Books and the City

Latest Episodes:

“Because… It’s a book.” Feb 21, 2022

Show notes

Today we’re doing a quick refresher on our current jobs and chatting about what jobs we’d have if we didn’t have our current jobs. Also, don’t forget to join the fan club book club for Libby’s pick, The Idiot by Elif Batuman, on Monday, February 28! Anyway, then we’re getting into some fun reads, including: a contemporary magical realism family story, a literary thriller, a World War II historical fiction story, and a translated unassuming assassin novel. Thanks for tuning in, we’re excited about all the new content we have coming in season 2! As always, you can grab your BATC merch (including the coveted SWEATSHIRT) here: https://www.booksandthecitypod.com/merch. Browse and shop all the books we’ve discussed on this episode and past episodes at https://www.bookshop.org/shop/booksandthecity. Subscribe to our newsletter on our website, and send us an email at booksandthecitypod@gmail.com------------->

Kayla’s pick: One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle (13:18-20:51)
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/One-Italian-Summer/Rebecca-Serle/9781982166793
On Kayla’s TBR: A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

Libby’s pick: The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz (20:52-31:11)
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250790767/the-plot
On Libby’s TBR: Sorry Please Thank You by Charles Yu

Becky’s pick: The Light After the War by Anita Abriel (31:12-37:53)
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Light-After-the-War/Anita-Abriel/9781982122980
On Becky’s TBR: Lana’s War by Anita Abriel

Emily’s pick: The Old Woman With the Knife by Gu Byeong-Mo (37:54-46:48)
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-old-woman-with-the-knife-gu-byeong-mo?variant=39372848234530
On Emily’s TBR: Lady Joker by Kaoru Takamura

Music by EpidemicSound, logo art by @niczollos, all opinions are our own.

Chaos Mode Activated Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to our first official chaos episode!!! Today, we’re in the mood for love… stories! As in tropes! And fictional ships! It’s predictably all over the place and chaotic, but also a fun discussion around romance topics. Happy Valentine’s Day to all who celebrate ❤️❤️❤️ As always, thank you SO MUCH for listening! Grab your BATC merch (including the coveted SWEATSHIRT) here: https://www.booksandthecitypod.com/merch. Browse and shop all the books we’ve discussed on past episodes at https://www.bookshop.org/shop/booksandthecity. Subscribe to our newsletter on our website, and send us an email at booksandthecitypod@gmail.com.
Music by EpidemicSound, logo art by @niczollos, all opinions are our own.

And Just Like That… We’re Back! Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

SEASON 2, BABYYYY! We are so happy to be back, thanks for bearing with us over our little break and welcome back to season two of Books and the City! We kicking things off today with a chill little catchup session (virtually, because of the snow). And stay tuned, because Libby is announcing the February Patreon book club pick! (Hint: the cover is ~millennial pink~). Then, at long last, the books. Thanks for tuning in, we’re excited about all the new content we have coming in season 2! As always, you can grab your BATC merch (including the coveted SWEATSHIRT) here: https://www.booksandthecitypod.com/merch. Browse and shop all the books we’ve discussed on this episode and past episodes at https://www.bookshop.org/shop/booksandthecity. Subscribe to our newsletter on our website, and send us an email at booksandthecitypod@gmail.com------------->

Becky’s pick: Radio Girls by Sarah Jane Stratford (20:47-32:35)
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/318234/radio-girls-by-sarah-jane-stratford/
On Becky’s TBR: An Honest Lie by Tarryn Fisher

Kayla’s pick: The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis (32:36-42:33)
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/665613/the-magnolia-palace-by-fiona-davis/
On Kayla’s TBR: Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Emily’s pick: Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho (42:34-52:14)
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/652717/fiona-and-jane-by-jean-chen-ho/
On Emily’s TBR: Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Libby’s pick: The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward (52:15-1:00:24)
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250812629/the-last-house-on-needless-street
On Libby’s TBR: Let the Record Show by Sarah Schulman

Music by EpidemicSound, logo art by @niczollos, all opinions are our own.

THROWBACK: “We Have To Name This One The Tequila Episode” AKA Elevate Your Understanding Jan 31, 2022

Show notes

The last throwback of this break! We can't want to get back to new episodes next week. In the meantime, enjoy this OLDDD one where Emily fell asleep (: .....It’s almost like every Books and the City episode is a drunk episode! Quarantine-prepping will do that to you, I guess. We kick off this episode with a LARGE shot of Nick Jonas’s tequila, and no one is really sure whether it’s good or not (which probably just means we’re all pretty drunk.) Then, we almost fall right back down the astrology hole when we find out Emily doesn’t know what time she was born, but Becky keeps us on track with a fun, book-related astrology fact. Listen to find out what it is, and then keep listening to get four (very different) books added to your TBR! Read on for links. Bar recs will return after quarantine! Also, got a perfect bar + book pairing in your city, OR any thoughts about the books we talked about in episode 7? Send us a note at booksandthecitypod@gmail.com!------------->

Becky just read: The Other Windsor Girl by Georgie Blalock (14:38-25:11) https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062871497/the-other-windsor-girl/ Up next for Becky: The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo Kayla just read: Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon (25:11-35:20) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/601900/code-name-helene-by-ariel-lawhon/ Up next for Kayla: The Queen’s Fortune by Allison Pataki or Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore Emily just read: Strange Weather in Tokyo (originally called The Briefcase) by Kiromi Kawakami, translated by Allison Markin Powell (35:21-50:00) https://www.counterpointpress.com/dd-product/strange-weather-in-tokyo/ While we’re pausing our bar recs for the time being, Becky mentions the perfect rec for this. The Tokyo Record Room near Washington Square Park! Up next for Emily: The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman by Denis Theriault Libby just read: Sparrow by Mary Cecilia Jackson (50:01-1:00:38) https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780765398857 The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Their advocates are available 24/7, in more than 200 languages, and all calls are free and confidential. Up next for Libby: Last Things by Jenny Offill Music by EpidemicSound, logo art by @niczollos, all opinions our own.

THROWBACK: "I'm Not A Normal Girl, I'm A Strawberry Girl." Jan 24, 2022

Show notes

Thanks for tuning in for a fun throwback, originally released in August 2020. Books and the City is SO EXCITED to (finally) announce our big news, which we've been teasing for weeks now: we have a fan club!!! We launched our Patreon to newsletter subscribers this past Friday, so stay tuned to hear about all the amazing perks you get access to if you decide you'd like to support the podcast! Including but not limited to: the *highly* sought-after Books and the City wine glass. Fun fact, this is also our 21st episode, so we're chatting 21st birthday memories before we dive into some fantastic books. This episode brings you a steamy contemporary rom-com, translated literary fiction, mind-bending science fiction, aaaaand (drumroll for the nostalgia): Stephanie Meyer's latest addition to the Twilight series! is it 2010 or 2020, I am not sure. Read on for buy links, and click for info on merch that we're launching along with the Fan Club Patreon: http://booksandthecitypod.com/merch! And learn more about joining our fan club here: https://www.patreon.com/booksandthecitypod! You can shop all the books we’ve discussed on this episode and past episodes at bookshop.org/shop/booksandthecity. Visit our website at www.booksandthecitypod.com to make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter, where we’ll continue releasing any and all BATC-news! And as always, please drop us a line at booksandthecitypod@gmail.com for any of your other bookish thoughts------------->

Emily just read: Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert (20:15-30:43)
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/take-a-hint-dani-brown-talia-hibbert
Up next for Emily: Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Libby just read: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (30:44-49:24)
https://www.europaeditions.com/book/9781609450786/my-brilliant-friend
Up next for Libby: Who Put This Song On? by Morgan Parker

Becky just read: MEM by Bethany C. Morrow (49:25-59:06) https://www.unnamedpress.com/books/book?title=MEM
Up next for Becky: Harrow Lake by Kat Ellis

Kayla just read: Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer (59:07-1:15:32)
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/stephenie-meyer/midnight-sun/9780316592253/
Up next for Kayla: The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes by Elissa R Sloan

Music by EpidemicSound, logo art by @niczollos, all opinions our own.

THROWBACK: "Sorry...did you say ubie?" Jan 17, 2022

Show notes

THROWBACK EPISODE (Originally released September 2020) First thing's first: HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our very own science nerd, the co-host who is ALWAYS ready with a jingle or four: Emily!!! 🎉 Go send her some birthday love today. And then buckle up for a very fun, very giggly episode that we recorded at the tail-end of our marathon 9-hour recording session. Bear with us through the loopiness as we talk about the books that always get us into the ~fall~ mood! After that, stick around to hear some incredible book talk as everyone discusses some promising titles, from cult favorites to highly anticipated new releases. Read on for buy links, and join the fan club here: https://www.patreon.com/booksandthecitypod. Shop all the books we’ve discussed on this episode and past episodes at bookshop.org/shop/booksandthecity. Visit our website at www.booksandthecitypod.com to make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter, and as always, please drop us a line at booksandthecitypod@gmail.com to share any and all of your other bookish thoughts. WE LOVE YOU, thank you so much for listening!------------->

Libby just read: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab (11:54-34:45)
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780765387585
Up next for Libby: The Binding by Bridget Collins

Kayla just read: They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman (34:46-46:27)
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/610616/they-wish-they-were-us-by-jessica-goodman/
Up next for Kayla: A Most English Princess by Claire McHugh

Becky just read: Watch Over Me by Nina Lacour (46:28-54:37)
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/622607/watch-over-me-by-nina-lacour/
Up next for Becky: Don’t Look for Me by Wendy Walker

Emily just read: The Secret History by Donna Tartt (54:38-1:12:20)
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/176619/the-secret-history-by-donna-tartt/
Up next for Emily: The Killings At Kingfisher Hill by Sophie Hannah

Music by EpidemicSound, logo art by @niczollos, all opinions our own.

THROWBACK: “I HAVE EVIDENCE!” (A Very Chaotic Christmas Episode) Jan 10, 2022

Show notes

CHRISTMAS 2020 RE-RELEASE!! We are sooo excited to bring you a very special Secret Santa episode of Books and the City. After we talk favorite Christmas traditions, we’re getting into a very fun book conversation. This week, we all read books that our Secret Santa chose for us; none of us know what anyone else was reading, and we spend the second half of the episode guessing who drew our names (and presenting the *extensive* reasoning behind our guesses (Kayla had a whole dossier)). It was so much fun, and we all discovered some great new reads along the way! Special shoutout to our amazing illustrator, Nicole, for seamlessly facilitating the Secret Santa fun. This episode was brought to you by Simpson & Vail Tea; shop their amazing literary teas at https://www.svtea.com/! And if you’re looking for merch (to ship in the new year!), get it here: https://www.booksandthecitypod.com/merch. You can join our fan club at https://www.patreon.com/booksandthecitypod. Shop all the books we’ve discussed on this episode and past episodes at bookshop.org/shop/booksandthecity. Make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter on our website, and send us an email at booksandthecitypod@gmail.com. Thank you for listening and Happy Holidays! ------------->

Libby’s Secret Santa chose: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (19:08-28:40)
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250217288
Up next for Libby: Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth

Kayla Secret Santa chose:The Paris Secret by Natasha Lester (28:41-43:02)
https://www.grandcentralpublishing.com/titles/natasha-lester/the-paris-secret/9781538717271/
Up next for Kayla: The Churchill Woman by Stephanie Barron

Emily’s Secret Santa chose: A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (43:03-53:53)
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/201020/a-visit-from-the-goon-squad-by-jennifer-egan/
Up next for Emily: Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell

Becky’s Secret Santa chose: Vicious by V.E. Schwab (53:54-1:04:15) https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250183507
Up next for Becky: The War Widow by Tara Moss

Music by EpidemicSound, logo art by @niczollos, all opinions our own.

NEW! Author Interview: Kerri Maher Jan 06, 2022

Show notes

Becky and Kayla got to sit down AGAIN with a friend of the podcast, authorKerri Maher, to discuss her new biographical novel, The Paris Bookseller! Tune in for a fun chat about all things Lost Generation, Paris in the 20s and Shakespeare & Company. Plus, Kerri shares a crazy fun fact about where she got to stay on her research visit to Paris and how it was serendipitous! We hope you enjoy this convo as much as we did! Feel free to send us a note about this interview, Kerri's book, your favorite historical fiction, or anything else at booksandthecitypod@gmail.com. ------------------------>

Kerri's new book The Paris Bookseller: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/623972/the-paris-bookseller-by-kerri-maher/

Find Kerri online! Here she is on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrimaherwriter/?hl=en and her website: https://www.kerrimaher.com/

PS: ICYMI, here’s the episode where Becky talks about The Paris Bookseller: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/board-game-people/id1500784660?i=1000544796350

Music by EpidemicSound, logo art by @niczollos

THROWBACK: Meet Your New Favorite Book Club! Jan 03, 2022

Show notes

OUR FIRST EVER EPISODE!! Pop some champagne because we’re kicking off Books and the City with some exciting convos about how we met, what we’re reading right now and what we want to read next! Plus, are we ALL Charlotte York or does someone have to be the Samantha?! Here are the books we discussed and the bar that matches it in NYC ------------->

Kayla Read: The Words I Never Wrote by Jane Thynne https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/557329/the-words-i-never-wrote-by-jane-thynne/ Read this one while you have a cozy hot toddy and type away at your own history-making novel on the vintage typewriters at The High Line Hotel’s Lobby Bar in Chelsea. Up next: Before and After by Judy Christie

Becky Read: City of Flickering Light by Juliette Fay https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/City-of-Flickering-Light/Juliette-Fay/9781501192937 Read this while you sip a latte or an old fashioned at the art deco themed Five and Dime in the Financial District. Go at night for happy hour and you might find a silent film (or should we say flicker!) projected on the wall. Up next: Ninety-Nine Glimpses of Princess Margaret by Craig Brown

Emily Read: Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow https://www.littlebrown.com/titles/ronan-farrow/catch-and-kill/9780316486637/ Because of the sensitive subject matter of this book we do not have a location recommendation to go along with it. Read this book in the place that makes you feel most comfortable. <3 Up next: Why We're Polarized by Ezra Klein

Libby Read: The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780765334336 Get yourself some craft beer on tap at Burp Castle While you read this book! This medieval-themed bar in the East Village is the perfect place to read, especially since patrons aren’t allowed to speak louder than a whisper. A rule that is heavily enforced by bartenders. Up next: Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney

Music by EpidemicSound, logo art by @niczollos, all opinions our own.

Good Riddance, 2021 Dec 27, 2021

Show notes

That’s a wrap on another year (and season 1!) of Books and the City Podcast. We’re talking all things 2021 in this episode, including: reading goals we accomplished and didn’t, challenging parts of the year, what we’re hoping for in 2022, and some standout reads. We are so, so, so beyond grateful to all of you for listening to us talk about books (and a lot more) every week for another long, challenging year. We would not be here without you, and we love you with all our hearts. You can find our merch here (including an old favorite, returning in January 👀): https://www.booksandthecitypod.com/merch. Join our fan club at https://www.patreon.com/booksandthecitypod. Shop all the books we’ve discussed on past episodes at bookshop.org/shop/booksandthecity. Make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter on our website, and send us an email at booksandthecitypod@gmail.com. Happy New Year, and goodbye 2021!!!! We’ll see you back here for season TWO in February ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Music by EpidemicSound, logo art by @niczollos, all opinions are our own.

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