Episode Details
Back to Episodes
How Art Keeps History Alive: Thao Thai on The Seekers of Deer Creek (E233)
Description
Today's episode features Thao Thai, bestselling author of Banyan Moon. She joins us to discuss her latest novel, The Seekers of Deer Creek, a captivating story of two estranged sisters whose search for a lost painting uncovers long-buried family secrets stretching across generations and continents.
In our conversation, we explore the many ways art preserves history and memory, the fascinating world of art conservation, and what it truly means to be an artist. Thao shares how her travels inspired the settings in the novel, why creativity is essential even in the busiest seasons of life, and how motherhood has shaped her writing. We also discuss the joy of reading physical books, the importance of making space for creativity, and why everyone has an inner artist waiting to be discovered.
Episode Highlights
- The inspiration behind The Seekers of Deer Creek
- Why art is one of history's greatest storytellers
- The unseen work of preserving paintings and cultural artifacts
- Vietnamese identity and artistic legacy
- Balancing motherhood and a creative career
- The value of reading physical books
- Why everyone should embrace their inner artist
- Thao's book flight includes books about art and artists
Connect with Thao:
Some links are affiliate links, which are no extra cost to you but do help to support the show.
Books and authors mentioned in the episode:
- The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
- All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley
- Sula by Toni Morrison
- Clutch by Emily Nemens
Book Flight
- Almost Life by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
- Sirens & Muses by Antonia Angress
- Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
The BFF Book Club is becoming a family affair! ❤️ This our FREE virtual book club, where we read together each month and have live author chats.
Each Family Book Flight pairs our BFF Book Club pick with:
- One chapter book for growing readers
- One picture book for our littlest readers
- A few family conversation starters + a simple activity
Three books. One common theme.
→ Join us here: https://bookishflights.kit.com/bfffamily
Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!