Infinitely Prefer a Book: Recent Episodes
Catherine Rains
For lovers of books and reading, IPAB is a virtual book club where friends take a deep dive into one book a month. Follow us on Instagram to keep the conversation going @infinitelypreferabook.
I discuss my thoughts on how we face our collective history after reading Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
Resources mentioned:
Podcasts:
First Name Basis
Sincerely Lettie
Code Switch (specifically recommend Black Kiss-story episode)
Instagram:
Black Coffee with White Friends (Also Marcie Walker’s project: Mockingbird - History Lessons for Adults)
Books:
Stamped From the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
Just Above my Head by James Baldwin
Just Mercy by Byran Stevenson
Other:
H.R. 40 Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act
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Catherine shares the highlights of the books she read in 2020.
Xenogenesis Trilogy by Octavia Butler (start with Dawn)
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
The Switch by Beth OLeary
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On this footnotes episode, Catherine talks about podcasts she listened to in 2020.
Podcasts
1619
NIce White Parents
Come Through with Rebecca Carroll
The Untold Story of Policing
And Nothing Less
Home Cooking
Code Switch
Pod Save the People
NPR Politics Podcast
Pop Culture Happy Hour
The Sporkful
Local Mouthful
Books Mentioned
The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones
The End of Policing by Alex Vitale
Such a Fun Age by Kylie Ried
Take a Hint Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson
Recommendation
Pocketcast - phone app for managing podcasts
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Here are the books I will be reading in Season 3. Reach out to me if you are interested in being a guest on the podcast.
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
Sula by Toni Morrison
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmin Darznik
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Catherine’s February 2020’s conversation with MaLyn about Plain Truth by Jodi Piccoult
MaLyn’s Podcast: The Betterish Podcast
Books Mentioned
Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
The Girl Before by JP Delany
The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
The Last Mrs. Parish by Liv Constantine
The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie
How to Raise a Reader by Maria Russo and Pamela Paul
Small Great Things by Jodi Piccoult
My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Piccoult
Recommendations
Digital decluttering
Gardening
Dollface on Hulu
Survivor
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In this episode, Catherine chats with her friend Sang about Sang’s move to a new city, book clubs and libraries. Catherine shares some exciting news and the pair also chat about To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han.
Books Mentioned:
The World’s Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne
Michael Vey Series by Richard Paul Evans
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
The Orphan’s Taleby Pam Jenoff
The Interpreter of Maladies
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (narrated by Tom Hanks)
Circe by Madeline Miller
Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Princess Academy Series by Shannon Hale
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown
Virgin River series by Robyn Carr
Recommendations:
Togo on Disney Plus
Virgin River on Netflix
Next’s month’s book is Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult
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Catherine shares what she’s learned from 9 years practicing minimalism and gives some recommendations for giving gifts to a minimalist.
Books mentioned: The More of Less by Joshua Becker
Recommendations: Minimalism: A Documentary about the Important Things on Netflix The Practical Minimalists (Podcast) 600 sq ft and a baby (blog) Minimalism Gift Guide
Catherine joins return guest, Miranda, to discuss Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Books Mentioned
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Circe by Madeline Miller
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
Educated by Tara Westover
Song: Everything Reminds Me of My Therapist - Nancy Tucker
Recommendations:
Grout recoloring stain (Polyblend Grout Renew)
Pumpkin Raisin Cookies
Living With Yourself on Netflix
Call the Midwife TV series
Great British Baking Show on Netflix
Freezer Cooking (Time for Dinner in St. Louis, MO)
Pumpkin Muffins
Next Month’s Book is To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Find Miranda on instagram @bookbloom or mybookbloom.com
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In this footnotes episode, Catherine is joined by Hannah to discuss tips they learned about loving where they live from Where You Belong by Melody Warnick
Next Month’s Book is Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
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Brianna returns to chat with Catherine about Be Frank with Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson
Books mentioned:
Maybe you should talk to someone by Lori Gottlieb
Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffel Thomas
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling
The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
White Girl Problems by Babe Walker (narrated by Tavia Gilbert)
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Recommendations
Righteous and Rachet Podcast
Make it Fancy on YouTube with Rie
Whole 30 diet
Queer Eye on Netflix
Working Mom's on Netflix
Big Little Lies (season 2) on HBO
A Black Lady Sketch Show on HBO
Next Month’s Book is Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
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Catherine chats with Shannon and Ashley about Educated by Tara Westover.
Books Mentioned:
My Antonia by Willa Cather
The Professor’s House by Willa Cather
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (see Season 1 Episode 6 for my discussion about this book!)
Middlemarch by George Elliott
Recommendations:
Bite Toothpaste tablets
Naps
Books by Willa Cather
Long AudioBooks
Next Month’s Book is Be Frank with Me by Julia Claiborne Johnson
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Mental Health Resources
Harvard Mental Health Letter
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Today I’m sharing my favorite reads from this summer!
Books Mentioned:
Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskill
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee
Next Month’s Book is Educated by Tara Westover
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Season 2 is coming soon! First Up: Educated by Tara Westover. Subscribe now so you don't miss a thing!
In this season finale, Catherine talks with her sister Hannah about Every Note Played by Lisa Genova.
Option B by Sheryl Sandberg Educated by Tara Westover Chasing Slow by Erin Loechner Me Before You by JoJo Moyes Nancy Drew Series by Carolyn Keene Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeon-seo Lee Recommendations Trader Joe’s Pizza Dough Balls (herb and garlic) Eating outside i.e. Restaurants with outdoor seating Nancy Drew Mysteries Classical Piano Music (Every Note Played Spotify playlist) The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeon-seo Lee Kim’s Convenience (TV Show available on Netflix)
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Catherine discusses Salt Houses by Hala Alyan with friend Lori.
Books Mentioned Fever by Deon Meyer
Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff
Next Month’s Book is Every Note Played by Lisa Genova.
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In this footnotes episode in honor of Earth Day, Catherine discusses books on a farming or gardening theme and shares 2 favorite gardening shows.
Books:
This Blessed Earth: A Year in the Life of an American Family Farm by Ted Genoways
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
Recommendations:
Big Dreams, Small Spaces with Monty Don (produced by BBC, available on Netflix)
Love Your Garden with Alan Titchmarsh (produced by ITV, available on Netflix)
Next Month’s Book is Salt Houses by Hala Alyan.
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In this episode, Catherine discusses the true story Mrs. Sherlock Holmes by Brad Ricca with her friend and former co-worker Melody.
Books Mentioned Clash of Civilizations over an Elevator in Piazza Vittorio by Amara Lakhous
Small Fry by Lisa Brennan-Jobs
Author Tessa Dare’s books dedication page
Non-book recommendations
Trees and simple pleasures
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries on Netflix
Next Month’s Book is Salt Houses by Hala Alyan.
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Catherine speaks with Karen, a self-proclaimed “Novice Reader” about the multi-generational saga Pachinko by Min Jin Lee and talk about what’s making them happy lately.
Books Mentioned A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (and accompanying IPAB episode - S1: E5)
Writings of Gloria Steinem Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin Books by Wilbur Smith
Next Month’s Book is Mrs. Sherlock Holmes by Brad Ricca.
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Today I give a brief response to the book Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly and my thoughts on the differences between the book and the movie.
The next full length episode airs on February 21st. We’ll be discussing Pachinko by MIn Jin Lee.
Books mentioned:
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Catherine and Grace discuss A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, what it means to have a meaningful life and recommend something that helps clear the clutter to make room for more joy!
February’s book will be Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Books Mentioned and Recommendations
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
CIty of Thieves by David Benioff
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Becoming by Michelle Obama
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Join me on January 24th for a discussion of A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Show Notes:
The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
“Surviving Winter” by Nicole Burrell on Art of Simple
Taste of the Country on Netflix
Interview with Pableaux Johnson on The Splendid Table
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January’s Book is A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, tune in on January 24th for my discussion!
Favorite Books of 2018
Behave by Robert Sapolsky
I Will: A Christmas Novella by Lisa Kleypas
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy
The More of Less by Joshua Becker
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
The Boat People by Sharon Bala
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Educated by Tara Westover
Book Riot Read 2019 Harder Challenge
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Books Mentioned:
The Complete Works of Charlotte Mason
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Next Month’s Book is A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
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Library Apps
Libby by Overdrive
Hoopla
Ebook/Audiobook App (for purchase)
Google Play Books
Kindle App
Reading Social Media
Goodreads.com and Goodreads App
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Tell me what apps you’re using via instagram @infininitelypreferabook
Today I recommend books from my favorite genre....Romance!
Books Mentioned:
Books by Georgette Heyer
Spice Island Mystery and Catchpenny Street by Betty Cavanna
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Thinking of You and Walk in the Park by Jill Mansell
I’ve Got your Number by Sophie Kinsella
One Plus One and Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
The Island and Winter Street and *The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand
The Best Man by Kristan Higgins (Blue Heron Series)
Love, Come to Me and Christmas Eve on Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Next Month’s Book is The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick
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Catherine chats with bookish friend Miranda about her reading life and discusses Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood. The conversation continues on instagram @ infinitelypreferabook
Next Month’s Book is The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick
Books Mentioned:
My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows
The More of Less by Joshua Becker
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Turtles all the way down by John Green
Recommendations:
Forever on Amazon Prime Video
*Local Mouthful podcast
Follow us!
Follow Miranda on Instagram @bookbloom
Follow Catherine on instagram @infinitelypreferabook
See what Catherine is reading at goodreads.com/infinitelypreferabook*
In this episode, Catherine catches up with former college roommate MaLyn and discusses the book Still Life by Louise Penny
Recommendations
Bookshots by James Patterson
Books by Mary Higgins Clark
NYPD Red Series by James Patterson
Royal Spyness Series by Rhys Bowen
Crime Junkie podcast
S-Town podcast
Serial podcast
Up and Vanished podcast
Modern Green Salad with Quinoa at Panera
Farmhouse Salad at Potbelly’s
November’s Book:
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood
Look for a new episode on November 15th!
Follow MaLyn on instagram @the_pretend_gardener or @mysteries_with_malyn
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See what Catherine is reading at goodreads.com/infinitelypreferabook
Today I'm share what I've learned about French food culture from books!
{French Kids Eat Everything by Karen Le Billon}, {Bringing up Bebe by Pamela Druckermann}, {French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano}, {Chocolate Thief Chocolate Rose, Blame it on Paris by Laura Florand}, {Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay}, {All the Light we Cannot See by Anthony Doerr}, {Still Life by Louise Penny}
{www.davidlebovitz.com}
Hear Catherine's take on the book vs the movie.
Tune in October 18 for S1: Episode 2: Still Life by Louise Penny
Catherine sits down with long time friend Brianna to discuss Kristin Hannah’s Book, The Great Alone.
October's Read: Still Life by Louise Penny
Books mentioned Behave: The Biology of Humans at our Best and Worst by Robert Sapolsky Oprah by Kitty Kelley The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carryrou
Recommendations Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee on Netflix Atypical on Netflix Jesus and Jollof Podcast Lazy Genius Podcast, specifically episode #72: “They Lazy Genius Hosts a Book Swap” & #74 “The Lazy Genius Takes a Creative Leap”
Follow Brianna on instagram @bribu88 and check out her blog brideonbase.com Follow Catherine on Instagram @infinitelypreferabook See what Catherine is reading at goodreads.com/infinitelypreferabook
Find out the inspiration for this podcast and learn what to expect from Season 1.
Episode 1 Airs on Sep 20 with a disscusion of "The Great Alone" by Kristin Hannah. Check it out at your library now!
Recommendations: Netflix Original TV Show "Stay Here"