Our Home Libraries: Recent Episodes
Our Home Libraries
A spoiler-filled podcast where we discuss the books we've read together. Episodes could include reviews, discussions of key points, books we love and books we dislike, books we couldn't finish, and other book-ish things.
Orphaned Signa Farrow has a chilling secret - she can see glimpses of death. After her latest guardian dies under mysterious circumstances, she’s sent to live with relatives at the opulent Thorn Grove estate. Here, amidst the gothic atmosphere and unsettling family secrets, Signa discovers a web of lies. With her newfound cousin, Blythe, ill with the same symptoms that took her mother, and at the urging of Lilian’s spirit, Signa has to figure out who’s responsible before it’s too late.
How does Signa’s ability to see Death affect her interactions with others? How does the author use gothic novel tropes to build suspense and atmosphere? What aspects of the story do we hope to see explored in the sequel? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Our spooky season music is from a song titled “Horror Background Music” by Lesfm from Pixabay.
Coming up next: Murder Road by Simone St. James
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In Empire of Storms, Aelin, now openly embracing her identity as the Queen of Terrasen, gathers a diverse group of allies, including her fiery Fae warrior, Rowan Whitethorn, her loyal cousin, Aedion Ashryver, the shape-shifting Lysandra, and the skilled witch, Manon Blackbeak, among others. Together, they embark on a quest to forge alliances, gather armies, and secure powerful allies in a last-ditch effort to save Erilea from the onslaught of the Valg. As Aelin and her friends journey through the treacherous lands, they face a multitude of challenges, including political rivalries, ancient prophecies, and personal demons. Relationships, friendships, and loyalties are all tested amidst the chaos of war and uncertainty. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, and ultimately sets the stage for the climactic conclusion of the Throne of Glass series. Can Aelin and her allies successfully defeat the formidable forces that threaten to plunge their world into darkness?
Are there any specific settings or locations in this world that stand out to us? What are our thoughts on the various romantic dynamics? Were there any unexpected twists that caught our attention? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: The Dark Between the Trees by Fiona Barnett
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Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer follows Evie Sage, a resourceful young woman who unexpectedly becomes the apprentice to a notorious villain. As she navigates the dark and treacherous world of villainy, Evie finds herself torn between her desire for power and her lingering sense of morality. Under the guidance of her enigmatic mentor, Evie is thrust into a series of dangerous challenges that test her loyalty, wit, and strength. Along the way, she uncovers hidden secrets about the Villain’s past and the true nature of the kingdom’s power struggles. As Evie grapples with her shifting identity, she must decide whether to fully embrace her new role or carve out her own path in a world where betrayal and ambition rule.
Join us as we discuss Evie’s new role, The Villain’s past, the prophecy from Rennedawn’s Story, and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Book Club Kit:Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
Tower of Dawn picks up shortly after the catastrophic events at the end of Queen of Shadows. Chaol is now paralyzed from the waist down. Determine to seek healing and redemption, he and Nesryn journey to the Southern Continent, where they hope to forge an alliance between the new Adarlan and the Southern Kingdoms in their fight against Erawan. They’re also, kind of, killing two birds with one stone because the Southern Continent is home to the Toree Cesme, a renowned healing institution that teaching powerful healers. There, Chaol meets Yrene Towers, who is assigned to help him heal the injuries to his spine. As the story unfolds, Chaol, Yrene, and Nesryn discover important information about why the Valg are so interested in their realm.
How did we feel about Chaol’s transformation throughout the book? What were our thoughts on the political landscape in the Southern Continent, and how does it compare to the politics of the Northern Continent? How would we compare “Tower of Dawn” to the other books in the series? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
“This Summer Will Be Different” takes us to Prince Edward Island, where Lucy, a vacationer seeking a change of pace, finds herself drawn to Felix, a charming local that she has an instant connection with. After their first night together, a bombshell is revealed: Felix is Lucy’s best friend’s younger brother. Things just got complicated. As the years pass, Lucy is torn between her growing feelings for Felix and the potential betrayal of her friend’s trust. Can they resist temptation and maintain boundaries for the sake of friendship, or will their undeniable chemistry overpower their reservations?
What were our initial impressions of Lucy and Felix? Did Lucy and Bridget’s friendship portray a realistic dynamic? How do we imagine Lucy and Felix’s story continues? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
In this fourth installment in the “Throne of Glass” series, we continue with the story of Celaena Sardotien, a formidable assassin who is actually Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, the lost heir to the throne of Terrasen. The novel picks up with Aelin returning to Adarlan, the kingdom she once fled, with the intention of freeing her people from the tyrannical rule of the King of Adarlan. She allies herself with old friends and new companions, including the Fae warrior Rowan Whitethorn. As she orchestrates a rebellion against the King’s forces, Aelin also confronts the dark secret surrounding her lineage and the powers she possesses. Meanwhile, a new threat emerges in the form of the Valg, malevolent creatures that threaten to consume the world. Aelin and her allies seek to retrieve powerful magical artifacts known as Wyrdkeys to prevent the Valg from gaining ultimate power.
How do these loyalties shift throughout this installment? How do you feel about the dynamics within Aelin’s friend group? What unique challenges does Chaol face in this installment? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: This Summer Will be Different by Carley Fortune
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
This is a contemporary romance novel centered around the unexpected and quirky relationship between Emma, a traveling nurse, and Justin, who's gains some reddit fame for being a sort of 'good luck charm' for his exes who find true love immediately after breaking up with him. The story kicks off when Emma, who shares a similar 'curse', contacts Justin after seeing his post on Reddit. Deciding to date each other over the summer with the hope of breaking their respective streaks, they plan for it to be a quick and casual fling: 4 dates, 1 kiss, break up. However, their arrangement grows complicated as they start developing genuine feelings for each other amidst dealing with serious family responsibilities—Justin becomes the guardian of his three siblings and Emma faces issues with her toxic mother.
How do Emma and Justin’s respective “curses” impact their view on relationships and love? How effectively does this novel portray grief? Is Justin the a-hole?? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
In Heir of Fire, Celaena has fled the kingdom of Adarlan and is now in Wendlyn, seeking both physical and emotional healing. She discovers that she possesses magical abilities, which she must learn to control, and meets a powerful and enigmatic Fae warrior name Rowan Whitethorn, who becomes her trainer and mentor. Back in Adarlan, Chaol and Dorian are grappling with their own dilemmas. Chaol is (as always) torn between his loyalty to Celaena and his duty to the kingdom, while Dorian is struggling to control his newfound magical powers. Meanwhile, in the witch-controlled land of Morath, a deadly competition is brewing among the witch covens, and a fierce and cunning witch named Manon Blackbeak rises to prominence. Celaena’s training in Wendlyn, Chaol’s attempts to uncover secrets, Dorian’s exploration of his powers, and Manon’s ruthless rise to power converge toward a dramatic and action-packed climax, while leaving several key questions unanswered...setting the stage for the next chapter of Celaena’s journey.
Which newly introduced character do we find the most interesting? How does Celaena’s journey and recovery resonate with us? Which unresolved plot point are we most eager to see resolved? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
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“Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone," authored by Benjamin Stevenson, is an intriguing mystery and crime novel that stands out with its distinctive narrative approach. The story is told through the eyes of Ernest Cunningham, a character intricately woven into a family where each member, as implied by the book's title, has been implicated in a death or a killing at some point. Set against the backdrop of a family reunion at an isolated ski lodge, the plot thickens with escalating secrets and tensions, heightened by an impending storm. This tense atmosphere is further stirred by the grim discovery of a dead body at the resort. Stevenson skillfully blends classic whodunit elements with dark humor and intense family drama, crafting a narrative that is both suspenseful and deeply engaging. Ernest’s quest to unravel the mystery of the latest murder gradually reveals a complex tapestry of family dynamics and past transgressions, keeping the reader captivated and speculating until the novel's conclusion.
Did the title set the tone for the book? How does this setting contribute to the overall mood and plot development of the story? How does the blend of dark humor, family drama, and a classic whodunit mystery work to enhance the story? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
Crown of Midnight picks up after Celaena Sardothien wins the King’s deadly competition and becomes the King’s Champion. She is tasked with carrying out secret missions to eliminate those who pose a threat to the King’s rule, but she secretly refuses to kill the King’s enemies and finds ways to spare their live. Princess Nehemia encourages her to investigate the mysterious Wyrdmarks and the conspiracy surrounding the Wyrdkeys, with Celaena discovering shocking truths about her own past and the King’s dark plans in the process. The truth about Celaena’s identity and her connection to the Wyrdkeys has far-reaching consequences, which gives us an emotional climax and a big cliffhanger as Celaena explores her destiny.
How have the main characters evolved since the first book? How do we feel about the various romantic developments in this installment? How do we envision that characters dealing with the challenges that lie ahead? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
In "Funny Story" by Emily Henry, Daphne's life takes an unexpected turn after her fiancé Peter leaves her for his childhood best friend, Petra…literally the day after his bachelor party. Stranded in Waning Bay, Michigan, Daphne finds herself without close friends or family but still has her dream job as a children’s librarian. Financially stretched, she ends up sharing a home with Petra's ex, Miles Nowak, a disheveled man who finds comfort in sad love songs. Initially, Daphne and Miles keep their distance, but shared heartache leads to a budding friendship and a playful scheme involving misleading photos to document their faux summer escapades. As they navigate their complex feelings, Daphne faces the possibility of falling for her ex-fiancé’s current fiancé's ex, challenging her previously practical and reserved nature.
How does Daphne’s initial heartbreak shape her journey throughout the story? Did Daphne find the fresh start she was looking for? How would we rate Emily Henry’s books from least to most favorite? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
Throne of Glass follows Celaena Sardothien, an infamous assassin who is serving a life sentence in the salt mines of Endovier. Her life takes a dramatic turn when Crown Prince Dorian Havilliard offers her a chance at freedom. The King of Adarlan is hosting a deadly competition to find a champion, and Celaena’s skills make her a prime candidate. Escorted by Captain of the Guard, Chaol Westfall, Celaena arrives at the glass castle to compete against other skilled fighters. Despite the brutal challenges, she proves herself as a formidable contender, while navigating political intrigue and forming unexpected alliances. As the competition progresses, Celaena discovers a dark force lurking in the castle that’s causing a series of mysterious deaths, and she unravels a conspiracy tied to ancient magic and dark secrets. Amidst the competition and the unfolding dangers, she finds herself torn between her duty to the crown and her desire for freedom. As the contest draws to a close. Celaena must confront her past and make a life-altering decision that will shape her destiny and the fate of the Kingdom.
This book is a blend of fantasy, action, and political intrigue. How did these different elements complement each other? How did the competition to become the King’s Champion affect the dynamics between the characters? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Funny Story by Emily Henry
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
We left Persephone in a precarious situation at the end of A Touch of Malice and things don’t get any easier. Titans are loose, there’s a full-on divine war brewing, and the stake for everyone – gods and mortals – couldn’t be higher. Persephone has to step up and embrace her role as Queen of the Underworld while also trying to figure out how to find Hades, who’s trapped in a labyrinth full of dangers designed by Theseus – who is absolutely the worst. We also get some chapters in Dionysus’s perspective as he’s trying to fulfill a deal he made with Ariadne to free her sister from Theseus. And we get a couple chapters from Theseus’s perspective…which is how we know he is absolutely The Worst.
How do we perceive the behavior of Persephone and Hades when they are separated at the beginning of the book versus when they are reunited? Which death resonated with us the most? Are we satisfied with the end of this series? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
This is a humorous mystery novel that follows Vera Wong, the owner of a teahouse and self-proclaimed amateur sleuth with what she believes is a penchant for solving crimes. She’s witty and sharp and finds herself entangled in a murder investigation that seems to have an endless web of secrets. The story kicks off when Vera discovers a dead body and, armed with her quick wit and a determination to uncover the truth, she embarks on a quest to solve the mystery. The author successfully blends the seriousness of a murder investigation with comedic elements, creating a unique and engaging narrative that explores the complexities of the case and delves into cultural nuances, relationships, and moral dilemmas.
How did we perceive Vera throughout the story? Were there any moments that made us laugh? Does the title of the book set the right expectations for what the story would entail? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: A Touch of Chaos by Scarlett St. Clair
After discovering the secret the Asteri have been hiding and flinging herself through a gate to a different world, Bryce must face the hidden truth of her power. Meanwhile, the consequences of their trip into the palace have landed Hunt, Ruhn, and Baxian in the dungeons, where they’re being tortured for information by the Hammer and the Hawk. Still struggling with his role after his excommunication from the pack, Ithan makes a desperate attempt to save Tharion from his blood oath to the Viper Queen, leading to more questions about the pack’s future and sending him to seek asylum with the House of Flame and Shadow. These storylines converge with an epic battle that brings the Fae, humans, angels, shifters, and armies of Hel together in an attempt to defeat the plague that is the Asteri.
How do we interpret the theme of “leveling up” in this book? What are our theories and speculations for the future of the Maasverse? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
“Assistant to the Villain" by Hannah Nicole Maehrer is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and dark humor. The story revolves around Evangeline "Evie" Sage, who takes up a job as a personal assistant to a notorious character simply known as The Villain. Evie, struggling to support her family after her father's illness, finds herself in the midst of a gory and scary adventure within The Villain's manor. Despite his reputation for wreaking havoc and causing chaos in the town of Rennedawn, Evie discovers that The Villain's actions, though unconventional, are driven by a desire for the greater good. The narrative explores the complexity of moral grey areas, challenging traditional notions of good and evil. Evie and The Villain's relationship evolves from a professional one to a romantic involvement, unfolding slowly and revealing deeper aspects of their characters. The story is rich in suspense, humor, and emotional depth, offering a thrilling ride for readers who enjoy a mix of fantasy and moral ambiguity.
What role does humor play in the narrative and how does it affect the story’s darker themes? What are our thoughts on the book’s portrayal of good versus evil? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
This book is once again set in the bustling city of Lunathion and we continue to follow Bryce and Hunt after the events of House of Earth and Blood. In this sequel, they're trying to lead as normal a life as they can, but end up getting tangled up in the human rebellion and things come to light that can be traced back to Danika (did we expect any less?). No suprirse that Danika has even more secrets and this time the secrets are even more dangerous. In their search for "the truth," Bryce, Ruhn, and Hunt find themselves in a very precarious situation that leads to a cliffhanger that leaves us reeling - opening up what they like to call the Maas-verse, and who knows what characters will now be brought into this story.
Which new characters introduced in this book made the most significant impact on us? How do the actions of the Asteri impact the story? What are our theories or speculations for the future of this series? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
Nora Stephens, a ruthless literary agent who lives and breathes books, is persuaded by her sister Libby to spend a month in a quaint small town called Sunshine Falls. Nora’s general aversion to small town life is challenged when she runs into (literally) a bookish and brooding editor from her past, Charlie Lastra. Amidst the picturesque backdrop, they find themselves drawn to each other in ways they never could have anticipated. Nora’s cynicism about love starts to soften and Charlie’s self-imposed isolation starts to crumble. Through witty banter and a shared love for books, this is a captivating tale of two unlikely souls finding love in the most unexpected of places, a story of challenging assumptions, embracing change, and discovering the unexpected twists that life has in store.
How does Nora’s perception of herself and her priorities change throughout the story? How does the contrast in settings affect the characters’ evolving relationships? What lasting lessons do we hope Nora and Charlie learned during their time in Sunshine Falls? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
“House of Earth and Blood” follows Bryce Quinlan, a young woman living in Lunathion (a.k.a. Crescent City), a place where humans and fae coexist. Her story begins with a brutal murder. For two years, Bryce is wracked with grief and survivor’s guilt, until the Governor comes to her for help. Similar murder have started happening again and Bryce seems to be the thing linking the victims. Fallen angel and renowned assassin, Hunt Athalar, becomes her protector and sounding board as they work together to solve the murders before the Summit - a meeting between the Governor and the heads of each district. Together, Bryce and Hunt navigate the intricate and often dangerous political landscape of Crescent City, uncovering dark secrets and confronting powerful foes. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they realize that the murders are small pieces of a much larger conspiracy that threatens the fragile peace between the humans and the fae. A gripping tale of adventure and self-discovery in a fantastical setting, Sarah J. Mass once again showcases her signature blend of compelling characters and intricate storytelling.
How did the traumatic events that Bryce experienced shape her as a character throughout the story? What aspects of the world-building stood out to us? Which plot twists surprised us the most? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
Violet Sorrengail has defied expectations by making it through the first year of training in the Rider’s Quadrant of Basgiath War College. The second year promises to be even more grueling and unforgiving. The new vice commandant, Burton Varrish, seems to harbor a deep resentment for her, making her life even more difficult. But Violet isn’t one to back down from a challenge. She is determined to prove her worth and protect those she loves, even if it means sacrificing everything. As Violet delves deeper into the mysteries of Basgiath, she uncovers a secret that threatens the very foundation of their world. With the fate of the kingdom hanging in the balance, Violet must find a way to end the squabbling and lead those who sympathize with the revolution into battle against an ancient evil.
How does this novel explore themes of power and oppression? Were there any aspects of the story that you feel remain unexplained or unresolved? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in this episode of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
For our last episode of 2023 we wanted to recap everything we’ve read so far this year, both for our podcast buddy-reads and as individuals who don’t always read everything together. We are excited to return refreshed and ready to read some new books in 2024.
What’s the best book we read in 2023? Who was the most memorable character of 2023? Are there any books that we DNF’d (did not finish)? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 26 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode are partly pulled from the Annual End of Year Survey from Perpetual Page Turner. → https://eternitybooksreview.wordpress.com/2020/01/07/end-of-year-book-surveyreading-wrap-up-2019-edition/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
A heartwarming romance novel that follows the story of Vivian Forest, an American social worker, and Malcolm Hudson, a charming British private secretary to the Queen. When Vivian accompanies her daughter, Maddie, on a Christmas trip to England, she unexpectedly finds herself swept into a holiday romance with Malcolm, complete with grand castles, royal traditions, and the magic of a British Christmas. As Vivian and Malcolm navigate their unexpected connection, they also grapple with the complexities of their respective careers and the challenges of pursuing a long-distance relationship.
How does the author capture the essence of a British Christmas? What challenges and advantages does Vivian’s and Malcolm’s age bring to their relationships? And what are some of our favorite royal moments? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 25 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode were generated by ChatGPT.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Christmas Village" by Aaron Kenny, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Our 2023 Season Wrap-up
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
As the result of a recent mental breakdown, Ginette has left the fast-paced acting life of New York City and rented a house in the small town of Merrittville to isolate herself during her recovery. She has become obsessed with watching her neighbors. Mr. Elias spends the whole day sitting in front of a typewriter. Trixie plays with her dolls in her backyard. And the Lowells are an affectionate newlywed couple. This changes when Mr. Lowell’s mother moves in. Ginette notices a man standing outside her window watching Mr. Lowell’s mother, and since she can’t seem to sleep, she sees the mother walking in the alleyway between their houses in the middle of the night…specifically 3 am, which we commonly call the devil’s hour. The second time this happens, the mysterious man is following her, and Ginette gets the feeling that the mother is no longer living and that the mysterious man isn’t a man at all. He’s something worse. But Ginette can’t seem to leave the house. Any time she tries to make for the front door, she is overwhelmed by nausea and a voice in her head repeatedly screaming to shutup shutup shutup. Is Ginette seeing ghosts? Or is she still having a psychotic break?
Did Kayla’s expectations of Simone St. James live up to the amount of hype Karey has been giving it? What distinctions do we see between the thriller genre and the horror genre, and which does this book fall into? How important is the setting to this story? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 24 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from mystery and suspense .com, with a few sprinkled in that Karey came up with. → https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/thriller-book-club-questions/
Our spooky season music is from a song titled “Horror Background Music” by Lesfm from Pixabay.
Coming up next: A Touch of Chaos by Scarlett St. Clair
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“The Library of the Dead” is a thrilling, urban fantasy novel. Set in Edinburgh, the story follows Ropa, a young girl with a unique ability - she can communicate with the spirits of the dead. In a world where the supernatural is an everyday occurrence, Ropa uses her gift to work as a ghostalker, helping lost spirits find closure and pass on peacefully. But her life takes a dangerous turn when she gets involved in a sinister conspiracy. Children are going missing, and Ropa discovers that a powerful entity known as the “Collector” is behind the abductions. To rescue the missing children and unveil the truth, Ropa embarks on a perilous journey through the magical and supernatural aspects of Edinburgh, learning more about her own abilities and the dark forces at work along the way.
How does the blending of the mundane and supernatural elements impact the overall atmosphere of the novel? How do themes of inequality and the exploitation of the vulnerable manifest within the story’s plot and characters? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 23 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode were generated by ChatGPT.
Our spooky season music is from a song titled “Horror Background Music” by Lesfm from Pixabay.
Coming up next: Ghost 19 by Simone St. James
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For this episode we decided to switch it up a bit and do a little Q&A. We asked our Instagram followers for whatever questions they have for us and now you can hear the answers!
What inspired us to start this podcast? What’s the most chilling book we’ve discussed so far? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 22 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Our spooky season music is from a song titled “Horror Background Music” by Lesfm from Pixabay.
Coming up next: The Library of the Dead by T.L. Huchu
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Asher Todd has arrived at the Morwood estate to be the governess to the three children, although she knows little about being a governess, she is very smart. Asher has grown up in a university town and has acquired knowledge, some of that knowledge has a dark edge to it. Things in Morwood are not what they seem, and we realize that Asher is also holding her own secrets. Asher begins to feel affection for the children, and members of the Tarn but the ghosts of her past are catching up to her.
Were the supernatural elements of this story used as metaphors or were they literal? How did the family dynamics play into Asher’s actions? What did we find most spooky about this book? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 22 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The question discussed in this episode come from Michele Pariza Wacek’s website. → https://mpwnovels.com/2019/07/12/book-club-discussion-questions-perfect-for-psychological-thrillers-mysteries-supernatural-and-horror-stories/
Our spooky season music is from a song titled “Horror Background Music” by Lesfm from Pixabay.
Coming up next: A spooky season Q&A
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Doctor Sleep is sequel to The Shining and follows Dan Torrance, who is now an adult. The book opens with Dan struggling with alcoholism, as he uses alcohol to suppress his shine, but he quickly finds a town and people that get him into alcoholics anonymous. He becomes known as “Doctor Sleep” while working at a hospice, using his shine abilities to help comfort patients in their final moments. He also establishes a telepathic connection with a young girl named Abra Stone, who possesses an extraordinarily powerful shine. Their peaceful existence is disturbed when a group of malevolent beings called the True Knot, led be Rose the Hat, targets children with psychic abilities to feed off their “steam,” a psychic essence that prolongs their unnaturally long lives. Dan and Abra must confront the True Knot and protect innocent children from falling into their hands, which leads to a pretty thrilling showdown between good and evil.
Why did Stephen King choose to resurrect Mrs. Massey as the first ghost we see in this book? Why is is so significant that Danny sees his old friend Tony as soon as he enters the town of Frazier? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 20 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Bookswarm. → https://stephenking.bookswarm.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/doctor_sleep_guide.pdf
Our spooky season music is from a song titled “Horror Background Music” by Lesfm from Pixabay.
Coming up next: A Path of Thorns by A.G. Slatter
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A Touch of Ruin continues the story of Hades and Persephone as their relationship goes public. The resulting media storm has disrupted Persephone’s life and she’s continuing to try to hide her divinity. When tragedy strikes, Persephone goes to Hades for help, which he refuses because her request would upset the Fates. So she seeks the help of another God, Apollo, and the result isn’t what she thought it would be. The negative outcome makes her question whether she can truly be the Queen of the Underworld. In the third book of the series, A Touch of Malice, Hades and Persephone are confronted with Demeter’s wrath when she summons a snow storm in the middle of summer that cripples New Athens. She won’t let up unless they call off their engagement, so the Olympians are force to intervene, but they can’t come to a consensus. If they allow the marriage to go forward, there will be war with Demeter. If they refuse to allow the marriage, there will be war with Hades. Will Hades have to burn the world or will Demeter freeze it?
We learn more about several characters of mythology in these two books, namely Aphrodite, Hephaestus, and Apollo. How do their depictions relate to what you knew about them going into these books? Is there anything that could help resolve the conflict between the gods, the demigods, and the humans? Which of the three books in this series (so far) was our favorite? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in season two episode 19 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: We actually made these questions up ourselves…can you believe it?!
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
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After a series of failed first dates and relationships, Jess is hesitant to trust the concept of soulmates and prefers to rely on her own instincts in matters of the heart. Her best friend convinces her to take the leap and participate in the GeneticAlly’s matchmaking process, and Jess never expected the results she got. She discovers that her match is none other than River Peña, the scientist behind the algorithm. River is just as surprised by the match, given that he had briefly met Jess before the results were revealed. Despite his initial skepticism, he become intrigued by the idea of exploring a potential romantic connection with Jess. And, with such a high match score and a presentation to potential investors just around the corner, this is the perfect opportunity for some good publicity for the company. The company offers to pay Jess and get to know River and given that she recently lost one of her freelance jobs, she’s not really in the position to turn it down. Amidst the scientific experiment that brought them together, Jess and River’s connection deepens, and they find themselves falling for each other. As they confront their doubts and insecurities, they learn to trust in the chemistry between them and embrace the. Possibility of love in unexpected places.
Do we believe love is scientifically quantifiable? Is DNAduo a self-fulfilling prophecy or is the algorithm really that accurate? Is it possible to have more than one soulmate? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 18 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from the reading group guide in the back of the book → https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Soulmate-Equation/Christina-Lauren/9781982171117
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: A Touch of Ruin and A Touch of Malice by Scarlett St. Clair
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During the events of the war with Hybern, Nesta experienced a lot of difficult things that still haunt her. Hybern’s attempted manipulation of her through her father, Hybern’s murder of her father, and Hybern’s attempt to use Cassian to manipulate her all led her to conclude that caring about people is bad news. Anyone she cares about could be used against her. She has disregarded what was essentially a declaration of love from Cassian as he was dying and is engaging in destructive behaviors like drinking and sleeping around in an attempt to forget. Her family has had it and gives her an ultimatum. She either moves up to the House of the Wind and trains with Cassian or she goes back to mortal lands alone. It’s obvious to us that Cassian has always had some kind of attraction toward Nesta, but while he’s training her, he’s also trying to deal with the aftermath of the war. The wall doesn’t exist anymore, and there are some that would attempt to claim mortal lands for themselves. He is acting as a go-between so that Eris can communicate with the inner circle of the Night Court.
How comfortable were we with the spice level in this book? What did we think of the conclusion to this plot? What role do we think the mysterious Mother will play in future books in this series? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 17 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Karey’s brain.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
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Over the course of 24 hours the lives of the Rivas children will change. Nina always throws an end of the summer party with stories that have gone down in infamy, each year the party gets bigger and more wild. Nina and her brother Jay are talented surfers, their brother Hudson is a renowned photographer, and their baby sister Kit is starting to come into her own. From the outside these four seem like they have it all, a famous rock star father, wealth, and fame of their own, but each sibling is looking for something. By the time the night is over, Nina’s mansion will have gone up in flames and the Rivas siblings will have to decide how to move forward.
How does this book explore the darker realities of fame and fortune? Why do we think time and place are important for the setting? What symbolism do we see in the bookended scenes of fire burning. Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 16 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Penguin Random House. → https://www.randomhousebooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/malibu-rising-by-taylor-jenkins-reid-book-club-kit.pdf
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
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Violet Sorrengail has been planning her whole life to follow in the footsteps of her deceased father and become a scribe, but her mother - the ruthless General Sorrengail - is forcing her to become a dragon rider. The Rider’s Quadrant is a dangerous place to be. If the parapet or dragons don’t kill her, another cadet surely will, especially those who feel animosity toward her mother. The war is getting worse and the magic that keep Navarre safe is starting to fail. And when Violet discovers that information about the war is being withheld from them in battle brief, she begins to question what else leadership is keeping from the citizens of Navarre.
Who were our favorite and least favorite characters? Is there anything we still find ourselves thinking about? Is this book worth the hype it’s receiving on social media? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 15 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Libromaniacs. → https://libromaniacs.com/generic-book-club-questions/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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Fern met Will 10 years ago and he had a big influence on her. We explore that with a series of flashbacks, but at the end of their platonic time together, they agree to meet one year from that day at her mother’s resort. Spoiler alert, he didn’t show up. Fast forward to today, and Fern’s mother recently died in a car accident, so she’s trying to decide what to do about the resort that she now owns. In comes Will, who’s this fancy marketing agent or something?? And he tells her that her mother had hired him to help with marketing for the resort, because the resort has been having some money issues. Now Fern has to decide whether to take over the resort and work with Will to get it going again or to sell the resort to a hotel chain, all while trying to forget about the feelings that Will is stirring up in her. This is a second chance romance, which seems to be Carley Fortune’s thing.
The main characters develop a close bond over a short time period. Have we ever felt a strong and fast connection with another person, whether platonic or romantic? Do we think Fern’s decision to stay on at the resort is driven by the guilt she feels around her relationship with her mother? Do our lives look like we pictured when we were younger. Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 14 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode can be found at the back of the book. Because of the novelty of this book, we couldn’t find the questions online, but as soon as they're available, they will be linked here.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
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Red, White, and Royal Blue follows the fictitious first son of the first female president of the United States, an the closest thing to a prince on this side of the Atlantic. Alex, along with his sister, June, and the Vice President’s genius granddaughter, Nora, have been cointed by the media as the White House Trio, a strategy for appealing to younger generations. This strategy goes sideways when photos of a “confrontation” with his long standing nemesis, Prince Henry, at the royal wedding are plaster all over the tabloids and threaten America-British relations. The plan of action to fix it is to fake a friendship between the First Son and the Prince, but when this fake friendship becomes a real friendship and the friendship becomes something more, the re-election campaign of President Ellen Claremont and the stuffy ideals of the (fictional) royal family require it kept secret.
Why does the relationship between Alex and Henry work so well? What’s the biggest turning point in their relationship? (We couldn’t agree on that one.) And what happens next for these characters? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 13 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Lit Lovers. → https://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/fiction/11701-red-white-and-royal-blue-mcquiston?start=3
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
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A Long Way From Chicago gives us one week each summer from 1929 to 1935 as Joey and Mary Alice visit their grandmother in small-town Illinois. Grandma Dowdel is a larger-than-life character and definitely not your average grandma. She takes the kids on various adventures - from seeing their first corpse, to illegal fishing, to spinning tall tales - to help people in her community. The companion novel, A Year Down Yonder, is written in Mary Alice’s perspective as she spends a full year with Grandma Dowdel in the depths of the Great Depression. We get to see Grandma through every season, including her favorite, Halloween. Mary Alice is, at first, reluctant to have to live in Grandma’s sleepy town, but she’s quick to adapt and even becomes a willing accomplice in Grandma’s schemes.
Is Grandma Dowdel a bad influence or a good role model for her grandchildren? Given that she’s not a very affectionate person, how does Grandma Dowdel show her grandchildren that she loves them? What were our favorite stories from each of the books? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 12 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Penguin Random House, with a few sprinkled in that Kayla came up with. → https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/286535/a-year-down-yonder-by-richard-peck/9780142300701/readers-guide/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
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We pick up in book three a few weeks after the events at the end of book two. Feyre is now acting as a spy in the Spring Court, with intentions of getting some revenge of her own by destroying Tamlin’s court from the inside.
Do we view Feyre’s actions in the beginning as a departure from her true character? How did we feel about some of the deaths that resulted from the war with Hybern? What is our reaction to the conclusion of this initial trilogy in this world? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 11 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode were developed from the talking points found on Bookstacked. → https://bookstacked.com/features/court-of-wings-and-ruin-spoilers-fan-discussion/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: A Long Way From Chicago and A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck
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Harriet finally has some time off from her medical residency to go on her yearly trip with her best friends. It turns out that her ex, Wyn, was also invited, largely because they neglected to tell anyone that they broke up six months ago. So now they’re sharing the master bedroom for a week and they can’t come clean to their friends because the cottage, Harriet’s happy place, is being put up for sale. And not only is this trip like a last hurrah for the cottage, two of the friends announce their engagement the first night. They can’t put a damper on the mood by telling everyone they aren’t together anymore! They’ve gotta fake it till they make it and try not to notice the feelings that are bubbling up between them. We’ve got the forced proximity, the second chance, and I guess a little bit of fake dating.
A lot of Harriet’s journey is about deciding whether to let go of a dream that no longer excites her, despite the time and energy she’s already invested into it. Have we ever had to make a decision like this? If we had a second life to live, what would we want to do with it? Do we have a “happy place”? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 10 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from the publisher, Penguin Random House. → https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/704944/happy-place-by-emily-henry/9780593441275/reading-guide
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
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We pick up in book two three months after the events of Under the Mountain, and Feyre is really struggling with what she had to do to free everyone from Amarantha’s curse. She’s having nightmares every night, waking up vomiting, and having some other PTSD symptoms, like certain colors triggering memories. Tamlin isn’t really helping much. He seems to be more concerned with their marriage ceremony and protecting Feyre from the potentially bad things he’s dealing with in his territory. It also doesn’t help that there’s this priestess hanging around and seemingly encouraging Tamlin not to involve Feyre in court business. Their wedding day comes around and Feyre realizes that she can’t be with Tamlin and his overprotective nature…she’s in her head begging someone to save her…and guess who shows up? My man Rhysand coming to make good on the bargain they made Under the Mountain and whisk her away to spend time with him for a week.
How does Sarah J. Maas continue to build on the world we were introduced to in A Court of Thorns and Roses? Who were our favorite new characters? What are our feelings about fated mates as a romance trope? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 9 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Just Leafing → https://justleafing.com/a-court-of-mist-and-fury-book-club-questions/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Happy Place by Emily Henry
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Feyre is a 19-year-old human who is thrust into the faery world when she kills a wolf that was actually a fae sentry sent out into the mortal world by the High Lord of the Spring Court of Prythian. Said High Lord, Tamlin, retrieves her, citing a provision of the treaty between mortals and faeries that apparently says that he can claim her life in exchange for the life she took. Feyre has to live in Prythian for the rest of her life to fulfill this life debt. Of course, feelings get involved, but something is wrong in faerie lands, something ancient, and that something could seep into the mortal world, destroying everything and everyone Feyre loves. Apparently this one mortal girl is the only one who can stop it.
What were our first impressions of Feyre’s family? How do Feyre’s perceptions of Tamlin change throughout that book? Are we Team Rhysand or Team Tamlin? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 8 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Just Leafing → https://justleafing.com/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses-book-club-questions/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
Melora, better known as Lore, is that last of the Perseides, an ancient family descended from the great Greek hero Perseus, known for beheading Medusa. She was raised in a culture that participates in the Agon, a god hunt that occurs for seven days every seven years. Back in the day, our boy Zeus banished nine of the gods for crimes against humanity, punishing them by making them mortal during the Agon. Anyone who kills a god, inherits their power and becomes a new god, though there are rules and limitations. At the beginning of the Agon that is this book, the only old gods left are Athena, Artemis, and Hermes. A lot happens in this book, so it’s really difficult to summarize in a concise way. Basically, Wrath, the new Ares, is the bad guy and he is searching for Lore for some unknown reason. He’s just killing everyone and doesn’t care about it. Athena wants to kill all the new gods and teams up with Lore to kill Wrath because Lore thinks Wrath is responsible for her family’s death, so she has a motive. It’s a quid pro quo… Lore gets her revenge; Athena gets to kill the imposter new gods.
How did we feel about the portrayals of the gods that we encountered in this book? How did we feel about the two major twists in the story? How did we feel about the conclusion of the main conflict. Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 7 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: Karey came up with these questions.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
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Brynn is a high school student who recently received an internship at a true-crime TV show after pitching that they cover the murder of her middle school teacher, Mr. Larkin. This means that she’ll be going back to that private school, with all the same classmates, to do a little spying (though she doesn’t like to call it that), with the goal of solving it. When the murder occurred, there were three students who discovered the body, Tripp, Charlotte, and Shane, who seem to have corroborated on a story so that the police would decide that a “drifter” committed the crime. There are lots of twists and turns, but we’ll get into that a bit more when we get into the discussion questions.
Are there any lingering questions that we’re still thinking about? What were some of our theories about the murder throughout the story? Would we read any other books by Karen M. McManus? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 6 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Oprah Daily. → https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a31047508/book-club-questions/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Lore by Alexandra Braken
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Leigh is a lawyer who work on cases for women who have been sexually harassed, typically by ex-boyfriends, and it seems like a lot of her cases involve revenge porn. Brandon is a detective who recently picked up a missing persons case, where said missing person is one of Leigh’s clients. Like most main characters in a book like this, the lawyer gets a bit TOO involved in trying to solve the case, so much so that she’s eventually in danger because the bad people are coming after. And also like main characters in a book like this, the lawyer and the detective have a bit of romantic involvement towards the end there.
How does our opinion of the victim (Vanessa) evolve through the story? In what ways does Leigh show empathy for her clients? Do we think that Brandon was wrong to involve Leigh in the investigation? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode five of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Laura Griffin’s website. → https://lauragriffin.com/extras/book-club-kit-last-seen-alone/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Nothing More To Tell by Karen M. McManus
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Shadow and Bone is about a girl named Alina Starkov, who always thought she was less than ordinary. As a mapmaker in the Second Army, she is one of many that are chosen to cross through the Fold, a barrier between East and West Ravka that is dark and filled with creepy flying monsters. During the crossing, they’re attacked by the Volcra. She is so desperate to save her best friend, Mal, that she unleashes something she didn’t know she had in her. It’s described as the light of the sun and the Volcra can’t withstand it. Though she was tested for magical powers as a child, they didn’t manifest until now. With the power of sun summoning, she’s suddenly thrust into the life of a Grisha, which is the fancy word for people with magic powers. The Darkling, who’s basically the king of the Grisha, is preparing Alina to “dissolve” the Fold, but his motivations aren’t what they seem, and Alina finds that she’s a pawn in his larger plan to take over the government.
Why does this book resonate with adult readers, despite being marketed toward adults? Do with see Alina with the Darkling or with Mal? What Grisha power would we want? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in season two episode four of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Just Leafing and Lit Lovers. → https://justleafing.com/shadow-and-bone-book-club-questions/ and https://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/fiction/9856-shadow-bone-bardugo?start=3
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Last Seen Alone by Laura Griffen
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The Viscount Who Loved Me is the second book in the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn. Another Regency era romance, this one follows the oldest Bridgerton brother, Anthony, who has declared that he will be getting married this season. He is initially interested in Edwina Sheffield because she meets all of the criteria on his checklist for a wife that he would be comfortable procreating with, but wouldn’t fall in love with. Edwina has made it know that she won’t marry anyone without the approval of her sister, Kate, so Anthony and Kate spend a lot of time together. They have that weird way of flirting where they constantly insult one another? But Kate fits in with the Bridgerton family perfectly and they are drawn to one another. When they’re found in a compromising position by the Ton’s biggest gossip, they must marry. It all works out in the end, though. They love each other.
Anthony seems to believe that marriage is transactional. How does this compare to ideas of marriage today? What is it that finally turned Anthony’s mind around to loving Kate? Did we like this book more or less than The Duke and I? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in season two episode three of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from a blog titled “Brewing Writer.” → https://brewingwriter.com/the-viscount-who-loved-me-book-club-questions/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
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This memoir represents Tom Felton's reflection on his own life growing up in the film industry, including the iconic role of Draco Malfoy that he is probably most known for, though he’s been in other films and in television. He focuses a lot of the memoir on his time filming the Harry Potter movies, which isn’t surprising because those films took up a significant portion of his adolescence. He tells the readers about many of the actors that had significant influence on him, including Alan Rickman, who played Severus Snape, Richard Harris and Michael Gambon, who both played Dumbledore, and a few actors got more minor mentions in the memoir: Matthew Lewis who played Neville, Jamie Waylett and Josh Herdman who played Crabbe and Goyle, and of course Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe, and Emma Watson who played Ron, Harry, and Hermione. For the rest of the memoir, we get a glimpse of the projects before Harry Potter, the projects after, and some of his personal life, struggles with mental health, and friendships that meant a lot to him.
What motivated Tom to share his story? How did his memoir compare to others we’ve read? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode two of season two of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Oprah Daily → https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a31047508/book-club-questions/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
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Minnie was born on January 1, minutes after Quinn, who was declared the first baby born in London that year and won a bunch of money for it. Minnie’s mother says she was jinxed from the start because Quinn stole her name and now, every New Year, lots of slightly unfortunate things happen to Minnie. She loses her coat, or she gets evicted from her apartment, or she gets locked in a bathroom all night. That last one, getting locked in a bathroom all night, is was led her to finally meeting Quinn, though their paths had almost crossed on past New Years. Their friendship grows and she comes to learn that Quinn really isn’t the no-good name stealer her mom made him out to be.
What implications does New Years have for the two main characters? What role do Minnie’s and Quinn’s parents play in the past and present of the story? What can Minnie and Quinn’s story tell us about fate and destiny when it comes to love? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in the first episode of season two of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from the Reader’s Guide in the back of the book.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton
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For our last episode of 2022 we wanted to recap everything we’ve read so far this year, both for our podcast buddy-reads and as individuals who don’t always read everything together. We are excited to return refreshed and ready to read some new books in 2023. Check out our Instagram and/or Facebook page to participate in the reading challenge we’ve designed for 2023. We’d love to see and hear about the books you read to fulfill the prompts.
What’s the best book we read in 2022? Who was the most memorable character of 2022? Are there any books that we DNF’d (did not finish)? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 25 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode are partly pulled from the Annual End of Year Survey from Perpetual Page Turner. → https://eternitybooksreview.wordpress.com/2020/01/07/end-of-year-book-surveyreading-wrap-up-2019-edition/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
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A Touch of Darkness is a retelling of the Greek story of Hades, the God of the Dead, and Persephone, the Goddess of Spring. Persephone had been hidden from the world by her mother, Demeter, but eventually convinced her to let her live a more mortal life in New Athens, where she’s attending college. Her best friend Lexa convinces her to go to a local club, Nevernight, to celebrate getting an internship at New Athens News. Nevernight is a luxury night club owned by Hades, who uses the club to make bargains with mortals who willingly enter into these games. Persephone plays a few rounds of poker with Hades (but she doesn’t know it’s him until the game is over) and loses, so she must fulfill a bargain with him or spend eternity in the Underworld. She has six months to create life in the Underworld. In the process, they come to understand one another and fall in love. But not without some obstacles to their love…namely Demeter, Aphrodite, and Hades’ personal assistant, Minthe.
Were we familiar with the characters of Persephone and Hades and their stories before reading this? What popular romance tropes did we recognize in the story? How did this novel overthrow the misogynistic and patriarchal undertones of Greek mythology? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 24 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode were pulled from previous romance episodes we’ve done and from our discussion on Circe.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Our 2022 Reading Wrap-Up
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I'm Glad My Mom Died seems to be a collection of memories that Jennette McCurdy has surrounding her mother. This book spans from a time before her mother got her into acting as a child to one year after her mother's death from cancer, and touches on topics like emotional and physical abuse, disordered eating, hoarding, and alcohol abuse. It's pretty heavy stuff.
Did we find Jennette’s story compelling? How did her story make us reflect on our own lives? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 23 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Oprah Daily. → https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a31047508/book-club-questions/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
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Five Total Strangers begins with a blizzard that causes all the Christmas Eve flights to be canceled. Because our main character, Mira, is so desperate to get home to be with her mom on Christmas, she accepts a ride from a stranger, Harper, who sat next to her on her previous flight. Harper decided she would rent a car instead of trying to work with customer service on booking another flight. Relatable. Harper invites three other complete strangers to take the ride with them, so there are now five of them: Mira, Harper, Josh, Kayla, and Brecken. As the drive proceeds, their belongings start to go missing and Mira realizes that everyone is hiding something. For Mira to make it home alive, she needs to discover their secrets.
What does the extreme weather add to the narrative? How did each character’s personality lend itself to suspicion? How did the letters interspersed through the book create tension? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 22 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from a book club run by the Sarasota County Library in Florida. → https://scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com/sites/default/files/Axis 360 Virtual Book Clubs/FiveTotalStrangers-RGG.pdf
Our spooky season music is from a song titled “Horror Background Music” by Lesfm from Pixabay.
Coming up next: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
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The Haunting of Hill House was first published in 1959 by Shirley Jackson and has been hailed as a perfect work of unnerving terror. It’s the story of four individuals who arrive at the notorious Hill House. This place is so frightening that people who live in the local town won’t even talk about it. The group is brought together by Dr. Montague, an anthropologists and occult scholar. He rents Hill House for a few weeks in the summer to study the hauntings, and invites several people who he’s heard possess psychic abilities or previous encounters with the paranormal. Two young women agree to come - the lively and charming Theodora, and the shy and naïve Eleanor. The owner of the home requires that a relative of the family must be present as part of the lease terms, so she sends her son Luke, who is the future heir of Hill House. The four form an unlikely bond as the horrors of Hill House come to life, nerves start to fray, and forces at work in the house gather to claim one of them for eternity.
Why was each person motivated to come to Hill House? What parallels can be drawn between past inhabitants of the house and the current visitors? Would we spend a week in a haunted house? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 21 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Shmoop.com and from The Library Ladies → https://www.shmoop.com/the-haunting-of-hill-house/questions.htmlhttps://thelibraryladies.com/2019/01/21/book-club-review-the-haunting-of-hill-house/
Our spooky season music is from a song titled “Horror Background Music” by Lesfm from Pixabay.
Coming up next: Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards
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A Lesson in Vengeance is about Felicity Morrow, who is a senior at an all-girls private school called Dalloway. Last year, Felicity experienced something super traumatizing, the death of her girlfriend, Alex, which she witnessed, and was institutionalized, so she’s having to go through her senior year for a second time. She’s a super senior. Felicity returns to her old room in Godwin House, an exclusive dorm that seems to be haunted by the Dalloway Five, girls who died mysteriously, one at a time, on Godwin grounds. Some say these five girls were witches and the students, as you can imagine, love that. There’s even a “secret” society where girls come together to perform rituals they found in the occult section of the library. On her first day back, Felicity meets Ellis Haley, a prodigy author who says that her next book will focus on the Dalloway Five and asks Felicity to help her research the deaths. Felicity can’t say no because she’s so drawn to the dark witchcraft, but it seems that Alex’s spirit joined the Dalloway Five in the haunting of the house, and history begins to repeat itself.
Were the supernatural elements metaphors for something else? At what point did we start to not trust the narrator? What did we find most spooky about this book? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 20 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from the website for Michele Pariza Wacek → https://mpwnovels.com/2019/07/12/book-club-discussion-questions-perfect-for-psychological-thrillers-mysteries-supernatural-and-horror-stories/
Our spooky season music is from a song titled “Horror Background Music” by Lesfm from Pixabay.
Coming up next: The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
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The Shining begins as Jack Torrance is interviewing for a position as the off-season caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, which sits in the mountains of Colorado. Some people say it was inspired by the real-life Stanley Hotel, though Stephen King says the Overlook is entirely fictional and doesn’t have a real-life basis. Who’s to say? Anyway, the Overlook represents a fresh start for the Torrance family, as Jack was fired from his previous job for brutally beating a student that slashed his tires. Jack has anger problems, to say the least, and is a recovering alcoholic. He really sees this job as an opportunity to rekindle things with his wife, Wendy, reconnect with his son, Danny, and focus on writing his play. Soon enough, the harsh Colorado winter sets in, the family is unable to leave the hotel grounds, and sinister things begin to happen that are centering around Danny. Danny has this unique gift that the in-season chef, Dick Halloran, calls his shine. Dick has a lesser version of this gift. Danny can have visions that seem to be premonitions, thanks to his imaginary friend, Tony, and can see and hear the hotel’s ghosts, all of whom seem to have some nefarious intentions with the Torrance family. The Overlook is hungry, and Danny’s shine is the perfect dinner.
How big a part does destiny play in the family’s life? What was Danny’s first sign that the hotel’s spirits were after him? Do we believe in ghosts? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 19 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Shmoop.com and from Owlcation. → https://www.shmoop.com/shining-stephen-king/questions.html and https://owlcation.com/humanities/The-Shining-Book-Discussion-and-Recipe
Our spooky season music is from a song titled “Horror Background Music” by Lesfm from Pixabay.
Coming up next: A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee
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The Duke and I is a Regency era romance. Daphne Bridgerton has been out in society for two years, but her determination to find a love match leads her to have her brother decline the only offer for marriage she has received. Simon Basset is just returning to London from his international travels and has absolutely no plans to marry and even fewer plans to have children. He decides to attend a party put on by Lady Danbury because he knows that she would expect it. He comes across Daphne as the very persistent man who previously asked her to marry him is, once again, practically begging her to accept his proposal. Simon steps in to rescue her, though she didn’t really need rescuing…she can defend herself. Daphne eventually explains to Simon that she feels as if men aren’t interested in her and they come up with a plan to get her more suitors. Since Simon doesn’t want to marry and does want to avoid the girls and mothers, he agrees to fake court her. The hope being that his interest would lead to other men being interested in Daphne. So, we get the classic fake dating romance trope that turns into love.
If Daphne had not gone off into the garden, do you think they would have still ended up getting married? Do we think marriages in the Regency era were happy ones? What were some things we liked more about the book compared to the show? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 18 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: Most of the questions we’re discussing today actually come from a post by Purple4199 on Reddit. As always, we have linked that in the description box for this episode. -> https://www.reddit.com/r/BridgertonNetflix/comments/mill5c/bridgerton_book_club_the_duke_and_i/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: The Shining by Stephen King
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When Nic Farrell receives a call from her brother explaining that their father is in a bad way with his dementia and they really need to sell the family home to afford the care he needs, she goes all the way back to her hometown in North Carolina to try to convince their father to sign the deed over to them. She goes back to all the things she worked so hard to escape from: an angry brother, a forgetful father, a dead mother, and an ex-boyfriend that she’s stuck in this on-again-off-again cycle with. Oh yeah…and a best friend (Corinne) who disappeared when they were 18, never to be found. As luck would have it, the night after she returns, her ex-boyfriend’s current girlfriend (Annaliese) disappears. Is there a connection there? To be determined. This book follows Nic as she tries to unravel what happened to Annaliese, uncovers secrets about her family, and discovers what really happened to Corinne ten years ago.
What does this story seem to suggest about how myth and superstition shape our fears? Why do you think the author chose to tell the story in reverse? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 17 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: Most of the questions we’re discussing today come from the Reader’s Guide in the back of the book.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Limetown by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie with Cote Smith
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The Deep is about mermaids, basically, that are descendants of pregnant African slave women that were tossed overboard during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The pregnant women were thrown overboard because they were in labor, and I guess that wasn’t worth the effort for the slave traders. Somehow, maybe it was magic or maybe it was the ocean, the babies that were born could breathe underwater. Once they found more of one another, they coalesced into a group of people called the wajinru. At one point, the first “strange fish” decides that there is too much trauma in their history for everyone to remember and takes on the entirety of the wajinru’s memories, becoming their first historian. From their death, one individual is chosen to be the historian at a time. This story picks up with the current historian, Yetu, who is particularly affected by the rememberings. Unable to accept it, she unleashes the memories on her people and swims away from home, toward the surface. This book is a journey of self-acceptance that gives a lot of The Giver vibes, while maintaining a unique, creative, and moving narrative.
What do you think about the role of Historian in the wajinru society? Why is it critical that everyone but the Historian forget the history? Did the original Historian’s decision help or hinder the growth of their community? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 16 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode are a part of the Reader’s Guide in the back of the book, which was written by the publisher (Saga Press). You can also find them on the Brooklyn Public Library website. → https://www.bklynlibrary.org/sites/default/files/documents/BOOK CLUB KITS/THE DEEP_BKLYN BOOK CLUB KIT_FINAL.pdf
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda
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The Maid was an instant New York Times bestseller when it was released at the beginning of the year. The main character, Molly, is a maid at the prestigious Regency Grand Hotel. Her usually orderly life is upset when she discovers one of the VIP guests dead in his bed. Because of her lack of social skills and her tendency to take statements very literally – sarcasm does not come across as such – she ends up the number one suspect in Mr. Black’s death. It doesn’t help that she puts her trust in an untrustworthy person…she would call him a bad egg…who actively tries to frame her for the crime and for other drug-related ones that occur in the hotel. Fortunately, Molly makes some new friends, namely the doorman, his lawyer daughter, and the hotel’s dishwasher, who help her get out of the web of deception and lead the police to the real culprit. But Molly is smarter than she appears and knows more about the murder than she initially led on. The author describes this as a mixture of Agatha Christie, Knives Out, and Clue, and critics have called it a hopeful and heartwarming murder mystery.
Who did we first think was responsible for Mr. Black’s death? What are our thoughts about Molly appearing to be on the autism spectrum? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 15 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode were written by Heather Caliendo for bookclubchat.com. → https://bookclubchat.com/books/book-club-questions-for-the-maid-by-nita-prose/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: The Deep by Rivers Solomon
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Beach Read is about January Andrews, who moves into her recently deceased dad’s secret second house on the shore of Lake Michigan, which happens to be right next door to her college rival, Augustus Everette. After the discovery that her father had an affair while her mom was battling cancer, she’s having a difficult time coming up with the Happily Ever After her publisher is asking for. To beat the writer’s block, they make a “deal” that’s really more of a bet, that they will write in each other’s’ styles. January will write what she calls Bleak Literary Fiction and Gus will write a Happily Ever After. The person who sells their book first will get a shining endorsement from the other. Along the way, they will do research together. January will tag along with Gus on his interviews with people who escaped a local cult, while Gus will accompany January on iconic Rom-Com outings. Of course, they fall in love in the process.
What traditional romance tropes do we see used? If we could visit one setting from the book, where would we choose? What are our hopes for January and Gus in the future? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 14 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode are a part of the reader’s guide in the back of the book.
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: The Maid by Nita Prose
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It Happened One Summer is about a privileged LA socialite named Piper Bellinger who breaks into a rooftop pool to throw an “epic” and gets arrested as a result. Her stepfather decides that he’s had enough of her shenanigans and sends her to Westport, WA, to run her deceased father’s bar. Once there, she meets Brendan Taggart, a boat captain and widower, and it seems like they keep bumping into one other. Piper planned to stay in Westport for the three months mandated by her stepfather, but the people in the small town, including Brendan, make her think twice about returning to her party centered LA life in favor of the real connections she’s made with people in Westport.
Was Brendan and Piper’s connection believable? How do we feel about the romance trope(s) in this book?If this were made into a movie, who would we cast for the main characters? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 13 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode were written by Elena Nicolaou for Oprah Daily → https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a31047508/book-club-questions/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Beach Read by Emily Henry
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Lacey May is a 14-year-old girl living with her alcoholic mother in the drought stricken town of Peaches in the Central Valley of California, which was once the center of raisin production. Residents of the town, including Lacey’s family, turned to Pastor Vern for salvation. According to Lacey’s grandmother, Cherry, Vern has summoned rain from the sky before. He thinks of himself as the reincarnation of Christ. The book opens with Lacey getting her period for the first time and running to Pastor Vern to inform him that she’s a woman and ready for her assignment. From there, this book explores friendship, resilience, and motherhood.
Do we think that Pastor Vern planned to create a faithful following, or was he taking advantage of an opportunity? Why do we think the residents of Peaches put their faith in Pastor Vern for so long? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode 12 of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Kelsey Loves Books → https://kelseylovesbooks.com/2020/04/21/readers-guide-godshot/#:~:text=Book Club Discussion Questions for Godshot&text=After blessing the town with,an opportunity presented to him%3F
Great music, huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Up Next: It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
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This book, set in a dystopian future, focuses on Wade Watts and his hunt for the Easter egg that was left by James Halliday upon his death. Finding the Easter egg would make Wade the inheritor of Halliday’s fortune and the OASIS itself, a virtual reality that basically everyone on the planet uses to escape from their reality of poverty, energy crisis, and global warming. Wade spends all his time combing through films, music, TV, and videogames from the 80s, and repeatedly reads Anorack’s Almanac, written by Halliday himself. All in the hopes of decoding the clue to the Copper Key, the first of three that must be found to find the egg. Wade finds himself in a race against other players and Innovative Online Industries (IOI), a corporation that wants to control to OASIS and is willing to play real dirty to win.
Is our world heading toward a fully virtual culture? Would you want the opportunity to participate in a thing like the OASIS? Will Wade ever push the big red button? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode eight of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions we used for this episode come from the website for Hey Let’s Make Stuff. → https://heyletsmakestuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Ready-Player-One-Discussion-Questions.pdf
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Godshot by Chelsea Bieker
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With Karey's busy work schedule, we decided to do something a little different today. We found some book related questions after a Google search and thought it would be a blast!
What author(s) have we read the most from? What book most recently kept us up WAY too late? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode in episode ten of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from bookshelfjourneys.com. This "tag" may have been originally created by The Perpetual Page Turner back in 2013, but I see it popping back up every now and then on YouTube. -> https://www.bookshelfjourneys.com/post/a-z-bookish-questions
Great music, huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was assessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
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This memoir tells the story of Piper Kerman, who was charged with 15 months in a minimum security federal correctional facility for drug-related money laundering. As a reckless young woman, she got mixed up with drug runners and delivered one suitcase of money. Ten years later, her past catches up with her and she is arrested. Piper looks back on her time in prison and tells her story from her arrest to her release, detailing the relationships she built with women from all walks of life.
How do Piper’s circumstances compare with those of the women she meets in Danbury? Should low-level nonviolent drug offenders be put in prison? Does Piper’s race, education, and/or socioeconomic status make you question the credibility of her story? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode nine of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from the author’s website. We eliminated some questions for the sake of time. → https://piperkerman.com/orange/discussion-questions/
Great music huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: A-Z Bookish Questions
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It Ends With Us is about Lily Bloom, a florist, who happens to meet a neurosurgery resident named Ryle Kincaid on the day of her father’s funeral. Throughout the first half of the book, we see some flashbacks to Lily’s first relationship with Atlas when she was in high school, and to the relationship between her parents, as she’s working through some of the questions and concerns that she has about Ryle. Here’s where the spoiler comes in...Ryle was physically abusive to her, mirroring the abuse that her mother suffered at the hands of her father, and yet, she still married the guy after a six month "relationship" (you can tell I'm not very enthused). In a touching final chapter, Lily gives birth to their daughter and decides to break the cycle.
Do we think that Ryle's childhood trauma was justification for his abusive behavior? How did Lily's vulnerability affect her choices? Is it "right" to keep mementos from past relationships? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode eight of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come from Princeton Book Review. → https://www.princetonbookreview.com/book_pages/discussion/it-ends-with-us.php
Great music, huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Up Next: Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
Normal People focuses on the key events between two characters, Marianne and Connell, sometimes jumping forward, minuted, weeks, or months. It starts with the two of them in secondary school when they initiate a relationship that Connell wants kept secret from everyone. We also see them together at university, as their social dynamic shifts. What we REALLY see is a whole lot of miscommunication.
Do we blame Connell for his treatment of Marianne during secondary school? How might the story have changed if Connell and Marianne were better communicators? How does this book help destigmatize mental health issues? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode seven of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode come straight from the publisher, which is Penguin Random House. We did pick and choose the questions we like from the entire list of questions. -> https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/592625/normal-people-by-sally-rooney/9781984822185/readers-guide/
Great music, huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
Interested in starting your own podcast? Sign up with Buzzsprout using our referral code and we'll both get a $20 amazon gift card! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1894341
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is based on the true story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who survived Auschwitz concentration camp by tattooing numbers on new arrivals. This story focuses on the ethical compromises that were required of many people imprisoned in the camps in order to survive one of the greatest atrocities in human history.
What qualities did Lale have that influenced the way he was treated in camp? What greater implications do small acts of kindness have? Is Lale a hero? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode six of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Questions:The questions discussed in this episode are from LitLovers, but there was a statement at the end of the post saying that the questions originally came form the publisher. You can find them here -> https://www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/fiction/11363-tattooist-of-auschwitz-morris?start=3
Great music, huh?! The music for the intro and outro segments are from a song titled "Busy City" by TrackTribe, and was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next:Normal People by Sally Rooney
Hollow's Edge was once a private and quiet neighborhood...until Brandon and Fiona Truett were found dead in their home. All the evidence pointed to Ruby Fletcher. With her conviction overturned after 14 months, Ruby returns to Hollow's Edge, where it soon becomes clear that not everyone told the truth about what they saw and heard the night of the murders. Why did Ruby come back? What do we make of all the secrets in the neighborhood? We'll answer these questions and more in our fifth, spoiler-filled episode of Our Home Libraries.
Questions: The questions for this episode were either made up by Kayla or came from bookmovement.com.
Check out the music! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled “Busy City” by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Up Next: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Reviewers call Circe by Madeline Miller a feminist masterpiece about a woman trying to overcome the limitations imposed by a male dominated society. We love that. Circe is born of the god Helios and a naiad and is constantly belittled in her fathers house. She soon discovers that she has the power of transformation when she turns the mortal she loves into a god and the nymph he loves into a six-headed monster. After committing these atrocities against the gods, Zeus banishes her to an island for the rest of her life (she's immortal, by the way). Over time, she encounters many famous mythological beings, like the Minotaur, Daedalus and his son Icarus, Medea, and Odysseus.
How does this portrayal of Circe compare to her portrayal in The Odyssey by Homer? What makes this story feminist? How did her various romances affect and change her? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode four of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Trigger Warnings: Rape, abuse, arranged marriage, suicidal ideation, childbirth with complications, death, and bestiality.
Questions: The questions discussed in this episode were written by Emily Martin. You can find them here -> https://bookriot.com/circe-book-club-question/
Great music, huh?! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled “Busy City” by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next: Such A Quiet Place by Megan Miranda
2002, one year after the events of 9/11, is a politically turbulent time in the United States. This is especially true for someone like Shirin, a teenage Muslim girl who is constantly stereotyped by others - rude stares, hateful comments, and even physical violence. When she and her family move to small-town America, she’s determined to keep her head down and get through each day as quickly as possible. Until she meets Ocean (it’s a good kind of meeting).
How do the actions of others cause lasting emotional harm? What are the smells, sounds, tastes, or people that make you feel safe? Join us as we discuss these questions and more in episode three of our spoiler-filled podcast.
Trigger warnings: racism, bullying, trauma, discrimination, complicated relationships.
Questions: The questions discussed in this podcast were distributed to the public by HarperCollins Publishers.
Check out the new music! The music for the intro and outro are segments from a song titled “Busy City” by TrackTribe, which was accessed through the YouTube audio library.
Coming up next:Circe by Madeline Miller
Evelyn Hardcastle will die everyday until Aiden Bishop can solve her murder. Each day for eight days, he wakes up in the body of a different guest at Blackheath Manor and some hosts are more helpful than others. The first day, he wakes up with no memory but a name, Anna. Come hang out with us as we talk about the many twists and turns, in a place where no one is who they seem. What puzzle pieces did we struggle finding a place for? If you knew someone you loved had a devastating secret, would you want to know what it was? We'll answer these questions and more in our second, spoiler-filled episode of Our Home Libraries.
Trigger Warnings:Child death, murder, mental illness, rape/sexual abuse, substance abuse, suicide, torture.
Goodreads describes The Midnight Library by Matt Haig as "A dazzling novel about all the choices that go into a life well lived." The main character, Nora, finds herself in a library that exists between life and death, where she can explore alternate realities in which she'd made different decisions. Small choices can have life-changing consequences. How does her exploration of other lives help her move forward? What's next for Nora? We'll talk about this and more in our very first, spoiler-filled episode of Our Home Libraries.
Trigger Warnings: Death, suicide, overdose, addiction
Mental Health Resources from the CDC:https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/tools-resources/individuals/index.htm
The questions came from this webpage: https://bookclubchat.com/books/book-club-questions-for-the-midnight-library-by-matt-haig/