Reading Materials: Recent Episodes
Corrie and Lucia
Welcome to Reading Materials, a bookish podcast by long-time friends and self-declared bookworms, Corrie and Lucia. Join us as we read and discuss a different book (or book series) each episode.
For updates and behind-the-scenes content, you can follow us on -
www.readingmaterialspodcast.com Instagram: @readingmaterialspod
We are both also active on Goodreads -
Corrie: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2936047-corrie
Lucia: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/30820013-lucia
In this week’s episode we read another young adult fantasy novel and encounter flamenco dancing and dragon fighting in Together We Burn by Isabel Ibañez.
Join us for our discussion of the author’s inclusion of Spanish culture, dragons as metaphors and multiple red herrings.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life Updates
02:00 - An Introduction to the Author
04:50 - Spoiler Warning
05:20 - The Blurb
06:50 - Our Discussion of Together We Burn
45:15 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
47:30 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Links:
Isabel Ibañez on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
In this week's episode we spend some time with the political and magical intrigue of The Brilliant Death by A. R. Capetta.
Join us in exploring the world of Vinalia, family politics, loyalty and secrets, as well as some soul-searching about what being a "young adult" actually means.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life Updates
02:22 - An Introduction to the Author
04:16 - The Blurb
07:05 - Spoiler Warning
07:30 - Our Discussion of The Brilliant Death
53:11 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:15:40 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
The Brilliant Death by A. R. Capetta
Together We Burn by Isabel Ibanez
Links:
A. R. Capetta on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
In this week's episode we get a glimpse at the glamour of old-school Hollywood in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Join us to hear out thoughts on this bestselling and award-winning novel as we discuss Ernie, Don, Mick, Rex, Harry, Max and Robert, and ultimately find out who was the love of Evelyn's life.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Life Updates
02:30 - An Introduction to the Author
05:50 - The Blurb
07:05 - Spoiler Warning
07:30 - Our Discussion of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
01:15:00 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:15:40 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Brilliant Death by A. R. Capetta
Links:
Taylor Jenkins Reid on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
In this week's episode we journey to the fantastical lands of Ralia and Tithena in the queer love-story A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows.
Join us for our discussion of political intrigue, the book's exploration of gender identity and the author's clever use of language.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Life Updates
06:45 - An Introduction to the Author
08:30 - The Blurb
09:50 - Our Discussion of 'A Strange and Stubborn Endurance'
20:25-24:35 - Trigger Warning for Discussion of Rape
24:45 - Trigger Warning for Discussion of Suicide Attempt
01:03:20 - The Book We Will Be Reading Next Time
01:04:10 - Outro
Books Mentioned:
Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas
Pucking Around by Emily Rath
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Links:
Foz Meadows on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
We return this week to tackle our first Greek mythology retelling as we discuss the heart-breaking The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller.
Forget what you know from the Hollywood and Disney versions, it’s time to go back to the source as we discuss prideful heroes and gods, understated but beautiful writing, and gut-punch endings. There is even a cameo from baby Edward at the end of the episode!
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Life Updates
02:25 - An Introduction to the Author
07:45 - Spoiler Warning
09:20 - The Blurb
10:00 - Our Discussion of 'The Song of Achilles'
01:02:20 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:03:45 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Circe by Madeline Miller
The Illiad / The Odyssey by Homer
A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows
Links:
Madeline Miller on Goodreads
Madeline Miller on Instagram
Madeline Miller’s website
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
We step away from fantasy this week to discuss Torrey Peters' bestselling debut about gender, parenthood, love and trans life - Detransition, Baby.
Tune in for our thoughts on Reece, Ames (or Amy before her detransition) and Katrina as they navigate relationships, grapple with gender identity and ultimately decide what to do about a surprise pregnancy.
Please note that this episode deals with topics that some listeners might find upsetting - please check the Episode Timepoints for trigger warnings.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life Updates
03:10 - Trigger Warnings
04:10 - Introduction to the Author
07:45 - The Blurb
09:05 - Spoiler Warning
09:20 - Disclaimer
10:30 - Our Discussion of Detransition, Baby
01:18:15 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:19:00 - Outro
Books Mentioned:
Infect Your Friends and Loved Ones by Torrey Peters
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Links:
Torrey Peters' website
Torrey Peters on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Today we venture down the dusty halls of the libraries of Austermeer in Margeret Rogerson's "Sorcery of Thorns".
Grimoires, sorcerers, demons and feisty teenage girls abound - join us in our discussion of this fun jaunt through the hallways of ancient libraries, enchanted houses and demon-infested mansions.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:16 - Life Updates
05:26 - The Blurb for Sorcery of Thorns
06:43 - Our Discussion of Sorcery of Thorns
01:05:41 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:08:37 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab
Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas
Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality by Sarah McBride
Links:
Margaret Rogerson on Goodreads
Margaret Rogerson on Instagram
Margaret Rogerson's website
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
We continue Season 7 with a sequel to one of our favourite books from Season 3 - Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo.
Join us as we journey with Galaxy Stern to hell and discuss character development, vampires, bunnies and of course - Darlington's glow-stick.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life Updates
06:00 - The Blurb for Hell Bent
08:10 - Brief Summary of the Book
12:00 - Our Discussion of Hell Bent
01:20:00 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:21:10 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
The Aurora Cycle by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Links:
Leigh Bardugo on Goodreads
Leigh Bardugo on Instagram
Leigh Bardugo's website
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
We kick off Season 7 with Happy Place, the latest in Emily Henry's growing set of feel good novels, published in April 2023. Corrie is back from maternity leave, Lucia is fresh from an in-depth exploration of ACOTAR, and we reunite with one of our favourite authors as we find out what happens during Lobster Season in Maine when six friends, three secrets, and the harsh reality of growing up, coincide one summer's week.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life updates
04:23 - An Introduction to Season Seven
06:18 - Introduction to Happy Place
07:55 - The Blurb
09:25 - Our Discussion of "Happy Place"
17:00 - Belated spoiler alert
01:46:30 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Dead in Devon by Stephanie Austin
Pucking Around by Emily Rath
Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
The Night Ship by Jess Kidd
Doctor Doolittle by Hugh Lofting
Beach Read by Emily Henry
People We Meet on Vacation/You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo
Links:
Emily Henry on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
We took some time in late October to chat to another author, the wonderful Foz Meadows.
Foz is an Australian fantasy author, blogger and poet. In anticipation of the release of their next novel "All the Hidden Paths" on December 5th, 2023, we chatted all things writing, tackling language in fiction, a bit of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and a myriad of other things!
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:48 - Interview with Foz Meadows
37:07 - Trigger warning: Sexual Assault
01:01:26 - Outro
Foz's books:
A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows
All the Hidden Paths by Foz Meadows
Links:
Foz Meadows
Foz Meadows on Instagram
Foz Meadows on X (formerly known as Twitter)
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
After 4 months we have made it to the end of our A Court of Thorns and Roses re-read! What a journey it has been…
Join us for this series wrap-up episode in which Maria returns and we discuss the series as a whole and share our predictions for Crescent City and the next ACoTaR books.
Episode Timepoints
00:00 - Intro
40:00 - Spoiler Warning for Crescent City
58:30 - Outro
Books Mentioned:
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Lucia and Jess have reached the end of their journey through the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 61 through 80 of A Court of Silver Flames.
Join us as we share our final thoughts on the book and talk about the Rite, Nesta’s bargain with the Mother and our issues with Feyre’s pregnancy.
Episode Timepoints
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Spoiler Warning
00:40 - The Story So Far
02:30 - Our Discussion of Chapters 61 - 80 of A Court of Silver Flames
24:20 - Trigger Warning
48:00 - Outro
Books Mentioned:
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Lucia and Jess continue their deep-dive into the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. This episode discusses chapters 41 through 60 of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. We also discuss the bonus Azriel and Elain chapter which was included in the Books-a-Million Exclusive Edition of this book.
Join us for our thoughts on Nesta hitting rock bottom, mating bonds snapping into place and training to become a Valkyrie.
Episode Timepoints
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Spoiler Warning
01:00 - The Story So Far
02:00 - Our Discussion of Chapters 41 - 60 of A Court of Silver Flames
01:12:00 - Outro
Books Mentioned:
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Lucia and Jess continue their deep-dive into the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. This episode discusses chapters 21 through 40 of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas.
Join us for our thoughts on Nesta and Cassian’s developing relationship, Feyre’s big reveal and creepy kelpies.
Episode Timepoints
00:00 - Intro
0:20 - Spoiler Warning
00:35 - The Story So Far
01:10 - Our Discussion of Chapters 21 - 40 of A Court of Silver Flames
01:01:15 - Outro
Books Mentioned:
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
The war with Hybern may be over, but for Nesta the nightmares continue and on the continent, a new evil is stirring...
Lucia and Jess continue their deep-dive into the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. This episode discusses chapters 1 through 20 of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas. Join us for our thoughts on snarling, subplots and sexual tension you can cut with a knife.
Episode Timepoints
00:00 - Intro
00:25 - Spoiler Warning
01:00 - The Story So Far
02:30 - Our Discussion of Chapters 1 - 20 of A Court of Silver Flames
42:30-49:30 - Spoilers for Crescent City series
49:30 - Spoilers for Throne of Glass series
01:06:00 - Outro
Books Mentioned:
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
It's the Winter Solstice, which means it's time for shopping, hot chocolate and endless descriptions of snowy landscapes...
Lucia and Jess continue their deep-dive into Sarah J. Maas’s best-selling series, this time with their discussion of the novella A Court of Frost and Starlight. Hear their thoughts on characters not acting quite like themselves, Mor’s tendency to keep secrets from those she loves most, and the general lack of a point to this book.
Episode Timepoints
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - Spoiler Warning
01:10 - The Story So Far
02:30 - Our Discussion of A Court of Frost and Starlight
52:30 - Outro
Books Mentioned:
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
We continue our journey through A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 61 through 80.
Join us as we talk about revelations, plot twists and sacrifices, as the original trilogy comes to a dramatic close.
Episode Timepoints
00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Spoiler Warning
01:10 - The Story So Far
02:00 - Our Discussion of Chapters 61-80 of A Court of Wings and Ruin
58:50 - Spoiler Warning for Crescent City
01:26:00 - Outro
Books Mentioned:
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
We continue our journey through A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 41 through 60.
Join us as we talk about the melodrama of the High Lords’ meeting, contemplate what mental walls actually look like and question whether Jurian can teleport.
Episode Timepoints
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - Spoiler Warning
01:00 - The Story So Far
02:30 - Our Discussion of Chapters 41-60 of A Court of Wings and Ruin
57:00 - Outro
Books Mentioned:
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
We continue our exploration of A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 21 through 40.
Join us as we talk about Nesta and Amren’s unlikely friendship, Elain’s new powers and Tarquin’s lack of gratitude after the attack on Adriata.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:25 - Spoiler Warning
00:40 - The Story So Far
01:05 - Our Discussion of Chapters 21-40 of A Court of Wings and Ruin
54:10 - Outro
54:35 - Blooper
Books Mentioned:
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
War in Prythian is imminent as the King of Hybern rallies his troops and sets his sight on the Wall and the human lands beyond. Still reeling from their last encounter with the King, Feyre and the rest of the Court of Dreams must go to new extremes to find as many allies as possible...
In this episode Lucia, Jess and Maria discuss chapters 1 through 20 of A Court of Wings and Ruin, book 3 in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. Join us to hear our thoughts on court politics, slightly cringe writing and Feyre’s manipulations.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Spoiler Warning
00:40 - The Story So Far
01:20 - Our Discussion
01:05:30 - Outro
01:05:55 - Blooper
Books Mentioned:
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
We are super excited to present our very first author interview - thank you so much to Emily Rath for being our guest!
Emily Rath is an author of fantasy and romance. Her works include the Amazon international bestselling Jacksonville Rays Hockey series and the Second Sons Regency romance series. Join us as we talk queer why choose romance, politics, the writing process and more.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
02:30 - Interview with Emily Rath
01:34:40 - Outro
Upcoming Appearances:
Steamy Litcon
Lust in the Lowcountry
Readers Take Denver
Romance Invades the Rockies
Books Mentioned:
Second Sons series by Emily Rath
Pucking Around by Emily Rath
Whiskey and Sin by Emily Rath
Bridgertons series by Julia Quinn
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Orc Sworn series by Finley Fenn
Tasting History by Max Miller
One Pucked Up Pack by Sarah Blue
Give Me More by Sara Cate
Links:
Emily Rath
Emily Rath on Instagram
Emily Rath on TikTok
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Lucia is joined by Maria and Jess to continue their deep-dive into the A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
This episode discusses chapters 47 through 69 of A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas. Join us as we talk about mating bonds, betrayals and cliffhangers.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Spoiler Warning
00:35 - The Story So Far
01:06:50 - Outro
Books Mentioned:
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
We continue our exploration of A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 24 through 46.
Join us as we talk about Court politics, Feyre’s new powers and the developing relationship between Rhysand and Feyre.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Spoiler Warning
00:30 - The Story So Far
01:20 - Our Discussion
01:05:30 - Outro
01:05:55 - Blooper
Other Books Mentioned:
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Amarantha has been defeated but across the sea, the King of Hybern is preparing to wage war against Prythian and the human world. To be able to stop him, Feyre must come to terms with the creature she has become and learn to harness her new powers, while also making true on her bargain with Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court...
In this episode Lucia, Jess and Maria discuss chapters 1 through 23 of A Court of Mist and Fury, book 2 in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. Join us for our thoughts on Feyre's mental health, the evolution of Tamlin's character, and the newest creepy characters - the Bone Carver and the Weaver.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Spoiler Warning
00:40 - The Story So Far
01:30 - Our Discussion
01:14:50 - Outro
Books Mentioned:
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
We continue our exploration of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 24 through 46 of the first book.
Join us as we talk about bargains, riddles, villains and our frustrations with a certain High Lord.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Spoiler Warning
01:49:00 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
We're off to Prythian!
Corrie is on maternity leave, so Lucia is joined by Maria and Jess for a deep-dive into one of their favourite book series - A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. This episode discusses chapters 1 through 23 of the first book.
It's a chunky one as we introduce all of the characters and talk about traumatic backstories, the most beautiful man and Feyre's unending patience towards pretty much everyone.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - Spoiler Warning
01:49:50 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
In a break from our usual format, Lucia is joined this season by her friends Jess and Maria for a deep dive into one of their favourite series - A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. This opening episode serves as an introduction to the new co-hosts, as well as to the new format of the season.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Introduction to the New Co-Hosts
21:45 - The Plan for Season 6
22:30 - Outro
Books Mentioned:
A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
Ninth House & Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
The Broken Earth series by N. K. Jemisin
Gild by Raven Kennedy
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Blood and Ash series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Corrie dips her toe back into the podcasting world for our mid-year freakout. Join us as we take stock of our reading so far in 2023 with our favourite books and characters, and look ahead with new reading goals and episode formats.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - Life Updates
04:00 - Number of Books Read
06:30 - Best Book Read
13:30 - Best Sequel Read
15:00-16:00 - SPOILER WARNING for Outlander series
16:45 - New Release That We Haven't Read But Want To
18:20 - Most Anticipated Release
22:30 - Biggest Disappointment
26:45 - Biggest Surprise
31:25 - New Favourite Author
33:20 - New Fictional Crush
34:00 - New Favourite Character
34:50 - A Book That Made Us Cry
38:55 - A Book That Made Us Happy
44:05 - New Reading Goals
49:15 - Outro
Books Mentioned:
Outlander / Lord John Grey series by Diana Gabaldon
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
Exes and O's by Amy Lea
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo
The Fragile Threads of Power by V. E. Schwab
The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman
Highest Bidder by Sara Cate
Pucking Around by Emily Rath
A Little Bit Wicked by Kristin Chenoweth
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
Links:
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
In this week's bonus episode, Lucia is joined by a very special guest - Tatyana, the host of The Bookish Banter Podcast - to discuss Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao. Tune in for our thoughts on sci-fi dystopia, similarities to the Hunger Games and the short-sightedness of Y. A. protagonists.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:10 - Introduction to Tatyana
07:50 - Introduction to the author
10:35 - The blurb
Spoilers for the entire book from this point
11:30 - Our discussion of Iron Widow
01:20:25 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Exes and O's by Amy Lea
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Best Men by Sidney Karger
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Light Bringer by Pierce Brown
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Links:
Xiran Jay Zhao on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
First published in 1939 under a different and highly controversial title, And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie is the world's best-selling mystery. Join us as we round off our season of classics with our special guest, Madina, as we talk about red herrings, rhymes and recent TV adaptations.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - An Introduction to Our Special Guest
05:35 - Spoiler Warning
06:00 - An Introduction to the Author
11:55 - Content Warning: Use of the N Word (From the original title of the book!)
20:55 - The Blurb
21:55 - Our Discussion of And Then There Were None
01:46:30 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larson
The Famous Five by Enid Blyton
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Links:
Agatha Christie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
First published in 1920, The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting follows a world-famous animal doctor and his voyage to Africa to save the monkeys from a mysterious disease. Tune in this week to hear our thoughts on animal names, the history of vaccines and the importance of full disclosure when books are revised for modern audiences.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life Updates
02:45 - Spoiler Warning
03:00 - Introduction to the Author
05:45 - The Blurb
06:15 - Our Discussion of the Book
01:18:05 - The Book We Will Be Reading Next Time
01:18:55 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Handa's Surprise by Eileen Browne
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Links:
Hugh Lofting on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
First published in 1911, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett tells the story of orphaned girl Mary who comes to live in an English country house and discovers a magical garden. Celebrate our podcast 2 year anniversary with us and hear our thoughts on friendship, character development and the restorative properties of the Yorkshire Moors.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:25 - Life Updates
02:00 - Spoiler Warning
05:40 - An Introduction to the Author
12:40 - The Blurb
13:40 - Our Discussion of The Secret Garden
01:23:30 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:24:10 - Outro
01:24:35 - Blooper
Other Books Mentioned:
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson-Burnett
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
Links:
Frances Hodgson Burnett on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
First published in 1864, The Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne is a sci-fi adventure novel about a geology professor and his nephew, who set off across Iceland to find a route to the Earth's core. Join us for our discussion of this classic and hear our thoughts on the difference between a mile and a Danish mile, the loyalty of Hans and the feasibility of surviving a volcanic eruption.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life Updates
01:30 - Spoiler Warning
01:50 - Introduction to the Author
08:25 - The Blurb
09:10 - Our Discussion of the Book
01:17:10 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:18:25 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne
The Count of Monte Christo by Alexandre Dumas
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Links:
Jules Verne on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
First published in 1927, To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf follows the lives of the Ramsay family beginning with their trip to the Isle of Skye. Join us as we continue our season of classics and hear our thoughts on strained familial relationships, the stream-of-consciousness style of writing and the significance of the letter Q.
Full disclosure - we really didn’t like this book.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life Updates
02:45 - An Introduction to the Author
07:00 - Spoiler Alert
08:30 - The Blurb
09:00 - Our Discussion of To The Lighthouse
53:40 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
56:45 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Emma by Jane Austen
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
Passing by Nella Larsen
Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon
Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Links:
Virginia Woolf on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
First published in 1815, Emma is the last novel by Jane Austen to be released during her lifetime. Join us for our discussion of this ‘comedy of manners’ and hear our thoughts on unlikeable characters, riddles and relationships in Georgian-Regency England.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Life Updates
07:00 - An Introduction to the Author
15:50 - Spoiler Alert
22:35 - The Blurb
23:00 - Our Discussion of Emma
01:20:35 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:21:05 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
Persuasion by Jane Austen
To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
Links:
Jane Austen on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
First published in 1903 in a serialized format, The Call of the Wild by Jack London tells the story of Buck, a dog stolen from his home in California and sold into service as a sled dog in Alaska during the 1890’s Klondike Gold Rush. Join us as we discuss this moving story of survival and Buck’s return to primitivism, and hear our thoughts on how this book explores human nature, its depiction of violence and whether or not it has stood the test of time.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life Updates
08:45 - Spoiler Warning
09:00 - Introduction to the Author
18:10 - The Blurb
18:35 - Our Discussion of The Call of the Wild
01:03:50 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:05:10 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff
White Fang by Jack London
The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
Dune by Frank Herbert
Emma by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Links:
Jack London on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
Published in 1890, The Picture of Dorian Gray was a scandalous book that gained further notoriety when it was used against the author - Oscar Wilde - himself as evidence in court. Join us as we unpack this gothic novel and hear our thoughts on abridged editions of books, amorality and how this story of decadence and leading a double life is still relevant today.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life Updates
07:00 - An Introduction to the Author
11:10 - Spoiler Warning
12:45 - The Blurb
13:45 - Our Discussion of The Picture of Dorian Gray
01:20:50 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:21:55 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Meet Me At The Museum by Anne Youngson
Dead in Devon by Stephanie Austin
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune
The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Links:
Oscar Wilde on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
We continue our season of classics with Dodie Smith’s coming of age story ‘I Capture the Castle.’ Published in 1948, it is the most recently released book we will be covering this season. Join us to hear our thoughts on young love, marrying for money, writer’s block and romantic depictions of the British countryside.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:35 - Life Updates
02:20 - Spoiler Warning
02:45 - An Introduction to the Author
06:30 - The Blurb
07:00 - Our Discussion of I Capture the Castle
01:08:00 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:08:30 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
101 Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Links:
Dodie Smith on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
We kick off our season of classics with Lewis Carroll’s beloved children’s stories ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ and ‘Through the Looking Glass.’ Join us to hear our thoughts on mad hatters, hookah-smoking caterpillars, beheadings and whether literary nonsense is anything more than just literally nonsense.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life Updates
03:00 - Intro to Season 5
06:20 - Spoiler Warning
07:40 - An Introduction to the Author
13:00 - Blurb
13:35 - Discussion Of the Stories
01:22:45 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:24:40 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
Emma by Jane Austen
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Links:
Lewis Carroll on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Happy New Year! 2022 went by in a blur of books - a combined 123 books, in fact. In this bonus episode we reflect on our reading journeys in 2022 and look ahead at what 2023 has in store. Join us to hear about our favourite books, characters, podcast moments and more!
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life Updates
03:10 - Our 2022 Podcast Stats
07:45 - Our 2022 Reading Goals
11:40 - Our Favourite Podcast Book of 2022
16:35 - Our top 3 Non-Podcast Books of 2022
31:10 - Our Least Favourite Podcast Book of 2022
34:00 - The Most Disappointing Podcast Books of 2022
37:45 - The Biggest Surprise (Podcast Books) of 2022
42:20 - Our Least Favourite Non-Podcast Books of 2022
52:40 - Our Favourite Podcast Moments of 2022
56:00 - Our Favourite Characters of 2022
59:25 - Our Least Favourite Book Scenes of 2022
01:01:20 - 01:02:05 - SPOILER WARNING for Ninth House / Trigger Warning for Sexual Assault of a Minor
01:03:20 - 01:03:50 - SPOILER WARNING for Book Lovers / Trigger Warning for Pregnancy Complication
01:04:10 - Our Favourite Season of 2022
01:08:25 - Our Most Anticipated New Releases in 2023
01:09:40 - Our Reading Goals for 2023
01:13:05 - Coming Up on Reading Materials in 2023
01:20:05 - Outro
01:20:30 - Blooper
Books Mentioned:
QualityLand by Mark Uwe Kling
The Night Ship by Jess Kidd
A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge
Emma by Jane Austen
Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Only A Monster by Vanessa Len
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
The Diamond Hunters by Wilbur Smith
Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon
Rachel's Holiday by Marianne Keyes
The Wind Singer by William Nicholson
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
The Bone Orchard by Sara Mueller
The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Luxuria by Colette Rhodes
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
The Half-Orc's Maiden Bride by Ruby Dixon
The Guilty Wife by Nina Manning
Sugar Daddies by Jade West
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake
You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
Kiss Her Once For Me by Allison Cochrun
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo
Happy Places by Emily Henry
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Links:
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Published in November 2022, Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun is a queer Christmas romance full of family, snow and second chances. So pour yourself a mug of hot chocolate (or mulled wine), bite into a cookie and cosy up with us as we share our thoughts on fake dating, Christmas traditions, family dynamics and diversity in books.
Happy holidays, everyone, and as always - thank you for listening!
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - Life Updates
03:40 - An Introduction to Alison Cochrun
05:35 - Spoiler Warning
06:10 - Blurb
09:15 - Our Discussion of Kiss Her Once For Me
01:36:10 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
You Made A Fool Of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
Links:
Alison Cochrun on Goodreads
Alison Cochrun on Instagram
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Published in July 2022, The Night Ship by Jess Kidd explores the true story of the Batavia, an ill-fated ship that attempted to make the voyage to the Dutch East Indies in 1629, through the eyes of two children. In this, our final episode of Season 4, we are joined by our friend Dominic to discuss the nature of the supernatural, disaster at sea, and human nature in the face of adversity.
Disclaimer: We had some technical issues during the recording of this episode and as such, some of the audio is of lower quality. We apologize for this and hope you enjoy the episode nonetheless.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Disclaimer
00:30 - Intro
00:45 - Meet Dominic!
07:45 - An Introduction to the Author
10:30 - Blurb
11:50 - Discussion of The Night Ship
01:25:20 - On the Next Season of the Reading Materials Podcast
01:26:15 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Emma by Jane Austen
Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd
The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton
How Not To Be A Boy by Robert Webb
The Epic of Gilgamesh - anonymous, the world's oldest epic found on 4,000 year old clay tablets
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North
The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Alice Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll
Links:
Jess Kidd on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Dominic on Instagram
Reading Materials on Instagram
Published in June 2022, This Vicious Grace is the debut Y. A. Fantasy novel by Emily Thiede. Join us for our discussion of this story of good versus evil and hear our thoughts on the Chosen One, the resurrection trope and the inclusion of sex scenes in Y. A. novels.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Life Updates
01:45 - Spoiler Warning
02:20 - An Introduction to the Author
05:40 - Blurb
06:50 - Discussion of This Vicious Grace
48:40 - Spoiler Warning for A Court of Thorns and Roses
56:15 - On the Next Episode of the Reading Materials Podcast
58:35 - On the Next Season of the Reading Materials Podcast
01:00:30 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Links:
Emily Thiede on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Published in September 2020, Susanna Clarke's novel Piranesi was highly recommended to us by multiple people, so we have finally taken the jump! Join us as we explore a labyrinthine world where solitude, friendship and the nature of home and self are explored.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:19 - Life Updates
01:32 - Spoiler Alert
02:18 - Introduction to Susanna Clarke
07:56 - Blurb
09:00 - Discussion of Piranesi
01:16:40 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:18:35 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories by Susanna Clarke
His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman
Rachel's Holiday by Marianne Keyes
Links:
Matt's episode on the podcast - Convenience Store Woman
Susanna Clarke on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Published in May 2022, Holly Black's debut adult fantasy novel Book of Night introduces us to a world where shadows can become sentient. Join us for our discussion of this layered and dark story - released just in time for Halloween - as we try to untangle the complex magic-system and hear our thoughts on sisterly relationships, dodgy father figures and compelling male leads.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Life Updates
01:25 - Introduction to Holly Black
03:26 - Spoiler Alert
03:55 - Blurb
05:25 - Discussion of Book of Night
45:20 - Trigger Warning for mention of Self-Harm
01:19:40 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:20:35 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The Shadowhunters series by Cassandra Clare
The Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black and Toni DiTerlizzi
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Links:
Holly Black on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Published in August 2022, Mohsin Hamid's "The Last White Man" tackles the topics of race, grief, challenging societal norms and managing major life-changing events. Join us as we wrap our head around the themes of the book, the way it is written, relationships between all the characters, and how we feel about this interesting recently published novel.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
01:18 - Spoiler Warning
02:27 - An Introduction to the Author
06:37 - Blurb
07:42 - Discussion of The Last White Man
56:11 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
57:27 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Links:
Mohsin Hamid on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
Published in March 2022, The Bone Orchard is the debut gothic by Sara A. Mueller. Join us for our discussion of this dense novel, full of strong female characters, political intrigue, supernatural abilities, mind control and coming to terms with past traumas.
Other Books Mentioned:
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels by Philippa Gregory
The Last White Man by Mohsin Hamid
You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeki Emezi
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Life Updates
02:10 - Spoiler Alert
02:35 - Trigger Warnings
03:20 - An Introduction to Sara A. Mueller
04:50 - The Blurb
06:10 - A Discussion of The Bone Orchard
01:01:45 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:06:20 - Outro
Links:
Sara A. Mueller on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
Published in April 2022, 'Luxuria' by Colette Rhodes explores illicit fantasies, arranged marriage and a romance like no other in a world where the things that live in the shadows really are monsters - and they can be kinda hot. This episode is rated 18+ due to the mature nature of the content discussed.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
07:07 - An Introduction to the Author
08:00 - Spoiler Warning
08:32 - Blurb
09:33 - Discussion of Luxuria
01:01:28 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:11:45 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Passing by Nella Larsen
Luxuria by Colette Rhodes
Deceived by the Gargoyles by Lillian Lark
The Quarry Master by Amanda Milo
The Half-Orcs Maiden Bride by Ruby Dixon
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
The Bone Orchard by Sara A Mueller
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Links:
The Bibliovert Podcast
Colette Rhodes on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
Published in April 2022, Emily St. John Mandel's speculative fiction novel 'Sea of Tranquility' tells a story across centuries and space. Join us as we wrap our heads around pandemics, time-travel and simulation theory.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
03:10 - Spoiler Warning
03:30 - An Introduction to the Author
08:20 - Blurb
10:00 - Discussion of Sea of Tranquility
01:11:10 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:11:45 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:
The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North
Links:
Emily St. John Mandel on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
Continuing the theme of recent publications, Akwaeke Emezi's new book "You Made A Fool of Death With Your Beauty" gives us some real food for thought as we grapple with some interesting issues through the medium of a rather unexpected romance! Described on Emezi's Instagram account as "horny bisexual chaos", we certainly had some Thoughts and Feelings - join us to discover this rather unusual novel and see if you agree with our assessment!
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:18 - Life Updates
03:00 - Spoiler Warning
15:32 - The Blurb
17:02 - Discussion of You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty
48:30 - Expletive warning
01:31:05 - The Book We Will Be Reading Next Time
51:00 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir by Akwaeke Emezi
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St John Mandel
Links:
Elle.com interview with the author
Akwaeke Emezi's website
Akwaeke Emezi on Goodreads
Akwaeke Emezi on Twitter
Akwaeke Emezi on Instagram
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
Emily Henry is back to open the new season with her newest hit, Book Lovers. Join us as we wax lyrical once again about her ability to write great characters, funny dialogue and to give her readers all the tropes they could ask for. In case you couldn't tell, we both loved this one.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life Updates
02:10 - Spoiler Warning
05:10 - The Blurb
05:55 - Discussion of Book Lovers
50:20 - The Book We Will Be Reading Next Time
51:00 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned:
Beach Read by Emily Henry
People We Meet on Vacation / You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon
You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
Links:
Emily Henry on Goodreads
Emily Henry on Instagram
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
In this bonus episode we get trapped in a creepy old house as we discuss Silvia Moreno-Garcia's 'Mexican Gothic'. Join us as we talk about horror, colonialism and magic mushrooms.
Trigger Warnings: this episode contains references to gaslighting, rape, incest and cannibalism, which some listeners might find upsetting.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life updates
02:45 - An introduction to the author
05:50 - Spoiler warning
06:30 - The blurb
08:10 - A discussion of Mexican Gothic
55:10 - The book we will be discussing next time
56:15 - Outro
Other books mentioned in this episode:
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
Links:
Silvia Moreno-Garcia on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
In this week's bonus episode we talk about another translated Japanese novel, The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa (translated by Philip Gabriel). Join us for our discussion of pets, friendship and extremely moving scenes.
Note: there is some background noise from about 30 minutes until the end of the episode, as one of the hubbies was making dinner. Sorry about that!
Episode Time Points:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life Updates
06:15 - An Introduction to the Author
08:40 - The Blurb
10:00 - Discussion of The Travelling Cat Chronicles
11:15 - Spoiler Warning
47:45 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned In This Episode:
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
The Wind Singer by William Nicholson
Links:
Hiro Arikawa on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
In the final episode of Season 3 we invite our friend Luisa to help us discuss 'Quality Land' by Marc-Uwe Kling. Join our discussion on Artificial Intelligence, misfits, politics, and what happens when you get a pink dolphin vibrator that you didn't order.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Introduction to Luisa
03:45 - An Introduction to the Author
07:30 - The Blurb
08:55 - A Discussion of QualityLand
12:52 - Slightly belated spoiler warning.
01:25:00 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:26:57 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:
QualityLand by Marc-Uwe Kling
Die Kaenguru-Chroniken by Marc-Uwe Kling
Kafka
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Other media mentioned:
Star Wars
Monty Python
Black Mirror
Bridgerton
Links:
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
In the penultimate episode of the season we unpack Claire North's unique science-fiction novel 'The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August.' Join us as we share our thoughts on non-linear story telling, time-travel and the role of ethics in science.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Some Life Updates
06:55 - Spoiler and Trigger Warnings
08:05 - An Introduction to the Author
11:10 - The Blurb
11:55 - A Discussion of The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August
01:08:45 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:10:25 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Mirror Dreams by Catherine Webb
Timekeepers by Claire North
The Extraordinary and Unusual Adventures of Horatio Lyle by Catherine Webb
Touch by Claire North
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
QualityLand by Marc-Uwe Kling
Links:
Claire North on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
In a break from our schedule, this week we are discussing The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams. Join us not for alien adventures as previously promised, but instead for our thoughts on rekindling romance, the book boner scale and subverting gender stereotypes in romance novels.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Life Updates
03:15 - Brief Discussion of To Sleep in a Sea of Stars
07:10 - An Introduction to the Author
08:30 - Spoiler Warning
09:00 - Blurb
10:15 - Discussion of The Bromance Book Club
01:02:05 - The Book We Will be Discussing Next Time
01:04:15 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in this Episode:
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
Beach Read by Emily Henry
The Wind Singer by William Nicholson
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North
Links:
Lyssa Kay Adams on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
Welcome to Discworld, a flat planet balanced on the backs of four elephants which in turn stand on the back of a giant turtle! In this episode we dive into Terry Pratchett's comic fantasy novel MORT. Join us as we talk about great world-building, humour, magic and damsels in distress.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:40 - Life Updates
00:02:13 - Spoiler Warning
00:02:37 - Introduction to MORT
00:05:20 - An Introduction to the Author
00:09:10 - The Blurb
00:10:07 - A Discussion of 'MORT'
00:40:10 - The Book We Will be Discussing Next Time
00:42:42 - Outro
Books we discussed in this episode:
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Game of Thrones by George R Martin
Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
MORT by Terry Pratchett
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars by Christopher Paolini
Links:
Terry Pratchett on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
Welcome to the one year anniversary episode of the Reading Materials Podcast, in which we get passionate about Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro! Join us for a delightful discussion of life, donations, and what it means to be creative and free.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:17 - Happy Anniversary to our Podcast
00:02:40 - Life Updates
00:04:50 - Introduction to Never Let Me Go
00:05:49 - Spoiler Warning
00:06:21 - An Introduction to the Author
00:11:26 - The Blurb
00:12:33 - A Discussion of 'Never Let Me Go'
01:15:17 - The Book We Will be Discussing Next Time
01:16:58 - Outro
Books we discussed in this episode:
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
MORT by Terry Pratchett
Links:
Kazuo Ishiguro on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
We continue our discussion of the Crescent City series this week as we tackle the eagerly awaited House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas. We share our thoughts on characters old and new, on the idea of mates and on the explosive ending that has split fans’ opinion.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Life Updates
01:20 - Spoiler Warning
03:05 - An Introduction to the Author
03:55 - Blurb for House of Sky and Breath
04:50 - Our Discussion of House of Sky and Breath
01:09:40 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:10:50 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
In this episode we bring back a favourite author from season 1 as we dive into House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas. We talk about best friends, fierce female heroines, chemistry between characters and our predictions for the next book in the Crescent City series.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:25 - Life Updates
04:00 - An Introduction to the Author
07:45 - Blurb for House of Earth and Blood
09:25 - Spoiler Warning
10:30 - A Discussion of House of Earth and Blood
01:25:00 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:27:00 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
Links:
Sarah J. Maas on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
This week we tackle possibly our biggest read yet, Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff. Covering topics from vampires to religion, originality and sciencific accuracy, we get our teeth stuck into this enormous book!
Please note it is difficult to put trigger warnings in the below timepoints, as there is discussion of death, murder, blood, gore, rape and bad language throughout this episode.
Timepoints:
00:00:16 - Introduction
00:01:25 - A bit about Jay Kristoff
00:03:58 - Discussion of Empire of the Vampire
01:07:39 - Future predictions
01:14:22 - The book we are reading next time
Books mentioned in this episode:
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
The Aurora Cycle by Jay Kristoff and Amy Kauffman
Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
Other things mentioned in this episode:
True Blood
The Witcher
Links:
Jay Kristoff on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
In the third episode of season 3 we discuss meritocratic regimes and go on a fantastical adventure with Kestrel, Bowman and Mumpo in William Nicholson's 'The Wind Singer.'
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:18 - Life Updates
01:05 - An Introduction to the Author
04:05 - The Blurb for The Windsinger
05:15 - Our Discussion of The Windsinger
54:15 - A Brief Outlander Reading Update from Corrie
58:45 - The Book We Will Be Reading Next Time
01:02:20 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in this Episode:
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
The Book of Lost Things by John Connelly
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The Sisters of Auschwitz by Roxane van Iperen
The Miniatuarist by Jessie Burton
Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff
Links:
William Nicholson on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
In this episode we take a trip to Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, where we explore the world of hidden societies, really really dark magic, and a really strong, independent, badass woman in the form of Galaxy 'Alex' Stern. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo is a dark academia novel that takes us to a world many of us will never have the opportunity to discover for ourselves, and boy are we changed for it!
Please note there will be spoilers for Ninth House in this episode, and if you haven't read it yet we suggest you read it before you listen to this.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Introduction
00:36 - Life updates
01:45 - Intro to the book
03:16 - A bit about Leigh Bardugo
05:31 - Ninth House blurb
06:50 - A discussion of Ninth House
43:20 - TW: non-consensual sex
49:44 - Back to the discussion
01:03:33 - A little about our tattoos
01:12:00 - Back to the discussion
01:15:32 - The book we will be discussing next time
Books mentioned in this episode:
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Robert Langdon books by Dan Brown
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
The Matthew Corbett books by Robert McCammon
Links:
Leigh Bardugo on Goodreads
Leigh Bardugo on Instagram
Leigh Bardugo's website
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
We start season 3 with a riveting, emotional family story and a brilliant exploration of the American history of passing in Brit Bennet’s award-winning novel ‘The Vanishing Half’.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 – Intro
00:20 – Life Updates
02:10 – An Introduction to the Author
07:10 – A Discussion of The Vanishing Half
56:40 – The Book We Will Be Reading Next Time
58:00 – Outro
Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
Why I’m No Longer Talking About Race to White People by Reni Eddo-Lodge
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Links:
Brit Bennett on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
In this surprise bonus episode we sit down to talk about a recent bookclub read - The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. Topics of discussion include the scientific art of rating books, diversity of characters and the hidden depths contained in this quirky murder mystery.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
01:45 - An Introduction to the Author
05:20 - A Discussion of The Thursday Murder Club
23:30 - 24:30 SPOILER ALERT for The Man Who Died Twice
51:20 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
51:50 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:
The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Links:
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
We round off Season 2 with another special guest - Lucia's good friend, Jessica. In this episode we discuss her book choice, which was 'A Face Like Glass' by Frances Hardinge. Join us to hear our thoughts on naive young protagonists, mad geniuses and the parallels that can be drawn between literature and current world affairs. Oh, and giggling - lots of giggling.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - An Introduction to our Special Guest
03:10 - An Introduction to the Author
05:50 - A Discussion of A Face Like Glass
54:15 - Outro
Other books mentioned in this episode:
Deeplight by Frances Hardinge
The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge
Skin Full of Shadows by Frances Hardinge
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The Book of Lost Things by John Connelly
Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
Links:
Frances Hardinge on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
In the ninth episode of season 2 we tackle the truly delightful The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune. As well as discussing some pretty important topics, we wax lyrical about the amazing characters, charming setting and heart-warming story. This one is not to be missed!
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Life Updates
05:43 - An Introduction to the Book
09:57 - Discussion of The House in the Cerulean Sea
59:00 - The Book We Will be Discussing Next Time
01:00:26 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Under the Whispering Door by T. J. Klune
Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding
Podcasts and resources tackling the Sixties Scoop:
The Canadian Broadcasting Company
This Place
Telling Our Twisted Histories
The Secret Life of Canada
Muddied Water
KIWEW
Pieces
Inuit Unikkaangit
Links:
My Favorite Murder
The Wine and Crime Podcast
Jensen and Holes
T. J. Klune on Goodreads
T. J. Klune on Instagram
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
In the eighth episode of season 2 we tackle our first non-fiction book as we look at the effect missing data can have on our everyday lives, as described in Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. We share our own personal experiences and generally rage against the establishment.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Some Life Updates
01:50 - An Introduction to the Author
07:05 - Discussion of Invisible Women
01:24:10 - A Male Perspective
01:26:37 - Some Final Thoughts
01:28:50 - The Book We Will be Discussing Next Time
01:29:53 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:
All The Queen's Men by S. J. Bennett
How Not to Be a Boy by Robert Webb
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune
Links:
Caroline Criado Perez on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
Slightly messing up the timing of Season 2, here is your end of season bonus episode, a little early! We sit down to talk about 2021, and answer a few more of the listener's questions as a continuation from the Season 1 bonus.
Timepoints:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:33 - A look back at 2021
00:04:30 - Goals for 2022
00:07:35 - Our favourite books of the year
00:15:45 - Our least favourite books of the year
00:21:30 - Books to look forward to in 2022
00:23:50 - Our goals for the podcast in 2022
00:28:25 - Questions from the listeners
00:55:05 - Season 3 books
Books mentioned in this episode:
Our top books of 2021
A Court of Thorns and Roses (series) - Sarah J. Maas
Convenience Store Woman - Sayaka Murata
The Windsor Knot - S. J. Bennet
The Thursday Murder Club - Richard Osman
The Morning and the Evening - Ken Follett
Pillars of the Earth (series) - Ken Follett
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue - V. E. Schwab
A Court of Mist and Fury - Sarah J. Maas
Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
The Flat Share - Beth O'Leary
Aurora Burning - Amie Kaufman
Aurora Cycle (series) - Amie Kaufman
The House in the Cerulean Sea - T. J. Klune
Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men - Caroline Criado Perez
Our Least Favourite Books
Heavily caveated with these are our personal opinions and each book is a work of art in its own right!
Foundation - Isaac Asimov
The Book of Lost Things - John Connolly
Dead Boys - Gabriel Squalia
Normal People - Sally Rooney
The Bone Season - Samantha Shannon
The Priory of the Orange Tree - Samantha Shannon
Daughter of Dreams and Dread - Clare Kae
Books to read in 2022
Throne of Glass - Sarah J. Maas
Crescent City - Sarah J. Maas
The House of Sky and Breath - Sarah J. Maas
The Cruel Prince - Holly Black
Book of Night - Holly Black
The Prison Healer - Lynette Noni
Prompted by Questions from the Listeners
Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling
The Catcher in the Rye - J. D. Salinger
Fun With Food - Sarah Michelle Geller
Ministry of Food - Jamie Oliver
Made in India - Meera Sodha
Walking the Nile - Levison Wood
Mikhail Gorbachev: Memoirs
What Happened - Hilary Clinton
Casual Vacancy - J. K. Rowling
The Love Hypothesis - Ali Hazelwood
The Spanish Love Deception - Elena Armas
Books Coming Up
The Vanishing Half - Brit Bennett
Ninth House - Leigh Bardugo
Empire of the Vampire - Jay Kristoff
The Wind on Fire - William Nicholson
Book Lovers - Emily Henry
Links:
Reading Materials website
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
In this very special Christmas episode we discuss A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck, and we recommend gifts for book lovers if you stick around to the end!
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Welcome
01:40 - Introduction to the books
01:50 - Discussion of Christmas Day in the Morning
11:03 - Discussion of A Christmas Carol
25:05 - Our Christmas Traditions
32:30 - Returning to A Christmas Carol
42:16 - Returning to Christmas Day in the Morning
44:05 - Discussion of plans for Christmas this year
52:28 - Introduction to the next book
54:47 - Discussion of gifts for book lovers
Other books mentioned in this episode:
All by Charles Dickens:
Oliver Twist
Great Expectations
A Tale of Two Cities
The Pickwick Papers
A Christmas Carol
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Pérez
Bookish Gift List:
Check out the blog post related to this list!
Bookily
Audible
Wick and Fable
Page Overlay
LiteraryEmporium.co.uk
Books and Thread Co
Blissfully Bookish
Redbubble
Katie Colson
Juniper Books
Owlcrate
Illumicrate
Nerdy Book Box
Hand Me Down Book Club
Book of the Month
Links:
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Thank you for listening! Email us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com
In the sixth episode of season 2 we travel through time via a Japanese cafe in Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Life Updates
01:15 - An Introduction to the Author
03:55 - Synopsis of Before the Coffee Gets Cold
05:07 - A Discussion of Before the Coffee Gets Cold
45:00 - The Book We Will be Discussing Next Time
47:35 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck
Links:
Toshikazu Kawaguchi on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
In the fifth episode of season 2 we explore the world of book burning, censorship and terrifying population control techniques through Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.
Episode Time Points:
00:00 - Intro and life updates
02:43 - Synopsis of Fahrenheit 451
04:10 - An Introduction to Ray Bradbury
05:16 - A Discussion of Fahrenheit 451
01:09:17 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:10:13 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:
The Pedestrian by Ray Bradbury
The Fireman by Ray Bradbury
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
The Bible
Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Other Media Mentioned in This Episode:
Love Island
Great British Bake Off
The Archers
Links:
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
In the fourth episode of season 2 we travel through time to 1920's Paris and visit a magical circus in The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers.
Episode Time Points:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Reading Updates
05:35 - Synopsis of The Ladies of the Secret Circus
06:40 - An Introduction to Constance Sayers
08:55 - A Discussion of The Ladies of the Secret Circus
01:02:35 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Time
01:04:11 - Outro
Other Books Mentioned in This Episode:
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco
Freckles by Cecelia Ahern
The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
The Bureau of Second Chances by Sheena Kalayil
Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
Beach Read by Emily Henry
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Chaos Circus by Renee Dugan
Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kauffman
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Other Media Mentioned in This Episode:
Dark
My Favourite Murder
Gilmore Girls
Links:
Constance Sayers on Instagram
Constance Sayers on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram
In Episode Three of Season 2 we discuss "Stalking Jack the Ripper" by Kerri Maniscalco. Get ready for some nineteenth Century London, 'unladylike' things, some afternoon teas and an unexpected twist!
Previous episode: The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 Intro
02:39 A Discussion of Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
01:01:01 Summary
01:02:36 Outro
Other books mentioned in this episode:
Along Came a Spider by James Paterson
"Hunting Prince Dracula", "Escaping from Houdini" and "Capturing the Devil" by Kerri Maniscalco
"Kingdom of the Wicked" and "Kingdom of the Cursed" by Kerri Maniscalco
"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley
Links:
Kerri Maniscalco on Instagram
Kerri Maniscalco on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
It's time to return to sci-fi and explore unique societies on alien planets in Ursula K. LeGuin's award-winning 'The Left Hand of Darkness.'
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
02:50 - Brief life updates
02:55 - An introduction to the author
08:30 - A discussion of 'The Left Hand of Darkness'
58:45 - The book we will be reading next time
59:40 - Outro
Other books mentioned in this episode:
Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke
Dune by Frank Herbert
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K. LeGuin
The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. LeGuin
The Hainish Cycle by Ursula K. LeGuin
A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab
The Martian by Andy Weir
Artemis by Andy Weir
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
We start off season 2 with a light-hearted summer rom-com - Beach Read by Emily Henry.
Previous episode: Bonus Questions with Corrie and Lucia
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 Intro
01:44 A Discussion of Beach Read by Emily Henry
01:00:04 Summary
01:03:18 Outro
Other books mentioned in this episode:
Beach Read by Emily Henry
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Love that Split the World by Emily Henry
You and Me on Vacation/People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E Harrow
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
In at the Deep End by Kate Davies
The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
One Day by David Nicholls
The Flat Share or The Switch or The Road Trip by Beth O'Leary
Lethal White by Robert Galbraith
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin
Other podcasts mentioned in this episode:
99% Invisible
Links:
Emily Henry's website
Emily Henry on Instagram
NaNoWriMo
Reading Materials on Goodreads
Lucia on Goodreads
Corrie on Goodreads
Reading Materials on Instagram (run by Lucia with minimal input from Corrie!!)
It's time for a bonus episode! This week we are answering listeners' bookish questions.
Books Mentioned in this Episode:
Fishes of the Orinoco in the Wild by Ivan Mikolji
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Before I Go To Sleep by S. J. Watson
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Atonement by Ian McEwan
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
1984 by George Orwell
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
50 Shades of Grey by E. L. James
A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab
The Grey Man series by Mark Greaney
How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Aurora Rising by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
What Happened by Hilary Clinton
A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin
Other podcasts mentioned:
99% Invisible
In the final episode of the season we are joined by a special guest to talk about our first translated novel - Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 Intro
00:32 Welcoming Matthew
06:00 A Discussion of Convenience Store Woman
56:25 Summary
59:00 Outro
Other Books Mentioned in this Episode:
Normal People - Sally Rooney
Never Let Me Go - Kazui Ishiguro
Until the Coffee Gets Cold - Toshikazu Kawaguchi
The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
The Beekeeper of Aleppo - Christy Lefteri
Earthlings - Sayaka Murata
Will and Testament - Vigdis Hjorth
Fun Home - Alison Bechdel
Firefly - Jos Wheedon
Brave New World - Alduous Huxley
Foundation - Isaac Asimov
Extra Reading/Homework!
The New Yorker Article: Sayaka Murata’s Eerie “Convenience Store Woman” Is a Love Story Between a Misfit and a Store | The New Yorker
Interview with the author: Sayaka Murata: 'I acted how I thought a cute woman should act - it was horrible' | Sayaka Murata | The Guardian
Naoise Dolan: I thought I was too different to see myself in a novel – but Sayaka Murata got me | Naoise Dolan | The Guardian
Interview with the translator: Ginny Tapley Takemori on translating Convenience Store Woman - Books on Asia
In the ninth episode we feature a historical crime novel by Antonia Hodgson - A Death at Fountain's Abbey.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 Intro
00:35 Life Updates
02:05 An introduction to the author
06:25 A Discussion of A Death at Fountains Abbey
53:40 The book we will be discussing next episode
56:40 Outro
Other Books Mentioned in this Episode:
Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith
Robert Langdon series by Dan Brown
Hour Game by David Baldacci
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
In our eighth episode we talk about gruesome folktale retellings featured in John Connolly's coming of age novel - The Book of Lost Things.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 Intro
00:35 Quick Life Updates
03:05 A Discussion of The Book of Lost Things
19:50-21:20 TRIGGER WARNING (Pedophilia / Bestiality / Rape)
47:10 The Book We Will be Discussing Next Time
50:25 Outro
Other Books Mentioned in this Episode:
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri
A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab
Black Angel by John Connolly
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Paul Galdone
The Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm by Jacob Grimm
In the seventh episode we tackle the heartbreaking fictionalized account of a couple fleeing the war in Syria in The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 Intro
00:32 Life Updates
01:55 An Introduction to the Author
09:15 A Discussion of The Beekeeper of Aleppo
49:40 The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Episode
51:12 Outro
Other books mentioned in this episode:
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
Other Podcasts Mentioned in this episode:
Mostly Books Meets...
In the sixth episode we explore different Londons from the first installment of the Shades of Magic series by V. E. Schwab.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 Intro
00:40 - Life Updates
03:15 - Revisiting Foundation
04:45 - Corrections
05:50 - A Discussion of A Darker Shade of Magic
16:55-19:10 - Trigger Warning: Self Harm
01:00:10 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Episode
01:02:15 - Outro
Other Works Mentioned in this Episode:
Fifty Fifty by Steve Cavanagh
A Tale Etched in Blood and Hard Black Pencil by Christopher Brookmyre
A Gathering of Shadows by V. E. Schwab
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The Subtle Knife by Phillip Pullman
Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri
In the fifth episode we travel to the future as we discuss Isaac Asimov's sci-fi classic - Foundation.
Episode Time Points:
00:00 - Intro
00:31 - Life Updates
03:19 - A Discussion of Foundation
46:30 - The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Episode
50:23 - Outro
Other books mentioned in this episode:
Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
The Martian by Andy Weir
I, Robot by Isaac Asimov
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
1984 by George Orwell
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab
Other works mentioned in this episode:
TV - Firefly, Stargate
Film - Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Panther
Other podcasts mentioned in this episode:
Hello Internet
In the fourth episode we explore worlds hidden behind magical doors in The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow.
Episode Time Points:
00:00 Intro
00:25 Our Thoughts on the Normal People TV Adaptation
03:40 A Discussion of The Ten Thousand Doors of January
53:35 The Book We Will Be Discussing Next Episode
56:30 Outro
Other Works Mentioned:
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Foundation by Isaac Asimov
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Normal People by Sally Rooney
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
In the third episode we leave fantasy worlds behind and focus on Sally Rooney's Normal People.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 Intro
00:40 An Introduction to the Dwarves
02:40 Hopes for the Next Court of Thorns and Roses Books
09:25 A Discussion of Normal People
46:00 A Discussion of Adaptations
58:55 A Question for our Listeners
01:00:00 Outro
Other works mentioned in this episode:
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
Fantastic Beasts by J. K. Rowling
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
In the second episode we venture into the land of faeries and discuss Sarah J. Maas' bestselling series - A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Warnings: mild swearing; discussion of misogyny / rape / female genital mutilation / difficult pregnancy and labour / depression / suicidal thoughts
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
02:42 - Our Hogwarts Houses
04:26 - A Discussion of A Court of Thorns and Roses
17:55 to 18:30 - TW: misogyny, difficult pregnancy and labour
21:10 to 21:40 - TW: death of a family member
24:00 to 25:20 - TW: difficult pregnancy and labour, gruesome detail
31:07 to 32:12 - TW: depression, suicidal thoughts
36:42 to 38:15 - TW: misogyny, rape
38:15 to 40:20 - TW: female genital mutilation
01:00:20 - A Question for our Listeners
01:01:46 - Outro
Other works mentioned in this episode:
Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
The Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Normal People by Sally Rooney
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve
Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm
Hades and Persephone by the mists of time and Greek mythology
Tam Lin - Scottish traditional ballad
Other Podcasts mentioned:
The Bibliovert Podcast
Links:
ACOTAR fandom: https://acourtofthornsandroses.fandom.com/wiki/A_Court_of_Thorns_and_Roses_Wiki
Valheim: https://www.valheimgame.com/
Contact us:
Website: anchor.fm/reading-materials
Email: reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readingmaterialspod/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/readingmat
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readingmaterialspod
In the first episode of our podcast we introduce ourselves and talk about the books that were the beginnings of our amazing friendship - Harry Potter.
Episode Timepoints:
00:00 - Intro
02:00 - Personal Introductions
08:00 - Our Reading Habits
20:40 - A Discussion of Harry Potter
52:40 - A Question for our Listeners
54:40 - Outro
Other works mentioned in this episode -
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Other podcasts mentioned -
The Legendarium Podcast
Normal Not Normal
Thank you for listening! You can send your feedback, thoughts, questions and book recommendations to us at reading.materials.podcast@gmail.com.
You can also find us on Instagram as @readingmaterialspod, Twitter as @readingmat and Facebook as Reading Materials Podcast.
We will be publishing the first episode of the Reading Materials podcast on the 3rd of May 2021. Here’s a little taster of what you can expect from the Harry Potter and the Pilot Episode. Website: www.anchor.fm/reading-materials Instagram: @readingmaterialspod Facebook: Reading Materials Twitter: @readingmat