Shows
I Read a Book OnceA Very Unique Fantasy Novel (The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi - Shannon Chakraborty)On the heels of one of the more average fantasy novels I've read recently, I picked up one of the most unique fantasy novels I've ever read. The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty follows the titular character, a 40-year-old mother who is both a pirate and a devout Muslim, as she comes out of retirement for one last job. I spend time detailing the many unique facets of this novel, talk about the pacing, and discuss the role religion played in this book.
2023-04-2338 minI Read a Book OnceAnother Average Fantasy Novel (The Liar’s Crown - Abigail Owen)Rounding out my vacation reads is The Liar's Crown by Abigail Owen. This YA/NA fantasy novel follows Meren, a secret princess, after she is kidnapped prior to her sister's coronation. I explore the one innovative plot idea in this book, pose multiple questions about the curse that makes no sense to me, and explain the standard fantasy tropes we see in this book that are used all the time.
2023-04-1628 minI Read a Book OnceMy First Tessa Bailey Book! (Secretly Yours - Tessa Bailey)I finally got on the Tessa Bailey train and picked up her newest novel Secretly Yours. It follows Hallie as she reeks havoc on a wine tasting business and writes secret admirer letters to her high school crush Julian. I talk about reading a Tessa Bailey book for the first time, go over why I thought this book was a blast, and complain about the cover.
2023-04-0233 minI Read a Book OnceI Wish It Wasn’t Over (A Fire Endless - Rebecca Ross)I finally read one of my most highly anticipated books of the year: A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross. This book is the conclusion to the Elements of Cadence duology and follows Jack, Adaira, Sidra, and Torin as they try to heal a mysterious illness and bring balance back to the island. I break down the character development of each of the main characters, express my joy at being back in this world, and provide a critique of the climax of the novel.
2023-03-2538 minI Read a Book OnceI Feel Conflicted on This One (Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute - Talia Hibbert)I couldn't wait to get my hands on Talia Hibbert's highly anticipated YA debut novel Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute. This book follows Celine and Brad friends turned enemies as they compete in a camping expedition for a college scholarship. I provide an overview of the great representation in Hibbert's books, explain my conflicting feelings about Celine's character, and discuss aliens and conspiracy theories.
2023-03-1231 minI Read a Book OnceA New Series by One of My Faves! (Children of Ragnarok - Cinda Williams Chima)When I found out Cinda Williams Chima was starting a new YA fantasy series, I couldn't wait to read it. Children of Ragnarok follows Eiric, who is trying to sail to a magical island with his sister Liv, and Reginn, who is a magic user working to uncover buried secrets. I spend too much time talking about Chima's other books, make predictions for the next books, and discuss the shady things going down.
2023-02-2536 minI Read a Book OnceThis Book Was So Hard to Find (Blackmail and Bibingka - Mia P Manansala)After searching tirelessly for months, I finally found a copy of Blackmail and Bibingka by Mia P Manansala. This cozy mystery follows Lila as her untrustworthy cousin Ronnie moves back into town and becomes a murder suspect. I talk about my difficulty finding this book, discuss the guessability of this mystery, and wonder where the heck Jae was in this book.
2023-02-1829 minI Read a Book OnceThis Was NOT a Friendship Love Story (Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow - Gabrielle Zevin)Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin has been absolutely everywhere and winning all the awards. This book follows Sam and Sadie the ups and downs of their friendship and career as video game creators over 30+ years. I complain about the false advertising, and dig into my main qualms with this book, and touch on the redeeming qualities.
2023-02-1235 minI Read a Book OnceA December Wrap Up in FebruaryBack-to-back episodes where I cover two books at once! This time I cover Dava Shastri's Last Day by Kirthana Ramisetti and In 27 Days by Alison Gervais. I uncover two random similarities between the books, detail how I found In 27 Days, and explain my feelings about both books.
2023-02-0436 minI Read a Book OnceMy Thanksgiving Wrap Up Two Months LateOver Thanksgiving I read The Wilderwomen by Ruth Emmie Lang and The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren. I'm way behind on my posting schedule, so that means I'm finally getting around to the books I read over Thanksgiving at the very end of January. I give an actually short plot summary for each and then do a deep dive into my thoughts and opinions on both books!
2023-01-2934 minI Read a Book OnceThe Five Books I Read After My ConcussionI've finally caught myself up to my concussion wrap up episode. It only took me two months to get there. In this episode, I provide brief overviews and opinions on five of the seven books I read during my concussion hiatus. The books include The Final Gambit, Sign Here, Beach Read, For Butter or Worse, and The Rose Code.
2023-01-2132 minI Read a Book OnceSecrets Are Revealed, But I Still Have Questions (Kingdom of the Feared - Kerri Maniscalco)I finally finished the third and final book in Kerri Maniscalco's Kingdom of the Wicked series. Kingdom of the Feared follows Emilia and Wrath as they navigate their betrothal, Vittoria's betrayal, and the disappearance of Greed's general. I discuss the secrets that were revealed and my questions that remain, explain my feelings on Vittoria's actions, and predict what future books may look like.
2023-01-1628 minI Read a Book Once2022 Wrap UpIt's time for my favorite episode of the year! I review my reading year looking at how many books I read, the genre breakdown, and a few other fun statistics. I also discuss my favorite and least favorite books of 2022.
2023-01-0846 minI Read a Book OnceGiraffes Are Their Own Kind of Magic (West With Giraffes - Lynda Rutledge)I return to historical fiction with a book lent to me by my aunt. West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge tells the story of two giraffes who survived a hurricane in 1938 and were then driven across the U.S. to become the first giraffes at the San Diego Zoo and touch the hearts and lives of all who come in contact with them. I parse out fact from fiction, ponder the quiet tragedy of this book, and explain the appeal of this historical fiction novel.
2022-12-2938 minI Read a Book OnceA Christmas Romance Novel That Finally Works (Kiss Her Once For Me - Alison Cochrun)Happy Holidays everyone! This year I tried Book of the Month's Christmas romance selection for the third time, and for the first time it actually hit! Alison Cochrun's Kiss Her Once For Me follows Ellie a broke bisexual who agrees to marry her landlord only to find out that his sister's is the woman she had a one night stand with last Christmas. I fangirl over the amount of Taylor Swift references in this book, explain the messy drama that I was living for, and break down the fabulous representation in this book.
2022-12-2335 minI Read a Book OnceWas This the Same Exact Book as The Love Hypothesis? (Love on the Brain - Ali Hazelwood)I couldn't help myself. I had to read the much anticipated follow up to The Love Hypothesis. Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood is a steminist enemies to lovers romance following Bee and Levi as they try to build a neural helmet for astronauts. I discuss whether Hazelwood's two books use the same plot and tropes, express my enjoyment of the full circle nature of the epilogue, and explain my minor gripes about some convenient plot points.
2022-12-1036 minI Read a Book OnceNo Plot Just Vibes (Other Birds - Sarah Addison Allen)If you love character driven stories, then this is one for you. Sarah Addison Allen's Other Birds follows the residents (both human and ghost) of an apartment complex following the death of one of the residents. I discuss how there's not a lot of plot, ask if you believe in ghosts, and spend a good deal of time talking about my family's ghost encounters.
2022-12-0326 minI Read a Book OnceThis Book Tricked Me Twice!! (Kingdom of the Cursed - Kerri Maniscalco)After a few weeks off, I'm back with the second installment in Kerri Maniscalco's new "YA" fantasy series. In Kingdom of the Cursed, Emilia arrives in hell to marry Pride but must battle her conflicting feelings for Wrath as she tries to solve her sister's murder. I explain the two different ways I was tricked by this book, discuss second book syndrome and whether this book falls into it, and ask a whole bunch of questions about where things are going.
2022-11-1936 minI Read a Book OnceJoy and Color Theory (What You Wish For - Katherine Center)I loved Katherine Center's newest book so much that I picked up one of her previous releases: What You Wish For. This book follows elementary school librarian Sam as she butts heads with her former crush and new principal Duncan due to their opposing views on how to run their school. I spend a lot of time discussing the benefits of joy and color theory, reveal my own opinions on uniforms, and act as a mediator between Sam and Duncan's school safety arguments.
2022-10-0836 minI Read a Book OnceI Finished This Book and Then Immediately Read It Again (When We Were Bright and Beautiful - Jillian Medoff)Like the title says I literally read this book TWICE in a row despite my initial hesitation to even pick it up. Jillian Medoff's novel When We Were Briefly Bright and Beautiful has the sister of an accused rapist tell the story of his trial but something darker lurks under the surface. I discuss my initial hesitation and the MANY content warnings for this book, express my surprise at the plot twist despite the majority of Goodreads figuring it out themselves, and question which characters knew which secrets.
2022-09-2135 minI Read a Book OnceFinally, Some Good Food (Kingdom of the Wicked - Kerri Maniscalco)As the title of this episode suggests, I finally had some luck with a YA fantasy novel. Kerri Maniscalco's Kingdom of the Wicked follows Emilia, a witch hellbent on avenging her sister after her brutal murder, as she somewhat reluctantly teams up with one of the seven demon princes. I discuss why this YA fantasy worked for me, ask which of the Seven Deadly Sins you identify with, and do a deep dive into multiple character's personalities and choices.
2022-09-0936 minI Read a Book OnceI Took the Premise and Rewrote the Book (Breaking Time - Sasha Alsberg)I was so intrigued by the cover and premise of Sasha Alsberg's Breaking Time that I bought it right when it came out. This YA novel is set in Scotland where the final Pillar of Time (i.e., time traveler) and her protector from the past battle evil and maybe fall in love. I lament the disappointment of not enjoying this book, take the great premise and rewrite the story to make it more interesting, and question Klara's anti-college views considering she wants to be an astronomer.
2022-08-3030 minI Read a Book OnceTime Loops and Plot Twists (The 7.5 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle - Stuart Turton)After my brother literally dropped this book off at my desk while I was working, I finally picked up this popular mystery novel. Our main character Aiden is trapped in a crumbling old mansion waking up as a different person every day until he solves the death of Evelyn Hardcastle. I puzzle through who/what the 7.5 deaths are, discuss which plot twists I saw coming and which I didn't, and question the similarity of the title to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
2022-08-2535 minI Read a Book OnceMy Favorite Romance of 2022 (The Bodyguard - Katherine Center)The title of this episode pretty much says it all about The Bodyguard by Katherine Center. In this book we follow Hannah (the titular bodyguard) as she has to fake date her client (famous movie star Jack Stapleton) while he is home visiting his sick mom. I talk about how this book made me cry actual tears, discuss why it was the best romance of the year despite being a clean romance, and explain the difference between work friends and best friends.
2022-08-1633 minI Read a Book Once2022 Mid-Year Freak Out TagTo finish up my catch-up episodes after my hiatus, I did a very late Mid-Year Freak Out tag about the books I read in the first seven months of the year. I talk a lot about my favorite book of the year (A River Enchanted), tease my feelings about the book for next week's episode (The Bodyguard), and champion my surprise favorite sequel of the year (Homicide and Halo-Halo).
2022-08-0232 minI Read a Book OnceThe 21 Books I Read During My 21 Week BreakSo, my two-week break turned into a 21-week break... But I'm back and better than ever! In this special spoiler-free episode, I explain the reason for my unexpectedly long hiatus, give actually short plot summaries, and describe my feelings on each of the 21 books that I read during my break. Highlights include The Inheritance Games, the Six of Crows duology, The Hating Game, and Nicholas Sparks.
2022-07-2744 minI Read a Book OnceGreat Characters + Great Plot = Fantastic Novel (A River Enchanted - Rebecca Ross)Rebecca Ross's adult fantasy novel A River Enchanted has renewed my love and faith in fantasy novels. Bard in training Jack is called back to the magical island of Cadence to help his former adversary and future clan leader Adaira to find the young girls who have gone missing. I predict what will happen in the second (and final) book, express my love for both the characters and the plot, and explain why I think this is one of the most inventive magic systems I've seen in a while.
2022-03-1639 minI Read a Book OnceWho Wants To Fake Date Me? (The Family You Make - Jill Shalvis)To wrap up my seasonal winter reads I picked up The Family You Make by Jill Shalvis. This contemporary romance(?)/women's fiction(?) novel follows a fake dating situation brought on by a near death experience on the ski slopes in Lake Tahoe. I answer some of the book's discussion questions, break down the fight at the end and who I think was in the right and wrong, and bash on Jane's grandfather for his poor parenting skills.
2022-03-0237 minI Read a Book OnceI Return to Space and Sci-Fis (Winter’s Orbit - Everina Maxwell)This week I took a journey into space with Everina Maxwell's debut novel Winter's Orbit. In this space science fiction novel, Prince Kiem and diplomat Janian are forced into an arranged marriage, but as they are settling into their roles as husbands they are also trying to solve a murder and avoid an impending political crisis. I discuss the world building and my confusion in some parts, question the title of the book, and break down the relationship between the two leads.
2022-02-2337 minI Read a Book OnceThe Best Standalone Fantasy Novel Ever (Spinning Silver- Naomi Novik)You've heard me talk about my love for Spinning Silver before, but now I get to talk in depth about this absolute gem of a novel by Naomi Novik. Spinning Silver is a loose retelling of Rumpelstiltskin set in a fantasy world. It follows Miryem as she is tasked with turning silver to gold for a Staryk lord, who is a dangerous ice fae. I question exactly what the rules governing the Staryk people are, explain the importance Miryem's Jewish faith plays in the story, and discuss the great character development throughout.
2022-02-1637 minI Read a Book OnceI Was Skeptical But They Won Me Over (Well Matched - Jen DeLuca)We return to Willow Creek with the third installment of Jen DeLuca's Renaissance Faire romance series with Well Matched. In this book April agrees to fake date Mitch but as feelings start to emerge, they run into some issues with her desire to move and insecurity about being 10 years older than him. I introduce a new segment called Characterization Check In, talk through my initial skepticism and how I was won over, and quickly complain about the back of the book summary.
2022-02-0935 minI Read a Book OnceA Sprawling 1000 Year Epic (Circe - Madeline Miller)My book club finally picked a book I've been interested in: Circe by Madeline Miller. This retelling of the Greek myth of Circe spans a thousand years and some of the most famous figures and stories in Greek mythology. I discuss my ongoing issues and interactions with my book club, share my feelings about the ending, and question whether there are any good characters in the book.
2022-02-0238 minI Read a Book OnceThe Ultimate Friends to Lovers Romance (People We Meet on Vacation - Emily Henry)After months of hesitation, I finally picked up People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. In this friends to lovers romance, best friends Poppy and Alex go on vacation together to try and pick up the pieces after a falling out two years ago. I talk through my hesitation, discuss the importance of the dual timeline, and dissect my favorite parts about Poppy and Alex's relationship.
2022-01-2637 minI Read a Book OnceThe Book That Appeared in My Bedroom (The Rosie Project - Graeme Simsion)This week I talk about a book that mysterious appeared in my bedroom with no warning. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is an unusual romance novel following a genetics professor trying to find the perfect wife and a Rosie a wholly unsuitable match looking for her birth father. I express my dislike of Gene, talk about my hesitation going into this book, and discuss the joy this book brought me after a string of heavy reads.
2022-01-1933 minI Read a Book OnceMy Almost DNF (The Keeper of Night - Kylie Lee Baker)After almost DNFing, I finally finished The Keeper of Night by Kylie Lee Baker a debut YA fantasy novel. Our main character Ren, who is half British Reaper and half Japanese Shinigami, must travel to Japan to try and serve the Goddess of Death and escape her past. I talk about my mixed feelings and why I almost DNFed this book, discuss the importance of having a biracial main character, and wonder what will happen in the second (and final) book.
2022-01-1237 minI Read a Book Once2021 Wrap UpBefore moving forward into 2022, I needed to first look back at my reading year in 2021. In this episode I go over my reading stats for 2021 included the total number of books read as well as genre breakdowns. I also discuss my favorite and least favorite books of the year as well as some potential reading goals going into 2022.
2022-01-0546 minI Read a Book OnceChristmas, Concussions, and Clean Romances (The Holiday Swap - Maggie Knox)Happy Holidays everybody! I try yet again to be a seasonal reader with the clean romance novel The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox, which follows two identical twins who switch lives. Cass pretends to be Charlie and films a baking show and Charlie tries to keep the family bakery from going under. I marvel at the fact that I finally read a clean romance novel, discuss which sister and which romantic relationship I like better, and bring up some of the questionable parts of the plot.
2021-12-2135 minI Read a Book OnceWho Wants to Be My Anonymous Pen Pal? (Tell Me Three Things - Julie Buxbaum)Taking a break from the more serious books I've been reading, this week's episode is on one of my favorite YA novels. Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum tells the story of Jessie, who has recently moved across the country following her dad remarrying, and her friendship with the anonymous SN. I joke about inviting my own SN to email me, rant about the dad's poor decisions, and breakdown my thoughts regarding SN's identity.
2021-12-1529 minI Read a Book OnceSo, This Was Graphic (The Power - Naomi Alderman)I stepped outside my comfort zone again with my book club's November pick The Power by Naomi Alderman. This science fiction dystopian novel asks the question what would happen if teenage girls gained the power of electricity? The answer is chaos. I talk about my surprise at how graphic and intense this book was, recap the conversations I had at book club, and discuss the interesting framing of the book.
2021-12-0836 minI Read a Book OnceNobody Told Me This Book Was Almost 600 Pages Long (The Lincoln Highway - Amor Towles)This week was a hefty 580+ historical fiction novel that could potentially be the next great American novel. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles follows four boys on a trip to New York City in 1954 and the ensuing hero's journey. I put on my English major hat and analyze themes, contemplate what comes after the ending, and compare and contrast my favorite and least favorite character.
2021-12-0139 minI Read a Book OnceLet‘s Talk About The Ending (Portrait of a Scotsman - Evie Dunmore)I return with the third book in the League of Extraordinary Women series - Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore. This historical romance follows rich, girly girl Hattie as she is tricked into marrying Lucian a businessman with a mysterious past. I spend over half of the discussion section talking about my feelings about the ending, express my enjoyment over the conversations about class and intersectionality, and compare the male love interests across the three books.
2021-11-1738 minI Read a Book OnceMy Favorite Book From 2019 (Bringing Down The Duke - Evie Dunmore)I've talked about my love for this book so many times on this podcast, and now it's time for it to finally get its own episode! Bringing Down The Duke by Evie Dunmore is a historical romance novel following a bluestocking named Annabelle and a duke named Sebastian as they battle over the Married Women's Property Act and love. I discuss rereading and my revelations the third time around, ask what my love of this book says about me, and revisit my A Rouge of One's Own episode.
2021-11-1037 minI Read a Book Once2021 Halloween Special Part 3 (Finch Merlin Series - Bella Forrest)It's time for the final part in my Finch Merlin Halloween series. This last episode covers all the twists and turns that the last three books bring including double crossing, plot twists, and tears. And we finally learn if Finch will get his own happily ever after. I share my anger and heartache over the events in book 15, express my shock over the ending of the second to last book, and discuss my overall thoughts about the series as a whole.
2021-10-3039 minI Read a Book Once2021 Halloween Special Part 2 (Finch Merlin Series - Bella Forrest)Happy Halloween (pt. 2)!! Welcome back to the second part of my three part Halloween special. In this episode I cover the middle three books in Bella Forrest's Finch Merlin series. In these books Finch gets the last things needed to get to Atlantis and we find out why Erebus wants to go there in the first place. I get extremely emotional talking about the last book in this set, express my shock over Erebus's reasons for going to Atlantis, and keep on making my hilariously wrong predictions.
2021-10-2836 minI Read a Book Once2021 Halloween Special Part 1 (Finch Merlin Series - Bella Forrest)Happy Halloween! Welcome to the first part of my three part Halloween special on the Finch Merlin series by Bella Forrest, which is a fantasy series about magicals (a.k.a. witches and wizards). This episode covers the first two books in the series and the beginning of Finch's adventures as a servant of Erebus. I introduce the series and give a brief recap on the Harley Merlin series, question and criticize Erebus and his motives, and express my joy at being back in this familiar world.
2021-10-2632 minI Read a Book OnceI Try Out Being a Seasonal Reader (The Ex Hex - Erin Sterling)I'm not normally a seasonal reader, but this week I tried out a Halloween themed romance: The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling. This romance follows Vivi and Rhys two witches trying to break a curse before it takes down the entire town. I waffle about how much I liked this book, talk about the advertising around the book, and wonder what the point of a pen name is when you reveal your real name in the very same sentence.
2021-10-2232 minI Read a Book OnceMy Book Club Made Me Read It (The Haunting of Hill House - Shirley Jackson)I joined a book club and they made me read a psychological horror novel taking me WAY outside of my reading comfort zone. Shirley Jackson's classic novel The Haunting of Hill House follows four people as they stay in and are tormented by a haunted house. I talk through my thoughts about joining a book club, explain why I didn't find this book scary, and try to figure out if the house was actually haunted.
2021-10-1635 minI Read a Book OnceDrink Every Time I Say First Female Deputy Sheriff (Girl Waits With Gun - Amy Stewart)It only took 47 episodes for me to turn my podcast into a drinking game and with an unlikely book at that. Amy Stewart's historical fiction novel Girl Waits With Gun follows Constance Kopp and her sisters as the deal with the reign of terror brought down on them by a shady silk man. I introduce a new segment called are there romantic undertones or am I just a romantic?, discuss Constance's characterization, and talk about where fiction meets reality in this novel.
2021-10-0632 minI Read a Book OnceAdam Is a Simp and So Am I (The Love Hypothesis - Ali Hazelwood)Have you ever read a book so you good you thought your heart might burst? No? Well then you clearly haven't read Ali Hazelwood's novel The Love Hypothesis, which follows Olive, a Ph.D. student at Stanford, who ends up fake dating one of the professors in her department. I reveal that I'm a simp for these characters, talk about the spoilers I received going into the book, and generally praise the writing style and plot for being absolutely hilarious.
2021-09-2935 minI Read a Book OnceI Write a Television Show (The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina - Zoraida Córdova)Zoraida Córdova's debut novel The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is probably the most surreal fantasy novel I've ever read. In this book, Orquídea calls her family to collect their inheritance (magic in some cases), but it causes some unexpected complications as the secrets of her past are unveiled. I debate my feelings about this book, write the premise for a television show based off the book, and focus on one aspect that makes no sense.
2021-09-2229 minI Read a Book OnceMy One Year Anniversary!It's I Read a Book Once's one year anniversary! I can't believe that I've been sharing my opinions on books and summarizing them with too much detail for a year now. To celebrate I decided to do an extra special episode where I reflect on my journey this past year. I reflect on the lessons I've learned, talk about the challenges I've faced, do a little bit of data analysis, and attempt a "meet the book podcast" segment that was a bit of a hot mess.
2021-09-1535 minI Read a Book OnceFlipping Gender Roles On Their Heads (The Kiss Quotient - Helen Hoang)Romance returns with this book community favorite The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang. This book follows Stella, an autistic woman, who hires an escort to teach her how to be in a relationship. I talk about my journey in deciding to read this book, air my frustrations with one particular scene in the book, and express my love for Stella's character.
2021-09-0932 minI Read a Book OnceA Family And A Culture In Crisis (Hillbilly Elegy - J.D. Vance)I couldn't stop at just one highly recommended memoir, I had to read two. Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance tells the story of both him and his family, detailing the culture of the Appalachian region and the highs and lows that come with it. I spend a lot of time reflecting on the political points Vance makes, comparing this memoir with The Other Wes Moore, and highlighting random connections to my classes in college.
2021-08-2534 minI Read a Book OnceOne Name, Two Fates (The Other Wes Moore - Wes Moore)I branched out from my comfort zone and actually read a memoir! The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore follows the extremely different lives of two men with the same name examining how two black men born streets away from each other could have such drastically different lives. The author is a Rhodes Scholar and the "other" Wes Moore is serving a life sentence. I spend some time talking about the genre, question what made their paths diverge, and wonder if one's fate could have been the other's.
2021-08-1831 minI Read a Book OnceBlack Women Provide New Perspective on WWII (Sisters in Arms - Kaia Alderson)WWII historical fiction always tends to be focus on white people and Jewish people, largely leaving out the stories of other people of color. Kaia Alderson's debut novel Sisters in Arms provides a fresh new perspective on WWII, following the stories of Grace and Eliza two black women part of the only all-Black battalion of the Women's Army Corps. I discuss the importance of having a book about black women's roles during WWII, explain the central relationship between Grace and Eliza, and lament I didn't get the romantic ending I wanted.
2021-08-1133 minI Read a Book Once2021 Mid-Year Book Freak Out TagThis week I break from my traditional episode format to bring you the mid-year book freak out tag. This tag asks questions about the books you read in the first half of the year, and even though I'm a month late with my answers I still thought I'd give it a go. I talk about my favorite and least favorite books of 2021 so far, books I want to read this year that I haven't, and books that have made me cry and made me happy.
2021-07-2830 minI Read a Book OnceZero Out of Ten Would Not Recommend (Instructions for Dancing - Nicola Yoon)I thought I'd read a fun YA book by a popular author and pass it off to my sister. Instead Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon was a disjointed disappointment I wish I'd never picked up. I am extremely harsh in my review of this book, which follows Evie as she deals with a curse where she sees how a couple will break up when they kiss. I bash the main character for being selfish, spend at least five minutes ranting about the end of the book, and can't seem to find anything nice to say.
2021-07-2131 minI Read a Book OnceYour Next Poolside Read (Love for Beginners -Jill Shalvis)After a long and unannounced break I'm back and better than ever with Jill Shalvis's Love for Beginners. This book follows Emma as she tries to make a new life for herself after waking up from a coma, which includes finding a new apartment, new boyfriend, and new job. I get sidetracked by my love of coma stories, question the pacing in this book, and celebrate the great female friendship between Emma and Ali.
2021-07-1533 minI Read a Book OnceThe Must Read Book of 2021 (The Last Thing He Told Me - Laura Dave)I don't take it lightly when I say this is the best book I've read so far in 2021. The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave is an atypical thriller novel that follows Hannah and her step-daughter Bailey as they learn her husband isn't who he said he was. I can't stop talking about how good this book was, explain why this type of thriller worked for me, and praise the familial bonding we see throughout the book.
2021-06-0230 minI Read a Book OnceUncovering Unknown History (The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek - Kim Michele Richardson)Historical fiction tends to cover the same time periods and stories, but Kim Michele Richardson's The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek diverges from this pattern. We follow the main character Cussy Mary who is a Pack Horse Librarian during the Great Depression and also has a rare blood condition that makes her skin blue. I discuss how this book was character driven instead of plot driven, express my appreciation for learning about unknown historical stories, and talk about the ambiguous ending.
2021-05-1930 minI Read a Book OnceBad Writing Tropes That Make Me CringeI diverge from my usual episode format to present a brand new sort of series. Once a month or every other month I will be posting episodes NOT about a specific book but rather book tropes or writing topics or rants. My first episode in this new series is on bad writing tropes. I read so much by amateur writers and have noticed similar patterns and tropes that I can't stand. I go through a list of some of the worst offenders.
2021-05-1233 minI Read a Book OnceI Find Out I Love Cozy Mysteries (Arsenic and Adobo - Mia P Manansala)It's time to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Mia P. Manansala's debut novel Arsenic and Adobo. When Lila came home to help out in her aunt's Filipino restaurant she wasn't expecting her ex-boyfriend to die while eating their food or to become the number one suspect. I go on a really long tangent about how to pronounce the name Lila, express my new found love of cozy mystery novels, and talk about Lila's characterization.
2021-05-0536 minI Read a Book OnceThe Most Fun I've Had While Reading This Year (Act Your Age, Eve Brown - Talia Hibbert)Closing off the Brown Sisters series by Talia Hibbert is youngest (and flightiest) sister Eve's story in Act Your Age, Eve Brown. After being cut off by her parents, Eve runs away and crashes (literally) into Jacob Wayne's life becoming the chef at his B&B and maybe something more. I gush over my love of this book and the series as a whole, explain why this book was the most fun to read, and praise the representation in this romance novel.
2021-04-2133 minI Read a Book OnceI Need To Not Take Reviews as Gospel (The Lost Apothecary - Sarah Penner)The past and the present collide in Sarah Penner's historical fantasy(?) The Lost Apothecary. In the past Nella's killer apothecary is under more stress than ever, and in the present Caroline's marriage is falling apart but unravelling the apothecary murders could provide her with a new direction. I talk about the negative effect of bookstagram's influence on me, explain why this book was everything I wanted Outlawed to be, and complain about completely trivial things at the end of the podcast.
2021-04-1435 minI Read a Book OnceCharacter Development? What Character Development? (Red Tigress - Amelie Wen Zhao)I return to the world of Affinites, runaway princesses, and con men with Amelie Wen Zhao's Red Tigress, which is the second book in the trilogy. This book follows Ana and Ramson as they travel to Bregon to get help for Ana's cause. I rant about the absolute trash arc that is Ramson's characterization in this book, explain the reading slump this series ended up putting me in, and hate on the way this book ended.
2021-04-0734 minI Read a Book OnceLet's Talk About the Controversy (Blood Heir - Amelie Wen Zhao)Blood Heir by Amelie Wen Zhao is a YA fantasy novel set in a world where some people have magic (Affinites) and some don't. The story follows an exiled princess and a con man as they both seek revenge. However, this book almost wasn't published following the controversy surrounding it. I break down the controversy and explain my view, talk about my changing opinion on this book after my reread, and discuss the character development of Ana and Ramson.
2021-03-3139 minI Read a Book OnceMy Issue With Murder Mysteries (The Guest List - Lucy Foley)It's time for my very first mystery on the podcast: The Guest List by Lucy Foley. In this book, you wouldn't want to be on the exclusive guest list for famous couple Jules and Will's wedding, especially not with so many shady characters attending. I explain the issue that I have with most mystery novels, question if the weird sexual undertones were needed, and discuss what I was able to figure out and what I wasn't before the big reveal.
2021-03-1833 minI Read a Book OnceMy Big Fat Indian Fake Engagement (The Dating Plan - Sara Desai)I finally return with a romance (and a slightly too long plot summary) after giving you all a break from them! In Sara Desai's The Dating Plan enemies to lovers meets the fake engaged trope as Daisy and Liam try to fool both of their families for very different reasons. I discuss my love for Daisy's fun and crazy Indian family, reveal my slight disappointment over the ending, and question Daisy's underwear choices.
2021-03-0936 minI Read a Book OnceThis Book Lives Up to the Hype (You Should See Me in a Crown - Leah Johnson)To celebrate Black History Month I picked up You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson after hearing all of the hype about it. It follows Liz as she attempts to win prom queen and the scholarship that goes along with it, so she can afford her dream college. I rave over how real the high school feels, compare this book to some of my favorite and least favorite YA novels, and talk about popularity and the friendships in this book.
2021-02-2437 minI Read a Book OnceI'm a Genius (Fractures - Alice Reeds)Alice Reeds YA Thriller duology finishes off we Fractures and Miles and Fiona entering the belly of the beast (aka Briola). They are made to question their own identities and everything they've ever known as they try to escape. I gloat over my correct prediction from last episode, list the rest of my unanswered questions, and make my own inferences and connections between what happened in the two books.
2021-02-1736 minI Read a Book OnceWhat the Heck Is Going On?!? (Echoes - Alice Reeds)I've read Echoes by Alice Reeds twice, and I still have no idea what the heck is going on. This YA Thriller novel follows two timelines as high school students Fiona and Miles are both stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash and being hunted down in Berlin. I get nitpicky talking about issues with the writing style and try to guess what is going on and what will happen in the next book.
2021-02-1036 minI Read a Book OnceGiddy Up Cowgirls and Nonbinary Folks (Outlawed - Anna North)This week we take a trip into the past with Anna North's historical fiction novel Outlawed. We follow Ada as she joins an outlaw group in the Wild West made up of women and their nonbinary leader the Kid. I rant about the repeated use of the phrase "not unkindly," praise the feminist and racial message of the book, and discuss what kept me from loving this book.
2021-02-0337 minI Read a Book OnceTruth, Freedom, and Jasmine (The Cat Who Taught Me How to Fly - Hashem Gharaibeh)Moving away from my more fantastical and romantic reads, I picked up The Cat Who Taught Me How to Fly by Hashem Gharaibeh this week. In this book about an Arab prison, our main character Imad struggles with the decision to renounce his allegiance to the Communist party and walk free or stay true to himself and stay in a Jordanian prison. My inner English major comes out as I ponder truth versus fact, try to define freedom, and question what the jasmine symbolizes.
2021-01-2735 minI Read a Book OnceIt's All About the Coup (Long May She Reign - Rhiannon Thomas)In Rhiannon Thomas's standalone YA fantasy novel, Freya becomes queen after being 23rd in line for the throne. She must use her scientific skills to find out who poisoned the court and keep herself alive. I spend a long time drawing comparisons between the coup scene in this book and real life, explain my thought process on trying to figure out who the murderer was, and address various complaints about this book.
2021-01-2035 minI Read a Book OnceIt's a Catfish But Apparently We Aren't Mad About It (Well Played - Jen DeLuca)Now that Emily and Simon have gotten their happily ever after (HEA), it's time for Stacey to get hers in Well Played by Jen DeLuca. Stacey spends 11 months messaging her Faire fling, only to find out that she's actually been talking to someone else the entire time. I applaud the choice Stacey makes at the end of the book, low key question the choices Stacey's love interest makes, and spend some time comparing Well Played to Well Met.
2021-01-1337 minI Read a Book OnceI've Read This Book Twice (Well Met - Jen DeLuca)To kick of 2021, I'm doing a two week series on Jen DeLuca's Well Met and Well Played. First up is Well Met where our main character Emily learns there's no place quite like a Renaissance. Sparks fly when Emily meets Simon and at first they are not the good kind. I give my opinion on the enemies to lovers trope, wonder if someone can actually fall in love in less than a month, and praise the secondary characters.
2021-01-0636 minI Read a Book Once2020 Wrap Up2020 was one for the books. Literally. I spent most of this year reading, and when you hear how many books I read this year you'd be hard pressed to disagree. After recounting how many books I read this year and what genres they all fall into, I discuss both my favorite and least favorite books I read in 2020. Get ready to hear about some of the usual suspects from earlier episodes, but also new ones as well from earlier in the year.
2020-12-2953 minI Read a Book OnceChristmas Special (In a Holidaze - Christina Lauren)Happy Holidays! What better way is there to celebrate Christmas than talking about In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren, which is a holiday themed book. Our main character Mae is stuck in a time loop reliving the same week over and over again until she gets it right. I wish for more resets in the timeline, contemplate what was up with Theo, and share my own personal connection with Mae.
2020-12-2334 minI Read a Book OnceThis School Makes No Sense (A Deadly Education - Naomi Novik)In A Deadly Education, Naomi Novik creates a magic school that you would NOT want to go to considering half of the students die before they graduate. That doesn't phase our main character El, who is determined to make it out alive and not compromise her morals to do it. I spend way too long describing the confusing magic system and the school, examine El's character and morals, and rave about her friendship with Orion.
2020-12-1640 minI Read a Book OnceGot Book? Will Travel (The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany - Lori Nelson Speilman)Not being able to travel was no problem because with The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany Lori Nelson Speilman took me straight to Italy. Emilia and her cousin Lucy accompany their Great Aunt Poppy to Italy for her 80th birthday hoping to break the family curse keeping all second born daughters from finding love. I rank all of Emilia's love interests, question how she can be so forgiving toward her family, and touch on some of the real life inspiration for the book.
2020-12-0935 minI Read a Book OnceI Only Liked This Book (A Man Called Ove - Fredrik Backman)Let's start this off by saying please don't send me any hate for only liking your favorite book. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman is a beloved book that follows a grumpy old man and his crazy neighbors. It is a favorite by many, just not me. I explain the reasons why I didn't love it, focus on the ending of the book, and wonder if Ruin really could have been taken away.
2020-12-0131 minI Read a Book OnceI Write a New Scene (Take a Hint, Dani Brown - Talia Hibbert)Ready for a change of pace after my spooky fall reads, I picked up the second book in the Brown Sisters series: Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert. We get the classic fake dating trope mixed with friends with benefits. What could go wrong? I fail to give a short plot summary after promising to do so, explore Hibbert's unique writing style, and write the scene she never gave us on how Dani and Zaf met.
2020-11-2536 minI Read a Book OnceI Have a Guest! (Ninth House - Leigh Bardugo)After months of my friend and guest Laura Nobel trying to convince me to read Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, I finally picked it up. Ninth House brings us to Yale and the dark magic surrounding the secret societies. We marvel at the realness of the characters and the setting, express our shock at the plot twists, and speculate on Darlington's future. Most of all we have a good time going back and forth over the book.
2020-11-1857 minI Read a Book OnceBe Careful Who You Curse (Magic Lessons - Alice Hoffman)Take a trip back in time to the Salem witch trials in Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman. The book follows the main character Maria over the course of her life as she practices magic, finds love, and sets a major curse. I wax poetic about the writing in this book, question what in the world Maria was thinking when she set her curse, and divulge my worst reading habits.
2020-11-1133 minI Read a Book OnceThe Romantic Chemistry is Off the Charts (Ties That Tether - Jane Igahro)After the insanity that was the Harley Merlin Halloween special, I'm back with our regularly scheduled programming. This week I'm talking about Ties That Tether by Jane Igahro, which is a book about Azere, who has to decide between being with the man she loves or being in her mother's life. I get off topic at least five times during the plot summary, finally find a book with good romantic chemistry between the two main characters, and reveal my love of angst.
2020-11-0333 minI Read a Book OnceHalloween Special Part 3 (Harley Merlin Series - Bella Forrest)Happy Halloween! It's time to celebrate with the final part in my Halloween Special. Let's wrap up with books 7-9 in the Harley Merlin series by Bella Forrest. I get the shock of a lifetime with the biggest plot reveal yet, get emotional TWICE, and get really salty over the second POV in book 8. And by the end of the ninth book I'm still convinced that we can't trust adults.
2020-10-3033 minI Read a Book OnceHalloween Special Part 2 (Harley Merlin Series - Bella Forrest)I return to the Harley Merlin series by Bella Forrest with Part 2 of my special three part Halloween series. I cover books 4-6, which include my absolute least favorite book, the beginning of the character redemption arc I have been waiting for, and Harley and Wade FINALLY getting together. I discuss the moral of the series, which is don't trust adults, as well as Forrest's writing style, which honestly could use some work.
2020-10-2834 minI Read a Book OnceHalloween Special Part 1 (Harley Merlin Series - Bella Forrest)There's no better way to celebrate Halloween than with a three-part series on a Bella Forrest's Harley Merlin series about magicals. Yes, that's right magicals (i.e. people who have magic but for some reason don't use familiar titles like witch, wizard, or warlock). Part One covers books 1-3 setting up the world, the bad guy, and the characters backstory. I rant about my least favorite character, question the antagonist of the first book, and have opinions on the romantic relationships.
2020-10-2636 minI Read a Book OnceImmortal Beings are the Worst (Star Daughter - Shveta Thakrar)In Shveta Thakrar's YA Fantasy book Star Daughter, Sheetal a half-mortal half-star high school student must ascend to the heavens and reunite with her mother in order to save her father. Court politics and character development dominate the rest of the story. I criticize Sheetal's star family for being the worst, question why immortal beings hate humans, and ask for a glossary.
2020-10-2031 minI Read a Book OnceThey Don't Get Married at the End (A Rouge of One's Own - Evie Dunmore)Of course my first romance book on the podcast is the follow-up to my favorite book from 2019. Evie Dunmore returns with A Rouge of One's Own, which tells the story of suffragist leader Lucie as she tries to walk the line between business and pleasure with Tristan in 1880s England. I get heated over slights against my favorite characters from the first book, gush over the ending of the book, and probably spend more time than I should comparing this book to the first one.
2020-10-1335 minI Read a Book OnceA Bridge, a Bank Robber, and a Bunch of Idiots (Anxious People - Fredrik Backman)Award winning author Fredrik Backman's newest book Anxious People follows a bank robbery turned hostage situation complete with an incompetent bank robber, ridiculous hostages, and two police officers trying their best but getting nowhere fast. I decide to rename the book, turn it into a movie, and contemplate the relative nature of morals and ethics all while congratulating myself for figuring out one of the plot twists before it is revealed.
2020-10-0635 minI Read a Book OnceI Hated the Main Character (The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly - Jamie Pacton)Jamie Pacton's debut novel The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly is centered around a high school girl's fight to be a knight. What's not to like? Apparently a whole host of things because I spend over half of this episode talking about things I did not like. And almost every single one of these things ties back to our main character Kit.
2020-09-2932 minI Read a Book OnceMy First Sci-Fi Book in 8 Years (The Space Between Worlds - Micaiah Johnson)For the first real episode of IRABO, I talk about The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson, a sci-fi book based on the premise that the multiverse theory is true. I focus on questions of identity, the role the past plays in your present, why the multiverse theory is incredibly cool, and of course the romance (spoiler alert: it wasn't as prominent as advertised).
2020-09-2237 minI Read a Book OnceIntroducing I Read a Book OnceWelcome to I Read a Book Once, a podcast where I (Emma) talk about books. In my first episode I explain the inspiration behind my new podcast and what you can look forward to (unfiltered, honest, and spoiler filled convos about the books I’ve read).
2020-09-1517 min