Booked Solid

Dropping in with another spoiler-free episode for y'all! This one is all about my favorite (and least favorite!) recent reads. This list is pretty dated now as I recorded this a while ago so I will do an updated episode soon. I have read some absolute bangers lately that I really want to share. I also have a book vs. series adaptation episode coming your way as well as some audiobook recs. It's been a long time since I last uploaded and I'm so excited to be sharing some content with y'all. Hope you enjoy! Where to find me: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid

New content, who dis? We're going to be trying something new on the Booked Solid feed - short form, SPOILER-FREE, content! All of the information about this new series can be found at the beginning of this episode as well as important updates about season 3. For the first episode of this "short stories" series I will be discussing some of my favorite Greek mythology retellings plus a few that I'm eager to read. It was impossible to list all of them in one episode, so let me know if you'd like a part 2! So excited to share this new content with y'all! Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid Donation of the Week: Relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Fiona can be found by clicking on the links provided.

In this week's episode I'm joined by Jainny from @jainnyreads to discuss Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades. Spoiler alert - this book is absolutely incredible and this was such a fun and special episode to record. This novel resonated so deeply with both Jainny and myself, and we dive deep into everything we loved as well as our own experiences as Brown Girls. If you haven't read it yet, PLEASE do yourself the favor.  P.S. An update on this season can be found here. Where to find us Donation of the Week: #HappyPeriod, a Black-led nonprofit dedicated to providing menstrual hygiene products to those in need as well as advocating for menstrual health education.

In this week's episode I am joined by Moe from @readingwithmoe to chat about Nobody's Magic by Destiny O. Birdsong. Following the lives of three Black women with albinism, this breathtaking novel is told in three parts and features compelling and unforgettable characters. We'll be discussing the nuance of each woman's story, the role the title plays in the novel, and all the ways in which this novel grasped at our emotions. Where to find us Donation of the Week: The Trevor Project, a non-profit dedicated to providing support and crisis intervention for LGBTQ youth.

Surprise! In today's bonus episode I am joined by Kara Thomas, author of The Cheerleaders, That Weekend, and more to chat about her writing process, true crime, and which literary tropes we are ready to say goodbye to. I'm so excited to have Kara on the show (you can find my gushy review of two of her novels here) and her latest novel, That Weekend is available in paperback today!  Where to find us Content warning: We briefly discuss true crime and topics related to it (i.e. missing persons, psychological trauma, etc) are mentioned.

In today's episode I am joined by Élaina of Bookshelf Remix (another amazing book review podcast that you need to check out if you haven't already!) to chat about Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke. Written entirely in slack messages between employees, this was definitely a unique read. We'll be discussing what it means to be human, how technology plays a role in answering that question, and how a robot tells you when it's full.  Also! As you may have already seen, Élaina and I host a Gilmore Girls analysis podcast together called Women of Questionable Morals. We discuss many different themes/characters/whatever pops into our heads and often feature voice memos and comments from our listeners. If you too are a major Gilmore Girls fan please send us your thoughts/opinions over on our instagram or at woqmpod@gmail.com and be sure to check out our show! ☕️  Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid Donation of the Week: A list of fundraisers to support the families of the Uvalde and Tulsa Medical Center mass shooting victims can be found by clicking on the links provided. Additional information about how to advocate for gun control and end gun violence can be found here.

For this week's episode I'm joined by Tabitha from @bookmarkedbytab to chat about Brit Bennet's debut novel, The Mothers. This book was especially exciting as The Vanishing Half was one our debut episodes, and Brit Bennett is beloved around these parts. We'll be discussing the role the title plays in the novel, the major disappointment that is Luke's character, and the complexity of Aubrey and Nadia's friendship.  Content Warning: This book deals with sensitive themes such as assault, abortion, and suicide. We do not go into detail, but we do reference these topics a few times throughout the episode. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid Donation of the Week: A list of fundraisers to support the families of the Buffalo mass shooting victims can be found here.

Wahala means trouble and oh do these girls get into it! In these week's episode I'm joined by Jade from @goodreadswithjade to discuss Nikki May's debut novel. Described as an Anglo-Nigerian Sex and the City, we definitely had high hopes for this one. We'll be chatting about Isobel's perplexing motivations, how on earth these girls are friends with each other, and why Didier is the true MVP. Where to find us Donation of the Week: Black Girls Code, a non-profit dedicated to providing young Black girls with equal access, opportunity, and exposure to STEM focused technical careers.

Season 3 is in full swing! Today I'm joined by bookstagrammer Liz from @anotherreaderaccount to discuss Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. This book was something ELSE and let me just say that I finally understand the hype. We'll be chatting about the complexity of Eva and Shane's relationship, the precocious wonder that is Audre, and the sound advice from RuPaul that we all need to follow. Where to find us Donation of the Week: A list of over 30 organizations to support Ukraine can be found here.

Remember that big news I said would be coming soon? Well, it's here! I present to you, Women of Questionable Morals (if you know, you know!) a Gilmore Girls analysis podcast created/hosted by myself and Élaina from @bookshelfremix. We could not be more excited about this and can't wait to share it with y'all. Be sure to follow/subscribe for updates! If you have any episodes or themes that you'd like to see us cover, send us an email at woqmpod@gmail.com. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid https://linktr.ee/WomenofQuestionableMorals    

It's been a while! We're dropping in to fill you in on where we've been and chat about season 3 (which will finally be coming on April 4th!). We're switching things up a bit this season so listen in for what you can expect this time around. Also, keep your eye on this feed and our instagram for more big news coming in just a few days!

In today's episode, Sariah is joined by her friend Jordan to discuss the sci-fi classic Dune. Rounding out at about 625 pages, there's MUCH to be said (the length of this episode being exhibit A). This novel was 10x better than we imagined and if you take anything away from this episode, let it be that this is a must read. We'll be chatting about the ramifications of Paul's gift, the depth of Frank Herbert's writing, and how this novel redefined an entire genre. Keep a lookout for a bonus episode on the film adaptation when it hits theaters this October! Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid Check out Jordan on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/earth2jordan

We have an incredibly special guest today! Join Sariah in this episode as she chats with Erin A. Craig, The NY Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows, about all things spooky, her writing process, and her beautifully terrifying new novel, Small Favors, which is available today! Where to find Erin: Instagram @penchant4words, Twitter @Penchant4Words, TikTok @penchantforwords Small Favors B&N Special Edition: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/small-favors-erin-a-craig/1137975188?ean=9780593485095 Small Favors (signed & personalized copy): https://www.schulerbooks.com/small-favors Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid

Join Sariah in this bonus episode as she chats with her friend and fellow book lover, Kaila, about the novel currently taking the literary world by storm, The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Delila Harris. Described as “The Devil Wears Prada meets Get Out” there's a lot to unpack with this one! Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid How to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast

Happy Birthday Booked Solid! Thank you all so much for the support you've shown us over the last year. We're so grateful for this community and appreciate every one of you who've listened, liked, commented, shared, or subscribed. Happy reading and we'll see you soon for season 3!  Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid How to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast

We're baaaack! We missed y'all way too much so we're dropping in with a few bonus episodes while we continue to work on season 3.  In today's episode Sariah will be sharing her thoughts on the highly anticipated Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon. A beautifully written novel that explores the weight of love and the many different forms that it comes in. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid How to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast

It’s our very first non-fiction episode! This week we’ll be discussing Thick: And Other Essays by Tressie McMillan Cottom. A powerful collection of essays that both validated and challenged us, in the best way possible. We’ll be chatting about disparities in the healthcare system, the impossible (and often contradicting) standards placed on Black women, and why we (like Tressie) hate LinkedIn. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid Donation of the Week: https://bwhi.org/donate/ How to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast

We’re dropping in with a bonus episode on Somewhere in the Dark by R.J. Jacobs. A true psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end! Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid How to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast

This week we’re discussing The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. A novel that explores the weight of regret and roads less travelled. We’ll be chatting about Nora’s journey, the beautifully immersive writing, and the role of perspective in this novel. Content Warning: This book deals with sensitive themes such as situational depression and suicide. We do not go into detail, but we reference these topics a few times throughout the episode.   Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid How to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast

Welcome to the very first Booked Solid Awards! We’re taking a look at everything we covered during season 1 and awarding our favorites. We’ll be handing out best plot twist, best character, best adaptation, and more!    Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid How to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast

For our Valentine’s Day bonus episode we’re covering the YA romance, Love is a Revolution by Renée Watson. This book resonated with us in so many ways (representation matters)! We’ll be discussing how trust is the foundation of relationships, the impact of respectability politics on the black community, and the importance of self love.Mentioned in the episode:From author Renée Watson: https://zora.medium.com/amp/p/6e01d9e10f7eYouTuber Tee Noir’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LVe9CELws4&ab_channel=TeeNoirWhere to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidHow to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast

In today’s episode we’ll be chatting about One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus. A modern whodunit that is “Pretty Little Liars meets The Breakfast Club” (Entertainment Weekly) with a splash of Gossip Girl. We’ll be sharing our opinions on each of the characters, how clichés helped the plot (and how they didn’t), and why the killer’s identity was an injustice to the story.Content Warning: This book deals with sensitive themes that may be triggering, such as emotional abuse, depression, and suicide. We do not go into great detail, but we do reference these topics throughout the episode.Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidDonation of the Week: https://www.mhanational.orgHow to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast

This week we're discussing Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam. This book was completely different than we thought it would be. If you've read it, you know! It keeps you thinking long after you finish, and by the end of this episode we had a completely different perspective. We chat about the nuance of the writing, how classism and racism shape this story, and why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidDonation of the Week: https://www.nationalbailout.orgHow to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast

We've got some thoughts on the Bridgerton series! We'll be chatting about Simon and Daphne's tumultuous relationship, Eloise's elitist attitude, and the surprising identity of Lady Whistledown.Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidHow to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcastTimestamps:7:00 - Anthony Bridgerton14:33 - Eloise Bridgerton19:23 - Penelope Featherington28:17 - Colin Bridgerton & Marina Thompson33:00 - Representation in Bridgerton and the media45:00 - Benedict Bridgerton & Henry Granville48:33 - Patriarchal double standards between men and women51:40 - LGBTQ+ representation in Bridgerton52:19 - Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton1:07:00 - Final thoughts

We’re back! We’re opening season 2 with The Queen’s Gambit, the new Netflix original series that’s taken the world by storm. We’ll be exploring the weight of Beth’s gift, the characters that shaped her life, and everything we loved (and didn’t!) about both the book and the adaptation. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidHow to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast  

Happy Halloween! Join us as we wrap up our Spooktober series chatting about the Netflix adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's classic novel.Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidOur GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast  

For this week’s episode we’re discussing When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole. A jaw-dropping thriller, with major Get Out vibes, that takes a deeper look at gentrification in a Brooklyn neighborhood. We’ll be chatting about Theo’s misguided intentions, Sydney’s pursuit of the truth, and the very real and harmful effects of gentrification.Key sources and terms mentioned in this episode:https://www.cdc.gov/tuskegee/timeline.htmhttps://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/history/40-years-human-experimentation-america-tuskegee-studyhttps://www.cnn.com/2020/10/21/business/purdue-pharma-guilty-plea/index.htmlGentrificationRedliningScientific RacismEminent DomainCultural AppropriationCommunity DisplacementMicroaggressionsSystemic RacismDonation of the Week: https://righttothecity.org/support-us/donate/Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidOur GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast

Join us as we chat with the wonderful Julia Walton, author of the novel Words on Bathroom Walls. We discuss her writing process, what it was like to see her book on the big screen, and her upcoming novel, Just Our Luck. Julia also shares what led to her to start writing and advice for those looking to start their own careers. The film Words on Bathroom Walls will be available digitally on 11/10 and DVD & Blu-Ray on 11/17. Be sure to check out Just Our Luck which will be hitting shelves on 12/29/2020!Where to find Julia: Website - https://www.juliawalton.com Instagram - @jwaltonwritesWhere to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidDonation of the Week: Donate to NAMI

This week we’re discussing Words on Bathroom Walls by Julia Walton as well as the recent film adaptation. A novel that follows Adam, a teenager recently diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, as he navigates high school, his diagnosis, and an experimental new treatment. We’ll be chatting about his relationship with Maya, the damaging stigma surrounding mental illness, and Adam’s journey of self-acceptance.  Be sure to check out our bonus episode where we interview Julia Walton!Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidDonation of the Week: Donate to NAMIHow to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast

Welcome to the second episode in our Spooktober series! We’re discussing House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig. A dark, enchanting fairytale, influenced by Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, that immerses you in the world of Salten and the Thaumas sisters. This page-turner will give you chills, goosebumps, and keep you guessing right up until the final page. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid Donation of the Week: Donate your time by learning more about the SARS protests in Nigeria and how you can help. Here are a few resourcesnigeria-protests-police-sars.htmlend-sars-police-brutality-protests-nigeria-abuja-lagos-video-explainer(Donate here with bitcoin or legal aid) Feminist-Coalition-20909b5c2f2549cd85b6ea14dec88818

We’re starting spooky season off right with Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. A gothic horror novel that follows Noemi Taboada as she attempts to rescue her cousin from the deceitful and evil family she married into. We’ll be chatting about the ruthless characters, the moments that had us on the edge of our seats, and the explosive ending. This is the first episode in our spooky series! Throughout the month we'll be bringing you all the super spooky content, be sure to check out our Instagram for the full list of episodes.P.S. Enjoy our new logo and theme music for the series!Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidDonation of the Week: Donation2

This week we're discussing Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid. A novel that explores the pitfalls of doing the right thing for the wrong reasons. We'll be chatting about Alix's internalized racism, why Kelley is a villain, and Emira's relatable journey of self-discovery.  Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid

This week we’re discussing The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney. This dysfunctional family drama follows the Plumb siblings as they navigate adulthood, poor decisions (along with the ensuing consequences), and attempt to reconnect with one another following a life-alerting incident. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidOur GoFundMe campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcastDonation of the Week:https://www.gofundme.com/f/wildfirerelieffund https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/california-wildfires/

For this week’s episode we’re discussing The Guest List by Lucy Foley. A page-turning thriller that combines old friends, dark secrets, a high-profile wedding, and a haunted, remote island. What could go wrong? We’ll be chatting about the jaw-dropping plot twists (too many to count!), the wonderfully eerie setting, and the cost of exacting revenge. Content Warning: This book deals with sensitive topics such as suicide, sexual assault, abortion, depression, bullying, and self-harm. We do not go into detail, but we reference these topics a few times throughout the episode.Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidDonation of the Week: https://bit.ly/mkefreedomfund 

Join Sariah in this bonus episode as she shares her thoughts on the Twilight Saga (books & movies) as well as the release of Midnight Sun!Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid

For this week's episode we're discussing the book Normal People by Sally Rooney as well as the Hulu original series. A story that captures the love, pain, and growth of two young adults over the course of several years. We'll be chatting about whether Marianne and Connell actually belong together, just how much our lives are shaped by the people who are in it, and the captivating way in which this story was brought to life.Content Warning: This story deals with sensitive themes, such as abuse and depression, that may be triggering. We do not go into great detail, but we reference these topics a few times throughout this episode.Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidDonation of the Week: https://supportlrc.app/donate/donate_guest.html

This week we’re discussing The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell. This dark and twisty novel explores the greed, manipulation, and deceit one family faces, and the lingering effects twenty-five years later. We’ll be chatting about which plot twist shocked us the most, the danger of putting your trust in the wrong people, and the surprising ending we never saw coming.*TRIGGER WARNING*This book contains content related to domestic abuse and sexual assault. We do not go into great detail, but these topics come up periodically throughout the episode, specifically at 34:50-37:50 and 46:30-48:20.Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidDonation of the Week: https://blackmamasmatter.org

In today’s episode, we will be discussing The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. A story that explores the lives of identical twin sisters who make radically different choices in life, and the consequences that they face because of them. We’ll be chatting about the detrimental effects of colorism, how the choices that we make extend beyond ourselves, and what people are willing to sacrifice to live the life that they want.Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidDonation of the Week: https://www.naacpldf.org/?key=47623664  

Welcome to our very first episode! We’re kicking off with a bang, literally, as we discuss Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. We’ll be chatting about both the book and the show, giving our take on the characters, the controversial verdict of the case, and exploring how race and class intersect to tell this story.Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolidDonation of the Week: https://www.naacpldf.org/?key=47623664  

Hello and welcome to Booked Solid! A podcast created by book lovers for book lovers. We're your hosts Sariah Emmanuel and India Smith. This episode gives you a peek into what you can expect from our show. Be sure to subscribe so that you can be notified when our first two episodes drop on Monday, July 20th! PLEASE NOTE: In our intro we stated that we would be uploading every week, however as of 07/16/2020 we have made the decision to upload every other week. We want to provide our listeners with adequate time to read each book and be apart of the conversation. Our first two episodes will still be launching on 07/20/20 and you can find our updated schedule in the link below. We apologize for any confusion and happy reading!Where to find us:https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid