Podcasts about Bookish

Ian and Hannah review the biggest new films and bingeable shows on UK streaming services for the week beginning Friday 18th July 2025, including:In the vast expanse of Yosemite National Park, a woman's death draws a federal agent into lawless terrain — where nature obeys no rules but its own, in Netflix series Untamed.Seven celebrities including Sir Lenny Henry and Dougie Poynter embark on a dangerous journey to the Bahamas to swim with sharks in the ITV's aptly named reality show Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters. A bookseller helps the police solve the strangest of crimes and the knottiest of murders - while hiding his own secrets. Mark Gatiss stars in detective drama Bookish on NOW TV.Years on from their teen romance in 80s Sheffield, music brings them back together - was this the love they were meant to have? Romance and heartbreak with a banging soundtrack in BBC iPlayer's Mix Tape.Follow Bingewatch on all major podcast players for your weekly rundown of the best binge-worthy shows across Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and more.Remember to leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser and Goodpods AND you can now show your support and leave a tip for Ian and Hannah.You can also stay in touch with the team via Twitter AND if you like Bingewatch but you're looking for a specific review, check out BITESIZE BINGEWATCH, our sister show making it easier to get the bits you want!For ad and sponsorship enquiries, email liam@mercurypodcasts.com now!

Nicole & Lexi are joined by Jess, from @thelostbooksofjess on Instagram, for a discussion about gratitude, positivity, and friendship within the bookish space. From her journey into becoming a bookish content creator, to techniques to help lift others up, Jess drops absolute GOLD!Check out Jess on Instagram: @thelostbooksofjessPositivity Pages: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/positivitypagesCheck out our recent sponsors: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/sponsorsJoin the FanClub: https://fantasyfangirls.com/fanclubShop our merch: https://fantasyfangirls.myshopify.com/Support the show through our Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/fantasyfangirlspodcastNewsletter: https://fantasyfangirls.com/newsletterWebsite: https://www.fantasyfangirls.com/ Upcoming events:* EncantiCon: https://www.enchanticon.com/TKCSEverflame Ball with Penn Cole: https://mountainsandmagic.com/everflame-ball/Rebecca Ross X Tattered Cover Live Interview: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rebecca-ross-live-with-tattered-cover-book-store-tickets-1415588526389Dragon Gauntlet: https://www.rainandrevelryevents.com/dg2Romantasy BookCon: SOLD OUTThe Dreamers & Readers Festival - Use code FFG for a discount off your ticket!*For all Event Discounts - go to https://fantasyfangirls.supercast.com/subscriber_v2/posts/6891Follow us:Instagram: @fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@fantasyfangirlspod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Too Much is very much the phrase of the week on this episode as not only do we have four guests — specifically Karen Pirie's Lauren Lyle and Emer Kenny (50:50-1:04:40) and The Walking Dead: Dead City's Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Scott Gimple (22:53-32:36)— but we also review four shows — specifically Too Much on Netflix (1:04:40), The Institute on MGM+ (1:30:28), Bookish on U&Alibi (1:22:06) and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Paramount+ (1:40:35). So if you had plans today, you might want to reschedule. Oh and we (somehow) find the time for a trip down memory lane discussing iconic TV ads as well. Strap in!(Episode 345)Note: time stamps are approximate as the ads throw them out, so are only meant as a guide. If you want to avoid this and would like the podcast entirely ad-free (as well as 17 hours early, with a second weekly show and spoiler specials) then sign up to Pilot+!

Hayley Campbell and Scott Bryan join Naga Munchetty to review the new Netflix show from Lena Dunham, Too Much.Also, acclaimed BBC comedy Such Brave Girls returns for a second series, and we hear the trio's thoughts on new Mark Gatiss crime drama Bookish, on the streaming service U&Drama.

Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don't already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you'll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you. And if you're already a Vanguardista, we salute you.  The wonderful Mark Gatiss is our guest this week. He joins Simon and Mark to talk ‘Bookish'—his new crime comedy passion project that sees him play a bookseller-turned-detective in postwar London. Plenty of whimsy, history, detective-fiction geekery and big love for weird archaic vocabulary in this chat, so don't miss it—he's always a delight.   Our Mark reviews the series, as well as the week's big cinema releases. First up, ‘Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness'--a whirlwind imagining of three days in the life of bohemian artist Modigliani, directed by Johnny Depp and (briefly) featuring Al Pacino. And, of course, we'll get the lowdown on the super-size blockbuster of this week: is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's ‘Superman'!   We'll also address this week's ‘Salt Path' news, with Mark and Simon reacting to the controversy surrounding the author of the original memoir, Raynor Winn. Since recording, Winn has published her response to the allegations which can be found here: https://www.raynorwinn.co.uk/     Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free):  Salt Path discussion: 02:36  Modì: Three Days on the Wing of Madness Review: 11:54  BO10: 18:04  Mark Gatiss Interview: 27:37  Bookish Review: 42:19  Superman Review: 49:59    You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo  Please take our survey and help shape the future of our show: https://www.kermodeandmayo.com/survey   EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!  A Sony Music Entertainment production.      Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts    To advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello and welcome back to Books on the Brain. On this week's episode, Danielle and Deirdre make each other guess the book based on a one star review!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 & TikTokhttps://linktr.ee/booksonthebrainpod?utm_source=linktree_admin_share

Mars and Geeg discuss their recent and hopeful reads while Sug is on vacation. They dive into the Witchwood Boys series, sharing their thoughts on the characters and plot twists. The conversation also touches on family dynamics during summer, travel tips, and hacks for managing kids at home while making the most of summer! Lots of tangents.

This week's episode is a topic! The Betches talk about the most controversial topic in the creative world right now, AI use. We discuss all sides of the coin with an impartial lens and truly try to debate both sides! 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.

Have you ever been on a bookish roadtrip? Join Meagan as she chats with Lia from Bookish Talks with Lia as they bond over the beloved McKay's Used Bookstore! Lia interviews Meagan about her experience on the Ultimate McKay's Road Trip visiting all 5 locations in one day! It was a little crazy but a lot of fun. Tune in to this week's episode for all the crazy details. Find the original recording here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bookish-talks-with-lia/id1758350196?i=1000704294137Connect with Lia: Podcast:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bookish-talks-with-lia/id1758350196Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/liarossreads?igsh=MmhxNG50Z3R6bWs3Connect with Meagan:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://instagram.com/faithandfables/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://facebook.com/faithandfablespodcast⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Goodreads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8953622-meagan⁠

On the Best Podcast in the Galaxy* this week is none other than the comic and dramatic genius Mark Gatiss. Mark chats about politics, children's TV, comedy, and that time he played Peter Mandelson. Plus he reveals why he won't be accepting an honor from the King any time soon. He's a true multi-hyphenate; an actor, comedian, screenwriter, director, producer and novelist, whose latest project Bookish is out this month and you can watch the trailer hereEnjoy! *Galaxy Podcast Awards 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Books on the Brain. On this week's episode, Danielle and Deirdre are back with our bread and butter, book reports, baby! Deirdre tells us all about the craziest bookish inventions and Danielle spins a story about Hans Christian Anderson and fan boy behaviour. 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

Send us a textHannah and Laura are gluttons for punishment. They are back in "The Year of the Dresden," covering the seventh book in Jim Butcher's series, Dead Beat, which may or may not be a great book. To be determined. Laura also continues to gush about The Bloodsworn Saga, and Hannah shares about a teen show that she's bingeing and the current season of Taskmaster.*This episode contains SPOILERS for Dead Beat by Jim Butcher. Spoiler section begins at: 32 min 29 secs. ***CW for the episode: discussions of death, blood, gore, murder, weapons, racism, sexism, assaultBe sure to follow us online!On Wednesdays We Read Podcast – Welcome to OWWR PodBluesky: @owwrpodInstagram: @owwrpodMedia Mentions:Dead Beat by Jim Butcher The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne Cascadia board game The Pitt---HBO Max E.R.---HuluFreshwater by Akwaeke EmeziSchool Spirits---Paramount+ That Thing You Do---HuluTaskmaster---YouTube Support the showBe sure to follow OWWR Pod!www.owwrpod.com Twitter (updates only): @OwwrPodBlueSky: @OwwrPodTikTok: @OwwrPodInstagram: @owwrpodThreads: @OwwrPodHive: @owwrpodSend us an email at: owwrpod@gmail.comCheck out OWWR Patreon: patreon.com/owwrpodOr join OWWR Discord! We'd love to chat with you!You can follow Hannah at:Instagram: @brews.and.booksThreads: @brews.and.booksTikTok: @brews.and.booksYou can follow Laura at:Instagram: @goodbooksgreatgoatsBlueSky: @myyypod

This week's short story is a bit of a longer story that we have broken down into a couple of parts for you guys! In Part I, we talk about our journey starting the very famous creativity course, The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. We discuss where we are in the course, how we're faring, what we're liking, what we're struggling with, and more! If you have ever thought about starting The Artist's Way, are currently working through it, or have heard about it but aren't sure what it's all about, you won't want to miss this conversation! In Part II, we chat about some fun bookish events we've recently attended, the highlight being the Capital Crime literary festival in London.

This week's episode is a topic! The Betches talk about all the types of sports romances and what we like/don't like about them! 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.

Tune in to hear us chat with romance author duo, Alise Monroe about their co-written series, plans for the future, and other books and genres we all love!

Buckle up, because this week the girls are reading YOUR hot takes that you submitted! They're unhinged, relatable, and most importantly piping hot. With topics like shadow daddies, Throne of Glass, spice, nothing is safe in this episode! Tune in and see if you agree, or disagree, with other IRWSR listeners. Find your new fav kindle/phone case, tech accessories, & more on BURGA. Shop here: https://us.burga.com/?&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F  SHOP OUR MERCH⁠ - www.illreadwhatshesreading.com Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/whatshesreadingpod/?hl=en Follow us on TikTok: ⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@whatshesreadingpod?lang=en Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Betches talk about a book that has set the book world on fire with drama! We DID NOT read this book, we solely are talking about the situation around this book and the social media impact! 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.

In this episode of My Music, Graham chats with the wonderfully thoughtful and multi-talented Bethany Weimers — a singer-songwriter, audio drama director, and all-round sound enthusiast. What begins with Graham's confession about a lost wallet quickly blossoms into a rich, heartfelt conversation about creativity, childhood pianos, lost PE classes, motherhood, and the joy (and chaos) of making music in snatched moments.Bethany shares the story behind her brand new EP “The Story I Breathe”, created between freelance gigs, parenting, and a Help Musicians grant. We dive into her creative process, how sound shapes everything she does, and why playing scales on the piano is her version of mindfulness.Expect stories about:

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

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/language

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/science-technology-and-society

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!

Frankie is in the woods with Matthew Sweet, author of The New Forest Murders, to discuss his move to writing fiction, the impending release of Bookish, old Hollywood casting, his favourite Dr Who cast member, biographising Barbara Cartland and so much more!The New Forest Murders is out NOW. Order your copy here.Follow Matthew on Twitter at @DrMatthewSweet. Want to talk books? Email us at readandburiedpodcast@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads: @readandburiedpodcastFollow us on Bluesky: @readandburiedpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

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.