Shows
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 43 - The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and DisappearedThis episode will have listeners laughing along with the siblings as they discuss the hilarious novel by Jonas Jonasson. This book creatively weaves the past 100 years of history into one mans life in the most light hearted way possible. The siblings discuss the translation and how well done they think it is along with all their favorite parts from The 100-Year-Old-Man. As always at the end they discuss ratings and what listeners should read if they liked this book! 2025-08-1133 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 42 - A History of BurningThis weeks read got 5 stars from all 3 of the siblings! It was a must read book for the PhIrst Page Podcast and the siblings discuss many of the things they loved about this book. The historical aspect of this book spanned a time period and part of the world that none of them were familiar with and that is what really stood out to them. They also discuss the cultural aspect of this book and how the characters customs were very different than their own. As always the ended with recommendations on what to read next for readers if...2025-07-2835 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 41 - Geek LoveThe siblings take on a gothic novel that delivers on all things grotesque for Club Meeting 41. Geek Love by Katherine Dunn is a masterpiece that the siblings speculate wouldn't have seen the light of day in today's day and age. The characters give the siblings endless things to discuss making this book yet another awesome read for the club. The siblings also reminisce about their favorite fair memories. They wrap up with their ratings and books people should read if they enjoyed Geek Love. 2025-07-1438 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 40 - We Do Not PartAt the recommendation of the second pagers, the siblings discuss We Do not Part by Nobel winner Han Kang for their 40th club meeting. They are joined by Bo Stewart, a childhood friend and avid book recommender! Bo shares some great thoughts on the overall meaning he took away from the book as well as a few disclaimers on how this book is definitely one to pick up if you are looking to challenge yourself. As always the club meeting ends with books to read if you liked this book and the siblings shared what they plan on reading...2025-06-3046 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 39 - Poems by Sydney MayesIn episode 39 of Beyond the PhIrst Page Podcast the siblings get to talk to Sydney Mayes, the 2024 Only Poets, poet of the year. Sydney gives a mini master class in all things poetry. The siblings got the chills after hearing her read her poem the walker system which won the 2024 Academy of American Poets Prize. The discussion is centered around how to analyze poems for amateurs, structure of poems and all of Sydney’s amazing poems. Tune in at the end to get some more literary works like Sydney’s! 2025-06-1645 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 38 - HeadshotIn Episode 38 of Beyond the PhIrst Page Podcast the siblings discuss the runner up of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize, Headshot, by Rita Bullwinkel. This unique novel follows young female boxers through a national boxing competition and the siblings talk about the themes of feminism throughout this novel. They also discuss the realistic characters and the way this book was written as a sporting event would be announced. As always the siblings sign off with recommendations for books like Headshot. 2025-06-0234 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 37 - TrustThis episode the siblings get to discuss the winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize, Trust, by Hernan Diaz. This incredibly original novel is broken up into four parts weaving an extraordinary story with quite a few unexpected twists. The siblings discuss how the artful writing created very believable complex characters. The discussion also covered multiple instances of financial crashes throughout American history as well has some hot takes by Phil... as always! The episode concludes with all the siblings giving this award winner 5 stars and their thoughts on what people should read if they liked this unique novel. 2025-05-1931 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 36 - Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for MurderersIn this lighthearted episode the siblings discuss Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murders by Jesse Q. Sutanto. This San Fransisco “cozy” murder mystery features Vera, a tea shop owner as the main character. The siblings discuss the believability of her character, the plot and who they would recommend this book to! As always they end the podcast with their ratings of the book and recommendations for their listeners for other books like this one! 2025-05-0532 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 35 - Jane EyreThe week the Phirst Pagers discuss Charlotte Brontë’s classic, Jane Eyre! They get into what a modern day retelling of this would look like, red flags and themes of feminism throughout the book. Phebe tries to get a good yap session going as they discuss if Jane should have made the choices she did throughout the novel. They close with book recommendations and their overall rating of Jane Eyre. 2025-04-2133 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 34 - The WagerOn Episode 34 of the Beyond the Phirst Page Podcast siblings Phebe, Phil, and Isaac discuss The Wager by David Grann. This book outlines a little known shipwreck off the coast of South America and the struggles the captain and crew face during their time at sea. The siblings have a few differing opinions when it comes to what the crew should have done, and if this story was worth reading. Listen along as they discuss the take away, characters and writing of The Wager. As always listen to the end for other great book recommendations! 2025-04-0732 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 33 - Martyr!This week’s discussion is the first fan pick of the podcast, Martyr! The siblings get to talk with Noelle about her favorite book of 2024. Martyr is the perfect book club book and a debrief on the ending is much needed. Nothing is off the table when theorizing how they think this novel ends. The foursome also discusses what it means to be a martyr and if they thought certain characters rose to that status. As always the end the discussion with their ratings and recommendations on what people would like if they enjoyed Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. 2025-03-2446 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 32 - Fire WeatherOn this episode of Beyond the PhIrst Page Podcast, the sibs get to discuss Fire Weather by John Vaillant with BCG Climate and Sustainability Consultant Neil Slighton. Slighton offers insight around the call to action of this book which was centered around climate change and divesting from big oil. The book clubbers talk about the writing, event or topic and call to action of this book citing merits and short falls in all three categories. Listen to the end to get book recommendations if you liked Fire Weather and to hear what the club is reading next.2025-03-1445 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 31 - PlaygroundIf you were confused about how Playground by Richard Powers ended this is the episode for you… because so were the second pagers. Club meeting 31 finds the siblings theorizing about what the books ending meant. They discuss how it was amazing to them that three people can read the same book and take away such different meanings from it. Listen along to see if any of the siblings had the same theory as you about Playground. As always the siblings end with a ranking of the book and suggestions if the listeners are looking for more books like Playground to...2025-02-2440 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 30 - The Rage of DragonsIn Club Meeting 30 The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter, the siblings introduce club members to the epic world of the Omehi People. Their world is full of fighting, love and dragons! Listen along as the siblings discuss all their favorite characters, plot points and point of view changes that had them flipping pages for more of this epic fantasy! As always the siblings rank this book, 5’s across the board! And they give their recommendations if you are looking for something like The Rage of Dragons to get your fantasy fix.2025-02-1046 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 29 - Night WatchIn the second episode of 2025, the siblings dive into a full analysis of Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips, the 2024 Pulitzer Prize winner. They break down the characters, plot, and writing, and ultimately discuss whether the book deserves the Pulitzer, from the perspective of three average readers. They get into the intense and disturbing sexual assault scene, which they found incredibly memorable—and unsettling—in a way none of them had experienced before. The episode wraps up with their final rankings of the book and recommendations for other titles if you enjoyed Night Watch.2025-01-2747 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 28 - JamesThe siblings discuss award winning novel James by Percival Everett for their first book club book of 2025. This book did not disappoint! The siblings discuss how Everett artfully used philosophy and this old “American classic,” to create a true masterpiece. The siblings discuss the hallucinations that James is having, the relationship he has with Huck and the importance of diction and the written word in this story. They end with discussing remakes and if this book was a remake or an original work. As always they close with recommendations of books if the fans were looking for something like Jame...2025-01-1345 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageSpecial - RJ Barker (The Forsaken Trilogy)On the first episode of the new year, the siblings are releasing a special book club. Beyond the PhIrst Page Podcast got to talk with award winning Author RJ Barker about his newest trilogy the forsaken trilogy. They discussed everything from tropes to world building and RJ narrowly avoids spilling any of the details about the third and final book in the series that is coming out in the summer of 2025. As always the siblings end the conversation with recommendations from them and RJ if you are loving the Forsaken trilogy as much as they are!2025-01-0653 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 27 - A Calamity of SoulsIn the final episode of Season 1 and 2024, the siblings hold A Calamity of Souls on trail. Phil and Isaac defend their opinions of the book in a court room style podcast with Phebe presiding as the judge and jury. Listen along as the prosecution and defense bring their cases forward with specific quotes and passages from the book. As always at the end, the siblings give you their recommendations if you liked A Calamity of Souls or are looking for another crime drama to sink your teeth into. 2024-12-3050 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 26 - Impossible CreaturesClub Meeting 26 has the siblings discussing the first younger adult book they have read for the book club, Impossible Creatures by Kathrine Rundell. They discuss what makes a book suitable for readers who are just starting to get into chapter books and how this book is much more fast paced than the siblings are used to reading. They also compare and contrast books they read when they were in elementary school and middle school to Impossible Creatures for a little feeling of nostalgia for the listeners. They finish with talking about what they prefer when it comes to introducing...2024-12-1641 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 25 - Dead WakeAs the year draws to a close the siblings discuss Erik Larson’s Dead Wake in Club Meeting 25. They discuss things this nonfiction book taught them along with some of the short comings they thought it had. Since the siblings can’t pass up a good conspiracy they discuss the possibility that the Brits knew the Lusitania was going to be sunk. They also throw out some books they think listeners would enjoy if they enjoyed Dead Wake. 2024-12-0243 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 24 - The Bright SwordOn Club Meeting 24 of Beyond the PhIrst Page Podcast siblings Phebe, Phil and Isaac discuss Lev Grossman’s The Bright Sword. The siblings talk about representation in fantasy and fiction and discuss the merits or lack there of, of Arthurian lore. Isaac and Phebe also wish Phil a happy 26th birthday during the club meeting. As always the siblings end the club meeting with recommendations for the listeners if they liked The Bright Sword. 2024-11-1837 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageSpecial - A Baseball GaijinIn this special episode, siblings Phebe, Phil, and Isaac chat with author Aaron Fischman about his book A Baseball Gaijin: Chasing a Dream to Japan and Back. Together, they explore who deserves a biography and why Aaron chose to write about Tony Barnette. They also discuss how to introduce complex foreign concepts to readers and the challenges of becoming a professional athlete.
A Baseball Gaijin has been selected as a finalist for the 2024 CASEY Award for Spitball Magazine’s Best Baseball Book of the Year, and this episode marks a special milestone as the podcast’s very firs...2024-11-1153 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 23 - My Name is RedThe Cornell siblings discuss one of their favorite books ever written during club meeting 23! Phil and Isaac especially enjoyed My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk, a Nobel laureate. This book is a murder mystery that is steeped in philosophy and artful writing and explores art, the Islamic faith, vanity and originality. It really does have something for everyone. The siblings push back on each other in this episode allowing them to see deeper meanings through out the club meeting. As always at the end the siblings give their recommendation for books similar to My Name is Red. 2024-11-0444 min
No Stupid Questions217. What Happens When You Put on a Costume?Would you steal Halloween candy? Should people be required to identify themselves online? And why did Angela go trick-or-treating in a trash bag? SOURCES:Hajo Adam, professor of management at the University of Bath.Marianna Cerini, journalist.Edward Diener, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Illinois.Adam Galinsky, professor of leadership and ethics at Columbia Business School.J. Nathan Matias, assistant professor at the Cornell University Departments of Communication and Information Science.Lisa Morton, paranormal historian and author.Isaac Bashevis Singer, 20th-century Polish-American author.Philip Zimbardo, professor emeritus of psychology at Stanford University. RE...2024-10-2740 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 22 - Things Fall ApartOn club meeting 22, the Cornell siblings discuss Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. The siblings identify themes of masculinity and prosperity and discuss how the Igbo tribe viewed their mothers versus their fathers. They also give an early year in review of all the books the club has listened to outlining what books to read and what books to avoid from their diverse booklist. As always they wrap up the podcast with recommendations of books to read if you liked Things Fall Apart.2024-10-2141 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 21 - Mind GamesThis week in book club meeting 21, Phebe Phil and Isaac discuss Mind Games by Nora Roberts. Starting off, the siblings play a few rounds of “This or That” book addition to get their literary juices flowing! They offer alternate endings to the novel as well as talk about Goodreads ratings versus the ratings they would give to this “thrilling” tale. Join them at the end for some recommendations if you liked Mind Games by Nora Roberts. 2024-10-0735 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 20 - The Backyard Bird ChroniclesThis week's book club is filled with laughter and reflection as the siblings talk about niche hobbies they are passionate about as well as what they loved about Amy Tan's collection of essays, The Backyard Bird Chronicles. This novel had deeper meanings peppered throughout as well as beautiful hand drawn sketches by the author of birds from her backyard. Also, listen till the end for more books like this one recommended by the siblings! Go Beyond the PhIrst Page with Phebe, Phil and Isaac to discuss Amy Tan's latest hit!2024-09-2343 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 19 - The Brothers KaramazovAn epic of a podcast for an epic of a novel!! This weeks read was Brothers K by Fyodor Dostoevsky and the siblings get candid about the amount of research and digging they had to do to get the most out of this 19th century philosophical Russian novel. The siblings take three passages from the book and help each other to understand the deeper meanings they believe the author intended from those excerpts. Go beyond the PhIrst page with siblings Phebe, Phil and Isaac in one of their best discussions yet! 2024-09-0952 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 18 - There ThereIn Club Meeting 18 Phebe, Isaac and Phil give their readers a complete break down of the massive cast of characters from Tommy Oranges critically acclaimed novel There There. This book follows native narrators from across Oakland as the prepare to attend The Big Oakland Powpow. The siblings also talk about privilege, the contemporary native voice and books they recommend if you liked There There. Come along as the siblings go beyond the PhIrst Page of Tommy Orange’s, There There. 2024-08-2642 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 17 - Van Gogh: The LifeIn book club 17, Phebe, Isaac and Phil discuss Van Gogh: The Life. They discuss what “it” was to Vincent and also what “it” is to them. The siblings draw comparisons between Van Gogh and Micheal Jordan and provide commentary on what they would change about the way this biography was written. As always they provide great recommendations for their listeners on what to read next including a Game of Thrones doppelgänger that Phil recently enjoyed. 2024-08-1245 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 16 - A Natural History of DragonsThis weeks episode the siblings are in their element talking about A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan! They talk favorite mythical creatures and what they like to see in a good fantasy series. They also discuss the unique way this story was written and how the memoir style of writing really captured them! As always they concluded the club meeting with recommendations for their listeners. 2024-07-2938 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 15 - BelovedThis week's club meeting dives into Beloved by Toni Morrison. The siblings discuss how they are blown away by the research Morrison did and the messages she conveyed throughout the book that really shed light on the atrocities of slavery and the repercussions it had on Sethe, the main character, and her family and community. Also in this episode they share books that readers would enjoy if they liked Beloved as well as books they are currently reading that they recommend. 2024-07-1541 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 14 - Lord of the Flies
Go beyond the PhIrst Page in this week’s club meeting with
siblings Phebe, Phil and Isaac as they discuss Lord of the Flies by William Golding. They kick off the discussion with a debate on what to bring to a deserted island and then get into contemplating outcomes of different scenarios based on age and gender of the people abandoned on the island. The siblings also debate why Lord of the Flies is considered a classic and what they personally got from reading it. As always, they end the episode with some great book recommendations.
...2024-07-0141 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 13 - The Love Song of J. Alfred PrufrockOn this week’s episode of Beyond the PhIrst Page podcast
with siblings Phebe, Isaac and Phil the siblings analyze T.S. Eliot’s poem, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, using the MITSL acronym. They discuss the Meaning, Imagery, Tone, Structure, and Figurative Language of the poem to go beyond the PhIrst page of Eliot’s first professionally published poem. Also, Phil shares some haikus he wrote about Isaac and Phebe. The siblings share the books they loved that they recently read along with other great recommendations if you liked The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.
2024-06-1840 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 12 - FosterBeyond the PhIrst Page mixes it up this week during their virtual book club meeting! Siblings Phil, Phebe and Isaac use professor and author George Saunders method of analyzing literature to discuss Foster a short story by Claire Keegan. Each of the siblings read you one of their favorite passages from the story and then answer the following four questions:
What do we know so far?
What are we curious about?
Where do you think this story is headed?
What do you think this passage is about?
Listen along as they also tell you what books to read if...2024-06-0342 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 11 - The HunterThis week during their virtual book club meeting siblings Phil, Phebe and Isaac discuss The Hunter by Tana French. They get into a dispute about whether this book is a slow burn or a final glowing ember. Phil also floats the "meta" concept that the town is the main character in this novel. Listen along as they also give you some fabulous murder mystery recommendations as well as keep you updated on what they are reading and loving currently in the literary world. Go Beyond the Phirst page with them as they discuss The Hunter!2024-05-2140 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 10 - The WomenSiblings Phil, Phebe and Isaac's virtual book club discussing The Women by Kristin Hannah. This week, Phebe Isaac and Phil talk about whether they prefer historical fiction or based on a true story, love stories, and their aversion to them in Isaac's case, and PTSD and how well Hannah did at portraying that throughout The Women. They also share which fictional characters the other siblings are most like and what books they are currently reading that they think you would enjoy! Go Beyond the Phirst page with them as they discuss The Women! 2024-05-0736 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 9 - The FurySiblings Phil, Phebe and Isaac's virtual book club discussing The Fury by Alex Michaelides. This week, they discuss how point of view can effect how you perceive the narrator and friend group dynamics. Isaac also raises the question in a book like this, if you hated the narrator does that mean that the story was in fact well written? The siblings discuss whether the Silent Patient author delivers again on his third novel. At the end get some great recs both related to The Fury and for other awesome books that the siblings know you will love!2024-04-2331 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 8 - The Heart's Invisible FuriesSiblings Phil, Phebe and Isaac's virtual book club discussing The Hearts Invisible Furies by John Boyne. They talk about the challenges that the main character Cyril faces being gay in Ireland in the mid to late 1900s, as well as concepts of home and how Boyne used humor to lighten the heavy topics this sweeping novel addresses. At the end get some great recs both related to The Hearts Invisible Furies and for other awesome books that the siblings know you will love!2024-04-0849 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 7 - The Casual VacancyVirtual Book Club talking about J.K. Rowling's novel The Casual Vacancy. Listen along as siblings Phebe, Phil and Isaac talk about the relatability of the characters, as well as their overall thoughts on the books and other reading recommendations they have!2024-03-2640 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 6 - DoppelgängerA virtual book club discussing Doppelgänger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein. Listen along as siblings Phebe, Phil and Isaac discuss how this book covers conspiracy theories, Zionism, radical political views and many more topics relevant to today's world. 2024-03-1137 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 5 - The Bourne IdentityVirtual Book Club discussing The Bourne Identity. This will have spoilers and plot giveaways! Join siblings Isaac, Phebe and Phil as they discuss their favorite parts of Robert Ludlum's, "The Bourne Identity. "
📚 About the Book:
"The Bourne Identity" by Robert Ludlum is a book about a man who is rescued at sea, with no memory of who he is. The doctor charged with nursing him back to health realizes that he has some very unique qualities and abilities. As parts of his memory begin to come back, the man, without even knowing his name, leaves for Switzerland to try to...2024-02-2730 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 4 - My Sister's KeeperListen along as siblings Phebe, Phil and Isaac discuss My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult in their 4th book club meeting this year!
📚 About the Book:
"My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult follows the distressing story of a 13 year old girl, Anna, who was only born to be an organ donor for her sister who has leukemia. She approaches lawyer big shot Campbell Alexander in order to sue her parents so she will no longer have to give her body matter to her sister to save her life.
Books Mentioned in this Meeting:
Sharp Obj...2024-02-1330 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 3 - The Rosie ProjectBeyond the Phirst Page - Episode 3 - "The Rosie Project
📚 About the Book:
This is a heartwarming story about a man who is undiagnosed on the autism spectrum who is looking for a wife but inadvertently gets involved with helping a woman, Rosie, with finding her biological father.
🎙️ Episode Highlights:
- This book in 60 seconds
- Fun Fact about the book
Link to study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8306851/
- Why We Chose the Book
- Overall Recommendation on a Michelin Scale:
1 - Good book but nothing special would not recommend to a friend
2 - Would re...2024-01-3129 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageEpisode 3 - "The Rosie ProjectBeyond the Phirst Page - Episode 3 - "The Rosie Project
📚 About the Book:
This is a heartwarming story about a man who is undiagnosed on the autism spectrum who is looking for a wife but inadvertently gets involved with helping a woman, Rosie, with finding her biological father.
🎙️ Episode Highlights:
- This book in 60 seconds
- Fun Fact about the book
Link to study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8306851/
- Why We Chose the Book
- Overall Recommendation on a Michelin Scale:
1 - Good book but nothing special would not recommend to a friend
2 - Would re...2024-01-3129 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 2 - The Golem and the Jinnieyond the Phirst Page - Episode 2 - "The Golem and the Jinni"
Description:
Welcome back to "Beyond the Phirst Page" with Phebe and Phil! In our second episode, we dive into the mystical world of "The Golem and the Jinni" by Helene Wecker. This tale blends elements of Jewish and Arab folk mythology in the setting of turn-of-the-century New York City.
📚 About the Book:
"The Golem and the Jinni" is Helene Wecker's debut novel, which intricately weaves together the stories of two supernatural creatures in New York. The novel is celebrated for its rich storytelling and unique blend of cul...2024-01-2629 min
Beyond the PhIrst PageClub Meeting 1 - The Shadow of the WindBeyond the Phirst Page - Episode 1 - "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Description:
Join us, Phebe and Phil, in our debut episode of Beyond the Phirst Page as we delve into Carlos Ruiz Zafón's enthralling novel, "The Shadow of the Wind." Happy New Year and let's embark on this literary journey!
📚 About the Book:
Discover the enigmatic world of "The Shadow of the Wind," set against the backdrop of post-war Barcelona. This episode, we uncover the layers of its story, characters, and the city itself.
🎙️ Episode Highlights:
Why We Chose the Book
How long it to...2024-01-2430 min