The Drip

This episode, though subdued, is a fascinating journey into the critical minds of the spoilers as they try to figure out what it is about Mukherjee's stories that has a hold on them. It's probably fair to say that we didn't LOVE this collection, but there were stories here than really get in our minds. A book of its time that resists neat categorization, THE MIDDLEMAN is one of those books that sparked a passionate conversation that we may not have been expecting. Take a listen!

In this, our 50th episode, the Spoilers discuss everything from the inception of our little show to our favorite books and episodes. As you can imagine, it is celebration of everything that has kept us going all these years, including poetry, coffee, book covers, and the eternal question of genre! Come join us for a trip down memory lane as we revisit our favorite moments from the first 50 episodes of The Drip!

The Spoilers are back with the penultimate episode on their way toward the big 50! In this episode they heap praises upon Jesmyn Ward's latest triumph about a young, enslaved woman being led on a journey to the dark and deep of slavery's corrupt heart. They spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to understand this novel and what to do with its beauty and horror. In the end, they just follow Annis from the Carolinas to New Orleans on her harrowing journey and talk a lot about spirits, gods, love, and poetic brutality (a term they are not actually familiar with and do not use). Hope you enjoy it!

The gang is back, you guys! It's been awhile, but we are back to discuss Shannon Gibney's amazing memoir of transracial adoption, family, and love. We've read a lot of books doing this show over the years, but you can be sure that we have never read one like this -- and it definitely shows in the episode. So come along with us again and take a wondrous ride through time. It's not technically a wormhole you'll go through, but we are going to take you back to a few months ago to when we first recorded this episode. And let me tell you, it's worth the wait!

The Spoilers are back with an episode about Charmaine Wilkerson's worthy novel, Black Cake -- just in time for the Hulu release of the series on November 1st. If you haven't read the book, all you have to do is listen to our episode and you'll be ready to watch whatever Oprah ends up doing for this adaptation. As for us, we have a lot to say about this sprawling novel. There's a lot we love and some things we don't, but one thing cannot be denied -- this book got us to thinking: love, family, secrets . . . oh man, those secrets! Don't miss this one, folks. You just might learn some some things you didn't know about the Spoilers, themselves!

In this episode the Spoilers talk about Aidoo's wonderful novel, but as you might expect, they end up talking about patriarchy. And in particular they spend a lot of time talking about Esi and her car. You know, we don't always understand Esi (there are lots of questions), but in the end we all really love her and we all wish we were riding in that car with her wherever she wants to go. Don't miss this one. We can all go for a ride!

In this, our 45th episode, the Spoilers are back with what they thought would be a frolicking, early summer show about Baxter, a Black Canadian aspiring dentist who works as a sleeping car porter on a cross-continent train in the late 1920s (surprise! it took a while to edit!). Paced like a marathoner in a Dodge Challenger, this novel is relentless in its depiction of racialized labor in a very close environment. Not all of us loved this book, but that always makes for an interesting conversation -- and you will get nothing less here, even though you had to wait for three months. Anticipation makes things even better they say . . .

In this special Driplet, Anita gives Todd the chance to share his narrative of injury and recovery. After suffering a hemorrhagic stroke in February of 2020, Todd had to learn to read again while teaching a literature class, living away from his partner, and dealing with the fallout of a pandemic. In this funny, but personal episode, Anita and Todd explore the challenges of illness and recovery, and what it means when an injury manifests itself as an inability to read or remember names and faces. Eventually they weigh in on the ongoing debate over science of reading vs. reading recovery teaching pedagogy -- something Todd became obsessed with shortly after he learned to read again. You won't want to miss this chance to venture inside the illogical mind of one of the spoilers . . .

Did you know many Black writers including Zora Neale Hurston, Frank Yerby, and Lorraine Hansberry wrote works in which most or all of the characters were white? One of the best of these is James Baldwin's Giovanni's Room. In this episode, we discuss Baldwin's classic second novel, with its tortured main character, David, an American marking time in Paris. While not a book with a propulsive plot, we were all three blown away by the writing. We also marveled at Baldwin's ability to render compelling, flawed, and believable white characters. Mostly, we were fascinated by the emotional and psychological predicament of David, a young man who is afraid to surrender to his feelings for another man, and why despite this fact, this book is almost always at the top of lists of the best queer novels ever written. Check this one out, you guys -- we think you'll like it. 

Let's be honest -- when the Spoilers first started reading Leone Ross's Popisho, they were kind of confused. But as this lively conversation reveals, we came to really love this strange, original, endearing book. It never missed an opportunity to surprise and delight us. Take a listen to this episode to hear how we go from perplexity to wonder and happiness. Take our word for it -- this episode was made especially for you. 

It's been a minute, but the Spoilers are back with another compelling book conversation -- this time about Attica's Locke's best-selling mystery. The novel takes place on a plantation, so you know we have to ground things with a little bit of history (Dr. Moten would have it no other way). As usual, we have a lot to say about this book. We offer some praise and some criticisms, but in the end we give a pretty positive take on what we all seem to think is a pretty solid read. The fact that we keep comparing it to Queen Sugar has to tell you something about how we end up feeling about Locke's novel. Check out the episode and see what you think. It's definitely work the listen.

In this special "bookless" episode (in which we actually talk about many books), the Spoilers take on the question of language use in the classroom -- specifically, what do we do as teachers when material we want to use with students contains offensive and/or hurtful language? We decided to discuss this subject, first, because Anita had been thinking about it a lot and wanted to see what we thought, but also because we all happened to be in the same town together for the first time in almost three years and we needed to talk about something! None of us were finished reading The Cutting Season, so we had to figure out what else we could discuss for the episode. We settled on this question, and it did not disappoint. Our conversation touches on multiple aspects of teaching and ends up providing insight into how each of us understands our role in the classroom (whatever kind of classroom it may be). We hope you enjoy it! (THIS EPISODE CONTAINS OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE.)

It's been a while, but the Spoilers are back -- this time taking on the dangerous, seedy underworld of 1940s Los Angeles in Walter Mosley's classic novel about the factory worker turned private detective, Easy Rawlins.  Not surprisingly, the conversation quickly turns to the racial and gender politics of the book. It's a spicy discussion that ends with an inevitable extended comparison of the book to Barbara Neely's Blanche on the Lam, a contest no novel can ever win because Blanche is just the GOAT. Still, we had fun with Devil in a Blue Dress, and anyone who loves mystery and detective novels should love this episode. Check it out.

The Spoilers have been on a roll lately, doing shows about books that have just blown us away -- and this show is no exception. In this episode we talk about Toni Morrison's perplexing and captivating heroine, Sula Peace. What a woman! Just when you think you hate her, you realize that apparently, you love her. The novel itself is filled with unforgettable characters and amazing moments, and we talk about a whole lot of them. All of this is to say that in the end, we all agree that damn it, we adore and really miss the great Toni Morrison, but we're glad she left us a novel like this one to remember her by. Girl, Girl, GirlGirlGirl.

In this episode, the Spoilers can't stop gushing about Eloghosa Osunde's new novel, VAGABONDS! Structured like a spiritual text that challenges the orthodoxy and self-righteousness of those who would deny freedom and life to those on the margins of Nigerian society, this novel expertly constructs a narrative of self-salvation, told from the perspective of the vagabonds of Lagos. In reading this novel the Spoilers realized an important truth: the marginalized are the majority, and when the revolution comes, when the end times arrive -- in is the vagabonds who are gonna party together in love! Check out our emotional show on this unforgettable novel.

In another quiet episode, the Spoilers dig deep into issues of borders and migration both in Poddar's novel and in their own lives. It quickly becomes clear that while migration is a more immediate issue for some, it really impacts us all in significant ways. Whether you're venturing around the world or around the corner, we all have to reckon with the impact of moving and crossing boundaries in our lives. Check out this pretty personal episode to see what the Spoilers have to share about their own experiences.

In a bit of a quiet episode, the Spoilers revisit 2020 with Tookie, the protagonist of Erdrich's beautiful novel. The novel takes them back to the beginning of the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and the tumultuous summer that followed. But while Erdrich's book is about the haunting reverberations of the past, it is also about efforts toward individual and collective healing. It is about how we move through and respond to injustice and trauma, and how we can try to become whole again. It's about language and books and absolution and love. It's about the sentences we all carry and the ones we speak to each other when it seems like there is nothing that can be said. Damn it, Louise Erdrich! This book is too much! 

In this episode the Spoilers engage in a crescendoing conversation about Harris' NYT best selling debut novel. Uneasy with their reading of the book, anxious about their commentary, and unsure if they are on steady ground, the Spoilers carefully inch forward, refusing any relaxing balm, eventually careening toward inevitable exasperation. You're going to love this sometimes quiet, sometimes rollicking examination of a definitely provocative but sometimes maddening novel. What's our final verdict? We plead the fifth! 

The Spoilers are back after a long hiatus, anxious to take on this compelling novel by Afia Atakora. Right from the git go they have a lot of questions to answer, but Crystal, Anita, and Todd eventually arrive at an acceptable understanding of this rich novel of slavery and the ties that bind together the enslaved and the enslavers on this plantation: when do they break and when do they hold fast?

The Spoilers are back with an intense conversation about Deesha Philyaw's award-winning story collection. We have a lot to say about it and all of it is good. Known for sidestepping the sexy stuff, the Spoilers bravely tackle the intimate elements of this often steamy text -- and just for good measure, Adriana says the d-word at least once. It's definitely worth a listen. You're welcome America!

in this episode the Spoilers get nasty with Sister Souljah's classic tale of the ice-cold Winter Santiaga, one of the great characters of Black street lit. The crew is serious, funny, and informative as they employ their own impeccable skills to break down SIster Souljah's masterpiece -- and luckily no one gets cut in the process. 

For this, our first foray into the romance novel genre, we went in craving a bodice ripper, but ended up with teenage dress mending -- only a little less hot. However, we must admit that the results of our reading of the great Beverly Jenkins' YA novel, Josephine, were more than satisfying! In this episode we discuss antebellum Michigan and the small town of Whittaker, where all the men have left to fight in the Civil War and the women have been left to fend for themselves. When a group of injured soldiers arrives to convalesce at the town's boarding house, I think we all know what comes next: intense courting! Respectable socializing! Thoughts of kissing! Heteronormativity! And choices, choices . . . As you might expect, this turns out to be a delightfully raucous episode with lots of puns, nervous laughter, and an overdose of food metaphors. Check it out!

In this rather intellectually searching episode, the Spoilers wrestle with Robert Jones' beautiful and challenging debut novel. We try to figure everything out at first, but ultimately settle upon a rather comfortable acceptance of un-knowing and dwelling in the wonder of ambiguity. Arriving at the conclusion that there has not really ever been a novel like this one (EVER!) doesn't take us too awful long -- and once we do get there -- look out. What could have been an hour of complaining becomes a literary love fest. This episode is all epiphanic bliss and profound discovery in real time, folks (perhaps hyperbole, but it felt good).

The Spoilers welcome in the new year with a rollicking discussion of Nella Larsen's Harlem Renaissance classic, Passing in this episode -- and let me tell you they have some strong feelings about the characters in this book. As she does in the novel, the radiant Clare Kendry garners much of the attention, but we have plenty to say about Irene and her very complicated mind as well. We bravely tackle all things race and of course explore the intricacies of passing as well. Mostly we just do our best to answer Anita's questions (which are fantastic as usual). We laugh, we cry and no one dies in this entertaining episode -- perhaps there's some misadventure, but only the good kind (disclaimer: no one even comes close to crying).  

This episode begins quietly, with the Spoilers in a contemplative mode, as they feel their way through the dark forest of Dimaline's intriguing new novel about a young Metis woman's search for her missing husband. White occasionally pausing to ponder theoretical subjects such as human morality, culture, belief, and the architecture of consciousness, the spoilers do their best to figure out the mysterious rougarou, bone salt, where Victor is, and the post-booty-call rustle at door that concludes the book. The end result is an always intriguing, increasingly hilarious exploration of connectedness, identity, and the wildness inside us all (we see you, Cecile).  

In a raucous holiday episode, the Spoilers laud Radha Blank's heartwarming tribute to New York City and creaky black knees. With a hilarious and Irreverent critical eye, the Spoilers have nothing but good things to say about this funny, insightful, and heartwarming film. They love Radha's edge, they love her dope AARP lyrics, and they LOVE D (don't even get us started on that love scene). This is an all-love episode with a sprinkle of wisdom here and there for seasoning. Frankly, it's exactly the kind of episode we envisioned when we started this whole thing 26 episodes ago -- just four friends talking and laughing about something they like. Hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it.

Let's just be honest: Blanche White is the best Black domestic detective there ever was. Don't worry if you haven't heard of her. Some of the Spoilers hadn't either. She's smart. She's bold. SHE'S THE BEST. In this episode we basically won't let Anita end the show because we can't stop talking about how much we love this book. Let this episode be your introduction to the wonderful world of Blanche White, creation of the late, brilliant Barbara Neely. The good thing is, when you finish this novel, there are still three more to read!

The Spoiler are back in this special 25th episode talking everything from from Stuart Hall to BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. Once again the Spoilers struggle a bit with their non-mastery of the graphic subgenre, but in the end do a pretty dang good job talking about the text and the art of this wonderful piece series of books. Want to escape the temporal hellmouth that is 2020 for about an hour? Here's your chance. Join the Spoilers on an intense march through history as they embark on a mission to expand the chronology of the CIvil Rights Movement in the public imagination. 

The Spoilers are back with a love-fest episode for the ages. Beginning with an profession of gratitude and love for our own faithful host, we then tackle questions of genre, religion, bilingualism and translation, sexuality, the body, refusal, performance, and finding your voice -- all in an amazingly supportive and affectionate way. Inspired by Acevedo's beautiful book, we remember fondly our own teen years, consider the lives of teens today, celebrate the strength and empowerment of women, and repeatedly express our admiration for Xiomara, Twin, and Aman. If I may say so, this episode is a joy to listen to, and may, in some small way, make you forget everything about the world right now that is making you want to weep uncontrollably. You're welcome, America. Enjoy.

In this rangy episode, the Spoilers are introduced to an underground classic of Black feminist literature. With a main character like few others in literature, this novel leads the Spoilers into discussions of traditional vampire mythology, consent and violence, death and immortality, and the responsibility of vampire parenting. Along the way Anita quotes Sadiya Hartman and Ocean Vuong, Adriana introduces us to "Vamp Time," Todd introduces more anoying book-specific terms, and Crystal runs up the stairs in the middle of the episode? It all comes out ok in the end because in every Drip episode the Spoilers live forever! Join us . . . JOIN US . . .

Finally! The Spoilers get to talk about Todd's favorite book, BINTI -- and man was it work the wait. Times have been tough lately, but the Spoilers seem enlivened discussing this wonderful award winning novella. They tackle a mess of thorny issues, but they do a lot of laughing along the way. If you want to hear an extensive conversation about a shrimp ship, tentacle hair, ancient tech, and ritual clay application, this episode is for you. And really -- who doesn't want to hear about all that stuff? Mostly, the spoilers talk about being a teenager, the difficulty of leaving home, and those thing we never leave behind when we do. 

If you've been missing the us during the lockdown, fear not! We're back with a new jumbo episode for all y'all to dig into. Recording in the shadow of Covid 19, Ahmaud Arbery, and the George Floyd murder, the Spoilers take solace in the Vai maxim whispered by the narrator of Moore's compelling novel: "Fengbe kemu beh" -- we have nothing, but we have each other. In this episode we give you the rundown on magic realism and other confusing literary terms, we talk gender and colonialism, we learn a ton about Liberia, and we ruminate on black triumph. Get ready for a spicy episode filled with invisibility, talking weather, and pregnant ghosts. This thing has everything. Most importantly, we engage Moore's beautiful story of the effort to make many people into one nation using some very special gifts. It a story that might do us all some good right now. 

It's been so long since the Spoilers have all been the same room together and now their reunion looks even less likely to happen anytime soon. But that ain't going to stop them from recording the podcasts your lonely ears crave! In this episode the Spoilers discuss two recent films directed by black women -- QUEEN AND SLIM and ATLANTICS. As usual it's a wide-ranging conversation that veers from sourdough bread to SOUL TRAIN to zombies to Bokeem Woodbine. You do not want to miss this one! And by some kind of supernatural intervention the sound is pretty good. Is it possible that Todd was possessed by a real audio engineer? (Nope. It was Zoom.) Enjoy.

Even with everything that's been going on with us (something we keep obliquely referring to but but giving no details), Adriana and Todd found time to go see THE WHITE CARD performed at one of Saint Paul's treasures, Penumbra Theatre. Needless to say, I was fantastic, and we have a lot to say about it. We had our conversation in another wonderful Saint Paul staple, Nina's. It was packed and loud, but we gave it a go. You can hear Adriana perfectly, but Todd is a little low in the mix, as they say. Don't worry, you can hear him here and there when he gets moderately excited. It's worth a listen -- and the production is definitely worth seeing. It ends on the 7th so don't what around!

In this new-to-you episode the spoilers gush over another amazing novel by Colson Whitehead. There's lots to talk about, and in the end, what seems like it could be a depressing conversation turns out to be a rather uplifting one (Crystal is getting tired, y'all). Don't miss the Spoilers getting deep into this novel and confusing each other with questions such as, "Who the heck is Jack?" It's definitely worth it.

The Spoilers are back after a bit of a hiatus, and man, do we have an episode for you. In our triumphant return to the mics, we take up Gene Yang's sprawling graphic novel, AMERICAN BORN CHINESE. This colorful, complex feat of storytelling had us all over the place -- from the Google Empire to classic 80s sitcoms to the Baby Jesus. We spend a good deal of time trying to figure the whole book out, and in the end I think we gain a pretty good handle on why so many people love it so much. It's all about breaking down walls and being who you were meant to be. What's more important than that? Big thanks to friend of the show, Maquelle Huntley, for recommending it to us!

In this episode, our first with Crystal on remote from DC (we're still working on the tech-it'll be better next time), we rail against the arbitrary nature of rules and regulations while thinking about the ways that our stories are all connected. We gotta be honest, we all fell in love with this wonderful book about Orly, his godmother, and the little boy she tries to help. It's a timely, heartbreaking, honest, and ultimately optimistic novel about childhood, family, love, and loss. You'll hear our affection for it come through as we dig deep into its complicated layers. We think you're going to like this one, folks. It's all about America, home of the free . . .

In this episode, the Spoilers get to work talking about whiteness, representation, art, race, and the spectacle of black death. Sure, it sounds heavy, but the Spoilers bring all their serious thinking power as well as their decidedly enduring humor to bear in grappling with some of the most difficult social issues in play in our society today. For those of you out there thinking about how to have those difficult conversations around race, this episode is for you. And for those of you who haven't really considered the possibility, maybe this episode and Rankine's play are even more for you. The bottom line is, this is an episode in which we struggle and work together to move toward some kind of understanding of what Rankine's work is pushing us to understand. Our journey isn't completed in this episode, but we think it is a pretty good step in the right direction. (And we LOVE Claudia Rankine for brilliantly leading us down the path!)

Once again the Spoilers take on a poetry collection and the result is astonishment, tear-filled silences, and general veneration of the genius of Danez Smith. As usual, we ask more questions than we give definitive answers, in the process modeling an engagement with poetry that requires only that the reader/listener have an emotional response -- and we have SO darned many. Bottom line is that this collection both destroyed us AND elated us. Take a listen to hear what that sounds like in all its messy glory. And don't worry if you haven't read the entire collection - we've already thought of that. In this episode we each take turns reading our favorite poems and then we talk about them together. We, of course, hope you read the entire thing (redistribute wealth to poets!), but it isn't necessary for listening to this episode. And keep on listening after the closing music for something extra special - Danez performing "dear white america." You're welcome, ALL AMERICA.

In this episode, the Spoilers go back to high school to take on one of the most beloved and widely taught plays of the 20th century. Bravely confronting their literary prejudices, they reexamine this classic of African American literature while getting a little bit feisty in the process. Housing discrimination, masculinity and patriarchy, morality, and how to lose $6500 in a day are some of the fascinating subjects of discussion. The crew is particularly sympathetic toward Beneatha, bemoaning the fact that her dream seems to be the one that might still get deferred in this whole mess. Everyone is cool to forgive Brother and move into the new house, but what about that damn Willie? Does he really get away with it? In the end, the Spoilers laud sweet Lorraine and give her props for being a bit of a genius. And if Nina Simone and James Baldwin said it, who are we to disagree? Enjoy!

We're calling this a Driplet, but it's actually more of a teenage Drip about to head off to college. So if you've got the time, buckle up and listen to the Spoilers get all tied up in hilarious knots arguing about Jordan Peele's new movie, US. I mean, they go deep, deep down into the underground trying to figure out what Peele is up to. There's confusion, resentment, skepticism, and even anger -- but in the end, The Spoilers give in and join everyone else holding hands across America for US. As a bonus, Todd speaks French, does a questionable Red voice, and recommends Antoine Fisher. Absolutely no one approves. You won't want to miss this rip-roaring episode unless you are an older person who hasn't yet seen the movie (SUPER DUPER SPOILER ALERT) or you live in a very white, modern-style house and say "vodka thirty." Otherwise, grab a golf club and join the fun as the Spoilers battle to the end of humanity! (Was that a wabbit I just saw?)

In this episode, the Spoilers get all excited about Michelle Obama's lovely memoir. As always, we have some gripes, but it is mainly all love for our favorite First Lady (No offense, Hillary). We start on the south side of Chicago with more of Crystal's remembrances of her childhood hood and move on to black motherhood, women in the workplace, community organizing, mentors and friends, parental sacrifice, the great migration, and a whole bunch of other stuff. While there are some fiery moments, this is generally a joyful episode in which we end up being impressed by the writing achievement of Michelle Obama. I think she even taught us some things. Is there anything she can't do? Does she have a podcast yet? 

There's just not much we don't like about Barry Jenkins' adaptation of James Baldwins' novel IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK. It's a layered, lush, beautiful depiction of black love that really touched us all. But if you know the Spoilers you know we are always going to have something contentious to talk about. This episode is no exception. We spend a lot of time talking about Tish, about the depiction of Christianity, about the lack of Oscar love for this movie. Along the way, Todd mansplains and Anita interrupts -- and then something falls off the table. Chaos reigns! But it's all good. We think you're going to love this thoughtful and lively episode. 

In this Episode, the Spoilers are back to gush over Kiese Layman's amazing new memoir, HEAVY. There's not much to say except we were pretty much knocked out by the audacity of Laymon's writing and we talk almost endlessly about the countless ways that we were amazed. The show is fifty minutes long, but we could have gone for another two. But you know Anita wasn't going to let that happen ('cause she's good at her job). We kept it reasonable for y'all. You can thank her later, but listen to the show now!

This special episode has a little bit of everything. The Spoliers, satiated by an unbelievable Ghaniain meal prepared by their friend Nasreen, fight through the haze of the itis to tackle some deep issues in Yaa Gyasi's wonderful novel HOMEGOING. And as they do it, they have plenty of trouble remembering the names of all those characters ("they" means "Todd"). They talk about genre, clock some literary allusions, and even take on the eminent Isabel Wilkerson's critique of the book. And maybe most important of all -- they argue for at least five minutes about whether Marcus and Marjorie are in love (Duh, of course they are). You may want to pour yourself a glass of wine as you listen to this snowy Saturday night show. It goes well white both white and red . . .

In this episode the Spoilers go another round with the THE HATE U GIVE, but this time it's the movie. In it we discuss what a Black Lives Matter movie might look like, question the apparently dwindling black lighting budget, and you knew we were going to complain some more about Chris. It gets a little rowdy, but we keep our Spoiler selves on point with a rash of academic-type hot takes that may or may not be brilliant or useful. We also pay tribute to the great Ntozake Shange, whose death caught us all off guard, but whose work made us who we are today. And finally we rep the Black Youth Project 100, whose music is restoring our spirits after a week of depression and pain. This is what real activist art looks like!

Do you hear what I hear? Yup -- THE DRIP is back and this time you can actually hear us talking! In this episode, the Spoilers work through how to think about representations of sexual violence in the wake of Kavanaugh; they talk marriage, mass incarceration, race and masculinity, and creepy Roy dolls; and they resist the desperate urge to line up on Team Roy or Team Celestial (no Team Dre). This gem is packed full of delectable moments, mostly because it's the second time we've talked about this novel. You won't hear the first because no one could hear us over the raucous crowd at Heritage when we first tried to record this episode a couple weeks ago. This time we took it all back home to a quiet place, and if we don't say so, we are a little more thoughtful, generally brilliant, and much easier on the ears. Listen all the way to the end for the added treat of a sweet outtake from our first recording effort at Heritage -- that's right, it's Crystal rocking an impromptu performance of "Sorry" from FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE/ WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF during sound check. It is so worth it.

In this episode, Adriana proves how big her brain is by easily besting Todd in a literary genre battle, Crystal reveals which story "elicited the most emotional reaction," and Anita shouts out Todd's mom. Also, Carmen Maria Machado gives us an excuse to fan-folk LAW AND ORDER. All the while, we sip delicious drinks and listen to the same dulcet tunes we used to hear at Lake Cofee House. Wait - have we entered some sort of time-shift? Abler, is that you? Henson? Bonita?!!!??!!

The All Spoilers Collective gets a little bit critical in this episode about a book we also like a lot. We find ourselves saying things like, "I cried but," or "the book is trying to do this, but." Let's just say there are a lot of "buts." While we praise this novel for putting black girls at the center, we have a lot of questions about the representation of radical activism and freedom movements, the consequences of snitching, and what it really means to move to the suburbs. There's also an aopologia for King, and Todd bags on the Fresh Prince maybe a little too much. You're going to love this hot little episode in which the Collective gets as prickly as they ever have. 

In this episode, the All Spoilers Collective recognizes both Jane and Katherine's bad-assedness while also tackling zombies, the definition of YA literature, boarding schools, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, and the power of corsets. It is our first episode at Cahoots Coffee Bar in St. Paul and we're outside, so you, our loyal listeners get to hear us dodge planes, ambulances, and window air conditioners. Don't worry, you can hear the team brilliance (confusion?) pretty well. All aboard the train to Spoilerland!

In this extremely short episode, Anita and Todd talk about why the collective decided not to discuss Junot Diaz's book for our next show. We also discuss YA literature, the tragic closing of Lake Coffee House, and our fantastic new recording equipment. And fInally -- we announce the new books for July.