Semi Bookish: Recent Episodes
Adrian District Library
Adrian District Library professionals discussing books, movies, pop culture, and more. Our emphasis will be readers/viewers/services advisory, but this podcast will provide a connection to the inner workings and interests of staff members at ADL. We're not just about books, we're Semi Bookish.
Storytelling can be done with music, but what about stories that use music in their medium? In this episode of Semi-bookish, we revisit an older episode topic and discuss stories that utilize music, lyrics or otherwise.
A bit of wibbly, wobbly, timey, wimey stuff is discussed today as the theme of this episode is Doctor Who! Put on your really long scarves, take out your sonic screwdrivers, and join us for this fun episode where we try to explain what Doctor Who is.
A belated episode! For Erin's birthday episode, we talk about their favorite video game series. What's your favorite video game? Let's talk about it!
In today's episode of Semi-Bookish, we talk about reading, books, and the expectations readers have when looking at readalikes, similar genres, and recommendations.
In this episode of Semi-Bookish we talk about Hockey Romance, which is a current hot topic. We discuss Heated Rivalry, sports romance, and more!
In this late Black History Month themed episode, we talk about Black History Month, but in local history terms. Starting with a display, Erin learned a lot about some local history in Adrian, and after a month, wanted to give it a share. Learn along with us as we uncover new stories about people who lived in Adrian.
For this episode of Semi-Bookish we discuss one of ours (and Toni's) favorite authors for Black History Month, Toni Morrison. Enjoy!
In this episode of Semi-Bookish we talk about well beloved characters who aren't human. Whether we like them or hate the, non-human characters span many different media types and genres. Which non-human characters are your favorites?
New Year, More Semi-Bookish shenanigans. In this episode of Semi-Bookish, we talk about the different things we enjoyed from 2025, and stuff we're looking forward to in 2026!
r one of our last episodes of the year, we celebrate Grant's birthday by discussing the iconic Watchmen comic book, comic book rules, and Graphic Novels in general.
In this episode of Semi-Bookish, we return from a momentary hiatus with Grant's Non-Fiction book!
In this episode of Semi-Bookish, we continue our Non-Fiction series, with Toni's pick! We read "Reflections" by Diana Wynne Jones, and talk about writing as an art.
For this episode of the podcast we celebrate Toni's birthday by talking about The Elder Scrolls Series. A continuation of the last episode. We talk about our favorite quests, and if we could change anything about the series, what it would be!
In this episode of the podcast, we discuss the wonders of the Elder Scrolls series in preparation for Toni's Birthday episode!
In this episode of Semi-Bookish, we get into our reading of Non-Fiction books! This is Erin's pick with "A Taste for Poison" by Neil Bradbury. Filled with excitement and a lot of talk about poisons, this episode is not one to miss!
Part 2 to our lead in to discussing Non-Fiction books!In this episode we talk about books that we enjoy in the Non-Fiction genre, along with discussing the newest Superman movie.
Us? Back after a hiatus? More likely than you think. We're back, and talking about Non-Fiction! This is part 1 of a lead in to us reading non-fiction books and then discussing them!
Are these books a thrill? Or not? This episode of Semi-Bookish talks about different genres of Thrillers, and why they're such a popular genre!
Welcome to Erin's Birthday Episode! She's decided to make the Semi-Bookish group watch a couple Starkid musicals, and discuss them in this episode! Will they like it, or love it? (Hating isn't allowed!)
We've had 100 episodes of Semi-Bookish! Join us for this celebratory episode where we look back on some of our favorite moments from previous episodes.
Just when you thought we were done talking about it, here we are again! In this shortish episode, we finish talking about fanfiction!
In this episode, we look at the importance of women authors, and women of color authors, and how they influence the reading world!
Are we reading fanficiton this episode? Of course we are! In this episode of Semi-Bookish, Erin picks out a fanfiction for everyone else to read. Will they like it? Will they hate it? Find out!
Sometimes we need to know things, and in this episode, the Semi-Bookish crew looks at Fanfiction terms, and try to describe them. Of course, all of this will lead to us finally reading a fanfiction! Will we like it? Stay tuned to find out.
New year, New Bookish topics! This episode is a double feature where we talk about what we're excited for in 2025, and then we're going to revisit an old topic! Listen to the Semi-Bookish crew talk about fanfiction terms and prepare to read one for next episode.
Welcome to space! Just kidding, but in this episode of Semi-Bookish, we take a trip into one of Grant's favorite films. Listen as we talk about 2001: A Space Odyssey.
A belated episode! In this episode of Semi-Bookish, we talk about tropes, and pull a few out of the hat. Who knows what we'll talk about on this episode.
It's spooky season! Which means we need at least one episode about things that go bump in the night. In this episode we cover all different types of spooky content, and what really just gives us the goosebumps or heebie jeebies!
It's a little late, but here we are! Amongst all of the spooky and scary content one can enjoy during the Halloween season, we've decided to take a spin discussing one of the aspects of the Horror genre, Black Horror!
Another day, another book discussion! Join Erin and Grant as they talk about Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White.
We all like watching our favorite movies for that little bit of nostalgia, don't we? So, on this episode, join us as we talk about some our favorite Disney movies from the 2000s!
There's plenty of things to do at the Library. One of the more lesser known things is the process of weeding! In this episode we talk to Katey Morgan, a local, professional book recycler and content creator about what she does with the books that we give her, and what weeding is!
Sitting at the front desk, we often have stories to tell. As an integral part of the Library, clerks often do a lot of different things. Listen to this episode as we ask Grant about everything that library clerks do!
It's time for Romance, and it's time for Fantasy! On this episode of Semi-Bookish, Erin and Toni explore the genre that is Romantasy.
Out on the open seas just about anything can happen, ask Billy Budd, the local sailor! On this episode of Semi-Bookish we take a step into the classics as we discuss Billy Budd by Herman Melville.
It's a new episode, and that means it's time to learn a little bit more about what libraries do. On this episode of Semi-Bookish, we look at books both new and old, while Erin explains what she does with both Local History, and Cataloging books!
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It's Patroclus and Achilles! On this episode of Semi-Bookish we discuss the book Song of Achilles by Madeline Miler. Did we love it? Did we hate it? Listen to the episode and find out!
We're talking about something new on this episode of Semi-Bookish! Want to know what libraries do? Listen to this episode as we talk about different things that Youth Services does.
Today's book discussion centers around the favorite of not one, but two members of the Semi-Bookish crew. In this episode we discuss Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, our favorite characters, and how we compare it to the movie.
With a little bit of magic and a touch of nostalgia, Semi-Bookish talks about Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono. Join us as we discuss what we loved, what we disliked, and as we compare it to the beloved movie!
And we are back with book discussions! This episode is Grant's pick, and we're discussing Dreamlives of Debris by Lance Olsen. This book surprised us in more ways than one, so take a listen and find out what we loved about it!
We're taking a break from reading books to watch episodes of Tokyo Ghoul. In Erin's birthday episode, we discuss all of the things we watched from the first few episodes, and compare it to the manga. But don't worry, we'll continue the book discussions next episode!
On this episode of the Semi-Bookish podcast, we explore Toni's pick for book discussion. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin. Will the group hate it, or love it? Listen and find out!
On this episode of Semi-Bookish, continue our book discussions! Join us as we discuss Erin's Pick: Tokyo Ghoul.
On this episode of Semi-Bookish, we begin our set of book discussions. Each member of the podcast has chosen books to read, and in each episode we will talk about why it was chosen, our reactions, and what we all think. This episode? Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs.
On this episode of Semi-Bookish, we discuss Children's Fantasy, Black Authors, and what the linchpin is in certain eras of Fantasy!
Can't you feel the romance in the air, or at least on the airwaves? Feel the love this episode by listening to Semi-Bookish talk about romance in books, and ships that we love (and hate).
It's the new year, which means it's time for our State of the Ish! In this episode we go over some of the things we want to talk about, while also giving you a sneak peak in how we might go about talking about those topics.
Welcome to the new year! Before we can start, we have some catching up to do. So enjoy Grant's birthday episode where we discuss Bojack Horseman, and all of the fun that comes with it.
On this episode of the Semi-Bookish podcast, join the cast as they discuss all the different types of media that's had a renaissance in the recent past, and what we wish would just not return ever again.
It's time to talk facts, and by facts we mean what makes the Semi-Bookish group both love and hate nonfiction! Joined this episode by our Bilingual Outreach Library Assistant, Lizbeth, we talk about all things nonfiction.
BRAAAAINNNSSS! Is what we would say if we were actually Zombies. But on this episode of Semi-Bookish, we get to talk about our favorite media involving the brain eating fiends, including some lore of where they came from!
Love 'em or hate 'em we all have to admit that online book communities influence how we look at books, and the reviews we read sometimes influence us to read things we've never read before. In this episode of Semi-Bookish, the group discusses those online book communities like Booktok, Booktube, and others and what we both love and dislike about them.
In celebration of the birthday of our dear Toni, the theme of this episode surrounds their choice of topic: genres! The group discusses their favorite genres, and which ones they would throw away if they could.
It's common knowledge by anyone who consumes media to not get too attached to characters too early in. Knowing your favorite characters could die at any moment is nerve wracking! Join Semi-Bookish as they talk about death in media, and feelings of sadness and validation when it comes to certain character deaths.
Media that has great endings, media that has bad endings, today we talk about what makes an ending work, and what disappoints us!
Take a seat as we introduce you to the world of Manga! Semi-Bookish talks about their favorite pieces, different types of manga, and what they enjoy about it.
Is it worldbuilding or lore? Today's topic covers our favorite types of worldbuilding, favorite lore, and which pieces of media do it well. Diving into the depths of media, Semi-Bookish looks at just what makes worldbuilding so great.
It's Pride month! Join us as we talk about queer books, representation in literature, upcoming library events, and more!
We can all admit that we're a fan of something. But does that mean that we're in the fandom? And what even is a fandom anyway? On this episode we take a dive into fandoms, what we love about them, and what we hate.
It's that time of year again! For this episode, we discuss pieces of our favorite video game lore, quests we love, and quests we hate!
There are some books you love, some books you hate, and then there are books you just couldn't finish. Join the Semi-Bookish team as they talk about books they didn't finish, and reasons as to why someone might not get through a whole book.
It's that time of year! As sports fans revel in the thought of their favorite team making the final four of the March Madness tournament, the Semi-Bookish crew has decided to host an all out brawl of their own to see who would win against who in all out fictional character matchups.
It's reading month! The Semi-Bookish crew is here to discuss our favorite books that we read as children, and which books we would read again if we had the chance.
Starting off the new season of Semi-Bookish off with a little Book Discussion! This episode we look into the book Kindred by Octavia Butler, and figure out if the Graphic Novel lives up to expectations.
Commemorating an end of era, Semi Bookish sends off its fearless master of the dungeon with a podcast that dials into some of the most bonkers, what-the-heck moments in books, movies, and more.
Now that 2022 is firmly in our rearview mirror, Semi Bookish takes a moment (and many hearty detours) to review some of the books, movies, and more that were the cream of the crop. We lean into a few talking points a little harder than others, but that just shows how passionate we are for those items.
Every January 1st is known as "Public Domain Day," the day on which Copyrights on a collection of intellectual properties expire. Semi Bookish fires up the microphone to talk the good, the bad, and even the ugly concerning creative works entering the public domain.
Our stalwart co-host Grant wanted an episode talking about music as a medium for storytelling, and who are we to deny the (almost) birthday boy such a request? Tune in for a quick rundown of popular musicians and albums inspired by popular literature.
From the brilliant minds of Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko sprung "Avatar: The Last Airbender," a profoundly Asian-inspired fantasy world that embraced the Hero's Journey through the beautifully complex protagonist Aang, a 12 year old destined to save the world from the imperialistic Fire Nation. Far from just an animated series, "The Last Airbender" and its successor, "The Legend of Korra," intelligently tackle serious themes, like colonization, female empowerment, and more, which is why the franchise has situated itself as a favorite amongst the young and the old.
Halloween is literally upon us (or behind us depending on when you tune in), and we want to give you something sanguine that you can sink your teeth into. No tricks; just treats. This is Semi Bookish diving (just barely) into the realm of vampires throughout multiple media, whether literature, games, movies, and more.
With the Spooky season in full swing, Semi Bookish wanted to pay homage to the King of Horror, Stephen King.
Talking Tolkien for just a single podcast is a disservice, especially when you consider that the film trilogies for both "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" are (almost) as culturally significant as the books upon which they are based. There are films and TV series which many believe possible only because the fantasy film fanbase grew in the wake of Peter Jackson's epic adaptation of the War of the One Ring.
Readers Advisory, the process of putting the right book into a reader's hands, is an art form. It can take shape in a myriad of ways, but just how do you handle the process? Tune in to Semi Bookish for our insights as well as a few tips and tricks.
In honor of J. R. R. Tolkien's birthday, and, Semi Bookish decided to take to the microphone to talk about the man often referred to as the Father of Modern Fantasy Literature. We'll talk about the Lord of the Rings, too, and we might even tread lightly over the films and the upcoming "Rings of Power."
With the second year of recording officially behind us, Semi Bookish reflects on its finer moments before turning its gaze to the future. Tune in to reminisce and to get a sense of what is, or might be, in store.
Jennifer, ADL's Adult and Teen Services Librarian extraordinaire, is leaving us to chase new and exciting opportunities. Although we will miss her, we're also celebrating her future. And how best to wish her the best then to discuss Historical Fiction, which is one of Jen's jams, in case you haven't been listening.
Dive into the realm of Dungeons & Dragons along with the stalwart crew of Semi Bookish and their fearless Dungeon Daddy. Along with wishing the late and nerdy Gary Gygax a happy birthday, we explore the popular TTRPG's evolution from its earliest stages to the gaming juggernaut that it is today.
Semi Bookish strays from the straight path to take Queer Television to task, doling out praise and criticism with an equally heavy hand.
Just days into Summer Reading, Semi Bookish takes to the microphone to explore their personal, and often hilarious, reading histories, experiences.
With six seasons and two movies released, the Semi Bookish takes a figurative trip to Downton Abbey, exploring the ups and downs of the fictional aristocrats and those beneath them.
For the good, bad, or purely ridiculous reasons, Semi Bookish talks about books they've wanted (or still want) to throw out a window. What about you? Can you name a few?
With Free Comic Book Day just around the corner, Semi Bookish invited Rad Raptor's Tim Ambrose to be nerdy, talk fandoms, and shed light on one of the coolest comic book shops in Michigan!
Leaning into the Ish (and down one member of the team), we explore a collection of movies that we think are underrated, or, at least, deserve to be talked about and have copious amounts of praise heaped upon them.
As a special follow-up to our previous Middle-Grade episode, Semi Bookish paddles out to the deeper section of fiction - Young Adult. It's a brilliant genre that's definitely more than meets the eye, and definitely worth your time, even if you are an adult.
Semi Bookish decided to express our collection of issues with the debate between Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction, specifically in where they overlap and how they are very different. Pour yourself a hot tea, turn up the volume, and get ready because Toni is not at a loss for words on the subject.
Selected by Toni Lea, (a.k.a. "Mouth From The South"), Semi Bookish talks about Lisa Moore Ramée's middle-grade novel, "A Good Kind of Trouble," and how it beautifully encompasses the experience of a pre-adolescent woman encountering issues of racial tensions, ethnic identity, and bodily agency. Truly, this is an absolute gem of a book, and we don't think you should pass it up.
Tune in for this special Bridgerton episode of Semi Bookish because our resident experts have tea that would make Lady Whistledown green with envy. Pros and cons of the show, differences between book and show, and why Shonda Rhimes' anachronistic romantic fantasy works. Guard your sensibilities for the episode's latter half. We discuss a few aspects of the story that are a bit on the mature side, but we do so professionally and delicately.
Come aboard the U.S.S. Semi Bookish as your stellar crew from Adrian District Library boldly traverse the genre of science fiction. Oh, you might need to buckle up because where we're going, we don't need roads.
In the last episode of the year, Semi Bookish leans into the "ish" with a bit of holiday flavor. Oh, and we loosely construct our personal Hallmark Holiday Specials, so there's that. Happy New Year!
Although we're a bitter later to the game than we'd like, join the Semi Bookish as we take our first dive into the psyche of author, myth, and legend Frank Herbert and his seminal novel, "Dune."
Join the Semi-Bookish crew as the Supreme Overlord takes over hosting duties. Today's Topic? It's National Picture Book Month! We're discussing our favorite picture books, and talking about what actually makes a picture book...a picture book!
Still reeling in adoration following the consumption of "The Taking of Jake Livingston," Semi Bookish invited the author, Ryan Douglass, to join us all the way from Georgia (via Zoom) and let us pick their brain. Within you'll discover some goofy morsels about Ryan, get a few writing tips for your future endeavors, and even hear what Ryan's working on next (and we hope it comes to fruition).
The Horror genre is scary expansive, so there's no way we can tackle the entire topic in a single podcast. There's just so much to be said for this spooky tradition, be it literary or cinematic, so let's dive right in.
Semi Bookish is leaning into the Ish and discussing a medium for entertainment that has, since its still relatively recent inception, eclipsed many major industries, including music and film. So, open a can of your favorite pop, take a seat, and let's talk video games!
With C.S. Lewis' birthday not too far off, Semi Bookish takes to the microphone to discuss his most esteemed contribution to literature: The Chronicles of Narnia. Additional errata finding its way into the conversation include why Lucy is the most controversial character, whether or not Tolkien even liked Lewis' work, and why post-war Lewis is a legit snack.
In one corner we have "The Great Gatsby. In the other corner, we have "Their Eyes Were Watching God." And we have 60 minutes in which only one can emerge victorious in the Clash of the Classics! Now, as Michael Buffer would say, "let's get ready to rumble!"
Turning our critical and quite skeptical eyes to the notion of reading lists, Semi Bookish attempts to break down the differences between good and not-so-good lists as well as the problem with lazily assigned reading.
Diving into the great literary lineage of fantasy, Semi Bookish talks what fantasy tickles their fancy as well as attempting to define and delineate the amazing, (almost) all-encompassing genre. Buckle up, because we're about to take you on a trip ranging from C.S. Lewis to V. E. Schwab and beyond.
First off, we're not talking about, ya' know, that F-word. We're talking about "fluffy," the oft-times maligned pseudo-genre of literature. Sure, it has been used to shame others for their reading choices, but others have used it eagerly and with pride. Of course, what does it really mean when we say a book is fluffy?
If there's one thing that worries a book nerd more than the burning of the Library of Alexandria, it's when some major studio announces their intent to adapt their favorite book for the big screen. Listen in as we lament or praise various cinematic versions of beloved literature.
Semi Bookish opens the discussion on audiobooks, discussing various genres within the literary medium, highlighting awesome (and less awesome) narrators, and so much more. If you've never given audiobooks a listen, tune in and turn the volume up.
Pride on the mind, we talk about our favorite LGBTQIA books and authors while dishing on a myriad of topics related to this wonderfully important topic.
If you're like us, creatures of comfort, tune in to the latest episode of Semi Bookish to contemplate what books, movies, and more to which we return (and often). You'll learn a bit of what makes us tick, and, as an added bonus, you'll learn just how many fanfics one of us has composed concerning Kurt from "Glee."
If the Semi Bookish crew had a nickel for every time we heard "less pictures, more words" from the mouth of a parent, we'd have a ton of nickels. We're here today to talk about why graphic novels (and comics) rock, and how immensely beneficial they are to readers.
With Star Wars Day just a few parsecs away, Semi Bookish took the microphones to do what nerds do best, and that's debate a fandom from once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away.
May the 4th be with you!
Semi Bookish turns back time with a book discussion devoted (mostly) to Suzanne Collins' first venture into the world of the Hunger Games. Why does the book endure? What did Suzanne do right (or wrong)? What about the movies and who is more scrumptious between Peeta and Gale?
Pull up a chair as the Semi Bookish crew talks tomes that tickled their funny bones, the line between being intelligently and forcefully funny, and why the gran caca is more hilarious than we'd all prefer to admit.
With Women's History Month on the mind, we invited Adrian's first female mayor to Semi Bookish. Mayor Heath talks books, traveling, and the passion that brought her back to her roots.
In the mood for an old-fashioned book discussion, and at the behest of Lord Ish (a.k.a. Grant), the Semi Bookish crew dipped our toes into the thriller/horror literary pool with Iain Reid's "I'm Thinking of Ending Things."
Semi Bookish recognizes Black History Month by discussing the importance of African-American literature, and along the way celebrate a collection of titles, authors, and even a few audiobook narrators. Opinions and objectivity collide, but one truth remains, and that is "ALL Black Stories Matter."
The Semi Bookish crew defines the romance genre, how it crosses over into other genres, and why geese everywhere should fear Fabio.
As always, kudos to Kevin MacLeod for his fabulous performance of "Maple Leaf Rag," originally composed by the great Scott Joplin.
What better to ring in the new year than with a discussion of firsts, specifically the first within a new series. Amidst a handful of technical difficulties (we blame 2020), the Semi Bookish crew dishes on and recommends firsts.
This episode the Semi Bookish crew delves into the dirty world of Fanfiction. Together we argue whether fanfiction is right or wrong. We even briefly discuss the history of fanfiction, and mention examples of fanfiction gone right (and some examples gone horribly wrong).
Shout out to Kevin McCleod for his arrangement of Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag for our opening and ending theme.
Books that give your heart a hug, inspired by the impending Holiday season as well as our personal pursuits to remain happy in the face of a year gone just a little bit off track. Mentioned items include "A Christmas Carol," by Charles Dickens, "Red, White, and Royal Blue," by Casey McQuiston, and so much more.
Shout out to Kevin McCleod for his arrangement of Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag for our opening and ending theme.
It's game day for the Semi Bookish crew. Our game of choice? Snog, Marry, Avada Kedavra! SMAK as we like to call it is a nerdy adaptation of the popular game in which players must choose between three entities and decide who they'd Snog, Marry, or upon whom they'd cast the must unforgivable of curses.
The Semi Bookish gang talks the Barbra Streisand Effect, how that relates to book challenges, and why banning books is awful.
For a Library Card Sign-up Month episode, listen in as we (sans Grant a.k.a. "The Ish") wax verbose on our Love for Libraries. Along the way learn whether or not one of us lives in the basement, Jen's thoughts on giving birth within the library, and the library's healing influence over Andy and Anthony.
Settle in with Adrian District Library's Semi Bookish crew as they discuss works of fiction that lived (or didn't live) up the hype train, whether it be a broader or more personal train. Did The Watchmen live up to Grant's expectations? What did Anthony think of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring? So many books, so little time!
In the first-ever Semi Bookish podcast, join Adrian District Library's Semi Bookish crew as they nerd out and discuss Stephanie Meyer's "Midnight Sun," the long-awaited reimagining of her first vampiric fiction novel, "Twilight." With views ranging from erudite to purely emotional, we'll talk, bicker, and astral project our souls. You'll learn why we call ourselves Semi Bookish.