Bookworm Banquet
33 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago - ★★★★ - 5 ratingsBookworm Banquet is a program that aims to Satisfy Your Literary Cravings by offering up book reviews and author interviews on all genres of books with one caveat; the books must be family friendly. Our goal is to offer wholesome reading to our listeners, whether they are fiction or biography, current releases or classics, children’s books or books for older readers, we will review and discuss them all! JD and Nicole are avid readers who love talking about literature and would love for you to join the conversation.
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Episodes
BB33: Narrating Audiobooks, the Best Novel, and Revisiting Classic Literature with BJ Harrison
April 15, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBNicole and JD are joined by audiobook narrator, BJ Harrison, for the whole episode to talk about reading the classics, his approach to narrating audiobooks, and they also discuss what is the best novel in the world. BJ also shares about his invention, the hybrid audiobook, and more. Nicole's Fact is about famous writings from isolation and JD's Tip is another tool to inspire expanding your reading horizons. Full show notes at http://www.bookwormbanquet.com/33 Get in touch with us! Email: fe...
BB32: Review of The Mirror Lies by Sandy Brownlee
January 29, 2020 11:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MBJD is joined by guest host, Stephanie, who fills in for Nicole in this episode. We review the debut novel from Sandy Brownlee titled The Mirror Lies. This is a quick, enjoyable, light mystery novel that we really enjoyed reading. Also in this episode, Stephanie takes on the task of Nicole's Fact and she brings a coffee-related one (which is always a great idea) and JD's Tip is a tool to help get you into classic literature. Full show notes at http://www.bookwormbanquet.com/32 Get in touch w...
BB31: Review of Synapse by Steven James
October 04, 2019 04:05 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBToday we're bringing you a review of the latest novel from award-winning and bestselling author, Steven James, called Synapse. This is a near-future thriller that explores the question of where the boundaries should be when dealing with Artificial Intelligence. We kick things off with a chat about literacy in prisons and also in this episode is Nicole's Fact about A Study in “Medicine” and JD's Tip is about a “journalistic” approach to reading. Full show notes at http://www.bookwormbanquet.c...
BB30: Review of Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer & The Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands
September 08, 2019 04:05 - 51 minutes - 47.6 MBJD and Nicole each bring a review in this episode. Nicole reviews the speculative fiction book, Broken Angel, by Sigmund Brouwer and JD reviews the first novel in The Blackthorn Key series by Kevin Sands. Also in this episode is Nicole's Fact about chickens and the Yellow Brick Road and JD's Tip about a very illuminating book. We kick things off with an interesting appetizer and in the latter half of the episode, we taste-test two new bookworm-y custom tea blends from Adagio Teas. NOTE: This ...
BB29: Review of Red Rover, Red Rover by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick & All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner
June 27, 2019 03:21 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MBWe're bringing you two book reviews today. Nicole is reviewing the spy comedy novella Red Rover, Red Rover by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick and JD reviews the literary fiction book All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner. These are two very different types of books but each is a great read in its category. Also in this episode is Nicole's Fact about author Agatha Christie and JD's Tip about how to get tens of thousands of ebooks for free. And we chat for a bit about cool bookshops and the lost...
BB28: Review of Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin
May 29, 2019 10:45 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MBWe review the book that was our first introduction to author Charles Martin in today's episode. Send Down the Rain is the latest novel by Charles Martin and it just released in paperback in the past few months. This novel tells a heartwrenching tale of brokenness, deceit, and ultimately, redemption. We also ask about which five books you would choose if you could only save five books on the planet, Nicole has a Bookworm Fact about the top bestsellers of all time, and JD's Bookworm Tip is a re...
BB27: FPA’s The Screwtape Letters & Adapting Books for the Stage
May 16, 2019 04:35 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MBWe break the mold a bit with this episode and rather than reviewing a book, we chat about adapting literature for the stage and we review the touring stage show of The Screwtape Letters presented by Fellowship for Performing Arts. This is an extremely well-done adaptation of the C.S. Lewis classic that we encourage you to check out. Also in this episode is Nicole's Fact which covers a few things you may not have known about C.S. Lewis and JD's Tip is something he's never done before: a readin...
BB26: Review of The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright & Fear Has a Name by Creston Mapes
March 27, 2019 11:25 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MBJD is joined on the show by author and Bookworm Banquet blog contributor, Victoria Lynn, as Nicole is still out on assignment. Victoria reviews the latest release from Jaime Jo Wright and JD reviews a suspense thriller by an author he discovered via an ebook newsletter. Also in this episode is JD's Tip about accessing the world's largest library and Victoria steps into Nicole's shoes again and brings a Bookworm Fact about a book that you read out of order. Full show notes at http://www.bookw...
BB25: Review of Resistance by Jaye L. Knight & The Chair by James L. Rubart
February 27, 2019 11:00 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MBNicole is out on assignment so JD is joined on the show by author and Bookworm Banquet blog contributor, Victoria Lynn. Victoria brings a review of one of her favorite fantasy novels and JD reviews a spiritual thriller by a new-to-him author. Also in this episode is JD's Tip about an online tool to help you discover your next great book and Victoria steps into Nicole's shoes and brings a Bookworm Fact about a great bookish family tradition. Full show notes at http://www.bookwormbanquet.com/2...
BB24: Bookworm Banquet Goes to the VNSA Book Sale [Bonus Episode]
February 21, 2019 01:47 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBIn this special bonus episode, we invite you to come along with JD and Nicole to the VNSA Book Sale on February 9, 2019. We recorded on location audio on our way to the sale, while at the venue, and a recap after the event. The VNSA Used Book Sale is an annual event at the Arizona State Fairgrounds and we thought it would be fun to share our bookworm adventures with our podcast family. Full show notes at http://www.bookwormbanquet.com/24 Get in touch with us! Email: feedback@bookwormbanquet...
BB23: Enhance Your Reading, Trees Within Trees, & Quick Indie Spotlight - Sampler Platter #2
January 31, 2019 02:24 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBWe bring you a mini sampler platter of appetizers and a quick indie spotlight in this episode. The spotlight is shined on Laura Guneot's short story titled Even in the Grey, we chat about ways to better your reading life and another unique library, and we present the obligatory Fact and Tip. Nicole's Fact is about authors and pseudonyms and JD's Tip is about an online shop for bookworm products. Full show notes at http://www.bookwormbanquet.com/23 Get in touch with us! Email: feedback@bookw...
BB22: Review of A Christmas by the Sea by Melody Carlson
December 20, 2018 03:33 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBIt's Christmas time so let's talk about Christmas stories! We share some of our team members favorite Christmas books and we review a brand new Christmas novella by prolific author Melody Carlson. The charming and heartwarming Christmas tale is called A Christmas by the Sea. Also in this episode is Nicole's Fact about an unwanted house guest and JD's Tip about one way to be a fashionable bookworm. Full show notes at http://www.bookwormbanquet.com/22 Get in touch with us! Email: feedback@boo...
BB21: Indie Author Spotlight Volume II: Naomi Jackson
December 11, 2018 03:18 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBToday we bring you another Indie Author Spotlight. We are happy to shine the spotlight on Naomi Jackson and her children's fantasy novel Otherworld: The Book of Things That Are. We also talk about our book nerd scores. And in this episode is Nicole's Fact about writing from what you know and JD's Tip about a novel remedy. Spreaker Notes: Full show notes at http://www.bookwormbanquet.com/21 Get in touch with us! Email: [email protected] Feedback Line (text or voice): 623-688-2770
BB20: Author Interviews from Just Read Local Author Fair 2018
November 29, 2018 04:46 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MBIn November 2018, the Phoenix Public Library hosted an event called the Just Read Local Author Fair. So JD decided to attend the event and see if he could find some books and authors to share with you. He met and interviewed four authors and learned about their work, both fiction and nonfiction. The four authors are Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick, Bill Carter, Rebekah Jones, and Timothy W. Moore. Also in this episode is Nicole's Fact about giving the bookworm way and JD's Tip is a way to help ma...
BB19: Micro Libraries, Reading Is Healthy, Story Dispensers, and more - Sampler Platter #1
October 26, 2018 03:24 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MBWe're bringing you something new today. We offer up a sampler platter of bookwormy articles that we found interesting. We talk about pop-up libraries, story dispensers, and why reading is healthy. We also are joined by Bookworm Banquet contributor and author, Victoria Lynn, to introduce you to a new feature on our blog. And as always, Nicole brings a Bookworm Fact and JD brings a Bookworm Tip. Full show notes at http://www.bookwormbanquet.com/19 Get in touch with us! Email: feedback@bookwor...
BB18: Review of A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano & Called to Protect by Lynette Eason
October 04, 2018 04:41 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBOnce again we bring you two reviews in this episode. Nicole starts things off with a review of Lynette Eason's Called to Protect, a romantic thriller centered around a family of law enforcement officers. JD reviews A Rumored Fortune, a historical fiction offering from Joanna Davidson Politano. Also in this episode is Nicole's Fact about the greatest book ever written and JD's Tip about “walkin’ the bookworm talk”. Full show notes at http://www.bookwormbanquet.com/18 Get in touch with us! Em...
BB17: Review of River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart & The 49th Mystic by Ted Dekker
August 31, 2018 04:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBWe've got a twofer for you today. Nicole reviews a novel titled River to Redemption by Ann H. Gabhart, a story set in pre-Civil War Kentucky. JD reviews the latest offering from Ted Dekker, his return to the Circle universe called The 49th Mystic. Also in this episode is Nicole's Fact about bookworm celebrations and JD's Tip about candles for bookworms. Full show notes at www.bookwormbanquet.com/17
BB16: Review of According to Their Deeds by Paul Robertson
June 14, 2018 16:54 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBJD and Nicole feature the novel According to Their Deeds by Paul Robertson in the review segment of this episode. This is a fantastic thriller/suspense novel with some great heartfelt moments written in a beautiful literary style. And since the main character is a bookshop owner, there are lots of little tidbits scattered throughout the story for the bookworm to enjoy. But before the review, the hosts chat about how bookworms mispronounce words that they read before ever hearing them. Also in...
BB15: Indie Spotlight Volume I: Victoria Lynn & Angie Thompson
March 30, 2018 00:59 - 40 minutes - 28.3 MBToday we present our first Indie Spotlight episode. The spotlight is shined on Victoria Lynn and her novel, London in the Dark and Angie Thompson and her novel, Bridgers. We are excited to promote these two independently published books and we are very grateful to both authors for submitting their books for consideration. Also in this episode is Nicole's Fact about a famous West Point student and JD's Tip about a man who gave away his birthday. Full Show Notes: http://bookwormbanquet.com/15 ...
BB14: Interview with Author Bill Myers & Review of Invitation by Myers, Peretti, Hunt, and Gansky
January 04, 2018 03:22 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBThe featured book in this episode is Invitation by Bill Myers, Frank Peretti, Angela Hunt, and Alton Gansky which is the first book in the Harbingers series. But before JD and Nicole jump into the review, they are joined on the show by author and Harbingers creator, Bill Myers. They discuss the inspiration for the series, how the collaboration with the other writers worked and much more. There is no Bookworm Fact or Tip this time, but the hosts address some feedback from listener Alan. Full ...
BB13: Review of Risen by Angela Hunt
August 24, 2017 04:56 - 28 minutes - 23.1 MBRisen by Angela Hunt is a novelization of the motion picture of the same name. We review this historical fiction book which presents the story of Christ's resurrection in a unique way. Also in this episode is Nicole's Fact about the importance of a good title and JD's Tip about a clever way to read and work at the same time. Nicole kicks things off with an interesting story about the bookwormy, Welsh town called Hay-on-Wye. The Appetizer The "Town of Books" in Wales The Review Risen by Ang...
BB12: Review of the Dreamhouse Kings Series by Robert Liparulo
July 01, 2017 06:32 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBIn this episode we review the Dreamhouse Kings series by Robert Liparulo. This Young Adult fiction series of six books is an engaging and spine-tingling read that we heartily recommend. Also in this episode is Nicole's Fact about a writer who changes his name and JD's Tip about a fabulous way to keep track of your personal or small organization's library. The Appetizer The world's only library to operate in two countries simultaneously. The Review Dreamhouse Kings Series by Robert Liparulo...
BB11: Review of Saved By Her Enemy by Don Teague and Rafraf Barrak
June 02, 2017 05:12 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBIn this episode we review the nonfiction narrative book called Saved By Her Enemy by Don Teague and Rafraf Barrak. This book chronicles the true story of an Iraqi woman who grew up in Baghdad and her first encounters with Americans during the early part of the U.S. involvement in her country in 2003. Also in this episode is Nicole's Fact about author Mary Shelley and JD's Tip about some totally cool bookmarks. The Appetizer The UK’s favourite childhood book character (via The Guardian) The ...
BB10: Review of Dragon Slayer: Beginnings by Carey Green
August 11, 2016 02:50 - 27 minutes - 20.1 MBCarey Green's debut novel, Dragon Slayer: Beginnings, is the topic of conversation in this episode. This book is the first in the Dragon Slayer Chronicles trilogy. This is a great introduction to the fantasy genre and while it is very much a coming of age story like many in this genre it has other elements that help it to stand out. Also in this episode is Nicole's Fact about a dog that really did eat "homework" and JD's Tip about some really cool literary t-shirts. What We've Been Reading T...
BB9: Review of The Lost Choice by Andy Andrews
March 12, 2013 11:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBThis edition of the Bookworm Banquet podcast features a review of The Lost Choice by Andy Andrews. Neither JD, nor Nicole had ever read anything by Andrews, but after reading The Lost Choice it's safe to say it won't be their last. This book is a tale that weaves threads from various eras in history together with the lives of a modern day family into a tapestry of masterful storytelling. Capping off the episode is another great Bookworm Fact from Nicole as well as a Bookworm Tip from JD. Down...
BB8: Review of The Trial by Robert Whitlow
November 09, 2012 03:43 - 25 minutes - 23.9 MBToday JD and Nicole review a Robert Whitlow novel entitled The Trial. This is a fast-paced legal thriller that both really enjoyed. The book tackles some very real issues, but does so in an interesting and entertaining manner. After the review Nicole brings us another fascinating Bookworm Fact and JD shares a Bookworm Tip in this edition of the podcast. Download Episode 8 Review Segment: Robert WhitlowRobert Whitlow's Website Purchase The Trial on Amazon JD's Rating: 4 out of 5 Nicole's Ratin...
BB7: Review of Ginnie Dare: Crimson Sands & Scott Roche Interview
September 29, 2012 12:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MBThis episode of Bookworm Banquet features a review of the YA novel Ginnie Dare: Crimson Sands by Scott Roche. This is an action packed science fiction story that is sure to keep your interest. JD and Nicole are also joined on the show by Scott Roche and he shares some of the inspiration for the book. And Nicole brings us another fascinating Bookworm Fact to top off the program. Download Episode 7 Review SegmentGinnie Dare: Crimson Sands by Scott Roche Thank you to Scott for providing us with ...
BB6: Discussing The Classics with Audiobook Narrator B.J. Harrison
May 03, 2012 12:00 - 42 minutes - 39.4 MBToday JD and Nicole take a break from reviewing a book and instead are joined by award-winning audio book narrator and host of The Classic Tales Podcast, B.J. Harrison. We talk about B.J.'s narration work, his podcast, and just generally have fun talking about classic literature. Nicole's Bookworm Fact is about the criteria of a classic. Download Episode 6 Links: B.J.'s Podcast - iTunes | RSS B.J.'s Audio Book Website JD mentioned the following: B.J.'s narration of John Buchan's The 39 Steps ...
BB5: Review of Sheep Tales by Ken Davis
March 31, 2012 18:30 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBToday JD and Nicole review a children's book by comedian and speaker Ken Davis. The book is called Sheep Tales: The Bible According to the Animals Who Were There. This is a fun book to read together as a family. Nicole also share a fascinating Bookworm Fact that fits really well with the theme of family that seemed to fill today's show. JD's Bookworm Tip also fit nicely in that category. They also share some listener feedback and JD invites listeners to play the smartphone game, Wordfeud, wit...
BB4: Review of Hope Rising & Kim Meeder Interview
July 24, 2011 23:52 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MBIn this episode of Bookworm Banquet podcast, JD and Nicole share a review of their first non-fiction book so far. They review Kim Meeder's book Hope Rising: Stories from the Ranch of Rescued Dreams. This is a book filled with stories of abused horses and broken children who interact at Kim Meeder's Ranch, Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, and the resulting healing that happens for both the horses and the children. JD and Nicole also interview Kim Meeder about the book and her work at Crystal Peaks Y...
BB2: An Eye For Glory Review & Karl Bacon Interview
March 19, 2011 10:55 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBIn this episode, JD and Nicole review and discuss Karl Bacon's fantastic historical novel entitled An Eye for Glory: The Civil War Chronicles of a Citizen Soldier. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book that we highly recommend. JD also speaks with the author, Karl Bacon, about his writing career, An Eye for Glory, and what may be coming next. Nicole shares another Bookworm Fact and then they respond to listener feedback from Max. Download Episode 2 Review SegmentAn Eye For Glory by Karl Bacon T...
BB1: Review of Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin
March 05, 2011 18:36 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBIn this episode, JD and Nicole discuss Lynn Austin's historical novel Though Waters Roar. While there were a few things with this book that were slight annoyances, overall it was an enjoyable read. The story spans several generations and chronicles some very pivotal events in American history. Also in this episode, Nicole has an interesting Bookworm Fact about the beloved Dr. Seuss. Download Episode 1 Review SegmentThough Waters Roar by Lynn Austin Lynn Austin's website Purchase your copy of ...
BB0: An Introduction To Your Hosts
March 01, 2011 05:08 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBIn this introductory episode of the Bookworm Banquet podcast, we take a few moments to introduce ourselves and give you an overview of what we will cover on this show. Nicole's Bookworm Fact is about Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. JD's Bookworm Tip - www.librarything.com Get in touch with us! Email: [email protected] Feedback Line (text or voice): 623-688-2770 Subscribe to the show!