BOOKED SOLID: A New Canaan Library Podcast for Adventurous Readers Across All Genres
35 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 18 hours ago -Booked Solid is New Canaan Library’s librarian-led book discussion podcast for adventurous readers. Our current hosts are Collections Librarian Kathleen, Adult Services Librarian James, and Children's Librarian Kat. Booked Solid reads and discusses books across all age groups and is perfect for listeners who are looking to find excellent reads in any genre.
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Episodes
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
April 26, 2024 18:10 - 28 minutes - 26 MBKathleen, Kat, and James come face to face with unexpected horrors and unfriendly in-laws in Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s book Mexican Gothic. Join our hosts as they discuss the Gothic novel, the strangling grasp of the patriarchy, and the terror of the fungi kingdom. To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri
March 29, 2024 16:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBKathleen, Kat, and James travel down the Silk Road and encounter con artists, storytellers, and danger around every corner in Daniel Nayeri’s book The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams. Join our hosts as they discuss unreliable narrators, historical jokes, and the joy of finding a book that works for all ages.To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
February 23, 2024 15:00 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBKathleen, Kat, and James read N.K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season and discover a rich fantasy world full of dark secrets, unsolved mysteries, and the beginning of the end of the world. Kathleen shows off her detective skills by catching a twist before it is revealed, Kat looks at the systems at play, and James struggles with pronunciation. Join our hosts as they discuss fantasy, writing style, and more in this month’s episode of Booked Solid.To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this ...
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
December 18, 2023 18:45 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBThis month, Kat, Kathleen, and James read the first nonfiction book of the season, Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. The group discusses the horrific conspiracy that the book documents against members of the Osage Nation in the 1920s, the shocking systems of oppression and exploitation that enabled and outlived it, and the excellent writing and skill of the author in covering such a difficult topic.To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked S...
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
November 01, 2023 14:57 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBThis month, Kat, Kathleen, and James saddle up to explore a genre that they all rarely read: historical fiction, courtesy of Geraldine Brooks' award-winning novel Horse. Tune in for a discussion about history and commodification, and discover which of the hosts doesn't like horses.To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield
October 19, 2023 18:34 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBThis month, Kathleen, Kat, and James venture into the unexplored depths of Julia Armfield’s haunting book, Our Wives Under the Sea. Kat loves the characters, Kathleen is fascinated by the mystery, and James can’t stop thinking about a tragic fateful decision. Join our hosts as they discuss grief, relationships, and the terrible fear and pull of the unknown. To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
Summer Reading Roundup and Exciting Fall Releases
September 30, 2023 16:04 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBTo place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
August 31, 2023 18:48 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBKathleen and James channel their inner teen detectives and dive into Holly Jackson’s devious YA thriller, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. This month the discussion focuses on intrepid teen sleuths, the trouble with using homework as an excuse for investigating a murder, and fun with localization. Kathleen is in her element with this murder mystery, while James is lost in the woods. Will he piece together the clues, solve the mystery, and put this season’s final episode behind bars? Find out in...
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
June 30, 2023 15:31 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBThis month, Kathleen and James travel to Eleanor West’s Home for Wayward Children to discuss the fantasy novella (and murder mystery!) Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire. Listen in as they discuss portal fantasies, found families, and where their magical doors would lead. Will this story steal their hearts? BE SURE to check out this episode to find out!To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
Me (Moth) by Amber McBride
May 25, 2023 16:03 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBThis month, Kathleen and James read the lush and lyrical novel in verse Me (Moth) by Amber McBride. Tune in for a discussion about identity, self-discovery, and spirituality, as seen through the lens of the life cycle of a moth. James and Kathleen love the language, but will the story haunt them just as much as the prose? Find out in this episode of Booked Solid—and stick around for bonus content James recorded against his will. To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, ...
Babel by R.F. Kuang
March 31, 2023 19:58 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBKathleen and James welcome special guest Kat to the podcast to discuss R.F. Kuang’s historical fantasy epic, Babel. Tune in for a discussion on empire, colonialism, and revolution, as well as everyone’s favorite bad dad, Professor Lovell. Will James and Kat’s enthusiasm for the book win over fantasy skeptic Kathleen…or will it get lost in translation?To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
November 23, 2022 15:53 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBKathleen and James join forces to pull off one last job… talking about Leigh Bardugo’s excellent fantasy heist, Six of Crows. James fails to keep his cool and cracks under the pressure. Kathleen discovers she enjoys fantasy heists and tries to reconcile this fact with the person she thought she was. The stakes are high, but the rewards are higher in this episode of Booked Solid.To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New C...
Circe by Madeline Miller
October 26, 2022 17:08 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBKathleen and James get together and explore an incredible retelling of a myth that fully realizes its characters in new and exciting ways. James reveals that he is a verifiable fanboy for Greek mythology while singing this novel’s praises. Kathleen welcomes James to the podcast and tries to keep things on track. They both agree that everything is better after Odysseus dies. To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaa...
"Nothing To See Here" by Kevin Wilson
August 04, 2022 12:06 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBTo place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
"Ain't Burned All The Bright" by Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin
April 27, 2022 20:47 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBKathleen and Sam dive into a truly unique book--a mixed media, collage in verse that tackles both the Covid pandemic and being a black youth in today's America. Let's celebrate national poetry month with powerful words that create visceral responses. Kathleen frightens Sam while gesticulating with a knife and almost admits that she loves poetry. Sam shares her passion for altered books and struggles with heavy BIPOC informed reads. Listen in to tap into your inner creative spirit and to feel ...
"Gender Queer" by Maia Kobabe
March 21, 2022 20:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MBThis month, we read the graphic memoir, Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe. Join Kathleen and Sam as they grapple with Spivak pronouns while discussing this quietly brave story about life outside of binary privilege. Tune in to hear about love, support, and asexuality. Let's disturb the universe and embrace the many ways to self-identify. We will do hard things, quote poetry, and even admit to a crush.To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading ...
"The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab
February 22, 2022 17:03 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBLike Addie LaRue, Booked Solid was unable to tell our story, but Sam finally gets the tech issues sorted out while Kathleen warms up to magical realism. Loneliness and beauty abound in this tale about immortality and untethered humanity. Could you find solace in art? Is being a muse enough? Are ideas wild? Join us as Kathleen finds comfort in being forgotten while Sam gets uncomfortable with her inner cynic. To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked ...
"Genuine Fraud" by E. Lockhart
November 18, 2021 21:47 - 38 minutes - 34.9 MBKathleen finally convinces Sam to read one of her favorites and redeems herself from a world of predictable happy endings. This is not a therapy session but is it a cry for help? Kathleen wonders if you have to be morally compromised to live the life that you think you should be living. Sam gives Kathleen the moniker "tiny steps toward darkness." Come learn how to trade a paperclip to eventually buy a house and stay tuned for literally, anything else.To place a hold on any of the titles menti...
"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig
September 28, 2021 21:19 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBKathleen & Sam are back to discuss The Midnight Library--a book that tackles life choices and regrets in a quirky and philosophical thought exercise. Sam is not convinced that there is no place like home but embraces Stephen Hawking and string theory (and apparently double negatives). Kathleen confuses us with her post pandemic enjoyment of predictable endings. Listeners beware. Spoilers and surprises abound in every single spooky season of your multiverse. To place a hold on any of the title...
"House In The Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune
May 27, 2021 13:43 - 35 minutes - 32 MBSam & Kathleen wrap up the season with great ideas for summer reads and ponder humanity, philosophy, and veganism while grappling with an endearing, warm fuzzy fantasy read.To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
"Another Brooklyn" by Jacqueline Woodson
March 18, 2021 19:38 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBCelebrating our One Author New Canaan visit by Jacqueline Woodson by embracing her unique voice in poetic prose. Kathleen and Sam consider unreliable memory and discomfort reads, upcoming poetry month and summer books.To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
"Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland
February 19, 2021 19:05 - 42 minutes - 38.4 MBSam embraces a sequel and Kathleen ponders the Zombie Adjacent in a satirical alternate history of the Civil War. Let's get pumped for One Author New Canaan--Jacqueline Woodson!To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
"Bear Town" by Fredrik Backman
January 19, 2021 21:32 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MBA tiny town with super-sized hockey. A master of character study is the best cocktail party wingman. Speaking out and the fall out. Books in translation. Find out about the technicality that keeps New Canaan as the reigning Girls Ice Hockey Connecticut state champions for three years in a row.
"Beartown" by Fredrik Backman
January 19, 2021 21:32 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MBA tiny town with super-sized hockey. A master of character study is the best cocktail party wingman. Speaking out and the fall out. Books in translation. Find out about the technicality that keeps New Canaan as the reigning Girls Ice Hockey Connecticut state champions for three years in a row. To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" by Suzanne Collins
December 10, 2020 19:15 - 35 minutesOur episode's special guest, Megan Mabee's article in Book Riot: "How the Hunger Games Prequel Helped Me Realize I've Changed." To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
"The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes"
December 10, 2020 19:15 - 35 minutesOur episode's special guest, Megan Mabee's article in Book Riot: "How the Hunger Games Prequel Helped Me Realize I've Changed."
"Magic Lessons"
November 10, 2020 21:54 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBOur podcast glows up and embraces young adults, new adults, and the forever young adult at heart. Listen in as we discuss Alice Hoffman's latest installment--a prequel in the Owen's family of powerful witches. Let's get excited for Lit Lunch while Kathleen drops a bomb on us.
"Magic Lessons" by Alice Hoffman
November 10, 2020 21:54 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBOur podcast glows up and embraces young adults, new adults, and the forever young adult at heart. Listen in as we discuss Alice Hoffman's latest installment--a prequel in the Owen's family of powerful witches. Let's get excited for Lit Lunch while Kathleen drops a bomb on us. To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
"With The Fire On High": YA Book Brunch
August 27, 2020 14:46 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MBKathleen and Sam are back to talk about Elizabeth Acevedo's recent book. Quiet YA and "This is why we can't read nice things."
"With The Fire On High" by Elizabeth Acevedo: YA Book Brunch
August 27, 2020 14:46 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MBKathleen and Sam are back to talk about Elizabeth Acevedo's recent book. Quiet YA and "This is why we can't read nice things."To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
Nothing by Janne Teller: YA Book Brunch
July 30, 2020 21:15 - 33 minutes - 31 MBExistentialism. Measured trauma and violence. One-ups-manship. We will burn the tape and keep the ashes.To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
Sadie by Courtney Summers: YA Book Brunch
June 25, 2020 18:39 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MBMurder. Trauma. Souffle. Abandoning Democracy. Join teen librarians Kathleen & Sam as they discuss Courney Summer's SadieTo place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert: YA Book Brunch
May 14, 2020 17:31 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBJoin teen librarians Kathleen & Sam as they discuss Melissa Albert's The Hazel WoodTo place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
Munmun by Jesse Andrews: YA Book Brunch
April 02, 2020 15:48 - 27 minutes - 24.7 MBJoin teen librarians Kathleen & Sam as they discuss Jesse Andrews's MunmunTo place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.
Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough: YA Book Brunch
March 14, 2020 14:42 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBRenaissance Paintings. Books in verse. Embrace Trauma. Be Judith. To place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this episode, check out our Booked Solid reading list on the New Canaan Library website.