S:7 E:03 Naked Girl: A Coming-of-Age Story Like No Other – Janna Brooke Wallack

What happens when your father creates a cult, and you're left to raise yourself in a decaying mansion filled with spiritual seekers and chaos? That's the world of Naked Girl, the powerful novel by Janna Brooke Wallack. In this conversation, Janna delves into the unconventional childhood that inspired her book, her thoughts on generational parenting shifts, and how she channeled her own emotions into compelling fiction. Set in 1980s Miami Beach, Naked Girl follows siblings Sienna and Siddartha as they navigate life within their father's bizarre, cult-like commune. Through their eyes, we experience the beauty, danger, and loneliness of growing up in an unpredictable world. With rich metaphors and immersive storytelling, Janna brings this unique setting to life, showing both the allure and the peril of freedom. We also dive into parenting, spirituality, and the generational cycle of raising children differently than we were raised. Janna shares insights from her own life as a mother of five, reflecting on how much of our past shapes our choices. Join us for this fascinating discussion and discover why Naked Girl has received critical acclaim, becoming a semifinalist for the 2024 Publishers Weekly Book Life Prize in Fiction. #JannaBrookeWallack #NakedGirl #BooksThatMakeYou #ComingOfAge #WritingCommunity #Parenting #CultSurvival