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Start a toxic friendship with us while we discuss Lauren Acampora’s novel The Paper Wasp. We talk about the book’s unreliable narrator, the stalker-esque relationship between the main characters, the culty subplot,and that wild ride of an ending. Next we get into some listener feedback for Docile and catch up with what’s on the #BookSquadBlog as we close out 2020. Join us for our first #othersode of the new year about Wonder Woman 1984 on January 11, and read along for our next #bookpisode on Luster by Raven Leilani on January 25. Email or DM us feedback on The Paper Wasp, your favorite things of 2020, or anything else your heart desires! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!Table of Contents1:15 - Intro Question: If you could be any celebrity’s personal assistant, who would it be and why5:42 - Goodreads Summary8:45 - Narration Style15:07 - Unreliable Narration24:05 - Abby and Elise’s relationship29:14 - Who is this filmmaker35:45 - Putting in the work42:21 - Weird culty stuff: what does it add?48:27 - The end59:10 - What is the point of this book?1:01:10 - Ratings1:05:15 - Docile Feedback1:07:00- What’s on the blog? What’s up next?

The Squad goes to dystopian Maryland this week for our discussion of Docile by K.M. Szpara. We talk about slavery, race, capitalism, fanfic and slavefic, and queer relationships. Then we get into some listener feedback for Survivor Song and catch up with what’s on the #BookSquadBlog, including Emily’s 12 Days of Christmas Movies series and television recaps! Join us on December 14th as we pick our favorite pop culture things of 2020 and exchange Christmas/Hanukkah gifts with each other! Then read along with us for our last #Bookpisode of the year on The Paper Wasp by Lauren Acampora on December 28th! TOC:30–what’s your favorite holiday food? 7:23–book intro and goodreads summary13:13–plot clarifications and issues with slavefic (Stitch’s Media Fix) (Angelica Jade Bastien for Vulture)27:20–how do we feel about a book that is refusing to engage with race, yet all about race?39:08–sexuality and consent 53:15–something the book does well1:02:36: final thoughts and ratings1:11:55-listener feedback!1:15:51–what’s on the blog? What’s up next?Links:https://www.vulture.com/2017/08/why-dont-dystopias-know-how-to-talk-about-race.htmlhttps://stitchmediamix.com/2020/03/06/dealing-with-what-docile-doesnt/

Join the Squad on a sci-fi/fantasy/horror adventure as we discuss the HBO series "Lovecraft Country." We talk about HP Lovecraft and race, how the show plays with genre, the unique structure of the series, and our favorite characters. Next, we dig into some listener feedback on "The Haunting of Bly Manor" and catch up with what’s on the #BookSquadBlog, including Bachelorette recaps and a holiday movie series! Read along with us for our next bookpisode on "Docile" by K. M. Szpara (November 30th), and join us for our fourth annual Best of the Year #othersode on December 14th (LOL good luck to us coming up with great things from 2020).TOC0:30 – Intros and horror questions!4:38 – Spoiler warning and show introduction8:54 – Lovecraft and race16:30 – Playing with genre24:26– Structure: magic, feature episodes, and Christina’s nonsense49:09 – Christina and Ruby59:11 – Other characters 1:28:44 – Listener feedback!1:33:40 – What’s up next? What’s on the blog?Vulture recaps by Steffan Triplett: https://www.vulture.com/article/lovecraft-country-series-premiere-recap-episode-1-sundown.htmlAV Club Recaps by Joelle Monique: https://www.avclub.com/c/tv-review/lovecraft-country/season-1On Marilyn Manson: https://metalinjection.net/metal-crimes/video-of-evan-rachel-wood-detailing-alleged-abusive-relationship-with-marilyn-manson-in-senate-testimony-resurfaces

Escape the real pandemic with a fictional outbreak as we discuss Survivor Song by Paul Tremblay! We talk about how the novel’s events relate to current events, how the main characters are used to tell the story, and whether or not this is a zombie narrative. Next, we get into some listener feedback on The Vanishing Half and catch up with what’s on the #BookSquadBlog, including Bachelorette recaps and Emily’s Spooktober series. For our next #Othersode on 11/16, we’re covering Lovecraft Country, so catch up on HBO! And read along for our next #Bookpisode on Docile by Kevin Szpara (11/30). Send feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com, and don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe! TOC0:30–welcome and intro question 12:46–book intro16:04–what does it mean that this is a song?22:34–current events and Survivor Song37:38–what about the actual story? The format? Characters?56:49–is this a zombie story?1:08:56–ratings1:17:37–listener feedback (and breakfast discussion)1:33:25–what’s on the blog? What’s up next?

Grab your cake batter and badly-made tea because the Book Squad is discussing "The Haunting of Bly Manor." We talk about all of the Henry James literary connections, the (sometimes hidden) ghosts, grief and memory, and of course, love stories. Then we get into some listener feedback about "I’m Thinking of Ending Things" and catch up with what’s on the #BookSquadBlog, including a new featured bookstore, a spooky series, and Bachelorette recaps! Read along for our next #Bookpisode on "Survivor Song" by Paul Tremblay on November 2, and watch "Lovecraft Country" (HBO) for our next #Othersode on November 16.0:30 – Introductions and icebreaker 8:30 – Show introduction12:58 – Inspiration for the show21:13 – Secret ghosts24:20 – Who are these ghosts?36:50 – Time, frame narratives41:36 – Grief and trauma56:40 – Love stories1:11:47 – Ratings1:21:55 – Listener feedback1:33:00 – What’s on the blog? What’s up next?Henry James stories: https://screenrant.com/haunting-bly-manor-every-henry-james-ghost-story/Hidden ghosts: https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a34318015/haunting-of-bly-manor-book-based-on/

Join the #BookSquad for a chat about Brit Bennett’s newest novel, "The Vanishing Half." We discuss memory and time, identity and choice, and performance, as well as our favorite stories about twins. Next, we read some listener feedback on "Magic for Liars" and "We Set the Dark on Fire" and catch up with what’s on the #BookSquadBlog, including a spooky movie series and book and TV reviews. Watch "The Haunting of Bly Manor" on Netflix for our next #Othersode on October 19, and read along for our next #Bookpisode on Paul Tremblay’s "Survivor Song" on November 2. Send your feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com! TOC:30 – Icebreaker q and intros!9:20 – Book intro11:06 – Time, memory, structure17:30 – Identity struggles and crises 32:25 – Let’s talk about race 48:10 – Moralizing and where the characters end up62:30 – Ratings!1:07:37 – Feedback1:15:23 – What’s on the blog? What’s up next?Link to Mean Book Club's "Couple Next Door" Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-couple-next-door-by-shari-lapena/id1434373989?i=1000491312268Emily on Hugos There Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hugos-there-podcast-45-american-gods-by-neil-gaiman/id1214652745?i=1000493230070

Pack up the car for a super weird road trip and our discussion of "I'm Thinking of Ending Things," the new Charlie Kaufman film based on the novel by Iain Reid. We talk about how the movie differs from the book, the acting (shout out to Toni Collette), and what the heck is actually going on here. Next, we get a delayed take on "The Secret Garden" and catch up on what's on the #BookSquadBlog, including two spooky series and YA Book Club! Read along with us for our next #Bookpisode on "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett (October 5th), and watch "The Haunting of Bly Manor" on Netflix for our next #Othersode (October 19th). Send us your thoughts/questions/answers about "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" or any other topic we've covered to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com!:30 — Hellooooo! Introductions 15:40 — Summary and intro 19:00 — Is the movie a faithful adaptation of the book?29:40 — So what actually happens?? How does it fit into Kaufman’s other work?48:30 — Who is the woman? Authorship in the movie57:40 — How was pop culture integrated into the film?1:08:50 — Acting!1:20:40 — Secret Garden thoughts1:25:00 — What’s on the blog? What’s up next?Links to help you think about the movie:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ruSWSb5TuE&ab_channel=spookyastronautshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvIiNmyLeUY&ab_channel=ImpressionBlend

Throw on your resistance gear and join the squad as we rise up against The System with a discussion of Tehlor Kay Mejia’s “We Set the Dark on Fire.” We talk about the book’s real life parallels to the broken immigration system in our country, how the novel handles the patriarchy of it all, and of course, most importantly, the ROMANCE PLOT. After our ratings, we get into what’s on the blog, and then prep you for our upcoming episodes. We’re covering Netflix’s “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” for our next othersode (9/21), and for our next bookpisode (10/5), we’re reading “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett. Please follow us on social media @booksquadgoals, check out our latest blog posts at booksquadgoals.com/blog, and send any and all feedback you have to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com!TOC0:30 – Hello! Introductions and intro question11:40 – Book introduction14:00 – The roles that women must fill in this society25:15 – What’s this book saying about class divides, religious divides, and immigration?34:09 – Politics and Protests39:33 – ROMANCE46:30 – Who would you cast?48:50 – Ratings58:50 – What’s on the blog? What’s up next?

Get out of your big ornate bed and join us in "The Secret Garden" as we discuss the new 2020 adaptation of the classic children’s novel! We discuss the key changes in this adaptation, including the setting and the narrative arc of the children’s parents. We also answer the very important question: Is Colin Firth a daddy? Next, Emily interviews Adrienne Brodeur, author of the memoir "Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover, and Me." Then, we dig into a bit of "Hamilton" feedback and chat about what’s on the #BookSquadBlog. Read along with us for our next #bookpisode on "We Set the Dark on Fire" by Tehlor Kay Mejia (September 7), and watch the film adaptation of "I’m Thinking of Ending Things" for our next #othersode (September 21)! Join our discussions and send any feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com.TOC:0:30 — What would your secret garden be like? 6:20 — Intro to the movie9:45 — What do we gain from changing the time period/setting?14:40 — Why do we have to redeem the parents?29:30 — Is the garden magic?33:20 — Why was there a dog, though?36:00 — Where is Dickon?38:55 — Is Colin Firth a daddy? And...how do we feel about school in this movie?44:15 — Interview with Adrienne Brodeur! 1:07:22 — "Hamilton" Feedback1:09:25 — What’s on the blog? What’s up next?

Things get a little magical this week as the Book Squad discusses "Magic for Liars" by Sarah Gailey. We cover the inevitable comparisons to those *other* books set in a magical school, how this book works as a mystery novel, and how we feel about our narrator, Ivy. Then, Emily interviews Karen Salyer McElmurray, author of "Wanting Radiance." Later, we dig into a little listener feedback and catch up on what’s happening on the #BookSquadBlog. Rent "The Secret Garden" for our next #Othersode on August 24th, and read along with us for our next #Bookpisode on "We Set the Dark on Fire" by Tehlor Kay Mejia on September 7th!TOC0:30 — What magical subject would you teach?8:19 — Book intro10:00 — How does "Magic for Liars" work to do something different from Harry Potter?21:21 — How the novel works as a mystery37:37 — Ask a man41:42 — Ratings 51:24 — Interview with Karen Salyer McElmurray 1: 26:52 — A little listener feedback1:30:25 — What’s on the blog? What’s up next?#BLACKLIVESMATTERSome Resources to Fight Racial Injustice:PDX Portland Bail Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/pdx-protest-bail-fundBlack Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019NAACP Legal Defense Fund: https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/6857/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=15780&_ga=2.209233111.496632409.1590767838-1184367471.1590767838Communities United Against Police Brutality https://www.cuapb.org/Reclaim the Block https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/home/#aboutChange.org petition for Justice for Breonna Taylor https://www.change.org/p/andy-beshear-justice-for-breonna-taylorChange.org petition for Justice for George Floyd https://www.change.org/p/mayor-of-minneapolis-justice-for-george-floydChange.org petition for Justice for Ahmaud Arbery https://www.change.org/p/liberty-county-distric-attorney-justice-for-ahmaud-arberyA Detailed List of Anti-Racism Resources: https://medium.com/wake-up-call/a-detailed-list-of-anti-racism-resources-a34b259a3eea75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice: https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234

Join us *in the room where it happens* to talk about "Hamilton," the 2015 hit Broadway musical that recently became available to stream on Disney+! We talk about our favorite characters and moments, how women are represented, deviations from history (but in a not-annoying way!), other musicals that have had crossover cultural success, and how "Hamilton" represents our particular politico-historical moment. Also—the #BookSquadBlog is back! Check it out for brand new content! For our next #Bookpisode on August 10, read "Magic for Liars" by Sarah Gailey. Then, check out the new film adaptation of "The Secret Garden" for our next #Othersode on August 24. Send your thoughts on "Hamilton" or any other topic we’ve covered to thesquad@booksquadgoal.com or DM us on social media @booksquadgoals! TOC0:30 - Intro and icebreaker 8:21 - Musical intro11:38 - What’s your experience with this musical?19:06 - Wikes and dislikes 33:42 - Women in the musical 46:00 - Controversy about the musical, representing history 59:11 - Crossover success!1:06:07 - Recorded musicals v movies v live 1:27:57 - What’s everyone’s favorite leitmotif?1:37:40 - Listener feedback1:39:40 - Special announcements1:43:41 - What’s on the blog? What’s up next?- Historical facts: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/06/movies/hamilton-musical-history-facts.html - Hamilton cast Q&A: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFaUY3OAzow- Adam's scholarship: https://gail.uga.edu/adam-cramond-martin-giving- Kickstarter for Two Trumps and a Lie: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sethgriffin/two-trumps-and-a-lie-card-game#BLACKLIVESMATTERSome Resources to Fight Racial Injustice:PDX Portland Bail Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/pdx-protest-bail-fundBlack Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019NAACP Legal Defense Fund: https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/6857/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=15780&_ga=2.209233111.496632409.1590767838-1184367471.1590767838Communities United Against Police Brutality https://www.cuapb.org/Reclaim the Block https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/home/#aboutChange.org petition for Justice for Breonna Taylor https://www.change.org/p/andy-beshear-justice-for-breonna-taylorChange.org petition for Justice for George Floyd https://www.change.org/p/mayor-of-minneapolis-justice-for-george-floydChange.org petition for Justice for Ahmaud Arbery https://www.change.org/p/liberty-county-distric-attorney-justice-for-ahmaud-arberyA Detailed List of Anti-Racism Resources: https://medium.com/wake-up-call/a-detailed-list-of-anti-racism-resources-a34b259a3eea75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice: https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234

Join the #BookSquad—and special returning guest Said!—for our discussion of The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates. We talk about memory and storytelling, the “magic” of the story, how women are represented in the book, complicated characters, and enslavement. Next, we dig into some listener feedback from Ninth House and offer some reading suggestions from Black writers. Plus, the #BookSquadBlog is BACK! Check it out for new YA Book Club content, plus posts about video games, movies and more! Watch Hamilton with us for our next #Othersode (7/27), and read Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey for our next #Bookpisode (8/10)! Follow us on social media, and send any feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com! Coates discussing The Water Dancer w/Ibram X. Kendi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXcpOuFSxqcTOC:30–intro and special guest, Said!8:44–spoiler warning and book intro12:23–the power of memory and storytelling18:35–what is the value of the magic in the book? 20:25–women in the novel 55:27–problematic characters 1:02:00–history in the novel 1:05:26–terminology 1:10:18–quotes from the Coates and Kendi talk1:17:13–would this be a good limited series?1:22:27–ratings?1:32:31–listener feedback 1:42:54–what’s on the blog? What’s up next?Consider Donating: https://thelovelandfoundation.org/https://www.theokraproject.com/https://alp.org/https://www.joincampaignzero.org/

As the United States enters the sixth week of national protests over the brutal police murders of unarmed Black people, we thought it best to interrupt our regular schedule for some anti-racism reading and reflection. So this week, we're discussing Ibram X. Kendi’s "Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America." We cover the book’s interesting structure, highlight some of the new-to-us terminology, and share ways in which the book upended our own understanding of our country’s history. Of course, we also talk about pop culture and feminism, because how could we not? After our discussion, we read some listener feedback from our last othersode on Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children, and talk a little bit about the current status of the blog. Be sure to read along for our next episode on The Water Dancer by Ta Nehisi Caotes, which drops July 13th. Then, for our next othersode on July 27th, join us for another foray into American history: a discussion of HAMILTON, which will finally be made available to the masses via Disney+. In the meantime, please continue educating yourselves, fighting for what’s right, and wearing your masks!:30–introductions and places to donate8:33–gettin into the book. Spoiler warning: it’s history 23:45–terminology, learning new things 34:32–uplift suasion (and how it applies to the Bach nation)58:26–Black women and feminism 1:06:40–pop culture1:19:52–physicality and stereotypes 1:30:37–comments on the book1:39:37–feedback1:41:25–where’s the blog? What’s up next?Links:https://thelovelandfoundation.org/https://www.theokraproject.com/https://alp.org/https://www.joincampaignzero.org/

We’re off to sunny, sweaty Florida to talk about “Mostly Dead Things,” the debut novel by Kristen Arnett. We discuss taxidermy, the characters, grossness, and the ideas of masculinity and vulnerability. Then, Emily interviews Erica Boyce, author of the new book “Lost at Sea.” Then we dig into some listener feedback from a few of our earlier book picks. In light of recent events, we’ve changed our next Othersode topic—read along with us for our June 29 discussion of Ibram X. Kendi’s book “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America” (available for free on Spotify right now!). Our next Bookpisode will cover “The Water Dancer” by Ta-Nehisi Coates, and we’ll be joined by returning guest Said on July 13! 0:30 – Announcements5:30 – Intro q14:20 – Book intro16:36 – Taxidermy as the center of the novel23:50 – Characters and character development 41:40 – Gross stuff! 52:50 – Masculinity and vulnerability59:55 – Ratings 1:09:25 – Interview with Erica Boyce!1:39:02 – Listener feedback 1:45:07 – What’s up next?Links: The End of Policing: https://www.versobooks.com/books/2426-the-end-of-policingKandis’s film, Edible: https://www.gofundme.com/f/edible-short-filmSnap4Freedom: https://www.snap4freedom.org/homeThe Okra Project: https://www.theokraproject.comACLU: https://www.aclu.org/Audre Lorde Project: https://alp.org/ #BLACKLIVESMATTERMore Resources to Fight Racial Injustice:Black Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 NAACP Legal Defense Fund: https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/6857/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=15780&_ga=2.209233111.496632409.1590767838-1184367471.1590767838Communities United Against Police Brutality https://www.cuapb.org/Reclaim the Block https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/home/#aboutChange.org petition for Justice for Breonna Taylor https://www.change.org/p/andy-beshear-justice-for-breonna-taylorChange.org petition for Justice for George Floyd https://www.change.org/p/mayor-of-minneapolis-justice-for-george-floydChange.org petition for Justice for Ahmaud Arbery https://www.change.org/p/liberty-county-distric-attorney-justice-for-ahmaud-arberyA Detailed List of Anti-Racism Resources: https://medium.com/wake-up-call/a-detailed-list-of-anti-racism-resources-a34b259a3eea75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice: https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234

Join the Book Squad as we discuss "Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children," an HBO docuseries that is more relevant than ever. We discuss the nature of the crimes, the racial tensions and violence plaguing Atlanta in the 1970s and 80s, the questionable “evidence,” and how well the series works as a whole. Next, Susan interviews Mary Kay McBrayer, author of the new book "America’s First Female Serial Killer: Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster." Then we dig into some listener feedback on "Devs" and update you on all the good stuff on the blog! Read "Mostly Dead Things" by Kristen Arnett for our next #bookpisode on June 15, and watch "Shirley" on Hulu for our next #othersode on June 29! TOC:00 – Black Lives Matter1:20 – what’s your favorite doc?13:01 – documentary summary and our previous experience with the case 28:39 – but why Wayne Williams?39:54 – let’s talk about the KKK guy50:20 – Maynard Jackson54:17 – how does this function as a documentary?1:01:12 – feelings about the series1:04:00 – interview with Mary Kay McBrayer!1:38:58 – listener feedback 1:44:39 – what’s on the blog? What’s up next?Link to buy America’s First Female Serial Killer from Mango Publishing: https://mango.bz/books/americas-first-female-serial-killer-by-mary-kay-mcbrayer-927-b#BLACKLIVESMATTERResources to Fight Racial Injustice:George Floyd Memorial Fund https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloydBlack Lives Matter https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_blm_homepage_2019 NAACP Legal Defense Fund https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/6857/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=15780&_ga=2.209233111.496632409.1590767838-1184367471.1590767838Communities United Against Police Brutality https://www.cuapb.org/Campaign Zero https://www.joincampaignzero.org/solutions#solutionsoverviewReclaim the Block https://www.reclaimtheblock.org/home/#aboutChange.org petition for Justice for Breonna Taylor https://www.change.org/p/andy-beshear-justice-for-breonna-taylorChange.org petition for Justice for George Floyd https://www.change.org/p/mayor-of-minneapolis-justice-for-george-floydChange.org petition for Justice for Ahmaud Arbery https://www.change.org/p/liberty-county-distric-attorney-justice-for-ahmaud-arberyA Detailed List of Anti-Racism Resources: https://medium.com/wake-up-call/a-detailed-list-of-anti-racism-resources-a34b259a3eea75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice: https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234

Come behind the Veil with us as we discuss Leigh Bardugo’s novel "Ninth House." We talk about fantasy and mystery, class and privilege, trauma and more in Bardugo’s first novel for adults. Then we have a special interview with Veronica Roth, author of "Chosen Ones" and the Divergent series. Next, we dig into some listener feedback from some throwback BSG reads and fill you in on what’s on the #BookSquadBlog. Our next #Othersode (June 1) will be filled with crime – watch "Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children" on HBO with us for our discussion of this case. Plus, we have another author interview with Mary Kay McBrayer, author of "America’s First Female Serial Killer: Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster." Then, our next #Bookpisode on June 15 will cover "Mostly Dead Things" by Kristen Arnett! Read along with us and send your feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com!Table of Contents0:30–a special day for Mary 4:13–a content warning, and what’s your secret society? 10:54–book summary14:20–how genre works in the book 19:17–mystery!24:51–secret societies 29:30–privilege and class42:20–violence49:57–Hellie 54:44–ratings!1:02:19–Veronica Roth interview!1:13:00–listener feedback 1:39:40–what’s on the blog? What’s up next?Leigh Bardugo’s NPR interview: https://www.npr.org/2019/10/06/767636941/leigh-bardugo-on-ninth-house

It has been predetermined that you will listen to this episode. This week on #BookSquadGoals, we examine "Devs," the FX series on Hulu. We discuss determinism vs. free will vs. multiple universes, religion, the characters, and all the Alex Garland-ness of the series, including his casting choices. Plus, it’s our third birthday! We exchange “Secret Santa” birthday gifts and celebrate three years of podcasting fun! Read along for our next #bookpisode on "Ninth House" by Leigh Bardugo on May 18. That episode will also have an extra special interview with Veronica Roth, author of the Divergent series! For our next #othersode on June 1, catch up with HBO’s series "Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children," and get ready for another author interview with Mary Kay McBrayer about her debut book, "America’s First Female Serial Killer: Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster." Send any listener feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com or DM us on Instagram or Twitter @booksquadgoals! 0:30 – What would your tech company be working on in secret?9:30 – Show intro 11:28 – Science, technology, and Devs27:00 – Religion 36:30 – Determinism57:06 – Representation 1:10:00 – Other comments1:17:58 – Birthday pressies1:37:44 – What’s on the blog? What’s up next?Links to Alex Garland Interviews referenced: - https://tv.avclub.com/devs-creator-alex-garland-on-silicon-valley-s-cult-vi-1842220132/amp- https://www.thrillist.com/amphtml/entertainment/nation/alex-garland-interview-devs- https://collider.com/devs-interview-cailee-spaeny-lyndon-gender/

In the myriadic year of our lord—the twenty thousand and twentieth year (after death), the year of the COVID-19 pandemic!—the Book Squad packs our pets, our books, and our dirty magazines, and we escape to the House of the Ninth. Joined by guest Leah Rachel Von Essen, we engage in a rousing discussion of “Gideon the Ninth” by Tamsyn Muir, the first in Muir’s Locked Tomb trilogy. Topics include queerness without romance, magical world-building, and the difference between necromancy and necrophilia. Then we cover some listener feedback and talk about what’s on the #BookSquadBlog. On our next episode (May 4) we’ll talk about “Devs,” the new Hulu show from BSG favorite Alex Garland. Our next bookpisode (May 18) will be about “The Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo. Send your comments and feedback to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com, and don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!TOC:30--Introduction to our guest Leah, and icebreaker q12:08--A spoiler warning and book introduction15:29--What were our difficulties approaching the book? What drew us in?26:50--necromancy39:02--Is this a mystery novel?47:10--Discussing Muir’s interview with Three Crows Magazine; discussing hard topics and queer sexual identities (http://threecrowsmagazine.com/tamsyn-muir-interview-there-is-a-lot-of-blood-on-my-dance-floor/)1:06:06--Favorite moments/characters1:15:12--Ratings1:28:48--Feedback1:30:54--What’s on the blog? What’s up next?Leah’s piece on queer romance: https://bookriot.com/2020/02/17/characters-shouldnt-need-to-kiss-to-be-queer/You can find Leah at https://whilereadingandwalking.com/.

Special guest Grady Hendrix joins the Book Squad this week to discuss the 2020 Netflix/BBC series "Dracula." We talk about Dracula lore, departures from Bram Stoker’s novel, the historical depiction of vampires, recent television trends, and the overall weird, wild ride that is this three-episode series. Next, we ask Grady all about his newest book, "The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires." Then we dig into some feedback on several recent books and update what’s on the Book Squad Blog. Read along with us for our next #bookpisode on "Gideon the Ninth" by Tamsyn Muir on April 20, and watch the Hulu miniseries "Devs" for our next #othersode on May 4!TOC0:30 – A special guest and special quiz! 18:28 – Show introduction20:00 – How does the show change Stoker’s story?37:36 – Makeup and special FX 44:00 – Episode 3 (and its big twist) and the nature of adaptation 52:07 – The history of the vampire 1:01:54 – Ratings, heroes, and toxic masculinity 1:10:20 – Q&A with Grady Hendrix!1:42:43 – Feedback 1:49:30 – What’s on the blog? What’s up next?Mary Kay’s quiz: https://bookriot.com/2019/01/08/famous-vampire-quiz/Review of "Dracula" at The Verge: https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/14/21065289/dracula-netflix-bbc-review-sherlock-novel-bram-stokerGwendolyn Kiste's "The Eight People Who Murdered Me": http://www.nightmare-magazine.com/fiction/the-eight-people-who-murdered-me-excerpt-from-lucy-westenras-diary/Song in our Monthly Mane ad is Acid Trumpet by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3340-acid-trumpetLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Escape the pandemic and join us in 1920s Mexico for a discussion of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s “Gods of Jade and Shadow.” From more than six feet apart, we talk about the book’s fairy tale structure, the unlikely romance at its center, and whether or not it’s actually a YA novel (spoiler: it’s not). Then, Emily treats us to her lovely interview with Josie Silver, author of the romance novel “The Two Lives of Lydia Bird,” which you can purchase now — hopefully online from your favorite local indie bookstore! If you need suggestions for indie bookstores to order from, search ‘featured bookstore’ on our blog, where you can also read about all the other content we’ve been consuming during this time of social distance. Next time on the podcast (4/6) we’ll be joined by BSG fave Grady Hendrix for a discussion of Netflix’s new “Dracula” miniseries, and we’ll also talk with Grady about his new novel, “The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires.” Be sure to read along for our next bookpisode (4/20) on Tamsyn Muir’s “Gideon the Ninth.” As always, you can follow us @booksquadgoals on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and you can send us any comments or questions to thesquad@booksquadgoals.com. Stay safe, friends, and stay inside!TABLE OF CONTENTS1:07–join us in quarantine 8:38–what’s your trendy book name?13:01–book intro 15:07–does the Jazz age add anything?20:00–what do we actually know about Mayan mythology? 29:52–fairy tales, new adult lit, and genre 49:09–so what makes this a fairy tale?53:06–how was the romance?57:55–ratings!1:03:19–an interview with Josie Silver!1:30:54–what’s on the blog? What’s up next?