Episode Summary: Elizabeth Harris Discusses How to Sleep at Night

Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby
Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: Elizabeth Harris
Release Date: January 13, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes Elizabeth Harris, an award-winning reporter at The New York Times, to discuss her debut novel, How to Sleep at Night. Harris delves into the intricate themes of her book, drawing from her extensive experience in journalism to craft a narrative that intertwines personal relationships with broader societal issues.

2. Overview of How to Sleep at Night

Elizabeth Harris introduces her novel as a story centered around marriage, ambition, and the dissonance between one's self-image and societal roles.

Elizabeth Harris [00:58]: "It's about marriage and ambition and what happens when who you are in the world doesn't match how you see yourself."

The plot follows a woman in suburban New Jersey who becomes an unintended stay-at-home mom, feeling like an accessory in her husband's life. Her journey of self-discovery leads her to reconnect with an old girlfriend—a high-profile political reporter struggling with career burnout. Parallel to this, the novel explores the lives of a politically divisive married couple, one Democrat and one Republican, as the husband embarks on a political campaign.

3. Themes Explored

a. Marriage and Personal Identity

Harris discusses the central theme of marriage under strain when personal ambitions and identities clash.

Elizabeth Harris [02:16]: "It's a book about marriage... showing their day-to-day and how they take care of each other amidst the craziness of parenting and juggling careers."

The novel portrays Gabe and Ethan's relationship, highlighting how political ambitions can overshadow personal connections, leading to profound personal and relational conflicts.

b. Political Ambitions and Relationship Dynamics

The host and guest delve into how political aspirations can strain relationships, questioning where allegiance lies when personal beliefs diverge.

Host [03:13]: "What do you do when you want to support someone but don't support what they want? Do you push down your own feelings or not?"

Harris emphasizes that while the book touches on political campaigning, its essence remains rooted in exploring the complexities of marriage and personal sacrifices.

c. Addiction and Self-Prioritization

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Ethan's struggles with addiction and how it impacts his marriage.

Elizabeth Harris [04:16]: "Addiction is a universal struggle... especially when a public figure is involved, leading to a lack of nuanced understanding from others."

Harris highlights the challenges of maintaining one's identity and well-being while supporting a partner battling addiction, especially under the scrutiny of public life.

d. Ethics in Journalism and Personal Allegiances

Drawing from her journalism background, Harris touches upon the ethical dilemmas faced by reporters, particularly when personal relationships intersect with professional responsibilities.

Elizabeth Harris [11:09]: "In the book, it's about personal allegiance versus belief in ethical standards and how that affects relationships."

This theme underscores the tension between personal loyalties and professional integrity, a reflection of Harris's insights from her tenure at The New York Times.

e. LGBTQ Relationships

Harris, identifying as gay, incorporates multiple LGBTQ relationships into her novel, aiming to provide representation and explore the nuances of such relationships.

Elizabeth Harris [16:43]: "I always wanted to write about gay characters because their stories aren’t as widely represented."

She discusses the evolution of societal acceptance and the importance of portraying LGBTQ relationships authentically within the broader narrative context.

4. Writing and Publishing Experience

Harris shares her journey from journalism to novel writing, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of entering the publishing world.

Elizabeth Harris [22:50]: "People in this country buy books. Keep doing it, please. But it's hard to break through with so many titles floating to the top."

Despite her familiarity with the industry, Harris admits feeling nervous about the publishing process but remains committed to promoting her work authentically.

Elizabeth Harris [25:39]: "I'm trying to hustle and be a good teammate for my publisher and publicist... if any book club invites me, I will happily join."

Her proactive approach to book promotion emphasizes genuine engagement over leveraging platforms like TikTok, aligning with her authentic personality and professional ethos.

5. Notable Quotes

• Elizabeth Harris [00:58]: "It's about marriage and ambition and what happens when who you are in the world doesn't match how you see yourself."

• Host [03:13]: "What do you do when you want to support someone but don't support what they want? Do you push down your own feelings or not?"

• Elizabeth Harris [04:16]: "Addiction is a universal struggle... especially when a public figure is involved, leading to a lack of nuanced understanding from others."

• Elizabeth Harris [16:43]: "I always wanted to write about gay characters because their stories aren’t as widely represented."

• Elizabeth Harris [25:39]: "I'm trying to hustle and be a good teammate for my publisher and publicist... if any book club invites me, I will happily join."

6. Conclusion

The episode provides an in-depth look into Elizabeth Harris's debut novel How to Sleep at Night, exploring its multifaceted themes that resonate with personal and societal challenges. Harris's blend of personal experience and professional insight offers listeners a rich understanding of the novel's depth and the realities it portrays. Zibby Owens commends Harris's transition from journalism to fiction, celebrating her ability to craft compelling narratives that reflect real-world complexities.

Listeners are encouraged to explore Harris's novel to delve deeper into these themes and appreciate the nuanced storytelling that bridges personal identity with broader societal dynamics.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments from sponsors like Wayfair and Acorns were omitted to maintain focus on the substantive discussion between the host and guest.