Lisa Taddeo, “Animal”

Witnessing a suicide of a married lover, while at dinner with another married lover, is the moment that sends Lisa Taddeo’s “Animal” narrator, Joan, out of New York and headed to California.

A dive into grief, rage, and sexual power, the novel is powerfully written and in moments deeply moving and even disturbing. Taddeo reveals she’s far from the darkly intense author many expect is behind her work, shares how she juggled the novel while parenting her six-year-old, and how the pandemic didn’t change her. Listen for the hilarious comment her daughter had for her at a book-signing, and what Olivia said that Lisa jokingly called “the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

“Animal” is published by Avid Reader Press and has been optioned by MGM and Plan B Entertainment.

In a Moment with Margaret, Margaret recommends two other novels with complicated characters: “Pretty Girl” by Karin Slaughter and Jodi Picoult’s “Spark of Light.”

Are you an avid reader looking for your next great read? Or maybe you're someone who wants to fall in love with books? Look no further! Our podcast is the perfect place for all kinds of readers. With a wide range of genres, from romance to thrillers, historical fiction to non-fiction, we've got you covered. Hosted by Whitney Clark, each episode goes beyond the next chapter and explores important topics such as improving literacy rates in our communities, the concept of silent book clubs, banned books, audiobooks vs. physical books, finding more time to read, and encouraging children to read.