Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby – Episode Featuring Audrey Ingram and The Summer We Ran
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens sits down with Audrey Ingram, the author of the highly anticipated novel The Summer We Ran. Released on June 3, 2025, this episode delves deep into the inspirations, themes, and personal experiences that shaped Ingram’s latest work. The conversation not only explores the intricacies of the novel but also provides listeners with a heartfelt glimpse into Ingram’s personal journey as an author and her recent health challenges.
Author Background
Audrey Ingram is no stranger to literary success. Prior to The Summer We Ran, she authored River Run South and The Group Trip. A Middlebury College and Georgetown University Law Center graduate, Ingram practiced law in Washington, D.C., for 15 years before transitioning to a career in writing. Residing in Virginia with her husband and three children, Ingram combines her professional experiences with her passion for storytelling.
Book Summary: The Summer We Ran
The Summer We Ran is a poignant exploration of first love, political rivalry, and personal growth. The novel follows Tess and Grant, two individuals from starkly different backgrounds who fall deeply in love during their teenage years. However, their summer romance ends in heartbreak and leaves behind a trail of secrets. A quarter-century later, Tess and Grant cross paths again as they vie for the governorship of Virginia, setting the stage for a dramatic reunion fraught with tension and unresolved emotions.
Audrey describes the book as, "about first loves turned political rivals" (05:03), highlighting the transformation of their relationship from innocent affection to competitive adversaries.
Inspiration and Themes
Ingram draws inspiration from her love of political dramas such as The West Wing, Scandal, and The Diplomat. She aimed to juxtapose a youthful, innocent love story against the high-stakes world of political elections, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. “I wanted to tell a story that really wove together both of their perspectives,” Ingram explains (05:32), emphasizing the challenge of portraying both the female and male protagonists authentically.
Setting and Symbolism: The Virginia Gardens
The novel is set in the picturesque countryside of southwest Virginia, a region Ingram describes as “one of the most beautiful places” (07:51). Tess, the daughter of a cook employed at a grand estate, navigates the opulence of her new environment while grappling with her feelings for Grant, the affluent neighbor. Gardening serves as a significant motif in the story, symbolizing growth, connection, and the bridging of social divides.
Ingram shares her personal passion for gardening, a hobby she picked up after moving to Virginia. She relates this to the book’s theme: “Gardening... is something that really transcends class... it's a way to connect people” (09:33). This connection is mirrored in Tess and Grant’s evolving relationship, as they bond over shared interests despite their disparate backgrounds.
Personal Journey: From Law to Literature
Transitioning from a stable career in law to pursuit of writing was a pivotal moment for Ingram. During the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing childcare and professional responsibilities led her to explore writing as a creative outlet. “I started writing my first novel and... never went back to practicing law,” Ingram recounts (15:14). This significant career shift underscores her dedication to storytelling and her desire to create meaningful narratives.
Navigating Health Challenges
The conversation takes an emotional turn as Ingram shares her recent health struggles. In the fall, she experienced a severe medical crisis involving a torn artery and a blood clot in her brain, necessitating extensive hospitalization and a stringent recovery regimen. “I was hospitalized for a long time and then I was sent home and basically told... to do nothing,” she reveals (24:47).
Despite the daunting prognosis, Ingram emphasizes her resilience and the importance of support systems in her healing process. “I have people around me who are surrounding me with kindness and gentleness,” she notes (27:19). Her experience profoundly influenced her writing, allowing her to infuse her characters with deeper layers of empathy and resilience.
Themes of Empathy and Resilience in The Summer We Ran
Ingram believes that stories serve as bridges between individuals, fostering understanding and empathy. “Stories really are bridges,” she asserts (29:23). Through Tess and Grant’s journey, readers are encouraged to look beyond political labels and connect with the humanity shared by seemingly opposing figures. This theme resonates strongly in today’s divisive political climate, offering a hopeful perspective on finding common ground.
Advice to Aspiring Authors
Ingram offers valuable insights to budding writers, emphasizing the importance of reading widely and embracing imperfection in the writing process. “Books are the best teachers,” she advises, encouraging authors to learn from both the books they love and those they struggle with. Additionally, she shares practical advice: “You can't edit a blank page. You've just got to write” (32:15), highlighting the necessity of overcoming perfectionism to progress in writing.
Conclusion
Zibby Owens concludes the episode by expressing her excitement for The Summer We Ran and applauding Ingram’s perseverance through personal and professional challenges. Ingram reciprocates the enthusiasm, looking forward to readers immersing themselves in her story.
“This book is about two individuals and their love story,” Ingram summarizes, encapsulating the essence of her novel (30:28). The episode wraps up with a heartfelt endorsement of the book, urging listeners to engage with its powerful narrative.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a multifaceted look into Audrey Ingram’s The Summer We Ran, blending literary analysis with personal storytelling. Ingram’s journey from law to literature, coupled with her resilience in the face of health adversities, provides a rich backdrop for understanding her work. Listeners are left inspired by the novel’s themes of love, empathy, and the enduring human spirit.
Notable Quotes
- “It is about first loves turned political rivals.” (05:03) – Audrey Ingram
- “Gardening... is something that really transcends class... it's a way to connect people.” (09:33) – Audrey Ingram
- “Stories really are bridges.” (29:23) – Audrey Ingram
- “You can't edit a blank page. You've just got to write.” (32:15) – Audrey Ingram
Conclusion
Audrey Ingram’s The Summer We Ran emerges as a significant addition to contemporary literature, exploring deep emotional landscapes against a backdrop of political intrigue. Through her candid conversation with Zibby Owens, Ingram not only sheds light on her creative process but also inspires listeners with her personal resilience and dedication to storytelling.
Follow and Support
To learn more about Audrey Ingram and her work, visit zibbymedia.com and follow Zibby Owens on Instagram at @zibbyowens. Don’t forget to purchase The Summer We Ran and join Zibby’s June Listening Club for an enriching literary experience.