writing is just very raw.
Yes.
And there's a very, uh, sortof a voyeuristic quality to the
characters that he portrays andthe, the scenarios he lays out.
So I think I'm drawn tothe realistic nature of it.
(29:28):
Like when a character says somethingthat I have thought or said before in
some capacity, I'm always intriguedby that because it's like, oh wow.
You know, I feel lessalone in that thought.
And I feel more like in tunedwith like society in general.
I know that sounds likesuper extreme, but it's true.
I feel, I feel a connectionwhen there's something in a
(29:50):
book that reflects back on me.
Something I think, or somethingI've felt before in the past
or something I'm feeling now.
It's all very feeling based, so it'shard to, it's hard to describe and
like nail down, but usually I justlook for writing That speaks to me on,
you know, on a, on an emotional level.
And it, because I'm a crazy mood reader,that emotion can change from book to book.
(30:15):
But usually I find somethingthat really resonates because
it's something that I feel.
To be true or something I've consideredand maybe I haven't reached, you know,
that sort of confirmation that, youknow, what I thought was true and
real until I saw it in a book and Ithought, wow, this whole time, so, yeah.
Alexandra (30:38):
Oh, I love that.
I really, really, really resonatewith that so, so much like I, I know
I'm not, I've, I've kind of tried.
For instance, I feel like I almost ruinedmy experience when I was reading Books
of Jacob, uh, because I really do loveOlga and I was getting really wrapped up
(31:00):
and like, oh, I have to like, rememberall the characters and all the things
cuz like, oh, like all kinds of families.
And I had different color tabs for likedifferent things and it was just, So I
stressed myself out and I didn't actuallylet myself like really feel into the book.
And I'm, I really resonate withwhat you said about you as a reader.
Cuz I really, that's why Iam really drawn to books.
(31:22):
Like, because it just makesme feel something and I, yeah.
Or even the joke of like rememberinga book, but like remembering the vibes
and not like exactly what happened.
Like I am all for that and I just,I just, I love, I love that so much.
And what kinds of books or, youknow, reading experiences do you
(31:45):
want to have, um, you know, this yearor like you're looking forward to?
Margaux (31:52):
Oh, I want, I, I really hope that the reads that I have for the rest
of the year are, Illuminating to me.
I like to learn things from thebooks I read and not so much in the
sense where, you know, like it's anon-fiction book where, you know,
you read it to learn something new.
Like, I want to learn something new fromthe, the fiction I read and the poetry
(32:16):
I read, like on an emotional level.
I want to feel like I've reacheda new, um, sort of sphere
of thinking or I've had my.
Uh, my opinion sort of turned overand changed because I, I'm a firm
believer that, you know, when you'represented with new information and new
scenarios, you are to apply that anduse it to change your thinking for the
(32:40):
better or to at least evolve somehow.
And I like the idea of gaining thatfrom the books I read, new perspectives,
um, you know, new characterswith new problems that I haven't.
You know, encountered or considered.
Um, I just, I just wanna learn, I justwanna learn on an emotional level.
Alexandra (32:59):
Ah, yes.
I was like, keep your mouthshut cuz I literally wanted
to like snap and be like, yes.
Like, I so, so love that.
And I was even thinking right before,our conversation kind of going through
the questions I wanted to ask andeverything and I was like , I read
to find meaning, like I just, I readto make sense of the world and then
(33:23):
make sense of people and like mm-hmm.
You know, shit is wild and confusingand beautiful and I just love the book
community so much because, you know, we.
Are just so enraptured by meaningand by like understanding how
we can be better stewards ofmeaning of life and everything.
(33:46):
So I just Exactly.
I love, I love that.
I really, really resonate with you.
Good.
Margaux (33:51):
Good.
Yes.
Alexandra (33:53):
And so is there anything on your tbr R Like what?
Like give us, give us the list.
Oh my
Margaux (34:01):
God, there Actually, that
Alexandra (34:03):
was a dumb question.
Like there's so many, I guess like what'slike on your recent TBR, that's better
Margaux (34:10):
oh my God.
So it's a shame because I'm actually,I'm recording this for my office right
now and my TBR piles are in the livingroom, so like I can, I'm, I'm trying to
visual them right now, but, Um, there'sdefinitely a short story collection, uh,
called Wednesday's Child by Ian Lee thatI am really looking forward to reading.
Shout out to FSG for shootingthat over to me recently.
(34:34):
Yes.
Um, that's gonna be great.
I read, um, the Book of Goose by thatauthor last year and loved it, so
I'm really looking forward to that.
Um, the count of Monte Christo isway up high on my tbr r I can't
believe I haven't read it yet, butI, I've only heard good things.
I purchased the book like late last year,so I, I have no excuse at this point.
(34:55):
I'm really hoping to knock thatout before the end of the year.
Um, what else?
There's also a bunch of books Ifeel like that are coming out that.
Are not out yet that I wanna read.
Uh, small Worlds I think just cameout like last week or something.
And, um, Yellow Face but yeah, I,I really do wanna read that book.
Um, yeah, there, I could go on all night.
(35:17):
Just know that there, there's definitelya tbr r about a mile long for me.
Alexandra (35:23):
Oh my God.
I know when, literally the moment thatcame outta my mouth, I'm like, that was,
this could have been like two hours.
Like, what are you doing?
Like all of our, like,I, I should know better.
But yes.
Count of Monte Christo, I've been meaningto read that, but I'm like so nervous.
I don't know why I'm nervous.
And then Book of Goose,I'm really excited.
(35:44):
That is on my shelf and yellow face.
I am.
So excited.
I really, I really, really wantto run to the store for that book
Margaux (35:53):
too.
Yes, yes, me too.
It it's gonna be great.
I've heard only good things so far.
Alexandra (35:58):
Yes.
So I would love to get into,I kind of love like this, you
know, sect of the podcast.
It's really fun and silly.
So what are some book icks?
Margaux (36:12):
Oh my God.
Okay.
Um, okay, so I hate to dothis on your podcast, but.
dog-earring the pages.
I can't.
Alexandra (36:23):
Oh, I get you.
You're good.
You, someone said that yesterday.
It was so funny.
Margaux (36:29):
Oh God.
I feel so bad.
I, I just can't do it.
And like sometimes I want to, because I'llbe reading and I have no bookmark near me,
like no receipt, no credit card, nothing.
And I'm like, what am I gonna do?
So I end up just like, Placing the bookface down on the page that I'm on instead
of, instead of folding the page down.
So that's definitely something I justcannot get behind as hard as I try.
(36:54):
Um, what else?
And you know what, whatelse is a, like a minor ick?
I try not to judge other people'schoices, but I am a heavy annotator.
Okay.
I love annotation.
It really helps me feel like I'mfurther immersed in the book.
Like I'm, I'm reading actively.
And some people, they cannot even conceiveof writing even their name in their books.
(37:19):
And I'm like, what?
How do you do that?
How do you read without underliningthe most amazing line you ever read?
Like what?
So that's, I hate to call it an ickcause like it sounds so bad, but
like I just, I don't understand it.
I can never understand that.
So that's that.
Um, I feel like those are my only ones.
I used to have a thing against hardcoverbooks because, I just felt like
(37:41):
they were impossible to lug around.
It just felt super inconvenient, but Ihave softened on that over the years.
So yeah, definitely the dogearring and the passionate anti
annotation are my main things.
Alexandra (37:56):
Oh my God, the an, I know.
It's so funny.
I think while some, my, my, Idon't think my brother's finished
that many books, but like he.
Wants to keep his books totally pristine.
I'm like, gross, terrifying.
Can I trust you?
Like what?
Margaux (38:15):
Can't relate.
I can't,
Alexandra (38:17):
can't relate.
My books are so jacked up.
They're literally flying apart, but
I
Margaux (38:21):
love it.
Right?
That's how I like it.
I can't describe it.
Alexandra (38:25):
That's how I like it.
Oh my gosh.
Okay.
And so then I know we've talkedabout like book xs and also what
makes you gravitate towards books.
But I guess like are there any, likeyou read a summary of a book or you
see a book and is there somethingwhere you're like, oh my god, yes.
Like I need to pick it up, or like yougravitate right to it when you're in the
Margaux (38:47):
bookstore?
Oh man.
I feel like there isn't anything inparticular that I can just like point
my finger on and be like, that's it.
Hmm.
But my process, I mean, itreally works out for me.
Usually when I'm in the bookstore andI don't have like a set list of things
I wanna pick up, I'll go to the, to thesection of the store where I need to be
usually, you know, fiction or poetry.
(39:09):
And I'll decide if I like the cover.
I'll read the blurb on theback and if all of that checks
out, I'll read like the first.
Four to five sentences, and if all ofthat checks out, then I'm good to go.
It, it usually depends on the mood I'm in.
Um, I usually try to cater to my mood inthe moment and try to foresee the mood
(39:30):
I'm gonna be in when I'm reading it.
Um, so it, it's not, it'scertainly not an exact science.
Um, but I definitely go offvibes more than anything.
And the vibes tend to be, uh, youknow, a combination of the cover, the
blurb, and like the first paragraph.
Alexandra (39:47):
Yes.
Yes.
I love, I I know it's so funny,like I, I don't know why I
get hard on myself sometimes.
I'm like, I, I, I'm avery picky like reader.
I'm like, I, if I do not like,like X, Y, Z, then absolutely not.
And I'm like, do I notgive these books a chance?
And I'm like, no, I'm not wasting my time.
Margaux (40:11):
Yeah, it's, it's hard.
It can be difficult cause I, I don'twanna be the kind of reader that,
you know, decides just based offthe genre that I'm definitely not
gonna read it or the cover even.
Um, but yeah, I try to maintain, youknow, an openness for really any book cuz
I, I'm willing to give anything a try.
I just know that usually thosepoints or the things that lead me
(40:31):
toward the books that I'm, thatI end up falling in love with.
Alexandra (40:35):
Mm.
And have there been any books thatyou've read recently or in the last
couple years or whatever, where youwould've never expected yourself
to gravitate towards or like,
Margaux (40:50):
oh, there are, let me think about that.
I feel like over the last.
Like couple of years.
I have just had a really good timeand really good luck picking books
and, and like actually liking them.
Like, and I feel like there aren't anythat I went into feeling skeptical.
(41:14):
Um, even the, for example, I'm not muchof a graphic novel reader and that is not
to say that I don't like graphic novels.
I just.
Typically don't end up with them.
And I received wash daydiaries in the mail.
God, that must have been late last yearnow, but I read it, cover a cover in like
(41:34):
one sitting, and I was so surprised justbecause, just because of the nature of the
book, like, I mean, it turned out to bean extremely relatable and lovely story.
And I'm still thankful for thatexperience, um, that I probably
wouldn't have had if I had just sortof written it off as a graphic novel
that I'm probably not gonna like, youknow, it felt like I was really giving
it a chance and it really delivered.
So, I don't know.
(41:55):
I feel like that's the closestI've come lately to picking
anything up that I wasn't sureabout that ended up being good.
But I feel bad cuz like that one wasreally good and I feel bad for even
second guessing it at all to begin with.
Alexandra (42:09):
Oh my god.
I know.
It's so funny how we have theselike internal conflicts, like
literally no one cares about.
We're like, oh my God, I'm so sorry.
But it's like just like,just like deal with it.
Oh my God.
Just so freaking funny.
And so, okay, couple of final questions.
(42:31):
If you could have an author writeabout your life, who would it be?
Margaux (42:37):
Ooh.
Um, definitely Hanif Abdurraqib,like I just know he would do it.
Right, for sure, for sure.
No questions asked.
Do it right.
And
Alexandra (42:50):
what is it about his writing?
Margaux (42:54):
He's just got this very.
Laid back, but still incredibly impressiveand acute way of talking about life.
Like I just, mm, I can't even describe it.
It feels very 3D when I'm reading him.
I feel like I'm right in the moment, andI know that's incredibly cliche because
(43:14):
I think a lot of us love the writers.
We love because they create theseworlds that we can just instantly
inhabit as soon as we get into the book.
And that's certainly true of me.
But with.
Abdu, he's work.
I feel, I just feel like I'mpresent on a whole separate level.
I think that he is extremely giftedwhen it comes to transporting the
(43:35):
reader to where he wants them to be.
And if somebody's gonna write aboutmy life, I would love for it to have
that sort of immersive quality sothat you're not just reading about
my life, but you're feeling it.
You're feeling what I felt.
You're seeing what I went through.
And I think that he is just theperfect author to make that happen.
Alexandra (43:55):
Mm.
Okay.
That is amazing.
I love, I was so, I was taken back by whenyou said very laid back, but like mm-hmm.
Such a, like a tension to, um, likereally immersing you like, which is so,
it's almost like, it's like an oxymoron.
So I was like, what?
That is so awesome.
(44:15):
And.
Okay, so I love ending the podcastwith this question, and I know we've
kind of touched upon layers of it,but it's just a really, really great
way to tie up the conversation.
So why do you read?
Margaux (44:32):
Why do I read?
Oh man, I read To Escape.
I read to Learn, and I think mostlyI read to feel, um, I, I just,
I love feeling my feelings and Ithink that books really, oh, yeah.
(44:52):
Help me to do that.
Um, yeah, they, they help me open upin ways that, you know, I can't, or
don't usually achieve with people.
For example, like I feel like readinggives me the opportunity to really dive
in and sort of flag myself open andsort of let these experiences happen
and let me, They let me react to them.
(45:14):
However, however I do and I, thatfreedom appeals to me as well.
So definitely the ability to feel and letmyself feel whatever I want without shame.
Yes.
Alexandra (45:26):
I honestly loved how you said that because I feel like.
Or I don't know, like you dovea little deeper with it where
it's to feel and , feel my way.
But having the freedom and notbeing judged for it and it's like
your own experience, honestly.
I really, really love that answer.
(45:47):
Ah, well thank you so much.
This has been such a wonderfulconversation and you've been
like, you've just been amazing.
Margaux (45:55):
Great.
Thank you so much.
It's been great for me too.
It's totally mutual.
Yes.
Alexandra (46:00):
Hello, everyone.
Thank you so, so much for listeningto this episode, wherever you are and
whatever you're doing, it always means theworld to me, to again, serve you in this
way and embolden the book community, butalso to hold these precious conversations
about books and literature and.
(46:21):
Empowerment and expansion and loveand authenticity and, oh my goodness.
It just makes my heart so, so happyto again, show up and do this for
you and show up and do this for me.
And also get to now call Margota friend because selfishly.
That is, that is a great accomplishment.
I just adored Margo.
(46:42):
And again, if you haven't alreadymake sure to follow the podcast
wherever you love to listen.
Share this episode with anyone thatyou think would be into and ready
for the magic and eager to connectwith Margo in any way possible.
Make sure to follow Margo on Instagram atMargo reads and then make sure to follow
(47:04):
me on Instagram at dogeared book club.
Nope, dog ear.book club.
And that's where you can not onlyfind the podcast, episode updates and
podcasts updates, but also you will find.
All of my bookish updates, allof my book, recs and reviews.
That's where I kind of love to havefun and get into my creative writer.
(47:27):
You know, my creative writers seats,but also write out very thoughtful
reviews and very thoughtful captions.
That's where I get a kind ofa full X to my writer muscles.
So.
Please enjoy and i love you guys so somuch and thank you so much for showing
up here and i will catch you guys next
time
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