Childhood in the 90s, Authentic Populism, Forgotten Places

In this special episode, Ravi is joined by Emily Lilley of The Book & Cover to discuss his new novel, Garbage Town. Set in 1990s Staten Island, this coming-of-age thriller follows a group of teens who stumble upon a buried secret and find themselves in a fight for their lives.

Ravi and Emily explore the real-life inspiration behind the novel’s characters and setting, the nostalgic pull of the pre-digital era, and the complicated beauty of growing up in a small community. They dig into how Ravi built the world of Garbage Town, from the real Staten Island streets of his childhood to the critical moments that give the story its pulse. Ravi also reflects on what the writing process taught him and how it helped him rediscover the texture of everyday moments.

Learn more about Garbage Town by visiting www.garbagetownbook.com
Check out The Book & Cover on Bookshop.org: HERE