Beth Ann Fennelly Found Her Writing Voice When She Stopped Worrying About Being Taken Seriously

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit rooted.substack.comThe Rooted Book Club has been in the most capable hands while I’ve been on maternity leave. And it felt extra special that this month’s conversation took place between Catherine Simone Gray and Beth Ann Fennelly, two brilliant memoirists who happen to also write brilliantly—and honestly—about motherhood, family, and intimacy.Beth Ann Fennelly’s latest collection of micro-memoirs, The Irish Goodbye, was the subject of this book club discussion. Beth Ann talked about weaving together grief and humor in a collection, the particularities of “married love,” and why memoir provides readers with the authenticity we so desperately crave in today’s world. In this recording, you’ll hear Beth Ann read from various pieces in the collection, which in itself is a treat. I hope you’re able to tune in for this inspiring discussion. Thank you to Catherine and Beth Ann for taking the time to share your words and wisdom with Rooted readers!Read ahead! We’ve got some great book club discussions on the horizon.August 25 - America, U.S.A. by Eddie Glaude with guest host Talamieka BriceOctober 12 - The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw with guest host Exodus BrownlowYou can listen to these book club recordings in the Substack app, in your web browser, or on Spotify Subscribe to Rooted on Spotify to get notifications when new episodes are released. Recorded book club conversations are only available to paid subscribers, but the live book club sessions will continue to be free and open to all readers.