Podcasts about Bookish

In Bookish Words & their Surprising Stories (Bodleian, 2025) by Dr. David Crystal, explore how books have played a pivotal role in the history of English vocabulary. The noun itself is one of the oldest words in the language, originating from boc in Old English, and appears in many commonly used expressions today – by the book, bring to book and bookworm – to name a few. Alongside the arrival of the printing press came the development of the newspaper industry. Terminology such as stop the press, front page news and hit the headlines have developed into common English vernacular over time. Still, the emergence of the internet continues to change all languages. This anthology presents a selection of more than 100 words which show the influence of writing, reading and publishing books on our everyday vocabulary over the centuries, telling the stories behind their linguistic origins, and uncovering some surprising twists in the development of their meaning through time. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In Bookish Words & their Surprising Stories (Bodleian, 2025) by Dr. David Crystal, explore how books have played a pivotal role in the history of English vocabulary. The noun itself is one of the oldest words in the language, originating from boc in Old English, and appears in many commonly used expressions today – by the book, bring to book and bookworm – to name a few. Alongside the arrival of the printing press came the development of the newspaper industry. Terminology such as stop the press, front page news and hit the headlines have developed into common English vernacular over time. Still, the emergence of the internet continues to change all languages. This anthology presents a selection of more than 100 words which show the influence of writing, reading and publishing books on our everyday vocabulary over the centuries, telling the stories behind their linguistic origins, and uncovering some surprising twists in the development of their meaning through time. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

This week, I was lucky enough to go to Chicago with Steph to see Julie Clark in conversation with Mary Kubica about her new thriller The Ghostwriter!! If you haven't seen the sprayed edges already, you need to. We had so much fun at the event, but also had the best time recording our first IRL episode! The reading gods smiled down on me and now specific fiction books work for me in audio form, so we decided to share some of our favorite audiobooks!Books We Talked AboutFinding Me by Viola DavisThis American Woman by Zarna GargCue the Sun! by Emily NussbaumGirl on Girl by Sophie GilbertThe Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan KamaliDon't Tell Me How to Die by Marshall KarpThe Good Sister Sally HepworthAllegedly Tiffany D. Jackson Check Out My Stories Are My Religion SubstackCheck Out Author Social Media PackagesCheck out the Bookwild Community on PatreonCheck out the Imposter Hour Podcast with Liz and GregFollow @imbookwild on InstagramOther Co-hosts On Instagram:Gare Billings @gareindeedreadsSteph Lauer @books.in.badgerlandHalley Sutton @halleysutton25Brian Watson @readingwithbrian

In Bookish Words & their Surprising Stories (Bodleian, 2025) by Dr. David Crystal, explore how books have played a pivotal role in the history of English vocabulary. The noun itself is one of the oldest words in the language, originating from boc in Old English, and appears in many commonly used expressions today – by the book, bring to book and bookworm – to name a few. Alongside the arrival of the printing press came the development of the newspaper industry. Terminology such as stop the press, front page news and hit the headlines have developed into common English vernacular over time. Still, the emergence of the internet continues to change all languages. This anthology presents a selection of more than 100 words which show the influence of writing, reading and publishing books on our everyday vocabulary over the centuries, telling the stories behind their linguistic origins, and uncovering some surprising twists in the development of their meaning through time. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

Hello and welcome back to Books on the Brain. On this week's episode, Danielle and Deirdre are recapping the past yearish in bookish news, fangirling over Sabrina Carpenter, and yapping about TV shows. If you aren't watching the video version on YouTube, you are missing out on some really stunning visuals. Want your voice heard in any of these conversations? You can send us a DM or comment on our Instagram @booksonthebrainpodcast! You can also send us an email at booksonthebrainpod@gmail.comWe upload weekly on Wednesdays, and you can find us individually Deirdre (she/her) @deirdrerosemorgan on Instagram & TikTok & YouTube, Danielle (she/her) @d.j.books on Instagram & TikTok

The Betches talk about a book a friends mom sent us! We had no idea what we were getting into on this one, especially being YA. Find out how the three Betches felt about this one! Follow us on Instagram for previews of next week's episode and more bookish content! @books_n_betchesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summary: For the final episode before our hiatus, it is only fitting that Holly and Devin get to spend an hour gushing about one of their favorite middle grade series, Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend. Written by a queer Australian, these books bring middle grade fantasy into technicolor from black and white. With rich world building, a menagerie of friends, foes, and frights this series will make the hearts race for readers of any age. Reminder: Holly is a new mom! While she spends some time with her evolving family, we'll be taking a hiatus from the podcast through the summer and fall. As we have updates we will share them. We appreciate your patience and encourage you to review our back-log of episodes in the meantime.  Topics Discussed: Series Summary (4:37): Morrigan Crow is a young girl born on Eventide, the unluckiest day of the year. Cursed to die on her eleventh birthday, she's blamed for every misfortune in her town and her parents dismiss her - her fate is sealed. However, when the day arrives she is whisked away by the enigmatic Jupiter North, who brings her to the secretive and magical city of Nevermoor. There, Morrigan learns of the Wundrous Society, an elite organization for those with extraordinary abilities. To gain entry, Morrigan must complete four trials - even when she's not sure what her own magical “knack” is… Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow (pub date June 24, 2025) Key Themes (13:28): Rich World Building with Complex Characters: Nevermoor is a vividly crafted city, teeming with magical elements, unique customs, and a diverse cast of characters, offering readers an immersive experience. Beyond Morrigan, the series boasts a range of well-developed characters, each with their own backstories and motivations, adding depth to the narrative. Identity and Self-Worth: Morrigan's journey is a profound exploration of self-identity. Branded as cursed and unworthy, she struggles with feelings of inadequacy. Through her experiences in Nevermoor and the trials she faces, Morrigan begins to redefine her sense of self, discovering her intrinsic value beyond societal labels. Belonging and Found Family: The series emphasizes the importance of finding one's place in the world. Morrigan's relationships with characters like Jupiter North and her fellow society members highlight themes of chosen family and the comfort of belonging, contrasting her earlier experiences of isolation. Prejudice and Acceptance: Morrigan's status through the series exposes her to fear and discrimination, reflecting broader themes of prejudice. Townsend uses Morrigan and other characters and plotlines to challenge characters and readers alike to confront biases and embrace understanding and acceptance. Courage and Resilience: Facing daunting trials and societal rejection, Morrigan's resilience is a central theme. Her determination to persevere, even when the odds are stacked against her, serves as an inspiring testament to inner strength. The Nature of Power and Authority: The series delves into the complexities of power, particularly through the lens of Morrigan's abilities. It poses questions about the ethical use of power and the responsibilities that come with it. Hot On the Shelf (28:00): Holly: With a Vengeance by Riley Sager Devin: Red Rising by Pierce Brown What's Making Our Hearts Race (32:43): Holly: Andor Season 2 Devin: Friendship with Holly

Send us a textOn this special bonus episode of Badass Literature Society we're doing something a little different—no book review, no deep dive, just a fun round of Bookish Would You Rather. Questions all about books, reading habits, tropes, and more. None of us know what's coming, so we're going in totally blind.Do you have a book you'd like us to review on this show? Send us an email at badassliteraturesociety@gmail.comIf you don't already, follow us on Instagram and FacebookArt by Justin Miller DesignCheck us out here!

Um Alessa gebührend in Empfang zu nehmen, müssen wir sie und euch in dieser Folge natürlich erstmal in alle möglichen News einführen

The Betches talk about highly requested book, Blood Over Bright Haven by ML Wang! We had no idea what we were getting into on this one. Find out how the three Betches felt about this one Follow us on Instagram for previews of next week's episode and more bookish content! @books_n_betchesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Author of WORDS MADE OF FLESH, the eco-horror YOU WILL SPEAK FOR THE DEAD, and the Stoker-nominated story “Ten Thousand Crawling Children,” R.A. Busby spends her spare time running in the desert with her dog and thinking about weird things to write about.    Recommended in this episode: “Ten Thousand Crawling Children” and WORDS MADE OF FLESH by R. A. Busby   NEWS: We have a Bookshop.org shop now! Find all of our favorite books at our shop–and help out small businesses.    UP NEXT: Summer HIATUS! Buy our books here, including our newest Toil and Trouble.

Alexa Bigwarfe and Hannah Jacobson dive deep into business-building for authors and publishing pros. They cover funding models, pricing mistakes, automation, AI tools, and the essential mindset shift from "just an author" to entrepreneur. It's honest, funny, and full of hard-won wisdom. A must-listen for creative business owners!

The Betches talk about the incredible Cave of Time by Edward Packard, the originator of the Choose Your Adventure style books! What an absolutely wild ride!!! Follow us on Instagram for previews of next week's episode and more bookish content! @books_n_betchesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summary: Let's talk about babies, baby! Today our hosts discuss books featuring pregnant protagonists. This is especially timely given that Holly is pregnant (and upon release, perhaps Baby has already arrived!). Whether you're looking for an unexpected romance or a real look into vulnerability and perseverance, reading works centered on pregnant folks is a great avenue to go down. Note: Given the imminent arrival of Holly's baby, we will be going on a hiatus after our 90th episode, through the summer and fall. We will keep you all posted from there about what's next as Holly gets adjusted to this new phase of life—in the meantime, thanks for your patience and of course we have 90 episodes you can revisit at any time in case you miss us.  Topics Discussed: The Heart (4:28): Devin discussed Ready or Not by Cara Bastone, a novel following Eve Hatch after a one night stand leads to an unintended pregnancy. Living in Brooklyn with a dream-adjacent career, best friends, and a cozy if not exciting life, Eve now has her whole future thrown into uncertainty. Whether it's collaborating with her baby daddy or increasingly relying on her best friend's brother, Shep, Eve needs to figure out what she really wants now, beyond her child. Devin's key takeaways were: The portrayal of pregnancy and the pacing of this story by Bastone give the reader time to experience (secondhand) the trajectory of those pivotal 9 months and how Eve navigates not only her growing belly but also her growing network and expanding world. With ups and downs, excitement and fear, whether you've been pregnant before or not you should expect to empathize and better understand that experience.  While there are romantic elements to this book, it's not a very intense or dramatic part of the book. The greater emotional arc of the book is around found family for Eve and the way she explores platonic and romantic intimacy outside of sexuality. If you're looking for a slow burn, emotionally intelligent connection, this book is for you.  As the reader follows Eve from her predictable and controlled life in Brooklyn into this surprising and unexpected future, we explore how she learns to embrace the unexpected and let go of her need to control her life too much. The best laid plans almost never work out and for Eve, that might be a great thing.  The Dagger (15:48): Holly discussed Tilt by Emma Pattee, a climate fiction story following Annie, a 37-week-pregnant woman who is shopping in IKEA when a massive earthquake - modeled after the predicted Cascadia Subduction Zone event - devastates Portland, OR. Trapped momentarily amidst the chaos, she escapes the huge store only to find the city in ruins: communication lines are down, infrastructure is destroyed, and everyone is panicking. With no way to get in touch with her husband, Annie embarks on a treacherous journey across the city to reunite with him. Holly's key takeaways were: Throughout her journey, Annie grapples with her identity and the societal expectations of motherhood. She reflects on her past aspirations, including her abandoned dream of becoming a playwright, and how these unfulfilled ambitions intersect with her current role as a mother-to-be. The narrative delves into her internal conflicts, questioning traditional notions of maternal instinct and the societal pressures placed upon mothers.  The earthquake serves as a catalyst for Annie's transformation. Initially portrayed as overwhelmed and uncertain, her experiences during the disaster compel her to confront her fears and reassess her priorities. This journey mirrors the transformative process of becoming a mother, highlighting themes of growth, sacrifice, and the redefinition of self. Annie's odyssey underscores the human capacity to endure and adapt in the face of overwhelming adversity. Throughout her journey, Annie meets a spectrum of individuals—some offering aid, others posing danger—each interaction shedding light on human nature in crisis. Interspersed with her physical journey are Annie's reflections on her past: her career aspirations, the strains in her marriage, and her ambivalence about motherhood. Hot On the Shelf (32:01): Devin: We Solve Murders by Richard Osman Holly: King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby What's Making Our Hearts Race (36:01): Holly: IMO Podcast with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson Devin: Silicon Valley on HBO Max   Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com   If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.

On this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Mary are discussing: Bookish Moments: bookish get togethers and bookish connection events Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we've been reading lately Deep Dive: the ins and outs of a virtual reading retreat The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site) .  .  .  .  1:32 - Ad For Ourselves 1:45 - Currently Reading Patreon 3:41 - Our Bookish Moments Of The Week 4:33 - Mystery to Me bookstore 9:56 - Our Current Reads 10:10 - Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian by Tim Probert (Mary) 16:38 - The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon (Meredith) 21:22 - Set Piece by Lana Schwartz (Mary) 25:15 - Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie (Meredith) 26:20 - The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie 27:57 - Poirot by Mark Aldridge 29:08 - Three Apples Fell from the Sky by Narine Abgaryan (Mary) 33:16 - The Farm by Tom Rob Smith (Meredith) 34:48 - Cold People by Tom Rob Smith 37:38 - Virtual Reading Retreats 51:26 - Meet Us At The Fountain 51:38 - I wish everyone would try a buddy read with an unexpected buddy reader. (Mary) 51:50 - The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys 54:33 - I wish everyone would consider putting a virtual reading retreat on their calendar. (Meredith)   Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. June's IPL is brought to us by one of our anchor stores, Schuler Books in Michigan Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business.  All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Kaytee | Mary | Roxanna Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!

What if everything you thought you remembered about your life, your love, or even your own mind wasn't the full truth? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Lisa Loop on her new novel States of Matter. Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate!Lisa Loop (MFA UCR/PD) has published in NBC.com/THINK, The Coachella Review, Kelp, Ballast, Gastropoda, University of Alabama Z Publications, Gunpowder Press, and other places. She is the author of five books, two under the pen name Thora Wolf. A former Hollywood creative executive originally from Seattle, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their elderly Aussie Shepherd mix. https://www.lisaloop.comFor more show information visit: www.MariannePestana.com

What if a broken sacred object set two young boys on a journey that would change not only their lives, but reveal the soul of a land and its people? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Kent Nerburn, PhD, on his new novel Lone Dog Road.  Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate! Kent Nerburn is the author of Lone Dog Road and 15 other books on spirituality and Native American themes.  He has been praised as one of the few American writers who can bridge the gap between Native and non-Native cultures.  Kent has twice won the Minnesota Book Award.  His book, Chief Joseph and the Flight of the Nez Perce, was a New York Times best seller, and his internationally acclaimed Neither Wolf nor Dog, which was the One Book South Dakota selection for 2019, is used in multi-cultural curriculums around the world. Kent is currently serving as cultural liaison to the International Smile Network in their work providing dental and cleft palate surgeries to children on the reservations in South Dakota.  http://www.kentnerburn.comFor more show information visit: www.MariannePestana.com

The Betches dive deep into this recently discovered treasure of an autobiography. We discuss the book, Lucille Ball's life, and what we thought about the narration! Follow us on Instagram for previews of next week's episode and more bookish content! @books_n_betchesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Every year, two children from one of twelve districts in Panem are chosen to participate in the Hunger Games, where they will fight each other to the death for the entertainment of the Capitol–and the chance to bring undreamt of wealth back to their poor families. When young Primrose is chosen as one of the tributes, her older sister Katniss sacrifices herself to go in her place. But now, 16-year-old Katniss must learn how to survive–and how to kill.  Recommended in this episode: Julia Bartz's The Writing Retreat and Paulette Kennedy's The Devil and Mrs. Davenport    Thanks to Fox and Wit for sending us their Nightshade Fox and Wit book box.   NEWS: We have a Bookshop.org shop now! Find all of our favorite books at our shop–and help out small businesses.    UP NEXT: Summer HIATUS! We will be back with new episodes soon! Buy our books here, including our newest Toil and Trouble.

This week's episode is a topic! The Betches talk about all the types of ways to read... audiobook, e-book, paperback, and what those implications are for reading in each format! Follow us on Instagram for previews of next week's episode and more bookish content! @books_n_betchesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summary: Muahaha! Cower in fear, dear listeners, as Holly and Devin discuss villains… who need a paycheck too. Whether you've worked in Corporate America or just like to imagine hell as an office building, these books will be a home run.  Topics Discussed: The Dagger (3:26): Holly discussed Sign Here by Claudia Lux, a satirical exploration of morality and corporate offices following Peyote Trip, a caseworker in the Deals Department of the fifth floor of Hell. Responsible for securing soups by making deals with humans desperate enough to sign away their afterlives, Peyote is on the cusp of a promotion. If he can sign up one more member of the Harrison family he'll get a “Complete Set” - five souls from the same lineage. Holly's key takeaways were: Hell's depiction as a monotonous office environment serves as a critique of bureaucratic inefficiencies and the dehumanizing aspects of corporate life.​ Peyote's journey reflects a deeper quest for self-understanding and the possibility of redemption, even within the confines of Hell. The novel explores the gray areas of morality, questioning the binary notions of good and evil through its characters' choices and motivations.​ The Harrison family's dynamics highlight the impact of generational secrets and the lengths individuals go to protect or escape their lineage.​  For Holly, the premise of the story was stronger than the execution. While it was entertaining throughout, the two storylines of Peyote in Helly and the Harrison Family on Earth don't come together as strongly and clearly as they could have.  The Heart (13:20): Devin discussed Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer, a BookTok-sourced Romantasy following Evie Sage, a young woman lying in the magical kingdom of Rennedawn who is in desperate need of a job. After an unfortunate firing and a spell of bad luck, she stumbles into a chance encounter with The Villain and ends up hired as his personal assistant. While yes, there are body parts swinging from the ceiling, his castle runs much like any business and Evie can handle the paperwork. Devin's key takeaways were: This novel highlights a recent publishing trend of storylines and authors becoming popular on social media sites like TikTok before they are published, then being signed by publishing companies to ride the wave of their popularity. Pros include increased diversity and a resurgence of popularity of reading in the zeitgeist, but Holly and Devin review cons like rushed editing and expected tropes as well.  Maehrer explores the idea that even villains deserve loyalty, empathy, and maybe even a decent lunch break. It's a workplace comedy... if the workplace had torture chambers. The absurdity of running an evil empire like an office is what makes the “villainous job” theme shine. Capitalism meets chaos magic. While not spicy at all, there are romantic elements to the story. The push-pull between danger and attraction for Evie and The Villain is delicious, especially when the boss could literally smite someone - but instead just broods silently when Evie talks to another guy. Hot On the Shelf (35:54): Holly: My Friends by Fredrik Backman Devin: That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Human by Kimberly Lemming What's Making Our Hearts Race (41:47): Holly: The Last of Us Season 2 on HBO Max Devin: Volunteering in her local community   Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com   If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.

On this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Kaytee are discussing: Bookish Moments: poolside reading and friends who know your reading tastes Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we've been reading lately Deep Dive: it's finally time to let you know the bookish friends' best books of 2024! The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site) .  .  .  .  2:30 - Our Bookish Moments Of The Week 6:42 - Our Current Reads 6:47 - Tempest by Beverly Jenkins (Kaytee) 10:31 - Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (Meredith) 19:41 - The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb (Kaytee) 19:56 - The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb 21:40 - Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb 24:19 - Campfires & Corpses by Nikki Weber (Meredith) 28:10 - Woodworking by Emily St. James (Kaytee) 28:45 - Tom Lake by Ann Patchett 31:59 - This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead (Meredith) 37:33 - Bookish Friends' Best Books of 2024 40:11 - The Women by Kristen Hannah (#4) 40:13 - The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (#4) 40:17 - Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being In Love by isthisselfcare (#4) 40:40 - The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (#3) 40:45 - Margot's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (#1) 40:47 - All The Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (#1) 43:36 - James by Percival Everett 43:37 - Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy 43:38 - The Wedding People by Alison Espach  44:35 - In An Instant by Suzanne Redfearn 44:57 - The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin 45:13 - All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby  45:30 - You Are Here by David Nicholls 45:31 - The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali 45:47 - Colton Gentry's Third Act by Jeff Zentner 46:23 - The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (#1 disliked) 46:26 - The Fury by Alex Michalides (#2 disliked) 46:30 - Everyone in My Family has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson (#3 disliked) 46:33 - The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride (#3 disliked) 46:47 - Yellowface by R.F. Kuang 46:48 - Starling House by Alix E. Harrow 46:56 - I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid 47:05 - Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver 47:13 - The Husbands by Holly Gramazio 47:15 - All This and More by Peng Shepherd 47:30 - The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett 49:18 - What Happened to Nina by Dervla McTiernan 50:13 - Meet Us At The Fountain 50:17 - I wish to press This Is Not A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch by Tabitha Carvan. (Kaytee) 50:19 - This Is Not A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch by Tabitha Carvan 52:38 - Shawnathemom on Instagram 54:31 - I wish book slumps weren't a thing. (Meredith)   Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. May's IPL is a new indie to the rotation - Dog Eared Books in Ames, Iowa. Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business.  All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Kaytee | Mary | Roxanna Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!

In this crafty episode of The Book Fix, Yajaira and Cheli put their artistic talents (or lack thereof) to the test in a chaotic game of bookish Pictionary! With only a marker, a whiteboard, and a very questionable understanding of anatomy, each host takes turns drawing stick-figure scenes from popular books while the other tries to guess the title. From hilariously vague scribbles to almost fighting, this episode is full of laughter, wild guesses, and unexpected masterpieces. Grab a snack and see if you can guess the book before they do! Support the showOur Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebookfix?utm_source=linktree_admin_sharebecome our Patron ♡ https://www.patreon.com/BookFixbuy us a book ♡ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thebookfixBusiness Inquiries: thebookfixpodcast@gmail.comfollow us on Tiktok! ♡ https://www.tiktok.com/@thebookfix

In this episode, I chat with Wendy, a passionate bibliophile and bookseller from Nairobi. We explore Wendy's journey into the world of books, the establishment of her bookstore Soma Nami, and the contrasting literary cultures of Nairobi and Lagos. The conversation delves into book recommendations, the importance of reading diverse authors, and the challenges of navigating the literary scene. Wendy shares her top book picks, critiques a disappointing read, and expresses her desires for the future of reading, including the need for more authentic local stories. The episode concludes with practical tips for overcoming reading slumps.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wendy and Her Journey05:27 Wendy's Early Memories with Books08:20 Transitioning from Reader to Bookseller11:27 The Impact of COVID on Bookstores14:20 Literary Culture in Nairobi vs. Lagos17:17 The Literary Season in Nairobi20:11 Choosing What to Read Next23:33 The Art of Recommending Books26:28 Exploring Memoirs and Their Appeal37:56 The Art of Book Recommendations40:21 Top Five Book Recommendations58:20 Navigating Disappointments in Reading01:06:24 Desires for the Future of Reading01:11:52 Introduction and Engagement with Listeners01:12:22 Encouraging Community and Sharing the PodcastIn Case You Missed It ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 1. ⁠BROKEN by Fatima Bala (Book Chat)⁠2. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠An Easy Guide To NetGalley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 3. The 2025 Something Bookish Reading Challenge GuideIf you love my content, kindly consider supporting me ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠by ⁠buying me a digital cup of coffee⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CONTACT Questions? Comments? Email me at amynbawa.allah@gmail.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week we dive into the beloved Movie and Book, the Martian by Andy Weir. The Betches discuss the book to movie, what they liked and didn't, and you might be surprised who liked what more. Tune in to find out what the Betches think, along with tons of laughs from this episode! Follow us on Instagram for previews of next week's episode! @Books_N_BetchesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Kaytee are discussing: Bookish Moments: shifting our perspectives and bookish friends stepping up Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we've been reading lately Deep Dive: we are bossing some more TBRs The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site) .  .  .  .  1:23 - Our Bookish Moments Of The Week 5:36 - Our Current Reads 5:47 - My Friends by Fredrik Backman (Kaytee) 8:16 - Anxious People by Fredrik Backman 8:21 - Beartown by Fredrik Backman 10:16 - Night Film by Marisha Pessl (Meredith) 15:23 - The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (Kaytee) 20:29 - The Big Four by Agatha Christie (Meredith) 22:38 - Poirot by Mark Aldridge 24:28 - The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie 26:00 - Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa (Kaytee) 26:38 - Pride by Ibi Zoboi  31:05 - The Beast and the Bookseller by Eva Devon (Meredith) 35:15 - The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare 36:42 - Boss My TBR From DactylJD 38:19 - Broken Country by Claire Leslie Hall 39:42 - The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz 39:45 - Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan 39:48 - Real Americans by Rachel Khong 39:51 - Belle Green by Alexandra Lapierre 39:55 - The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton From Terri Melton 44:42 - Hyde by Craig Russell 44:43 - The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett 44:49 - Falling by T.J. Newman  45:02 - Fang Fiction by Kate Stayman-London 45:04 - Blood Sisters by Vanessa Lillie 45:07 - To Shape A Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose 45:11 - A Boy and his Dog at the End of the World by C.A. Fletcher 49:05 - Meet Us At The Fountain 49:12 - I wish for us to try new things. (Kaytee) 51:32 - I wish to press Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore. (Meredith) 51:38 - Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore   Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. May's IPL is a new indie to the rotation - Dog Eared Books in Ames, Iowa. Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business.  All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Kaytee | Mary | Roxanna Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!

The Betches dive deep into this unique and highly requested novella. We discuss the deeper themes but also get into the high level stuff too! Follow us on Instagram for previews of next week's episode and more bookish content! @books_n_betchesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summary: E Káàró, friends! Today, Holly and Devin armchair travel to Nigeria. Known for its vibrant culture, diversity, rich artistic heritage and a thriving film industry (Nollywood), this country has so much to explore. With both books set in the bustling city of Lagos, our hosts get to explore the romantic and thrilling aspects of this amazing country.  Topics Discussed: The Heart (3:00): Devin discussed The Sweetest Remedy by Jane Igharo, a novel following Hannah Bailey, successful biracial business woman living in San Francisco, who is invited to her estranged father's funeral - in Lagos, Nigeria. After a brief relationship with her white mother, she never had a connection to her father or his prestigious family, but this opportunity is too good to pass up. Uncovering half siblings, secrets, culture and even a man she never expected, Hannah must come to a new understanding of who she is and where she fits in the world. Devin's key takeaways were: Hannah's experience reflects that of many diaspora children, caught between cultures, feeling not quite “enough” of either. Her journey is tender, frustrating, funny, and deeply affirming and she works to expand her sense of self and identify where she belongs amongst her expanded family.  While you get a great sense of Lagos through the book, the setting of a Nigerian funeral, especially for someone as prominent as Hannah's father, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story. They're multi-day affairs that are part mourning, part celebration, part family reunion, part “airing of grievances.” Through this event, the book explores Nigerian culture, familial expectations, inheritance (emotional and literal), and reconciliation. The romance is beautifully folded into Hannah's emotional journey. It's not just “hot guy in Nigeria,” Lawrence is a patient and supportive friend first who guides Hannah and helps her navigate the rough waters of her expanding identity. It's romantic, yes, but also rooted in identity and growth. The Dagger (13:50): Holly discussed Gaslight by Femi Kayode, a crime fiction story following Jeremiah Dawodu, the influential leader of a prominent megachurch in Lagos. He's publicly arrested in the middle of a service for the suspected murder of his wife. Despite his skepticism toward organized religion, Philip Taiwo, an investigative psychologist who recently returned to Nigeria from the US, is reluctantly drawn into the case by his sister. Confronting a web of secrets, resistance from the church, and the complexities of Nigerian society, Philip must cut through the noise to uncover the truth. Holly's key takeaways were: The novel examines how religious institutions wield influence and the potential for corruption within such structures.​ The pursuit of truth in a society and institution rife with secrecy and manipulation underscores the narrative, questioning the nature of justice and the power of religion and religious leaders.​ Through the lens of a psychological crime thriller, the novel illuminates both the beauty and contradictions of Nigerian society; it critiques power structures while celebrating resilience, explores how people navigate moral gray zones, and invites readers to see Nigeria in all its complexity: vibrant, chaotic, spiritual, flawed, and deeply human. Taiwo's family's experiences reflect the complexities of cultural identity and the challenges of reintegration after living abroad.​ The personal struggles within Taiwo's family parallel the broader societal issues, emphasizing the interplay between personal and communal conflicts.​ Hot On the Shelf (27:12): Devin: A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske Holly: The Devils by Joe Abercrombie What's Making Our Hearts Race (31:39): Devin: The Americas Documentary with Tom Hanks Holly: Your Friends and Neighbors on AppleTV Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.

In Ep. 194, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Sarah head back to the year 2017 in the book world with this second annual special retrospective episode!  They share big bookish highlights for that year, including book news, award winners, and what was going on in the world outside of reading. They also talk about how their own 2017 reading shook out, including their favorite 2017 releases.  Plus, a quick run-down of listener-submitted favorites!  This episode is overflowing with great backlist titles to add to your TBR!   This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights The big news that was going on outside the book world. The book stories and trends that dominated 2017. How similar 2017 and 2025 are. The 2017 books that have had staying power.⁠ Was this as dismal a year in books as Sarah remembers? Sarah's and Catherine's personal 2017 reading stats.⁠ Listener-submitted favorites from 2017.⁠ Bookish Time Capsule (2017) [2:12] The World Beyond Books No books mentioned in this segment. The Book Industry Wonder by R. J. Palacio (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [9:59] Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:04] A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:40] The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:44] Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:08] My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:18] The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:03] If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:13] We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:23] Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:46] Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:48] The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:50] Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:57] Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:03] James by Percival Everett (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:04] Bookish Headlines and Trends Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:41] A Promised Land by Barack Obama (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:43] The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama (2006) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:48] My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:04] The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:31] Big Books and Award Winners of 2017 A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:01] Beartown by Fredrik Backman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:06] The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:21] Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:27] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:48] Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:09] The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:39] Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:23] Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:40] Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:31] Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:09] Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:51] Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:16] Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:41] Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:32] Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:38] Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:09] The Sellout by Paul Beatty (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:52] What Happened by Hillary Rodham Clinton (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:56] Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:21] The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:45] Before the Fall by Noah Hawley (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:04] The Stone Sky (The Broken Earth, 3) by N. K. Jemisin (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:30]  Our Top Books of 2017 The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:46] Beartown by Fredrik Backman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:20] Dead Letters by Caite Dolan-Leach (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:22] Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:02] If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:16] Quicksand by Malin Persson Giolitio (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:23] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:36] This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:38] Trophy Son by Douglas Brunt (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:48] White Fur by Jardine Libaire (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:05] Final Girls by Riley Sager (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:38] Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:44] Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:46] Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:49] The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:10] Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman (1995) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:15] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:19] The Heirs by Susan Rieger (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:34] The Takedown by Corrie Wang (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:53] Feast of Sorrow by Crystal King (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:01] Girl in Snow by Danya Kukafka (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:09] Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [48:17] Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:28] The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:33] Listeners' Top Books of 2017 Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:33] Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:51] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:03] The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[50:07] Beartown by Fredrik Backman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:13] Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:15] The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:18] The Alice Network by Kate Quinn (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:24] This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:25] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:27]

We're switching things up and adding book-related movies! The Betches discuss the book to movie adaptation, Mikey 17, known as Mikey 7 as a book! Maria and Kristin also read the book, and they have a lot to say on the differences!Tune in to find out what the Betches think, along with tons of laughs from this episode! Follow us on Instagram for previews of next week's episode! @Books_N_BetchesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tracy Cross is a dealer in dark fiction, her gripping stories featured in a range of podcasts and anthologies. Her debut novel, the gripping "Rootwork" (Dark Hart Publishing, November 2022), explores the strong bonds of family and draws on her own heritage in hoodoo. This is followed by "A Gathering of Weapons" (October 2024), the second book of the Rootwork series. Tracy resides in Washington, DC, where she is an active member of the Horror Writers Association. When she's not busy writing scary stories, she's dancing to disco. Keep up with her news and musings at her blog: tracycwritesonline.com. You can also follow her on Instagram @tracycrosswrites, on Bluesky @tracycrosswriter.bksy.social, and on Threads: @tracycrosswrites.    Recommended in this episode: Rootwork and A Gathering of Weapons by Tracy Cross   NEWS: We have a Bookshop.org shop now! Find all of our favorite books at our shop–and help out small businesses.    UP NEXT: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Buy our books here, including our newest Toil and Trouble.

This week, Gare, Steph and i talk about books we took risks on that we ended up loving!Books We Talked AboutLion Women of Tehran Marjan KamaliHush Anne FrasierThe Wedding People Alison EspachAn Academy for Liars Alexis HendersonA Density of Souls Christopher RiceThe Shards Bret Easton EllisWe Used to Live Here Marcus KliewerThe Paper Palace Miranda Cowley HellerIKEA BookshelfRing Page TurnerPaperfeel/Matte iPad Screen ProtectorThe Push Ashley AudrainThe Manor of Dreams Christina LiHow We Named the StarsDisorientation Elaine Hsieh Chou Ring Page TurnerPaperfeel/Matte iPad Screen Protector Check out the Bookwild Community on PatreonCheck out the Imposter Hour Podcast with Liz and GregFollow @imbookwild on Instagram

The Betches read one of Erica's favorite books...or so they think. Never a dull moment over here on the Books N' Betches Podcast, come check out what happens when the Betches try to plan a surprise. Follow us on Instagram for previews of next week's episode and more bookish content! @books_n_betchesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Summary: Make sure you keep the volume on this episode down so as not to disturb your neighbors! Today, Holly and Devin dive into the wonderful world of apartment buildings. They discuss how stacking people like blocks in a single building can facilitate both a lust for blood as well as good old fashioned lust. Whether you've always lived in a single family home and have only seen apartments in shows like Friends or you're listening to this from an apartment right now, our hosts have got what you need to explore this living situation!  Topics Discussed: The Dagger (5:31): Holly discussed Lock Every Door by Riley Sager, a thriller following Jules Larsen - a recently unemployed, heartbroken 25-year-old in desperate need of monday. When offered, she jumps at a high-paying job to apartment-sit at The Bartholomew, an exclusive, elite Gothic-style Manhattan apartment building. The rules of her stay are strange, but Jules shakes it off…until a fellow apartment sitter, Ingrid, disappears. Holly's key takeaways were: The Bartholomew is inspired by real-life historic buildings in NYC. Its creepy, opulent design creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors traditional haunted house stories while the brooding atmosphere, secretive residents, and eerie silence create a modern gothic mood that amplifies the creepiness of the plot. Jules is uncertain whom to trust, and her increasing paranoia drives much of the suspense, keeping readers questioning what's real and who's dangerous. The story follows her as she navigates fear, gaslighting, and manipulation - ultimately reclaiming power through courage and tenacity. With the desperate and financially strapped Jules staying in an apartment building designed for the wealthy elite, the novel explores how financial insecurity can make people vulnerable to exploitation—highlighting the stark contrast between the wealthy and the desperate. The Heart (15:26): Devin discussed Lease on Love by Falon Ballard, a romance following Sadie Green - a sharp, ambitious woman who has just thrown her finance career out the window with a single outburst. With her career thrown in a blender and her housing situation dire, she drinks away her sorrows and browses roommate listings which lands her an appointment for what she thinks is a spare bedroom. She meets Jack Thomas who offers her the entire first floor of his spacious and beautiful Brooklyn Brownstone for a fraction of what he could charge. From there, Sadie and Jack both work on rebuilding - both themselves and their lives. Devin's key takeaways were: The apartment—this big, cozy Brooklyn brownstone—is practically a third main character. It becomes a safe haven for both Sadie and Jack. It's not just a setting, but the space that allows them to let their guards down and build something real. Both Sadie and Jack are at emotional crossroads, and their relationship becomes a soft space to land. The story leans into themes of trust, grief, and rediscovering purpose—not just in love or their respective careers but in self-worth and their personhood. Beyond the romance, Lease on Love is a celebration of strong friendships and emotional community as people navigate the rough waters of their 20s. Sadie's friend group and Jack's quiet generosity show that love can be a team sport and vulnerability and collaboration pave the way to happiness. Hot On the Shelf (33:35): Devin: Just Playing House by Farah Heron Holly: Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor What's Making Our Hearts Race (37:33): Devin: A new candle warmer!  Holly: Love on the Spectrum Season 3   Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com   If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.

Has critical theory helped or hurt the future of the left in politics? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Eric Heinze on his new book Coming Clean: The Rise of Critical Theory and the Future of the Left.Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate! Eric Heinze, Professor of Law and Humanities at Queen Mary University of London, is a distinguished intellectual with a deep background in law, political theory, and human rights. He provides a nuanced and research-driven perspective, bridging the gap between extreme voices in contemporary political debates. Heinze's commitment to critical thinking and refusal to align with strict ideologies offer a pragmatic alternative to polarized narratives, promoting inclusive and constructive dialogue for the future of centrist left thought. His previous books include The Most Human Right: Why Free Speech is Everything (2022), Hate Speech and Democratic Citizenship (2016), The Concept of Injustice (2013), and The Logic of Liberal Rights (2003). His work has been featured in the Guardian, Times Higher Ed, The Conversation, The Irish Times, Aeon, and many other publications. https://ericheinze.comFor more show information visit: www.MariannePestana.com

Do you know the true story of the Kingdom of the Happy Land? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Dolen Perkins-Valdez on her new book Happy Land.  Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate! Dolen Perkins-Valdez is the New York Times bestselling author of Take My Hand. Dolen is an Associate Professor of Literature at American University, a graduate of Harvard, and a former University of California President's Postdoctoral Fellow at UCLA. https://dolenperkinsvaldez.com  For more show information visit: www.MariannePestana.com

Looking for a rom-com page-turner to read? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Heather McBreen on her new book Wedding Dashers: A Novel. Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate!  Heather McBreen currently lives in Seattle, WA, but spent the best year of her life living in London where she completed an MA degree in arts and cultural management. When she's not writing or reading books about kissing, she can be found surfing the web for travel deals and plotting her next adventure.  https://www.instagram.com/heathermcbreenwritesFor more show information visit: www.MariannePestana.com

What happens when the best and brightest from the Naval Academy Class of 1957 go on to quietly shape history? Would you believe that no one's told their story, until now? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with James D. Paulk on his new book Shaking Up the World: Stories of the Naval Academy Class of 1957.Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate! James D. Paulk, born and raised in Brunswick, Georgia, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1957 and served as a Naval submarine officer for ten years. Following a 26-year career in manufacturing management with Procter & Gamble, he founded a business consulting company. His passion for marine conservation led him to successfully advocate for the elimination of destructive gillnets in California, build artificial reefs, raise white seabass for ocean release, and write pro-angler legislation.  After retiring, Jim became a prolific writer for fishing magazines and newspapers, a lecturer, and an active participant in fishing seminars, radio programs, and clubs, earning numerous fishing and conservation awards. After 37 years in southern California, Jim and his wife, Pat, relocated to Kingsland, Georgia. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565536059908Get the book on Amazon! https://a.co/d/eXHRzVCFor more show information visit: www.MariannePestana.com

We are back into the world of Magnolia Parks and moving along in the series with Daisy Haites! Daisy and Magnolia are so different but we love them both. This episode contains spoilers so if you haven't read Daisy Haites yet, come back when you're done! Our next Magnolia episode comes out on April 30 so make sure to start reading the Long Way Home so you can join us then!   Currently Reading:  Magnolia Parks: Into the Dark by Jessa Hastings Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams Great, Big, Beautiful Life by Emily Henry Come hang out with us on Instagram!

This week's episode is a topic! The Betches talk about all the books and authors they aren't reading... their anti-TBR if you will. Follow us on Instagram for previews of next week's episode and more bookish content! @books_n_betchesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's up book nerds?!?Welcome to Season 3! A This week the bookish duo, Kristi and Jen from Two Bookends stopped by to chat about TL Swans, Mr. Masters! Of course we had to chat about the Ravenhood series too! If you enjoy this episode, please go give us a rate and review. It does wonders for us small podcasts!!!Don't forget to visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter  for all the latest updates and fun extras!As always- some links can include affiliate links (no cost to you, just helps pay for podcast expenses)To Connect with Two Bookends:Two BookendsTo Connect with Cortney:InstagramYouTubeI am now a Goli Partner! Looking to change up your supplements or try a new vitamin supplement? Use my link below for 10% off!!Goli NutritionRead lessSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/what-the-smut-are-you-talking-about/exclusive-content

What happens when a legendary skiing duo is forced to face buried family secrets and rekindle their bond after years apart? Don't miss this page-turner of a novel that's equal parts heartwarming, hilarious, and unforgettable! Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Megan Tady on her new novel Bluebird Day. Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate!  Megan Tady is a writer and editor running the company Word-Lift, and her writing has appeared in The Huffington Post and Ms. Magazine, among others. She was a finalist for the 2021 Penguin Random House Student Fiction Award. https://megantady.comor more show information visit:www.MariannePestana.com

This week's episode is a topic! The Betches take on ALL the very controversial topics that haunt the reading community! But this time, we polled our listeners and we're weighing in on YOUR hot takes! Find out to see where the Betches fall in terms of bookish hot takes! Follow us on Instagram for previews of next week's episode and more bookish content! @books_n_betchesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Literally Books P&L has never looked better (and by that, of course we mean Magda and Lindsay's  page count and literature consumption.)    This week, the gals will circle back on their reading journey so far this year, so you, the readers, are in the loop. Join them and get up to speed on the bottom line for the books they've read so far.    Email us!  Literally Books Website Literally Books Instagram Magda's Instagram Lindsay's Instagram Literally Books YouTube Literally Books TikTok     Intro & Outro Song: "Would it Kill You," courtesy of The Solder Thread

Summary: Howdy, partner! Saddle up today and join Holly and Devin as they explore the Wild West - the region of the United States west of the Mississippi River between the 1830s and the early 1900s. Whether you're looking for love or a spooky thrill, books set in the Wild West are more violent, raw, and connected to the dangers of the wide open plains. Stark and vivid, these stories strip life down to the most basic aspects of human nature and explore what we'll do to survive.  Topics Discussed: The Heart (5:09): Devin discussed Lucky Red by Claudia Cravens, a western sapphic romance following Bridget as she travels through the Kansas prairie with her alcoholic father. After he dies from a rattlesnake bite, Bridget makes it to Dodge City and is soon recruited to work at the Buffalo Queen - the only brothel in town run by women. Bridget takes well to brothel life and forms deep friendships with her fellow “sporting women”. When Spartan Lee, a legendary female gunfighter, comes to town, though, the life she's built is threatened and Bridget must decide who and what she'll fight for. Devin's key takeaways were: This book embodied the chaos and tenuousness of this era of the Western United States. Craven imbues her writing with an anger and sharpness that matches well with the violence of the weather and people trying to survive in what had just recently been wilderness. While most of the book takes place inside the brothel, we get a picture of the society by the men who sit at the bar and spend time with the women.  While this book can definitely be called a romance, there's an undercurrent of danger and discomfort such that it was difficult to relax into and trust. The writing was impeccably done but what propelled the story was less the queer love Bridget feels and explores with women but the found family and platonic love she feels for her peers at the Buffalo Queen.  Craven explores, through Bridget, the dynamic between men in power and women whose only power could be found in whoring. There is a pride implied through the book for these women and the reader gets to see their strength and cunning in action; even in Spartan there is a claiming and staking of power by force. The men, though, claim nothing and by simply being in a room or not being in a room can determine the fates of each woman we come to care about.  The Dagger (18:01): Holly discussed Lone Women by Victor Lavalle, a historical horror book set in 1915 following Adelaide Henry, a young Black woman living in California. Having set her home ablaze with her dead parents inside, Adelaide moves to Montana with only a steamer trunk containing a dangerous secret. Once there, she claims a homestead under the promise that if she can farm the land for three years, it will be hers. Met with a harsh landscape, xenophobia and patriarchal pressures, and the burden of her past, Adelaide befriends other outcast women and hopes the horrifying truth doesn't come out. Holly's key takeaways were: The novel challenges the traditional, whitewashed narrative of the American frontier. Instead of the rugged, heroic white men often depicted in Westerns, Lone Women focuses on the marginalized figures—women, people of color, and outsiders—who also played a crucial role in shaping the West. The novel highlights the loneliness and struggles of female homesteaders, who had to survive in a harsh environment without the privileges that white male settlers had. Despite her initial isolation, Adelaide finds support in unexpected places, demonstrating the importance of chosen family in times of hardship. She bonds with Grace, a struggling single mother, and Bertie, who both offer her friendship and protection. The idea of survival is not just about enduring physical hardship—it's about finding allies and building a life on one's own terms.  The supernatural elements in Lone Women serve as metaphors for historical and societal horrors. The monster in Adelaide's trunk embodies both her own trauma and the fear of what happens when buried secrets come to light. The desolation of the Montana frontier, with its harsh winters and isolation, enhances the eerie atmosphere, making it a place where both natural and supernatural dangers lurk. Hot On the Shelf (32:37): Devin: The Pairing by Casey McQuinston Holly: The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson What's Making Our Hearts Race (36:33): Devin: Superstore show on Peacock Holly: Severance season 2 on AppleTV    Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com   If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.

This week, I'm revisiting a recent episode and announcing a new project. A Bookish's Home new Substack Newsletter launched this week.  If your favorite way to discover new books is hearing from the authors themselves (and you're short on time!) this newsletter is for you. The first edition is On Writing and Resistance: An Interview with Author Maria van Lieshout. This week on the podcast we're also revisiting one of my favorite episodes of the year with bestselling author Marjan Kamali in which we discussed The Lion Women of Tehran, a heartfelt, epic new novel of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against three transformative decades in Iran. For folks in the New England area, Marjan will be appearing at the upcoming Newburyport Literary Festival on Saturday, April 26th in this event: On Friendship and Freedom: Marjan Kamali in Conversation With Jenna Blum

The Betches dive deep into this beautiful novella. We discuss the gentle exploration of purpose, connection, and what it means to be alive through the eyes of a tea monk and a curious robot. Get ready for a dose of quiet contemplation and maybe a craving for a good cup of tea. Follow us on Instagram for previews of next week's episode and more bookish content! @books_n_betchesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Betches dive deep into this very famous and well known 80's movie and fairytale, The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle. Honestly, we had no idea it was like, actually a classic, but as always, we have a whole heck of a lot to say about it! Follow us on Instagram for previews of next week's episode and more bookish content! @books_n_betchesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.