The To Read List Podcast: Recent Episodes
The To Read List
Most people have books on their shelves they’ve been meaning to read. Bailey has 125. With this podcast, she and her friends set out to finish their ever-growing To Read Lists.
Well, Page-Os, after six years of irreverent book reviews, we have come to the end of The To Read List Podcast.
In this, our final episode, we reminisce about our most loved (and most hated) books and share memorable moments from the pod's 150-episode run. We give out our final Bookend Awards, play a final Andrew game, and face the final Russian Rou-List. Plus, a mini-review from the podcast baby, Maggie!
Thank you so much for listening. See you in the next chapter. Books books books!
THE BRIGHT SWORD by LEV GROSSMAN
THE CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR by JEAN M. AUEL
Du nuh nuh, nuh nuhhh (to the theme song of A Charlie Brown Christmas) Page-O’s! It’s our last review-centric episode, and boy howdy do we have some good ones. First Toby unsheathes his reviewing rapier to tackle Lev Grossman’s new Arthurian epic The Bright Sword, then Bailey rakes her critical claws across the prehistoric potboiler (not really but I’m having fun here) The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel. All this plus a time-centric game from Andrew, a pod poll on the new Sally Rooney, and an air of ending and vague sadness that’s perfect for fall! Tell people your tears are cold wind related!
HIS DARK MATERIALS by Philip Pullman
WATERSHIP DOWN by Richard Adams
In our 148th episode, Andrew covers not one, not two, but three books! That's right, it's HIS DARK MATERIALS week on the pod. Will Andrew be captivated by this classic, which Toby reveres? And just in case you were worried that we didn't have enough touchstone works of fiction for children featuring animals, Bailey dives into WATERSHIP DOWN by Richard Adams. There's also a healthy heaping of speed reading discussion, sassy author quotes, and capybaras - aka something for everyone!
*If you'd like to have your voice on our last episode, please send a voice note of your best "Books, books, books!" to our email - more info in the episode!
THE SHADOW OF THE TORTURER by Gene Wolfe /
A SEPARATE PEACE by John Knowles
Why, hello, Page-os. We apologize for the delay with this episode's release--we had an important announcement to make, and we wanted to do it right. Also, Bailey's been traveling and totally messing with the recording schedule. Shame!
After our bittersweet announcement, Toby reads a book written by someone named Gene about a man remembering his glory days, and Bailey reads a book written by a man about someone named Gene remembering his glory days. Add in the keywords "high fantasy" and "World War II," and you get THE SHADOW OF THE TORTURER and A SEPARATE PEACE! We also discuss an imaginary friend and torture Andrew with academia. Enjoy! xo
ASSASSIN’S APPRENTICE by ROBIN HOBB THE LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS by URSULA K LE GUIN
All hail King Smart, Page-O’s! This episode is a genre fiction double-shot as Andrew checks out the Six Duchies and lets us know what he thought of Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Apprentice (Toby has opinions). Meanwhile, Bailey travels light years away to the planet of Gethen and evaluates The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K Le Guin (Toby has even MORE opinions). All these Toby opinions, plus a game that pits your hosts against each other in a battle of wits to see who can serve King Thinks Good best!
THE GUEST by Emma Cline /
THE PROSPECTS by K.T. Hoffman
This week, we review the classic film BULL DURHAM...I mean...we review books! After Toby writhes in the tense discomfort of Emma Cline's THE GUEST, Bailey joins the minor league with THE PROSPECTS, a romantic sports comedy featuring a bevy of trans joy. Finally, Andrew takes us out to the ballgame by testing our knowledge of ridiculous mascots. Will anyone make The Show? What is The Show? Why are we still talking about The Show? All this and more will be revealed...maybe .
SLEEPING MURDER & A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED by Agatha Christie /
THE TURNOUT by Megan Abbott
Miss Marple has entered the chat! This week our valiant hosts cover not one - but two! - Agatha Christie mysteries, SLEEPING MURDER and A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED. Will they solve the crime before the murderer strikes again?? And - if that wasn't enough intrigue for you - Bailey read a twisty thriller of her own, Megan Abbott's THE TURNOUT. There's also an unhealthy amount of love for a certain non-fiction book, a bizarro game, and Andrew is... a bit of a butthead about ballet.
GHOSTS by EDITH WHARTON
FAMILY MEAL by BRYAN WASHINGTON
Set your plates and don your capes, Page-O’s! This week on the pod Toby dives into Ghosts by Edith Wharton, which is, well, maybe you can guess what it is. Bailey dines on Family Meal by Bryan Washington, Andrew serves up a game of ghostly food, and all the hosts absolutely tear apart the New York Times’ Top 100 Books of the 21st Century!
TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN by John Green /
THE LAST HOUSE ON NEEDLESS STREET by Catriona Ward
In today's new episode, Andrew tries desparately to make John Green notice him, while Bailey tries desperately not to spoil the book she spoiled for herself. Plus, Bailey shares the shameful result of a trip to a romance bookstore, Andrew brags about his dream SSR vacation, and Dillon leads us down the turtle-hole with the hardest game ever. Enjoy!
THE NINE BILLION NAMES OF GOD (and RENDEZVOUS WITH RAMA) by Arthur C. Clarke /
ARE YOU THERE, GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET. by Judy Blume
Fellow "pleasures to have in class," join us this week for Toby's rollercoaster of a review plus a short journey through Bailey's puberty. First, Toby surprises us all with a review of the film ARMAGEDDON...oh wait, we mean the sci-fi classic RENDEZVOUS WITH RAMA by Arthur C. Clarke! Then, Bailey tries to relate to an eleven-year-old when she finally reads the seminal coming of age novel ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET. We have time to share our non-book-buying shame, to give ourselves report card comments, and to play a game identifying all the Daisys...oh wait, we mean Margarets!
THE SONG OF ACHILLES by Madeline Miller
SPEECH TEAM by Tim Murphy
Prepare your position papers and make sure you have your humorous interpretation memorized, because this week, Bailey dives into SPEECH TEAM by Tim Murphy! High School competition not really your style? That's okay, Andrew has plenty of thoughts about Madeline Miller's bestselling novel, THE SONG OF ACHILLES to tide you over. There's also a host of obscure Greek Gods, a breakdown of Andrew's caterpillar situation, and Bailey shames her former teachers!
THE LATHE OF HEAVEN by URSULA K LE GUIN
THE MOST FUN WE EVER HAD by CLAIRE LOMBARDO
Dream a little dream of us, Page-O’s! In this episode, Toby gives an ‘effective’ review of Ursula K Le Guin’s The Lathe of Heaven plus an explanation of what exactly a lathe is. Then Bailey has a rip-roaring good time reviewing Claire Lombardo’s The Most Fun We Ever Had. All this AND a terrifying tale of plants gone mad await your ear-holes!
THE SPLENDID AND THE VILE by Erik Larson /
BEACH READ by Emily Henry
In this episode, we get to talk about two of our favorite authors--Emily "The Love Book" Henry and Erik "The Larsman" Larson. Will we be able to stop ourselves from reading every book they've ever written? Will we ever stop talking about Winston Churchill's bathtime? Will our college crush return our texts? Tune in to find out!
PALE BLUE DOT by Carl Sagan /
THE GIFT OF FEAR by Gavin de Becker
Toby makes his triumphant return to the podcast only to reveal his greatest shame yet! While "reviewing" PALE BLUE DOT, he makes us question how much we all care about space. Next, Bailey dives into THE GIFT OF FEAR, a thrilling self-help book that demonstrates why you should listen to your gut feelings (and be friends with Meryl Streep). Finally, we re-name the planets with the help of Gen Z. Enjoy!
THE UNWOMANLY FACE OF WAR by Svetlana Alexievich /
UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN by John Krakauer
The choosening really brought some heavy hitters to the book nook this time--these tomes pack a punch! First Andrew learns about the women of the Soviet Army during World War II in Nobel Laureate Svetlana Alexievich's THE UNWOMANLY FACE OF WAR, a harrowing oral history. Then Bailey dives into John Krakauer's part true crime, part history UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN. There's plenty more in this episode, including a very intense job interview, some truly wild facts, and GAK!
THE LIAR’S CLUB by MARY KARR /
SURVIVOR by CHUCK PAHLANIUK
Tell the truth, Page-Os, you’re excited for this one! In this episode, Toby reads Mary Karr’s THE LIAR'S CLUB, a memoir so powerful that it is rumored to have revitalized the genre as a whole in the 1990s, and Bailey has her first Chuck Pahlaniuk experience (what!? I know, right?) with SURVIVOR, his slightly lesser-known but possibly-just-as-good-or-BETTER follow up to FIGHT CLUB. Plus, we get some advice about visiting Istanbul from Andrew, hear about Toby’s shame, and play a game where we say, “UM, ACTUALLY…” quite a lot!
THE CITY OF BRASS by S.A. Chakraborty /
THE MITFORDS edited by Charlotte Mosley
Today's the day that Bailey finally reviews THE MITFORDS, the 800-page epistolary non-fiction that's been glaring at her from the shelf for over a decade. Plus, Andrew dives into a new fantasy series with THE CITY OF BRASS and gets a song stuck in our heads in the process. Don't miss a game that reveals our limited Broadway knowledge, an admission of delayed shame, and a series of wild speculations about the making of the Mitfords. Enjoy!
SORROWLAND by Rivers Solomon
THE WANGS VS. THE WORLD by Jade Chang
Bailey and Dillon are back, baby! Now that the crew has re-assembled, Toby can introduce us to a new friend in Rivers Solomon, and Bailey can finally review the Jade Chang book she read two months ago. Plus, Dillon shares his latest reads, Andrew witnesses an unexpected fight, and we all leave Toby by the side of the road. Enjoy!
BABEL by R.F. Kuang
BIRNAM WOOD by Eleanor Catton
This week the boys are joined by none other than composer extraordinaire (and Andrew's wife) Gillian Beth Durkee to discuss books, life, and New Zealand! First, Toby gives his verdict on BookTok sensation BABEL by R.F. Kuang. Then it's a group discussion of Eleanor Catton's eco-thriller BIRNAM WOOD off of resident bad boy Andrew's list. There are plenty of laughs, tears, and a game that tests the international cred of Toby and Gillian - it's a rollicking good time!
STAY TRUE by Hua Hsu
IN THE MISO SOUP by Ryu Murakami
Lads episode! Andrew and Toby take the wheel this week and it is as ROWDY and CHAOTIC as you would expect a book review podcast recorded by two men in their 30s to be! So, pretty normal and chilled out! Andrew reviews Hua Hsu’s Pulitzer-Prize-winning memoir Stay True and flirts with a band that threatens to dominate his aesthetic and Toby, seemingly influenced by Ryu Murakami’s sex-thriller In the Miso Soup, can’t stop saying things like ‘School is a seductive place.’ Plus, the boys discuss their holiday shame, share their Goodreads goals of the past year and the year to come, and play a game with REAL FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES.
Call your headphone mechanic and your earbuds back from the shop, Page-O's, because HIATUS IS CANCELLED. We'll be back next week with a brand new episode - have a listen for the full details!
Hi loyal Page-os! This is a quick announcement to explain the lack of new episode this week: we're taking a brief hiatus to regroup. We'll be back before you can say "shame." Stay tuned!
Check it, Page-O's: it’s our favorite episode of the year, and also the most bowl-shakingly terrifying episode of the year — the Bookend Awards! Join us as we take a look at our stats, hand out superlatives (both positive and negative), and play a pair of games that alternately fill us with shame and dread. Plus, well, actually that’s it for this episode. Trust us, it’s plenty!
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT by Fyodor Dostoevsky /
SOUR HEART by Jenny Zhang
Sacre bleu! This week, Andrew digs into his first Dostoevsky—CRIME AND PUNISHMENT— while in Parisian quarantine. Plus, Bailey reviews SOUR HEART, a surprisingly lewd collection of short stories à clef. And of course, we learn how to feel shame in multiple languages. Raskolnikov!
THE LEFT-HANDED BOOKSELLERS OF LONDON by Garth Nix /
THE WESTING GAME by Ellen Raskin
Would you like to play a game? In this very special episode of The To Read List, comedian and podcast creator Ella Gale joins us to discuss the classic middle grade mystery THE WESTING GAME by Ellen Raskin. We riff on overly complicated inheritance schemes, methods of passive research, and the dark habits of ravens. Plus, Toby reviews a book suggested by a listener-- THE LEFT-HANDED BOOKSELLERS OF LONDON by Garth Nix!
Don't forget, Ella's narrative podcast, CANDY CLAUS, PRIVATE EYE, is available wherever you listen to podcasts!
CRY, THE BELOVED COUNTRY by Alan Paton /
THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS by Ali Hazelwood
In this very NOT spooky episode, we have a classic pairing of novels. They go together as well as peanut butter and jelly! First, Andrew reviews Alan Paton's 1948 classic, CRY, THE BELOVED COUNTRY and finds it a bit... surprising. Then Bailey delves into the world of STEM with Ali Hazelwood's buzzy romance, THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS. There are plenty of laughs, cries, and more shipping than a port town in the 1800s!
MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE by Marguerite Henry /
TRUST by Hernan Diaz
Don’t make a sound, Page-O’s! Bailey’s on the warpath after she reads MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE by Marguerite Henry, and she totally takes it out on the boys. Meanwhile, Toby tries his best to encapsulate the many levels of the .5 Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel TRUST by Hernan Diaz. All this plus striking out on spooky books, Toby’s opinion on the best Stephen King ending of all time, and Andrew’s reasons behind why he’s reading all the books Bailey and Toby hated!
TUFF by Paul Beatty /
ELEKTRA by Jennifer Saint
This week, Andrew attempts to summarize Paul Beatty's poetic style and finds it... TUFF. (You're welcome.) Then, with ELEKTRA, Bailey comes to the tragic conclusion that she doesn't know as much as she thinks she does about Greek Mythology. Finally, we celebrate the masterful career of the one and only Rufus Sewell. (You're welcome.)
DRIVING FORCE by Dick Francis /
THE BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES by Tom Wolfe
And we're off! This week, Toby reviews DRIVING FORCE by Dick Francis, a certified dad book set in the glamorous world of horse transport. Then Bailey finally discovers what THE BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES is about (fire is surpisingly not involved) and finally gets what everyone likes about Tom Wolfe. Plus, we break Andrew down with the power of film trivia. Neigh!
I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU by Rebecca Makkai
SIDDHARTHA by Herman Hesse
Take a journey with us on this week's episode as our hosts dive into Herman Hesse's class, SIDDHARTHA, and I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU, your friend and my - Rebecca Makkai's - new novel. We'll laugh, we'll cry, we'll grow, and one of us will get absolutely schooled in this week's game. There's also more shame than ever before - it's a rip-roaring good time!
FALCONER by JOHN CHEEVER
THE WHISPER MAN by ALEX NORTH
Caw-CAW, Page-O’s! Join us this week as Toby gets incarcerated by John Cheever’s prison novel Falconer (sadly not about a man who trains falcons) and Bailey gets A24’d by Alex North’s The Whisper Man. We also discuss just how fast of a reader Bailey is, UNMASK Alex North (probably) against his wishes, and uncover a disturbing revelation as to the true age of Gillian’s cousin. Doesn’t that sound exciting as all get-out?
A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG MAN by James Joyce /
RODHAM by Curtis Sittenfeld
The books we read for this episode spark provocative questions, like: "What would happen if Hillary never married Bill?" (RODHAM) and "Does James Joyce really think we can't tell he's writing about himself?" (A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG MAN). Plus, Andrew taunts us with his vacation plans, we discuss if "boogers" is a curse word, and we discover that we know way more than we thought about First Ladies.
PLANET OF THE APES by Pierre Boulle /
BOY, SNOW, BIRD by Helen Oyeyemi
If you've ever wanted to live inside a Grimm fairy tale and/or a Charlton Heston movie, this episode is for you! Toby takes us into outer space with his review of MONKEY PLANET--oops! strike that--PLANET OF THE APES by Pierre Boulle. Then Bailey gets far too hung up on how BOY, SNOW, BIRD by Helen Oyeyemi connects to the Snow White fairy tale. Plus, we learn about the majesty of Eastern Europe, rescue Dillon from space, and stick to a strict schedule of fun.
THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE THE TIME WAR by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone /
THE PROPHET by Khalil Gibran
This week our intrepid hosts navigate time and space and contemplate their life choices by reading THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE THE TIME WAR by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone and Khalil Gibran's classic, THE PROPHET. There's also discussion of our dream book club, predictions for future bestsellers, and Dillon finally reviews a fantasy book for the show (and he maybe even liked it)!
WISE BLOOD by FLANNERY O’CONNOR
SUMMER SONS by LEE MANDELO
Page-O’s, grab your sweet teas and hop in a car with a hot boy because it’s a Southern Episode. Listen in as Toby tries as hard as he can to outsmart Flannery O’Connor’s ‘comedic’ novel WISE BLOOD and Bailey drag-races her way through Lee Mandelo’s queer horror SUMMER SONDS. Plus, we declare a certain airline to be our mortal enemy, learn what REALLY scares Bailey (poor study habits), and test our knowledge of fictional foods!
THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid /
THE HOTEL NEW HAMPSHIRE by John Irving
This week, Andrew revisits friend of the podcast (we wish) Taylor Jenkins Reid when he reviews THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO, a twisty journey through imagined old Hollywood scandal. Then, Bailey journeys to the bizarre world of John Irving's HOTEL NEW HAMPSHIRE, thereby crossing paths with not one but two performing bears. We also share our latest shame, plan the books we'll take on vacation, and discover one of Bailey's secret book passions.
STREETS OF LAREDO by Larry McMurtry /
FAT WITCH SUMMER by Lizzy Ives
This is a very special episode because we have fabulous author Lizzy Ives on to talk about her fantastic fat-positive fantasy novel, FAT WITCH SUMMER! In addition to answering all our questions about the book, Lizzy shares her star sign, her cat's unique nickname, and the size of her to read list. Plus, she agrees to play a silly game with us!
And we can't forget that Toby also read a book this week: STREETS OF LAREDO, the second in Larry McMurtry's epic LONESOME DOVE series. Are cattle drives as exciting as they sound? Tune in to find out!
A PEOPLE’S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES - HOWARD ZINN
DRIVE YOUR PLOW OVER THE BONES OF THE DEAD - OLGA TOKARCZUK
Hope you’re ready for some Zinn-sanity, Page-O’s, because on this week’s episode, Andrew wades into Howard Zinn’s oft-selected tome for AP History class, A PEOPLE’S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. Then Bailey turns up the earth and turns up the stars, while she talks about Olga Tokarczuk’s Nobel Prize winning DRIVE YOUR PLOW OVER THE BONES OF THE DEAD. Plus, we get to find out who’s sick and who’s not, hear AI Bailey yell at us, and play a game made just for DA BOIS.
KINDRED by Octavia E. Butler /
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen
On this week's episode, two old friends return to the podcast! We cover our third book each from two giants of literature in Octavia E. Butler's KINDRED and Jane Austen's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. Will Toby like this as much as his previous Butler experiences? How will Bailey and Andrew like the tentpole of the book world? There's also our typical shame, discussion of adaptations, and - of course - the terrors...
TENTH OF DECEMBER by George Saunders /
THE ANTHROPOCENE REVIEWED by John Green
This week, we present you some reviews on short stories and some short stories on reviews! Andrew (finally!) dives into the odd world of George Saunders with TENTH OF DECEMBER, and Bailey digs into THE ANTHROPOCENE REVIEWED, John Green's essay collection evaluating the human world. Plus, we test the strength of our friendships in a ranking game. Five stars!
WIZARD'S FIRST RULE by Terry Goodkind /
THE LIGHTNING THIEF (PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS, #1) by Rick Riordan
It's a fantasy-filled episode this week, but please don't tell Terry Goodkind! Toby digs into WIZARD'S FIRST RULE, the first book in Goodkind's epic (and supposedly not fantastical) series about dragons and magic. Don't worry, Toby doesn't need a Sword of Truth to share his candid thoughts on the book! Then, Bailey meets tween hero Percy Jackson in THE LIGHTNING THIEF, thereby discovering that the Greek underworld is only a few blocks away. Plus, we celebrate our friends' publishing successes, Andrew quizzes us on Roman mythology, and Dillon finds a new way to torment us with book shame.
THE WAVES by Virginia Woolf /
TRUE BIZ by Sara Nović
This week our hosts surf a stream of consciousness with Virginia Woolf's classic, THE WAVES. Will the author's return to the podcast hang 10? Bailey also reviews a newcomer (and new favorite?) in Sara Nović's new novel, TRUE BIZ. Will Bailey fall for this novel and, just maybe, learn something? There's also plenty of shame, plenty of silliness, and plenty of, frankly, nonsense. A lot of nonsense.
A WALK IN THE WOODS by BILL BRYSON
THE HUSBAND’S SECRET by LIANE MORIARTY
Popcorn… Page-O’s! We hope you remember that classroom gimmick, because we talk about it A LOT while Toby tries to link Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods with Infinite Jest, and Bailey (and Dillon and Toby) learn what they shouldn’t ever know: The Husband’s Secret.By Liane Moriarty. Plus we got to hear about Italian Peppa Pig, play a post-death-centric game, and learn what Toby and his wife do in bed!
THE SNOWS OF KILIMANJARO AND OTHER STORIES by ERNEST HEMINGWAY /
OUR MISSING HEARTS by CELESTE NG
Hope you’re up on your Iceberg Theory, because in this episode Andrew scales the heights of Ernest Hemingway’s The Snows of Kilimanjaro and Other Stories, informing us which of these stories are a Kilimanjar-Go and which are a Kilimanjar-No. Then Bailey makes her case for Celeste Ng’s newest novel Our Missing Hearts: will she convince you to read it? Probably! We also learn about Bailey’s new… questionable library habit, find out what the youths are still doing, and ponder a world that contains a Bailey-Starred review. Plus, a game that turns the hosts into rapid-fire authors!
INFINITE JEST by David Foster Wallace &
THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS by Stephen Graham Jones
If you've ever doubted that Toby is an intellectual, doubt no more -- he's read INFINITE JEST! The book is footnotes and absurdity all the way down, and luckily Toby's here to explain it all to us. After a raucous discussion of the tome and its problematic author, Bailey dives into horror novel THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS. Will the basketball subplot ruin the book's elk-based scares? Finally, Dillon leads us on the weirdest game yet!
THE GREAT BELIEVERS by Rebecca Makkai /
LAPVONA by Ottessa Moshfegh
On this week's show we welcome back an old friend, with Ottessa Moshfegh's medieval styling, LAPVONA, as well as welcome a brand new player with Rebecca Makkai's sweeping novel, THE GREAT BELIEVERS. Will Bailey find another five star read? Will Andrew take a field trip for the show? Will Toby ever finish Infinite Jest? Should we replace Dillon? The answers to all of these questions - plus a healthy helping of scrapple - await you!
HERE IS NEW YORK by E.B. White /
QUEEN BEES & WANNABES by Rosalind Wiseman
This takes the cake for oddest book pairing ever on our show! First, Toby reviews 1948 travelogue HERE IS NEW YORK and finds similarities between author E.B. White and Grampa Simpson. Then, Bailey offers far too many quotes from MEAN GIRLS as she covers the movie's source material, 2002 parenting manual QUEEN BEES & WANNABES: HELPING YOUR DAUGHTER SURVIVE CLIQUES, GOSSIP, BOYFRIENDS, AND OTHER REALITIES OF ADOLESCENCE by educator Rosalind Wiseman. Will they make "fetch" happen and find common ground between the two books?! Plus, the hosts share their latest bookworm problems, practice their spelling, and question Dillon's role on the podcast.
OLIGARCHY by Scarlett Thomas
BEAUTIFUL RUINS by Jess Walter
On this episode, Andrew examines Oligarchy by Scarlett Thomas, a story of wealth, privilege, and fierce ponies, while Bailey tangles with book-club favorite Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter to see if she can fall in love at first sight with it. Join the hosts as they ring in the new year with a hefty stack of Christmas Shame (from some people, at least), hear about Andrew’s possibly controversial list-amending, and get an Infinite Jest update from the least lucky member of the pod!
It's the most wonderful time of the year -- the Bookend Awards, where we honor the best (and worst) books we covered in 2022! Join us as we go over the fastest reads, the hottest protagonists, and the characters we'd most like to lock in a wine cellar under Venice. Plus, we play not one but TWO games, one with the highest stakes of all... who will be the next host tasked with reading their most feared book (and have no one to blame but themselves)? Tune in to find out!
THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND by Jonathan Stroud / THE KITE RUNNER BY KHALED HOSSEINI.
On this week's episode, we pull two books our hosts missed from 2003 in Jonathan Stroud's middle grade fantasy, THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND, and Khaled Hosseini's bestseller, THE KITE RUNNER. Will these prove to be blasts from the past? Also we dig deep on how to get un-scared after reading a spooky book, think about what famous literary characters would wish for, and prove once and for all that Bailey is the best at getting through TSA!
BEASTS OF NO NATION by Uzodinma Iweala / THE WONDER by Emma Donoghue
This week, Andrew reviews BEASTS OF NO NATION, the powerful, evocative, and creative exploration of a fictional child soldier. Then, Bailey brings an Irish Gothic mystery to the table that everyone's dying to read--THE WONDER by Emma Donoghue. Plus, we meet a Freaky Bat, discuss Netflix's prestige films, and debate the proper amount of time to wait between books.
FAIRY TALE by Stephen King / SCHOOLED by Anisha Lakhani
Things start off with a bang in our 101st episode when Bailey embraces chaos right out of the gate! After a shocking intro, we get to hear about Dillon and Bailey’s Adult Time IN DETAIL. Then Toby tells us whether or not he thinks Stephen King’s newest book FAIRY TALE ranks among his best, and Bailey evaluates SCHOOLED by Anisha Lakhani with the narrowed eye of a former teacher. Plus, a game that involves gruesome, somewhat poetic deaths, over and over!
FAIRY TALE by Stephen King / SCHOOLED by Anisha Lakhani
Things start off with a bang in our 101st episode when Bailey embraces chaos right out of the gate! After a shocking intro, we get to hear about Dillon and Bailey’s Adult Time IN DETAIL. Then Toby tells us whether or not he thinks Stephen King’s newest book FAIRY TALE ranks among his best, and Bailey evaluates SCHOOLED by Anisha Lakhani with the narrowed eye of a former teacher. Plus, a game that involves gruesome, somewhat poetic deaths, over and over!
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by L.M. Montgomery
On this, our 100th episode, we discuss ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, the childhood favorite chosen by you, our dear listeners! In addition to chatting about the joy of a good bedtime story, the fun of competing for a scholastic medal, and the importance of doing your own shopping, we reminisce about our favorite memories of the podcast so far, and we learn our reading retention isn't what it should be. 100 books books books!
Note: The spoilers section goes from 22:10 to 28:22.
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by L.M. Montgomery
On this, our 100th episode, we discuss ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, the childhood favorite chosen by you, our dear listeners! In addition to chatting about the joy of a good bedtime story, the fun of competing for a scholastic medal, and the importance of doing your own shopping, we reminisce about our favorite memories of the podcast so far, and we learn our reading retention isn't what it should be. 100 books books books!
Note: The spoilers section goes from 22:10 to 28:22.
THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES by Joseph Campbell / A TASTE FOR DEATH by P.D. James
Here's a Call to Adventure for you -- listen to this podcast episode about Joseph Campbell's theory of the monomyth (a.k.a. THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES). We will be your wise Mentor and teach you all the hot gossip about our pal Joey C. Then, after several Challenges and Temptations to reference "Mr. Brightside," we will enter the Abyss to discuss P.D. James' detective procedural A TASTE FOR DEATH (and Rebirth). Bailey goes through a serious Transformation when she learns the truth about Toby's review. Finally, we Return to the place where we belong -- a far too intense competition about story structures real and imagined. I worked hard on this description and feel forever changed by the journey of writing it!!!
THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING by Carson McCullers / I'LL SHOW MYSELF OUT by Jessi Klein
This week, Toby comes of age with the young protagonist of THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING by Carson McCullers. Then, Bailey reads I'LL SHOW MYSELF OUT and wonders what the heck she has to do to make Jessi Klein her BFF. Finally, the hosts produce 100 percent guaranteed Broadway hits!
MY FAVORITE THING IS MONSTERS by Emil Farris / HAMNET by Maggie O'Farrell
This week, Andrew finally reads MY FAVORITE THING IS MONSTERS, a graphic novel that Bailey and Toby have been bugging him about for years. Will it become Andrew's favorite thing? Then, Bailey reviews HAMNET, a thoughtful exploration of Shakespeare's personal life, and asks herself, how many references to HAMLET are enough? Finally, we go on a magical culinary tour of Chicago!
CONSIDER PHLEBAS by Iain M. Banks / IMAGINARY FRIEND by Stephen Chbosky
What, and who, is even REAL? Bailey finds out when she reads the new horror novel IMAGINARY FRIEND by THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER author Stephen Chbosky. Meanwhile, Toby travels across the galaxy following a shape-shifting secret agent in Ian M. Banks’ seminal sci-fi CONSIDER PHLEBAS. Plus, we hear how The To Read List is making things happen in Hollywood, what movies baby Maggie tolerates, and envision a delightful world where Carson Daly hosts a show about the ten hottest books on the NYT bestseller list.
THE GOLDFINCH by Donna Tartt / FAHRENHEIT 451 by Ray Bradbury
The heat is turned up on this week's episode when Bailey tackles Ray Bradbury's masterpiece of science fiction, FAHRENHEIT 451! Will it blow hot or cold for her? Also Andrew dives into Donna Tartt's massive modern classic novel, THE GOLDFINCH. Will it steal his heart? There's also as surprising amount of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles discussion, feeling seen in literature, and - of course - plenty of shame... for Bailey.
THE BODY IN THE LIBRARY by Agatha Christie / ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
It's time to solve the biggest mystery of all -- why did Bailey give up on ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE with 100 pages to go?!
This week, Toby spends time with one of his favorite mystery authors, and our new best friend, Agatha Christie, with THE BODY IN THE LIBRARY. Then, Bailey finally tackles the book she abandoned 12 years ago, ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE. Was it worth the wait? Plus, we talk family books clubs, how to befriend your bookseller, and the astounding oeuvre of Los Lonely Boys.
CHILDREN OF ASH AND ELM by Neil Price / BEAUTIFUL WORLD, WHERE ARE YOU by Sally Rooney.
This week, Sally Rooney earns a To Read List hat-trick with the buzzy, sexy BEAUTIFUL WORLD, WHERE ARE YOU. Will the third novel hold up to the Roonster's previous work? Also, Andrew digs into his first non-fiction doorstopper with CHILDREN OF ASH AND ELM, a comprehensive history of the Vikings. You'll be shocked what you can learn from an ancient latrine!
CHILDREN OF ASH AND ELM by Neil Price / BEAUTIFUL WORLD, WHERE ARE YOU by Sally Rooney.
This week, Sally Rooney earns a To Read List hat-trick with the buzzy, sexy BEAUTIFUL WORLD, WHERE ARE YOU. Will the third novel hold up to the Roonster's previous work? Also, Andrew digs into his first non-fiction doorstopper with CHILDREN OF ASH AND ELM, a comprehensive history of the Vikings. You'll be shocked what you can learn from an ancient latrine!
TITUS GROAN by Mervyn Peake / THE SOUTHERN BOOK CLUB’S GUIDE TO SLAYING VAMPIRES by Grady Hendrix.
Genre books unite! This time on the pod Toby wades back into a book that already defeated him once, the formidably slow TITUS GROAN by Mervyn Peake, and Bailey indulges in a treat from one of her favorite contemporary authors, THE SOUTHERN BOOK CLUB’S GUIDE TO SLAYING VAMPIRES by Grady Hendrix. Plus we rate Andrew’s wedding out of five stars, learn about Bailey’s Birthday Request, and mention the pop-punk princes Sum 41 way, way too many times.
THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH by Michael Chabon / EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR MOTHER IS A WITCH by Rivka Galchen.
What do an angsty college grad discovering himself in 1988 Pittsburgh and an onery old woman accused of witchcraft in 1618 Germany have in common? They're the protagonists of this week's reviewed books, of course!
Andrew dives into his first Chabon with the problematic bildungsroman THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH. Then, Bailey learns the twisted fate of Johannes Kepler's mother in the darkly hilarious EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR MOTHER IS A WITCH. All that, and we still have time to discuss Garfield the cat's perspective on death and dying!
THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE by Audrey Niffenegger & THE MAN OF MY DREAMS by Curtis Sittenfeld.
This week, Toby questions whether THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE is a tale of true love or true grooming. Then, Bailey digs into THE MAN OF MY DREAMS, a lesser known novel by a favorite author, to determine whether it's worth the read. Plus, we try to come up with shame, find ways to relate to a toad, and discover our time traveler love matches!
If you'd like to play Dillon's personality quiz, you can access it here.
YES, PLEASE by Amy Poehler & THE IMPERFECTIONISTS by Tom Rachman
This week on the pod Andrew engages with an uber-popular memoir of a few years back, Amy Poehler’s YES, PLEASE, and Bailey checks out the hit first novel by author Tom Rachman, THE IMPERFECTIONITS! The hosts debate skipping early books in a series, whether or not Toby’s new employment opportunity is worth it, and which of them is most likely to wear a white ponytail. Plus, Dillon solves the Three Body Problem!
THE RIGHT STUFF by Tom Wolfe & SURVIVE THE NIGHT by Riley Sager.
This episode comprehensively addresses the age-old question: why do some dudes become astronauts while others become serial killers? Perhaps THE RIGHT STUFF by Tom Wolfe and SURVIVE THE NIGHT by Riley Sager have the answers. Plus, we share our thoughts on Free Comic Book Day etiquette, pirate awareness, and the disarming effects of a full-white suit.
IN THE DREAM HOUSE by Carmen Maria Machado & THE WITCH ELM by Tana French
This week, two popular authors make their To Read List bows! Andrew reviews Carmen Maria Machado’s powerful memoir, IN THE DREAM HOUSE, and Bailey digs into Tana French’s THE WITCH ELM. Will Andrew like the unique structure of Machado’s work? Was Bailey captivated by the mystery? Find out here! Plus, we dissect the proper way to choose your own adventure, celebrate Independent Bookstore Day, and start a new squad!
FINGERSMITH by Sarah Waters & A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES by John Kennedy Toole.
This week, Toby takes a twisty ride with queer Victorian tricksters in Sarah Waters' astounding FINGERSMITH. Then, Bailey travels to the Big Easy with Ignatius J. Reilly, a bombastic character she won't soon forget. Plus, the hosts test how many times they can say "jambalaya" in one episode. Answer: more than necessary!
Episode 85
PERSEPOLIS by MARJANE SATRAPI & HOOT by CARL HIASSEN
This week on the podcast Andrew engages with Marjane Satrapi’s critically acclaimed graphic novel (or comic book) PERSEPOLIS, and Bailey gets to investigate a book that has been on her mind for years - Carl Hiassen’s HOOT. Plus we learn of the existence of a mysterious figure known as Mullet Fingers, see what Andrew thinks of a peculiar foodstuff, and listen as Dillon recounts the best experience of his entire life (in the 7th grade).
INVISIBLE MAN by Ralph Ellison & MY BODY by Emily Ratajkowski. This week, Toby covers Ralph Ellison's 1952 masterpiece, INVISIBLE MAN. And no, it's not about a spooky ghost. Then, Bailey digs into MY BODY, a sharp essay collection by model/actress/activist/influencer Emily Ratajkowski that will make you think twice before dancing along to the "Blurred Lines" video. Plus, we discuss Brandon Sanderson's big announcement and discover Dillon's love of ENTOURAGE!
Link to Polish Literacy Foundation's campaign to supply books to Ukranian refugee children.
TO PARADISE by Hanya Yanagihara & HOW SOCCER EXPLAINS THE WORLD: AN [UNLIKELY] THEORY OF GLOBALIZATION.
On this week’s show, we examine the book on everyone’s lips, the talk of the town – you guessed it – HOW SOCCER EXPLAINS THE WORLD: AN [UNLIKELY] THEORY OF GLOBALIZATION by Franklin Foer (we also cover a lesser known book called TO PARADISE by Hanya Yanagihara). We talk prescient writers (and surprising facts!), taking chairs, and how to trick people into being our friend. Also, we ask the question: does Dillon have any idea what soccer is? Seriously, I don’t think he’s ever heard of it…
THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING by Joan Didion & THE DEATH OF JANE LAWRENCE by Caitlin Starling. This week, Toby tackles a devastating memoir beloved by many: THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING. Will the book leave him Joans-ing for more Didion? Then, Bailey reviews THE DEATH OF JANE LAWRENCE, a modern Gothic horror novel that makes her want to explore the locked room she promised she would avoid. All that, and we discuss typewriter-handed superheroes, sexy Rumpelstiltskin, and our deep, true love of ska.
WHITE NOISE by DON DELILLO & NO ONE BELONGS HERE MORE THAN YOU by MIRANDA JULY.
This week on the pod, Andrew takes on 1985’s smash literary hit WHITE NOISE to see if he can hear what all the fuss was about, and Bailey engages with a weird book beloved to her weird husband: Miranda July’s NO ONE BELONGS HERE MORE THAN YOU. Plus we hear about Dillon’s little free library shenanigans, discover what Delillo has to say about Sunday’s big game, and evaluate just how much Miranda July herself is a Miranda July character!
RUNNING WITH SCISSORS by Augusten Burroughs & LES MISÉRABLES by Victor Hugo. Look down! Look down! You don't have to wait one day more for Bailey's review of LES MISÉRABLES! At the end of the day, will she have a heart full of love for the tome (that she's had on her shelf since the 90s)? Or, will she and LES MIS expert/master of the house Toby have a confrontation? I dreamed a dream you'd tune in to find out! (Oh, and Toby reviews Augusten Burroughs' memoir.) Finale!
BAND OF BROTHERS by Stephen E. Ambrose & FRENCH EXIT by Patrick deWitt
This week on The To Read List, Bailey finds herself absolutely buried in shame! We also play a game about some famous burials and Dillon gets to flex his knowledge about a certain HBO miniseries. But, before all that, Andrew digs into Stephen E. Ambrose’s chronicle of heroism, BAND OF BROTHERS and Bailey digs into Patrick deWitt’s darkly comic novel, FRENCH EXIT.
Also, we announce our 2022 reading goals and Bailey bemoans just how many pages are left in her next read. Books books books!
As 2021 comes to a close, we reflect back on the highs and lows of our reading year -- our favorite protagonists, our most surprising reads, and the characters we'd like to lock in a wine cellar under Venice. Plus, we play "To Read List Roulette," a game with some seriously high stakes. Books books books!
THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS by Isabel Allende & THEN WE CAME TO THE END by Joshua Ferris.
This week on the pod, Toby tackles Isabel Allende’s smash hit, magical realism-heavy debut novel, and Bailey gets deep into the surprisingly long THEN WE CAME TO THE END. Along the way, the hosts establish their reading wheelhouses, Dillon gets a month-too-soon jump on Andrew’s next book, and everyone gets to hear as Bailey and Dillon argue heatedly about Bailey’s book.
Plus, a spooky game about the scariest world of all - the world of aaaadvertisiiiing!
TO THE LIGHTHOUSE by Virginia Woolf & THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig. This week, Andrew heads on a meta-journey inside the anxiety of the early 20th century with Virginia Woolf's TO THE LIGHTHOUSE. Then, Bailey explores the multiverse in Matt Haig's THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY. Is this the timeline where she thinks the book lives up to the hype? We also contemplate our reader wheelhouses, change famous authors' fates, and assign Toby some unexpected shame.
CW: Suicide
BRIDESHEAD REVISITED by Evelyn Waugh & DEAR CHILD by Romy Hausmann. On this week’s episode, Toby digs into a classic in Evelyn Waugh’s BRIDESHEAD REVISITED. But will he dig it? And Bailey checks out a thriller that has some similarities to some she’s loved before in DEAR CHILD by Romy Hausmann. How will it stack up? Plus, we talk crayons we’ve seen, difficult to track down authors, and pies that will haunt our dreams forever!
SING, UNBURIED, SING by Jesmyn Ward & PIZZA GIRL by Jean Kyoung Frazier. This week, Andrew takes a road trip with SING, UNBURIED, SING while Bailey gets a part-time job as a PIZZA GIRL. Dillon is there too. We learn the answers to huge questions like what makes a haunted pumpkin? What's an appletizer? And, most crucially, are pickles allowed on pizza?
SKELETON CREW by Stephen King & THE SHINING by Stephen King & CARRIE by Stephen King & SALEM’S LOT by Stephen King. This week on the pod, it’s a real Bangor — a Stephen King Spooktacular, with Bailey and Toby diving into four books by Maine’s most famous master of spine-chillers! Along the way we learn about Toby’s Struggle on the RV trip, tag along with Andrew to a new bookstore, and get a peek at Bailey’s future shame. Plus, Andrew provides a spooky service!
AMERICAN SALVAGE by Bonnie Jo Campbell & SUCH A FUN AGE by Kiley Reid. This week, Andrew reads AMERICAN SALVAGE, a short story collection he may have already read, while Bailey tackles SUCH A FUN AGE, a buzzy novel about race, class, and Insta-Fame. We also discuss attempted shame, sit-up contests, and Troad the Trojan. Plus, Bailey and Dillon get stuck in space jail!
SEÑOR VIVO AND THE COCA LORD by Louis de Bernières & CROSSING TO SAFETY by Wallace Stegner. Toby learns a valuable lesson about why some books should remain unread when he tackles Louis de Bernières’ magical realist-ish novel, SEÑOR VIVO AND THE COCA LORD. Bailey, however, has more fun digging into all the happenings (and non-happenings) in Wallace Stegner’s delicate and beautiful CROSSING TO SAFETY. Plus, we check in to see where Toby is in the world and Andrew makes a very dumb game!
WUTHERING HEIGHTS by Emily Bronte & CONVERSATIONS WITH FRIENDS by Sally Rooney. After years of pretending he read the book, Andrew finally digs into the toxic love story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff No First Name in WUTHERING HEIGHTS. Then, Bailey debates whether the characters in CONVERSATIONS WITH FRIENDS are cruel or just normal people. Plus, we discover the best Kate Bush songs to listen to in Dublin and why we're all Emily Bronte stans!
THE BOOK OF ULTIMATE TRUTHS by Robert Rankin & BLOOD MERIDIAN by Cormac McCarthy. This week on the pod, Toby gets over his terror of the cover of Robert Rankin’s THE BOOK OF ULTIMATE TRUTHS to see if the comparisons to Terry Pratchett are justified, and Bailey finds out just how many scalpings are too many scalpings for her during her read of the highly lauded BLOOD MERIDIAN by Cormac McCarthy. We get some road notes from Toby’s first month in the RV, an update on baby Maggie’s unsettling fixation, and play a game Cormac McCarthy would hate!
PERSUASION by Jane Austen & I WANT TO BE WHERE THE NORMAL PEOPLE ARE by Rachel Bloom. In this, the first Toby-less episode, we get the chance to share our true thoughts about our cohost. Then, Andrew visits Jane Austen's shadiest family yet with his review of PERSUASION. Finally, Bailey celebrates Rachel Bloom's snark, sparkle, and Spanx in I WANT TO BE WHERE THE NORMAL PEOPLE ARE. Plus: a musical-inspired game that leaves Bailey questioning everything!
MONEY: A SUICIDE NOTE by Martin Amis & WE ARE NEVER MEETING IN REAL LIFE by Samantha Irby. In this week’s episode, Toby tackles an 80s classic – MONEY by Martin Amis – and Bailey reviews the popular WE ARE NEVER MEETING IN REAL LIFE by Samantha Irby. We discuss everything from literary controversy to big bowls of cereal to Daddy issues to writing yourself into your own book. Plus, there’s SHAME galore, and the hosts try to appeal to some famous literary bachelors and bachelorettes. Be nice to cats!
CONFEDERATES IN THE ATTIC by Tony Horwitz & NORTHANGER ABBEY by Jane Austen. Andrew and Dillon break down Tony Horwitz's non-fiction exploration of the Civil War obsessed, CONFEDERATES IN THE ATTIC. Then, Bailey reads her first Austen for the podcast! NORTHANGER ABBEY, a melange of social satire, gothic horror, and teenage crushes. Plus, we have an EXTRA SPECIAL GUEST who has strong opinions about Beanie Babies and RV ownership.
BLACK HOLE by Charles Burns. On the pod this week, all four hosts discuss the disgusting, disquieting, damn-good graphic novel BLACK HOLE by Charles Burns. We’ll get into whether or not there are any blonde people in Burns’ woodcut world, engage in the eternal debate between paperback and hardback editions, and briefly mention the long-dead serialized comic Prince Valiant! Plus, a game by Bailey and Dillon???
OUT OF SIGHT by Elmore Leonard & A WIND IN THE DOOR by Madeline L'Engle. This week, Toby gets stuck in a trunk with Elmore Leonard for his review of the classic dad book OUT OF SIGHT. Then, Bailey questions whether it's worth it to read a sequel you've had on your shelf for more than 25 years with her review of A WIND IN THE DOOR. Plus, we talk about DC villains, RV road trips, and Beanie Babies named "Libearty."
THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern & NINTH HOUSE & SHADOW AND BONE by Leigh Bardugo. In this week’s episode, Bailey reviews a Leigh Bardugo double feature with her adult fantasy novel, NINTH HOUSE, and her YA tale, SHADOW AND BONE. Plus, Andrew takes a trip to THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern. Along the way, there’s talk of secret societies, discussion of Maggie the child’s favorite authors, and a healthy dose of MYSTERY. Hope you enjoy our time under the big top!
RING SHOUT by P. Djèlí Clark & MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN by Jonathan Lethem. Which To Read List host is the most scared of racist werewolves? In what time period should you set a story about a detective with Tourette’s Syndrome? What famous author used to live in Bailey's new apartment? How would Fishing Dad track down a serial killer? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this very special episode.
THE JUNGLE by Upton Sinclair & BLACK SWAN GREEN by David Mitchell. In this episode, we journey deep into the muckraking novel beloved of AP History teachers, THE JUNGLE, and then spend some time in the very personal BLACK SWAN GREEN, which is also a place, did you know that? Along the way we examine the life choices of a man who has entered an unreasonable amount of reading challenges, make the 90’s rock band Audioslave roll in their sonic graves, and give you Page-O’s sweet closure on the mysterious purple house in Toby’s old neighborhood.
THE METAMORPHOSIS AND OTHER STORIES by Franz Kafka & THE WOMAN IN CABIN 10 by Ruth Ware. In this week's episode, Toby ponders whether Kafka is too Kafkaesque, and Bailey dives into lady thrillers with THE WOMAN IN CABIN 10. Plus, we take an ill-fated literary cruise, find books hidden under beds, and ask ourselves "Little Free Library or Bat House?"
UNSHELTERED by Barbara Kingsolver & MY BEST FRIEND’S EXORCISM by Grady Hendrix. In our 59th Episode, Bailey reads Grady Hendrix’s MY BEST FRIEND’S EXORCISM and Andrew tackles Barbara Kingsolver’s UNSHELTERED. We have a frank discussion about the importance of inclusive language, come up with a lot of nicknames, and explore the virtues of surprising someone with your “shame.” What else? Hard to say – who knows what horrors lurk in the Pine Barrens…
THE BURIED GIANT by Kazuo Ishiguro & THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS by Elizabeth Gilbert. Join us in Post-Arthurian England as we review Ishiguro's atmospheric fantasy THE BURIED GIANT. Then head to nineteenth century Philadelphia to study moss and spiritual longing with Gilbert's THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS. Plus, we debate the morals of second-hand puzzle buying, if Arthur counts as a knight of the round table, and how dragons take their pasta.
FRANKLY IN LOVE by David Yoon & DREAMS OF MY FATHER by Barack Obama. This week on the pod, Andrew dives into the YA romance FRANKLY IN LOVE by David Yoon and Bailey tackles a book that languishes on many a to-read-list: DREAMS OF MY FATHER by cultural nobody Barack Obama. Additionally, Bailey reveals some troubling Instagram habits, Toby gives us an inside view of working at Trader Joe’s, and we all discuss the possibility of pivoting the podcast to focus more on Counting Crows content. Plus, a game in which Bailey, Toby, and Dillon each morph seamlessly into different Dad personas and attempt to do the impossible -- get information from a teenager.
THE FIRE NEXT TIME by James Baldwin & FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC by V.C. Andrews. In THE FIRE NEXT TIME, Baldwin expertly composes two essays about race and the American experience. In FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC, Andrews spins the illicit tale of teens imprisoned with their hot, hot siblings. Some say these books have nothing in common. This week, the hosts of The To Read List will prove that... those people are probably right. Plus, a dramatic reading! Content Warning: Rape, incest, abuse (thanks, V.C.).
PIMP: THE STORY OF MY LIFE by Iceberg Slim & THE NO. 1 LADIES’ DETECTIVE AGENCY by Alexander McCall Smith. The crew discusses two very different books, Iceberg Slim’s PIMP, an influential first-hand account of a lawless life and Alexander McCall Smith’s THE NO. 1 LADIES’ DETECTIVE AGENCY, a cozy mystery series that is a perennial favorite of book clubs. Plus we discuss what qualifies as a life-hack, an idea for a new Veggietales character, and Andrew makes a game that is too hard but still fun!
CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE by Tomi Adeyemi & THE NAME OF THE ROSE by Umberto Eco. This week, Toby tries out Y.A. fantasy with the African mythology-inspired bestseller CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE. After debating the feasibility of expandable bo staffs, Bailey hangs with murderous monks in THE NAME OF THE ROSE. Plus, the gang makes up patron saints, pretends to understand semiotics, and laments the horror of waterlogged books.
GIRL, WOMAN, OTHER by Bernadine Evaristo & INTO THIN AIR by Jon Krakauer. Join us this week on the pod as Andrew reviews the recent Man Booker Prize winning GIRL, WOMAN, OTHER, by Bernadine Evaristo, and Bailey tackles the monumental bestseller of the late 90s INTO THIN AIR by Jon Krakauer. We also discuss the relative merits of marginalia, debate a less-effective title for Girl, Woman, Other, contract a case of summit fever, and agree that in a not very real way, we all want to climb Everest.
The To Read List crew reflects back on 2020, a year that was certainly... a year. We go through our reading stats, award best book and cutest protagonist, and test our retention skills. Piranesi!
I, ROBOT by Isaac Asimov & DIFFICULT WOMEN by Roxane Gay. On this week’s episode, Toby gets acquainted with one of the seminal works of one of his favorite genres with Isaac Asimov’s I, ROBOT – while Bailey checks out a different style of book by an author she admires in Roxane Gay’s DIFFICULT WOMEN. Plus Bailey decks the halls with bookish spirit, Toby fawns over a fantasy novel, and Andrew starts a fake university.
THUNDERSTRUCK by Erik Larson & LAKEWOOD by Megan Giddings. To celebrate our 50th episode (!), Andrew and the guys go full dad-mode and fanboy over Erik Larson. Then, Bailey takes a creepy trip into the problematic world of human experimentation with Megan Giddings' LAKEWOOD. Finally, we all take the highway to Ypsilanti for a very special AC/DC-themed game.
THE CITY WE BECAME by N.K. Jemisin & JULIE AND JULIA by Julie Powell. On the pod this week we break down fantasy heavyweight N.K. Jemisin’s THE CITY WE BECAME and reach back into the blogosphere for Julie Powell’s JULIE AND JULIA. We also discuss the current puzzle scarcity crisis, reveal a series of troubling Staten Island impressions, and end up at a day at the ballpark. Plus, stick around through the credits to hear several more Thunderstruck sing-alongs than would be deemed responsible!
GHOST by Jason Reynolds & LUSTER by Raven Leilani. This week, Andrew reviews Raven Leilani's fresh and visceral LUSTER while Bailey dives into middle-grade favorite GHOST by Jason Reynolds. We share tales of track team failures, haunted RVs, and, of course, plenty of shame!
PIRANESI by Susanna Clarke. Susanna Clarke is back with a brand-new world for us to explore! After wowing Bailey and Toby with her debut novel (followed by a 16 year gap), will this live up to one of our hosts’ all time favorites? Also, we try to escape a trivia maze, discuss which books Maggie the baby likes, and lament the return of Toby’s greatest temptation - free street books. WARNING: This episode contains Piranesi spoilers. We are very clear when we move into our spoiler section, but listener beware!
THE ADRIAN MOLE DIARIES by Sue Townsend & TALES by Amiri Baraka. In this week's episode, the crew takes on two firebrands from different sides of the Atlantic--Sue Townsend and Amiri Baraka--who wrote two wildly different books--THE ADRIAN MOLES DIARIES and TALES. They discuss their roller coaster lives all without spoiling anything. On top of that Bailey and Toby take a trip down the embarrassing memory lane of personal diaries. And of course MORE SHAME!
MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER by Oyinkan Braithwaite & WITCHES ABROAD by Terry Pratchett. This week Toby fantasysplains the Discworld series to a skeptical Bailey, Bailey gushes about 2018’s #1 subway read (according to Andrew), and we all ponder the significance of the number of famous authors who worked in the energy engineering industry prior to publishing fame. Plus, Bailey cements her new catchphrase, Dillon gives a mini-review of Bailey’s book, and Andrew makes a SHOCKING last-second announcement at the end of the podcast.
WOLF HALL by Hilary Mantel & WHITE IS FOR WITCHING by Helen Oyeyemi. Bailey and Dillon are back and ready to dig deep into English history! First, Andrew contemplates how many Thomases is too many in Hilary Mantel's WOLF HALL. Then, Bailey visits a racist haunted house in WHITE IS FOR WITCHING, a gothic coming of age story. If that's not enough, the hosts come up with drag names for Tudor monarchs and share their first real shame of quarantine.
THE BARON IN THE TREES by Italo Calvino & A BRIEF HISTORY OF SEVEN KILLINGS by Marlon James. This week we dive into THE BARON IN THE TREES by Italo Calvino and A BRIEF HISTORY OF SEVEN KILLINGS by Marlon James. We ask important questions like - Will Andrew like a book that Toby has abandoned? Will Toby like this novel as much as the other Calvino he's read? And, What stops does the surrealism train make? Also, Toby tries to survive a bachelor party in the deep woods....
THE PROPOSAL by Jasmine Guillory & THE GIRLS by Emma Cline. This week we're joined by Gillian Durkee (our theme composer and Andrew's fiancée) as we discuss the Jasmine Guillory's romance novel THE PROPOSAL and the bookstagram smash hit THE GIRLS by Emma Cline. We also ponder genres we should read more of, flesh out the details of a possible Weddingverse, and hatch plans for some proposals of our own!
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD by Colson Whitehead & THE IMMORTALISTS by Chloe Benjamin. The week we have special guest host Camille Knox on to discuss the award-winning novel THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD by Colson Whitehead and THE IMMORTALISTS by Chloe Benjamin. Which of these contemporary novels is more to our liking? We also discuss revisiting ratings on Goodreads, our levels of olive enthusiasm, and Homeward Bound... a lot.
TRUST EXERCISE by Susan Choi & MIND OF MY MIND by Octavia E. Butler. This week Talia Bolnick of The Hatchery Press joins us as we review TRUST EXERCISE by SUSAN CHOI, a form-bending novel about teens in an exclusive drama school and MIND OF MY MIND by OCTAVIA E. BUTLER, the story of a young telepath in 1970s Los Angeles struggling against the man who created her. We also debate the value of engaging with difficult stories, whether or not you can judge a book by earlier installments in a series, and discuss possible names for our listeners! Plus, all the details on The To Read List Child!
WILD SEED by Octavia E. Butler & WHAT IS THE WHAT by Dave Eggers. In the first podcast of Bailey and Dillon’s parental leave, Toby and Andrew discuss Octavia E. Butler’s WILD SEED, a complex modern fantasy, and Dave Eggers’ WHAT IS THE WHAT, a fictional autobiography of a very real man - Valentino Achak Deng. Also, they try to decide which book would make the best video game and examine how we should introduce children to Sci-Fi/Fantasy. Plus - has Toby found a better villain than Cluny the Scourge??
This week, in honor of Pride Month, the crew recommends some favorite LGBTQIA+ authors, characters, and books. From classics like GIOVANNI'S ROOM to new works like ONCE & FUTURE, the possibilities are endless! Also we bid goodbye (for now) to Bailey and Dillon and wish them well on their parental leave. We will miss you!
SHARP TEETH by Toby Barlow & LEARNING TO SING by Clay Aiken and Allison Glock. This week we discuss our two most obscure books yet - American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken’s LEARNING TO SING, and the free verse werewolf action story SHARP TEETH by Toby Barlow. We debate whether or not Sharp Teeth is like Underworld, try to decide if Clay’s tie is a clip-on, and discover that some of us know an uncomfortable amount about American Idol. Plus, Andrew shares an exciting announcement!
In this week's minisode, we talk about our experiences with summer reading, from elementary school to now. You'll never guess who participated in a library reading challenge! (Yes, you will.)
CIRCE by Madeline Miller & EDUCATED by Tara Westover. This week, all three of us read CIRCE and EDUCATED so that we're ready to discuss why the books and book club favorites. Plus, we reminisce about songs from the early 2000s and pitch ideas for modern gods.
Inspired by Bailey and Dillon's virtual baby shower, we send gifts to some of our favorite literary parents to celebrate the births of their soon-to-be-troublesome children.
THE CRYING OF LOT 49 by Thomas Pynchon & I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE by Wally Lamb. This week, Toby does his best to dissect the fever dream that is THE CRYING OF LOT 49, while Bailey digs deep into family saga I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE. Then, we play "Thomas Pynchon Character or Wrestler Stage Name," and it's harder than you might think.
The pandemic has caused us to reconsider our place in the world. For example, Bailey, Toby, and Andrew have been wondering if they could really be characters in a book. To confirm, we took SparkNotes' "Are You A Plot Device?" quiz. Turns out only one of us is the protagonist of our story. Tune in to find out who!
EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU by Celeste Ng & REBECCA by Daphne du Maurier. This week, Andrew tackles Amazon's Best Book of 2014, EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU by Celeste Ng. Will the haunting family drama be too intense or just right? Then, the gang returns to Manderley with the paragon of romantic suspense, REBECCA! We discuss shady male love interests, anxious protagonists, and wacky plotting theories. Hard to believe we'll come out unchanged....
In response to this poll from Literary Hub, the gang debates which authors they'd want in their quarantine crew. There's a dud in every house, but at least there's drama!
CAT'S EYE by Margaret Atwood & DAISY JONES & THE SIX by Taylor Jenkins Reid. In this episode, Toby breaks down the unexpectedly realistic plot of Margaret Atwood's CAT'S EYE. Then, we dive into the 1970s' rock scene with our second book club pick, DAISY JONES & THE SIX! Expect plenty of Fleetwood Mac comparisons and a few spoilers (Thanks, Mom!).
In this minisode, the gang goes through their top three villains, in order of least to most vile. You'll never guess who's Toby's number one pick....
THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA by Ernest Hemingway & REDWALL by Brian Jacques. Andrew takes us on the saddest fishing trip of all time in THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA. Then, we debrief our inaugural To Read List Book Club selection… REDWALL! Will Bailey love this middle-grade mice adventure? Will our listeners? Is it possible to love Cluny the Scourge as much as Toby does? Tune in to find out!
To celebrate our 600th episode, Bailey, Toby, and Andrew share their latest puzzling experiences and play "Puzzle Piece or Thing in My Apartment."
(April Fools!)
MIDDLEMARCH by George Eliot & EVVIE DRAKE STARTS OVER by Linda Holmes. In this week's episode, Toby travels to the 19th century with MIDDLEMARCH, while Bailey heads to modern-day Maine for the (much lighter) romance EVVIE DRAKE STARTS OVER. Plus, we check in from our quarantine pods and reveal the first-ever To Read List Book Club pick!
While we're all cooped up at home, you may be looking for your next favorite read. If so, please enjoy our list of top un-put-downable books! That is, the books that kept us up late reading "just one more chapter...."
THE SYMPATHIZER by Viet Thanh Nguyen & COLD MOUNTAIN by Charles Frazier. This week, we discuss two beloved titles— bestselling historical romance COLD MOUNTAIN and 2016’s Pulitzer Prize Winner, THE SYMPATHIZER. Will we love the books as much as everyone else seems to? Plus, we get a geography lesson, chat about how producing a podcast has influenced our reading, and check in with Dillon’s cupboard under the stairs!
Dillon leads the cohosts in an Apples to Apples-style game where they retitle classic books through anonymous pitches. The results are priceless. (Note: the episode contains spoilers about ANNA KARENINA and LITTLE WOMEN.)
PACHINKO by Min Jin Lee & A YEAR IN THE MERDE by Stephen Clarke & A YEAR IN PROVENCE by Peter Mayle & ENCORE PROVENCE by Peter Mayle. Why would you not recommend a four star read? How much extra credit is too much? Why is Frodo Baggins hanging out with the Rum Tum Tugger? We’ll answer these questions and so much more in this very special episode.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, we write stories about literary characters who should totally smooch. Bailey takes it very seriously—the boys less so. Even teenage Gillian gets in on the fun!
ROBINSON CRUSOE by Daniel Defoe & SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA by Becky Albertalli. While Bailey tries to get through a reading slump, Toby goes above and beyond and reads two books, neither of which were assigned to him! With Toby’s help, Andrew discusses troublesome character decisions in ROBINSON CRUSOE, and Bailey dissects the adorable YA romance that became the film LOVE, SIMON.
In this minisode, we share our top three animals from literature, with no basic choices allowed! How many REDWALL characters will Toby pick? You’ll have to tune in to find out.
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST by Ken Kesey & BRAVE NEW WORLD by Aldous Huxley. We discuss two very different books that both happen to be about rebels taking on corrupt power structures! Toby reads ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST and contemplates whether Nurse Ratched is scarier in the book or the movie. Then, Bailey questions how much Huxley got right about our future in BRAVE NEW WORLD. Plus, Andrew asks us to come up with the worst ice cream flavors imaginable.
In this minisode, we share our reading resolutions for the new year. Some of our goals are conventional… and some of them are decidedly not. Enjoy!
THIS ONE SUMMER by Jillian & Mariko Tamaki & THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexandre Dumas. While Bailey tackles the longest book on her shelf, Andrew has time to read his graphic novel twice. Find out what makes the Tamakis’ coming of age story THIS ONE SUMMER so evocative, then travel to nineteenth century France for THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO! The journey will be full of catty antiheroes and REVENGE. Plus, we talk Christmas shame, high school reunions, and Wishbone.
In this bonus episode, we share the top three fictional settings we’d travel via a rock-shaped portal. You know, like in OUTLANDER. Don’t think about it too hard.
We celebrate our first anniversary by reflecting on the books we’ve read this year. Who read the most pages? Who added more books than they read? Who remembers the most from the books they read six months ago? Plus, we share our favorite books and characters in our favorite new award show, the Bookends!
LINCOLN IN THE BARDO by George Saunders & READY PLAYER ONE by Ernest Cline. Happy Holidays from the To Read List! To celebrate, we review two beloved books, READY PLAYER ONE and LINCOLN IN THE BARDO! Will Toby appreciate the George Saunders novel more the second time he attempts it? Will Bailey understand Ernest Cline’s video game references? Tune in to find out.
LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott. NOTE: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS. In this very special episode, Bailey invites four of her favorite ladies to analyze Louisa May Alcott’s coming of age classic, LITTLE WOMEN! We dig deep into the characters, such as how Jo breaks gender expectations, Amy masters the patriarchy, and Beth… is a bummer. Plus, we share facts about Alcott and a personality quiz.
OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon & JUST KIDS by Patti Smith. With only a few hours of sleep, Andrew reviews his longest book yet—OUTLANDER! His verdict may surprise you. Then Bailey discusses JUST KIDS and learns she might be too square for Patti Smith. Finally, Toby makes his debut as game master.
To celebrate the launch of Elaine’s Cooking for the Soul, a post-apocalyptic cooking podcast, we talk with creator Alli Schleisman about the tools from literature we’d take with us into the apocalypse. Some of us will survive, some of us will thrive… and some will get a stomachache from too much pasta. Check out Elaine’s Cooking for the Soul here.
EAST OF EDEN by John Steinbeck & NORMAL PEOPLE by Sally Rooney. The crew digs into two beloved books, one a classic, one a new release. Toby discusses biblical allusions and fun sociopaths in EAST OF EDEN, while Bailey reconnects with high school ex-boyfriends via Sally Rooney’s NORMAL PEOPLE. Plus, Andrew teaches us the surprising things you can learn from a human dissection.
To celebrate the annual Goodreads Choice Awards, we compete in Goodreads’ Never-Ending Book Quiz! The trivia questions are based on the books we’ve read, so you’d think that we’d be good at this. You’d think. Try the quiz for yourself here: https://www.goodreads.com/trivia/home
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green & MY YEAR OF REST AND RELAXATION by Ottessa Moshfegh. This week, we dig deep into two recent bestsellers: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS and MY YEAR OF REST AND RELAXATION! We discuss teen romance, the allure of sleep, and famous events in Dutch history. (Spoiler alert, Toby hasn’t heard of Mata Hari and thinks it’s weird if you have.) Plus, Dillon fills us in on his progress with HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS.
Inspired by both Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Taylor Swift, we choose the literary characters we wish were part of our best friend “squads.” Unsurprisingly, Bailey picks multiple cats. Plus, Andrew reveals the person he’d most want to host his holiday party, and Toby shares his plan to survive the apocalypse.
DRACULA by Bram Stoker & THE GREAT AND SECRET SHOW by Clive Barker. Spoooooky Halloween! We discuss two scary novels—THE GREAT AND SECRET SHOW by Clive Barker and DRACULA by Bram Stoker—using our best (worst) Transylvanian accents. As an extra treat, we break down the concept of an “unlikeable character” and what makes Count Dracula “extra.”
To get you in the Halloween spirit, we talk about three spooky stories: “The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury, “House of Puppets” by Junji Ito, and “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. Then, for our grand finale, we improvise the scariest story about flan you’ve ever heard. Hold on to your bats!
THE CASUAL VACANCY by J.K. Rowling & DEATH WITH INTERRUPTIONS by Jose Saramago. We dig deep into lesser-known works by two of our favorite authors. Andrew covers DEATH WITH INTERRUPTIONS by Jose Saramago, while Bailey tackles THE CASUAL VACANCY, a novel by J.K. Rowling that has nothing to do with witchcraft or wizardry. We discuss miraculous puzzles, talking scythes, and how reading can be like eating beets. Plus, we reveal the results of our Halloween Instagram poll.
We share the books we had to read for school that we ended up loving. It’s the best kind of fun—mandatory! Plus, we discuss the Untitled Goose Game, signature scents, and the easiest way to tell if an English teacher is cool.
ALIAS GRACE by Margaret Atwood & V FOR VENDETTA by Alan Moore. In this new episode, we cover our first graphic novel—V FOR VENDETTA by Alan Moore! After Toby tells us all about the iconic comic, Bailey digs into ALIAS GRACE by Margaret Atwood. It’s a haunting historical fiction story about murder, sexism, and… quilting? Then Andrew shares some shocking things that Moore and Atwood have in common. He also introduces a game that’s never been attempted on a podcast… perhaps for good reason.
If you want to work at the mecca for all bibliophiles—Strand Books in New York City—you must pass a book quiz. In this minisode, HR rep Dillon administers the quiz to Bailey, Toby, and Andrew. Although only two cohosts perform well enough to get the job, all three turn into competitive monsters… which is a win for you, the listener. Take the Strand quiz for yourself here.
BOSSYPANTS by Tina Fey & CLOUD ATLAS by David Mitchell. Bailey questions whether CLOUD ATLAS is gimmicky, genius, or gimmicky genius. Meanwhile, Andrew feels conflicted about Tina Fey’s hilarious memoir, BOSSYPANTS. We talk about waterslides, Chex Mix bookmarks, and deep-fried books. Oh, and Dillon finally makes it through the first 150 pages in HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS.
RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE by Casey McQuiston. In this bonus episode, Bailey reviews the book of the summer: RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE by Casey McQuiston! We talk about hot British scones, character horoscopes, and the universal experience of tween girls growing up in the 90s.
THE RED TENT by Anita Diamant & THE EYE OF THE WORLD by Robert Jordan. Toby reviews a book he found on the side of the road—THE EYE OF THE WORLD by Robert Jordan—while Bailey reads THE RED TENT, a book she’s had on her shelf for over two decades. We talk about feminist reimaginings and reluctant magicians. Plus, one of the hosts gets pummeled in a game about Israeli soccer stars.
In this minisode, Andrew and Dillon compete in Harry Potter trivia. Who’s the muggle and who’s the auror? The answer may not surprise you.
WILDER GIRLS by Rory Power & THE WIND-UP BIRD CHRONICLE by Haruki Murakami. In this very special episode, we interview Rory Power, author of the unsettling and evocative new novel WILDER GIRLS! Rory tells us about her inspirations, her writing process, and her to read list. Plus, Andrew finishes Haruki Murakami’s THE WIND-UP BIRD CHRONICLE… seven years after he started it. Was it worth the wait? Let’s find out!
In this bonus minisode, we take a break from reviewing/reading books to introduce ourselves. Which host is a Slytherin? Which one of us had a Greek myth-themed birthday party? Who plays softball in jean shorts? Let’s find out!
WILLFUL CREATURES by Aimee Bender & WHITE TEETH by Zadie Smith. Sometimes books make you feel dumb. While Bailey struggles to love WHITE TEETH by Zadie Smith, Toby delights in WILLFUL CREATURES, a short story collection by Aimee Bender. There’s talk of men in birdcages, writing in closets, and hunting serial killers. Plus, we check in with Dillon’s cupboard under the stairs and share an extra credit review of THE BOOKISH LIFE OF NINA HILL by Abbi Waxman!
FREEDOM by Jonathan Franzen. On this very special episode, Camille Knox and Charlie Sanders (of Weird City, Key & Peele, and the #SOLA Podcast) stop by to break down Jonathan Franzen’s 2010 opus, FREEDOM! We chat about chick lit versus dude lit, what it means to be a St. Paulite, and, of course, Franzen’s obsession with birds.
KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL by Anthony Bourdain & STATION ELEVEN by Emily St. John Mandel. In episode 14, we review STATION ELEVEN by Emily St. John Mandel—a dazzling dystopian National Book Award finalist—and KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL, Anthony Bourdain’s snappy account of life in the “culinary underbelly.” The tell-all inspires us to share some of our own secrets: Andrew’s rage at a catfish, Bailey’s compulsive book smelling, and Toby’s inability to pronounce the word “post-apocalyptic.”
THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING by J.R.R. Tolkien & SADIE by Courtney Summers. It may be hard to believe, but fantasy-lover Toby has never read THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING… until now! He reviews the genre classic, while Bailey covers contemporary favorite SADIE by Courtney Summers. We talk about true crime podcasts, listening to music while reading, and Welsh Big Macs. Plus, Bailey makes a juicy confession!
EXIT WEST by Mohsin Hamid & ANNA KARENINA by Leo Tolstoy. We discuss ANNA KARENINA by Leo Tolstoy, considered by many to be the best novel of all time. It’s also the longest book reviewed so far on the podcast! Plus, we dig deep into a modern classic, EXIT WEST by Mohsin Hamid, which is significantly shorter. There’s talk of magical doors, annoying farmers, and heavy metal bands.
THE RADIUM GIRLS by Kate Moore & EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED by Jonathan Safran Foer. In this very special episode, Andrew joins Bailey and Toby in the studio (apartment) to talk about two book club darlings, THE RADIUM GIRLS and EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED. We discuss the not-so-fun effects of radium, Ukrainian cocks of the walk, and punny desserts. Plus, musician Gillian Beth Durkee stops by to talk about her process of composing our intro song.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS by Buzz Bissinger & WICKED by Gregory Maguire. We talk about the source material behind two of our favorite shows: FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS and WICKED! Both books are… different from what we expected. We also play a new kind of Fantasy Football, and Toby adds three romance novels to his To Read List.
BLINDNESS by Jose Saramago & DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP? by Philip K. Dick. In episode nine, the hosts guess the plot of OUTLANDER, debate the feasibility of stealthily reading a book on the subway, and discover what other sci-fi author went to high school with Philip K. Dick. Oh, and they review DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP? and the Nobel Prize-winning BLINDNESS.
GIOVANNI'S ROOM by James Baldwin & THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon. While reviewing GIOVANNI’S ROOM and THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR, we discuss the books we loved as teens, our opinions on including foreign words in novels, and the best bald Jameses. Plus, we share the incredible titles we were gifted as an April Fool’s Prank.
1984 by George Orwell. In this special guest episode, we discuss 1984 with Talia Bolnick of the Hatchery Press! Talia tells us all about the best workspace for writers in Los Angeles. Plus, she shares inventive uses for plates and what makes her dog “hawt.” As a bonus, there’s talk of sexy sashes and epistemological triggering! It would be a thoughtcrime not to tune in.
BLONDE by Joyce Carol Oates & THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE-DAME by Victor Hugo. In episode six, we tackle two big books that had big impacts on us: BLONDE and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE-DAME. Bailey lists some surprising tidbits that Disney’s HUNCHBACK got right, Toby explains why it’s best to read Joyce Carol Oates at the end of the day, and Andrew clarifies why Victor Hugo wrote in the nude.
LET THE GREAT WORLD SPIN by Colum McCann & WE HAVE ALWAYS LIVED IN THE CASTLE by Shirley Jackson. Bailey, Toby, and Andrew talk about interconnected stories, the characters we love but would never want to meet, and what we do with our dust jackets. Oh yeah, and we break down LET THE GREAT WORLD SPIN and WE HAVE ALWAYS LIVED IN THE CASTLE!
WRITING DOWN THE BONES by Natalie Goldberg & JONATHAN STRANGE & MR NORRELL by Susanna Clarke. While breaking down Natalie Goldberg’s WRITING DOWN THE BONES, we discuss the best writing advice books and how candles create magic. Then we review our first five star novel, JONATHAN STRANGE & MR NORRELL, and share which books grabbed us on the first page.
CATCH-22 by Joseph Heller & HISTORY OF WOLVES by Emily Fridlund. After confessing the new books we’ve added to our shelves, we discuss CATCH-22, HISTORY OF WOLVES, and what makes a great coming of age novel. We also learn the extent of Andrew’s wokeness, why Bailey never wins, and how Toby is the renegade of the podcast.
A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN by Betty Smith & A MOVEABLE FEAST by Ernest Hemingway. Bailey attempts a Hemingway impression, Andrew reminisces about the wonder of Animorphs, and Toby learns that “Heroes Just Happen.” Plus, we discuss A MOVEABLE FEAST, A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN, and how fictional settings have influenced our real travels.
Bailey, Toby, and Andrew discuss the inspiration for the podcast. Then they go through their To Read Lists, pointing out the books they're most excited about and most terrified of. Finally, they choose the first books they'll discuss on the next episode.