741.5 - Graphic Novels with Bill Widener (2025)

If You Love It, Let It Kill You with Hannah Pittard (2026)

Acclaimed author Hannah Pittard joins us for a riveting conversation about her writing process, her memoir We Are Too Many and her autobiographical fiction novel, If You Love it, Let it Kill You. Hannah’s works are available for checkout [https://catalog.lexpublib.org/?section=search&term=author:%22Pittard,%20Hannah%E2%80%9D&page=0&pageSize=10&sortKey=Relevancy&db=ls2pac&branchFilters=[%221%22,%222%22,%223%22,%224%22,%225%22,%226%22]&facetFilters=[]] from the library and for purchase from your favorite bookstore. Later, Mariam and Erin talk about Mariam’s TBR list for June, including Whistler [https://catalog.lexpublib.org/?section=resource&resourceid=1391152458] by Ann Patchett, The Jellyfish Problem [https://catalog.lexpublib.org/?section=resource&resourceid=1391156849] by Tessa Yang, and Heather [https://catalog.lexpublib.org/?section=resource&resourceid=1396376543] by Caitlin Mullen. Erin interviews Sonya and Alyssa from Lexington Public Library’s Collection Services department in the returning segment, Behind the Scenes.

The Cut of the Moon: A Conversation with Cynthia Ellingsen (2026)

Mariam sits down with Cynthia Ellingsen, bestselling author of The Cut of the Moon, The Lost Letters of Aisling and The Starlight Cove series. They discuss Cynthia’s use of dual timelines in her works, her inspiration for her works, how she approaches writing, and what’s upcoming next. Cynthia’s works are available for checkout [https://catalog.lexpublib.org/?section=search&term=cynthia%20ellingsen&page=0&pageSize=10&sortKey=Relevancy&db=ls2pac&branchFilters=%5B%221%22%2C%222%22%2C%223%22%2C%224%22%2C%225%22%2C%226%22%5D&facetFilters=%5B%5D] from the library and for purchase [https://www.cynthiaellingsen.com/books] from your favorite bookstore. Later, Erin and Mariam talk about upcoming book releases and library programs for April 2026.

Torrent: A Conversation with Anthony B. Gray (2026)

Mariam sits down with local author and attorney Anthony B. Gray to discuss his debut novel Torrent. They talk about his inspiration for his main character, how grief plays an important role in the novel, and the novel is about survival outside of the strategic world of the courtroom. They also talk about Anthony’s lifelong love of stories and storytelling, and his future projects. Torrent is available for checkout [https://catalog.lexpublib.org/?section=resource&resourceid=1369887755] from the library and for purchase [https://catalog.lexpublib.org/?section=resource&resourceid=1369887755%20https://anthonybgrayauthorpage.godaddysites.com/] from your favorite bookstore. Later, Erin and Mariam talk about Mariam’s long March to-be-read list, and highlights of programs being hosted at all library branches in March 2026.

In Conversation with Frank X. Walker (2026)

This episode is an archive recording of a live event held February 12, 2026.  Mariam sits down with acclaimed poet, author, and educator Frank X Walker, a pioneer of the Affrilachian literary movement and former Kentucky Poet Laureate. Professor Walker shares insights from his groundbreaking work, discusses the power of storytelling in shaping cultural identity, and reflects on his journey as a writer and advocate for Appalachian voices. Following the conversation, Professor Walker reads some of his poetry and participates in an audience Q&A session, in which attendees engage directly with Professor Walker and explore his perspectives on literature, history, and community. This episode has only been lightly edited from its original live content, including some setup audio removal and audio mastering. Some audience members chose not to ask their questions with the microphone, but the answers to their questions are preserved in this recording.

They All Fall the Same: A Conversation with Wes Browne (2026)

Mariam sits down with Wes Browne, author of Hillbilly Hustle and They All Fall the Same, to discuss both of his books, his writing journey and how his work is influenced by Appalachian Kentucky and his background as an attorney. Wes talks about how becoming a part owner in a pizza shop in Richmond influenced the story of his first book, and how a fan-favorite character from Hillbilly Hustle became the focus of They All Fall the Same, with the background of actual Kentucky events in 2020. Hillbilly Hustle [https://catalog.lexpublib.org/?section=resource&resourceid=151796749] and They All Fall the Same [https://catalog.lexpublib.org/?section=resource&resourceid=1174761635] are available for checkout and purchase from your favorite local bookstore. Later, Erin and Mariam talk about highlights of upcoming January releases, and January programming. The Art Beat calendar can be found on our website [https://events.lexpublib.org/events?term=art+beat&r=range&start=2026-01-11&end=2026-01-17].