Episode 77 - Amina Gautier

I can't wait to tell you about our latest show, but before I do that, I need to tell you a little bit about what's been going on with me and where I've been. Over the last year, I've been working, working, working. For most of that time, I had two jobs, and I was doing freelance work on the side. My husband and I also have two young kids. Taking care of them and my work obligations left me with no time for this show that I love so much. I had to step away for my sanity and for my health.

But a few months ago, things changed. I was able to drop down to one job, and I'm taking on less freelance work. That gives me time to produce shows again, and I couldn't be happier to return with one of our favorite guests from the past. Amina Gautier first came on the show back in 2016. Yes, eight whole years ago, and it's an absolute honor to have to her on again to discuss her new short story collection, The Best That You Can Do, which won the 2023 Soft Skull-Kimbilio Publishing Prize. If you're of a certain age, you probably remember Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) by Christopher Cross. I know I remember hearing that song on the radio constantly as a little kid. The collection was partly inspired by the lyrics to that Oscar-winning song. Amina is one of the best short story writers working today, and it's always a pleasure to talk to her about her work. She has published more than 150 stories and written four award-winning short story collections. The Best That You Can Do is a massive collection. It includes nearly 60 stories and is divided into five sections. The subject matter includes Black Latine identity, politics, police brutality, romantic relationships, growing up as a member of Generation X, and caregiving. The settings are varied, and the timeline stretches from the 1960s to today. During the show, Amina revealed...

• how difficult it was for her to write during the pandemic

  
  

• what she cherishes about her childhood as a "free-range kid"

  
  

• the writers, living or dead, she would invite to a dinner party

You can purchase The Best That You Can Do here, and listen to the show here. Amina will be on a panel at the Miami Book Fair on Sunday, November 24, at 11:00 in Room 8021, Building 8, second floor, 300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL, 33132. If you're local, please support her in person. On the show, Amina discussed her favorite short story to introduce to students. The first person to reach out to us on Twitter or Facebook with the name of the story and the author will receive a free, signed copy of The Best That You Can Do. If you have won a ReadMore giveaway in the last 90 days, that would be a surprise to me due to our long hiatus. Everyone, excluding my family and close friends, is eligible.