Ep. 147: Lara Love Hardin (Author of The Many Lives of Mama Love) + Book Recommendations

In Episode 147, Lara Love Hardin joins me to discuss her memoir, The Many Lives of Mama Love. Lara shares her journey from opioid addict (funded through credit card theft) to successful ghostwriter. Her warm and candid storytelling touches on themes of forgiveness, redemption, and unwavering resilience, demonstrating people’s ability to triumph over life’s darkest moments.  This was a five-star book for me, and I am thrilled to explore such a deeply felt journey with Lara. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Highlights Lara’s overview of  The Many Lives of Mama Love without spoilers. Her decision to open up publicly about her past. Shame, its debilitating effects, and the fears Lara faced prior to her book’s release. The impact of the memoir on Lara’s family. Complexities of motherhood alongside her struggles with addiction. Why Lara views going to jail as the best thing that ever happened to her and how it shaped her perspective on life. How her time in jail cultivated empathy, which she considers the most important quality to be a good ghostwriter. The heartwarming story of Lara’s struggle to land a good job during her parole and how one person believing in you can change your life. The original title of The Many Lives of Mama Love and the evolution of the book’s identity. A potential topic for an upcoming book. Lara’s Book Recommendations [33:59] Two OLD Books She Loves Ma and Me by Putsata Reang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:48] In the Shadow of the Mountain by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:03] Two NEW Books She Loves Yellowface by R. F. Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:22] Identity by Nora Roberts | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:07] One Book She Didn’t Love Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:47] Two NEW RELEASES She’s Excited About Safe by Mark Daley (January 30, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:18] Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner (January 23, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:07] Last 5-Star Book Lara Read Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:45