Two men discussing books.
No, we are not reviewing the great Will Ferrell movie Old School. We are reviewing the novel Old School by Tobias Wolff which is our first pod of the new year with our new format. Listen along!
New year! New Format! Find out about our new reading challenge of 2023!
Our Year End Review. We highlight the books we read throughout the year. Listen along!
Cover Story is a simple story on its surface. A wealthy woman trying to scam credit card companies in order to live like an heiress. However, when she finds herself a target, her greed kicks in. The opportunity to monetize on the nivate of a college student is just too good to pass up. The only problem is, the FBI is watching her, and she knows it. So, she has to act fast, decisive and outsmart them all. With a surprise ending that you just won't see coming, Susan Rigetti delivers a high shock valued book full of twists and turns that the reader doesn't see coming. Listen along as we discuss the pieces of this book that we enjoyed and what we still are having trouble wrapping our minds about.
If you have ever read a Dan Brown novel, you know more or less what to expect: An adventure to a place you never thought about having an adventure in. However, in Inferno, Dan Brown forces the reader to debate morality and mortality. As our protagonist is going about the adventure that Dan Brown sent him on, we also see him grapple with the questions of death and sacrifice. If you had the opportunity to save half the population today and kill the other half or not decide and have them all die in 100 years, what would you choose? The arguments, woven into an elaborate story line keep the reader on their toes. Join us as we discuss the philosophical questions that stemmed from this novel and how we felt about the adventure taken by Dr. Langdon.
Jimmy, Sean and Dave are 3 ordinary kids from Boston. One day, Dave gets tricked into getting in a stranger's car. 4 days later, he returns home, having escaped his captives. 30 years later, Dave's demons from those 4 days are still haunting him. Those demons put him in the wrong place at the wrong time that conincedes with the murder of his old friend Jimmy. To add to the web, Sean, who has not spoken to Jimmy or Dave in years, is the leading detective on the case of Jimmy's daughter's death. A novel that is somehow rich in both complexity and simplicity, Dennis Lehanes finds a way to keep the readers engaged in every single page. The interconnectedness of the gang 30 years later, the relationships they have formed and destroyed, and the small domino effect that caused a second in their youth to change everything about their adulthood make for such a great story. Join us as we discuss this novel and if we would give this author's other books a chance.
Thorton Wilder's Our Town is often thought of as one of the best plays ever written. And at first glance, that might not be obvious. The play is famous for its overly simplified narrative and its overly involved stage manager who often breaks the fourth wall. The characters are ordinary people leading ordinary lives in a small town. There isn't much of a plot to speak of, and while death and despair make appearances in the play, even those are ordinary. What makes this play a powerful one, is just that ordinary nature of it. It depicts life as life is meant to be observed. It shows how children are concerned with things that are so trivial and how upon their slow progression in life, their concerns also progress. The play is meant to mirror the audience's lives, and in doing so became a powerful play, and a Pulitzer winner. Listen along to our thoughts!
Rachel is dealing with an out of control life that involves pretending to have a job, drinking non-stop and trying to get over her ex-husband, who left her for someone else. The only joy left in her life is riding the train every morning to watch the passengers and the families whose homes are along the pathway of the tracks. When Rachel thinks she may have witnessed something that led to a murder investigation, she has to battle sober thoughts and drunken helucinations. Paula Hawkin's thriller novel was one of the most popular in the genre. Her book had suspense, beautiful rainy London weather, and an ending that you'd probably not see coming. Listen along as we discuss the pros and cons of this popular book-turned-film and how it compares to others like it.
Black Like Me is written by journalist John Howard Griffin in the Mid-20th Century. It is his account of what it felt like to be both a white and a black American in the same parts of the United States. After darkening his white skin using medication and UV light, Griffin roamed the streets of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia seeing how differently the world treated black men. While speaking to people, he found the resounding difference between how the world treated him first as a black man and then (after he stopped taking the medication) as a white man. The importance of a novel like this can not be overstated. It is an honest and deep look at the account of the 'Deep South' in a time when racism was more common than not. Furthermore, it's a reflection on how unaware the average American was of the importance of this in their community. Join us as we discuss the importance of this novel and what we thought of this brilliant book's ideas.
A catastrophic particle is eating away the energy of our sun. Earth is on course for another Ice Age. According to the smartest scientists, humanity's existence is on the brink of extinction. However, there might be a small chance for a solution. 13 Light Years away, in another solar system, the solution for this problem has been found. Ryland Grace, a scientist and high school teacher, finds himself on the spaceship heading there. During his trip, he finds dead bodies, a solution to help earth and aliens. BUT.... he doesn't have a way to make it back home. A story filled with laughs, science, and a lot of drama, Andy Weir (author of The Martian) gives an account of the most realistic alien encounter yet. He paints the perfect image of the bleakness of humanity and how far we're willing to go to do the "right thing". Join us on this episode as we talk about all the intricacies that this book has to offer and the deep storyline that Weir has created for his readers.
Ernest J. Gaines's A Lesson before Dying tells the story of Grant Wiggins, a black teacher working in Louisiana during the Jim-Crow-Era. Grant finds himself in a position to impart his wisdom on a young many named Jefferson, who has been wrong accused and convicted of murder and is await execution. The only thing bothering Jeferrson more than his impending death is the mistreatment in the courtroom. Professor Wiggings is persuaded by his aunt to help Jefresson die to some dignity. In this darky depressing novel, Ernest J. Gaines paints the almost too realistic image of living on a planatation in the south during the mid-20th centruy through a ficticious stroy. Gains uses inspiration from what was likely a regular occurence in deep south to help us understand what goes on in the mind of a deeply troubled and burdened young man during a very dark time in America. Join us this week as we discuss this phenomenal book.
Miles, or Pudge as he is often referred to, is searching for the "Great Perhaps". To him, that means something beyond the mundane. After much persuasion, his parents enroll him in a boarding school in Alabama. It's there that Miles finds not only a taste of the "Great Perhaps" but also himself. His infatuation with his classmates, mainly a girl named Alaska, led him down a path of self-growth and sorrow. John Green finds the perfect words to keep the readers invested in the personal development of Miles. He beautifully (in a way only John Green can) weaves sentences together to leave us in awe of the story. This novel is filled with tear-jerking events and we spend a great deal dissecting them all in this week's episode. Join us as we dive deep into Looking for Alaska by John Green.
To listen or not to listen? That is the question. Shakespeare's Hamlet is perhaps the most famous work of the most famous author, and for good reason. Shakespeare manages to string together romance, vengeance, politics, humor and a highly proformative soliloquy all in one. As a master writer, Shakespeare is able to put together both a story and a life lesson in the form of an infamous young price: Hamlet. Join our very first Shakespeare discussion as we untangle the story of Prince Hamlet on his way to avenge the death of his father at the hands of his uncle. We talk about the best parts and the worst part of reading Shakespeare.
After the sudden disappearance of his wife, Nick becomes the number one suspect. His missing Wife's diary, the clues she left behind, and the detective's local work all seem to be pointing to such. However, as time goes on, Nick starts to find very suspicious details that might not only clear his name, but also change the public perception on the victimhood of his wife. Join us this week as we discuss Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl. The iconic novel is filled with many twists and turns, from Nick's unfaithfulness to Amy's disturbing mentality for revenge. We dive deep into this book and the genre that this book falls under.
To listen or not to listen? That is the question. Shakespeare's Hamlet is perhaps the most famous work of the most famous author, and for good reason. Shakespeare manages to string together romance, vengeance, politics, humor and a highly proformative soliloquy all in one. As a master writer, Shakespeare is able to put together both a story and a life lesson in the form of an infamous young price: Hamlet. Join our very first Shakespeare discussion as we untangle the story of Prince Hamlet on his way to avenge the death of his father at the hands of his uncle. We talk about the best parts and the worst part of reading Shakespeare.
After the sudden disappearance of his wife, Nick becomes the number one suspect. His missing Wife's diary, the clues she left behind, and the detective's local work all seem to be pointing to such. However, as time goes on, Nick starts to find very suspicious details that might not only clear his name, but also change the public perception on the victimhood of his wife. Join us this week as we discuss Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl. The iconic novel is filled with many twists and turns, from Nick's unfaithfulness to Amy's disturbing mentality for revenge. We dive deep into this book and the genre that this book falls under.
An explainable apocalyptic phenomenon erases 10% of the world's population. No explanation and no purpose. In a small town, we see the devastation this event has on the lives of people touched by this event. The story primarily focuses around one family. The father, Kevin, steps up for his community and becomes the new Mayor after the wave of grievances that overtakes his town. Laura, the mother, who joins the local "GR" and takes a vow of silence. Tom, the son, runs off to join a cultish church. And Jill, the daughter that goes from a "Straight A "student to a rebel that falls into the wrong crowd. This story is about grief and sorrow. It's a book about how we deal with the world when no one, and no thing can explain what we feel. Join us on a journey where we discuss the book that became one of HBO's most watched shows. We discuss the themes, the character connections and what made this book iconic enough to become a hit TV show.
An explainable apocalyptic phenomenon erases 10% of the world's population. No explanation and no purpose. In a small town, we see the devastation this event has on the lives of people touched by this event. The story primarily focuses around one family. The father, Kevin, steps up for his community and becomes the new Mayor after the wave of grievances that overtakes his town. Laura, the mother, who joins the local "GR" and takes a vow of silence. Tom, the son, runs off to join a cultish church. And Jill, the daughter that goes from a "Straight A "student to a rebel that falls into the wrong crowd. This story is about grief and sorrow. It's a book about how we deal with the world when no one, and no thing can explain what we feel. Join us on a journey where we discuss the book that became one of HBO's most watched shows. We discuss the themes, the character connections and what made this book iconic enough to become a hit TV show.
The five people you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom is a story of purpose. Eddie is just a guy who works at an amusement park fixing rides that break down- or so it would appear. But when an expected accident forces him to die and "go to heaven" he is met along the way with people whose lives he touched inadvertently. He begins to slowly understand how everything he has done, including his futile job, are part of a bigger picture in the universe. If you've ever asked yourself "Why me?" or "why do bad things happen to me?", this book is for you. Albom explores the idea of interconnectivity and how everyone's life is woven together to create a big story that is well behind human understanding. Join us as we try to unravel the deep philosophical work in this book and discuss our favorite things about it
The five people you meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom is a story of purpose. Eddie is just a guy who works at an amusement park fixing rides that break down- or so it would appear. But when an expected accident forces him to die and "go to heaven" he is met along the way with people whose lives he touched inadvertently. He begins to slowly understand how everything he has done, including his futile job, are part of a bigger picture in the universe. If you've ever asked yourself "Why me?" or "why do bad things happen to me?", this book is for you. Albom explores the idea of interconnectivity and how everyone's life is woven together to create a big story that is well behind human understanding. Join us as we try to unravel the deep philosophical work in this book and discuss our favorite things about it
Moonwalking with Einstein is Joshua Foer's New York best seller for a reason. In about than 300 pages, Foer tells you how to better your memory, how to improve your brains health and what he did to go from a 22 -year old freelance journalist, to a USA Memory Champion in one-year. A book that's filled with fascinating information about the human brain and what we perceive to be its limits, versus what its limits actually are. Spoiler: We both loved this book. As a non-fiction, some of these "science of how to" books can be excruciating to sit through; but not this one. We discuss the parts of the book that fascinated us the most, how we attempted to apply what we learned and why we think this is a great book to read, even if it doesn't seem like it on paper.
Moonwalking with Einstein is Joshua Foer's New York best seller for a reason. In about than 300 pages, Foer tells you how to better your memory, how to improve your brains health and what he did to go from a 22 -year old freelance journalist, to a USA Memory Champion in one-year. A book that's filled with fascinating information about the human brain and what we perceive to be its limits, versus what its limits actually are. Spoiler: We both loved this book. As a non-fiction, some of these "science of how to" books can be excruciating to sit through; but not this one. We discuss the parts of the book that fascinated us the most, how we attempted to apply what we learned and why we think this is a great book to read, even if it doesn't seem like it on paper.
Nora Seed, a woman in her 30's, has had enough of her life. Being let go from her dead-end job, breaking up with her boyfriend, having a horrible relationship with her brother, dead parents and now a dead cat, all have made Nora question her need to be alive. After attempting an overdose, Nora loses consciousness and wakes up to find herself in the Midnight Library. The Midnight Library is a place where Nora can live different versions of her life to see what she could have accomplished if she just went down different paths. Join us on this episode as we discuss Matt Haig's book, The Midnight Library. We go in depth about the plot, the multiverse, and whether this book is in the right category on the bookshelf. Listen to this episode, because in another universe you already are.
Intro to The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
In his debut novel, Mark Prins tells the story of Tessa, a PhD candidate in Oxford University. Tessa quickly finds out that her mentor, close friend, and head of the department, Chris has been sabotaging her career by sending recommendation letters to employers that are less-than-flattering. Once Tessa confronts Chris, their once close relationship crumbles. Slowly, Tessa attempts to pick herself up and get her career back on track without the help of her mentor. All in the while, Chris is dealing with his own demons and family issues. The story comes to a head with a classic, and slightly Latin-like, ending. This week, we discuss what we think of yet another rookie author. We talk about the pros and cons of what Mark Prins was able to create in this story. We talk about his writing style, his heavy usage of Latin terminology, and how likely we are to recommend his novel. What did we think of Chris and Tessa and the oddity of their mentor/mentee relationship and what we would have done differently with this story. Join us for another episode of Men's Book Club.
In his debut novel, Mark Prins tells the story of Tessa, a PhD candidate in Oxford University. Tessa quickly finds out that her mentor, close friend, and head of the department, Chris has been sabotaging her career by sending recommendation letters to employers that are less-than-flattering. Once Tessa confronts Chris, their once close relationship crumbles. Slowly, Tessa attempts to pick herself up and get her career back on track without the help of her mentor. All in the while, Chris is dealing with his own demons and family issues. The story comes to a head with a classic, and slightly Latin-like, ending. This week, we discuss what we think of yet another rookie author. We talk about the pros and cons of what Mark Prins was able to create in this story. We talk about his writing style, his heavy usage of Latin terminology, and how likely we are to recommend his novel. What did we think of Chris and Tessa and the oddity of their mentor/mentee relationship and what we would have done differently with this story. Join us for another episode of Men's Book Club.
Joe Keller and Steve Deever were once next door neighbors and business partners running an airplane part shop. When the parts they sold to the US Military turned out to be defective, resulting in the death of many soldiers, Steve Deever goes to jail. Joe Keller is able to walk away and continue living freely. In this twisted tale of family drama, Arthur Miller brilliantly weaves together the themes of guilt, revenge, anger and the relationship between father and son. Join us this week for a "Play in May'', as we dive into this very quick read that we both highly recommend. We discuss the brilliance of Arthur Miller's title for this play and how it compares to "Death of a Salesman". What parallels do the two plays have in common and how do they relate to Arthur Miller's real life. Listen along and we hope you enjoy it.
In Kurt Vonnegut's most popular book, 'Slaughterhouse-5', we are joining a journey with Billy Pilgrim; a man that has become unstuck in time. Billy is a WW2 veteran who has been through everything from a war to an alien abduction. One minute he's a captive of war, and another minute he's a captive of the Tralfamadorians alien race. In a novel centering around the bombing of Dresden, Kurt Vonnegut shares the dark humor and irony of war as only he can. Join us this week as we dive deep into the the minds of Kurt Vonnegut and his protagonist, Billy Pilgrim, as we too become unstuck in time. We talk about Vonneguts unmatched writing style and the wit he brings to all of his themes. How does Vonnegut compare to, say, Larry David? Listen in to this quick read that leaves a lot to be discussed.
Listen to our intro of our next read.
In Kurt Vonnegut's most popular book, 'Slaughterhouse-5', we are joining a journey with Billy Pilgrim; a man that has become unstuck in time. Billy is a WW2 veteran who has been through everything from a war to an alien abduction. One minute he's a captive of war, and another minute he's a captive of the Tralfamadorians alien race. In a novel centering around the bombing of Dresden, Kurt Vonnegut shares the dark humor and irony of war as only he can. Join us this week as we dive deep into the the minds of Kurt Vonnegut and his protagonist, Billy Pilgrim, as we too become unstuck in time. We talk about Vonneguts unmatched writing style and the wit he brings to all of his themes. How does Vonnegut compare to, say, Larry David? Listen in to this quick read that leaves a lot to be discussed.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'This Side of Paradise' tells the coming-of-age story of an eccentric Princeton University student, Amory Blaine. Amory, throughout this novel, becomes wealthy and poor, finds love and loses it, becomes popular and insignificant. All of these events are set during a time in American History (World War One) when ideas and opinions of the young generations are changing rapidly. Listen along with us to hear what we thought of this classic, (and often looked over) novel. We discuss yet another author's debut novel and how it might have effected the generation it was published for. Instagram: @mensbookc
Flamin' Hot tells the autobiographical story of Richard Montanez, a janitor turned executive in the Frito-Lay and PepsiCo company. Richard shares some insights regarding his path, and takes the time to share some lessons with the reader. He discusses his favorite mantra "Think like an executive and act like an owner", which he believes will guide anyone to success. In this episode, we pull out our investigator magnifying glass and analyze the book for more than just the author's words. A lot of controversy surrounds this story, and who better to get to the bottom of it than two people who know nothing about it? We talk about the genre of self-help books, what this book truly should have been like, and the most and least compelling parts of this story for us.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'This Side of Paradise' tells the coming-of-age story of an eccentric Princeton University student, Amory Blaine. Amory, throughout this novel, becomes wealthy and poor, finds love and loses it, becomes popular and insignificant. All of these events are set during a time in American History (World War One) when ideas and opinions of the young generations are changing rapidly. Listen along with us to hear what we thought of this classic, (and often looked over) novel. We discuss yet another author's debut novel and how it might have effected the generation it was published for. Instagram: @mensbookc
Flamin' Hot tells the autobiographical story of Richard Montanez, a janitor turned executive in the Frito-Lay and PepsiCo company. Richard shares some insights regarding his path, and takes the time to share some lessons with the reader. He discusses his favorite mantra "Think like an executive and act like an owner", which he believes will guide anyone to success. In this episode, we pull out our investigator magnifying glass and analyze the book for more than just the author's words. A lot of controversy surrounds this story, and who better to get to the bottom of it than two people who know nothing about it? We talk about the genre of self-help books, what this book truly should have been like, and the most and least compelling parts of this story for us.
On this week's episode, we discuss Edith Wharton's classic novella, Ethan Frome. Ethan is a man tormented by the love he has for his wife's younger cousin, Mattie, who has been living with them after her family's fortune disappeared. Ethan's wife, Zeena, is both ill and cold-hearted and has felt a disdain for her cousin and tries to get rid of her at the first chance she gets. What does Ethan do when he has to choose between remaining with his sick wife, or following the departing woman he loves? This story is packed with personal dilemmas, themes of love, betrayal, socio-economic class, brutal cold winters in New England and the clever way in which the author inserted herself in this book. This book is undoubtedly a classic. Listen along as we discuss the impact that this small book has made.
On this week's episode, we discuss Edith Wharton's classic novella, Ethan Frome. Ethan is a man tormented by the love he has for his wife's younger cousin, Mattie, who has been living with them after her family's fortune disappeared. Ethan's wife, Zeena, is both ill and cold-hearted and has felt a disdain for her cousin and tries to get rid of her at the first chance she gets. What does Ethan do when he has to choose between remaining with his sick wife, or following the departing woman he loves? This story is packed with personal dilemmas, themes of love, betrayal, socio-economic class, brutal cold winters in New England and the clever way in which the author inserted herself in this book. This book is undoubtedly a classic. Listen along as we discuss the impact that this small book has made.
In 'The Life we Bury' by Allen Eskens, Joe Talbert is a college student with more on his plate than he can handle. A drunk mother, autistic brother, and a crush on the girl next door are just a few of the things that keep him up at night. But when he decides to interview a War Veteran that was convicted for the rape and murder of a 14-year old girl 30 years ago for his English class, Joe finds out the true meaning of too much to handle. This story has suspense, twists with every page and some nice life lessons sprinkled throughout. We discuss yet another author's debut book and compare it to all those other ones we read. We discuss what we like, what we dislike and just how infatuated with Joe's heroism we are. Did we see the ending coming? Did you? Listen along on this episode of Men's Book Club
Read along before we discuss: In 'The Life we Bury' by Allen Eskens, Joe Talbert is a college student with more on his plate than he can handle. A drunk mother, autistic brother, and a crush on the girl next door are just a few of the things that keep him up at night. But when he decides to interview a War Veteran that was convicted for the rape and murder of a 14-year old girl 30 years ago for his English class, Joe finds out the true meaning of too much to handle. This story has suspense, twists with every page and some nice life lessons sprinkled throughout. Full episode to come soon!
'People we meet on vacation' by Emily Henry, tells the story of two college friends (Poppy and Alex) and their 12-year vacation-based-friendship. Their last adventure took them all the way to Croatia, where an event occurred that ended the duo's relationship. Now, two years after Croatia, Poppy is determined to bring her friendship back with Alex, but how? As a classic platonic-turned-romance book, this book has all of those gossipy topics one would hope to find in this genre: Love, tears, laughs and a little bit of the past lingering around to make things just a bit juicer. We discuss the plot of this book and dive deep (maybe too deep?) into the themes and events that culminated in this book's ending. We talk about what we really thought of Poppy's character, some changes we would make to the book and where we think this book ranks among the newbie authors that we've read recently? Can this book be considered a classic? Listen to find out!
Two best friends. Ten summer trips. One last chance to fall in love. This is what our next book chat will be about. If interested, read the book and follow along. In the meantime, listen to this short pod while we discuss our expectations for the book.
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