AC-I-291 Interview with Mary Berelson, Author of Bicentennial Summer

In today's episode, host Becky Parker Geist welcomes Mary Berelson, author of Bicentennial Summer, for an inspiring conversation on creativity, memory, and storytelling. Mary reflects on her childhood, the spark that led her to write, and the moment when a personal cross-country memory transformed into a fully realized work of fiction. She explores the timeless themes her novel addresses—identity, freedom, and the search for meaning—and shares why these ideas still resonate today. Listeners will also enjoy hearing about how Mary overcame initial concerns about capturing those varied voices. Whether you’re drawn to richly layered coming-of-age tales, curious about turning memories into novels, or eager to peek inside the audiobook creation process, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights. The audiobook will be available soon! You pre-order your copy now: Bicentennial Summer on AMPlify Audiobooks