Shows
Tuesday Night Book ClubA Six-Year-Old Walks into a Pool Party with an Antique Dueling Pistol; Sleep, Chapters 10-19 (pp. 65-132)Homework: Sleep, Chapters 20-29 (pp. 133-201)In this episode, Honor Jones treats Tava, Brett, and Alex to more of Margaret's family dysfunction, but this time focuses on their present-day struggles. Brett and Tava put some of their own marriage quibbles on display, and Alex welcomes a new dishwasher to her family. This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:Norwegian Wood, by Haruki MurakamiThe Midnight Library, by Matthew Haig Priestdaddy, by Patricia LockwoodWe Do Not Part, by Han KangFollow us on ...2025-07-2957 minTuesday Night Book ClubTeam Margaret; Sleep, Chapters 1-9 ( pp. 1-64)Homework: Sleep, Chapters 10-19 (pp. 65-132)In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex discuss the first section of Sleep, by Honor Jones. The group discusses the author's depiction of Margaret's molestation by her brother, the complex family dynamics at play, and where the rest of the book may go. This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:Norwegian Wood, by Haruki MurakamiThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, by Suzanne CollinsPriestdaddy, by Patricia LockwoodFollow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music...2025-07-221h 02Tuesday Night Book ClubPreface: Sleep, by Honor JonesORDER SLEEP, BY HONOR JONESHomework: Sleep, pp. 1-64.In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex introduce their fifth book, Sleep, by Honor Jones. They also discuss many movies and tv shows that have nothing to do with Sleep, by Honor Jones. This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:The Plot Against America, by Phillip RothMockingjay, by Suzanne CollinsPriestdaddy, by Patricia LockwoodFollow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://f2025-07-1549 minTuesday Night Book ClubEpilogue: Motherhood, Revealed (Feat. Tena Zapantis)ANNOUCING BOOK #5: SLEEP, BY HONOR JONESAs Tava, Brett, and Alex prepare to say goodbye to Heartwood, they decided to bring on a very special guest to talk about motherhood... a real-life mom, Tena Zapantis! Tena walks the childless TNBC hosts through what it is like raise a family and gives some prescient advice for those who aren't quite sure if kids are in the cards. Follow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.02025-07-011h 00Tuesday Night Book ClubMommy Issues; Heartwood (pp. 239-302)ANNOUCING BOOK #5: SLEEP, BY HONOR JONESAnother book is in the... books. And, surprise surprise, the group isn't a fan of the ending. In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex talk about why they are continually disappointed with how TNBC's books wrap up and what they are hoping to see next time around. Specifically - enough with the book jacket pandering! This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:G-Man, by Beverly GageMockingjay, by Suzanne CollinsThe Art of Travel, by Alain de Botton...2025-06-2455 minTuesday Night Book ClubJust A Boy and His Death Pit; Heartwood (pp. 159-238)HOMEWORK: 239-ENDIn this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex grade last week's predictions and make some new ones, Alex laments how Covid has infected contemporary literature, and the group is starting to get suspicious about book jackets.This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:The Camera My Gave Me, by Susanna KaysenThe Hunger Games, by Suzanne CollinsThe Women on Platform Two, by Laura AnthonyFollow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https...2025-06-1753 minTuesday Night Book ClubShamu, Andre the Seal, and Wachusett Willy; Heartwood (79-158)HOMEWORK: Heartwood pp. 159-238Tava, Brett, and Alex go deep into the world of monsters and larger-than-life figures, discussing some local lore as well as some of their boldest theories about just what is happening to Valerie in the Maine woods. This episode features TNBC's first-ever call-in, from former CEMA director Dino Zapantis. This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:The Camera My Gave Me, by Susanna KaysenThe Hunger Games, by Suzanne CollinsFollow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mas...2025-06-1057 minTuesday Night Book ClubSome of Those Who Wander Are Lost; Heartwood (pp. 1-78)This week, Tava, Brett, and Alex dive into Heartwood, by Amity Gaige. The trio trade theories, make predictions, and swap survival stories. Homework: Heartwood, pp. 79-158This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:Mood Machine, by Liz PellyYou Could Make This Place Beautiful, by Maggie SmithThe Hunger Games, by Suzanne CollinsFollow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.02025-06-0354 minTuesday Night Book ClubPreface: Heartwood & Rough Draft: First LinesBOOK #4: HEARTWOOD, BY AMITY GAIGE. Out now wherever you get books, and on our Bookshop.org page. Tava, Brett, and Alex spend a few minutes with TNBC's newest book, Heartwood by Amity Gaige. Then, the group works their way through some of their favorite first lines in literature, featuring Moby Dick, a Tale of Two Cities, The Glass Castle, The Secret History, One Hundred Years of Solite, and more than one work by Joan Didion. In this book-heavy episode, they managed to sneak in a few tangents about Amy Winehouse and their search histories. Heartwo...2025-05-2753 minTuesday Night Book ClubEpilogue: The Dream Hotel and Our Modern Dystopian HellscapeIn their final episode for The Dream Hotel, Tava, Brett, and Alex talk through some of the ways the future is already here. Topics include predictive crime cameras, a ring that tracks cheating partners, AI models to screen cancer patients, and private prisons. ANNOUCING BOOK #4: HEARTWOOD, BY AMITY GAIGE. Out now wherever you get books, and on our Bookshop.org page. This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:The Huntress, by Kate QuinnMoby Dick, by Herman MelvilleFollow us on ...2025-05-2050 minTuesday Night Book ClubIf You Can't Beat 'Em, Free 'Em; The Dream Hotel (pp. 254 - 322)In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex blame the editors for ruining the ending of another good book, Alex gets Brett talking about his favorite topic - the prison system, and Tava tries to stick up for our main character and her crusade against an evil algorithm and the system it spawned. ANNOUCING BOOK #4: HEARTWOOD, BY AMITY GAIGE. Out now wherever you get books, and on our Bookshop.org page. This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:The Huntress, by Kate QuinnSplinters, by Leslie Jamison Moby Di...2025-05-1356 minTuesday Night Book ClubHave You Any Dreams You'd Like to Sell?; The Dream Hotel (pp. 167-253)After finally catching up on their weekends, Tava, Brett, and Alex dive into section three of The Dream Hotel. They go over their predictions from the previous week and make some bold bets about how the book will end. The group also discusses their own dreams, the technology of the future, and... women. Homework for April 29: The Dream Hotel pp. 254-END)This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:The Huntress, by Kate QuinnSplinters, by Leslie Jamieson Follow us o...2025-05-0652 minTuesday Night Book ClubThe Curious Case of the Crone at the Bus Stop; The Dream Hotel (pp. 82-166)Yeah, there is an echo. If you can get past it, we discuss Ted Lasso, Mad Men, Hacks, The Stranger in the Woods, Usual Cruelty, doomsday preppers, plea bargains, and somehow relate it all back to The Dream Hotel. Laila LA LA MI. Homework for April 29: The Dream Hotel pp. 167-253)This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:The Song of Achilles, by Madeline MillerSplinters, by Leslie Jamieson Follow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot...2025-04-2959 minTuesday Night Book ClubA Kinder, Gentler, Dystopian Novel; The Dream Hotel, Part 1 (pp. 1-81)Tava, Brett, and Alex dive headfirst into The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami. In a jam-packed episode, they take on AI, social media, and can't resist their favorite topic - the role of women in society. Homework for April 29: The Drema Hotel Part 2 (pp. 82-166)This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:The Housemaid, by Freida McFaddenIntermezzo, by Sally RooneyFollow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav...2025-04-2255 minTuesday Night Book ClubPreface: The Dream Hotel AND Rough Draft: Book GoalsAfter judging The Dream Hotel by its cover, Tava, Brett, and Alex launch into a surprisingly friendly discussion about book goals. They share their "number," explore some of the reasons they began keeping a reading tally, and compare themselves against the Washington Post's annual survey of readers. There is still plenty of time to order The Dream Hotel or to borrow it from your local library!The Dream Hotel Schedule:April 22: Part I (pp. 1-81)April 29: Part 2 (pp. 82-166)May 6: Part 3, some of Pa...2025-04-1551 minTuesday Night Book ClubEpilogue: Crush; feat. Jeremy Zapantis!Tava, Brett, and Alex are joined by Alex's totally real boyfriend, Jeremy. In a very special episode, they discuss generations, AI, the bro code, arguments, open marriages, and All Fours by Miranda July. Are we forgetting something? Ah, yes. Crush.Order The Dream Hotel by Lala LalamiJoin us next week for a joint Preface/Rough Draft Episode, where the crew introduces The Dream Hotel and gets into a debate (we haven't recorded yet, but probably) about yearly book goals. Follow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro M...2025-04-0855 minTuesday Night Book ClubBREAKING: TNBC Files for Divorce From Crush; Crush, Chapters 30-37Against all odds, Tava, Brett, and Alex held it together long enough to get through the rest of Crush. In an episode full of digressions, the group discusses taxes, the rising cost of fast food, and their favorite topic - men versus women. Next week, TNBC will have its first ever guest: Alex's boyfriend Jeremy! INTRODUCING OUR NEXT BOOK: The Dream Hotel, by Laila Lalami. Buy/borrow it now!This week's What Else Are You Reading? books:Intermezzo, by Sally RooneyAll Fours...2025-04-0152 minTuesday Night Book ClubTNBC & Crush Go to Couple's Therapy; Crush, Chapters 19-29In an episode filled with tangents and hot takes, Tava thinks David might be the one for our unnamed narrator, Brett takes a weak stand on the seriousness of divorce, and Alex expresses her doubts about therapy. This week's What Else are You Reading? books:Want, by Gillian AndersonFollow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.02025-03-2552 minTuesday Night Book ClubTNBC Enters Into an Open Relationship With Crush; Crush, Chapters 7-18Crush is still here!!! Tava, Brett, and Alex decide to stray from the text and turn their attention to their own relationships, the existence of soul mates, and whether love and freedom are compatible. This week's What Else are You Reading? books:Falconer, by John CheeverTitan, by Ron ChernowTits Up, by Sarah ThorntonFollow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribut...2025-03-1857 minTuesday Night Book ClubOur Spirits Have Been CRUSHed; Crush, Chapters 1-6Crush is here!!! And it is... disappointing. After Tava does her best to stop Brett from trashing the book, the group wanders into a conversation about relationships, women v. men, and their hopes for the next section. This week's What Else are You Reading? books:I Heard Her Call My Name, by Lucy SanteEmily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of FaeriesSpeak, Memory, by Vladimir NabokovTitan, by Ron ChernowFollow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.I...2025-03-1156 minTuesday Night Book ClubPreface: CrushTava, Brett, and Alex introduce their second book: Crush, by Ada Calhoun. In between Alex trying to force everyone to discuss open marriages, the group plays Judge a Book by Its Cover and reads through the book jacket.There is still plenty of time to order Crush or to borrow it from your local library!Crush Schedule:March 11: Chapters 1-6 (pp. 1-66)March 18: Chapters 7-18 (pp. 67-139)March 25: Chapters 19-29 (pp. 140-214)April 1: Chapters 30-37 (pp. 215-269)This week's...2025-03-0431 minTuesday Night Book ClubA Novella: GONE Girl, by Gillian FlynnWith seemingly unlimited time on their hands, Tava, Brett, and Alex sat down to discuss Gone Girl, the bestselling book by Gillian Flynn and the blockbuster movie starring Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck. Novella episodes feature books that are so well-known they don't require listeners to read ahead of time. Whether you love the book, the movie, or women framing their husbands in meticulously executed murder plots, this episode is for you.Our Preface episode for Crush, by Ada Calhoun will be released 3/4, and our first Crush Book Club episode comes out 3/11.Follow...2025-02-2737 minTuesday Night Book ClubRough Draft: Is Listening to Audiobooks Considered Reading?Introducing Rough Draft, an unedited, unfiltered conversation about bookish topics. In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex debate the age-old question: Is listening to an audiobook considered reading? Things get heated. Our Next Book: Crush, by Ada Calhoun!This week's What Else Are You Reading? Books:I Heard Her Call My Name: A Memoir of Transition, by Lucy SanteFunny Story, by Emily HenryThe Late Americans, by Brandon TaylorFollow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pic...2025-02-2546 minTuesday Night Book ClubEpilogue: Good GirlTava, Brett, and Alex bid farewell to Good Girl by talking about reviews from The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The Guardian, The LA Times, Vulture, and more! They also consider whether they focused on the book's narrative at the expense of Aria Aber's writing, and if they shied away from talking about the immigrant experience. Pre-order Crush, by Ada Calhoun.Tune in next week for a heated discussion on audiobooks and for a quick-and-dirty episode on Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (no pre-reading required). Follow us on Instagram for additional content...2025-02-2016 minTuesday Night Book ClubWe're Being Manipulated...; Good Girl, Chapters 25-36Tava, Brett, and Alex wrap up the final section of Good Girl unsure if the ending provided them with much hope. And, after 345 pages, they are still trying to make sense of all the drug use and aren't sure why the author wrote from the future. ANNOUNCING OUR NEW BOOK: Crush, by Ada Calhoun. This week's What Are you Reading? Books:The Wide Wide Sea, by Hampton SidesThe Nickel Boys, by Colson WhiteheadFunny Story, by Emily Henry2025-02-1857 minTuesday Night Book ClubThose Who Lie About the Past Are Chained to It; Good Girl, Chapters 18-24Tava, Brett, and Alex discuss the third section of Good Girl, lament Nila's constant drug use, weigh the importance of identity, and make their predictions for how the book will end.Homework: Finish the damn thing (Good Girl, Chapters 25-36)This week's What Else Are You Reading? Books:The Wide Wide Sea, by Hampton SidesEveryone Who is Gone is Here, by Jonathan BlitzerDeath of the Author, by Nnedi OkoraforFollow us onInstagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures...2025-02-1146 minTuesday Night Book ClubThe Self-Indulgent Life; Good Girl, Chapters 9-17Tava, Brett, and Alex discuss the second section of Good Girl, lust after the lifestyle of the starving artist, and debate how important it is to like the main characters in a book.
Homework: Good Girl, Chapters 18-24 (pp. 167-253)
This week's What Else Are You Reading? Books:
The Wide Wide Sea, by Hampton Sides
You Dreamed of Empires, by Álvaro Enrigue
All the Rage, by Darcy Lockman
Follow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.
2025-02-0452 minTuesday Night Book ClubSex, Drugs, and... Drugs; Good Girl, Chapters 1-8Tava, Brett, and Alex discuss the first eight chapters of Good Girl, what it takes for a book to become a modern classic, and the words they didn't know and didn't bother to look up. This week's What Else Are You Reading? Books:James, by Percival EverettThe Wide Wide Sea, by Hampton SidesCloud Cuckoo Land, by Anthony DoerrAs always, follow us on Instagram for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of the TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound...2025-01-2856 minTuesday Night Book ClubPreface: Good GirlTava, Brett, and Alex introduce the podcast, discuss their reading habits and favorite books, and reveal their first book, Good Girl by Aria Aber! January/February Schedule:1/28: Good Girl pp. 1-862/4: Good Girl pp. 87-1662/11 Good Girl pp. 167-2532/18 Good Girl pp. 254-346Read along and comment on Instagram, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts to join the conversation.https://www.amazon.com/Good-Girl-Novel-Aria-Aber/dp/0593731115https://bookshop.org/p/books/good-girl-aria-aber/21385261https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/good-girl-aria-aber/1145414102...2025-01-2115 min