Book Squad Goals
188 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 78 ratingsLooking for a book club but don't have time to squeeze real-life meetings into your schedule? Join Book Squad Goals, a bi-weekly podcast about—you guessed it—books, plus all the garbage pop culture we consume when we’re not reading (that’s what our “othersodes” are for!). While you’re paying attention, check out our website & blog at booksquadgoals.com, where we have weekly posts about books, pop culture, and probably our pets. We love our pets.
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Episodes
BSG #94: Cold Mommy / Come and Get It
June 11, 2024 21:09 - 1 hour - 104 MBWe’re going back to college to talk about Come and Get It by Kiley Reid! There’s a lot to cover in the book, and issues of race, classism, and plain old mean girl behavior all come up. Plus, learn about the Squad’s weird and wonderful college jobs! Considering how much buzz Kiley Reid received for her first novel, Such a Fun Age, you won’t want to miss the talk about her latest work. Does it hold up like the first novel? Come and get it! And tune into our next episode for a very special epi...
Othersode #93: My Demon Totoro / The Blackcoat's Daughter with Paul Tremblay
May 28, 2024 22:46 - 1 hour - 124 MBSpecial guest Paul Tremblay (author of The Cabin at the End of the World, Survivor Song, and the forthcoming Horror Movie) joins the Squad to talk about one of our favorite underrated horror films, The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2017). We talk about the movie’s unique take on possession, the performances, the (somewhat controversial?) ending, and the dangers of having Spring Break in February. Then we chat with Paul about his new novel, Horror Movie! Don’t worry – there are no spoilers in this int...
BSG #93: Shout-out to Billee the Cat / The Centre
May 15, 2024 05:05 - 1 hour - 76.7 MBSpend ten days with us as we become fluent in the language of literary criticism! For our discussion of Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi’s debut novel The Centre, the squad breaks our usual form and starts with the ending first. From there, we share our thoughts on the book’s main character, its ideas about translation, the role classism plays in the story, and, crucially, blowjobs (just blowjobs in general, not the role classism plays in blowjobs). Be sure to tune in for our next episode on May 28th w...
Othersode #92: Carrie Soto Must Die / Apples Never Fall
April 30, 2024 21:56 - 1 hour - 96.3 MBThis week the Squad goes to sunny Florida (NOT Australia) to discuss the Peacock series Apples Never Fall, based on the novel by Liane Moriarty. We talk about the differences between the book and the series, the family dynamics, the acting (including the tennis acting), and other Liane Moriarty adaptations we’ve seen. Then we get into some feedback on Irish Wish because we have to talk about Irish Wish at least once per episode. Read along with us for our next Bookpisode on The Centre by Ayes...
BSG #92: Iconically Weird Behavior / The Sun Sets in Singapore
April 17, 2024 00:02 - 1 hour - 79.3 MBGet transported to the other side of the world with the squad (minus Mary) as we discuss The Sun Sets in Singapore, the debut novel by Kehinde Fadipe! We discuss the main characters’ struggles and story arcs, the women’s friendships, the ~drama~, and the setting. Then we get into some listener feedback and catch up with what’s on the Book Squad Blog! Steal your friend’s Peacock login info to watch Apples Never Fall for our next Othersode on 4/30. Then read along with us for our next Bookpisod...
Othersode #91: But What if It Did? / Irish Wish
April 03, 2024 16:28 - 1 hour - 98.4 MBYou probably didn’t think we were going to cover the new Lindsay Lohan Netflix film Irish Wish…but what if we did?? Come along to the Emerald Isle with the squad and special guest Nathan Simmons, co-host of Oh! That’s a Scary Movie podcast, as we discuss the nature of wishes, what it means to “be” Irish, couture fashion, and the James Joyce of it all. Plus, enjoy a very special tangent on the screenwriter and her many, many favorite things. Read along for our next Bookpisode about The Sun Set...
BSG #91: Giambattista Basile: My Enemy / Thornhedge
March 20, 2024 01:22 - 1 hour - 76.7 MBMirror, mirror, on the wall... oh wait, that was our last book. Join the squad on another journey into the land of fairytales and their tropes as we discuss Thornhedge, the latest novella by T. Kingfisher. Special guest Jen educates us on everything from the Aarne-Thompson-Uther Index to the many crimes of Giambattista Basile, and Susan educates us on The Frog Prince (1986). Make sure to tune in next time, when we'll be joined by Nathan Simmons of the Oh! That's a Scary Movie podcast for a di...
Othersode #90: Leo's Lemonade / This Is Me... Now
March 06, 2024 00:26 - 1 hour - 74 MBFrom the hearts…the minds…the dreams…of the Book Squad…comes a special discussion of the Jennifer Lopez film? visual album? This Is Me…Now. It’s hard to describe our chat because it’s hard to describe this project. But some topics we cover include: celebrity zodiac signs, eye-roll moments, which husband is which, and the meaning of a factory. Then we head back to non-green screen land to catch up with what’s on the blog, including YA Book Club and Bachelor recaps! Read along with us for our n...
BSG #90: Thomas Cruise M’pother IV / Rouge
February 20, 2024 18:05 - 1 hour - 119 MBPut your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty – we’re talking about Rouge by Mona Awad! Special guest Mary Kay McBrayer (author and podcast host) joins us for a deep dive into this surreal world to chat about genre, mother-daughter relationships, the toxic beauty industry, and of course, Tom Cruise himself. Next we catch up with what’s on the blog, including a post about Hazbin Hotel and new Bachelor recaps! Buckle up for our next Othersode on Jennifer Lopez’s movie-thing, This is Me…Now on Mar...
Othersode #89: Is She Getting Hotter? / Mean Girls: The Musical
February 06, 2024 18:17 - 1 hour - 106 MBGet in, losers; we’re listening to a podcast the whole way there! Join the Book Squad, aka the Army of Skanks, to discuss the new Mean Girls movie, which IS in fact a musical. We talk about our individual histories with Mean Girls, the music and singing, the performances, and changes that worked and didn’t from the original. Next we catch up with what’s on the blog and Kelli shames listeners (Send feedback! Leave a rating! Write a review! Become a patron!). Read along for our next Bookpisode ...
BSG #89: Is J.Lo X? / Biography of X / Interview with Emily Austin
January 24, 2024 02:54 - 2 hours - 138 MBBiography, but make it fiction. Join the Book Squad for a discussion of Biography of X by Catherine Lacey. We talk about the novel’s alternative-America backdrop, the depiction of the South, X’s “art, and what is up with the narrator. After that, Kelli interviews author Emily Austin (Interesting Facts About Space, Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead) about her latest novel, her writing process, the importance of queer stories, and of course, space! Plus, Emily asks Kelli some questions...
Othersode #88: Suika Fixed My Marriage / Our Favorite Things of 2023
January 10, 2024 03:33 - 1 hour - 109 MBIt’s the most wonderful time of year – time for our (pretty much) annual “Best of the Year” episode! Join us as we chat about our favorite pop culture from 2023. Plus, hear from some of our 2023 guests on their favorite things of the year. Read along for our next Bookpisode on Biography of X by Catherine Lacey on January 23rd, and go see Mean Girls for our next Othersode on February 6th! Send us your highlights of 2023 via DM or email at [email protected]! Thanks for being with us i...
BSG #88: Googly-eyed Freak / Looking Glass Sound
January 02, 2024 21:40 - 1 hour - 122 MBHelp! We're trapped inside this podcast and we can't get out! Just kidding, that didn't happen to us. It happened to our friend. Or did it...? This week, the squad attempts to untangle the complexities of Catriona Ward's latest novel, Looking Glass Sound. We spend a good chunk of the podcast nailing down the plot, but we also find time to discuss the merits of stories within stories, watery books, and, obviously, gay stuff. If you feel like you can explain any of this better than we did, plea...
Othersode #87: Riley Sager Math: A Hatepisode / The Only One Left
December 12, 2023 22:48 - 1 hour - 113 MBSpecial guest Jayce Chambless is back to discuss The Only One Left by Riley Sager with the Squad. We talk (complain) about the characters, try to do some Sager math, ponder the 1980s setting, and reveal what moment made us sigh with resignation. Then we review some reviews from Goodreads because we love that unhinged shit. Then we get into what’s on the blog and let ya know what’s up next on the pod! Read along for our next Bookpisode on Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward on 12/26, and drop...
BSG #87: Pavlov's Demons / Camp Damascus
November 28, 2023 22:49 - 1 hour - 91.6 MBThe whole Squad is back together and on a hunt for CAMP of any sort in our discussion of Chuck Tingle’s Camp Damascus. Put a pink bag over your head and join us as we talk about the novel’s plot and pacing, YA vs. adult fiction, religious trauma, autism, and of course, CAMP. Then we catch up with what’s on the (still alive, we swear) Book Squad Blog. Join us for what will probably be a Hatepisode as we discuss Riley Sager’s The Only One Left with returning guest Jayce on 12/12. Then read alon...
Othersode #86: Usher and Me / Priscilla
November 14, 2023 21:50 - 1 hour - 114 MBThis week, the Squad and special guest Ang Ferraguto (aka Kelli’s gf) discuss Sofia Coppola’s new film, Priscilla, based on the 1985 book Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley. We talk about our own personal connections to Elvis, the Sofia Coppola aesthetic of it all, the problematic nature of Elvis and Priscilla’s relationship, and the ~discourse~ around the movie. Tangential conversation addresses Usher’s Vegas residency. Read along with us for our next Bookpisode on Camp Damascus by Chuck Ting...
BSG #86: We Never Talk About Vampires / Vampires of El Norte
November 07, 2023 14:50 - 1 hour - 78.2 MBListen, we NEVER talk about vampires on this podcast, and we’re not gonna do it today. Just kidding; yes we are. In our discussion of Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas, we also talk about romance, historical fiction, cover design, and the fact that westerns have to have a hot person for anyone on the squad to be interested. Next we get into some listener feedback and catch up with what’s on the blog (yes, we still have that!). On our next Othersode on 11/14, we’ll be talking about Sofia Co...
Othersode #85: Bayou Depression / What Josiah Saw with Clay McLeod Chapman
October 24, 2023 20:27 - 2 hours - 149 MBReturn guest Clay McLeod Chapman (author of The Remaking, Whisper Down the Lane, and Ghost Eaters) joins the Squad to chat about the depressing 2021 horror(?) film What Josiah Saw. We dig into the film’s narrative structure, characters, and general bleakness and ask the important question: did this movie abuse us? Then we have a two-part (spoiler-free and spoilers-ok) discussion about Clay’s new novel What Kind of Mother. This conversation covers everything from Nicolas Sparks to terrifying p...
BSG #85: The Best Plagiarism You Ever Saw / Yellowface
October 03, 2023 20:22 - 1 hour - 122 MBSo what if we stole this whole episode from some other podcast and called it our own? Is that a crime?? JK, this whole episode is our (four white ladies’) original take on Yellowface by R. F. Kuang. We talk about the protagonist’s decision-making skills, satire of the publishing industry and Twitter, cancel culture, and the author’s own publishing experiences. Then we get into some listener feedback with excellent questions and catch up with what’s on the blog. Join us and special guest Clay ...
Othersode #84: BAAAAAT!! / What We Do in the Shadows with Grace Treutel
September 20, 2023 23:24 - 1 hour - 114 MBBe a podcast vampire and consume this episode about What We Do in the Shadows, featuring special guest Grace Treutel! We talk about the show’s mockumentary style, favorite character arcs, the Guillermo of it all, and even fanfiction. Next we talk to Grace about her short story chapbook, From the Humid Chambers of My Heart. Read along for our next Bookpisode about Yellowface by R.F. Kuang on 10/3. Then join us and special guest Clay McLeod Chapman, author of What Kind of Mother, for our next O...
BSG #84: The Revenge of Emma Fay / Thirst for Salt
September 05, 2023 21:13 - 1 hour - 84.6 MBGidday, Goalies! Join the squad on the sun-drenched Australian coast for a tale of love (?) and loss with Thirst for Salt, the debut novel by Madelaine Lucas. We discuss the writing style, the book’s central relationship, and themes of motherhood. Next we catch up with what might or might not be on the blog and share some news about our Patreon – that’s right, we have a Patreon now! Tune in on 9/19 for our next Othersode about What We Do in the Shadows with special guest Grace Treutel. Then r...
Othersode #83: Florida is the Mojo Dojo Casa House of America / Barbie with Nathan Simmons
August 22, 2023 23:36 - 1 hour - 86.1 MBHI BARBIE! It’s girls’ night, plus one Ken (special guest Nathan Simmons)! Join the squad for our discussion of the already iconic Barbie movie. We talk about the film’s brilliant marketing, Barbie’s particular brand of feminism, the excellent cast, motherhood and daughterhood, and of course, the weird conservative backlash. Read along for our next Bookpisode on Thirst for Salt by Madelaine Lucas on 9/5. Then join us and special guest Grace Treutel (author of the chapbook From the Humid Chamb...
BSG #83: Exorcism for Dummies / Piñata
August 08, 2023 20:20 - 1 hour - 96.4 MBSorry to *bug* you, but we’ve got a new episode here! Join the Squad for a discussion of Piñata by Leopoldo Gout. We chat about the horrors of colonialism, puberty, and of course, whether the book is scary. Next we get into some listener feedback for Chain-Gang All-Stars and catch up with what’s on the ol’ Book Squad Blog, including new Bachelorette recaps. Get ready to party for our next Othersode on Barbie! We’ll be joined by fellow podcaster Nathan Simmons for that one on 8/22. Next, read ...
Othersode #82: Tiny Baby Ice Cream Cones / Fire Island with Tirzah Price
August 01, 2023 23:27 - 1 hour - 106 MBHave you ever wondered: What if Jane Austen, but gay? Join the squad and returning guest Tirzah Price for an episode where we explore this very important question. First, we discuss Andrew Ahn’s 2022 film Fire Island, a queer retelling of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Then, we talk with Tirzah about her new book, Manslaughter Park, the third in her YA series of Jane Austen Murder Mysteries — and the first to feature a sapphic romance. If you have comments, questions, or ideas for more gay ada...
BSG #82: Jenna Bush: “Reading” Since 2021 / Chain-Gang All Stars
July 11, 2023 20:50 - 1 hour - 117 MBIn this very special post-July 4th episode (featuring some fireworks), the Squad discusses Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah’s debut novel Chain-Gang All Stars. Join in as we chat about incarceration in the United States, dystopian/futuristic methods of torture, reality tv, football, Jenna Bush Hager’s book club, and everything we hate about America. It’s a fun time. Also, there’s actually new stuff on our blog this week?!?! You don’t want to miss this. Join us next time for another FIRE episode as w...
Othersode #81: Hey, Amazon! / The Power
June 27, 2023 21:27 - 1 hour - 73.8 MBThe future of the world is going to be okay because the squad has… THE POWER! In this episode, we talk about the Amazon Prime adaptation of The Power by Naomi Alderman, which we read for the podcast back in 2019. How does the TV series stack up against the book? You’ll have to listen to see if the show has the spark. Read along to get ready for our next book episode, where we’ll discuss Chain Gang All-Stars by Kana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. For our next Othersode Tirzah Price will join us to talk...
BSG #81: Cord, Short for Corduroy / Pineapple Street
June 13, 2023 13:47 - 1 hour - 73.6 MBJoin us in the formal dining room for our discussion of Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson. We talk about satire (and how this book isn’t that), class and the antics of The Rich, the characters, and nepo babies. Then we get into some fun listener feedback and talk about what we might write on that blog we used to do. Check out The Power (TV series) for our next Othersode on 6/27 – and revisit our episode on The Power by Naomi Alderman to prep! Then read along with us for our next Bookpisode on...
Othersode #80: Are You There, Pod? It's Us, BSG / Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret
May 30, 2023 22:03 - 1 hour - 79.2 MBAre you there, God? It’s us, the Squad – and special guest Annika! This time we talk about the 2023 film adaptation of Judy Blume’s coming-of-age classic, Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. There’s no time like the present to jump into Blume’s work and think about the agony of young adulthood. Join us! Up next: Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson Next Othersode: The Power on Amazon Prime TOC :30–Welcome, Annika! And icebreaker 16:20– Movie intro 17:30–The time period and adaptation 31:19...
BSG #80: Semi-Automatic Nun / Scorched Grace
May 16, 2023 20:52 - 1 hour - 88.1 MBYour prayers have been answered! A tattooed, queer nun is here to save the day! Join the Squad as we chat about Margot Douaihy’s debut novel, Scorched Grace. We talk about the novel’s genre play, Sister Holiday’s uniqueness, Douaihy’s writing style, and what we would like to see out of this series. Next up on our Othersode on 5/30 is Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret with special guest Annika Klein. Read along for our next Bookpisode about Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson on 6/13. Send fe...
Othersode #79: A Breakneck Michigan / The 355 with Gabriella Saab
May 03, 2023 02:57 - 1 hour - 80.8 MBAuthor Gabriella Saab joins the Book Squad to talk about her new novel, Daughters of Victory. But first, we have to discuss the wild romp that is The 355. We question the plot, chat about our favorite characters, ask why women can’t just have fun movies, and describe what an idea sequel would do. Then we have a super informative (and totally spoiler-free!) interview with Gabriella all about her latest novel, her research techniques, and what she’s working on now. Read along for our next Bookp...
BSG #79: Caleb de Suerte / Our Share of Night
April 18, 2023 23:50 - 1 hour - 99.7 MBJoin the Book Squad (plus special guest Ellis!) as we take on a thicc book, Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez. We talk about the narrative structure, shifting perspectives, Argentinian politics, Mariana Enriquez’s Instagram, and of course, culty stuff (we love culty stuff). Gabriella Saab, author of Daughters of Victory, will be back for our next Othersode to talk about The 355 on May 2. Read along for our next Bookpisode on Scorched Grace by Margot Douaihy on 16! Send feedback to thesqu...
Othersode #78: Follow Me to the Bowl / Daisy Jones and the Six
April 05, 2023 15:12 - 1 hour - 79.9 MBTell me, tell me, tell me…would you like to hear the Squad sing? Join us for our discussion of Daisy Jones and the Six (the Amazon Prime show, but also the TJR book)! We talk about the differences between the novel and the show, the casting and acting, and of course, the original songs created for the show and the now REAL album, Aurora. Read along for our next Bookpisode on Our Share of Night by Maria Enriquez (with special guest Ellis!) on 4/17. Then join us for our next Othersode featuring...
BSG #78: House, Activate! / The Spite House
March 21, 2023 15:30 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBWould you stay in a haunted house to make big bucks? This week, the Squad is talking about Johnny Compton’s debut horror novel, The Spite House. We discuss what makes the house scary, how the book’s secrets are revealed, and what the book is really about below the surface. Then we get into some listener feedback and preview what’s coming up on the blog. Check out the new Amazon Prime series, Daisy Jones and the Six, based on the novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, for our next Othersode on 4/3 wher...
Othersode #77: Red Hair-ing / Knock at the Cabin with Samantha Allen
March 06, 2023 23:27 - 1 hour - 112 MBKnock, knock. It’s the Book Squad! Join us and special guest Samantha Allen (author of Patricia Wants to Cuddle) for a chat about Knock at the Cabin. Of course, we also discuss the novel the film is based on, The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay. We talk about the film’s structure, the performances, the weird camera tricks, and of course, the key differences between the book and the movie. Read along for our next Bookpisode on The Spite House by Johnny Compton on March 20, and c...
BSG #77: I Thought We Were Solving a Murder / Witches / Interview with Dizz Tate
February 21, 2023 15:41 - 1 hour - 119 MBAccompany the squad on a potentially misleading adventure that does not actually involve any investigative reporting as we cover Witches by Brenda Lozano (translated by Heather Cleary). We talk about literature in translation, the novel's narrative voices, and some 'high brow feminist shit.' Later in the episode, Kelli interviews childhood friend Dizz Tate, author of Brutes. They discuss their adolescence spent in Florida, the highs and lows of teenage girlhood, and the lasting power of The V...
Othersode #76: We’ve Touched the Puppet Hole / M3GAN with Grady Hendrix
February 07, 2023 00:21 - 1 hour - 134 MBGrady Hendrix, author of How to Sell a Haunted House, joins the Book Squad to talk about the new film M3GAN and all things uncanny valley! Then we chat with Grady about his latest book, haunted dolls, puppet theater, book tour presentations, and what he’s working on now. Catch our next Bookpisode on 2/20 — we’ll be talking about Witches by Brenda Lozano, plus Kelli interviews Dizz Tate, author of Brutes. Then come back on 3/6 for our next Othersode on Knock at the Cabin with special guest Sam...
BSG #76: The Gimlet or the Eye / Cult Classic
January 24, 2023 05:49 - 1 hour - 107 MBCome along with us on a journey through romances past as we discuss Sloane Crosley’s new novel Cult Classic. We talk about the novel's genre and tone, the writing style, what our protagonist learns, and of course, the mysterious Clive and the Goldonda. Plus, you get to hear us talk about our exes a little. (In every case, it was their loss.) Check your feeds on February 6th for our next Othersode where we’ll discuss M3gan with one of our favorite guests, Grady Hendrix, author of How to Sell a...
Othersode #75: Steampunk Funeral / It Ends With Us Hatepisode w/ Mean Book Club
January 09, 2023 20:56 - 1 hour - 116 MBThe Squad is coming for the CoHort as they dive into "It Ends With Us" for a very special Hatepisode. Johnna and Sarah from Mean Book Club join in on the fun and lend some expert hating skills to the ep! The crew discusses all things Colleen Hoover, as well as tired romance tropes, fanfiction, and trendy steampunk flowershops. Do you have what it takes to make it through a whole episode about CoHo? Does the cycle of Hatepisode abuse really end with us? Listen in to find out. Stay tuned for ou...
BSG #75: Homewritten / The Weight of Blood
December 27, 2022 01:21 - 1 hour - 114 MBThis holiday season, the Book Squad is heading to prom! Join us and special guests Scott and Amber as we discuss Tiffany D. Jackson's "The Weight of Blood." Yes, this is a retelling of Stephen King's "Carrie," and yes, we discuss the stories' similarities and differences. We also chat about what it was like going to high school in Georgia. And of course, we talk about racism, sexism, witchiness, creepy dads, and what it means when a Goodreads review seems "homewritten." Did you read "The Weig...
BSG #75: Homewritten: The Weight of Blood
December 27, 2022 01:21 - 1 hour - 114 MBThis holiday season, the Book Squad is heading to prom! Join us and special guests Scott and Amber as we discuss Tiffany D. Jackson's "The Weight of Blood." Yes, this is a retelling of Stephen King's "Carrie," and yes, we discuss the stories' similarities and differences. We also chat about what it was like going to high school in Georgia. And of course, we talk about racism, sexism, witchiness, creepy dads, and what it means when a Goodreads review seems "homewritten." Did you read "The Weig...
Othersode #74: If I Can't Have Two Men, I Can Have Cher / Interview with the Vampire
December 12, 2022 19:03 - 1 hour - 110 MBIt might be nearly Christmas, but it's always Halloween in our hearts, which is why this week we're talking about the new television adaptation of Anne Rice's classic, "Interview with the Vampire." We're joined by special guests Ellis and Todd for a discussion of vampire rules, how the show's deviations from the source material play for us, how it stacks up against the original film adaptation, and, of course, gay stuff. If you have strong opinions like we do, please send us some feedback at ...
BSG #74: Communing with Cats / The Women Could Fly
November 29, 2022 00:15 - 1 hour - 94.5 MBSpecial guest Carrie joins Emily and Kelli to discuss The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings! The gang talks about what it means to be a woman, how dystopias traditionally neglect POC, and how one of the love interests is hotter than the rest. Come see if magic is real and tune in! On our next ep, we’ll talk about AMC’s Interview with the Vampire. Halloween is never really over in our hearts. Drop us a line at [email protected]! TOC :30–welcome special guest and breaking the ice! ...
Othersode #73: Some of Those Aspects Are Dead Now / The Midnight Club
November 14, 2022 16:37 - 1 hour - 117 MBIt’s midnight, and the Squad is gathering together to discuss Mike Flanagan’s latest Netflix series “The Midnight Club,” based on the novel by Christopher Pike. We won’t be telling our own scary stories, but we will be breaking down all the themes explored in this show and discussing each character’s astrological sign. Do you agree with our takes? Listen in and then let us know by emailing [email protected]. Don’t forget to come back next time to join our discussion of “The Women Co...
BSG #73: Go Watch Underwater / Our Wives Under the Sea
October 31, 2022 21:31 - 1 hour - 85.1 MBSink to the bottom of the sea with us for a discussion of Julia Armfield’s debut novel, “Our Wives Under the Sea.” We’ll talk grief metaphors large and small, pacing, character preference, and, of course, the widely seen and beloved 2020 horror film “Underwater” star ring Kristen Stewart. Do you have thoughts on this book or on the film “Underwater?” Send them to [email protected]. Stay tuned for our next episode on Netflix’s “The Midnight Club” on 11/14, and then read along for our...
Othersode #72: Witches In, Children Out / Hocus Pocus 2 with Lisa Kröger and Melanie R. Anderson
October 17, 2022 22:26 - 1 hour - 127 MBCome little children and join us for our witchiest episode ever as we discuss “Hocus Pocus 2.” We’re joined by returning guests Lisa Kröger and Melanie R. Anderson, authors of “Toil and Trouble: A Women’s History of the Occult,” who contribute their expert knowledge to our conversation about the long-awaited sequel to the 90s Halloween classic. After the review, we dig into “Toil and Trouble,” covering Mel and Lisa’s favorite witchy research topics, their thoughts on witchtok, and the very re...
BSG #72: Shout Out to Babies Everywhere / The School for Good Mothers
October 04, 2022 11:19 - 1 hour - 93.8 MBThis week, accompany the three remaining non-mothers of the squad for a discussion of “The School for Good Mothers” by Jessamine Chan. We discuss the way the book explores the intersection of race, motherhood, and the legal system, officially coin the term “low scifi,” and fantasize about casting Oscar Isaac in the upcoming adaptation. Plus: we finally read Jordan’s listener feedback! Join us for our next episode on 10/17 when we’ll talk “Hocus Pocus 2” with Melanie Anderson and Lisa Kröger –...
Othersode #71: Let's Get Haunted / Don't Look Now with Clay McLeod Chapman
September 20, 2022 02:07 - 1 hour - 136 MBHorror season is officially in full swing, and the Squad is celebrating with special guest Clay McLeod Chapman, author of "Ghost Eaters"! Join Clay and the Book Squad as we discuss the 1973 horror classic "Don’t Look Now," directed by Nicholas Roeg and starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie. Get ready to dive deep into the grief horror genre, red raincoats, clairvoyance and seances, and much more. Then stick around as we chat with Clay about his new book (no spoilers!) and the upcoming...
BSG #71: You Made A Fool of Death with Your Podcast / Akwaeke Emezi's You Made A Fool of Death
September 05, 2022 22:26 - 1 hour - 91.8 MBOh listener, why did you have to go and make a fool of death with your (insert noun here)? This week, the Squad discusses Akwaeke Emezi’s romance novel “You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty,” and that last sentence was just a little taste of all the bad jokes we make about this title. We also get into genre tropes, grief, and the instantaneous orgasm, and we even make time to read some Goodreads reviews. What did you think of this book? We’d LOVE to hear from you, so please drop us a lin...
Othersode #70: Trigger Warning: Train Too Fast / Bullet Train with Samantha Allen
August 22, 2022 20:50 - 1 hour - 121 MBTake the WORLD’S FASTEST TRAIN on up to the PNW with the Squad and special guest Samantha Allen as we discuss the new film "Bullet Train" (based on the book by Kotaro Isaka) as well as Samantha’s new book, "Patricia Wants to Cuddle." We cover everything from the film’s whitewashing allegations to the way the Bachelor franchise is basically a horror movie, so you definitely don’t want to miss this. Next episode: "You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty" by Akwaeke Emezi - 9/5 Next Othersod...
BSG #70: The True American Dream: Colonialism / Olga Dies Dreaming
August 08, 2022 21:20 - 1 hour - 97.2 MBOkay, but seriously, what IS the American dream? This week, we’re joined by special guest Janet Dale as we attempt to find the answer in the pages of Olga Dies Dreaming, the debut novel by Xochitl Gonzalez. Also on the agenda: dysfunctional families, Puerto Rico’s historic and continued struggle as a U.S. territory, the personal cost of becoming a revolutionary, and men with coca cola-colored eyes who make love with their socks on. We also shout out Emily, who is absent due to her recent move...