Episode Details

Christina Baker Kline, Heather Webb and Lauren Tarshis join Joe for a wide-ranging conversation on the enduring appeal of historical fiction and why readers keep coming back for stories rooted in the past. 

From immersive research to emotional storytelling, they explore how historical fiction brings real moments to life while still leaving room for imagination. The conversation also dives into the challenges of writing in difficult time periods, how authors maintain hope when their subject matter gets heavy and what it means to responsibly shape narratives based on real events. 

Plus, each author shares insight into their creative process and how they build vivid, unforgettable worlds across genres and age group. 

Whether you're a lifelong historical fiction reader or just starting to explore the genre, this episode offers a thoughtful look at the stories that help us better understand where we’ve been and where we’re going. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Who’s in this episode:  

• Website 

• The Foursome 

• Website 

• The Hope Keeper 

• Website 

• I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935 

• I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018 Graphic Novel 

Time stamps: 

00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro to Historical Fiction 
00:01:08 Hello from Christina Baker Kline, Heather Webb & Lauren Tarshis 
00:05:07 Diving into the conversation – why historical fiction?  
00:49:26 How do you balance the heaviness of historical with maintaining light in your life?

00:58:44 Thank you and outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season! 

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We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

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