Book Squad Goals

Author and pal Mary Kay McBrayer joins us to talk all things Madame Queen, AKA Stephanie St. Claire, mysterious criminal mastermind and numbers genius. Before we jump into discussing Mary Kay's latest book, Madame Queen: The Life and Crimes of Harlem's Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair, we discuss Hulu's Good American Family, another tale of crime, scams, and a case of a misrepresented age. We dig into the story of Natalia Grace, the way this series compares to the documentary and real-life details of the case, and our general affection for Mark Duplass. If you love true crime, organized crime, or really, any old kind of crime, this is an episode you won't want to miss.On June 10, come on back for a discussion of The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami, and on June 24 Susie Dumond will be here to discuss The Wedding Banquet – and more importantly, her new book, Bed and Breakup!TOC:30 – Welcome, Mary Kay McBrayer! And icebreaker9:25 – Show intro11:06 – Shifting perspectives19:42 – Acting and casting36:05 – Thoughts on the real case42:15 – Interview with Mary Kay!1:13:07 – Feedback1:16:26 – What's up next?The Greatest True Crime Story Ever Told: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-greatest-true-crime-stories-ever-told/id1718699612Madame Queen: https://www.amazon.com/Madame-Queen-Underground-Racketeer-Stephanie/dp/0778310655

None will be spared…when we talk about When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy! Join the Book Squad for a chat about this wild ride of a novel—we talk about the action and pacing, horror subgenres, the characters, mom/dad stuff, and goodness vs. badness. Then we finally read some really old feedback from husband of the pod, Ben (sorry about that, Ben). Tune in on May 27 as special guest Mary Kay McBrayer (author of Madame Queen) drops by to talk about her new book and Good American Family (Hulu). Then read along with us for our next Bookpisode about The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami on June 10. Don't forget to check out our Patreon and leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts while you're at it!TOC:30– Welcome!10:47–Book intro12:30–Pacing18:30– What's actually happening?24:49– Theme of Nat Cassidy's “trilogy”30:40–The Afterward40:05–Characters49:00– The power of improv51:39– Let's talk about the dad1:02:00– Was there any other ending that could've happened?1:14:19–Ratings1:19:25–Feedback1:22:23–what's up next?

We're briefly leaving our luxury villas to talk about season three of The White Lotus! Join us as we chat about the cast, the season's setting, the characters we loved and hated, and what we can learn about the characters based on their book choices. Then we have a long overdue conversation with Todd Osborne about his debut poetry collection, Gatherer. You'll even be treated to a few readings of his poems in this section of the episode!Look for our next Bookpisode on May 13th where we'll be discussing When the Wolf Comes Home, the new novel by Nat Cassidy. Then join us and special guest Mary Kay McBrayer (author of Madame Queen: The Life and Crimes of Harlem's Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair) to talk about Good American Family (Hulu) on May 27.P.S. Our lil podcast just turned 8 years old! If you'd like to get us a birthday gift, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and consider supporting us on Patreon for just $3/month! TOC::30– Welcome, Todd!10:24–What is White Lotus?13:09–Cast talk15:00–Setting30:00– Characters54:14– What's up with the storyline with Rick?1:05:38– What characters are reading1:12:46–Interviewing Todd about Gatherer!1:57:30– What's up next?Links - “One Art” by Elizabeth Bishop- https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47536/one-art “Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas- https://poets.org/poem/do-not-go-gentle-good-night “Morning Rituals” by Todd Osborne- https://www.hobartpulp.com/web_features/morning-rituals Gatherer, available at Belle Point Press- https://bellepointpress.com/products/gatherer

Get ready to listen to us say “peat” about a hundred times because we're discussing The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister. We talk about the Haddesley sibling dynamics, the infamous Bog Wife herself, the bog as a character, and of course, generational trauma. Join us and special guest Todd Osborne (husband of the pod) on April 29 for a special one-year celebration of his poetry collection, Gatherer, and a chat about The White Lotus season three. Then read along with us for our next Bookpisode about When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy on May 13. Feeling extra supportive this week? Head over to our Patreon and consider supporting us for just $3/month! Don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple podcasts, and we'll read it on the pod!TOC0:30 – Get on our Patreon, and icebreaker12:14 – Book intro16:20 – Siblings and their relationship dynamics33:33 – Who is the bog wife?44:00 – The bog is a character52:00 – How did they stay isolated?56:20 – Generational trauma and the patriarchy1:03:20 – Ratings1:06:18 – What's on the blog? What's up next?Links: https://electricliterature.com/in-kay-chronisters-novel-a-father-is-sacrificed-for-a-bog-wife-who-never-arrives/

It's appropriate this book involves a circus because we about to clown on it. Join the squad for a Hatepisode about Brynn Weaver's Scythe & Sparrow, the third installment in the Ruinous Love Trilogy. After Mary gives us an overview of the other two books, we get a special review of Butcher & Blackbird by Emily's dad, Charlie. Then we talk about the cringeworthy “trigger warnings” and then spend a lot of time dissecting the “spice,” which is not as transgressive as it thinks it is. After we barely survive this discussion, we get into some listener feedback. Read along for our next Bookpisode about The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister on April 15th. Then join us April 29th for an Othersode about season 3 of The White Lotus, plus a conversation with Todd about his poetry collection, Gatherer. Have you read any of the Ruinous Love Trilogy? We need to hear from you. Email us at thesquad@booksquadgoals.com or DM us on social media! Also, are you a patron yet? Support us on Patreon for only $3 a month and get a monthly newsletter of pet photos!TOC 1:11 — Icebreaker question13:15—Charlie's review35:30—The spice!45:28—Dialogue during sex scenes47:00—The audiobook--man doing man voice47:27—Cringy sex scene reading50:12—Ask a Man55:51—Marriage: why?58:00—The epilogue1:03—1 star reviews1:09—Feedback

Join us in the depths of the NYC subway system for an accidental hatepisode! We didn't love Entitlement by Rumaan Alam, but we had a good time talking about billionaires, flat characters, lying to get a cool apartment, and of course, the guy on the subway poking people with a hypodermic needle. Join us on April 1st for an intentional hatepisode about Scythe and Sparrow by Brynne Weaver! Then read along for our next regular Bookpisode on The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister on April 15th!TOC:30 – Welcome to the madness9:30 – Book Intro12:23 – Why is this set in 2014?24:48 – Reviews and characterization44:22 – The Subway Pricker!53:00 – Ratings1:00:00 – What's on the blog? LolWhat's up next? 

It's safe to listen, but whatever you do, don't wind that monkey! Join us and special guest Samantha Allen, author of Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet, for a fun chat about The Monkey film, based on the short story by our man Stephen King. After discussing cursed toys of our own childhoods, we talk about the horror-comedy genre and how it relates to grief, the family relationships, performances, and our favorite deaths. Read along for our next Bookpisode on Entitlement by Rumaan Alam on March 18th. Then get ready for a special Hatepisode on Scythe and Sparrow by Brynne Weaver on April 1st! (Pure coincidence that it's on April Fool's Day. We're actually very serious about being haters.) Drop us a rating and review, and if you're feeling extra supportive, head over to our Patreon and become a patron of the pod!TOC:30 – Welcome, Samantha! And icebreaker13:30 – Movie intro15:09 – Short story v movie; genre23:00 – Let's talk about the gore30:00 – Familial relationships and performancss45:40 – Fave deaths47:43 – Questions from the group57:00 – Ratings1:03:45 – Romance chat and what's up next

Who's that talking to you through your AirPods? Is it the Book Squad, or is it Other Mommy? Join us as we discuss Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman. We talk about the novel's POV and try to figure out what Other Mommy actually is. Plus, Mary gives us a children's lit lesson! Go see The Monkey and tune in for our next Othersode on March 4th. Then read along with us for our next Bookpisode on March 18th about Entitlement by Rumaan Alam.We would like to extend an extra special thanks to Benjamin Mitchell for his editorial assistance.TOC:30 – Welcome, everyone!11:20 – Book intro12:40 – Stop crediting Neil Gaiman17:45 – POV30:02 – Other mommy39:20 – The end?1:09:47 – Ratings!1:16:56 – One of Our Kind feedback1:22:54 – What's up next?

Returning guests and two of our favorite authors, Grady Hendrix and Clay McLeod Chapman, join us to talk about The Craft. We talk about our experience with the film and try to dissect what it's really saying about witches. Then we have a spoiler-free chat with Grady and Clay about their newest books, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls and Wake Up and Open Your Eyes, respectively. Read along for our next Bookpisode on Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman on February 18th. Then go see The Monkey for our next Othersode on March 4th!TOC:30 – WELCOME to Clay and Grady! 9:16 – Movie intro12:00 – Previous experience with the film23:22 – What is this movie trying to say about witches? What's any story trying to say about witches1:07:00 – Interview with Clay and Grady about their new books1:54:00 – What's up next?Emily's The Craft: Legacy Blog: https://www.booksquadgoals.com/blog/10-weeks-of-spooktober-the-craft-legacy-week-10-of-10

Come with us to a utopian (?) community as we discuss One of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon. We talk about the responses to the book from POC readers (our standard disclaimer: we are white ladies), the book's ending, class and characters, and comparisons to similar stories. Tune in on February 4 for a special Othersode on The Craft, featuring guests Grady Hendrix and Clay McLeod Chapman. We'll also talk to them about their newest books, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls and Wake Up and Open Your Eyes, respectively. Then read along for our next Bookpisode about Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman on February 18. There's still time to enter our giveaway to win three signed books and an audiobook! Visit our Instagram and see pinned post for details!TOC:30–hello and welcome!13:42–book description15:21–what Black readers said24:00–what's the ending?44:25–class56:23– characters1:01:16–comparisons to other similar stories1:06:52–ratings1:13:52–feedback!1:23:18–what's up next?

Happy New Year! We're celebrating by talking about all of our favorite things from 2024. This is the fun kind of retrospective where we just talk about the good things and leave out all the bad! Plus, you'll get to hear from many of this year's podcast guests about their favorite things from the past year! Tune in on 1/21 for our next Bookpisode on One of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon. After that, we'll be covering The Craft with special guests Grady Hendrix AND Clay McLeod Chapman. We'll also be discussing (spoiler free!) their new books, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls and Wake Up and Open Your Eyes. Look out for that episode on 2/4. Please leave us a rating and review, and while you're at it, enter our giveaway! Check out our IG for details.TOC1:00– Lamar Giles's fave thing of the year2:30–Welcome! New things we tried in 202411:23–Giveaway details12:47–Number 3s26:00–Susie Dumond's fave thing, Ben Mitchell's fave thing29:00–Number 2s46:00– Ang Ferraguto fave things, Todd Osborne's fave things52:00– Honorable mentions59:56– Samantha Allen's fave thing, Paul Tremblay's fave thing1:04:00– NUMBER 1S!1:25:50– Tirzah Price's favorite thing, Nathan Simmons' favorite thing1:30:54– What's up next?

Our gift to you on this very special Christmas and Hanukkah twofer is our final episode of the year: a discussion of Rivers Solomon's latest novel, Model Home. Join us for a truly haunting discussion about family dynamics, gender exploration, and the difference between cobbler and pie. In the new year, we'll be releasing our annual ‘faves' episode where we cover the things we loved most in 2024, and then on January 21st we'll publish our first bookpisode of 2025 on Nicola Yoon's One of Our Kind. DON'T FORGET to enter our giveaway by 2/4 — go to our instagram for instructions — and if you've got some cash to spare, subscribe to our Patreon for $3 a month! Thanks for being a goalie this year. We love you. TOC0:30 – Welcome! Giveaway info!4:30 – Intro. Questions and the pie vs cobbler debate11:03 – Book intro14:00 – The twist28:35 – Gender and body stuff 42:00 – Eudora and her impact1:02:00 – Racism1:09:19 – Elijah1:16:14 – Ratings!1:18:00 – What's up next??

POP! goes our 200th episode! Join the Book Squad (plus Ben) and special guest Samantha Allen, author of Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet, to talk about the 2007 Hugh Grant/Drew Barrymore romcom Music & Lyrics. We discuss our personal connections to the film, the romance, the music, and what might not hold up in 2024. Then we interview Samanatha about her new novel! It's a fun Q and A you don't want to miss!Tune in for our next Bookpisode on 12/24 where we'll be covering Model Home by Rivers Solomon. And then it's time for everyone's favorite episode: The Best of 2024 Othersode! That'll be hitting your feeds on 1/7/25. Keep an eye on our Instagram for more official information about our 200th Episode Giveaway, and go buy Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! TOC::30–welcome Ben and Samantha!!13:40– our history with the movie22:00– do drew Barrymore and Hugh grant have chemistry?36:30–problematic elements and weird things59:11– interview with Samantha Allen, author of Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet1:49:29–what's up next?

We're off to the sad botanical garden for our ONE HUNDREDTH (!) Bookpisode about Hum by Helen Phillips. We talk about climate change, artificial intelligence, human connection (or lack thereof) and, of course, the ultimate villain: capitalism! Then we get into some special 100th episode feedback and give a quick blog update. Our next Othersode will be about Music & Lyrics, and we'll be joined by special guest Samantha Allen, author of Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet. That's on 12/10! And then, our holiday gift to you is our next Bookpisode on Model Home by Rivers Solomon dropping on 12/24! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe, Goalies!TOC:30 – Icebreaker and happy 100th bookpisode13:00 – Book intro14:58 – Climate change23:50 – Late stage capitalism and ads40:58 – What happened at the botanical gardens56:35 – Human connection and cosmetic procedures1:11:15 – Epilogue1:18:15 – Ratings1:23:50 – Listener feedback! 1:31:50 – What's on the pod? What's up next?

Book Squad meets Bollywood as we discuss Bride & Prejudice (2004) with special guest Tirzah Price! We talk about how this Austen adaptation works in a Bollywood setting, racism and xenophobia, surprise appearances from western actors, and (obviously) the musical numbers. Then we chat with Tirzah about her new novel (out now!), In Want of a Suspect. Don't worry – no spoilers here! Read along for our next Bookpisode about Hum by Helen Phillips on 11/26. Then join us and special guest Samantha Allen (author of Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet) to talk about Music & Lyrics on 12/10! Consider becoming a patron for just $3 a month, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode!TOC:30–Welcome, Tirzah! 10:57–Movie Intro11:50– Adaptations and interpreting characters15:38– Do any parts of the story not work?28:29– Surprise celebrity sightings33:14–How does the movie tackle big topics like racism and xenophobia?54:13– Interview with Tirzah!1:28:30– What's on the blog? What's up next?

If you start with the basic knowledge that Spanish Inquisition = Bad, you'll be just fine. This week the Book Squad discusses Leigh Bardugo's The Familiar. We talk about the historical piece of this historical fantasy, question where the vampires are, play “hot or not,” and dig into the romance. Then we read some great listener feedback (Alex's Version) and catch up with what's on the blog. Tune in for our next Othersode about Bride and Prejudice with special guest Tirzah Price (author of In Want of a Suspect) on 11/12. Then read along for our next Bookpisode on Hum by Helen Phillips on 11/26.TOC :30 – Welcome! 7:25 – Book intro10:00 – Disclaimers, the historical fantasy of it all18:53 – Where are the vampires?34:16 – Did anything surprise you?49:00 – How was the romance? The ending?52:05 – Ratings54:50 – Listener feedback: Alex edition!1:09:53 – What's on the blog? What's up next?

Goodbye, Eyeball Fall; hello, Cannibal-tober!(?) We'll workshop it. Special guest J.H. Markert (aka James Markert) joins the Squad to revisit 1991's The Silence of the Lambs and talk about his latest novel, Sleep Tight! We talk about why Hannibal is so iconic (“the late, great Hannibal Lecter,” anyone?), the interplay between trauma and horror, getting inside the mind of a killer, and LGBTQ+ representation in the early 90s. Next we pepper James with questions about his new novel, Sleep Tight (a September Book of the Month pick!), in a spoiler-free interview. Speaking of scary things, Spooktober is back on the Book Squad Blog! Go check that out for more spooky season content. Join us on October 29th for Mary's triumphant return to discuss even MORE spooky content – The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo. Then go watch Bride & Prejudice for our next Othersode featuring Tirzah Price, author of In Want of a Suspect, on November 12th!TOC::30 – Welcome, James! 14:35 – What makes this story so appealing? 25:45 – How do trauma and mental illness inform the story?32:10 – Why are we all so obsessed with serial killers?39:50 – Transness and LGBTQIA+ issues in Silence of the Lambs53:03 – Interview with James Markert! 1:36:17 – What's on the blog? What's up next?Links: https://screenrant.com/silence-of-the-lambs-buffalo-bill-lgbtq-controversy/

If you could eat any body part, what would it be? Join Emily, Kelli, and Susan as they discuss the delicious body horror of The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim. Between the gross out horror scenes, this novel discusses misogyny, sexuality, and what happens when, well, you're just kind of a jerk. Join us next time as special guest James Markert joins us to discuss Silence of the Lambs and his new book Sleep Tight. Then, Mary returns with a discussion of Leigh Bardugo's historical vampire novel, The Familiar! TOC:30– Icebreaker!10:52– Goodreads description15:44–Why is the book about eating eyeballs?22:00–Men suck, but in various ways40:15–How Ji-Won is kinda not a good person48:57–Unpacking the ending1:02:35– Ratings1:07:40– What's on the blog? What's up next?

Whatever you do, don't go to sleep while listening to this episode…because we're talking about A Nightmare on Elm Street with special guest Lamar Giles, author of the new novel Ruin Road! We talk about the icon himself Freddy Krueger, horror tropes, potential alternate endings, and how this movie stacks up to other slasher franchises. Then we have a fun and spoiler-free conversation with Lamar about Ruin Road, which is out TODAY! Tune in on October 1 for part two of Eyeball Fall when we discuss The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim. Then join us for another classic horror movie chat when we cover The Silence of the Lambs with special guest J.H. Markert, author of the new horror novel Sleep Tight on 10/15! TOC:30– Welcome Lamar!! Evil Genie Wishes12:20– Happy 40 years Nightmare on Elm Street!14:48–Freddy Kruger as a villain20:49–Horror tropes34:37–Supernatural horror40:53–the end of the movie58:23– final thoughts1:06:19– talking with Lamar Giles about RUIN ROAD!1:41:20–what's on the blog, what's up next?YA Book Club about The Getaway by Lamar Giles: https://www.booksquadgoals.com/blog/ya-book-club-the-getaway-by-lamar-gilesYA Book Club about Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles: https://www.booksquadgoals.com/blog/ya-book-club-not-so-pure-and-simple-by-lamar-giles

Pack your bags — we're off to Europe for a second-chance romance! This week the Book Squad is talking about The Pairing by Casey McQuiston. We discuss romance tropes, ~sexy stuff~, gender dynamics, and food and wine writing. Join us and special guest Lamar Giles, author of Ruin Road, for our next Othersode about Nightmare on Elm Street on September 17th. Then read along for our next Bookpisode about The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monica Kim on October 1st. Don't forget to leave us a rating and review! TOC:30 – Welcome, pastry talk!6:30 – Book intro8:55 – Romance tropes and Kit and Theo as characters33:50 – Let's talk about sex, baby44:02 – Gender and romance56:55 – Travel1:05:42 – Ratings1:12:14 – What's on the blog? What's up next?Links:https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/casey-mcquiston-the-pairing-queer-love-self-discovery-1235067954/

Did you think our hatred of It Ends With Us ended with our hatepisode on the book? Think again. This week, girlfriend of the pod Angela Ferraguto joins us for a discussion of the brand new film adapation of Colleen Hoover's novel — and by discussion, we mostly mean a list of complaints. Plus, Angela offers her expert opinion re: flowers and the city of Boston, where everything is better. If you have any feedback, even if its hateful, feel free to email us at thesquad@booksquadgoals.com. Stay tuned for our next bookpisode on 9/3 when we'll be discussing The Pairing by Casey McQuiston, and stay extra tuned for our next othersode on 9/17 where we will be joined by the amazing Lamar Giles to talk about his new book, Ruin Road (oh, and A Nightmare on Elm Street, only 40 years late).TOC:30 – Welcome, Ang!5:23 – Colleen Hoover names are out of control12:08 – Movie intro12:45 – Changes between book and movie26:40 – The cringiest moment39:00 – Marketing53:40 – What happened on set?1:16:06 – Boston corner1:26:37 – Ratings1:28:57 – What's on the blog? What's up next?

Join Emily, Susan, and special returning guest Janet for a discussion of Angie Kim's second novel, Happiness Falls! We talk about the mystery plot, the role of communication and understanding, whether you can quantify happiness, and how we feel about the ending. Then we get into some listener feedback and continue our feud over whether Kennedy from Come and Get It is actually evil or pretty ok. Go see It Ends with Us and be a hater with us for our next Othersode on August 20. Then read along for our next Bookpisode about The Pairing by Casey McQuiston on September 3. Wanna weigh in on the Kennedy debate? Got other feedback? Send it all to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com!

Pick your astrological enemy because it's time to fight them in this high school gymnasium! JK, but we are discussing Bottoms (2023) with special guest Susie Dumond! After talking about the film, we chat with Susie about her new novel, Looking for a Sign. She gives us some great insights into her process, and we get to talk about astrology and dating apps too! Susie's book is out now, so go get it! Join us and special guest Janet Dale on August 6 for our next Bookpisode on Happiness Falls by Angie Kim. Then go hate-watch It Ends With Us for our next Othersode/Hatepisode on August 20th! Hit us with your listener feedback at thesquad@booksquadgoals.com or DM us on social media!TOC::30 – Welcome, Susie! 8:30 – Movie Intro9:21 – Comedy and tone14:30 – The Fight Club of it all21:00 – Gender and characterization, fave characters28:11 – How Bottoms upends norms towards gay youth37:00 – Favorite line or scene40:57 – Susie thinks about the signs in Bottoms43:36 – Interview with Susie Dumond about her new book Looking for a Sign!1:15:04 – Live listener feedback on Come and Get It! 1:21:22 – What's up next?

Is your credit card tingling? That's because this week we're talking about A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon. Join the squad for a discussion about the magical rules of this book, climate change as a villain, magical girl romance hopes, and how the book pushes against magical girl type. Then we get into some listener feedback about Come and Get It. (Do you have feedback? Send it to us!) Get ready for our next Othersode on 7/23 where Susie Dumond, author of Looking for a Sign, will join us to talk about Bottoms. Then read along for our next Bookpisode about Happiness Falls by Angie Kim on 8/6. TOC:0:30–Welcome! And icebreaker8:42–Book intro11:46–How this book subverts genre21:00–Monster of the week v. bigger issues31:15–Magical girl romance33:26–evil magical girls39:15–ratings and graphic design corner44:45–Listener feedback!46:29–What's up next?Links:It's Never Too Late to Be a Magical Girl! – https://bookriot.com/read-this-book-july-5-2024/The Evolution of the Magical Girl in Manga and Anime - https://bookriot.com/evolution-of-the-magical-girl/ 

It's Mary's Big Baby Bonanza! And we're celebrating with unhinged presentations on niche topics followed by baby gifts! Come party with us and learn about everything from US presidents to Vampire Potter fanfic to phantom jellyfish, and a bunch of other random things along the way. Join us on July 9th for a Bookpisode on A Magical Girl Retires by Seolyeon Park. Then get ready for a special Othersode featuring Susie Dumond, author of Looking for a Sign on July 23rd. Don't forget to leave us a rating and review!TOC: :30 – Welcome! And welcome special guest Todd!9:00 – Todd, President Two Truths and a Lie20:00 – Emily, Sailor Moon31:09 – Susan, Women's Tennis is Better42:00 – Kelli, My Immortal57:00 – Mary, Things I Google at 3AM1:22:07 – Presents for baby!1:34:30 – Listener Feedback! 1:36:00 – What's on the blog? What's up next?

We're going back to college to talk about Come and Get It by Kiley Reid! There's a lot to cover in the book, and issues of race, classism, and plain old mean girl behavior all come up. Plus, learn about the Squad's weird and wonderful college jobs! Considering how much buzz Kiley Reid received for her first novel, Such a Fun Age, you won't want to miss the talk about her latest work. Does it hold up like the first novel? Come and get it! And tune into our next episode for a very special episode celebrating Mary and Todd's soon-to-be baby! The Squad will present short presentations on their favorite special topics, joined by baby daddy Todd! Next Othersode: Mary's Big Baby Bonanza! Special Presentations feat. ToddNext episode: A Magical Girl Retires by Seolyeon ParkTOC::30 – Welcome!10:59 – Book Intro12:34 – What is up with this low Goodreads rating?21:36 – If “nothing happens,” why did this book feel so fast paced?25:00 – The characters, and especially Kennedy46:52 – Agatha1:04:28 – Money1:11:00 – Race1:16:26 – Target1:21:10 – Ratings!1:25:00 – What's on the blog? What's up next?

Special guest Paul Tremblay (author of The Cabin at the End of the World, Survivor Song, and the forthcoming Horror Movie) joins the Squad to talk about one of our favorite underrated horror films, The Blackcoat's Daughter (2017). We talk about the movie's unique take on possession, the performances, the (somewhat controversial?) ending, and the dangers of having Spring Break in February. Then we chat with Paul about his new novel, Horror Movie! Don't worry – there are no spoilers in this interview, so you can listen before you read it. And we DO recommend you read it because we all loved it. You don't want to miss this fun conversation! Our next Bookpisode will be about Come and Get It by Kiley Reid (June 11), and our next Othersode is a very special pre-maternity leave/baby shower episode where Mary gets to pick an unhinged thing for us all to talk about (June 25)! Please consider supporting us on Patreon and leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! And pre-order Horror Movie, on sale June 11th.TOC::30 – Welcome, Paul! And icebreaker13:00 – Movie intro14:32 – What makes this possession story special?20:30 – Performances32:38 – The ending and how it has been interpreted41:31 – Overall thoughts on the movie…and why were they going on break in February?51:00 – Paul talks all things Horror Movie! (Spoiler free!) 1:34:34 – What's on the blog? What's up next?LinksUnfriended episode: https://www.booksquadgoals.com/blog/othersode-14-unfriendedHouse of the Devil episode: https://www.booksquadgoals.com/blog/pizza-is-satanic-clay-mcleod-chapmanEmily's original review of The Blackcoat's Daughter: https://www.booksquadgoals.com/blog/10-weeks-of-spooktober-the-blackcoats-daughter-week-7-of-10?rq=blackcoatVulture 'ending explained': https://www.vulture.com/2017/03/blackcoats-daughter-ending.html

Spend ten days with us as we become fluent in the language of literary criticism! For our discussion of Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi's debut novel The Centre, the squad breaks our usual form and starts with the ending first. From there, we share our thoughts on the book's main character, its ideas about translation, the role classism plays in the story, and, crucially, blowjobs (just blowjobs in general, not the role classism plays in blowjobs). Be sure to tune in for our next episode on May 28th when we'll be joined by the incredible Paul Tremblay for a chat about overlooked horror films including The Blackcoat's Daughter and an interview about his phenomenal new book, Horror Movie. Then, read along for our next bookpisode on June 11th, when we'll discuss Come and Get It by Kiley Reid. Send your feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com, subscribe to us on Patreon, and follow us on social @booksquadgoals!TOC::30 – Welcome!6:12 – Book intro10:29 – Immediately talking about the ending27:28 – Let's talk about Anisa31:48 – BJ corner40:25 – Class stuff53:21 – Thoughts on translation1:08:00 – Ratings!1:11:59 – A statement about Palestine1:14:39 – What's on the blog? What's up next?Links:  All the Books: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-the-books/id993284374?mt=2 Jewish Voice for Peace: https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/ @PalestinianYouthMovement: https://www.instagram.com/palestinianyouthmovement/ https://palestinianyouthmovement.com/ 

This week the Squad goes to sunny Florida (NOT Australia) to discuss the Peacock series Apples Never Fall, based on the novel by Liane Moriarty. We talk about the differences between the book and the series, the family dynamics, the acting (including the tennis acting), and other Liane Moriarty adaptations we've seen. Then we get into some feedback on Irish Wish because we have to talk about Irish Wish at least once per episode. Read along with us for our next Bookpisode on The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi on 5/14. Then join us and very special guest Paul Tremblay for a chat about The Blackcoat's Daughter and Paul's new novel, Horror Movie, on 5/28! Don't forget to leave us a rating and review wherever you listen (but especially Apple Podcasts) and please consider becoming a patron for just $3 a month!TOC:30– Welcome! And icebreaker10:15–Show intro11:30–Differences between the book and the show33:50–The Delaney Family48:13– Let's talk about Savannah.52:40–Other characters, who'd you identify with?54:20–Susan's Tennis Corner59:19– Liane Moriarty Thoughts1:07:15– Listener Feedback!1:11:05– What's on the blog? What's up next?

Get transported to the other side of the world with the squad (minus Mary) as we discuss The Sun Sets in Singapore, the debut novel by Kehinde Fadipe! We discuss the main characters' struggles and story arcs, the women's friendships, the ~drama~, and the setting. Then we get into some listener feedback and catch up with what's on the Book Squad Blog! Steal your friend's Peacock login info to watch Apples Never Fall for our next Othersode on 4/30. Then read along with us for our next Bookpisode on The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi on 5/14. Send your feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com and don't forget to leave us a rating and review!TOC:30 – welcome!8:25 – book intro13:20 – which story were you most interested in?20:45 – friendship!29:18 – the Jenna bush of it all49:38 – ratings56:04 – listener feedback!1:00:16 – what's on the blog? What's up next?

You probably didn't think we were going to cover the new Lindsay Lohan Netflix film Irish Wish…but what if we did?? Come along to the Emerald Isle with the squad and special guest Nathan Simmons, co-host of Oh! That's a Scary Movie podcast, as we discuss the nature of wishes, what it means to “be” Irish, couture fashion, and the James Joyce of it all. Plus, enjoy a very special tangent on the screenwriter and her many, many favorite things. Read along for our next Bookpisode about The Sun Sets in Singapore by Kehinde Fadipe on 4/16, and check out the Peacock series Apples Never Fall (based on the Liane Moriarty novel) for our next Othersode on 4/23. PS: We would loooove a five-star rating if the spirit of St. Brigid moves you! TOC:0:30 — Welcome, Nathan! And icebreaker10:50 – Movie intro13:20 – What's this movie's whole deal?20:02 – The wish41:28 – Who wrote this?? And more miscellaneous comments 51:53 – What is everyone wearing?56:32 – Why is this set in Ireland?59:00 — James Joyce1:07:03 – Ratings 1:09:54 – Reedback 1:12:00 – What's on the blog? What's up next?Links: https://www.vulture.com/article/netflix-irish-wish-is-an-ai-generated-harbinger-of-doom.html

Mirror, mirror, on the wall... oh wait, that was our last book. Join the squad on another journey into the land of fairytales and their tropes as we discuss Thornhedge, the latest novella by T. Kingfisher. Special guest Jen educates us on everything from the Aarne-Thompson-Uther Index to the many crimes of Giambattista Basile, and Susan educates us on The Frog Prince (1986). Make sure to tune in next time, when we'll be joined by Nathan Simmons of the Oh! That's a Scary Movie podcast for a discussion of the latest Lindsay Lohan/Netflix vehicle, Irish Wish (4/2), and read along for our next bookpisode on The Sun Sets In Singapore by Kehinde Fadipe (4/16). Follow us on social media @booksquadgoals, subscribe to our Patreon, leave us a rating and review on the Apple podcasts app, and send LITERALLY any feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com!TOC::30 – Icebreaker Q, welcome Jen!5:05 – Book intro6:50 – Tale types14:48 – What's up with Toadling?24:13 – Other subversive fairy tales?28:42 – Halim 41:00 – Fayette and the ending of the book49:00 – Why do we keep retelling tales?52:44 – Ratings56:44 – What's on the blog? What's up next?Links: https://www.gofundme.com/f/emily-and-ben-beat-cancer

From the hearts…the minds…the dreams…of the Book Squad…comes a special discussion of the Jennifer Lopez film? visual album? This Is Me…Now. It's hard to describe our chat because it's hard to describe this project. But some topics we cover include: celebrity zodiac signs, eye-roll moments, which husband is which, and the meaning of a factory. Then we head back to non-green screen land to catch up with what's on the blog, including YA Book Club and Bachelor recaps! Read along with us for our next Bookpisode on Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher, featuring special guest Jen Roy, on 3/19. Then put on your best green outfit for our next Othersode on Irish Wish, the new Lindsay Lohan movie, on 4/2. Don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts – we'll read it on the next episode! Send listener feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com!TOC:30 – Icebreaker10:26 – Movie description and expectations13:08 – Previous J-Lo feelings22:48 – What is this?30:25 – The Great Heart Factory Debate44:56 – Kelli's tweet corner; where are the kids?50:00 – What else? The music?57:50 – What's on the blog? What's up next?

Put your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty – we're talking about Rouge by Mona Awad! Special guest Mary Kay McBrayer (author and podcast host) joins us for a deep dive into this surreal world to chat about genre, mother-daughter relationships, the toxic beauty industry, and of course, Tom Cruise himself. Next we catch up with what's on the blog, including a post about Hazbin Hotel and new Bachelor recaps! Buckle up for our next Othersode on Jennifer Lopez's movie-thing, This is Me…Now on March 5th. Then read along for our next Bookpisode about Thorn Hedge by T. Kingfisher on March 19th! Please leave us a rating and review on Apple podcasts, and we might read it on the pod!Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/booksquadgoalsTOC:30 – Welcome Mary Kay! And childhood crushes9:11 – The very extra Goodreads summary14:44 – Genre21:41 – Mother Daughter relationships52:57 – The ending1:08:40 – Tom Cruise1:23:30 – Cover art corner1:26:35 – Ratings1:31:16 – Mary Kay's new podcast, what's on the blog? What's up next?Links: https://www.vogue.com/article/mona-awad-fathers-day-essayhttps://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-greatest-true-crime-s-128412643/

Get in, losers; we're listening to a podcast the whole way there! Join the Book Squad, aka the Army of Skanks, to discuss the new Mean Girls movie, which IS in fact a musical. We talk about our individual histories with Mean Girls, the music and singing, the performances, and changes that worked and didn't from the original. Next we catch up with what's on the blog and Kelli shames listeners (Send feedback! Leave a rating! Write a review! Become a patron!). Read along for our next Bookpisode on Rouge by Mona Awad, featuring special guest Mary Kay McBrayer on 2/20. Then brace yourself for whatever This Is Me…Now is because we're discussing it on our next Othersode on 3/5. TOC::30– Welcome! And Icebreaker9:40– Movie intro and spoiler warning29:54– What was up with the marketing?40:45– The cast and the music1:00:40– Changes the new adaptation made1:14:10– What's on the blog? What's up next? Kelli's shame corner

Biography, but make it fiction. Join the Book Squad for a discussion of Biography of X by Catherine Lacey. We talk about the novel's alternative-America backdrop, the depiction of the South, X's “art, and what is up with the narrator. After that, Kelli interviews author Emily Austin (Interesting Facts About Space, Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead) about her latest novel, her writing process, the importance of queer stories, and of course, space! Plus, Emily asks Kelli some questions about designing her beautiful book covers! Then we get into some listener feedback for Looking Glass Sound and catch up with what's on the blog. Go see the new Mean Girls movie and join us for our next Othersode on 2/6 to hear us talk about it. Then special guest Mary Kay McBrayer will join us for our next Bookpisode on Rouge by Mona Awad on 2/20! Please leave us a rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and consider becoming a patron for just $3 a month!TOC:30 – Welcome! And icebreaker6:29 – Why biography?? And book intro14:00 – Alternate history23:39 – And how it relates to the south35:00 – How X sucks46:04 – What is up with the narrator?50:37 – Kelli's art corner59:00 – Ratings1:02:30 – Emily Austin interview!1:51:10 – Listener Feedback1:56:26 – What's on the blog? What's up next?Links: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/apr/01/catherine-lacey-that-constant-nervous-twitter-energy-repels-me-biography-of-x

It's the most wonderful time of year – time for our (pretty much) annual “Best of the Year” episode! Join us as we chat about our favorite pop culture from 2023. Plus, hear from some of our 2023 guests on their favorite things of the year. Read along for our next Bookpisode on Biography of X by Catherine Lacey on January 23rd, and go see Mean Girls for our next Othersode on February 6th! Send us your highlights of 2023 via DM or email at thesquad@booksquadgoals.com! Thanks for being with us in 2024!TOC2:34– Icebreaker11:22–Round 130:24– Round 248:22– Round 31:07:30– Honorable mentions1:20:30– Listener feedback!1:28:00–What's on the blog? What's up next?

Help! We're trapped inside this podcast and we can't get out! Just kidding, that didn't happen to us. It happened to our friend. Or did it...? This week, the squad attempts to untangle the complexities of Catriona Ward's latest novel, Looking Glass Sound. We spend a good chunk of the podcast nailing down the plot, but we also find time to discuss the merits of stories within stories, watery books, and, obviously, gay stuff. If you feel like you can explain any of this better than we did, please drop us a line at thesquad@booksquadgoals.com, and if you're not all Christmased out, check out Emily's 12 Days of Christmas Movies series on the blog! Stay tuned for our upcoming othersode on our favorite things of 2023 (1/9), and read Biography of X by Catherine Lacey to prep for our next bookpisode (1/23) which will also feature an interview with Emily Austin, author of Interesting Facts About Space. Happy (???) New Year!TOC:30 - Unhinged milk conversation3:55 - Actual welcome & intro question9:49 - Dog advice11:30 - Goodreads summary (featuring a mistake)14:25 - Remembering what happened in this book16:55 - Establishing basic plot points27:26 - When things start to spiral36:40 - The “present” of the book47:30 - Witchcraft?51:02 - Stories within stories - do these work?56:00 - Catriona Ward's other books that we're obsessed with1:01:08 - Gay stuff!1:06:30 - The setting and wet books1:10:50 - Character specifics and humor1:14:21 - Emily's ONE critique1:19:00 - Ratings1:26:45 - Listener feedback1:33:10 - What Emily wrote for the blog1:40:00 - What's next on the pod

Special guest Jayce Chambless is back to discuss The Only One Left by Riley Sager with the Squad. We talk (complain) about the characters, try to do some Sager math, ponder the 1980s setting, and reveal what moment made us sigh with resignation. Then we review some reviews from Goodreads because we love that unhinged shit. Then we get into what's on the blog and let ya know what's up next on the pod! Read along for our next Bookpisode on Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward on 12/26, and drop in for our Best of 2023 episode on 1/9! Please do us a solid and leave us a 5-star rating, write us a review, and/or become a Patron! Toodles, our bookish noodles!TOC:30 — Welcome, Jayce! And intro question12:20 — Book intro14:30 — The characters (other yahoos)34:09 — So many twists. Riley Sager math54:48 — Why is this set in the 80s?58:20 — What's a moment that made you sigh with resignation?1:11:19 — Review Reviews1:22:50 — Ratings1:28:00 — What's on the blog? What's up next?Links:https://www.booksquadgoals.com/blog/survive-the-book-mary-and-emily-read-riley-sager

The whole Squad is back together and on a hunt for CAMP of any sort in our discussion of Chuck Tingle's Camp Damascus. Put a pink bag over your head and join us as we talk about the novel's plot and pacing, YA vs. adult fiction, religious trauma, autism, and of course, CAMP. Then we catch up with what's on the (still alive, we swear) Book Squad Blog. Join us for what will probably be a Hatepisode as we discuss Riley Sager's The Only One Left with returning guest Jayce on 12/12. Then read along with us for our next Bookpisode on Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward on 12/26! Don't forget to leave us a rating and review, and if you're feeling extra generous, support us on Patreon at patreon.com/booksquadgoals.TOC: :30– Icebreaker11:30- Book intro and Tingle Intro23:16– Where's the camp? Plotting/Pacing issues43:00– YA Lit and standards48:29– Religious trauma: the novel56:27– Autism in the novel1:03:10– Ratings1:10:00–What's on the blog? What's up next?

This week, the Squad and special guest Ang Ferraguto (aka Kelli's gf) discuss Sofia Coppola's new film, Priscilla, based on the 1985 book Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley. We talk about our own personal connections to Elvis, the Sofia Coppola aesthetic of it all, the problematic nature of Elvis and Priscilla's relationship, and the ~discourse~ around the movie. Tangential conversation addresses Usher's Vegas residency. Read along with us for our next Bookpisode on Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle (11/28), and then tune in for our next Othersode about The Only One Left on 12/12. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!TOC:30 – Welcome to Ang Ferraguto and fave style icons9:52 – Film intro13:44 – Mary's intro corner26:20 – Sofia Coppola43:00 – The relationship1:11:35 – The discourse around the film1:22:50 – Costuming1:33:35 – Listener feedback1:35:33 – What's on the blog? What's up next?Links:People https://people.com/priscilla-presley-praises-sofia-coppola-priscilla-movie-8387678Variety: https://variety.com/2023/film/news/lisa-marie-presley-slammed-sofia-coppola-priscilla-script-1235777982/

Listen, we NEVER talk about vampires on this podcast, and we're not gonna do it today. Just kidding; yes we are. In our discussion of Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas, we also talk about romance, historical fiction, cover design, and the fact that westerns have to have a hot person for anyone on the squad to be interested. Next we get into some listener feedback and catch up with what's on the blog (yes, we still have that!). On our next Othersode on 11/14, we'll be talking about Sofia Coppola's new movie, Priscilla. After that we'll be reading Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle on our 11/28 Bookpisode. You should read along! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe, and if you're feeling extra generous, support us on Patreon!TOC:30 – Welcome and icebreaker!13:30 – Book intro16:00 – Genre and expectations22:17 – The romance of it all33:03 – Vampires42:25 – Historical fiction49:50 – Cover design54:00 – Ratings58:25 – Listener feedback1:02:00 – What's on the blog? What's up next?

Return guest Clay McLeod Chapman (author of The Remaking, Whisper Down the Lane, and Ghost Eaters) joins the Squad to chat about the depressing 2021 horror(?) film What Josiah Saw. We dig into the film's narrative structure, characters, and general bleakness and ask the important question: did this movie abuse us? Then we have a two-part (spoiler-free and spoilers-ok) discussion about Clay's new novel What Kind of Mother. This conversation covers everything from Nicolas Sparks to terrifying pizza. Next we get into some feedback on a blog post (of all things!) and Clay improvises a potential new theme song for the podcast. Read along for our next Bookpisode on Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas on 10/31, and go see Priscilla for our next Othersode on 11/14! Send any and all feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode! Not sure what to do next? Write us a review on Apple Podcasts and become at patron at patreon.com/booksquadgoals!TOC:30 – Welcome Clay! And icebreaker11:30 – Movie intro and spoiler alert13:25 – Narrative format and effectiveness31:30 – Why would anyone watch this?40:39 – The ending and what's going on55:00 – Why incest?1:04:50 – Non-spoiler interview with Clay1:27:12 – Getting into spoilers with Clay2:01:18 – Skinamarink Feedback, what's up nextLinkshttps://collider.com/what-josiah-saw-review-robert-patrick-nick-stahl-shudder/

So what if we stole this whole episode from some other podcast and called it our own? Is that a crime?? JK, this whole episode is our (four white ladies') original take on Yellowface by R. F. Kuang. We talk about the protagonist's decision-making skills, satire of the publishing industry and Twitter, cancel culture, and the author's own publishing experiences. Then we get into some listener feedback with excellent questions and catch up with what's on the blog. Join us and special guest Clay McLeod Chapman, author of What Kind of Mother, for a chat about What Josiah Saw (2021) on 10/17. Then read along for our next bookpisode on Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas on 10/31 — oooh, spooky! Support us at patreon.com/booksquadgoals and send feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com!TOC:30—Subscribe to our Patreon! And Icebreaker10:21—Book intro12:14—The general concept of Yellowface27:45—June's whole deal39:30—Satire of the publishing industry56:54—Cancel culture1:05:33—Similarities to R. F. Kuang's life1:25:50—Ratings1:30:40—Listener feedback!1:40:30—What's on the blog? What's up next?Linkshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUdFkRdgPDUhttps://www.npr.org/2023/05/16/1176508635/author-r-f-kuang-on-unlikable-narrators-and-cultural-appropriation-in-yellowface

Be a podcast vampire and consume this episode about What We Do in the Shadows, featuring special guest Grace Treutel! We talk about the show's mockumentary style, favorite character arcs, the Guillermo of it all, and even fanfiction. Next we talk to Grace about her short story chapbook, From the Humid Chambers of My Heart. Read along for our next Bookpisode about Yellowface by R.F. Kuang on 10/3. Then join us and special guest Clay McLeod Chapman, author of What Kind of Mother, for our next Othersode about What Josiah Saw on 10/17. Send your feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com and consider becoming a patron at patreon.com/booksquadgoals! TOC: :30– welcome! We've got a guest and we're taking a quiz!15:00– Show intro and the show's relation to the film20:00–Documentary format and comedy– how do they work together?29:45– That characters' stories this season42:27–The Guillermo of it all1:04:48– Grace's Fanfic corner!1:07:30– Interview with Grace about From the Humid Chambers of my Heart1:35:15– What's on the blog? What's up next?

Be a podcast vampire and consume this episode about What We Do in the Shadows, featuring special guest Grace Treutel! We talk about the show's mockumentary style, favorite character arcs, the Guillermo of it all, and even fanfiction. Next we talk to Grace about her short story chapbook, From the Humid Chambers of My Heart. Read along for our next Bookpisode about Yellowface by R.F. Kuang on 10/3. Then join us and special guest Clay McLeod Chapman, author of What Kind of Mother, for our next Othersode about What Josiah Saw on 10/17. Send your feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com and consider becoming a patron at patreon.com/booksquadgoals! TOC: :30– welcome! We've got a guest and we're taking a quiz!15:00– Show intro and the show's relation to the film20:00–Documentary format and comedy– how do they work together?29:45– That characters' stories this season42:27–The Guillermo of it all1:04:48– Grace's Fanfic corner!1:07:30– Interview with Grace about From the Humid Chambers of my Heart1:35:15– What's on the blog? What's up next?

Gidday, Goalies! Join the squad on the sun-drenched Australian coast for a tale of love (?) and loss with Thirst for Salt, the debut novel by Madelaine Lucas. We discuss the writing style, the book's central relationship, and themes of motherhood. Next we catch up with what might or might not be on the blog and share some news about our Patreon – that's right, we have a Patreon now! Tune in on 9/19 for our next Othersode about What We Do in the Shadows with special guest Grace Treutel. Then read along with us for our next Bookpisode about Yellowface by R.F. Kuang on 10/3. Send your feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com and become a patron at pateon.com/booksquadgoals!TOC:30 – Welcome! 12:28 – Book intro14:38 – Why is the narrative structure like that25:00 – The writing31:59 – The relationship44:49 – Mom stuff59:34 – Ratings1:04:07 – What's on the blog? What's up next?

HI BARBIE! It's girls' night, plus one Ken (special guest Nathan Simmons)! Join the squad for our discussion of the already iconic Barbie movie. We talk about the film's brilliant marketing, Barbie's particular brand of feminism, the excellent cast, motherhood and daughterhood, and of course, the weird conservative backlash. Read along for our next Bookpisode on Thirst for Salt by Madelaine Lucas on 9/5. Then join us and special guest Grace Treutel (author of the chapbook From the Humid Chambers of My Heart) for an Othersode about What We Do in the Shadows on 9/19! Send us feedback (PLEASE) to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com! And while you're at it, leave us a rating and review on Apple podcasts. Thanks, Barbie!Table of Contents::30– Welcome, Nathan! And icebreaker8:10– The Barbie Movie intro13:50– Barbie's marketing24:55– Literary influence41:32–Casting51:45– response from critics1:08:00–Motherhood corner1:18:21– we are Barbie gorls1:24:40– What's on the blog? What's up next?Where to find Nathan:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oh-thats-a-scary-movie/id1578168937 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-silver-linings-playlist/id1328636209 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aipt-comics/id1448147137 https://www.youtube.com/@thefevertherage Variety Barbie Marketing article: https://variety.com/2023/film/box-office/barbie-marketing-campaign-explained-warner-bros-1235677922/

Sorry to *bug* you, but we've got a new episode here! Join the Squad for a discussion of Piñata by Leopoldo Gout. We chat about the horrors of colonialism, puberty, and of course, whether the book is scary. Next we get into some listener feedback for Chain-Gang All-Stars and catch up with what's on the ol' Book Squad Blog, including new Bachelorette recaps. Get ready to party for our next Othersode on Barbie! We'll be joined by fellow podcaster Nathan Simmons for that one on 8/22. Next, read along for our Bookpisode on Thirst for Salt by Madelaine Lucas on 9/4. Send us any and all feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com and be sure to leave us a rating and review on Apple podcasts, pretty please!TOC:30 – Hello and Welcome!6:50– Book Intro and jumping right in21:13 –Colonialism is bad37:28 – Is this book just about puberty?53:24 – Where are we again? Is this book scary?1:03:35 –Let's rate it! 1:07:31 – Listener Feedback!1:17:10– What's on the blog? What's up next? Links:https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/fury-born-from-helplessness-on-leopoldo-gouts-pinata/ https://paulsemel.com/exclusive-interview-pinata-author-leopoldo-gout/ https://www.esthersarahkim.com/https://twitter.com/angelmamii5?lang=en

Have you ever wondered: What if Jane Austen, but gay? Join the squad and returning guest Tirzah Price for an episode where we explore this very important question. First, we discuss Andrew Ahn's 2022 film Fire Island, a queer retelling of Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Then, we talk with Tirzah about her new book, Manslaughter Park, the third in her YA series of Jane Austen Murder Mysteries — and the first to feature a sapphic romance. If you have comments, questions, or ideas for more gay adaptations of classics, please email us at thesquad@booksquadgoals.com, and follow us on social @booksquadgoals. Stay tuned for our next bookpisode on Piñata by Leopoldo Gout (8/8), and then on 8/22 as we finally dive into Barbie! TOC:30–welcome, Tirzah! And icebreaker 7:36–film intro9:04–what makes this film different from other adaptations?22:54–romance and representation33:15–beauty standards and gay culture42:00–misc topics44:50–manslaughter park!!1:19:38–feedback!1:21:40–what's on the blog? What's up next?Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/queerloveinhistory/https://www.them.us/story/manslaughter-park-tirzah-price-queer-jane-austen-interviewhttps://www.instagram.com/jfkillsdarlings/?hl=en

In this very special post-July 4th episode (featuring some fireworks), the Squad discusses Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah's debut novel Chain-Gang All Stars. Join in as we chat about incarceration in the United States, dystopian/futuristic methods of torture, reality tv, football, Jenna Bush Hager's book club, and everything we hate about America. It's a fun time. Also, there's actually new stuff on our blog this week?!?! You don't want to miss this.Join us next time for another FIRE episode as we discuss the film Fire Island with one of our favorite guests, Tirzah Price, author of Manslaughter Park (episode will be out on July 28). And read along for our next bookpisode out on August 8 when we'll be reading Piñata by Leopoldo Gout. Don't forget to leave us a review (5 stars only… love ya). And send your feedback or questions to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com or DM us on IG!TOC:30 – Welcome!17:50 – Book Intro19:30 – How do dystopian tropes work in this novel? Are we horrified it's so close to reality?40:15 – How did the sci-fi elements work for us?45:50 – Does the novel cover too much ground? Too many perspectives?1:00:12 – ~ROMANCE~1:06:56 – The ending1:16:50 – the Jenna of it all1:27:44 – Ratings1:34:09 – What's on the blog? What's up next?Links:https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/06/legislatures-passed-550-anti-trans-bills-so-far-this-year/https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/06/11/journalist-blinded-during-protest-sues-minneapolis-police-state-patrol/https://www.today.com/video/-chain-gang-all-stars-author-talks-about-his-action-packed-thriller-178654277518