Hi! I’m so happy you’re here! Think of this as my virtual front door where I’m standing, ready to give you a hug, and usher you into a room full of like-minded people to talk about books - and life.
Who Am I and Why Should You Care?
Official bio:
Zibby Owens is the founder of Zibby Media which includes the award-winning daily podcast Totally Booked with Zibby, Zibby Publishing in New York, and Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica CA. She is the author of six books including the USA Today bestsellers Blank: A Novel and On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates. Follow her on Substack and Instagram @zibbyowens where she tells it like it is.
Unofficial:
You might know me from all my work in the book world. I started a podcast called Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books back in 2018, retitled Totally Booked with Zibby in 2025, which led to my building a media company, dubbed “the Zibby-verse” by the L.A. Times. (Read that article here!)
My company, Zibby Media, includes Zibby Publishing, a boutique publishing house, Zibby’s Bookshop, an independent bookstore in Santa Monica, CA, retreats, events, a book club, and the
platform.Maybe you know me from the books or articles I’ve written myself. (God, I hope so.) More about my books here.
Or perhaps you follow me on Instagram. (You don’t? You should!) Or you know me personally, perhaps through one of my four kids or life in general. (I’m based in New York but spend a lot of time in L.A.)
If you love books, you’re in the right place. Even if you don’t have time to read them.
Here are most of my round-ups the past 8+ years! Do you share my taste?
Book Round-Ups: Did I Pick Your Favorites in GMA or Elsewhere?
Okay. After scrolling through all the round-ups and appearances (see below) that I’ve done over the past few years recommending books, is it really surprising that I opened my own bookstore — with bo…
And… Here’s Press About Me!
Still want more? Here’s a selection of personal essays I’ve written over the past 10+ years!
The Past 10 Years: Up Close and Personal
Here are some personal essays I’ve published that paint a picture of what I’ve been thinking and feeling over the past decade. (Note: My own blog/column was Moms Don’t Have Time to Write which turned…
Here’s What All of You Have in Common:
You love having a connection to books and writing, even if you don’t have time to read. You love connecting with others, emotionally. You’re nice. (If that’s not you, bye-bye.)
What You’ll Get:
Personal essays, “most anticipated” seasonal book lists, gift guides, event and tour updates, podcast updates, and more.
But why stop there? If you upgrade to a paid subscription, you’ll get:
Early invites to happenings
Recommended products and brand deals
The satisfaction of knowing you’re helping. (That’s what my mom would say!)
And if you really want to be a supporter (pretty, please):
Join as a Founding Member. You’ll get all of the above plus you’ll get your choice of a hat or mug that says: “Stories are best when shared.”
Mostly, you’ll have my sincere and utter gratitude that you think my writing and what I do for books and authors is worth paying for. All income from this Substack goes right back into Zibby Media which goes right back to helping authors.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Learn more: www.zibbymedia.com
Instagram: @zibbyowens
Are you ready? Come on in. I saved you a seat.
