Mark As Read: Recent Episodes
Taylor Curry
4.7 The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
This is the sequel to The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Ep. 4.5) It starts off a little slow, but give it 75 pages and you will be hooked. The world building and intrigue continues with tons of action and twists and turns. Plus more will they, won't they to keep you entertained. Even better, when you finish, if you aren't ready to say goodbye to the world, there are two more books about side characters that you can dive into next.
If you want to watch this episode, you now can on our YouTube channel or listen here as always. Plus, check out our substack for other books to read, quick reviews, and book thoughts.
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4.6 The Turnglass by Gareth Rubin
I'm not going to lie, I probably would have picked up this book to read no matter the genre just because the two stories back to back was so interesting and cool. Of course, it then turns out to be a murder mystery and I was hooked. Whether you like it or not, I can tell you that you will never read another book like this. It kind of reminds me of Stuart Turton in that it will constantly surprise you and half the time, you have no idea what is happening...even when you think you do. I can't wait for y'all to check out this book and tell me what you think!
If you want to watch this episode, you now can on our YouTube channel or listen here as always. Plus, check out our substack for other books to read, quick reviews, and book thoughts
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-as-read--5660703/support.
4.5 The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
This is one of those books that I went into expecting to like. It's fantasy with a strong female main character, a Hunger Games vibes competition, will they won't they, political dynamics, and enemies to lovers. It had everything I look for in a fantasy book. And let me tell you, it does not disappoint. Don't let the vampire premise throw you off. This is a well developed fantasy world featuring vampires, but also a lot more.
If you want to watch this episode, you now can on our YouTube channel or listen here as always. Plus, check out our substack for other books to read, quick reviews, and book thoughts.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-as-read--5660703/support.
4.4 The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
This is my favorite type of historical fiction. Kamali takes a tumultuous period in the history of Tehran and explores it through the lens of two women growing up in this society. It is part history, part political narrative, and a lot of interpersonal dynamics between two friends dealing with their changing lives and country. Also check out the Pink Card podcast for another perspective on this historical moment.
If you want to watch this episode, you now can on our YouTube channel or listen here as always. Plus, check out our substack for other books to read, quick reviews, and book thoughts.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-as-read--5660703/support.
4.3 Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Are y'all ready? Because I was not. Onyx Storm was everything I wanted and more. For this episode, there are tons of spoilers, so do not listen if you have not read Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm. Instead of recapping plots, we are spending the episode discussing theories, rabbit holes, and questions that emerged while reading and after finishing Onyx Storm. Let us know what you thought about this book and your own theories too so.
For more, subscribe to our newsletter and check out our website! If you want to watch this episode, you now can on our YouTube channel or listen here as always. Plus, check out our substack for other books to read, quick reviews, and book thoughts.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-as-read--5660703/support.
4.2: Beach Read by Emily Henry
One of the reasons I love to read is to escape a little bit from every day life. And there is no better way to escape than in an Emily Henry book. The banter is sassy, the chemistry is firing, the plot is relatable and emotional. Beach Read checked all of the boxes for me and more and was the perfect weekend activity.
Let me just say you will love this and I can't wait to hear your thoughts. If you want to watch this episode, you now can on our YouTube channel or listen here as always. Plus, check out our substack for other books to read, quick reviews, and book thoughts.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-as-read--5660703/support.
4.1: Assistant to the Villian & Apprentice to the Villian by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Welcome back for the new season! We are starting off strong this week with the first two books in Hannah Nicole Maehrer's series. The banter is incredible, the world building is there, and the morally gray male main character? Yeah, he goes by The Villian and falls first and falls hard š Let me just say you will love this and I can't wait to hear your thoughts. If you want to watch this episode, you now can on our YouTube channel or listen here as always. Plus, check out our substack for other books to read, quick reviews, and book thoughts.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-as-read--5660703/support.
3.20 Part 2 Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
The second half of our conversation of Kingdom of Ash. And that officially wraps up the Throne of Glass series. Share this episode with your favorite character or book.
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3.20 Part 1 Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
It is finally here. The last installment of Throne of Glass. I was expecting to enjoy this series, but nothing prepared me for the obsession that would develop. This conversation got to be a little long so the second half will be out next week. Comment with your favorite character arch or book in the series.
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3.19 Capote's Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era by Laurence Leamer
Capote's Women follows Truman Capote and the wealthy women he befriended throughout his life, who he referred to as his "Swans." Nonfiction is one of my favorite genres, but this subject matter was completely new to me. I did not know anything about Capote other than that he wrote Breakfast and Tiffany's. And his "Swans" were completely unknown to me. Normally, I like diving into a new subject matter, but I struggled to find likeable or relatable moments with any of the characters. This book was intriguing and I am looking forward to the show inspired by it, but my feelings toward the book and its characters are conflicted to say the least. What do you think of the people described in this book? Have you ever been conflicted about a book before?
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3.18 Part 2 Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawnby Sarah J. Maas
It is time for part 2 of our discussion of the Throne of Glass tandem read: Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawn. This ended up being a two-part episode purely for length purposes. We discuss both books and there are mega spoilers in both episodes so be aware before listening! In part 1, we discuss my feelings on the tandem read and what I would recommend, my general thoughts on both books, and we get through our discussion of half of the characters. The rest of the character discussion as well as predictions for the last book will be in part 2. Comment on our instagram with your favorite story line from these two epics.
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3.18 Part 1 Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawnby Sarah J. Maas
It is finally time for our discussion of the Throne of Glass tandem read: Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawn. This ended up being a two-part episode purely for length purposes. We discuss both books and there are mega spoilers in both episodes so be aware before listening! In part 1, we discuss my feelings on the tandem read and what I would recommend, my general thoughts on both books, and we get through our discussion of half of the characters. The rest of the character discussion as well as predictions for the last book will be in part 2. Comment on our instagram with your favorite story line from these two epics.
For more, subscribe to our newsletter and check out our website and become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-as-read--5660703/support.
3.17 The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
I had no idea what to expect going into this book. Ultimately, I would highly recommend this. Just go in with the understanding that this is a character study. It is in the 1920s and 30s in a small town in PA focusing on one neighborhood. Some heavy topics are covered from race, gender, class, and religious prejudices. By the end of the book, you will understand all of these characters and feel like a member of their community as well.
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3.16 One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
This week we are discussing a new to the podcast fantasy series starting with One Dark Window. This is a two book series and I cannot recommend it enough. It started a little slow for me, but I was quickly enthralled in this universe of Providence Cards that give their users certain magical abilities. But there is a catch. Every use of magic has a cost and that could be a physical cost or a mental cost. Trust me, you won't be able to put down Elspeth Spindle and her story.
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3.15 The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
I started this expecting it to be a fun murder mystery. I was not expecting a British retirement community with fabulous dry humor as retirees inject themselves into an investigation.
Osman doesn't shy away from the hard conversations around death, retirement, and aging but does it in such a way that is relatable, funny, and ultimately uplifting. I can't recommend this enough and I can't wait to hear what you think about it.
Who is your favorite character?
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3.14 Queen of Shadowsby Sarah J. Maas
In our latest Throne of Glass episode, we are discussing Queen of Shadows. The episode is a little chaotic as so much happens in this book and I had no one to discuss it with other than all of you of course! Last time, Heir of Fire was my favorite book in the series so far. Queen of Shadows wins out though. If you thought you loved the characters before, you grow to love them even more in this book. Do you have a favorite book in the series?
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3.13 The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
The Heiress is a 2024 mystery-esque fiction story that follows Camden and Jules in current time as Camden is forced to comfront some issues from his past that he would rather avoid. The book is split between Camden's perspective and Jules' perspective as well as letters written 10 years prior by Camden's adopted mom, Ruby, and news clippings from throughout Ruby's life. Ruby was an heiress, but by the end of this story full of twists and turns, Ruby is not the true heiress if you ask me!
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3.12 Part 2 Nightbane by Alex Aster
In Part 2, Nightbane, we get the aftermath of the curse breaking. I was really expecting this to be a love triangle a la Hunger Games (Peeta/ Gale/ Katniss) but it really wasn't. That is definitely a factor, but instead of seeing Grim and Oro fight over Isla for the whole book, there are two parallel timelines following Grim and Isla a year ago when they first met and Oro and Isla now. There were tons of twist and turns plus a cliff hanger that has me itching for the third book to come out.
You will definitely need to listen to Part 1 for all of the context here!
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3.12 Part 1 Lightlark by Alex Aster
Lightlark begins with Hunger Games vibes and a contest that takes place every 100 years between the rulers of the different magical realms. The prize? Breaking the curse that effects everyone and gaining power. The cost? Killing one of the other rules and as a result their entire realm. Isla is one of the youngest rulers and she has a secret - she was born without powers. So how will she survive the contest and save her people?
I originally planned to discuss both Lightlark and the sequel, Nightbane in one episode. But, I had so much to say about Lightlark that I decided to break it up. Nightbane will get its own episode as Part 2 next week.
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3.11The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang
I have been waiting for a new release by Kate Quinn to do an episode since I started this podcast. Kate Quinn is an absolutely fabulous historical fiction writer (the best in the business if you ask me) and I have wanted to share my first reactions to one of her books with you. She always manages to add twists, turns, and surprises that are so fascinating. In this book, she teams up with Janie Chang to explore San Francisco in 1906 right before the earthquake and fire. This was a new time period for me, but I absolutely loved this story and I hope you do too.
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3.10 Part 2 Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
For our Part 2 of our second Throne of Glass episode, we are discussing Heir of Fire. After finishing it, I am standing by my decision to read The Assassin's Blade first. I talk all about that in addition to all of the action that takes place in this book. So far, this is my favorite book of the series! What is your preferred reading order for the series?
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3.10 Part 1 The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas
For our second Throne of Glass episode, I decided to break it up so for Part 1, we are discussing The Assassin's Blade. I know there is a lot of contention about the order of the series and we dive deep into that as well as the novellas in this episode and then will discuss Heir of Fire in Part 2! What is your preferred reading order for the series?
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3.9 Non-Fiction Review
I love non-fiction so much, but I know it can be hard to get into. Every season, we will have one non-fiction review episode where I give you a short overview of some of the non-fiction books I have read and enjoyed lately. Then, if any sound good, you can explore those instead of having to sift through all of the non-fiction out there! This review will include 5 books I have read plus 5 non-fiction books I'm looking forward to reading. Check out the newsletter for all of the info on the books I'm looking forward to reading.
- Maladies of Empire: How Colonialism, Slavery, and War Transformed Medicine by Jim Downs
- Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present by Alison Matthews David
- Our Unfinished March: The Violent Past and Imperiled Future of the Vote. A History, A Crisis, A Plan by Eric Holder with Sam Koppelman
- The Radium Girls: the Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore
- Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick
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3.8 A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
For me, A Discovery of Witches is like the better, more adult version of Twilight that will keep you coming back time and time again. This is the first of four books, although the fifth is coming out later this year. It is fantasy with a little spice set in modern day. The female main character, Diana is an historian of alchemy and a witch who stumbles upon a bewitched book that draws the attention of all creatures, witches, vampires, and daemons alike. There is love, action, intrigue, and you will honestly fall in love with these characters and the story. I can't wait for you to read this.
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3.7 The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick
Unusually for me, The Messy Lives of Book People was a very conflicting book. On the one hand, I loved the story line of Liv trying to finish the book of her favorite author under mysterious circumstances and how Patrick tied all of the story lines together in the end. On the other hand, some of the characters, specifically Jake, were absolutely infuriating and made me want to stop reading. What do you think about this book and how did it make you feel?
Plus, since this episode was a week late, there is bonus content! I read a short novella that is part of a larger fantasy world called Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent and I'm absolutely obsessed. We will definitely be reading the larger series in the future!
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3.6 Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
We will ultimately be reading the entire SJM universe, but we are working our way through the Throne of Glass series this season. There are debates about what order you should read these in, but I'm falling Maas' instructions and starting with Throne of Glass and reading Assassin's Blade later in the series. This week, we talked about all of my thoughts, reactions, and theories from both Throne of Glass and the second book, Crown of Midnight. There are lots of spoilers so don't listen if you haven't read the books yet and we will see you in a few episodes for the next two books!
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3.5 The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules is a cute and fluffy Georgian period novel where a poorer second son has published a directory of all of the single women and widows with fortunes in London. Based on a real publication, the ladies find out about their inclusion and decide to use it to their advantage. This is the perfect novel for those craving a little Jane Austen or looking for Bridgerton vibes without the spice. It is light and fun and sweet and will leave you with a smile on your face. You can get your own copy here.
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3.4 Part 2 Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
This week we continue our discussion of Fourth Wing with a deep dive into Iron Flame. There are lots of spoilers and fan theories as well as my own thoughts and I would love to hear yours. If you like dragons, fantasy, world building, political intrigue, and war, you will like this book I'm sure! Let us know what you thought about this book and your own theories too.
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3.4 Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
I have been waiting for this episode since I first read Fourth Wing last summer. This episode is full of spoilers and fan theories and my own theories on what is happening. Plus, this is a two part episode and next week we will discuss Iron Flame! If you like dragons, fantasy, world building, political intrigue, and war, you will like this book I'm sure! Let us know what you thought about this book and your own theories too so we can discuss them in next week's episode.
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3.3 Lesson in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott in the 1950s and 60s as a chemist trying to make her way in a male dominated world and field. You see her experiences in the lab, ultimately on TV, and her experiences as a single mother. The storylines and characters are emotional and profound and I connected with them in a way I could have never predicted. This book and Elizabeth Zott have touched me and impacted me and it will be a book I return to time and time again. I can't wait for y'all to read this and share your thoughts with me.
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3.2 Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Tƶrzs
For our first fantasy episode of Season 3, it seemed only fitting to start with a book recommended to me and that has a strong focus on books. We again get multiple POVs, but instead of a split timeline, each perspective has a piece of the puzzle that has to be put together to understand the dangers and mysteries of this world where books contain magic spells. There is a little suspense/ intrigue, some unique magic added to our world, and a deep look into familial and sister relationships. This is technically fantasy, but I honestly thing that anyone would find it interesting.
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3.1 The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes
We are starting Season 3 off strong with a book about books and people who love books. This split timeline and POV WWII story follows three women as they deal with the consequences of the war as well as trying to save books the Nazis are trying to destroy. I absolutely loved this story of small acts of heroism and deep emotional connections between the characters. Start this book for the history and the story, stay for the emotions.
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2.21 Cities of Women by Kathleen B. Jones
Cities of Women is brand new (released today!) split perspective historical fiction story following a contemporary scholar trying to find evidence of a medieval female artist. The story follows the scholar, artist, and a medieval author working with our artist. Jones is incredibly detailed about all of the techniques for the artistry as well as the research being done in the present day. You will feel like you are doing your own historical excavation of gorgeous manuscripts.
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2.20 The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
This book will be completely different from anything else you read this year. It follows a young boy through his teen years falling in love, making friends, and overcoming hardships while also investigating an illusive and mysterious author whose books seem to be disappearing. Set in the 1950s in Spain, there are tons of a twist and turns, intriguing characters, and a deep love and discussion of the importance of books.
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2.19 The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan
Three women in England during WWII are working to make the most of their lives during the War. They come together to help one of their own and eventually others have beautiful white dresses to wear on their wedding days despite the rationing limitations on fabric and clothing. This book is based on the inspirational true story of women donating their wedding dress to wartime brides and will tug at your heartstrings nad have you rooting for all three of our protagonists to find their own love stories.
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2.18 The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
The Lost Apothecary is a story told from the perspective of three women, two in 1790s London and one vising London in the present day. All of them are looking to overcome trauma and find their place in the world undefined by the men around them. Filled with intrigue and murder, this book pulls you in not just through the mystery, but also the emotional connection you develop with the characters.
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2.17 Babel by R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang, author of The Poppy War series has been on my radar for a while. I didn't know what to expect, but I am glad I read Babel. It is long, but necessarily so as there is a lot of world building, action, and necessary history to develop all of the characters and story lines. There are two main themes of colonialism and language/the power of words. Two incredibly interesting concepts that tie in nicely to some of our other episodes this season! While I don't know that I would necessarily re-read this book, I would definitely recommend it and I'll be interested to read Kuang's other books.
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2.16 The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler
Y'all know how much I love octopuses from our Season 1 Episode 16 (I didn't even plan this!) discussion of Remarkably Bright Creatures. So, I had a feeling I was going to at least enjoy Nayler's debut novel, The Mountain in the Sea. But I was no prepared to love it as much as I did. Nayler is able to dive deep into questions about consciousness, humanity, and communication without losing the readers and having some of the main characters be octopuses! I honestly can't recommend this enough and it might be my favorite book I have read so far this year.
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2.15 Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
This is our first repeat author outside of a series and I am so excited to share my thoughts on Lisa See's newest book. We discussed her previously in Season 1 Episode 5 The Island of Sea Women. Lady Tan's Circle of Women looks at an actual person, Lady Tan, who was a female doctor in the 1400 and 1500s in China. It follows her through her whole life and fictionalizes some things, but maintains all of the known information about this incredible woman. This is a must read for 2023!
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2.14 The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
I honestly was not expecting much from this. After the original story, I was tired of the characters and the story line, but this took me by surprise. I was expecting it to be more about the war and how the Hunger Games started. Instead, it takes place about 10 years after the war when the Hunger Games are already tradition, but not at all commercialized or popularized. I loved this new take on Panem and Collins does an amazing job of drawing you and really making you connect with all of the characters.
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2.13 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
This week's episode is a book so outside of my comfort zone and usual read, but was well worth branching out. A friend recommended it and while I was a little skeptical at first, I honestly couldn't put it down. And I couldn't stop thinking about it even after I finished it. This one will hold you in its grip and have you questioning everything.
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2.12 The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd
This week's episode was delayed because last week I had jury duty! I am happy to be back this week with The Cartographers. Part deep dive into the world of maps and map-making, familial relationships, found families, jumping timelines, and a heavy dose of mystery and magic. I went into this with a completely blank slate and it surprised me in the best way and was a pleasure to read.
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2.11 Book Lovers by Emily Henry
I was ready for this to be just light and fluffy romance novel. Boy was I wrong. This was just an awesome fiction book with some romance thrown in but a solid plot line, character depth, and amazing banter. I laughed, I cried, I loved this book so much. I can't recommend it enough.
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2.10 A Spy Among Friends by Ben Macintyre
This is the best of non-fiction...when history reads like fiction. You won't believe how crazy the story of Kim Philby actually is. Macintyre takes a look at Philby's life and career and the relationships he made throughout his career that allowed him to be such a successful double agent for 30+ years.
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2.9 The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray
If you like WWII Resistance, powerful female characters, multiple POVs, and multiple timelines, this is the book for you. It follows 3 women associated with Chateau Lafayette: Adrienne de Lafayette (yes that Lafayette's wife) during the French Revolution, Beatrice Astor Chanler during WWI, and Marthe during WWII. It will tug at your heartstrings and inspire you with the incredible efforts of these women to make France a better place.
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2.8 Non-Fiction Review
I love non-fiction so much, but I know it can be hard to get into. Every season, we will have one non-fiction review episode where I give you a short overview of some of the non-fiction books I have read and enjoyed lately. Then, if any sound good, you can explore those instead of having to sift through all of the non-fiction out there! This review will include 5 books:
1. The Prisoner in His Palace by Will Bardenwerper
2. Confidence Man by Maggie Haberman
3. I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
4. Henry VIII by Derek Wilson
5. Harriet Tubman by Catherine Clinton
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2.7 ACOTAR Books 2-5 by Sarah J. Maas
It was too hard to separate the books, so here is the rest of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. For book one, check out this episode from season 1. This episode covers A Court of Mist and Fury (Book 2), A Court of Wings and Ruin (Book 3), A Court of Frost and Starlight (Book 3.5/4), and A Court of Silver Flames. So there are major spoilers for the whole series. Send us an email or comment on our instagram with what you think of the series as a whole and if you have a favorite book or character.
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2.6 Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
A light and fluffy book from an author I love. This episode is a lot lighter than our previous few episodes and is a great beach read for you upcoming summer vacation. Plus, it will give you major wanderlust for small islands with no cars off the coast of Charleston.
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2.5 Shadow and Bone books 2 and 3 by Leigh Bardugo
Siege and Storm & Ruin and Rising
With the new season of Shadow and Bone out on Netflix, it seems like the right time to discuss the books featured in the show: mainly Shadow and Bone books 2 and 3, Siege and Storm & Ruin and Rising. Plus, definitely mentions of Six of Crows as the Crow story line is even bigger in season 2! What did you think of the new season and the books?
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2.4 The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee featuring Kortney Frederick
For our first guest episode of Season 2, I talked with my friend Kortney about The Downstairs Girl. It takes place in 1890s Atlanta, GA and our protagonist is a strong, Asian American, working class woman. There are twists and turns and I can't recommend that enough.
Trigger Warnings: Racism, sexism, civil rights issues.
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2.3 Educated by Tara Westover and Sex Cult Nun by Faith Jones
In my head, I have been calling this the cult episode because both books deal with cult and cult-adjacent situations that isolated the writers throughout their childhood. This is slightly different from our previous episodes and has some heavy content.
Trigger Warnings: Sexual Assault, Sexual Abuse, Child Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Gas Lighting, Rape
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2.2 Bridgerton 3, 4, & 5 by Julia Quinn
Before Season 3 of the show premieres on Netflix, I wanted to talk about Benedict's story (An Offer From a Gentleman) that is being skipped, Colin and Penelope's story (Romancing Mister Bridgerton) that is the focus of Season 3, and Eloise's story (To Sir Phillip, With Love).
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2.1 The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
Trigger Warnings for suicide, overdose, death.
For the season 2 premiere, I wanted to discuss another book that focused on appreciating books. While The Midnight Library was not exactly what I expected, it was a fabulous book for discussion. Plus, it started as 1/5 stars for me and ended at 4/5 and a book that I would definitely recommend.
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Episode 1.20 The Library Book by Susan Orlean
An ode to books and libraries that will make you want to drop everything and become a librarian.
Episode 1.19 Queen of Thieves by Beezy Marsh
The female version of Peaky Blinders and based on a real criminal gang of women. Would recommend if you like historical fiction, women-led plots, or stories of London after WWII.
1.18 "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel
A little dense, but an incredible look at the Tudor period under Henry VIII from the perspective of Thomas Cromwell. I loved this and would highly recommend it. Corresponding images in our newsletter.
1.17 "The Fixer Upper" by Lauren Forsythe
A light and fluffy romance novel that is the perfect stress releaver. Not too serious and PG-13 for the most part, this is one of those romance novels that is more longing glances instead of sexual encounters and ends with a nice happily ever after.
1.16 "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt
"My Octopus Teacher" in book form but the octopus is just a witness to people's lives intertwining in an aquarium.
1.15 "The Ten Thousand Doors of January" by Alix E. Harrow
Part fantasy, part love story, part ode to books and the written word. I was all set to not like this and I loved it.
1.14 "The Postmistress of Paris" by Meg Waite Clayton.
If you liked "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah, you will love this. WWII book based on a real person. Emotional in a good way and really powerful.
Trigger Warnings for sexual violence, Nazis, and the Holocaust
We are taking a holiday break for the next two weeks and will be back in January with Episode 14: The Postmistress of Paris. See you in 2023.
1.13 "The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu and Their Race to Save the World's Most Precious Manuscripts" by Joshua Hammer.
Joshua Hammer does a great job of handling a lot of touchy and convoluted issues while maintaining a straight-forward narrative about the protection of these manuscripts. 9/10 and I would highly recommend for anyone interested in non-fiction, books, history, and preservation.
1.12 "Truthwitch" by Susan Dennard.
This was recommended to me as an alternate to Sarah J. Maas and ACOTAR. While I didn't love the first ACOTAR, I did love the 2nd and 3rd so I was excited to try something in a similar vein. All in all, I loved this. I loved the world building and the unique kinds of magic that Dennard created. 8/10 and I would highly recommend for anyone interested in fantasy.
1.11 "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid featuring our second guest, Natalie! I have a great conversation with my sister about this great novel that I'm glad I finally took off of my TBR list.
Trigger Warnings: The book discusses domestic abuse, sexual relationships, homophobia, and racism. We mention all of these topics in brief as well as a conversation about right to die.
1.10 The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton. A wonderful novel combining Bridgerton with Sherlock Holmes and adding in some pirates.
1.9 The Sex Lives of Cannibals by J. Maarten Troost - a travelogue of Troostās adventures in Kiribati. Donāt worry, there arenāt actually cannibals or explicit sexual activity, but it is laugh-out-loud funny and an enjoyable read.
1.8 The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell. Images and more art historical information will be on my blog leftylivinglife.com later this week!
Episode 7: The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton featuring our first guest, Katie Gamble
Content Warning: We briefly mention rape and it is mentioned in passing in the book.
Welcome to Mark As Read, a podcast devoted to discovering, reading, and obsessing over books.