Yak Babies is a weekly book podcast that brings a mix of reviews, discussions, games, and read-a-longs to fellow readers who are sick of the same old stodgy book podcasts. We focus on literature, and regularly discuss comics, video games, and other media as well.
Aaron Block, David Duhr, Brick Road
Listeners of The Yak Babies Book Podcast that love the show mention: presidents, books, talk, excellent.
The Yak Babies Book Podcast is a refreshing and unique addition to the world of book podcasts. Unlike many other podcasts in this genre, the hosts of The Yak Babies do not shy away from giving their honest and critical opinions about the books they discuss. This provides a nice contrast to the often breathless agents who seem to love everything that comes out.
One of the best aspects of The Yak Babies is the chemistry between the three hosts. Their banter is witty and engaging, and their discussions are insightful and thought-provoking. They have a great balance of humor and intelligence, which makes for an enjoyable listening experience. Additionally, they cover a wide range of genres and authors, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Another strong point of this podcast is its format. Each episode focuses on one specific book or topic, allowing for in-depth analysis and discussion. This format allows listeners to really dive into the book being discussed and explore different perspectives on it. It also helps to keep the episodes focused and organized.
While there are many positive aspects to The Yak Babies Book Podcast, there are a few areas where it could improve. Firstly, as mentioned in one of the reviews, they don't always talk about books or book-related topics. While diversifying the content can be interesting, it can sometimes feel like a departure from what initially drew listeners to the podcast.
Additionally, some listeners may find that the hosts' strong opinions can be off-putting at times. While it's great to have honest critiques, there might be moments where it seems like they are overly harsh on certain books or authors. However, this does add an element of excitement as you never know which book will end up being praised or torn apart.
In conclusion, The Yak Babies Book Podcast is an excellent listen for anyone interested in books and literature. With its mix of humor, intelligence, and critical analysis, it offers a refreshing take on discussing literature that is both enjoyable and thought-provoking. Despite its minor flaws, this podcast is a standout in its genre and definitely worth a listen for book lovers.
The pals share out their favorite comics and graphic novels.
The pals sift between to ersatz and the echt when it comes to reasons for authors dropping foreign words in their writing.
The pals discuss how they keep track of what they read, and it turns out each has a very different process.
The pals discuss buying books and if they read books the buy right away (or at all). Nico asks the pals what they do with books after they read them.
The personal pals share their favorite fantasy novels, and try to tease out the differnece between high and low fantasy.
The pals ditch Dave to talk about Noah Baumbach's 2022 Netflix adaptation of DeLillo's novel.
Books touched on: Genderqueer, by Maia Kobabe; Road of Bones, by Christopher Golden, Years of Rice and Salt, by Kim Stanley Robinson; Homegoing, by Yaa Gyasi; Maame, by Jessica George; Kindred, by Ocatavia Butler and Damian Duffy; Ink Blood Sister Scribe, by Emma Torzs; Marlena, by Julie Buntin; Counterfeit, by Kirstin Chen; Comedy Bang Bang The Podcast The Book, by Scott Aukerman; Wide Sargasso Sea, Jean Rhys; The Spy Who Loved Me, by Ian Fleming.
Aaron asks the pals what they think of writers intentionally omitting personal hang-ups (like drinking or smoking) from their writing.
The pals discuss the recent controversy with the Hugo awards, as well as the challenge of self-censorship in the modern era.
The pals did a group read of Ryka Aoki's sci-fi novel Light from Uncommon Stars. Will it stand the test of time or be shot into the ocean of forgotten books?
Books this month: The Heart of It All, by Christian Keefer; The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, by Michael Chabon; Small Mercies, by Dennis Lehane; Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt; The Wild Ones, by John Mooallem; Foster, by Claire Keegan; The Mysteries, by Bill Watterson and John Kascht; The Last Ronin- The Lost Years, by Kevin Eastman; Doppelganger, by Naomi Kline; Classic X-Men.
Who is Tyler Cowan and does he do cocaine?
The pals close the book on 2023 and chat about what they are looking forward to in the new year.
The pals share their best (and worst) reading experiences of 2023.
The pals all read Don DeLillo's 1985 novel, White Noise. Should it be enshrined int he canon or blasted into the sea by cannon?
The pals follow up the episode on horror novels with an episode sharing their favorite horror movies and shows, including their individual Mt. Horrormores.
The pals discuss books with forwards and afterwards. Do you read them or skip those parts? What about supplementary matter in comics and other media?
The pals discuss their favorite mystery and thriller novels.
Nico asks his pals if friends are owed an automatic 5 stars on Goodreads. Is giving 4 stars and asshole move? Also, do people still read professional book reviews?
Brick is increasingly vexed by his phone's grip on his time and wonders if phones are making us dumber. Bonus Bro2Bro included!
The pals discuss their favorite sci-fi novels.
Books this month: Kaya, by Craig Wes; Mouse Guard, by David Petersen; The Compleat Moonshadow, by Jean Marc DeMatteis; Marlfox, by Brian Jacques; Kitchens of the Great Midwest, by J. Ryan Stradal; Wool, by Hugh Howey; Demolition Angel, by Robert Crais; The Hunter, by Jennifer Herrera; The Great Transition, by Nick Fuller Googins; "Mall of America" by Susanne Wang; 33 1/3 Aja, by Don Breithaupt; 33 1/3 Come Away with ESG, by Sherry Percy; It Never Ends, by Tom Sharpling; Endzone, by Don DeLillo.
The pals read and review Toni Morrison' brutal and haunting novel 1987 Beloved. It's generally recognized as a masterpiece, will the Yaks keep it in the canon or shoot it into the sea? The deliberation may not be as clear cut as you thing. NOTE: our Patreon has not reached the level at which we can afford an on-staff factchecker. Some interpretations of historical facts by the Yaks may not be wholly accurate.
The pals share their favorite short story collections as well as a list of runners up they enjoy.
The pals enlist the AI chatbot Sudo to write the first draft of the long promised Elf Trap novella. Nico commits to proving he's smarter than a robot.
The plebeian pals discuss reading books written in languages other than English.
The pals share their favorite titles of the last 23 years, and a surprise Canon or Cannon decision is made.
The pals recount stories they read in grade school that stuck with them.
Aaron shares some comics first issues he thinks his pals will enjoy.
The pals share their favorite novels from the 20th century.
The pals discuss antagonists that have stuck in their minds.
Books this time: Euphoria, by Lily King; Writers and Lovers, by Lily King; Lessons in Chemisty, by Bonnie Garmus; The Last Housewife, by Ashley Winstead; I Have Some Questions for You, by Rebecca Makkai; You Only Live Twice, by Ian Fleming; Astro City Vol 2, by Kurt Busiak; All the Marvels, by Douglas Wolk; 33 1/3 Unknown Pleasures, by Chris Ott.r
The pals discuss some great authors that don't seem to ge the love and attention they deserve.
The pals share their favorite reads from the 19th century (and earlier).
The pals discuss plot twists as a narrative device and examples of when it has worked well or not.
The pals react to Pamela Paul's NYTimes op-ed "How to make students hate English"
The pals share some reading experiences that were difficult, whether by making them feel unease or revulsion, or because it challenged their thinking.
The pals talk about the implications of ChatGPT and "creative" AI technology on writing and teaching.
Books this time: The Song of Pentecost, by W.J. Corbett; Anger, by Thicht Naht Hahn; One Story; Boulevard; Boston Review; Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone, by Benjamin Stephenson; The Writing Retreat, by Julia Bartz; I'm Glad My Mom Died, by Jennette McCurdy; A Heart that Works, by Rob Delaney; The Candy House, by Jennifer Egan; 33 1/3: Highway to Hell, by Joe Bonomo and Unknown Pleasures, by Chris Ott; The Human Target, by Tom King.
Nico brings a fresh batch of spicy literary takes to share with the pals.
Next in our recommendation roulette of Secret Santa books, Aaron read Stone Arabia by Dana Spiotta upon Dave's recommendation.
The pals each share the name of the author they think is most overrated in reputation.
That is the role of responsibility of fact in historical fiction? Is there a distinction between historical fiction and fiction in an historical setting?
The pals read Tommy Orange's acclaimed 2018 novel There There and consider whether it should be canonized or launched into the sea.
The pals share the names and features of their favorite bookstores.
The pals each share three books they think everyone in the world would benefit from reading.
The pals discuss what about a story hooks them and makes them want to read more.
The next assignment in the pals' Secret Santa / Reading Roulette. Aaron assigns Nico to read Alan Moore's historical fiction Jack the Ripper comic opus From Hell. Bricks joins as well.
The pals share their reading goals for the coming year as well as introduce their new meta game: Brag Points.
The personal pals discuss the best books they read in 2022, very few of which were actually written in 2022.
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