Life and Lit: Recent Episodes
Life and Lit Podcast
Hosts Sydney and Paige discuss their favorite novels, what they're currently reading, hot trends in the literary world, and more. All things lit, with a little bit of life sprinkled in.
For the 100th episode, Sydney and Paige cover "The Unmaking of June Farrow" by Adrienne Young. We loved this mystical time travel novel from a repeat author...butiit landed us on different sides about how it should've ended.
This week Sydney and Paige round out their summer reading with a double feature! Sydney talks about "The Villa" by Rachel Hawkins and lives vicariously thru the characters and their summer in Italy. Not to be confused with a rom com, "The Villa" tackles a murder mystery set in a house in Italy with some history... Meanwhile Paige talks about "Marram" by Leonie Charlton. After picking it up in Scotland, the lyrical prose and gorgeous setting has her dreaming about going back. Follow the author in this memoir as she rides thru the Hebrides to mourn the passing of her mother and celebrate her life and love for nature.
Sydney and Paige are back with a new release in one of our favorite genres. "The Briar Club" is the latest release from Kate Quinn, and follows a group of women living in the same boarding house in 1950s, McCarthy era Washington, D.C. The girls start as strangers, but their lives soon intersect in unexpected ways. Part mystery and part historical fiction, this novel is a slam dunk!
This week Sydney and Paige go back to their historical fiction roots with "Goodnight, Irene" by Luis Alberto Urrea. Urrea draws inspiration from his mother's time in the Red Cross to deliver an inspiring, emotional, and heartbreaking story about Irene and Dorothy, two Donut Dollies in the war. We loved returning to our favorite genre and guarantee fellow historical fiction fans will want to run to pick up their copy! Pardon the audio issues--figuring out a new platform!
This week, Sydney and Paige each cover the book they are currently reading. Paige discusses the mystery "The Searcher" by Tana French, and Sydney covers a new historical fiction, "The Stolen Child" by Ann Hood. We are enjoying a summer of casual reading!
This week, Paige and Sydney discuss one of the newer releases from an all-time favorite as they cover "Holly" by Stephen King. This has all the makings of a creepy King classic, but one aspect neither of us liked. Listen now to hear our thoughts!
This week Sydney and Paige switch it up and discuss books they've been reading independently outside the pod. Hit a reading block? Need some poolside reads? Tune in to hear a few of our recommendations for your summer TBR list!
This week, Paige and Sydney are back from their break with a hit new release from a favorite author. Emily Henry hits it out of the park again with "Funny Story," which follows main character Daphne as she navigates life after her fiancée breaks off their engagement. It's a perfect kickoff to summer reading!
This week Sydney and Paige are joined by guest host Torrey to give our thoughts on "Iron Flame" by Rebecca Yarros. The second book in the hit fantasy series follows Violet and her squad as secrets come to light and rebellion simmers under the surface of Navarre. We break from our usual format to give our totally unhinged and decidedly nonlinear hot takes on the dramatic action-packed plot. Tune in if you've read the book (we highly recommend you read before listening to this one!)
This week, Sydney and Paige are back from break with a new author and a twisty thriller! "Cut to the Bone" by Ellison Cooper follows FBI agent Sayer Altair as she hunts down a killer. Fans of "Criminal Minds" and "Mindhunter," this one's for you.
This week Sydney and Paige discuss the newest release from iconic historical fiction author Kristen Hannah. "The Women" follows Army nurse Frankie McGrath as she goes from California socialite to saving lives in the jungles of Vietnam. Once her two tours are over, Frankie returns to a country and family that aren't supportive of her service. As she overcomes the challenges of returning from war, Frankie learns a lot about the war she served in and who she is at her core. An inspiring story about female friendships, the hardships of war, and the WOMEN who served, "The Women" is another gem from Hannah!
Sydney and Paige round out February with a historical fiction. "West with Giraffes" by Lynda Rutledge tells the incredible story of two giraffes traveling across America. Based on a true story, this epic story captures adventure, love, and growing up.
This week Sydney and Paige feel the love for Valentine's Day by discussing their favorite literary romances. Tune in as we discuss the Top 10 Romance Novels as determined by GoodReads. Which teenage favorites made the list? Did our favorite of all time come out on top?
This week, Paige and Sydney kick off February with a double feature for Black History Month. Sydney covers the novel "Maame" by Jessica George, while Paige covers "Born a Crime" by the comedian Trevor Noah. Two totally different books that have similar themes--we love when that happens!
This week Sydney and Paige discuss the latest hot fantasy read "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros. Violet Sorrengail is forced to carry on her family's legacy of becoming a dragon rider--that is if she can survive the journey to become one. Violet takes on task after task to earn her bond with her dragons all while fighting off enemies within the walls of Basgiath War College. When the day finally comes and Violet is chosen, it sets off a chain of events she never saw coming. Revolution, romance, and dragon riders--what's not to like?
This week, Paige and Sydney kick off the new year with a double feature. Paige covers "500 Miles from You" by Jenny Colgan, and Sydney features "One Night Only" by Catherine Walsh. They also say "like" approximately 129 times....
This week Sydney and Paige return from the holiday break and reminisce about 2023. We discuss our favorite reads from 2023 and books/adaptations we are looking forward to in 2024! A lighthearted discussion to start the New Year--what are you guys excited to read this year? episode starts at 2:14. Sorry for the technical difficulties
Sydney and Paige get in the holiday spirit with a double feature on two holiday books! Paige covered "Three Holidays and a Wedding" by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley, and Sydney features "Love, Holly" by Emily Stone. The best part? The get to swap books in person next week!
This week Sydney and Paige kick off the holidays with "Always in December" by Emily Stone. Josie makes a point to avoid Christmas and the personal heartbreak it brings every year. That is until one day she runs into Max-a stranger who will ultimately change her life. But after a whirlwind holiday romance, Max disappears. Over the following year, Max and Josie find their way back to each other in unexpected ways. Not the holiday rom com we expected, but we fell in love with this heartfelt holiday read. Tune in to hear our thoughts!
This week, Sydney and Paige round out November with a new fantasy duology. "One Dark Window" by Rachel Gillig, follows our heroine and the dark force that's invading her mind. Magic, romance, and a great cast of characters ; this novel has it all for fantasy fans!
Paige and Sydney cover a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr. They cover the beloved novel and the new Netflix adaptation--with some interesting thoughts on the latter.
This week Sydney and Paige finally discuss a topic near and dear to their hearts: horses. Tune in as we discuss "Horse" by Geraldine Brooks. "Horse" follows three separate yet intertwined timelines starting in Kentucky in the 1850s with Jarrett and his beloved horse Darley to modern day DC with Theo and Jess, an artist and a scientist with common interest in a legendary racehorse. This sweeping historical novel follows the birth and legend of America's greatest racehorse and the relationships he forges during life and after death. With themes such as science and art, race and racism, and the love between man and horse, "Horse" is one we couldn't put down and loved recording!
Sydney and Paige end the spooky season with a thriller by a new to us author "The Housemaid" by Freida McFadden. This book kept us guessing on who to trust, and who was in control. A perfect Halloween read!
This week, Sydney and Paige dive in to the thriller "They Never Learn" by Layne Fargo. Taking notes from "Dexter" and "Killing Eve," it's a psychological look in to the mind of a killer.
This week Sydney and Paige continue their spooky season picks with "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" by Sangu Mandanna. Mika has never felt she has a place in the world to call her own. Forced to move around on her own at risk of being discovered as a witch, she's mostly maintained a lonely life in London. Until one day she gets a message from someone who wants her to mentor three young witches...breaking the rule all witches must maintain in order to keep their existence secret. Can Mika find her purpose amongst a house full of misfits and her place in the world? Tune in to hear our thoughts on this cozy holiday read complete with a Gilmore Girls worthy cast of characters and our favorite 'Darcy Trope'.
This week, Sydney and Paige discuss the popular fall romcom "The Ex Hex" by Erin Sterling. Vivienne Jones thought Rhys Penhallow was out of her life for good after their whirlwind summer romance ended in heartbreak. Fourteen years later, Rhys is back in town for the Fall Festival, and Vivi realizes her "innocent" Bath and Body Works Curse wasn't so innocent after all... This fun, magical romcom is the perfect addition to any fall reading list! Tune in to hear our thoughts!
This week, Paige and Sydney kick off spooky season with a great thriller from Riley Sager, "The House Across the Lake." The girls dive in to their theories and the completely unexpected twist that they never saw coming.
This week Sydney and Paige kick off spooky season a little early with "Spells for Forgetting". Emery and August grew up on the magical yet ominous island of Soairse. Desperate to make their own way in the world, they have plans to leave the island together until the murder of a friend and August's suspected involvement alter their relationship with each other and the island forever. Fourteen years later, August is back to settle his business with the island, and Emery, for good. Tune in as we talk about this magical start to the fall reading season, hear how Paige loses the plot, and wait for the plot twist we never saw coming.
This week, Paige and Sydney head back to one of their favorite genres, historical fiction. "Hannah's War" by Jan Eliasberg is a cat-and-mouse spy novel about a female scientist working with the Americans to develop the atomic bomb....but who's side is she really on? We loved this novel about one of the most important scientific discoveries of the 20th century!
This week Sydney and Paige return to a tried and true pod author with "My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry" by Fredrik Backman. Backman does it again with this touching story of grief told from almost 8 year old Elsa's eyes. A portrait of humanity effortlessly woven with a grandmother's fairytales, Backman delivers a touching tale of overcoming grief and what it means to be human. Tune in as we rave over one of our new favorite authors!
This week we're back with a double feature of celebrity memoirs. Paige dives in to "Beyond the Wand" by Harry Potter star Tom Felton (of course), and Sydney covers "Finding Me" by the great Viola Davis.
This week Sydney and Paige discuss the latest book in the ACOTAR series "A Court of Silver Flames" by Sarah J. Maas. Shifting focus from Feyre and Rhys, this time our main characters are Nesta and Cassian. Recovering from the physical and emotional wounds from the war has proven to be more difficult for Nesta after her father's death. The war may be over for now, but threats to Prythian and the Night Court are still present. With a spicy new love story, strong character arcs, and a badass female trio, this book expands on the ACOTAR series and sets things up for an exciting future.
This week, Sydney and Paige discuss "Brooklyn" by Colm Toibin. It's a story of the Amerian dream, and a young girl who immigrates from Ireland to chase it. It's also a feature film starring the wonderful Saoirse Ronan. Listen to our thoughts on "Brooklyn" now!
This week Sydney and Paige dive in to a sweet romance. "The Love Hypothesis" by Ali Hazelwood follows PhD student Olive as she conspires to convince her best friend that she's moved on to a happy new relationship...with the help of an unlikely man. Fake dating, quirky characters, miscommuncations...what more could you want? We LOVED this romcom novel!
This week Sydney and Paige discuss the memoir of one of their favorite travel influencers "My Own Magic" by Anna Kloots. Finding herself in a one-sided relationship and feeling invisible in her own marriage, Anna writes about the process of re-discovering herself and forging her own path. She writes of her various travels and experiences being a magician's wife, but the main lesson we took away from this book....don't date a magician.
This week, Sydney and Paige are back with a true crime thriller, "Notes on an Execution" by Danya Kukafka. This book tells the story of a serial killer on death row, and his story is told in part through the eyes of women in his life. It's an interesting perspective on our culture's obessisson with true crime. Join us for the discussion!
This week Sydney and Paige are joined by our first cohost, Lizbeth De Los Reyes, as we discuss Gus Moreno's This Thing Between Us. Join the girls as we discuss this grief thriller that threw us all through a loop. Things get a little existential as we discuss the topics Moreno focuses on in this genre defying debut novel: grief, modern technology, immigration, cultural connection, and much more. Just a heads up: if you have a smart speaker, you may not trust it after this episode...
This week, Paige and Sydney cover a new author in one of their favorite genres. "The Secret Book of Flora Lea" by Patti Henry Callahan follows a young woman on the quest to solve her sisters decades old disappearance. Set amongst a backdrop of WWII and 1960s London, this novel has it all--war, heartbreak, mystery, and redemption.
This week we cover the latest release from Emily Henry, "Happy Place." This romcom novel follows Harriet and Wyn, a broken-up couple who has to pretend they are back together to keep peace with their friends. It's the perfect mix of romance, friendship, and summer vibes. Plus we bring back our Casting Couch to dream up who could play these ensemble characters!
This week Sydney and Paige return to the world of fantasy to discuss the third book in the ACOTAR series "A Court of Wings and Ruin" by Sarah J. Maas. War has come to Prythian, and Feyre is doing everything she can to save those she loves. In the Spring Court, she attempts to bring down Tamlin's court and sow discord throughout his lands. As she returns to Rhysand, she assumes her new role as High Lady of the Night Court and works to gather the powers of the High Lords to rally against Hybern. Tune in as we discuss Feyre's new role, how Sarah J. Maas is the master of the long game, and the epic battle scene to close out this part of the story for our Prythian friends.
Paige and Sydney go back to a tried and true genre, historical fiction. "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys covers a little known but vastly important even from WWII. You know we love an ensemble cast set amongst real life history, and this one does not disappoint!
This week Sydney and Paige discuss a new author to the pod with "Lock Every Door" by Riley Sager. Jules is down on her luck when she sees an ad in the newspaper for an apartment sitter at one of the most famous buildings in New York City--the Bartholomew. She can't believe her luck and soon settles in amongst the famous residents there. When strange events start happening that she can't ignore, she digs into the building's history and starts to think its beautiful facade was hiding a terrible secret... Join us as we discuss Jules' questionable decision making, try to figure out who we can trust (if anyone), and the reveal of the truly bananas plot twist (in Sydney's words)!
This week, Sydney and Paige cover another epic from Stephen King. "Fairy Tale" follows Charlie Reade, a 17 year old boy who lands himself in a fantasical adventure. But before that, we have to discuss the real life unhappy ending of one of our favorites. Why can't everything have a happy ending?
This week Sydney and Paige discuss yet another TJR novel with "One True Loves". Emma Blair met the love of her life, Jesse, in high school. Together they made it out of their hometown and travelled the world. On their first wedding anniversary, Jesse is on his way to an assignment when the helicopter goes down. Jesse is presumed dead. Emma goes back to her hometown to piece her life back together where she runs into an old high school friend, Sam. Emma is beginning to wonder if she has a second chance at happiness when she gets a call--Jesse has been found alive. Now Emma must decide what life she wants, and who she wants to spend it with. Join us as we discuss this impossible choice, Paige's existential crisis about indecision, and Sydney's exciting life update!
Paige and Sydney kick off April with a repeat author by discussing "Beartown" by Fredrik Backman. This novel, while seemingly only about the world of junior hockey, isn't really about hockey. It's a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on life in true Fredrik Backman style.
This week Sydney and Paige discuss the spicy second book in the ACOTAR series "A Court of Mist and Fury" by Sarah J. Maas. Feyre is coming to terms with what happened under the mountain while trying to make sense of her new life as a High Fae. Things are rocky between her and Tamlin in the Spring Court while she fulfills the promise she made with Rhysand under the mountain. When Feyre reaches her breaking point, she has to decide how she wants to spend the rest of her life in her new world. Tune in for our thoughts on the spice, love triangle, and cliffhanger ending!
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This week we cover another page to screen adaptation with "Daisy Jones and the Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This novel about the rise and fall of a '70s rock band has just premiered as a miniseries on Amazon Prime. We cover the book and first episode and give our thoughts on how the series measures up to the book.
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This week Sydney and Paige close out Black History Month with a double feature: "Becoming" by Michele Obama and "The Butler" by Wil Haygood. Following an unplanned political theme, we discuss inside gossip from the White House, the meaning of celebrity status, how the people behind the scenes make the world go round, and ultimately the inspiring stories of Michele Obama and Eugene Allen. Tune in to hear our thoughts!
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week, Sydney and Paige celebrate Valentine's Day with a romcom novel, "The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory. When Nik's hot actor boyfriend proposes to her on a JumboTron in front of thousands of people, things don't exactly go as planned...but it leads her to something even better! This story had the makings of a classic romance novel. Tune in to get in the Valentine's spirit!
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This week Sydney and Paige discuss "Transcendent Kingdom" by Yaa Gyasi. Giftie is a PhD student at Standford studying the effects of addiction on the brain in order to create an effective treatment. Little known to her friends and colleagues, Giftie's passion for this science stems from personal experience when her older brother Nana died from an opioid overdose. With hard hitting themes of addiction, religion, depression, family relationships, and struggling to understand oneself, "Transcendent Kingdom" delivers an emotional story from a fresh voice. Tune in to hear our thoughts when they take an existential turn...--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week Sydney and Paige discuss the hottest fantasy book of the moment, "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas. Feyre, a huntress struggling to feed her family, has no idea the consequences that will follow when she kills a wolf in the woods one night as she hunts. Retribution is demanded by a terrifying and magical creature known only from legends. She is taken to live in the world of the faeries and High Fae as payment--a life for a life. As she adapts to her new world, she develops feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, and sets into motion a series of events that will change both the human and faerie worlds forever. With magic, romance, and a new world to discover, there's no doubting why ACOTAR is the talk of the literary world.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week, Sydney and Paige cover another novel by one of their favorite authors, "The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn. This novel has it all: dual perspectives, war, and tragedy--but it always comes together in the end.
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This week Sydney and Paige discuss the dazzling debut novel from Bonnie Garmus, "Lessons in Chemistry". Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, she believes there is no such thing as an average woman. Elizabeth's passion lies in science, and she is all too familiar with the stigmas she has to deal with professionally. Then one day she meets fellow scientist Calvin Evans and her entire life changes. Flash forward a few years to find Elizabeth a single mom and the shining star of a cooking show. Although not where she pictured herself, Elizabeth uses this opportunity to teach women to cook and dare them to challenge the status quo. With strong female characters, important life lessons, and the dare to defy conformity, there's a reason this book was voted Barnes and Nobles 2022 Book of the Year.
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This week, Sydney and Paige wrap up 2022 with a look back at the first year of podcasting and the books read. We answer questions about our favorites of the year, memorable characters, and how we became book lovers in the first place.
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This week Sydney and Paige wrap up their holiday picks with "The Christmas Bookshop" by Jenny Colgan. Carmen's life is upended when she suddenly loses her job and has to move in with her sister Sofia in Edinburgh. At first reluctant, Carmen starts to settle in to her new job at the quirky bookstore she's trying to help save in the charming city she never thought she'd call home. With a love triangle, idyllic setting, and holiday magic, what's not to love?
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week, Sydney and Paige hop across the pond with "Royal Holiday" by Jasmine Guillory. This wasn't the Harry and Meghan vibes we expected, but still serves up some good Hallmark moments. Plus, we will dive into our thoughts on the real Royal family, the Crown, and that hot new Netflix docuseries.
--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week Sydney and Paige kick off the holidays with a rom com double feature! Sydney discusses "The Matzah Ball" by Jean Meltzer, while Paige reviews "A Holly Jolly Diwali" by Sonya Lalli. While about two different holidays, we found surprising correlations in our heroines with their journeys of self discovery and understanding of the holiday season. Tune in for some light hearted holiday romance, unrealistic vacation expectations (for Paige), and some deeper connections our authors wove in to their storylines.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week, Sydney and Paige round out November with "American Dirt" by Jeanine Cummins. This novel focuses on thr struggles a young mother faces as she is forced to flee from Mexico into America, and the depths she will go to to protect her son. We dive into this immigration story, and some of the controvery surrounding it this week.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Sydney and Paige discuss one of their favorite books by a favorite author, 11/22/63 by Stephen King. This book has it all-historical fantasy, romance, and some JFK. Tune in to hear our takes on 11/22/63!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week Sydney and Paige discuss the debut novel of the pod's threepeat author Taylor Jenkins Reid. Published long before her popular bestsellers "Evelyn Hugo", "Carrie Soto", and "Daisy Jones", "Forever, Interrupted" follows the whirlwind romance of Elsie Porter and Ben Ross. Elsie and Ben quickly fall head over heels for each other until they romance is cut short by Ben's death in an accident. "Forever, Interrupted" follows Elsie's grief with flashbacks of their once in a lifetime romance.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week Sydney and Paige discuss the sweeping family saga written by Juliet Grames, "The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna." Despite Paige's protesting about the depressing nature of the book, we think you'll love this story of human resiliency that centers around Stella Fortuna, a young woman who immigrates to America from Italy. It's a tale of hardship, family, and history all wrapped in to one.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week Sydney and Paige discuss the highly anticipated new release from Colleen Hoover "It Starts With Us". After the success of "It Ends With Us", CoHo gives fans a look at what happens next with Lily, Atlas, and Ryle. An instant bestseller, tune in for our take on Lily and Atlas's world, CoHo's proclivity for unusual names, and the many T-Swift references we were able to draw (it was too easy).
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week Sydney and Paige close out spooky season with a thriller by another one of our favorite author's with "The Woman in Cabin 10" by Ruth Ware. Tune in to hear our thoughts on yet another classic by Ware with the group setting and whodunnit vibes. We didn't guess the twist at the end, but did you?
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Sydney and Paige keep spooky season going with another thriller. "In the Woods" is the debut novel from Tana French. Set in Ireland, it tells the story of a detective on the Murder Squad who is thrown into a case that is shockingly similar to one from his past.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week, Sydney and Paige continue their spooky reads with Stacy Willingham's debut novel "A Flicker in the Dark". When Chloe Davis was just twelve, her father was sentenced to life in prison for confessing to abducting and killing six local girls over the course of a summer in their small Louisiana town. This left Chloe and her family reeling and dealing with the consequences on their own. Now, twenty year later, Chloe is still trying to find a sense of normality when local girls start to go missing again, bringing up unwanted memories and having mysterious connections to her father's crimes. Is Chloe being paranoid sensing connections to her father? Or is she about to be unwillingly thrown into a second investigation to find justice for these girls?
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week Sydney and Paige kick off the month of October (and unofficial spooky season) with "Magic Lessons" by Alice Hoffman. The prequel to the beloved novel "Practical Magic", "Magic Lessons" explores the origins of the famous Owens witches. With just the right amount of fantasy mixed with history, this novel was the perfect way to kick off the witch-y season...not to mention the perfect tie in to our recent trip to Salem, MA!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Books unite us, censorship divides us. This week, Sydney and Paige celebrate Banned Books Week by talking about some of the most widely banned or challenged books....from contemporary Young Adult to American classics, these titles might surprise you.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week, Sydney and Paige dive into the new release by one of our new favorite authors "Carrie Soto is Back" by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Carrie Soto was the world's greatest tennis player until an injury forced her to retire. Now, six years later, Carrie Soto is back to defend her title after rival player, Nicki Chan, ties her record for most Grand Slam titles. Tune in as we discuss Carrie Soto's fight to the top, her emotional journey back to the court, and our differing opinions on love. With romance, sports, drama, and a fierce protagonist, Carrie Soto's unexpectedly emotional journey back to the four most famous courts in tennis had us cheering for her until the last page.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Sydney and Paige kick off September with a fantasy novel "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue," about a young French woman sentenced to live forever yet be remembered by no one. Sydney and Paige share differing thoughts on this novel about life and love.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week Sydney and Paige dive into the lives of their favorite celebrity autobiographies. Paige discusses the outrageously entertaining and gossip-y memoir "Me" by Elton John, while Sydney gives insight to the lives of her podcast heroes in "Stay Sexy & Don't Get Murdered" by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Tune in for some celebrity tea, wild stories of house parties with Elton, and important advice from our favorite pod hosts Karen and Georgia.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week, Sydney and Paige head back to a historical fiction set during World War I. "The Girl You Left Behind" tells the story of Sophie Lefevre and the impossible situations she faces in occupied France in WWI, as well as how those choices intersect with Liv Halston, a widow in the modern day. This novel asks hard questions on who decides what's right or wrong, and how those choices impact others.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week Sydney and Paige discuss (or rather, fangirl) over Kate Quinn's surprise short story, "Signal Moon". This short story joins the ranks of Quinn's successful historical fiction line up and follows Lily Baines and Matt Jackson as they connect through time and try to win one war while preventing another.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Sydney and Paige discuss Ruth Ware's new thriller "The It Girl," a whodunit that gave us a lot of theories--one of which Paige was right about.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week Sydney and Paige discuss "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig. Popular since its publication in 2020, "The Midnight Library" explores many of life's big questions and examines how we deal with regret. After reading the last page, we couldn't help but ask ourselves: what does it truly mean to be successful and live a meaningful life?
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Sydney and Paige switch it up this week--instead of a plot deep dive, they go for overall thoughts and LOTS of hot takes on the hot novel "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens, which has recently been adapted into a summer blockbuster starring Daisy Edgar Jones. We dive into the unanswered questions, totally random movie nitpicks, and both agree on a comparison between this film and a 2000s romcom.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week, Sydney and Paige cover another Jane Austen classic, "Persuasion." This novel centers around heroine Anne Elliot and her second chance at love with Captain Wentworth. It was just adapted into a Netflix film starring Dakota Johnson. Listen for our takes on this classic novel and current adaptation!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
In this week's episode, Sydney and Paige dive into "Normal People" by Sally Rooney. A hit tv series and popular book, Normal People explores the relationship of Connell and Marianne from their time as teenagers growing up in Sligo, Ireland to their university years at Trinity College in Dublin. Despite their differences, Connell and Marianne form a magnetic bond that keeps pulling them back together over the years making us realize that sometimes one person can change the trajectory of our entire lives.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Dearest Listeners, The ton are abuzz now that Anthony Bridgerton has made clear his intention to marry this season. Tune in with Sydney and Paige as they discuss the latest gossip on the bestselling book "The Viscount Who Loved Me" by Julia Quinn, and the record breaking second season of Netflix's hit series Bridgerton. Although the characters may be the same, all is not what it seems when it comes to the plot... Will Anthony marry the perfect Edwina, or will his attention be caught by her bewildering older sister, Kate? Time will only tell, gentle listeners. Yours truly, Sydney and Paige
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This week, Paige and Sydney do a double feature with two books by popular author Emily Henry. Paige discusses the Hallmark-esque feel of "Books Lovers and Sydney details the popular friends to lovers in "People We Meet on Vacation."
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Sydney and Paige discuss the quirky novel "Anxious People" by Fredrik Backman, which quickly became a favorite! Memorable quotes, relatable characters, and the answer to the meaning of life (kidding), this book will make you laugh, cry, and feel seen. Tune in for our take on this unexpected gem!
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This week, Sydney and Paige talk about heartbreak, acceptance, hope, and moving on in "Out of Love' by Hazel Hayes. With a unique format that starts at the end and works back to the beginning, "Out of Love" examines the trials of heartbreak along with the hope of a new start. Tune in to hear our takes on relationships, what you learn from them, and who believes in true love (or who is more cynical about love)...
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Sydney and Paige kick off their summer beach read series with "One Italian Summer" by Rebecca Serle, a novel of a woman who spends a beautiful summer in Italy as she grapples with the death of her mother.
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This week Sydney and Paige go back in time to the Golden Age of Hollywood with "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Fame, fortune, love, scandal, and an unexpected twist, this book has it all. Tune in to hear our takes on which husband was our favorite, and who was truly Evelyn's great love.
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Sydney and Paige celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Latino Book Month by discussing novels and authors of Asian American and Latino descent.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week Sydney and Paige discuss a newer novel by the master of horror himself, "The Institute" by Stephen King. "The Institute" follows Luke, a young boy with exceptional intelligence and unnatural abilities, who is targeted for his power by the people wanting to use his powers for their own gain.
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Sydney and Paige discuss Chris Boujalian's suspense novel, "The Flight Attendant," and the hit series that is inspired by it.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week Sydney and Paige discuss the psychological thriller that took the literary world by storm: "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides. Tune in as we discuss the questionable narrator, a woman's year long silence, and the twist that had our minds racing.
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In honor of his birthday, this week Sydney and Paige try something new and discuss their favorite William Shakespeare adaptations both on stage and on screen. From a classic 90s rom com to an acid trip through Verona, tune in for some fun facts about the Bard himself and add some classic Shakespearean insults to your vocabulary.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Sydney and Paige discuss the page-turning thriller "The Guest List" by Lucy Foley.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Sydney and Paige head back to WWII to discuss Kate Quinn's newest novel, "The Diamond Eye," about the most successful female sniper Mila Pavlichenko.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
To kick off April, Sydney and Paige discuss one of the hottest books of the moment, "It Ends With Us" by Colleen Hoover. Tune in to hear our take on the emotional story Hoover weaves with an important message as well as our picks for the cast of the upcoming movie adaptation.
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Sydney and Paige wrap up Women's History Month with two different biographies of notable women. Paige covers "Marie Curie", written by her daughter Eve Curie, and Sydney discusses "Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder" by Caroline Fraser. These two vastly different women have more similarities than you might think!
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To continue Women's History Month, Sydney and Paige discuss a classic favorite, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Tune in to find out our takes on the romance plot line (#TeamLaurie), which movie adaptation we prefer, and who gets their happily ever after...
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Sydney and Paige continue Women's History Month with a double feature of two powerful, African American female poets. We discuss similarities and inspirations coming from "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou and "Call Us What We Carry" by Amanda Gorman.
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Sydney and Paige celebrate Women's Day, Sydney's birthday, and the relevance of current events with one of their favorite novels, "Winter Garden" by Kristin Hannah.
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Sydney and Paige kick off Women's Month and celebrate Paige's birthday with an episode on Jane Austen and our personal favorite, "Pride and Prejudice."
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To close out February, Paige and Sydney discuss two very different books honoring black authors for Black History Month. Paige discusses the eye opening read "A Promised Land" by Barack Obama, while Sydney reviews the debut novel "Homegoing" by up and coming author Yaa Gyasi.
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In honor of Valentine's Day, Sydney and Paige discuss their thoughts on Rebecca Serle's unexpected love story "In Five Years".
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Sydney and Paige learn a hard lesson in podcasting and discuss Colleen Hoover's hit romantic thriller "Verity."
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
For the first episode, Paige and Sydney discuss one of their most recent reads, "The Rose Code" by Kate Quinn. Set in WWII, this novel follows the friendship of three women working at Bletchley Park to break German code and help in the war effort. Secrets and betrayals threaten their friendship as they move through war and the decades after. Tune in for our takes on The Rose Code, including casting picks, who has the best tall girl energy, and more.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app