https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unspoiled-book-club--2043694enBooksCopyright UNspoiled! Networkhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/d7569aceecc93d0f015a6d3dbd262baf.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/unspoiled-book-club--2043694Sat, 25 Jul 2026 22:28:53 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkUNspoiled! Networkfeeds@spreaker.comJoin us as we discuss whole books in one shot, once a month!trueepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/brigands-breadknives--73169587Thank you very much to Amanda for joining me to talk about Travis Baldree's third installment in his delightful cozy series! Loved this book and can't wait for more!
Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73169587Sat, 25 Jul 2026 22:13:49 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIf you'd like to get this show early AND ad-free, or if you’d like to suggest a book and be a co-host, please go to https://www.patreon.com/unspoiled and become a patron! You can also join on the free tier and get updates on events and schedule...Thank you very much to Amanda for joining me to talk about Travis Baldree's third installment in his delightful cozy series! Loved this book and can't wait for more!
Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV
]]>6487truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-house-in-the-cerulean-sea--72745235It's time for me and Stacie to talk about this lovely book and the fun but bittersweet world it takes place in! Thank you to Stacie for joining me and I hope you all enjoy the coverage!
See you next month!
Want to join me as a co-host? Join at the $20 and comment on this month's pitch post!
Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72745235Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:50:01 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIf you'd like to get this show early AND ad-free, or if you’d like to suggest a book and be a co-host, please go to https://www.patreon.com/unspoiled and become a patron! You can also join on the free tier and get updates on events and schedule...It's time for me and Stacie to talk about this lovely book and the fun but bittersweet world it takes place in! Thank you to Stacie for joining me and I hope you all enjoy the coverage!
See you next month!
Want to join me as a co-host? Join at the $20 and comment on this month's pitch post!
Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV]]>7997truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/verity-vox-and-the-curse-of-foxfire--71677475Thank you so much to Bernadette for commissioning this episode! 
This book was a sweet and fun little wish-fulfillment for me, because the idea of being able to go to impoverished areas and just FIX things is exactly my jam. The book isn't perfect and we talk a lot about things that we'd change or that confused us, but overall this was a super good time and I'm looking forward to the next one! 
Thanks again to you all for listening, and I will see you soon with a new episode!
Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71677475Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:30:02 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIf you'd like to get this show early AND ad-free, or if you’d like to suggest a book and be a co-host, please go to https://www.patreon.com/unspoiled and become a patron! You can also join on the free tier and get updates on events and schedule...Thank you so much to Bernadette for commissioning this episode! 
This book was a sweet and fun little wish-fulfillment for me, because the idea of being able to go to impoverished areas and just FIX things is exactly my jam. The book isn't perfect and we talk a lot about things that we'd change or that confused us, but overall this was a super good time and I'm looking forward to the next one! 
Thanks again to you all for listening, and I will see you soon with a new episode!
Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV
]]>7978truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bellwether--70390551Join me and Stacie as we talk about this oh-so-90s book about patterns, trends, fads, and super annoying co-workers. We've got offices, we've got sheep, we've got coffee shops, we've 60-page forms to fill out for staples! 
Thanks so much to you all for listening, and I will see you soon with a new episode!
Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70390551Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:15:02 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIf you'd like to get this show early AND ad-free, or if you’d like to suggest a book and be a co-host, please go to https://www.patreon.com/unspoiled and become a patron! You can also join on the free tier and get updates on events and schedule...Join me and Stacie as we talk about this oh-so-90s book about patterns, trends, fads, and super annoying co-workers. We've got offices, we've got sheep, we've got coffee shops, we've 60-page forms to fill out for staples! 
Thanks so much to you all for listening, and I will see you soon with a new episode!
Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV
]]>7718truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-big-over-easy--68760875If you'd like to get this show early AND ad-free, or if you’d like to suggest a book and be a co-host, please go to https://www.patreon.com/unspoiled and become a patron! You can also join on the free tier and get updates on events and schedule changes!
Thank you so much to Patricia for joining me and introducing me to the mad, magical world of Nursery Crimes! I had such a great time reading this book, and I hope to be able to read another one soon. 
Thank you all for listening, and I will see you soon with a new episode!
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68760875Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:30:08 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIf you'd like to get this show early AND ad-free, or if you’d like to suggest a book and be a co-host, please go to https://www.patreon.com/unspoiled and become a patron! You can also join on the free tier and get updates on events and schedule...If you'd like to get this show early AND ad-free, or if you’d like to suggest a book and be a co-host, please go to https://www.patreon.com/unspoiled and become a patron! You can also join on the free tier and get updates on events and schedule changes!
Thank you so much to Patricia for joining me and introducing me to the mad, magical world of Nursery Crimes! I had such a great time reading this book, and I hope to be able to read another one soon. 
Thank you all for listening, and I will see you soon with a new episode!
]]>7387truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/uprooted--68419362Thank you so much to Stacie for joining me on this episode! 
This book was a very compelling read and especially interesting as a precursor to the book of Novak's that I had already read, Spinning Silver. I'm always here for the trope of "I can do the thing, but I do it differently." Recommend this one for a fun fantasy story mixed with some pretty gruesome horror elements! 
Thanks so much to you all for listening, and I will see you soon with a new episode!
Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68419362Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:00:08 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIf you'd like to get this show early AND ad-free, or if you’d like to suggest a book and be a co-host, please go to https://www.patreon.com/unspoiled and become a patron! You can also join on the free tier and get updates on events and schedule...Thank you so much to Stacie for joining me on this episode! 
This book was a very compelling read and especially interesting as a precursor to the book of Novak's that I had already read, Spinning Silver. I'm always here for the trope of "I can do the thing, but I do it differently." Recommend this one for a fun fantasy story mixed with some pretty gruesome horror elements! 
Thanks so much to you all for listening, and I will see you soon with a new episode!
Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV
]]>8077truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/project-hail-mary--67855529It's time to discuss the wonderful, wild ride of Project Hail Mary with long-time listener Alex Irwin! This was so much fun, both to read and to record. 
If you're a high-roller, don't forget that this Saturday will be the live-cast of me and RoShawn talking about The Book Of Laughter And Forgetting! Hope to see you there! https://www.crowdcast.io/c/uhluryfs712k
Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67855529Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:25:07 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIf you'd like to get this show early AND ad-free, or if you’d like to suggest a book and be a co-host, please go to https://www.patreon.com/unspoiled and become a patron! You can also join on the free tier and get updates on events and schedule...It's time to discuss the wonderful, wild ride of Project Hail Mary with long-time listener Alex Irwin! This was so much fun, both to read and to record. 
If you're a high-roller, don't forget that this Saturday will be the live-cast of me and RoShawn talking about The Book Of Laughter And Forgetting! Hope to see you there! https://www.crowdcast.io/c/uhluryfs712k
Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV
]]>7552truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ender-s-game--67423378Thank you so much to Kimberly for suggesting this book and for joining me on this episode! And also, thank you to everyone who voted for this book in the poll and hung out with us in the chat while we were live! 
I hope you all enjoy the episode, and I will see you in September for the next installment of the Book Club, and if you're a SuperSpoiled level Patron keep your eyes peeled for the next poll!
Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67423378Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:30:08 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIf you'd like to get this show early AND ad-free, or if you’d like to suggest a book and be a co-host, please go to https://www.patreon.com/unspoiled and become a patron! You can also join on the free tier and get updates on events and schedule...Thank you so much to Kimberly for suggesting this book and for joining me on this episode! And also, thank you to everyone who voted for this book in the poll and hung out with us in the chat while we were live! 
I hope you all enjoy the episode, and I will see you in September for the next installment of the Book Club, and if you're a SuperSpoiled level Patron keep your eyes peeled for the next poll!
Wanna talk spoilers? Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV
]]>7186truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/i-m-starting-to-worry-about-this-black-box-of-doom--67334602
Eeeeeee I'm so excited, y'all! It's time for the very first [successful] listener-cohosted Book Club episode! Cindy chose Jason Pargin's book for reasons you'll have to listen to the episode to find out, and we have a great time talking about all the points the book is trying to make and whether it's successful or not.
This was a fun book and a fun experience, and Cindy did so well! I'm looking forward to hopefully meeting more of you, so if you're a $20+ patron don't forget to pitch your book on the main Patreon post! 

Thanks so much for listening, everyone, and I will see you soon with a new episode!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67334602Thu, 14 Aug 2025 11:30:07 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIf you'd like to get this show early AND ad-free, or if you’d like to suggest a book and be a co-host, please go to https://www.patreon.com/unspoiled and become a patron! You can also join on the free tier and get updates on events and schedule...
Eeeeeee I'm so excited, y'all! It's time for the very first [successful] listener-cohosted Book Club episode! Cindy chose Jason Pargin's book for reasons you'll have to listen to the episode to find out, and we have a great time talking about all the points the book is trying to make and whether it's successful or not.
This was a fun book and a fun experience, and Cindy did so well! I'm looking forward to hopefully meeting more of you, so if you're a $20+ patron don't forget to pitch your book on the main Patreon post! 

Thanks so much for listening, everyone, and I will see you soon with a new episode!]]>8032truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cackle-featuring-overdue--57537516https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57537516Tue, 07 Nov 2023 01:34:09 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHey friends! The UNspoiled! Book Club feed is mostly dead except for the very special time of year when Overdue has me on as a guest! Join us as we talk about Cackle by Rachel Harrison, and let me know what you think if you've read the book!6250truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/vampire-diaries-book-1-with-overdue--51592681Was the book good? No. Was it fun? Also no. Well, a little, in parts.
But was recording fun?
You bet your spooky ass it was.
Thanks for listening, and I will see you next year!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51592681Thu, 27 Oct 2022 00:55:02 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkGreetings my ghouls and goblins, it's time for the spooky seasonal read with the boys from Overdue! Their delightful podcast (about the books that you've been meaning to read) invites me on in or around Spooktober to talk about a book they've been...Was the book good? No. Was it fun? Also no. Well, a little, in parts.
But was recording fun?
You bet your spooky ass it was.
Thanks for listening, and I will see you next year!]]>4179truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/eragon-with-overdue--46874083https://overduepodcast.com/

This episode, we talk about the YA novel Eragon, in which the plot is so derivative that we use the wrong names by accident several times. Craig is much more on board than Andrew and I were, but I am fairly certain I was the most cranky out of everyone. And I think that should be celebrated.

If you'd like to join our Discord and get in on some of the convo, check it out here! Non-patrons welcome! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46874083Thu, 07 Oct 2021 23:35:30 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHey everyone! I'm here with a surprise bit of book coverage with my favorite pair of boy reviewers, Craig and Andrew from Overdue! You can check out their show here! https://overduepodcast.com/ This episode, we talk about the YA novel Eragon, in...https://overduepodcast.com/

This episode, we talk about the YA novel Eragon, in which the plot is so derivative that we use the wrong names by accident several times. Craig is much more on board than Andrew and I were, but I am fairly certain I was the most cranky out of everyone. And I think that should be celebrated.

If you'd like to join our Discord and get in on some of the convo, check it out here! Non-patrons welcome! https://discord.gg/rEF2KfZxfV]]>5644truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/james-and-the-giant-peach-with-overdue--19616370www.overduepodcast.com
This episode we're talking about James And The Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl, and man I forgot how fucking bananas this book is. I don't know why I didn't remember almost anything, but the Cloud Men and the landing in Manhattan were nowhere in my mind, and there was only the barest flicker of recognition at the literal ticker-tape parade at the end. All I remembered were the aunts, and they deserve it.
Thank you all so much for listening, and for supporting the show. I can't wait to see you all on the Spoil Me! feed, if you're looking to scratch that Book Club itch!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19616370Tue, 22 Oct 2019 11:30:18 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHey there, you gorgeous creatures! I'm here with the final episode of UNspoiled! Book Club, and I'm delighted to be wrapping things up with the wonderful gents from Overdue, Craig and Andrew. If you'd like to listen to more of them (and you should,...www.overduepodcast.com
This episode we're talking about James And The Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl, and man I forgot how fucking bananas this book is. I don't know why I didn't remember almost anything, but the Cloud Men and the landing in Manhattan were nowhere in my mind, and there was only the barest flicker of recognition at the literal ticker-tape parade at the end. All I remembered were the aunts, and they deserve it.
Thank you all so much for listening, and for supporting the show. I can't wait to see you all on the Spoil Me! feed, if you're looking to scratch that Book Club itch!]]>3981truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/imajica--19110170I hope you enjoy the coverage, and I will see you in late October with James And The Giant Peach!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/19110170Fri, 20 Sep 2019 11:30:22 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkThanks so much to Candace for agreeing to cover this absolutely bananas book with me. I cannot emphasize enough how unlike anything I've read this book is in terms of its scope and tone. While there are certain things it has in common with His Dark...I hope you enjoy the coverage, and I will see you in late October with James And The Giant Peach!]]>8990truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-wind-in-the-willows--18859967This is a book I see myself going back to time and again, and I was really glad that RoShawn liked it too.
Don't miss me and Candace on August 31st at 2PM CST, when we will be covering Imajica!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18859967Sat, 24 Aug 2019 11:30:17 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHey there, lovely people! RoShawn was super sick but bravely met with me for this episode anyway, and I'm so glad. I loved this book, and I can't believe that I hadn't read it already considering all of the boxes it ticked in my "favorite things"...This is a book I see myself going back to time and again, and I was really glad that RoShawn liked it too.
Don't miss me and Candace on August 31st at 2PM CST, when we will be covering Imajica!]]>4398truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/watership-down--18722921This book was a rough one. I can see the appeal, and the way RoShawn talks about her connections with some of the folktales before discovering this books totally makes sense for how it connected with her as a kid. But for me, I was just not into it. I tried. Lord knows, I tried. But it made for a good discussion anyhow.

Thank you all so much for listening, and I will see you again soon with a new episode!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18722921Mon, 19 Aug 2019 22:03:53 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkI just want to warn you all that about 5 minutes from the end of this episode, tragedy strikes and RoShawn's internet goes down. She wound up being without internet for almost three hours, and thankfull got it back just in time to record UNsober with...This book was a rough one. I can see the appeal, and the way RoShawn talks about her connections with some of the folktales before discovering this books totally makes sense for how it connected with her as a kid. But for me, I was just not into it. I tried. Lord knows, I tried. But it made for a good discussion anyhow.

Thank you all so much for listening, and I will see you again soon with a new episode!]]>5995truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-poisonwood-bible--18573758
If you haven't read this book, you're doing yourself a disservice. It's not just about personal experiences of characters whom we get to know and care about (in most cases, anyway), but also about the role that the United States played in bringing down a nation of black people and keeping them down throughout their attempts to take back control. It's really important information, conveyed in a way that feels much less preachy than you'd ever expect.

I just loved this book. It's famous for a reason. It's gorgeously written. I just can't recommend it enough. READ IT.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18573758Sun, 04 Aug 2019 22:52:13 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkThank you so much to Bitches for joining me on this episode, and bearing with me while I work out some very tough personal shit that came up as a result of this book hitting on some really familiar and uncomfortable themes. If you haven't read this...
If you haven't read this book, you're doing yourself a disservice. It's not just about personal experiences of characters whom we get to know and care about (in most cases, anyway), but also about the role that the United States played in bringing down a nation of black people and keeping them down throughout their attempts to take back control. It's really important information, conveyed in a way that feels much less preachy than you'd ever expect.

I just loved this book. It's famous for a reason. It's gorgeously written. I just can't recommend it enough. READ IT.]]>7022truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-wrinkle-in-time--18405848
In truth, it held up GREAT.

There's shockingly few problematic elements for a book written when this was and under the particular scrutiny that our generation is prone to use when examining works of fiction. The story is even more chilling for us as adults coming at this work from the lens of capitalism instead of communism, and Miles and I both were moved by it in totally new ways upon this reread.

Thank you so much for listening, and I will see you all again next month with The Poisonwood Bible!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18405848Sat, 29 Jun 2019 11:30:04 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHey there lovelies! Miles and I are here to talk about Childhood favorite A Wrinkle In Time, a book we had both loved but not revisited for at least a decade. How did it hold up? In truth, it held up GREAT. There's shockingly few problematic...
In truth, it held up GREAT.

There's shockingly few problematic elements for a book written when this was and under the particular scrutiny that our generation is prone to use when examining works of fiction. The story is even more chilling for us as adults coming at this work from the lens of capitalism instead of communism, and Miles and I both were moved by it in totally new ways upon this reread.

Thank you so much for listening, and I will see you all again next month with The Poisonwood Bible!]]>7048truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/quick-announcement--18233076https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18233076Tue, 11 Jun 2019 01:24:07 +0000UNspoiled! Network362falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/white-oleander--18006320So. I apologize. That's two book club episodes now where I've dropped the ball and I'm smarting a little from it. I really did like what I heard of this book, and I'm deeply sad that they robbed me of a full experience. I wish I knew why!
Thank you to Jaime for commissioning this one, and I will see you all in a couple of weeks with Where The Red Fern Grows!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/18006320Sat, 18 May 2019 11:25:15 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkSooooooo funny story about this one. I got the audiobook AND the kindle version, but relied on the audiobook because I had a packed week and it was easier to listen while I took care of chores and housework. UNFORTUNATELY, it turns out that the...So. I apologize. That's two book club episodes now where I've dropped the ball and I'm smarting a little from it. I really did like what I heard of this book, and I'm deeply sad that they robbed me of a full experience. I wish I knew why!
Thank you to Jaime for commissioning this one, and I will see you all in a couple of weeks with Where The Red Fern Grows!]]>6093truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-borrowers--17829081This book was a little less whimsical than I expected, because there were actually pretty hardcore stakes; if the little boy didn't stop the cook or help the Clocks escape, they would all die. All of them! And what's surprising is that we don't actually get any confirmation that they're okay at the end. We don't SEE them escape, we just have to take the word of the woman who is telling the story. Not only that, but the cook doesn't get any comeuppance for being pretty much terrible! As a kid I think that would have bothered me a lot, but frankly as an adult I was like, "Well that's how it goes."
Anyway, I liked this book and it was kind of weird and I'm low-key interested in reading the sequels. Thanks to everyone who hung out with me at the Crowdcast, and make sure to pick up the book for next month's Childhood Favorite, Where The Red Fern Grows!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17829081Sat, 04 May 2019 12:20:14 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHey folks! So, unfortunately I had a bit of a hiccup with the person who was supposed to guest-host this episode. They had a personal emergency and forgot to let me know they wouldn't be available, so I was sitting in front on my camera with Crowdcast...This book was a little less whimsical than I expected, because there were actually pretty hardcore stakes; if the little boy didn't stop the cook or help the Clocks escape, they would all die. All of them! And what's surprising is that we don't actually get any confirmation that they're okay at the end. We don't SEE them escape, we just have to take the word of the woman who is telling the story. Not only that, but the cook doesn't get any comeuppance for being pretty much terrible! As a kid I think that would have bothered me a lot, but frankly as an adult I was like, "Well that's how it goes."
Anyway, I liked this book and it was kind of weird and I'm low-key interested in reading the sequels. Thanks to everyone who hung out with me at the Crowdcast, and make sure to pick up the book for next month's Childhood Favorite, Where The Red Fern Grows!]]>4446truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-time-traveler-s-wife--17737705Niffenegger comes up with a really wild idea for this book: what if time travel wasn't something you needed equipment to complete, but also something that you couldn't control? Henry is a dude afflicted with a really weird condition that causes him to unexpectedly time-travel at random moments, and wherever he ends up he's naked and completely vulnerable. Claire is his wife, and the book is structured in such a way that we first see them together when Henry first meets her, even though by the time he meets her, Claire has already known him for some time.
Yeah, it's complicated.
Thank you all so much for listening, and I hope you enjoy the show!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17737705Sat, 27 Apr 2019 11:35:21 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHey all you lovely people! I am finally here with the episode for this month's Book Club, and Jaime is going to talk about it with me! The Time Traveler's Wife falls under the heading of "books I had heard of a million times but had no interest in"...Niffenegger comes up with a really wild idea for this book: what if time travel wasn't something you needed equipment to complete, but also something that you couldn't control? Henry is a dude afflicted with a really weird condition that causes him to unexpectedly time-travel at random moments, and wherever he ends up he's naked and completely vulnerable. Claire is his wife, and the book is structured in such a way that we first see them together when Henry first meets her, even though by the time he meets her, Claire has already known him for some time.
Yeah, it's complicated.
Thank you all so much for listening, and I hope you enjoy the show!]]>5999truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/little-women--17575992This book wasn't an easy one for Jaime who usually doesn't warm to period novels very well, but she found some things really resonated with her. We both found it sort of sad and fascinating how much this book seemed to fly in the face of everything Louisa May Alcott believed, but she was able to write it with such sincerity that you'd never know it.
Then there are parts of the story that are problematic by today's standards, and we deal with them while acknowledging that there were probably things that Alcott just didn't have the vocabulary for at the time. How interesting it would have been for her to explore the modern era!
Thank you all so much for listening, and I will see you in a few weeks with a new episode!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17575992Tue, 09 Apr 2019 11:30:23 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkMany thanks to Jaime for joining me for this episode of UNspoiled! Book Club: Childhood Favorites! I'm personally excited about revisiting this book, and I was able to zero in on a really good audiobook version which I was going to link to, but now...This book wasn't an easy one for Jaime who usually doesn't warm to period novels very well, but she found some things really resonated with her. We both found it sort of sad and fascinating how much this book seemed to fly in the face of everything Louisa May Alcott believed, but she was able to write it with such sincerity that you'd never know it.
Then there are parts of the story that are problematic by today's standards, and we deal with them while acknowledging that there were probably things that Alcott just didn't have the vocabulary for at the time. How interesting it would have been for her to explore the modern era!
Thank you all so much for listening, and I will see you in a few weeks with a new episode!]]>6662truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/crazy-rich-asians--17433831I have to confess that while Candace and I talk about a lot of different issues we had with this book, I still had a great time listening to the audiobook. If you have the inclination, I highly recommend it. I don't know if I would have had the same reaction to the story if I had been reading it, because there's something about it being narrated by someone who speaks the language and who can do the accents correctly that adds an extra dimension of ease to absorbing the material without getting mentally hung up on how to pronounce things.
This book was fun, but there were certain things that felt really contrived because the author wanted huge dramatic moments. Nick is really one of the most frustrating characters ever. You want to like him and give him the benefit of the doubt, but you also can't help but think he must be a complete fool if he doesn't see some of this shit coming. And does Rachel want to marry someone that foolish?
Anyway, I would be really interested to hear what you thought of this book! Let me know!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17433831Tue, 26 Mar 2019 11:30:04 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHey everyone! Candace joined me for this episode, and this time around I actually did watch the film that came out based on the book before recording, so there's going to be some references to that in this episode. Forgive me! I have to confess that...I have to confess that while Candace and I talk about a lot of different issues we had with this book, I still had a great time listening to the audiobook. If you have the inclination, I highly recommend it. I don't know if I would have had the same reaction to the story if I had been reading it, because there's something about it being narrated by someone who speaks the language and who can do the accents correctly that adds an extra dimension of ease to absorbing the material without getting mentally hung up on how to pronounce things.
This book was fun, but there were certain things that felt really contrived because the author wanted huge dramatic moments. Nick is really one of the most frustrating characters ever. You want to like him and give him the benefit of the doubt, but you also can't help but think he must be a complete fool if he doesn't see some of this shit coming. And does Rachel want to marry someone that foolish?
Anyway, I would be really interested to hear what you thought of this book! Let me know!]]>5928truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/little-house-in-the-big-woods--17295033Gena, like me, loved these books as a child, and unlike me, went on to become a fan of the TV show as well. I only saw a few minutes of one ep and decided it was not for me, and you won't believe what Gena tells me happens in the final episode (unless you've seen it in which case, whaaaaaat were they thinking???).
I was a little worried about this reread, but it turns out that a lot of the more objectionable stuff is in her later book, Little House On The Prairie. In fact, this book is much more like Farmer Boy than it is like the other Little House books, because it's so much more focused on the how-tos of self-sufficiency. No wonder I like this one so much, it's practically a DIY book.
Thanks a ton to all of you for listening, and to Gena for guesting! See you next month with Crazy Rich Asians and Little Women!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17295033Tue, 12 Mar 2019 11:30:11 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHey everyone! It's time for the next Childhood Favorite, this month hosted by Gena Radcliffe fof Kill BY Kill Podcast! Gena, like me, loved these books as a child, and unlike me, went on to become a fan of the TV show as well. I only saw a few...Gena, like me, loved these books as a child, and unlike me, went on to become a fan of the TV show as well. I only saw a few minutes of one ep and decided it was not for me, and you won't believe what Gena tells me happens in the final episode (unless you've seen it in which case, whaaaaaat were they thinking???).
I was a little worried about this reread, but it turns out that a lot of the more objectionable stuff is in her later book, Little House On The Prairie. In fact, this book is much more like Farmer Boy than it is like the other Little House books, because it's so much more focused on the how-tos of self-sufficiency. No wonder I like this one so much, it's practically a DIY book.
Thanks a ton to all of you for listening, and to Gena for guesting! See you next month with Crazy Rich Asians and Little Women!]]>5810truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/children-of-blood-and-bone--17129177The story follows Zelie, a young woman born of meji parents with magical ability, who all lost their abilities for unknown reasons and have had to live as slaves and scapegoats in the country of Orisha. Amari, a princess belonging to the non-magical race of people, realizes her father is a monster and flees the city with one of his most important weapons, and their paths collide.
I really hope that you all check this book out and I will see you in a couple weeks with Crazy Rich Asians!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/17129177Mon, 25 Feb 2019 12:30:19 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHey everyone! Candace and I are here to discuss Children Of Blood And Bone, an epic fantasy novel that centers a black woman and is in a country populated by black people. It's really unusual and really emotional and I highly recommend it. The story...The story follows Zelie, a young woman born of meji parents with magical ability, who all lost their abilities for unknown reasons and have had to live as slaves and scapegoats in the country of Orisha. Amari, a princess belonging to the non-magical race of people, realizes her father is a monster and flees the city with one of his most important weapons, and their paths collide.
I really hope that you all check this book out and I will see you in a couple weeks with Crazy Rich Asians!]]>6208truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/childhood-favorites-the-enchanted-castle--16951870When I think about British children's literature, this is what I think of. And informal third-person with occasional breaks in the 4th wall (so to speak) where the author addresses the reader directly, coupled with a small group of kids and some wacky adventures involving different levels of magical interference. The Enchanted Castle is actually one of Nesbit's less popular novels, but it's my #1 favorite and I will always put it in my top 5 favorites list.
Thanks a ton to all of you for listening, and if you'd like to get the book you can do so here! https://amzn.to/2t4y4Qn]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16951870Tue, 05 Feb 2019 12:30:03 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHello, my good people! It's time for one of my personal childhood faves, The Enchanted Castle by Edith Nesbit! Candace wasn't as enraptured with it as I was, but that's okay. I suppose eventually I may forgive her. When I think about British...When I think about British children's literature, this is what I think of. And informal third-person with occasional breaks in the 4th wall (so to speak) where the author addresses the reader directly, coupled with a small group of kids and some wacky adventures involving different levels of magical interference. The Enchanted Castle is actually one of Nesbit's less popular novels, but it's my #1 favorite and I will always put it in my top 5 favorites list.
Thanks a ton to all of you for listening, and if you'd like to get the book you can do so here! https://amzn.to/2t4y4Qn]]>6303truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sharp-objects--16849554Thank you so much to everyone who recommended this book, and I will see you next week with The Enchanted Castle!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16849554Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:30:09 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkRoShawn and I have a LOT to say about this disturbing, gripping, haunting book. We both really felt spoken to by the focus of the story on mother-daughter relationships, and the slow build of mystery and upsetting details is really really effective....Thank you so much to everyone who recommended this book, and I will see you next week with The Enchanted Castle!]]>5778truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bridge-to-terabithia--16505554There, I said it.
I just wanted to warn you in case you are very attached to this book and have a lot of loving nostalgia around it, because I figure that even something if I know is problematic but I loved it as a child, I wouldn't particularly want to listen to it get shredded to bits by folks who just discovered it. But that's pretty much what Rachel and I do, so be forewarned.
Between the misogyny, fatphobia, manic-pixie-dreamgirl troping, fridging, and generally treating all the female characters pretty terribly, there just wasn't a whole lot left to like in this book, at least for me. Also, there's that weird milk scene. *shudders*
Many of you will remember Rachel from her guest spot on Charlotte's Web a few months back, and if you're interested in finding more of her you can check out her Quantum Leap podcast called Beckett To The Future by going here! https://www.beckettfuturepod.com/]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16505554Sat, 22 Dec 2018 12:30:17 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkAlright folks. We didn't like this book. There, I said it. I just wanted to warn you in case you are very attached to this book and have a lot of loving nostalgia around it, because I figure that even something if I know is problematic but I loved...There, I said it.
I just wanted to warn you in case you are very attached to this book and have a lot of loving nostalgia around it, because I figure that even something if I know is problematic but I loved it as a child, I wouldn't particularly want to listen to it get shredded to bits by folks who just discovered it. But that's pretty much what Rachel and I do, so be forewarned.
Between the misogyny, fatphobia, manic-pixie-dreamgirl troping, fridging, and generally treating all the female characters pretty terribly, there just wasn't a whole lot left to like in this book, at least for me. Also, there's that weird milk scene. *shudders*
Many of you will remember Rachel from her guest spot on Charlotte's Web a few months back, and if you're interested in finding more of her you can check out her Quantum Leap podcast called Beckett To The Future by going here! https://www.beckettfuturepod.com/]]>5667truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-last-wish--16490956RoShawn and I liked the mythology and stories in this book, but we had a big problem with the structure and the way the whole thing was presented. We both listened to the audiobook, which was probably part of the problem, but frankly I'm not totally convinced this would have worked that much better for me if I had sat down and read it.
When we were able to follow along, we were surprised and interested to see that there are a lot of callouts and homages to some really classic fairy tales, which I don't think either of us were expecting. I really liked the concept of Witchers, who are basically for-hire monster-hunters with really intense training and even some biological alterations to make them more adept fighters.
As much as I liked the universe, though, I don't think this first book was a good introduction to it and I'm left somewhat frustrated. What do you all think of this book?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16490956Mon, 17 Dec 2018 12:30:16 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIt's the final episode of the main UNspoiled! Book Club list for 2018, and in this episode RoShawn and I discuss Andrezej Sapkowski's The Last Wish, the first book in The Witcher series. RoShawn and I liked the mythology and stories in this book, but...RoShawn and I liked the mythology and stories in this book, but we had a big problem with the structure and the way the whole thing was presented. We both listened to the audiobook, which was probably part of the problem, but frankly I'm not totally convinced this would have worked that much better for me if I had sat down and read it.
When we were able to follow along, we were surprised and interested to see that there are a lot of callouts and homages to some really classic fairy tales, which I don't think either of us were expecting. I really liked the concept of Witchers, who are basically for-hire monster-hunters with really intense training and even some biological alterations to make them more adept fighters.
As much as I liked the universe, though, I don't think this first book was a good introduction to it and I'm left somewhat frustrated. What do you all think of this book?]]>5983truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/childhood-favorites-the-phantom-tollbooth--16425645 https://overthetabletoppodcast.libsyn.com/) for joining me on this episode of Childhood Favorites!
The Phantom Tollbooth was a book that so many people wanted to join me for, and I can really see why. It's a very unusual book that seems to combine elements of the over-the-top style of Roald Dahl and Dr. Seuss with some pretty intense elements that I would assign to a more Neil Gaiman type mind.
I'm so sorry I'm releasing this recording so late, but between my trip to LA being the day after we recorded, and then being sick when I got home...well, things go away from me. I hope you enjoy the show, and I will see you all soon with The Last Wish.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16425645Mon, 10 Dec 2018 12:30:05 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkMany thanks to Erin Ayers from Over The Tabletop (which you can find out about here : https://overthetabletoppodcast.libsyn.com/) for joining me on this episode of Childhood Favorites! The Phantom Tollbooth was a book that so many people wanted to... https://overthetabletoppodcast.libsyn.com/) for joining me on this episode of Childhood Favorites!
The Phantom Tollbooth was a book that so many people wanted to join me for, and I can really see why. It's a very unusual book that seems to combine elements of the over-the-top style of Roald Dahl and Dr. Seuss with some pretty intense elements that I would assign to a more Neil Gaiman type mind.
I'm so sorry I'm releasing this recording so late, but between my trip to LA being the day after we recorded, and then being sick when I got home...well, things go away from me. I hope you enjoy the show, and I will see you all soon with The Last Wish.]]>6483truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-martian--16203372Seriously, long-time fans know that I'm super interested in the boring minutiae that goes into fictional worlds and projects, and The Martian delivers on that pedantic crap in spades and I AM HERE FOR IT. It's rather gratifying to know that this book appealed to so many people, because it means that I'm not alone in my nerdiness.
Also, this was just a really interesting, tense story that managed to have high stakes while also managing to be lighthearted, which is pretty tough. So if you're interested in reading it, you can pick it up here! https://amzn.to/2ROUO1q
And thanks for listening!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16203372Tue, 13 Nov 2018 12:30:17 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkListeners, Jaime and I are coming at you with an episode on Andy Weir's The Martian, a book which decided that people really wanted to know every last detail about potato farming on Mars. And you know what? That book was RIGHT. Seriously, long-time...Seriously, long-time fans know that I'm super interested in the boring minutiae that goes into fictional worlds and projects, and The Martian delivers on that pedantic crap in spades and I AM HERE FOR IT. It's rather gratifying to know that this book appealed to so many people, because it means that I'm not alone in my nerdiness.
Also, this was just a really interesting, tense story that managed to have high stakes while also managing to be lighthearted, which is pretty tough. So if you're interested in reading it, you can pick it up here! https://amzn.to/2ROUO1q
And thanks for listening!]]>6034truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/childhood-favorites-are-you-there-god-it-s-me-margaret--16136527https://amzn.to/2SLfYyD You can find the site for her podcast here goyourownya.com and she even has a music site here! https://careyfarrell.bandcamp.com/
This was a particularly fun one to read because while I have read it several times as a child, I haven't revisited it in a long time, and so much has changed about my perception of things like religion and puberty that it was totally new this time around. I liked comparing my experience to Carey's, too, because she grew up very concerned about getting her period and getting boobs, while I didn't care about that but had a ton of pressure on me regarding religion.
I hope that you all enjoy the episode, and I will see you next time with The Phantom Tollbooth!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/16136527Mon, 05 Nov 2018 12:30:03 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHey there, you wonderful people! I'm here with Carey Anne Farrell, the author of the just-released Forward March, and co-host of the podcast You Can Go Your Own YA. Check out her book here! https://amzn.to/2SLfYyD You can find the site for her...https://amzn.to/2SLfYyD You can find the site for her podcast here goyourownya.com and she even has a music site here! https://careyfarrell.bandcamp.com/
This was a particularly fun one to read because while I have read it several times as a child, I haven't revisited it in a long time, and so much has changed about my perception of things like religion and puberty that it was totally new this time around. I liked comparing my experience to Carey's, too, because she grew up very concerned about getting her period and getting boobs, while I didn't care about that but had a ton of pressure on me regarding religion.
I hope that you all enjoy the episode, and I will see you next time with The Phantom Tollbooth!]]>3573truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dead-until-dark--15971104https://amzn.to/2CKxMoJ
Dead Until Dark is the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris, and there's a reason why it got made into a smash hit series by HBO. The heroine is sharp and funny and yet flawed, the men are hot and supernatural and involved in shady shit, and the plot is compelling, quick-paced, and feels very much like it's taking place in our world. This means that all the ugly consequences of human emotions, bigotry, and conflicting loyalties play out in the same messy way they really would, and I appreciate that.
Krista was convinced I wasn't going to like this book, but I enjoyed it so much that as of today I'm about to start the fourth audiobook in the series, using up all my audible credits, and it's been a lot of fun. I think that I dismissed these books because of how outlandish the HBO show became but I'm glad that this one was upvoted by the Patrons so that I got to experience it for myself.
Thanks to Krista for cohosting this one, and thanks to all of you for listening!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15971104Thu, 18 Oct 2018 11:30:05 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkFirst of all, if you all are interested in checking out this book (and if you're looking for something fun, sexy, and fluffy, you should), here is the link to buy it! It's super cheap as a Kindle book but if you can do the audiobook I recommend it....https://amzn.to/2CKxMoJ
Dead Until Dark is the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris, and there's a reason why it got made into a smash hit series by HBO. The heroine is sharp and funny and yet flawed, the men are hot and supernatural and involved in shady shit, and the plot is compelling, quick-paced, and feels very much like it's taking place in our world. This means that all the ugly consequences of human emotions, bigotry, and conflicting loyalties play out in the same messy way they really would, and I appreciate that.
Krista was convinced I wasn't going to like this book, but I enjoyed it so much that as of today I'm about to start the fourth audiobook in the series, using up all my audible credits, and it's been a lot of fun. I think that I dismissed these books because of how outlandish the HBO show became but I'm glad that this one was upvoted by the Patrons so that I got to experience it for myself.
Thanks to Krista for cohosting this one, and thanks to all of you for listening!]]>6921truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/childhood-favorites-redwall--15740848http://casterquest.com/
This episode we talk about one of those old faves that you look back on and can't really believe is a children's book. I had totally forgotten how violent this book is, and while I'm not saying I regret reading it or that my parents shouldn't have let me, it really makes me think about how differently we as adults process violence and grief than we did as children.
This book is a lot of fun, with some glaring flaws that both Amanda and I are more than willing to let it get away with due to how much damn fun it is. Riddles and quests, battles and betrayal...it doesn't get much better than this when it comes to children's lit.
Hope you enjoy listening, and hope you can join us for the UNspoiled! October Book Club, covering Dead Until Dark!
You can buy Redwall here: https://amzn.to/2OEiWSU
And buy Dead Until Dark here: https://amzn.to/2xfnhFC]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15740848Wed, 19 Sep 2018 11:30:06 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkThis episode I have a very special guest who has been a fan of UNspoiled! from the early days of the show's inception, and who went on to host her own show! Please welcome Amanda Campbell, host of CasterQuest! You can find out more about her show...http://casterquest.com/
This episode we talk about one of those old faves that you look back on and can't really believe is a children's book. I had totally forgotten how violent this book is, and while I'm not saying I regret reading it or that my parents shouldn't have let me, it really makes me think about how differently we as adults process violence and grief than we did as children.
This book is a lot of fun, with some glaring flaws that both Amanda and I are more than willing to let it get away with due to how much damn fun it is. Riddles and quests, battles and betrayal...it doesn't get much better than this when it comes to children's lit.
Hope you enjoy listening, and hope you can join us for the UNspoiled! October Book Club, covering Dead Until Dark!
You can buy Redwall here: https://amzn.to/2OEiWSU
And buy Dead Until Dark here: https://amzn.to/2xfnhFC]]>5223truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-dead-zone--15644531This is one of those cases in which I really enjoyed the book, but I just feel there was a little too much of it. The middle section where Johnny is in his coma is drawn out quite a lot, and while it succeeds in getting the point across of how difficult waiting is, and how uncertain and bleak everything seemed, I think we as the reader had gotten the point long before it was actually over.
However, that being said, I think the story here is really compelling and that there are some really well-drawn characters and moments that tugged at my ole heartstrings a lot. I wouldn't say that this book was horror, exactly, more like suspense/thriller, but there are definitely a few moments that we tiptoe over into horror territory.
I'm very interested to hear from anyone who read this what they thought about it! If you haven't read it yet and you're interested, please pick up a copy here! https://amzn.to/2NOvyXl
My book for the main Book Club next month is Dead Until Dark, which you can grab here: https://amzn.to/2wJ1JAT
PS- I WAS MISTAKEN about the September Childhood Favorite! It isn't Are You There, God, it's actually going to be Redwall which I'm pretty excited about. Find it here! https://amzn.to/2Q5Z2BE]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15644531Sat, 08 Sep 2018 11:30:07 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkI'm revisiting Mr. Stephen King yet again this month, and covering The Dead Zone with Alan Kingsley, my trusty sidekick from Hannibal, Justified, and True Detective. This is one of those cases in which I really enjoyed the book, but I just feel...This is one of those cases in which I really enjoyed the book, but I just feel there was a little too much of it. The middle section where Johnny is in his coma is drawn out quite a lot, and while it succeeds in getting the point across of how difficult waiting is, and how uncertain and bleak everything seemed, I think we as the reader had gotten the point long before it was actually over.
However, that being said, I think the story here is really compelling and that there are some really well-drawn characters and moments that tugged at my ole heartstrings a lot. I wouldn't say that this book was horror, exactly, more like suspense/thriller, but there are definitely a few moments that we tiptoe over into horror territory.
I'm very interested to hear from anyone who read this what they thought about it! If you haven't read it yet and you're interested, please pick up a copy here! https://amzn.to/2NOvyXl
My book for the main Book Club next month is Dead Until Dark, which you can grab here: https://amzn.to/2wJ1JAT
PS- I WAS MISTAKEN about the September Childhood Favorite! It isn't Are You There, God, it's actually going to be Redwall which I'm pretty excited about. Find it here! https://amzn.to/2Q5Z2BE]]>6064truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/book-club-johnny-tremain--15568700
But there's way more to talk about here than just politics. There's an overall message about Johnny's pride and hubris that I relate to way more than it probably good or healthy, and we talk about the impact of tying your worth to your work and what happens to your worth if you're not able to continue that work anymore.

Also of course there's the way that Esther Forbes handles the revolution itself and the characters' roles in it, which she does with surprising nuance and subtlety at times. Other times, like Johnny's pride, not so much.

Thanks so much to Overdue for joining me, and thank you all for listening!

If you want to grab a copy of Johnny Tremain, you can get it here: https://amzn.to/2NiHTD1
If you'd like to grab The Dead Zone in preparation for next month's book club, get it here: https://amzn.to/2wq4kPo]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15568700Sat, 01 Sep 2018 11:30:06 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkI'm delighted to be recording with Craig and Andrew from Overdue Podcast again! This was a lot of fun to do because Johnny Tremain was a book with a lot of issues in it that were strangely relevant to today's political landscape, and while I think the...
But there's way more to talk about here than just politics. There's an overall message about Johnny's pride and hubris that I relate to way more than it probably good or healthy, and we talk about the impact of tying your worth to your work and what happens to your worth if you're not able to continue that work anymore.

Also of course there's the way that Esther Forbes handles the revolution itself and the characters' roles in it, which she does with surprising nuance and subtlety at times. Other times, like Johnny's pride, not so much.

Thanks so much to Overdue for joining me, and thank you all for listening!

If you want to grab a copy of Johnny Tremain, you can get it here: https://amzn.to/2NiHTD1
If you'd like to grab The Dead Zone in preparation for next month's book club, get it here: https://amzn.to/2wq4kPo]]>4625truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/book-club-neverwhere--15450723Art Credit: https://www.deviantart.com/algesiras/art/Neverwhere-Characters-373759105
I'm so glad that this book was fun to read, because after not liking a couple books in a row, I was a little worried when I saw that Neil Gaiman was the next author on the list. Not to say that I don't like his writing, but overall I haven't been quite as impressed with him as many other readers seem to be, and I was worried that I might get a lukewarm rehashing of some other mythology in this book. I'm happy to say that is not the case.
Neverwhere is super imaginative and strange and a little sad, and I love everyday things in the real world being given fantastical hidden aspects. I also thought that the handling of a secret world was handled really well, as it didn't portray the people who have "fallen through the cracks" as the lucky citizens of some gorgeous underground kingdom. Nope, these folks live with constant danger, various levels of filth, and the knowledge that they will go unseen, perhaps forever.
This was a really interesting book and it was a lot of fun to talk about. If you're interested in buying it to read, check it out here: https://amzn.to/2AT5F6D
Next month's books are Johnny Tremain and The Dead Zone, which you can buy here!
Johnny Tremain: https://amzn.to/2OVawXV
The Dead Zone: https://amzn.to/2OV9lrK
Thanks a million for listening, and I will see you in 2 weeks!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15450723Thu, 09 Aug 2018 11:30:06 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHello, me hearties! Make yourself a nice cup of tea and mind the gap, because Miles and I are here to talk to you about Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman. Art Credit: https://www.deviantart.com/algesiras/art/Neverwhere-Characters-373759105 I'm so glad...Art Credit: https://www.deviantart.com/algesiras/art/Neverwhere-Characters-373759105
I'm so glad that this book was fun to read, because after not liking a couple books in a row, I was a little worried when I saw that Neil Gaiman was the next author on the list. Not to say that I don't like his writing, but overall I haven't been quite as impressed with him as many other readers seem to be, and I was worried that I might get a lukewarm rehashing of some other mythology in this book. I'm happy to say that is not the case.
Neverwhere is super imaginative and strange and a little sad, and I love everyday things in the real world being given fantastical hidden aspects. I also thought that the handling of a secret world was handled really well, as it didn't portray the people who have "fallen through the cracks" as the lucky citizens of some gorgeous underground kingdom. Nope, these folks live with constant danger, various levels of filth, and the knowledge that they will go unseen, perhaps forever.
This was a really interesting book and it was a lot of fun to talk about. If you're interested in buying it to read, check it out here: https://amzn.to/2AT5F6D
Next month's books are Johnny Tremain and The Dead Zone, which you can buy here!
Johnny Tremain: https://amzn.to/2OVawXV
The Dead Zone: https://amzn.to/2OV9lrK
Thanks a million for listening, and I will see you in 2 weeks!]]>5829neilgaiman,neverwheretruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/childhood-favorites-charlotte-s-web--15348390I'm super excited to be doing my first show with guest Rachel Rosing, who is one of the hilarious co-hosts of Beckett To The Future: A Quantum Leap Podcast. You can find out more about her show here! https://www.beckettfuturepod.com/
This was such a good book, you guys. There is some annoying stuff that we really noticed reading it as grown women, don't get me wrong. Charlotte and Fern and Fern's mom and Mrs. Zuckerman are the ones actually handling their shit while the men just sweep in and get all the credit. HOWEVER. It's still a really well-written and emotional story that is shockingly bittersweet and I'm frankly still sad about it.
Thanks so much to you all for listening, and I will see you in two weeks with Neverwhere, which you can pick up here to read along. https://amzn.to/2LJ1q1T
You can pick up Charlotte's Web here, if you haven't already got a copy: https://amzn.to/2LJr5qZ
And you can get the August Childhood Favorite, Johnny Tremain, here! https://amzn.to/2v35noH]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15348390Mon, 30 Jul 2018 02:00:06 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHey there, lovely listeners! Welcome to the first installment in the Childhood Favorites sub-feed of the Book Club! I'm super excited to be doing my first show with guest Rachel Rosing, who is one of the hilarious co-hosts of Beckett To The Future:...I'm super excited to be doing my first show with guest Rachel Rosing, who is one of the hilarious co-hosts of Beckett To The Future: A Quantum Leap Podcast. You can find out more about her show here! https://www.beckettfuturepod.com/
This was such a good book, you guys. There is some annoying stuff that we really noticed reading it as grown women, don't get me wrong. Charlotte and Fern and Fern's mom and Mrs. Zuckerman are the ones actually handling their shit while the men just sweep in and get all the credit. HOWEVER. It's still a really well-written and emotional story that is shockingly bittersweet and I'm frankly still sad about it.
Thanks so much to you all for listening, and I will see you in two weeks with Neverwhere, which you can pick up here to read along. https://amzn.to/2LJ1q1T
You can pick up Charlotte's Web here, if you haven't already got a copy: https://amzn.to/2LJr5qZ
And you can get the August Childhood Favorite, Johnny Tremain, here! https://amzn.to/2v35noH]]>5737charlotteswebtruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/book-club-eleanor-park--15221880
Eleanor & Park was a book that I fully expected to dislike, based on the tone of some reactions I got when I said I would be covering it, and on some random commentary here and there on social media. However (and maybe it's just because I was coming off a couple of books I really didn't like very much) I actually enjoyed this book!

Candace, my cohost, did not.

The episode actually turned out to be really interesting because Candace and I started off from such different places and gradually began to uncover where our perspectives were coming from and why we saw certain things the way that we did. In particular our discussion of domestic violence and the role it plays in this book evolved over the course of the episode and I think we both saw that there we were bringing some of our own baggage to the table on that, with vastly different results.

I would definitely be interested in hearing what you all thought of the book (if you read it) because I'm aware that there are further arguments to be made about some of the points that Candace brings up.

Thanks so much for listening, and I will see you in 2 weeks with Charlotte's Web!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/15221880Wed, 11 Jul 2018 11:30:05 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkWell this was the most lively Book Club episode in a while! Eleanor & Park was a book that I fully expected to dislike, based on the tone of some reactions I got when I said I would be covering it, and on some random commentary here and there on...
Eleanor & Park was a book that I fully expected to dislike, based on the tone of some reactions I got when I said I would be covering it, and on some random commentary here and there on social media. However (and maybe it's just because I was coming off a couple of books I really didn't like very much) I actually enjoyed this book!

Candace, my cohost, did not.

The episode actually turned out to be really interesting because Candace and I started off from such different places and gradually began to uncover where our perspectives were coming from and why we saw certain things the way that we did. In particular our discussion of domestic violence and the role it plays in this book evolved over the course of the episode and I think we both saw that there we were bringing some of our own baggage to the table on that, with vastly different results.

I would definitely be interested in hearing what you all thought of the book (if you read it) because I'm aware that there are further arguments to be made about some of the points that Candace brings up.

Thanks so much for listening, and I will see you in 2 weeks with Charlotte's Web!]]>6854eleanorandparktruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-atrocity-archives--14957207
Okay that's not entirely fair, because I didn't hate The Atrocity Archives the way that I hated most of A Dirty Job, but I'm not a huge fan. It's not something that I would pick up again, or recommend, and Krista (who generously agreed to cohost again after the disaster last month) liked it even less than I did.

Really when you step back and look at the whole thing, I had a lot of the same problems with this book as I did with A Dirty Job (minus the racial stereotyping). It was a hugely creative idea with a ton of potential, and took place in a world I found really entertaining and compelling. But sadly, this writer couldn't get out of his own way when it came to things like referencing super-nerdy inside jokes (specifically IT jokes) and going way too in-depth about the tech. Maybe the knowledge he brought to the book was meant to be impressive, but nowadays it's not only out-of-date but feels really superfluous to a population that can simultaneously be pretty adept at working with computers while knowing nothing about how they actually work.

I really loved the concept of a bunch of Nazis that literally ran away through a portal to another planet and hid there, then got jumped by their own monster. Huge fan of this idea. But really, they get lured there because he has to rescue his kind-of girlfriend? Who is one of only three (okay technically four) women in the entire book? Ugh. I GUESS.

Anyway, I would be interested to hear what you all thought of this book, so hit me up and let me know!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14957207Mon, 04 Jun 2018 11:30:06 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkAlright, Patrons, please tell me what I ever did to you? Because this is 2 books in a row now that I didn't really like at all, and the blame lies squarely with YOU, my "friends"! Okay that's not entirely fair, because I didn't hate The Atrocity...
Okay that's not entirely fair, because I didn't hate The Atrocity Archives the way that I hated most of A Dirty Job, but I'm not a huge fan. It's not something that I would pick up again, or recommend, and Krista (who generously agreed to cohost again after the disaster last month) liked it even less than I did.

Really when you step back and look at the whole thing, I had a lot of the same problems with this book as I did with A Dirty Job (minus the racial stereotyping). It was a hugely creative idea with a ton of potential, and took place in a world I found really entertaining and compelling. But sadly, this writer couldn't get out of his own way when it came to things like referencing super-nerdy inside jokes (specifically IT jokes) and going way too in-depth about the tech. Maybe the knowledge he brought to the book was meant to be impressive, but nowadays it's not only out-of-date but feels really superfluous to a population that can simultaneously be pretty adept at working with computers while knowing nothing about how they actually work.

I really loved the concept of a bunch of Nazis that literally ran away through a portal to another planet and hid there, then got jumped by their own monster. Huge fan of this idea. But really, they get lured there because he has to rescue his kind-of girlfriend? Who is one of only three (okay technically four) women in the entire book? Ugh. I GUESS.

Anyway, I would be interested to hear what you all thought of this book, so hit me up and let me know!]]>3211truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rip-to-a-dirty-job--14739151https://amzn.to/2IpUSmU]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14739151Tue, 08 May 2018 23:22:50 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHey everyone. Bad news is, we lost the episode due to some miscommunications on my part. On the plus side, I really didn't like this book and I feel no urge to make time to re-record it. So here's a short blurb on why I feel the way I do, and I will...https://amzn.to/2IpUSmU]]>382truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-book-thief--14565024
However, I have to be honest. I didn't love this book. Don't get me wrong, it's a really captivating idea and overall I found the plot to be interesting, as well as the peeks at how ordinary Germans who weren't in danger of camps lived during the Second World War. All of that was compelling and frankly lined up with America in 2018 in ways that I found to be unnerving.

But the prose was simply not my cup of tea, and I found it really distracting. The term Jaime used was "purple prose" and I think that comes the closest to describing it. There are times when using words in unusual and unexpected ways can work for an author, and bring special attention to a certain moment, but in this book the wild phrasing and pulpy descriptions happened every other sentence. I would spend more time thinking about the previous sentence and whether that really worked than I would spend paying attention to the story.

But like I said, I didn't hate this book. It simply didn't wow me the way I had expected from the way in which people talked about it. I would be very interested to hear what you thought of it!

If you haven't read it yet, you can find it here: https://amzn.to/2qFzbVX

And if you're ready to move onto the May book, A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore, you can find that book here! https://amzn.to/2qFDC2h]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14565024Fri, 20 Apr 2018 19:00:04 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkI'm here with the next installment of the UNspoiled! Book Club, and this time it's Jaime Smith joining me to talk about The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak. This is a book from a unique perspective, to say the least, and it's understandable why it's grown...
However, I have to be honest. I didn't love this book. Don't get me wrong, it's a really captivating idea and overall I found the plot to be interesting, as well as the peeks at how ordinary Germans who weren't in danger of camps lived during the Second World War. All of that was compelling and frankly lined up with America in 2018 in ways that I found to be unnerving.

But the prose was simply not my cup of tea, and I found it really distracting. The term Jaime used was "purple prose" and I think that comes the closest to describing it. There are times when using words in unusual and unexpected ways can work for an author, and bring special attention to a certain moment, but in this book the wild phrasing and pulpy descriptions happened every other sentence. I would spend more time thinking about the previous sentence and whether that really worked than I would spend paying attention to the story.

But like I said, I didn't hate this book. It simply didn't wow me the way I had expected from the way in which people talked about it. I would be very interested to hear what you thought of it!

If you haven't read it yet, you can find it here: https://amzn.to/2qFzbVX

And if you're ready to move onto the May book, A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore, you can find that book here! https://amzn.to/2qFDC2h]]>6833bookthieftruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/jurassic-park--14196990
Overall I was just really surprised at how much I enjoyed this, even though there are sections of the plot that Money and I realized didn't make much sense upon closer inspection. Or else there were plot threads that were entirely dropped. But that's okay, no book is perfect.

I hope you all enjoy listening, and if you haven't read this book and you'd like to, you can get it here: http://amzn.to/2FgdEss

For next month's The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, you can go here! http://amzn.to/2oRVDJE
Thanks again everyone, and have a great weekend!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/14196990Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:30:07 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkMy main takeaway after reading this book was a sense of surprise at how much of the book was virtually unchanged for the movie, and how much that worked on-screen, while being impressed at the detail of story aspects that wouldn't have been...
Overall I was just really surprised at how much I enjoyed this, even though there are sections of the plot that Money and I realized didn't make much sense upon closer inspection. Or else there were plot threads that were entirely dropped. But that's okay, no book is perfect.

I hope you all enjoy listening, and if you haven't read this book and you'd like to, you can get it here: http://amzn.to/2FgdEss

For next month's The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, you can go here! http://amzn.to/2oRVDJE
Thanks again everyone, and have a great weekend!]]>5536jurassic,parktruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/why-i-m-no-longer-talking-to-white-people-about-race--13994942https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13994942Sat, 10 Feb 2018 12:00:06 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIn which RoShawn and I discuss white fragility and the realities of racism.8101racismtruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-wee-free-men--13897577https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13897577Fri, 26 Jan 2018 22:38:51 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkMy apologies for the lateness on this post! I had some sound issues and then my site got hacked, so I had it posted to Patreon but forget to schedule it for release on iTunes! I hope you can forgive me. And I hope you enjoy the show!5689truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/howl-s-moving-castle--13589578https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13589578Sun, 17 Dec 2017 12:00:05 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIn which Candace and Natasha discuss this delightful bit of fantasy wrapped in a ribbon of interesting ladies and overdramatic men.4351truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-haunting-of-hill-house--13338730https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13338730Wed, 15 Nov 2017 23:28:12 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkA classic haunted house story, this one got a divided opinion from hosts Natasha and Money!6161book,club,haunting,hill,house,oftruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bag-of-bones-w-overdue--13062314https://api.spreaker.com/episode/13062314Tue, 17 Oct 2017 21:16:09 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIn which the gentlemen from Overdue join me in reading a spooky Steven King novel!4609bag,bones,of,overduetruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rebecca--12727811
Haven't read the book yet? Get it here! http://amzn.to/2wD8gfl
Or get next month's book, 'Bag Of Bones' by Stephen King, here! http://amzn.to/2ezIX5v]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/12727811Mon, 11 Sep 2017 11:00:05 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIn this book, I think I would rather deal with an actual ghost than Mrs. Danvers. Haven't read the book yet? Get it here! http://amzn.to/2wD8gfl Or get next month's book, 'Bag Of Bones' by Stephen King, here! http://amzn.to/2ezIX5v
Haven't read the book yet? Get it here! http://amzn.to/2wD8gfl
Or get next month's book, 'Bag Of Bones' by Stephen King, here! http://amzn.to/2ezIX5v]]>8141bookclub,rebeccatruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-girl-with-all-the-gifts--12540032https://api.spreaker.com/episode/12540032Mon, 14 Aug 2017 13:10:03 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkThe world as we know it is gone, and one little girl must overcome her bloodlust to remake it.5854truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/night-circus--12363096https://api.spreaker.com/episode/12363096Mon, 17 Jul 2017 13:00:35 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIn this book, a fabulously detailed, beautifully crafted universe seems to be welcoming Natasha like an old friend.7196truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dune--12178758https://api.spreaker.com/episode/12178758Wed, 21 Jun 2017 21:42:32 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIn which Natasha and Liz discuss the classic SciFi novel, and Liz loves it with all her heart and Natasha tries desperately to understand.5718bookclub,dunetruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-kite-runner--11925275https://api.spreaker.com/episode/11925275Mon, 22 May 2017 14:05:52 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkKrista and I discuss this beautiful and tragic novel and the way it stomped all over our hearts.8435bookclub,kiterunnertruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ready-player-one--11638680https://api.spreaker.com/episode/11638680Sat, 15 Apr 2017 18:41:09 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkYay! Something fun!6519bookclubtruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/winter-s-bone--11368833https://api.spreaker.com/episode/11368833Sun, 12 Mar 2017 06:25:17 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIn which Alan and I discuss the surprisingly feminist and wonderfully focused novel, which I simply loved.5035winter'sbonetruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/blindness--11140295https://api.spreaker.com/episode/11140295Sat, 25 Feb 2017 21:52:29 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIn which Chris and Natasha really didn't enjoy this book at all.5666truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/gone-girl--10365406https://api.spreaker.com/episode/10365406Mon, 23 Jan 2017 05:17:10 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkJaime and I discuss a book that made me question everything I know about myself.6742truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/holidays-on-ice--10144227https://api.spreaker.com/episode/10144227Tue, 20 Dec 2016 04:48:52 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIn which neither Natasha nor Crys enjoyed this book.5769bookclubtruefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rss-feed-announcement--9916861http://www.spreaker.com/show/2043646/episodes/feed
Justifiedhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043666/episodes/feed
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Agent Carterhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043697/episodes/feed
Book Clubhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043694/episodes/feed
His Dark Materialshttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043672/episodes/feed
Orphan Blackhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043681/episodes/feed
The Dark Towerhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043665/episodes/feed
A Song of Ice & Firehttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043625/episodes/feed
Past Shows
Aliashttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2046451/episodes/feed
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Sandmanhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043717/episodes/feed
Stranger Thingshttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043676/episodes/feed
True Detectivehttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043689/episodes/feed
The Walking Deadhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043719/episodes/feed
The Wirehttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043724/episodes/feed]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/9916861Sat, 19 Nov 2016 21:41:10 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkHarry Potterhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043646/episodes/feed Justifiedhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043666/episodes/feed Buffyhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043649/episodes/feed The Leftovershttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043716/episodes/feed...http://www.spreaker.com/show/2043646/episodes/feed
Justifiedhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043666/episodes/feed
Buffyhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043649/episodes/feed
The Leftovershttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043716/episodes/feed
Agent Carterhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043697/episodes/feed
Book Clubhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043694/episodes/feed
His Dark Materialshttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043672/episodes/feed
Orphan Blackhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043681/episodes/feed
The Dark Towerhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043665/episodes/feed
A Song of Ice & Firehttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043625/episodes/feed
Past Shows
Aliashttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2046451/episodes/feed
Breaking Badhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043655/episodes/feed
Daredevilhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043704/episodes/feed
Hannibalhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043661/episodes/feed
Jonathon Strange and Mr. Norellhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043680/episodes/feed
Sandmanhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043717/episodes/feed
Stranger Thingshttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043676/episodes/feed
True Detectivehttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043689/episodes/feed
The Walking Deadhttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043719/episodes/feed
The Wirehttp://www.spreaker.com/show/2043724/episodes/feed]]>164falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it--9893322eb5749c43cd82b439b220357a9f9ece1Thu, 10 Nov 2016 07:29:09 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkThe longest and weirdest book yet! It's SPOOKTACULAR!8819truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/american-gods--989332482311e7123354dc70c1bff09578a2a0bSat, 01 Oct 2016 07:10:32 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIn which Crys (aka B*tches) and I discuss the American Iliad. 10942truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/cloud-atlas--98933272bbeb3d1941d665ad6fe3585989a51acWed, 14 Sep 2016 20:54:20 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkNatasha is unsure how she feels about this sprawling, inconsistent book, but she appreciates the overall message a great deal. 9005truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/snow-crash--989332316d7c79865b3dc353faeab02eb1ec786Fri, 12 Aug 2016 22:23:48 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIn which a man with katanas and a girl with a poon-gun take on a mega-church's attempt to brainwash the masses. 9534truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/good-omens--989332809a3af742391bd950e54ad0cd57880abThu, 07 Jul 2016 16:24:51 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkMiles and I discuss the seminal work by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, in which the Antichrist is entirely ordinary. 6926truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fevre-dream--989332509aab905646e213e7060e8efc432e664Thu, 09 Jun 2016 01:29:42 +0000UNspoiled! NetworkIn which GRRM plucks at his heart strings of his readers...right before ripping them out. 9399truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/world-war-z-part-2--989331949ebf67798873c85cf62a22bd75da30cMon, 16 May 2016 19:35:26 +0000UNspoiled! Network7030truefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/world-war-z-part-1--9893320af90e2f02f5d97d7dbe1ada44027f881Mon, 16 May 2016 19:13:12 +0000UNspoiled! Network7137truefull