In this episode of Reeding Between the Lines, Sara sits down with bestselling author Gloria Chao, whose books—like American Panda, Rent a Boyfriend, and When You Wish Upon a Lantern—are beloved for their humor, heart, and honest exploration of cultural identity. Gloria shares her journey from dentistry to writing, how she brings complex characters to life, and what inspires the stories she tells.
We also dive into her brand-new genre shift with her upcoming thriller, The Ex-Girlfriends’ Murder Club, releasing on June 24, 2025! Gloria gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her first foray into mystery and suspense, while keeping the voice and heart that fans know and love.
Plus: favorite reads, how she navigates family expectations, and advice for aspiring writers.
🧋 Topics We Cover:
From rom-coms to thrillers: how Gloria’s writing has evolved
Writing identity and humor in YA fiction
What readers can expect from The Ex-Girlfriends’ Murder Club
Book recommendations from Gloria
Her best advice for writers exploring cultural themes
📖 Connect with Gloria Chao:
Instagram: @gloriacchao
Website: https://gloriachao.wordpress.com
📚 Follow Reeding Between the Lines:
Instagram: @reedingbetweenthelinespod
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reeding-between-the-lines/id1744436935
📓 Grab your Free Book Tracker Spreadsheet: https://reeding-between-the-lines.kit.com/tracker
🎧 Don’t forget to rate, review, and follow the show—it helps more bookish folks find us!
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