Hearts of Glass, Malls and Memories, A Chat with Pat Green

What happens when three mall misfits find each other amid the neon glow and synthesizer soundtracks of 1988? That's the question at the heart of our conversation with author Pat Green, whose novel "Hearts of Glass: Living in the Real World" captures both the nostalgia and the complicated reality of growing up Gen X.Pat reveals how the book originated from a series of blog posts about influential women in Gen X culture, evolving into a story of found family and survival. Through his characters—Ford, a traumatized former child model; Cassie, a punk-rock fan escaping an abusive relationship; and Jenny, a profoundly deaf aspiring model navigating a world without ADA accommodations—Pat explores how the mall became a sanctuary for teens escaping troubled home lives.Our discussion goes beyond surface-level 80s references to examine the deeper meaning behind Gen X nostalgia. As Pat eloquently puts it, "We discovered art, beauty, and friendship while we were in the middle of hell." We explore how today's wave of nostalgia serves as both comfort and coping mechanism in uncertain times, especially as we face the mortality of our cultural icons.Pat shares fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into his research process, including his consultations with the Deaf community to ensure authentic representation of Jenny's character. He also takes us back to his own mall experiences, including a hilariously candid account of working at Glamour Shots in the early 90s.The conversation weaves through themes of consent, challenging toxic masculinity, and finding strength in sensitivity—all embodied by Ford, who Pat describes as "what happens if a little boy grew up and actually listened to Mr. Rogers." Whether you're a Gen Xer seeking recognition of your lived experience or simply fascinated by the cultural touchstones that shaped a generation, this episode offers both laughs and profound reflections on how we survive through connection.Grab your copy of "Hearts of Glass" wherever books are sold, with the audiobook releasing July 25th. Visit patgreenauthor.com to learn more and connect with the author who's bringing Gen X stories to life.Send us an emailHearts of Glass signed copyMake sure you tell them we sent youDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show#genx #80s #90s https://youtube.com/@likewhateverpod?si=ChGIAEDqb7H2AN0Jhttps://www.tiktok.com/@likewhateverpod?_t=ZT-8v3hQFb73Wg&_r=1