Katie sits down with her good friend and New York Times bestselling author, Xochitl Gonzalez, for a fascinating and deeply personal conversation about reinvention, storytelling, and the ever-evolving American Dream. From leaving behind a successful career in event planning to becoming a Pulitzer Prize finalist in her 40s, Xochitl shares the unexpected path that led her to writing—and how her latest novel, Last Night in Brooklyn, brings a Gatsby-esque lens to 2007 Fort Greene at the height of its transformation. Through the eyes of Alicia Canales Forten, the story dives into ambition, identity, and the magnetic pull of wealth and status, all set against a backdrop of shifting neighborhoods and social dynamics. Katie and Xochitl also touch on the cultural themes woven through her work, what inspires her characters, and of course, their shared love of food (Xochitl gives the secrets to her pernil recipe) - making this an episode that’s as thought-provoking as it is fun to listen to. Go to hellobatch.com/KATIELEE and use code KATIELEE at checkout. For more Katie Lee, follow along on: YouTube: Katie Lee Kitchen IG: @katieleebiegel @allonthetableofficial TikTok: @KatieLeeBiegel @allonthetableofficial Facebook: Katie Lee Biegel Produced by Dear Media.