Listen Now

It is time to finish The Skinjacker Trilogy as we wrap up Everfound. This week the stakes become all too real as Mary goes in search of an atomic bomb to end humanity. Allie and Clarence are pushed to the point of assassinations in order to protect humanity. We argue that they are justified, but do you agree with us? After a couple of dead-end plot points, all characters converge and most Afterlights are freed. All of our characters get fitting endings, and we discuss if we would recommend this book to others. There’s also plenty of heartfelt tenderness. Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, The Magician’s Nephew, book 1 of The Chronicles of Narnia. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

TW: This episode includes topics of mass violence and guns. Please take care of yourself and only listen if these are safe topics for you. If you need to talk to someone or need further resources, the Disaster Distress Helpline is 1-800-985-5990. Please listen at your discretion. This week starts the final Skinjacker book, and preparations for the final confrontation are underway. Milos is trying to hold together Mary’s evil coalition, and failing miserably. This leads him down his own path of further evil which we spend quite  a bit of time unpacking. Both of us enjoy our new characters, and our romances. The good guys in this story are just so fulfilling! The worldbuilding expands, and we appreciate the complexity it adds to the story. Mary is extra evil. Asia and Charles are really enjoying the series, and can’t wait to finish the series next week. Next week we will be reading chapters 29-53 of book 3 in the series, Everfound. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

Well the build off pays off this week as things get absolutely crazy in Everlost. All of our characters converge in Memphis for a big showdown. Allie is skinjacking a ton and learning important things about herself and the nature of skinjackers. Nick is fighting a losing battle against the chocolate and trying to prepare for his fight with Mary. Mary herself has gone off the deep end. Charles and Asia have a discussion on the nature of evil, and Mary’s descent into madness. The ending of this reading is crazy, in a good way, and you really have to read it to believe it. Next week we will be reading chapters 1-28 of book 3 in the series, Everfound. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

The second book of the Skinjacker trilogy starts with multiple different plotlines as our characters navigate their own journeys through the Everwild. Nick and Mary continue their opposing journeys and now try to recruit talented afterlights in preparation for battle. Meanwhile, Allie and Mikey are diving into their own talents and feeling how those actually strain their budding relationship. We are definitely learning more about the mechanics of Everlost and powers, but we are unsure how much of the information we should trust. There are definitely some bigger questions we need answers to. Next week we will be reading chapters 20-40 of book 2 in the series, Everwild. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

We are wrapping up the first half of Everlost today as Allie tries to lure the McGill into a false sense of security. Nick and Mary’s relationship also takes a couple of steps forward and then comes to a climax. We learn a lot about the logistics of Everlost, and we even get some hints as to what happens after Everlost. Some characters fear it, some embrace it, and we finally get some lines drawn as to who is bad, who is good, and who is just trying their best. Charles and Asia are both liking the series, albeit for different reasons. See if you are enjoying it the same way we are! Next week we will be reading chapters 1-19 of book 2 in the series, Everwild. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

It’s once again time for a new series on Throwback Paperback, and we have taken a complete turn from the fantasy and general bookishness of the last series into a much darker afterlife, Everlost. We’re following the souls of recently departed children as they navigate the dangers of the in between in Everlost. These books were suggested by Asia, and so far both hosts are enjoying them,  though it seems for different reasons. Join us as we follow Allie, Nick, and Lief on their quest to evade a cult among other dangers. Next week we will be reading chapters 15-30 of book 1 in the series, Everlost. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

It’s time for the final book in the Inkworld to come to a close. Today we’re finishing Inkdeath and leaving Mo and Meggie behind us. The conflict between the Atterhead and the forces of good comes to a head as Dustfinger and Mo team up to fight Orpheus. The final battle commences with a rather twist of an ending and resolution. Which of the annoying characters will survive? Oh wait, that’s all of them. Will we be sad to see this series go? Next week we will be reading chapters 1-14 of Everlost, book 1 in our new series, The Skinjacker Trilogy. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

We left the last episode on a relative high with some interest and some empathy. Alas, we spoke too soon, which we can confirm as we dive into the final Inkheart book, Inkdeath. The theme of this reading was once again chaos, but not in an alluring, attractive, or compelling way. What on earth is happening? We have all of our characters in the Inkworld, and still none of them have enough common sense to get them out of their problems. They seem to have forgotten that they are in a book. Mo’s character transformation is continuing and affecting everyone else. Asia has a lot of thoughts on that in particular. Next week we will be reading chapters 42-81 of book 3 in the series, Inkdeath. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

Are things turning around for us with the story? In what is undoubtedly our favorite Inkworld reading so far, the political turmoil reaches a boiling point. Relationships are tested and fortified, which brings us joy. Fenoglio and Orpheus continue to exist and interfere, which does not. Worldbuilding picks up in this reading, so if you’ve been missing it, it is somewhat rectified this episode. With a big twist at the end of the reading, we find ourselves wanting more. We definitely need to know what happens in the final book. Next week we will be reading chapters 1-41 of book 3 in the series, Inkdeath. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

We’re entering the Inkworld this week as most of our characters are transported inside the book. Dustfinger first, then Meggie and Farid, and finally Mo, Resa, Mortola, and Basta all make it into Inkheart where chaos ensues. Unsurprisingly we respond well to burgeoning romance and tender familial relationships and respond poorly to Fenoglio’s increasingly gross behavior. The Inkworld is changing and taking on a life of its own. Too bad neither of your co-hosts cares that much. We still think that the story is missing a hook, but maybe we’re just too judgmental. Next week we will be reading chapters 40-77 of book 2 in the series, Inkspell. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

All parties converge on Capricorn’s village as he prepares his plan for the Shadow to execute Dustfinger once and for all. Meanwhile Fenoglio and Meggie have a plan of their own to circumvent this outcome. We discuss Meggie’s mom, and meet her, in what we think is probably the most interesting part of the book. Listen to see how we feel about the ending, and the idea of a sequel. What is going to happen in the next book? What worlds might we explore? ​Next week we will be reading chapters 1-39 of book 2 in the series, Inkspell. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

It’s finally time for a new series back at Throwback Paperback, and we’re diving into the cult-classic Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke. We return to fantasy, and let’s just say both hosts have plenty of feedback. While neither of us have read the books before, they come highly recommended, so we enter with high expectations. Does the book live up to them? It is worth noting that for a change Asia does a lot of the predicting this week instead of Charles. How do you think her predictions worked out? ​Next week we will be reading chapters 31-59 of book 1 in the series, Inkheart. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

TW: This episode includes topics of violence, assault, mental and emotional abuse. Please take care of yourself and only listen if these are safe topics for you. If you need to talk to someone or need further resources, the national domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-7233. Please listen at your discretion.  This week we cover Bruiser by Neal Shusterman. In this book, we follow Bronte, Tennyson, and Brewster as they navigate regular teenage tribulations with the added difficulty of Brewster’s special power. This book takes us on a journey through the highs and lows of pain, love, sacrifice, and responsibility. Expect for Charles and Asia to reaffirm their friendship to each other as they break down the heavy material in this book. ​Next week we will be reading chapters 1-30 of Inkheart, book 1 in our new series, Inkheart. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

In week 3 of our single books on tragedy, we have Eggs, a tale of two misfits who form an unexpected but necessary friendship. David, who is dealing with the loss of his mother, and Primrose, who is dealing with a lifetime of neglect, find each other, and start on various escapades. We debate if they are responsible for each other, and how to deal with their difficult life challenges. This is another tender and sweet book, but definitely geared towards a younger audience. Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, Bruiser. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

Continuing with our journey of sadness, we are covering The Fault in Our Stars this week. With heavy allusions to Shakespeare, we get to follow the star-crossed lovers of Augustus and Hazel as they meet, bond over their mutual burden of cancer, and fall in love. Another tender love story, we spend a considerable amount of time enjoying the character development and wit of the protagonists. It is a poignant book on living in-spite of all trial and tribulation, and making the most out of each day. Be ready for an emotional episode. Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, Eggs. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

TW: This episode includes a discussion of sexual assault and rape. Please take care of yourself, and only listen if these are safe topics for you. If you need to talk to someone or need further resources, the national sexual assault hotline is: 1-800-656-4673. Please listen at your discretion. This week we cover all of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and get into all sorts of themes of trauma and abuse. This beautifully haunting book paints a vivid picture of adolescence, and Asia enjoys reminiscing on the book while Charles enjoys returning to memories of his own high school. We follow Charlie in his episolary journey as he starts high school and his own infinity. The topics he’s dealing with are heavy, but we watch as he does his best to overcome his past, and be a support to his loved ones. Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, The Fault in Our Stars. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

It is time to finish up the Maze Runner trilogy as we finish The Death Cure. This episode wraps up a LONG unit on dystopian fiction, and we have mixed feelings. Of course, there is some horror because these books have been super scary, but no surprise there. This episode we do discuss the ethical question between Newt and Thomas. Would Asia and Charles do the same for each other? The story is still quite the page turner, though we do take exception to the ending. On a scale of Divergent to Hunger Games, where does The Maze Runner fall? Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

We dive into the third and final book of the Maze Runner trilogy, The Death Cure. Thomas and the gang make their dramatic escape from Wicked only to be plunged into the realities of a flare infested world. The feuding between Thomas and Teresa continues, and unsurprisingly, we do not approve of this. Expect more horror, more violence, and more confusion as usual. Some of the characters take a turn towards idiocy, which we also unsurprisingly judge rather harshly. If given the chance to get your memories back, would you have taken it? Next week we will be reading chapters 38-73 of book 3 in the series, The Death Cure. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

Plots thicken and so does the suspicion as we finish the second half of The Scorch Trials. In this episode, we discuss the larger ramifications of the trials and the real life impact they will have on these kids. They have to fight their way through the city, through the betrayal trial, and then through some more monsters because these are still horror books, and we couldn't have you forgetting that. Teresa’s actions are polarizing, but both hosts agree that the book is a page turner. We simply must keep reading to find out what happens next. Next week we will be reading chapters 1-37 of book 3 in the series, The Death Cure. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

Another week of the Maze Runner trilogy, and another episode filled with vile disgusting content. The boys of the Glade think they are safe only to be thrown into possibly worse conditions than the maze. We discuss trauma, fear, and the vast potential outcomes that the book provides. This series is full of twists and turns, and at this point we are willing to question anything and believe any outcome. Thomas continues to be a superhero, but what else is new at this point. ​Next week we will be reading chapters 32-65 of book 2 in the series, The Scorch Trials. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support