Touch Your Shelf

COUPLE DISCLAIMERS: In our first Harry Potter episode (episode 31) we go into deep detail about how much we dislike JKR and her sentiments towards transgender women. We make this episode in good fun, without supporting the author. No. 2: This is a drunk episode which is much different from our usual content, so be warned and enjoy.   Let's get to it, drunkasode number two! We bring you fun drinking games, and our takes on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. We love this book, but of course can only take it so seriously. Play along and let us know what you think! Instagram Twitter

Welcome to the Regency Hunger Games! Where this week we try to get everyone in England married, but only to the suitor within one's station of course. We're so excited to share this funny and romantic episode of one of our fav Austen novels. There's drama and silliness and too many Twilight references: may the odds be ever in your favor.  Let's be friends! Instagram Twitter

HEEEELLLLLOOOOOOO FRIENDS! We are finally back with Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. We talk Kailin's wedding, what we've been up to, and of course this super cute book. It's about two boys in love, a smidgen of smut, and drama of international proportions.  We're so excited to be back in business after wedding szn and we can't wait to give you even more! Let's be friends! Instagram Twitter

We're back with Charlotte Perkins Gilman's The Yellow Wallpaper! A dark and twisted short story about a woman's descent into madness. Our protagonist has everything going against her as her husband forces the rest cure onto her: isolation and zero mental stimulation. She becomes obsessed with the wallpaper in her bedroom and it slowly drives her insane.  Let's be Friends! Instagram Twitter

This week Kailin is doing a solocast with Madeline Miller's Circe. Wow this book is amazing, go read it. The end.  No, but really it's amazing, we see Circe's entire life as she grows into her power as this incredible witch. Miller's second installment is just as fanatical and beautiful as the first, I enjoyed this book so much. The feminism and the power that comes from Circe's story is stunning, you won't want to miss it.  Let's be friends! Instagram Twitter

We're reading To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han. This ooey gooey teen romance is like biting into a warm cookie; it's like sitting in the sunshine while the birds chirp. You will not regret this really sweet book about Lara Jean and her adventures into high school boys. Not to mention, this book portrays the nuances of sisterhood like none other. If you have sisters you will 10/10 relate to this book.  Let's be friends! Instagram Twitter

This week we're talking about most classic stories: myths. We're talking Medusa, Persephone and Hades, and Orpheus and Eurydice. We love bringing some 21st century nuance to these ancient myths, and it brings us to realize Papa Poseidon and f*ck boy Zeus really suck. At the end we play a fun game and try to cast the new Percy Jackson series that's coming to Disney+.  Let's be friends! Instagram Twitter

They're aaaaaalive!! After an unintentional hiatus the TYS sisters are back with Adam Silvera's They Both Die at the End. This YA contemporary fiction gives away the ending, but is anything but predictable. Mateo and Rufus bond over their mutual doom, and find some meaning in their short lives along the way. We're so happy we're back and better than ever! Let's be friends!! Instagram  Twitter

CW/TW: There are some graphic scenes in this book. Along with discussion of eating disorders and mental illness. So please be aware before listening! We're digging into The Vegetarian by Han Kang. This incredibly thought-provoking novel is like none other. We dig into the deep and semi-confusing nuances of Yeong-hye's life as we see it through her family's eyes. Even if you haven't read this book, you will love this episode. This book is amazing and you won't want to miss out! Let's be friends! Instagram Twitter 

We're bringing you the classic-iest classic there is, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. It is yet another old white man talking about the American Dream and, as we call it, all the rest of that bullsh*t. We talk about how Curly's Wife is the real main character and Lenny's predisposition to squeeze things to death. We have so much fun talking about this rather boring book. But, nothing's ever boring with the TYS sisters! Let's be friends! Twitter Instagram

We are so excited to share this episode of The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna. This book embodies feminist power and we are HERE FOR IT. Battle and fighting and cute boys, what more could you ask for in a Young Adult novel? This book is by far one of our favorite YA novels to date and we can't wait for you to enjoy this episode! Let's be friends!! Instagram  Twitter

Come fly to Neverland with us as we discuss Peter Pan! We had so much fun talking about the mischievous boy who never grows up. We go into the confusion surrounding kisses and thimbles, and how it affects innocence. We also have one of our infamous TYS sister showdowns over how cruel and evil Kailin thinks Peter Pan is, and how Kelsey thinks he's an angel. Let's be friends! Instagram Twitter

Welcome to a TYS minisode! Kelsey is taking on Maya Angelou's iconic, Still I Rise poem. We love poetry over in Touch Your Shelf land, and you should too! Kelsey digs into confidence, strength, as well as the difficulties of working through trauma. This poem is an amazing piece to work with and we hope you enjoy! Instagram Twitter

We're celebrating Kelsey's 21st birthday TYS style; with lots of drinking and Harry Potter of course. Come enjoy this special boozy episode about Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. We can't wait for you to hear about Kelsey's deep burning love for Rubeus Hagrid and our thoughts on the misfortune of Ron Weasley. Not to mention the most hilarious and epic blooper reel at the end of the episode.  DISCLAIMER: This episode is a drunken celebration of Kelsey's 21st birthday. It is certainly raunchier and dirtier than our usual content, be warned and enjoy! Wish Kelsey a Happy Birthday below! Instagram Twitter

The lizard king, aka, Eragon by Christopher Paolini, is the book we are talking about this week. A childhood favorite for the both of us, this epic fantasy is sure to capture your heart as well. We can't wait for you to join us as we discuss wizards, and dragons, and elves, oh my! This book is really quite incredible for a YA/children's novel, and we hope you enjoy our episode. Instagram Twitter  

We are back with Shakespeare's Macbeth! Join us as we praise Lady Macbeth's sharp tongue, the super cool witch ladies, and try not to hate on poor Macbeth too much. Hey, we tried our best. We can only be so perfect, ya know? Bear with us as we discuss some technical meter things, I promise we make it fun.  Let's be friends!  Instagram Twitter

In which we gush about The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. This is hands down one of the greatest love stories of our time. We can't wait for you to join us as we laugh and cry through one of the greatest books that we have ever had the pleasure of reviewing for the TYS Sisterhood. Even if you never take our advice about books, be sure to trust us on this one. We say it once, we'll say it a million times: everyone must read this incredible work.  Instagram Twitter  

We are putting up another Bronte episode, but this time we're hanging out with Charlotte. This classics episode is all about Jane Eyre and her extremely toxic relationship with Mr. Rochester. We talk about poor Bertha, and how Rochester definitely deserved more than mere blindness. Come join our feminist banter, we can't wait to hear what you think of this particular classic.   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod

Welcome to our first contemporary episode! We are kicking it off with this beloved newcomer, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. You don't want to miss our discussion on art, immorality, and how Luc is definitely the best bad guy we've ever read! Thank you so much for checking us out, don't forget to slide into our dm's below! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod

We are back for Season Two with Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll! Follow us down the rabbit hole as we discuss this trippy classic. We talk about Lewis and whether or not he wrote this story in a drug addled stupor, as well as Alice and her wonky Wonderland friends. It is so exciting to be back in your ears for yet another season, can't wait for you to enjoy this one! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod

Here is our Season 1 finale episode! We are talking about Asher Lev and his unique, artistic coming of age story. We loved his fascinating life and tragic ending. This first season has been absolutely incredible, and we love every single one of our listeners. Get ready for an all new Season 2 in two weeks, starting December 6th! We've got some surprises up our sleeves you won't wanna miss.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod

TRIGGER WARNING: For a brief, ten minute period we discuss suicide and PTSD. We let you know when it's coming up, but we want everyone aware.  This week, we're back in full capacity since Kelsey has recovered! We are bringing you this beautiful masterpiece from Virginia Woolf, Mrs. Dalloway. You will love Kelsey being a full on annoying Aquarius, and Kailin being a sappy Pisces. Mrs. Dalloway is an entertaining stream of consciousness novel that you will love getting lost in. Don't forget to rate and follow us on the socials!  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod

Welcome to our first ever minisode! This week, Kelsey is recovering so Kailin is taking over and doing Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. This book can be real boring, so I get down to what's really important and give you the scoop on this 800 page behemoth of a novel. I'm talking emotional truths, adultery, and the many confusing Russian names I had to memorize. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod

Take a look through the soul-encompassing picture frame as we take you on the wild ride that is the life of Dorian Gray. We talk about morality, sexuality, and the way in which Oscar Wilde writes women characters. The biggest question we have is, did Dorian sell his soul to the Devil? Or is he really having a wild trip? Come find out in our newest episode! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/ Twitter https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod

This week we are talking about an eerily relevant book, The Handmaid's Tale by the incomparable Margaret Atwood! You do not want to miss this! We are talking female oppression, the election, and Kelsey's persistent boob rash. All important and deeply concerning topics. If we say so ourselves, we really do this incredible book justice, give us a listen and review! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod

We are doubleplushappy to present our episode of George Orwell's 1984. Join us as we discuss Newspeak, the proverbial death of Winston, and the parallels to today's politics. We can't wait for you to hear our take on this iconic dystopian novel! Don't forget to come chat with us on our socials, we love hearing from you! Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/ Twitter https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod

Come one, come all, to the final episode in our Halloween Spook-Tacular! We tell you the scariest ghost stories. And, we take a bite out of Victorian novel: Dracula. We follow the Count himself and the Van Helsing gang through an adventure of mythical proportions. We talk about the inherent sensuality of vampires, and how Dracula doesn't even sparkle. Ugh, an Edward Cullen wannabe. As if.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod  

The second to last episode in the Spook-Tacular Halloween Series! We give you even scarier ghost stories, and scarier interpretations of everyone's favorite gal, Carrie. We discuss the teeny town of Chamberlain within this Stephen King classic. Don't forget to check out our socials and tell us your scary stories! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/ Twitter https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod

Let's get stoned! Just kidding, we won't be getting stoned, but the characters in this short story sure are! This week we're talking about a small town bound by the tradition of stoning its citizens to death once a year. Just the usual small town life, ya know? Also, in continuation of our Spooky Series, we answer some questions we've gotten about our paranormal lives. And, we give great ghost hunting advice!   Let's be friends! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod

Welcome to the second spook-tacular installment of our Halloween Series! This week we are taking you through the story of Victor Frankenstein, it's a novel where the monsters are scary and the sanctity of life doesn't matter! We also give you more of our spookiest paranormal stories that we have actually lived through. You don't wanna miss it! Come hang out with us! https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/ https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod

This week the TYS sisters are starting spooky month a bit early with ghost stories, and Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven.” Join us for some dissection of the famous poem by the famous Poe-t. We talk about our experiences with the supernatural, insanity, and what that Raven even means anyway. Don’t forget to leave us a review! https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/

We are traveling through Manhattan this week with good ol Holden Caulfield! Join us as we discuss this timeless novel about angst, the fight against the superficial, and alienation. Not to mention our biggest literary debate in the history of TYS. Don't forget to review, subscribe, and leave us a comment on any of your social media platforms! https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/

Trigger Warning: This novel contains elements of sexual assault and kidnapping.  Hopefully you'll still give us a listen! We do not take this book lightly, and we truly want to discuss all literature, even the taboo. This week we are discussing the disturbing, yet thought-provoking, Lolita. We talk about the gross Humbert and poor Dolores, and dwell on what could possibly make this book readable.  https://linktr.ee/touchyourshelf https://twitter.com/touchurshelfpod https://www.instagram.com/touchyourshelfpod/

Hey all you cool cats and bibliophiles, just a little trigger warning here; this book deals with assault and we just want you to be aware as we discuss it this week. We are diving on into the Thomas Hardy classic, Tess of the D'Urbervilles. We follow Tess through the seven tragic phases of her life, and discuss fate, destiny, and who should play in the live action Hercules! Ya know, typical classic lit things. 

Come one, come all, to our Emily Dickinson episode! Kelsey and Kailin are discussing the poems, "Hope" is the thing with feathers, and Some-Work for Immortality. We explain Dickinson's reclusive nature, and how it really is kind of the dream. We go into the themes of hope, wealth, and immortality. Oh, and of course we make fun of the boyfriend and the fiance! What do they expect, it's Touch Your Shelf! Catch us on Twitter @touchurshelfpod and Instagram @touchyourshelfpod.

Welcome to another favorites episode, this week we are reading Kailin's favorite: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. We talk about what Regency romance looks like, the oppression of women, and  if Mr. Bennet is a DILF?? Oh and of course, whether or not the 1995 film adaptation is the best, or the 2005 version. Let us know your thoughts on Instagram @touchyourshelfpod and Twitter @touchurshelfpod. 

This week we discuss the legendary Harper Lee novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. We go over prejudice in the deep south. And, discuss how the narrative is affected when we look at it through the lens of young Scout Finch. Not to mention some Only Fans debates, and our new segment: wedding planning corner. Don't forget to leave us a review and follow along our podding adventures! Instagram @touchyourshelfpod and Twitter @touchurshelfpod.

Join us as we wander down the deep dark halls into this creepy Edgar Allan Poe tale. Kelsey and Kailin declare Wegmans the king of grocery stores, and debate on the meaning of the ending. We're all over the map this week, but you don't wanna miss it! Leave a review and catch up with us on Instagram @touchyourshelfpod and Twitter @touchurshelfpod.

We are shakin' it for Shakespeare this week! Join us as we discuss this beloved tragedy. We go deep into Oedipus, Hamlet's melancholia, and trouble at the border? Tune in to find out more! Find us @touchurshelfpod on Twitter, and @touchyourshelfpod on Instagram. 

Or as we like to call it, The Old Man and the Fish. We are swimming with the fishes this week as we take a look at this Hemingway classic. We discuss this novella's beautiful imagery and heavenly themes, as well as our less than fond feelings towards old Ernest himself. Come and enjoy the thrills of touching your shelf and getting some knowledge. Don't forget to find us on Instagram @touchyourshelfpod and Twitter @touchurshelfpod. 

No one knows sisters the way we know sisters! This week we delve into the lives of Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth to explore the nuances of the struggle that is sisterhood and life. Come join us as we discuss this comfort book, and don't forget to leave a review! 

This week we head into the Gothic nightmare of Wuthering Heights. Is Heathcliff really the worst? Or is it whiny Cathy? Honestly, it's probably Joseph. We talk soulmates and evil and death, oh my!

Coming at you with some poetry for your shelves! Kailin and Kelsey deep dive into T. S. Eliot and his modernist approach to this poem. We talk Boomers, Zoomers, and poor lonely Prufrock. Join us, and don't forget to subscribe!

Our inaugural episode! Kailin and Kelsey discuss the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel "The Great Gatsby." We talk about the American Dream, or lack thereof, as well as class and the Roarin' 20's.

Hi there! Welcome! Here's the trailer, enjoy!