Kindred Spirits Book Club

Felicity King in The Golden Road inspired today's episode about unlikeable girls in L.M. Montgomery's fiction. We talk about what makes these girls and young women challenging, why we often end up liking them anyway, and what we think Montgomery was doing by including depictions of girlhood that break the mold.  Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by the podcast Novel Pairings and their current read along of Emma, by Jane Austen. Ragon is inspired by the new musical Clueless currently on the West End in London.  But if you can't get there, you should rewatch the 90's classic Clueless the movie.   If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Curtains up, Kindred Spirits! We went to the prestigious Stratford Festival to attend the opening of the new stage adaptation of Anne of Green Gables and had a magical time. Join us to hear about our whirlwind trip, our first impressions and review of Anne of Green Gables (spoiler-free), and our interview with a true Kindred Spirit: Caroline Toal, who plays Anne in the new production. Caroline is thoughtful, funny, and truly understands Anne, and we can't wait to introduce you to her.   See Anne of Green Gables at the Stratford Festival for yourself! If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

While many of L.M. Montgomery's novels depict romanticized childhoods, perhaps no book is more wistfully nostalgic about a childhood on Prince Edward Island than The Golden Road. We discuss the characters' transition from childhood to adulthood, the ways their childhood was captured in real time and in memory, and our own nostalgia for golden moments of youth. Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by: the old-fashioned art of flower pressing!  You can use a kit or go old-school and just use a heavy book! Ragon is inspired by: the show The Residence on Netflix for some quirky detective hijinks. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Picking up where The Story Girl left off, The Golden Road continues the story of the King cousins and their friends as they begin to grow up, and slowly grow apart. Today we are recapping the final book in the duology, with its many moments of humor, sweetness, and heartache.  Inspired by: Kelly's fancy cookie jar. Kelly is inspired by: Poor Cecily's hair woes and recommends  Angel Rinse by Kevin Murphy for seriously deep conditioning that doesn't weigh down fine hair. Ragon is inspired by: The Solar Smart Birdfeeder by Evergreen for watching bird friends! If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

A new Anne of Green Gables is coming to the stage! We are delighted to present our interview with Kat Sandler, the playwright behind a new theatrical adaptation of Anne, premiering at the Stratford Festival this month. Kat, Ragon, and Kelly talk about the challenges and delights of adaptations, updating beloved stories, and giving yourself permission to “go full cheese” after spending time with Anne.  Go check out Anne of Green Gables at the Stratford Festival!   If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

In a special Podcast Swap episode, we are sharing with you an episode from the fantastic limited series podcast Story Girl: The Life of Lucy Maud Montgomery. Discover the life and legacy of L.M. Montgomery in this insightful 7-part podcast, in which we explore her childhood, literary journey, and the timeless impact of Anne of Green Gables on generations of readers. Listen to the entire series here.   We are sharing  Episode 2: The Road To Anne from Story Girl. In this episode, Maud attends teachers college, gets engaged and falls in love (not necessarily in that order). She also begins writing the novel that will change her life. Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti Associate Producers Maia Foster-Sanchez & Kristi Prophet Recorded by Tyler Rauman This series features interviews with Kate Macdonald Butler, Kate Scarth, Jessica Young, Laura Robinson & Yuko Matsumoto. Additional voices by Candace Amarante & Matthew Barnett A Knockabout Media Production Story Girl was made possible thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.

Faith and Una Meredith, Mary Vance, Sara Stanley, Felicity and Cecily King – all of these girls have different relationships with housekeeping and cooking, and PhD candidate Ariel Little is here to tell us all about it! We speculate about how the characters might show up on social media, the way that housekeeping reflects power and authority in Montgomery's work, and why cleanliness was so important to the Victorians.  If you want to read some of Ariel Little's writing, she's published this article, Under the Moon's Healing Influence: George MacDonald's Literary Re-envisioning of Women's Health  and also has a chapter in this new book, Beyond Little Women, edited by Lauren Hehmeyer.   Inspired by: Ragon is inspired by: Fourteen Talks By Age Fourteen by Michelle Icard and Finding The Magic In Middle School by Chris Balme. Kelly is inspired by: Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson. Ariel is inspired by:  The Sanitary Arts:  Aesthetic Culture and the Victorian Cleanliness Campaign by Eileen Cleere and Architecture in the Family Way by Annmarie Adams, as well as The House Of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

 Whether they are giving their own church sermons or looking at a picture of God, whether trying not to giggle in church or debating the ethics of prayer, the kids of The Story Girl engage with religion and morality constantly. Today we get into why religion figures so prominently in their lives, and also discuss the invention of Sunday schools. Digressions include prayer to lesser known saints and our recent experience with a one day choir! Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by the Belief-O-Matic quiz which could possibly helped Peter with his Methodist vs. Presbyterian dilemma. Ragon is inspired by the One Day Choir at the Gaia Music Collective for a spiritual musical experience.   If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Adolescent identity and values take center stage in this episode. The themes beautiful, clever, and good reappear in The Story Girl as archetypal girls. We talk about beautiful Felicity, good Cecily, and the brilliant Story Girl in today's episode, and why these girls feel like they can only be one of those things.  Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by the late lamented Bath and Body Works Juniper Breeze and recommends its sophisticated modern counterpart Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt scent. Ragon's signature middle school scent was Love's Baby Soft Rain and so recommends Clean and Clean Rain by Clean Beauty Collective if you want the same vibe. Ragon also recommends tubing mascaras including Thrive Causemetics Lash Extensions mascara, Milani Highly Rated Lash Extensions mascara, and e.l.f. Lash XTNDR mascara.   Alice recommends Trader Joe's Brazil Nut Body Butter but you'll have to find it in stores in the summer!  Sorry to folks who don't have a Trader Joe's! If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

The Story Girl is one of L.M. Montgomery's most charming books, full of witty dialogue, playful antics, and wistful nostalgia. We are kicking off our discussion of The Story Girl with a recap of all the characters, hijinks, and stories that make this book shine. We also discuss the LA fires, which had a huge impact on the podcast, and recommend some ways to support the girls who inspire us.       Inspired by:   Ragon is inspired by Girl Scouts!  Buy cookies whenever you see a Girl Scout selling them or you can donate to Girl Scouts as an organization. Kelly is inspired by Altadena Girls, a girl-led program to support girls affected by the Eaton Fire.  If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Kelly and Ragon welcome L.M. Montgomery scholar and curator Emily Woster, Phd to the pod!  Emily tells us all about L.M. Montgomery's reading life–what books she loved growing up, what influenced her books, her active reading style and her unique writing process.  And in true kindred spirit fashion we nerd out about our influential reads and Emily's family legacy of Anne fandom!   The Anne Manuscript for high quality scans of LMM's original handwritten manuscript and notes. The L.M. Montgomery Bookshelf  where you can find scans of books from LMM's library including some of her own notations in the books and Emily's information and notes about history and context of these books!  An amazing resource!   And you can follow Emily on bluesky for updates about her work. Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by: Graphic bookends from the Container Store. Ragon is inspired by: Dragon Bookplates and Personalized Library Stamps . Emily is inspired by: Wonderworks: Literary Invention and the Science of Stories by Angus Fletcher and  Story or Die: How to Use Brain Science to Engage, Persuade, and Change Minds in Business and in Life by Lisa Cron.  And a bonus of the Library Kit from Knock Knock.  If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

What's this? A messy love quadrangle?  You know Kelly and Ragon are all over that!  We channel our best Normal Gossip podcast inspiration and dive into our discussion of the self-sabotaging lovers of Rainbow Valley!  We ask such questions as “What's Ellen's deal anyway?”  And “Wait, do we agree with Norman Douglas?” And most importantly “Who should we cast in our movie version of this story?”   On a more serious note, if you'd like to help Kelly rebuild after losing her home in the terrible Eaton fire, we have a fundraiser to support her as she begins the overwhelming task of recovering.  And if you would like to help Los Angeles recover from the horrific wildfires, here are some places that are doing good work: World Central Kitchen is feeding people on the ground in Los Angeles. LA County Fire Department is doing heroic work and we aren't done with the fires. Pasadena Humane Society is caring for the wild animals and pets lost or injured in the fire. Baby2Baby provides disaster relief to families and children in poverty impacted by the fires. Give Directly is fundraising to provide direct cash support to those in most need after the fire for shelter, food, clothing. Inspired by: This whole episode was inspired by one of our favorite podcasts Normal Gossip. Kelly was inspired by the 1995 Persuasion adaptation and the miniseries based on Elizabeth Gaskell's  North and South. Ragon was inspired by the classic rom-com While You Were Sleeping and the time travel romance in About Time .  If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

We are continuing our Rainbow Valley discussion and focusing on the Meredith children's impulsive hijinks and the way the adults around them react, or don't react, to their shenanigans.  We take John Meredith to task, break down how the patriarchy has helped enable this situation and learn a little about what parentification is and why the Meredith kids are poster children for it! Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by Normal Women by Philippa Gregory. Ragon is inspired by All The Rage by Darcy Lockman and Fair Play by Eve Rodsky. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

L.M. Montgomery scholar Maryam Khorasani joins us for a discussion of Rainbow Valley itself as both a physical place and a state of mind, drawing on our own childhood experiences and analyzing the characters' interactions with the natural world. We also discuss themes of childhood, imagination, friendship, and the transition to adulthood and are inspired by books with strong senses of place and third spaces.   Inspired by: Ragon is inspired by A Kind Of Paradise by Amy Rebecca Tan and by The Whalebone Theater by Joanna Quinn. Kelly is inspired by The Eyes And The Impossible by Dave Eggers. Maryam is inspired by The Fall Of The House Of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe. You can find our guest, Maryam Khorasani on instagram as Maryam9756 or through her email at ma.khorasani@ufl.edu  If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

In preparation for our Rainbow Valley mini-arc, we are recapping this lovely book on today's episode. We'll introduce you to the Blythe children's new friends, the Meredith children and Mary Vance, and tell you all about their adventures and hijinks. We also touch on the historical context of the book, which is set in the years leading up to World War I, wonder where Shirley Blythe is in all this, and share some of our favorite easy recipes!  Inspired by: Ragon is inspired by Smitten Kitchen's Pizza Beans for a comforting hearty meal. Kelly is inspired by Crispy Gnocchi with Burst Tomatoes for an easy Italian dinner. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Today's episode features an interview with an extraordinary L.M. Montgomery scholar, Dr. Laura Robinson. We discuss Robinson's background, her favorite Montgomery books and characters, and her work with the L.M. Montgomery Institute. Then we dive deep into the untold stories of Anne of Ingleside – why this book feels a little darker, and the storytelling risks L.M. Montgomery was able to take in writing this book.  You absolutely do not want to miss this fascinating conversation with a leading Montgomery expert! We got a lot of wonderful resources from our conversation with Dr. Laura Robinson, if you'd like to check those out here! L.M. Montgomery Institute is a wonderful hub for so many resources! The Anne Manuscript lets you view a virtual copy of the original manuscript, and you can see all the edits, notes and annotations.   The Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies lets you read wonderful scholarship and other writings related to all of L.M. Montgomery's books. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Surprise! In honor of L.M. Montgomery's 150 birthday, we are releasing a special bonus mini-episode today to share our tribute to Maud. Be sure to check out the other tributes over at the Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies!   Links: Find all the tributes to L.M. Montgomery here at the Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies 150 Tributes   And  Maud's Electronic Birthday Card If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Our discussion of Anne of Ingleside continues, focusing on Anne and the Blythe family as they relate to the Glen St. Mary community. We also chat about Anne revisiting old hobbies like writing and matchmaking, and her marriage to Gilbert. This book opens the door to conversations about class, women's labor, and finding your place in the world.     Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by the beautiful quilts of Gees Bend Quilts and matching prints from Souls Grown Deep. Ragon is inspired by dancing the night away at the Broadway Rave with all the  theater kids! If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Home and family is the topic of this episode! Ingleside is a symbol of a happy and loving home and today we are discussing the ways that Anne is creating that for her own children. We speculate about whether Anne is the original TradWife, chat about unwanted houseguests, and share the ways that we've made our houses our homes.  Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by vintage shopping and estate sales to make your home unique! Ragon is inspired by the Nolan Interior Magic Sofa Covers to keep her couch looking comfortable and inviting. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

We are kicking off Season Four with a recap of Anne of Ingleside! We'll walk you through the highlights of the sixth Anne book to set up our conversations in the next episodes. We also chat about Ragon's birthday and our favorite dog items.  Inspired by:  We are inspired by our dogs this week! Kelly is inspired by a dog water bowl that keeps her floors at least semi-dry, the dripless dog water bowl. Ragon is inspired by the Tricky Treat Ball to keep her dog occupied! If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

We are back with Season 4!  Join us as we talk about where we are going this season, where we've been, our favorite episodes so far, and a detour into the rebirth of 90's fashion!   If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Just dropping in to let you know that we are hard at work on season 4! Today Kelly and Ragon will be previewing the season ahead and revealing the books we will be discussing, so get your library holds ready!

We are excited to share this very special crossover episode with the Maudacst and Kindred Spirits Book Club! The Maudcast, hosted by today's guest Brenton Dickieson, is the official podcast of the L.M. Montgomery Institute at the University of Prince Edward Island. Brenton, Ragon, and Kelly sat down in the church L.M. Montgomery attended for a joyful conversation about Montgomery scholarship, tourism, and fandom, and we can't wait for you to listen.  Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by keeping cool with sweet treats with a Slushy Cup and by the delicious scent of hanni Shower Salve.Ragon is inspired by The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews and by A Love Song For Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Come along to Prince Edward Island and the 2024 biennial L.M. Montgomery conference with Kelly and Ragon! First we raved about our first conference experience and reflected on the brilliant presentations and new perspectives we heard. Then we shared all about our trip to LM Montgomery historical sites, Green Gables Heritage Place, the musicals inspired by the Anne books, and the beauty and splendor of the Island. It was a phenomenal trip and we can't wait to tell you all about it!  Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by the artisan crafts at The Dunes Gallery on PEI. Ragon is inspired by the Anne and Marilla and Matthew  quotation pencil packs from Lit and Whimsy that she bought from the independent bookstore Bookmark in Charlottetown, PEI.   If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Y'all, this book is wild. Join Ragon and Kelly as they discuss one of LM Montgomery's lesser-known novella Kilmeny of the Orchard. It's a sweet, somewhat simplistic summer romance that takes some truly unexpected twists and turns. Although Kilmeny hasn't stood the test of time like Anne of Green Gables, there are  glimmers of L.M. Montgomery's later writing style in this fairytale-like story that reminded us of The Little Mermaid. Inspired by:  Kelly is inspired by the music of Akiko Suwanai. Ragon is inspired by the Rochester Lilac Festival  and the Highland Lilac perfume company.  If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Join Kelly, Ragon, and returning special guest Katie Stewart to discuss summer reads! They discuss books that remind them of summer as well as favorite summer reads for middle grade readers, romance and romantasy readers, the best books to survive a long flight, and of course, our ultimate recommendations for fun, breezy books to occupy your lazy summer days.  Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by sun protection and recommends Banana Boat Light As Air Sunscreen for Face. Ragon is inspired by keeping cool with sweet treats with a Slushy Cup. Katie is inspired by the delicious scent of hanni Shower Salve. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Kindred Spirits Book Club is going on the road! Kelly and Ragon are joined by Brenna Clarke Gray to plan for their upcoming trip to Prince Edward Island. We discuss all things PEI, from the award-winning cheese at COWS Creamery to the cheesy souvenirs aimed at Anne of Green Gables tourists. Side chats include Brenna's survival guide for an academic conference and our ultimate road trip playlists.  Inspired By: Road trip entertainment! Ragon is inspired by Get Out The Map and Closer To Fine by Indigo Girls for road trip sing-a-longs and the podcast Girls Who Don't D&D. Kelly is inspired by Chicago by Sufjan Stevens and Chappell Roan for music and the podcast Judge John Hodgman. Brenna is inspired by PEI artists Lennie Gallant, Alvvays, and Two Hours Traffic for music and the podcast Stuff You Should Know. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

In today's episode, Kelly and Ragon wind up their discussion of Anne's House of Dreams. In a book that encompasses many emotional highs and lows, we discuss friendship and family as the foundation of a happy life. Ragon explains psychological protective factors, which can help determine how well someone weathers a crisis, and we share our favorite books with found families.   What we are reading: Ragon is reading The Eyes And The Impossible by Dave Eggers and The Swifts: A Dictionary Of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln. Kelly is reading A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn. And we are both tracking our reading in the Novelly Yours Reading Tracker. Inspired By: Ragon is inspired by the found families in The House In The Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune and The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandana. Kelly is inspired by the found families in Nettle And Bone by T. Kingfisher and The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakaborty. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Rejoin Ragon, Kelly, and guest Dr. Brenna Clarke Gray for their discussion about motherhood in Anne's House of Dreams.  Ragon and Kelly are joined by Dr. Brenna Clarke Gray, Canadian literature expert, to discuss the joys and sorrows of Anne's journey to motherhood in Anne's House of Dreams. We discuss everything from baby talk to our favorite books and gifts for babies. Content warning: Child loss, pregnancy loss, infertility. Be kind to yourselves, Kindred Spirits! Inspired by: We are inspired by baby gifts!   Kelly is inspired by: Maisonette baby bonnets and the beautiful picture book Life by Cynthia Rylant and Brendan Wenzel.   Ragon is inspired by: Tag Blanket Lovey (which you can also find on etsy from independent artists) and picture books like The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Pinkwater and Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee and Kadir Nelson.   Brenna is inspired by: They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel and A Is For Activist board book by Innosanto Nagara.   And we all also recommend the BabyLit board books like Alice In Wonderland: Colors Primer and of course, Anne of Green Gables: Places Primer. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Ragon and Kelly are joined by Dr. Brenna Clarke Gray, Canadian literature expert, to discuss the joys and sorrows of Anne's journey to motherhood in Anne's House of Dreams. We discuss Victorian attitudes to pregnancy and birth, and we share our own journeys around motherhood. We had so much to say that we are actually making this a two-part episode!  Content warning: Child loss, pregnancy loss, infertility. Be kind to yourselves, Kindred Spirits! Inspired by: We didn't have our usual inspired by because this is a 2-parter but we did talk about what we brought or would bring to a “favorite things” party. Ragon brought:  Dashing Diva nail stickers, NYX lip oil in That's Chic which is the perfect berry shade of gloss and Mini brands tiny plants. Kelly brought:  Teleties flat hair clip. Brenna would bring: Squish gummy candies, especially the Ice Wine and the Gin and Tonic flavors. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Ragon and Kelly are joined by audiobook narrator and voice actor Kelli Tager to discuss the beautiful romance threaded through Anne's House of Dreams. From Anne and Gilbert's wedding day to Leslie and Owen's happily ever after, join us to celebrate all the delicious romance. Kelli also discusses what it's like to narrate audiobooks and her favorite LM Montgomery books.   Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by weddings and recommends her favorite anniversary tradition, which is to recreate her wedding bouquet every anniversary. Ragon is inspired by her favorite indie perfumer, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, especially The Rose in honor of Leslie's engagement and Maiden for Anne's wedding day Kelli Tager is inspired by Leslie's glorious hair and recommends Eufora Hydration Leave-in Conditioner for goddess hair! If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

In this episode, we are setting sail with Captain Jim! Kelly and Ragon talk about the lighthouse keeper's gentle guidance, how he embodies and subverts the theme of cleverness, and his deep wisdom, earned over many years of seafaring. Sidebars and digressions include whether Captain Jim is a stealth matchmaker, life at sea in the 1800s, and recommendations for two swashbuckling adventure book series! Inspired By: Both Kelly and Ragon are loving Dashing Diva nail strips. Kelly is inspired by the Aubrey Maturin Series by Patrick O'Brian for some seafaring adventures like Captain Jim's. Ragon is inspired by the Temeraire Series by Naomi Novik for military adventures plus DRAGONS.   If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

The mysterious beauty Leslie Moore is the subject of this Anne's House of Dreams character study. Ragon and Kelly discuss the myths and metaphors surrounding Leslie, and whether she is properly humanized in the text. Digressions include Favorite Things parties, how to talk to kids about stereotypes in media, and the tragic beauty trope. Inspired By: Kelly is inspired by Leslie's style and recommends red flower choker-style necklaces like this gorgeous one from Free People. Ragon is inspired by the beautiful fairytale retellings by Robin McKinley, especially Beauty and Rose Daughter for Beauty and the Beast retellings and Deerskin for a darker fairytale about the curse of being beautiful.  And don't forget Spindle's End for a Sleeping Beauty retelling.   If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Meet Miss Cornelia and her signature phrase “Just like a man!” Miss Cornelia is the great comic relief in Anne's House of Dreams, an otherwise serious and emotional book. Ragon and Kelly do a deep dive into the contradictions that make up this memorable woman: she's charitable, loving, and neighborly; and she's judgmental, prejudiced, dogmatic and an unapologetic gossip. Sidebars include the Oscars, Methodists versus Presbyterians, and one of our favorite sitcoms.  Inspired By: Ragon is inspired by the fantastic TV show, The Good Place, starring Kristen Bell and Ted Danson, if you want to go all in on the exploration of what makes someone a “good” person.   In a meta moment, Kelly is inspired by our Episode 9 about Miss Josephine Barry, another Rich Auntie Supreme like Miss Cornelia!  Give it a relisten!   If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Anne's House of Dreams is one of L.M. Montgomery's most mature and emotional books, and Ragon and Kelly are thrilled to devote season three of Kindred Spirits Book Club to it. In this episode, we recap Anne's House of Dreams, discuss what we've been reading lately, revisit our own weddings, and brainstorm Miss Cornelia-inspired fanfic.  We didn't do any inspired bys this episode but we did check in on what we are each reading these days! Ragon is reading: A cozy witchy mystery,  In The Company of Witches by Auralee Wallace, the gothic fantasy Starling House by Alix E. Harrow, and the Myrtle Hardcastle middle grade mysteries by Elizabeth C. Bunce. Kelly is reading:  The beautiful picture book Oona by Kelly Dipucchio and the non-fiction book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman.   If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Welcome back, Kindred Spirits! Ragon and Kelly kick off a third podcast season by re-introducing themselves and the podcast, giving a behind the scenes look at how we make the pod, and discussing some of what's to come in Season Three. This is a great place to dive in if you're new to the podcast, and for longtime listeners, enjoy the deep friendship lore! Inspired by: Both Ragon and Kelly are inspired by podcasts this week.  Most of the podcasts are available on a variety of podcast players but we've included links here to their main sites.  Ragon is inspired by Normal Gossip by Kelsey McKinney for fun, low stakes stories that will have you invested in real life anonymous gossip.  And is inspired by Binge Mode: Harry Potter by Mallory Rubin and Jason Concepcion on The Ringer.  Binge Mode is only available in its entirety on Spotify at the moment but here's a Playlist that is only their Harry Potter series.  Kelly is inspired by Feeling Seen by Jordan Crucchiola for thoughtful interviews discussing movie characters that made the guests feel seen.  And she is inspired by the podcast Worlds Beyond Number, a role playing podcast where talented voice actors play out the adventures of a hedge witch, a haughty wizard and the son of a demigod.   If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

It's our last episode of Season 2 and the last episode of 2023!  Editor Katie Stewart comes back to debate the most important of issues:  who is the best romantic hero: Barney Snaith or Gilbert Blythe?  We had a blast discussing the way the themes in The Blue Castle compare with Anne's themes, as well as discussing Hallmark movies and holiday traditions!  Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by the perfumes of Imaginary Authors, especially Cape Heartache for a perfect Blue Castle scent. Katie is inspired by the Boundary Waters area of Minnesota and Wisconsin for vacationing, canoeing and finding your own Barney Snaith.  Ragon is inspired by the books of Bill Bryson, especially A Walk In The Woods.   If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

We briefly leave the Anne series to discuss one of our very favorite LM Montgomery books, The Blue Castle! Many of the elements we love in the Anne series – romance, selfhood, family, and community – play out differently but just as satisfyingly in this book. Come along as we recap this gorgeous fairy tale of a book. Inspired By: Kelly and Ragon are inspired by the Muskoka area  of Canada and recommend checking it out for a Blue Castle vacation of your own! If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Canadian literature expert Brenna Clarke Gray joins Ragon and Kelly to recap the bonkers 1987 miniseries: Anne of Green Gables, the Sequel! Are we making the best use of Dr. Gray's expertise and insight into Anne? Probably not, but we sure had fun. Join us for an irreverent look at Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel – and stick around for a very special KSBC Holiday Gift Guide!   Holiday Gift Guide Inspiration: Plum Jam like from Sqirl LA or Bonne Maman Fancy dog treats from Polkadog Size inclusive bookish tees from Book Babe Designs and Chapter Catchers Custom bookshelf print or other bookish prints or swag by Jane Mount at Ideal Bookshelf A book tracker journal like at Novelly Yours A thrilling non-fiction book about shipwrecks and mutiny, The Wager by David Grann Book wine charms from EssenTiles Fancy simple syrups from Meadowlands Syrup Linen Celebration Crown Rainbow Wand Slackline kit Personalized charm bracelets from John Wind or Brooklyn Charm Anne, an Adaptation (sort of) graphic novel by Kathleen Gros If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Now engaged to be married, romantic Anne can't help but get involved in other people's love lives, and her meddling has hilarious results! Join Ragon and Kelly as they discuss matchmaking – and matchbreaking! – gone wrong, Anne's love letters to Gilbert, epistolary novels, and our favorite advice column.  Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by The Jolly Postman by Allan Ahlberg and by  This Is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. Ragon is inspired by  Griffin and Sabine by Nick Bantock and by Captain Awkward's Advice Column. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram.   

Anne loves a thrilling tale, and there are a few in Anne of Windy Poplars that are perfect for a very spooky Halloween episode of Kindred Spirits Book Club. Ragon and Kelly examine Anne's years on Spook's Lane through the lens of graveyard stories and haunted mansions. Highlights include Kelly's discussion of Gothic literature, and Ragon's upcoming Halloween party! Inspired by: Ragon is inspired by spooky games like Betrayal At House On The Hill and  Gloom. Kelly is inspired to make decisions about the end of life with Five Wishes. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Anne has a special gift for winning over misfits and misanthropes, but in Anne of Windy Poplars, even her skills are put to the test! Ragon and Kelly discuss how Anne won over the Pringles and Katherine Brook, Kelly teaches us about comedies of manners, and they both marvel at the miracle of buttermilk and pumpkin preserves. Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by the kids baking on the spin-off of The Great British Bake Off,  Junior Bake Off. Ragon is inspired by Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

From her unique vantage point as an engaged woman and a high school principal, Anne observes all kinds of interesting parent-child dynamics in and around Summerside. Ragon and Kelly discuss the takeaways from these relationships, and then Ragon gives us all an in depth parenting lesson – but not before we discuss Fourth Wing and all things dragons! Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson and by Schitt's Creek. Ragon is inspired by the podcast Mom and Dad Are Fighting but specifically the episodes between 2017 and 2019 with Carvell Wallace, Rebecca Lavoie and Gabriel Roth. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram.   

Ragon and Kelly boldly go where few podcasters have gone before – deep into Anne of Windy Poplars! Join us as we recap the 4th book in the Anne series--you probably missed this book or have forgotten it so let us help you find the humor and tragedy hidden in the pages.   Listeners, be sure to count how many grumps Anne has to win over while presiding over Sunnyside High School.  Also, back-to-school vibes, Anne's meddling era and enough people with dysfunctional families to keep a whole practice of therapists busy for years. Inspired By: Ragon is inspired by the 2001 movie Amelie. Kelly is inspired by Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Happy Anniversary to US! To celebrate, Kelly and Ragon are throwing a podcast party, with special guests, games, trivia, and best of all, prizes. You're invited to the Anne of Green Gables themed party of the year!  If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

After everything Gilbert has been through over the past three books, we knew he needed his own episode! Ragon and Kelly discuss the making of a classic romance hero, from the infamous “carrots” scene to the swoon-worthy final proposal. We round out the conversation with stories from our weddings and an exploration of Victorian courtship rituals.   Inspired by:   Ragon is inspired by the songs: Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Feels Like Home by Randy Newman and Heads Carolina, Tails California by JoDee Messina. Kelly is inspired by the songs: Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show and I'll Follow You Into The Dark by DeathCab for Cutie Additionally, Kelly recommends the books Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld and Big Gay Wedding by Byron Lane.

Anne's childhood wish to become “divinely beautiful” is coming true - at least in the eyes of one particular gentleman. We love the romance in Anne of the Island, not just for Anne but for her friends Diana and Phillippa as well. Ragon and Kelly chat about all of Anne's would-be beaux, and unpack why she doesn't seem ready for any of them yet. We also compare this book to one of our other all time favorite classics: Pride and Prejudice. Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by The New York Public Library Shop for bookish goodies. Ragon is inspired by the movie  Roxanne (1987)  for some more fun romance.

It might be summer where you are, but in Anne of the Island, it's always September, and we are headed back to school with Anne. In this episode, Ragon and Kelly explore Anne's ambitions as a writer and a scholar – including, of course, her embarrassing first experience as a published author! Kelly and Ragon also share stories from their own college years and talk about the history of women in higher education.  Inspired by: Kelly is inspired by the pretty stationary of Felix Doolittle | Stationery & Gifts | Shop and Open Sea Design Co. Ragon is inspired by the Big Dipper and Little Dipper rings at Bryan Anthonys.    

Join us at Patty's Place, where Anne and her friends have "all the fun of homemaking and none of the bother of a husband." Kelly and Ragon discuss female-centered communities and spaces that make way for young women to become themselves, from Anne and her Redmond College chums to New York's famous Barbizon Hotel. We also share stories of our own college roommate days and some of our favorite bon mots from Aunt Jamesina.    Inspired By: Ragon recommends: The movie  Pitch Perfect and the book Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. Kelly recommends:  The movie Legally Blonde and the book Check Please by Ngozi Ukazu

Anne of the Island – or Anne, the College Years – is one of our very favorite books. With its stately collegiate setting, delightful celebration of female friendships, and deliciously slow burn romance, who can blame us? Join us as we recap Anne's four years at Redmond College, complete with baking soda company shenanigans, tomcat tomfoolery, and a happily ever after ending. Inspired by: Kelly recommends:  People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry Ragon recommends:  Smitten Kitchen's Strawberry Summer Cake  

Whether it's a fairy picnic or a fairytale prince, Anne sees romance everywhere she looks – except, of course, in her own life! Kelly and Ragon explore the romantic side of Anne of Avonlea, from Hester Grey's garden to Miss Lavendar's wedding, and they also discuss those rare coming of age books for girls that don't include romance.  Inspired by: Kelly recommends:  Seven Days In June by Tia Williams and Not Quite A Husband by Sherry Thomas. Ragon recommends: The art of Karen Hallion