Unassigned Reading

We're back this week with our best beach read recommendations for your summer vacations.Books mentioned in this episode:The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky ChambersKill The Farm Boy by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin HearnFix Her Up by Tessa BaileyFaker by Sarah SmithMagic for Liars by Sarah GaileyAloha Rodeo by David Wolman and Julian SmithBe sure to check out SFF Yeah!Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

It’s Pride Month, so in honor of that we’re discussing what might be the happiest, most fun book we've read all year: RED, WHITE, AND ROYAL BLUE by Casey McQuiston. Links:BookPage's Interview with Casey McQuistonStumbling Into Identity: Casey McQuiston on Writing About BisexualityBe sure to check out SFF Yeah!Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

You asked, we answered! What inspired us to start this podcast, where do we find out about our favorite books, what deceased authors would we like to interview, and what are our favorite reading drinks? Find out all this and more in this episode of Book Talk!Books mentioned in this episode: Prince on Paper by Alyssa ColeThe Language of Thorns by Leigh BardugoThe Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler WarnerThe Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann HobermanThe Doll People by Ann M. MartinThe Midwife's Apprentice by Karen CushmanMy Sister's Keeper by Jodi PicoultWicked by Gregory MaguireMeddling Kids by Edgar CanteroNosferatu by Joe HillSawkill Girls by Claire LegrandThe Serpent King by Jeff ZetnerTurtles All the Way Down by John GreenSing, Unburied Sing by Jesmyn WardThe Fifth Season by N.K. JemisinWise Man's Fear by Patrick RothfussGregor the Overlander by Suzanne CollinsThe Regional Office is Under Attack by Manuel GonzalesOur theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

It’s our one year anniversary! To celebrate we asked you all to vote and pick one of the best books of 2018 for our book discussion this month. And you picked one of our favorites from the past year, THE KISS QUOTIENT by Helen Hoang! Let’s discuss romance vs. erotica, comparisons to 50 Shades of Gray, and representation in fiction!Links:https://ew.com/author-interviews/2019/04/30/helen-hoang-the-bride-test-interview/https://literaryreview.co.uk/bad-sex-in-fiction-awardOur theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

We’ve been reading too many great books to talk about anything else this month. Get ready for an episode of all books and no substance. Books mentioned in this episode: The Lady from the Black Lagoon by Mallory O'MearaWe Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay MejiaKing of Scars by Leigh BardugoBlack Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon JamesAn Extraordinary Union by Alyssa ColeAnd the Ocean Was Our Sky by Patrick NessEducated by Tara WestoverHeretics Anonymous by Katie HenryThe Wedding Date by Jasmine GuilloryHurricane Child by Kheryn CallenderOn the Come Up by Angie ThomasThe Only Harmless Great Thing by Brooke BolanderBecoming by Michelle ObamaOur theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

This month we’re discussing the stunning alternate history novella, THE BLACK GOD’S DRUMS, by P. Djèlí Clark. What’s up with steampunk and how does this Haitian-inspired tale reimagine Civil War era New Orleans? Listen in to find out!Interview with the authorOur theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

The apocalypse is almost upon us! ...okay not really, but the TV show adaptation of GOOD OMENS almost is, and we want to talk about it. Books mentioned in this episode: Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuistonThe City in the Middle of the Night by Charlie Jane AndersAurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay KristoffWatch the Good Omens trailerOur theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

Dive on in for a discussion of GOOD OMENS, the cult classic novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. Let’s talk the most specific prophecies ever, religious references, and how this awesome book came to be.Some useful links:www.tor.com/2013/05/29/a-comprehensive-theological-reference-guide-to-good-omens/https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30512620Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

Everybody gets them; nobody wants them. How do we conquer the dreaded reading slump? Romance, re-reads, shaking things up? We have some thoughts, and we’d love to share them with youBooks mentioned in this episode: The Bride Test by Helen HoangWelcome to Nightvale by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor It Devours by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey CranorThe Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina KhanOur theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReading

We’re tackling a romance this month with one of Sarah’s favorites, THE SCRIBE by Elizabeth Hunter. This supernatural romance has us discussing soul mates, romance tropes, and just what constitutes a happily ever after.Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReading

Valentine’s Day is almost here-- let’s talk about our favorite bookish couples. Who are our BrOTPs, NOTPs, and OTPs of the literary world? Listen to this episode to find out!Books mentioned in this episode:Ayesha at Last by Uzma JalaluddinThe Final Empire by Brandon SandersonMen We Reaped by Jesmyn WardA great interview with Uzma Jalaluddin on Ayesha at LastMore on the origin of the term ‘OTP’ and its current usage:knowyourmeme.com/memes/otpfanlore.org/wiki/One_True_Pairingbustle.com/articles/79776-what-does-otp-mean-a-primer-for-this-very-important-acronymOur theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReading

We’re starting off the new year discussing the breakout fantasy hit of 2018, CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE. Let’s talk afrofuturism, influences of Avatar the Last Airbender, fantasy as allegory for modern politics, and our theories for where this awesome series is going. Kilgore, De Witt Douglas, and Ranu Samantrai. “A Memorial to Octavia E. Butler.” Science Fiction Studies, vol. 37, no. 3, 2010, pp. 353–361. JSTOR, JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/25746438.Some awesome interviews with Tomi Adeyemi to check out:https://bookriot.com/2018/08/02/tomi-adeyemi-interview/https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/6/5/17417604/tomi-adeyemi-interview-children-of-blood-and-boneOur theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod @ gmail.com

Let’s talk bookish resolutions! From Book Riot’s Read Harder challenge to personal goals, let’s figure out how to start off 2019 right.Books mentioned in this episode: How Long Til Black Future Month by N. K. JemisinThe Girl King by Mimi YuSpinning Silver by Naomi NovakRadium Girls by Kate MooreBook Riot’s 2019 Read Harder ChallengeBuy My Name Was Never Frankenstein (Rachel’s anthology)Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod @ gmail.com

We’re talking PRINCESS OF ALDERAAN in this very special Starwarsmas episode! Let’s discuss Leia’s backstory, connections to the larger Star Wars universe, and what it means to do good in the universe. We have a good feeling about this one. Happy holidays and may the Force be with you! Links We Mentioned:Interview With Claudia GrayOur theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod @ gmail.com

CURSED CHILD and FANTASTIC BEASTS -- love ‘em or hate ‘em, we all have strong opinions about the HP Extended Universe. Where do Sarah and Rachel come down on that issue? Well, you’ll just have to listen to this episode to find out. Books mentioned in this episode: Born a Crime by Trevor NoahClean Room, v. 1 by Gail Simone and Jon Davis-HuntA Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh MafiA Love Letter to Newt ScamanderOur theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod @ gmail.com

We’re talking DEATHLY HALLOWS this month! Is secrecy Dumbledore’s fatal flaw? Is Snape a good guy or a bad guy? Is Slytherin House really EVIL (spoiler: no)? All that and more in our discussion of the final HARRY POTTER book!Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

Let’s talk about our current reads and all our thoughts on the eight Harry Potter movies. Wait, is this a book podcast or a movie podcast? Books mentioned in this episode:The Fifth Season by N. K. JemisonThe Bird King by G. Willow WilsonPride by Ibi ZoboiSawkill Girls by Claire LegrandOur theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

We’re talking HALF-BLOOD PRINCE this month! Dive in to find a smorgasbord or various topics, including: Harry’s Draco obsession, a surprising connection to Slavic fairy tales, and Half-Blood Prince: The Rom-Com Edition. Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

Were our fan theories correct? Do Lazlo and Sarai get their happy ending? And seriously what is the deal with all those missing Mesarthim babies? Y’all, MUSE OF NIGHTMARES is out and it’s all we can talk about! Okay, maybe we mention a few other books too.Books mentioned in this episode: Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor (obviously)Girl Squads by Sam MaggsTempests & Slaughter by Tamora PierceHocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel by A. W. JanthaLanguage of Thorns by Leigh BardugoOur theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky.Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.comTwitter: @UnassignedPodInsta: UnassignedReadingEmail: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

We’re talking STRANGE THE DREAMER this month! Expect a deep dive into themes of morality and the legacy of trauma and so, so, so many theories. Some great interviews with Laini Taylor about Strange the Dreamer to check out: https://bookriot.com/2017/04/04/an-interview-with-laini-taylor-author-of-strange-the-dreamer/ https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/teen/interview-laini-taylor-author-strange-dreamer/ https://www.hypable.com/strange-the-dreamer-laini-taylor-interview/ Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.com Twitter: @UnassignedPod Insta: UnassignedReading Email: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

How did we first get into fandom and which of us wrote Harry Potter fanfic back in the day? Listen to find out! Books mentioned in this episode: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole Three Sides of a Heart: Stories About Love Triangles edited by Natalie C. Parker Bygone Badass Broads by Mackenzi Lee Blanca and Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore Sources: http://aplatonicjacuzzi.tumblr.com/post/118760261672/crazybutperfectlysane-so-i-was-rereading-harry https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12392763/1/The-Other-Champion Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky. Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.com Twitter: @UnassignedPod Insta: UnassignedReading Email: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

We’re talking Order of the Phoenix this month! What does Child Development say about Harry’s ability to deal with trauma? How much do we hate Umbridge? Was Harry always destined to be the Chosen One? Find out in this month’s episode of Book Club! Sources: child-encyclopedia.com/resilience/according-experts/resilience-development-importance-early-childhood kidsmatter.edu.au/sites/default/files/public/KMECC4-201208-Risk-protective-factors.pdf stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=post-traumatic-stress-disorder-in-children-90-P02579 ptsd.va.gov/professional/treatment/children/ptsd_in_children_and_adolescents_overview_for_professionals.asp Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky. Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.com Twitter: @UnassignedPod Insta: UnassignedReading Email: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

We’re reading too many books as usual. Also, let’s talk about A Very Potter Musical, fanworks, and get moderately confused over parody law! Books mentioned in this episode: The Adventure Zone by Carey Pietsch, Clint McElroy, Griffin McElroy, Justin McElroy, and Travis McElroy Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan The Pisces by Melissa Broder The Royal Runaway by Lindsay Emory Heart of Thorns by Bree Barton Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky. Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.com Twitter: @UnassignedPod Insta: UnassignedReading Email: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

We’re talking about the Goblet of Fire this month! What’s the deal with portkeys? Is Albus Dumbledore infallible? And just how many A Very Potter Musical references can we jam into one episode? The answer to all this and more in this month’s episode of Book Club! Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky. Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.com Twitter: @UnassignedPod Insta: UnassignedReading Email: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

Are you still super bitter about your Pottermore Patronus? Us too! Let’s talk about it in this episode of Book Talk (plus some of the other books we’re excited about, too). Books mentioned in this episode: Hullmetal Girls by Emily Skrutskie A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin Boxers & Saints by Gene Luen Yang My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows Furyborn by Claire Legrand Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky. Get in touch with us: Website: Unassignedreadingpod.com Twitter: @UnassignedPod Insta: UnassignedReading Email: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

We’re talking Prisoner of Azkaban this month! Expect a lot of Sirius puns and a discussion on the inner workings on time travel. Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky. Get in touch with us: Website: unassignedreadingpod.com Twitter: @UnassignedPod Instagram: UnassignedReading Email: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

What’s the deal with Hogwarts Houses? That’s the question on everybody's minds in this episode of Book Talk. That, and all the awesome books we’re currently reading. Books mentioned in this episode: Binti by Nnedi Okorafor Dread Nation by Justina Ireland Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang Hey Girl! by Michelle Markowitz and Caroline Moss Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky. Get in touch with us: Website: unassignedreadingpod.com Twitter: @UnassignedPod Instagram: UnassignedReading Email: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

We’re talking Sorcerer’s Stone this month! Expect a discussion of the differences between Sorcerers and Philosophers and the school song that never shows up ever again. (And, yes, we accidentally referred to Diagon Alley at Hogsmeade at one point. It happens.) Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky. Get in touch with us: Website: unassignedreadingpod.com Twitter: @unassignedpod Instagram: UnassignedReading Email: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

Hop on in for a freewheeling discussion of the books we’re currently reading and how we first got into Harry Potter. Books mentioned in this episode: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman The Woman’s Hour by Elaine F. Weiss Fresh Ink: an Anthology, edited by Lamar Giles (Crown Books for Young Readers, August 14) Authority by Jeff Vandermeer Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire Gwenpool vol 1: Gwenpool the Unbelievable, Believe It My So-Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky. Get in touch with us: Website: unassignedreadingpod.com Twitter: @UnassignedPod Instagram: UnassignedReading Email: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

We’re talking Chamber of Secrets this month! Expect a discussion of J. K. Rowling, Queen of Foreshadowing, Slytherin’s bad rap, and what the movies get wrong. Our theme music is Never Long (Time Goes By) from the album Escapism by Sahara Sky. Get in touch with us: Website: unassignedreadingpod.com Twitter: @UnassignedPod Instagram: UnassignedReading Email: unassignedreadingpod@gmail.com

Welcome to Unassigned Reading! A podcast where two book-obsessed sisters talk about a new book each month-- but not the kind you’d usually find in an English class. Join us on our adventures analyzing and obsessing over all things YA, sci-fi, fantasy, and whatever else strikes our fancy. New episodes on the second and last friday of every month!