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Bookish Flights: Books, Author Interviews & Must-Read Recommendations
Bookish Flights is the place to talk books and reading. This podcast focuses on connection, storytelling and the transformative power of books. Each episode invites guests to share the three books that have influenced them, unlocking their wisdom and how it changed their lives. Books are a bridge that connects us, a remedy for loneliness, and the best conversational currency to be the most interesting person in the room! Rooted in the belief that stories shape who we are, this podcast brings people together through a shared love of literature. Perfect for book lovers, Bookish Flights inspires listeners to discover the books that can shape their own lives.
You will love this show If you have ever asked:
- What are the best fiction and non-fiction books to read?
- Which books should I add to my reading list?
- How can I find more time to read?
- What are the best books for exploring new genres?
- What books are perfect for my kids?
- What is the publishing journey like for authors?
- What books do my favorite authors love to read?
Discover book recommendations across a wide range of genres, including historical fiction, romantasy, rom-coms, mysteries, thrillers and personal development. Check out the website www.bookishflights.com to see book club picks and the wide range of book flights.
Bookish Flights: Books, Author Interviews & Must-Read Recommendations
Coming Home: Forgiveness, Community, and the Heart of Prodigal with Phyllis Gobbell (E151)
In today’s episode, I’m joined by author Phyllis Gobbell, who brings a rich blend of literary insight and Southern storytelling charm. A retired college English professor, Phyllis has written across genres—from gripping true crime (An Unfinished Canvas, A Season of Darkness) to immersive mystery fiction. Her latest novel, Prodigal, released in November 2024, is a contemporary retelling of the biblical parable The Prodigal Son. Set in a small Southern town much like the one she grew up in, Prodigal explores themes of homecoming, community and forgiveness—not only of others, but of oneself. Phyllis speaks about the importance of place as a character and how community shapes story. We also discuss her book flight—stories that inspired Prodigal—and how her background in true crime shaped her fiction writing in unexpected ways.
Episode Highlights:
- What compelled her to write Prodigal.
- The small-town dynamics that breathe life into the novel.
- How “place” can become its own character.
- The emotional complexity of forgiveness and redemption.
- A book flight inspired by Prodigal’s themes and tone.
Connect with Phyllis:
Show Notes
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Books and authors mentioned in the episode:
- Agatha Christie books
- The River We Remember by William Kent Kreuger
- This Tender Land by William Kent Kreuger
- The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
- The Gray Wolf by Louise Penny
Book Flight
- Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kreuger
- Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
- An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Dessert Pairing
- Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler
Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!