Podcasts about reading challenges

Do you love a good holiday story that brings different traditions, and unexpected friendships, together in one cozy, snowed-in town? We're diving into our December Book Club pick, Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm). Before we get into the book club chat, we start with a bookish check-in: Jen shares about Nadia Davids's Cape Fever (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), and Ashley talks about A. R. Abbott's Founded on Blood and Magic (Bookshop.org). From there, we get into all things Three Holidays and a Wedding. We talk about the way Maryam and Anna's unlikely friendship becomes the heart of the story, the charm of the Snow Falls setting, and the beauty of seeing Ramadan, Hanukkah, and Christmas all woven into the same timeline. We also share book pairings, including Ali Brady's Merry Little Bookshop (Bookshop.org) and Fredrik Backman's Anxious People (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), and wrap up with our bookish heart ratings and a couple of Unabridged Favorites. This is our final new episode of 2025, and we'll be back soon with a re-release of a past book club discussion before we head into a new year of reading together. Also be sure to check out our 2026 Reading Challenge as we turn toward the new year!    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.   Want to support Unabridged?   The number 1 way to support us is by purchasing Bookshop.org books from our Unabridged shop. Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram or Facebook. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.

I was joined by author Jenny Kiefer to talk about her latest novel Crafting for Sinners and locked room horror stories Books Mentioned:  Crafting for Sinner by Jenny Kiefer The Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica Horrorstor by Grady Hendrix The Troop by Nick Cutter The Handyman Method by Andrew F. Sullivan and Nick Cutter Exiles by Mason Coile Rest Stop by Nat Cassidy How to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory Arnold We Need to Do Something by Max Booth III Final Girl Song Check out the final girl songs here! Merch is finally available! Join the Reading Challenge! How to support Books in the Freezer We are on Patreon! Check us out! There's a lot of fun going on in the Patreon community. At the Final Girl level you can get episodes early and find out about topics and guests beforehand. Axe-Wielding Maniacs get to be part of a Voxer group chat and join in Netflix movie nights. Malevolent Spirits get everything that's been mentioned and bonus episodes! Share this:

Send us a textIn Episode 229 of Book Talk Etc., Tina & Hannah talk about the Goodreads Choice Awards! Tina talks a little bit about her experience reading through the mystery and thriller nominations, and we discuss the pros and cons of the awards and how they operate.If you enjoy our commercial-free podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership will give you access to our exclusive bonus episodes, including Niche Novels, Books We DNFed, and What's in the Mailbag! Plus, you'll receive invites to monthly events like Mood Reader Happy Hour, Live Creativity Sprints and Bookstore Browse, and a private Facebook group and Discord server where you can interact with other fans of the show... all for just $5 a month!Loving LatelyFly Paper Products (T)Barefoot Neighbor - Website (H)Barefoot Neighbor CookbookBarefoot Neighbor - TikTokLatest ReadDon't Let Him In | Lisa Jewell (T)In A Holidaze | Christina Lauren (H)Book TalkBook Riot ArticleDominion | Addie E. CitchensVera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) | Jesse Q. Sutanto (T)Amity | Nathan Harris (H)We Are All Guilty Here | Karin Slaughter (T)The Lilac People | Milo Todd (H)Shelf AdditionsThe Valley of Vengeful Ghosts | Kim Fu (T)Like Family | Erin O. White (H)If you prefer other shopping options, you can find today's books on Bookshop.org or Blackwell's. Purchasing through these links supports us with a small commission, at no extra cost to you.Support the showLet's Connect... Email us at booktalketc@gmailBTE on YoutubeTina's TikTok , IG @tbretc YT @tbretcHannah's TikTok , IG @hanpickedbooksJonathan IG @infiltrate_jayPodcast IG @booktalketcRenee's Substack Newsletter , IG@Itsbooktalk

After 20 years, the Bratton's are stepping back from hosting the annual Michael Edward Bratton II Turkey Trot , but Mike says the new hosts, Anew day and the Grass Police Department Association, were handpicked to continue the tradition as a trot for wellness. KVMR News brings you audio from this year's trot and an interview with Mike Bratton about the changes to come. The library's annual Winter Reading Challenge kicks off December 1st and runs through January 31st. Brittany Blake, Adult Programming coordinator at the Grass Valley Library, says the Winter Reading Challenge is open to all ages. To take part, you can visit any of the library branches and pick up a bingo card, which fall under 4 categories: pre reader, independent reader, teen, and adult. 

This week on The Book Drop, we tackle the latest reading challenge to read a book about celebrations and explore how books help us reflect on the joy of coming together with friends, family and community for holidays, milestones and everything in between. This is The Book Drop.Happening at the Library: Book Clubs! Family Reading Club | Monday, Dec. 1, 5 to 6 p.m. at Saddlebrook BranchUnder the Dundee Sun Book Club | Tuesday, Dec. 2, 4 to 5 p.m. at A.V. Sorensen BranchElkhorn Eclectics Book Club | Thursday, Dec. 4, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Bess Johnson Elkhorn BranchIt's All Relative Book Club | Monday, Dec. 08, 6 to 7 p.m. at Genealogy & Local History RoomGenreLand Book Club | Tuesday, Dec. 09, 6 to 7 p.m. at Saddlebrook BranchBenson Mystery Book Club | Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Benson BranchChat N Chew Book Club | Wednesday, Dec. 10, noon to 1 p.m. at Downtown BranchWhat Are You Reading? Book Club | Wednesday, Dec. 10, 6 to 7 p.m. at Millard BranchBookTok Banter Book Club | Wednesday, Dec. 10, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Willa Cather BranchOut & About Reading Party | Thursday, Dec. 11, 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. at The Reading Room (new locations each month)All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here or at omahalibrary.org/podcast.  Join the conversation for the next episode!Answer the Query of the Week “Do you have a D&D character? Tell us everything” by email at thebookdrop@omahalibrary.org or DM on social media!

In questo nuovo episodio esploriamo insieme tutti i libri e alcune citazioni fatte solo nella stagione 6.  The Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge di Erika Berlin è il libro che tutte noi dovremmo avere. Il libro è una guida ufficiale con tutti i libri letti da Rory, Lorelai, Richard ma anche una raccolta di citazioni a libri fatte durante la serie.  Vi piacerebbe acquistare questo libro? Quali dei tanti libri citati in questo episodio avete letto o vorreste leggere? Quale libro tra questi mi consigliate?  Fatemi sapere che cosa ne pensate nell'ultimo post o nei DMs su Instagram.Account ufficiale del podcast: ⁠@unamammaperamicapodcast ⁠ Non perderti la newsletter ⁠La posta delle Gilmore⁠. Music by Harmonyte

Come one! Come all to my conversation with author Chris Panatier. We are talking about his book Shitshow from Sobelo Books and carnival horror.  Movies Mentioned:  Carnival of Souls Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 Final Destination 3 House of 1000 Corpses Big Fish Nope Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Books Mentioned:  Shitshow by Chris Panatier Geek Love by Katherine Dunn Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury Johannes Cabal the Necromancer by Jonathan L. Howard Ride or Die by Delilah S. Dawson The Only Harmless Great Thing by Bo Bolander Hide by Kiersten White Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson The Long and Faraway Gone by Lou Berney Final Girl Song Check out the final girl songs here! Merch is finally available! Join the Reading Challenge! How to support Books in the Freezer We are on Patreon! Check us out! There's a lot of fun going on in the Patreon community. At the Final Girl level you can get episodes early and find out about topics and guests beforehand. Axe-Wielding Maniacs get to be part of a Voxer group chat and join in Netflix movie nights. Malevolent Spirits get everything that's been mentioned and bonus episodes!  

Send us a textIn this episode our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being selections based on the NYT's Summer Bucket List Reading Challenge.  This is Part 2!Featured Books: Read a Book in a Genre You Don't Usually ReadA Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (LH)Read One of the NYT Best Books of the 21st CenturyThe Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (LH)Read a Book by an Author You've Never Read BeforeBuckeye by Patrick Ryan (LP) Read a Book in a Genre You Don't Typically ReadDevotions by Mary Oliver (LP)Listen to an Audio BookThe Tale of Halcyon Crane by Wendy Webb (LP)Books Mentioned in This Episode:Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony DoerrWays to contact us:Join us on Patreon for extra content: https://www.patreon.com/c/BookBumblePodcastFollow us on Instagram - @thebookbumbleFacebook:  Book BumbleOur website:  https://thebookbumble.buzzsprout.comEmail:  bookbumblepodcast@gmail.comSupport the showWe would love to have you rate and review us, subscribe, follow us on Insta, and join our Team Patreon! It won't be the same without you!

Reacting to the challenge and my issues with it over the years.

Happy Halloween! Sam joins us to talk about spooky books! The full list will be here later, but in the meantime, check out gibsonsbookstore.com/horror where you'll find a whole bunch of the books mentioned. Books Mentioned During This Episode (Full List Coming SoOoOoOon) Gibson's Merch on our Bonfire Shop! 2025 Reading Challenge on Storygraph! OTHER LINKS Gibson's Bookstore Website Purchase Gift Certificates!  Browse our Website by Category! Donate to the Bookstore! Check out our Events Calendar! Buy Gibson's Merch Gibson's Instagram The Laydown Instagram Facebook BlueSky TikTok Libro.fm  Use the code LAYDOWN for 2 audiobooks for the price of 1!  Jack of All Graves Book Club Email us at thelaydownpodcast@gmail.com

Author Joe Hill is on the show this week to talk about his latest book King Sorrow and whether a horror story is only as good as its villains.  Books mentioned:  King Sorrow by Joe Hill The Fireman by Joe Hill The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien The Secret History by Donna Tart  Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez  The Passage by Justin Cronin The Reformatory by Tananarive Due The Gunslinger by Stephen King Fright or Flight: 17 Turbulent Tales edited by Bev Vincent and Stephen King Double Feature by Owen King The Trap  by Tabitha King Save Yourself by Kelly Braffet Rovers by Richard Lange 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill  Locke and Key: The Golden Age by Joe HIll Sea Dogs by Joe Hill  Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brien The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn Dracula by Bram Stoker Let the Right One In by John Ajvde Lindqvist Final Girl Song Check out the final girl songs here! Merch is finally available! Join the Reading Challenge! How to support Books in the Freezer We are on Patreon! Check us out! There's a lot of fun going on in the Patreon community. At the Final Girl level you can get episodes early and find out about topics and guests beforehand. Axe-Wielding Maniacs get to be part of a Voxer group chat and join in Netflix movie nights. Malevolent Spirits get everything that's been mentioned and bonus episodes!  

In questo nuovo episodio esploriamo insieme tutti i libri e alcune citazioni fatte solo nella stagione 5.  The Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge di Erika Berlin è il libro che tutte noi dovremmo avere. Il libro è una guida ufficiale con tutti i libri letti da Rory, Lorelai, Richard ma anche una raccolta di citazioni a libri fatte durante la serie. Clicca qui per abbonarti su ⁠Spotify ⁠e qui per ⁠Apple Podcast⁠.  Vi piacerebbe acquistare questo libro? Quali dei tanti libri citati in questo episodio avete letto o vorreste leggere? Quale libro tra questi mi consigliate? Fatemi sapere che cosa ne pensate nell'ultimo post o nei DMs su Instagram.Account ufficiale del podcast: ⁠@unamammaperamicapodcast ⁠ Non perderti la newsletter ⁠La posta delle Gilmore⁠. Music by Harmonyte

We welcome Sarah from Your True Shelf to the pod today to discuss reading challenges and, specifically, #HRCYED - The Hardest Reading Challenge You'll Ever do, Jenny and Sarah take the opportunity to discuss their recent/current reads and TBR's for the challenge.Books mentioned:Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle ZevinIt Was Always You by Emma CooperThe Things We Lost by Jyoti PatelPop Scars by ANTHONY Kavanagh (not Andrew!)LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien (Andy Serkis Audiobook)Boudicca's Daughter by Elodie HarperThe Tarot Reader of Versailles by Anya BergmanWe Love You, Bunny by Mona AwadThings mentioned:HRCYED 2.0 websiteTBR Spin by Sarah FreshlyRead Good Challenge 2025 by Ben Reads GoodThe Gilmore Book ClubGet in touchInstagram | TikTok | Substack | Patreon | Ko-fi | Email | YouTubeSupport The Bookcast ClubYou can support the podcast on Patreon. Our tiers start at £2 a month. Rewards include early access to the podcast, 'close friends' feed on Instagram, monthly bonus episodes, tailored book recommendations and books in the post. You can now try our Patreon FREE for 7 days. If you would like to make a one-off donation you can do so on Ko-fi. A free way to show your support is to mention us on social media, rate us on Spotify or review us on Apple Podcasts.NewsletterSign up to our newsletter on Substack for more book recommendations, reviews, new releases, podcast recommendations and the latest podcast news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Book Drop, we talk about the Reading Challenge theme to read a book about or featuring non-human characters and explore how stories about creatures, aliens , and animals still connect to the human experience. This is The Book Drop.All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here or by visiting omahalibrary.org/podcast. Happening at the Library: Do You Believe in Ghosts? | Monday, Oct. 20, 6to 7 p.m. at Bess Johnson Elkhorn BranchStorytime with The Rose Theater | Wednesday, Oct. 22, 10:30 to 11 a.m. at Millard BranchWriters Workshop: Writing Family Histories through Memoir | Wednesday, Oct. 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Genealogy & Local History RoomExplore all upcoming events at omahalibrary.org/events.

Send us a textIn this episode our stack of books is tied together with the common theme of being part of the NYT's Summer Bucket List Reading Challenge.  We don't normally do formal challenges but we couldn't resist!Featured Books:Reread A Book You Loved as a Kid (LH):Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase by Carolyn KeeneThe Wish Giver by Bill BrittainA Book Set Somewhere You Have Never Been (LH):The Lost House by Melissa LarsenForgotten Kingdom by Signe PikeA Book Published in the Last Year (LP)A Girl Within a Girl Within a Girl by Nanda ReddyA Book in a Genre You Don't Normally Read (LP)The Fate of Mercy Alban by Wendy WebbA Book in Translation (LP)The Letter Carrier by Francesca GiannoneAuthor Mentioned in this Episode:Kate MortonAdditional Books That Go Along with Our Stack:A Book in a Genre You Don't Normally Read Glitz, Glam, and a Damn Good Time: How Marmie Fish, Queen of the Gilded Age Partied Her Way to Power by Jennifer WrightThe Tale of Halcyon Crane by Wendy WebbThe Vanishing by Wendy WebbA Book Published in the Last Year Shy Creatures by Clare ChambersWays to contact us:Join us on Patreon for extra content: https://www.patreon.com/c/BookBumblePodcastFollow us on Instagram - @thebookbumbleFacebook:  Book BumbleOur website:  https://thebookbumble.buzzsprout.comEmail:  bookbumblepodcast@gmail.comSupport the showWe would love to have you rate and review us, subscribe, follow us on Insta, and join our Team Patreon! It won't be the same without you!

Local Santa Barbara teachers are using a new program to help identify reading challenges among students. KCSB's Kimberly Lucia has the story.

I was joined by Hailey Piper to talk about her latest short story collection, Teenage Girls Can Be Demons, and Coming of Rage horror. This collection includes several fan favorites including, "Benny Rose, the Cannibal King" and "Unkindly Girls." Listen to our conversation about why rage accompanies coming into yourself and your powers.   Books Mentioned:  Teenage Girls Can Be Demons by Hailey Piper A Game in Yellow by Hailey Piper Chlorine by Jade Song The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison Cherish Farrah by Bethany C. Morrow Penance by Eliza Clark The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix   Final Girl Song Check out the final girl songs here! Merch is finally available! Join the Reading Challenge! How to support Books in the Freezer We are on Patreon! Check us out! There's a lot of fun going on in the Patreon community. At the Final Girl level you can get episodes early and find out about topics and guests beforehand. Axe-Wielding Maniacs get to be part of a Voxer group chat and join in Netflix movie nights. Malevolent Spirits get everything that's been mentioned and bonus episodes!

  I was joined by the wonderful Tiffany Gonzalez (@tiffanyconlibros) to talk about what to read for Latine/Hispanic Heritage month! Books Mentioned: A Sunny Place for Shady People: Stories by Mariana Enriquez (translated by Megan McDowell) Things We Lost in the Fire: Stories by Mariana Enriquez (translated by Megan McDowell) What Happened to Ruthie Ramirez by Claire Jimenez The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas The Possession of Alba Diaz by Isabel Cañas Candelaria by Melissa Lozada-Olivia Dreaming of You: A Novel in Verse by Melissa Lozada-Olivia Goddess of Filth by V. Castro The Queen of Cicadas by V. Castro Tiny Threads by Lilliam Rivera Thirst by Marina Yuszczuk (translated by Heather Cleary) Monstrillio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Signal to Noise by Silvia Moreno-Garcia The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of Everything by Rachel Vasquez Gililand House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias The Devil Takes You Home by Gabino Iglesias Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica (translated by Sarah Moses) The Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica (translated by Sarah Moses) Through the Night Like a Snake: Latin American Horror Stories edited by Sarah Coolidge Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accent by Julia Alvarez The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros Mayra by Nicky Gonzalez Loteria by Cynthia Pelayo Somebody is Walking On Your Grave by Mariana Enriquez (translated by Megan McDowell) Jawbone by Monica Ojeda (translated by Sarah Booker) Feebleminded by Ariana Harwicz (translated by Carolina Orloff and Annie McDermott) You Glow in the Dark by Liliana Colanzi (translated by Chris Andrews) Five Midnights by Ana Davila Cardinal Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez (translated by Megan McDowell) anything by Charco press Check out the final girl songs here! Merch is finally available! Join the Reading Challenge! How to support Books in the Freezer We are on Patreon! Check us out! There's a lot of fun going on in the Patreon community. At the Final Girl level you can get episodes early and find out about topics and guests beforehand. Axe-Wielding Maniacs get to be part of a Voxer group chat and join in Netflix movie nights. Malevolent Spirits get everything that's been mentioned and bonus episodes!

It's been a minute since our last episode, so we're just catching up on our recent reads this time!  Also Cait had to book it about halfway through to cover a break, she didn't just stop talking and reacting.  Books Mentioned During This Episode Gibson's Merch on our Bonfire Shop! 2025 Reading Challenge on Storygraph! OTHER LINKS Gibson's Bookstore Website Purchase Gift Certificates!  Browse our Website by Category! Donate to the Bookstore! Check out our Events Calendar! Buy Gibson's Merch Gibson's Instagram The Laydown Instagram Facebook BlueSky TikTok Libro.fm  Use the code LAYDOWN for 2 audiobooks for the price of 1!  Jack of All Graves Book Club Email us at thelaydownpodcast@gmail.com

Join me as I share what I've been reading during quarter 3 of 2025!   1. Faith That Sticks by Tricia Goyer & Leslie Nunnery 2. Reclaiming Quiet by Sarah Clarkson 3. The Mythmakers by John Hendrix 4. Wormwood Abbey by Christina Baehr 5. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster 6. Michael's Gentle Wife by Karen Andreola 7. It's Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn by Greta Eskridge 8. The Prince and The Blight by Kathryn Butler 9. Mother Culture by Karen Andreola 10. The Only Raised Bed Gardening Book You'll Ever Need by I. V. Fieldstone 11. Princess Academy by Shannon Hale 12. Kingdom's Dawn by Chuck Black 13. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser 14. Drake Hall by Christina Baehr 15. Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale 16. The Time Saving Mom by Crystal Paine 17. The Forgotten Sisters by Shannon Hale 18. Castle of the Winds by Christina Baehr 19. Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder    Resources Referenced: Find all the books discussed today on the NHC Blog: https://nohighercalling.org/2025-reading-challenge-quarter-3/  Body Talk Basics use code NHC10 to save 10% off https://bodytalkbasics.thrivecart.com/body-talk-basics-us-shipping/?affiliate=nohighercalling    Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org 

This week on The Book Drop, we're joined by Teresa Carmody, of the UNO Writer's Workshop, as we dive into books that start with the letter O for this month's Reading Challenge and share some standout titles you won't want to overlook.All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here or by visiting omahalibrary.org/podcast. Happening at the Library: Hispanic Heritage Celebration | Saturday, Sept. 20, noon to 2 p.m. at South Omaha LibraryComposting Basics | Thursday, Sept. 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Downtown BranchStarting or Growing Your Small Business | Tuesday, Sept. 23, 6 to 7 p.m. at Charles B. Washington BranchExplore all upcoming events at omahalibrary.org/events.

This week on The Book Drop, we wrestle with the almost impossible task of choosing just one book from the 21st century for the Reading Challenge. Plus Amy and Maggie, take a nostalgic look at what people thought life would be like in the year 2000 and beyond.All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here or by visiting omahalibrary.org/podcast. Happening at the Library: Ballet Storytime | Friday, Sept 12, 10 a.m. at  W. Clarke Swanson BranchStart Your Genealogy at OPL (Virtual Program) | Tuesday, Sept. 16, 5 to 6 p.m., Online eventExplore all upcoming events at omahalibrary.org/events.

Labor Day marked the deadline to complete the 2025 All Of It Summer Reading Challenge. Producer Jordan Lauf wraps up the Challenge, shares what readers enjoyed most this year, and shares some of your comments. Plus, calls from listeners who share the best book they read this summer.

Today I am joined by librarian, author and horror lover Becky Spratford to talk about the upcoming essay collection she edited, Why I Love Horror, with essays from some incredible names in horror. We are talking about the books and media that made us into horror fans at different points in our life . Books Mentioned:  Why I Love Horror edited by Becky Spratford Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz Flowers in the Attic by VC Andrews Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson House by Frank Perreti and Ted Dekker The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones It by Stephen King A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay Becky's post on fighting book bans:  https://raforall.blogspot.com/2025/06/why-we-need-horror-authors-in-fight-for.html  Final Girl Song Check out the final girl songs here! Merch is finally available! Join the Reading Challenge! How to support Books in the Freezer We are on Patreon! Check us out! There's a lot of fun going on in the Patreon community. 

It's still summer, but many children and teachers are back in school or preparing to return to the classroom. About a year ago, we sat down with Rebecca Silverman, a professor of education, to discuss the complex process of learning how to read. Professor Silverman unpacks the challenges of decoding and comprehension, two things that are vital for reading instruction to be successful. Whether you're supporting a new reader or curious about the hurdles new readers must overcome, we hope you'll tune in to this conversation again.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Rebecca D. SilvermanConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces Rebecca Silverman, a professor of education at Stanford University.(00:01:59) Why Reading Is HardWhy reading is a complex, non-natural skill essential for education.(00:03:14) Decoding & ComprehensionThe core components of reading and the challenges of comprehension.(00:05:07) Improving ComprehensionWhy improving comprehension takes years and sustained support.(00:06:40) Variability in LearningWhy some kids excel, others need help, and many struggle.(00:08:26) Nature vs. NurtureHow genetics and environment combine to shape reading ability.(00:09:17) Reading Across LanguagesHow different writing systems affect how quickly kids learn to read.(00:10:57) Identifying Struggling ReadersResearch challenges in identifying decoding and comprehension issues.(00:14:42) Paper vs. Digital ReadingKey differences between reading on paper and screens.(00:18:04) Technology in LiteracyHow technology is effective for decoding but less so for comprehension.(00:19:58) Family InfluenceThe importance of family and storytelling in literacy development.(00:21:52) Adult LiteracyWhether adults can learn to read as easily as young learners.(00:23:13) Challenges For TeachersThe challenges teachers face in teaching literacy alongside multiple subjects(00:25:15) The Future of AI in ReadingThe potential of AI and digital tools to help tailor literacy support.(00:28:50) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

I took the 52 Book Club's Connection Challenge this summer and documented it all in a summer reading journal.  This episode is for the readers and book girlies!  This challenge had me reading a variety of genres and helped me clear more than a dozen books from my TBR.  Don't forget to share your favorite read of the summer with me.

We back!

This was originally recorded as a Patreon exclusive episode last year, but is now available on the main feed. If you love Rachel Harrison, horror books or Mitski songs, this episode is for you! Books Mentioned: Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (Bug Like an Angel) So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison (Me After You) Ghost Eaters by Clay McLeod Chapman (I Bet On Losing Dogs) Such a Pretty Smile by Kristi DeMeester (Stay Soft) The Unsuitable by Molly Pohlig (The Pearl) Annie Bot by Sierra Greer (Me and My Husband) Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang (Liquid Smooth & Your Best American Girl) Maeve Fly by CJ Leede (Bag of Bones) House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson (Love Me More) Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth (Class of 2013) Sign Here by Claudia Lux (The Deal) Final Girl Song Check out the final girl songs here! Merch is finally available! Join the Reading Challenge!

It is Classics Week on All Of It, spotlighting the big literary anniversaries this year. To kick things off, All Of It and Get Lit producer Jordan Lauf recommends some of the best classics to add to your summer reading list, especially if you are participating in the All Of It Summer Reading Challenge. Plus, listeners share their favorite classics.

What's your favorite gas station scene in horror?  Books mentioned:  Rest Stop by Nat Cassidy Tales from the Gas Station: Volume One by Jack Townsend "Gas Station Carnivals" by Thomas Ligotti from the collection Teatro Grottesco Final Girl Song Check out the final girl songs here! Merch is finally available! Join the Reading Challenge! How to support Books in the Freezer We are on Patreon! Check us out! There's a lot of fun going on in the Patreon community. At the Final Girl level you can get episodes early and find out about topics and guests beforehand. Axe-Wielding Maniacs get to be part of a Voxer group chat and join in Netflix movie nights. Malevolent Spirits get everything that's been mentioned and bonus episodes!

Sometimes we read a book and we're not sure we liked it, but we can't stop thinking about it. Sometimes we deeply hated it and we want to talk about it. Sometimes we LOVED it, despite it being the most devastating read of our lives. Will we ever handsell them to you? Only if you ask really, really nicely.  Books Mentioned During This Episode [I'm still building the list, it'll be ready tomorrow - Ryan] Gibson's Merch on our Bonfire Shop! 2025 Reading Challenge on Storygraph! OTHER LINKS Gibson's Bookstore Website Purchase Gift Certificates!  Browse our Website by Category! Donate to the Bookstore! Check out our Events Calendar! Buy Gibson's Merch Gibson's Instagram The Laydown Instagram Facebook BlueSky TikTok Libro.fm  Use the code LAYDOWN for 2 audiobooks for the price of 1!  Jack of All Graves Book Club Email us at thelaydownpodcast@gmail.com

our picks are mysterious and important. please enjoy each book recommendation equally Books Mentioned: The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi The Candy House by Jennifer Egan The Redemption of Morgan Bright by Chris Panatier Pines by Blake Crouch Short Stay in Hell by Stephen L. Peck We Had to Remove This Post by Hannah Bervoets Haunting of Velkwood by Gwendolyn Kiste Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle Misery by Stephen King Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang Final Girl Song Check out the final girl songs here! Merch is finally available! Join the Reading Challenge! How to support Books in the Freezer We are on Patreon! Check us out! There's a lot of fun going on in the Patreon community. At the Final Girl level you can get episodes early and find out about topics and guests beforehand. Axe-Wielding Maniacs get to be part of a Voxer group chat and join in Netflix movie nights. Malevolent Spirits get everything that's been mentioned and bonus episodes!

It's time to check in on the All Of It Summer Reading Challenge! We are dedicating this week to one of the Challenge categories-- "read a memoir or biography." All Of It and Get Lit producer Jordan Lauf kicks things off with a list of recommendations for great memoirs and biographies to read this summer to help you complete the challenge. Plus, listeners share their recommendations.

This week, we revisit our episode with Kwame Alexander while we take a quick summer break!Kwame Alexander recently interviewed the esteemed and now former Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, for the American Library Association's Annual Conference in Philadelphia. They talked about the power of poetry, the role of libraries in creating access and imagination, how Dr. Hayden remains hopeful and positive in this moment, and of course, how books can help kids be better humans and dreamers. It was such an inspiring conversation that we wanted to re-air this much earlier episode with the bestselling, beloved author (and apparently incredible interviewer!) Kwame Alexander.  Summer Reading GiveawayEnter our summer reading giveaway for your chance to win a book by any author we've featured on the show, plus the special reading culture mug that Jordan sends to every guest.To enter, just like and comment on our summer reading giveaway post on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter at the reading culture pod.com/newsletter. Better yet, if you tag a friend, you can win together. ***"I'm just being real. I'm telling my story. I think Nikki Giovanni calls it dancing naked on the floor. I am unafraid and I'm doing my dance… I don't feel like I can go wrong if I'm just being me.” - Kwame AlexanderExciting reluctant middle school kids about reading (or really, anything) can be a battle. Getting them to think reading is cool is another. Kwame Alexander excels at both. His ability to authentically relate to his readers is a skill around which he has built his career.Kwame is beloved by parents, educators, and students, for his ability to ignite a love of reading (especially middle school boys) through poetry and characters who reflect their real experiences. But his impact extends beyond just an introduction to books; he also opens the door for readers to explore their own emotional depths. As he tells us, “I think part of my job is just to show a different side of masculinity.”Kwame is best known for "The Crossover," "The Undefeated," "The Door of No Return," and numerous other novels and poetry collections. He also recently authored his memoir "Why Fathers Cry at Night." He won the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Book Award among many other awards, and this year, "The Crossover" was adapted into a Disney+ original TV series. In this episode, he tells us about his own upbringing surrounded by Black storytelling and literature, reveals his secret to making middle-schoolers think he's “cool”, and shares about a letter he received (which was “not fan mail”) that inspired a surprise visit to an unsuspecting kid.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Kirsten, the programming specialist for the Indianapolis Public Library. She shares some moving stories about a book club she runs for teens at a residential treatment facility. ChaptersChapter 1: Glasses firstChapter 2: Mom's stories, dad's garageChapter 3: Love After LoveChapter 4: The “Reluctant” ReadersChapter 5: Kwame Shows UpChapter 6: America's Next Great AuthorsChapter 7: BlackoutChapter 8: Beanstack Featured Librarian Chapter 9: Hidden TrackLinksThe Reading CultureKwame AlexanderFolly IslandNYT article by Teddy Wayne about the potential benefits of clutterBeef, No ChickenLove After Love by Derek WalcottKwame's Newbery Banquet SpeechWhy Fathers Cry: The Podcast | Kwame Alexander#KwameShowsUpNikki GiovanniCollected Poems, 1948-1984 -  Derek WalcottThe Crossover | Official Trailer | Disney+America's Next Great AuthorThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost and Production CreditsHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducers: Mel Webb, Jackie Lamport, and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

This week on The Book Drop, we're coming to you from OCon Expo, the perfect place to talk graphic novels and share nonfiction and biographical picks for this month's reading challenge! All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here or by visiting omahalibrary.org/podcast. Happening at the Library: The Joy of Painting Paint Along | Saturday, July 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Saddlebrook Branch (registration is full)Stuffed Animal Sleepover Storytime | Monday, July 21, 6 to 6:30 p.m. at W. Clarke Swanson BranchTabletop Time at the Library: Modern Games | Wednesday, July 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Florence BranchWhere's Poppy, OPL's mobile library?Explore all upcoming events at omahalibrary.org/events.

Author Rae Wilde is on the podcast to talk about her latest book I Can Fix Her and horror centering around toxic relationships.  If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available: 800-799-7233 Books Mentioned: I Can Fix Her by Rae Wilde I Do Not Apologize for My Position on Men by Rae Wilde Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn In the Dream House: A Memoir by Carmen Maria Machado Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke by Eric LaRocca Sundial by Catriona Ward Shoot Me in the Face on a Beautiful Day by Emma E. Murray Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin Hexis by Charlene Elsby A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson Final Girl Song Check out the final girl songs here! Merch is finally available! Join the Reading Challenge!  

On this episode, Madi Badger, a PhD student, discusses the book series that changed her reading life, the reading challenge that has taken over her reading life, and some amazing bookstore stories. We discuss a shared love of paperbacks and how many different ways there are to use the library, including as a bad bookish habit.    Follow Madi on Instagram  Follow Madi on TikTok Queer Liberation Library   Books mentioned in this episode:    What Betsy's reading:  Skeleton Crew by Stephen King Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips  Severance by Ling Ma   Books Highlighted by Madi: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins  Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin  Broken Horses by Brandi Carlisle  Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer  Medicine Wheel for the Planet by Dr. Jennifer Grenz ADHD for Smart Ass Women by Tracy Otsuka   All books available on my Bookshop.org episode page.   Other books mentioned in this episode: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman  The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop & Amy Sherman-Palladino  Rainbow Magic Rainbow Fairies by Daisy Meadows & Georgie Ripper  The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller  Circe by Madeline Miller  One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune  A Monetary History of the United States by Anna Jacobson Schwartz & Milton Friedman Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

We have seen their Charisma, their Uniqueness, their Nerve and now it's time for them to bare their Talent for the world and judges! The semifinals finale is ending with a talent show! But first – THE READING CHALLENGE! It's mostly a singles fest, but damn, this turkey makes me want to vogue. Reading, Talent – plus a wild lipsync! And THEN, find out who the judges nominated for the Wild Card! Who will take the crown next week in the lip sync smack down and be the new inductee into the hall of fame?  It's all this plus more tea on an all new X Is For Show! X IS FOR SHOW is a talk show for your favorite media, the same way THE OFFICE was a documentary about a paper company. Every week, THE ACTION PACK gathers to discuss a wide range of entertainment media and news, from film & TV to comics to gaming, music, and beyond. Led by showrunner NICO (@NicoAction) and producer KEVO (@KevoReally), as well as a variety of friends and special guests, these LIVE discussions are not to be missed - so be sure to tune in and join us for all the fun!

All Of It is hosting a summer reading challenge (for adults)! Jordan Lauf, producer for All Of It and its book club Get Lit with All Of It , explains how to participate and recommends books in each of the categories in the challenge, including: a classic, an NYC book, a memoir or biography, a recent debut novel and a book published this year.

Our second Summer Reading Challenge is underway! This week, All Of It producer Jordan Lauf discusses some beach reads that could fit in the five Summer Reading Challenge categories. Listeners weigh in with their recommendations. Click here to sign up for the Challenge!

On this week's episode of The Whole Counsel, Dr. John Snyder is joined by Dr. Stephen Yuille. Dr. Yuille has been with us before when he produced a study on the book of Galatians (https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/gospel-realities-lessons-from-galatians). He is in the studio this week with us because he just filmed a new study focusing on the Sermon on Mount. Make sure you are following us for updates on that study. But for this episode, we wanted to have him on to discuss his role with Reformation Heritage Book and a new summer reading challenge they started on June 30. This reading challenge consists of a chapter of George Swinnock's The Blessed and Boundless God every day. The chapters are short and approachable. The book has been slightly edited with updated language to make it accessible to everyone. We highly encourage you to visit the link below and participate in the reading challenge. Show Notes: Reformation Heritage Books: https://heritagebooks.org/ Blessed and Boundless God by George Swinnock: https://heritagebooks.org/products/the-blessed-and-boundless-god-swinnock.html Summer Reading Challenge: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PV73J_bsiy7Zd5wV9_fYlcjXPUeea99Udg8TRV07chI/edit?gid=0#gid=0 Puritan Treasures for Today: https://heritagebooks.org/PuritanTreasures Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz is a memoir about her decade-long entrapment in a manipulative Christian cult during her time on One Tree Hill. The book details how the group controlled her life, career, and finances—until motherhood and the support of friends gave her the strength to break free.My guest this week is the lovely Magan Vernon, an author who has been living off reader tears since she wrote her first short story in 2004. She now spends her time killing off fictional characters, pretending to plot while she really just watches Netflix, and she tries to do this all while her kids run amok around her Texas ranch. Subscribe to her Newsletter and join her Facebook Fan Group here: Magan's Minions (Reader Group)Strawberry Champagne Margaritafresh strawberries, trimmed2 oz. tequila1 oz. fresh lime juice.25 cups sparkling wineOptional: 4 oz. triple sec or 2 tablespoons agave syrup, for a sweeter margaritaPlace strawberries in a large glass. Using a muddler, muddle the strawberries until they resemble puree.Add tequila, lime juice, and strawberry puree to a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. If you would like to add a sweetener to the cocktail, add triple sec or agave syrup to the cocktail shaker as well.Fill cocktail glass or champagne flute halfway full with ice. Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a strawberry or lime.In this EpisodeDinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy LenzOne Tree HillTex WatsonThe White Lotus Cocktail BookSpecsParis, The Memoir by Paris HiltonMagan's Library's Reading Challenge (that I am totally stealing!)

HAPPY PRIDE! Ryan, Ashley, and Cait are talking about queer books! Some new, some old, all good!  Books Mentioned During This Episode Gibson's Merch on our Bonfire Shop! 2025 Reading Challenge on Storygraph! OTHER LINKS Gibson's Bookstore Website Purchase Gift Certificates!  Browse our Website by Category! Donate to the Bookstore! Check out our Events Calendar! Buy Gibson's Merch Gibson's Instagram The Laydown Instagram Facebook BlueSky TikTok Libro.fm  Use the code LAYDOWN for 2 audiobooks for the price of 1!  Jack of All Graves Book Club Email us at thelaydownpodcast@gmail.com

Join me as I share what books I've been reading throughout quarter 2 of 2025. I ended the quarter finishing book #26 out of my #52 book challenge.   Books Read: Mr. Eternity by Roy Thomas Williams  Hormone Repair Manual by Lara Briden Between Flowers and Bones by Carolyn Leiloglou Your Mom Walk with God by Sally Clarkson Eternity in Their Hearts by Don Richardson Mooses with Bazookas by S. D. Smith Sweep by Jonathan Auxier Sincerely, Stoneheart by Emily Wilson Hussem The Dragon and The Stone by Kathryn Butler The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoners Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart Parenting in the Middle Years by Gary and Ann Marie Ezzo Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen Taylor Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhorn   Resources Referenced: 2025 Reading Challenge (Quarter 2) Blog Post Save $10 off your first set of $50 or more from Mentionables, a model-free lingerie company!   Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org 

This summer, from June 23rd to the end of Labor Day weekend, we are challenging YOU, our listeners, to complete our second summer reading challenge. Just like in school, but for fun!The deadline to register as a participant is July 1st! Click here to sign up!Participants will select and read at least one book in ALL FIVE of the following categories...A classic you've been meaning to get toA book about or set in New York CityA memoir or biographyA recent debut novelA book published in 2025You can download and fill out or print this PDF form to keep track of your selections.You can also share your selections with us, and keep us updated on your summer reading progress, by tagging us in posts on Instagram, and we'll repost you! Tag us @allofitwnyc and use the hashtag #AOISummerReadingChallenge. Once you've completed the challenge, we'll follow up about your selections to receive a prize.All summer long, our host Alison Stewart will be completing the challenge along with you, so tune in to the show for some great recommendations. Plus, some special guests will be sharing their selections as well. Visit the All Of It Summer Reading Challenge page for more info on how to participate, and more book recommendations from Jordan.

This week on The Book Drop, we take on the newest reading challenge theme to read a book set in a continent we want to visit and we'll dig into the debate over how many continents there actually are. All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here or by visiting omahalibrary.org/podcast. Happening at the Library: Community Conversation: The Sum of Us | Monday, June 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at W. Clarke Swanson BranchCooking Workshop with No More Empty Pots | Tuesday, June 24, 2 to 3 p.m. at Florence BranchTabletop Time At the Library: Modern Games | Wednesday, June 25, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at W. Clarke Swanson BranchExplore all upcoming events at omahalibrary.org/events.

On this episode of Buzzing About Romance, Amanda and Leah join Becky to kick off our Summer Reading Season officially.

Brea and Mallory tick off another box on the 2025 Reading Glasses Challenge - read a science book! Plus, they solve a problem about getting a library book signed, and recommend YA books that deal with social justice. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -Aura Frameswww.auraframes.comCODE: GLASSESZocDocwww.zocdoc.com/GLASSESLinks -Reading Glasses Facebook GroupReading Glasses Goodreads GroupAmazon Wish ListNewsletterLibro.fmTo join our Discord channel, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership!www.maximumfun.org/joinSpring ReadathonSunday May 18thBooks Mentioned - The Centre by Ayesha Manazir SiddiqiThe Fair Botanists by Sara SheridanEverything is Tuberculosis by John GreenThe Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha MukherjeeThe Hate U Give by Angie ThomasThe Attack of the Black Rectangles by A.S. King