We are back this week with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. We start with Matt courting self help readers to read fiction and from there we dip our toes into the works of Saki. And finally, we end the show by adding some works to our TBR...but the only caveat is that the books must have been hugely popular. Very fun episode!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7I9J6A7fJ4RO1XRs8sCmAl
Published in 1960, “The Singularity“ by Dino Buzzati is a thought provoking, prescient, and creepy story that makes the reader wonder what our future holds. We often like to discuss the implications of A.I. on society and books and Dino Buzzati's story is a great exploration of what it means to be human, how far A.I. can go to replicate/replace human behavior, and where do we draw the line?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4j9KJg2YYTFMUazcmPi6cS
I got a new phone and went to download the Litsy App from Google Play and it wasn't there! Has this been an issue for anyone else with an Android phone?
pickThis week we are discussing the fantastic novel “Harlem Shuffle“ by Colson Whitehead. A novel which spurned a discussion on mixing genre fiction and literary fiction. We also discussed why people read and write, A.I. novels, and pitching an oral history on George R. R. Martin writing the Game of Thrones novels. Lots of fun banter. Enjoy!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2tRzPUiGXAu9zUjoUlI2Eo
pickWe did a Lessons in Chemistry episode! Normally we're a pretty positive podcast but one of us had some very strong opinions about this novel and the other had an interesting “theory.“ Let us know what you thought of this book and whether you agreed with our insights.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6F89LTZpBajVHzaK0O2bPL
Hello! It's been awhile but we are back to talk books. We start by knocking off the rust with random observations (longtime listeners will know this a ruse to not become too successful) before we delve into Ernest Hemingway's short story “Hills Like White Elephants.“ After that we nominate a great collection of books to add to our famous TBR. (We add more than one...)
https://open.spotify.com/episode/41COjOpVn0QraJyc53d2dX
We're back with a brand new Wolf Hall episode! Let us know what you thought of the novel. Was this the first time reading it? How much historical knowledge did you have going in? Did you consider the book hard to follow?
https://www.patreon.com/c/therewillbebooks
This week we celebrate the best in the books we read in the past year. It's time for the Book Oscars!! We debate fun categories such as best villain and best scene before announcing the winners for best book, best character, and best author. We love doing this episode!
Also, if you like upcoming book news we have a bit of that in the beginning. Thanks for listening and enjoy!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3KJ5tQM00jZlX7zqZeVy2Q
pickSince we started this podcast we have read one Flashman book a year. This year we read book five, “Flashman in the Great Game.“ This time we follow Flashman to India as he becomes involved in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. But before we discuss our latest Flashman book, Matt makes a point about Christmas and Peter discusses texting Matt's Dad about books.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/17U6SxHbA4b6jkHQXKNydI
Bought a used book this weekend!
This week we're adding and subtracting. First, we nominate some new books to add to our TBR. I always say this but lots of interesting titles. Lastly, the main attraction, a new game called, the bookshelf purge. Each of us brought a stack of books to discuss this week, revolving around the question of should I keep this book? Enjoy!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/19Tg7QkFYzJyGO890bogi5
pickThis week we begin with a little AI chat before discussing a fantastic novella. In 1977, Lady Caroline Blackwood published, “Great Granny Webster,“ a biting, bleak, hilarious take down of a “great“ house. Full of fantastic characters and brilliant prose this book impressed us both immensely.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6aPNVsLpSWcRe8dtlxjedP
The kid wanted to play with the books and I told okay as long as he put them back. And he did. In his own way.
so-soWe're back after winter break to talk about a books! We begin by discussing “The Spectre of Alexander Wolf“ by Gaito Gazdanov. A book with a tremendous premise but we discuss why the book fails to build on that.
Next we add a bunch of short stories to our TBR. Lots of interesting selections to look forward to!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/02ichtYoZ7hSJsreXPA3Yf
Looking at some short stories to read this month.
New Patreon episode just dropped. We discuss many of the books pictured. And, it's audio so you can't see it but the cat stared at me the whole time we were recording.
https://www.patreon.com/c/therewillbebooks
Happy Holidays! New episode just posted!
We've tallied up the votes and our latest Thriller is...“The Cardinal of the Kremlin“ by Tom Clancy.
Next on the agenda is finalizing our author 2025 project. Listed below are the nominations and the works we'd read if the author is chosen. Place your votes and we'll get started on this project in January.
https://www.patreon.com/c/therewillbebooks
New episode just posted! This week we're discussing the successful debut from Rachel Joyce, “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.“ A charming, sad, and poignant novel that surprised and pleased us greatly. We had a great time discussing this novel...spoilers ahead!
Hello Friends,
We're back with a great list of thriller nominations. Matt went with some heavy hitters, while Peter brought some lesser known but still good sounding titles. As always, rank your choices in the comments below.
And finally, we toss around some author choices to read in 2025. Give us your feedback and nominate some authors you'd like us to read (include 4 titles if you want).
https://www.patreon.com/posts/thriller-plus-116538572
I think this is a lovely picture. I might even read the book even though I'm ambivalent about Steinbeck.
pickNew episode just posted! This week we are discussing the much taught and discussed 1927 novel by Hermann Hesse, “Steppenwolf.“ Going in we didn't quite know what to expect but we both agreed we were pleasantly surprised by this enlightening, thought provoking, and surreal novel.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0u4zJHtj9d6cPjRoWQ2IAT
My favorite book just fell apart from too much use.
As mentioned in our latest episode, here is the sourdough loaf I just baked! Looks good but it was hard as a rock after an hour. Probably something to do with proofing at altitude. Let me know if you have any tips or tricks.
I don't really have the time to start this one but I might anyway.
We are back from a nice fall break. Peter went to the big apple and Matt stayed around, working on his sourdough starter. While we were away we both have been reading books on the side, and we begin this episode discussing some of our fall reading highlights.
We end by picking an October book to read. Will we continue to pick a horror book or will we go another direction?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2cpTWJW3JqI2FBNko8Q6Wk
Some potential late October spooky reads.
A little Get Shorty episode prep. It was a fun episode to record and we came up with some cool theories. You can find the conversation on our Patreon page. New subscribers get a free mug mailed to them!
https://www.patreon.com/c/therewillbebooks
pickNew Get Shorty episode just posted over on Patreon! We dive into the Leonard classic and argue about it's quality and “clunkiness.“ We aslso discuss the movie version and inflation and colorblindness. It's an entertaining episode and available to all subscribers! Enjoy!
https://www.patreon.com/posts/get-shorty-114585111?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm...
It's that time of year!
Okay I need everyone's help. What color is this blanket?
Okay, MLB playoffs start today. If the Royals lose I read ten pages of the Foote. If they win I do five of V. Fun way to channel my emotions.
The kid is making a bed of books
New episode just dropped! We begin by discussing Matt's recent reads, courtesy of his losing sports teams. Then we dive into another installment of nominating and selecting new books to add to our TBR. Lots of serious literary choices this time around. Also discussed; Sally Rooney, NYC bookstores, and twitter feuds. Thanks for listening. Enjoy!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6CUyLxtnLk53hppTEWcCpP
The Royals are getting swept in the middle of a pennant race? Don't care. Learning about history.
pickNew episode just posted! This week we are discussing the much praised, and beloved novel, “My Brilliant Friend“ by Elena Ferrante. We delve into Ferrante's mysterious identity and discuss criticism in the modern age. But mostly we discuss this brilliant, personal, and captivating novel. Enjoy!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CKVxGb3QEHJCWTDjwNTYe
Having fun preparing for this episode. Does anyone know what came of the rumor that Ferrante was really Domenico Starnone? People talked like there was conclusive evidence years ago but I can't find anything recent.
Did an episode on The Wager. We talked scurvy, old timey wooden ships, and whether it'd be okay for Jerry Jones to press gang Tom Brady out of retirement.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6C6qxwj0c4CJPNJsiUMCgy?si=sSTl1vC0S5i8kIQB2vern...
pickWidely hailed as one of the best books of 2023, David Grann's latest, “The Wager“ is a remarkable true story that amazes at every turn. We discuss Grann's gift as a story teller and the various fascinating layers to this best selling book.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6C6qxwj0c4CJPNJsiUMCgy
The official late summer reading list!
New Patreon episode just dropped! We select a new Crime Thriller to read, have an adorable interlude and finally, we unveil our preliminary lists for favorite books of the 21st century! We will fine tune our lists but let us know what you think. Do you agree? Were you surprised? Shocked? Let us know what would make your list.
https://www.patreon.com/therewillbebooks
Scenes from our latest Pynchon episode!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4oXT0Gf63mnLWrghvDDUu4?si=wOg9QQCuSjOXULTOtzgb4...
New episode just dropped! As you can tell from the title, we are discussing the much beloved and somewhat feared author, Thomas Pynchon. I use the word feared because Pynchon can be difficult to read and thus, readers are often left wondering, where do I start with one of the most important authors of the last 60 years? Let's find out.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4oXT0Gf63mnLWrghvDDUu4
pickNew episode just posted! This week we discuss “The Black Spider“ by Jeremias Gotthelf. This little known book, reprinted by the fabulous people over at NYRB, packs quite a punch in little over 100 pages. Gotthelf writes a tale with a little bit of everything, from idyllic country sides, to a menacing black spider all within a Christian allegory that makes for a rewarding reading experience.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gV1ulTIGgsxFsFVmUbdRw
We have ourselves a little stand off.
