Take a journey through the shelves of our legendary independent bookstore. So Many Books is a podcast for book lovers by book lovers from Politics and Prose in Washington, DC. Join us for author interviews, new book recommendations, writing advice, and more. From acclaimed novelists and emerging writers to staff picks and unexpected reading recommendations, each episode offers new perspectives on books, writing, and the ideas that shape our lives. Hosted by Nicole, with expert recommendations from Anton, So Many Books takes listeners beyond the book jacket.
Visit us at www.politics-prose.com
It's spooky season! Allison stops by to discuss her essential "Hallowreads". Plus, horror novelist Keith Rosson discusses his latest novel "Crone".
Shop These Titles Here:
https://politics-prose.com/list/so-many-books-episode-16
Sign up for Libro.fm and get three audiobooks for the price of one:
https://libro.fm/membership?mp=POLITICSANDPROSE&bookshop=politicsandprose
Follow us on Instagram @SOMANYBOOKSPOD
Music: "Balkan Jingle" by Tjalle
5 Oct 2026
Love & Vampires
Author Min Jin Lee (Pachinko, American Hagwon) stops by the pod to suggest three books that deal with love.
Plus, Anton and Nicole recommend some new titles for spooky season.
And lastly, Mishy interviews Aaron Mahnke, author and host of the LORE podcast about his new book "Exhumed: Unearthing the History of the American Vampire".
Shop These Titles Here:
https://politics-prose.com/list/so-many-books-episode-15
Sign up for Libro.fm and get three audiobooks for the price of one:
https://libro.fm/membership?mp=POLITICSANDPROSE&bookshop=politicsandprose
Follow us on Instagram @SOMANYBOOKSPOD
Music: "Balkan Jingle" by Tjalle
21 Sept 2026
A Doomsdate with Author Laura Piper Lee
Rob and Amber of the Romance Review return to interview Laura Piper Lee on her novel "Pot Shot" as well as her latest novel "Doomsdate"- out now!
Plus, Academy Award winning actor Ke Huy Quan talks about writing his memoir for the fans.
Shop These Titles Here:
https://politics-prose.com/list/so-many-books-episode-14
Sign up for Libro.fm and get three audiobooks for the price of one:
https://libro.fm/membership?mp=POLITICSANDPROSE&bookshop=politicsandprose
Music: "Balkan Jingle" by Tjalle
14 Sept 2026
Susan Coll Finds Humor in Things That Are Challenging; Plus, Marlon James Has Some Thoughts on Writer's Block.
Our very own Susan Coll stops by to discuss her latest novel "Word Salad", which is set in an independent bookstore (but not any one in particular...).
Plus, Marlon James stops by to discuss working through writers block.
Lastly, Anton and Nicole discuss their favorite new reads this September. Be sure to add these to your TBR pile asap!
Shop These Titles Here:
https://politics-prose.com/list/so-many-books-episode-13
Sign up for Libro.fm and get three audiobooks for the price of one:
https://libro.fm/membership?mp=POLITICSANDPROSE&bookshop=politicsandprose
Music: "Balkan Jingle" by Tjalle
25 Aug 2026
George Pelecanos Writes For Washingtonians, Ayelet Waldman Says to Write What You Love
In this episode, Rob interviews legendary DC writer George Pelecanos about his latest novel "The Blue Flame". George also explains how he's creating a document of the city in his work.
Plus, Nicole chats with Ayelet Waldman about her latest novel "A Perfect Hand" and why it's ok to escape sometimes.
Shop These Titles Here:
https://politics-prose.com/list/so-many-books-episode-12
Music: "Balkan Jingle" by Tjalle
3 Aug 2026
Sigrid Nunez Found Inspiration in Jury Duty- plus Weird Beach Reads
Anton and Nicole have some offbeat paperback recs for everyone. Plus, Sigrid Nunez stops by to discuss her short story collection, "It Will Come Back To You", and how she was surprised to find herself writing so many short stories.
Shop These Titles Here:
https://politics-prose.com/list/so-many-books-episode-11
Music: "Balkan Jingle" by Tjalle
20 Jul 2026
A Deep Dive into Music Books with Casey and Grant
Casey and Grant give a full run down of their favorite music books and biographies with many a fun digression. Tune in for thoughts on the literary career of Robbie Robertson, Beastie Boys trivia, Sly Stone vs. The Beach Boys, and more!
You can shop Casey and Grants recommendations here:
https://politics-prose.com/list/so-many-books-episode-10
Music: "Balkan Jingle" by Tjalle
6 Jul 2026
Reading History To Understand The Present
Anton and Nicole have an incredible list of books to add to your TBR pile.
Plus, Rushad stops by to talk history books and how they provide backstory to everything happening in our lives.
Shop these titles Here:
https://politics-prose.com/list/so-many-books-episode-9
Music: "Balkan Jingle" by Tjalle
15 Jun 2026
Happy Bloomsday and Paige Lewis on Writing Without Knowing Where You're Going
Welcome to the eighth episode of So Many Books. Nicole sat down with Paige Lewis to discuss their debut novel "Canon", and how writers shape the universe of their stories.
Plus, Joyce scholar, Chris Griffin, explains the meaning behind Bloomsday and the best ways to read Ulysses.
Find the titles mentioned here:
https://politics-prose.com/list/so-many-books-episode-8
Music:
"Balkan Jingle" by Tjalle
1 Jun 2026
June Picks and Madeline Bell Imagines What Jane Austen Would Think of the Present Day
Anton and Nicole run down this month's must read new titles. Plus, Rob and Amber return to interview Madeline Bell, author of their favorite recent romance book- The Austen Affair.
Shop these titles and more here:
https://politics-prose.com/list/so-many-books-episode-7
Music by "Balkan Jingle" Tjalle
25 May 2026
Bonus Episode- Rob and Amber ICYMI
In this bonus episode, we're flashing back to our first episode conversation between Amber and Rob about their thoughts on the Romance genre.
Next month, Rob and Amber will return to interview a very special guest. Stay Tuned!
Music: "Balkan Jingle" by Tjalle
18 May 2026
Douglas Stuart's favorite tweed and Yann Martel considers the Iliad
On the latest episode of So Many Books, Douglas Stuart discusses his latest novel "John of John." He also explains how his background in textiles and weaving informs his writing process.
Plus, Yann Martel considers the Iliad and the myths behind the Trojan War. He also reads a passage from his new novel "Son of Nobody"
Find these titles and more at www.politics-prose.com
Music: "Balkan Jingle" by Tjalle
4 May 2026
May Book Picks and Lindy West Wants to Write a Mystery Novel
Our head book buyer Anton is back with his list of can't miss books for this May.
Plus, we talked to Lindy West about her new memoir "Adult Braces."
Find all titles mentioned here:
https://politics-prose.com/list/so-many-books-episode-5
Music is "Balkan Jingles" by Tjalle
20 Apr 2026
National Poetry Month and Remembering Book World
Our staffers Bob, Mishy, Sayan, and Claire read from some of their favorite poems for National Poetry Month.
Plus, a tribute to the late Book World section of the Washington Post- featuring Marie Arana, Rita Dove, Michael Dirda, and Ron Charles.
All featured poems are in the public domain.
Music: "Balkan Jingles" by Tjalle
6 Apr 2026
Lauren Groff and April Picks
In this episode, Anton and Nicole discuss the new books that you won't want to miss this April.
Plus, Politics and Prose co-owner Lissa Muscatine chats with author Lauren Groff about her bookstore The Lynx and her new collection "Brawlers".
For a list of all the titles mentioned, please visit:
https://politics-prose.com/list/so-many-books-episode-3
Music: "Balkan Jingles" by Tjalle
2 Mar 2026
Bsrat Mezghebe, Wil Haygood, and What Makes a Good Book Cover?
We're back for our second episode, and it's a good one!
This episode includes:
- Our head buyer Anton with his picks for books coming out this March (@1:45)
- A reading by debut novelist Bsrat Mezghebe (@ 9:50)
- An interview with author Wil Haygood on his new book "The War Within a War" (@ 16:30)
- A conversation with book designer Daniel Cantada on what goes into designing a book (@27:15)
- A conversation between Donna and Leah of our Children's and Teen's department about how they foster a sense of exploration and discovery in the kids that stop by the store. (@41:50)
Shop these titles here:
https://politics-prose.com/list/so-many-books-episode-2
Visit Daniel's site:
https://danielcantada.com/
Music is "Tjalle" by Balkan Jingles
9 Feb 2026
Lily Meyer, Edmund Ghareeb, and Silence of the Lambs being a romance novel?
Politics and Prose Bookstore is excited to announce the launch of So Many Books, a new podcast that brings listeners inside the world of books through intimate author conversations, industry insights, and thoughtful discussions about the stories that shape our lives.This episode includes:
- Our head buyer Anton discussing his favorite new releases this February
- An interview with author Lily Meyer on her second novel, "The End of Romance"
- An excerpt of Edmund Ghareeb reading from and discussing the Palestinian poetry anthology "Enemy of the Sun"
- A discussion between our own Amber and Rob about what they love about the romance genre
Find These Titles Here:
https://politics-prose.com/list/so-many-books-episode-1
Music: "Tjalle" by Balkan Jingles
www.politics-prose.com
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