Red Wine Reads: Recent Episodes
Jenna Ruth Miller
I’m making book clubs cool again with my podcast, Red Wine Reads.
This is a podcast with a mission to make you love books again by engaging in fun (and sometimes ridiculous) conversations. We want you to read the books along with us, so you give us your hot takes on social media after the episode airs. It’s an opportunity for you to join a community of book lovers and wine lovers (and not strictly just red wine lovers). With weekly book reviews spanning across many genres and weekly 10-minute, book-related deep dives, there’s a little something in here for everyone. So pop a cork, grab a book, and press play.
"I literally think I'm going to take dating advice from this book."
This week, we read Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez.
Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:
- Why two romance haters will recommend this book to everyone they know.
- Why the trash pandas and toilet king were the true stars of this book.
- What makes a man smell good.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that made Jenna rethink EVERYTHING.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK - Raspberry High Noon Iced Tea, Nice glass of Cabernet Sauvignon
- TV SHOW - Virgin River, Gilmore Girls
- BOOK - To All the Boys I Loved Before, Maybe in Another Life
- MOVIE - 10 Things I Hate About You, Safe Haven, When in Rome
!! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD !!
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
”He is such a piece of trash and I f**ing love him.”
This week, we read The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty.
Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:
- The exciting premise and flawless execution that this book offers.
- Why we keep mentioning “naked pirates”.
- Why the spice level may have been a determining factor in Sierra’s final rating.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you feeling all the aches and pains of being a retired lady pirate.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK - Naked Pirate
- TV SHOW - Working Moms, House of the Dragon
- BOOK - The Book of Longings, Daughter of the Moon Goddess
- MOVIE - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, 3000 Years of Longing
!! WARNING: SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE !!
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
“We're going to be slovenly and yelling at each other by the end of the hour.”
This week, we read The Shamshine Blind by Paz Pardo
Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:
- How Inside Out and Detective Pikachu relate to this book.
- Why Ella is talking in a New York cop accent
- Why we ended up on polar opposite sides of this book
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you feeling all the colors.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK - Double Titos Pineapple, Daiquiri
- TV SHOW - Three Body Problem, His Dark Materials
- BOOK - The Giver, Fahrenheit 451
- MOVIE - Detective Pikachu, Furiosa
!! WARNING: SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE !!
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
“I love when women write men. Holy s**t. It was so good.”
This week, it’s a 2 for 1! We read Poor Things by Alasdair Gray and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Bekah joins me on this episode to discuss:
- The book vs. movie when talking about Poor Things
- Women writing men
- The problems and triumphs of classics
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you slogging your way through another classic novel.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK - Frankenpunch, Bloody Mary
- TV SHOW - The Fall of the House of Usher, Fullmetal Alchemist
- BOOK - The Haunting of Hill House, Bunny, Pet Sematary
- MOVIE - Fresh, Poor Things, Ex Machina
Content Warning: We talk about death, sex, and murder in the episode. Please take caution when listening.
WARNING!! SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE!!
”She's always talking about him slouching. I'm sorry, I do not find that attractive. Be assertive!”
This week, we read and reviewed People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry.
Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:
- Why the book was just too long…360 pages for a romance?
- Why the climax was quite anti-climatic
- Why this was the light and fun summer read that we needed.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you planning your next summer vaycay.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK - Piña Colada,
- TV SHOW - One Day, Dawson’s Creek (Joey and Pacey)
- BOOK - Beach Read, The People We Keep
- MOVIE - Palm Springs, Definitely, Maybe
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
WARNING ‼️ SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE !!
Here's what you can expect from our newest iteration of Red Wine Reads:
- New scripts
- Drinking games
- More social media content
- Same old heated banter
- More books spanning across a variety of genres
We love you all and want to give you the best possible listening experience we can. So we present to you, Red Wine Reads - Season 2.
Let's pull some corks and get reading!
I never thought I’d open up this much on a podcast…but here we are
This week, we read All About Love by bell hooks
Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:
- The many meanings behind “Love” and what role it plays in both Ella and I’s lives.
- Why billionaires kind of suck.
- Why it was tough to jump back into a dense nonfiction book.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you journaling more than you ever thought possible.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Cosmo, Whiskey Sour
- TV SHOW - Modern Love, I Will Destroy You, One Day
- BOOK - Help, Thanks, Wow, How to Fall in Love with Anyone, Generations
- MOVIE -Someone Great, Together
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
Today we're diving into which books we'll be reading and reviewing in June. From classic horror tales, to sister witch dramas, to beautiful rich people hoofin' it in upstate New York, we're reading some great books this month.
Whether you want to read one, none or all of them, the choice is up to you. We will be having great conversations all month long, so we hope you join us!
Everyone has different tastes, but we hope this podcast is fun to listen to, no matter how you like your books. Let me know which books you are most excited for on our Instagram and TikTok at rw reads podcast.
Links to all books are down below:
All About Love by bell hooks
The Beautiful and Damned by Scott F. Fitzgerald
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
Yes, I know my mic didn't work in the first half of this episode. I apologize and will do better in the future. Thanks for hanging in there with me.
Justice for Kevin Jorgeson!
This week, we read The Push by Tommy Caldwell
Bekah joins me on this episode to discuss:
- Why this memoir appeals to both the climbers and non-climbers of the world.
- Why Bekah felt the need to shout, “Justice for Kevin!” about 5 times throughout the full episode.
- How we talked for over an hour and still didn’t event scratch the surface of his wild, wonderful life.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you shouting, “Kevin! Pitch 15!”
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: IPA brewed in CO: Station 26 Juicy Banger
- TV SHOW - Edge of the Unknown
- BOOK - Into Thin Air, Outliers: The Story of Success
- MOVIE - The Dawn Wall, Free Solo, Summit of the Gods, The Alpinist
- Special Pairing: Against the Odds: Rock Climbers Abducted
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
"I can't pre-game before this. Things get too crazy."
"You can, and you should!"
This week, we read My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:
- A threesome involving Marvel’s infinity gauntlet
- Why the ending really put a damper on the whole novel
- All things relating to vampires — including fruit powers
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that was fueled by wine and romance novels…which always leads to good decisions.
Mentioned in Pairings:
- DRINK: Vampire Wine, Vampire Mimosa
- TV SHOW - What We Do in the Shadows, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- BOOK - The Ex Hex, Deal with the Elf King
- MOVIE - Twilight, Vamps, Dark Shadows
Quick Summary:
Cassie Greenberg loves being an artist, but it’s a tough way to make a living. On the brink of eviction, she’s desperate when she finds a too-good-to-be-true apartment in a beautiful Chicago neighborhood. Of course, her new roommate Frederick J. Fitzwilliam is far from normal. He sleeps all day, is out at night on business, and talks like he walked out of a regency romance novel. He also leaves Cassie heart-melting notes around the apartment, cares about her art, and asks about her day. And he doesn’t look half bad shirtless. But when Cassie finds bags of blood in the fridge that definitely weren’t there earlier, Frederick has to come clean. . .Cassie’s sexy new roommate is a vampire.
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Disclaimer
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we readMagic Hourby Kristin Hannah
Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:
- Why Kristin Hannah will continue to be a favorite, but maybe one who we stick to the newer material
- If we were faced with the same situation as Julia, how would we respond?
- Is a hot doctor always necessary for an interesting plot? The answer is in this episode.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you reaching into your desk for that bottle of whiskey you’ve been saving for a moment like this.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Desk Whiskey
- TV SHOW - True Detective: Night Country, Shrinking, The Wilds
- BOOK - Where the Crawdads Sing, Speak, Alice in Wonderland, Nightingale
- MOVIE - Tarzan, Good Will Hunting
Quick Summary: Dr. Julia Cates was one of the country's preeminent child psychiatrists until a shocking tragedy ruined her career. Retreating to her small western Washington hometown, Julia meets an extraordinary six-year-old girl who has inexplicably emerged from the deep woods nearby—a child locked in a world of unimaginable fear and isolation. To Julia, nothing is more important than saving the girl she now calls Alice. But Julia will need help from others, including the sister she barely knows and a handsome doctor with secrets of his own. What follows will test the limits of Julia's faith and strength, as she struggles to find a home for Alice . . . and for herself.
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we readEileenby Otessa Moshfegh
Rebekah joins me on this episode to discuss:
- Why Otessa continues to fascinate me, even though I’ve disliked every book I’ve read of hers
- How Otessa crossed so many lines in this book
- Why we refuse to go watch the film adaptation
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you questioning if reading this book was worth it.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Gin
- TV SHOW - Killing Eve, Dead to Me
- BOOK - The Discomfort of Evening, My Year of Rest and Relaxation, Other People’s Clothes, A Certain Hunger
- MOVIE - Saltburn, The Menu
Quick Summary: The Christmas season offers little cheer for Eileen Dunlop, an unassuming yet disturbed young woman trapped between her role as her alcoholic father's caretaker in a home whose squalor is the talk of the neighborhood and a day job as a secretary at the boys' prison, filled with its own quotidian horrors. Consumed by resentment and self-loathing, Eileen tempers her dreary days with perverse fantasies and dreams of escaping to the big city. In the meantime, she fills her nights and weekends with shoplifting, stalking a buff prison guard named Randy, and cleaning up her increasingly deranged father's messes. When the bright, beautiful, and cheery Rebecca Saint John arrives on the scene as the new counselor at Moorehead, Eileen is enchanted and proves unable to resist what appears at first to be a miraculously budding friendship. In a Hitchcockian twist, her affection for Rebecca ultimately pulls her into complicity in a crime that surpasses her wildest imaginings.
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we readA Court of Thorns and Rosesby Sarah J. Maas
Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:
- How I was able to steer clear of any spoilers up until this point
- Why Tamlin gives me the ick
- The pure excitement that Sierra feels to FINALLY talk about this book with me
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you traveling Under the Mountain and through the woods to save the people you love.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Out East Cotes de Provence Rosé, Red Sangria
- TV SHOW - Vampire Diaries, The Rings of Power
- BOOK - Crescent City, Beastly, A Court of Mist and Fury
- MOVIE - Beauty and the Beast, Twilight, Ella Enchanted
Quick Summary: When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world. As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we readOutlanderby Diana Gabaldon
Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:
- Why, as two people people who don’t normally read romance, ate this s**t up.
- The fact that our girl Diana can sure write a sex scene
- How all of the elements — romance, historical anecdotes, character development, setting — came together to create a lovely, entertaining story
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you singing a song of a lass that is gone.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Rhenish Wine, Whiskey
- TV SHOW - Reign, Game of Thrones
- BOOK - Kindred
- MOVIE - Brave, Lady Chatterley's Lover
Quick Summary: Scottish Highlands, 1945. Claire Randall, a former British combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding clans in the year of Our Lord . . . 1743. Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of a world that threatens her life, and may shatter her heart. Marooned amid danger, passion, and violence, Claire learns her only chance of safety lies in Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior. What begins in compulsion becomes urgent need, and Claire finds herself torn between two very different men, in two irreconcilable lives.
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
It's our birthday month, so we wanted to start off our new season with a bang (literally). This episode was originally recorded in 2022, but I have sat on it, waiting for the perfect time to post it. And now, it is the perfect time to post it!
Today, we're reading Birthday Girl, a steamy romance in which Jordan, a 19-year-old, falls in love with the almost-40 Pike. The only snag in their romance? Jordan is dating Pike’s son, Cole. Oh, and they’re living in his house.
Sierra joins me today to talk about how I overcame my fear of smut thanks to her book choice.
In this episode we cover:
- Why I was legitimately scared of this book
- How sexy books shouldn’t be shamed, but rather celebrated
- Why this book is right up Sierra’s alley
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you finding a movie theater on your birthday this year.
This week, we readWhere the Crawdads Singby Delia Owens
Bekah joins me on this episode to discuss:
- The dark past of author, Delia Owens, that may or may not influence the plot/characters of the book.
- What order you should read the “Where the Crawdads Sing” trifecta including book, movie, and New Yorker article.
- How this book became a phenomenon among book clubs and Reese Witherspoon fans.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you running barefoot into the marsh and talking with all the birds.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Sweet Tea with Whiskey
- TV SHOW - Big Little Lies, Outer Banks, The Last Thing He Told Me
- BOOK - The Great Alone, To Kill a Mockingbird
- MOVIE - Safe Haven, Gone Girl, Girl On The Train, The Woman In the Window
Important links mentioned in the podcast:
“The Hunted” - The New Yorker
“Where the Crawdads Sing Author Wanted for Questioning in Murder” - The Atlantic
“A Shooting in Zambia” - The New Yorker
Quick Summary: For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens.
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This month, we’re starting Season 3 off with a BANG. Outlander, ACOTAR, Kristin Hannah and Ottessa Moshfegh? Oh yeah, this month is going to be good. We got a little romance for you (it is the month of love after all). We got a little mystery and weirdness for you. We have characters you love to root for and characters you love to hate.
Whatever your taste in books, we hope you find something you’re looking for.
Here are our picks for February:
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - a novel that combines the best of all worlds — historical fiction, fantasy and romance — into an unforgettable ride through the 18th Century Scottish Highlands.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas - a TikTok-famous romance fantasy novel that is a (very) loose retelling of ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah - a heart string-pulling novel about a woman who will do anything to save a little girl’s life, while also saving herself.
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh- a dark and twisted tale about how one girl’s obsession turns into an unforeseen friendship with many strings attached.
Which book are you most excited for?
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we readCrazy Rich Asiansby Kevin Kwan
Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:
- The characters who really made this book such a devious, sexy inside look into the richest people in Singapore
- The biggest plot holes in the movie that the book filled in
- Why the audiobook absolutely SLAYS
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you booking a trip to Paris with your private shopper (just kidding…more like hopping onto Amazon and getting that $30 sweatshirt set you’ve been eying for the last week).
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Singapore Sling
- TV SHOW - Gossip Girl, The Fall of the House of Usher
- BOOK - What We Were Promised, The Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy
- MOVIE - Crazy Rich Asians, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Meet the Fockers
Quick Summary: When New Yorker Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home and quality time with the man she hopes to marry. But Nick has failed to give his girlfriend a few key details. One, that his childhood home looks like a palace; two, that he grew up riding in more private planes than cars; and three, that he just happens to be the country’s most eligible bachelor. On Nick’s arm, Rachel may as well have a target on her back the second she steps off the plane, and soon, her relaxed vacation turns into an obstacle course of old money, new money, nosy relatives, and scheming social climbers.
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we readHowl's Moving Castleby Diana Wynne Jones
Bekah joins me on this episode to discuss:
- Why there were way too many characters in the book that it muddled up the ending
- How Bekah became the biggest Studio Ghibli stan out there
- The many discrepancies between the book and the movie, and why in this case, the movie is better.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you wondering where you can get your own fire demon.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: London Fog, Gold Fashioned
- TV SHOW - Slice of Life on Crunchyroll
- BOOK - Ella Enchanted, Good Omens, Matilda
- MOVIE - Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, The Boy and the Heron, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke
Quick Summary: In this giant jigsaw puzzle of a fantasy, people and things are never quite what they seem. Destinies are intertwined, identities exchanged, lovers confused. The Witch has placed a spell on Howl. Does the clue to breaking it lie in a famous poem? And what will happen to Sophie Hatter when she enters Howl's castle?
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we read — and watched! —Mr. Malcolm's Listby Suzanne Allain
Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:
- Why Jenna fell asleep during the movie.
- How well this book was adapted to screen — they did a great job, almost word-for-word the same!
- Why the movie’s creative interpretation of the ending irked us both.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you dozing off while you read on the plane…
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Bees Knees, Lavender French 75
- TV SHOW - Queen Charlotte, Emma
- BOOK - Portrait of a Scotsman, Unequal Affections
- MOVIE - John Tucker Must Die, Belle
Quick Book Synopsis: This novel follows the Honourable Mr. Jeremy Malcolm as he searches for a wife, but not just any wife. He's determined to avoid the fortune hunters and find a near-perfect woman, one who will meet the qualifications on his well-crafted list. But after years of searching, he's beginning to despair of ever finding this paragon. Until Selina Dalton arrives in town. But when Mr. Malcolm begins judging Selina against his unattainable standards, Selina decides that she has some qualifications of her own. And if he is to meet them he must reveal the real man behind...Mr. Malcolm's List.
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we readKillers of the Flower Moonby David Grann.
This nonfiction novel follows the twisting, haunting true-life murder mystery about one of the most monstrous crimes in American history — the Osage Murders.
Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:
- Why we both gave the book 5 stars
- What we missed in the movie adaptation
- The pairing that kept applying to multiple aspects of our conversation
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you discussing both the book and movie at length with your friends and family.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Moonshine, Whiskey
- TV SHOW - When They See Us, Top of the Lake
- BOOK - Under the Banner of Heaven, Braiding Sweetgrass
- MOVIE - Killers of the Flower Moon, Oppenheimer
- SPECIAL PAIRING: White Hats - A Texas Monthly Podcast
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we readTwisted Loveby Ana Huang
This first book in a four book series follows Ava and Alex — a duo whose love that was never supposed to happen unleashes secrets that could destroy them both...and everything they hold dear Twisted Love is a contemporary brother's best friend/grumpy sunshine romance.
Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:
- How many tropes were actually in this book
- Why we now want to read the rest of the books in the series for an unknown reason
- Why it still only took us a day to read this book
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you questioning if character development really counts as just making someone overcome their fear of water.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Black Velvet, Cheap Champagne
- TV SHOW - Virgin River, Outer Banks
- BOOK - Fifty Shades of Gray, Promises and Pomegranates
- MOVIE - 10 Things I Hate About You, Twilight, 365 Days
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we readAtonementby Ian McEwan
This 2001 novel follows thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis who witnesses a moment’s flirtation between her older sister, Cecilia, and Robbie Turner, the son of a servant and Cecilia’s childhood friend. But Briony’s incomplete grasp of adult motives—together with her precocious literary gifts—brings about a crime that will change all their lives.
Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:
- Why we had to reschedule this recording so Jenna could watch the movie
- Why the second third of the book lost us
- Why the bomb scene in Oppenheimer and the sex scene in Atonement hold the same tension.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you hearing a typewriter sound everywhere you go.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Choc-tail
- TV SHOW - The Pursuit of Love, Severance
- BOOK - The Great Gatsby, The Nightingale
- MOVIE - Lady Chatterley's Lover, 1917
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we readHow to Fall in Love with Anyoneby Mandy Len Catron
This memoir from the author of the popular New York Times essay, “To Fall in Love with Anyone, Do This,” explores the romantic myths we create and explains how they limit our ability to achieve and sustain intimacy. When her parents divorced after a twenty-eight year marriage and her own ten-year relationship ended, those were the questions that Mandy Len Catron wanted to answer.
Bekah joins me on this episode to discuss:
- Why Bekah gave this book 2 stars and Jenna gave this book 5 stars…
- An inside look at Bekah and Jenna’s love lives
- Why Pretty Woman is the ultimate love story
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you either stressed out or hopeful about love.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Milkshake with two straws, red wine
- TV SHOW - New Girl, Normal People
- BOOK - Wild Geese, Of Love, Traveling Mercies
- MOVIE - Pretty Woman, The Last Five Years
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we readThe Paris Apartmentby Lucy Foley.
Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke and alone, and she’s just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. She decides to visit her half-brother Ben in Paris — but he’s not there. The longer he stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch, and not particularly friendly. Everyone's a neighbor. Everyone's a suspect. And everyone knows something they’re not telling.
Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:
- Why the characters are so messy and complicated — and why we’re loving it.
- WTF happened in that last scene in the attic.
- Why Abby and I have the EXACT same taste in books, TV shows, and movies.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you booking a flight to Paris and hoping your trip goes much more smoothly than Jess’s trip.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Expensive Red Wine
- TV SHOW - Only Murderers in the Building
- BOOK - The Guest List, Murder on the Orient Express
- MOVIE - Taken
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week as book three of our Spooky Reviews Series, we readThe Haunting of Hill Houseby Shirley Jackson
This novel tells the story of four seekers who arrive at a notoriously unfriendly house called Hill House: Dr. Montague, an occult scholar looking for solid evidence of a “haunting”; Theodora, his lighthearted assistant; Eleanor, a friendless, fragile young woman well acquainted with poltergeists; and Luke, the future heir of Hill House. But Hill House has its own plans for its guests.
Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:
- Why we were left feeling disappointed and sad with this book.
- Do we believe in ghosts?
- Why, in this special case, the movie (or TV show) is truly so much better than the book.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you looking for spooky, scary skeletons around every corner.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Whiskey, Manhattan
- TV SHOW - The Haunting of Hill House
- BOOK - Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, The Shining
- MOVIE - It, Shirley, Monster House
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week as book two of our Spooky Reviews Series, we readThe Hikeby Drew Magary
This novel follows Ben, a man who finds himself on a path into the woods behind his hotel, but he quickly comes to realize that the path he has chosen cannot be given up easily. With no choice but to move forward, Ben finds himself falling deeper and deeper into a world of man-eating giants, bizarre demons, and colossal insects.
Rebekah and Marlee join me on this episode to discuss:
- Why a crab created the craziness plot twist in this book
- What kind of cricket Ben fought in the attic, but let’s be real, any giant insect would be terrifying
- THE ENDING
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you questioning who has journeyed on the path or…who else has to keep the secret.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Peach Schnapps, Single Malt Whiskey
- TV SHOW - Black Mirror: S3 E2 Playtest, Severance
- BOOK - The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Midnight Library, Paper Girls
- MOVIE - Ready Player One, Alice in Wonderland
- SPECIAL PAIRING VIDEO GAME: Baldur's Gate 3
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week as part of our Spooky Reviews Series, we readThe Ex Hexby Erin Sterling
This novel follows Vivi, a witch who cursed her long-lost lover Rhys after he broke her heart. Nine years later, Rhys returns to their home of Graves Glen and finds himself facing two dangerous things: his scorned ex and a cursed town.
Sierra and Claire join me on this episode to discuss:
- Why this book fell so flat with so many plot holes
- Why we are not invested enough to read the sequels
- Why this book felt like it was trying to fit into too many different genres: romance, comedy, dark witches
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you getting in the Halloween spirit.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Frankenstein Punch, Blackberry Margarita, One Tree Hard Cider: Caramel Cinnamon
- TV SHOW - The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Charmed, Gilmore Girls, Sabrina the Teenage Witch
- BOOK - Beach Read, The Kiss Curse, Matilda
- MOVIE - Practical Magic, Hocus Pocus, The School of Good And Evil, Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, Bewitched, Halloweentown
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we read Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
This novel follows Dana, a black woman who travels back in time to Antebellum Maryland and has to save her family line. She must face the horrors of American slavery and explores the impacts of racism, sexism, and white supremacy then and now.
Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:
- The reason why EVERYBODY IS NOT READING THIS EFFIN’ NOVEL!
- Why Octavia E. Butler is an absolute trailblazer in the science fiction genre and she is not getting enough recognition.
- How Jenna and Ella were absolutely gobsmacked by the ending.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you closing the book, and feeling unsure whether you should scream, cry, or both.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Moonshine
- TV SHOW - Outlander, The Good Lord Bird
- BOOK - Who Fears Death, The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois
- MOVIE - BlacKkKlansman, Triangle of Sadness
- SPECIAL PAIRING: NPR’s Throughline: Octavia Butler: Visionary Fiction (2021)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we read Priest by Sierra Simone
This novel follows a Catholic priest in small town Kansas who meets Poppy — a high-end stripper trying to escape her horny past — and they spark a very strong connection.
Abby Williams, who can never take communion the same way ever again, and Sierra Marshall, the expert in all things romance and smut, join me today to talk about sex and faith.
In this episode we cover:
- Why Jenna’s face gets progressively more red the longer this recording goes on.
- The “WTF” factor that set in just 20 pages into this book.
- Why if you’re new to romance and smut…just please skip this book and come back to it. It is an expert level book.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you either siding with Sierra or siding with Abby…nobody’s right or wrong, just VERY different tastes.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Whiskey, Communion Wine
- TV SHOW - Derry Girls (Father Peter Conway), Gossip Girl (New HBO Series), Fleabag (Season 2)
- BOOK - Birthday Girl, Fifty Shades of Gray, Misadventures with a Professor
- MOVIE - Fifty Shades of Gray, Spotlight, Magic Mike, Moulin Rouge
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
SPECIAL EPISODE: RWR BOOK CLUB
This week, we read The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This novel follows two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France. It shows the side of the war that is seldom seen: the women’s war.
Sierra Marshall, love story aficionado and two other very special guests: Claire (our RWR Book Club fearless founder) and Marlee (the one who seems to mic drop in every episode she appears in).
In this episode we cover:
- The powerful writing that is Kristin Hannah - and why I am very much obsessed with her.
- Why the ending frustrated most of us and what we wanted to see instead.
- How the strength of women continues to amaze us.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you climbing a mountain in order to read this book (not really, but we hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we did).
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: French 75, Espresso Martini, Irish Coffee
- TV SHOW - Wynonna Earp, The Handmaid's Tale, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Bluey, Downton Abbey, Peaky Blinders
- BOOK - The Diamond Eye, Night Witches, The Book Thief, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
- MOVIE - Harriet, The Book Thief
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we read The Cloisters by Katy Hayes
This novel follows an academic that scores a job at The Cloisters, a gothic museum and garden renowned for its medieval art collection and its group of enigmatic researchers studying the history of divination. When the dangerous game of power, seduction, and ambition at The Cloisters turns deadly, our main character becomes locked in a race for answers as the line between the arcane and the modern blurs.
Rebekah Sausmikat, a New Yorker thriving off of the New York diet: caffeine and nicotine, joins me to talk about a book that was given to us by Sierra that had made its rounds on TikTok. We were pretty skeptical at first…but the book did grow on us.
In this episode we cover:
- Why the addition of multiple plot twists was Jenna’s cup of tea, but not Bekah’s
- How Jenna didn’t know this was a real place before sitting down to record
- The different roles Tarot plays in both Bekah and Jenna’s lives.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you reaching out into the void for some answers from a higher power.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
-
DRINK: Liquid Death, Canned Red Wine - Freakshow
-
TV SHOW - Gossip Girl, The Librarians
- BOOK - Other People’s Clothes, Stargazer, Verity
- MOVIE - Harry Potter series, Knives Out, I Care a Lot
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we read Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
This graphic novel memoir follows Marjane as she grew up in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution. It’s a coming-of-age story of a girl trying to navigate what growing up looks like for her and for her family.
Abby Williams, who initially read only book one of a two book series, is back to talk about the complete series.
In this episode we cover:
- Why reading a graphic novel was new and exciting
- The real toll of culture shock and moving away from home
- What the evolution of our relationships looks like as we grow up
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you laughing and crying all in one comic strip.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Persian Tea (type of black tea), Darioush Pinot Noir
- TV SHOW - Derry Girls, Never Have I Ever
- BOOK - Blankets, 44 DaysIran and the Remaking of the World
- MOVIE - The Hate U Give, Argo
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we read Just Kids by Patti Smith
This memoir follows the duo of Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe as they navigate New York City as young creatives who are trying to make a name for themselves. They struggle with poverty and sickness, but in the end, they always have their deep friendship.
Rebekah Sausmikat, someone who spends her free time roaming around museums in Chelsea, joins me today to talk about a book that is so quintessentially New York.
In this episode we cover:
- What it would be like to get patted on the head by Salvador Dalí and hang out with Andy Warhol
- Why Ella felt the need to insert a prerecorded ode to Patti Smith
- The absolutely STUNNING writing style of Patti Smith
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you booking your next trip to New York City to soak up all of the creative energy left behind by Patti and Robert.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Manhattan, just drugs
- TV SHOW - Will & Grace, Edie Sedgwick: New York's "It Girl" and Andy Warhol's Muse
- BOOK - Daisy Jones & The Six, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, LA Woman, The Lyrics
- MOVIE - Infinity - Yayoi Kusama, Bohemian Rhapsody, Woodstock, Across the Universe
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we read Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
This award-winning nonfiction work follows the Everest disaster of 1996 when eight climbers lost their lives after getting caught in a blizzard while trying to summit. One of the survivors was John Krakauer, a journalist and the author of this book.
Sierra Marshall, who will not be climbing Everest anytime soon, joins me to talk about one of Ella’s most favorite books by her most favorite author.
In this episode we cover:
- Why this book is right up Jenna’s alley
- Why Sierra couldn’t find the romance or entertainment throughout this book
- Why nonfiction is not Sierra’s speed because she reads to escape.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you Googling survival tips and steering clear of Everest for a while.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: White Russian, Snow Plow
- TV SHOW - I Survived, Bear Grylls
- BOOK - In Harm's Way, Little Princes
- MOVIE - Everest, 127 Hours
- Special Podcast Pairing - Out Alive: Backpacker
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we read The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
This novel, made popular by TikTok and Instagram, follows six talented individuals with special gifts who must battle it out to earn a place in the highly coveted Alexandrian Society.
Ella Kopeikin, who thought the threesome in this book was the most well-written scene, joins me today to talk about a book that missed the mark on so many levels.
In this episode we cover:
- Why this book got a total of three stars from BOTH Jenna and Ella
- Why we really hated each and every character equally
- How a plot twist couldn’t even save this book
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you wondering if you should read the sequel, but the answer is probably no.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Full Moontini, Absinthe
- TV SHOW - Marvel’s Runaways, Gossip Girl
- BOOK - Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, The Maidens, The Last Thing He Told Me, The Institute
- MOVIE - The Kingsman: The Secret Service, Suspiria
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we read Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and TomorrowTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and TomorrowTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow Gabrielle Zevin
This book has reached the top of many “Best of 2022” lists, so naturally, we had to read it. It’s been on my TBR list for a few months now because it has everything I love: a great story about friendship, video games, and pulling the curtain behind the creative process. And with it being a story of two friends who keep finding each other over years of success and hardships, we thought we would invite some friends to join our conversation!
Ella Kopeikin, co-host extraordinaire and co-host of the inaugural Red Wine Reads Virtual Book Club, joins me and three other very special guests: Claire (RWR Virtual Book Club Originator and someone who sees beauty in everything), Hannah (doctor by day, reader by night), and Marlee (badass gamer and superb writer).
In this episode we cover:
- Whether this book was too long or the perfect length
- Can non gamers relate to this video game–heavy plot?
- If this book deserves all the praise and hype it’s been receiving on BookTok and Bookstagram
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you choosing a side: Pioneer Chapter Supporter or Non-Supporter.
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we readHorseby Geraldine Brooks
This book came to me from my own grandmother, Mormor. She read it in her book club and I just knew we had to read it on the podcast. This historical fiction novel tells the story of a race horse that made waves throughout generations, and a moving narrative about race and art.
Abby Williams, who may not be a horse girl, but she definitely liked this book, joins me to open up a tough conversation that Geraldine so beautifully started with her novel.
In this episode we cover:
- How Geraldine gracefully weaved together stories that captured injustice across American history.
- The fact that racing horses is a world we know NOTHING about.
- Why each section of the book had us SOBBING (well maybe with the exception of Martha...sorry Martha).
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you wanting to switch career paths to “horse bones examiner” (pretty sure that’s the technical term).
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Woodford Reserve, Macallan
- TV SHOW - Beef, When They See Us
- BOOK - Another Country, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, The Hate U Give
- MOVIE - Seabiscuit, Lincoln
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
This week, we readBabelby R.F. Kuang
This buzz-worthy brick takes place in a magical world where magic is power, and power lies in the ability to translate. But when a group of college kids find discrepancies in who has the power and how it’s being used, they realize something must be done.
Rebekah Sausmikat, who’s the nerd who would lead a revolution, joins the podcast today to talk about a fantasy book that had us diving into deeper cultural issues.
In this episode we cover:
- The WTF moment that had us both sobbing and mourning our favorite character
- The power of communication and language
- Why we wanted another book, or at least a different ending…
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will make you want to download Duolingo and learn a new language (or three).
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Red Wine in Silver Goblet, London Fog
- TV SHOW - House of the Dragon, Warrior
- BOOK - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Secret History
- MOVIE - The School for Good and Evil, Maleficent, Babel History
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we readBel Cantoby Ann Patchett
This 2001 novel tells the story of an opera singer, translator and rich businessman who find themselves in a hostage situation. When the line between hostage and captor starts to blur, unlikely friendships form and even romance starts to bud.
Sierra Marshall, who just wants a happy ending, joins me to talk about a book that had us weeping, laughing, and “aweeee”ing.
In this episode we cover:
- Why Jenna is now buying every book by Ann Patchett
- Why hopeless romantics may want to steer clear of this book because it’s so far from a happy ending
- The beautiful way Ann Patchett shows readers the various types of communication and understanding between people who don’t speak the same language.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you questioning why reading this book is worth it with ending that brutal (trust me, it is sooooo worth it).
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Tequila with Blood Orange San Pellegrino, Sangria
- TV SHOW - Yellowjackets, Peaky Blinders
- BOOK - The Only Good Indians, All the Bright Places, Lord of the Flies, Where She Went
- MOVIE - The Mist, Atonement
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
SPECIAL EPISODE ALERT
This week, we’re switching things up at Red Wine Reads. Instead of reviewing a book, we’re reviewing a TV series based on a book.
We’re talking about Daisy Jones and The Six, an Amazon Prime TV series. Not only are Ella and I talking about how well this book was adapted, but we are joined by the one and only Wendy, a.k.a. Ella’s Mom. Wendy grew up in L.A. in the 70s, so she’s sharing the inside scoop of how well this show depicted the era and setting.
We’re talking about sex, drugs, and most importantly, Timothy Olyphant.
ICYMI - Here’s our OG book review on Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
***
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Here are our picks for May:
SPECIAL EPISODE - Reviewing Daisy Jones and The Six TV Series with special guest: Ella’s mom! Listen to our full book review of the book here.
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett - a classic novel that shows what happens when a hostage situation doesn’t go to plan.
Babelby R.F. Kuang - an epic fantasy novel that explores a world where translation is the ultimate power and can be used to create magic.
Horseby Geraldine Brooks - a horse connects people from all over the country through art, relationships, and a story that spans across generations.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrowby Gabrielle Zevin - two childhood friends reconnect in adulthood to create a massively successful video game, but now must navigate new challenges that come along with that fame.
P.S. If you want to join the Red Wine Reads book club, DM us on Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast
Which book are you most excited for?
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we readCatch-22by Joseph Heller
This classic novel follows Yosarian, a bombardier in the army who faces a Catch-22 where he can’t leave the army until he proves he’s crazy, but he can’t prove he’s crazy without actually proving he’s sane.
Abby Williams, who Googled Catch-22 before we hopped on this podcast recording, joins me today to talk about a book that had us scratching our heads and re reading pages to make sure we didn’t miss anything.
In this episode we cover:
- Why Jenna couldn’t even finish the book
- Why we never knew where or when we were in this novel
- Why we couldn’t relate to any characters because there were wayyyyy too many of them
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you wondering, “Why did we have to read this book in school?”
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: MREs, Long Island Iced Tea
- TV SHOW - Riverdale, Catch-22
- BOOK - Slaughterhouse-Five, The Sympathizer
- MOVIE - Across the Universe, Hacksaw Ridge
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we readMy Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh.
CONTENT WARNING: We talk about depression and suicide ideation in this episode, so please take care while listening.
This novel follows the journey of an unnamed protagonist as she puts herself in a medically-induced sleep for an entire year. It dives into issues surrounding depression, friendships, and sense of purpose with a touch of dark humor.
Sierra Marshall, who loves to get a full eight hours of sleep, joins me today to talk about why one of us loved this book and why one of us just couldn’t get into it.
In this episode we cover:
- Why this main character is both hard to relate to and also just a little too similar to us than we’d like.
- The absolute s**t show that is this woman’s psychiatrist.
- How two people can feel so different while reading the same book.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you feeling verrrrryyyyy sleepy.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Manhattan, Camomile Tea with a splash of whiskey
- TV SHOW - Sex and the City, Community - Cooperative Calligraphy
- BOOK - The Lonely City, The Color Purple, Normal People
- MOVIE - Life Itself, Malcolm and Marie
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we readThe Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones.
This horror novel is one that tells the story of American Indians, one wrong choice, and the value of respecting Mother Nature.
Ella Kopeikin, who would win a game of basketball against the elk head woman, joins me today to talk about a book that left us wanting more and questioning a lot.
In this episode we cover:
- Why the protagonist was a girl who’s entire identity was related to high school basketball.
- Why we were rooting for the villain, who ended up not getting the ending she deserved.
- What the f**k happened to Jo?
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you never look at an elk the same way again.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Long neck beer like a Budweiser
- TV SHOW - The Rains of Castamere aka “Red Wedding” episode from Game of Thrones, Reservation Dogs
- BOOK - NDN Girls Book Club, We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Glass Hotel
- MOVIE - IT, The Uninvited, Prey
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we readThe Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.
This classic novel sends us into space with nothing but a towel and an alien friend. This series is adored by science fiction fans all over the world, so we wanted to see if it was worth the hype.
Rebekah Sausmikat, who always has a towel with her, joins me today to talk about a 150-page book that sparked conversations surrounding the space race, religion, and the ultimate question of the universe.
In this episode we cover:
- Why this book was such a good satirical fit in the time that it was published.
- How Douglas Adams approached creation of the universe with this book.
- Why the humor hasn’t quite held up as well 50 years later.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you searching for your mom to tell her you love her.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Final Gravity Brewery, Moon X
- TV SHOW - Space Force, Dragon Ball Z, For All Mankind
- BOOK - The Martian, Good Omens
- MOVIE - The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Spaceballs, Moon, Moonfall
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we readOur Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng
A book that tackles such tough subjects like race relations and taking children from their home is an important read in any case. But when you lose the deep sense of humanity by focusing too much on the logistics of a fake law in a fictional world, that’s when you lose us.
Abby Williams, who’s heart is not missing, joins me today to talk about a book that didn’t really meet our expectations, but still had such beautiful writing that drew tears.
In this episode we cover:
- Why this book slightly missed the mark for us due to lack of character development
- Celeste Ng’s writing style still absolutely slays
- This book isn’t getting a lot of buzz, and there's a reason
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you searching for your mom to tell her you love her.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Stout, Blood orange cider - Tractor Brewing
- TV SHOW - 1883, The Last of Us, The Umbrella Academy
- BOOK - Everything I Never Told You, The Institute, The Handmaid's Tale
- MOVIE - Fahrenheit 451, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Here are our picks for April:
The Only Good Indiansby Stephen Graham Jones - a horror novel following a group of American Indians and their scarred pasts.
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller - a classic that follows one soldier’s journey to escape the war by proving insanity.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxyby Douglas Adams - an adventure in a universe far away where they have the answer to everything…too bad they don’t have the question.
My Year of Rest and Relaxationby Ottessa Moshfegh - a girl who decides to hibernate for a year and emerge a new woman.
Which book are you most excited for?
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we readDaughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
When a book perfectly combines Chinese mythology with a fantastical plot line and a beautiful cast of misfit characters, you’re going to have one hell of a book. This was just one of those books that you won’t want to put down and a book where you’ll be sad to finish it. It’s a world where the gods and goddesses live in the clouds above humans, monsters are fought with magical bows and innate powers.
Sierra Marshall, who’s still on team Wenzhi after finishing this book, joins me to discuss how this was a fantasy novel that had us looking up at the moon and wondering what fantastical worlds await us up there.
In this episode we cover:
- How (almost) every character in this book was chef’s kiss perfect
- Why this book deserves to be on everyone’s TBR list
- The magical world that Sue Lynn Tan created was way too beautiful and made leaving the world very, very hard.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you wanting to pick up this book and feel like you did when you read your first real novel. Nostalgia and wonderment at its finest.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Veniq, Blue Moon Sour
- TV SHOW - Fruits Basket, Reign
- BOOK - Throne of Glass #5 (Empire of Storms), The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, Circe
- MOVIE - Spirited Away, Raya and the Last Dragon, Wonder Woman
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we readAnother Country by James Baldwin
A story about race, relationships, sex, careers, and finding your passions, this book is truly one of the greats. James Baldwin has made his mark in history as a superb writer and even better speaker, forming bonds with other historic greats like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X. Another Country is one of those novels that hits you hard and gets you talking.
Ella Kopeikin, the woman who knows French pronunciation better than myself, joins me today to talk about why this book deserves so much more recognition.
In this episode we cover:
- Why it’s important to read stories like this, even though the subject matter may be difficult (abuse and suicide)
- Why having a community of people to challenge your thinking creates rich individuals
- Why we aimed to have this release during Black History Month and ended up recording in Black History Month because we did not study math in college.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will challenge you, pull on your heart strings, and get you flying to the nearest bookstore to pick up your own copy.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: I.W. Harper Bourbon
- TV SHOW - The Knick, Pose, The Last of Us Episode 3
- BOOK - Jazz, The Catcher in the Rye, The Mothers, Queenie
- MOVIE - I Am Not Your Negro/James Baldwin: The Price of A Ticket, Brooklyn, Rent
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we readStargazerby Laurie Petrou.
This book is about when friendship takes an obsessive turn. When two girls form a strong bond right before they go to the same college, it’s hard not to be jealous of what the other one has — famous designer’s daughter who hates the spotlight and a secluded, athletic artist who just wants to be noticed. But does the ending of this book fit the build-up?
Rebekah Sausmikat, who seems to dislike all of the books she’s chosen so far, joins me to discuss another book which seems to have missed the mark.
In this episode we cover:
- Why Diana’s plot twist felt super predictable, yet not fulfilling
- The difficulty of writing about obsession without it being cheesy or stereotypical
- Why Aurelle’s mother was Bekah’s favorite character
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you feeling like an oar to the side of the head might be a better option than finishing this book.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Jameson Irish Whiskey, Hippie Flip, fancy and very dirty martini
- TV SHOW - Behind Her Eyes
- BOOK - Other People’s Clothes, Little Fires Everywhere, Verity
- MOVIE - The Roommate, A Simple Favor
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This month, we’re diving into the whimsical, the personal and the enchanting worlds of books this month. If you’re looking for books that challenge your societal thinking, then we have what you need. If you want a fantastical world that you can escape to, then stay tuned! And if you’re looking for a book that shows us the dark side of friendship, then this is the month for you.
Here are our picks for March:
Stargazer by Laurie Petrou - a thriller about a friendship that seems too good to be true.
Another Country by James Baldwin - a classic that dissects relationships, race, and love in 1950s New York City.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan - a fantasy book that follows the hero’s journey of the daughter of the Moon Goddess.
Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng - a tale about missing children and one kid’s journey to find his own mother.
Which book are you most excited for?
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we readThe Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
Have you ever asked yourself, “Would I have done anything different, if I had the chance to undo my regrets?” That’s the gist of this novel. Yes, this book tackles some HEAVY topics (please take care when listening) and yes, this book sheds some light on the reality of how sucky life can be sometimes. Yet, it’s also a book that shows how forgiving people can be and how joyful living can be, if we just ask for help and give it a chance.
Abby Williams, the author of her own story and pilot of her own reading journey, joins me on today’s podcast episode to discuss what The Midnight Library is and what we would do if we had access to it.
In this episode we cover:
- How powerful regret can be in one’s life.
- Why we didn’t need most of the characters we met in this book.
- How Matt Haig’s tackles topics like depression, suicide and asking for help in a graceful, yet impactful way.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you looking back at your life and realizing there’s a lot more life to live, so that probably means we should start listening to more podcasts.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: 2018 Bien Nacido Estate Syrah Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County ($60), Ballard Canyon Syrah
- TV SHOW - The Man In The High Castle, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
- BOOK - The Vanishing Half, Dark Matter, The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- MOVIE - Yesterday, The Family Man
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
For a classic written over 150 years ago, this book has an uphill battle to stay relevant in today’s pop culture. Yet, somehow, it keeps being mentioned, referenced, and remade into movies and TV shows. It makes sense because who doesn’t relate to a story about four sisters just trying to navigate work, relationships, and self-discovery?
This week, we readLittle Women by Louisa May Alcott
Sierra Marshall, who is an Amy at heart, joins me today to talk about the classic that keeps coming to the forefront of cultural conversations time and time again.
In this episode we cover:
- Which March sisters we relate most to
- How Louisa May Alcott was able to write about the modern woman over 150 years ago
- Why Amy is Sierra’s favorite character in this book
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you calling your sister (or your girlfriends) to tell them you love them.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK - Red Wine, Spiced Apple & Bourbon Cocktail, spiked apple cider
- TV SHOW - Charmed, Gilmore Girls
- BOOK - Malibu Rising, March Sisters
- MOVIE - Little Women (1994, 2019), Brooklyn
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains detailed descriptions of cannibalism and murder, so please take care when listening.
Woah. What a f***ing book. Our editor said we got a little carried away with this episode, so let me be super clear: we DO NOT condone cannibalism or murder. But we do condone superb writing and unique storylines. Dorothy is a food critic who is also a murderer. She is a psychopath who eats the men she kills.
This week, we readA Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers
Rebekah Sausmikat, lover of all books, weird and slightly disturbing, joins me today to discuss a book that surprised us in many different ways.
In this episode we cover:
- The difference between sociopaths and psychopaths and which one Dorothy is.
- Our society’s fascination with cannibalism.
- Is this book a feminist take on murder?
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you questioning who to trust, especially when it comes to the unreliable, psychopath narrator.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK: Corpse Reviver No. 2 (absinthe, gin, Lillet blanc, orange liqueur, lemon juice), Cab Sav. (Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon)
- TV SHOW - Yellowjackets, Dexter
- BOOK - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Killers of a Certain Age, Tender is the Flesh, Lapvona
- MOVIE - Fresh, Promising Young Woman
- SPECIAL PAIRING - Against the Odds Podcast (Plane Crash in the Andes)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
WELCOME TO OUR FIRST IN-PERSON EPISODE!
What is a perfect memoir? According to us, it’s this book right here: Stay True by Hua Hsu. This is a story about friendship, growing up, and seeing the world through an Asian-American lens. Hua sheds light on a very poignant time in his life—college. Discovering himself amid the flurry of pop culture ‘zines was hard enough, but losing a friend in a fatal carjacking caused him to have to grow up quicker than most.
This week, we readStay True by Hua Hsu.
Ella Kopeikin, lover of Cinderella stories and a good friend of mine, came to visit me in-person to discuss this beautiful book.
In this episode we cover:
- The power of friendship that extends beyond the bounds of time.
- Why we should never be allowed to work at a tech company (yes, it did take us an hour to set up two mics…)
- The formula to the perfect memoir
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you taking stock of your own friends and feeling that deep gratitude for each of them.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- TV SHOW - My So Called Life, Never Have I Ever
- MOVIE - Everything Everywhere All at Once, Reality Bites, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
- BOOK - Persepolis (mainly book 2), Everything I Never Told You, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane
Drink Pairings: good ‘ole PBR
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This goes into our top 10 memoirs. When you read a really good memoir, though your life may not reflect the one you’re reading about, you still relate to the author on some level. Selma Blair wrote a magical memoir that we think will go down in history and stamp her mark in the history books for years and decades to come.
This week, we readMean Baby by Selma Blair.
Ella Kopeikin, lover of L.A. and really good storytelling, joins me today to talk about a memoir that both broke us and gave us hope for the future.
In this episode we cover:
- Why Selma Blair is an absolute bada**
- Why Ella and I would also bite people in high-stress social situations.
- Why we both love and hate Selma’s mother
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you reaching for the tissue box and your journal because you will feel all of the feels.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK PAIRINGS: Nature’s best liquid, water.
- TV SHOW - Please Like Me, Everything’s Gonna Be Okay
- BOOK - The Liars' Club, Becoming, Traveling Mercies, Prozac Nation
- MOVIE - Introducing Selma Blair, The Glass Castle
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This month, we’re diving into the weird, the emotional, and the mystical. If you’re a memoir reader, we have something for you. If you like the classics, we’ve got just the book for you. If you want a magical story of sliding doors scenarios, then stay tuned! And if you’re looking for a book to make you squirm, just a little bit, then we have what you need.
Here are our picks for February:
Stay True by Hua Hsu - a memoir about growing up and the importance of friendship.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - a classic about the role of women and how sisterhood shapes each woman.
A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers - a book following the life of a psychopath who kills and eats her past lovers.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig - a magical tale about a library that can tell you what your life could’ve been.
Which book are you most excited for?
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
When you’re in the midst of reading heavy, emotional novels, you might be looking for a book that’s easy to read and lighthearted. This is that book. Today we’re talking about the YA dystopian novel, Red Queen. This book is #1 in a four-book series that takes place in a world where people with silver blood have powers and people with red blood don’t — except for Mare Barrow.
This week, we readRed Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Abby Williams, lover of historical fiction and a good plot twist, joins me today to talk about a book that gave us a warm, familiar feeling of mindlessly reading a fast-moving book.
In this episode we cover:
- Why sometimes you need a book with weak characters and a predictable storyline to just cleanse your reading palate.
- What YA dystopian novels made up our childhood.
- Why we chose this book over another to review this month.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you wanting to look up that “spicy” scene in Divergent that you read over and over again in the 8th grade.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- DRINK PAIRINGS: Champagne with creme de violet (grey purple like Mare’s sparks), Epicuro Primitivo
- TV SHOW - Wednesday, Avatar the Last Airbender
- BOOK - Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games - Mockingjay
- MOVIE - Divergent, Frozen
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
In our opinion, for books to be great, they need to be one or the other. Today we discuss this acclaimed Pulitzer Prize winner from 2019, which didn’t cause the same adoration for us, as it did for some readers. This book about trees, nature, and human destruction had the potential to be really good, but keep listening to find out why it wasn’t (in our non-expert opinions).
This week, we readThe Overstory by Richard Powers
Rebekah Sausmikat, who loves a good dose of horror and nature with her books, joins me today to discuss a book that was way overhyped on social media in our opinion.
In this episode we cover:
- How too many characters led to messy storylines.
- Why this book should’ve stopped at 250 pages, and those last 150 pages really ruined the book for us.
- Why the females in this book reminded Rebekah of fairy, pixie dream girls.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you looking up at the trees and saying thank you, but also wondering why Richard Powers killed so many trees to print this pretentious book.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- The Blue Planet (TV Show)
- Annihilation (Movie)
- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Book)
- Ishmael (Book)
Drink Pairings: Lavender & Prosecco Drink, Créme de Violette, Bonterra Wines
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Are we attracted to Jesus? This fictional telling of Jesus’ wife, Ana, has us in love. We love the feminist take in a Biblical setting. We love the love between Jesus and Ana. And we love the female relationships explored in this novel. It’s a book surrounding faith, written for everyone, and relatable to those trying to find their purpose in life.
This week, we readThe Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
Sierra Marshall, lover of romance and getting lost in imagined worlds, joins me today to talk about this book that pulled on all the right heart strings.
In this episode we cover:
- Jenna’s list of quotes from this book that spans the length of her desk.
- Why secular and faith-based audiences agree that this is just a really good book with great storytelling.
- Why Sierra might be crushing on Jesus…hard.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you longing for more in this life…like more books and more cocktails.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- The Spanish Princess (TV Show)
- Jesus Christ Superstar (Movie)
- Spencer (Movie)
- Women, earth, and Creator Spirit Book (Book)
- The Color Purple (Book)
Drink Pairings: literally any red wine (or water, because water into wine and all of that).
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
You probably won’t agree with us when it comes to this book...
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Lessons in Chemistry follows chemist Elizabeth Zott who is fighting for equality in her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute in the 1960s. But when she and Calvin Evans—the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder—fall for each other, their budding romance ends abruptly. So, a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of a chemistry-based cooking show Supper at Six. What happens when Elizabeth Zott not only tries to change the way women view cooking, but also view themselves?
Our Historical Fiction expert, Abby Williams joins me today to talk about why it took us a month to finish this book.
In this episode we cover:
- Why the world doesn’t need any more dog narrators.
- Why our sense of humor is broken when it comes to this book.
- Is Elizabeth Zott quirky or just unlikable?
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you feeling like you missed something…like the humor everyone is talking about.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- The X-Files (TV Show)
- Radioactive (Movie)
- Chuck (TV Show)
- The Fault in Our Stars (Book)
- Project Hail Mary (Book)
- Sharp Objects (Book)
- The Theory of Everything (Movie)
Wine Pairings: Substance Cabernet Sauvignon (it has an element on the label, very science-y)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
What happens when you mix a cult of young women who worship a college professor, a grieving widow who is trying to solve a murder case, and a young woman with daddy issues? You make a believer out of Ella.
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
The Maidens is a spellbinding tale of psychological suspense, weaving together Greek mythology, murder, and obsession. When Mariana Andros, a brilliant but troubled group therapist, becomes fixated on The Maidens when one member, a friend of Mariana’s niece Zoe, is found murdered in Cambridge, she must find who did it…and why they did it.
Our Cambridge expert, Ella Kopeikin, joins me today to talk about all things cults, murder, and Harry Potter.
In this episode we cover:
- Why we wish there were 300 more pages of this book
- How Alex Michaelides threw so much shade at the one American character in the novel
- Why college-aged girls with daddy issues might be more dangerous that we originally thought.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you wanting to visit Cambridge and experience being stuck in the 1940s because…why not?
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Sherlock (TV Show)
- Election (Movie)
- Broadchurch (TV Show)
- Mare of Easttown (TV Show)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book)
- The Secret History (Book)
- Sharp Objects (Book)
- A Simple Favor (Movie)
Wine Pairings: dry white wine (try Rombauer Chardonnay), The Prisoner red blend
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This week, we’re reading one of Ella’s favorite books, which is filled with diary entries, sex with rockstars, and lots of drugs and alcohol…just quintessential L.A. in the ’70s.
I’m With the Band by Pamela Des Barres
I'm With the Band is a stylish, exuberant, and remarkably sweet confession of one of the most famous groupies of the 1960s and 70s: Pamela Des Barres. She had affairs with Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page, Keith Moon, Waylon Jennings, Chris Hillman, Noel Redding, and Jim Morrison, among others.
Our LA Rock Culture expert, Ella Kopeikin, joins me today to talk about all things groupie culture and the movie we keep coming back to, Almost Famous.
In this episode we cover:
- How groupie culture has been given a bad rap lately
- Where the inspiration for Penny Lane really came from
- Why we miss the old school answering machines
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you wanting to journal every aspect of your life because it may make its way into a best-selling memoir one day.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- We Are Lady Parts (TV Show)
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (Movie)
- Shampoo (Movie)
- Gimme Shelter (1970) (Movie)
- Just Kids (Book)
- Twenty Thousand Roads (Book)
- LOL (Movie)
- Daisy Jones & The Six (Book)
Wine Pairings: any scotch, because I feel like that’s what all the rockstars were drinking in this book.
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
This book was not what we expected at all.
When Women Were Dragons is a fantastical take on the 1950’s feminist rage movement with women taking back their power and the space they hold, while creating a community of dragon women who lift each other up, even when they themselves are being ostricized.
Our Fantasy expert, Sierra Marshall, joins me today to talk about all things dragons, feminism, and the choices we face as women.
In this episode we cover:
- Why YA authors are absolutely killing it in the adult fantasy space
- Would we dragon if given the chance?
- Why this book kept on surprising us.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you feeling enraged, empowered, and excited all at the same time.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Good Girls Revolt (TV Show)
- House of the Dragon (TV Show)
- Don't Worry Darling (Movie)
- The Stepford Wives (Movie)
- The Invitation (Movie)
- Where the Crawdads Sing (Book)
- Women Who Run With Wolves (Book)
- Fresh (Movie)
- The Umbrella Academy (TV Show)
- Untamed (Book)
Wine Pairings: Jalepeño Margarita
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
With a book that has seven husbands in it, it really isn’t about the husbands at all. And we loved every second of it.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a story of old Hollywood, the struggle to fit into society’s perfect mold, and what it means to be idolized and hated all at once.
Our Historical Fiction expert, Abby Williams, joins me today to talk about a book that yanked at our heartstrings, had us yelling at the characters through the page, and had us RUNNING to the bookstore to pick up any more Taylor Jenkins Reid books we could find.
In this episode we cover:
- Why we don’t necessarily like Evelyn, but we do respect her
- TJR is the QUEEN of character development…THE QUEEN
- Why we’re now secretly thinking, “What if we named our future daughters, Connor”
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you rethinking your desire for fame and fortune.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Halston (TV Show)
- City of Girls (Book)
- Daisy Jones and the Six (Book)
- Hollywood (Book)
- A Star is Born (Movie)
- La La Land (Movie)
- A League of Their Own (TV Show)
- Little Women (Book)
Wine Pairings: 2018 Screaming Eagle ; Cote de Roses; and SALDO
We’re answering a VERY important question today: Does Stephen King live up to his decades of hype?
The Mist takes place in a normal, small town when some strange dark clouds roll in. Suddenly a violent storm sweeps across the lake and ends as abruptly and unexpectedly as it had begun. Then comes the mist...creeping slowly, inexorably into town, where it settles and waits, trapping you in the supermarket with dozens of others, cut off from your families and the world. The mist is alive, seething with unearthly sounds and movements. What unleashed this terror? Was it the Arrowhead Project---the top secret government operation that everyone has noticed but no one quite understands? And what happens when the provisions have run out and you're forced to make your escape, edging blindly through the dim light?
Our Stephen King expert, Ella Kopeikin, joins the podcast today to talk about why King rocks the horror side of things, but is horrible at writing about the human experience.
In this episode we cover:
- Political anarchy, religious cults, and people preying on fear
- Why green eyes are Drayton’s kryptonite
- Which supermarket faction would we fall into?
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will tap into your greatest fears and have you questioning, “Should The Mist replace Lord of the Flies in schools?”
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Stranger Things (TV Show)
- Lord of the Flies (Book)
- Yellowjackets (TV Show)
- The Mist (Movie)
- The 5th Wave (Book)
- The Fog (Movie)
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (Movie)
- Total Drama Island (TV Show)
- Ben 10 Alien Force (TV Show)
- Spongebob Movie (Monster Scene) (Movie)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
What do you get when you mix an alien with jazz hands, too many scientific references, and a hint of cannibalism? A really tough read.
Project Hail Mary follows Ryland Grace, the sole survivor on a spaceship where he can’t even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it’s up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery—and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species. And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he’s got to do it all alone…or does he?
Our Sci-fi expert, Ella Kopeikin, joins me today to talk about this hot mess of a 400-page book we had to endure.
In this episode we cover:
- Why we REALLY disliked this book (some would say hate)
- Why the necessity of an alien doing jazz hands was beyond us
- How this book has 4.5 stars on Goodreads…just, how?!
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you squirming and red in the face for all the wrong reasons.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Space Force (TV Show)
- The Martian (Book)
- Gravity (Movie)
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (Book)
- Guardians of the Galaxy (Movie)
- Real Genius (Movie)
- Regular Show (TV Show)
Wine Pairings: Moon X and any gin, because Ella hates gin
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Maybe a little easy, breezy romance is all you need to feel happier. But does that romance novel have to contain a weird side story that includes a cult? Maybe not…
Beach Read follows Augustus Everett, an acclaimed author of literary fiction and January Andrews, a writer of bestselling romance novels. They’re polar opposites. In fact, the only thing they have in common is that for the next three months, they're living in neighboring beach houses, broke, and bogged down with writer's block. Until, one hazy evening, one thing leads to another and they strike a deal designed to force them out of their creative ruts: Augustus will spend the summer writing something happy, and January will pen the next Great American Novel. Everyone will finish a book and no one will fall in love. Really.
Our Romance expert, Sierra Marshall, joins me today to talk about all things ooey, gooey romance, A.K.A. the good stuff that makes up a fictional love story.
In this episode we cover:
- Why Jenna really needs to get out of her head, and just enjoy an easy read once in a while. Not everything has to be incredibly deep and thought-provoking. Sometimes a good sex scene is purely just a good sex scene.
- Why beaches are not strictly found near oceans.
- Why for every romance novel we read, we will now have a sexy corner, where we talk about the sexiest part of each book.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you talking a little more sweetly to your beach house neighbors (hint, hint, wink, wink).
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Bridgerton (Season 2) (TV Show)
- Portrait of a Scotsman (Book)
- Set it Up (Movie)
- To Love and To Loathe (Book)
- Mr. Malcom's List (Book)
- Candy Jar (Movie)
- Little Italy (Movie)
- Bridget Jones's Diary (Movie)
- Gilmore Girls (Rory and Logan or Rory and Jess Seasons ONLY) (TV Show)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
A Russian female sniper during WWII who has more kills under her belt than most of the men in her own army. She’s also good friends with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Oh and this is all a true story.
The Diamond Eye takes place in 1937 Kiev (now known as Kyiv). Wry and bookish history student Mila Pavlichenko organizes her life around her library job and her young son—but Hitler’s invasion of Ukraine and Russia sends her on a different path. Given a rifle and sent to join the fight, Mila must forge herself from studious girl to deadly sniper—a lethal hunter of Nazis known as Lady Death. When news of her three hundredth kill makes her a national heroine, Mila finds herself torn from the bloody battlefields of the eastern front and sent to America on a goodwill tour. Still reeling from war wounds and devastated by loss, Mila finds herself isolated and lonely in the glittering world of Washington, DC—until an unexpected friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and an even more unexpected connection with a silent fellow sniper offer the possibility of happiness. Based on a true story, The Diamond Eye is a haunting novel of heroism born of desperation, of a mother who became a soldier, of a woman who found her place in the world and changed the course of history forever. [Summary shortened from Amazon]
Our Historical Fiction expert, Abby Williams, is here to talk about all things bada** women war heroes.
In this episode we cover:
- Why Alexi, though sexy and a doctor, is actually the worst villain in any book.
- Why Kate Quinn needs to be crowned the queen of historical fiction right this minute.
- How our college journalism professor fits into this episode.
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you running through the snow barefoot with antique pistols in your pocket.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- The Great (TV Show)
- The Huntress (Book)
- Hidden Figures (Movie)
- The Nightingale (Book)
- The Hunger Games (Movie)
- Mulan (Movie)
Wine Pairings: Prisoner
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Who are we? Do our lives matter? Did that one choice affect the rest of our lives? Just some nice, light icebreakers for you to answer after finishing our most recent read.
The Glass Hotel follows two half-siblings, Vincent and Paul, who grew up apart from each other, both physically and emotionally, in British Columbia. Paul has lost large chunks of his life to heroin addiction and Vincent is a high school dropout who makes video art in her spare time. Paul and Vincent find jobs at a hotel on the north end of Vancouver Island, Vincent as a bartender and Paul as a night houseman. It's there that Vincent meets Jonathan Alkaitis, the hotel's owner, a successful New York businessman who falls for the young woman.Vincent quits her job and moves in with Jonathan. She's not in love with him, but longs for financial security. Their world falls apart when Jonathan is arrested for running a Ponzi scheme that ruins the lives of his investors. He's sentenced to 170 years in prison, and finds himself haunted by "a creeping sense of unreality," as well as a self-pity that doesn't quite make sense to him. [Summary shortened from NPR Article]
Our Emily St. John Mandel expert, Ella Kopeikin, joins the podcast today to share her thoughts on the death of Vincent, the supreme character development, and the mystery that is the world around us (existential crisis? maybe).
In this episode we cover:
- How Jenna’s dog had a freakout, but unfortunately (or fortunately?), it was cut from the audio
- Why Emily St. John Mandel is both intimidating and inviting — We want to have dinner with her, but we know she’s way too smart for us
- Why Jenna literally got lost in the country of Canada while reading this book
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you questioning everything, from the “what ifs” to the “if thens”.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Station Eleven (TV Show)
- Into the Wild (Book)
- The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (Movie)
- Life After Life (Book)
- Palm Springs (Movie)
- The White Lotus (TV Show)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
WARNING. SPOILERS. YES, EVEN IN THIS EPISODE DESCRIPTION. YOU WERE WARNED.
When you’re saving the world and navigating a blooming relationship, you’re bound to run into some issues. Maybe a fight regarding the safety of your partner, or maybe sending one partner into a portal into another world while you slowly get your mind erased by the evil, soul-sucking Asteri.
House of Sky and Breath is the second novel of the newest Sarah J. Maas series, Crescent City Series. In this book, Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent.
Our SJM expert and super fan, Sierra Marshall, joins me on today’s episode to once again talk about how this book was just as good, if not better, than the first in the series.
In this episode we cover:
- How Jenna has escaped the spoiler void that is #BookTok
- Why SJM doesn’t seem to miss, especially with this series
- Why lips rings are maybe the sexiest facial accessory out there thanks to Ruhn Dannan
Open your book and press play on a podcast that will take plunge you into another book where angels fight on rooftops, people have sex in a mind bridge (if you know, you know), and where fae princesses are flung across the universe through a portal they opened with their powers.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Lucifer (TV Show)
- The Witcher (Book Series)
- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (Movie)
- The Heroes of Olympus (Book Series)
- Eternals (Movie)
- The Good Place (TV Show)
- The Vampire Diaries (TV Show)
Drink Pairings: Citrus Pomegranate Sangria and Parts and Labor Red Blend
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
If myself and Ella get into a room after having both read a book that one likes and the other dislikes, what happens? We answer that question in today's episode.
The Interestings follows a group of characters who meet at summer camp for the arts and become inseparable. This book looks at them at the height of youth through middle age, as their talents, fortunes, and degrees of satisfaction diverge. Think of it as spying on pretentious, rich a**holes.
Our everything expert, Ella Kopeikin, joins me on this argumentative quest to see who is right: Ella or Jenna.
In this episode we cover:
- How the debate of the century led to RWR's first-ever final ratings change.
- Can someone's entire identity surround their own boobs?
- Are we interesting? Or are we not interesting? Does that even matter?
Open your book and press play on a podcast that will make you choose sides by having you answer the most important question of this discussion: Are The Interestings actually interesting?
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Succession (TV Show)
- Normal People (Book)
- Dead Poets Society (Movie)
- Conversations with Friends (Book)
- Igby Goes Down (Movie)
- The Secret History (Book)
Wine Pairings: Rich Bordeaux or Champagne
Are angels sexy? If Faes and Shapeshifters had cell phones, what would they text each other? Has Jenna been living under a rock the last few years? We answer these questions and more in today’s episode.
House of Earth and Blood is the first novel of the newest Sarah J. Maas series, Crescent City Series. This book follows Bryce Quinlan, a beautiful half-human half-Fae who discovers a demon has murdered her closest friends. But when more similar murders start happening years later, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation, paired with Hunt Athalar, a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. Together, they must solve this murder mystery, while also navigating their very complicated feelings for one another.
Our SJM expert and super fan, Sierra Marshall, joins me on today’s episode to talk about the incredible power SJM holds right now in the BookTok and Bookstagram worlds.
In this episode we cover:
- How Jenna has gone this long without knowing what #ACOTAR meant
- Why SJM is the best at writing really powerful female leads, who are just badass.
- Why trying to fit 800 pages of book discussion into just 40 minutes is a pretty impossible task. But we like to attempt the impossible. That’s just how we roll.
Open your book and press play on a podcast that will take you into a dark fantasy land where fallen angels seduce you and translucent demons hunt you down. It’s both scary and sexy at the same time…and we kind of loved it.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Watchmen (TV Show)
- Red Queen (Book Series)
- Lord of the Rings (Movie)
- Percy Jackson Series (Book Series)
- Beautiful Creatures (Movie)
- ACOTAR Series (Book Series)
- Shadow and Bone (TV Show)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
As we close out the summer, I wanted to give you my favorite novels that you should pack in your beach bags and you spend hours in the sun with your toes in the sand and your nose in a book. These books fit my definition of a beach read: A book/books that you bring with you on vacation to the beach, where you sit outside for over six hours at a time for a few days in a row, and can blow through the book in one or two sittings.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
P.S. For the first time in Red Wine Reads history, I will not be giving away any spoilers. Woah!
Small Sips is a short and sweet episode where I dive into any topic that is book-related. Have ideas on what topic I should look at next? Let me know in the conversations happening on IG and TikTok. Follow us @rwreadspodcast
What do you get when you mix a woman with incredible talent but little self control, a recovering addict with on-stage sex appeal, and a band supporting them as they all stumble through life as up-and-coming rockstars? A really freaking good book.
Daisy Jones and The Six is a novel about a band who came to fame in the '70s through their hit album, Aurora. But after just one album and lots of drama, the band split up. Why? The book is written as an interview with all of the bandmates as they tell the reporter what exactly happened during the fall of this seemingly unstoppable rock band.
Our L.A. and catch-all expert, Ella Kopeikin, joins me today to talk about why you need to bring a jacket everywhere you go because you do not "run hot", no matter how sexy you are.
In this episode we cover:
- Why we have a love-hate relationship with Daisy Jones...though it leans heavily toward the hate side of things.
- Why we really need to stop pairing "Almost Famous" with every single novel we read about L.A.
- Why Warren is the absolute G we needed in this novel.
Open your book and press play on a podcast that will change the way you look at jean shorts paired with a white shirt...forever.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Jem & the Holograms (Movie)
- Her Smell (Movie)
- That Thing You Do! (Movie)
- The Doors (Movie)
- Shampoo (Movie)
- The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes by Elissa R. Sloan (Book)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
What happens when you mix wine and coffee? A podcast for the ages is born. Join us on this book review episode, where we dive deep into one of the biggest WTF endings that we have ever read.
A History of Wild Places tells the story of a private detective who comes calling in search of a disappeared children’s author when he ends up stumbling upon the commune, Pastoral. The lives of the characters quickly unravel as they reckon with sneaking suspicions that they might not really know each other, or themselves, at all.
Our thriller expert, Abby Williams, is here to ask the important questions like "WTF just happened?" and "No really, WTF just happened?".
In this episode we cover:
- Why the twist at the end of this book had us bowing down to the almighty Shea Ernshaw
- What happens when power-hungry leaders use hypnosis to control their community
- But really...is Bee okay?
Open your book and press play on a podcast that will leave you digging back in your memories to find any hidden secrets of who you may have been in another life.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- The Wilds (TV Show)
- The Maze Runner Series (Book Series)
- Before I Go To Sleep (Movie)
- Divergent Series (Book Series)
- The Giver (Book)
- The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (TV Series)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
I am previewing the four books we will be reviewing this month! From badass female leads who don’t take s**t from anyone to entitled little brats who can’t seem to make their way in this world without daddy’s money, this month has it all! Here is our July lineup:
- Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Crescent City Series Book 1: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
- The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
- The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
We hope you read along with us and participate in the conversations happening on IG and TikTok. We’re always looking for topics to discuss and ways to dive deeper into the wonderful world of books. Follow us and let us know your thoughts @rwreadspodcast
When women in 18th century London find a way to take the power away from men and place it in their own hands, it ends in murder, poisons, and secrets that span over centuries. And we're here to talk all about it.
The Lost Apothecary is a dark and gripping tale with a tart edge about women struggling to survive in a world built by men, for men. Sarah Penner's debut novel really grabbed the attention of the entire internet, but did it do the same for us?
Expert in all things fantasy, Sierra Marshall, joins me for this poison-packed adventure through time.
In this episode we cover:
- How far is too far when it comes to the crazy ex boyfriend
- If the dang vile was empty and blue or full of blue liquid
- Does women empowerment include the poisoning of awful, abusive men?
Open your book and press play on a podcast that will leave you looking for a little bear carving that will lead you to a secret society of women taking back their power.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Hustlers (Movie)
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab (Book)
- The Flight Attendant (TV Show)
- Outlander Series (Book)
- The Age of Adaline(Movie)
- The Time Traveler's Wife (TV Series)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Did you know that the Tall, Dark, and Handsome character trope started in pulp fiction stories? Did you know that pulp fiction is a real thing outside of being a 1994 film starring John Travolta? Well, keep listening to learn more!
Inverse Article: THE SCIENCE OF 'TALL, DARK, AND HANDSOME' IS EXTREMELY COMPLICATED
Small Sips is a short and sweet episode where I dive into any topic that is book-related. Have ideas on what topic I should look at next? Let me know in the conversations happening on IG and TikTok. Follow us @rwreadspodcast
What happens when starving artists, hard-working immigrants, and strung-out rockstars create a city that's entirely their own? L.A. happens.
L.A. Woman captures the L.A. that Eve Babitz grew up in perfectly. It's weird, it's dirty, and it's all hers.
The expert of L.A. and Slackers, Ella Kopeikin, joins me today for this totally rad conversation.
In this episode we cover:
- Why Babitz is the queen of 1960s and 70s L.A.
- How California was created by weirdos, slackers, and outcasts
- Why it's absurd to have high schoolers map out their lives at age 17.
Take a shot, open the book, and press play on a podcast that will take you back in time and leave you searching for your own 8-foot pencil (if you know, you know).
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Never Have I Ever (TV Show)
- City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert (Book)
- Almost Famous (Movie)
- I’m with the Band by Pamela Des Barres (Book)
- Licorice Pizza (Movie)
- Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Movie)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
What if Pride & Prejudice took place in a burlesque club complete with sexy playing cards and nipple tassels?
Vanessa King took this idea and ran with it in her newest novel, A Certain Appeal. Complete with a brooding main man, a strip tease centering around a single glove, and twins spinning on silks hanging from the ceiling, this book has it all.
The expert of all things romance, Sierra Marshall, joins me today for this purring conversation.
In this episode we cover:
- What a sex print is
- Why Sierra and I are always drawn to main romantic interests who are tall, dark, sexy, and brooding
- How taking off a glove can be so damn sexy
Grab a drink, open the book, and press play on a podcast that will leave you Googling all of the dance tutorials from Burlesque.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Burlesque (Movie)
- Pride & Prejudice (2005 Movie)
- Pride & Prejudice (1995 BBC TV Show)
- Glow (TV Show)
- Unequal Affections: A Pride and Prejudice Retelling (Book)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
I am previewing the four books we will be reviewing this month! From sexy little romance novels to a missing person tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat (or bed if you read in bed like me), this month has it all! Here is our June lineup:
- A Certain Appeal by Vanessa King
- L.A. Woman by Eve Babitz
- The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
- A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw
We hope you read along with us and participate in the conversations happening on IG. Follow us @rwreadspodcast
The next time you're mad at your dad, just think of this: at least he's not absurdly famous with over five ex wives and a stream of bastard children in his wake. Oh and even though he has loads of money, he left all of his children to fend for themselves financially.
Our next novel, Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid tells the story of famous singer Mick Riva and his four children and the crazy night that brings all of them together. There's drugs, a gun, and a fire that sends all of Malibu up in flames.
The awesome Abby Williams joins me today for this burning conversation.
In this episode we cover:
- Why Mick Riva showed up at his daughter's party at such an ungodly hour
- Why Californian dialect is not lazy, just...different
- Why Jenna had to cut out an entire 5-minute monologue because she got the name of the show she was describing wrong.
Grab a drink, open the book, and press play on a podcast that will leave you saying, "Cha brah".
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Little Fires Everywhere (TV Show and Book)
- High Fidelity (TV Show)
- Raising Helen (Movie)
- A Star is Born (Movie)
- Spencer (Movie)
- The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes by Elissa R. Sloan (Book)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Love is in the air this week as I deep dive the worst couples in books I've read recently. In today's episode, I'm exploring questions like: Who shouldn’t be together? Who deserves better? Who should instead be with a 5’8, dirty blonde with an obsession with books?
Roma and Juliet - These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
Hattie and Lucian - Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore
Ash and Ethan - The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer
P.S. Your girl's mic was not hooked up when I recorded, so excuse the bad audio (I was just on a roll when I finally figured it out, it's just content over audio quality this week).
Small Sips is a short and sweet episode where I dive into any topic that is book-related. Have ideas on what topic I should look at next? Let me know in the conversations happening on IG and TikTok. Follow us @rwreadspodcast
Think Romeo and Juliet, but instead of taking place in Verona, it's 1920s Shanghai, and instead of the Capulets and Montagues, we have the White Flowers and Scarlet Gang. Oh and imagine there is a monster running around the city making people tear out their own throats!
In our next read, These Violent Delights, author Chloe Gong takes the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet and gives it a fantasy makeover complete with monsters, potions, and of course, forbidden love.
The romance and fantasy expert, Sierra Marshall, joins me today to talk all things Shakespeare.
In this episode we cover:
- Why this book should not be described as a Romeo and Juliet retelling.
- Why we may get kicked out of Goodreads and TikTok for our very unpopular opinion of this book.
- Why choking someone with a necklace and holding a knife to someone's throat is pretty sexy...at least in Juliet's case
Grab a drink, open the book, and press play on this fair podcast where we lay our opinions.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Westside Story (Musical and Movie)
- Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco (Book)
- Romeo and Juliet (Play)
- William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet (Movie Adaptation by Baz Luhrmann)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Sun's out, books out! Today I am gearing up for summer. To help me get ready for the warmer weather and blood-devouring mosquitos, I'm looking at the three book-to-screen adaptations I am most excited about that will be premiering in the next few months:
Where the Crawdads Sing
Salem's Lot
Conversations with Friends
Small Sips is a short and sweet episode where I dive into any topic that is book-related. Have ideas on what topic I should look at next? Let me know in the conversations happening on IG and TikTok. Follow us @rwreadspodcast
Faith is a really powerful thing. It can make us do some crazy things like watch the second Wonder Woman movie because we have faith in Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman (it was not good). It can make us choose to marry someone because we believe they are the one person for us. But for Dan and Ron Lafferty, their faith in the fundamentalist Mormon religion drove them to murder.
In our next read, Under the Banner of Heaven, author Jon Krakauer deep dives the world of fundamentalist Mormonism. Krakauer tells the story of the brutal murder of Brenda Lafferty and her infant daughter, while also telling the reader about the history of how Mormonism and its fundamentalist branch came to be.
The lovely and very talented, Ella Kopeikin, joins me to discuss why this book made us take us a pause and ask ourselves, "What the F***?"
In this episode we cover:
- Why Jenna couldn't finish this book.
- Why Ella made us read this really tough hang of a book. Yes, it's ridiculously well-researched and an important topic, but do I really want to read about a man marrying his stepdaughters with my morning coffee? Not really.
- What faith looks like in all of it forms from religion to pop culture.
Grab a drink, open the book, and press play on the saddest and roughest book review that we have ever done.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- The Handmaid's Tale (Book and TV Show)
- Educated by Tara Westover (Book)
- Unorthodox (TV Show)
- Spotlight (Movie)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
I am previewing the three books we will be reviewing this month! From nonfiction best sellers to new takes on classic tales, this month has it all! Here is our May lineup:
- Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
- These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
- Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
We hope you read along with us and participate in the conversations happening on IG. Follow us @rwreadspodcast
Going back to your hometown is always a little strange. But coming back to a hometown where you were accused of the murder of one of your closest friends? That's when it gets uncomfortable. This is the plot of our next read, Cold Waters by Debbie Herbert. Our resident thriller expert, Abby Williams, joins me to discuss why this book missed the mark for us.
In this episode we cover:
- The difference between crows and ravens (yes, there's a big difference)
- Why fitting every thriller trope known to man into one book is not a great idea
- Why it's important to review books shortly after you read them
Grab a drink, open the book, and press play on CROW-ded mess of a book review!
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Sharp Objects (Book and TV Show)
- Gone Girl (Movie and Book)
- Verity by Colleen Hoover (Book)
- Pretty Little Liars (TV Series and Book)
- David Baldacci (Author)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Picture this: You're seen kissing a man who has quite the bad reputation in your town and now you have to marry him. This is the situation our main character, Hattie Greenfield, finds herself in. This week, we read the romance novel, Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore. Our romance expert, Sierra Marshall, joins me in a discussion about romance, stigmas, and sex.
In this episode we cover:
- Why romance novels have such a bad reputation
- The rise of popularity in romance novel since the pandemic
- Why being a woman in 19th England kind of sucked
Grab a drink, open the book, and press play on this romantic journey of a book review!
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
- Pride & Prejudice (Movie and TV Show)
- Bridgerton (TV Show)
- To Love and to Loathe (Book)
- A Touch of Darkness (Book)
- Wuthering Heights (Mini Series and Book)
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
What are the three WORST book-to-movie adaptations according to me, Jenna Miller, reader of books but master of nothing? I let you know in this episode of Red Wine Reads. All you have to do is press play.
Small Sips is a short and sweet episode where I dive into any topic that is book-related. Have ideas on what topic I should look at next? Let me know in the conversations happening on IG and TikTok. Follow us @rwreadspodcast
What if you were kidnapped by yourself...from another dimension? This is the opening scene from the book, Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. This novel is filled with multidimensional travel, a race against time, and the question we've all be asking ourselves, "If I fought myself in a fist fight, would I win?"
In this episode we cover:
- Why Ella hated every main character in the book
- Why Jenna was confused by all the science-y stuff in the book
- Why we think this book was easy to read, but also hard to read at the same time
Grab a drink, open the book, and press play on this wild ride of a book review!
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
I am previewing the four books we will be reviewing next month! Here is our March lineup:
- Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
- Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore
- The Match by Mark Frost
- Cold Waters by Debbie Herbert
We hope you read along with us and participate in the conversations happening on IG. Follow us @rwreadspodcast
Are you ready to start reading more books? If I can read four books in a month, then you can too! Let's come together and be bonded by one common love: BOOKS (and wine). Whether you love the feeling of an actual book in your hand, or you prefer listening to an audio version, I want you to join me on this reading journey.