Shows
Book Squad GoalsOthersode #102: Clady McHendrix / The Craft with Grady Hendrix and Clay Mcleod ChapmanReturning guests and two of our favorite authors, Grady Hendrix and Clay McLeod Chapman, join us to talk about The Craft. We talk about our experience with the film and try to dissect what it’s really saying about witches. Then we have a spoiler-free chat with Grady and Clay about their newest books, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls and Wake Up and Open Your Eyes, respectively. Read along for our next Bookpisode on Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman on February 18th. Then go see The Monkey for our next Othersode on March 4th!TOC:30 – WELCOME to C...2025-02-041h 59Book Squad GoalsOthersode #97: Latex Paint and a Dream / Nightmare on Elm Street with Lamar GilesWhatever you do, don’t go to sleep while listening to this episode…because we’re talking about A Nightmare on Elm Street with special guest Lamar Giles, author of the new novel Ruin Road! We talk about the icon himself Freddy Krueger, horror tropes, potential alternate endings, and how this movie stacks up to other slasher franchises. Then we have a fun and spoiler-free conversation with Lamar about Ruin Road, which is out TODAY! Tune in on October 1 for part two of Eyeball Fall when we discuss The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim. Then join us for an...2024-09-181h 49Book Squad GoalsOthersode #96: Lip Bite ASMR / It Ends With Us (The Movie)Did you think our hatred of It Ends With Us ended with our hatepisode on the book? Think again. This week, girlfriend of the pod Angela Ferraguto joins us for a discussion of the brand new film adapation of Colleen Hoover's novel — and by discussion, we mostly mean a list of complaints. Plus, Angela offers her expert opinion re: flowers and the city of Boston, where everything is better. If you have any feedback, even if its hateful, feel free to email us at thesquad@booksquadgoals.com. Stay tuned for our next bookpisode on 9/3 when we'll be discussing The Pairing by C...2024-08-201h 38Book Squad GoalsBSG #96: The Angie Kim Baseline / Happiness FallsJoin Emily, Susan, and special returning guest Janet for a discussion of Angie Kim’s second novel, Happiness Falls! We talk about the mystery plot, the role of communication and understanding, whether you can quantify happiness, and how we feel about the ending. Then we get into some listener feedback and continue our feud over whether Kennedy from Come and Get It is actually evil or pretty ok. Go see It Ends with Us and be a hater with us for our next Othersode on August 20. Then read along for our next Bookpisode about The Pairing by Casey McQuiston on Se...2024-08-081h 16Book Squad GoalsOthersode #95: Punching Across / Bottoms with Susie DumondPick your astrological enemy because it’s time to fight them in this high school gymnasium! JK, but we are discussing Bottoms (2023) with special guest Susie Dumond! After talking about the film, we chat with Susie about her new novel, Looking for a Sign. She gives us some great insights into her process, and we get to talk about astrology and dating apps too! Susie’s book is out now, so go get it! Join us and special guest Janet Dale on August 6 for our next Bookpisode on Happiness Falls by Angie Kim. Then go hate-watch It Ends With Us for...2024-07-241h 30Book Squad GoalsOthersode #93: My Demon Totoro / The Blackcoat's Daughter with Paul TremblaySpecial 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 interview, so you can listen before you read it. And we DO recommend you read it because we all l...2024-05-291h 48Book Squad GoalsBSG #93: Shout-out to Billee the Cat / The CentreSpend 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 when we’ll be joined by the incredible Paul Tremblay for a chat a...2024-05-151h 23Book Squad GoalsBSG #92: Iconically Weird Behavior / The Sun Sets in SingaporeGet 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 Bookpisode on The Centre by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi on 5/14. Send your fee...2024-04-171h 09Book Squad GoalsBSG #91: Giambattista Basile: My Enemy / ThornhedgeMirror, 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 discussion of the latest Lindsay Lohan/Netflix vehicle, Irish Wish (4/2), and read along for our...2024-03-201h 06Book Squad GoalsOthersode #90: Leo's Lemonade / This Is Me... NowFrom 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 next Bookpisode on Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher, featuring special guest Je...2024-03-061h 04Book Squad GoalsBSG #90: Thomas Cruise M’pother IV / RougePut 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 March 5th. Then read along for our next Bookpisode about Thorn Hedge by T. King...2024-02-201h 44Book Squad GoalsOthersode #88: Suika Fixed My Marriage / Our Favorite Things of 2023It’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 thesquad@booksquadgoals.com! Thanks for being with us in 2024!TOC2:34– Icebreaker11:22–Round 130:24–...2024-01-101h 35Book Squad GoalsBSG #88: Googly-eyed Freak / Looking Glass SoundHelp! 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, please drop us a line at thesquad@booksquadgoals.com, and if you're...2024-01-021h 46Book Squad GoalsOthersode #87: Riley Sager Math: A Hatepisode / The Only One LeftSpecial 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 in for our Best of 2023 episode on 1/9! Please do u...2023-12-121h 38Book Squad GoalsBSG #87: Pavlov's Demons / Camp DamascusThe 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 along with us for our...2023-11-281h 20Book Squad GoalsOthersode #85: Bayou Depression / What Josiah Saw with Clay McLeod ChapmanReturn 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 pizza. Next we get into some feedback on a blog post (of all things!) and Clay improvises a potential new theme song for...2023-10-242h 10Book Squad GoalsBSG #85: The Best Plagiarism You Ever Saw / YellowfaceSo 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 McLeod Chapman, author of What Kind of Mother, for a chat about What Josiah S...2023-10-031h 46Book Squad GoalsOthersode #84: BAAAAAT!! / What We Do in the Shadows with Grace TreutelBe 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 Othersode about What Josiah Saw on 10/17. Send your feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com an...2023-09-211h 39Book Squad GoalsBSG #84: The Revenge of Emma Fay / Thirst for SaltGidday, 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 read along with us for our next Bookpisode about Yellowface by R.F...2023-09-051h 13Book Squad GoalsOthersode #83: Florida is the Mojo Dojo Casa House of America / Barbie with Nathan SimmonsHI 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 Chambers of My Heart) for an Othersode about What We Do in the Shadows on 9/19! Send us feedback (PLEASE) to thesq...2023-08-231h 34Book Squad GoalsBSG #83: Exorcism for Dummies / PiñataSorry 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 along for our Bookpisode on Thirst for Salt by Madelaine...2023-08-081h 24Book Squad GoalsOthersode #82: Tiny Baby Ice Cream Cones / Fire Island with Tirzah PriceHave 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 adaptations of classics, please email us at thesquad@booksquadgoals.com, and follow us on social...2023-08-021h 26Book Squad GoalsBSG #82: Jenna Bush: “Reading” Since 2021 / Chain-Gang All StarsIn 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 we discuss the film Fire Island with one of our favorite guests, Tirzah Price, aut...2023-07-111h 42Book Squad GoalsBSG #81: Cord, Short for Corduroy / Pineapple StreetJoin 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 Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah on 7...2023-06-131h 04Book Squad GoalsBSG #80: Semi-Automatic Nun / Scorched GraceYour 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 feedback on any episode to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com!TOC...2023-05-161h 16Book Squad GoalsOthersode #79: A Breakneck Michigan / The 355 with Gabriella SaabAuthor 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 Bookpisode about Scorched Grace by Margot Duaihy on May 16th. Then watch Are You Ther...2023-05-031h 28Book Squad GoalsBSG #79: Caleb de Suerte / Our Share of NightJoin 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 thesquad@booksquadgoals.com and don’t forget to leave us a rating and review!TOC:30– Welcome back...2023-04-191h 48Book Squad GoalsOthersode #77: Red Hair-ing / Knock at the Cabin with Samantha AllenKnock, 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 check out the Daisy Jones and the Six limi...2023-03-071h 37Book Squad GoalsBSG #77: I Thought We Were Solving a Murder / Witches / Interview with Dizz TateAccompany 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 Virgin Suicides. Plus, they give great advice, especially for people with "no hopes for the future!" Send us any feedback you have to...2023-02-211h 43Book Squad GoalsOthersode #76: We’ve Touched the Puppet Hole / M3GAN with Grady HendrixGrady 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 Samantha Allen, author of Patricia Wants to Cuddle. Send feedback, questions, and pictur...2023-02-071h 56Book Squad GoalsBSG #76: The Gimlet or the Eye / Cult ClassicCome 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 Haunted House. Then read along for our...2023-01-241h 33Book Squad GoalsBSG #75: Homewritten / The Weight of BloodThis 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 Weight of Blood"? What are your thoughts? Be sure to send us some feedback at...2022-12-271h 40Book Squad GoalsOthersode #74: If I Can't Have Two Men, I Can Have Cher / Interview with the VampireIt 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 thesquad@booksquadgoals.com and we'll read it on our next othersode! Stay tuned for our...2022-12-121h 36Book Squad GoalsBSG #74: Communing with Cats / The Women Could FlySpecial 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 thesquad@booksquadgoals.com! TOC:30–welcome special guest and breaking the ice!8:05–book intro10:57–what does it me...2022-11-291h 22Book Squad GoalsOthersode #73: Some of Those Aspects Are Dead Now / The Midnight ClubIt’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 thesquad@booksquadgoals.com. Don’t forget to come back next time to join our discussion of “The Women Could Fly” by Megan Giddings (11/28). And on our next othersode, we’ll chat about nurse...2022-11-141h 42Book Squad GoalsBSG #73: Go Watch Underwater / Our Wives Under the SeaSink 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” starring Kristen Stewart. Do you have thoughts on this book or on the film “Underwater?” Send them to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com. Stay tuned for our next episode on Netflix’s “The Midnight Club” on 11/14, and then read along for our next bookpisode on “The Women Could Fly” by Megan Giddings, where we’ll be joined by special guest C...2022-10-311h 14Book Squad GoalsBSG #72: Shout Out to Babies Everywhere / The School for Good MothersThis 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 – authors of “Toil and Trouble: A Women’s History of the Occult” — and don’t forget to read along for our next bookpisode...2022-10-041h 21Book Squad GoalsBSG #71: You Made A Fool of Death with Your Podcast / Akwaeke Emezi's You Made A Fool of DeathOh 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 line at thesquad@booksqua...2022-09-061h 20Book Squad GoalsBSG #70: The True American Dream: Colonialism / Olga Dies DreamingOkay, 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 to Seattle, and Susan, who welcomed her new baby girl, Amira Just...2022-08-081h 24Book Squad GoalsBSG #69: A Chilling Portrait of Womanhood / Notes on an ExecutionThe Book Squad visits death row this week with our discussion about "Notes on an Execution" by Danya Kukafka. We talk about the narrative structure and writing style, morality and choice, and the fascination with serial killers and crime. Next we get into some feedback for "Book of Night" and catch up with what’s on the blog. Returning special guest Tirzah Price (author of "Sense and Second-Degree Murder") will join us for our next Othersode on Netflix’s new "Persuasion" adaptation on July 25th. For our next Bookpisode, we’ll be covering "Olga Dies Dreaming" by Xóchitl González with...2022-07-111h 24Book Squad GoalsBSG #68: Who is Raven? / Book of NightSpecial guest Ellis (and her shadow) joins the Book Squad this week for our discussion of Holly Black’s adult debut, Book of Night. We dig into the novel’s magic system, adult vs. YA fantasy writing, character development, and how we felt about the ending. Check out The Time Traveler’s Wife series on HBO before our next Othersode on June 27th. Then read along with us for our next Bookpisode about Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka on July 11th. Send listener feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com and don’t forget to leave us a rating and review...2022-06-141h 34Book Squad GoalsOthersode #67: Sometimes You Only Have So Many Voices Inside You / I Kissed Shara WheelerThe Squad is joined by special guest, author Susie Dumond, to discuss I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston. We talk about “likable” characters, queer representation in YA books (featuring a special “Ask a Man” appearance by Todd), the book’s southern setting, and of course, Shara herself. Next, we chat with Susie about her book, Queerly Beloved! Read along for our next Bookpisode on June 13th on Book of Night by Holly Black. Then check out The Time Traveler’s Wife series on HBO for our next Othersode on June 27th. Send listener feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com or DM us on the...2022-05-311h 42Book Squad GoalsBSG #67: Not a Beach Read / SundialWe’re going deep into the Mojave desert this week to talk about Catriona Ward’s new novel Sundial. Join the squad as we discuss the book’s structure, perspective vs. reality, wild plot twists, and unexpected reveals. Then we get into some listener feedback about "Reprieve" and catch up with what’s on the blog. Tune in on May 30th for our next Othersode about "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" by Casey McQuiston. We’ll be joined by special guest Susie Dumond, author of "Queerly Beloved," so you don’t wanna miss it! Then, read along with us for our next Bookpis...2022-05-161h 24Book Squad GoalsOthersode #64: Chekhov's Cocaine / No ExitGet trapped in a snowy rest stop with the Book Squad for our discussion of the film No Exit, based on the novel by Taylor Adams. We talk about whether this thriller is also a mystery, explore the differences between the book and the movie, and pick apart the characters. Read along with us for our next Bookpisode on The Atmospherians by Alex McElroy on March 21. Our next Othersode topic is TBD, so stay tuned. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe, and send your listener feedback on this or any other episode to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com!TO...2022-03-081h 09Book Squad GoalsBSG #64: Space Racism / GoliathThe year is 2050-something and the world is…confusing? Join us in near-future America (and space!) for our discussion of "Goliath" by Tochi Onyebuchi. We discuss the “big ideas” the novel puts forth, as well as the writing style, the difficult-to-understand bits, and moments of joy(?). Then we get into some listener feedback and catch up with what’s on the blog, including new book reviews, TV show chats, and music reviews. Join us on March 7th for our Othersode on "No Exit" (the film adaptation), and read along for our March 21st Bookpisode on "The Atmospherians" by Alex McElroy. Send you...2022-02-211h 23Book Squad GoalsOthersode #63: Hot Patel Winter / Station Eleven (HBO)Remember when we did an episode on "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel back in 2018? We barely do either! But now we’re talking about the HBO limited series "Station Eleven." Full circle! We discuss the differences in the book and the show, the role of art and pop culture, favorite episodes, and what it was like to watch a pandemic show during an actual pandemic. Next we catch up with what’s on the blog (lots of fun stuff!). Read along with us for our February 21st Bookpisode on "Goliath" by Tochi Onyebuchi. For our next Othersode on Marc...2022-02-071h 21Book Squad GoalsBSG #63: The Bear Was Framed / My Heart Is a ChainsawCome along with the Book Squad to Proofrock, Idaho for a slasher-filled discussion of "My Heart Is a Chainsaw" by Stephen Graham Jones! We talk about the main character, Jade, how the novel deals with sexual assault, gentrifiction, and whether this book is scary. Next we get into some listener feedback about "Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch" and catch up with what’s on the Book Squad Blog. Tune in on February 7th for our next Othersode on the HBO series "Station Eleven," based on the novel by Emily St. John Mandel. Next, read along with us for ou...2022-01-241h 36Book Squad GoalsOthersode #62: It Made Me Want to Die / Our Favorite Things of 2021It’s the most wonderful time of the year—time for us to talk about all of our favorite things! Listen to us chat about our pop culture highlights of 2021, and as a special treat, hear from this year’s guests too! Then we exchange Secret Santa/non-denominational gifts and tell each other how much we love each other. Read along for our next Bookpisode on January 24th as we discuss My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones. Then get post-apocalyptic with us on February 7th for our next Othersode on the HBO series Station Eleven. Email us at the...2022-01-111h 40Book Squad GoalsOthersode #60: Girl Power! / Female Friendships and The Last Checkmate with Gabriella SaabGather your gal pals for a listening party as author Gabriella Saab joins the squad for a chat about some of our favorite female friendships in pop culture! From the Spice Girls to the ladies of SATC, we’ve got all our besties covered. After we share our heavily 90s-influenced picks, we talk with Gabriella about her new historical fiction novel “The Last Checkmate,” which is out now and has already garnered some VERY impressive reviews on Goodreads. We dive into Gabriella’s research process, the concept of “chess brain,” and the female friendships at the center of the book that inspire...2021-11-161h 39Book Squad GoalsOthersode #59: Is This Based On a Book? / Nine Perfect Strangers (The Show!) with Tirzah PriceMicrodose your smoothie and come along for a peaceful journey through the Hulu series "Nine Perfect Strangers," based on the novel by Liane Moriarty. Returning guest Tirzah Price (author of "Pride and Premeditation") joins us for a wild discussion of how this TV adaptation holds up, what’s missing from the book, what the show is saying about body image, grief, and drugs, and, of course, Manny Jacinto. Join us on November 1 for our next Bookpisode on "Detransition, Baby" by Torrey Peters, plus an interview with SJ Sindu, author of "Blue-Skinned Gods." Then Gabriella Saab, author of "The Last Checkmate" wi...2021-10-181h 36