American Girls

The time has come to close out our coverage of Marie-Grace and Cécile. For this occasion, we dreamed up a special Care and Keeping of You episode that would start with the yellow fever epidemic of their day…straight through to the COVID-19 pandemic of ours. Since we couldn’t book Dr. Tad via his chalkboard, we had to look elsewhere. Enter Victoria Rodriguez, a Felicity/Kit fan and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional from Louisiana. Victoria is an expert on anxiety who studies intergenerational medical trauma. During this discussion, Victoria provides a professional opinion on some of the more complicated plot points in these books—such as Armand’s recovery and the discovery of baby Phillip. Victoria also shares her recent pop culture obsessions, from Jane Austen/Bridgerton to Gilded Age dramas and video games. Join us for one more trip back to 1853, and learn how ghosts got Victoria out of math class. You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourliv

It is still 1853. Marie-Grace and Cécile have spent the better part of a year weathering an epidemic and taking care of younger kids at local orphanages. Will the sun ever come out for these two? Just before we are about to say goodbye, we experience a fun-filled and successful fundraiser planned for the orphans of New Orleans. By using her (poetic) voice, Cécile demonstrates that sometimes the greatest gift you can give is a bit of yourself (or a check). We talk about Cécile's journey in the context of respectability politics, and what her future might hold. We also offer a final assessment of the split narrative approach used for Marie-Grace and Cécile. You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.fa

It's late summer, 1853, in New Orleans. Marie-Grace and Cécile are still in the thick of the Yellow Fever epidemic. Madame Océane is fighting for her life. Thankfully, Marie-Grace is prepared to take on wedding planning, performance art, nursing, and orphan caretaking. Amidst all this, Marie-Grace's father has established a fool-proof communication system using a single slate outside his door. What could go wrong? Well, to quote Kris Jenner, "just a lot." Soon enough, Marie-Grace fears that she will have to leave her beloved city along with her family and friends. Thankfully, Dr. Tad/Dr. Dad continues his neglect and Marie-Grace gets to stay. We consider the compressed timeline of this series and recent feminist takes on scammers. Time stamps: 2:16- 3:50 We discuss Investigation Discovery+ shows 3:52 - 9:30 Bridgerton, Inventing Anna  9:30-11:00 - March Madness 11:12 - end - Marie Grace Makes a Difference You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourl

Taylor Swift knew you were trouble when you walked in. Cecile knew trouble was brewing when people started wearing mourning clothes and going out less. During the fourth book in the Marie Grace / Cécile series, we find the girls living through a horrific yellow fever epidemic. We discuss what was happening in the summer of 1853 for the people of New Orleans--and how the fictional Rey family fares through it all. This episode also includes a discussion of 90s Con and what in the world was happening in 2011 (when this book came out).  Time Stamps:  00:00-17:57 - 90s Con recap 17:57-01:08:05 - We talk about Troubles for Cecile  You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/

Is Marie-Grace okay? Imagine a book that includes a surprise, orphans, the early stages of a yellow fever epidemic, and hints at a wedding that may or may not take place. Were we emotionally prepared for this book? No. Does our French pronunciation need work? Yes. Should you join us on the journey? Absolutely  You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or  @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when you start a new monthly Libro.fm membership for $14.99 a month. You'll get two audiobooks for the price of one in you

At long last, we get to Meet Cécile! Ms. Cécile Rey comes from an elite Black family in New Orleans. She spends her time memorizing sonnets, getting singing lessons, and shopping. Cécile also loves her family, including her brother Armond (who is in Paris), her grandpère (who buys her pralines), and her Parrot (who keeps her humble). When Cécile meets Marie Grace, who has only recently moved to Louisiana from Massachusetts, it is not exactly an instant match. But soon enough, a friendship starts to blossom and some masks come off, so to speak. We discuss Cécile and Marie Grace's relationship, the dynamics within Cécile's family, and the segregation of social life in New Orleans during the 1850s. You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter -

It’s time to meet not one, but two (new to us) American Girls! With this episode, we are launching into the Cécile & Marie Grace books. We start by meeting Marie Grace early in the year 1853. She is a bright and reserved girl who recently moved from Massachusetts down to New Orleans. Although Marie Grace is struggling to adapt to life with Dr. Dad, on the bright side, she has a cool uncle and a great singing voice. Marie Grace shows us that it can be hard to make friends in the Big Easy, but she is not lonely for long. We explore the culture of New Orleans in Marie Grace’s time (1853) and the “trading places” party moment that wraps up the book.  You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.faceboo

Before she was a bestselling author, she was an interpreter at a living history museum. Before she was an interpreter, she was a reader. For this episode, we were thrilled to interview Kathleen Ernst, the author of the Caroline series and many more American Girl books. As a child, Ernst loved Little House On the Prairie, which led her to a career in public history. She even served as a consultant for American Girl before she had the opportunity to write mysteries for the brand. From that gig, Kathleen was offered the chance to create her own War of 1812 character. During this interview, we talk about Kathleen's writing process, the creation of specific characters in the Caroline books, and her experiences meeting American Girl fans. Tune in to find out how Inkpot and Garland came to be, and stay for Kathleen's fascinating and earnest life story. You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlive

There may be a global supply chain crisis, but our listener mailbag service is working just fine. For this show, we took your pressing questions on American Girl dolls past and present. We also shared our top book recommendations for the year and dealt with important topics such as each American girl doll's coffee order. Last but not least, we also get into Pleasant Rowland's recent projects in Aurora, New York. You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or  @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when you start a n

Prepare to get crafty and cozy! For this episode, we spoke with Lily Tice, a toy expert and artist who works online as @LibrarianKiddo. As a child, Lily wrote to American Girl with her ideas for new characters. As an adult, Lily brings those ideas to life and continues to make childhood magic for others. Lily chatted with us about the history of paper dolls, the American Girl magazine, and how she creates custom characters. Before listening, be sure to visit our website to find a printable file custom-made by Lily for this episode. You'll be able to make your own Caroline paper dolls and perhaps even start your own paper doll chain with friends and loved ones. Before you can say "Caroline Craft Fair," you just may find yourself agreeing that there's nothing one-dimensional about paper dolls.   You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dolls

We may be done with the first six Caroline books, but we are not at all done covering Caroline. For this episode, curator and maritime historian Emily Powell Bera joined us for a discussion of a History Mystery. Emily is a recovering Samantha and lifelong collector of fascinating objects. We talk about Traitor in the Shipyard: A Caroline Mystery along with other War of 1812 topics, and of course, our favorite maritime mottos. You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or  @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when

At the end of the sixth Caroline book, we simply must ask again: are you not impressed? While the final Caroline story does involve a lot of "smooth sailing" talk and a skiff, this is mostly a story of tiffs, set away from the shipyard. When a letter arrives from Uncle Aaron asking for Caroline's help, she feels compelled to assist at his farm. Though comfortable with a pitchfork, Caroline has to ask herself if she really has what it takes to raise a calf and protect the farm from an intruder. We talk about Caroline's last-minute scene change, her Fourth of July bash, and what really changes from her first to last story. You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Fo

In the fifth Caroline book, we learn that her fight song—her prove she’s alright song— is the Star-Spangled Banner. There’s no fire burning in her bones, but in this "saves the day" story, there is a lingering threat that Mama will torch the entire shipyard. Throughout Caroline’s Battle, three generations of women show that they are willing to step up and fight the British at almost any cost. As quick as you can say “ash on the breeze,” a scary confrontation with the enemy seems to fizzle out. We discuss Mama’s bookkeeping, Papa’s fragility, grandma’s weaponry, Francis Scott Key, and of course, other War of 1812 power ballads. You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod

If you teach a man to fish, he'll eat for a day. If Caroline Abbott is teaching you to fish, you may find yourself trying to block a British warship during what was supposed to be a leisurely boat ride. It's book four, so we know all too well that Caroline frequently finds herself and others in crisis (hello, her carpet-cannonball moment). Caroline Takes a Chance suggests a singular heroic arc, but don't be fooled. It's the spring of 1813, and Caroline is delivering mail, working on supply chain issues, and performing a wilderness rescue. Join us for coverage of these moments PLUS a brief chat on the BabySitter's Club reboot, Neil Diamond, and a quick Caroline maritime ranking. You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Fa

Our belated War of 1812 bicentennial bash continues with coverage of Caroline's third book. After setting up her father for a prison break, Caroline finds herself a bit bored in the winter months of 1812-1813. The good news is she has built-in friends living at her family's house. The bad news? They don't want to do anything she wants to do. Join us as we discuss Caroline's iconic winter fashion, sled chairs, skating heroes, and what happens to girls who find themselves on thin ice. You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or  @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of

Talk about a sampler! In "Caroline's Secret Message," we are treated to a birthday dinner, embroidery intrigue, a rescue plot, and grandma's tips for winter prep. Did we mention Caroline makes a new friend named Rhonda in this book, too? Perhaps we will never understand how Caroline used a raccoon story and her sampler to give her father an escape plan from prison, but we can appreciate a good thriller/birthday book/friendship story when we see it. The War of 1812 may be "the war no one wanted," but these deftly woven plots will keep us coming back for more. Special note: if you're looking for an excuse to brush up on stitching skills, OR if you feel like being creative and crafty in any other way, stay tuned! We'd love to have you aboard for the first-ever Caroline Abbott Craft Fair. You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlive

Where were you when the War of 1812 broke out? Our new friend Caroline Abbott, who debuted just in time for the 1812 bicentennial, was coasting along and "doing what she loves most" on her family's boat. During this episode, we truly meet Caroline for the very first time and are quickly confronted with an unwanted British invasion. We dive straight into her world of maritime mischief and consider the query of whether a woman's place is in the shipyard. Tune in to meet the eclectic cast of characters in Caroline's world...but hurry, because this ship is about to set sail.  You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorr

In this second Samantha spinoff, we speak with Dr. Allison Lange, ahistorian of women's suffrage and visual culture. She talks about AuntCornelia's speech style, the Susan B. Anthony Barbie, and Blacksuffragists you ought to know (plus much more). This episode also hasa rich visual accompaniment: the long-awaited, never-asked-forfirst-of-its-kind Gard Zine! You won't want to miss this homemademagazine (zine) filled with amazing Gard content. From a listicleabout the Henry Ford Museum to local versions of great Gard, ourlisteners really outdid themselves. You'll never think of Uncle Gard,Car Culture, or the Saturn brand the same again. Special thanks to ourdear friend Eric, who has now lent his ears and his voice in supportof the show. Opening fan fiction piece submitted by listener Danni Z.and shared with permission.   Read and enjoy the Uncle Gard Zine: http://bit.ly/UncleGardZine You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us

On this episode, enjoy a gem from our patreon vault. This episode tackles Dear America: Voyage on the Great Titanic. We talk about the iceberg-level cultural fascination with the ship, the Titanic Historical Society, and survivors' videos on Youtube. **Please note this episode was first recorded and released in April 2020** The Titanic documentary we discuss can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HchZvjV_4o You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or  @marymahoney123 (Twitter) Need a source of calm in your day? Listeners will get a free audiobook when you

We are taking a summer break, so enjoy a patreon episode from our archives! For our twelfth Patreon episode, we chose the memoir of a modern diva and one of the most accomplished recording artists of all time. Join us as we consider The Meaning of Mariah Carey (2020) - an autobiography and fascinating portrait of race and fame in modern America. Why did Mariah have to sneak out to Burger King? What’s the deal with Carson Daly? Is Mariah the Queen of Christmas? We consider these pressing questions and more.   You can find episodes, resources, and a link to our merch store and patreon on our website: dollsofourlivespod.com Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/dollsofourlivespod We love to hear from you! Drop us a line dollsofourlivespod@gmail.com Follow us on social media: Instagram -@dollsofourlivespodcast Twitter - @dollslivespod Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DollsOfOurLivesPod/ Follow Allison on Twitter and Instagram @allisonhorrocks Follow Mary @mimimahoney (Instagram) or  @marymahoney123 (T