Improvably Bad: Books

Buckle your seatbelts and brace for impact—this is the final flight of Improbably Bad Books!

The crew takes on Maus, Art Spiegelman's powerful graphic novel about survival, trauma, and family. Along the way, we get sidetracked by Mouse Hunt, Weird Al, and some questionable improv. We also dig into the importance of reading controversial books, the rise of graphic novels, and how humor can (sometimes) help us process tough topics.

Saddle up, listeners—this week, it's just Jill holding down the fort, and she's taking us deep into the dust and danger of the Weird West! We're cracking open Six-Gun Tarot by R.S. Belcher, a genre-blending tale packed with cowboys, magic, ancient evils, and plenty of eerie surprises.How well does this book balance Western grit with supernatural thrills? What makes the Weird West such a fascinating genre? And—most importantly—how much of this would the improv crew have gotten right if they only had the cover and back blurb?Tune in for a solo ride through the wild, weird frontier!

Welcome to Improvably Bad Books, the podcast where we throw logic out the window and dive into books with only the cover, the blurb, and our best (often terrible) guesses. Each episode, our improv crew attempts to reconstruct a book's plot before our library experts swoop in to set the record straight. Expect mystery, hilarity, and just the right amount of chaos as we piece together (or completely derail) the story. In this episode, we tackle The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz—murder, funerals, and curtain cords included. Will we crack the case? Probably not. But we'll have fun trying. Erin, Aaron, Zoe, and Jill just doing their best.

"The Other Boleyn Girl – Sisters, Scandals, and Steve Buscemi?"In this episode of Improvably Bad Books, the team tackles The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory—but not before a deep dive into pen names, Henry VIII's lack of appeal, and some questionable Star Wars takes. Andrea skims, Aaron knits, and somehow Steve Buscemi becomes a contender for King Henry himself. Meanwhile, the improv actors attempt to piece together a tale of power, betrayal, and historical inaccuracies with chaotic results. Join Jill, Zoe, Andrea, and Aaron as they fact-check, debate, and occasionally spiral into existential crises over monarchy, love, and pocket sizes.Tune in for history, hilarity, and the hot takes no one asked for!

In this special episode of Improvably Bad Books, we mix urban fantasy with a dash of tabletop RPG chaos! Join Jill, Zoe, and Erin as they dive into A Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney—a reimagined Alice in Wonderland with a thrilling urban twist.Zoe leads as Dungeon Master in a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired campaign, guiding our improv actors through Wonderland's magical and perilous landscapes. Can they battle nightmares, navigate glowing rose bushes, and survive an ooze-spewing scorpion-bear? You'll have to listen to find out!The team also discusses the book's compelling mix of fantasy and real-world themes, from Alice's high school struggles to her battles in Wonderland. Plus, they explore why this modern heroine resonates with readers and why the sequel is worth adding to your TBR.Whether you're a fan of D&D, Alice in Wonderland, or just love a good story, this episode will have you rolling for perception!

Would you survive Coldtown, or would you join the chaos?In this episode of Improvably Bad Books, library staff dive into The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black, a YA paranormal tale set in a world where vampires reign and humanity teeters on the edge of control. As they unravel the story of Tana, a girl caught between a deadly infection, a haunted past, and the opulent dangers of Coldtown, the staff explore themes of survival, trust, and the sometimes questionable logic of teenage decision-making.If you're ready to step into a world of gothic allure, reluctant heroes, and monstrous love, don't miss this episode.

Merry Crisis and Happy Honda-days! We're revisiting a fan favorite from last season with a fresh peppermint twist. This time, it's double the Zoe and a dash more Jill as we take a shot at narrating the audiobook ourselves. Because honestly, who wouldn't rather hear their friends read to them—especially during the holidays—than some AI? Tune in for some festive fun!

What happens when you escape a cult but can't escape your past?In this episode of Improvably Bad Books, library staff unravel the haunting story of The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oakes. This gripping Cult Fiction follows Minnow, a girl with no hands, a mysterious past, and a chilling connection to the Prophet of the cult she fled. As they piece together the clues, the staff explore themes of survival, belief, and justice.If you like your stories dark, mysterious, and just a little bit twisted, this is the episode for you.

Is that a dragonfly necklace, or is it just a ghost whispering to you?Join Jill and Sam on Improbably Bad Books as they dive into Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella—a tale of ghosts, fashion, and a feisty great-aunt from the Roaring Twenties. Together, they navigate the highs and lows of this charming chick-lit novel, from flapper dresses in modern-day London to secondhand embarrassment on the dance floor.Discover how a ghostly friendship turns into a heartfelt connection, why gin and tonics are the perfect book club pairing, and which 2000s-era Aston Martin made Sam's "solid writing" list. Whether you're looking for a cozy post-shopping read or just curious about Charleston lessons at 2 a.m., this episode has something for everyone.And hey, if the necklace whispers, listen carefully. ✨Twenties GirlSophie Kinsella

Welcome back, dearest listener. Our latest scandal involves a fallen reality TV star and an off-season NFL player. Do these two have what it takes?Anna PS: This is a romance. Don't play this in front of your kids.Fake it Till You Bake ItJamie Wesley

The suspense has been killing us. Join us in our final episode of season one. Relive that time you forgot to do your homework and had to wing it. Is it "serial" or "cereal" or "surreal"? My Sister the Serial KillerOyinkan Braithwaite

Imagine living in a world where vampires, werewolves, and corrupt politicians walked among us. We aren't sure why this book falls into the genre of "Horror" unless you are terrified of tedious law policies. Join Erin and Jill as they try to catch the loose cat in the studio. Kitty Goes to WashingtonCarrie Vaughn

Dystopian future meets dating game show.  Swipe right on this episode to find your pod soul mate. Zoe and Jill are matched, and ready to tell you all about this book.Matched by Ally Condie

Holidays got you feeling stressed? Add to it by reading a holiday-themed suspense novel. Or destress and listen to us tell you all about it. Sam, Trevor, and Jill get together, have a few laughs, but stay out of the air ducts.  Christmas Witness Protection by Maggie K. Black

When the wives are away the husbands hit replay. Go Prov does their best to fill in for their wives on their literary podcast. It's not quite what the usual listeners are used to but they sure will be entertained. Jill, Trevor, and special guest Natasha break down the book and then bury it. Safe to say this was none of our favorites to read. 

Could this episode BE any more uncomfortable?  Jill sits down with her boss and HR to discuss this week's book, Alec Mackenzie's Art of Seduction by Jennifer Ashley. The improv group aren't the only ones who try their hand at a Scottish accent. Do yourself a favor and say "AYE" to downloading this episode. 

Bullets don't argue but a father and son certainly do. Our improv friends took a lot of liberties in this old western. Don't tread on J.A. as he encourages his father to stray from the true West and into the Perley Gates. Jill and Dre do their best to straight-shoot the plot for you. Saddle up, this is a bumpy ride. 

Have you ever baked something so bad that it would be considered assault to feed it to someone? Are you a muggle trying to make it into the Great British Baking Show? Nah, us either. Jill, Erin, and Sam take a look at this charming and challenging book: A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking, by T. Kingfisher 

It isn't every day that you get the author of the book on the podcast! But if I finish all of my chores, and you finish thineThen tonight, we're gonna party like it's 1699Katrina Hoover Lee (author), Jill and Trevor dig into the life of Thomas E. Kirkman.  A story that will leave your mind churning. 

I did knot hit her, I did knot! Listen to our improvers connect squares through this crochet cozy mystery. Jill and Lindsay then dig into that tangled mess to let you know if they skipped a stitch or two. Title: Knot GuiltyAuthor: Betty Hechtman

Elkhart Public Library and Go Prov present: Vinyl Resting Place. Our debut episode with Jill and Sam. Go Prov hosts a radio show discussing their favorite book they've never read, Vinyl Resting Place.  Grab a "back-in-black" coffee and join us as we discuss Vinyl Resting Place by Olivia Blacke. 

Improv actors do their best to act out the plot of a book with only the front cover, back cover, and genre.  Then our library staff talk about what they got right but mostly what they got wrong. We hope you enjoy this new podcast from the Elkhart Public Library.