Eclectic Readers
90 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★ - 18 ratingsStarting in 2020, we're now releasing two episodes a month! The first episode releases on the 15th and is a chat of what we're currently reading and a general bookish discussion topic. The 2nd episode releases on the 30th and is our monthly book club discussion. We announce the following month's book pick at the end of the episode so you can read along with us. (Our older episodes follow this same format, but were combined into one longer episode a month.)
We also have special author interview episodes sprinkled throughout the year, so make sure to subscribe in your favorite podcast app so you never miss out!
If you'd like join in on the bookish discussion through social media, our hashtag is #EclecticReaders and you can find us at:
Twitter: @EclecticReadPod
Litsy: @EclecticReaders
Instagram: @EclecticReaders
Goodreads: Eclectic Readers
The History of Eclectic Readers
The Eclectic Readers started in 2009 as an IRL book club. In 2015, four of us in the book club thought we'd give podcasting a try and have been going strong ever since! In each monthly book club episode, we base our book choice on that month's IRL book club pick.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Episode 40: This Savage Song: Heavy-Handed But Awesome
September 15, 2017 06:00 - 1 hour - 54.4 MBThe hosts discuss auto-buy authors where they can't help but give them our money. They also discuss Schwab's upcoming books. Then they dive in to This Savage Song and cut the discussion short because they could all talk about this book for hours. -This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23299512-this-savage-song) and Amazon (http://a.co/dGF1Bx8) -Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25494343-lady-midni...
Episode 39: The Captive Mind: Finish A Chapter, Eat A Cookie
August 15, 2017 09:00 - 1 hour - 47 MBSusan, Tara, and Jeannette talk about DNF'ing a book; why do you DNF, what makes you DNF, would you go back to a DNF? All this leads to a discussion of The Captive Mind. We discuss if it has captivated our minds. What did you think of The Captive Mind? Tell us about it on GoodReads! (https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/68328-eclectic-readers) -The Captive Mind on GoodReads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/145660.The_Captive_Mind?from_search=true) and Amazon (http://a.co/enXP1WE) Illumina...
Episode 38: Wallbanger: Entertain Me, Please
July 15, 2017 09:00 - 1 hour - 52.1 MBIn this episode, Meredith, Susan, and Jeannette wrap up the Eclectic Readathon and ER Madlibs and announce the winners! We speak on the weird happiness of adulthood, and how we overcome reading slumps. Finally, we discuss Wallbanger - its characters, the unreality of Caroline’s cat, and the reality of sex in romance. -Discuss Wallbanger with us on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/68328-eclectic-readers) -Wallbanger by Alice Clayton on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book...
Episode 37: Interview with Patrick Phillips
June 30, 2017 08:00 - 45 minutes - 31.9 MB-Patrick Phillips’ website (https://www.patrickphillipsbooks.com/) -Blood at the Root GoodReads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28789644-blood-at-the-root) and Amazon (http://a.co/iI0o07r) -Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson on GoodReads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8171378-the-warmth-of-other-suns) and Amazon (http://a.co/0mKLZTj) -Isabel Wilkerson’s website (http://isabelwilkerson.com/) -Ta-Nehisi Coates on The Atlantic (https:...
Episode 36: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe: A YA With Parents!
June 15, 2017 09:00 - 1 hour - 61.1 MBThe Eclectic Readers Podcast is two years old! In celebration, we’re gearing up for our next Eclectic Readathon (starting Friday, June 23rd at 8:00pm EST) and the end of our first ER Mad Libs Reading Challenge (submissions due at the end of the Readathon.) In this episode we talk about books that helped shape us into who we are today and discuss the Young Adult (YA) book “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” which focuses on two teenage boys discovering their personal, c...
Episode 35: Romeo and/or Juliet: Everything Would be Better with a Buff Captain Picard
May 15, 2017 09:00 - 1 hour - 45.2 MBIn this episode, Tara, Jeannette, and Meredith discuss what makes a good “retelling” of a classic story as well as share some of their favorite and least favorite (Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies) retellings of all time. We’re also ramping up for the end of our ERMadlib challenge and the start of our 24 hour readathon! Now with new great prizes! Then we dive into the multiple endings and laughter of Ryan North’s “Romeo and/or Juliet.” -Discuss Romeo and/or Juliet with us on Goodreads (https://w...
Episode 34: Love Warrior: Mind the Gap
April 15, 2017 06:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MBSusan has updates on our reading challenges, while Jeannette has a stack of new books to recommend. And we’re all excited about the PRIZES we’ll be handing out in June! Then we talk about the memoir Love Warrior and gaps between what we want and what authors give us. Come dig into Love Warrior with us on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/68328-eclectic-readers)! Glennon Doyle Melton’s Blog (http://momastery.com/blog/about-glennon/) Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton on Goodr...
Episode 33: Girl Waits With Gun: Future Historical Fiction
March 15, 2017 06:00 - 1 hour - 45.9 MBSusan, Meredith, and Jeannette discuss historical fiction: what is it, what isn’t it, and do we like it? Then we dig into Amy Stewart’s novel Girl Waits with Gun, and the complicated relationship between sisters, mothers and daughters, and women, sheriffs, and Singer salesmen. Show Notes - Discuss Girl Waits with Gun with us on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/68328-eclectic-readers) - Interview with Amy Stewart (https://www.bookbrowse.com/author_interviews/full/index.cfm/auth...
Episode 32: Interview With Tara Clancy
March 01, 2017 07:00 - 37 minutes - 26.5 MBSusan and Meredith interview the amazing Tara Clancy, author of The Clancys of Queens. We talk about her reasons to writing her memoirs of growing up and how became the woman she is today. Tara Clancy’s website (http://www.taraclancy.com/) The Clancys of Queens on GoodReads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28588088-the-clancys-of-queens) and Amazon (http://a.co/gujB2PS) Tara Clancy’s interview on NPR (http://www.npr.org/2016/12/12/504970787/when-a-professor-laughed-at-her-queens-accent-wr...
Episode 31: Blood at the Root: Not for the Faint of Heart
March 01, 2017 03:00 - 1 hour - 65.1 MBIn this episode we welcome a new guest host and book blogger: Stacie! We talk about some exciting podcast news, like our new website and upcoming author interview, and then we discuss some of our favorite POC (Person of Color) literary characters and this tough, but important read: Blood at the Root What did you think of Blood at the Root? Tell us about it on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/18481033-episode-31-blood-at-the-root) Check out Stacie’s Book Blog (www.thenextbookon...
Episode 30: Men Explain Things to Me: We’re So Witty
January 15, 2017 09:00 - 1 hour - 49.1 MBSusan, Tara, and Meredith start off the new year with their read-olutions and goals for 2017. A small update on our ER MadLibs Challenge and then we dive into Men Explain Things to Me. We talk about how Rebecca Solnit addresses hard and upsetting issues that women experience through 9 essays. Show Notes What did you think of Men Explain Things to Me? Tell us about it on GoodReads! Unbeatable Squirrel Girl on GoodReads and Amazon Perks of Being a Wallflower on GoodReads and Amazon Passen...
Episode 29: Eclectic Readers Special: Interview with Valentine DeLandro
January 09, 2017 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.8 MBIn our last interview from Book Riot Live, Meredith and Tara speak with illustrator, Valentine Delandro. Show Notes Valentine Delandro Bitch Planet, Vol. 1: Extraordinary Machine
Episode 28: Eclectic Readers Special: Interview with Ken Liu
January 05, 2017 09:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBNext up in our Book Riot Live author interview, Meredith and Tara speak with author, Ken Liu. He has written The Grace of Kings and translated The Three-Body Problem. Show Notes Ken Liu The Grace of Kings
Episode 27: Eclectic Readers Special: Interview with Charlie Jane Anders
January 03, 2017 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBMeredith and Tara were at Book Riot Live! They had a chance to interview 3 authors. This episode is with Charlie Jane Anders author of All the Birds in the Sky. Show Notes Charlie Jane Anders All the Birds in the Sky
Episode 26: Zodiac: In Michelle Obama’s Arms We Trust
December 15, 2016 09:00 - 1 hour - 51.1 MBMeredith, Susan, Tara, and Jeannette have some announcements - some sad, some happy - including a NEW reading challenge for the new year! We also wrap up 2016 with favorite topics, topics we missed, and which Eclectic Readers books we loved most this year. And the stars align for our last book of the year, Romina Russell's Zodiac. Show Notes What did you think of Zodiac? Tell us about it on Goodreads! The Secret Loves of Geek Girls on Goodreads and Amazon X: A Novel on Goodreads and Amaz...
Episode 25: Blankets: You're a Middle Child, so You Get a Pass
November 15, 2016 09:00 - 1 hour - 51.1 MBSusan, Tara, and Meredith talk about their favorite graphic novels and discuss the graphic novel/memoir 'Blankets' while reminiscing over their own childhood memories. Show Notes What did you think of Blankets? Tell us about it on GoodReads! Blankets on Goodreads and Amazon Interview with Craig Thompson The Secret Loves of Geek Girls on Goodreads and Amazon Wolf by Wolf on Goodreads and Amazon Blood for Blood on Goodreads and Amazon Iron to Iron Goodreads and Amazon The Girl fr...
Episode 24: Station Eleven: And They Go Shwarma
October 15, 2016 09:00 - 1 hour - 42 MBWe talk about our favorite Shakespeare play, moments and versions. Then we go forwards into the near future where the world is ending. Who did we relate to the most? We all want to be in the Travelling Symphony. Show Notes What did you think of Station Eleven? Tell us about it on Goodreads! Station Eleven on Goodreads and Amazon Dark Matter on Goodreads and Amazon All the Birds in the Sky on Goodreads and Amazon Shakespeare on Goodreads and Amazon 10 Things I Hate About You Gargoyles...
Episode 23: Eclectic Readers Special: Interview with Jenn Northington
September 30, 2016 09:00 - 37 minutes - 26.2 MBJenn Northington, the Director of Events and Programming at Book Riot New Media Group and host on Book Riot's Get Booked Podcast, is here to talk all things books, Book Riot, and Book Riot Live! Show Notes Get your discounted Book Riot Live tickets when you use the code "Eclectic" at checkout Get Booked Podcast Book Riot Book Riot’s Read Harder Book Group locations and dates for October Book Riot Comics Emma on Goodreads and Amazon Pride and Prejudice on Goodreads and Amazon Franken...
Episode 22: The Bees: I Hope There is a Bee Heaven
September 15, 2016 09:00 - 1 hour - 48.8 MBWhat are your #BookConfessions? Susan, Jeannette, and Meredith divulge some of theirs and are buzzing with thoughts for the discussion of Laline Paull's 'The Bees.' Show Notes What did you think about The Bees? Tell us about it on Goodreads! Laline Paull’s Website Wired Article on The True Hive Mind- How Honeybee Colonies Think Cornell University Video on Honeybee Decision Making Get your discounted Book Riot Live Tickets with Promo Code "Eclectic" Honey I wrecked the Kids on Goodread...
Episode 21: Eclectic Readers Special: Interview with JD Lakey
August 31, 2016 09:00 - 35 minutes - 25 MBWe interview JD Lakey, author of the Black Bead Chronicles. We delve deep into the world and find out it is made up of more than psychics, the importance of their matriarchal society and a whole lot more. We also discuss her unusual inspiration to help her write. Show Notes JD Lakey Black Bead on GoodReads and Amazon Isaac Asimov on GoodReads and Amazon Anne McCaffrey on GoodReads and Amazon CJ Cherryh on GoodReads and Amazon
Episode 20: The Name of the Wind: We Tell Him What We Want, What We Really Really Want
August 15, 2016 09:00 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBSusan is super excited about new kids’ books, while we prescribe reading with a singalong to help Tara resist a reading slump. We weigh binge-reading versus serialized reading, and find out that Mere might just become a serial reader. On the other hand, Jeannette just wants to binge read all the series. All of them. We then discuss at length Patrick Rothfuss’s lengthy 'The Name of the Wind,' and kindly request more answers and more 'Spice' in Kvothe’s life. Show Notes What did you think o...
Episode 19: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: We’re Going Back to Hogwarts!
July 31, 2016 09:00 - 1 hour - 46.2 MBTara and Meredith fly across the pond to see Harry Potter and The Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre and are back to give us their reactions and all the Cursed Child information you could want. We fangirl out about all of the cool things we saw and experienced during the play, get Molly and Ginny confused (sorry Ginny), and while the first few minutes are general reactions, we do delve into the plot in the episode, so, be forewarned: SPOILERS AHEAD! Show Notes Harry Potter and the Cursed C...
Episode 18: Annihilation: Are You Feeling a Brightening?
July 15, 2016 09:00 - 1 hour - 43.9 MBJeannette is nesting, Tara isn't sure what city she is in, and Susan is spreading her spores - Area X style! We discuss the books we felt peer pressured into reading, ask the question 'What is it?' (a lot), and try to fill in the blanks that Annihilation leaves in its wake. Join us as we chat about this sci-fi thriller mystery and try to discern the truth of Area X. Show Notes What did you think of Annihilation? Tell us about it on Goodreads! Or tweet your thoughts on the book and use the ...
Episode 17: The Star-Touched Queen: You Know You’re in the Underworld When...
June 15, 2016 09:00 - 59 minutes - 41.5 MBIt’s our first podcast-iversary! We talk about our upcoming read-a-thon and special ‘Cursed Child’ episode (use #EclecticPotter on Twitter to send us your ‘Cursed Child’ questions) and our favorite mythologies before we delve into ‘The Star-Touched Queen.’ Show Notes What did you think of The Star-Touched Queen? Tell us about it on GoodReads! Watchmen on GoodReads and Amazon Marcelo in the Real World on Goodreads and Amazon Cinder on GoodReads and Amazon A Gathering of Shadows on GoodR...
Episode 16: Eclectic Readers Special: Interview with Pasi Ilmari Jääskeläinen
May 31, 2016 09:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBWe had a great time speaking with Pasi Ilmari Jääskeläinen, author of the Rabbit Back Literature Society. We talk a little bit about himself from Buffy to what inspired him to write. Then we go back into Rabbit Back to get some answers. And we talk about his new book being released in English. Show Notes Listen to our original discussion of the book in episode #14 - The Rabbit Back Literature Society: So Many Questions, So Little Time Pasi Ilmari Jääskeläinen Rabbit Back Literature Socie...
Episode 15: A Sense of an Ending: Meh.
May 15, 2016 09:00 - 1 hour - 47.6 MBWe announce a fun event! We talk about moms in the literary world, awesome and crazy. Then we discuss the book where we sensed an ending but it still left us 'meh'. Show Notes What did you think of A Sense of an Ending? Tell us about it on Goodreads! Watchman on Goodreads and Amazon Childhood’s End on Goodreads and Amazon Euphemania on Goodreads and Amazon A Gathering of Shadows on Goodreads and Amazon Anne of Green Gables on Goodreads and Amazon Little Women on Goodreads and Amazon ...
Episode 14: The Rabbit Back Literature Society: So Many Questions, So Little Time
April 15, 2016 09:00 - 1 hour - 46.3 MBWe love a book we can dissect and we mention a few. On this month’s book, we focus on the 2 main female characters of the book and crazies theories. Show Notes What did you think of The Rabbit Back Literature Society? Tell us about it on Goodreads! Mugglenet’s Alohomora Tequila Mockingbird: Just finished Cocktails with a Literary Twist on Goodreads and Amazon Euphemania: Our Love Affair with Euphemisms on Goodreads and Amazon Nimona on Goodreads and Amazon American Gods on Goodreads a...
Episode 13: Anna Karenina: Come for the Adultery, Stay for the Agricultural Tips
March 15, 2016 09:00 - 1 hour - 45 MBMeredith goes BookBub crazy. Susan invites J.K. Rowling to Denver for cake and podcasting. Jeannette asks Finnish listeners to correct her pronunciation. Also! Have you ever lied about reading a book? We discuss the most lied-about books, try to dissect the dense, moody passion of Anna Karenina, and challenge readers to read books with crazy titles and tell us about them. Show Notes What did you think of Anna Karenina? Tell us about it on [Goodreads!] (https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Episode 12: City of Bones: We All Feel Weird
February 15, 2016 09:00 - 1 hour - 54.4 MBSusan makes her triumphant return! Jeannette dislikes the Shadowhunters TV series, but we all like the Magicians show! Also, Tara tweets with Scott McCloud, and Book Bingo is back! Meredith breaks it down if you want to play along at home. Show Notes What did you think of City of Bones? Tell us about it on Goodreads! Play Book Bingo City of Bones on Goodreads and Amazon The Infernal Devices on Goodreads and Amazon Jackaby on Goodreads and Amazon Animal, Vegetable, Miracle on Goodreads...
Episode 11: The Sculptor: Can We All Have a Pet Metaphor?
January 15, 2016 09:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBIn this episode, we discuss the validity of the "manic pixie dream girl" and attempt to throw her out the window. Meredith reads her first graphic novel, Jeannette sets a new book-o-lution, and Tara visits DC for their first in person recording session! Show Notes What did you think of The Sculptor? Tell us about it on Goodreads! The Sculptor on Goodreads and Amazon The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay on Goodreads and Amazon A Darker Shade of Magic on Goodreads and Amazon Is Ever...
Episode 10: Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda: I Really Wanted to Like Martin!
December 15, 2015 09:00 - 1 hour - 48.2 MBWe welcome guest host, Meredith, to the podcast! We talk about the start of the Eclectic Read-a-thon starting the evening of Dec 19. We list our book wish list for Christmas; just message us for our addresses. And we discuss emotions during the high school years. Show Notes What did you think of Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda? Tell us about it on Goodreads! Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda on Goodreads and Amazon The Book Thief on Goodreads and Amazon The Hobbit on Goodreads and Ama...
Episode 9: The Golem and the Jinni: Not the Kind of People You Want to Blackmail
November 15, 2015 09:00 - 1 hour - 49.6 MBWe explore humanity through the discussion of two magical characters. Things get philosophical. Susan gets a new Kindle, and Jeannette makes Tara mad. Also! We introduce our Eclectic Readathon, which YOU can join! Show Notes What did you think of The Golem and the Jinni? Tell us about it on Goodreads! Help us plan the Eclectic Readathon! The Golem and the Jinni on Goodreads and Amazon Alif the Unseen on Goodreads and Amazon Carry On on Goodreads and Amazon Fangirl on Goodreads and Ama...
Episode 8: One Hundred Years of Solitude: A Dream-like Trance
October 15, 2015 09:00 - 1 hour - 44.8 MBWe celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a classic Hispanic author. We’re not sure if we like being in a dream-like state while following the Buendia family. Ursula is awesome, the women are great, and the men kinda suck. Show Notes What did you think of One Hundred Years of Solitude? Tell us about it on Goodreads! One Hundred Years of Solitude on Goodreads and Amazon Fangirl on Goodreads and Amazon Blood Red Road on Goodreads and Amazon Shadow of the Wind on Goodreads and Amazon Whe...
Episode 7: The Magicians: Why You Shouldn’t Write Yourself into Your Novels
September 15, 2015 09:00 - 1 hour - 52.5 MBPublishers are tricksy with comparisons. Placing books in certain genres can also be misleading. Also, everyone agrees that Quentin sucks and Alice is amazing. Show Notes What did you think of The Magicians? Tell us about it on Goodreads! In The Company of Sherlock Holmes on Goodreads and Amazon Kushiel's Avatar on Goodreads and Amazon Hemlock on Goodreads and Amazon The Darkest Part of the Forest on Goodreads and Amazon Candide on Goodreads and Amazon Harry Potter on Goodreads and A...
Episode 6: Girl on the Train: How Creepy is Too Creepy?
August 15, 2015 09:00 - 1 hour - 47.7 MBPeople watching gone wrong. We discuss the different issues each women have in the book and how awful the men can be. Also, when does people watching become creepy? And some books we did not really enjoy. Show Notes What did you think of Girl on the Train? Tell us about it on Goodreads! Amazon’s Kindle First Girl on the Train on Goodreads and Amazon Ticker on Goodreads and Amazon Armada on Goodreads and Amazon A Spell for Chameleon on Goodreads and Amazon The Darkest Part of the Fore...
Episode 5: Kushiel’s Dart: It’s not JUST about Sex
July 15, 2015 09:00 - 1 hour - 50.5 MBIn this episode, we discuss Kushiel’s Dart, and give you useful life tips for setting sale prices! Susan and Tara assign Jeannette some summer reading, Jeannette reads at odd times and places, and Tara shares her sexy reading habits. Show Notes What did you think of Kushiel’s Dart? Tell us about it on Goodreads! Kushiel’s Dart on Goodreads and Amazon The Rosie Effect on Goodreads and Amazon White Teeth on Goodreads and Amazon The Darkest Part of the Forest on Goodreads and Amazon The...
Episode 4: Ready Player One: The Book With An Extra Life
July 01, 2015 09:00 - 1 hour - 46.7 MBIn this episode, we discuss one of our favorite Eclectic Readers books of all time: Ready Player One. We chat about dystopias, book blockbusters, and Hollywood’s problem with body positive casting. Show Notes What did you think of Ready Player One? Tell us about it on Goodreads! Ready Player One on Goodreads and Amazon The Silver Metal Lover on Goodreads and Amazon Biting The Sun on Goodreads and Amazon Among Others on Goodreads and Amazon Next Month's Book Kushiel’s Dart on Goodrea...
Episode 3: Wool: Bernard Isn’t So Bad... Except He’s Not
June 15, 2015 09:00 - 1 hour - 44.8 MBWe do a little fangirling for the TV show, Shadowhunters, talk about the greater good and pitched a new TV show, Susan’s Adventures in the Silos. Show Notes Wool on Goodreads and Amazon Big Little Lies on Goodreads and Amazon Vicious on Goodreads and Amazon Unearthly on Goodreads and Amazon In Cold Blood on Goodreads and Amazon City of Bones on Goodreads and Amazon Shadowhunters cast Shift on Goodreads and Amazon Dust on Goodreads and Amazon Next Months's Book Ready Player One on...
Episode 2: The Miniaturist: In Which We Found the Secret Tulip Society
June 14, 2015 09:00 - 1 hour - 46.2 MBIn this episode, we love on our libraries, vote for our favorite book club reads, and discuss Jessie Burton's The Miniaturist. Susan defines the difference between observation and being a total creeper, Tara licks language from a bowl, and Jeannette shares a cool Kindle tip! Show Notes Eclectic Readers on Goodreads Overdrive Find It VA The Miniaturist on Goodreads and Amazon The Martian on Goodreads and Amazon A Tree Grows in Brooklyn on Goodreads and Amazon Sharp Objects on Goodread...
Episode 1: Gilead: We’ll Try to Make This a Positive Experience
June 13, 2015 09:00 - 1 hour - 47.2 MBWe introduce ourselves with books. We discuss Book Bingo and all its glorious nerdiness. And we discuss a legacy written in a long letter to his son. Show Notes Gilead on Goodreads and Amazon Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery on Amazon and Goodreads Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White on Amazon and Goodreads Bonk by Mary Roach on Amazon and Goodreads Book Bingo board Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth on Amazon and Goodreads Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard on Goodreads Va...