Questions Without Answers, Written by Sarah Manguso and Illustrated by Liana Finck

Sarah Manguso is the author of nine books, most recently the novels Liars (mcnallyjackson.com/book/9780593241271) and Very Cold People (mcnallyjackson.com/book/9780593241240), and a recent work of crowd-sourced philosophy, Questions Without Answers (mcnallyjackson.com/book/9780593733622). Her writing has been recognized by an American Academy of Arts and Letters Literature Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Rome Prize. On today’s show, Annmarie and Sarah discuss the wisdom of children, parenting as an act of translation, and the innate satisfaction and delight found within even the most unanswerable questions.

Bookshop (bookshop.org/p/books/questions-without-answers…) will be offering a 15% discount on the book which they've allowed us to share with our listeners. The code is QA15 : tinyurl.com/QA15OFF

Episode Sponsors:

McNally Jackson (mcnallyjackson.com) – Independent booksellers with locations in Nolita, Williamsburg, Seaport, Rockefeller, and Downtown Brooklyn. To find your next great read, drop by or shop online at mcnallyjackson.com

Annabelle’s Book Club LA (annabellesbookclubla.com) – A highly curated collection of books and gifts with a modern point of view. Founded by 17-year-old Annabelle Chang, this YA-focused bookstore aims to spark imagination, inspire connection, and bring joy to people of all ages. Stop or find us online at annabellesbookclubla.com.

Authors and Titles Mentioned in This Episode:

Questions Without Answers (mcnallyjackson.com/book/9780593733622), by Sarah Manguso and illustrated by Liana Finck

Liars (mcnallyjackson.com/book/9780593241271), by Sarah Manguso

Mixed Feelings (mcnallyjackson.com/book/9780593660423), by Liana Finck

Gwendoline Riley (mcnallyjackson.com/book/9781681376905)

Here’s a trailer for Portrait of a Lady on Fire (youtu.be/R-fQPTwma9o?si=nwPn4xjkm18hG7Jp).

Follow Sarah Manguso and Liana Finck:

Instagram: @lianafinck (instagram.com/lianafinck)

Twitter: @lianafinck (x.com/lianafinck)

Substack: substack.com/@lianafinck AND substack.com/@sarahmanguso

sarahmanguso.com

lianafinck.com

Photo Credit: Beowulf Sheehan

**Writing Workshops and Wish Fulfillment:

If you liked this conversation and are interested in writing abroad, consider joining Annmarie and co-leader Athena Dixon (athenadixon.com) for a writing retreat in Italy (stradatoscana.com/retreats/annmarie-athena) in September, 2025.

You can travel to a beautiful place, meet other wise women, and write your own stories. We’d love to help you make your wishes come true.

As of this moment, we only have 2 spots left. This will sell out. Act now and join us!

Or for women interested in an online Saturday morning writing circle, you can sign up here (annmariekellyharbaugh.com/workshops-1/wild-pre…) or message Annmarie (annmariekellyharbaugh.com/schedule) to learn more.

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