Listened to AMOR TOWLES interview, and I like it so much, I’m really excited for his next work, anyway I’m glad to find you, great podcast 👍⭐️keep going! (But don’t talk about politics; please keep away of it).

Stumbled onto this show by accident. But so happy I did. Really learn something every time I listen. The theme music is beautiful also. But all in all great show.

Mitchell, host of the Literary life with Mitchell Kaplan podcast, highlights all aspects of books, writing and more in this can’t miss podcast! The host and expert guests offer insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone that listens!

I would do anything to support Mitch and his special book business. That kind voice matches his handsome face that leads to the bookstore. That’s a win all the way to the end.

I started listening to your podcast after a friend’s recommendation. My family listens too since we’re home during this pandemic. Now we’re reading these authors’ books. Thank you for this Mitchell Kaplan.

As always, Diane Ravitch was insightful, passionate, and extraordinarily well-versed on one of the most important issues facing our democracy: the life of our public education system. This conversation with Mitchell Kaplan serves as an intimate, authentic, and effective exegesis of her work on school choice, charters, privatization, etc. These issues affect everyone. Please listen!

I especially enjoyed the interview with Erin Morgenstern. Fantasy books are not usually my first or second choice when selecting books to read. But, now I am going to read The Night Circus and The Starless Sea.

I can’t believe it took me so long to discover this podcast. Mitch’s interview skill is up there with Terry Gross.

I love books so this is a great podcast.

Awesome podcast Mitchell Kaplan!

I'm a college student. I like to listen to this podcast because I found hearing about the author's life is sometimes as enjoyable as hearing about their new book. Not a big reader, but I have bought a few books after hearing the podcast. Mitchell is an awesome podcaster.

There’s a reason it’s featured by lithub: Mitchell Kaplan, who helps runs the Miami book fair, has been in the biz and highlights the best up and coming and established authors. A must listen for any interested in literature and the writing process!

This is a fabulous podcast. Mitchell Kaplan brings out the most interesting insights from authors from fiction, non fiction, it’s just great. Thank you for your podcast.

Every time I listen, I learn wonderful new things....about people, about specific books and authors, and about the world we live in. Mitchell Kaplan’s voice is soothing and inviting. Thank you!

I look forward to new episodes of The Literary Life each week. The podcast is as much about books and authors as it is about publishing, bookselling, and being a storyteller. Much appreciated that the diversity of guests and topics ranges from rock n roll to wrongful incarceration and includes books for all audiences and authors from all backgrounds. Highly recommended for literary folks all over and especially recommended for those in South Florida who want to go behind the curtain of the local lit community.

I just finished reading PACHINKO for my book group and am so impressed with what I learned. First, after decades of domination Japan officially became the colonial master of Korea in 1910, and Koreans were reduced to being second class citizens in their own country. It wasn't any better when they migrated to Japan where they were relegated to ghettos, shunned and prohibited from assimilating. The impactful consequences of this on generations of Korean families were so movingly described by author Min Jin Lee. Thank you to the author for her insight and telling the world about one more example of man's inhumanity to man. I didn't know.

I love listening to these when I am familiar with the writer’s work. But I perhaps love them even more when they are introducing me to a voice I have not yet read. I have never read Pico Iyer or Ian Rankin before, but now that I have heard them on here, I am intrigued, and excited to read their books. One of Kaplan’s gifts is his ability to make the writer feel at ease, so that the conversation flows very beautifully. Another is to be the voice of the reader, enthusiastic about the work at hand and also not afraid to bring in connections to his own life to help make meaning of his experiences interacting with this literature.

Mitchell Kaplan understands, perhaps more than anyone else in the industry, the sanctity of literature and the power of literature to transform. I grew up at Books and Books, but left Miami long ago, so to have this podcast available to me every week is like the best of all homecomings. Books, the most interesting people writing today, the clank of dishes from the Cafe, and Mitchell's lunch recommendations to boot. I get to "go home" every Saturday and the only thing better is the thought of being able to find myself at the real place again.

I'm following three other podcasts that are work-related but in "The Literary Life with Mitchell Kaplan I've found a clean, well-lighted place where I can lay back and listen to the best writers today in a direct and unassuming way, all to the soothing sound of Mitchell’s baritone. Authors seem lulled to opening up and chatting in the same way neighbors do over the fence--to quote the podcast's conceit. We're listening to a book-seller at the top of his form whose intimate knowledge of the publishing world is matched to his sensitive reading(s) of the books he shelves. Mitchell is laid back and chilled in a peculiarly South Florida way--like a good mojito on the South Beach strip--and as in Hemingway’s story the sublime is made plain and discussed in an accessible way for all to enjoy.

If you read books, or think you might one day read a book, listen to this podcast. The Literary Life is about books, but it’s also about culture, society, and how we engage with each other. Mitchell Kaplan draws out the best from his guests and we get to come along for the fun, touching, and thoroughly absorbing ride.

Good friends talking & I was allowed a front row listen! I’ve heard Dave speak many times & he still keeps me laughing. Thanks for sharing Mitchell.

Thank you, Mitchell, for these honest and open conversations with such distinct and incredible writers of our times. You have such a talent to access the core of their motivation and essence. I’m truly enjoying each intimate conversation. I’m sharing this podcast widely. Thank you!

I love books and independent bookstores. And I love this podcast. Mitchell Kaplan is such a great host — so intelligent and informative and passionate yet “mellow” in the best sense of the word. I thought I knew a lot about books , but I’ve learned so much from him — a great case in point is his jnterview with Oren Teicher. I wish that I lived closer to one of the Books and Books stores (I live in South Florida but,alas, an hour or from Miami), but this podcast is as good a substitute as exists in between visits.

I lived in Miami many years ago, left and relocated back in 2017. I’ve seen Miami change and - coming from Europe - was delighted to discover that Miami had a quality book store. Attending the Book Fair was another revelation as was briefly meeting Mitch Kaplan at the Urban Warriors Awards Ceremony. Clearly, there is something great going on in the grass roots of Miami and Mitch certainly has his finger on Miam’s pulse. The podcasts are deeply insightful, deep, to the point and yet never boring or stuffy as literary shows can sometimes be. I am podcast fan and The Literary Life is part of my « regulars » and a source of inspiration. So yes, there are literary insights in Miami. Thank you.

Mitchell, Cristina Nosti and Cristina Miller, I love all these book recommendations! I am taking notes. Thank you for this literary treat! 🎁 Mitchell, your voice should be on the movies 🎥!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(definitely on National Radio) 👌🏻🔝🙏🏻

As a college professor, I’ve started having my literature students listen to this amazing podcast. You really can’t hear these famous writers at such a personal level any where else. Loved every minute!

First of all Mitchell Kaplan has the voice for this stuff. I would joyfully listen to him read the nutritional information off of a box of cereal! This podcast makes you feel like you just made a great new friend who looks like a regular dude, but you find out he happens to knows tons of smart, interesting, and famous people....he invites you to grab a cup of coffee and when you get there Walter Mosley is sitting there eating a Cuban Sandwich!!!

These podcasts are simply fantastic! Mitchell Kaplan is an extraordinary talent and a magical interviewer. The episodes not only entertain but also offer unusual insight into the heart of America’s literary community.

For years, we’ve been fortunate in Miami to have Books and Books. There, we see Mitchell working, reading or just having a conversation. He says hi. (He always says hi, looks you in the eye.) These are precious encounters and, somehow, you always come away smarter and happier. The podcast feels like having a snack in the café and talking books with Mitchell. Don’t miss it.

This interview was meant for podcasts. Kaplan’s genuine interest lead to the questions that gave Bragg the platform to answer and elaborate on his literary life. The conversation was easy going and I could have listened for another hour. Rick Bragg is a master storyteller and he writes for all people even when he talks about “my people.” His humanity and deep regard for his mother has always made me a fan of his from way back.

Congratulations on a podcast that I can listen to, relax and learn about different writers, their lives and new books. It’s very real and creative. Brava!

I love this podcast so much that I immediately went to Books and Books for a new book after listening to one of his podcast. To my great surprise, Mitchell was at the bookstore, there was a wine and music event and he was 100% percent involved into the event helping everyone. What a great podcast and person!

I love this podcast, but I can't take the eating sounds. I understand the desire to make it casual and conversational. How about drinks? Coffee? Anything but the smacking and clicking of hi fidelity eating. Still a 5 star review though. Ideas are king.

The heart of Miami's literary scene has always been Books and Books and I am thrilled to see an extention of Kaplan's oasis as a podcast. The first few episodes prove the wealth of talent in Miami and also the author's love of Books and Books and Kaplan himself. I can't wait to hear more and look forward to many more fabulous Miami authors stories.

I really enjoy the conversation. But I do not understand why the interview must include lunch. The sounds of smacking are too much. I listen up until the food arrives.

Entertaining chat over lunch motivates me to read this book! So fun to start with ordering food and then hear Mitchell and Gary Shteyngart delve into his newest book Lake Success.

Throughly engaging look inside book selling, publishing, writing and reading.

This podcast is a dream of a find for any book lover. Mitchell Kaplan has a wonderful way of interviewing his guests. I appreciate that he talks with a broad range of authors, book buyers, and speaks from his own experience of being a store owner. He offers a lovely behind-the-scenes peek at the world of books.

Fun, laid-back, super well-informed conversation about the book world. Only downside is it makes me want to spend even more money on books.

So glad that the heart of Miami’s literary community (Mitchell Kaplan) has joined the podcasting world. Great conversations about books and related life in the world’s best bookstore! Looking forward to more.

Loved the first two episodes and the South Florida connection that Mitchell Kaplan brings to the conversation. I’m really looking forward to future episodes, particularly those featuring South Florida authors!

Loved this conversation with Dave Barry. Hilarious and enlightening! And the Annie Barrows interview is fun and a great behind the scenes look at the Guernsey movie!!

Really love this podcast. Lively discussions of books and literature is missing from our public discourse. This is a welcome addition.

Look forward to listening to more

Highly recommend this podcast! It’s Mark Maron for book heads (only fewer F bombs). Dave Barry is awesome!!!!!

Sooo good. I listen to lots of podcasts, and this one’s moving to the top of my favorites list!

Thirty six minutes of pure literary conversation between old friends in the world of books. Mitchell Kaplan interviews Dave Barry with wit and charm. The conversation is easy, informative and ends too quickly. Humorist Dave Barry always shines and one never tires of hearing him talk. Two great guy who love books and humor. A great debut for Mr. Kaplan. Looking forward to future programs. Impressive.

I can’t wait to listen to his literary tales about his adventures with great writers and readers who he has become friends with. This is a great opportunity for him to share of his past with us, and for us to be entertained. Grateful, Rocío

Listened to this while walking my dog. Is it still the universal sign of a crazy person when she’s walking down the street, laughing? Great, easy conversation!

Books, literature and writers, writing are the substance of my life and “The Literary Life” is sure to feed the part of anyone’s mind that revolves around any and all things literary. Just heard the first episode and I’m hooked.