The Big Gay Book Club

Our hosts, Chris and Amy, are very thankful for the big gay blanket this month as they explore the frozen Wingspan Continent with Tyrus and his many friends - brrr! Come along with them on this very queer, quintessentially-teen fantasy adventure that's oozing heart and style in equal amounts. While Owlbound By Winter's Beak may be author Wesley E. Joseph's first novel, we cannot deny its absolute charm and impressive world building. You'll find yourself lost amidst the eternal winter our hero and his friends face - perhaps you'll befriend an owl of your very own to help you on your journey? If not, we hope this episode can act as a suitable traveling companion.Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Patreon. We'd love to hear from you!Time Stamps:~ 7:00 - That's So Gay ~ 12:30 - Book of the Month (No Spoilers)~ 21:00 - Synopsis ~ 35:00 - Entering Spoiler Territory ~ 1:11:20 - Book Club Questions~ 1:24:00 - Wrap Up/Overall Impressions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts, Chris and Amy, read the hauntingly devastating When Haru Was Here this March! Admittedly, Chris picked this one up based on the cover alone, but what was nestled within that dust jacket lived up to its beauty. Written by Dustin Thao, this book is a unique story that is magical in all the best ways. Join The Big Gay Book Club this month for a discussion about grief, self discovery, and queer hope.Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Patreon. We'd love to hear from you!Time Stamps:~ 13:15 - That's So Gay (The Last of Us)~ 21:00 - Book of the Month (No Spoilers)~ 25:00 - Synopsis ~ 37:00 - Entering Spoiler Territory ~ 1:34:00 - Book Club Questions~ 1:45:30 - Wrap Up/Overall Impressions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts, Chris and Amy, feel very lucky to have gotten to read Kyle Lukoff's A World Worth Saving this month! This middle school grade-level read follows the journey of A, a trans Jewish teenage boy on a quest to save his friends from forces far more sinister than he could have ever imagined. A's story is enlightening to anyone not familiar with the trans experience and demands to be read for its honest portrayals of trans identity, as well as the hardships and victories of trans youth. You will be a better person for having read this book - we know that we are.Due to the topics present in A World Worth Saving, as well as some of its more difficult themes, this episode contains discussions centering around misgendering, suicide amongst trans youth, and many other hardships our trans youth here in the USA and around the world face on a daily basis. Please listen only if you are able to safely hear these types of topics being discussed. Chris and Amy know they still have room to grow, and are welcome to hearing feedback both positive and constructive. NOTE: Due to circumstances out of our control, the interview with Kyle had to be rescheduled. Stay tuned for updates on when that will be released!Resources:National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741The LGBT National Hotline: (888) 843-4564Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Patreon. We'd love to hear from you!Time Stamps:~ 9:20 - That's So Gay~ 16:00 - Book of the Month (No Spoilers)~ 25:00 - Synopsis~ 41:00 - Entering Spoiler Territory~ 2:03:30 - Book Club Questions~ 2:17:45 - Wrap Up/Overall Impressions~ 2:22:45 - Sign Off Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts, Chris and Amy, have extended the holiday spirit into 2025! Come on down to Christmas City, where the snow is white and the space heaters are…pretty? This month, they've read The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch. This Netflix Christmas movie of a novel is going to brighten your year, no matter when you read it. With enough spicy romance and political intrigue to keep every sensibility engaged, you're going to want to tune in to see what these two have to say!Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Patreon. We'd love to hear from you!Time Stamps:~ 7:00 - Patreon Plug~ 9:50 - That's So Gay ft. Severance SPOILERS!~ 18:30 - Book of the Month (No Spoilers)~ 38:00 - Entering Spoiler Territory~1:14:00 - Book Club Questions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts, Chris and Amy, have so much to say about Jandy Nelson's prolific third novel, When the World Tips Over, that Episode 18 has a run time of more than two hours! You'll not want to miss a second of this delightfully celebratory discussion of what has become one of their top reads of 2024! Amy said it best: this novel is a reminder to live life to the fullest and appreciate the family and connections you have. Stay in the moment, and LIVE FOREVER, NOW!We can't believe our second year of podcasting has come to an end, and we want to thank all of you Big Gay Book Club members, from the bottom of our hearts, for coming on this journey with us! Thank you to everyone who has listened, left a review, sent us an email, interacted with one of our posts, or told a friend about this community. Let's make 2025 a year of amazingly gay reading!Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you!~ 37:30 - Entering Spoiler Territory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts, Chris and Amy, fly away, into the stars, for this episode in which they read Jessica Mary Best's debut novel, Stars, Hide Your Fires. Intergalactic espionage to the extreme. Murder plots. Framed for crimes you didn't commit. Crawling around air vents. Disarming your enemies. Narrow getaways. Budding romance. This story has it all. Join Cass, Amaris, and crew as they fight against the empire and try to make their corner of the universe a little more supportive and accepting of all its people. Do you have what it takes to join their cause?Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you!~ 22:00 - Begin Stars, Hide Your Fires Spoiler-Free Discussion~ 38:00 - Entering Spoiler Territory Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts, Chris and Amy, present a special bonus Halloween episode in which they discuss Full Shift, the teen (were)wolf graphic novel written by Jennifer Dugan. This book is jammed (wolf) pack full of suspense, found family, sapphic romance, self discovery, and so much more. Howwwwwwwwl! And enjoy!Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts, Chris and Amy, get witchy for this month's Halloween themed episode! They've read the first book in the Witches of Thistle Grove series, Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper, thanks to the recommendation of one of their awesome listeners. Join them as they discuss the wonderful trio of witches, Emmy, Talia, and Linden, and the brilliant schemes these three friends set in motion. Who will ultimately win the Gauntlet of Thistle Grove and bring their family the accolades and power it affords? You'll just have to read, listen, and see!Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts, Chris and Amy, welcome you back to Marsyas Island for their highly anticipated (as least for them) season two premiere! With less than a month passed since its release, they discuss the newest installment in the Cerulean Chronicles, Somewhere Beyond the Sea. Written by TJ Klune, this wonderfully fantastical tale welcomes us back into the arms of the family we grew to care so much about in The House in the Cerulean Sea. From a new family member, to a threat from beyond their shores, the children, Arthur, and Linus will be put to the ultimate test, and we were simply happy to be able to join them in their journey, somewhere beyond the sea.Stay tuned until after the outro music for a special sneak peek into our upcoming patreon members club and Official Big Gay Book Club discord server!Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SPOILERS galore in this one shot bonus episode all about superlatives. Our hosts, Chris and Amy, discuss all their favorite moments from the novels they read over the course the last year. With season one drawing to a close, look back on all their highlights and reminisce about all the characters, fluffy animal companions, first kisses, scariest moments, and everything else that made these gay book amazing!Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts, Chris and Amy, welcome you to their season one finale. Thirteen books, fifteen episodes, one year of podcasting - it's all been leading to this! Chris feels it may even be one of their best episodes yet!This month they've read The Girl from the Sea, which is written and illustrated by Molly Know Ostertag, who lends her magical voice and unique artistry to a wonderfully vibrant story all about being yourself and leaving the world a better place than you found it. A fun queer take on an ancient folktale, this story masterfully blends selkie lore and bubbling teen angst, much like the threads in the tapestry of it's setting's rich history. Chris and Amy weren't able to put it down once they started reading and as a perfectly bite sized graphic novel, reading it and joining The Big Gay Bookclub in their discussion is a perfect way to spend a breezy summer's morning in your backyard with a cup of your favorite warm beverage. As always, thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts Alex and Henry–oops, sorry, Chris and Amy–thoroughly enjoyed the sensationally queer romance novel Red, White and Royal Blue, written by Casey McQuiston. A globe trotting romp that brings together two diametrically opposed foes (yes, that's a Hamilton reference, which feels incredibly on brand), RWARB (rhubarb) tells the tale of how the president's son and a member of the royal family fell in love. It's also an incredibly appreciated piece of escapism that will have you wishing for a world in which a woman runs the white house. #Kamala2024 You'll not want to miss anything Chris and Amy have to say about a book they both described as being so good they couldn't put it down!Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus Pride Month episode, Amy and Chris had the amazing opportunity to speak with Lindsay King-Miller, the author of their June book of the month, The Z Word! The three of them talked horror, queer literature and liberation, rainbow capitalism, book number two, and so much more! A huge thank you to Lindsay for taking the time to speak with us about her debut queer horror novel that we both loved so much. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on whatever platform you listen and consider following Lindsay King-Miller @askaqueerchick on instagram to keep up with her future releases! We know we're excited to read whatever she publishes next.Be sure to listen until the end of the episode to hear about how you can get your hands on a The Big Gay Book Club sticker!Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Pride Month! Our hosts, Chris and Amy, have a lot to say about The Z Word, Lindsay King-Miller's debut horror novel about Pride and its problematic corporate overlords. At its core, The Z Word is a story about found-family and how necessary it is for queer folks to have a support system surrounding them to make it through the hardships we face on a daily basis. (Zombie apocalypse, anyone?). Lindsay strikes the perfect balance between horror and camp in this delightfully over the top Pride spectacular, while also managing to tell a down to Earth, relatable story that anyone queer will find something to connect to.Some highlights:That's So Gay ft. Doctor Who!The Big Gay Book Club has stickers!Campy queer horror - it can't get much better than that.Lumberjack bisexual realness.Zombie apocalypse drag show extravaganza.As promised, Doctor Who spoilers time stamp: 13:30 - 20:15Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would our hosts Chris and Amy survive in post apocalyptic America? Would they find love at the end of the world? What truly is the ideal date? These questions and more are answered in this month's episode, in which they had the pleasure of reading and discussing Erik J. Brown's All That's Left in the World. At its core, this is a queer tale of two boys' journey across an unforgiving landscape in search of not only salvation, but their truest selves. Some highlights:Amy opens up about her recent ADHD diagnosis.Chris has been writing.Things get VERY book club.Exciting Pride Month news.New logo and podcast cover!?Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April showers brought us the wonderful tempura encrusted flower that is Chef's Kiss! - written by Jarrett Melendez, illustrated by Danica Brine, colored by Hank Jones, and lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. A perfect bite-sized slice of life story about Ben, an English major, fresh out of college, struggling with employment, that stumbles upon the perfect opportunity at a cute little restaurant where NO EXPERIENCE!!! is needed. Funny, charming, and a little sexy, this book is the perfect story to read on a cool summer morning, while sipping your favorite beverage and munching on a crispy pastry. As always, let us know what you think about the episode either by leaving a review, or messaging us via email or instagram. Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts Chris and Amy present their longest episode yet! This month, they've had the pleasure of reading and discussing Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, written by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. They laugh, they cry (seriously), and they make metaphors like it's their job! And it's all because of this excellent slice of life story, which centers around the budding friendship of two Mexican American teenagers in the 1980s and explores how their relationship inexplicably intertwines two families for the better. Of note, Chris has claimed that this may be his new favorite book to date. If you're curious as to why, you'll just have to listen. Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts Chris and Amy spend nearly two hours gushing over everything Heartstopper, the mega sensation of a graphic novel series drawn and written by the amazing Alice Oseman. From the two (soon to be three) season Netflix adaptation, to the gayest and most iconic scenes in the series, to their theories on what awaits us in volume 6, season 3, and beyond, nothing is off the table. If you've read the books, or even if you've only watched the Netflix series or you're simply curious about what all the (well-earned) fuss is about, you will not want to miss what promises to be their best episode yet. So, pull up a chair, grab your coziest gay blanket, and join The Big Gay Book Club.Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts Chris and Amy read the perfectly bite-sized work of queer teen romantic fiction (possibly the best four word combination ever concocted), Twelfth Grade Night! A graphic novel oozing with as much character as it does heart, this story take mighty inspiration from some of Shakespeare's most famous (and fun) works. There's an honest to goodness love triangle, many hijinks, and important messages about acceptance and overcoming grief. You'd be amazed by how much the authors, Molly Horton Booth and Stephanie Kate Strohm, managed to fit into this delectably scrumptious story. The illustrator, Jamie Green, also played an important role in bringing the uniquely fantastical world to life. But, you don't have to take our word for it - pick up the book, give it a read, and then come listen to an episode we had way too much fun recording!Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts Chris and Amy have a lot to say about the queer and chaotic (in all the best ways) Christmas rom-com, 'Kiss Her Once for Me,' by Alison Cochrun. Amy said it best when attempting to summarize what this book was about in two words: fate and failure. If you like any of the following things, you may need to hurry up and read this book so you can listen to this episode!Snowy bridges lit by Christmas lights.Bookstore meet-cutes.Bakery-related puns.The Great British Bake Off references.Taylor Swift (nothing more must be said).Touching stories about finding yourself and your true family during what is often a challenging time of year.Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts Chris and Amy get ~s~p~o~o~k~y~ this month as they read Echo, by Thomas Olde Heuvelt, a Dutch writer who takes inspiration from some of the greatest horror writers of our time (and it shows)! They have a lot to say about this continent spanning epic and the main character's quest to save a person's soul. This is, at its core, a love story, with more than you can imagine at stake. It just so happens to be gay, which is an exceptional treat to someone like Chris, who both loves horror AND gay things! If you like horror that seeps into your bones and keeps you thinking long after its over, this is the story for you. Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts Chris and Amy read a very neat book by Mary Robinette Kowal about a dog, named Gimlet, in space! Oh, and there are several other cool things that happen, but mostly there is a dog, solving crime, in space. Oh, wait, maybe that's actually the dog's human, Tesla Crane, an engineer-turned-detective whose spouse, Shal, has been framed for MURDER. Together, Tesla and Gimlet save the day, and Shal from certain incarceration. This book is marvelously exploratory in its portrayal of an ideal future for queer people, as humanity has reached into the stars and beyond. Left behind are preconceived notions and unnecessary assumptions, ahead are the unlimited possibilities of a future free from discrimination and hate (mostly).Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts Chris and Amy spend one hundred minutes gushing over Alice Oseman's wonderful series, Heartstopper. No topic is off the table as they dive into all the details that make Heartstopper the queer story they wish they had growing up. Learn more about your hosts as they open up about how a story like Heartstopper leaves its lasting impact on them. Both Amy and Chris see themselves in one of the two main characters, but if you want to find out which, you're going to have to listen!A special thank you to the author, Alice Oseman, for their brilliant work in bringing this important and magical story to the page, as well as the big (tv) screen. Their influence on queer pop culture and their amplification of queer stories centered around positivity and acceptance are both something Chris and Amy appreciate immensely.Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, email thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts Chris and Amy discuss the House in the Cerulean Sea, by TJ Klune. Be warned, because you will soon be wrapped in a big gay blanket through no control of your own. This book is a wonderfully important tale about breaking out of your rut, no matter how scary or daunting that task may be, and finding your place in the world amongst family, friends, and maybe even a few magical beings. In a wonderous setting that makes you wish you were there and amongst characters so vibrant you'll claim you're their closest friend by the end, come with us on this journey that you'll think about long after it's concluded.Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, 'Werq.' You can find more of their music on https://www.incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us with book recommendations or questions for our upcoming episodes, e-mail thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us on Instagram @tbgbookclub. We'd love to hear from you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our hosts Chris and Amy explore everything there is to know about them and their shared love of reading and writing. How did they meet? When did their love of reading begin? What were their favorite books growing up? How are reading and writing a part of their lives today? The answers to all of these questions and more wait for you within.Thank you to Kevin MacLeod for the use of our theme song, ‘Werq.' You can find more of his music on https://incompetech.com/.If you'd like to contact us, e-mail thebiggaybookclub@gmail.com or message us instagram @tbgbookclub. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.