Isn't It Past Your Bedtime?: Recent Episodes
Isn't It Past Your Bedtime?
A Book Lovers Podcast. For Book Lovers, by book lovers.
Every fortnight, Kristia and Rachael, two long-distance besties chat about the books they stayed up way too late reading. Listen to see which ones were totally worth the loss of sleep and which ones, well, weren't.
Send us your book recommendations to isntitpastyourbedtime@gmail.com and you might just get a chance to hear our thoughts!
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
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Happy Halloween everyone!
We've got a spooky good episode for you this month. Kristia finally found a properly creepy book that shouldn't be read while you're alone at night. While Rachael may have found a cure for the slump she's found herself in after Fourth Wing - or will she end up in another one with this series. Only time will tell.
Books Discussed:
Intercepts by T.J. Payne
Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole
Two very different books today. One is an Audible Original of one of the very first vampire stories ever told. And one is a horror novel that will give you the hebbie-gebbies.
TW: Kristia's Book (starting around the 10 minute mark) is a pregnancy horror novel, with themes of intense self harm and mutilation. This episode does not go into detail on what those are within the book, but it is discussed. Your mental health matter, if this isn't the episode for you, we'll see you next month.
Books Discussed:
Carmilla by joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
You Weren't Meant to be Human by Andrew Joseph White
August is the month of thrillers for us. Kristia's book reads like an episode of Criminal Minds and has you hooked from the first chapter. Rachael's book is more domestic thriller, making you wonder if you can actually trust anyone.
Books Discussed:
All The Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby
You Deserve to Know by Aggie Blum Thompson
The weather has been getting hotter and we've been hiding out indoors with the AC on full blast. Nothing is as it seems with this month's picks. Trust no one and nothing, and you might make it out alive.
Books Discussed:
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
Hide by Kiersten White
This episode we're talking about some of our most anticipated reads. Kristia got lucky and her reads knocked it outta the park, 10/10 all around! Rachael, unfortunately, her book was a bit of a flop. We'll have to check in with her and see if she picked the series back up or not.
Books Discussed:
Double Your Standards by Sarah Blue
Bourbon & Proof by Victoria Wilder
Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas
A newer release and the start of a sci-fi fantasy are what we're discussing this month. A psychological thriller that got Rachael hooked immediately and never let her go. And a fantastic start to a highly rated sci-fi/fantasy series had Kristia in a chokehold.
Books Discussed:
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Happy May Yall!
April had some winners in it! A nice little mix of thrillers, some thinkers, and as always, a little romance. Some that were even worth staying up way past our bedtime to read!
Books Discussed:
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
Pucking Around by Emily Rath
The Silent Patient by lex Michaelides
The Stillwater Girls by Minka Kent
March was full of winners. Not only did we each celebrate another trip around the sun, but it was filled with 5 star reads!
Books Discussed:
The Arrangement by Kiersten Modglin
Thirteen by Steve Cavanash
Sunrise Over the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
February brought up romance with a body count, dragons (so many dragons), a secret society of women taking out bad men, and a baby gone missing at 30,000 feet.
Books Discussed:
Missing in Flight by Audrey J. Cole
Necessary Evils Series by Onley James
The Last Invitation by Darby Kane
After 72 days, January has finally come to an end! Anyone else thankful February is here? Thankfully January did have a highly anticipated release for Kristia! Plus some historical fiction mixed in, who is she?? Rachael is back with a repeat author, does she possibly have a new auto-buy author??
Books Discussed:
Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (zero spoilers!)
We're wrapping up our December reads this episode, and we had a fantastic end of 2024! A great variety this episode, and they're all bangers, we promise!
Books Discussed:
My Husband by Maud Ventura
Wool by Hugh Howey
That Time I Got Drunk & Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming
The House In The Pines by Ana Reyes
The Surgeon by Leslie Wolfe
Thrillers. Science Fiction. Horror. Some Romance. We've got a bit of a mix for you today! Some repeat authors as well back their way back to the pod! And a debut you really should read.
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
The Deep by Nick Cutter
Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell
Vampires, ghosts, Greek gods, cheating husbands, friendship. This episode really has it all! Of the twenty books Kristia read this month, she's giving you two of her favorites. Rachael has a lot of half finished books, but this one snagged her attention and never let go.
The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison
HelloOoOoO
It's not secret around here that we love October, so we're giving ya some extra content this month!
Yall remember The Exorcist - Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair... yeah, of course you do. Well it was a book first - because aren't they all! Rachael dove into this one this month to see if it lived up to the hype.
Kristia's book club read We Used to Live Here, which is as confusing as it is off putting. If someone knocks on your door at night and wants to look around, the answer is always no!
And since we needed a pallet cleanser after that, we're sure you do as well. The Nightmare Before Kissmas, was the perfect lil holiday romcom with some espionage.
Fall is finally here, but before we can jump into all our spooky, scary, cozy fall reads, let's chat about what we read last month!
Kristia read 14 books in September, but picked her top favs while Rachael snagged a book with beautiful sprayed edges.
Books Discussed:
Reign & Ruin by J.D. Evans
The Female by Invi Wright
Masters of Death by Olivie Blake
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass
Honorable Mention:
Lights Out by Navessa Allen
We're baaaccck!
Your two favorite night owls are back, we may have a new name, but you can still count on us telling you about the books we've been reading and loving lately.
While we were away, Rachael was in her New Mom Era while Kristia fell into her Romantasy/Smut Era. With lots of pages read since we last chatted, buckle in for quite the episode, we're coving a handful of books this time!
We covered a lot of books this episode, lets jump in.
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ACOTAR Series by Sarah J. Mass
"To the stars that listen and the dreams that are answered"
"I am the rock against which the surf crashes."
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
"Sometimes, life just throws shit at you and there's nothing you can do but grab a shovel and start digging yourself out."
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
"Be wary. Be clever. Be good."
Assistant to the Villian by Hannah Nicole Maeher
“You just can't kill people and be pretty. It's confusing.”
Lights Out by Kalya James
"We do this together."
The Coven by Harper L. Woods
“If it is order that you value, then I will bring you nothing but chaos.”
Listen For the Lie by Amy Tintera
“You don't owe anyone your whole story.”
Has we've said before, March birthdays are the best birthdays! This episode we've got two books related to birth[days] and an announcement! One book is a memoir and the other is low fantasy. One changed the lives of women, the other has magic! One has a show on BBC the other... well it's just for the hehes and the hahas.
In other news, our very own Rachael is with child! We wish her and her family love, health, and rest in this next stage. With that, we will also be taking a hiatus while they get their baring as a family of three. Be sure and check out our Instagram @isntitpastyourbedtime for updates on what we're reading and status on when we return.
Books Discussed:
Viciously Yours by Jamie Applegate Hunter
Call the Midwife: A True Story of the East End in the 1950s by Jennifer Worth
What happens when a Cupid and a Reaper get together to get revenge on said Cupid's ex. Love, obviously. This episode our morally grey leading man is named Death, Daddy Death that is. This adorable novella is gunna hit ya right in the heart.
Book Discussed:
Petty Cupid by Sarah Blue
Sticking with the love theme, but adding in some fantasy. This episode we've got a house sitting over a magical land, with wardens trying not only to protect the house, but their hearts as well. The other is a widely popular story with Fae, magical beasts, invisible walls, and so much more going on than could be said!
Books Discussed:
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
This mini we've got some more dark romance. Here, our leading lady is a ghost with a few goals:
- Figure out how to not be a ghost any more
- Figure out who she actually is
- Find a way to have sex with the four guys in the house she's currently haunting
- Eat popcorn
Pretty solid goals if you ask us.
Book Discussed:
Four Psychos by Kristy Cunning
Your annual reminder that you should be reading diverse books all year long. But we get it, sometimes it can be a struggle to know where to start, or to get out of the algorithm of white lady authors. Both books this episode are Audible Originals and no longer than 8 hours. One gives How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days vibes, in the best possible way when our main character agrees to be a starter ex for her little sister's crush. The other is set in a future world ruled mostly by AI, and the main human character has to help a stolen robot learn how to be more human.
Books Discussed:
The Starter Ex by Mia Sosa
The A.I. That Loved Me by Alyssa Cole
Romance isn't dead and neither is the love these two feel for each other. Our first mini of February is about two serial killers who fall in love with one another. He's got golden retriever energy and a slight Irish accent, what's not to love. We beg you to please read the CW before reading this book yourself!
Book Discussed:
Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
While we're always trying to improve, resolutions just aren't for us. New year, same us. This episode though we read some books flagged as "self help" to see if they'd give us any little nuggets we could embrace. While neither of these books will likely change our lives, there are a few vibes we took away. Hopefully you're not too hard on yourself this year. Crank your music, buy yourself the flowers, compliment a stranger when you can, and try not to let Betty in accounting get ya down!
We aren't sure how the first round is selected for the Goodread Choice Awards, but we celebrate anyway. This episode covers two of the winner from 2023. They are total opposites. One is about an author stealing not only a manuscript, but so much more. The other, a private detective solving crimes during the pandemic, with some cannibalism mixed in.
Books Discussed:
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
Holly by Stephen King
Happy Christmas to all who celebrate. This episode we're covering two books that some classic Christmas movies are based on, and turns out Kristia hasn't seen either movie (for shame)! One man's heart grows three sizes while visited by three ghosts. Another turns out is short stories, but we could still shoot our eye out with 'em.
Books Discussed:
A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
What a better way to cozy up for the winter than with a silly lighthearted sci-fi story. It's got unionizing dolphins, cats who can type, and a whole bunch of super villains. This will certainly get you into the perfect mindset for Winter!
Book Discussed:
Starter Villain by John Scalzi
There are a lot of Christmas books on the shelves, but not nearly as many for the other many holidays celebrated in December. This episode we're coving two. One is a novella romance which kicks off with none other than a work place bunch. The other is a heart warming YA set in a bookstore of all places!
Books Discussed:
Recommended for You by Laura Silverman
The Kwanzaa Brunch by D.L. White
We're getting cozy and comfy with our minis this month. Starting off with a nice little small town murder, solved by the local baker, because of course she's a better detective than the new small town sheriff. She also makes killer pancakes... see what we did there.
Book Discussed
Pancakes and Corpses by Agatha Frost
As we enter the holiday season, we figured what better to read about than family dynamics that aren't our own. These families may have more issues than us, some haven't truly spoken in three years, there may be a cult involved, one woman is unable to leave well enough alone, oh but the husbands really support their wives, so at least there's that.
Books Discussed:
Never Meant to Stay by Trisha Das
The Husbands by Chandler Baker
Dead bodies, bombs on crew ships, tea, assassins, French pastries. What more could you want from murder mysteries. Come with us while we figure out who dun it in two different murder mysteries, both featuring older leading ladies.
Books Discussed:
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
Vera Wong's Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Happy Halloweeneve Night Owls! We've got a special episode filled with witches, cures, love, and mortal enemies. All treats and no tricks.. well maybe a trick or two.
Stay safe out there dear listeners!
Books Disscussed:
Go Hex Yourself by Jessica Clare
Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin
Our last mini of October isn't quiet so mini, Kristia wasn't able to keep it short, so enjoy this almost full length episode. All treats, not tricks. This true crime is a white collar crime, so don't expect any gore. Our con artist managed to pretend to be a piolt while swindling over $2 Million from banks in the 60s.
Book Discussed:
Catch Me If You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake by Frank W. Abagnale with Stan Redding
We're going back to our roots here and reading one of our favorite genres, psychological thrillers! Neither of our main characters can be trusted to know what's really going on around them. They may be a bit paranoid, but that doesn't mean someone isn't out to get them...
TW: Infertility Issues (starting at 12:00 minutes), the entire book covered by Kristia touches on this, skip if you're not in a good place to hear about this issue ❤️
Books Discussed:
Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough
The Surrogate Mother by Freida McFadden
With October being spooky scary month, we decided to cover some true crimes this month for the minis. Rachael kicks us off with a survivors story, and like many survivors she isn't believed by the town or the police. Thankfully, she doesn't give us.
TW: Sexual Assault (is mentioned in the episode, but goes into detail in the book)
Book Discussed:
Gitchie Girl by Phil Hamman & Sarah Hamman
Lady detectives are better than boy detectives, there we said it. This episode we've got two amature detectives solving crimes, saving lives, and being all around badasses. Both belong in series, so of you're interested there are more out there!
Books Discussed:
One Step Too Far by Lisa Gardner
The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow & Liz Lawson
Yeah, you'd think in the year 2023 they'd finally stop with this nonsense, but then you'd be wrong. Happy Banned Book Week everyone! We've got two books that as usual we say for parents to read with their kids instead of banning them. It's some more adult themes, but that doesn't mean kids are ready. We've got sex work in different forms, slut shaming, and lies.
Books Discussed
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu
Happy three day weekend to our listeners in the States, hopefully no Monday-scaries are getting ya. We've got some books this episode you can knock out in a weekend, or even in one sitting, for when you just don't want to leave your house. One is an older but classic story technically for kids, but also kids at heart. The other is about Murder Bot. Enjoy!
Books Discussed:
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
The final mini of August is here. This episode we're talking about what you'd do if you could go back in time, mind you there are a lot of rules you gotta follow. Hope you like coffee!
Book Discussed
Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
August starts with Au, which stands for Autumn, which means the best time of the year is beginning! The episode we're diving in with some scary summer stories. One is by a great thriller author, though this one fell short, the haunted house just wasn't haunting. The other is a chilling retelling of some brutal murders that happened right where Rachel lives!
Books Discussed:
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
All These Bodies by Kendare Blake
Last episode was sci-fi now we're moving into fantasy. With opposite styles this week we've got kid spies and necromancers. Lots of questions, some answers, many skeletons. Orphans all around.
Books Discussed:
The Mysterious Benedict Socitey by Trenton Lee Stewart
the Ninth byTamsyn Muir
Too much coffee and too many episodes in a month, no such thing! This month's minis are all coffee related, and you get three of them! We're kicking things off with a coffee shop murder. Who doesn't love some sleuthing with their latte.
Book Discussed:
Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan
Branching out (for us) and picking up some Sci-Fi books this week. Kristia's book takes on the population issue, requiting 17 years olds to determine when they'll die, until out characters start dying early. Rachael covered a classic sci-fi story and let us know the differences between what Hollywood told us and the truth.
Books Discussed:
Five Minds by Guy Morpuss
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Every now and then we like to read about things that are real, things that actually happened. This episode we cover a true crime story, which as a survivor as a part author. And science. We go to space, learn about what's going on out there. Five stars all around.
Books Discussed:
The Girl in the Leaves by Larry Maynard, Sarah Maynard, & Robert Scott
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
We're discussing books by Black authors this episode, One's a brand new release (pub day 6/27) with unreliable narrators, kidnapping, stalking, and adultery. The other is a cautionary tale on what happens to kids who don't listen to their elders.
Books Discussed:
The Other Mistress by Shanora Williams
\How The One Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Cherie Jones
Our final June mini is here and its not as bubbly as the last. There's a haunting, a mysterious death, a small B&B style inn, everything you'd want for your perfect relaxing summer getaway. Well, minus the murder.
TW: Death of a Parent (Mother) - this is what starts the book, and the theme of grief is carried throughout. Listen at your own discretion. xo- R&K
Book Discussed:
The Haunting of Brynn Wilder by Wendy Webb
Father's day is right around the corner (don't forget to wish him a happy day, if that's your thing). So this episode we've covering books where the dad plays a main role. There's a kidnapping, 20 year old murders, a plane hijacking, fresh murders, and children trying to be brave. These dads really got their work cut out for them this episode.
Books Discussed
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham
Falling by T.J. Newman
Memorial day means the start of Summer to some, for Kristia, it's June 1st. We know there are a few more weeks of Spring, but Summer is here in our hearts.
June's minis have the very broad topic of summer and Kristia kicks us off with a bang. Her book covers ten different summers, and this is the final summer for our main characters to fall in love. Will they? Won't they? Only time will tell.
Book Discussed:
The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
The perfect one-liner can get you sucked in to almost anything, (insert catching one-liner here😜) . This episode we picked our books based solely on the first line of the story, and we got some good ones! There's murder, magical realism, secret identities, secret magic schools, an age gap marriage, witches, and the hunt for the truth.
Books Discussed:
The Witch Haven by Sasha Payton Smith
Things We Do In the Dank by Jennifer Hillier
It's our HUNDREDTH full episode, call y'all believe it, becuase we can't!
We picked some award winning books, well one finalist, to bring you this week. Not just anyway, the Pulitzer! Did you know only one book wins a year, we didn't but we do now.
There are some heavy topics today to check the trigger warnings below. Today is all about some interesting characters, some possible snow magic, loss, love, and figuring out who we are and who we want to be.
Books Discussed:
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Trigger Warnings: Suicide (attempt, success, and idealization), racism and serotyping, sexism, infertility issues, child loss (still birth).
Please listen at your own discretion, we understand this episode may not be for everyone.
Apologizes dear listeners, we know we're a day late this week, but we found ourselves stuck in a fairytale and couldn't get out. Thankfully it wasn't as dark as the fairytales we're covering in the week's episode.
Turns out the power went to Dorothy's head and someone a house has chicken legs. Both are being hunted in one way or another, and who knows which will survive.
Books Discussed:
Dorothy Must Die by Danelle Page
Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nerthercott
Our last April mini takes us into some crime fiction. There's murder, there's fraud, there's infidelity, if it's not a great thing to do, this book probably has it. Rachael tells us about the top 2 of the 12 short stories.
Book Discussed:
Seasonal Work by Laura Lippman
Mixing it up this week and covering the same book, but on purpose this time! One was on kindle and audio, the other in paper back. One read it in a day, the other struggled a little. The book has you questioning if you'd open your door and let in a stranger during a storm. Personally, we'd never, but we can see why our main character did. The story unfold in about a day, so listen in!
Book Discussed:
Someone Else's Life by Lyn Liao Butler
April minis bring mini stories. Kristia is kicking us off with a collection of short stories about the lives of Cambodian-Americans and what it's like finding your place in the world being a child of an immigrant.
Book Discussed:
Afterparties by Anthony Veasna So
There's nothing quite like family, and this episode we've got some family drama for ya. There's an unexpected half sister, an unexpected werewolf transformation, a police investigation, and estranged sister relationships. Truly, there's a lot for unpack here, come along for the ride.
TW: Death of a parent (father), infertility issues.
Books Discussed:
Such Sharpe Teeth by Rachel Harrison
The Half Sister by Sadie Jones
And happy birthday to all the other March babies out there. We may be biased but March is the best month to have a birthday! This episode we each gifted the other a birthday book. One is paranormal, one is set in India, one has some romance, the other has a woman who may have killed her husband.
TW: Animal Abuse, Domestic Violence, Rape. These are all from Rachael's book, they are mentioned in the episode but we do not go inot detail. Her section begins 20 minutes into the episode.
Books Discussed:
Sleep No More by Jayne Ann Krentz
The Bandit Queens by Parini Scroff
The theme of this season is tackling our physical TBR, so this episode we picked books that have been sitting on our shelves for quite some time. Rachael has a repeat author, a mute child with only one eye, and a cold case disappearance. Kristia's book was been on her shelf for three years. It's a love story with incredibly wealthy New York teenagers. There are horses, parties, and heartbreak.
Listen in to see if these should have stayed on the shelf or not.
Books Discussed:
We're All The Same In The Dark by Julia Heaberlin
Anna K by Jenny Lee
These books had a lot more in common that we thought they would. There are neighborhood book clubs and a lot of secrets, secrets that could destroy lives.
Books Dicussed:
The Neighbor's Secret by L. Alison Heller
Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson
Another mini episode all about love. Kristia's book centers on two contests on an amateur cooking show. One is recently divorced from the only person she's ever been with and the other has dated anyone since they came out as non-binary three years ago. And in a dash of stress and excitement from filming and you've got a recipe for love. See what I did there ;)
Book Discussed:
Love and Other by Anita Kelly
Who doesn't love when a cold case starts to warm up and we learn whodunit. This episode we've got two fiction cold cases for ya. One evolves a pregnant teenager who was found in a dumpster, even though her mom is a judge, no one ever looked very hard at who her killers was, until now. The other has a woman pretending to be a potential murders daughter, but jokes on her, he more with it than she thinks, can she connect him to these crimes or will she be his next victim - dundun.
Books Discussed:
Paper Ghosts by Julia Heaberlin
Girl Forgotten by Karin Slaughter
Its a mini episode month! And as Hallmark tells us, it's the month of love. Rachael is kicking us off with an adorable love story about an editor and her mystery lover that she's slowly falling for has he edits her manuscript.
How much cuter could it get?!f
Book Discussed:
Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson
We learned a new genre, work fiction, and so now here we are. This episode the characters in our books have a job that is carrying the story, or at least as a very centralized part in the plot. Kristia's main character works in Hell, literally. The coffee machine is always broken, and none of first five pens you try will work. While Rachael's character is a high powered lawyer who snaps a bit and takes a job as a maid. The only issue here is she doesn't know how to clean, or cook, or any of the basic skills one would need to work as a maid.
Books Discussed:
Sign Here by Claudia Lux
The Undomestic Goodness by Sophie Kinsella
Happy 2023!
This episode we're reading books that we were gifted for the Holiday. Rachael got a winner about a father and daughter who are living off the gride in the forest, but everything starts to go wrong when a lost teenager shows up on their property. Kristia's book has so many lies and half truths, it's hard to know who you can trust. Which character is actually the mastermind and is someone actually dead?
Books Discussed:
There Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant
Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre
As the year wraps up we're getting ready to see what the future holds. Hopefully it doesn't follow the path of either of these stories. There is a city in the sky, children held as hostages by an AI, holograms, war, and goats, a lotta goats. Oh, and water crisis all around.
Books Discussed:
The Scoripion Rules by Erin Bow
The Ones We're Meant to Find by Joan He
Our last mini for the year is here! Rachael wraps up our December minis with a ten year cold case of a missing boy. This story takes place in what could be any small town, with any ole Middle Town Sheriff Department. Everyone's stories are intertwined and no one's secrets are safe today.
While this may be a dark and twisted story, we hope your December is wonderful. Wishing you and yours a festive time. Stay Safe Night Owls! -R&K
Book Discussed:
The Deep, Deep Snow by Brian Freeman
As the New Year approaches we'd like to take a look back, into the past, and by that we mean read a book or two set back in the day. Rachael's book was turned into a movie and has very mixed reviews. We love her main character and want only for the best, but when you're called the Marsh Girl, life is a bit hard. Kristia's book is by the Queen of Mystery, everyone dies and she has no idea who could have done it (a real head scratcher if you will).
Books Discussed:
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Minis are back and with that, let us introduce our very original idea of 'snow'! Kristia is starting us off strong with a meet cute that takes place in an unlikely March snow storm. Spanning a year our main characters continue to run into one another, like it's fate one might say. You'll want to shake these characters while you fall in love with them!
Trigger Warnings: death of a friend, aging/sickly parents, postpartum depression (all mentioned lightly in this episode)
Book Discussed:
Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis
This episode we're covering Peter Pan retellings. One is all about if Wendy never went to Neverland with Peter but instead went with Captain Hook. The other is 2 generations after Peter first visited Wendy and Wendy's granddaughter's life now.
The moral of both stories is that Peter isn't as great as Wendy and the stories made him out to be.
Books Discussed:
Straight On Till Morning by Liz Braswell
Darling, Girl by Liz Michalski
We've got one of our favorite topics this week, the book was better. Each book was turned into a tv show, one we've seen and one we haven't, but we're certain the books are better!
Kristia branched out with a historical fiction read, and the whole story is written in the form of letters. Set shortly after the second world war, this story is full of enjoyable characters that make it hard to set down. Rachael found out her book is closer to a spy novel than she expect. She's got a flight attendant with a drinking problem, who probably didn't kill that guy, but she doesn't listen to her lawyer. Note: it's usually best to take your lawyer's advise.
Books Discusses:
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian
Don't be scared! It's just us here with another episode. Rachael's book is everything you want in a kids book that adults will enjoy. Graveyards, killers for hire murdering babies, well that's not as enjoyable. While Kristia's novella is a classic tale in why you shouldn't take candy from strangers.
Stay safe tonight friends, and whatever you do, Don't Look Under the Bed.
Books Discussed:
The Graveyard Book by Neil Giaman
Sour Candy by Kealan Patrick Burke
Another haunted house, and some more advice.
Kristia recommends you never live in a place called Jackson Hill. She has no evidence to support this, but trust her, or don't, your call. If you do move to a place called Jackson Hill into a home you haven't seen, don't come crying to her when it turns out your house has a mind of it's own.
Listen in to learn some more best practices on how to, hopefully, avoid buying a haunted house. If you do ever find yourself in a haunted house, be careful who you trust...
Book Discussed:
Man, Fuck This House by Brian Asman
What's scarier than real people committing heinous crimes? When people do it in your own town. This episode we're coving two true crimes, one that took place in Washington and one in Nebraska.
Both event terrified the members in these communities and in each story the perpetrators were caught.
We don't delver into any of the gruesome details in this episode, but do know that both crimes involved sexual assault and murder. Rachael's story (the second half, which begins at 19:30) involves the killing of children, for these reasons listener discursion is advised.
Books Discussed:
The Hillside Stranger by Ted Schwarz
A Need To Kill: The True-Crime Account of John Joubert, Nebraska's Most Notorious Serial Child Killer by Mark Pettit
Happy October Minis! This month our minis are haunted houses! So get cozy and listen up, this may just save your life.
Well, that was a little dramatic, but this is still important so you should listen.
Don't, and we can't stress this enough, don't get married in a haunted house with your friends who all have secrets of their own.
You don't have to believe us, just listen to the episode, or read the book yourself to find out.
Book Discussed:
Nothing But Blacked Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
Welcome to Spooky Season!
We are back to our regularly scheduled episodes and boy have we missed you all. October is jam packed and we're starting off strong with some magical realism.
Kristia's book has it all: a woman who can see the dead, a woman slowly embracing her horticulture roots, and a woman who can harness the heat within her to protect those who need protection.
Rachael's book is about our main character growing and accepting herself after being dumped by her longtime boyfriend. She befriends a woman who very well may be a witch, at least, the town folk are all afraid of her. This book is a wild ride, so grab a cup of tea and cozy on in to your couch for this one.
We're mixing it up and doing something a little different with these books this episode. Our books started out as podcast that were then turned into books! They're both totally wild, and weird, and odd, and an absolute adventure.
We've got angels that aren't real, but it is illegal to talk to them, just fyi, and men who don't fit into their skin eating people. Someone is presumed dead, but might not be and an 80 year old 19 year old.
Like we said, it's wild.
Books Discussed:
Alice Isn't Dead by Joseph Fink
Welcome to Night Vale by Jeffrey Cranor & Joseph Fink
Is water wet?
That's not a debate we need to get into at this moment. But this episode is all about water, or more precise, books with water on the cover. There are no made made lakes, or little creeks here - we've got the big vast oceans and whatever a Loch actually is. Rachael's book has a monster (maybe?) and a gal looking to run away from her (also, maybe) murdering father. Kristia's book happens to take place during a nuclear war while the crew of this ship are our chasing waterfalls!
Books Discusses:
Hold Back the Tide by Melinda Salisbury
The Last Ship by William Brinkley
Mixing it up with some nonfiction this episode, and surprising ourselves with not covering any true crime! Kristia tells of a book covering the an abortion counseling service in the late 60's while Rachael tells us of a story about a daughter who grew up with a neglectful mother and is trying to learn more of her story.
You have options and the right to control of your body: https://prochoice.org/
If you need to leave an abusive relationship or situation, you're not alone, help is out there: https://www.thehotline.org/
--
We love our listeners and are willing to help how ever we can, if you need someone to talk to reach out: isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy.
With Love,
Kristia & Rachael
Summer is finally here and the PNW weather actually agrees. This episode is all about having fun in the sun with our main characters. Rachael tells us of three older gals who embark on a road trip with a lot of stolen cash, the twist, these women know practically nothing about one another. Kristia's story is about a family wedding on Martha's Vineyard where all the wedding guests must compete in the game of Assasin.
Books Discussed:
The Getaway Girls by Dee MacDonald
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
note: Kristia is recovering from Covid in this episode so please excuse the rough voice - xoxo Gossip Girl
It's out last mini of June and it's another short story. This one is about a woman telling her unborn child how she came to be. You'll laugh, you'll be disappointed, you'll question the characters. But you won't learn who the baby daddy is here, you'll have to read the book to discover that fact!
Book Discussed:
If You're Not Yet Like Me by Edan Lepucki
Bring the tissues and prepare to get in touch with your emotions. This episode we are feeling the feels. These books claim to make people downright sob, will that happen to us? Kristia's book is all about second chances and first impression. Rachael's book is on neglect and the feeling power of letting someone in and taking a chance on them, also possible aliens.
Books Discussed:
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah
Life has been a bit hectic for Kristia and Rachael but what better way to feel accomplished than knocking out a short stories. Even better when it's a TEN OUTTA TEN! Rachel's book keeps it's character names to itself while a daughter is telling us about her life with her, maybe a witch (probably a witch), mother. It's all about coming of age.
Book Discussed:
My Evil Mother by Margaret Atwood
Reese Witherspoon has chosen a lot of great books for her book club. This episode we're diving into two of them. One has magic, one has long lost lovers. Everyone is discovering who they are and what they want out of life. Fives all around.
Books Discussed:
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
and N is for No Way Kristia & Rachael are covering books about murder, never say that coming! Yes, we know this isn't a surprise, but the murder in the first book was. It was an accident... until it became an even bigger issue when the Aunties get involved and help cover up the crime. But, what are families for. The killer in our second book has no family, nature vs nurture anyone? This killer is all about cataloging smells and he wants to be the only one who possesses that certain spell, so ya gotta die, #sorrynotsorry
Books Discussed:
Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind
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April Showers Bring May Flowers. Or where we live, April showers bring more May showers.
Anywhos, this episode we've gotten our inspiration from that saying and embraced it with our covers! Rachael is all about the April Showers this round. Her book is a psychological thriller, a mom goes missing, or did she just run away, lets see what her husband has to think about that. Her family has been unkind to her since an accident killed her youngest daughter, maybe she'll just stay away.
Kristia is bringing in the May Flowers and taking you on the adventure of a lifetime. It's just a few days boat ride to a small island with a disturbing past. People say not to stay for long because it starts to warp you mind. But when you're in your early 20s where else would you go for an adventure. Just be sure to watch your back! Nothing is what it seems.
Books Discussed:
Don't Look for Me by Wendy Walker
Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins
What rhymes with orange? Not a clue - but we've got more poetry for you! This time Kristia borrowed a book from Rachael, and there's definitely a theme with these minis. This book will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. And in true Kristia fashion, she couldn't pick just one favorite, so prepare yourself for a handful of powerful poems.
Book Discussed:
Your Heart is the Sea by Nikita Gill
Do you ever get tired of them youngin's trying to solve crimes with no life experience? If you said yes, have we got the books for you! This episode it's Seniors Solving Crime. Two sets of four do what the police forces can't and solve murders.
We can't give it all away here - you'll just have to listen
Books Discussed:
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Death in the Sunshine by Steph Broadribb
Happy Poetry Month!
To kick us off Rachael has a lovely collection of poems to take us on a journey of growth and healing. It is a celebration of love in all forms, and we can't wait to celebrate with you
Book Discussed:
The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kuar
If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?
This episode is all about revenge. Revenge on the men who killed our children, on those who bullied our babies to take their own lives, revenge on those who hurt others and were never punished. It pulls us back into a life we thought we had left for good, a place that is part make-believe and part real world, where we must trust our own instincts to save those we love.
Books Discussed:
The Collective by Alison Gaylin
Mirrorland by Carole Johnstone
We've made it out of the dreary Winter and it's finally Spring! What better way to ring in the new season than with books Mother Nature would approve of?! We've got environmental-spring-related books this episode. There are plenty of similarities between the two: small flyover towns, health issues among the town folk accepted as "normal", strange tasting water, and a lot of other orange (to be polite) flags! Listen it to get enraged with us!
Books Discussed:
Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson
One Two Three by Laurie Frankel
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We're both March babies (happy birthmonth to all our March b-day listeners!) This episode, we each picked out a book for the other that we hoped they'd love for their birthday. Kristia got a favorite author who brought her back to March 2020 and the early days of Covid when we knew nothing, so our main character got stuck on Isabela Island in the Galapagos. We can think of worse places to be stuck. Rachael got a dark book with some unreliable narrators. Her story jumps from now to 17 years ago where a serial killer may be back, and what really happened all those years ago, oh and there's a lot of teeth.
Books Discussed:
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
Such a Pretty Smile by Kristi Demeester
As Black History Month wraps up we wanted to make sure to take the time to celebrate black authors. Often we go to our shelves and find a bunch of white men and women looking back at us from the dust jacket, we like to use this time to branch out and support a more diverse group.
Rachael starts us off a story of a woman who is invited to a mystery island off the coast of Mexico to participate in a reality tv show. She didn't ask nearly as many questions as Rachael and Kristia would have, but she's a lot more trusting it appears. Unfortunately for her and the other strangers on this island, it was all a ruse and strange things start to happen.
Kristia's book is very different, she covers a story about self growth, and learning who we are and our place in the world. Her main character has just finished up 11 years of school to get her PhD and doesn't know what to do next, so she flies to Vegas and drunkenly marries a stranger - that is very much not in her plan!
Books Dicussed:
They All Fall Down by Rachel Howzell Hall
Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
Can you feel the love tonight? Happy late Galantines day to all our listeners, we're happy you're here! This episode Kristia invites you to a destination wedding with paid bridesmaids. What could possibly go wrong at a televised fully sponsored wedding - turns out a lot. Did their love get them and their guests to the alter? Was our main character sending out a ton of red flags? Can the names of the characters really add a full star rating? Listen to find out!
Book Discussed:
The Paid Bridesmaid by Sariah Wilson
Maybe we're dating ourselves here but if you've seen Groundhog Day with Bill Murry (or any other movie with the same premise) you're our people and you'll get it. Just like Bill Murray who is reliving the same day again and again, we're reading books by the same author, who we've covered in the past. Are these all the same book, can she really write multiple great different stories?! Will we be able to break free and branch out? You'll have to listen to see.
Books Discussed:
Not a Happy Family by Sharie Lapena
Someone We Know by Sharie Lapena
Love is in these pages tonight!
Rachael takes us on a journey with the first February mini. Our type A main character has her life all planned out, but when she wakes up one morning 5 years in the future she sees maybe her plan didn't work out. What happens next is anyone's guess. Listen in to find out!
Book Discussed:
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
Join us as we discuss books with two authors! Double the authors double the fun right? Kristia reads a YA book about 7 families who send in a champion to fight to the death so their family can access high magic for 20 years. The champions are of course children and the families are willing to do some dark and deranged things to win. Rachael's pick is a very nice book. It's got a sensible bento box, a self proclaimed "good guy," a reasonable bed, and a lot of character growth as the main character works through their grief.
Books Discussed:
All of Us by Amanda Foody & Christine Lynn Herman
The Very Nice Box by Eve Gleichman & Laura Blackett
New Year Same Us but this episode we're got some debut authors to kick off the podcast and welcome us all into 2022. Rachael's pick has already been turned into a movie, so you know it's gotta be good! It was translated from French and set in 1885 where a women could be considered mad and set anyway because she displease a man (lovely right). Kristia's book starts on a Tuesday when their bodies are found. It raises a lot of questions as it jumps back and forth from past to present while racing to tell us what is actually going on. Was it murder or was it an accident.
These are authors we'll definitely be reading more of!
Books Discussed:
The Mad Woman's Ball by Victoria Mas
Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay
Nordic Noir: nour: a type of Scandinavian crime fiction that typically features dark storylines. Yeah, we can attest to that. This episode we've got some dark dark stories to tell you. Both books are translated with vivid descriptions - these books aren't for the feint of heart.
TW: Rape, Sexual Assault, Murder, Animal Cruelty, & Bodily Mutilation
Books Discussed:
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larson
The Chestnut Man bySøren Sveistrup
We're back with our last minisode of the year! If the dreary weather's got you down, no need to fret, Kristia's book will take you to paradise! The only downside is the dad is dead and turns out he has a total double life no one knew about, but other then that it's absolute PARADISE!
Book Discussed:
Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
This week we're going in the way back machine with our historical fiction. Rachael is back in the 1600s on board a ship that is may or may not arrive at it's destination, there may be a bit of magic involved. Kristia is in China during WWII listening to jazz in a club, while all around her the world isn't what it used to be.
Books Discussed:
The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton
The Last Rose of Shanghai by Weina Dai Randel
Mini eps are back this month and we're just embracing the Winter season! Well, technically it may be the middle of the summer in Rachael's book, but give a listen to see how it ties into the theme. People die. People start to lose their minds. The only source of food is hotdogs and beer. All around a great read!
Book Discussed
The Snow by Flint Maxwell
This episode we're taking it way back to the time of Greek Gods and Goddesses. That's right, we're got Greek mythology this week! In Kristia's book, Zeus set all his kids down to Earth and every 7 years, for 7 days, they're in mortal bodies, all to try and teach them a lesson. Spoiler alert, it's been over 200 cycles and they still haven't learned it. Rachael has a retelling of Hades and Persephone, there a definitely some shading characters and our main character is much too trusting if you ask us! Listen and let us know if you agree.
Books Discussed:
Lore by Alexandra Bracken
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
November in America often means time to turn in your ballots, so sticking with that theme we're bringing you two great political thrillers this week! There are lies, spies, espionage, secret codes written on disappearing paper, an exciting game of chess, and some dysfunctional families to tie them all together!
Books Discussed:
An Unlikely Spy by Rebecca Starford
While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams
It's November and American Thanksgiving will be here before we know it, a time to spend with family and loved ones. With that in mind we picked some domestically thrilling family drama books. Kristia covers a book with ex-convict dads just trying their best to figure out who murdered their sons and why. If they have to get their hands dirty to do that, so be it! Rachael's book is taking us on a journey through the past few weeks/months as we race towards to present to try and figure out what happened to the missing mom. It seems everyone in this family has a secret, but someone definitely knows the truth!
Books Discussed:
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
Spooky season is coming to an end, but not before we get to tell you about one more scary story! Rachael is up this week and her story combines medical professionals and the paranormal. When 9 people see the spirit of someone who has just passed will you believe? Or what about light entities befriending a terminally ill child? Listen in and let us know what you think.
Book Discussed:
Haunted Healthcare by Richard Estep
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We're right in the middle of spooky season and you know we've got some frightening stories to share with ya'll! Rachael covers a classic that somehow neither of us ever read that has some really good scary fall vibes and two best friends who are total opposites. Kristia's book is set in the 50s and offers some unsettling feelings about a house, a family, and what is really going on up on the hill.
Books Discussed:
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
With spooky season comes true fears. This month our mini episodes are all about scary things that have happened in real life. For this first episode, Kristia covers a true crime story that may have left us with more questions then answers. We hear about an incredibly smart serial killer that no one even realized was out there until he was caught!
TW: Murder, Suicide, Kidnapping, Corrupt Police
Book Discussed:
American Predator by Maureen Callahan
We all know the King of Horror, Stephen King, what you might not know is that he reviews a lot of books! Side note, how can we get that job?! Anyway, this episode we've got books that the King himself says scared him. One "scared the hell out of [him], and [he] couldn’t put it down" and the other one was "scary as hell and hypnotic." Listen to hear which one was Rachael's first ever DNF on this podcast!
Books Discussed:
The Troop by Nick Cutter
Broken Monsters by Lauren Beukes
It's our first time covering Science Fiction and we couldn't be more excited! We're in SPACE, at least we're pretty sure we're in space. These two amazing books have us questioning everything we know. One is a newer release trying one last ditch effort to save the Earth and the other has managed to break reality (and Kristia's brain).
Books Discussed:
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Recursion by Blake Crouch
It's back to school season so you know we had to pick books that are set in schools to get us ready. We've got murder, kidnapping, poison, and a door knocker. Listen in and get ready to learn.
Books Discussed:
For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing
The Institute by Stephen King
What does it mean to be a New York Times best selling author, or do have a book on the NYT Best Sellers List? We have no idea. But we do enjoy reading them and you should too! This week Rachael covers a NYT best selling authors who has a questioning if our loved ones can be trusted or if the stranger on our doorstep knows more than us. Kristia's book is set in a possible future where the rights of some are know just gone and it moved slowly yet swiftly enough know on knows for sure how it all happened - it was also made into a great Hulu show!
What we know for sure is - there's a reason these books made the list.
Books Discussed:
The End Of Her by Shari Lapena
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
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We've got another graphic novel that Netflix turned into a series, what can we say they just left like a great intro into the genre. Kristia picked a much shorter one that's got power kids, crazy white old men, and an impending apocalypse!
Book Discussed:
The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite by Gerard Way
This episode we're going inside the FBI. We've got two nonfiction books written by members of the FBI from their time in the early days. We've got hostage negotiations and serial killers and all the big ones are covered - Waco, Texas, Edmund Kemper, Jordan, Montana, and Charles Manson. Take a trip with the FBI from before and during the creations of two new important programs. While crimes are discussed we don't go into any graphic details on the episode.
Books Discussed:
Stalling For Time: My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator by Gary Noesner
Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit by John Douglas
Mini episodes are back and we branched out and tried something new. We've got graphic novels this round. Rachael is up first with one that Netflix recently picked up, its about 900 pages, and feature human animal hybrid children! Listen in to see what she thought.
Book Discussed:
Sweet Tooth by Jeff Lemire
Have you been feeling down because everyone you know is on a vacation but you're stuck at home? Don't worry! This episode we've got books with vacations gone wrong, guaranteed* to fix your vacay fomo!
Books Discussed
Bring Me Back by P.A. Paris
The Vacationers by Emma Straub
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*we haven't actually tested this claim, please don't hold it against us
It's summer and we are stoked on that. This episode we've got books set in summer to help get everyone extra excited and maybe help escape a heat wave or two.
There are cousins who haven't seen each other in 10 years getting invited to visit the grandmother who disowned all her children over 20 years ago and the survivors of an almost murder. How would you cope if you were one of five someone thought about killing and the only reason you're alive, is you texted back too slowly? It even comes with an unnamed narrator - one of our favorites.
Books Discussed:
The Cousins by Karen M McManus
How She Died, How I Lived by Mary Crockett
Remember those little keychains or trinkets with your name on them from our youth? Yeah Kristia and Rachael don't, the struggle of having our names spelled "different." This episode we pushed ourselves to find a book with a main character who shares our name. Rachael already had a few on her shelf yet it was a struggle for Kristia. In the end, both books ended up similar with murder investigations, high school reunions, and a whole lotta drama.
Books Discussed:
Paranoid by **Lisa Jackson
Girl Most Likely by Max Allen Collins**
Two woman who have been friends for decades meet up every year to vacation together, but this year things don't go as planned and someone ends up dead. Rachael retells the tale in such a way we're left wondering who dun it, but she assures up the ending will leave us surprised. Everyone's got a motive but they remember the evening differently from each other. Listen in to see if you can find the killer then go download the story to see if you're right.
Book Discussed:
The House on the Water by Margot Hunt
Narrated by Taylor Schilling
With summer right around the corner there's no place we'd rather be than by the water, so we've got two water adjacent books for ya this episode. Kristia reads a book with magical youth living in an orphanage and the case worker assigned to ensure their safety. It's got plenty of character development and some twists she did not see coming. Rachael discusses a book about a recently famous podcaster coving an active murder trial. Somehow someone knows who she is and where she's staying adding to the sketchy vibes as this book alternates timelines throughout.
Books Discussed:
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
Minis are back and we took that theme to another level, we've got mini books this month! Or short stories, specifically, audio short stories. Perfect for some mindless data entry work or weeding your flowerbed in the sunshine, these stories can be knocked out in no time.
This Episode Kristia covers a book that was originally written in japan and recently translated to English. It's about a woman who works at a convenience store and has for 18 years. Every one in her life thinks it's odd she's still doing the same job, but for her, she knows who she is, and that's a convenience store worker.
Book Discussed
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka MurataTranslated by Ginny Tapley Takemori
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We all know how the story goes, price saves beautiful woman, they fall in love, she's now a beautiful princess admired by all. Adventures in a magical place that take us away from our dreary lives and we're infinitely better for it. We know them, we love them. But what if the stories we've been told aren't the whole story, what if there are darker undertones, what if they've kept the truth from us.
This episode is all about twisted fairytales. Kristia drops some hard facts on us that center around a simple truth; Peter Lies. And Rachael tells us about what happens when the princess doesn't defeat the evil queen and what becomes of the kingdom.
Books Discussed:
Lost Boy: The True Story of Captain Hook by Christina Henry
Part of Your World by Liz Braswell
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Mem•oir: a collection of memories written by the person themselves.
We may have had to lookup the difference between a memoir and an autobiography, but semantics matter to us here a iipyb. This episode we've got two very different stories for you. Rachael covers a book about how to find yourself. Her story is all about rediscovering yourself, trusting ourselves, and unleashing our truest selves. Kristia's book is a heavy one and comes with a trigger warning of sexual assault, rape, and the trauma that goes along with being a witness at trial. In her story, we learn more about an event that most of us followed along in the media that enraged many.
Books Discussed:
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
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Grab a pen and paper and get your thinking caps on cause we're taking you back to school. This episode is all about magical education. It's got magical lands accessed through wardrobes and voids in bedroom walls that can give you just about anything you want. Beware dear listener, it's also got creatures who will gladly kill you to consume your power and a nameless monster that can basically freeze time to torture you, FUN RIGHT?!
Be sure at let us know which school you'd prefer to go to, Brakebills or Scholomance (not that you'd have much of a choice with this one)
Books Discussed:
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
April showers bring May flowers... not sure what the book equivalent of that is, but it's our last April mini and we're a bit bummed. Thankfully we've got a pretty good one to talk about. This one is all about first love, awkward interactions, being the new kid, and takes us back to how it feels to be in high school.
Book Discussed
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Magic, world building, fancy names, and a story that grabs you from chapter one, all part of a great fantasy book. This episode we're bringing you two great magical fantasy worlds. One has found itself on tv, it's got demi gods cast down to Earth but unable to use their magic. A demi god of love, presenting as a young woman, unable to use her magic, we're here for it! The other has an elemental witch and a blood witch, best friends who have run away from their covens and sworn off magic, but one is now required to marry a witch hunter! What could go wrong?
Books Discussed:
Witches of East End by **Melissa de la Cruz
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin**
It's 3 mini month, so for this episode Rachael and Kristia read the same book. For Rachael it was a reread from high school but it was Kristia's first time through. The book's got it all, adventure, friendship, tricks, romance, heartbreak, threats, and really awesome hoverboards. In true YA fashion the book is a quick read and is part of a quartet so the adventure continues!
Book Discussed
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
As avid book readers we all know rule number 3, always read the book before watching the show, but what happens when you watch a show only to find out it was based on a book? You gotta go read that book of course! This episode we're discussing books that were turned in TV shows without us knowing. We've got Armageddon, helicopter maw-mas, a Hell Hound named Dog, an over protective older brother, and a gossip column with all the best juice.
Books Discussed":
Good Omens by **Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn**
We ain't foolin' YA, another month of minis are here! And this month we went with a nice broad topic, Young Adult. Kristia is up first with a fairy tale retelling. It's got everything you love in a YA book. New powers, another world visited through a broom closet, a little romance, witches who need saving, and teens who actually get grounded for once!
Take a listen then go read this series!
Book Discussed:
A Blade So Black by LL McKinney
Spring, St Patty's Day, Aquamarine birthstones, Rachael & Kristia's birthdays, what more could you ask for out of a month?! As Match babies we obviously had to celebrate with all of you, so this episode we each gifted the other a book for their special day.
Rachael's got a murder mystery that's very reminiscence of Serial. It's got a very detailed senior project, a missing (presumed dead) blonde girl, small town cops, and a best friend on a mission. Also, turns out this ones got a sequel!
Kristia has a modern day witch/ghost - what better way to track a dead witch than with an iPhone. But of course the teens of the town want to fight back against an emergency degree thinking they know better than the thousands who have come before them. Bad things happen.
TW: Suicide
Books Mentioned:
A Good Girls Guide to Murder by **Holly Jackson
Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt**
We did it. We know we're not supposed to but rules were made to be broken. This week we each picked our books based solely on the cover, and buckle in because it's a long one. Kristia went on a journey of self discovery and wasn't a huge fun, there was a lot of journaling involved. Rachael had a some historical fiction which quite a few interesting names to say the least.
We give you permission, go judge a book by it's cover. You're welcome.
Books Discussed:
Buy Yourself The F*cking Flowers by **Tara Schuster
The Familiars by Stacey Halls**
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February is Black History Month and we're using this time to push ourselves with our usual reads. We've added a lot of books to our TBR by authors of color. This week Rachael's got a workbook so she can look in and better herself while Kristia kept with a YA fiction book about black culture. We're got a great variety for ya so take a listen and get ready to add some great books to your list!
Books Discussed:
Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad
Slay by Brittney Morris
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We're back with our second love byte for you this month and let us tell ya, this one is steamy! The book is about two characters starring in a telenovela and we even get chapters that are episodes of this telenovela. Kristia is hooked and needs Carmen in Charge to come to Netflix for real! There's some great character development, spicy love scenes, and a family I wish I was a part of. Listen and let us know what you think then go and read this one, you won't be disappointed.
5 star read
5 jalapenos for spice
Book Discussed:
You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria
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🦩Giveaway Has Been Announced!🦩The month of love continues. Unfortunately for us love was not in the air with these book blind dates. Kristia almost snuck out the bathroom window, but for you dear listeners she hung in there and Rachael gives her lowest rating yet. Take a listen to see why these books just didn't do it for us. We've got sheriffs, a bed side confessional, lighthouses, a possibly not dead child, and some reporters coming in to do what they do best. Check out our Instagram for a giveaway stating tonight! instagram.com/isntitpastyourbedtime Books Discussed: Unspoken by Lisa Jackson The Ridge by Michael Koryta www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
New month new minis and since Hallmark tells us February is the month of love we've got some love bytes for ya. With a Y... get it... cause it's audio?! Anywhos, Rachael has a nontypical romance novel for ya. There's a pandemic (written in 2018 but how did she know?) but there's also time travel! And as with all things time travel, something as gone awry. Listen in to hear if you should give this pandemic time travel love story a listen.
Update: Rachael has finished the book since we recorded and still giving it a 5/5
Book Discussed:
An Ocean of Minutes by Thea Lim
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Well we tried to tackle our TBRs anyway, with some newer additions to the lists we just could resist picking them this week. Rachael's got a books that's loosely based on some real people that involves childhood trauma, Munchausen by proxy, and a delicious revenge plot. Kristia's got a magical library that will let you reverse your regrets to try and find a life that will really make you happy.
Books DIscussed:
Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
As bibliophiles we're always asking for and receiving new books as gifts and with the holidays behind us you can bet we got some new ones to start the year off. Kristia had a psychological thriller involving a stalker work on her revenge plot while Rachael got a mystery about one man stuck in his own kind of Groundhogs Day trying to solve a murder before the 8th night. We were gifted some great 5 star reads!
Books Discussed:
The Housekeeper by Natalie Barelli
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
It's out last episode of 2020 and while we won't chance saying 2021 will be our year, we are excited we've made it to the end of 2020. And with that, we've got some New Years related books this week. Kristia covers a fiction novel about the lives of January 1 babies, curses, stolen names, and meat pies. Rachael took a different meaning from the New Year topic and discusses a new non fiction book by an author she's listened to time and time again. Come and give it a listen, and we hope you all have a safe and happy New Year!
Books Discussed This Time Next Year by **Sophie Cousens
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis
Didn't See That Coming by Rachel Hollis**
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
We're back with our second holiday mini of 2020! This episode is an Audible Original and it's bringing some spice to you this season. There's a love triangle involving two best friends and thankfully some very endowed cheese platters, Listen in to get all the gossip.
Book Discussed:
Eight Winter Nights by Liz Maverick
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This week we're getting into the way back machine and reading some classics. We start with a great story about families and end with one where families are a thing of the past. Listen in to get our takes on these classics and if they're worth the read or not.
Books Discussed
Franny and Zooey by **J.D. Salinger
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley**
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
music: purple-planet.com sound effects: zapspalt.com
Our minis are back and just in time to get in the holiday spirit. This episode we've got a book that Netflix grabbed, and honestly did a great job with! We've got carolers, mid day showings of Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, a very large book store, and even some sad and snarky teens. What more could you ask for in a holiday book? Oh! There's some peppermint schnapps of course. So grab yourself some eggnog, turn on that TV fireplace, and listen in.
Book Discussed:
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
www.isntispastyourbedtime.com
music: purple-planet.com | sound effects: zapslat.com
This episode we decided to take a step back from the heavy stuff and read something a bit more comfy-cozy. Kristia accidently re-read a book that Rachael recommended so we've got a lot to talk about. It's got classism, princesses, rebel attacks, and a fight for the Prince's heart. Rachael went truly cozy with a classic murder mystery. Does the main character own a bakery, a coffee shop, maybe an antique store? And can she solve the murder before the police? Listen in to find out!
Books Discussed:
The Selection by **Keira Cass
Waterfall Tweed Cozy Mystery (1) by Mona Marple**
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: purple-planet.com | Sound Effects: zapsplat.com
Welcome, welcome! With Thanksgiving right around the corner we know a lot of you have made the touch decision to stay home and away from your loved ones this year. We don't want you to miss out on the family dynamics and drama that come along with the turkey and mashed potatoes, so this week we're got some family dynamics for ya. We've got taxidermized peacock, mystery quests, roadkill, and an inherited bookshop. We also of course have children who don't understand their parents, grieving moms, and a dead loved ones. We even through in a little dating advice, just go ahead and call us your Aunties this year.
Books Discussed:
Mostly Dead Things by **Kristen Arnett
The Bookshop of Yesterdays by Amy Meyerson**
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: purple-planet.com | Sound Effects: zapslat.com
We're got some repeat authors this week and they both blew us away with their stories, two 5 star reads! We've got a banker robber who isn't a banker robber, a clique of mean girls, a hostage drama, a missing father, and a recovered human bone. Listen in to see if you can figure out what's actually going on with the stories, because we guarantee a twist or two is involved.
Books Discussed:
Anxious People by **Fredrick Backman
A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
In a Dark Dark Wood by Ruth Ware**
TW: Suicide
Time Stamps: 15:18 - 15:53, 18:38 - 18:43, 18:53 - 19:16, 19:48 - 19:48
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
music: purple-planet.com | sound effects: zapslat.com
Spook season is coming to an end and here is our final mini spook of the season. We saved a great one for last! It's the first (and possibly only) book we'll ever tell you to watch the movie before reading. Or live on the edge and read it first, we aren't your mom.
All the classics are there: witches, talking animals, glorious mornings, black flame candles, and virgins, oh my! But that's not all! There's even a sequel we didn't know we didn't need. We read it so you don't have to and we can confirm it's just a bunch of hocus pocus.
Book Discussed:
Hocus Pocus & the All-New Sequel by Disney
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music: purple-planet.com
Make sure you've got your nightlight on, the covers pulled up to your chin, and be sure not to look under the bed because this week we've got some scary AF stories to tell you about. We're talking scary enough they need to get sent to the freezer to keep us safe. There's hidden staircases, evil townspeople, books nailed to trees, and creepy childhood drawings where they shouldn't be. There's even some arsenic in the sugar bowl, so be sure not to put any on your blackberries or you may end up dead like the rest of the family.
Books Discussed
The Turn of the Key by **Ruth Ware
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Kill Creek by Scott Thomas**
www,isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: purple-planet.com | Sound Effect: zapslat.com
Spooky season minis are still here and this week we've got a fictional retelling of a true crime story. Because, you know, murder. It's set in 1888 but don't let that fool you into thinking it's some boring old story. We talk with the dead, a random dog shows up, we go to the asylum, not necessarily in that order. Grab your favorite pumpkin treat, get cozy, and listen to Kristia struggle to say Leather Apron.
Book Discussed:
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
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Music: purple-planet.com
To get us ready for spooky season we're starting off October with some psychological thrillers. While not your typical scary genre a good psychological thriller can really start to mess with your mind. We've got gaslighting, affairs, stolen identities (literally), a decent drinking problem, and some forgotten pasts. Listen to see if you can follow along and figure out the twists!
Books Discussed:
Blood Orange by **Harriet Tyce
When I Was You by Minka Kent**
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: purple-planet.com | Sound Effects: zapsplat.com
It's our favorite time of year and mini episodes are back! One that note we're reading some good spooky, creepy, murdery, or just Halloweeny books this month. Rachael is up first with a quick Audible Original about a 15 year old murder. It's just terribly unfortunate when a body washes up from the Florida Keys and buries itself in a grave.
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Book Discussed:
Buried Deep an Audible Original
Music: purple-planet.com
Banned Book Week starts on the 27th this year, to celebrate we're talking about two recent books that have been challenged and banned multiple times. Rachael's book was published in 2007, and was the most challenged book of 2017. The book is centered around suicide, so we understand why people may think it glorified suicide, but we believe it's too important of a story to banned.
Suicide TW: If you want to skip this book, start at 33:00
Kristia's book was published in 2017 and spent the first two years in the top ten banned books. It's often challenged and banned due to it's "vulgar language," "racially-insensitive language," and for "being anti-police." This story is also too important to be banned, these books should be read and discussed by students so they can gain a better understanding of these tough topics.
Books Discussed: Thirteen Reasons Why by **Jay Asher
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas**
September is also Suicide Prevention Month if you are struggling, know you are not alone. Help is available.
800.273.8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Music: purple-planet.com | Sound Effects: zapsplat.com
Hold on to your kidneys! We hope you're ready for some light-hearted dark comedy and a whole lotta fun. We've got a stories with wizards, ice baths, time travel, Mexican hotels, magic, the FBI, the Mafia, and the Treasury Department! This episode is a wild ride sure to give you an ab workout. So grab a drink you don't mind spitting up from laughter and join us!
Books Discussed:
Off to be The Wizard by **Scott Meyer
Cut and Run by Ben Acker, Ben Blacker**
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: Purple-planet.com | Sound effects: zapspalt.com
Welcome to our dirty thirty episode! This week we're tackling some great books, that were turned into lame movies, mainly because of the main actress. Be forewarned we mention a decent amount of spoilers in this episode, but these books came out years ago. If you haven't read them yet, do that, them give us a listen.
Come along with us on our journey of vampires, dystopian futures, and a few side tangents sprinkled in.
Corrections Needed: Kristia inaccurately spoke about her book, her main character was in Abnegation, the selfless, not Amity, the peaceful. Her bad.
Books Discussed:
The Twlight Saga by Stephanie Meyer
Divergent by Veronica Roth
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music: purple-planet.com | soundeffects: zapsplat.com
Bachelor franchise fans, this one's for you! On our second Summer Lovin' episode Kristia discusses a book that's got ALL THE DRAMA! Main Squeeze is basically the Bachelor so we get all the juicy behind the scenes action that has us coming back every week for our favorite trashy reality tv. This book has it all, a badass female lead, a couple trash humans who call themselves men, twists and turns, a variety of lipstick colors, and an ending you won't see coming! Our author's debut novel is great and we can't wait to see what she writes next.
Book: One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: purple-planet.com | Sound Effects: Zapslat.com
This week we just went for it and each picked a random book that sounded good or looked good in Rachael's case. Kristia's got a book club that isn't a book club trying to convince their husbands that there is a dangerous man in their neighborhood who may or may not be a vampire. And as you might expect, the menfolk don't believe them. Rachael's got a story about teenage romance that ends with a rape allegation. The accused is a twin and his twin can tell he's lying, but about what, she isn't quite sure.
TW: Rape - while Rachael's book has a lot of trauma and rape triggers, she doesn't talk any of the scenes or give any details in this episode
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music: purpleplanet.com | soundeffects: zapslat.com
We're back with our minisodes! And this month Rachael's love of Grease got us reading some summer lovin' books. You all know how much we love a spooky, thriller, murder novel, so this took us outside our usual picks. Rach is up first with a cute story about two people who share a flat, but never meet. We know what you're thinking, if they never meet how will they ever find love?! Listen in to find out!
Book Discussed:
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
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music: purple-planet.com | sound effects: zapsplat.com
You know what time it is! It's time to crank the AC, put on your fuzzy socks, and grab a cup of holiday cheer, because it's Christmas in July! This episode we've got some email mishaps due to some very similar names that leads to romance during the holiday season, and maybe even a real white horse. We've also got a classic Christmas who-dun-it. Santa passes out next to a bottle of whiskey, there are secret server passageways, and of course a cozy main street with an adorable cafe. Listen in to help get you in the holiday spirit, a few month early.
Books Discussed:
A Cup of Holiday Fear by **Ellie Alexander
The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward**
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Music: purple-planet.com | Sound Effects: Zapsplat.com
Buckle in folks, its the end of the world! Or it at least feels that way. We've got a virus that may have been brought on by magicks and has killed 50% of the population (according to the government at least). It also brought out witches, faires, and many other magick folk. We've also got a cheater book all about a zombie apocalypse, thankfully they're are some really smart people involved who are trying to figure out which kind of zombies we're dealing with.
Oh! And we learn a great lessons this episode, jerks will always be jerks, even at the end of the world.
Books Discussed:
Year One by **Nora Roberts
We're Alive an Audio Drama by Wayland Productions**
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: purple-planet.com | Sound Effects: zapslat.com
This week there was an unexpected additional theme. We had planned for non-fiction but we both ended up picking one that was heavy in science and medicine. While non-fiction isn't our usual go to we decided to branch out and challenge ourselves.
Rachael reads a book by a retired surgeon about his career, that is full of information we, as patients, should know. While Kristia tackles a story about what can happen when a doctor takes our cells and uses them to greatly advance the medical world, without our or our families knowledge.
Guest appears by the ever lovely Moxxie. Each book comes with the R&K approvals so make sure you're in a quiet place and come learn with us!
Books Discussed:
Do No Harm by **Henry Marsh
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot**
PS: Kristia's mic officially died, so apologies about the poor audio quality this week
You can check out all our past reads here: isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: purple-planet.com | Sound Effects: zapsplat.com
We're back with more quarantine crime fiction for y'all! This episode is so relatable it's almost scary. A group of 3 people try and plan a project and complete a project over Zoom. As you can expect, there are technical difficulties, interrupting family members, and some really interesting locations for these meetings. Oh, and some back stabbing theft! Tune in to figure out what all goes down.
Book Discussed:
Inside Jobs by Ben H. Winters
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Music: purple-planet.com | Sound Effects: zapsplat.com
🎵As we go on - we remember - all the- had times we - had together🎵
🎵As our lives change - come whatever - we will still be - friends forever🎵
This episode with so many students graduating in these weird times we decided to tackle some Coming of Age Stories. Grab a drink and buckle in, because Kristia controlled the majority of this episode with some mind bending time travel that will have you wishing for 3 more books. Rachael covers a classic from our childhood evolving kids from the wrong side of the tracks, some state fruits, perfectly placed fires, and a hurricane?
Books Discussed:
Oona Out of Order by **Margarita Montimore
Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson**
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Music: purple-planet.com | Sound Effects: zapsplat.com
It's a thing now!
This month's minis are brought to you by Audible Originals (yes, those again) because Ben H. Winters came out with three amazing mini stories about the crimes that could be happening while we're all stuck at home.
This episode we're covering what could happen when a newly single woman tries every hobby she never had time to do and stumbles upon a possible murder! Or is it just the cabin fever that's getting to her.
Listen and find out!
Book Discussed:
Inside Jobs by Ben H. Winters
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Music: purple-plant.com | Sound Effects: zapslat.com
We aren't sponsored by Audible but by now we bet you all know how much we love a good listen from them. So for this episode we picked an Audible Original, a story written specifically for audio content and let us tell you, these did not disappoint. We've got true identity theft and telekinetic powers this week.
Join us for a whole bunch of belly laughs, these stories got a solid 5 nip slips outta 5 nips slips this week, they're truly a level 5!
Books Discussed:
Orlando People by **Alexander C. Kane
Tinaca Jones by Matt Boren**
Music: purple-planet.com
Sound Efftects: zap-splat.com
This week we searched for books our favorite TV characters are reading and turns out they read a lot of classics, or pretend to read that is. We've got quite the variety this episode, from a childhood favorite where the main character searches for answers to a dark classic set in the 50's that covers women's mental health and the struggles of being different.
TW: Rachael's entire book covers topics including suicide attempts and suicide ideation, for that reason we are recommending you do not listen to her review if these topics aren't for you. Her section begins 20 minutes in. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Books Discussed:
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by **Judy Blume
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath**
Check out or website for past reads; isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: purple-planet.com Sound Effects: zapslat.com
We're still at home and at this point we'd really love the opportunity to be just about anywhere else. So this week we picked our books on title only, finishing the sentence I'd Rather Be ________. As you may have guessed, where our main characters end up might not be ideal. While we're all doing our part and staying home you should grab a drink, get comfy, and let us take you with us as we leave our living rooms and travel to somewhere hopefully more exciting. Stay Safe Friends.
Books Discussed:
The Girl on the Beach by **Tracy Buchanan
The Guest List by Lucy Foley**
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Music: purple-planet.com Sound Effects: zapslat.com
The odds were NOT in our favor on this episode of worst book to movie adaptations. While Jennifer Lawrence did a great job as Katniss, Hollywood really let us down in a lot of other ways. The biggest one: the book is WAY more brutal than the movie, it is the Hunger Games after all, make it dark, we can handle it, we read the book! *Spoiler Alert: We're talking about the entire first book in this episode, so we're assuming you either read the book or at least have seen the movie and have no intentions of reading the book to find out what you missed. But maybe after you give this one a listen, you'll change your mind and go crack it open.
Book Discussed:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
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Music: purple-planet.com | Sound Effect: zapslat.com
This week we're coming at you with quick reads. We've got two books you can knock out in a weekend, or even one sitting if you're up for a challenge. There's old high school friends, poor judgement, stalking, murder, and revived serial killers! Both books ends with a twist, but unfortunately for you, you'll have to read the books to figure them out. Listen and be sure to let us know what you're favorite quick reads are!
TW: Mention of bullying leading to suicide: 08:50-09:05 | https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Books Discussed:
The Lies She Told by **N.L. Hinkens
My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing**
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Music: purple-planet.com Sound Effects: Zapslap.com
We're back with another book that Hollywood just had to go and ruin! There are some peculiar things going on this episode, mainly why they had to go and change a love interest (and make it icky), or even worse, why they had to change the abilities someone had. Okay, end rant. Grab a drink, you're going to need one.
Book Discussed:
Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
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Music: purple-plant.com
Stuck in your home unable to get out to your happy place, aka the bookstore? We feel ya! That's why this episode we're doing quarantine reads and reading something off our shelf that we already own! gasp We've got a mom and daughter with a possible stalker looking for a new apartment and children who can catch on fire. Exciting thing are happening this episode. So grab your favorite quarantini and settle in.
Books Discussed:
Nothing to See Here by **Kevin Wilson
The Apartment by K.L. Slater**
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music: purple-planet.com | sound effects: zapsplat.com
Our minisodes are back, Kristia actually kept it short this time, and we're coming at ya with the worst book to movie ever! The book as great, five outta five, science fiction, dystopian future, Wil Wheaton as a narrator. Then Hollywood had to get involved and turn pure magic gold into sadness. Give it a listen and be sure to reach out and let us know if you are equally upset or if you think they actually did a decent job. And as always, please let us know what movies broke your book heart.
Book Discussed:
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
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Music: purple-planet.com
Happy Birthday to us! It's a known fact that March birthdays are the best birthdays. This episode we're celebrating both our birthdays! We each picked out a book for the other in hopes they'd love it, and spoiler alert, we did good. Rachael's book is half book half podcast and Kristia's book has dystopian, undead vibe going on.
TW: murder/sexual assault for the entirety of Rachel's book, its all throughout, there isn't much we could do
TW: Miscarriage 1:06-1:08ish
Books Discussed:
Sadie by **Courtney Summers
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan**
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Music: purple-planet.com | Sound effects: zapslat.com
Buckle up kids, we're taking you a trip this episode. 🧳We challenged ourselves to find books that are set in Ireland and were also turned into a movie! Turns out it was much harder than we thought. Tune in to see if the producers did our books justice or if it was a sad state of affairs. Be sure and pop some popcorn because we've got a lot to talk about on our longest episode yet. 🍿
Books Discussed:
PS, I Love You by **Cecelia Ahern
Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern**
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com,
Music: purple-planet.com | Sound Effects: zapslat.com
Since it's still the month of love, we took a leap and asked our friends to set us up on a blind date... with a book. We had them pick books they think we'd like and give us 2-3 sentences describing it. We both lucked out, the books were amazing! Shout out to Susie and Libby the real MVPs of this episode. If you ever want to go on a blind date with a book, shoot us an email at isntitpastyourbedtime@gmail.com and we'll hook you up!
TW: Miscarriage (28:00-29:30). There is also mention about infertility near the 45:00 mark
Books Discussed:
The Night Circus by **Erin Morgenstern
The Wives by Tarryn Fisher**
Music: purple-planet.com Sound Effects: zapslat.com
It's our second love letter episode and in true Kristia fashion, she couldn't keep it short, so enjoy a full length "mini" episode. Grab a glass of wine and get cozy this episode has it all: important businessmen, quadriplegics, castles, stupid ex-boyfriends, family drama, vacations, and of course, love! TW: this book, and our episode, discuss the topics of suicide and assisted suicide.
Book Discussed:
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
check out our website: isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: purple-planet.com Sound Effects: zapslat.com
In honor of Black History Month here in the US we each chose books by authors of color. Kristia's author didn't read his first book until he was SEVENTEEN and her book takes place in the span of 60 seconds! Rachael's book is a debut autobiographical novel for her author that explores the surreal experience of having a fractured self. TW: there is mention of rape and self harm in R's retelling of this story, as always we'll give you notice beforehand so you can skip ahead. Audio Note: Apologizes for the poor sound quality on K's end, her usual recording space slightly flooded and she had to make due with some changes.
Books Discussed:
Long Way Down by **Jason Reynolds
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi**
Music: purple-planet.com Sound Effects: zapslat.com
February is the Month of Love (at least that's what Hallmark tells us) so for our minisodes with month we choose a book from the Romance genre. This week Rachael is pulling at our heart strings and giving us all the feels with her book set in Dublin. It involves a run down bar, a cute musician, a teacher starting over, and of course, a perfectly poured Guinness. So grab a glass of wine and join us.
Book Discussed:
I'm Still Standing by Colleen Coleman
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Music: purple-planet.com Sound Effects: zapsplat.com
New long(er) episode. This episode we're talking about new releases for January 2020. Both books have some mystery/thriller/psychological chaosvibes going on. They also both get 5/5 for sure! Give it a listen and be sure to reach out and let us know what you're favorite new release of 2020 is.
Books Discussed:
The Sun Down Motel by **Simore St. James
The Better Liar by Tanen Jones**
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Music: purple-planet.com Sound effects: zapslat.com
A book is a gift you can open again and again. This week we're talking about some books that we received (or gifted ourselves) this holiday season. Because lets be honest, the greatest gift is the gift of reading... or maybe a giftcard for a coffee and a book.
TW: Conversations of race and racism
Books Discussed:
Codename Villanelle by **Luke Jennings
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult**
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Music: purple-planet.com Sound Effects: zapslat.com
New Year New Us! There aren't even any murders in these books this week (look at us branching out)! This week K stays on theme with a book that takes place during the abyss between Christmas & New Years (which was very hard to find). We also cover the memoir of everyone's favorite geek superheroine + her new book about unleashing our own creativity, the perfect way to start a new decade. Listen to the end for info on how to enter our first ever GIVEAWAY!
Books Discussed:
You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) by **Felicia Day
Embrace Your Weird by Felicia Day
P.S. Your Cat is Dead by James Kirkwood**
Throw another log on the fire and grab your cocoa cause we're getting snowed in. This Cozisode we discuss a book that has it all: coffee, romance, winter storms that threaten to kill, more coffee, and MURDER. You'll definitely want to check out the rest of the books in this series and see how this one ends for yourself after this episode!
Book Discussed:
Frozen Ground by Debra Webb
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Music: purple-planet.com Sound Effects: zapsplat.com
It's the hap-happiest season of all! This episode we're doing holiday stories and we may have gotten a little excited, it's another long one! We're comparing a classic Christmas movie to the original book to see if the book really is better and we've got a nontraditional holiday story surrounding a family and their week long quarantine. We hope you all have a fantastic December!
Books Discussed:
Seven Days of Us by **Francesca Hornak
Skipping Christmas by John Grisham**
Music: purple-planet.com Sound Effects: zapslat.com
Our mini episodes are back and they're cozy this time... Cozisodes! Take a listen as Rachael tells us about the cozy story she choose this week, there might even be a murder!
Book Discussed:
A Little Paris Christmas Murder by Evan Hirst
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Music: purple-planet.com Sound Effects: zapsplat.com
Welcome to our longest episode yet! [and its the actual episode - sorry about the technical issue on posting day] This week we're picking books that have been sitting on our shelves for awhle. Rachael went a little overboard with FIVE books, & Kristia finally got around to reading the series she got for Christmas last year. Prepare yourself for empowering poetry & a dystopian future. Refrigerator.
TW: 31:48 - 32:30 mention of abuse/murder
Books Discussed:
The Darkest Minds by **Alexandra Bracken
Her. by Pierre Alex Jeanty
Her. Vol. 2 by Pierre Alex Jeanty
Life of the Party by Olivia Gatwood
Wild Embrace by Nikita Gill**
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: purple-planet.com Sound Effects: zapslat.com
We're going back to our roots in this episode and talking about books we're just excited to read. There's no theme - Rachael finally read (or "reistened") to a book she's had on her shelf for months and Kristia is reading her very first ARC!
TW: Mental Health, Mention of suicide
Books Discussed:
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by **Gail Honeyman
The God Game by Danny Tobey**
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: purple-planet.com Sound Effects: zapslat.com
Two friend's obsession with true crime podcasts leads them to pursue true crime books. For this episode we dip a toe into the non-fiction genre with true crime novels about some really awful people! TW / CW: We discuss murder (The DC Sniper)& rape (The Golden State Killer) in this episode. While we don't go into the specific details of these heinous crimes, this episode may be uncomfortable for some listeners. We'll go lighter next time, pinky promise!
Books Discussed:
I'll Be Gone in the Dark by **Michelle McNamara
Call Me God by Jim Clemente, Tim Clemente, Peter McDonnell**
Check out our website for more: www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: purple-planet.com Sound effects: zapslat.com
Take a seat in the Way Back Machine; Kristia's taking you back to the joy of the Master of Fright, R.L. Stine! Listeners beware, you're in for a scare! Just remember: Say Cheese! Then DIE SCREAMING! Muwahahaha
Books Discussed:
Say Cheese - And Die Screaming by R.L. Stine
www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: www.purple-plant.com Sound Effects: www.zapslat.com
Our heads are full of ghosts this week, that's for sure! Dim the lights, crawl under the covers, & prepare to be spooked! Come listen to see what books we picked to get us in a fright for the Halloween Season!
Book Discussed:
A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
PS: Rachael has a bit of a cold this week, so our episode is a little shorter than usual.
In the daylight, I don't believe in ghosts. At night, I'm a little more open minded. Welcome to the second installment of our Campfire Stories! This week, Rachael reads ghost stories that'll give you goosebumps. Grab some cocoa & climb into bed - but whatever you do, don't listen alone.
Book Discussed:
Ghost Stories by Roald Dahls
Check out our website for more of our fall favorites: isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: purple-planet.com Sound Effects: zapslat.com
This episode we're heading to Maine to hang out with the KING of horror. One could say he's THE SHINING star of the literary world; he really CARRIE's the genre to a new level... alright, you get IT. PS: If you don't like his books, well you're just a dirty birdie
Books Discussed:
Carrie by **Stephen King
Misery by Stephen King**
Check out our website for more: www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: www.purple-planet.com Sound Effects: www.zapslat.com
Are you afraid of the dark? No? Well, we'll see about that. Today marks the beginning of our first mini series and we're getting spooooky with "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark." Does it still scare us as adults? Come listen to find out! Make sure you turn down the lights, & don't let your feet hang over the bed. BOO!
Book Discussed:
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz
Check out our website for all the scary and not-so-scary books we're reading: www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Music: purple-planet.com
We Read Banned Books! There, we said it! In honor of Banned Book Week (September 22 - 28, 2019)we've selected books that closed-minded adults decided to ban. This week we're talking about one book that they may have been justly banning (at least for that age group) and one they definitely got wrong! #whichnotwitch TW: Rape, slavery, and possession. To avoid those topics, skip 6:30-12:45. As always, you can check out all our past books (and soon to be all the books we read that we don't talk about on the podcast) at our website: www.isntitpastyourbedtime.com
Books Discussed:
Beloved by **Toni Morrison
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle**
Music: www.purple-planet.com Sound Effects: www.zapslat.com
WARNING: The sound quality on this episode is rough! We were just so excited and didn't research recording quality like we should have. The sound vastly improves in episode 6. It's back to school season! A former AP student & an AP dropout go back and read books everyone seems to have read already. It's a Major Major episode - even if it gets a little Jeremy Bearimy in the middle. PS: Keep your smoke signal fire lit if you want to get rescued & when someone asks you not to call them Piggy, be cool & respect that.
Books Discussed:
Catch-22 by **Joseph Heller
Lord of the Flies by William Golding**
Music: www.purple-planet.com Sound Effects: www.zapslat.com
WARNING: The sound quality on this episode is rough! We were just so excited and didn't research recording quality like we should have. The sound vastly improves in episode 6. One book, two narrators, FBI Agents, a viral outbreak, & an androgynous protagonist (say that 5 times fast) - and we're just getting started. Diggin' gender-fluid characters?
Book Discussed:
Lock In by John Scalzi
Check out our website for a list of other titles! isntitpastyourbedtime.com
WARNING: The sound quality on this episode is rough! We were just so excited and didn't research recording quality like we should have. The sound vastly improves in episode 6. Cornerstones of a Beach Read: ✔️ Town Gossip ✔️ Romantic Encounters ✔️ Drama (and a murder?) Lather on the SPF, lay down your towel, grab a Mai-Tai, & settle in for our hot summer picks! How many seashells do you think this weeks' books will earn?
Books Discussed:
The Weekenders by **Mary Kay Andrews
The Summer Retreat by Sheila Roberts**
Check out our website isntitpastyourbedtime.com for more info!
WARNING: The sound quality on this episode is rough! We were just so excited and didn't research recording quality like we should have. The sound vastly improves in episode 6. Can a dog solve a murder? We have no idea. But we DO know you should call someone before you fly across the country to visit them, surprises be damned. Come get in the holiday spirit with us while we celebrate Christmas in July; we'll bring the Hot Buttered Rums! On second thought, it's summertime and this is a podcast - maybe get something cold. ;)
Books Discussed:
Trading Christmas by **Debbie Macomber
Gingerbread Murder by Summer Prescott**
Check out our website isntitpastyourbedtime.com for more info!
WARNING: The sound quality on this episode is rough! We were just so excited and didn't research recording quality like we should have. The sound vastly improves in episode 6. Welcome! Join us to meet our hosts, find out what we're reading, and what's up next!! Have you picked up a book today? Check out our website isntitpastyourbedtime.com for more info!
Books Discussed:
Truly Devious by **Maureen Johnson
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager**
Isn't It Past Your Bedtime is a bi-weekly podcast by two long-distance besties, discussing the books we can't stop readin' in the wee hours of the night, and if they were worth losing zzz's over. Episode 01 drops July 16th on SoundCloud, Spotify and iTunes. WARNING: The sound quality on this episode is rough! We were just so excited and didn't research recording quality like we should have. The sound vastly improves in episode 6. Check out our website isntitpastyourbedtime.com for more info!