Writers can sometimes overlook the richness of their less central characters. Ursula Hegi isn't one of those writers. In The Patron Saint of Pregnant Girls, she sets in motion characters fans of Hegi will remember to tell an entirely new story. In this eagerly awaited new work,  Hegi revisits a story told to great acclaim--this time from a new perspective with an even deeper sense of heartache, compassion, and understanding.

Ursula Hegi is the author of over a dozen books, including Stones from the River, Children and Fire, Floating in My Mother’s Palm, and Tearing the Silence, and has received more than thirty grants and awards. She teaches in the Stony Brook MFA program and lives with her family on Long Island.

Amanda Stern is Bookable’s host. Founder of the popular literary event series Happy Ending at Joe’s Pub in New York City, Stern is also a writer. Happy Ending ran for more than a decade and was selected as New York’s best book-related series by New York Magazine, The Village Voice and NY Press. The New York Times Magazine singled out Happy Ending as a force keeping “downtown New York alive.”

This episode was produced by Andrew Dunn, Beau Friedlander and Amanda Stern. It was edited, mixed and sound-designed by Andrew Dunn who also created Bookable's chill vibe.  Our host is Amanda Stern. Beau Friedlander is Bookable's executive producer and editor in chief of Loud Tree Media.

Music:

"Gatekeeper" by Sun Shapes, "Lights Out" by The Tree Ring, "Books That Bounce" by Rufus Canis, "Attempt to be Poetic'" by Keen Collective, "Ferris Wheels" by Paper Rabbit, "Uni Swing Vox" by Rufus Canis, "The Silence is Here to Save You" by Greater Alexander.