A podcast in which we tell you about a book we just finished, and what we thought of it.
Scott read Wells’ latest and thinks you should too! Now we await the eventual Murderbot/Witch King crossover. Scott McNulty.
Antony recommends a book that (finally) accurately explains how videogames are made, and the struggles involved. Antony Johnston.
Antony reads the first in a rip-roaring space opera series in which humanity is faced with an existential threat, and comes away impressed. Antony Johnston.
Antony recommends a crime novel that’s already won multiple awards, and which he considers one of the most accomplished debuts he’s read. Antony Johnston.
Erika continues enjoying her reread of the Fallen Blade series. And Blade Reforged is a good jumping-on point! Erika Ensign.
Sometimes entertaining escapism means three short, bloody books about vampires. Erika Ensign.
A beautifully written, complicated queer romance … plus politics … plus a fire elemental. Erika Ensign.
Who would want to jockey against a sea of debutantes to win a marriage to a Duke when there’s a library full of books to be read and plenty of good tea to drink? Erika Ensign.
A post-myth Robin Hood tale that is at turns sad, dark, frightening, and eventually hopeful. With fae and dragons! Erika Ensign.
It’s a book in which nothing much happens, just a bunch of aliens sitting around waiting for the sky to clear. And yet Becky Chambers works her magic on it, and makes it memorable and moving. What a magic trick. Jason Snell.
In anticipation of the upcoming Apple TV+ show, Antony recommends a spy series quite unlike any other. Antony Johnston.
Erika revisits an old favourite and discovers it’s even better the second time! Erika Ensign.
Erika enjoyed a regency-style fantasy novel about war! Who woulda thunk it? Erika Ensign.
This book is (partially) set in Edmonton, which is exciting for Erika. It’s about monsters and friendship and what monsters can do to friendship. Erika Ensign.
A compelling book on a difficult subject, telling the stories of people who lived behind the Berlin Wall and lived in fear of the Stasi.
Do you like meta-fictional meditations on the nature of storytelling and Italy? Has Scott got the book for you!
Scott hasn’t left his apartment in 4 months, so he decided to read a book about fictional people who had it even worse.
Charles Yu has been working in television for awhile, and it isn’t hard to see that (obvious) influence on this novel.
Scott finally finished a book by Robert Caro (no, not that one). Host Scott McNulty.
Need a book to restore your readerly habits? This one worked for Scott! Host Scott McNulty.
People from an alternate timeline live as refugees in our New York City. It’s full of grief, sadness, frustration, and coincidences. Host Jason Snell.
Nathan reviews Ben H. Winters’s Underground Airlines, a gripping thriller set in an alternate history that feels too close to our own. Host Nathan Alderman.
Antony discusses SIX STORIES by Matt Wesolowski, a book tailor-made for podcast listeners. Host Antony Johnston.
How hard is it to do nothing, anyway? Host Quinn Rose.
Re-reading the Travis McGee adventure novels of the 60’s and 70’s in the twenty-first century. Host John McCoy.
The sequel to “Children of Time” does the original one better by adding new planets, new species, and maybe even aliens? Host Jason Snell.
Once again, Neal Stephenson has buried 250 great pages in a 900-page book. Host Jason Snell.
Antony discusses the infamously-not-dead Genesis road manager’s story, finally told in a delightful book. Host Antony Johnston.
Erika needed some dragons. She got them. She also got a war. So, swings and roundabouts. Host Erika Ensign.
"Ghosts in the Schoolyard: Racism and School Closings on Chicago's South Side" - Quinn talks about school closings, civil responsibility, and Eve Ewing’s sociology book “Ghosts in the Schoolyard.” Host Quinn Rose.
One million people have read and recommended Educated, but Quinn is here to be number one million and one. Host Quinn Rose.
Antony discusses Chris Brookmyre’s sci-fi murder mystery PLACES IN THE DARKNESS. Host Antony Johnston.
Do you love post-apocalyptic fiction, but for your soul’s sake you need to keep it light? Has Erika got a book for you! Host Erika Ensign.
The sequel to Magic, Madness, and Mischief delivers more of what Erika loved about the first book. Host Erika Ensign.
Like “Uprooted” before it, “Spinning Silver” is a more modern remix of classic fairy tale and fantasy scenarios. Royal weddings! Ice kings! Just don’t mention Rumpelstiltskin. Host Jason Snell.
Scott doesn’t remember why he had a copy of this book, but finally got around to reading it and enjoyed it! Host Scott McNulty.
Quinn got recommended a book by the Chicago Public Library, and now trusts the library completely. Host Quinn Rose.
Erika read this middle-grade fantasy both recently and not-so-recently. Turns out re-reading it is just as delightful as the first time through. Host Erika Ensign.
Erika went in search of a novel worthy to add to her Hugo nomination list — and she found one! Host Erika Ensign.
Monty’s a few years late, but he just got to the second book in Patrick Rothfuss’s Kingkiller Chronicles. Host Monty Ashley.
Merry Christmas, readers! For your holiday pleasure, Erika brings you a wacky-yet-dark Christmas mashup. It’s a shortie, so you can read it while your wine is mulling or your chestnuts are roasting. Host Erika Ensign.
Arachnophobes, steer clear. Hard sci-fi fans, pull up a chair! Host Erika Ensign.
Scott is a fan of Hamilton (no, not that one), but does his latest hold up? Host Scott McNulty.
In which Erika loves “twisted history” and Tansy. Not necessarily in that order. But maybe. Host Erika Ensign.
In which a good tweet convinces Erika to read a good book. Host Erika Ensign.
The third book in Becky Chambers’ “Wayfarers” universe — but there’s no need to read either of the other two before diving into this one. Host Erika Ensign.
The third book in the “Arcadia Project” series is great, but start with “Borderline” if you haven’t read any of them—and if you’ve read the first two, be sure to bone up before diving in to book three. Host Jason Snell.
A rollicking time-travel adventure featuring an 1870s lawman and a 21st century game developer, lost in time—and on the run from historical danger as well as deadly time police. It’s fun! Host Jason Snell.
Scott read all 4 books in the series over the course of 4 days. You will too. Host Scott McNulty.
I guess you could say that this is a book that has… appeal. Host Jason Snell.
If we made flesh and blood versions of fictional characters, would they be “real” people? Antony enjoys some late-night misanthropic philosophy with Al Ewing’s 2013 novel “The Fictional Man.” Host Antony Johnston.
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