Shows
The Dust JacketThe Book of Hope, by Jane GoodallThis week we're talking about the last book Jane Goodall wrote before her death, The Book of Hope. We discuss her inspiring presence as a human, where this book hits and where it misses, and the nature of hope in horrible times like these in early 2026.
Here is the video about the two men who planted 10,000 trees in Yeli village
No real spoilers in this one
2026-02-1321 minThe Dust JacketLost Lambs, by Madeline CashThis week we talk about Lost Lambs, a multi-POV funny family book that's actually funny! We both loved the vibes and the characters, and we both had some quibbles with the plot and the ending.
Spoilers from 20 mins
2026-02-0656 minThe Dust JacketHeated Rivalry, by Rachel ReidThis week we're talking about the North American continent's latest pop culture obsession, Heated Rivalry!
If you know you know, and if you don't know, then you should know that this book (and our discussion of it) has graphic mentions of sex.
Spoiler from 23 mins
2026-01-3037 minThe Dust JacketThe Future Saints, by Ashley WinsteadWe discuss The Future Saints, by thriller/romance writer Ashley Winstead, a Daisy Jones-esque novel that is primarily about grief. We talk about the parts we really liked and all the missed opportunities along the way.
Trigger warning for mention of self-harm
Spoilers from 26 mins
2026-01-2352 minThe Dust JacketThe Unworthy, by Agustina BazterricaThis week, we discuss The Unworthy, the latest novel from the author of Tender Is the Flesh, Agustina Bazterrica. We talk about religion and cults, apocalypses, crazy people--you know, 2026 stuff.
This is a short book with a weird structure, so spoilers pretty much from the jump
2026-01-1646 minThe Dust JacketBat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng, by Kylie Lee BakerThis week we discuss the supernatural mystery Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng, by Kylie Lee Baker. We both liked a lot of this book, but not quite everything.
Spoilers from 22 mins
2026-01-0946 minThe Dust JacketThe Grace Year, by Kim LiggettSpecial guest Sonya joins to discuss Kim Liggett's The Grace Year, a dystopian, possibly magical realism, horror novel about the strictures of the patriarchy. We all loved the themes and message, but got a little lost with some of the logistics.
You can find Dacey's hand-drawn map here
2026-01-0254 minThe Dust JacketA Ferry Merry Christmas, by Debbie MacomberIn our final episode of Grinch Month, special guest Alayne joins us to talk shit about A Ferry Merry Christmas, by Debbie Macomber, who writes 5 books per year including a Christmas book every single year. We discuss the basic physics of ferries, the uncanny valley, and much more.
Spoilers throughout this ep
Special thanks to Karin and Dave for research help
2025-12-1934 minThe Dust JacketBeautiful Ugly, by Alice FeeneyJoin us as we grinch all over the worst book we read this year, Beautiful Ugly. This is a domestic thriller so bad it feels like a parody of Gone Girl.
Spoilers from 17 mins
2025-12-1242 minThe Dust JacketHeart the Lover, by Lily KingThis was a tough one--early reviews of this book are glowing, but neither of us liked it. Find out which parts gave us the ick, why we think this book is autobiographical and why that's weird... and also why we thought the twist ending fell so flat.
Spoilers from 42 mins
2025-12-051h 03The Dust JacketThe Road to Tender Hearts, by Annie HartnettThis week we talk about what makes a man a curmudgeon, the differences between quirky books and silly books, and when a wedding isn't a wedding.
Spoilers from 27 mins, and they are significant spoilers, so be prepared to pause if you want to read this book unspoiled.
2025-11-2144 minThe Dust JacketDeadly Animals, by Marie TierneyWe discuss Deadly Animals, by Marie Tierney, in which a young precocious girl helps solve the mystery of who's killing all her classmates. We both loved some parts of this book and were irritated by others.
Trigger warning for mentions of violence and sexual assault against children. Spoilers from 24 mins in
2025-11-1441 minThe Dust JacketSky Daddy, by Kate FolkSpecial guest Jules returns to talk about Sky Daddy with us. This is a truly weird novel about a woman with a sexual fixation on planes, who wants to "marry" one by dying in a plane crash.
Warning: This episode has a LOT of talk about sex. If you're around children or just don't want to hear about sex, skip this one.
Spoilers not until 41 mins
2025-11-0750 minThe Dust JacketSlewfoot, by BromHappy Halloween! For the end of Spooktober, we're talking about the cult hit Slewfoot, by Brom. We discuss why Puritans make great horror villains, why this book is actually two books, and the power and pitfalls of witch hunts in fiction.
Spoilers from 15 minutes.
2025-10-3126 minThe Dust JacketPlay Nice, by Rachel HarrisonWe talk about a haunted house book that just got published, Play Nice, by Rachel Harrison. It features an interesting premise, but we didn't care much for the execution...
Spoilers from 17 minutes in
2025-10-2434 min
The Political OrphansCanada's Censorship Nightmare: Barber, Pawlowski & Guests Fight Back LIVE!Tonight, on Source One’s Saturday Late Night Mashup Jason Lavigne and Nico Lagan are joined by special guests: Chris Barber, Pastor Artur Pawlowski, Chris Dacey from Dacey Media, Chris Carbert and Jason from Wiretap Media to speak about how censorship is now part of the Canadian Reality.Join us LIVE at 7pm MT - 9pm EST on X, Youtube and Rumble.Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE this live stream!
2025-10-191h 51The Dust JacketThe Last House on Needless Street, by Catriona WardWe discuss the very popular horror novel The Last House on Needless Street, by Catriona Ward. Controversially, we didn't like it much...
Spoilers from 15 minutes in, and these are very real, will-spoil-the-book-for-you type spoilers.
2025-10-1734 minThe Dust JacketThe Frequency of Living Things, by Nick Fuller GooginsThis week we're talking about The Frequency of Living Things, and for the first time ever, we have the author on to discuss his book with us!
Nick Fuller Googins shares stories about the ins and outs of publishing, the real-life activist inmate who inspired one of the characters in this book, and how his writing process takes him on unexpected journeys.
This episode is spoiler-free
2025-10-1057 minThe Dust JacketTender Is the Flesh, by Agustina BazterricaTo kick off Halloween month, we're reading the disgusting horror novel Tender Is the Flesh, by Argentinian author Agustina Bazterrica.
Warning: this book is about cannibalism, and our discussion of it mentions a lot of stomach-turning violence, including to pregnant women and animals. Skip this one if you have any reservations about that subject matter.
Spoilers from 19 mins
2025-10-0330 minThe Dust JacketSunrise on the Reaping, by Suzanne CollinsWe discuss the Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping, which depicts Haymitch's Hunger Games. How does it hold up next to other Hunger Games books and next to other dystopian YA books?
Spoilers from 14 minutes in, but honestly, if you read the Hunger Games, you already know them
2025-09-2634 minThe Dust JacketThe Compound, by Aisling RawleWe bring in our Irish friends, Róisín and Claire, to help us discuss Aisling Rawle's The Compound. Billed as "Love Island meets Lord of the Flies," The Compound deals with a vacuous main character on a vapid TV show... but can it meet its goal to rise above vacuousness and vapidity?
Spoilers from 30 mins in
2025-09-1940 min
The Lavigne ShowTea & Coffee w/ Paula & Jay | Episode #25 | Chris Dacey & Nico LaganJoin Paula & Jay over Tea & Coffee as they talk about the news of the day, life, and whatever comes up. Special Guests: Chris Dacey & Nico Lagan
2025-09-121h 09The Dust JacketThe Widows of Malabar Hill, by Sujata MasseyWe discuss the first in a series of historical mysteries set in 1920s India. Somehow no spoilers?
2025-09-1226 minThe Dust JacketThe Tainted Cup, by Robert Jackson BennettOur friend Caleb joins us to talk about the fantasy/mystery crossover, The Tainted Cup, which is basically Sherlock Holmes with kaiju.
We talk about what kaiju are, why more fantasies (and mysteries) should be funnier, and how the second book in this series let us down.
Spoilers, including for the sequel, starting from 29 minutes
2025-09-0539 minThe Dust JacketLady Tan's Circle of Women, by Lisa SeeThis week we're arguing about Lady Tan's Circle of Women, by Lisa See. We disagree about everything from the controversies surrounding the author to the objective of historical fiction. And especially whether Lady Tan herself is a good character or not.
2025-08-2930 minThe Dust JacketThe Death of Vivek Oji, by Akaeke EmeziThis week we have a special guest, Bailey, on the show to talk about one of her favorite books, The Death of Vivek Oji.
We talk about the incestuous sex scenes, the divisive ending, and a whole lot more.
Spoilers from 20 mins
2025-08-2231 minThe Dust JacketBroken Country, by Clare Leslie HallWe discuss the 2025 runaway hit, Broken Country, by Clare Leslie Hall. It features both cheating and a wedding, so we have plenty to discuss.
Light spoilers at 8 minutes, full spoilers at 24 minutes
2025-08-1535 minThe Dust JacketThe Martian Chronicles, by Ray BradburyThis week we discuss the seminal sci-fi novel-in-stories The Martian Chronicles, with special guest Sam, who brought his father's original edition to the discussion.
No spoilers since this book doesn't really have a plot, but we do spoil individual stories.
2025-08-0834 minThe Dust JacketBanyan Moon, by Thao ThaiWe discuss Thao Thai's Banyan Moon and other multi-generational sagas
Spoilers from 11 minutes in
2025-08-0125 minThe Dust JacketMe Before You, by Jojo MoyesWe discuss whether this 2012 still holds up or if the controversies are too much for it. We also talk about the wide range of philosophical questions it asks.
TW: assisted suicide
Spoilers at 5 minutes in
2025-07-2539 minThe Dust JacketSilver Elite, by Dani FrancisWe discuss the Fourth Wing-esque, possibly AI-written, new romantasy Silver Elite, with a special guest from our book group, Kate the librarian!
We get into some of the rumors swirling around this book, why it was only disappointingly bad, not amusingly bad, and more.
Spoilers start at 27 minutes
2025-07-1842 minThe Dust JacketThe Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas AdamsWe discuss The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams. For some of us, it was an iconic formative book. For others, a dumb thing boys liked.
Spoilers start at 19 mins
2025-07-1127 minThe Dust JacketCarrie Soto Is Back, by Taylor Jenkins ReidWe have a special guest star--our niece and TJR superfan Kayla--on the pod to talk about TJR's previous book, Carrie Soto Is Back, and also Taylor Jenkins Reid in general.
Spoilers start at 27 mins
2025-06-2738 minThe Dust JacketThe God of Endings, by Jacqueline HollandWe discuss the high-profile 2023 vampire novel The God of Endings, by Jacqueline Holland. Should you read other vampire novels before you write your own? Would you like to be immortal or nah? Did this even need to be a vampire book? All that and more...
Spoilers start around 20 minutes in
2025-06-2030 minThe Dust JacketVictorian Psycho, by Virginia FeitoSpecial guest Lauren helps us discuss the future cult classic, Victorian Psycho, by Virginia Feito. A bizarre, grotesque, and hilarious novel.
No plot spoilers, but fair warning: we do talk about a lot of the surprising and outlandish moments in this book. If you want to go in completely fresh, read it first
2025-06-1335 minThe Dust JacketThe Book Censor's Library, by Bothanya Al-EssaWe discuss The Book Censor's Library, by Bothayna Al-Essa, which was a finalist for the 2024 National Book Award for work in translation.
Spoilers start at 14 minutes in
2025-06-0620 minThe Dust JacketBlue Sisters, by Coco MellorsWe discuss the standout 2024 lit-fic novel, Blue Sisters, by Coco Mellors
2025-05-3020 minThe Dust JacketThe Unicorn Woman, by Gayl JonesWe discuss the 2025 Pulitzer Prize finalist The Unicorn Woman, by Gayl Jones. This book is notable for its obscurity and also its low review scores.
Later, Dacey digs into the Pulitzer Prize process and we float some totally unfounded theories about what goes on in those jury meetings.
2025-05-2320 minThe Dust JacketDinner for Vampires, by Bethany Joy LenzWe discuss the shocking memoir of One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy Lenz, who was in a cult for over a decade.
We also have a special guest, the person who recommended this book, Alayne!
2025-05-1635 minThe Dust JacketGood Dirt, by Charmaine WilkersonWe talk about the new novel by the acclaimed author of Black Cake. The love streak is over: neither of us liked this one. It's probably our fault.
Spoilers from 7 minutes in
2025-05-0928 minThe Dust JacketThe Alternatives, by Caoilinn HughesWe discuss The Alternatives by the Irish author Caoilinn Hughes. We talk why it got such low ratings on Goodreads, why we disagree with those ratings, and why Irish books are great.
Also, no spoilers!
2025-05-0226 minThe Dust JacketDawn, by Octavia ButlerWe discuss the first installment of Octavia Butler's Xenogenesis trilogy, Dawn. This might be the first book we both really liked!
Light spoilers start at 8 minutes
2025-04-2520 minThe Dust JacketThe Favorites, by Layne FargoWe discuss The Favorites, by Layne Fargo. Is it too soapy or just soapy enough? Does knowing it's "Wuthering Heights on ice" make it better or worse?
Spoilers from about 15 mins in
2025-04-1823 minThe Dust JacketPiglet, by Lottie HazellWe talk about Lottie Hazell's 2024 debut novel, Piglet. One of us rated this book 5 stars, and the other one.... didn't...
2025-04-1118 minThe Dust JacketPride and Prejudice, by Jane AustenWe discuss the classic Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, which is an astounding 212 years old! We talk about what still works two centuries later, what feels dated, and whether this book is the origin point of popular romance tropes
2025-04-0421 minThe Dust JacketThe Wedding People, by Alison EspachWe discuss the breakout 2024 hit The Wedding People, by Alison Espach. Yet another book about a wedding...
(Trigger warning: this episode (and the book) talks a lot about suicide)
2025-03-2825 minThe Dust JacketSmall Things Like These, by Claire KeeganIn which we discuss the 2024 Oprah's book club pick and inspiration for Cillian Murphy's latest movie, Small Things Like These. We talk about how we felt like this novel didn't live up to its potential and do some research that we probably should've done beforehand (but we get there in the end!)
2025-03-2117 minThe Dust JacketAll Fours, by Miranda JulySpecial guest alert! Our friend Jules joins us to discuss the New York Times 2024 novel of the year, the truly bizarre All Fours, by Miranda July
2025-03-1440 minThe Dust JacketWeyward, by Emilia HartWe discuss the wildly popular 2023 historical fantasy novel, Weyward
2025-03-0725 minThe Dust JacketBONUS: Shark Heart, by Emily HabeckA short bonus ep from a few months ago when we were still working out the podcast kinks. As it turns out, we didn't have much to say about Shark Heart
2025-03-0306 minThe Dust JacketJames, by Percival EverettWe discuss the 2024 National Book Award winner James, by Percival Everett
Some spoilers at 6 minutes in, full spoilers from 12 minutes in
Reach us @dustjacketpod on Instagram and Bluesky!
2025-02-2822 minThe Dust JacketI've Got Your Number, by Sophie KinsellaIn which we discuss the 2012 chick lit/romance classic, I've Got Your Number.
Light spoilers early on, then a spoiler warning before we really chop it up
Reach us on instagram @dustjacketpod
2025-02-2129 minThe Dust JacketFunny Story, by Emily HenryFor Valentine's Day, we discuss the 2024 Emily Henry romcom Funny Story.
Reach us on instagram @dustjacketpod
2025-02-1424 minThe Dust JacketHang the Moon, by Jeannette WallsWe discuss Hang the Moon, by Jeannette Walls. It has a lot of good moments... and a loooot of bad moments, too.
Warning: we get deep into spoiler territory, so consider skipping this episode if you're thinking of reading this book. Also, trigger warning for suicide and SA
Reach us on Instagram @dustjacketpod
2025-02-0731 minThe Dust JacketRed Clocks, by Leni ZumasDacey and Nico discuss their differing takes on this sci-fi novel about abortion rights and the power of making choices... or not making them
Reach us on instagram @dustjacketpod
2025-01-3114 minThe Dust JacketThe Mysterious Affair at Styles, by Agatha ChristieIn which we discuss, believe it or not, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, by Agatha Christie
Theme music: What’s Going On by Elijah_K on Pixabay
Logo by Fazlur Rahman on Fiverr
No AI was used in the creation of this podcast
2025-01-2314 minThe Dust JacketIntroduction to the Dust Jacket Podcast!It's our first episode! Get to know us, what we like to read, and HOW we like to read. Plus what's in store for the next few eps!
Theme music: What’s Going On by Elijah_K on Pixabay
Logo by Fazlur Rahman on Fiverr
No AI was used in the creation of this podcast
2025-01-1623 min