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Pick & Skips: Exploring the NYTimes 100 Best Books of the 21st Century – July

Get ready to be inspired! Join us as we chat with Anastasia Rubis about her debut novel, ORIANA. After 11 years of hard work, she published her first book in her 60s, and we’re betting it’ll be optioned for the big screen.

In ORIANA, Stacey explores the extraordinary life of journalist Oriana Fallaci (description below), and in our conversation, she opens up about perseverance, chasing dreams no matter your age, and shares how Oriana’s fierce determination became a role model for her own tenacity. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a historical fiction fan, or need a little nudge to follow your dreams, this episode is for you!

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We give the book 4 stars out of 4!  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A captivating page-turner intertwining a love story, 20th-century historical events, and the journey of a pioneering journalist Oriana Fallaci. Effortlessly enjoyable.”  Lost in Jersey

“Inhaled this riveting page-turner on the fascinating trailblazing journalist Oriana Fallaci. Just one question: how did I not know about this incredible woman?” —Julia Martin, New Jersey Monthly

Get ORIANA

Episode Summary

Interview with Anastasia Rubis (Stacey)

Introduction

In this episode, hosts Janette and Rachel interview Anastasia Rubis, known as Stacey, the author of ORIANA, a novel about the renowned journalist Oriana Fallaci. The hosts discuss Stacey’s background, her writing journey, and the inspiration behind her debut novel.

Stacey’s Background

  • Early Life: Stacey was born and raised in Queens, New York, until the age of eight, after which her family moved to Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. She is of Greek descent, being a first-generation American.
  • Education: She graduated from Brown University and later earned a master’s degree in English from Montclair State University.
  • Career Path: Before becoming a writer, Stacey worked in advertising and public relations while pursuing her passion for writing in her free time.

The Writing Journey

  • Initial Writing Experience: Stacey began writing in New York City, contributing to publications like the New York Observer and the New York Times. She faced challenges in the freelance writing world, where acceptance rates were low.
  • Move to Montclair: After living in Manhattan for 14 years, Stacey moved back to New Jersey to be closer to family and chose Montclair for its vibrant cultural scene. She credits her time at Montclair State University and local bookstores for reigniting her passion for writing.

The Creation of ORIANA

  • Inspiration: Stacey’s interest in Oriana Fallaci began when she discovered Fallaci’s novel A Man while on vacation in Greece. This led her to explore Fallaci’s life and work, which she found compelling and inspiring.
  • Writing Process: The journey to publish Oriana took 11 years, during which Stacey faced numerous challenges, including working with multiple agents and navigating the publishing landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Publishing Journey: After parting ways with her second agent, Stacey took control of her manuscript and submitted it to small publishers. She eventually found a publisher who appreciated the Italian aspects of her story, leading to the book’s publication.

Themes and Impact

  • Role Models: Stacey emphasizes the importance of having role models and support systems in the writing community. She highlights the need for stories about strong women and the impact they can have on readers.
  • Cultural Significance: The hosts discuss how Oriana Fallaci is a well-known figure in Europe but remains relatively unknown in America, raising questions about the visibility of women’s stories in literature and media.

Conclusion

  • Final Thoughts: Stacey encourages aspiring writers to persevere and not give up on their dreams. She shares her belief that age and environment play significant roles in a writer’s journey.
  • Recommendations: The episode concludes with Stacey recommending local spots in New Jersey, particularly along the Hudson River, and expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to share her story.

Closing Remarks

The hosts thank Stacey for her insights and encourage listeners to read Oriana, highlighting the importance of supporting local authors and bookstores, specifically the Watchung Bookstore in Montclair, NJ.

Our Top Book Picks

Introduction

In this episode, we discuss the New York Times list of the 100 best books of the 21st century. We narrowed it down to our top 10 books from the list that have made an impact on us.

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Lost in Jersey Best Book Picks for the 21st Century

  • Lies and Sorcery by Elsa Morante
  • Demon Copperhead
  • Pachinko
  • Lincoln in the Bardo
  • Sapiens
  • The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
  • Educated
  • Cutting for Stone
  • Just Mercy
  • Underground Railroad
  • Americanah

Rachel and Janette also mentioned some notable books from the list that have resonated with them, such as All the Light We Cannot See, Killers of the Flower Moon, and The Hunger Games.

Are you one of the million fans of Elena Ferrante? Then go get Lies and Sorcery by Elsa Morante translated by Jenny McPhee.

New York Times Best Books of the 21st Century
New York Times Readers Best Books of the 21st Century

Some of the books mentioned are:
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari 

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