Reading Materials
94 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingWe are Corrie and Lucia, long-time friends and self-declared bookworms. Join us as we take it in turns to select a different book to read and review 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
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Episodes
Bonus Episode - A Look Back At 2023
July 08, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 46 MB2023 went by in a blur of babies, new jobs and books - a combined 77 books, in fact. In this bonus episode we reflect on our reading journeys in 2023 and look ahead at what 2024 has in store. Join us to hear about our favourite books, favourite podcast moments and more! Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Life Updates 03:45 - 2023 Podcast Stats 09:15 - 2023 Reading Goals 12:55 - Favourite Podcast Book 15:10 - Top 3 Non-Podcast Books 26:35 - Least Favourite Podcast Book 30:00 -...
S07 E10 - Divine Rivals
March 04, 2024 00:54 - 1 hour - 52.4 MBWe round off season 7 with another guest episode in which we are excited to welcome back Maria, Lucia's co-host from season 6. Join us for our discussion of Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross and hear our thoughts on magical typewriters, confusing gods and manipulative love interests. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 03:00 - An Introduction to the Author 06:00 - Spoiler Warning 06:30 - The Blurb 07:15 - Our Discussion of Divine Rivals 01:11:35 - Outro Other Books Mentioned: Crescent C...
S07 E09 - Together We Burn
February 19, 2024 22:57 - 47 minutes - 35.2 MBIn 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 Discus...
S07 E08 - The Brilliant Death
February 05, 2024 12:00 - 54 minutes - 36.7 MBIn 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 Wi...
S07 E08: The Brilliant Death
February 05, 2024 12:00 - 54 minutes - 36.7 MBIn 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 Wi...
S07 E07: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
January 22, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 54.2 MBIn 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 Discussio...
S07 E06 - A Strange and Stubborn Endurance
January 08, 2024 20:26 - 1 hour - 47.4 MBIn 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 ...
S07 E05 - The Song of Achilles
December 25, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 48.4 MBWe 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 Autho...
S07 E04 - Detransition, Baby
December 11, 2023 13:50 - 1 hour - 54.3 MBWe 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 ...
S07 E03 - Sorcery of Thorns
November 27, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 50 MBToday 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 Discussi...
S07 E02 - Hell Bent
November 13, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBWe 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 Boo...
S07 E01 - Happy Place
October 30, 2023 00:01 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBWe 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 Int...
Bonus: Interview with Foz Meadows
October 23, 2023 17:46 - 1 hour - 39.8 MBWe 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 - Out...
S06 E16 - Season Wrap-Up
October 16, 2023 11:00 - 59 minutes - 40.3 MBAfter 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 Gla...
S06 E15 - A Court of Silver Flames (part 4)
October 09, 2023 11:00 - 48 minutes - 33.7 MBLucia 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 Flam...
S06 E14 - A Court of Silver Flames (part 3)
October 02, 2023 11:04 - 1 hour - 47.9 MBLucia 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 - T...
S06 E13 - A Court of Silver Flames (part 2)
September 25, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 43.3 MBLucia 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 T...
S06 E12 - A Court of Silver Flames (part 1)
September 18, 2023 11:01 - 1 hour - 46 MBThe 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 Discussio...
S06 E11 - A Court of Frost and Starlight
September 11, 2023 11:00 - 53 minutes - 36 MBIt'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...
S06 E10 - A Court of Wings and Ruin (part 4)
September 04, 2023 20:00 - 1 hour - 56.8 MBWe 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 ...
S06 E09 - A Court of Wings and Ruin (part 3)
August 28, 2023 11:00 - 57 minutes - 41.1 MBWe 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 R...
S06 E08 - A Court of Wings and Ruin (part 2)
August 21, 2023 11:00 - 55 minutes - 38.9 MBWe 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 an...
S06 E07 - A Court of Wings and Ruin (part 1)
August 14, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 45.8 MBWar 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 polit...
Bonus: Interview with Emily Rath
August 07, 2023 13:44 - 1 hour - 69.2 MBWe 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: ...
S06 E06 - A Court of Mist and Fury (part 3)
July 31, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 47.5 MBLucia 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 Good...
S06 E05 - A Court of Mist and Fury (part 2)
July 24, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 45.9 MBWe 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 Goo...
S06 E04 - A Court of Mist and Fury (part 1)
July 17, 2023 11:09 - 1 hour - 54 MBAmarantha 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. ...
S06 E03 - A Court of Thorns and Roses (part 2)
July 10, 2023 11:07 - 1 hour - 75.3 MBWe 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 Goodre...
S06 E02 - A Court of Thorns and Roses (part 1)
July 03, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 76.1 MBWe'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 Warnin...
S06 E01 - Introduction to the Spin-Off Season
June 26, 2023 11:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBIn 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. Maa...
Bonus - The Mid-Year Freak-Out
June 19, 2023 11:00 - 49 minutes - 34.6 MBCorrie 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 Antic...
Bonus - Iron Widow
June 12, 2023 23:00 - 1 hour - 44.3 MBIn 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 Wido...
S05 E10 - And Then There Were None
May 30, 2023 21:35 - 1 hour - 77.5 MBFirst 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 t...
S05 E09 - The Story of Doctor Dolittle
May 16, 2023 16:33 - 1 hour - 58.5 MBFirst 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 Dis...
S05 E08 - The Secret Garden
May 02, 2023 20:24 - 1 hour - 61.6 MBFirst 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...
S05 E07 - Journey to the Center of the Earth
April 17, 2023 20:56 - 1 hour - 53.6 MBFirst 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 - ...
S05 E06 - To the Lighthouse
April 03, 2023 11:00 - 57 minutes - 41.1 MBFirst 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 - Spoi...
S05 E05 - Emma
March 20, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBFirst 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 - Out...
S05 E04 - The Call of the Wild
March 06, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 45 MBFirst 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 0...
S05 E03 - The Picture of Dorian Gray
February 20, 2023 14:37 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBPublished 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 - ...
S05 E02 - I Capture the Castle
February 06, 2023 10:13 - 1 hour - 46 MBWe 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...
S05 E01 - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Alice Through the Looking Glass
January 23, 2023 17:33 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBWe 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...
Bonus - A Look Back at 2022
January 09, 2023 19:48 - 1 hour - 54.8 MBHappy 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 Lea...
Bonus - Kiss Her Once For Me
December 26, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 67.9 MBPublished 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 Aliso...
S04 E10 - The Night Ship
December 12, 2022 12:19 - 1 hour - 54 MBPublished 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 a...
S04 E09 - This Vicious Grace
November 28, 2022 14:06 - 1 hour - 44.2 MBPublished 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...
S04 E08 - Piranesi
November 14, 2022 20:01 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBPublished 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 - O...
S04 E07 - Book of Night
October 31, 2022 15:55 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBPublished 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...
S04 E06 - The Last White Man
October 17, 2022 11:00 - 57 minutes - 40.5 MBPublished 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 Th...
S04 E05 - The Bone Orchard
October 03, 2022 09:15 - 1 hour - 49.4 MBPublished 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: ...