Welcome to GBF, or Gay Book Friends, the bi-weekly (no pun intended) book review show where two best friends read the Best Seller List, and each other, for filth! Listen as we cover everything from popular LGBTQ+ literature, to cult favorites, iconic sagas, and the biggest novels of the year! Follow us on Instagram, YouTube & Twitter @gaybookfriends!
New Podcast by Geraldine & Rob
Geraldine & Rob react to the new Netflix series "Heartstopper", comparing the breakthrough hit with its best-selling graphic novel counterpart. Topics of discussion include the art of perfect casting, "queer-optimism", and lotsssss of love for the iconic Nick Nelson!
Geraldine and Rob discuss the vast world of fan-fiction! They cover some controversy and their favorite fan creations. Discussed are Finnick Odair (as per usual), Omegaverse, gay Javert, and a little too much kink shaming.
Geraldine & Rob look back at some of the books they've covered in the past, then look forward to their upcoming prequels, sequels, and adaptations. Topics include: The First to Die at the End, We Were Always Liars, and the highly anticipated Wicked movie starring Ariana Grande!
Geraldine & Rob discuss their takes on the works of author Gillian Flynn. Can Rob get Geraldine to finally read Gone Girl? What is it that makes Flynn write so often about murder? How is g*y p*rnst*r Brent Coorigan involved??? Find out on this week's episode!
Geraldine & Rob discuss She Who Will Not Be Named's legacy of bigotry, and all things Harry Potter! Topics discussed cover the recent reunion special, the beloved book and film series, and even... Lightning McQueen's ... daddy kink?
Geraldine & Rob discuss the graphic novel and web-tune series Heartstopper by Alice Oseman, a light-hearted story of two boys and their chronicles of love, family & friendship in their small English town. Talking points include the artistic appeal of graphic storytelling, wholesome freinds-to-lovers storylines, and justice for those whose primary love language is physical touch!
Geraldine & Rob discuss Mexican Gothic by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia, a love letter to the classic gothic genre of literature, rooted in horror and the unsavory history of Mexican colonialism. Join us as we investigate the magic behind the gothic novel structure, our love for everything spooky, and the power of girlbosses vs. a remote location filled with white people!
Geraldine & Rob call some of their closest friends and family to ask what book is their favorite and why!
Geraldine & Rob discuss what is perhaps known as THE greek tragedy of twink f*ggotry... a book SO good, Geraldine could only give it a 1 sentence review on good reads in 2017, and Rob read in a single, very long and sad day... The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a neo-classic adaptation of Homer's The Illiad, told through the perspective of the character Patroclus and his relationship with the infamous demi-god Achilles. Join as we discuss the gayest empire known to man and what is possibly the first instance of a hag in ancient history. Side-notes include questionable statues, the besties to lovers pipeline, and blue-haired girls. Edited by: Natalie Rash
Happy Anniversary besties- we're back! After taking some time off to go TikTok viral, get employed, navigate seasonal depression AND react to Ariana Grande's casting in Wicked... its officially game time bitches :) Get ready for a new season of weekly episodes EVERY Wednesday as Rob and Geraldine cover everything from books, to pop culture and whatever twists and turns 2022 may offer. In this brief recap episode, we look back at our success as professionals in literature and the written word... and also make some new years (even though its February LOL) resolutions! Will 2022 be the year that Robert discovers what a graphic novel is, and Geraldine reads something by Gillian Flynn...?
Geraldine & Rob are joined by resident twi-hard Max Braun to dissect the danger, delusion and down-right devotion of being a Twilight stan, exploring what made this infamous saga the global phenomenon that is today.
Geraldine & Rob are joined by the undisputed king of BookTok, Kevin Tyler Norman -otherwise know as @KTNORMAN- to discuss the trials and tribulations of a modern internet star and navigating online book culture!
Geraldine & Rob are joined by resident twi-hard Max Braun to dissect the danger, delusion and down-right devotion of being a Twilight stan, exploring what made this infamous saga the global phenomenon that is today.
Geraldine & Rob kick off their favorite season with the intended spook, murder-mystery melodrama Final Girls by Riley Sager.
Geraldine & Rob discuss the best-selling, YA, science fiction, LOWKEY "romance" novel, "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera.
Geraldine & Rob are joined by their special guest-bestie, Claudia Campanella! A historian with a masters degree in history of all sorts, Claudia helps to underline what makes this iconic story by author Oscar Wide so iconic, inventive, unconventional, and of course, gay!
Geraldine & Rob discuss their least favorite books of all time- ranging from modern best sellers, to classics, and of course just a dash of YA.
Geraldine & Rob discuss the usage of popular tropes in romance fiction, dissecting their overarching effects on the genre, and our love/hate relationship with each! From the infamous "enemies to lovers", to "stuck together", there is never a trope toooo campy, unrealistic or downright unbearable that hasn't plagued some of our most beloved stories and characters. Listen now for the definitive GBF ranking of the top 9 tropes in romance fiction, as well as the usual banter and some unavoidable input from our classique in-studio guests!
Geraldine and Rob dissect yet ANOTHER trope filled, camp exhausted, gay rom-com! Even more british than books they've reviewed before, Boyfriend Material challenged our reviewers faith in the "classic" adult, gay rom-com drama, possibly even cursing their interest in the genre forever! Listen on to discover more thoughts on this fledgling sub-genre of modern romance, peppered with discussion on the British press, gay anime, Trisha Paytas, and unfortunately- even Rupaul's Drag Race.
Geraldine & Rob discuss their toilsome relationship with tropes used in literature, specifically ranking the Top 9 tropes found in their favorite genre of books- romance! Be prepared for a deep dissection of the best and worst cliches in our reading history, where nothing- including love triangles, toxic relationships, and even our own love lives- is off the table! And if you dont agree with us.... dont worry, its camp!
Geraldine & Rob take a deep dive into their favorite characters from young adult(YA) books and series! Closeted p*tterheads, hunger games fans, and anyone who read gay fan fic of The Raven Boys series on tumblr in 2014 is welcome to join for a listen! Also, make sure not to miss some discussion of Real Lifeâ„¢ events and our favorite fan questions!
Geraldine & Rob discuss the sophomore novel of one of their favorite authors- One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston! Join us on our wild foray into the crazy, queer world created by McQuiston, and our critique of lesbian representation in 2021! Also, discussions of time travel, the New York City MTA, and LOTS of public sex-if you're into that sort of thing.
Geraldine & Rob dig DEEP with one of their iconique high school english teachers, asking burning questions about everything from books choices to behind the scenes teacher & student drama. When no question is off limits... there's no telling how messy things could get!
Rob & Geraldine dissect the multifaceted issues of adapting books to the big screen, highlighting some of Hollywood's best AND worst attempts at re-imagining our favorite series. From mistakes in on-screen representation to cultural appropriation, directors-and even authors- have missed the boat when it comes to showcasing inclusivity in their stories, and we are here to talk about it!
Geraldine & Rob discuss the BIBLE of GBF- Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston! Join us in fan-casting the campiest, gayest political love story of the century, featuring lots of love for Laura Dern, boys with blonde hair, and anyone who goes from "enemies" to "lovers"!
Geraldine & Rob answer questions from friends, covering everything form their favorite books to their friendship, never failing to insert Nicki Minaj where necessary.
Geraldine & Rob are accompanied by renowned lesbian, bestie and jo*rnalist, Natalie Rash! Together, this ultimate group of GBF's discuss the best selling novel "The 7 Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid, examining just how great it feels to read about women who are gay, successful, multi-dimensional, and maybe even- happy?
Geraldine & Rob discuss the best selling novel, The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet. Join them as they discuss the intricacies of race, family, and the unexpected beauty of when a book turns out to be gay! Astonishing, heartfelt, complex and powerful- The Vanishing Half is one of the best books we've read all year!
Geraldine & Rob discuss Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid! In our most unpredictable read yet, we chat about the complexities of race, social media, and the WORST high school breakup story you've ever heard... Singers Rosé from BLACKPINK and Demi Lovato also find their way into the conversation on this tantalizing story we can't help but admit was SUCH a run read- if not exceptional!
Geraldine & Rob discuss the debut dark-academic novel Real Life, by Brandon Taylor! In this episode we follow the eventful weekend of a grad student named Wallce, as he shares his introverted, honest and sometimes humorous experience of being a black queer student in Middle-America. Join us as we discuss the tribulations of college life, astrological assumptions, Fire Island of course, and Grindr!
Geraldine & Rob discuss the newest addition to The Hunger Games Trilogy, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins! Listen as we get into lots of gay names, potentially gay characters, and the biggest question in Hollywood right now: who's a better twink, Timothée Chalamet or Tom Holland? Plus, we are joined by our special guest, and official ally of the pod, Lauren Quinn! (@quinntingz on social media)
Geraldine & Rob discuss hydroflasks, being a teenager in LA, and navigating life with a gay ghost boyfriend in their review for the book Cemetery Boys! In this debut novel by best selling author Aidan Thomas, we follow Yadriel, a transgender teen growing up in a traditional latinx community of magic, spirits, and dead boys that may or may not be cute enough to fall completely in love with!
Welcome to GBF, or Gay Book Friends, the bi-weekly (no pun intended) book review show where two best friends read the Best Seller List, and each other, for filth! Listen as we cover everything from popular LGBTQ+ literature, to cult favorites, iconic sagas, and the biggest novels of the year!