Beck Dorey-Stein on Obsession, Soccer, and the Quick Kiss of Connection

Summary

Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club: Episode Summary

Episode: Beck Dorey-Stein on Obsession, Soccer, and the Quick Kiss of Connection
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host: Danielle Robay
Guest: Beck Dorey-Stein, author of Spectacular Things

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1. Introduction to Beck Dorey-Stein and Spectacular Things

Danielle Robay opens the episode by introducing Beck Dorey-Stein as the author of this month’s Reese's Book Club pick, Spectacular Things. She highlights Beck's ability to intertwine philosophical questions with engaging narratives, inviting listeners into a deep exploration of ambition, sacrifice, and personal growth through literature.

Notable Quote:
Danielle Robay ([03:28]): "What would you give up for the person you love most?"

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2. Beck's Background and Inspiration

Beck discusses her journey from working as a stenographer in the White House to becoming a novelist. She shares a personal anecdote about creating a homemade birthday card for President Obama, which led to a meaningful connection, showcasing her creativity and dedication.

Notable Quote:
Beck Dorey-Stein ([06:45]): "I found this really cool photo on eBay... it looked as homemade as it was."

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3. Themes of Ambition and Sacrifice

The conversation delves into the central themes of Spectacular Things. Beck explains how ambition and sacrifice are portrayed through the lives of two sisters and their mother in the high-stakes world of women's soccer. She emphasizes that the story explores what individuals inherit, what they sacrifice, and the true cost of ambition.

Notable Quote:
Beck Dorey-Stein ([22:23]): "Having a family is extremely ambitious. It requires the same thing. It requires constant sacrifice."

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4. Character Development and Symbolism

Beck elaborates on the characters in her novel, drawing parallels between her own experiences and those of her characters. She discusses the significance of Liz’s red ribbon and the hair tie, symbolizing generational patterns and the evolving meaning of familial symbols.

Notable Quote:
Beck Dorey-Stein ([27:42]): "What can be convoluted in one generation, if it gets passed down and it just comes from the heart, it can become something totally new."

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5. Research and Influences

Beck shares insights into the extensive research she conducted for the book, including consultations with sports psychologists and interviews with former players like Laurie Lindsay. She discusses how these interactions enriched the authenticity of her narrative.

Notable Quote:
Beck Dorey-Stein ([10:52]): "It's really a great excuse to call up their sports psychologist and be like, what would a goalkeeper think in this situation?"

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6. Personal Insights and Advice

Beck offers personal reflections on balancing career and relationships. She discusses the sacrifices she made, such as relocating during COVID-19 in pursuit of personal and professional growth, and emphasizes the importance of being open to possibilities.

Notable Quote:
Beck Dorey-Stein ([20:13]): "I just kind of stopped everything and put everything into it."

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7. Symbolism in the Book

The discussion highlights the use of symbolism in Spectacular Things. Beck explains the red ribbon as a representation of maternal relationships and how symbols can evolve across generations, maintaining tradition while acquiring new meanings.

Notable Quote:
Beck Dorey-Stein ([27:42]): "Lenora's got a bit of a narcissism problem... what we inherit, what we sacrifice."

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8. Generational Patterns

Beck touches on the concept of generational patterns, distinguishing between generational trauma and broader patterns. She portrays how these patterns influence the characters' lives and decisions, particularly in their pursuit of excellence in soccer.

Notable Quote:
Beck Dorey-Stein ([29:49]): "Patterns... it's cricket doing the beep test... let's not kill ourselves."

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9. Connection and Relationships

The conversation explores the importance of relationships and connections in personal growth. Beck emphasizes that genuine giving in relationships means making sacrifices without expecting anything in return, a theme that resonates through her characters' interactions.

Notable Quote:
Beck Dorey-Stein ([26:10]): "There's rarely like a 50-50 split... those aren't really genuine."

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10. Closing Thoughts and Advice

Beck concludes with heartfelt advice, encouraging readers to cherish connections and reach out to loved ones. She shares her hope that Spectacular Things will inspire readers to strengthen their relationships and reflect on what truly matters.

Notable Quote:
Beck Dorey-Stein ([46:11]): "I hope they think about someone they love... pick up the phone."

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Additional Highlights:

• Symbolic Elements: The red ribbon and hair tie symbolize the continuity and evolution of familial love and tradition.

• Research Depth: Beck's dedication to authentic storytelling is evident through her in-depth research and engagement with real-life soccer professionals.

• Personal Sacrifices: Beck shares her personal sacrifices, including moving to Maine and balancing motherhood with her writing career.

• Generational Influence: The book delves into how generational patterns shape the characters' ambitions and relationships.

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Conclusion

In this engaging episode of Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club, Danielle Robay and Beck Dorey-Stein offer a profound exploration of ambition, sacrifice, and the intricate dance of personal relationships within the competitive world of women's soccer. Beck's insights into character development, symbolism, and the balance between personal and professional life provide listeners with a deep understanding of the themes woven into Spectacular Things. This conversation not only highlights Beck's literary prowess but also invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the sacrifices they make for the things they love.

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Notable Quotes Overview:

• [03:28] Danielle Robay: "What would you give up for the person you love most?"
• [06:45] Beck Dorey-Stein: "I found this really cool photo on eBay... it looked as homemade as it was."
• [22:23] Beck Dorey-Stein: "Having a family is extremely ambitious. It requires the same thing. It requires constant sacrifice."
• [27:42] Beck Dorey-Stein: "What can be convoluted in one generation, if it gets passed down and it just comes from the heart, it can become something totally new."
• [46:11] Beck Dorey-Stein: "I hope they think about someone they love... pick up the phone."

Transcript

[Danielle Robay]

This is an I Heart Podcast. Today's episode is brought to you by Cotton we spend a lot of time with stories, hours curled up with dynamic plots and characters who feel like friends. What if the story isn't just in your hands but also in the world around you, in the fabric that's holding you close? Cotton is that timeless companion. Soft sheets for a lazy weekend morning with a book. Breezy dresses for afternoons spent reading in the backyard. It's the fabric that can be tossed in the wash without fuss. It's about ease, comfort and caring for yourself and the planet. Just like books we cherish, cotton weaves meaning into everyday moments. Next time you settle in for a chapter, slip into something cotton not just to read the story, but to feel it. Cotton the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com Tired of spills.

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[Danielle Robay]

The Girlfriends is back with a new season and this time I'm telling you the story of Kelly Harnett. Kelly spent over a decade in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit. As she fought for her freedom, she taught herself the law.

[Beck Dorristein]

He goes, oh God.

[Danielle Robay]

Harnett Jailhouse Lawyer and became a beacon of hope for the women locked up alongside her.

[Beck Dorristein]

You're supposed to have your faith in.

[Danielle Robay]

God, but I had nothing but faith in her. I think I was put here to save souls by getting people out of prison. The Girlfriends Jailhouse Lawyer listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. So what happened to Chappaquiddick? Well, it really depends on who you.

[Uncle Chris]

Talk to There are many versions of.

[Beck Dorristein]

What happened in 1969 when a young.

[Uncle Chris]

Ted Kennedy drove a car into a.

[Beck Dorristein]

Pond and left a woman behind to drown. Chappaquiddick is a story of a tragic death and how the Kennedy machine took control.

[Uncle Chris]

Every week we go behind the headlines and beyond the drama of America's royal family.

[Beck Dorristein]

Listen to United States of Kennedy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Danielle Robay]

Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club is presented by Apple Books. Hi, I'm Danielle Robaix, and welcome to Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club. Today we're exploring ambition and sacrifice with Beck Dorristein, author of Spectacular Things, this month's Reese's Book Club pick. So let me ask you a question. What would you give up for the person you love most?

[Beck Dorristein]

I think relationships between family members and between romantic partners, between domestic partners and parents. I think there's rarely like a 50, 50 split. I think it's actually really dangerous to give anything with the expectation of getting something back.

[Danielle Robay]

I'm so excited for today's show because this is our first Reese's Book Club author interview. And guess what? It's just the beginning. From now on, we're bringing you an exclusive convo with the current Reese's Book Club author, basically our literary queen of the month. And who better to kick things off than the brilliant Beck? Dori Stein, author of Spectacular Things, our July Reese's Book Club pick. We announced the title earlier this month, and Beck helped us launch the celebration. So let's keep the party going. You know how sometimes you read a book and it feels like the author cracked open your brain and, like, scooped out a bunch of your messy, complicated thoughts with an ice cream scooper and somehow turned them into something poetic on the page? That's exactly how I felt reading Spectacular Things. Beck does this very cool thing in her writing. She weaves in these really philosophical questions. Big ones, quiet ones, the kind you might not say out loud, but the ones you definitely think about at 2am like, how far is too far when chasing a dream? Can love survive ambition? And should it have to? And the one I asked you a few minutes ago, what would you give up for the person you love most? What would you expect in return? Her writing invites us to sit with these questions, not solve them. And somehow, as you watch her characters wrestle with them, you end up seeing these little pieces of yourself. And maybe that's because Beck puts pieces of herself in her characters, too. She first made waves with her best selling memoir, from the Corner of the Oval. And then she wrote a novel titled Rock the Boat. And her newest book, baby, is fiction that feels like real life. It's set on the soccer field and it's about legacy and pressure and the cost of ambition. Spectacular Things follows two sisters and their mother, each chasing their own version of greatness in the high stakes world of women's soccer. And as their lives twist together and apart, it becomes a story of what we inherit, what we sacrifice, and what it really takes to choose yourself not in a tidy, Instagram ready way, but in a funny, honest, messy way. So whether you devoured this book or you're just here for a great conversation, you're in the right place. Let's turn the page with Beck Dorristein. Beck, welcome back to Bookmark.

[Beck Dorristein]

Thank you for having me. I'm excited to be here.

[Danielle Robay]

I missed you. I'm glad you're back. And we're gonna get into all the juicy details this time. But first, I know that before you were a novelist, you worked in the White House as a stenographer, which basically means you were the silent mvp, making sure everyone gets everything captured word for word. And I heard at one point that you worked up the courage to give President Obama a birthday card. And he's a Leo. In case anyone was curious. How do you pick a birthday card for the leader of the free world? Beck?

[Beck Dorristein]

It's so much more embarrassing than that because that is an impossible question. Hallmark doesn't cut it. I don't know if what I did did cut it, but basically I found this really cool photo on ebay, and it spanned three generations of incredible basketball players. And it was like someone at the end of their career, someone before everyone knew who they were. But it was three incredible players. And then I think the MVP of that team was someone that we didn't even know. I buy this photo and then I don't know what to do with it. And then because I don't have really any extra funds, I use the back of a manila folder and use a glue stick and glue it to that and then do like a nice write up on the back saying, like, you are, you know, like, you're about to start a new career. You're also at the beginning of this career. You're also like the quiet MVP and made these. These parallels. But at the end of the day, it looked as homemade as it was.

[Danielle Robay]

But don't you feel like that was endearing?

[Beck Dorristein]

I think he must have found it very endearing because then you Know, I get an email from his secretary, Ferrier, saying, please come to the Oval. So I was like, they definitely think this is, like, a security risk situation and I'm going to be asked to leave the White House. And instead, he had written me a handwritten note, just saying, like, thank you so much. I love how much you love basketball. Like, see in the gym, because we would work out in the gym in the mornings together when we were on the road.

[Danielle Robay]

That's so sweet.

[Beck Dorristein]

It's very much a reflection of who he is. And yes, he is a Leo, and that guy does love his birthday.

[Danielle Robay]

Is Obama a birthday bee?

[Beck Dorristein]

He's a birthday bee. I mean, there was, like, there was a specific place to put your birthday cards. Really? He did not put it there. But I think I wasn't the only one who thought, you know what? We should probably celebrate the leader of the free world on his birthday.

[Danielle Robay]

Well, it sounds like you celebrated it so well. I love this story. I guarantee you it's saved somewhere.

[Beck Dorristein]

Let's hope so. Danielle. I don't know. I don't know how he feels about clutter.

[Danielle Robay]

Okay, well, from birthday cards to writing a whole entire book, Beck, Spectacular Things was amazing. And I love how you wove pieces of your life into the story. I'm curious which character feels like your voice dressed up in fiction.

[Beck Dorristein]

Well, they're all my children, right. So I think people who are like, oh, I never let my life influence my fiction. I don't know where it comes from then, but. So there's Lizzlo, the mom who leaves her life behind and moves to Maine. So there's an obvious parallel there. She left under pretty dire circumstances. I left of my own volition, ready for a new adventure, as did she. We both left bad relationships behind. We have that in common. And Liz is kind of like the most dead set into soccer in a way that's healthy and unhealthy. And I can always relate to someone where it's like, I love it so much. Maybe it's too much. And then we've got Milo, who's more academically minded. She's the older sister. She's super responsible. She's way smarter than I am, way more organized than I am, but I. I can relate to the. The sense of responsibility she has for her younger sister, as an older sister myself. And then we've got Cricket Low, the baby of the family, who is this, like, soccer phenom and just like kind of a golden retriever in cleats. And I probably relate the least to her. But which is why I love her so much, because it's just like, what is it like to be that good at a sport? And, you know, I don't know the statistics exactly, but it's something crazy. How many professional athletes are the younger sibling because they grow up and they're exposed to the sport earlier and they're just desperate to catch up to their older siblings. So it's a really high number of professional athletes are actually younger siblings.

[Danielle Robay]

Did you learn that when you did a whole deep dive? Because I read that you did an insane amount of research before you wrote this book.

[Beck Dorristein]

We can call it research. We can also call it, like, really fun, indulgent, light to medium heavy stalking. Because I just love the US Women's soccer team so much. So it was a really great excuse to call up their sports psychologist and consultant, Dr. Colleen Hacker, and be like, what would a goalkeeper think in this situation? And she actually entertained my queries. And Laurie Lindsay, a former player and current commentator, spoke to me multiple times, which, again, we can call it research, but it was really just a fan getting to geek out.

[Danielle Robay]

Well, you dropped some pretty heavy hitting names in the book. Mia Hamm, Christine Lilly, and, you know, you mentioned Lori Lindsay. But a lot of these legends that you were talking to, I can't imagine that they didn't sort of shift the way that you were telling the story. Did any of their real life stories inspire moments from the book?

[Beck Dorristein]

I mean. Well, first of all, the namesakes. Right. So Cricket and Mia are both named after these professional soccer players because they are so inspirational to Liz Lowe, who doesn't really have people in her own life that she admires in the same way. But, yeah, I mean, Abby Wambach in particular, I think I read every memoir that a professional women's soccer player has written. Whoa. So I had just read. Well, sadly, there aren't that many. There's fewer than 10. I think there's more than five and fewer than 10. But, yeah, Abby's in particular I found really interesting because she was so honest about how she connected her prowess on the soccer field to feeling loved. And I think that's a really fascinating, complex situation to find yourself in where it's like, I'm so good at this. But also, is this the only reason why people love me? Because what happens if I can't do it anymore?

[Danielle Robay]

I've interviewed a lot of professional athletes, and I would say like 8, 8 out of 10 times. That's something that they feel.

[Beck Dorristein]

Yeah. And it's. It's crazy because a lot of us were lucky enough to continue to do what we feel called to do for as long as we want to do it. And obviously, you know, to be a professional athlete, at best, your career is very brief, so to know even as you're starting that it's going to end well before you want to. And also, you know, you talk to these professional athletes who have just retired or considering retirement, and they have gained so much wisdom on the court or on the field, but now their bodies aren't quite as quick as they used to be. But they're like, But I'm so much more poised in those moments.

[Danielle Robay]

Hello, I have a big announcement. I'm so excited to share that Shine Away is back this October 11th and 12th in Los Angeles. And if you've been before, you know it's hello Sunshine's incredible weekend of connection, joy and community. And if you haven't, this is the year to come. Throughout the day, you'll experience thoughtful panels, fireside chats, workshops, and immersive activations surrounded by voices that are truly shaping culture and shifting conversations. So whether you're a longtime listener or you're just joining us, this is your chance to be a part of a truly special weekend. Tickets are selling fast, so head to hellosunshine.com shineaway to grab yours. Trust me, you won't want to miss this unforgettable weekend. Apple Books is the best way to read or listen to the books you love without a subscription right on your iPhone and a heads up for listeners, Apple Books is the official audiobook and ebook home for Reese's Book Club, so you can discover every exciting pick, plus author curated collections and more all in one place. Open the Apple Books app to explore a world of books and audiobooks. You can set and track your reading goals and get great recommendations for your next read or listen. Again, no subscription required. Visit Apple co Reese that's R E E S E Applebooks to find out more. Today's episode is brought to you by Cotton. We spend a lot of time with stories, hours curled up with dynamic plots and with characters who feel like friends. What if the story isn't just in your hands, but also in the world around you, in the fabric that's holding you close. Cotton is that timeless companion. Soft sheets for lazy weekend mornings with a book, breezy dresses for afternoons spent reading in the backyard. It's the fabric that can be tossed in the wash without fuss. It's about ease, comfort, and caring for yourself and the planet. Just like the books we cherish, Cotton weaves meaning into our everyday moments. Moments like following four adult daughters as they navigate love, loss and the legacy in the Most Fun We Ever had by Claire Lombardo, all while curled up in soft cotton joggers or sinking into the island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak A story that spans generations, forbidden love and a fig tree that remembers everything wrapped in a hand stitched quilt, each thread holding its own kind of memory. Next time you settle in for a chapter, slip into something cotton not just to read the story, but to feel it. The fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com.

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[Uncle Chris]

My Uncle Chris is definitely somebody worth talking about. He was the kind of guy that lived in a trailer with an ex con and a retired stripper, left loaded machine guns laying around, drank a bottle of whiskey a night, claimed he could kill a man with his bare hands, drove a garbage truck for a living, spoke fluent Spanish with a thick Southern accent, and is currently buried in a crypt alongside the founding families of Panama. Listen to the Uncle Chris podcast to hear all about him and a whole lot more Wild stories about adventure, romance, crime, history and war intertwine as I share the tall tales and hard truths that have helped me understand Uncle Chris. This collection of stories will make you laugh. It'll make you cry. And if I do my job right, they'll let you see the world and your place in it in a whole new way. I can't wait to tell you all about Uncle Chris. Listen now to Uncle Chris on Will Ferrell's Big Money Players Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

[Danielle Robay]

So I felt. I don't want to say personally attacked, but very connected to your book and the big question around ambition and success and family and what you have to sacrifice. I used to have this limiting belief, Beck, that if I couldn't find my own personal success and find a partner at the same time, I've since worked on that. But I can imagine that your career has spanned so many different iterations of you, and you are so ambitious. I'm curious what you learned about ambition and sacrifice and what it takes to make your dream a reality.

[Beck Dorristein]

Well, I feel you on the wanting to have a really great career and a relationship. It drove me to leave Philadelphia and all my friends and family during COVID and drive, what, six states north to a tundra that is Maine, because I had dated online for three years in Philly and hadn't found anyone. And I was like, I've clearly gone through everyone in this city. I must move on. And then I had really just kind of given up on the idea and was like, I'm going to get a dog. I'm going to have these two cats, and that's going to be my life. I'm going to live by the ocean and write books, and it's going to be amazing. And then as soon as I made peace with that, I met my partner. But I think relationships aren't in our control, and careers give the illusion that they are in our control. And so it's much easier to be like, I'm just going to go for it. And I think that's really important. But I think it also. You also have to leave space for being open to possibility.

[Danielle Robay]

What kind of sacrifice do you think you've had to make to turn your dream into a reality? What has been the cost of ambition for you?

[Beck Dorristein]

I have to say, I feel like a lot of the time I am the least intelligent person in all my friend groups, which is kind of amazing because I'm just surrounded by these, like, really brilliant wise women. And so when I was leaving the White House, I was like, well, maybe I'll try to write a book about this, because this is crazy. And I've been keeping notes the whole time. But also, I've got rent to pay, and I don't know what's happening next, so I need to try to find a teaching job right away. And Sarah DePerry, a speechwriter at the White House, was like, no, if you want to do this, you have to go all in, because if you don't do it now, you're not going to do it. And I remember exactly where we were standing, and she looked so serious, and it was so helpful because I was like, well, if Sarah's saying it, it must be true. And so I just kind of stopped everything and put. Put everything into it. So I think that I. That's what I tell people now is that obviously I was at a point in my life where I could kind of drop everything and put all my eggs in that one basket. But especially if you're interested in something more creative than what you're getting to do professionally now, it's like, carve out 10 minutes for yourself and just start from there. 10 minutes in the morning, you've got it. I know it probably doesn't seem like it, but you've got 10 minutes and then just go from there. And as far as sacrifices I've made for the past three years since, well, really since I was pregnant, I've had to make peace with the fact that there are going to be different kind of seasons where I'm doing one thing more than I would like to do, which is, you know, for the last three years, I'm not sleeping as much as I would like to. I'm not writing, I'm not reading as much as I would like to. But I'm raising this human who then is going to feed me in a totally different way than ambition will. And so even though it felt like sacrifice and I was very, very stressed because I felt like it would never come back to me, now that it has, obviously it feels really good to be like, okay, that was a lot of worry for nothing. Things are just going to ebb and flow maybe more than I want them to, because we are not in control of our lives.

[Danielle Robay]

When you say come back to me, do you mean your ambition?

[Beck Dorristein]

I think the ambition never left. I think I had to kind of wrestle with very ungracefully, the fact that it would take a minute that, I mean, because also having a family is also very ambitious. And so I think I kind of was just sort of on this track of like, I love my partner, I want to have a kid, and then I'll also write books, which is like my ambition. You know, my ambition comes in spines and pages. And it's like, no, also having a family is extremely ambitious. It requires the same thing. It requires constant sacrifice. It's the biggest time commitment you can have. And so I think it's really important to see both of those things as ambitious and treat them as such.

[Danielle Robay]

I was at dinner with a girlfriend of mine a few months ago and we were talking about if we wanted to have kids. And I said, oh, I'm dying to have kids. Like, I want them so badly. And I'm actually trying to make life choices to work towards that. And she said, I can't have kids. Like, I would only want kids if I could be a dad. And I said, what? What do you mean? And she goes, I don't want to. I'd want to show up as a dad. And so I don't want to have kids. And in that moment, I knew exactly what she meant. But I think it sort of exemplified how often life and stories treat women's sacrifices as a given, especially around ambition and career and family. In what ways do you think that this book pushes back or adds to a larger conversation?

[Beck Dorristein]

Well, it's interesting now that you say it because, I mean, the dads leave much to be desired in this book. So I think this is a celebration of women and their sacrifices. I'm thinking about what your friend said now. I'm like, oh, man.

[Danielle Robay]

It was kind of a light bulb moment for me.

[Beck Dorristein]

Yeah. But also in like this kind of. I don't want to say outdated, but, like, traditional way. I mean, I do think, like, the mental load still for me and for all of my female friends who are moms still falls more on us, unfortunately. But we also make better decisions, so. But you still want to have kids?

[Danielle Robay]

Oh, yeah.

[Beck Dorristein]

Okay. Yeah, but that's what I mean where it's like, if that. That's exactly how I was too. I was just like, I can't believe I'm not in control of this. And I want it so badly. It's like, just tell me to, like, run a certain amount of miles and do a certain amount of push ups and like, I'll do it. I'll do whatever I have to do. And it's really hard, especially like, if you've always excelled in other arenas, if you've excelled in school where it's just like, I just have to work really hard and I can get it. And it's so beyond frustrating to not be in control. This is not relevant except for you and me right now. But I like, totally feel you on it because that's exactly where I was. And I will say the only thing that changed was my entire life by moving to Maine. But also just like, I had really. I was just like, done. Because I was like, it's a pandemic. I'm not meeting anyone. I'm getting A dog. I'm getting a psychotic puppy that I will have to train, that I will be up all night potty training, and that will be my baby. And I think kind of figuring out how to work with what I had was really helpful in my sense of peace, of, like, what I have control over. And then who knows? I don't know. I think you just have to come visit Maine.

[Danielle Robay]

I feel like that's the answer.

[Beck Dorristein]

Yeah.

[Danielle Robay]

But also, there's the question that you shared with us about, like, what would you give up for the person you love most? There's a second part of that question, and you say, what would you expect in return? That second part is very interesting to me. What do you mean by that?

[Beck Dorristein]

So I don't. I think relationships between family members and between romantic partners, even what I just said about the mental load between domestic partners and parents, I think there's rarely, like a 50, 50 split. And so I think it's actually really dangerous to give anything with the expectation of getting something back. And I think oftentimes we do it without even realizing we're doing it. Will do something kind, and then maybe it's a matter of, oh, but you wouldn't do this for me. And so I think the dynamics between Cricket and Mia are really interesting because Mia's always going to be the big sister, and in a lot of ways, she's a surrogate mom, and the mom makes the bigger sacrifice in the kids. So then when things kind of come back around and Mia hopes that Cricket will make this huge sacrifice, it's a huge sacrifice. And also, the sacrifices she made, she couldn't have made them thinking that Cricket owed her for them. So I think it's just a really complicated question, and I don't think there's a clear answer. I think it's something that we all have to grapple with. When we do something, we have to make sure we're not expecting something in return. Or else, you know, those aren't really. That's not genuine.

[Danielle Robay]

It's not truly giving. I agree with you.

[Beck Dorristein]

Yeah.

[Danielle Robay]

I was really drawn to the way you use symbolism in the book. Can you share the significance of Liz's red ribbon and the hair tie around her wrist?

[Beck Dorristein]

Yeah. So Liz Lowe, the mom, has a complicated relationship with her own mother. And yet I think even if our moms are far from perfect, as Liz's mom is, Lenora, we still want their approval. It's really hard to escape that. And so Lenora is like, here's a red ribbon to put in your Hair that way everyone can see you all the time. Lenora's got a bit of a narcissism problem. And so Liz grows up wearing this red ribbon given to her by her mother, who is not especially supportive. And so then what's really cool is that then, as she continues to wear it, she gives it to her daughters. And her daughters can just sort of love wearing a red ribbon because their mom's love for them was just so authentic and truthful and so that rev. It's cool, I think, how what can be convoluted in one generation, if it gets passed down and it just comes from the heart, it can become something totally new, but still have this tradition in it.

[Danielle Robay]

And the idea that. Because I think, like, I have a charm bracelet. Do you have anything that means something to you from your family?

[Beck Dorristein]

Mm, yeah, I've got. Well, my mom actually gave me a charm bracelet for, like, each book title, so there's, like, a turtle for rock the boat. I think there's a pencil for stenographer from the corner of the oval. But, yeah. Tell me about your charm bracelet.

[Danielle Robay]

Well, no, I. First of all, thanks for sharing that. That's very cute. My mom had a charm bracelet, and it did mean something different to her, and then she gave it to me. And so the idea that it means something different to different generations is what I think I was really drawn to. In what you shared.

[Beck Dorristein]

Yeah. Oh, totally. I mean, my mom's mom was a tricky lady, and it's so fun because one generation removed, I can see all these really beautiful things that she taught my mom directly and indirectly that I just get to benefit from without having to live through all the mess.

[Danielle Robay]

I can imagine that a lot of readers are going to connect to the generational aspect of this book. Would you call it generational trauma or generational patterns that you're exploring?

[Beck Dorristein]

I guess patterns. If we're talking about soccer, and I think Liz is pretty good at cutting things off quite dramatically, but also loves the opportunity and the sparkle of soccer and what that can do for her daughters in a way that is both really helpful and inspirational and a little.

[Danielle Robay]

Bit problematic for those who see themselves in the characters and see some of even their own patterns in these characters. What would you want to say to them?

[Beck Dorristein]

I would want to say I'm going to echo what Abby Wambach said, which is like, what is it giving back to you? Like, when you're thinking about what you're obsessed with, what will it give back to you? Because it's really those relationships and the people and the connection between us, that's what kind of saves us. I mean, I'm so excited I got to write this book. I'm very proud of it. It was a long time coming. I started it before I was pregnant and now I've got a three year old. But writing this book was very helpful for me in processing my own thoughts. But it was never going to love me back. The way that everyone who supported me through the drafts, after drafts, after drafts, after drafts, the way that those people loved me and supported me, that's so.

[Danielle Robay]

Profound because no matter what job you do, it's always about the people.

[Beck Dorristein]

Yeah. I don't miss the White House. I really miss my friends from the White House. I really miss being surrounded by people who shared the same values I have. It's the hardest thing about being a writer is that I'm not around nearly as many people.

[Danielle Robay]

How do you solve for that? The dog park.

[Beck Dorristein]

Yeah. You nailed it. Yeah. You can definitely tell if I haven't been to the dog beach in a few days, because then I'll just, like, corner the person at the coffee shop when they're just trying to make coffee for a long line of people. And I'll just be asking them way too many questions about, like, their parents in a way that is not appropriate.

[Danielle Robay]

You're so good at asking questions. It's one of your many gifts. Okay, I'm going to ask a question that's a little bit of a spoiler. So we learn that Liz dies early on and it's sudden and tragic, but then a few pages in, she's not really gone and she shows back up guiding and even influencing her daughter's lives. Not just me, all of our producers, the whole team needs to know, what is Liz? Is she a ghost? Is she a memory? A spirit guide?

[Beck Dorristein]

I think, I guess out of those, like, she's like a spirit guide. I'm fortunate enough to still have both of my parents. A lot of my friends have lost one or both already. And they've all talked about, you know, we see the signs of them and also what are we doing when we feel most connected to them, something that they also loved. So it makes sense that Cricket sees her mom when she's in goal because there was such the bond between them. And for Mia, it takes a little longer. And then when she does show up, it's like, all the more beautiful. But to me, it's very much like there are certain things that connect us in such an intense, almost three dimensional way that I Do think Cricket sees her when she sees her on the soccer field, it's like, I know exactly what she would say in this moment because she's been here for so many of these games. You know, the script is already written. I know what she would do in this situation.

[Danielle Robay]

Is that why you chose to keep her present?

[Beck Dorristein]

Yeah. I just. I don't like the idea of someone dying and then they're just gone. Especially again when we're talking about a context that they love. So there's no way that Cricket is gonna play soccer and not think about her mom, and there's no way that Mia is going to start experiencing motherhood and not think about what her own mom went through.

[Danielle Robay]

Another thing that came up for me was the playlist, and specifically the song Get Low, Fly High. It pops up again and again, almost like a mantra. But then when I went to look it up, it doesn't actually exist. I kind of thought it was real. It's not real. So where does the song come from?

[Beck Dorristein]

I'm only telling you this because I like you so much, Daniel, and it's so embarrassing. That's why I'm hesitant. But whatever, we're doing it. Okay. So originally, their last name is Low, so I thought it was gonna be, like, get Low, like, three, six, nine. Damn, you're fine. And then I listened to the lyrics, and I was like, this is not the song. And so I had to make up my own. But it started as that. And then once I kind of, like, dug a little deeper, I was like, this would not, like, windows, the wall. It's not this, but it's something very close to this. But I was just so excited about, like, Get Low being their last name. But yeah. Yeah.

[Danielle Robay]

I'm trying so hard not to giggle.

[Beck Dorristein]

To ruin the audio.

[Danielle Robay]

Through the window.

[Beck Dorristein]

Yep.

[Danielle Robay]

That's incredible. In your mind, did it have the same rhythm?

[Beck Dorristein]

Sure did. Like, if I was writing and then I, you know, was done for the day, that would be the song I would blast. But it just was not. The lyrics just don't go with the Low women as much as I want them to, which then I was, like, even trying to justify it. I was like, well, you know, Liz Lowe is a. Is a child of the 80s and 90s. You know, she would be where I am, where I'm just like, this is great. But no, like, sweat dripping down my balls is, like, not the vibe I was going for.

[Danielle Robay]

Beck, I love you so much. I'm not going to ask you to sing it, because I love you so Much. But I am singing it in my own brain right now.

[Beck Dorristein]

Thank you.

[Danielle Robay]

I will tell you that that's not.

[Beck Dorristein]

What you were expecting.

[Danielle Robay]

It's actually. I was thinking more like I believe I can fly. It was giving me inspirational, but sweat dripping down my balls feels inspirational in a different way.

[Beck Dorristein]

Well, think about how much of a pump up song that has to be that these women are going into the Atlantic Ocean in the winter in Maine.

[Danielle Robay]

True.

[Beck Dorristein]

It's gotta be quite the pump up. The polar. Serious base. Yeah.

[Danielle Robay]

Yeah. Okay. So I actually haven't read a lot of stories that talk about ambition as explicitly spectacular things to does. And I've always been very proud to be a driven woman. I can tell that you are the exact same way. One of the takeaways from the characters that felt akin to my life, I guess, is that it's less about the actual dream or getting it. It's really about who you become by pursuing it. And it's sort of like love to me, because when you love someone, you're willing to look at yourself in the mirror and deal with the worst parts of you because you, you want that person and you love that relationship. And so I, I think of dreams the same way. Like, you're willing to fight for them because you want this thing so bad, and so you become the best and worse versions of yourself trying to get it. You've now experienced big love and big dreams. Do you feel like you were willing to go after both in the same way?

[Beck Dorristein]

I think I was willing and gunning for a long time and then having a baby knocked me on my butt to such a degree. It was very helpful as far as prioritizing what actually mattered. And to go back to what you said, where ambition is a lot like love. And because we can do spoilers here, I think it's so much why Cricket finally allows herself to fall in love with Sloane. They both have the same immense ambition. And in some ways, Sloane is a little bit more evolved, only because she got knocked on her butt and got injured. And so she realized I keep wanting more. And it's just sort of this idea of like another World cup isn't going to change who I am. And she's really helpful in guiding Cricket into that same revelation. But I also think it's why they fall in love is because ambition is so much like love that it's like Cricket can finally be like, you know what? I'm not actually competing with you. I've got to love you with both arms around you. Because I think, yeah, ambition and love. But like ambition doesn't love you back. Love loves you back. And love comes from other people. Ambition comes from, you know, ambition is very tricky.

[Danielle Robay]

Do you think that ambition can come from a healthy place or do you think it's like it just stems from all the insecurity?

[Beck Dorristein]

I don't, I don't, I. No, because I love ambitious people. Like, I don't think it's a bad thing. I think it's just a thing that sometimes needs to be hip checked. Because what's the opposite of ambition? Complacency. I don't want to be complacent. I think that takes all the curiosity out of our lives. I think, like ambition and curiosity. It's like, what would happen if I kept going? That's so fun. Like, what's going to happen if I keep pushing myself? So it's just sort of, you know, it's cricket doing the beep test where it's like, yeah, let's see how far I can go. But also like, let's not kill ourselves.

[Danielle Robay]

Apple Books is the best way to read or listen to the books you love without a subscription right on your iPhone and a heads up for listeners, Apple Books is the official audiobook and ebook home for Reese's Book Club, so you can discover every exciting pick, plus author curated collections and more all in one place. Open the Apple Books app to explore a world of books and audiobooks. You can set and track your reading goals and get great recommendations for your next read or listen. Again, no subscription required. Visit Apple Co Reese. That's R E E S E Applebooks to find out more. Today's episode is brought to you by Cotton. We spend a lot of time with stories, hours curled up with dynamic plots and with characters who feel like friends. What if the story isn't just in your hands, but also in the world around you, in the fabric that's holding you close? Cotton is that timeless companion. Soft sheets for lazy weekend mornings with a book. Breezy dresses for afternoons spent reading in the backyard. It's the fabric that can be tossed in the wash without fuss. It's about ease, comfort, and caring for yourself and the planet. Just like the books we cherish, cotton weaves meaning into our everyday moments. Moments like following four adult daughters as they navigate love, loss, and the legacy in the Most Fun We Ever had by Claire Lombardo, all while curled up in soft cotton joggers. Or sinking into the island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak, a story that spans generations. Forbidden love and a fig tree that remembers everything wrapped in a hand stitched quilt, each thread holding its own kind of memory. Next time you settle in for a chapter, slip into something cotton. Not just to read the story, but to feel it. Cotton the fabric of our lives. Learn more at thefabricofourlives.com Tired of spills.

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[Uncle Chris]

My Uncle Chris is definitely somebody worth talking about. He was the kind of guy that used Confederate flags as window curtains, lived in a trailer with an ex con and a retired stripper, left loaded machine guns laying around, drank a bottle of whiskey a night, claimed he could kill a man with his bare hands, drove a garbage truck for a living, spoke fluent Spanish with a thick southern accent, and is currently buried in a crypt alongside the founding families of Panama. Listen to the Uncle Chris Podcast to hear all about him and a whole lot more. This collection of stories will make you laugh, it'll make you cry, and if I do my job right, they'll let you see the world and your place in it in a whole new way. I can't wait to tell you all about Uncle Chris. Listen now to Uncle Chris on Will Ferrell's Big Money Players Network, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.

[Danielle Robay]

Beck, who did you write this book for?

[Beck Dorristein]

I think I always write for me first because I'm trying to figure out figure out what I'm trying to say and what matters to me in another way. It's like I wrote it for all of my former teammates, everyone who just like loved soccer but also loved me and supported me. Because again, these teammates, it's like I can't overestimate what an impact they've had on me. And same with some of my best coaches. Like, I still to this day will think Rose Miller, my club soccer coach from middle school, was like, leave your heart on the field. And it's like, okay, I'm no longer playing soccer, but what am I doing? Where it's like, I could either do this at 50% or I could do this at 100%. And that's Rose telling me that as a 10 year old.

[Danielle Robay]

Right. You're writing this book and it probably took you much longer than expected and you're thinking, okay, just leave your heart on the field.

[Beck Dorristein]

Yeah. And also another Rose ism is like, the bruises will hurt less tomorrow if you give it your all today. And then from Dr. Colleen Hacker, who I got to interview for this book. When I asked her about cricket, the goalkeeper, I was like, how would she not just be, like, stressed out over the pressure? And she was like, because she's trained. And so she needs to trust her training and also see this as an opportunity to, like, just prove that she has put in the work. And so I think that's really helpful, probably for you and definitely for me where it's like, anytime I get nervous about a situation, like, oh, am I going to blow it? It's like, no, it's just an opportunity. Like, I've been training for this. I'm good.

[Danielle Robay]

I had a coach one time that would always say, is this all you're going to show yourself today?

[Beck Dorristein]

Which sports did you play? Not dance team. Why are you saying it like that? Dance.

[Danielle Robay]

Is that a sport?

[Beck Dorristein]

Yes, it's a sport.

[Danielle Robay]

I. I'm like, I'm a girl in the gym. But this is about you. This is not about me. I just. Okay, but I like.

[Beck Dorristein]

No, nope, nope. Let me just say I knew you did something very competitive. And dance team is totally a sport. I can't. Like, it's kind of. To me, it's like swimming, where I'm like, it's 100% a sport. And I know right now I'm not good at it.

[Danielle Robay]

Yeah, I'm not good either. Just to let you know, I'm like the worst.

[Beck Dorristein]

But you had a coach.

[Danielle Robay]

Coach. I think I'm obsessed with coaches. I read like every book that any sports coach has written. There's so much wisdom that comes from there. And the sports analogy to life analogy just could not be overestimated.

[Beck Dorristein]

I mean, I can never meet Emma Hayes, the current head coach of the U.S. women's National Team. Because I'm so deeply in love with her, and I just want her to be my coach. And also, what's funny is I feel like every former player might also feel that way. When you see them talk about Emma Hayes, they're like, wow, I could have used an Emma Hayes.

[Danielle Robay]

For those of us who didn't have quite an Emma Hayes, what do you hope that Spectacular Things leaves readers thinking about when they close the book and read the last page?

[Beck Dorristein]

I hope they think about someone they love, they haven't spoken to in a little bit, and they feel compelled to pick up the phone and, like, hopefully, ideally not text, but actually just pick up the phone. Because I think it's getting easier and easier to lose connection with people who aren't directly in front of us. That's what happens to Cricket and Mia. And when we see or hear something, even just hearing someone's voice that we love, it changes everything.

[Danielle Robay]

So in the theme of navigating sacrifice for dreams, I'm really curious what you would whisper to young Beck before she set out on her dreams.

[Beck Dorristein]

The same thing I tell myself when I'm doing a road race now. And I'm just, like, huffing it, and I'm like, why did I do this? Which is just like, this is fun. And are you having fun? Cause this is supposed to be fun. So gut check fun. Good. Let's keep going.

[Danielle Robay]

Okay, I have to ask you about something that you've bookmarked this week. Also, do you use a bookmark or are you a page, like, dog ear person?

[Beck Dorristein]

No, I won't dogear. That was said so snobbly.

[Danielle Robay]

It was great. Oh, I would never dog ear a book.

[Beck Dorristein]

I would never. I have a lot of respect for the page. I'm pretty nuts about it. That being said, I almost never have a bookmark on hand. I feel like they all. They're like dog bags. They all accumulate in one place. That is never where I need them to be. You just know what, you just memorize.

[Danielle Robay]

Which number page you're on?

[Beck Dorristein]

No, I'll, like, rip. I usually have some piece of paper, and I'll just rip. So, yeah, I have no problem denigrating, like, normal pieces of paper, just not pages in a book.

[Danielle Robay]

Okay, so what have you bookmarked this week?

[Beck Dorristein]

I actually. I wanted to bookmark just an epiphany I had in the car, which is. I try to write letters. Letters often take a little bit more time than I have right now, but I love to send, like, a random card or a random postcard, and so What I realized this week is that if I keep stamps in my center console, I can always just send it when I want to, because I keep stamps in a drawer. But then I forget, and it doesn't happen. So now I keep stamps in my center console. That literally was an epiphany I had this week, and it is game changing. I, like, I'm now just freewheeling letters and postcards.

[Danielle Robay]

That's so awesome.

[Beck Dorristein]

My son has gotten very good at opening the mailbox.

[Danielle Robay]

Not to be on, like, a literary high horse, but I do feel like letters, more than a gift, more than anything. When I receive a letter, I'm like, oh, I feel so thought of. I think that's so beautiful that you do that.

[Beck Dorristein]

Yeah, I love receiving them. And it's also just a gift to send them out because it's like, I just got to think about you. And I get to think about you in, like, two days when you get this little envelope in the mail.

[Danielle Robay]

Okay, Beck, we're gonna have some fun. We do this thing called speed read, and it's 60 seconds. I'm gonna ask you as many questions as I can in this time.

[Beck Dorristein]

Okay?

[Danielle Robay]

You look alarmed.

[Beck Dorristein]

I'm a competitive person, Danielle. Let's do it.

[Danielle Robay]

Oh, hell yeah. Get low, fly high. Let's go. Okay. A song that best describes spectacular things.

[Beck Dorristein]

Well, you just said it. Get low, fly high.

[Danielle Robay]

What's a book you'd wish you'd written?

[Beck Dorristein]

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow?

[Danielle Robay]

Which celebrity would narrate your memoir?

[Beck Dorristein]

Emma Stone.

[Danielle Robay]

Ooh, Favorite book to recommend?

[Beck Dorristein]

Demon Copperhead.

[Danielle Robay]

What book shaped the way you see the world?

[Beck Dorristein]

Probably all of Judy Blume.

[Danielle Robay]

What's a literary trope you'll defend with your life?

[Beck Dorristein]

I guess New person comes down.

[Danielle Robay]

That's such a good one for you. Okay, what's your red flag reading habit?

[Beck Dorristein]

I will say, my good friend Emma told me that she skims full pages. Or, like, if she's, like, stressed. If it's, like, a high pressure moment in a book, she'll just skim through to the end of the chapter to find out. And I'm like, I can't believe I'm friends with a psychopath.

[Danielle Robay]

Okay, I have to ask you one more because I can't end on that. What's the best book you've never read?

[Beck Dorristein]

The best book I've never read? Probably Brothers Karmazov. Only because that's my brother's favorite book, and I'm always trying to keep up with him still, even though we are very old, it's a great book. But he loves that book and I'm like, I haven't read it and I really should because he loves it so much and he reads a lot.

[Danielle Robay]

I love it. Beck, you are so smart and so much fun and so real. Thank you for putting so many great things into the world that really make people question and feel seen.

[Beck Dorristein]

Thank you so much Danielle. This was truly a treat. Thank you very, very much.

[Danielle Robay]

I can't wait to see you in Maine. And if you want a little bit more from us, come hang with us on socials. We're at Reese's Book Club on Instagram serving up books, vibes and behind the scenes magic. And I'm Danielle Robay. R O B A Y Come say hi and DM me. And if you want to go 90s on us, call us. Okay? Our phone line is open so call now at 1-501-291-3379. That's 1-501291-3379. Share your literary hot takes, book recommendations, questions about the monthly pick or let us know what you think about the episode you just heard. And who knows, you might just hear yourself in our next episode. So don't be shy, give us a ring. And of course, make sure to follow Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your shows. Until then, see you in the next chapter. Bookmarked is a production of hello Sunshine and iheart Podcast. It's executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and me, Danielle Robay. Production is by Acast Creative Studios. Our producers are Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Sarah Schlied and Darby Masters. Our Production assistant is Avery Loftus. Jenny Kaplan and Emily Rutter are the Executive producers for Acast Creative Studios. Maureen Polo and Reese Witherspoon are the Executive producers for hello Sunshine. Olga Kaminwa, Kristin Perla and Ashley Rapoport are associate producers for Reese's Book Club, Ali Perry and Lauren Hanson are the executive producers for iHeart podcasts and Tim Palazzola is our showrunner. Apple Books is the best way to read or listen to the books you love without a subscription right on your iPhone. And a heads up for listeners. Apple Books is the official audiobook and ebook home for Reese's Book Club so you can discover every exciting pick plus author curated collections and more all in one place. Open the Apple Books app to explore a world of books and audiobooks. You can set and track your reading goals and get great recommendations for your next read or listen again. No subscription required. Visit Apple co Reese that's R E E S E Applebooks to find out more. Today's episode is brought to you by. Cotton we spend a lot of time with stories, hours curled up with dynamic plots and characters who feel like friends. What if the story isn't just in your hands, but also in the world around you, in the fabric that's holding you close? Cotton is that timeless companion. Soft sheets for a lazy weekend morning with a book. Breezy dresses for afternoons spent reading in the backyard. It's the fabric that can be tossed in the wash without fuss. It's about ease, comfort, and caring for yourself and the planet. Just like books we cherish, cotton weaves meaning into everyday moments. Next time you settle in for a chapter, slip into something cotton not just to read the story, but to feel it. The fabric of our lives. Learn [e-mail] the girlfriends is back with a new season, and this time I'm telling you the story of Kelly Harnett. Kelly spent over a decade in prison for a murder she says she didn't commit. As she fought for her freedom, she taught herself the law.

[Beck Dorristein]

He goes, oh God.

[Danielle Robay]

Harnett Jailhouse lawyer and became a beacon of hope for the women locked up alongside her.

[Beck Dorristein]

You're supposed to have your faith in.

[Danielle Robay]

God, but I had nothing but faith in her. I think I was put here to save souls by getting people out of prison. The girlfriends jailhouse lawyer listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. So what happened to Chappaquiddick? Well, it really depends on who you talk to.

[Uncle Chris]

There are many versions of what happened in 1969 when a young Ted Kennedy drove a car into a pond and.

[Beck Dorristein]

Left a woman behind to drown. Chappaquiddick is a story of a tragic death and how the Kennedy machine took control.

[Uncle Chris]

Every week we go behind the headlines and beyond the drama of America's royal family.

[Beck Dorristein]

Listen to United States of Kennedy on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Danielle Robay]

This is an iHeart podcast.