The Worst Bestsellers

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**The Worst Bestsellers**

We read stuff so you don’t have to.

Latest Episodes:

Carrie by Stephen King — **Episode 252 – Carrie** Oct 21, 2024

Hold onto your tampons: we read *Carrie* by Stephen King. Our friend Nicole returned to the podcast to read this classic horror novel that’s even bloodier than *Gerald’s Game*. Listen to this episode while honing your telekinetic powers!

Content warnings: Religious extremism, child abuse, death of children

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode 41 – Gerald’s Game

“And Eve Was Weak” from Carrie: The Musical

**Coming up next:** *Lessons in Chemistry* by Bonnie Garmus.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood — **Episode 251 – Bride** Oct 07, 2024

It’s spooky season, and what could be scarier than heterosexual werewolf knotting erotica? The fact that we both might have…liked it? Eek! We read *Bride* by Ali Hazelwood and we still aren’t sure exactly how we felt about it. Listen to this episode while you give blood.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode 201 – *The Love Hypothesis*

How Omegaverse Came to Dominate Fanfiction, and Why That Might Not Be Such a Bad Thing by Yvonne Gonzales

**Coming up next:** *Carrie* by Stephen King.

House of Blood and Earth by Sarah J. Maas — **Episode 250 – House of Earth and Blood** Sep 26, 2024

Thanks to Porter Square Books for hosting our 250th Anniversary live show! And thanks to everyone who turned out in person or for the livestream! If you missed it, or just want to relive it without all that pesky visual input, here’s the audio-only version of that episode. Meredith Goldstein (the Boston Globe’s Love Letters columnist, author of books including *Things That Grow*, and Horny Faeries enthusiast) joined us to discuss *House of Earth and Blood* by Sarah J. Maas. Fortunately (for Renata’s parents, who were in attendance) or unfortunately (for readers), this book wasn’t as horny as some of SJM’s other works. Still, we had much to discuss. Perhaps most notably: does Sarah J. Maas think dogs should be allowed to vote?

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** Watch the livestream video replay on Crowdcast!

Sarah J. Maas name pronunciation

I Think Dogs Should Vote Animatic

**Coming up next:** *Bride* by Ali Hazelwood.

Crush by Tracy Wolff — **Episode 249 – Crush** Sep 09, 2024

We’ve come so far from our first episode, and yet we’re still talking about teen vampires with Carrie. Unfortunately, we’re still out of Stephenie Meyer content so we had to read *Crush* by Tracy Wolff. If the cliffhanger ending of *Crave* left you wondering how Grace was going to turn back into a human after getting stuck as a gargoyle…well, this won’t help. Thanks for keeping us running for almost 250 episodes!

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Announcement:** RSVP for our live show at Porter Square Books Boston on Tuesday, September 17th at 6pm!

**Footnotes:** Redditors on Crave

“The Tinder-Box” by Hans Christian Andersen

**Coming up next:** *House of Earth and Blood* by Sarah J. Maas.

**Episode 248 – The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle** Aug 26, 2024

Hot Evelyn Summer comes to a bewildering conclusion with *The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle* by Stuart Turton. We were joined by writer and standup comedian Laura Merli (@passiveabrasive) to discuss this time loop locked room mystery. Fun fact: the American publisher added a 1/2 death to make this title less similar to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Listen to this episode after watching Laura’s new standup special, Belly Slappin’ Fun, on YouTube!

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Announcement:** RSVP for our live show at Porter Square Books Boston on Tuesday, September 17th at 6pm!

**Footnotes:** LAPL Interview with Stuart Turton.

**Coming up next:** *Crush* by Tracy Wolff.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid — **Episode 247 – The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo** Aug 12, 2024

Don’t cry because Flashback Summer is over; smile because Hot Evelyn Summer is beginning! Returning bisexual icon Margaret H. Willison (1/3 of Two Bossy Dames, don’t check the math) joined us to discuss *The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo* by Taylor Jenkins Reid. We had a great time unpacking Evelyn’s wardrobe (which is much more substantial than her frame narrative). If you listen to this episode, you’ll come closer to being able to distinguish Evelyn Hugo from Evelyn Hardcastle.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Announcement:** RSVP for our live show at Porter Square Books Boston on Tuesday, September 17th at 6pm!

**Footnotes:** “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Movie: All About the Highly Anticipated Adaptation” by Rebecca Aizin

**Coming up next:** *The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Harcastle* by Stuart Turton.

Stacey and the Bad Girls (Baby-Sitters Club #87) by Ann M. Martin — **Episode 246 – Stacey and the Bad Girls** Jul 29, 2024

Hold on to your sock wine, because we’re ending this year’s Flashback Summer with a real rager! We were joined by Courtney Summers, author of *I’m The Girl* and other rad books, to discuss *Stacey and the Bad Girls* (Baby-Sitters Club #87) by Ann M. Martin. Listen to this episode on your way to the big U4Me concert!

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Announcement:** RSVP for our live show at Porter Square Books Boston on Tuesday, September 17th at 6pm!

**Footnotes:** *Stacey and the Bad Girls* on the BSC Fan Wiki

Peter Lerangis on Wikipedia

**Coming up next:** *The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo* by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce — **Episode 245 – Alanna: The First Adventure** Jul 15, 2024

By popular demand, we took Flashback Summer to the land of Tortall. Rebecca Kim Wells, author of *Briar Girls* and other great queer fantasy books, joined us to discuss *Alanna: The First Adventure* by Tamora Pierce. Put on your purple contact lenses and listen to this episode while you study the blade.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** Tamora Pierce name pronunciation

Tamora Pierce’s statement on J.K. Rowling

**Coming up next:** Stacey and the Bad Girls (Baby-Sitters Club #87) by Ann M. Martin.

Stonewords by Pam Conrad — **Episode 244 – Stonewords** Jul 01, 2024

We were digging through some boxes in our totally not-haunted attic and found *Stoneword*s by Pam Conrad. It seemed like a chill Flashback Summer vibe, so we had our friend KL join us to discuss it. Be careful not to play this episode around your secret ghost friend–they might get jealous!

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** Pam Conrad’s obituary.

**Coming up next:** *Alanna: The First Adventure* by Tamora Pierce.

No Coins, Please by Gordon Korman — **Episode 243 – No Coins Please** Jun 17, 2024

Flashback summer, eh? Ann Foster of Vulgar History joined us to read *No Coins, Please,* an early work by the venerable Canadian author Gordon Korman. Listen to this episode while driving cross-country with a van full of chaotic tweens!

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** About Gordon Korman

**Coming up next:** *Stonewords* by Pam Conrad.

The Discovery (Animorphs #20) by K.A. Applegate — **Episode 242 – The Discovery** Jun 03, 2024

It’s Morphin’ Time! We’re kicking off Flashback Summer Animal Style. We returned to the world of the Animorphs by reading the three books in the iconic David Saga–The Discovery (#20), The Threat (#21) and The Solution (#22), all by K.A. Applegate. We were joined by Moniquill Blackgoose, author of *To Shape a Dragon’s Breath*. Listen to this episode while driving to the mall to pick up a Cinnabon and/or fight a lion!

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode 52 – Animorphs #1

**Coming up next:** No Coins Please by Gordon Korman.

The Threat (Animorphs #21) by K.A. Applegate — **Episode 242 – The Discovery** Jun 03, 2024

It’s Morphin’ Time! We’re kicking off Flashback Summer Animal Style. We returned to the world of the Animorphs by reading the three books in the iconic David Saga–The Discovery (#20), The Threat (#21) and The Solution (#22), all by K.A. Applegate. We were joined by Moniquill Blackgoose, author of *To Shape a Dragon’s Breath*. Listen to this episode while driving to the mall to pick up a Cinnabon and/or fight a lion!

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode 52 – Animorphs #1

**Coming up next:** No Coins Please by Gordon Korman.

Open Book by Jessica Simpson — **Episode 241 – Open Book** May 20, 2024

We continue Celebrity Memoir May with another wronged woman of the early 00s, Ms. Jessica Simpson. Annie Cardi, author of *Red*, joined us in righteous indignation on behalf of our favorite former Newlywed after reading her memoir *Open Book*. Listen to this episode while practicing your Dukes of Hazzard-style stunt driving.

**Content warnings**: Child sexual abuse, substance abuse, publicly being a woman in the early 00s.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** “Wait a Sec…Jessica Simpson’s Beloved ‘Cottage’ from Her Memoir Is Literally a Mansion (and J-Law Lives There Now!)” by Dara Katz

“Jessica Simpson is Selling Her Beverly Hills Home” by Maria Salova

“Jessica Simpson and Daughter Maxwell Poke Fun at Her Chicken of the Sea Mishap in New Ad for the Brand (Exclusive)” by Nicholas Rice

“John Mayer’s Dating History: Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Aniston, Katy Perry and More”

“Jessica Simpson’s billion-dollar brand went bankrupt after she sold it — here’s why she ‘drained everything to buy it back’” by Jade Scipioni

“Jessica Simpson talks about being the target of fat jokes for wearing ‘mom jeans’: It ‘broke my heart'” by Suzy Byrne

**Coming up next:** The Discovery (Animorphs #20) by K. A. Applegate.

Troublemaker by Leah Remini — **Episode 240 – Troublemaker** May 06, 2024

Unlike Scientology, Celebrity Memoir May is inescapable. Known Suppressive Person, librarian, and author Angie Manfredi (@MissKubelik) joined us to discuss *Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology* by Leah Remini. Join us as we swear oaths of fealty to the Queen of Queens!

**Content warning**: Verbal abuse, icky parenting, escaping a cult.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** “A Strange Chapter in ‘Wog”s Hateful History”

The Underground Bunker

“Exclusive: Shelly Miscavige and The Missing Scientologists: How The LAPD Made Scientology’s Problem Go Away” by Yashar Ali

Leah Remini’s “Roar” dance on Dancing with the Stars

“An Interview with the One and Only Michelle Visage” by Michael Podell

“Michelle Visage says Leah Remini got her into Scientology, but she quit over church’s anti-gay views” by Joey Nolfi

“Another Celeb Just Fueled Rumors of Jennifer Lopez & Leah Remini’s Feud” by Maggie Clancy

**Coming up next:** *Open Book* by Jessica Simpson.

**Episode 239 – Ice Planet Barbarians** Apr 22, 2024

Horny dragons were fun, but we’ve moved on. Onto another planet, actually. Lily Sparks, author of *The Merciless King of Moore High*, joined us to discuss *Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon*. Upload this episode directly to your alien translator earpiece to listen to it in any language!

**Content warning**: Dubious consent and mentions of sexual assault.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** “How sexy blue aliens invaded Amazon’s bestseller lists” by AJ Willingham

About the Motorcycle Clubs

**Coming up next:** *Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology* by Leah Remini.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros — **Episode 238 – Fourth Wing** Apr 08, 2024

Y’all horny for some dragons? We forged a soul bond with comedian, writer, and Scary Mommy Sarah Aswell by reading *Fourth Wing* by Rebecca Yarros together. Listen to this episode while pondering ways to legally murder your classmates!

**Content warning**: Here there be dragons. Also, dead parents.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** “How Rebecca Yarros Packed Dragons, Magic and Steamy Sex Into a Blockbuster Fantasy” by Alexandra Alter

“Q&A: Rebecca Yarros on Chronic Illness Representation in Fourth Wing” by Riyana Straetker

NPR Weekend Edition: “Veronica Roth’s ‘Carve The Mark’ Is A Fantasy Inspired By Chronic Pain”

**Coming up next:** *Ice Planet Barbarians* by Ruby Dixon.

This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti — **Episode 237 – This Present Darkness** Mar 25, 2024

The devil made us read *This Present Darkness* by Frank Peretti. Fortunately, we were #blessed to be joined by Izzy Wasserstein, author of *These Fragile Graces, This Fugitive Heart*, who helped safely guide us through this Christian thriller. Listen to this episode while waiting for a cool angel to pick you up on her motorcycle.

**Content warning**: False accusations of sexual assault, Christian fundamentalism, murder/suicide/demon attack.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** “*This Present Darkness*” on Wikipedia

“The long history and slow death of a word once used to describe everyone and everything from Egypt to China as well as rugs” by Yanan Wang

“15 times The X-Files’ Dana Scully was the best character on TV” by Sarah Crocker

**Coming up next:** *Fourth Wing* by Rebecca Yarros.

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace — **Episode 236 – Icebreaker** Mar 13, 2024

Ice, ice, baby! Annie Cardi, author of Red, returned to the podcast to discuss the sexy skater Booktok sensation *Icebreaker* by Hannah Grace. Join us as we skate back to college and dirty talk our way into the Olympics!

**Content warning**: Disordered eating, gaslighting, emotional abuse.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** “Who Is Hannah Grace? And Why Won’t She Show Her Face?” by Elisabeth Egan

**Coming up next:** This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti.

Sanctuary by Nora Roberts — **Episode 235 – Sanctuary** Feb 26, 2024

Nora Roberts Month continues! Heidi and Emily from Romancing the Shelf podcast returned and took us back to the 90s with the vintage romantic thriller Sanctuary. Sadly, this book has zero plates of casual pasta but it does have at least 3.5 romantic couples and almost as many murders. Listen to this episode on one of your three computers!

**Content warning**: Murder, sexual assault, questionable mental health care.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** Romancing the Shelf – *Sanctuary*

“Nora Roberts: The woman who rewrote the rules of romantic fiction” by Carole Cadwalladr

**Coming up next:** *Icebreaker* by Hannah Grace.

Nightwork by Nora Roberts — **Episode 234 – Nightwork** Feb 12, 2024

Our Lady Nora Roberts has written a book about a handsome criminal who admires good architecture and casual pasta? We’re so back. Our friend and Nora Roberts expert Christine has returned to discuss *Nightwork* with us. Listen to this episode while working on your night cheese!

**Content warning**: Cancer, death of a parent.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** “A Visual Guide to 35 Popular Pasta Shapes — Plus the Best Sauce to Serve with Each” by Rochelle Bilow

**Coming up next:** *Sanctuar*y by Nora Roberts.

Under the Eye of Power by Colin Dickey — **Episode 233 – Bests of 2023** Dec 18, 2023
Once again, we’ve managed to sneak in a few good books this year! Here are our favorite books we read in 2023 (regardless of publication year. Long live backlist titles!)

**Footnotes:** Boston Globe’s Best Books of 2023 (featuring Renata’s picks for middle grade and YA!)

**Coming up next:** A January hiatus. Happy New Year! We’ll see you in February!

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Under the Eye of Power* by Colin Dickey

4.) *Camp Damascus* by Chuck Tingle

3.) *The Narrow* by Kate Alice Marshall

2.) *Episode Thirteen* by Craig DiLouie

1.) *A House With Good Bones* by T. Kingfisher

Bonus star: *A Guest in the House* by Emily Carroll

Bonus star: *For Never and Always* by Helena Greer

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes to a Tribe Called Quest* by Hanif Abdurriqib

4.) *Siren Queen* by Nghi Vo

3.) *America the Beautiful? One Woman in a Borrowed Prius on the Road Most Traveled* by Blythe Roberson

2.) *Braiding Sweetgrass* by Robin Wall Kimmerer

1.) *To Shape a Dragon’s Breath* by Moniquill Blackgoose

Bonus Star: Murderbot series by Martha Wells

Bonus Star: *Elf Dog and Owl Head* by M. T. Anderson

Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle — **Episode 233 – Bests of 2023** Dec 18, 2023
Once again, we’ve managed to sneak in a few good books this year! Here are our favorite books we read in 2023 (regardless of publication year. Long live backlist titles!)

**Footnotes:** Boston Globe’s Best Books of 2023 (featuring Renata’s picks for middle grade and YA!)

**Coming up next:** A January hiatus. Happy New Year! We’ll see you in February!

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Under the Eye of Power* by Colin Dickey

4.) *Camp Damascus* by Chuck Tingle

3.) *The Narrow* by Kate Alice Marshall

2.) *Episode Thirteen* by Craig DiLouie

1.) *A House With Good Bones* by T. Kingfisher

Bonus star: *A Guest in the House* by Emily Carroll

Bonus star: *For Never and Always* by Helena Greer

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes to a Tribe Called Quest* by Hanif Abdurriqib

4.) *Siren Queen* by Nghi Vo

3.) *America the Beautiful? One Woman in a Borrowed Prius on the Road Most Traveled* by Blythe Roberson

2.) *Braiding Sweetgrass* by Robin Wall Kimmerer

1.) *To Shape a Dragon’s Breath* by Moniquill Blackgoose

Bonus Star: Murderbot series by Martha Wells

Bonus Star: *Elf Dog and Owl Head* by M. T. Anderson

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears — **Episode 232 – The Woman In Me** Dec 04, 2023

We finished our adventures with the Time Traveler’s Wife but decided to linger in the 2000s for awhile longer. Friend of the Show (and the Internet’s Best Friend) Margaret H. Willison joined us to discuss Britney Spears’s memoir *The Woman In Me*. Listen to this episode instead of listening to the music of Justin Timberlake!

**Content warning**: This book contains abuse, abortion, disordered eating, and all the other stuff you’d assume.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** “Miss American Dream” by Taffy Brodesser-Akner.

“Craig Ferguson’s Monologue Defending Britney Spears From 2007 Resurfaces Amid #FreeBritney Movement” by Alexandra Del Rosario

“Mariah Carey Calls Mention in Britney Spears’ ‘The Woman in Me’ ‘Super Sweet’: ‘I Love Her'” by Ilana Kaplan

“Michelle Williams impersonates Justin Timberlake while narrating hilarious part of Britney Spears’ memoir” by Shania Russell

Mystery Show Case #2: Britney

“Britney Spears’s Conservatorship Is a Disability Rights Issue That Deserves More Attention” by Haley Moss

**Coming up next:** Bests of 2023.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger — **Episode 231 – The Time Traveler’s Wife** Nov 20, 2023

We held our annual Patreon Choice poll and our Beloved Patrons chose to send us back in time to 2003 with *The Time Traveler’s Wife* by Audrey Niffenegger. Since the book is prominently set in Chicago, we were #blessed to be joined by prominent Chicagoan Ashley to unpack the Jeremy Bearimy of it all. Please do not listen to this episode while having sex with your future wife for the first time.

**Content warning**: Sketchy time travel age/consent issues, death of a partner, miscarriages.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** “Popular Titles are Vanishing from HBO Max After Merger” by Eric Deggans.

Audrey Niffenegger’s Chicago

*The Time Traveler’s Wife*: Reception

Audrey Niffenegger Tweet about *The Other Husband*

Legends of Tomorrow – Swan Thong

**Coming up next:** *The Woman in Me* by Britney Spears.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins — **Episode 230 – The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes** Nov 06, 2023

A cautionary tale: too many people complained about this book online so we were dumped into an arena and forced to publicly defend it to the death. Mackenzi Lee, author of many Best Bestselling books including *The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue* and *The Winter Soldier: Cold Front*, has returned to the podcast to get to talk about a book we all actually enjoyed: *The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes* by Suzanne Collins. The Capitol has mandated that all citizens listen to this episode, so please comply with their decree.

**Content warning:** Hunger Games.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** “H unger Games prequel: untangling the controversy over The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes” by Kayleigh Dray

“Reminder That ‘Hunger Games’ Co-Stars Rachel Zegler and Josh Andrés Rivera Are Dating IRL and V Cute” by Mehera Bonner

**Coming up next:** *The Time Traveler’s Wife* by Audrey Niffenegger.

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman — **Episode 229 – Practical Magic** Oct 23, 2023

Spooky season is here, so we were joined by Lily Sparks, author of the Teen Killers Club trilogy (including the latest book, *Teen Killers at Large*) and the upcoming *The Merciless King of Moore High*. We got witchy with the Owens women in *Practical Magic* by Alice Hoffman. This episode will bring all the cats to the schoolyard!

**Announcement:** Join us in our Discord server on Monday, October 30th at 8:30pm Eastern Time for a live watch of the *Practical Magic* movie! (It’s currently streaming on Hulu.)

**Content warning:** Light mention of death of parents, domestic violence, and death of a boyfriend.

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks.

Episode 122 – *A Discovery Of Witches*

**Coming up next:** *The Ballad of Songbird and Snakes* by Suzanne Collins.

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee — **Episode 228 – Go Set A Watchman** Oct 09, 2023

We just wrapped up Banned Books Week in the USA, a time to celebrate our freedom to read and also to speak up about book challenges! We were joined by Jen and Dan, the hosts of the Banned Camp podcast, where they read banned books to investigate why they were banned. They previously read *To Kill a Mockingbird* by Harper Lee, which is frequently banned and challenged. So together we read the controversial *Go Set A Watchman* by Harper Lee, and you know what…maybe we’re challenging it. No, like, we’re not going to call for it to be removed from libraries or anything, just like…are you sure you want to read it? Listen to this episode on your next train ride to Maycomb.

**Content warning:** Discussion of racism (though we 100% guarantee we do not say the n-word aloud on the podcast, although it is in the text of the book itself), sexual assault, and death of a sibling.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Unite Against Book Bans

“How to Fight Book Bans and Challenges” by Kelly Jensen

“Banned Spotlight: *To Kill a Mockingbird”* by Betsy Gomez

“See where ‘Go Set a Watchman’ overlaps with ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ word-for-word” by Keith Collins and Nikhil Sonnad

Harper Lee: The controversy that still surrounds author’s ‘lost novel’ *Go Set a Watchman* by Andrew Buncombe

**Coming up next:** *Practical Magic* by Alice Hoffman.

Crave by Tracy Wolff — **Episode 227 – Crave** Sep 25, 2023

It’s our 9th podiversary! We’ve run out of Stephenie Meyer books so we decided to have our OG guest Carrie return to check out a series whose marketing team would certainly love for us to think it was written by SMeyer: *Crave* by Tracy Wolff. Thanks to everyone for joining us for these past 9 years, and let’s all work on manifesting a new Twilight book for next year!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** 360+ Teen Slang, Emojis, & Hashtags Parents Need to Know

**Coming up next:** *Go Set a Watchman* by Harper Lee.

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery — **Episode 226 – Anne of Green Gables** Sep 11, 2023

We’re topping off this year’s Flashback Summer with a pair of red–some would say auburn–braids. We were joined by Hannah and Marcelle, the cohosts of Witch, Please and Material Girls, to discuss *Anne of Green Gables* by L. M. Montgomery. Pour yourselves a cup of raspberry cordial and listen to this podcast on your train journey from the orphanage!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Anne of Green Gables Raspberry Cordial recipe by Tori Avey

The Real Reason ‘Anne With an E’ Was Canceled by Netflix Is Heartbreaking by Katie Bourque

**Coming up next:** *Crave* by Tracy Wolff.

Nancy Drew and the Secret at Solaire by Carolyn Keene — **Episode 225 – The Secret at Solaire** Aug 28, 2023

For Flashback Summer we decided to get away from it all with a visit to an exclusive desert spa. Unfortunately, the spa was plagued with black widow spiders, blackmailers, and other concerns. Fortunately, Kristin, the host of the Kristin Sleuth YouTube channel, was able to talk us through *Nancy Drew #111: The Secret at Solaire* by Carolyn Keene. This episode is not sponsored by Solaire moisturizer.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode 55 – Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys

Kristin Sleuth on YouTube

Crime Pays, Botany Doesn’t on YouTube

It’s a Clue podcast

The Dream podcast

Sweet Valley High Diaries – 35’s Extended B-Story: Tofu-Glo

**Coming up next:** *Anne of Green Gables* by L. M. Montgomery.

Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison — **Episode 224 – Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging** Aug 14, 2023

Breaking Flashback Summer News: in the title of the book *Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging* by Louise Rennison, “Angus” refers to the cat! Renata was almost as excited about this fact as she was about convincing JJ, aka S. Jae-Jones, author of *Guardians of Dawn: Zhara* to return as a guest for this episode! Listen to this episode while shaving your eyebrows (or while you are homebound, waiting for your eyebrows to regrow).

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Time 100 Best YA Books Of All Time: *Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging*

**Coming up next:** *Nancy Drew and the Secret at Solaire* by Carolyn Keene.

**Episode 223 – Anastasia Krupnik** Jul 31, 2023

For this Flashback Summer episode, the Bellwether Friends Anna & Alene joined Renata to discuss Anastasia Krupnik by Lois Lowry. Sadly, Kait had to miss this one because she was busy shopping for her new poetry outfit, which would make Anastasia green with envy. Listen to this episode while you update the list of “loves” and “hates” in your notebook!

**Kait’s Poetry Outfit:**

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “Four Questions with Lois Lowry, Newbery Award-Winning Children’s Author” by Molly Parr

“Why Anastasia Krupnik Was Ahead of Her Time” by Grace Lapointe

Bellwether Friends #65 – Fastest and Furiousest

**Coming up next:** *Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging* by Louise Rennison.

Kait posing dramatically with her poetry outfit: a black dress, red beret, red cape, and sunglasses — **Episode 223 – Anastasia Krupnik** Jul 31, 2023

For this Flashback Summer episode, the Bellwether Friends Anna & Alene joined Renata to discuss Anastasia Krupnik by Lois Lowry. Sadly, Kait had to miss this one because she was busy shopping for her new poetry outfit, which would make Anastasia green with envy. Listen to this episode while you update the list of “loves” and “hates” in your notebook!

**Kait’s Poetry Outfit:**

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “Four Questions with Lois Lowry, Newbery Award-Winning Children’s Author” by Molly Parr

“Why Anastasia Krupnik Was Ahead of Her Time” by Grace Lapointe

Bellwether Friends #65 – Fastest and Furiousest

**Coming up next:** *Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging* by Louise Rennison.

Trixie Belden #1: The Secret of the Mansion by Julie Campbell — **Episode 222 – Trixie Belden** Jul 17, 2023

Were you looking for sound medical advice to treat snakebites and rabies? Well, we do *not* recommend consulting *Trixie Belden #1: The Secret of the Mansion* by Julie Campbell for first aid training. However, we had a great time talking to returning guest Carrie about this Flashback Summer mystery novel.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** The Trixie Belden Series

WikiHow: How to Treat a Snake Bite

WikiHow: How to Spot Rabies in a Dog

**Coming up next:** *Anastasia Krupnik* by Lois Lowry.

Help! I'm Trapped in My Teacher's Body by Todd Strasser — **Episode 221 – Help! I’m Trapped In My Teacher’s Body** Jul 03, 2023

Help! We’re trapped in the bodies of millennial podcasters! Andrew and Craig from the Overdue podcast joined us to discuss the classic switcheroo tale *Help! I’m Trapped In My Teacher’s Body* by Todd Strasser. Listen to this episode while your coworker makes you breakfast!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** A Taste of Spongey: *Help! I’m Trapped in the First Day of School*

Overdue #590 – *Super Mario Bros* movie adaptation

**Coming up next:** *The Secret of the Mansion* (Trixie Belden #1) by Julie Campbell.

Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret — **Episode 220 – Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret** Jun 20, 2023

It’s–hey, calm down, no, put down your pitchforks, we’re not calling Judy Blume a “worst” bestseller! Absolutely not, just, please, let me finish this intro–it’s Flashback Summer! The time when we chill out and revisit childhood favorites, even when they are iconic classics that absolutely do not match the name of our podcast. We were joined by writer and comedian Sarah Aswell (@seaswell), also known as *the* Scary Mommy behind Scary Mommy Book Club, to discuss *Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret* by the one and only Judy Blume. Listen to this episode while increasing your bust!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “Judy Blume Shares How It Felt To Finally Watch ‘Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret’” by Sarah Aswell

“God to Margaret: Always with wings!” by Rebecca Traister

“Judy Blume Blasted An Article Linking Her To J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Views As ‘Bullshit'” by David Mack

Judy Blume embraces renewed interest in her work from her Florida book store

**Coming up next: *Help! I’m Trapped in my Teacher’s Body* by Todd Strasser.**

Without You by Anthony Rapp — **Episode 219 – Without You** Jun 05, 2023

Hey, we’ll be honest: we kind of phoned this one in. On a landline. You screened it? On your answering machine? Haha, a topical reference. See, we read *Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and The Musical Rent* by Anthony Rapp. He was in Rent! Listen to this episode while waiting in line for rush tickets for Rent. Or, honestly, don’t listen to this episode if you don’t care about Rent the musical. You’ve been warned!

**Content warning:** Sexual assault, death of a parent.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** This American Life: Hoaxing Yourself

‘Without You’ Review: Anthony Rapp’s Seasons of Love, and Loss by Elisabeth Vincentelli

“Actor Anthony Rapp: Kevin Spacey Made A Sexual Advance Toward Me When I Was 14” by Adam Vary

Rentheads FAQ

Josh’s Website

**Coming up next: *Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret* by Judy Blume.**

Anthony Rapp & Renata — **Episode 219 – Without You** Jun 05, 2023

Hey, we’ll be honest: we kind of phoned this one in. On a landline. You screened it? On your answering machine? Haha, a topical reference. See, we read *Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and The Musical Rent* by Anthony Rapp. He was in Rent! Listen to this episode while waiting in line for rush tickets for Rent. Or, honestly, don’t listen to this episode if you don’t care about Rent the musical. You’ve been warned!

**Content warning:** Sexual assault, death of a parent.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** This American Life: Hoaxing Yourself

‘Without You’ Review: Anthony Rapp’s Seasons of Love, and Loss by Elisabeth Vincentelli

“Actor Anthony Rapp: Kevin Spacey Made A Sexual Advance Toward Me When I Was 14” by Adam Vary

Rentheads FAQ

Josh’s Website

**Coming up next: *Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret* by Judy Blume.**

Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson — **Episode 218 – Love, Pamela** May 22, 2023

Pamela Anderson: model, actress, activist…poet. Dame Karen Corday (of Two Bossy Dames and elsewhere on the internet!) joined us to read *Love, Pamela*, which…we kinda loved. Join us as we revisit the 90s with increased feminist rage!

**Content warning:** Child abuse/child sexual abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “What to Read, Watch, and Listen to After the *Pam & Tommy* Finale” by Sophie Brookover and Karen Corday

Pamela Anderson Blue Zone Girl ad

Pamela Anderson’s Playboy Covers Through the Years

**Coming up next:** *Without You* by Anthony Rapp.

Spare by Prince Harry — **Episode 217 – Spare** May 08, 2023

As Americans, it’s our right to not pay attention to the British royal family. However, we’re waiving that right in order to read *Spare* by Prince Harry. We were thrilled to be joined by Dame Sophie of Two Bossy Dames–even more thrilled than Harry was to meet Will Arnett at a party at Courtney Cox’s house. Listen to this episode on your way to throw more tea into Boston Harbor.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Prince Harry Holds Spike the Echidna

The Victorian Society in America

“Royal Bodies” by Hilary Mantel

BrainyQuote.com

Jimenez’s “Wolverine” Savages the Poaching Trade

**Coming up next:** *Love, Pamela* by Pamela Anderson.

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory — **Episode 216 – The Other Boleyn Girl** Apr 24, 2023

Divorced, beheaded, subjected to an extremely long and boring work of historical fiction. Ann Foster from Vulgar History joined us to discuss *The Other Boleyn Girl* by Philippa Gregory. We were glad for Ann’s expertise, because now we now that it’s historically inaccurate in addition to being super boring. Listen to this episode on your way to your next gay witchcraft circle!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Brimping.

Gable hoods.

**Coming up next:** *Spare* by Prince Harry.

Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever by Judge Judy Sheindlin — **Episode 215 – Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever** Apr 10, 2023

Did you read *Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus* and think, “This could really use more victim blaming?” If so: have we got a book for you! Kristen and Jolenta from How To Be Fine (and By the Book) joined us to discuss *Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever: The Making of a Happy Woman* by Judge Judy Sheindlin. Listen to this episode on your way to pick up your husband’s dry cleaning!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** By The Book: Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever

Judge Judy To Megyn Kelly: ‘I’m Not A Feminist’

**Coming up next:** *The Other Boleyn Girl* by Philippa Gregory.

**Episode 214 – Corinne** Mar 27, 2023

We got tired of waiting for Stephenie Meyer’s latest book, so we checked out a book that some book bloggers are saying Stephenie Meyer wrote. *Corinne* is written by Rebecca Morrow, whose author bio simply states, “Rebecca Morrow is a pseudonym for a New York Times bestselling author.” We had our friend Margaret H. Willison (of Two Bossy Dames, among other projects) join us to investigate Morrow’s identity: is she Stephenie Meyer? Or perhaps an even more dazzling author? Listen to this episode to find out!

**Content warning:** Religious trauma.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Reddit post: “Pretty sure Stephanie Meyer is wrote a new novel that’s slightly anti-religious under another name to avoid getting in trouble with the Mormon church.”

“Who Really Wrote Corinne by Rebecca Morrow?”

“Elin Hilderbrand to retire from writing beach reads in 2024”

Village Inn

Cream Cheese Mints

**Coming up next:** *Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever* by Judge Judith Sheindlin.

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover — **Episode 213 – It Ends With Us** Mar 13, 2023

Dear Ellen, our friend Vanessa from the podcast Hot and Bothered flew in from Plethora, Maine to discuss Colleen Hoover’s *It Ends With Us*. Millions of BookTokkers can’t be wrong…can they? Listen to this episode in Boston, where everything is better.

**Content warning:** Domestic abuse, child abuse, sexual assault, death of a child.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “Bestselling writer Colleen Hoover apologizes for planned coloring book based on domestic violence novel” by Issy Ronald.

Hot and Bothered: *It Ends With Us*

**Coming up next:** *Corinne* by Rebecca Morrow.

The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts — **Episode 212 – The Last Boyfriend** Feb 27, 2023

Although we had to check out of the real life Inn BoonsBoro, we were able to return there through the power of fiction. We read the second book in the Inn BoonsBoro trilogy, *The Last Boyfriend* by Nora Roberts, with our returning guest and Nora Roberts expert Christine.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Inn BoonsBoro

**Coming up next:** *It Ends With Us* by Colleen Hoover.

**Episode 211.5 – BONUS – Inn BoonsBoro** Feb 20, 2023

Thanks to our wonderful Patreon Patrons, we recently traveled to Nora Roberts’ bed and breakfast in Maryland, Inn BoonsBoro, along with our Resident Nora Roberts Expert, Christine, and Resident Robe Expert, Nicole! Please enjoy this bonus episode where the four of us talk about our luxurious weekend stay, debate the content of a dolphin massage, and fail to accurately describe the size of a pretzel.

**Footnotes:** Romancing The Shelf: Our Trip to BoonsBoro!

Inn BoonsBoro

Gifts Inn BoonsBoro

Ghost-scented lotion!

Bespoke tea blends!

Dan’s Restaurant and Taproom

Renata’s Instagram Post

Big Pretzel:

**Coming up next:** The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts.

The Next Always by Nora Roberts — **Episode 211 – The Next Always** Feb 13, 2023

It’s our first episode of the year and we’re already longing to get away from it all. So we were joined by Heidi and Emily of the Romancing the Shelf podcast to discuss the book *The Next Always* by Nora Roberts. But also more importantly, we discussed Inn BoonsBoro, the B&B where this book is set, but also the B&B that Nora Roberts owns in real life! Heidi and Emily gave Kait and Renata travel tips for their upcoming stay in BoonsBoro. Listen to this episode on your way to pick up your next pizza.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Romancing The Shelf: Our Trip to BoonsBoro!

Inn BoonsBoro

**Coming up next:** *The Last Boyfriend* by Nora Roberts.

Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert — **Episode 210 – Bests of 2022** Dec 19, 2022
Another year has come and gone, and yet we’re still here, talking about books! For a treat, here are some good ones.

**Footnotes:** Boston Globe’s Best Books of 2022 (featuring Renata’s picks for middle grade and YA!)

**Coming up next:** A January hiatus. Happy New Year! We’ll see you in February!

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5. *Take a Hint, Dani Brown* by Talia Hibbert

4. *Experimental Film* by Gemma Files

(4a. each thing i show you is a piece of my death by Gemma Files and Stephen J. Barringer)

3. *Small Angels* by Lauren Owen

2. *What Moves the Dead* by T. Kingfisher

1. *These Fleeting Shadows* by Kate Alice Marshall

Bonus fave: *Season of Love* by Helena Greer

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5. *Great or Nothing* by Joy McCullough, Caroline Tung Richmond, Tess Sharpe, & Jessica Spotswood

4. *Her Majesty’s Royal Coven* by Juno Dawson

3. *Ducks* by Kate Beaton

2. *Self-Made Boys* by Anna-Marie McLemore

1. *Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow* by Gabrielle Zevin

Renata’s Top 2 Worst Books To Be Banned/Challenged

2. *Out of Darkness* by Ashley Hope Perez
1. *Gender Queer* by Maia Kobabe

**Episode 210 – Bests of 2022** Dec 19, 2022
Another year has come and gone, and yet we’re still here, talking about books! For a treat, here are some good ones.

**Footnotes:** Boston Globe’s Best Books of 2022 (featuring Renata’s picks for middle grade and YA!)

**Coming up next:** A January hiatus. Happy New Year! We’ll see you in February!

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5. *Take a Hint, Dani Brown* by Talia Hibbert

4. *Experimental Film* by Gemma Files

(4a. each thing i show you is a piece of my death by Gemma Files and Stephen J. Barringer)

3. *Small Angels* by Lauren Owen

2. *What Moves the Dead* by T. Kingfisher

1. *These Fleeting Shadows* by Kate Alice Marshall

Bonus fave: *Season of Love* by Helena Greer

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5. *Great or Nothing* by Joy McCullough, Caroline Tung Richmond, Tess Sharpe, & Jessica Spotswood

4. *Her Majesty’s Royal Coven* by Juno Dawson

3. *Ducks* by Kate Beaton

2. *Self-Made Boys* by Anna-Marie McLemore

1. *Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow* by Gabrielle Zevin

Renata’s Top 2 Worst Books To Be Banned/Challenged

2. *Out of Darkness* by Ashley Hope Perez
1. *Gender Queer* by Maia Kobabe

Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert — **Episode 209 – Eat Pray Love** Dec 05, 2022

Democracy works: our Patreon patrons voted for us to read *Eat Pray Love* by Elizabeth Gilbert, so we did. And we, along with our returning guest Meredith Goldstein, of the Boston Globe’s Love Letters , actually kinda…loved it? Sorry haters, we’ve been Gilbertpilled. Listen to this episode while eating incredible homemade pasta, or just some frozen pizza if you’re currently in the USA.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “The ‘Eat Pray Love’ Problem: How Movie Liz Ruined The Story Of Book Liz” by Linda Holmes

“In which I don’t review ‘Eat Pray Love'” by Crunk Feminist Collective

The new colonialism of ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ by Sandip Roy

“Elizabeth Gilbert Is Owning Her Past Mistakes” by Lizzy O’Leary

“‘Eat, Pray, Love’ Author Elizabeth Gilbert Announces She’s Dating Another Woman” by Claire Landsbaum

**Coming up next:** Bests & Worsts of 2022.

Wish You Were Here by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown. — **Episode 208 – Wish You Were Here** Nov 21, 2022

Duarte’s been asking us for more feline representation, so we were joined by Phillip Mottaz, author of the Psychic Barber Mystery series, to read the first Mrs. Murphy mystery, *Wish You Were Here* by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown. It’s a small town cozy mystery solved by a postmistress and her pets. Unfortunately, the pets have weirdly regressive attitudes. Turn the volume up on this episode to make sure you can hear it over all the almonds being blended!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Rita Mae Brown’s Wikipedia page

**Coming up next:** *Eat, Pray, Love* by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Blessings From The Other Side by Sylvia Browne with Lindsay Harrison — **Episode 207 – Blessings From The Other Side** Nov 07, 2022

We reunited with Sydney and Delaney from Book Cult to discuss the cult-adjacent teachings of Sylvia Browne, as presented in her book *Blessings From The Other Side: Wisdom and Comfort From the Afterlife For This Life*. Play this one extra loud to make sure that it’s audible to the spirits hovering three feet above you!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Book Cult Episode 43: Blessings From The Other Side

Book Cult Episode 75: Worst Bestsellers (that’s us!)

John Oliver is sensing a ‘p’ for ‘predatory bullshit’ as Last Week Tonight debunks TV psychic by Dennis Perkins

44 Life Themes Everyone Chooses Before Incarnation: Which One Did You Choose?

Sylvia Browne on Wikipedia

**Coming up next:** *Wish You Were Here* by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown.

**Episode 206 – Straight** Oct 24, 2022

With Saturation Day (and spooky season!) upon us, Kait retreated to her queers-only bunker with returning guests Wren and Laura to discuss Chuck Tingle’s horror novella *Straight*. Listen to see what happens when three type-A planners read a book about the type of people who don’t google the menu before going to a new restaurant.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Nightfire Proves Love is Real With Chuck Tingle’s Horror Novel, Camp Damascus

**Coming up next:** Blessings from the Other Side by Sylvia Browne.

L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad — **Episode 205 – L.A. Candy** Oct 10, 2022

We got tired of reading reality TV memoirs, so instead we read a thinly-veiled reality television novel, *L.A. Candy* by Lauren Conrad. Some of us (Renata) enjoyed it more than others of us (Kait), but we were both thrilled to talk to Helena Greer (@BlumAgainCurios), the author of *Season of Love* and the upcoming *For Never And Always.*

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Candy pairing:** Helena says Sour Patch Kids, Kait says a big novelty lollipop, Renata says cotton candy.

**Footnotes:** Fug Girls Book Club: Lauren Conrad’s *L.A. Candy*

“Lauren Conrad Is The World’s Most Successful Reality-TV Defector” by Misty White Sidell

**Coming up next:** *Straight* by Chuck Tingle.

Worst Bestsellers Origin Stories — **Episode 204 – Origin Stories** Sep 26, 2022

It’s our 8th anniversary, and Stephenie Meyer has rudely not written anything new for us to read, so instead we decided to take a page from Diana Gabaldon and time travel through our past. We recorded this supersized Origin Stories episode where we answer listener questions, talk about the history of our friendship and our podcast, and only cry a little bit! Thanks for listening to us for 8! years!

**Footnotes:** Check out our newly revamped and relaunched merch store on TeePublic! Flash sale until 9/28/22!

The Secret: We don’t understand electricity, but we use it

Matthew McConaughey’s Peace Corps ad

**Coming up next:** *L.A. Candy* by Lauren Conrad.

How To Be A Boss Bitch by Christine Quinn — **Episode 203 – How To Be A Boss Bitch** Sep 12, 2022

We were so thrilled to be joined by Bobby Finger, cohost of the Who? Weekly podcast and author of the upcoming book *The Old Place*! We read *How To Be A Boss Bitch* by Christine Quinn, the star of Netflix’s Selling Sunset and confirmed Diva Boss Bitch. This book gave Bobby a chance to share his considerable reality television expertise with us, while we summoned all the knowledge of past self-help books to get through this bitchy, yet derivative read. Listen to this episode while lounging on the yacht that you manifested!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Pre-order *The Old Place*!

“Christine Quinn, the Breakout Star of *Selling Sunset,* on Success, Sudden Fame, and Why She Now Wants Her Own Show” by Hattie Collins

“Selling Sunset: The 10 Best Christine Quinn Moments” by Aya Tsintiras

“Selling Sunset’s Christine Quinn Has a Tiger at Her L.A. Home for Security: ‘He Is So Friendly'” by Nicholas Rice

Southlake podcast

*The Secret* Check From the Universe

**Coming up next:** Our 8th Anniversary Special!

Miss Me With That by Rachel Lindsay — **Episode 202 – Miss Me With That** Aug 29, 2022

We are once again returning to the rosy world of The Bachelor with our special guest Rebecca Kim Wells (@RebeccaWriting), Bachelor fan and the author of *Shatter The Sky*, *Storm The Earth,* and *Briar Girls*. This time we had the good sense to read *Miss Me With That* by Rachel Lindsay, a woman who found love on reality television and then was smart enough to walk away from the franchise.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode 159 – *The First Time*

“Rachel Lindsay and Raven Gates: A Timeline of the ‘Bachelor’ Alums’ Friendship and Falling Out” by Erin Crabtree

“Alexis Is Dolphinitely A Shark On ‘The Bachelor'” by Martha Sorren

‘The Bachelorette’: “Whaboom” Guy Admits He Went on the Show for Fame” by Christina Schoellkopf

**Coming up next:** *How To Be a Boss Bitch* by Christine Quinn.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood — **Episode 201 – The Love Hypothesis** Aug 15, 2022

Our sweet Flashback Summer is finally over and we’ve reluctantly returned to the world of modern publishing. Dee Ernst, author of *Lucy Checks In*, joined us to discuss the certified #BookTok sensation, *The Love Hypothesis* by Ali Hazelwood. We’ll unpack this Star Wars fanfiction turned fake dating romance novel, google Adam Driver’s height, and lament the lack of porgs. Listen to this episode while curing cancer!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Reddit Thread: The Love Hypothesis, Who is Who?

Reddit Thread: Looking for a Copy of Head over Feet

Meet the Porgs: The Cutest Stars in the Galaxy by Jodi Guglielmi

6 Things You Didn’t Know About Adam Driver by Temi Adebowale

Fanfiction 101

**Coming up next:** *Miss Me With That* by Rachel Lindsay.

D&D Players Handbook — **Episode #200 – 200th Episode Dazzling Spectacular** Aug 01, 2022

It’s our 200th episode! Which means we have read approximately 200 books, and therefore we deserve a break. Walt, the professional DM from First Time at the Table (and husband to past podcast guest Annie Cardi), led a delightful Dungeons & Dragons adventure set in the magical world of Duartensia. Kait played as The Rock, Renata played as Wolverine, and past guest Danielle (of Hello World Tarot) played as Angela Weber. Listen now to find out if these chaotic adventurers can restore good literature to the land!

**Footnotes:** First Time At The Table (use promo code WORSTBEST for 10% off!)

Hello World Tarot (use promo code WORSTBEST for 10% off!)

Wolverine’s Character Sheet

Episode #104 – 4th Anniversary Twilight Spectacular

**Coming up next:** *The Love Hypothesis* by Ali Hazelwood.

The Door Into Fire by Diane Duane — **Episode 199 – The Door Into Fire** Jul 18, 2022

When we asked Chris Collision (cohost of I Don’t Even Own A Television) for his Flashback Summer choice of childhood favorite book, he surprised us with a title we’d never heard of before. And then Diane Duane surprised us with The Door Into Fire, a delightfully queer fantasy novel that was so great, we couldn’t believe we hadn’t heard of it before! Listen to this episode while riding your hot fire horse through the Waste.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Diane Duane’s *Door Into Starlight* Status Update

*The Door Into Fire* ebook

**Coming up next:** 200th Episode Dazzling Spectacular!

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin — **Episode 198 – The Westing Game** Jul 04, 2022

Happy Fourth of July! Buy Westing Paper Products! Flashback Summer continues with a book that’s such a stone-cold classic, we strongly advise that you **not** listen to this episode if you haven’t read *The Westing Game* by Ellen Raskin. Our guest, J.W. Friedman from the I Don’t Even Own a Television podcast, joined us to discuss this iconic mystery that won the 1979 Newbery Medal. Listen to this episode in between checking stock prices on your transistor radio. (But, again, only after you’ve read the book! Please!)

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “8 Uses for an Asparagus Steamer” by Lindsay-Jean Hard.

**Coming up next:** *The Door Into Fire* by Diane Duane.

Night Of the Living Dummy by R.L. Stine — **Episode 197 – Night of The Living Dummy** Jun 20, 2022

The day has arrived: Renata read her very first Goosebump novel. Courtney Summers, Best Bestselling author of books like *The Project* and the upcoming *I’m The Girl,* joined us to discuss *Night of the Living Dummy* by R. L. Stine. Please rate this episode 10/10 Splats in the Apple Podcasts store.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:**

Episode #54 – R. L. Stine

Episode #152 – *Mallory and the Trouble With Twins*

Episode #177 – *Baby-Sitters Beware*

Slappy the Dummy on Goosebumps Fan Wiki

‘A small corner of the internet is obsessed with ‘Long Furbies’ and the creations are both disturbing and hilarious” by Julie Gerstein

Pangur & Grim

**Coming up next:** *The Westing Game* by Ellen Raskin.

Fright Gallery: Slappy the Dummy — **Episode 197 – Night of The Living Dummy** Jun 20, 2022

The day has arrived: Renata read her very first Goosebump novel. Courtney Summers, Best Bestselling author of books like *The Project* and the upcoming *I’m The Girl,* joined us to discuss *Night of the Living Dummy* by R. L. Stine. Please rate this episode 10/10 Splats in the Apple Podcasts store.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:**

Episode #54 – R. L. Stine

Episode #152 – *Mallory and the Trouble With Twins*

Episode #177 – *Baby-Sitters Beware*

Slappy the Dummy on Goosebumps Fan Wiki

‘A small corner of the internet is obsessed with ‘Long Furbies’ and the creations are both disturbing and hilarious” by Julie Gerstein

Pangur & Grim

**Coming up next:** *The Westing Game* by Ellen Raskin.

A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L'Engle — **Episode 196 – A Ring Of Endless Light** Jun 06, 2022

As the earth makes another journey around the sun (allegedly), we return to Flashback Summer. Writer Annie Cardi (@AnnieCardi) returned to the show to discuss *A Ring of Endless Light* by Madeleine L’Engle, a formative read for many 90s children who aspired to be psychic marine biologists. Listen on your way to the beach, and make sure to share it with any dolphins who might want to listen in!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “The World” by Henry Vaughn

Depresh Mode #61 – Maggie Smith

“Good Bones” by Maggie Smith

“Try to Praise the Mutilated World” by Adam Zagajewski

Mariah Carey Can Speak Dolphin

**Coming up next:** Goosebumps #7: *Night of the Living Dummy* by R.L. Stine.

Get Out Of Your Own Way by Dave Hollis — **Episode 195 – Get Out Of Your Own Way** May 23, 2022

Sure, we at Worst Bestsellers have read several self-help books over the years, but you may be asking: what about the men? Oh, you weren’t asking? Well, Dave Hollis (ex-husband of Rachel) is concerned, and he wrote *Get Out Of Your Own Way* to help men understand that they have problems too. And we made that Margaret Willison‘s problem, as she returned to discuss this book with us. Turn your volume up to bless up!

Our friends at Porter Square Books hosted us for this virtual live show! If you watched it on Crowdcast: thank you so much for joining us! This is just the audio from that event for those of you who prefer not to see our faces. (The video is still archived and you can watch it here if you’d like. You can also watch the archived video of our previous virtual live show at PSB discussing *Didn’t See That Coming* by Rachel Hollis here.)

**Readers advisory**: Here (via Porter Square Books).

**Footnotes:** Ally, Ally, Ally, or Ali Slides

Episode 170 – Didn’t See That Coming

Episode 144 – Girl, Wash Your Face

Appointment Television

**Coming up next:** *A Ring of Endless Light* by Madeleine L’Engle.

The Witcher: The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski — **Episode 194 – The Witcher: The Last Wish** May 09, 2022

We asked a djinn to bring us a book that could be adapted into a video game, a Netflix series, and a podcast episode, and we got *The Witcher: The Last Wish* by Andrzej Sapkowski. We were joined by Arielle to discuss this book that, to our great surprise, was actually pretty good–and best of all, didn’t even have a fantasy map in it. Hire a bard to perform this episode for you in your local tavern!

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** “What Was Geralt’s Last Wish in The Witcher?” by Sadie Gennis.

**Coming up next:** *Get Out Of Your Own Way* by Dave Hollis.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner — **Episode 193 – The Maze Runner** Apr 25, 2022

Every once in awhile it’s nice to read something that’s so bad it truly reminds us why we do what we do. We were joined by Rachel Andelman (of Union Comedy, Improv Boston, 2MB Studios, and Smiling Women Comix) to discuss *The Maze Runner* by James Dashner. Listen to this episode on your next long, pointless run!

**Content warning:** It turns out that James Dashner was dropped by his agent and publisher following accusations of sexual harassment in 2018 and we didn’t find that out until we checked his wiki page at the very end of recording, so sorry for not mentioning that earlier in the episode!

**Readers advisory:** Here.

**Footnotes:** “Dylan O’Brien Is Ready to Talk About That Accident” by Kyle Buchanan

I Don’t Even Own a Television #119 – The Maze Runner

*The Maze Runner* IMDB Trivia

**Coming up next: *The Witcher: The Last Wish* by Andrzej Sapkowski.**

**Episode 192 – Catwoman: Soulstealer** Apr 11, 2022

What’s new, pussycat? We were joined by Meredith Goldstein, the Boston Globe’s Love Letters columnist and podcaster (and author of *Things That Grow*), to discuss Catwoman: Soulstealer by Sarah J. Maas. It’s a book about DC’s horniest character written by one of the horniest YA authors of our time, so why was this book so focused on serious medical conditions? Listen to this episode while you prepare for your next gala.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “Ranking 10 Batman actors from best to worst” by Meredith Goldstein

**Coming up next:** *The Maze Runner* by James Dashner.

The Kissing Booth by Beth Reekles — **Episode 191 – The Kissing Booth** Mar 28, 2022

The Worst Best Friends have reconvened at the high school carnival! Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the kissing booth is closed, but returning guests Anna and Alene (aka the Bellwether Friends) still joined us to discuss *The Kissing Booth* by Beth Reekles. We discussed Wattpad, why the movie is better than the book, and what our own summer dance prom masquerades were like. If you ask nicely, maybe the barista will play this episode over the sound system at the sit-down Starbucks.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode #79 – Dark Archer

“The Kissing Booth: How a Newport teen author inspired Netflix”

“‘Kissing Booth 2’: Meet Beth Reekles, the young author behind the popular Netflix rom-coms” by Carly Mallenbaum

“Netflix Releases Some More Fuzzy Viewing Data: Congrats, ‘The Kissing Booth’!” by Rick Porter

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful

Plain White Ts – I Really Want You

**Coming up next:***Catwoman: Soulstealer* by Sarah J. Maas.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman — **Episode 190 – The Five Love Languages** Mar 14, 2022

Kait and Renata were left unattended and their love tanks were running pretty low, so they turned to *The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts* by Gary Chapman. This one has been kicking around since 1992, and you know what? Some parts of it were not that bad. Unfortunately, there are also…other parts of it. Listen to this one on your way to your next softball game or funeral!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Candy pairing**: Kait says M&Ms, Renata says Skittles (with green apple flavor).

**Footnotes:** What’s Your Love Language Quiz?

“The Creator Of The 5 Love Languages Is A Homophobe And This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things” by Kristen Mae

“There’s No Escaping the Five Love Languages” by Katie Heaney

The Gottman Institute on Same-Sex Couples

“Tucker Carlson complains new M&M’s mascots are ‘less sexy'” by Grayson Quay

This American Life Episode #291 – Reunited (And It Feels So Good)

**Coming up next:***The Kissing Booth* by Beth Reekles.

Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts — **Episode 189 – Carnal Innocence** Feb 28, 2022

Nora Roberts Month continues with a gracious Southern-style housecall from Heidi and Emily, the cohosts of the Nora Roberts podcast Romancing the Shelf. For this podcast crossover event, we discussed Nora’s 1991 thriller *Carnal Innocence.* It’s the story of a serial killer in a small Southern town and aspects of it have not aged well. Listen now to find out how to sign up for a true crime LARP!

**Content warning:** This book and our discussion of it includes sexual assault, murder, child abuse, racism, and hate crimes.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Romancing the Shelf: *Carnal Innocence*

Romancing the Shelf on Instagram

Worst Bestsellers Episode #169 – *Divine Evil*

**Coming up next:***The Five Love Languages* by Gary Chapman.

Brazen Virtue by Nora Roberts — **Episode 188 – Brazen Virtue** Feb 14, 2022

We’re once again starting the year with a visit from our Nora Roberts expert, Christine. This time we read *Brazen Virtue*, a murder mystery-romance novel from 1988 that has been mystifyingly adapted into a 2022 Netflix original movie. This episode costs $1.99 per minute to listen to via long-distance phone call.

**Content warning:** This book and our discussion of it includes rape and murder.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** A Statement from Nora Roberts Re: Alyssa Milano

“Nora Roberts defends Alyssa Milano’s casting in adaptation of *Brazen Virtue”* by Maureen Lee Lenker

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Finale Fails to Reckon with Its Pro-cop Legacy” by s.e. smith

**Coming up next:***Carnal Innocence* by Nora Roberts.

Screenshot of a TikTok featuring a young Black woman with a stack of books, captioned Book that I love & recommend but I do not remember anything about the plot — **Episode 187 – Bests of 2021** Dec 20, 2021
Another year has come and gone, and Kait and Renata are here to make lemonade out of the lemons of 2021. We each picked our top 6 books of the year and discussed some other highlights of the year.

**Footnotes:** The Boston Globe’s Best Books of 2021, featuring Renata’s picks for best middle grade and young adult novels

Taylor Swift

Legends of Tomorrow

Ted Lasso

The West Wing

Fast & Furious: Highway Heist Game

Wingspan

**Coming up next:** A January hiatus. Happy New Year! We’ll see you in February!

Kait’s Top 6 Best

6.) *The Taking of Jake Livingston* by Ryan Douglass (Amazon | Bookshop)

5.) *The Valley and the Flood* by Rebecca Mahoney (Amazon | Bookshop)

4.) *The Charm Offensive* by Alison Cochrun (Amazon | Bookshop)

3.) *The Only Good Indians* by Stephen Graham Jones (Amazon | Bookshop)

2.) *Rules for Vanishing* (& *Our Last Echoes*) by Kate Alice Marshall (Amazon | Bookshop)

1.) *The Hollow Places* by T. Kingfisher (Amazon | Bookshop)

Renata’s Top 6 Best

6.) *Slaughterhouse-Five: The Graphic Nove*l by Kurt Vonnegut, Ryan North, and Albert Monteys (Amazon | Bookshop)

5.) *The Anthropocene Reviewed* by John Green (Amazon | Bookshop)

4.) *A Little Devil in America* by Hanif Abdurraqib (Amazon | Bookshop)

3.) *The Warmth of Other Sun*s (& *Caste*) by Isabel Wilkerson (Amazon | Bookshop)

2.) *Tacky* by Rax King (Amazon | Bookshop)

1.) *White Magic* by Elissa Washuta (Amazon | Bookshop)

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass — **Episode 187 – Bests of 2021** Dec 20, 2021
Another year has come and gone, and Kait and Renata are here to make lemonade out of the lemons of 2021. We each picked our top 6 books of the year and discussed some other highlights of the year.

**Footnotes:** The Boston Globe’s Best Books of 2021, featuring Renata’s picks for best middle grade and young adult novels

Taylor Swift

Legends of Tomorrow

Ted Lasso

The West Wing

Fast & Furious: Highway Heist Game

Wingspan

**Coming up next:** A January hiatus. Happy New Year! We’ll see you in February!

Kait’s Top 6 Best

6.) *The Taking of Jake Livingston* by Ryan Douglass (Amazon | Bookshop)

5.) *The Valley and the Flood* by Rebecca Mahoney (Amazon | Bookshop)

4.) *The Charm Offensive* by Alison Cochrun (Amazon | Bookshop)

3.) *The Only Good Indians* by Stephen Graham Jones (Amazon | Bookshop)

2.) *Rules for Vanishing* (& *Our Last Echoes*) by Kate Alice Marshall (Amazon | Bookshop)

1.) *The Hollow Places* by T. Kingfisher (Amazon | Bookshop)

Renata’s Top 6 Best

6.) *Slaughterhouse-Five: The Graphic Nove*l by Kurt Vonnegut, Ryan North, and Albert Monteys (Amazon | Bookshop)

5.) *The Anthropocene Reviewed* by John Green (Amazon | Bookshop)

4.) *A Little Devil in America* by Hanif Abdurraqib (Amazon | Bookshop)

3.) *The Warmth of Other Sun*s (& *Caste*) by Isabel Wilkerson (Amazon | Bookshop)

2.) *Tacky* by Rax King (Amazon | Bookshop)

1.) *White Magic* by Elissa Washuta (Amazon | Bookshop)

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton — **Episode 186 – The President Is Missing** Dec 06, 2021

Our beloved patrons voted on a book for us to read, and they chose *The President is Missing* by James Patterson and Bill Clinton. We still love them, and we also love returning guest Carrie for reading this book even though she didn’t have to. Listen now before some terrorists delete the entire internet!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Unclear and Present Danger podcast

**Coming up next:**Bests of 2021.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Meaning of Mariah Carey by Mariah Carey. — **Episode 185 – The Meaning of Mariah Carey** Nov 22, 2021

All we want for Christmas is…another celebrity memoir, and Mariah Claus delivered. We read *The Meaning of Mariah Carey* by Mariah Carey with Michaela Angela Davis and enjoyed our visit to Mariah’s realm. Listen to this episode on your way to visit your lambily!

**Content warning**: This book and our discussion of it contains non-graphic discussions of child neglect, domestic abuse, and racism.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “Mariah Carey Explains Why She Tweeted That “Thanksgiving Is Cancelled” by Bianca Betancourt

“This Throwback Photo Of Mariah Carey & Will Smith Will Give You All The ’90s Feels” by Brad Witter

“This Video Of Mariah Carey Communicating With A Dolphin Has Over 30,000 Retweets, Like She Is Actually Speaking Dolphin” by Matt Stopera

“The Summer That ‘I Don’t Know Her’ Became the Most Crushing Celebrity Shade” by Kenzie Bryant

Mariah Carey’s Ice Cream Meltdown on TRL

Mariah Carey’s Weddings in Photos

“Mariah Carey smashes pumpkins to kick off Christmas season: ‘It’s time'” by Nick Romano

“27 Burning Questions About Mariah Carey’s New McDonald’s Ad” by Dave Holmes

How Did This Get Made #94 – Glitter

**Coming up next:***The President Is Missing* by James Patterson and Bill Clinton.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Yours Cruelly, Elvira by Cassandra Peterson — **Episode 184 – Yours Cruelly, Elvira** Nov 08, 2021

Hold on, Mariah, it’s still spooky season around here for a few more days. We read *Yours Cruelly, Elvira* by Cassandra Peterson and had a scary-good time getting to know the Mistress of the Dark (and her girlfriend)! Listen to this podcast while updating your list of enemies.

**Content warning**: This book and our discussion of it contains non-graphic discussions of child abuse, sexual assault, miscarriages, and old-fashioned light misogyny and racism.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “Meet Teresa Wierson, Elvira’s Girlfriend of 19 Years” by Raffy Ermac

“Elvira: Tom Jones took my virginity, I needed stitches, and he ditched me” on CeleBitchy

**Coming up next:***The Meaning of Mariah Carey* by Mariah Carey.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Jay's Journal by Anonymous — **Episode 183 – Jay’s Journal** Oct 25, 2021

After reading Go Ask Alice last year, we were still left with some lingering questions about issues facing teens. Like, drugs are bad, but what about doing occult rituals? Are they okay if you’re only using them to win high school debate tournaments? To find out, we read another book from Beatrice Sparks’ Anonymous Diaries series, *Jay’s Journal*. Join us for another spine-tingling episode with our beloved former editor Becca!

**Content warning**: This book and our discussion of it contains non-graphic discussions of death by suicide, animal abuse, drug use, sexual assault, and a lot of confusing cultural appropriation.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode 163 – *Go Ask Alice*

“Teen Death Diary” by Ben Dieterle

Alden’s Brother’s Amazon Review of *Jay’s Journal*

Grady Hendrix on *Jay’s Journal*

**Coming up next:***Yours Cruelly, Elvira* by Cassandra Peterson.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Michelle Remembers by Michelle Smith and Lawrence Pazder — **Episode 182 – Michelle Remembers** Oct 11, 2021

We were joined by our Caftan Club sisters, Grace and Ashley, to discuss a bestseller that was so bad it had to be removed from publication: *Michelle Remembers* by Michelle Smith and Lawrence Pazder. The book represents irresponsible therapeutic practices as well as irresponsible journalism, but at least it’s also uncomfortably horny! Listen while assembling your 13-piece evil bench from evil Ikea.

**Content warning**: This book and our discussion of it contains non-graphic discussions of miscarriage, child abuse, animal abuse, sexual assault, and a lot of generally gross stuff.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** You’re Wrong About: Michelle Remembers.

The Shrink Next Door podcast

“The destructive conspiracy theory that Victoria unleashed upon the world” by Jen Gerson

“The Real Victims of Satanic Ritual Abuse” by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie

“Real ‘Sybil’ Admits Multiple Personalities Were Fake” by Lynn Neary

**Coming up next:** *Jay’s Journal* by Anonymous.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer — **Episode 181 – The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner** Sep 27, 2021

This is our seventh anniversary episode! We’ve been podcasting for *much* longer than the titular character of *The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner* has been a vampire. We’d been putting off reading this *Twilight* novella because we suspected there wouldn’t be too much to talk about, and well, we were kinda right. Still, we had a great time talking to our all-time most frequent guest Carrie again. Plus, we experienced some of the Friendship Challenges from the *Twilight: Eclipse* card game, and I think it’s safe to say we all grew from the experience. Listen to this episode while politely petitioning Stephenie Meyer to write another book! #WheresFred

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:**

When this novella was released in 2010, Stephenie Meyer pledged $1 from the sale of each copy to go towards earthquake relief in Haiti, and ended up donating a total of $1.5 million.

As there was another earthquake in Haiti, and inspired by SMeyer’s charitable example, this month we donated $150 of our Patreon proceeds to Partners in Health, an NGO that does a lot of good work in Haiti and elsewhere.

Stephenie Meyer’s ‘Bree Tanner’ Raises $1.5 Million for Red Cross by Amy Wilkinson

“Haiti quake revives anger over aid response to past disasters” by Laura Gottesdiener and Dave Graham

Quileute Move to Higher Ground

Worst Bestsellers Drinking Game

Episode 158 – *Midnight Sun*

Episode 133 – *The Host*

Episode 107 – 4th Anniversary *Twilight* Spectacular

Episode 82 – *Breaking Dawn*

Episode 40 – *Twilight Life and Death*

Episode 31 – *New Moon*

Episode 01 – *Twilight*

**Coming up next:** *Michelle Remembers* by Lawrence Pazder & Michelle Smith.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

**Episode 181 – The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner** Sep 27, 2021

This is our seventh anniversary episode! We’ve been podcasting for *much* longer than the titular character of *The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner* has been a vampire. We’d been putting off reading this *Twilight* novella because we suspected there wouldn’t be too much to talk about, and well, we were kinda right. Still, we had a great time talking to our all-time most frequent guest Carrie again. Plus, we experienced some of the Friendship Challenges from the *Twilight: Eclipse* card game, and I think it’s safe to say we all grew from the experience. Listen to this episode while politely petitioning Stephenie Meyer to write another book! #WheresFred

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:**

When this novella was released in 2010, Stephenie Meyer pledged $1 from the sale of each copy to go towards earthquake relief in Haiti, and ended up donating a total of $1.5 million.

As there was another earthquake in Haiti, and inspired by SMeyer’s charitable example, this month we donated $150 of our Patreon proceeds to Partners in Health, an NGO that does a lot of good work in Haiti and elsewhere.

Stephenie Meyer’s ‘Bree Tanner’ Raises $1.5 Million for Red Cross by Amy Wilkinson

“Haiti quake revives anger over aid response to past disasters” by Laura Gottesdiener and Dave Graham

Quileute Move to Higher Ground

Worst Bestsellers Drinking Game

Episode 158 – *Midnight Sun*

Episode 133 – *The Host*

Episode 107 – 4th Anniversary *Twilight* Spectacular

Episode 82 – *Breaking Dawn*

Episode 40 – *Twilight Life and Death*

Episode 31 – *New Moon*

Episode 01 – *Twilight*

**Coming up next:** *Michelle Remembers* by Lawrence Pazder & Michelle Smith.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

**Episode 180 – The Dark Knight Returns** Sep 13, 2021

We’ve read a lot of popular books over the years, but this episode might be the one most likely to make men on the internet yell at us. Oh well! We’ve already read *The Dark Knight Returns* by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, and Lynn Varley and there’s no turning back now. Phillip Mottaz, author of *The Murderous Haircut of the Mayor of Bel Air*, joined us at the local dump to discuss this extremely influential–perhaps *too* influential–Batman graphic novel.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Squirrel Girl on Dump Teens

Bruno on the Batman Wiki

“What was the conflict between Green Arrow and Superman that lead him to lose his hand?” on Quora

“Frank Miller: ‘I wasn’t thinking clearly when I said those things'” by Sam Thielman

**Coming up next:***The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner* by Stephenie Meyer.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

**Episode 179 – Slayer** Aug 30, 2021

Flashback Summer is over, and yet we’re still talking about a TV show that ended almost 20 years ago. We were joined by *Buffy* enthusiast Talia to discuss Slayer by Kiersten White, a YA book set in the world of a TV show that ended before today’s teens were born. It’s a publishing choice that confuses us, but hey–the book itself is pretty good! Listen to this episode to get your blood pumping before vampire fight club.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Gwendolyn Post on the Buffy Wiki

Merrick on the Buffy Wiki

“Kiersten White answers all your burning ‘Slayer’ questions” by Karen Rought

**Coming up next:***The Dark Knight Returns* by Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, and Lynn Varley.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Halloween Rain by Christopher Golden and Nancy Holder — **Episode 178 – Halloween Rain** Aug 16, 2021

Flashback Summer has moved past our time with the Baby-Sitters Club to revisit another enterprising teen girl, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We read a vintage Buffy tie-in novel, *Halloween Rain* by Christopher Golden and Nancy Holder, with our guest THE Meredith Goldstein, the Boston Globe’s Love Letters columnist and author of books like *Things That Grow* and *Can’t Help Myself.* This book may contradict established Buffy canon, but at least it also has some very dated pop culture references in it! Play this episode over the sound system at the Bronze.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Sunnydale Mall on the Buffyverse wiki

Slayerfest 98 podcast

“Mandolin Rain” by Bruce Hornsby

“Nightmare Before Christmas‘ Sally Gets to Shine in a New YA Novel From Shea Ernshaw” by James Whitbrook

**Coming up next:** *Slayer* by Kiersten White.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Baby-Sitters Club Super Mystery #2: Baby-Sitters Beware by Ann M. Martin — **Episode 177 – Baby-Sitters Beware** Aug 02, 2021

The Baby-Sitters Club’s worst nightmare was a dream come true for us, as Courtney Summers, best-bestselling author of books like *The Project* and *Sadie*, joined us to discuss *The Baby-Sitters Club Super Mystery #2: Baby-Sitters Beware* by Ann M. Martin. Courtney identified this title as a formative book for her, and you simply can’t argue with the results that have come from this foundation. Listen to this in the station wagon on your way to Shadow Lake!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Number of stars:** Ten **********

**Footnotes:** Nola Thacker on the BSC Wiki

Michelle Kwan Presents *Skating Dreams* series

**Coming up next:** *Halloween Rain (Buffy the Vampire Slayer series)* by Christopher Golden and Nancy Holder.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Baby-Sitters Club Little Sister Super Special #2 - Karen's Plane Trip — **Episode 176 – Karen’s Plane Trip** Jul 19, 2021

This Flashback Summer episode found Kait & Renata home alone, no cool teen baby-sitter nor responsible adult around to monitor their bedtime. Things got a little loopy. You’ve been warned. We read several books from the Baby-Sitters Little Sister series: *Karen’s Plane Trip*, *Karen’s Witch*, *Karen’s Ghost*, and *Karen’s Kittykat Club*, all “by” Ann M. Martin. We made zero jokes about “Karens,” because Karen Brewer transcends that cliche and would only ask to talk to your manager if she thought your manager might know a good scary story. Listen to this episode to briefly distract yourself from the horrors of climate change!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Life Lessons We Learned from Baby-Sitters Little Sister

**Coming up next:** *The Baby-Sitters Club Super Mystery #2: Baby-Sitters Beware* by Ann M. Martin.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Claudia and Mean Janine by Ann M. Martin — **Episode 175 – Claudia and Mean Janine** Jul 05, 2021

We read Baby-Sitters Club #7, Claudia and Mean Janine and Baby-Sitters Club #40, Claudia and the Middle School Mystery, both by Ann M. Martin. We were thrilled to spend more time with the coolest kid in Stoneybrook, and especially thrilled to discuss her with Susan Tan, author of the Cilla Lee-Jenkins books. Listen to this episode while hiding junk food and Nancy Drew novels around your bedroom!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “‘The Claudia Kishi Club’ is a love letter to the beloved ‘Baby-Sitters Club’ character” by Yi-Jin Yu

“Claudia and the Baby-Sitters Club Books We Really Needed”

“An Ode to Claudia Kishi, the Coolest Kid in ‘The Baby-Sitters Club'” by Bettina Makalinta

“Seventh-Grade Style Icon Claudia Kishi’s Baby-Sitters Club Outfits, Ranked” by Maggie Fremont

**Coming up next:** *Karen’s Plane Trip* by Ann M. Martin.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Baby-Sitters Club Super Special #2: Baby-sitters’ Summer Vacation! — **Episode 174 – Baby-sitters’ Summer Vacation!** Jun 21, 2021

We’re putting the “summer” in Flashback Summer by going to camp with our friends, the Baby-Sitters Club (and also our friend literary agent Amy Stern). We read *Baby-Sitters Club Super Special #2: Baby-sitters’ Summer Vacation* and *Baby-Sitters Club Friends Forever Super Special #1: Everything Changes,* both by Ann M. Martin. We loved revisiting these books, but we’re not sure we’d send any children to visit Camp Mohawk. Listen to this episode while researching the summer camp accreditation process!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “How *The Baby-Sitters Club* Made Social Justice Fun for Tweens” by Ashley Fetters

“These 19 Institutions Are the Best Summer Camps in the Country” by Nadine Jolie Courtney

**Coming up next:** *Claudia and Mean Janine* by Ann M. Martin.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Courtship of Princess Leia by Dave Wolverton — **Episode 173 – The Courtship Of Princess Leia** Jun 07, 2021

We’re kicking off Flashback Summer by going to a galaxy far, far away and a long time ago. We read the non-canonical Star Wars Legends novel *The Courtship of Princess Leia* by Dave Wolverton with Star Wars Enthusiast Zayne. If you’re a Star Wars fan of a certain vintage, you might be grimacing with recognition here. If you haven’t heard of this book, you might be thinking it would be nice to see Han and Leia’s courtship and marriage. Unfortunately: it isn’t. It isn’t nice at all. If you ask your 3PO unit nicely, perhaps they will play this episode over their speakers for you.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Star Wars Legends

“Who Gets To Be ‘Hapa’?” by Akemi Johnson

**Coming up next:** Baby-Sitters Club Super Special #2: Baby-sitters’ Summer Vacation! by Ann M. Martin.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

No Walls And The Recurring Dream by Ani DiFranco — **Episode 172 – No Walls And The Recurring Dream** May 24, 2021

We wanted to bring some girl power to Celebrity Memoir May, so returning guest Sophi joined us to read *No Walls And The Recurring Dream* by Ani DiFranco. If you”re thinking that that title is a little wordy and incoherent, you have a good idea of what the book is like. Listen to hear three long-time Ani DiFranco fans learn that you should never meet your heroes, or read their memoirs.

**Content warning:** This book contains descriptions of child neglect and sexual assault.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “Ani DiFranco Is ‘Remarkably Unapologetic’ About Slave Plantation Retreat” by Mallika Rao

Ani DiFranco Is Tired of Talking About Herself (So Here She Goes Again) by Rich Juzwiak

Women’s Festival Must Choose Between Indigo Girls and the Transgender Ban

New PSA Examines Experiences of Transgender Survivors with a Message that RAINN is Here for Everyone

‘The Rock’ buys a scoop of Portland ice cream — Dwayne Johnson takes a stake in Salt & Straw by Mike Rogoway

**Coming up next:***The Courtship of Princess Leia* by Dave Wolverton.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey — **Episode 171 – Greenlights** May 10, 2021

Alright, alright, alright! Even though time is a flat circle, we’re celebrating Celebrity Memoir May and we’re starting the party with Matthew McConaughey’s book *Greenlights.* The most surprising part about this book was how much we sincerely enjoyed it. The second most surprising part about this book was all the wet dreams. Seriously, this book was wild and we hope that you will listen to it!

**Content warning:** This book contains descriptions of child abuse.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “Matthew McConaughey Made His Debut on an Old *Unsolved Mysteries* Episode” by Adrianna Freedman

“Matthew McConaughey may be a viable candidate for Texas governor” by Robert T. Garrett and Gromer Jeffers Jr.

The just keep livin foundation

Matthew McConaughey Peace Corps PSA

Matthew McConaughey & Camila Alves at Carnaval (this is NOT the photo Renata describes in the podcast but I cannot find it online!!! use your imagination to get the rest)

**Coming up next:***No Walls and the Recurring Dream* by Ani DiFranco.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Didn't See That Coming by Rachel Hollis — **Episode 170 – Didn’t See That Coming** Apr 26, 2021

We learned so much from discussing Rachel Hollis’s book *Girl,* Wash Your Face with Margaret H. Willison (of Two Bossy Dames, Appointment Television, and NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour) that we simply had to reunite to discuss her latest book, *Didn’t See That Coming*. Brace yourself for the most shocking revelation: this book made us cry.

Our friends at Porter Square Books hosted us for this virtual live show! If you watched it on Crowdcast: thank you so much for joining us! This is just the audio from that event for those of you who prefer not to see our faces. (The video is still archived and you can watch it here if you’d like.)

**Content warning:** This book contains discussion of suicide.

**Note:** This episode was recorded before Rachel’s whole “comparing herself to Harriet Tubman” thing.

**Readers advisory**: Here (via Porter Square Books).

**Footnotes:** Episode 144 – Girl, Wash Your Face

**Coming up next:** *Greenlights* by Matthew McConaughey.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Divine Evil by Nora Roberts — **Episode 169 – Divine Evil** Apr 12, 2021

It’s been a scary year, so we returned to the loving embrace of Our Lady Nora Roberts. Even though her 1992 novel *Divine Evil* is about a Satanic cult, we still felt safe in the small town of Emmitsboro, especially with our returning guest, Christine. Listen to this podcast on the long drive back to your charming hometown from the Big City.

**Content warning:** This book contains sexual assault, murder, and potential suicide.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** You’re Wrong About: The Satanic Panic

You’re Wrong About Book Club: Michelle Remembers

American Hysteria: The Satanic Panic

**Coming up next:***Didn’t See That Coming* by Rachel Hollis.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Duke & I (Bridgerton #1) by Julia Quinn — **Episode 168 – The Duke And I (Bridgerton #1)** Mar 29, 2021

We teamed up with Anna and Alene of the Bellwether Friends again! We reconvened the Worst Best Friends to discuss the important topic of Bridgerton. Not the Netflix series, but one of the books that inspired it–*The Duke and I* by Julia Quinn. Unfortunately, the book is neither as horny nor as diverse as the series, but we persevered. Listen to this episode to drown out the sound of your seven siblings squabbling!

**Announcement:** Worst Bestsellers is doing a live virtual show hosted by Porter Square Books with special guest Margaret H. Willison! It will be Wednesday, March 31st at 8PM ET. And it’s free! Sign up here.

**Content warning:** This book contains child abuse and dubious sexual consent.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “Bridgerton‘s Controversial Sex Scene Needs a Trigger Warning” by McKenzie Jean-Philippe

*“Bridgerton* Has a Lot to Learn About Consent, and So Does Everyone Else” by Princess Weekes

“Phoebe Dynevor Responded to All the People Talking About Her Neck on *Bridgerton*” by Elizabeth Logan

“How *Bridgerton* Officially Became Netflix’s Biggest Hit Ever” by Joanna Robinson

**Coming up next:** Divine Evil by Nora Roberts.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Vanishings (Left Behind: The Kids #1) by Jerry B. Jenkins & Tim LaHaye. — **Episode 167 – The Vanishings (Left Behind Kids #1)** Mar 15, 2021

Remember the *Left Behind* series? Did you know it also had a middle grade spinoff series about what would happen to the ungodly children who were left behind when their parents were Raptured? Well: it did, and we read book #1, *The Vanishings* by Jerry B. Jenkins & Tim LaHaye, along with our sisters in our cult club, Ashley and Grace. Listen now if you want to be saved!

**Announcement:** Worst Bestsellers is doing a live virtual show hosted by Porter Square Books with special guest Margaret H. Willison! It will be Wednesday, March 31st at 8PM ET. And it’s free! Sign up here.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Parcast Cults podcast

American Hysteria podcast

Oh No Ross and Carrie podcast

“The Trials of the Tribulation” by Michael Joseph Gross

“Let’s Punk the Rapture” by Mat Honan

**Coming up next:** The Duke & I (Bridgerton) by Julia Quinn.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler — **Episode 166 – The Big Sleep** Mar 01, 2021

You’re not dreaming–we did read a bestseller that’s widely considered to be “good,” *The Big Sleep* by Raymond Chandler. We teamed up with Amanda and Geoffrey from the podcast Dirt Cheap to investigate: is it actually a good book? Who is the murderer? Where can a guy find some good pornographic material in this town? Listen to this episode on your next stakeout!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Dirt Cheap

Wolverine: The Long Night podcast

**Coming up next:** The Vanishings (Left Behind: The Kids #1) by Jerry B. Jenkins & Tim LaHaye.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic — **Episode 165 – Foxhole Court** Feb 15, 2021

We’re back from our hiatus! We spent the off-season training hard so we’d be better at *checks notes* Exy, the cool co-ed sport favored by characters in *The Foxhole Court* by Nora Sakavic. We were joined by Rachel and Adrienne of the podcast After Adult to read the first novel by this self-published superstar. Listen to this episode while doing your fake sports warmups. Good hustle!

**Content warnings**: This book contains child abuse, sexual assault, stigmatization of mental health care, and violence. Our discussion of it touches on these topics though not in graphic detail.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** After Adult: Talking Fanfic with Worst Bestsellers

Fanfiction 101

“Sports-Themed Queer YA Series an Indie Hit” by Jennifer McCartney

Boys In Our Books Q&A With Nora Sakavic

The Foxhole Court on Smashwords

**Candy pairing:** Adrienne says Japanese rice cracker candy, Kait says Raven’s Revenge, Rachel says candy cigarettes, Renata says a candy prepared by Bitterblue’s Graced chef for her nemesis.

**Coming up next:** *The Big Sleep* by Raymond Chandler.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Gem art gay alpacas — **Episode 164 – Bests of 2020** Dec 21, 2020
In more precedented years, we’ve picked our favorite and least favorite books that we read each year outside of the podcast. But in 2020, we were too busy just trying to get through the year to do much recreational reading. Instead, Kait and Renata convened to discuss the top ten things that helped each of them make it through this year. Tune in to hear us discuss all of these things, and keep reading to see links and pictures!

**Note:** after this episode, we’re taking a short hiatus to attempt to recover from 2020. We’ll be back in February 2021!

Kait’s Top Ten 2020 All-Stars

10) Gem painting

PaintGem

Paint With Diamonds

9) Blackbird Doughnuts

8) Stardew Valley

Who Is The Most Eligible Bachelor in Stardew Valley?

7) Jackbox Games

Trivia Murder Party

Tee-KO

Drawful

Quiplash

6) Murder shows

My Favorite Murder

Unsolved Mysteries

Vanity Fair Confidential

People Magazine Investigates

Law and Order: Criminal Intent

Criminal Minds

5) The Magnus Archives

AO3 works in Set in Episodes 159-160 | Scottish Safehouse Period (The Magnus Archives)

4) Animal Crossing

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Is the Game We All Need Right Now

Why Animal Crossing Is the Game for the Coronavirus Moment

3) Barclay/Indrid

AO3 works in Barclay/Indrid Cold (The Adventure Zone)

grace coming out of the void

The Adventure Zone: Amnesty

Why My TAZ Amnesty Ship is Superior to Griffin’s

2) The McElroys

The Empty Bowl

Sawbones

MBaMBaM Animations

1) My nephew

Renata’s Top Ten 2020 All-Stars

10) Old Wii Fitness games

Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout

Just Dance 2

Get Fit With Mel B

9) Baby Yoda

Werner Herzog Was Brought to Tears by Baby Yoda

8) Lady pop stars

Taylor Swift – *Folklore* (and *Evermore*!)

Kesha – *High Road*

Lady Gaga – *Chromatica*

Ariana Grande – *Positions*

7) Snail mail

6) Who Weekly

5) The Golden Girls

Why Gay Men Still Love “The Golden Girls”

4) Greb Comics

3) DC Comics shows

Legends of Tomorrow

CW Hire Me To Promote Your Shows Please

Chosen One Of The Day: Beebo, Your Lord And Master

How Legends of Tomorrow Is Subverting Toxic Masculinity At Every Turn

Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn EPs Talk The Evolution of HarlIvy and Plans For Season 3

Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are Finally Getting the On-Screen Romance They Deserve in DC Universe’s Animated Series

Gotham

https://twitter.com/renatasnacks/status/1296581572494336000

The Harley Quinn show reading its target comic book bro fandom for absolute filth. pic.twitter.com/OQrwEyA0T7

— find tyler huckabee on bluesky (@TylerHuckabee) February 22, 2020

2) Animal Crossing

1) Animals generally, Duarte specifically

Bodega Cats of Instagram

RuPaw’s Drag Race

Gary the Cat

Kitten Academy

Manggo the Cat

Cincinnati Zoo (feat Fiona the Hippo)

Baby Chip and Mama Latke

Possum Every Hour

And every Best Listener who’s shared pictures of their pets listening to Duarte’s Corner 😻

PS: my Top Ten Best Books of 2020 are on the blog! And the Boston Globe’s Best Books of 2020, including my picks for MG and YA books, are here!

**Episode 164 – Bests of 2020** Dec 21, 2020
In more precedented years, we’ve picked our favorite and least favorite books that we read each year outside of the podcast. But in 2020, we were too busy just trying to get through the year to do much recreational reading. Instead, Kait and Renata convened to discuss the top ten things that helped each of them make it through this year. Tune in to hear us discuss all of these things, and keep reading to see links and pictures!

**Note:** after this episode, we’re taking a short hiatus to attempt to recover from 2020. We’ll be back in February 2021!

Kait’s Top Ten 2020 All-Stars

10) Gem painting

PaintGem

Paint With Diamonds

9) Blackbird Doughnuts

8) Stardew Valley

Who Is The Most Eligible Bachelor in Stardew Valley?

7) Jackbox Games

Trivia Murder Party

Tee-KO

Drawful

Quiplash

6) Murder shows

My Favorite Murder

Unsolved Mysteries

Vanity Fair Confidential

People Magazine Investigates

Law and Order: Criminal Intent

Criminal Minds

5) The Magnus Archives

AO3 works in Set in Episodes 159-160 | Scottish Safehouse Period (The Magnus Archives)

4) Animal Crossing

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ Is the Game We All Need Right Now

Why Animal Crossing Is the Game for the Coronavirus Moment

3) Barclay/Indrid

AO3 works in Barclay/Indrid Cold (The Adventure Zone)

grace coming out of the void

The Adventure Zone: Amnesty

Why My TAZ Amnesty Ship is Superior to Griffin’s

2) The McElroys

The Empty Bowl

Sawbones

MBaMBaM Animations

1) My nephew

Renata’s Top Ten 2020 All-Stars

10) Old Wii Fitness games

Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout

Just Dance 2

Get Fit With Mel B

9) Baby Yoda

Werner Herzog Was Brought to Tears by Baby Yoda

8) Lady pop stars

Taylor Swift – *Folklore* (and *Evermore*!)

Kesha – *High Road*

Lady Gaga – *Chromatica*

Ariana Grande – *Positions*

7) Snail mail

6) Who Weekly

5) The Golden Girls

Why Gay Men Still Love “The Golden Girls”

4) Greb Comics

3) DC Comics shows

Legends of Tomorrow

CW Hire Me To Promote Your Shows Please

Chosen One Of The Day: Beebo, Your Lord And Master

How Legends of Tomorrow Is Subverting Toxic Masculinity At Every Turn

Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn EPs Talk The Evolution of HarlIvy and Plans For Season 3

Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are Finally Getting the On-Screen Romance They Deserve in DC Universe’s Animated Series

Gotham

https://twitter.com/renatasnacks/status/1296581572494336000

The Harley Quinn show reading its target comic book bro fandom for absolute filth. pic.twitter.com/OQrwEyA0T7

— find tyler huckabee on bluesky (@TylerHuckabee) February 22, 2020

2) Animal Crossing

1) Animals generally, Duarte specifically

Bodega Cats of Instagram

RuPaw’s Drag Race

Gary the Cat

Kitten Academy

Manggo the Cat

Cincinnati Zoo (feat Fiona the Hippo)

Baby Chip and Mama Latke

Possum Every Hour

And every Best Listener who’s shared pictures of their pets listening to Duarte’s Corner 😻

PS: my Top Ten Best Books of 2020 are on the blog! And the Boston Globe’s Best Books of 2020, including my picks for MG and YA books, are here!

Go Ask Alice by Anonymous — **Episode 163 – Go Ask Alice** Dec 07, 2020

Per the request of our wonderful Patreon patrons, our editor Becca joined us to discuss the anti-drug cautionary tale *Go Ask Alice* by Anonymous (aka Beatrice Sparks). Reading it in 2020, we’re not sure what’s harder to believe: that this ever deterred anyone from using drugs, or that anyone ever believed it was actually the diary of a human teenager. We’re grateful to our patrons for supporting us, and just as grateful that we’ve never been invited to any parties where someone slipped LSD into our soda.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Paul F. Tompkins – “Go Ask Alice”

“Lines From *Go Ask Alice* That, In Hindsight, Should Have Tipped Me Off That This Was Not A True Story” by Daniel Lavery

“The Book That Defined My Teen Anxiety Turned Out to Be a Lie” by Sloane Tanen

“A Queer Reading of *Go Ask Alice*” by Frankie Thomas

Amazon review of *Go Ask Alice* by the author of *Drugs Make You Un-Smarter*

**Candy pairing:** Becca says any candy that isn’t secretly acid, Kait says pot gummies, Renata says orange yeast rolls.

**Coming up next:** Bests of 2020.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Awakening (Vampire Diaries #1) by L. J. Smith — **Episode 162 – The Awakening (Vampire Diaries #1)** Nov 23, 2020

Like a newborn vampire, we’re always thirsty for more supernatural teen drama around here. We turned to a finely-aged vintage, *The Awakening* (Vampire Diaries #1) by L. J. Smith, and we were thrilled to be joined by Lily Sparks (@lilyroro), author of non-vampire, but still high stakes, YA novel *Teen Killers Club*. Join us as we extoll all the ways L. J. Smith’s teen vampires are cooler than Stephenie Meyer’s teen vampires, including the best take on a love triangle we’ve ever seen in our storied history.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Carmilla (YouTube series)

“Italy’s annual calcio storico tournament — part football, part MMA — is a brutal sight to behold” by Paolo Bandini

**Candy pairing:** Kait says Hershey’s Special Dark Kisses, Lily says a vanished spicy-sour candy of her youth, Renata says mini Milky Way Midnights.

**Coming up next:** *Go Ask Alice* by Anonymous.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Wig, The Bitch, And The Meltdown by Jay Manuel — **Episode 161 – The Wig, The Bitch, And The Meltdown** Nov 09, 2020

We read a semi-fictional, semi-self-published, completely bonkers book about the inner workings of the reality show Model Muse which is, of course, legally distinct from the long-running reality show America’s Next Top Model. Bestselling author and ANTM superfan Mackenzi Lee joined us to discuss *The Wig, The Bitch, And The Meltdown* by Jay Manuel.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode 161.5 – Extra Video Footage of Kait, Renata, and Mackenzi discussing The Wig, The Bitch, And The Meltdown

“The real reason Jay Manuel from ‘ANTM’ made his debut novel fiction, not a memoir” by KC Ifeanyi

“Jay Manuel’s Truth is Out There” by Rich Juzwiak

“Jay Manuel’s satirical ‘America’s Next Top Model’ novel angers Tyra Banks’ by Carlos Greer

“Tyra Banks Was ‘Hurt’ After Hearing About Jay Manuel’s Novel Inspired by ‘America’s Next Top Model’” by Meredith Nardino

“The 15 Craziest Tyra Banks Moments on America’s Next Top Model” by Kelsea Stahler

“The real reason why Jay Manuel left America’s Next Top Model” by Brent Furdyk

‘Tyra Banks Wouldn’t Have Made It If Her Mom Didn’t Support Her Booty in ‘Any Shape or Form'” by Stephanie Eckardt

Pod Ledom Podcast

**Coming up next:** *The Awakening* (Vampire Diaries #1) by L.J. Smith.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Audio Player

**Episode 160 – Wait Till Helen Comes** Oct 26, 2020

It’s spooky season, so we revisited a classic of our childhoods: Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn. It was a nice change of pace to read a competently-written book, so we had to spend most of our time raging against the poor parenting on display in this book. Our guest Rebecca Mahoney (@cafecliche)’s debut novel, *The Valley and the Flood*, comes out in February 2021, so listen to this episode while pre-ordering your copy! PS: Sorry for some extra sound issues on this episode. It was a ghost probably?

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** *Wait Till Helen Comes* movie trailer

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says a candy apple, Rebecca says Tootsie Roll pops, Renata says sour apple Jolly Ranchers.

**Coming up next:** *The Wig, The Bitch, and The Meltdown* by Jay Manuel.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The FIrst Time by Colton Underwood — **Episode 159 – The First Time** Oct 12, 2020

We read *The First Time: Finding Myself and Looking For Love on Reality TV* by Colton Underwood with our special guest Rebecca Kim Wells (@RebeccaWriting), Bachelor fan and the author of *Shatter The Sky* and *Storm The Earth*. If you didn’t already know (or guess from the title), Colton was a contestant on The Bachelorette and later a Bachelor who famously told the world via reality television that he was a 26-year-old virgin. Colton brought a lot of baggage to the Bachelor mansion so we have much to unpack!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode 04 – I Didn’t Come Here To Make Friends

Episode 04.5 – I Didn’t Come Here to Make Friends, Part 2

All The Pretty Pandas

“Cassie Randolph Says COVID-19 Had ‘Nothing to Do with’ Colton Underwood Split” by Robyn Merrett

“Colton Underwood Denies Cassie Randolph’s Accusations That the Former Bachelor Is Trying to ‘Monetize’ Their Split” by Sarah Hearon

“Bachelor’s Colton Underwood Explains Where He Stands With Ex Cassie Randolph, the Truth About the New Chapter” by Johnni Macke

“Cassie Randolph Files for Restraining Order Against Colton Underwood 3 Months After Split” by Erin Crabtree

“Meet Alex Dillon, the Boston woman who dressed as a sloth on ‘The Bachelor’” by Kevin Slane

“The 15 Best Looks From Colton’s ‘The Bachelor’ Season Premiere Are So Damn Cute” by Theresa Massony

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says fundraiser candy for a football team, Rebecca says Three Musketeers, Renata says the cherry on top of a Steak N Shake milkshake.

**Coming up next:** *Wait Till Helen Comes* by Mary Downing Hahn.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer — **Episode 158 – Midnight Sun** Sep 28, 2020

There’s a lot that’s bad about 2020, but hey, we’ve made it to our 6th anniversary! We are feeling extremely #blessed that Stephenie Meyer saw fit to release Midnight Sun just in time for this momentous occasion. Even so, we indulged in some day drinking with our very first guest Carrie to get through this book. We’re planning to record a sober Q&A follow-up episode, so if you have questions about the book that were left unanswered by our tangent-filled episode, please email them to us at worstbestsellers at gmail dot com. Thanks for listening to us for six years (?!)

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:**

In a small effort to give back to the real people whose culture Stephenie Meyer appropriated as part of her saga, we donated $76.98 out of our @Patreon funds, the amount we spent on 3 copies of MIDNIGHT SUN, to the Quileute Tribal Council’s fund. https://t.co/ktT2ylkhkJ pic.twitter.com/jyBpvdYNmn

— Worst Bestsellers (@worstbestseller) August 14, 2020

Quileute Move to Higher Ground

Worst Bestsellers Drinking Game

Episode 133 – *The Host*

Episode 107 – 4th Anniversary Twilight Spectacular

Episode 82 – *Breaking Dawn*

Episode 40 – *Twilight Life and Death*

Episode 31 – *New Moon*

Episode 01 – *Twilight*

Griffin and David Present The Phantom Podcast

*The Batman* Teaser Trailer

Team Alice Fanart

**Candy Pairing:** Carrie says candy corn pumpkins, Kait says Twilight-branded Sweethearts, Renata says green apple Skittles.

**Coming up next:** *The First Time* by Colton Underwood.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb — **Episode 157 – I Know This Much Is True** Sep 14, 2020

Think of the saddest thing you can imagine. No, sadder. Make it fifty times sadder. Okay, you are in the vicinity of comprehending the levels of tragedy porn Wally Lamb has packed into his novel *I Know This Much Is True*. Because life in 2020 wasn’t already sad enough, and because *some* of us love Mark Ruffalo, we brought Arielle back to discuss this peak 90s Oprah’s Book Club pick. Content warnings for just about every imaginable potential trigger. We are serious!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “‘This will happen’: Mark Ruffalo moved mountains to make HBO’s new Emmy hopeful” by Meredith Blake

“Why I Almost Stopped Watching ‘I Know This Much Is True’ After the First Episode” by Rebecca Chamaa

Oprah’s Book Club: The Complete List

**Candy Pairing:** Arielle says Torrone, Kait says your favorite candy that’s been stomped into the dirt, Renata says generic fundraiser candy.

**Coming up next:***Midnight Sun* by Stephenie Meyer.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The X-Files Origins: Devil's Advocate by Jonathan Maberry — **Episode 156 – Devil’s Advocate** Aug 31, 2020

Did you ever wonder what Special Agent Dana Scully was like as a teenager? Did you assume she was probably really into taking classes at her small town’s extremely popular New Age shop? No? Well, she was, and meanwhile also the government was doing some kind of shadowy experiments with unknown goals. That’s according to *The X-Files Origins: Devil’s Advocate*, an X-Files YA prequel novel by Jonathan Maberry. We’re confused as to why this book was published in 2017, but since it was, we read it with Kait’s True Believer cousin, writer Nicole DeGennaro.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “X-Files Origins: Inside The Mind of Young Fox Mulder With Author Kami Garcia” by Chris Longo

“X-Files Origins: Author Jonathan Maberry on Young Dana Scully’s Path To Belief” by Chris Longo

The Montauk Project on Wikipedia

The Adventure Zone: Amnesty

This chocolate-covered Brussels sprouts prank is pure evil genius

Fanfiction 101

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says some dirt, Nicole says Mit-Mats (knock off Kit-Kats), Renata says carob chip cookies.

**Coming up next:***I Know This Much is True* by Wally Lamb.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The X-Files: Ground Zero by Kevin J. Anderson — **Episode 155 – Ground Zero** Aug 17, 2020

Flashback Summer 2020 draws to an end with a return to the 90s, which contains within it a return to the 1940s. Our mysterious guest M joined us to read *Ground Zero* by Kevin J. Anderson, an X-Files tie-in novel. Come along with us on an X-File unbound by the production costs of a weekly television show, as Mulder and Scully suddenly gain the jurisdiction to investigate nuclear ghosts in glamorous locations like Hawaii, the Marshall Islands, and New Mexico. Be advised, it’s going to take awhile to download this episode over the dialup connection from your clunky government-issue laptop.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “How the Owl Bar’s Green Chile Cheeseburgers Fueled the Atom Bomb Scientists” by Robyn Lee

Fanfiction 101

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says Dunkaroos, M says malted milk balls, Renata says sunflower seeds.

**Coming up next:***The X-Files Origins: Devil’s Advocate* by Jonathan Maberry.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Redwall by Brian Jacques — **Episode 154 – Redwall** Aug 03, 2020

In an extremely exciting Flashback Summer, we were joined by S. Jae-Jones (aka JJ, aka the New York Times-bestselling author of *Wintersong* and *Shadowsong*) to read *Redwall* by Brian Jacques! Well, it was exciting to talk to JJ. The book itself was…less exciting, although it did raise some questions about how the food chain works in the world of Redwall. Listen on your next journey by horse cart–quickly, before horses get redacted!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** *Redwall* FAQ

Definitive *Redwall* Body Count

A Complete *Redwall* Feast Adapted For Your Kitchen

Overdue #307 – *Redwall*

XKCD #370 – *Redwall*

**Candy Pairing:** JJ says candied chestnuts, Kait says trail mix, Renata says #herbs.

**Coming up next:***The X-Files: Ground Zero* by Kevin J. Anderson.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Freeze Tag by Caroline B. Cooney — **Episode 153 – Freeze Tag** Jul 20, 2020

Maybe it would be easier to practice social distancing if you knew that someone could literally freeze you solid with a single touch? It’s a theory worth exploring, as our pandemic edition of Flashback Summer continues with *Freeze Tag*, a Point Horror title by the 90s queen of teen thrillers, Caroline B. Cooney. With our guest Trina (@TrinaMareena) we dug into the story of the ultimate ice queen, and made an important stop along the way to discuss the relative fanciness of Pizza Hut. Stay frosty!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “Point Horror: 25 years on, let us praise a forgotten ’90s craze” by Beth Rodgers

“HBO Max to Develop Anthology Series Based on ‘Point Horror’ Books” by Joe Otterson

Don’t Point That Horror at Me podcast

The Devil’s Elbow (Point Horror recaps)

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says a Popsicle, Renata says a packet of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows, Trina says frozen gummy bears.

**Coming up next:***Redwall* by Brian Jacques.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Mallory and the Trouble With Twins by Ann M. Martin — **Episode 152 – Mallory and the Trouble With Twins** Jul 06, 2020

Say hello to your friends! As Flashback Summer continues, we revisited the small, child-friendly town of Stoneybrook. We read *Mallory and the Trouble With Twins* by Ann M. Martin with returning guest Liz. Join us on a walk around the mall (remember malls?), where we discuss ear piercing, afterschool snacks, and the moral fortitude it takes to identify as a Mallory.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode #53 – Baby-Sitters Club

Book Recommendations Based On Your Favorite Babysitters From The Baby-Sitters Club by Alison Doherty

Robin Sparkles – Let’s All Go To the Mall

Cobie Smulders – Let’s All Stay at Home

*The Baby-Sitters Club* Is a Welcome Surprise and Utter Delight By Kathryn VanArendonk

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says candy buttons, Liz says a Twix, Renata says a mall pretzel.

**Coming up next:***Freeze Tag* by Caroline B. Cooney.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Black Stallion Revolts by Walter Farley — **Episode 151 – The Black Stallion Revolts** Jun 22, 2020

Flashback Summer is off to the races! Well, kind of. We eventually got to the races after a long slog through the wilderness. We read *The Black Stallion Revolts* by Walter Farley with returning guest Carrie. It’s the classic story of a horse and a horse boy. And a crime boy. Well, we’re still waiting for the fingerprint analysis to exonerate the crime boy. Listening to this episode might just cure your amnesia!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode #75 – The Saddle Club

I Don’t Even Own a Television #156 – The Danger (Dick Francis series)

Blank Check: War Horse

“When Aliens Join Your Horse Fantasy: Walter Farley’s *The Island Stallion Races”* by Judith Tarr

*Animal House* horse scene

Cat trots like a horse

**Candy Pairing:** Carrie says spice drops, Kait says oats, Renata says GORP.

**Coming up next:***Mallory and the Trouble With Twins* by Ann M. Martin.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Audio Player

Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander — **Episode 150 – Flashback Summer Super-Special** Jun 08, 2020
It’s our 150th episode, and to kick off our 4th Flashback Summer, we asked to hear from you, our listeners. We loved hearing about everyone’s childhood favorite books and sharing a little bit about ours.

**Thanks**: to Andrew and Craig of Overdue, Alan, Red, JJ (aka S. Jae-Jones, author of *Wintersong* and other books), Ashley R., Liz J., Genevieve, Devin, Kathryn and Melissa of Truer Words, Madelyn, Lucy, Nora, Imogen, Joyce, Hallie, Sarah Mirk (author of *Guantanamo Voices* and other books), April, Megan, Ashley K., Meredith Goldstein (Love Letters columnist and author of *Chemistry Lessons* and other books), Danielle, Meagan, Liz H., Courtney Summers (author of *Sadie* and other books), Celia, Emma, Rebecca Mahoney (author of *The Valley and the Flood*), Jess, Josie, Payge, Laura, Ben, Kellie, and Collision & J.W. of I Don’t Even Own a Television for their contributions, and extra thanks to our editor Becca for putting all of these clips together! And thanks to all of you for listening!

Congratulations: to our Flashback Summer raffle winners: Emma, Josie, Joyce, and Madelynn!

**Notes:** This episode was recorded and assembled weeks ago and contains no references to current events. But we would like to take a moment here to affirm that Black Lives Matter.

**Full list of titles referenced in this episode below this cut:**

*Chronicles of Prydain* series by Lloyd Alexander (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Young Jedi Knights* series by Kevin J. Anderson & Rebecca Moesta (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Watership Down* by Richard Adams (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Wainscott Weasel* by Tor Seidler (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Redwall* by Brian Jacques (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Sunfire* series by Candice Ransom et al (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Mouse and His Child* by Russell Hoban (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Rinkitink in Oz* by L. Frank Baum (Amazon | Bookshop)

*A Wrinkle in Time* by Madeline L’Engle (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Secret Garden* by Frances Hodgson Burnett (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Daddy-Long-Legs* by Jean Webster (Amazon | Bookshop)

*A Porcupine Named Fluffy* by Helen Lester (Amazon | Bookshop)

*My Father’s Dragon* by Ruth Stiles Gannett (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Carbonel: The King of Cats* by Barbara Sleigh (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Humor, Horror, and the Supernatural* by Saki (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Penderwicks* by Jeanne Birdsall (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Outsiders* by S.E. Hinton (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Lord of the Rings* by J.R.R. Tolkien (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Amelia’s Notebook* by Marissa Moss (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Where the Red Fern Grows* by Wilson Rawls (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Westing Game* by Ellen Raskin (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Bridge to Terabithia* by Katherine Paterson (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Series of Unfortunate Events* by Lemony Snicket (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Just a Summer Romance* by Ann M. Martin (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Baby-sitters Club #21: Mallory and the Trouble with Twins* by Ann M. Martin (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Baby-sitters Super Mystery #2: Babysitters Beware* by Ann M. Martin (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Great Green Notebook of Katie Roberts* by Amy Hest & Sonja Lamut (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Animorphs* series by K.A. Applegate (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Dollhouse Murders* by Betty Ren Wright (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Moorchild* by Eloise McGraw (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Annie On My Mind* by Nancy Garden (Amazon | Bookshop)

*A-Z Mystery* series by Ron Roy (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Girl with the Silver Eyes* by Willow Davis Roberts (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Leviathan* by Scott Westerfeld (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Ella Enchanted* by Gail Carson Levine (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn* edited by Robert Lynn Asprin (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy* by Douglas Adams (Amazon | Bookshop)

Young Jedi Knights by Kevin J. Anderson & Rebecca Moesta — **Episode 150 – Flashback Summer Super-Special** Jun 08, 2020
It’s our 150th episode, and to kick off our 4th Flashback Summer, we asked to hear from you, our listeners. We loved hearing about everyone’s childhood favorite books and sharing a little bit about ours.

**Thanks**: to Andrew and Craig of Overdue, Alan, Red, JJ (aka S. Jae-Jones, author of *Wintersong* and other books), Ashley R., Liz J., Genevieve, Devin, Kathryn and Melissa of Truer Words, Madelyn, Lucy, Nora, Imogen, Joyce, Hallie, Sarah Mirk (author of *Guantanamo Voices* and other books), April, Megan, Ashley K., Meredith Goldstein (Love Letters columnist and author of *Chemistry Lessons* and other books), Danielle, Meagan, Liz H., Courtney Summers (author of *Sadie* and other books), Celia, Emma, Rebecca Mahoney (author of *The Valley and the Flood*), Jess, Josie, Payge, Laura, Ben, Kellie, and Collision & J.W. of I Don’t Even Own a Television for their contributions, and extra thanks to our editor Becca for putting all of these clips together! And thanks to all of you for listening!

Congratulations: to our Flashback Summer raffle winners: Emma, Josie, Joyce, and Madelynn!

**Notes:** This episode was recorded and assembled weeks ago and contains no references to current events. But we would like to take a moment here to affirm that Black Lives Matter.

**Full list of titles referenced in this episode below this cut:**

*Chronicles of Prydain* series by Lloyd Alexander (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Young Jedi Knights* series by Kevin J. Anderson & Rebecca Moesta (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Watership Down* by Richard Adams (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Wainscott Weasel* by Tor Seidler (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Redwall* by Brian Jacques (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Sunfire* series by Candice Ransom et al (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Mouse and His Child* by Russell Hoban (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Rinkitink in Oz* by L. Frank Baum (Amazon | Bookshop)

*A Wrinkle in Time* by Madeline L’Engle (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Secret Garden* by Frances Hodgson Burnett (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Daddy-Long-Legs* by Jean Webster (Amazon | Bookshop)

*A Porcupine Named Fluffy* by Helen Lester (Amazon | Bookshop)

*My Father’s Dragon* by Ruth Stiles Gannett (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Carbonel: The King of Cats* by Barbara Sleigh (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Humor, Horror, and the Supernatural* by Saki (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Penderwicks* by Jeanne Birdsall (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Outsiders* by S.E. Hinton (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Lord of the Rings* by J.R.R. Tolkien (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Amelia’s Notebook* by Marissa Moss (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Where the Red Fern Grows* by Wilson Rawls (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Westing Game* by Ellen Raskin (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Bridge to Terabithia* by Katherine Paterson (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Series of Unfortunate Events* by Lemony Snicket (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Just a Summer Romance* by Ann M. Martin (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Baby-sitters Club #21: Mallory and the Trouble with Twins* by Ann M. Martin (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Baby-sitters Super Mystery #2: Babysitters Beware* by Ann M. Martin (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Great Green Notebook of Katie Roberts* by Amy Hest & Sonja Lamut (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Animorphs* series by K.A. Applegate (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Dollhouse Murders* by Betty Ren Wright (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Moorchild* by Eloise McGraw (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Annie On My Mind* by Nancy Garden (Amazon | Bookshop)

*A-Z Mystery* series by Ron Roy (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Girl with the Silver Eyes* by Willow Davis Roberts (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Leviathan* by Scott Westerfeld (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Ella Enchanted* by Gail Carson Levine (Amazon | Bookshop)

*Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn* edited by Robert Lynn Asprin (Amazon | Bookshop)

*The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy* by Douglas Adams (Amazon | Bookshop)

A Werewolf in Riverdale by Caleb Roehrig — **Episode 149 – A Werewolf in Riverdale** May 25, 2020

Bad news: *A Werewolf in Riverdale* by Caleb Roehrig is not a tie-in to the CW show Riverdale, but rather to the town of Riverdale from the Archie comics. Well–from the Archie Horror comics. Good news: we once again teamed up with J. and Collision from I Don’t Even Own a Television to tackle the big questions raised by this novel, most importantly: did you know that Jughead’s little hat is called a “whoopee cap,” and when Jughead transforms into a werewolf, does he still wear his whoopee cap?

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “The Weird History of Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa” by Avery Kaplan

“A Feud in Wolf-Kink Erotica Raises a Deep Legal Question” by Alexandra Alter

I Don’t Even Own a Television #146 – *The Day Before* (Riverdale prequel novel)

I Don’t Even Own a Television #157 – *Resident Evil II: Caliban Cove* (featuring Kait & Renata)

**Candy Pairing:** Collision says a Hershey bar when he expected a Mr. Goodbar, Jay says Laffy Taffy, Kait says cold French fries, Renata says a hamburger when she ordered a milkshake.

**Coming up next:**Flashback Summer Super-Special Edition!

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Planet X by Michael Jan Friedman — **Episode 148 – Planet X** May 11, 2020

We like X-Men. Our guest Anna (@lcarslibrarian) likes Star Trek. So we thought it would be fun to read the Star Trek: The Next Generation/X-Men crossover novel *Planet X* by Michael Jan Friedman. But it turns out that this exhausting crossover novel spends most of its time focused on a new character who isn’t particularly connected to either franchise. Set your phasers for “none” and don’t read this book!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode 49 – *X-Men: X-Cutioner’s Song*

Episode 50 – *X-Men 3: The Last Stand*

Tsunkatse (Star Trek Voyager episode feat Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson)

**Candy Pairing:** Anna says earl grey macarons, Kait says X-Men ice cream, Renata says mixed Jelly Bellies.

**Coming up next:***A Werewolf in Riverdale* by Caleb Roehrig.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Fast and the Furriest by Sofie Ryan — **Episode 147 – The Fast and the Furriest** Apr 27, 2020

When the going gets tough, the tough get to reading cozy cat mysteries. We read *The Fast and the Furriest* by Sofie Ryan, the story of a small coastal town plagued with murder and antiquers. Our opinions were split–Renata liked the cat but not the murder, Kait liked the murder but not the cat, and Duarte just hopes that feline detectives are paid a fair wage. Listen to this episode at a safe social distance from any murderers and/or antiquers!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Flashback Summer Featuring…You?

“Crime-Solving Cats And Cozy Mysteries Are A Publishing Juggernaut” by Hillary Kelly

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says a cup of tea, Renata says Annie’s fruit snacks.

**Coming up next:** *Planet X* by Michael Jan Friedman.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

American Royals by Katharine McGee — **Episode 146 – American Royals** Apr 13, 2020

Katharine McGee’s novel *American Royals* dares to ask: what if the United States had a royal family? And what if the modern-day American royal children were a little bit horny? The Bellwether Friends, Anna and Alene, joined us to discuss this book’s baffling structure, insufficient world-building, and potential Wawa sponsorship.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Bellwether Friends #113 – ABBAsode

Royal Romance: 13 Stories Of Everyday People Who Fall In Love With Royalty by Ann Foster

Red Fox James on Wikipedia

**Candy Pairing:** Alene says Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (from Wawa), Anna says a Disney Princess Candy Fan, Kait says old timey penny candy, Renata says a caramel apple.

**Coming up next:** *The Fast and the Furriest* by Sofie Ryan.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan — **Episode 145 – Machines Like Me** Mar 30, 2020

We’ve been reading too much frivolous lady fiction around here, so we had to make time to read a Serious Book by an Important White Man. Our guest Amy used her human skills of persuasion to get us to read *Machines Like Me* by Ian McEwan, Finally, someone has dared to ask the questions: what if robots could have emotions and also working penises and also what if the UK had lost the Falklands War?

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “**Archana and Chandni” by Iona Datt Sharma**

“Ian McEwan: ‘Who’s Going to Write the Algorithm for the Little White Lie?'” by Tim Adams

“In McEwan’s Latest, The ‘Machine’ Is Too Much Like You” by Heller McCalpin

**Candy Pairing:** Amy says Fry’s Turkish Delight, Kait says a potato battery, Renata says Mystery Airheads.

**Coming up next:** *American Royals* by Katharine McGee.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis — **Episode 144 – Girl, Wash Your Face** Mar 16, 2020

Hey girl, guess what? Your life could be way better than it is right now if you just believed in yourself and also married a high-up Disney executive! Definitely mostly the first thing though. We were joined by Margaret H. Willison (1/2 of Two Bossy Dames, 1/3 of Appointment Television, and one of Pop Culture Happy Hour‘s 4th chairs) to discuss *Girl, Wash Your Face* by Rachel Hollis, a Christian self-help book that misleadingly contained no skin care advice whatsoever.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Transcript:** Here.

**Footnotes:** Rachel Hollis on Jen Hatmaker

Rosie Perez on Bullseye

*Girl, Wash Your Face* on By the Book

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says an Oreo while crying, Margaret says leftover Christmas candy, Renata says a cheese plate.

**Coming up next:** *Machines Like Me* by Ian McEwan.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Episode 143 – Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper by Patricia Cornwell — **Episode 143 – Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper** Mar 02, 2020

We invited Rebecca Mahoney, co-writer of The Bridge podcast and author of the upcoming YA novel *The Valley and the Flood*, to be a guest on our new podcast, My Least Favorite Murder. We read novelist Patricia Cornwell’s ambitiously-titled true crime book *Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper–Case Closed.* Listen now to hear more than you ever wanted to know about a famous painter’s penis!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** A new Ripper mystery: Why Patricia Cornwell won’t stop hunting him by Mary Wakefield

“Whitechapel mural will celebrate the lives of Jack the Ripper’s victims” by Alison Flood

“Historian speaks of ‘constant trolling’ over Jack the Ripper book” by Mark Brown

Sawbones #151 – The Royal Fistula Fad

Sawbones #245 – Medical Illustration

Bear Brook podcast

The Fall Line podcast

In the Dark podcast

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says gruel, Rebecca says bachelorette party penis pops, Renata says ginger chews.

**Coming up next: *Girl, Wash Your Face* by Rachel Hollis.**

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Scythe by Neal Shusterman — **Episode 142 – Scythe** Feb 17, 2020

As a belated Valentine to ourselves, we invited our friend Angie Manfredi (@MissKubelik), editor of *The Other F-Word*, back on the show to read a Best Bestseller. We read *Scythe* by Neal Shusterman, a twisty YA utopia-ish where death is optional and the cloud is your friend. This episode does contain full spoilers for a book that we sincerely recommend reading, so maybe hold off on listening if you’ve been meaning to read *Scythe*? Or listen to the episode now–in the age of mortality, life is short.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:**

*Angie sent me this clip from an interview with Neal Shusterman before we recorded but the actual article seems to have disappeared from the internet???*

Four Questions for Neal Shusterman

**Candy Pairing:** Angie says whatever candy you like best, Kait says a box of chocolates with one poisoned one, Renata says Dippin Dots.

**Coming up next: *Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper–Case Closed* by Patricia Cornwell.**

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

**Episode 142 – Scythe** Feb 17, 2020

As a belated Valentine to ourselves, we invited our friend Angie Manfredi (@MissKubelik), editor of *The Other F-Word*, back on the show to read a Best Bestseller. We read *Scythe* by Neal Shusterman, a twisty YA utopia-ish where death is optional and the cloud is your friend. This episode does contain full spoilers for a book that we sincerely recommend reading, so maybe hold off on listening if you’ve been meaning to read *Scythe*? Or listen to the episode now–in the age of mortality, life is short.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:**

*Angie sent me this clip from an interview with Neal Shusterman before we recorded but the actual article seems to have disappeared from the internet???*

Four Questions for Neal Shusterman

**Candy Pairing:** Angie says whatever candy you like best, Kait says a box of chocolates with one poisoned one, Renata says Dippin Dots.

**Coming up next: *Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper–Case Closed* by Patricia Cornwell.**

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Midnight Bayou by Nora Roberts — **Episode 141 – Midnight Bayou** Feb 03, 2020

To ease ourselves back into reading garbage after our winter break, we had returning guest Christine join us for another book by Our Lady Nora Roberts. This time around, we read *Midnight Bayou*, a Louisiana love story for the ages between a man and home renovations. You’re going to have to turn your volume way up if you want to listen to this episode over all that Mardi Gras ruckus!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “Welcome to Noraville, the Small Maryland Town Rebuilt by Nora Roberts” by Esther Wang

Smart Bitches, Trashy Books – Renovation Romances

**Candy Pairing:** Christine says rum candy, Kait says a French 75, Renata says beignets.

**Coming up next:** *Scythe* by Neal Shusterman.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers — **Episode 140 – Bests & Worsts of 2019 (Part 2, Adult & Graphic Novels)** Jan 20, 2020
Tune in to our Bests & Worsts of 2019 episodes to hear us discuss these titles and read excerpts from our favorites! Please note:

We counted things that we *read* in 2019, regardless of publication year.

We didn’t count anything that we read specifically for this podcast, so our worst books are *aside* from those.

For that reason, we picked top 5 favorites and only 1 least favorite–we have this whole podcast to talk about bad books, so for these episodes we’re choosing to focus on the positive!

Some of our “worsts” are really just “least best.” Listen to the podcast to hear more detail!

Adult

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet* by Becky Chambers (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Wylding Hall* by Elizabeth Hand (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *A Light Amongst Shadows* (Dark is the Night Series) by Kelley York and Rowan Altwood (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Into the Drowning Deep* by Mira Grant (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *The Twisted Ones* by T. Kingfisher (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Kait’s Worst

*Around the World in Eighty Days* by Jules Verne (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Ninth House* by Leigh Bardugo (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts* by Kate Racculia (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Thick and Other Essays* by Tressie McMillan Cottom (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *My Life as a Goddess* by Guy Branum (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Trick Mirror* by Jia Tolentino (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Worst

*No Walls and the Recurring Dream* by Ani DiFranco (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Graphic Novels

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *The Life of Melody* by Mari Costa (Kickstarter)

4.) *Sheets* by Brenna Thummler (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Bloom* by Kevin Panetta & Savanna Ganucheau (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *The White Trees* by Chip Zdarsky, Kristofer Anka, & Matt Wilson (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Crowded* by Christopher Sebela, Ro Stein, Ted Brandt, Triona Farrell, & Cardinal Rae (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

An excerpt from *Crowded* (click to embiggen)!

Kait’s Worst

*War of the Realms: Journey into Mystery* by The McElroys & André Lima Araújo (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Unbeatable Squirrel Girl* by Ryan North & Derek Charm (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me* by Mariko Tamaki & Rosemary Valero-O’Connell (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *This Was Our Pact* by Ryan Andrews (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *The Faithful Spy* by John Hendrix (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *New Kid* by Jerry Craft (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

An excerpt from *New Kid* (click to embiggen)!

Renata’s Worst

*Doctor Strange, Vol. 3: Herald*, by Mark Waid, Barry Kitson, Scott Koblish, & Brian Reber (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand — **Episode 140 – Bests & Worsts of 2019 (Part 2, Adult & Graphic Novels)** Jan 20, 2020
Tune in to our Bests & Worsts of 2019 episodes to hear us discuss these titles and read excerpts from our favorites! Please note:

We counted things that we *read* in 2019, regardless of publication year.

We didn’t count anything that we read specifically for this podcast, so our worst books are *aside* from those.

For that reason, we picked top 5 favorites and only 1 least favorite–we have this whole podcast to talk about bad books, so for these episodes we’re choosing to focus on the positive!

Some of our “worsts” are really just “least best.” Listen to the podcast to hear more detail!

Adult

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet* by Becky Chambers (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Wylding Hall* by Elizabeth Hand (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *A Light Amongst Shadows* (Dark is the Night Series) by Kelley York and Rowan Altwood (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Into the Drowning Deep* by Mira Grant (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *The Twisted Ones* by T. Kingfisher (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Kait’s Worst

*Around the World in Eighty Days* by Jules Verne (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Ninth House* by Leigh Bardugo (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts* by Kate Racculia (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Thick and Other Essays* by Tressie McMillan Cottom (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *My Life as a Goddess* by Guy Branum (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Trick Mirror* by Jia Tolentino (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Worst

*No Walls and the Recurring Dream* by Ani DiFranco (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Graphic Novels

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *The Life of Melody* by Mari Costa (Kickstarter)

4.) *Sheets* by Brenna Thummler (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Bloom* by Kevin Panetta & Savanna Ganucheau (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *The White Trees* by Chip Zdarsky, Kristofer Anka, & Matt Wilson (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Crowded* by Christopher Sebela, Ro Stein, Ted Brandt, Triona Farrell, & Cardinal Rae (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

An excerpt from *Crowded* (click to embiggen)!

Kait’s Worst

*War of the Realms: Journey into Mystery* by The McElroys & André Lima Araújo (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Unbeatable Squirrel Girl* by Ryan North & Derek Charm (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me* by Mariko Tamaki & Rosemary Valero-O’Connell (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *This Was Our Pact* by Ryan Andrews (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *The Faithful Spy* by John Hendrix (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *New Kid* by Jerry Craft (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

An excerpt from *New Kid* (click to embiggen)!

Renata’s Worst

*Doctor Strange, Vol. 3: Herald*, by Mark Waid, Barry Kitson, Scott Koblish, & Brian Reber (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani — **Episode 139 – Bests & Worsts of 2019 (Part 1, Children’s & YA)** Jan 06, 2020
Tune in to our Bests & Worsts of 2019 episodes to hear us discuss these titles and read excerpts from our favorites! Please note:

We counted things that we *read* in 2019, regardless of publication year.

We didn’t count anything that we read specifically for this podcast, so our worst books are *aside* from those.

For that reason, we picked top 5 favorites and only 1 least favorite–we have this whole podcast to talk about bad books, so for these episodes we’re choosing to focus on the positive!

Some of our “worsts” are really just “least best.” Listen to the podcast to hear more detail!

Children’s/Middle Grade

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *The Night Diary* by Veera Hiranandani (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Dactyl Hill Squad* by Daniel Jose Older (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *The Forgotten Girl* by India Hill Brown (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Midsummer’s Mayhem* by Rajani LaRocca (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Small Spaces* by Katherine Arden (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Kait’s Worst

*My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich* by Ibi Zoboi (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Roll With It* by Jamie Sumner (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Good Enough* by Jen Petro-Roy (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Sauerkraut* by Kelly Jones (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Blended* by Sharon Draper (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Dear Sweet Pea* by Julie Murphy (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Worst

*Witch Week* by Diana Wynne Jones (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Young Adult

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Keep This to Yourself* by Tom Ryan (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Love From A to Z* by S. K. Ali (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Dig* by A. S. King (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *In Other Lands* by Sarah Rees Brennan (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Wilder Girls* by Rory Power (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Kait’s Worst

*Lovely War* by Julie Berry (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Duarte’s Best

*Queen of Nothing* by Holly Black (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *I, Claudia* by Mary McCoy (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Captain Marvel: Liberation Run* by Tess Sharpe (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *The Revolution of Birdie Randolph* by Brandy Colbert (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *The (Other) F Word*, edited by Angie Manfredi (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Shout* by Laurie Halse Anderson (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Worst

*S.T.A.G.S.* by M. A. Bennett (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Dactyl Hill Squad by Daniel Jose Older — **Episode 139 – Bests & Worsts of 2019 (Part 1, Children’s & YA)** Jan 06, 2020
Tune in to our Bests & Worsts of 2019 episodes to hear us discuss these titles and read excerpts from our favorites! Please note:

We counted things that we *read* in 2019, regardless of publication year.

We didn’t count anything that we read specifically for this podcast, so our worst books are *aside* from those.

For that reason, we picked top 5 favorites and only 1 least favorite–we have this whole podcast to talk about bad books, so for these episodes we’re choosing to focus on the positive!

Some of our “worsts” are really just “least best.” Listen to the podcast to hear more detail!

Children’s/Middle Grade

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *The Night Diary* by Veera Hiranandani (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Dactyl Hill Squad* by Daniel Jose Older (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *The Forgotten Girl* by India Hill Brown (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Midsummer’s Mayhem* by Rajani LaRocca (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Small Spaces* by Katherine Arden (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Kait’s Worst

*My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich* by Ibi Zoboi (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Roll With It* by Jamie Sumner (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Good Enough* by Jen Petro-Roy (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Sauerkraut* by Kelly Jones (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Blended* by Sharon Draper (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Dear Sweet Pea* by Julie Murphy (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Worst

*Witch Week* by Diana Wynne Jones (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Young Adult

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Keep This to Yourself* by Tom Ryan (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Love From A to Z* by S. K. Ali (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Dig* by A. S. King (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *In Other Lands* by Sarah Rees Brennan (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Wilder Girls* by Rory Power (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Kait’s Worst

*Lovely War* by Julie Berry (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Duarte’s Best

*Queen of Nothing* by Holly Black (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *I, Claudia* by Mary McCoy (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Captain Marvel: Liberation Run* by Tess Sharpe (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *The Revolution of Birdie Randolph* by Brandy Colbert (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *The (Other) F Word*, edited by Angie Manfredi (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Shout* by Laurie Halse Anderson (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Worst

*S.T.A.G.S.* by M. A. Bennett (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Murder Games (Instinct) by James Patterson — **Episode 138 – Queer Venting About Instinct** Dec 02, 2019

How desperate is Kait for scraps? She pre-ordered the next *Murder Games* novel just for another dumb murder story about gay people, despite all her issues with the first one. And boy, there were issues. Join Kait and Wren as they delve into what works and what doesn’t in “James Patterson’s” foray into queer protagonists, and gush endlessly over how much they love the incredibly silly show based on it.

Original Episode

Readers Advisory

**Coming up next:** Bests and Worsts of 2019, Part One

**Episode 137 – The Mister** Nov 18, 2019

We knew we would need a lot of help to get through the frequently-requested book The Mister by E. L. James, so we tagged in Kitty and Piggy, the financial mavens behind the website and now podcast Bitches Get Riches! We’d already suffered through both *Fifty Shades of Grey* and also *Grey*, so we thought we knew what we were in for. But The Mister took us to unexpected places, such as inside a pair of big pink granny panties, and also Albania. Don’t miss DJ Maxim’s Club remix of this episode!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Fanfiction 101

Second Chance Book Club: The Mister (is secretly Poldark?)

The Evolution of E. L. James by Alexandra Alter

E.L. James’ New Book The Mister Has A Connection To *Fifty Shades Of Grey*

Mary Bichner

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says despair, Kitty says anything vanilla flavored, Renata says Activia yogurt.

**Coming up next:** Queer Venting About *Instinct* by James Patterson.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

**Episode 136 – The Initiation (The Secret Circle)** Nov 04, 2019

It must be the season of the witch, since we read *The Initiation,* the first book in L. J. Smith’s Secret Circle series. The new school year in New Salem marks the start of some beautiful friendships whose homoerotic subtext is only barely concealed beneath a thin layer of herbs. Plus also, some valuable lessons about urban planning!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Forever Young Adult: Recap of The Secret Circle Pilot

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says a caramel apple, Katie says saltwater taffy, Renata says feverfew.

**Coming up next:** *The Mister* by E. L. James.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Dark Angel by V. C. Andrews — **Episode 135 – Dark Angel** Oct 21, 2019

We revisited the world of V. C. Andrews and read *Dark Angel*, the second book in the Casteel family saga with V. C. Andrews apologist Arielle. It’s a grim story of a girl who escapes her impoverished hometown but can’t get away from the fact that men are trash everywhere. Keep your wits about you if you listen to this episode in a hedge maze!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode 108 – *My Sweet Audrina*

Episode 17 – *Flowers in the Attic*

Guest Post: *Flowers In the Attic* (The Appeal Thereof)

The True Story of How V.C. Andrews’ Casteel Family Saga Came to Be by Amanda Garrity

Comedy Bang! Bang! – This Is Your Boy Troy

**Candy Pairing:** Arielle says blackstrap molasses, Kait says circus peanuts, Renata says spiked punch.

**Coming up next:***The Initiation* (Secret Circle series) by L. J. Smith.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Rock Says... by The Rock and Joe Leyden — **Episode 134 – The Rock Says** Oct 07, 2019

As listeners to the podcast may know, we’re big fans of Dwayne Johnson, but slightly less knowledgable about his pro wrestling alter ego, The Rock. So we invited Tres Dean, author of *For Your Consideration: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson*, to read the 2000 memoir *The Rock Says…* by The Rock and Joe Leyden. We learned a lot about both Dwayne Johnson and The Rock. Arguably, more than we wanted to know? Put your MP3 player in your fanny pack to listen to this episode on the go!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Gennifer Flowers Interviews The Rock

“Meet the Woman Who Built Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Media Empire” by Colleen Leahey McKeegan

“The Wrestler and the Cornflake Girl: Ring legend Mick Foley explains how Tori Amos changed his life” by Mick Foley

Wrestlesplania podcast

I Don’t Even Own A Television #140 – No Regrets by Ace Frehley and Joe Leyden

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says WWE Superstars Ice Cream bars, Renata says margarita Jelly Bellies.

**Coming up next:** Dark Angel by V. C. Andrews.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Host by Stephenie Meyer — **Episode 133 – The Host** Sep 23, 2019

Unlike vampires, we keep aging, so this is our 5th podcastversary! Tragically, we’ve completed our run on the Twilight saga, but the show must go on. We brought back returning guest Caroline to discuss Stephenie Meyer’s awkward alien follow-up to the Twilight saga, *The Host*. Bad news: it’s not as entertaining as Twilight. Good news: she never followed through on making this a trilogy. As you listen to this episode, please join us in using The Secret to compel Stephenie Meyer to write another vampire book for next year!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Remembering The Host, a Scifi Book That Barely Wanted to be Scifi by Beth Elderkin

Stephenie Meyer Hopes *The Host* Will Be A Trilogy, Is That A Good Thing? by Kelly West

**Candy Pairing:** Carrie says Blow Pops, Kait says a giant lollipop, Renata says giant gummy worms.

**Coming up next:** *The Rock Says…* by The Rock and Joe Leyden.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Divergent by Veronica Roth — **Episode 132 – Divergent** Sep 09, 2019

*Divergent* by Veronica Roth, a dystopian society controlled by Buzzfeed quizzes, has been one of most frequently-requested episodes. In an effort to bring peace to the five factions, we invited Annie, author of The Chance You Won’t Return and cohost of the Crossover Appeal podcast to read this flash-in-the-pan dystopian novel with us. Listen to this episode on your next trip to Chicago–just make sure to be careful when jumping off the El train!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** GoodReads Interview with Veronica Roth

Official Divergent Faction Quiz

Bean cleaned: Workers quickly remove graffiti from Chicago’s beloved sculpture

**Candy Pairing:** Annie says Pop Rocks and Coke, Kait says chocolate with a razor blade in it, Renata says abandoned chocolate.

**Coming up next:** *The Host* by Stephenie Meyer.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Dora and the Lost City of Gold movie novelization by Steve Behling — **Episode 131 – Dora and the Lost City of Gold** Aug 26, 2019

Hola! We read the *Dora and the Lost City of Gold* movie novelization by Steve Behling so you don’t have to! We were joined by librarian extraordinaire and Dora the Explorer watcher Kristi, who helped us avoid getting stuck in the quicksand of this self-aware novel that briefly took Twitter by storm. Strap on your backpack and listen to this episode as you hack your way through the jungle!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** The Dora the Explorer movie sounds absolutely bonkers

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says movie theater popcorn, Kristi says last year’s Halloween candy, Renata says pan dulce.

**Coming up next:** *Divergent* by Veronica Roth.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Dealing With Dragons by Patricia Wrede — **Episode 130 – Dealing With Dragons** Aug 12, 2019

As Flashback Summer draws to a close for another year, our friend Kelsey joined us to return to a feminist favorite: *Dealing With Dragons* by Patricia C. Wrede. The three of us all loved this book as tweens and were thrilled to report that it holds up. Listen to this episode while cleaning your dragon’s cave.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** The Problem of the Improper Princess by Catherine Nichols

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says mini Twix bars, Kelsey says cherries jubilee, Renata says lemon drops.

**Coming up next: Dora and the Lost City of Gold junior novel by Steve Behling.**

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Rotten Romans by Terry Deary and Martin Brown — **Episode 129 – Rotten Romans (Horrible Histories series)** Jul 29, 2019

For this installment of Flashback Summer, we flashed *way* back to ancient Rome. We read *The Rotten Romans* from the Horrible Histories series by Terry Deary & Martin Brown with returning guest, librarian Laura. It’s a whimsically British look at history with some cartoons that remain inscrutable, even to the eyes of adult Americans with history degrees. This podcast is only available in English, because Latin is a dead language (RIP).

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Ancient Roman Readers Advisory sent by listener Lydia

Ecce Romani memes

Our Fake History podcast

Sawbones podcast

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says Fig Newtons, Laura says chocolate, Renata says no thank you.

**Coming up next:** *Dealing With Dragons* by Patricia Wrede.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Audio Player

Pickle Puss by Patricia Reilly Giff — **Episode 128 – Pickle Puss (Polk Street School)** Jul 15, 2019

Flashback Summer continues with a trip to the Polk Street School, where the kids aren’t alright. Becca joined us to read *Pickle Puss* by Patricia Reilly Giff, an early chapter book about how *not* to run a summer reading program or care for a pet. Listen to this episode on your way to deceive your local librarian!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Endangered Series: The Kids of Polk Street School.

**Candy Pairing:** Becca says melted Hershey’s kisses, Kait says sugar free hard candy, Renata says Scandinavian Swimmers.

**Coming up next:** *Rotten Romans* (Horrible Histories series) by Terry Deary & Martin Brown.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar — **Episode 127 – Sideways Stories from Wayside School** Jul 01, 2019

The next stop on our Flashback Summer vacation is the 30th floor of an elementary school. Literary agent Amy joined us to read *Sideways Stories from Wayside School* by Louis Sachar. Everyone should listen to this episode, *unless* you’re secretly a dead rat in a raincoat. Dead rats are *not* allowed. Everyone else, join us on Apple podcasts before Mrs. Gorf turns you into an apple!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “The Absurd Joy of ‘Sideways Stories From Wayside School'” by Adrienne LaFrance

Louis Sachar’s FAQs

Ghost Quartet

**Candy Pairing:** Amy says candy apples, Kait says Sky Bars, Renata says dinosaur egg oatmeal.

**Coming up next:** *Pickle Puss* (Polk Street School Kids series) by Patricia Reilly Giff.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Bunnicula by James & Deborah Howe — **Episode 126 – Bunnicula** Jun 17, 2019

It’s the return of Flashback Summer and the 40th anniversary of beloved children’s classic *Bunnicula* by James & Deborah Howe. We were joined by Laura to discuss the story of some irresponsible pet owners. Listen now to hear one weird trick to make your vegetables more Instagrammable!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “The Enduring Legacy of Bunnicula, a 40-Year-Old In-Joke That’s Still Hilarious” by Sarah Gailey

Overdue #138 – Bunnicula

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says Ecto Cooler, Laura says white chocolate, Renata says white Skittles.

**Coming up next:** *Sideways Stories from Wayside School* by Louis Sachar.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Interview with The Vampire by Anne Rice — **Episode 125 – Interview With the Vampire** Jun 03, 2019

We ran out of Twilight books so we had to read about some less-sparkly vampires, ugh! Fortunately, we were #blessed with the company of not only Meredith Goldstein (author of the Boston Globe’s Love Letters column as well as the books *Can’t Help Myself* and *Chemistry Lessons*) but also a live audience at Trident Booksellers, for our discussion of Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice. If you weren’t able to join us in person, now at last you can hear our agonized discussion of a book with a lot of arson and insufficient glam (which could have been rectified by the addition of Cher.)

**Transcript (experimental):** Here.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Interview With the Vampire film on Wikipedia

Vampire Chronicles Timeline

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says black jellybeans, Meredith says Hershey’s Hugs, Renata says atomic fireballs.

**Coming up next:** *Bunnicula* by Deborah and James Howe.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

**Episode 124 – The Five People You Meet in Heaven** May 20, 2019

If you like sitting around, listening to esoteric monologues that may or may not relate to your life from random people who refuse to answer any pertinent questions, do we have the vision of the afterlife for you! Chelsea joined us for *The Five People You Meet in Heaven* by Mitch Albom, a trudge through one man’s severely messed-up existence that was probably meant to be inspirational, but mostly made us feel disturbed and dead inside. Hold onto your keys and join us on this carnival ride into our own personal hell!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** The Five People You Meet In Heaven movie trailer

Reading ‘The Next Person You Meet in Heaven’ is Hell by Ron Charles

Death Parade opening theme song

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says generic lollipops, Chelsea says Tootsie Rolls, Renata says saltwater taffy.

**Coming up next:***Interview with the Vampire* by Anne Rice, live from Trident Books!

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty — **Episode 123 – Big Little Lies** May 06, 2019

We don’t have anybody’s HBO login, so instead of watching the show, we were forced to read the book *Big Little Lies* by Liane Moriarty! Fortunately, we were joined by Melissa of the Truer Words podcast for this trip through the delightfully sordid world of Australian elementary school politics. Are you #TeamMadeline or #TeamRenata? Duarte is #TeamRenata, but only because Madeline has never fed him.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Chloe’s Big Little Lies playlist on Spotify

The Dixie Chicks – Goodbye Earl

Framed: She Was the PTA Mom Everyone Knew. Who Would Want to Harm Her? by Christopher Goffard

This American Life #447 – The Incredible Case of the P.I. Moms

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says Tim Tams, Melissa says Calissons, Renata says champagne Jelly Bellies.

**Coming up next: *The Five People You Meet in Heaven* by Mitch Albom.**

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

**Episode 122 – A Discovery of Witches** Apr 22, 2019

When Gina joined us to read A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, we were startled to discover that this book has way more than just witches! This book also has vampires, daemons, and plenty of #herbs. Join us for a relationship between a witch with tenure and a vampire who is 15 times older than Edward Cullen!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Deborah Harkness’ ‘A Discovery of Witches’ started with airport bookstores

‘A Discovery of Witches’: When a Vamp Loves a Wiccan

**Candy Pairing:** Gina says Cadbury Flake, Kait says old timey candy, Renata says #herbs.

**Coming up next:** *Big Little Lies* by Liane Moriarty.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi — **Episode 121 – Shatter Me** Apr 08, 2019

In a world…where a teen girl’s touch is deadly…to everyone except one hot guy…who she’s locked in a jail cell with…what will happen next? According to *Shatter Me* by Tahereh Mafi, maybe she’ll overthrow the government? Bookseller Maggie joined us to discuss this chaste, yet horny YA dystopian novel.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** “A Very Large Expanse Of Sea” Author Tahereh Mafi on Representation for Muslim-American Teens and the Need for More Diverse Love Stories

Rogue & Gambit #5 Review (Featuring a Kate Beaton tribute)

Hilliterate

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says Thin Mints, Maggie says cinnamon rock candy, Renata says Twinkies.

**Coming up next:** *A Discovery of Witches* by Deborah Harkness.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

After by Anna Todd — **Episode 119 – After** Mar 11, 2019

We read *After* by Anna Todd, a fanfiction-turned-novel that’s bold enough to ask the question: would you like to date Harry Styles, if, rather than being a member of One Direction, he was just a college student, and also a completely rude and hurtful person? Liz from Liz & Alissa Make Stuff joined us to conclude: no, we definitely would not like that. Be sure to download this before you begin the impossibly long journey from your dorm room to your boyfriend’s frat house!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Harry Styles Carpool Karaoke

Harry Styles Caught a Gummy Bear Thrown By a Fan and Everyone at O2 Arena Lost It

Anna Todd: From 1D fan fiction to feature film writer

From Fangirl to Phenomenon: Anna Todd and the Rise of Fanfiction

After on Fanlore

Fanfiction 101

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says Baby Bottle Pops, Liz says Sugar-Free Haribo Gummy Bears, Renata says Conversation Hearts.

**Coming up next:** *Murder Games (Instinct)* by James Patterson.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Naked in Death by J. D. Robb — **Episode 118 – Naked in Death** Feb 25, 2019

As the talents of Our Lady Nora Roberts cannot be held by one pen name alone, we were joined by fellow Nora devotee Christine to investigate *Naked in Death* by J. D. Robb. It’s a romantic suspense novel set in a future that is in some ways better than our present day (the USA banned guns!) and in some ways much worse (coffee beans are nearly extinct due to deforestation)! Still, no matter what year it is, Nora is here to provide us with excellent strong female protagonists and the male love interests who *almost* deserve them.

**Content warning:** This book and our discussion of it contains sexual assault and, um, death.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** This Cat is Chonky Facebook Group

Nora Roberts Addresses Plagiarism

**Candy Pairing:** Christine says Starbursts, Kait says Oreos, Renata says chocolate covered espresso beans.

**Coming up next:** *After* by Anna Todd.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Year One by Nora Roberts — **Episode 117 – Year One** Feb 11, 2019

It’s the end of the world as we know it, and we feel fine, since we’re spending it with Kathryn from the Truer Words podcast! Our Lady Nora Roberts has launched a post-apocalyptic series with *Year One*. Don’t worry–even though 90% of the human population has been killed by a mysterious, magical virus, Nora wouldn’t kill the dog.

**Content warning:** This book and our discussion of it contains sexual assault, graphic illness, and, well, the death of 90% of Earth’s population. The dog is fine though.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Real Romance: How Nora Roberts became America’s most popular novelist

Romance Author Nora Roberts Responds To Tomi Adeyemi Accusation: ‘You Can’t Copyright A Title’

Nora Roberts: Mob Rule by Social Media

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says freshly-baked bread, Kathryn says peanut M&Ms, Renata says Little Debbies.

**Coming up next:** *Naked in Death* by J.D. Robb.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

How The Secret Changed My Life by Rhonda Byrne — **Episode 116 – How The Secret Changed My Life** Jan 28, 2019

Our lives have been changed by The Secret, as have those of Andrew and Craig from the Overdue podcast. So they joined us in reading *How The Secret Changed My Life* by Rhonda Byrne. We were delighted to combine our vision boards with Andrew and Craig; less delighted to hear about all the people who quit their jobs and their medicines and their Canadian lifestyles with no backup plan other than the goodwill of the universe. We know you’ll love this episode, because we already asked the universe for your approval.

**Readers advisory**: *How The Secret Changed My Life*

**Readers advisory:** *The Secret*

**Footnotes:** Overdue Episode #280 – *The Secret*

The Secret Check from the Universe

The Downside of Positive Thinking

The Secret movie (2019)

Ryback (Wikipedia)

“Does the Law of Attraction apply to animals too, or just humans?”

Money Cat meme

Smithsonian Zoo Giant Panda Cam

**Candy Pairing:** Andrew says CBD gummies, Craig says Zeebo pills, Kait says a picture of candy, Renata says 3-course meal gum.

**Coming up next:** *Year One* by Nora Roberts.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Collector by Nora Roberts — **Episode 115 – Bests & Worsts of 2018 (Part 2, Adult & Graphic Novels)** Jan 14, 2019
Tune in to our Bests & Worsts of 2018 episodes to hear us discuss these titles and read excerpts from our favorites! Please note:

We counted things that we *read* in 2018, regardless of publication year.

We didn’t count anything that we read specifically for this podcast, so our worst books are *aside* from those.

For that reason, we picked top 5 favorites and only 1 least favorite–we have this whole podcast to talk about bad books, so for these episodes we’re choosing to focus on the positive!

Some of our “worsts” are really just “least best.” Listen to the podcast to hear more detail!

Adult

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *The Collector* by Nora Roberts (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Ballad of Black Tom* by Victor LaValle (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *I’ll Be Gone in the Dark* by Michelle McNamara (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Head Full of Ghosts* by Paul Tremblay (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Meddling Kids* by Edgar Cantero (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Kait’s Worst

*The Left Hand of Darkness* by Ursula K. LeGuin (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 6 Best

6.) *So You Want to Talk About Race* by Ijeoma Oluo (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

5.) *There There* by Tommy Orange (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Nobody Cares* by Anne T. Donahue (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Can’t Help Myself* by Meredith Goldstein (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Unsheltered* by Barbara Kingsolver (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us* by Hanif Abdurraqib (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Worst

*You’re On An Airplane* by Parker Posey (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Graphic Novels

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Pashmina* by Nidhi Chanani (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Bingo Love* written by Tee Franklin, art by Jenn St-Onge, colors by Joy San (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Heavy Vinyl* written by Carly Usdin, art by Nina Vakueva (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *The Prince and the Dressmaker* by Jen Wang (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins* written by Clint McElroy, Justin McElroy, Travis McElroy and Griffin McElroy, art by Carey Pietsch (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

An excerpt from *The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins* (click to embiggen)!

Kait’s Worst

*Alexander Hamilton* written by Jonathan Hennessey, art by Justin Greenwood (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Doctor Strange* by Donny Cates, art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta, Niko Henrichon (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Rogue & Gambit* by Kelly Thompson, art by Pere Perez (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Lost Soul, Be At Peace* by Maggie Thrash (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Be Prepared* by Vera Brosgol (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Hey, Kiddo* by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

An excerpt from *Hey, Kiddo* (click to embiggen)!

Renata’s Worst

*Riverdale* by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, art by Alitha Martinez & Joe Eisma (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle — **Episode 115 – Bests & Worsts of 2018 (Part 2, Adult & Graphic Novels)** Jan 14, 2019
Tune in to our Bests & Worsts of 2018 episodes to hear us discuss these titles and read excerpts from our favorites! Please note:

We counted things that we *read* in 2018, regardless of publication year.

We didn’t count anything that we read specifically for this podcast, so our worst books are *aside* from those.

For that reason, we picked top 5 favorites and only 1 least favorite–we have this whole podcast to talk about bad books, so for these episodes we’re choosing to focus on the positive!

Some of our “worsts” are really just “least best.” Listen to the podcast to hear more detail!

Adult

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *The Collector* by Nora Roberts (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Ballad of Black Tom* by Victor LaValle (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *I’ll Be Gone in the Dark* by Michelle McNamara (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Head Full of Ghosts* by Paul Tremblay (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Meddling Kids* by Edgar Cantero (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Kait’s Worst

*The Left Hand of Darkness* by Ursula K. LeGuin (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 6 Best

6.) *So You Want to Talk About Race* by Ijeoma Oluo (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

5.) *There There* by Tommy Orange (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Nobody Cares* by Anne T. Donahue (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Can’t Help Myself* by Meredith Goldstein (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Unsheltered* by Barbara Kingsolver (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us* by Hanif Abdurraqib (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Worst

*You’re On An Airplane* by Parker Posey (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Graphic Novels

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Pashmina* by Nidhi Chanani (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Bingo Love* written by Tee Franklin, art by Jenn St-Onge, colors by Joy San (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Heavy Vinyl* written by Carly Usdin, art by Nina Vakueva (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *The Prince and the Dressmaker* by Jen Wang (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins* written by Clint McElroy, Justin McElroy, Travis McElroy and Griffin McElroy, art by Carey Pietsch (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

An excerpt from *The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins* (click to embiggen)!

Kait’s Worst

*Alexander Hamilton* written by Jonathan Hennessey, art by Justin Greenwood (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Doctor Strange* by Donny Cates, art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta, Niko Henrichon (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Rogue & Gambit* by Kelly Thompson, art by Pere Perez (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Lost Soul, Be At Peace* by Maggie Thrash (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Be Prepared* by Vera Brosgol (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Hey, Kiddo* by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

An excerpt from *Hey, Kiddo* (click to embiggen)!

Renata’s Worst

*Riverdale* by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, art by Alitha Martinez & Joe Eisma (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Thornhill, written and illustrated by Pam Smy — **Episode 114 – Bests & Worsts of 2018 (Part 1, Children’s & YA)** Dec 31, 2018
Tune in to our Bests & Worsts of 2018 episodes to hear us discuss these titles and read excerpts from our favorites! Please note:

We counted things that we *read* in 2018, regardless of publication year.

We didn’t count anything that we read specifically for this podcast, so our worst books are *aside* from those.

For that reason, we picked top 5 favorites and only 1 least favorite–we have this whole podcast to talk about bad books, so for these episodes we’re choosing to focus on the positive!

Some of our “worsts” are really just “least best.” Listen to the podcast to hear more detail!

Children’s/Middle Grade

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Thornhill*, written and illustrated by Pam Smy (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *The Aviary* by Kathleen O’Dell (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *City of Ghosts* by Victoria Schwab (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Hello Universe* by Erin Entrada Kelly (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World* by Ashley Herring Blake (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Kait’s Worst

*A Wind in the Door* by Madeleine L’Engle (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *The Backstagers and the Ghost Light* written by Andy Mientus, illustrated by Rian Singh (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Aru Shah and the End of Time* by Roshani Chokshi (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Dragons in a Bag* by Zetta Elliott (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Front Desk* by Kelly Yang (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Assassination of Brangwain Spurge* written by M. T. Anderson, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Worst

*Black Panther: The Young Prince* by Ronald L. Smith (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Young Adult

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *The Loneliest Girl in the Universe* by Lauren James (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *All Out*, edited by Saundra Mitchell (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Here to Stay* by Sara Farizan (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Sawkill Girls* by Claire Legrand (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Truly Devious* by Maureen Johnson (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Kait’s Worst

*Let’s Talk About Love* by Claire Kann (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Blood Water Paint* by Joy McCullough (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *The 57 Bus* by Dashka Slater (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *The Poet X* by Elizabeth Acevedo (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Darius the Great is Not Okay* by Adib Khorram (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Sadie* by Courtney Summers (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Worst

*Runaways* by Christopher Golden (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. *(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Aviary by Kathleen O'Dell — **Episode 114 – Bests & Worsts of 2018 (Part 1, Children’s & YA)** Dec 31, 2018
Tune in to our Bests & Worsts of 2018 episodes to hear us discuss these titles and read excerpts from our favorites! Please note:

We counted things that we *read* in 2018, regardless of publication year.

We didn’t count anything that we read specifically for this podcast, so our worst books are *aside* from those.

For that reason, we picked top 5 favorites and only 1 least favorite–we have this whole podcast to talk about bad books, so for these episodes we’re choosing to focus on the positive!

Some of our “worsts” are really just “least best.” Listen to the podcast to hear more detail!

Children’s/Middle Grade

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Thornhill*, written and illustrated by Pam Smy (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *The Aviary* by Kathleen O’Dell (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *City of Ghosts* by Victoria Schwab (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Hello Universe* by Erin Entrada Kelly (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World* by Ashley Herring Blake (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Kait’s Worst

*A Wind in the Door* by Madeleine L’Engle (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *The Backstagers and the Ghost Light* written by Andy Mientus, illustrated by Rian Singh (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *Aru Shah and the End of Time* by Roshani Chokshi (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Dragons in a Bag* by Zetta Elliott (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Front Desk* by Kelly Yang (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Assassination of Brangwain Spurge* written by M. T. Anderson, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Worst

*Black Panther: The Young Prince* by Ronald L. Smith (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Young Adult

Kait’s Top 5 Best

5.) *The Loneliest Girl in the Universe* by Lauren James (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *All Out*, edited by Saundra Mitchell (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *Here to Stay* by Sara Farizan (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Sawkill Girls* by Claire Legrand (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Truly Devious* by Maureen Johnson (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Kait’s Worst

*Let’s Talk About Love* by Claire Kann (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Top 5 Best

5.) *Blood Water Paint* by Joy McCullough (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

4.) *The 57 Bus* by Dashka Slater (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

3.) *The Poet X* by Elizabeth Acevedo (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

2.) *Darius the Great is Not Okay* by Adib Khorram (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

1.) *Sadie* by Courtney Summers (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Renata’s Worst

*Runaways* by Christopher Golden (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. *(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough — **Episode 113 – The Thorn Birds** Dec 17, 2018

As the weather outside grows frightful, we decided to have our editor Becca join us for a trip Down Under. We read *The Thorn Birds* by Colleen McCullough, the 700-page epic saga of the Cleary family, who have almost as many shocking secrets as they do sheep. (And they have a *lot* of sheep.) Join us now in swearing fealty to Boy King!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Colleen McCullough’s ‘The Thorn Birds’ Is A Total Classic, And Here Are 6 Reasons You Need To Revisit It Right Now by Lindsay Harrison

‘Instant vomit!’ The Thorn Birds author gives her damning verdict on the iconic TV series

Review: The Thorn Birds, the musical – a tragic disaster in Swansea

**Candy Pairing:** Becca says a giant jawbreaker, Kait says a dirty hard candy, Renata says a sexy communion wafer.

**Coming up next:** Bests & Worsts of 2018 (Part 1, Children’s & YA).

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Having it All by Helen Gurley Brown — **Episode 112 – Queer Thoughts on Having It All** Dec 03, 2018

How do you get and keep a man? Hell if Kait knows, even after reading *Having It All* by Helen Gurley Brown. Once again, Kait has gathered some queer friends to see if Helen Gurley Brown’s worldview falls apart if you are not a heterosexual, cisgender woman. (Spoiler alert: It does!) Join Kait, Wren (of Ready to Roll), and Laura as they explore whether bisexual people exist (Spoiler alert: They do!), what the best “thanks for the sex!” gift is (brass lion all the way), and how much to tip on dates (less than the price of whatever outmoded status symbol you gift to your date at the start).

Original Episode

Readers Advisory

**Coming up next:** *The Thorn Birds* by Colleen McCullough

Stranger than Fanfiction by Chris Colfer — **Episode 111 – Stranger than Fanfiction** Nov 19, 2018

Have you been wondering what Chris Colfer has been up to since *Glee*? Are you ready to read some self-insert celebrity real person fanfiction written by an actual celebrity? Honestly, you’re probably not, and we weren’t either, but we were happy to have Cory along for the ride with us as we read *Stranger than Fanfiction* by Chris Colfer. Have this podcast queued up to fill the awkward silence the next time you take a roadtrip with your best friends who don’t actually know anything about you!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Check, Please

St. Louis City Museum

844,739 Ways to Eat a Hamburger

Fanfiction 101

**Candy Pairing:** Cory says candy cigarettes, Kait says Nerds, Renata says a slushie.

**Coming up next:** *Having it All* by Helen Gurley Brown (Part 2).

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Red Rising by Pierce Brown — **Episode 110 – Red Rising** Nov 05, 2018

Did you ever read a science fiction book and think, “I wish I knew more about these characters’ bathroom usage?” If so, *Red Rising* by Pierce Brown is the book for you! Children’s librarian Anna (@opinionsbyanna) joined us for this miserable slog through a Martian Hunger Games with no carbs and no bathroom breaks. Listen now to find out into which Hogwarts House each Martian House would be sorted!

**Content warning:** This book and our discussion of it contains sexual assault, war, and general unpleasantness.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Red Rising Wiki – Caste Pyramid

Red Rising Wiki – Houses

My Brother, My Brother and Me: Cool Pee Book

The West Wing – CJ Does The Jackal

**Candy Pairing:** Anna says Atomic warheads, Kait says generic beef jerky, Renata says vomit flavored Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.

**Coming up next:** *Stranger Than Fanfiction* by Chris Colfer.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Five Nights at Freddy's: The Silver Eyes by Kira Breed-Wrisley and Scott Cawthon — **Episode 109 – Five Night’s At Freddy’s: The Silver Eyes** Oct 22, 2018

Happy Halloween! We faced the scariest thing imaginable for a bad books podcast: a video game tie-in novel that turned out to be actually like, really good? We know: we were shocked too. Almost as shocked as the teen protagonists of *Five Nights at Freddy’s: The Silver Eyes* by Kira Breed-Wrisley and Scott Cawthon were to discover all the horrors awaiting them at Freddy Fazbear’s Funtime Pizza. Rebecca Mahoney of The Bridge podcast joined us for one night of terror. Do *not* listen to this podcast on your overnight security guard shift: you need to keep your senses alert!

**Content warning:** This book and our discussion of it contains the death of a child, suicide, and some very scary animatronics.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Five Nights at Freddy’s on Steam

Five Nights at Freddy’s on Wikipedia

Five Nights at Freddy’s on GameFAQs

PlayPals – Five Nights at Freddy’s

Game Grumps – Five Nights at Freddy’s

Markiplier – Five Nights at Freddy’s

Polygon (feat Griffin and Justin McElroy) – Five Nights at Freddy’s 2

Polygon (feat Griffin and Justin McElroy) – Five Nights at Freddy’s 3

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says fruit flavored Tootsie rolls, Rebecca says Pop Rocks, Renata says birthday cake.

**Coming up next:** *Red Rising* by Pierce Brown.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

My Sweet Audrina by V. C. Andrews — **Episode 108 – My Sweet Audrina** Oct 08, 2018

Out of the attic and into the rocking chair, we were joined by Sophie of Two Bossy Dames to read *My Sweet Audrina* by V. C. Andrews. We were grudgingly impressed by how effectively Andrews gaslit us, the readers, because by the end of this book we had no idea which end was up anymore. Play this episode at your next tea party/seance!

**Content warning:** This book and our discussion of it contains sexual assault, physical & emotional abuse of a child, ableism, gaslighting, miscarriage, and pretty much any other upsetting topic you could imagine.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode #17 – Flowers in the Attic

Prisms and Bon-Bons: (Re)Reading V.C. Andrews’ My Sweet Audrina by Leila Roy

A Review of the Worst Book in History by Erin Callahan

Flowers in the Attic (The Appeal Thereof) by Sigrid Ellis

Girl Catches Boyfriend Gaslighting Her Then Tricks Him Into Watching The Movie “Gaslight”

**Candy Pairing:** Kait says a bowl full of marbles mistaken for jelly beans, Renata says two-year-old birthday cake, Sophie says prismatic rock candy.

**Coming up next:** *Five Nights at Freddy’s: The Silver Eyes* by Kira Breed-Wrisley and Scott Cawthon.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Hope Never Dies by Andrew Shaffer — **Episode 106 – Hope Never Dies** Sep 10, 2018

We teamed up with Anna and Alene from Bellwether Friends, our BFP (best friend podcast), to read about our nation’s greatest BFFs, Joe Biden and Barack Obama. Unfortunately for us, Andrew Shaffer’s political RPF mystery *Hope Never Dies* turned out to be light on the friendship and heavy-handed on the opioid crisis. Listen to this episode on your next Amtrak trip!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Watching President Obama Make a Bracelet for Joe Biden Gave Us Friendship Goals

18 Times Barack Obama And Joe Biden Were #FriendshipGoals

Obama and Biden are the ultimate crime-fighting team in ‘Hope Never Dies’

Stop, You’re Killing Me: List of Real People Mysteries

Fanfiction 101

**Candy Pairing:** Alene says a melted Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Anna says a Waffle House pecan waffle, Kait says White House M&Ms, Renata says almond milk.

**Coming up next:** 4th Anniversary Spectacular!

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Sunset Island by Cherie Bennett — **Episode 105 – Sunset Island** Aug 27, 2018

As the sun goes down on this year’s Flashback Summer, we pay a visit to Sunset Island by Cherie Bennet. We’re joined by Denise (@DezDono), editor of the Gailsone series and one of the few people who remembers this 90s Sweet Valley High knockoff series. Listen now to hear about the lifestyles of a secretly rich babysitter and her horny middle-class friends!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** TeenReads bio of Cherie Bennett

**Candy Pairing:** Denise says Pop Rocks, Kait says OUCH Bubble Gum, Renata says a melting milkshake.

**Coming up next:** *Hope Never Dies* by Andrew Shaffer.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

**Episode 104 – House of Danger** Aug 13, 2018

If you’d like to continue with Flashback Summer, turn to page 2 for Kait, Renata, and Becca’s discussion of House of Danger by R.A. Montgomery. If you’re curious about the Choose Your Own Adventure franchise’s crossover into board game territory, roll a die. If you’re curious about how a single dangerous house can contain aliens, ghosts, carnivorous plants, and counterfeiting chimpanzees, listen to this episode now.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** North & Henderson Choose Their Own Adventure for Special “Unbeatable Squirrel Girl” Issue

The Seven Most F***ed up Real ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Books

House of Danger on BoardGameGeek.com

**Candy Pairing:** Becca says banana Runts, Kait says a boardwalk candy store, Renata says a mall candy store.

**Coming up next:** *Sunset Island* by Cherie Bennett.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz & Stephen Gammell — **Episode 103 – Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark** Jul 30, 2018

Flashback Summer gathered around the campfire to read *Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark* by Alvin Schwartz & Stephen Gammell with our editor Becca. Put your hand in a bowl of peeled grapes and listen to hear how deeply upsetting Renata finds the formative stories of Kait’s childhood. Remember: the best way to make sure your friends know that you’re telling them a scary story is to end it with a scream!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** The 18 Most Egregious Art Replacements in Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

I’m Glad They Changed The Art in Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

**Candy Pairing:** Becca says a big toe, Kait says peeled grapes , Renata says peanut butter taffy.

**Coming up next:** *The House of Danger* by R.A. Montgomery.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Ramona and Her Mother by Beverly Cleary — **Episode 102 – Ramona and Her Mother** Jul 16, 2018

Flashback Summer continues as we revisit everyone’s favorite little sister. Becca and Katelyn joined us to discuss Beverly Cleary’s classic *Ramona and Her Mother*. Relive the thrill of squeezing out an entire tube of toothpaste and the tragedy of a bad haircut! Listen to this while making a tasty gelatine salad for your next dinner party.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Ramona TV series on YouTube

The Ageless Appeal of Beverly Cleary by Pamela Paul

10 Facts About Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Books

**Candy Pairing:** Becca says gummy bears, Kait says generic hard candy , Katelyn says dinner mints, Renata says Jello salad.

**Coming up next:** *Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark* by Alvin Schwartz.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

The Ghost in the Third Row by Bruce Coville — **Episode 101 – The Ghost in The Third Row** Jul 02, 2018

We’re launching our third Flashback Summer with one of Kait’s most formative childhood books. Author Becky Allen (@allreb) joined us to discuss *The Ghost in the Third Row* by Bruce Coville, a middle-grade mystery that’s aged surprisingly well, much like a slightly haunted historic theater. Join us for a tween theatrical drama with a higher body count and more satisfying emotional resolution than the *Phantom of the Opera*!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Ten Books that Terrified Us As Kids (But We Read Them Anyway)

**Candy Pairing:** Becky says Choward’s violet mints, Kait says yogurt covered raisins, Renata says Dots.

**Coming up next:** *Ramona and her Mother* by Beverly Cleary.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline — **Episode 100 – Ready Player One** Jun 18, 2018

It’s our 100th episode! Kait, Renata, and their editor Becca have been studying up on our bad book trivia for years to be able to process *Ready Player One* by Ernest Cline. This has been one of our most-requested books over the years, so we weren’t surprised when it won our listener poll for the 100th episode. We *were* surprised by how it was almost exactly like all the parodies of it we saw on Twitter. Thanks to all our listeners for helping us make it to 100 episodes! We love you all so much we want to stand in your yards and play this episode on a boombox.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** John Mulaney explains Back to the Future

The 6 Most Absurd Product Placements in Video Game History

Monster Factory: The Boy Mayor of Second Life

Monster Factory: Second Life, Second Chances

DM’s Deep Dive: D&D Economics

Grandma Shirley Plays Skyrim

**Candy pairing:** Becca says Skittles, Kait says Airheads, Renata says the description of a sugar molecule.

**Coming up next:** *The Ghost in the Third Row* by Bruce Coville.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas — **Episode 99 – A Court of Wings and Ruin** Jun 04, 2018

Y’all know TFW you’re an extremely powerful faerie who has an important role to play in a war to save all of magic-kind, but you’re also extremely DTF? Meredith Goldstein (@MeredithGoldste), author and advice columnist for The Boston Globe’s Love Letters column and podcast, knows all about that feel, so we invited her to discuss *A Court of Wings and Ruin*, as well as the rest of Sarah J. Maas’s *Court of Thorns and Rose*s YA fantasy series. If you take a drink every time we mix up the titles of these books, then you probably won’t notice all the times we mess up the characters’ names!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** What Happened in *A Court of Thorns and Roses?*

What Happened in *A Court of Mist and Fury?*

“The Mate Rules” in Sarah J. Maas’s series

**Candy pairing:** Kait says a bag of trail mix with gummy penises, Meredith says cotton candy, Renata says edible underwear.

**Coming up next:** Our 100th Episode – book TBD!

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Unmasked by Andrew Lloyd Wbber — **Episode 98 – Unmasked** May 21, 2018

Kait and Renata decided that this podcast didn’t have enough musical theater references, so they invited their Jellicle friends Ashley and Stacey to read Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s memoir *Unmasked*. Join us to learn more than we ever wanted to know about Andrew Lloyd Webber’s child bride, and not as much as Duarte wanted to know about Andrew Lloyd Webber’s cats. We apologize in advance for all the earworms.

**Special note:** Our 100th episode is coming up! Please vote on what we should read for the occasion.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Renata’s Highly Subjective Audio-Visual Guide to the World of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webber to quit House of Lords due to Brexit making his schedule ‘impossibly’ busy

Comedy Bang! Bang!: Andrew Lloyd Webber Rap

Comedy Bang! Bang!: John C. Reilly, Ice-T, & Andrew Lloyd Webber Call in from a Hot Air Balloon

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “MUSICAL; THEATRE” with guests THE BOTH (Aimee Mann & Ted Leo)

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? Episode 1

**Candy pairing:** Ashley says Trolli Sour Brite Blasts, Kait says a themed Broadway cocktail in a souvenir sippy cup, Stacey says Riesens, Renata says sherbet lemons.

**Coming up next: *A Court of Wings and Ruin* by Sarah J. Maas.**

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Wonder by R. J. Palacio — **Episode 97 – Wonder** May 07, 2018

Renata, Kait, and their returning guest Angie decided to #ChooseKind and experience the wonder of *Wonder* by R. J. Palacio, a saccharine story of what some abled people could learn from spending time with a boy with craniofacial differences. It’s also the story of a boy’s inexplicable love of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Tune in now to get your recommended daily allowance of Inspirational Quotes!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Review of *Wonder*, written by Mike Moody for Disability in KidLit

On *Wonder* by Mindy R.

What “Wonder” Gets Wrong About Disfigurement and Craniofacial Disorders by Ariel Henley

“I’m not your inspir ation, thank you very much” by Stella Young

Children’s Craniofacial Association: About Treacher Collins Syndrome

Critics Question the Representation of Disability in ‘Wonder’ by Lauren Barack

About R. J. Palacio

Worst Bestsellers #2 – Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer

**Candy pairing:** Angie says Werther’s Originals, Kait says McDonald’s apple slices, Renata says sketchy charity candy.

**Coming up next:***Unmasked* by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole — **Episode 96 – A Princess in Theory** Apr 23, 2018

In honor of the upcoming royal wedding, we read Alyssa Cole’s first Reluctant Royals romance, *A Princess in Theory*, with the 2016 Romance Writers Association librarian of the year, Robin Bradford. Although this book has a slightly silly premise–namely, what if spam emails insisting that you’re betrothed to the prince of a small African nation were real–we loved it, just as much as Prince Thabiso loves his lost love Naledi. Join us to be reminded that love is real, even if neither Thesolo nor Wakanda are.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Fanfiction 101

Library Journal Movers & Shakers: Robin Bradford

**Candy pairing:** Kait says homemade macarons, Renata says King Size Skittles, Robin says a 100 Grand Bar.

**Coming up next:***Wonder* by R. J. Palacio.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson — **Episode 94 – Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas** Mar 26, 2018

In Part 2 of our Big Podcast Crossover Event with I Don’t Even Own A Television, J.W. and Collision joined us to discuss James Patterson’s *Suzanne’s Diary For Nicholas*. It’s a beautiful example of the power of Telling, Not Showing. Specifically, telling your children all about your sex life with way too much detail. Turn off your Macy Gray albums and get ready to dive into a book so stupid that it took four book podcasters to fully unpack it!

Content warning: This book and our discussion of it contains both miscarriage and the death of an infant.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** I Don’t Even Own A Television #102 – *Maximum Ride*

Episode #61 – *Bridges of Madison County*

Episode #70 – *The Notebook*

D ave Malloy – The Whale As A Dish (from Moby Dick)

Dave Malloy – A Squeeze of the Hand

Shoba Narayan Performs A Song From Dave Malloy’s Moby Dick

**Candy pairing:** Collision says butterscotch hard candy, J. W. says Buttered Popcorn Jelly Bellies, Kait says Jolly Ranchers, Renata says an elaborate caramel apple.

**Congratulations to Melinda, who won our #BygoneBadassBroads pin giveaway!** And thanks to everyone who entered and supported Trident Books. We may have more things to support Trident through the aftermath of their fire, so stay tuned!

**Coming up next:***Having It All* by Helen Gurley Brown.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

**Bonus Episode III – Twilight Movies** Mar 12, 2018

We’re taking a break from our regularly scheduled book podcast to release this bonus episode about the movies of the Twilight saga! As a Patreon goal, we watched all 5 films and recorded our reactions to them. (Renata’s dazzled reactions and Kait’s….less-dazzled reactions.)

**Special note:** Check out our Bygone Badass Broads Giveaway, running through 3/25/18, to support an independent bookstore and get cool stuff!

**Apologies:** Sorry for the delayed episodes and for the iffy audio quality of the first part of these episodes!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Storified #TwiWBS

Storified #TwiWBS: New Moon

Storified #TwiWBS Eclipse

Storified #TwiWBS Breaking Dawn Part 1

Storified #TwiWBS Breaking Dawn Part 2

**Candy pairing:** Cranberry-apple cider punch

**Coming up next:** *Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas* by James Patterson.

* *Worst Bestsellers* is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)*

Angels Fall by Nora Roberts — **Episode 93 – Angels Fall** Feb 26, 2018

Our February observance of Nora Roberts Month continues, as we read *Angels Fall* with author and longtime Nora devotee Christine Ricketts. It’s a quirky small-town romance between a traumatized chef and a mystery writer who hates vegetables. What could go wrong? A murder? An elaborate town-wide gaslighting campaign? A lack of fresh #herbs? All this and more, but spoilers…it ends happily ever after.

Content warning: This book and our discussion of it contains a fictional mass shooting.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Concept of Waffles Newsletter

**Stained Page Newsletter**

Episode #92 – *Whiskey Beach*

Episode #28 – *Black Hills*

**Candy pairing:** Christine says hotel chocolates, Kait says trail mix, Renata says #herbs.

**Coming up next:***Wonder* by R. J. Palacio

Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts — **Episode 92 – Whiskey Beach** Feb 12, 2018

Happy Valentine’s Day! Kait and Renata decided to treat themselves to the gift of Nora Roberts. They read *Whiskey Beach* with special Galentine pal (and mother of Renata), Susan. Although Duarte didn’t like this one as much as our last experience with Nora, the cougariffic Black Hills, it was still a welcome respite from the usual garbage we read. Join us for the romantic story of a man who totally didn’t murder his wife falling in love with his quirky crime-solving housekeeper/masseuse/yoga instructor/jewelry designer. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as Nora Roberts enjoys describing home decor!

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** Episode #28 – *Black Hills*

North Shore vs South Shore

‘I’m sorry for coining the phrase “Manic Pixie Dream Girl”’ by Nathan Rabin

**Candy pairing:** Kait says cinnamon toast, Renata says Gibraltars, Susan says Snickers.

**Coming up next:***Angels Fall* by Nora Roberts.

Into the Wild by Erin Hunter — **Episode 91 – Warriors** Jan 29, 2018

Warrior cats, come out to play! Librarian Sam joined us Twolegs podcasters to discuss *Into the Wild* (Warriors #1) by Erin Hunter, the first volume of the long, complex, deeply upsetting Warriors series. We jumped into the jam-packed *dramatis fursonae* of feral cats fighting over the best sunbeams in the woods and were shocked at their prejudice toward housecats. Warning: we do not recommend letting your pets listen to this episode.

**Readers advisory**: Here.

**Footnotes:** What Warrior Cats Clan Do You Belong In? quiz

Warriors Wikipedia entry

MBMBaM – Warriors Cat Names

Does The Dog Die? Dot Com

**Candy pairing:** Kait says Ice Mice, Renata says Wild Berry Skittles, Sam says Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans.

**Coming up next:***Whiskey Beach* by Nora Roberts.

Episode 90.5 – A Queer Chat About Martians and Venusians Jan 22, 2018

If all Venusians communicate so easily, why is Kait so garbage at asking girls out? That’s just one of the questions John Gray’s Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus tire fire left unanswered from a queer perspective, so Kait rounded up a few of her queer friends to talk about why this book is extra garbage if you don’t conform to the cisgender, heterosexual societal norm. Join Kait, Wren, and Red as they have a collective rage aneurysm and make a lot of dumb queer jokes about the Mars/Venus designation. Will Wren and Red actually remain friends with Kait after she made them read this nonsense book? Listen to this bonus episode to find out!

Original Episode

Readers advisory