Poured Over is a show for readers who pore over details, obsess over sentences and ideas and stories and characters; readers who ask a lot of questions, just like Poured Over's host, Miwa Messer, a career bookseller who's always reading. Follow us here for surprising riffs, candid conversations, a few laughs, and lots of great book recommendations from big name authors and authors on their way to being big names. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional bonus episodes on Saturdays).
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Sep 30, 2026 · 52:10
In The French Illusion by John Grisham, a honeymoon unravels into terror as newlyweds Paul and Chelsea get snatched from the French countryside, prompting a puzzling…
Sep 29, 2026 · 1:07:06
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and author, Ayad Akhtar joins us to talk about craft, the campus novel, autofiction, and his latest book, The Radiance, with host Miwa Messer.…
Sep 24, 2026 · 56:19
Now out in paperback, The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon casts a needed spotlight on the other heroes of American greatness — ones you may not have heard of. Sharon joins…
Sep 22, 2026 · 51:14
Beloved storyteller John Green returns with a tender love story set against the underbelly of the entertainment industry as two actors balance their rising fame with their…
Sep 19, 2026 · 45:42
Blending surrealism, satire and philosophical concepts, Booker Prize-longlisted Helen of Nowhere by Makenna Goodman weaves a tale of beginnings following a disgraced professor…
Sep 17, 2026 · 51:25
In Triage , acclaimed author and playwright Claudia Rankine uses prose, poetry and art images to challenge the ways we look at friendship and memory, action and obligation.…
Sep 15, 2026 · 55:36
In her latest novel, Hollow Bones , Jodi Picoult uses her powerful voice to craft a moving story about what we do to protect our loved ones when faced with the unexpected. Jodi…
Sep 12, 2026 · 54:00
Told from the perspective of a wax doll, Olga Ravn's The Wax Child is a chilling tale inspired by a real group of women accused of dark magic in seventeenth-century Denmark. Olga…
Sep 10, 2026 · 44:55
Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea by Emily Wilson takes readers on a tour through the ancient world for an entertaining examination of Greek and Roman literature and their impact on our…
Sep 8, 2026 · 1:02:06
The Booker Prize–winning author Marlon James returns with The Disappearers, a deeply human story exploring queer life in Jamaica during the 1980s and 1990s. Marlon joined us live…
Sep 5, 2026 · 57:27
Kai Bird follows his Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer with a timely and meticulously researched true story of Roy Cohn — a friend of the famous, the…
Sep 3, 2026 · 54:22
Gripping, visceral and taut, Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy is a complex story about survival, isolation and hope at the end of the world. Charlotte joins us to talk…
Sep 1, 2026 · 45:10
In Under Story by Chloe Benjamin , one biologist's journey to escape her painful past takes a turn when an unexpected scientific discovery bends time and memory, offering a…
Aug 27, 2026 · 44:36
The Rise and Fall of the Artificial State by Jill Lepore explores technology's impact on human community and self-government, and what the future holds. Jill Lepore joins us to…
Aug 25, 2026 · 59:30
Dèy by acclaimed writer Edwidge Danticat is multigenerational story of family, resilience, and hope in the wake of an unexpected tragedy. Edwidge joins us to talk about evolving…
Aug 22, 2026 · 47:21
Crocodilopolis by John Manuel Arias is a riveting meditation on legacy, myth and masculinity which follows brothers locked in a power struggle after a dark family secret…
Aug 20, 2026 · 49:27
Dominion by Addie E. Citchens explores the clash of small-town secrets, unspoken rules and family drama in a Mississippi church community. Addie joins us to talk about Faulkner,…
Aug 18, 2026 · 47:19
Three Tenses: A Transmission from the Nineties by Pulitzer Prize finalist Ed Park is an experimental portrait of the author, pieced together from his early twenties to now. Ed…
Aug 15, 2026 · 47:59
Depraved: The Story of Dangerous Art by Daisy Dixon is an art guide unlike any other, exploring the history and meaning of depraved art through a fresh lens. Daisy joins us to…
Aug 13, 2026 · 54:47
Sunrise by Téa Obreht is a riveting tale about one woman's survival, a Wyoming ghost town and a past that refuses to stay quiet. Téa joins us to talk about memory, mythology, and…
Aug 11, 2026 · 1:05:28
A Tender Age by Chang-rae Lee is a coming-of-age story which explores complex family dynamics, masculinity and the search for the American dream. Chang-rae joins us to talk about…
Aug 8, 2026 · 50:22
Now out in paperback, Flesh is a poignant examination of one teenage boy's brush with trauma that continues to haunt him far into adulthood. David joins us to talk about Hungary,…
Aug 6, 2026 · 47:55
The final installment in the vibrant Harlem trilogy, Cool Machine by Colson Whitehead is a portrait of New York in transition during the 1980s. Colson joined us live at B&N Union…
Aug 4, 2026 · 43:56
Kitten by Stacey Yu is a darkly funny modern love story from a debut novelist. Stacey joins us to talk about character, repression, coming of age, relationships, animals and more…
Aug 1, 2026 · 53:25
The Wedding People by Alison Espach is a tender, wise and witty story following a luxe wedding at the Cornwell Inn. Alison joins us to talk about character, middle age, liminal…
Jul 30, 2026 · 55:28
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson is a hilarious tale of old friends, new lovers and the pressures they face. Jenny joined us live at B&N Upper West Side to talk about…
Jul 28, 2026 · 42:56
All That's Unseen by Emilee Hackney is a triumphant memoir of hope, home and reinvention. Emilee joins us to talk about growing up in Appalachia, faith, shame, craft and more…
Jul 23, 2026 · 52:02
The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader by Melissa Murray is an irreverent and accessible guide to understanding our nation's history,…
Jul 21, 2026 · 1:04:44
America, U.S.A . by Eddie S. Glaude Jr. is a gripping exploration of the United States' history and its anniversaries. Eddie joins us to talk about storytelling, music, the…
Jul 18, 2026 · 40:21
Lázár by Nelio Biedermann tells the story of an aristocratic Hungarian family plagued by secrets, desire and tragedy. Nelio joins us to talk about WWII, family history,…
Jul 16, 2026 · 43:52
Endling by Maria Reva is an inventive tale that takes on war, art and human connection. Maria joins us to talk about modern dating, malacology, research, character, dark humor…
Jul 14, 2026 · 48:50
Famous Men by Julie Buntin is a captivating novel following one woman's pursuit of home, family and identity. Julie joins us to talk about young womanhood, art, ambition, class,…
Jul 11, 2026 · 49:37
Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves follows Travis, the human embodiment of Death. Ben joins us to talk about mortality, time, grief, character and more with…
Jul 9, 2026 · 46:53
The Sisters by Jonas Hassen Khemiri is a sweeping family saga that explores the lives of three very different sisters who forge their own unique paths. Jonas joins us to talk…
Jul 7, 2026 · 1:01:37
Country People by Daniel Mason follows a family man who immerses himself in his local community full of eccentric characters and one hidden mystery. Daniel joins us to talk about…
Jul 4, 2026 · 1:56:17
This Land is Your Land by Beverly Gage is a road-trip through the past (and present) alongside an award-winning historian. Beverly joins us to talk about human migration,…
Jul 2, 2026 · 41:47
Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson is a must-read tale of bravery and resilience amid a smallpox epidemic. Laurie joins us to talk about writing for young readers,…
Jun 30, 2026 · 51:57
Take Me to Your Leader by Neil deGrasse Tyson is a fascinating look into the possibility of extraterrestrial life and what to do if they come knocking. Dr. Tyson joins us to talk…
Jun 27, 2026 · 52:34
Ghost-Eye by Amitav Ghosh follows a woman whose memories stretch beyond a single lifetime. Amitav joins us to talk about the Sundarbans, past life memories, near death…
Jun 25, 2026 · 1:05:41
Pool House by Mary H.K. Choi follows the unraveling of a mother and daughter's lives in Hollywood. Mary joined us live at B&N Upper West Side to talk about fame, family, Los…
Jun 23, 2026 · 47:43
Vermeer by Andrew Graham-Dixon dives into the life and vibrant work of one of the greatest painters from the Dutch Golden Age. Andrew joins us to talk about combing through…
Jun 20, 2026 · 57:20
Contrapposto by Dave Eggers is a fierce and bold examination of art, love and desire told through the eyes of two lifelong friends. Dave joins us to talk about form, the beauty…
Jun 18, 2026 · 1:06:27
Mailman by Stephen Starring Grant is a charming memoir on the power of community. Stephen joins us to talk about the Unites States' Postal Service, rural mail routes, unique…
Jun 16, 2026 · 1:01:16
Whistler by Ann Patchett is a powerful novel about the choices we make and the ones that are made for us. Ann joined us live in Philly to talk about memory, romance, friendship,…
Jun 13, 2026 · 56:54
Ghalen by Walter Mosley is a big-hearted story of love in all of its forms. Walter joined us live at B&N Upper West Side to talk about community, Los Angeles, reading, research…
Jun 12, 2026 · 44:30
Angel Down by Daniel Kraus explores the dark side of camaraderie and the eerie, supernatural forces that twist the meaning of survival in the face of horror. Daniel joins us to…
Jun 11, 2026 · 51:02
Seek Immediate Shelter by Vincent Yu is a clever, thought-provoking story of survival, loyalty and betrayal that was inspired by real events. Vincent joins us to talk about…
Jun 9, 2026 · 52:22
The Typing Lady by Ruth Ozeki is a captivating collection about life, art and storytelling. Ruth joined us live at B&N Upper West Side to talk about leaving Easter eggs for…
Jun 6, 2026 · 43:10
Land by Maggie O'Farrell explores human resilience and a deep connection to the natural world with a sense of wonder. Maggie joins us to talk about mapping, ownership,…
Jun 4, 2026 · 45:47
Bug Hollow by Michelle Huneven is a tender tale of a family falling apart and finding their way back to each other. Michelle joins us to talk about character, family, grief,…
Jun 2, 2026 · 51:15
A Fortune of Sand by Ruta Sepetys is a gripping tale of power and corruption inspired by true events. Ruta joins us to talk about Detroit, research, the 1920s, eccentricity and…
May 30, 2026 · 51:41
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is a reflective and funny journey of growing older, healing and reluctantly embracing the winds of change. Virginia joins us to talk about…
May 29, 2026 · 1:01:34
The Beginning Comes After the End by Rebecca Solnit highlights how slow, consistent activism can bring lasting change. Rebecca joins us to talk about interconnection,…
May 28, 2026 · 49:47
The Midnight Train by Matt Haig is a sweeping journey through time following one man's life-altering decision. Matt joins us to talk about bookselling, art, music, time and more…
May 26, 2026 · 1:05:15
Waiting on a Friend by Natalie Adler is a big-hearted, tender and hilarious story about love, ghosts, and community. Natalie joins us to talk about New York City, the 1980s,…
May 23, 2026 · 49:57
Canon by Paige Lewis is a surreal and hilarious tale of godly proportions. Paige joins us to talk about story structure, character, heroes, epic poetry, genre and more with…
May 21, 2026 · 53:42
American Rambler by Isaac Fitzgerald weaves memory, history and personal anecdotes in one unforgettable journey. Isaac joined us live in Philly to talk about writing on the go,…
May 19, 2026 · 45:18
One Leg on Earth by 'Pemi Aguda blends folklore and history for a daring exploration of motherhood and identity. 'Pemi joins us to talk about Lagos, loneliness, pregnancy,…
May 16, 2026 · 50:59
Death of the Soccer God by Dimitry Elias Léger follows a young Haitian soccer prodigy's rapid rise and swift downfall as he moves through fame, politics and love across…
May 14, 2026 · 1:03:48
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer is a haunting personal account of the Mount Everest disaster in 1996. Jon joins us to talk about looking back on the last 30 years, chasing story,…
May 13, 2026 · 46:58
Afternoon Hours of a Hermit by Patrick Cottrell is a darkly funny and poignant story of identity and family from an award-winning author. Patrick joins us to talk about humor,…
May 12, 2026 · 42:08
Babylon, South Dakota by Tom Lin is a hopeful family saga that offers a striking look at the American West. Tom joins us to talk about the Midwest, language, nature, time, family…
May 9, 2026 · 35:28
Homebound by Portia Elan is a vibrant, moving story about connection, humanity and the unwavering power of love. Portia joins us to talk about story structure, voice, research,…
May 8, 2026 · 1:03:34
Sarah Jessica Parker discusses being a book publisher, a reader, a Booker Prize judge, and how she knew she had to publish The Radiant Dark while SJPLit author Alexandra Oliva…
May 7, 2026 · 44:24
The Devils by Joe Abercrombie follows an invasion of flesh-eating elves threatening Europe and a special force of monsters recruited to save the day. Joe joins us to talk about…
May 5, 2026 · 1:11:55
John of John by Douglas Stuart is a poignant story of a young gay man who moves back to his childhood home. Douglas joins us to talk about the Outer Hebrides, Calvinism,…
May 2, 2026 · 54:49
On the Hippie Trail by Rick Steves tells the origin story of the travel writing superhero. Rick joins us to talk about looking back on his twenties, chronocentrism, travel vs…
Apr 30, 2026 · 37:32
The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer follows a young woman's unusual new job in a house that creaks with a lurking dread. Marcus joins us to talk about opening lines, relatable…
Apr 29, 2026 · 1:00:30
Questions 27 & 28 by Karen Tei Yamashita blends history and fiction to bring to light the experiences of Japanese Americans incarcerated on U.S. soil during WWII, delving into…
Apr 28, 2026 · 1:00:13
Monsters in the Archives by Caroline Bicks is a fascinating deep-dive into the iconic early works of Stephen King. Caroline joins us to talk about teaching at the University of…
Apr 25, 2026 · 42:16
The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke is a clever locked-room mystery from dynamic writing duo, V.E. Schwab and Cat Clarke. The authors joined us live at B&N Union Square to…
Apr 23, 2026 · 40:42
Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez is a stunning examination of ambition, desire, and the struggles of growing up. Xochitl joins us to talk about healing through writing,…
Apr 22, 2026 · 55:10
King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby is an action-packed quest for vengeance. S.A. joined us to talk about sibling dynamics, gender roles, crime fiction, The Godfather , masculinity and…
Apr 21, 2026 · 51:50
Go Gentle by Maria Semple is a transformative novel of new beginnings and second chances. Maria joined us live at the Upper West Side to talk about stoicism, satire, dialogue,…
Apr 18, 2026 · 57:58
The Edge of Space-Time by Chanda Prescod-Weinstein takes you to the edge of the universe and explains abstract theoretical physics concepts in an accessible and engaging way.…
Apr 16, 2026 · 53:59
Transcription by Ben Lerner is a poetic meditation on art, technology and what it really means to be alive. Ben joins us to talk about journalism, authenticity, language, voice,…
Apr 14, 2026 · 51:42
London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe is a stunning piece of investigative journalism about a young man whose life is cut short after he becomes entangled in London's dark…
Apr 9, 2026 · 55:41
American Fantasy by Emma Straub is a charming and comic story about the joys of middle age — and what lies beyond nostalgia. Emma joins us to talk about boybands, New Kids on the…
Apr 7, 2026 · 43:02
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke is a witty, dark debut about a tradwife social media influencer. Caro joins us to talk about likable characters, performance, social media,…
Apr 2, 2026 · 57:31
A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko is an inspired look at our beautiful world and where we fit in it. Kevin joins us to talk about setting off on his hike, the unique terrain of…
Apr 1, 2026 · 1:04:01
How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson shares tips and tricks for all of life's messy bits. Jenny joins us to talk about the joys of reading, finding community, doom…
Mar 31, 2026 · 1:07:25
Son of Nobody by Yann Martel is an imaginative retelling of the Trojan War from the bestselling author of Life of Pi . Yann joins us to talk about the Trojan War, studying the…
Mar 28, 2026 · 45:11
Stop Me If You've Heard This One by Kristen Arnett is a heartfelt and hilarious romp through Central Florida following an unlikely protagonist: a clown working the birthday…
Mar 26, 2026 · 54:10
Seasons of Glass and Iron by Amal El-Mohtar features her award-winning folktales that invite readers into fantastic new worlds. Amal joins us to talk about Dungeons & Dragons ,…
Mar 24, 2026 · 39:49
Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney is a witty and wry story about family, marriage—and happiness. Cynthia joined us live at The Grove to talk about the 1970s, women's agency,…
Mar 21, 2026 · 53:07
In the Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means to Be a Man by Tom Junod is a poignant reflection of fathers, sons and the complex bonds of family. Tom joins us to talk about…
Mar 19, 2026 · 53:00
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is a tale of impending catastrophe, survival and interstellar adventure. Andy joins us to talk about his books being adapted into films,…
Mar 17, 2026 · 51:19
All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun is a smart, sharp and surprising novel following three passengers aboard a Bermuda-bound cruise ship. Jung joins us to talk about The Love Boat…
Mar 14, 2026 · 46:03
The Complex by Karan Mahajan is a captivating family drama that moves between the US and India during a time of political transformation. Karan joins us to talk about Russian…
Mar 12, 2026 · 49:24
Whidbey by T Kira Madden is a gripping story of three women and the complex ties that bind them. T Kira joins us to talk about life-changing moments, balancing fact and fiction,…
Mar 11, 2026 · 51:55
The Fox Hunt by Caitlin Breeze follows students at an elite university concealing a dark and deadly secret. Caitlin joins us to talk about the publishing process, attending…
Mar 10, 2026 · 1:00:05
The Golden Boy by Patricia Finn is a deeply funny and tender novel following a former Hollywood executive who must finally confront a long-buried secret to build a brighter…
Mar 7, 2026 · 59:59
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a beautiful, soul-searing story about the power of books. Markus joins us to talk about bookstores, looking back on the last 20 years, TBR…
Mar 5, 2026 · 49:18
The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne by Ron Currie is a hard-boiled crime novel from a Pushcart Prize-winning author. Ron joins us to talk about beginning with character,…
Mar 3, 2026 · 42:46
Kin by Tayari Jones examines the complex relationships between mothers, daughters, sisters and friends in the American South. Tayari joined us live at B&N Union Square to talk…
Feb 28, 2026 · 37:29
The Red Winter by Cameron Sullivan weaves history with chilling mythology for a dark and haunting love story. Cameron joins us to talk about the Beast of Gevaudan, interconnected…
Feb 26, 2026 · 54:45
More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen is tender novel of self-exploration which reminds us it's never too late to discover something new about yourself. Anna joins us to talk about…
Feb 24, 2026 · 1:04:21
A World Appears by Michael Pollan is a fascinating meditation on the mysterious world we live in. Michael joins us to talk about sentience, theory of mind, AI, hubris, computers…
Feb 21, 2026 · 44:01
Wolf Hour by Jo Nesbø is a gripping crime story centered on the chilling exploration of a murderer's mind. Jo joins us to talk about travel, crime novels, Minneapolis, taxidermy…
Feb 19, 2026 · 42:00
How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder by Nina McConigley follows two sisters who plot to kill their uncle in the summer of 1986. Nina joined us live at B&N Upper West Side to talk…
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