Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Angourie and Kate Rice Are Rewriting Classics for the New Generation
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Introduction
In this vibrant episode of Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club, host Danielle Robay welcomes debut novelist Ashley Jordan and her mother, Kate Rice, to discuss their groundbreaking work, Once Upon a Time in Dollywood. This mother-daughter duo dives deep into their creative process, inspirations, and the contemporary twist they've infused into classic romantic storytelling.
Announcing the Reese's Book Club Pick
At [02:24], Danielle Robay introduces the episode's highlight:
"On today's show, we're announcing the all-new Reese's Book Club pick."
Reese Witherspoon then proudly declares:
"Our book club pick this month is Once Upon a Time in Dollywood by Ashley Jordan." [04:09]
Meet the Authors: Ashley Jordan and Kate Rice
Ashley Jordan, a debut novelist from Atlanta, shares her journey of crafting Once Upon a Time in Dollywood during the pandemic while juggling a role in public health. The novel began as fan fiction for The Walking Dead but evolved into a heartfelt love story, marking her transition into professional writing.
Book Overview
Ashley provides a synopsis of her novel:
"My main character, Eve, is fresh off a breakup and heads to Tennessee, to Dollywood, to stay with her grandmother. She's pretending to write her next play but is actually dealing with a life meltdown. Enter Jamie Gallagher, a handsome single dad who disrupts her plans, leading to an unexpected romance." [06:07]
She describes their romantic pairing as a "grumpy Sunshine pairing," with Eve embodying the grumpy trope and Jamie the sunny counterpart.
Writing Process and Collaboration
The collaboration between Ashley and her mother, Kate, is a testament to their seamless partnership. The first draft was penned in just 30 days, adhering to a detailed chapter plan. They alternated writing chapters, ensuring continuity and accountability:
"Every day one of us would write a chapter, and then the next day we would read the chapter from the day before and then write the next one." [20:13]
Kate emphasizes the structured approach they maintained by adhering closely to Jane Austen's original texts, which served as a guiding framework:
"We were never free-forming. We were always following a very strong thread." [22:27]
Influences and Inspirations
Ashley credits several authors who have shaped her writing journey:
"Kennedy Ryan is the Beyoncé of romance writers. Bolu Babalola, Beverly Jenkins, and Toni Morrison are among the many black women writers I look up to." [10:19]
She highlights the importance of reading and absorbing diverse voices to hone her craft:
"You have to read other writers... It's the way that you become a writer." [11:00]
Adapting Jane Austen for Gen Z
One of the episode's focal points is how Ashley and Kate adapted Pride and Prejudice for a modern, Gen Z audience. They translated classic themes into contemporary settings, making the story relatable without losing its essence.
Kate elaborates:
"We wanted to maintain the feeling of Mr. Darcy being perfect for Elizabeth without her being completely disempowered. She is much more empowered and does to a certain extent save her own day." [28:50]
The authors discuss the challenges of modernizing social norms and expectations while preserving character depth:
"How can we make these characters and make the audience feel the same, but in a context and situation that is completely different?" [25:18]
Themes and Messages
Once Upon a Time in Dollywood delves into themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and the complexities of modern relationships. Ashley expresses her pride in portraying a protagonist who learns that imperfection doesn't disqualify one from love:
"You can be a mess and you still deserve love." [12:30]
Kate adds a generational perspective, highlighting the shift towards self-sufficiency in romantic pursuits:
"My two beautiful Gen Z children don't feel that they need someone to complete them. They are happy to bring that to a relationship if it happens." [41:05]
Gen Z's Approach to Romance
The conversation touches on how Gen Z prioritizes independence and personal fulfillment over traditional romantic dependencies. Ashley reflects:
"Maybe there's a healthy sort of independence, like, I don't need this to complete me. I am whole as myself." [40:50]
Kate shares her evolution from searching for a partner to embracing self-contentment:
"I spent my entire teenage years and twenties going, where's the one who's going to complete me? I'm not going to do that." [41:16]
Future Projects and Continued Collaboration
As the interview concludes, Ashley and Kate confirm their intent to collaborate on future projects:
"Yes, we are writing another book together." [47:51]
They hint at exploring new stories aimed at young readers, maintaining their commitment to fresh and engaging narratives.
Bookmarks Section: Inspirational Quotes
Ashley and Kate share their favorite quotes that inspire their writing:
Ashley Jordan:
"Mrs. Oliver and her relations seemed to exist on the spin of a coin. If your life is dictated by luck, you're living on the spin of a coin." [50:55]
Kate Rice:
"Art is a small break from human despair. It helps me cope because art is a fragile magic, just like love." [52:09]
Speed Round: Rapid-Fire Literary Questions
The episode wraps up with a lively speed round, where Ashley and Kate answer rapid-fire questions, revealing their literary preferences and personal insights:
- Favorite Jane Austen Work: Both chose Pride and Prejudice and Emma.
- Book to Recommend: Ashley recommends Station 11 by Emily St. John Mandel.
- Fictional Characters They Relate To: Ashley relates to Emma from Emma.
Conclusion
Danielle Robay thanks Ashley and Kate for their insightful discussion, celebrating their contribution to modern romance literature and their innovative adaptation of classic narratives. Listeners are encouraged to follow Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club on social media and stay tuned for more engaging literary conversations.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
-
Ashley Jordan on Writing Process:
"Every day one of us would write a chapter, and then the next day we would read the chapter from the day before and then write the next one." [20:13] -
Kate Rice on Empowering Protagonists:
"She is much more empowered and does to a certain extent save her own day." [28:50] -
Ashley Jordan on Gen Z Independence:
"I don't need this to complete me. I am whole as myself." [40:50] -
Kate Rice on Personal Growth:
"I spent my entire teenage years and twenties going, where's the one who's going to complete me? I'm not going to do that." [41:16]
This episode of Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club offers a rich exploration of modernizing classic literature, the dynamics of mother-daughter collaboration in writing, and the evolving landscape of romance for new generations. Whether you're a fan of Jane Austen or contemporary romantic narratives, Ashley Jordan and Kate Rice provide valuable insights and inspiration for both writers and readers alike.