Peter Hedges AND Volunteers for Iowa's Biggest Book Sale -

...two podcasts on the same Monday, starting at 11:30 a.m.

May 11, 2026

Special Podcast! Two-episodes-in-one today. Join me starting at 11:30. First we’ll learn about a huge book sale, then author Peter Hedges joins us for another, new segment, starting at noon central time.

Podcast Link 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.

First, raise your hand if you grieved the end of the Planned Parenthood Book Sale, announced in 2023.

Now, veteran volunteers have resurrected the vibe of the sale to benefit the Young Women’s Recourse Center.

Joining me will be Rachel Woodhouse, CEO of the Young Women’s Resource Center, and Madalyne Rutledge, president of Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale.

More than 900 tables of books, assembled by approximately 120 volunteers, will fill the 4-H Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds, where collectors, teachers, parents and curious wanderers alike can thumb through thousands of donated books — each one holding the possibility of surprise.

A long-forgotten classic. A cookbook your grandmother once owned. A children’s book that instantly transports you back to third grade. A novel you didn’t know you needed until it found you.

Make sure you leave room in the car for everything you’ll want to bring home. It promises to be that kind of event.

Bring a tote bag. Better yet, bring two. Maybe even a wagon for your haul. Such deals.

The Young Women’s Resource Center, founded by Louise Noun, will be the sponsor and beneficiary of Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale, taking place May 21–25.

Maybe you don’t read books?

Buy a big batch to have for your Zoom background shots.

Peter Hedges

Peter Hedges Zoom Link

The link above will get you logged into either podcast call

Next, Peter Hedges will join us starting at noon to talk about how this successful author and filmmaker has rekindled an affection for his home state of Iowa — and how that renewed connection is shaping his life today.

Any conversation with Peter has the potential to become a soulful revelation, and I expect nothing less when we connect starting at noon central time Monday, May 11.

Read Iowa Writers’ Collaborative member Clare Culver’s story about Peter’s adaptation of his debut novel, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape into musical theater.