The Middle Book Club

The Middle Book Club

Random Goodies

On the road with Same As it Ever Was

Gretchen Anthony's avatar
Gretchen Anthony
May 08, 2026
∙ Paid

I’ve been on the road for a few weeks now, so writing a full essay on our May selection, Same as it Ever Was by Claire Lombardo, has been challenging. Reading it, however, has been this trip’s secret pleasure, with the characters filling my head as I listen to the audiobook while waiting to board planes, watching the landscape blow past my window during long train rides, and in those moments when my introverted self needs a breather.

That Julia is one heck of a character, huh? And oh, to be the writer that Claire Lombardo is!

So, although I don’t have an essay for you this week, I do have goodies…

1. A Live Interview with Robyn Ryle

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be interviewing Robyn Ryle, author of our April selection, Sex of the Midwest, live on Tuesday, May 12th at 6pm central.

This is a special event for Paid Members, only. Want to join us? Upgrade in May and receive 20% an annual plan.

Get 20% off for 1 year

2. A Guide to Everything Lombardo’s Book Has Me Thinking About

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