Shows
Mark As Read4.10 Nonfiction Episode4.10 Nonfiction EpisodeThe nonfiction episode might be my favorite episode every season. This time in particular, I am very excited to share some of my favorite nonfiction books I've read recently. We Don't Know Ourselves by Fintan O'TooleSay Nothing by Patrick Radden KeefeRevolutionary Iran by Michael AxworthyPrincess by Jean SassonMBS by Ben HubbardBlood and Oil by Bradley Hope and Justin ScheckSoldiers and Kings by Jason De LeónBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-as-read--5660703/support.If you want to watch this episode, you now can o...
2026-02-1028 minMark As Read4.9 A Drop of Corruption4.9 A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson BennettWe are continuing with the murder mystery theme this week, but giving it a fantasy twist. A Drop of Corruption is the second in a series that takes cop dramas to a new level with a unique fantasy twist. You won't be able to put this down and I hope you fall in love with the characters as much as I have. What is your favorite fantasy murder mystery? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-as-read--5660703/support.If you want to...
2026-01-1321 minMark As Read4.8 The Floating Admiral4.8 The Floating Admiral by The Detective ClubThis is the most murder mysteries of mysteries. Not only is there a murder, but also, the authors don't know what each other has planned or is going to write. The writing process is almost more intriguing than the mystery itself and you won't want to put this down. If you want to watch this episode, you now can on our YouTube channel or listen here as always. Plus, check out our substack for other books to read, quick reviews, and book thoughts. Become a supporter of t...
2025-12-0217 minMark As Read4.7 The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King4.7 The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa BroadbentThis is the sequel to The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Ep. 4.5) It starts off a little slow, but give it 75 pages and you will be hooked. The world building and intrigue continues with tons of action and twists and turns. Plus more will they, won't they to keep you entertained. Even better, when you finish, if you aren't ready to say goodbye to the world, there are two more books about side characters that you can dive into next. If you want to watch thi...
2025-11-1225 minMark As Read4.6 The Turnglass4.6 The Turnglass by Gareth RubinI'm not going to lie, I probably would have picked up this book to read no matter the genre just because the two stories back to back was so interesting and cool. Of course, it then turns out to be a murder mystery and I was hooked. Whether you like it or not, I can tell you that you will never read another book like this. It kind of reminds me of Stuart Turton in that it will constantly surprise you and half the time, you have no idea what is happening...even w...
2025-09-0228 minMark As Read4.5 The Serpent and the Wings of Night4.5 The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa BroadbentThis is one of those books that I went into expecting to like. It's fantasy with a strong female main character, a Hunger Games vibes competition, will they won't they, political dynamics, and enemies to lovers. It had everything I look for in a fantasy book. And let me tell you, it does not disappoint. Don't let the vampire premise throw you off. This is a well developed fantasy world featuring vampires, but also a lot more. If you want to watch this episode, you n...
2025-07-2920 minMark As Read4.4 The Lion Women of Tehran4.4 The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan KamaliThis is my favorite type of historical fiction. Kamali takes a tumultuous period in the history of Tehran and explores it through the lens of two women growing up in this society. It is part history, part political narrative, and a lot of interpersonal dynamics between two friends dealing with their changing lives and country. Also check out the Pink Card podcast for another perspective on this historical moment. If you want to watch this episode, you now can on our YouTube channel or listen here as alw...
2025-05-0226 minMark As Read4.3 Onyx Storm4.3 Onyx Storm by Rebecca YarrosAre y'all ready? Because I was not. Onyx Storm was everything I wanted and more. For this episode, there are tons of spoilers, so do not listen if you have not read Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm. Instead of recapping plots, we are spending the episode discussing theories, rabbit holes, and questions that emerged while reading and after finishing Onyx Storm. Let us know what you thought about this book and your own theories too so. For more, subscribe to our newsletter and check out our website! If y...
2025-03-1140 minMark As Read4.2 Beach Read4.2: Beach Read by Emily HenryOne of the reasons I love to read is to escape a little bit from every day life. And there is no better way to escape than in an Emily Henry book. The banter is sassy, the chemistry is firing, the plot is relatable and emotional. Beach Read checked all of the boxes for me and more and was the perfect weekend activity. Let me just say you will love this and I can't wait to hear your thoughts. If you want to watch this episode, you now can on o...
2025-03-0629 minMark As Read4.1 Assistant & Apprentice to the Villian4.1: Assistant to the Villian & Apprentice to the Villian by Hannah Nicole MaehrerWelcome back for the new season! We are starting off strong this week with the first two books in Hannah Nicole Maehrer's series. The banter is incredible, the world building is there, and the morally gray male main character? Yeah, he goes by The Villian and falls first and falls hard 😍 Let me just say you will love this and I can't wait to hear your thoughts. If you want to watch this episode, you now can on our YouTube channel or listen here as always. Plus...
2025-02-1121 minMark As Read3.20 Kingdom of Ash Part 23.20 Part 2 Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. MaasThe second half of our conversation of Kingdom of Ash. And that officially wraps up the Throne of Glass series. Share this episode with your favorite character or book. For more, subscribe to our newsletter and check out our website and become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-as-read--5660703/support.If you want to watch this episode, you now can on our YouTube channel or listen here as always. Plus, check out our substack for other books to read, quick reviews, and bo...
2024-09-1741 minMark As Read3.20 Kingdom of Ash Part 13.20 Part 1 Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. MaasIt is finally here. The last installment of Throne of Glass. I was expecting to enjoy this series, but nothing prepared me for the obsession that would develop. This conversation got to be a little long so the second half will be out next week. Comment with your favorite character arch or book in the series. For more, subscribe to our newsletter and check out our website and become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mark-as-read--5660703/support.If you want to watch this...
2024-09-1034 minMark As Read3.19 Capote’s Women3.19 Capote's Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era by Laurence LeamerCapote's Women follows Truman Capote and the wealthy women he befriended throughout his life, who he referred to as his "Swans." Nonfiction is one of my favorite genres, but this subject matter was completely new to me. I did not know anything about Capote other than that he wrote Breakfast and Tiffany's. And his "Swans" were completely unknown to me. Normally, I like diving into a new subject matter, but I struggled to find likeable or relatable moments with any...
2024-08-2325 minMark As Read3.18 Part 2 Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawn3.18 Part 2 Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. MaasIt is time for part 2 of our discussion of the Throne of Glass tandem read: Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawn. This ended up being a two-part episode purely for length purposes. We discuss both books and there are mega spoilers in both episodes so be aware before listening! In part 1, we discuss my feelings on the tandem read and what I would recommend, my general thoughts on both books, and we get through our discussion of half of the characters. The rest of the character discussion as w...
2024-08-0940 minMark As Read3.18 Part 1 Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawn3.18 Part 1 Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. MaasIt is finally time for our discussion of the Throne of Glass tandem read: Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawn. This ended up being a two-part episode purely for length purposes. We discuss both books and there are mega spoilers in both episodes so be aware before listening! In part 1, we discuss my feelings on the tandem read and what I would recommend, my general thoughts on both books, and we get through our discussion of half of the characters. The rest of the character discussion as well...
2024-08-0651 minMark As Read3.17 The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store3.17 The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBrideI had no idea what to expect going into this book. Ultimately, I would highly recommend this. Just go in with the understanding that this is a character study. It is in the 1920s and 30s in a small town in PA focusing on one neighborhood. Some heavy topics are covered from race, gender, class, and religious prejudices. By the end of the book, you will understand all of these characters and feel like a member of their community as well. For more, subscribe to our newsletter and...
2024-07-0929 minMark As Read3.16 One Dark Window3.16 One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig This week we are discussing a new to the podcast fantasy series starting with One Dark Window. This is a two book series and I cannot recommend it enough. It started a little slow for me, but I was quickly enthralled in this universe of Providence Cards that give their users certain magical abilities. But there is a catch. Every use of magic has a cost and that could be a physical cost or a mental cost. Trust me, you won't be able to put down Elspeth Spindle and her story.
2024-06-2027 minMark As Read3.15 The Thursday Murder Club3.15 The Thursday Murder Club by Richard OsmanI started this expecting it to be a fun murder mystery. I was not expecting a British retirement community with fabulous dry humor as retirees inject themselves into an investigation. Osman doesn't shy away from the hard conversations around death, retirement, and aging but does it in such a way that is relatable, funny, and ultimately uplifting. I can't recommend this enough and I can't wait to hear what you think about it. Who is your favorite character? For more, subscribe to our newsletter and check out...
2024-05-2941 minMark As Read3.14 Queen of Shadows3.14 Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. MaasIn our latest Throne of Glass episode, we are discussing Queen of Shadows. The episode is a little chaotic as so much happens in this book and I had no one to discuss it with other than all of you of course! Last time, Heir of Fire was my favorite book in the series so far. Queen of Shadows wins out though. If you thought you loved the characters before, you grow to love them even more in this book. Do you have a favorite book in the series? Fo...
2024-05-1532 minMark As Read3.13 The Heiress3.13 The Heiress by Rachel HawkinsThe Heiress is a 2024 mystery-esque fiction story that follows Camden and Jules in current time as Camden is forced to comfront some issues from his past that he would rather avoid. The book is split between Camden's perspective and Jules' perspective as well as letters written 10 years prior by Camden's adopted mom, Ruby, and news clippings from throughout Ruby's life. Ruby was an heiress, but by the end of this story full of twists and turns, Ruby is not the true heiress if you ask me! For more, subscribe to our ne...
2024-04-3036 minMark As Read3.12 Part 2 Nightbane3.12 Part 2 Nightbane by Alex Aster In Part 2, Nightbane, we get the aftermath of the curse breaking. I was really expecting this to be a love triangle a la Hunger Games (Peeta/ Gale/ Katniss) but it really wasn't. That is definitely a factor, but instead of seeing Grim and Oro fight over Isla for the whole book, there are two parallel timelines following Grim and Isla a year ago when they first met and Oro and Isla now. There were tons of twist and turns plus a cliff hanger that has me itching for the third book to com...
2024-04-2325 minMark As Read3.12 Part 1 Lightlark3.12 Part 1 Lightlark by Alex Aster Lightlark begins with Hunger Games vibes and a contest that takes place every 100 years between the rulers of the different magical realms. The prize? Breaking the curse that effects everyone and gaining power. The cost? Killing one of the other rules and as a result their entire realm. Isla is one of the youngest rulers and she has a secret - she was born without powers. So how will she survive the contest and save her people? I originally planned to discuss both Lightlark and the sequel, Nightbane in one episode. But, I...
2024-04-1623 minMark As Read3.11 The Phoenix Crown3.11The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie ChangI have been waiting for a new release by Kate Quinn to do an episode since I started this podcast. Kate Quinn is an absolutely fabulous historical fiction writer (the best in the business if you ask me) and I have wanted to share my first reactions to one of her books with you. She always manages to add twists, turns, and surprises that are so fascinating. In this book, she teams up with Janie Chang to explore San Francisco in 1906 right before the earthquake and fire. This was...
2024-04-0926 minMark As Read3.10 Part 2 Heir of Fire3.10 Part 2 Heir of Fire by Sarah J. MaasFor our Part 2 of our second Throne of Glass episode, we are discussing Heir of Fire. After finishing it, I am standing by my decision to read The Assassin's Blade first. I talk all about that in addition to all of the action that takes place in this book. So far, this is my favorite book of the series! What is your preferred reading order for the series?For more, subscribe to our newsletter and check out our website and become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spr...
2024-04-0220 minMark As Read3.10 Part 1 The Assassin’s Blade3.10 Part 1 The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. MaasFor our second Throne of Glass episode, I decided to break it up so for Part 1, we are discussing The Assassin's Blade. I know there is a lot of contention about the order of the series and we dive deep into that as well as the novellas in this episode and then will discuss Heir of Fire in Part 2! What is your preferred reading order for the series?For more, subscribe to our newsletter and check out our website and become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spr...
2024-03-2616 minMark As Read3.9 Non-Fiction Review3.9 Non-Fiction ReviewI love non-fiction so much, but I know it can be hard to get into. Every season, we will have one non-fiction review episode where I give you a short overview of some of the non-fiction books I have read and enjoyed lately. Then, if any sound good, you can explore those instead of having to sift through all of the non-fiction out there! This review will include 5 books I have read plus 5 non-fiction books I'm looking forward to reading. Check out the newsletter for all of the info on the books I'm looking forward to...
2024-03-1933 minMark As Read3.8 A Discovery of Witches3.8 A Discovery of Witches by Deborah HarknessFor me, A Discovery of Witches is like the better, more adult version of Twilight that will keep you coming back time and time again. This is the first of four books, although the fifth is coming out later this year. It is fantasy with a little spice set in modern day. The female main character, Diana is an historian of alchemy and a witch who stumbles upon a bewitched book that draws the attention of all creatures, witches, vampires, and daemons alike. There is love, action, intrigue, and you will hone...
2024-03-1230 minMark As Read3.7 The Messy Lives of Book People3.7 The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra PatrickUnusually for me, The Messy Lives of Book People was a very conflicting book. On the one hand, I loved the story line of Liv trying to finish the book of her favorite author under mysterious circumstances and how Patrick tied all of the story lines together in the end. On the other hand, some of the characters, specifically Jake, were absolutely infuriating and made me want to stop reading. What do you think about this book and how did it make you feel?Plus, since this...
2024-03-0545 minMark As Read3.6 Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight3.6 Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas We will ultimately be reading the entire SJM universe, but we are working our way through the Throne of Glass series this season. There are debates about what order you should read these in, but I'm falling Maas' instructions and starting with Throne of Glass and reading Assassin's Blade later in the series. This week, we talked about all of my thoughts, reactions, and theories from both Throne of Glass and the second book, Crown of Midnight. There are lots of spoilers so don't listen if you...
2024-02-2040 minMark As Read3.5 The Ladies Rewrite the Rules3.5 The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne AllainThe Ladies Rewrite the Rules is a cute and fluffy Georgian period novel where a poorer second son has published a directory of all of the single women and widows with fortunes in London. Based on a real publication, the ladies find out about their inclusion and decide to use it to their advantage. This is the perfect novel for those craving a little Jane Austen or looking for Bridgerton vibes without the spice. It is light and fun and sweet and will leave you with a smile on your...
2024-02-1320 minMark As Read3.4 Part 2 Iron Flame3.4 Part 2 Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros This week we continue our discussion of Fourth Wing with a deep dive into Iron Flame. There are lots of spoilers and fan theories as well as my own thoughts and I would love to hear yours. If you like dragons, fantasy, world building, political intrigue, and war, you will like this book I'm sure! Let us know what you thought about this book and your own theories too.For more, subscribe to our newsletter and check out our website!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www...
2024-02-0738 minMark As Read3.4 Fourth Wing3.4 Fourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosI have been waiting for this episode since I first read Fourth Wing last summer. This episode is full of spoilers and fan theories and my own theories on what is happening. Plus, this is a two part episode and next week we will discuss Iron Flame! If you like dragons, fantasy, world building, political intrigue, and war, you will like this book I'm sure! Let us know what you thought about this book and your own theories too so we can discuss them in next week's episode. For more, subscribe...
2024-01-3037 minMark As Read3.3 Lesson in Chemistry3.3 Lesson in Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusLessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott in the 1950s and 60s as a chemist trying to make her way in a male dominated world and field. You see her experiences in the lab, ultimately on TV, and her experiences as a single mother. The storylines and characters are emotional and profound and I connected with them in a way I could have never predicted. This book and Elizabeth Zott have touched me and impacted me and it will be a book I return to time and time again. I can't wait for...
2024-01-2336 minMark As Read3.2 Ink Blood Sister Scribe3.2 Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma TörzsFor our first fantasy episode of Season 3, it seemed only fitting to start with a book recommended to me and that has a strong focus on books. We again get multiple POVs, but instead of a split timeline, each perspective has a piece of the puzzle that has to be put together to understand the dangers and mysteries of this world where books contain magic spells. There is a little suspense/ intrigue, some unique magic added to our world, and a deep look into familial and sister relationships. This is t...
2024-01-1622 min