NO SPOILERS in this conversation with #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Giffin discussing THE LIES THAT BIND.*** Carinn & Kate introduce their conversation with #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Giffin, whose tenth book, The Lies That Bind, was released last week. (:45)*** Introducing Emily! We discuss what an incredible and unprecedented time we are all experiencing in this country and how, while it may be a challenging time to promote a book, she can use her platform to amplify the voices of others. (6:00)*** All of Emily’s books start with a premise -- a central question -- and The Lies That Bind is no exception. Emily tells us about the book in her own words and what she sought to explore: how can we truly know someone else when we don’t know ourselves? (9:07) *** The Lies That Bind is set before and after 9/11 and explores a relationship and the choices her protagonist, Cecily Gardner, makes in that historical context. Kate shares a personal 9/11 connection with Emily and we discuss what happens when external events cause us to pause and reflect on the life we are living. (12:42)***Carinn & Kate question who is the “good guy” and who is “the bad guy” in this novel and why Emily loves to explore this gray area in her fiction. Her characters are hard to love at times, but then again, aren’t we all? (19:40)*** In the spirit of this podcast, we discuss how Cecily is a complicated woman and why Emily will always write books about real people living messy lives. After all, as humans, we are all the sum of our relationships. (23:20)*** What does Emily think of the unlikable female protagonist in fiction and how far is she willing to go along that path in her own writing and her own life? (29:15)*** Who are the complicated women that inspire Emily from real life or fiction? Listen to how Kate gets an unexpected shout out and how Carinn reminds Emily of Courtney Cox! (33:45)*** We talk about love and ask Emily whether she thinks people should choose partners based on their head, heart, or sexual chemistry. Her answer is complicated and deep and we totally love it. (37:35) *** Emily has no regrets! She shares how she pivoted out of the law and into full-time writing, and how everything in her past was meant to be because timing and luck are everything. (44:36)*** We had to ask Emily, a Pisces, about astrology, which led to a fascinating and mystical discussion of free will vs fate, two things that brought Carinn & Kate together at an Emily Giffin book signing of all places! (48:19)*** The Lies That Bind is being developed for a limited series for TV and we have some casting suggestions! (52:37)Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @popfictionwomen and on Twitter @pop_women. To do a full deep dive, check out our website at www.popfictionwomen.com. Stay Complicated!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.