This Lambda Finalist Novel Will Break Your Heart

In Anyone's Ghost, August Thompson captures the ache of growing up while growing as a writer after his hard-won pursuit of the MFA program at NYU.How do you write a coming-of-age story that's both deeply vulnerable and slyly funny, all while resisting clichés about queerness and masculinity? August Thompson joins me to talk about his debut novel, Anyone's Ghost, a Lambda finalist and one of my favorite under-the-radar gems.From his MFA experience at NYU to navigating long COVID while finishing the book, Thompson reflects on the highs and lows of becoming a first-time author and the vulnerable process of rejection. He also shares how humor, bisexuality, and memory shape his storytelling, which major literary prizes have now recognized with adoration.In our funny conversation, August and I discussed:How Art Helped Form the Bones of August's Story – August shares the books, films, and music that inspired his book, which even brought in the lead singer from The National for a book signing moment of his dreams at The Strand.Mining Adolescence for Humor– The role of humor was as imperative as Thompson's love story, and why he wanted to balance this story with this unexpected levity amidst the yearning.The Fresh Perspective on Sexuality For Readers – Thompson discusses his approach to writing about bisexuality and the narratives regarding male bisexuality that he still wishes to see in publishing, while celebrating being longlisted for a Lambda Literary Award.📚 BONUS BOOK LIST: As a bonus for listeners, don't miss this week's companion list: Books About Music That Hit All the Right Notes. Explore 41 novels and memoirs that celebrate musicians, bands, songwriting, and life behind the scenes. Patrons will also receive today's printable checklist to bring on their next library day.Meet August ThompsonAugust Thompson is from the middle of nowhere, New Hampshire, and has lived in Los Angeles, NYC, Berlin, and Madrid. His debut novel, Anyone's Ghost, was a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award, longlisted for the Center For Fiction Debut Novel Prize, and named a best book of the year by Amazon, Vogue, and Elle. His writing has appeared in The Guardian, The New York Times Magazine, and beyond.Mentioned in this episode:Download Today's Show TranscriptNEW BOOK LIST: 41 Books About Music That Hit the Right NotesJoin the September Book Club Chat (Rust & Stardust by T. Greenwood)Anyone's Ghost by August ThompsonMalcom XThe InsiderA24NeonThe NationalAnyone's Ghost by The NationalStrand BooksSad Dad Book ClubThis Book Cover Designer Reveals His Surprising Process (Podcast Interview with August Thompson's Paperback Book Cover Designer)Lillian Vernon Writers HouseThe Wassaic ProjectKatie KitamuraJonathan Safran FoerJeffrey EugenidesMoonlightGiovanni's Room by James BaldwinMy Brilliant Friend by Elena FerranteMiddlesex by Jeffrey EugenidesCall Me By Your Name by André AcimenThe Talented Mr. RipleyChris BramFranny and Zooey by JD SalingerBookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches 10% to independent bookstores! Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with August Thompson on Instagram or His WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals Newsletter