Ep. 138: Rebecca Makkai (Author of I Have Some Questions for You) + Book Recommendations

<p><strong>In Episode 138, author Rebecca Makkai discusses <a href="https://amzn.to/40PkKgW">I Have Some Questions for You</a>, her latest novel that explores societal issues such as racism and wrongful incarceration through the lens of a crime story. This was a five-star book for me and looks to be *the book* of 2023 so far! Rebecca shared how she engaged with readers using click-bait style headlines and created a sense of intimacy through the second-person point of view. She also goes behind the scenes of how she pitches her new book ideas to her agent and publisher. Plus, Rebecca gives us her book recommendations!</strong></p> <p><span id="more-6002106"></span></p> <p><em>This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).</em></p> <h2><strong>Highlights</strong></h2> <ul> <li>A spoiler-free glimpse into her latest book, <u><a href= "https://amzn.to/40PkKgW">I Have Some Questions for You</a></u>.</li> <li>What inspired her to start writing the book, including the initial wave of the #MeToo movement and the public’s fascination with true crime.</li> <li>Insider knowledge about when she shares her work with agents and publishers.</li> <li>How she blended elements of crime within her literary fiction novel.</li> <li>How she uses click-bait style headlines to draw readers in from the opening of the book and throughout the story.</li> <li>Why Rebecca used the second-person point of view and how that created an intimate connection between readers and the protagonist.</li> <li>How she used student testimony and gossip to shape the narrative and delve into issues such as racism, sexism, and abuse.</li> <li>How she reconciled the viewpoints of the ’90s with modern perspectives in her novel.</li> <li>A sneak peek of what Rebecca has planned next, including a hint about her upcoming book, and learn about her <a href= "https://rebeccamakkai.com/84-books-project/">84 Books Project</a>.</li> </ul> <h2><strong>Rebecca’s Book Recommendations</strong> <a cla