Literally Books
The ultimate podcast for book lovers, pop culture enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to dive deep into the world of literature with their best friends. If you’ve ever daydreamed about marrying Atticus Finch, or spent hours playing marry, eff, kill with Sarah J. Maas characters, then this is the podcast for you.
...Literally Our Unfiltered Thoughts on "Wicker"
Once upon a time, a lonely fisherwoman commissioned a local basketmaker to make her a husband, and the romance of a lifetime was born.
This week, Magda and Lindsay discuss all the interwoven themes of the surprisingly complex and touching film that is “Wicker.”
Don’t let the marketing fool you; there’s way more going on here than a woman getting freaky with a basket.
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Bad Words“ by Rioghnach Robinson
“The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion“ by Beth Brower
“Bad in Bed “ by A...
...Literally Bonus Episode!! "Small Bites" with author Eliane Boey
This week, Magda and Lindsay are joined by Eliane Boey to discuss her latest book, “Small Bites,” which releases Wednesday!
“Small Bites” follows Hammie, a mother who has lost her hunger, but is steadfast in her belief that she is, in fact, totally fine. Until the day she locks herself in her storeroom with a talking spider, who teaches her to recapture what she lost by breaking down everything that now occupies her space. Slowly, she begins to feel her appetite return.
This episode is guaranteed to make you feel fed.
You can fin...
...Literally Book News! November Week 1: Sally Rooney book ban, adaptation updates, and romance novels for men?
This week, book news covers adaptations for “The Nightingale,” “All the Little Houses,” and “Piranesi.”
Also, Lucy Holmes, er, we mean Hale, will star in a new Sherlock Holmes rom-com.
Lastly, they break down Sally Rooney’s decision to stop selling her books in the UK and question the emerging genre of male romance.
Books mentioned in the episode:
“The Nightingale“ by Kristin Hannah
“All the Little Houses“ by May Cobb
“The Hunting Wives“ by May Cobb
“Piranesi“ by Susanna Clarke
Find us at literallybooks.com<...
...Literally Nonfiction Recs for Any Reader feat. Meg Harris from "I Read It on a Podcast!"
Though there are literally books we try to read anything and everything, sometimes we need a little help from our friends. That’s why this week we have the amazing Meg Harris from “I Read It on a Podcast” to give us her top 3 current non-fiction recs.
You can also check out “I Read it On a Podcast” on your favorite streaming platform to keep up to date on all of Meg’s latest recommendations.
I Read It on a Podcast Instagram
Meg’s favorite Indie Bookstore in Chicago:
Women and Children...
...Literally Books News! October Week 5: Will the AI rumors ever end? Reading Raves and more!
On this week’s book news, Magda and Lindsay discuss yet another author who’s being accused of leveraging AI for his latest work, a new San Antonio publishing co-op, a new trend of reading raves, and Icebreaker casting!
Listen in for this literary emotional rollercoaster!
Books mentioned in the episode:
“C'était ça ou mourir“ by Thélyson Orélien
“Daggermouth“ by H.M. Wolfe
“Icebreaker“ by Hannah Grace
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<......Literally Dracula Dramatized Audio Review!!
“MIINNNAAAA….MINNAAAA
Come with me to listen to Literally Books. Let your ears drink in the delights of their insightful audiobook reviews,” said Jonathan Bailey’s Dracula…probably.
This week, Magda and Lindsay are indulging in the terrifying and thrilling dramatized audio of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” performed by Ella Purnell as Mina and Jonathan Bailey as Dracula.
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Under the Whispering Door“ by T.J. Klune
“A Dark and Wild Wood“ by Sarah Nicole Lemon
“My Roommate is a Vampire“ by Jenna Levine
“Dracula...
...Literally Books News! October Week 4: Book News! The Best of 2026 Book Awards, Joyce Carol Oates Hates Romance? And new Ali Hazelwood!
It’s awards season, ladies and gentlemen, and this week Magda and Lindsay review all the nominees, from Nobel to Booker to Kirkus.
Also, what does Joyce Carol Oates have against romance? Maybe she should read Ali Hazelwood’s recently announced sequel to “The Love Hypothesis,” assuming it isn’t banned, which, according to PEN America, could happen any day now.
Wanna get the scoop? Listen in to this week’s book news.
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Kin “ by Tayari Jones
“Anger is Only a Shadow“ by Elizabeth Acevedo
......Literally Our Favorite Books as Horror Novels
Have you ever snuggled in with one of your favorite reads and thought, “…if only this were a smidge more terrifying, life would be perfect.”
Well, Magda and Lindsay are here to grant all your bone-chilling desires. This week, they take some of their favorite stories and re-imagine them as horror books. Romantic yearning? Ruined. Happy endings? We don’t know her.
It’s time to take that cozy blanket and hide behind it, because their monsters of the week are coming for you.
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Bad Words“ by Riogh...
..Literally Book News! October Week 3: It's raining book releases! And casting drama!
It’s raining book releases this week! We have a new memoir from “Educated” author, Tara Westover. Also, the fiction gods have blessed us with new books from Coco Mellors, Emily Henry, and Mackenzie Scott!
And, of course, it wouldn’t be book news without a little drama. Listen in to find out all about the “controversial” casting of Greta Gerwig’s “The Magician’s Nephew” adaptation.
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Educated“ by Tara Westover
“Brothers and Sisters“ by Tara Westover
“Last Days in Two Nations“ by MacKenzie Scott
“Dungeon...
...Literally The Good, The Bad, and the "Grim Tidings"
As Queen Rihanna once said, “We found love in a hopeless place.”
And that’s exactly what happens in the book Magda and Lindsay discuss this week, B.K. Borison’s “Grim Tidings.” This book asks the question, can a guardian angel and a grim reaper make it work?
Listen in to find out!
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Grim Tidings“ by B.K. Borison
“Dead Beat“ by Leigh Bardugo
“Katabasis“ by R.F. Kuang
“A Study in Sparkling“ by Jodi McAlister
“An Academic Affair“ by Jodi...
...Literally The F1 Romance We RACED through: "Crash Course" with author Piper Lawson
This week’s bonus episode is for those who love the thrill of the chase.
Magda and Lindsay welcome Piper Lawson, the USA Today bestselling author of “Crash Course,” an F1 romance story. Listen in to learn more about the complicated love triangle that revs up the tension between its main characters.
Crash Course is available October 20th.
You can find Piper at https://www.piperlawsonbooks.com and on her Instagram, @piplerlawsonbooks.
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Crash Course“ by Piper Lawson
“Bridge to Terabithia“ by...
..Literally Book News! October Week 2: New books from Michelle Zauner and E.L. James, Lindsay’s obsession with ‘Lincoln in the Bardo” and Kennedy Ryan fever!
This week, Magda and Lindsay talk all about new book release announcements from Michelle Zauner, author of “Crying in H Mart,” and E.L. James, who created “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
They also keep it classy and discuss the new “Lincoln in the Bardo” opera and the Booker Prize announcements.
Lastly, we have more Kennedy Ryan adaptation updates! It’s a great week to be a book lover.
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Thank You for Your Suffering“ by Michelle Zauner
“Fifty Shades of Grey“ by E.L. James
“Land of...
...Literally "The Love Hypothesis" : Our Honest Review
No one knows better than Magda and Lindsay that creating the perfect adaptation is a science; but the chemistry in “The Love Hypothesis” is anything but hypothetical.
This week is all about chemical reactions, particularly the dopamine felt while watching Ali Hazelwood’s debut book adaptation!
Books mentioned in the episode:
“The Love Hypothesis“ by Ali Hazelwood
“Deep End“ by Ali Hazelwood
“Dwelling“ by Emily Hunt Kivel
“Whistler“ by Ann Patchett
“The Four Winds“ by Kristin Hannah
“Grim Tidings“ by B.K. Borison
“Love, Theoretically“ by A...
...Literally Book News! October Week 1: Secrets and romance and imagination and more!
This week, Magda and Lindsay chat about Rachel Gillig’s new fantasy rom-com and their love of a duology and *gasp…a standalone book?
They also discuss new, heartwarming news in the legacy of Dolly Parton and her imagination library. Could we be flying into Dolly Parton Airport soon? This week rounds out with details on a secret library and a new Texas bill to make Austin a safe harbor city for readers.
Books mentioned in the episode:
“As Bad Luck Would Have It“ by Rachel Gillig
“The Knave and the Moon...
...Literally Is this the best intro to horror? If It Bleeds” by Stephen King
What do an iPhone, the end of the world, a brush with a trauma vampire, and a rat have in common? Well…this book!
This week, Magda and Lindsay discuss “If It Bleeds” by the GOAT of horror, Stephen King himself. Listen in as they piece together the fear, the heartache, and the existential dread that tie these four stories together.
Welcome to spooky season!
Books mentioned in the episode:
“If It Bleeds“ by Stephen King
“The Everlasting“ by Alix E. Harrow
“Starling House“ by Alix E. Harrow
...
...Literally Book News! September Week 4: Alchemised, Josh Heuston, Kennedy Ryan Adaptations and more!
There are some serious things brewing in romance adaptations. The first episode of Kennedy Ryan's "Before I Let Go" series is OFFICIALLY in the works. We've also got updates on adaptations for "Throttled" and a surprising rework of "Lonesome Dove."
Also, for all you dark romance fans, Magda and Lindsay dish on upcoming "Alchemised" releases.
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Lonesome Dove“ by Larry McMurtry
“East of Eden“ by John Steinbeck
“Throttled“ by Lauren Asher
“The Love Hypothesis“ by Ali Hazelwood
“Alchemised“ by SenLinYu
“Before...
...Literally Stephen King Author-Pedia
This week, Magda and Lindsay are bringing you the first in a new series of episodes they’re calling “Author-pedia,” where they download you on the highlights, histories, and mysteries of an author’s career.
For the inaugural episode, they’ll be discussing the GOAT of horror, Stephen King. Listen in as they marvel over King’s incredible career and impact on culture.
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Life of M“ by Rachel Cusk
“Into the Blue“ by Emma Brodie
“Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir“ by Ina Garten
“Lady...
...Literally Book News! September Week 3: RIP Libby Hack, Bailey in the Bardo, LibroFM e-books and more!!
In this week’s book news, Magda and Lindsay mourn the loss of the infamous “airplane mode” Libby hack, dish on baby boi Jonathan Bailey in the Bardo, and new LibroFM offerings, and more!!
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Dolly All the Time“ by Annabel Monaghan
“Nora Goes Off Script“ by Annabel Monaghan
“Summer Romance“ by Annabel Monaghan
“Lincoln in the Bardo“ by George Saunders
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Literally Books Website
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...Literally Cozy Drink Pairings for Fall Reads
A gentle chill passes across the nape of your neck. You hear the soft scrape of the first fall leaf dancing along the sidewalk, having freed itself from the branches of a nearby tree. And then there it is, the intoxicating scent of…pumpkin spice.
It’s fall, b*tches!!!! And that means it’s time. to. get. COZY!! This week Magda and Lindsay offer their finest pairings of fall drinks and their literary counterparts
Snuggle in!
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Life of M“ by Rachel Cusk
“The...
...Literally Bonus Episode with author of "Meet Cute or Your Money Back," Katana Collins!!!
Allie Larsen was minding her own business, contemplating a way to move into her dream career as an investigative journalist when she stumbled into the meet-cute she never expected in the form of Thatcher, an ex-special forces soldier turned…matchmaker?
This is the plot of Katana Collins’ book, “Meet Cute or Your Money Back,” and Magda and Lindsay have the absolute pleasure of interviewing her this week about her writing.
Settle in for this extra special bonus episode full of love, spice, and of course, laughs.
Special Thanks to Katana Collin...
...Literally Book News! September Week 2: Queen Dolly, Kirkus winners, and more!!
This week, Magda and Lindsay homage to queen Dolly, the queen of Genovia, and “golden” children of “Theo of Golden” and Kirkus acclaim.
We will aways love you, Dolly!
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Outro Song: "Would it Kill You," courtesy of The Soldier Thread
...Literally Ranking Upcoming Adaptations in 2026!
2026 is rolling out the red carpet for book adaptations!
This week, Magda and Lindsay give their ultimate ranking for all the movie and television remakes coming this year. Though they may disagree on what belongs on top, one thing they can agree on is that readers are getting FED with this year’s page-to-screen journeys.
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Intro & Outro Song: "Would it Kill You," courtesy of The Sol...
...Literally Book News! September Week 1: The Gossip Episode...Natalie Portman, Rebecca Yarros, and more
In this week’s book news, Magda and Lindsay chat about the upcoming adaptations of Colson Whitehead’s “The Harlem Trilogy,” Gabrielle Zevin’s “Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow,” and Rebecca Yarros’ “The Last Letter.”
And it wouldn’t be book news without a little gossip…Listen in to hear all about some author/actress drama and new casting for “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.”
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Harlem Shuffle“ by Colson Whitehead
“Crook Manifesto“ by Colson Whitehead
“Cool Machine“ by Colson Whitehead
“Nickel Boys“ by Colson Whitehead
“Tomo...
...Literally "Sky Daddy" by Kate Folk
This week’s episode is about a transcendent love story. Linda has been waiting all her life to reconnect with her one true love. She crisscrosses the nation, hoping she’ll chance upon him, and they can re-kindle their attraction. He is N92823, a Boeing 737-800, and she must marry him.
Magda and Lindsay are nose-diving into Kate Folk’s “Sky Daddy!”
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Sky Daddy“ by Kate Folk
“Every Version of You“ by Natalie Messier
“Invisible Women“ by Caroline Criado-Perez
“Moral Economics“ by Alvin E. Roth...
...Literally Book News! August Week 4: Hot Releases, New Adaptations, and TX Mandatory Reading
This week, Magda and Lindsay discuss the highly controversial mandatory reading list for Texas state schools. They’ve also got the latest news on hot new releases from H.M. Wolfe and Taylor Jenkins Reid, and also details on the adaptation for “The Final Girl Support Group!”
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Daggermouth“ by H. M. Wolfe
“Python“ by H. M. Wolfe
“The Last Days of Vic & Coco“ by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“Carrie Soto is Back“ by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“Final Girl Support Group“ by Grady Hendrix
“The Ca...
...Literally Book and TV/Movie Pairings
When you fall in love with a story, it can feel like a breakup when you finish it and are forced to leave the world that was built.
Magda and Lindsay know this feeling well. They also know that sometimes you’re too tired to read a book. Or maybe you’re sick of staring at a screen. That’s why this week, they’re not only going to cure your plot hangovers by recommending some stories they think pair well together, but they’re going to do it across mediums!
Listen in as they discuss the...
...Literally Book News! August Week 3: New McCurdy, Obama's a book girlie, Whet on screen, and Odyssey Drama!!
This week, Magda and Lindsay are keeping it classy. They’ve got your mental health covered as they chat all about Jennette McCurdy’s forthcoming guided journal, “The Examined Year.”
They’ll also keep you cultured with updates on President Obama’s new book podcast and the latest drama around Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey”. And, of course, what would a classy discussion be without including a little smut in the form of “Deep End” adaptation news?
Books mentioned in the episode:
“The Examined Year“ by Jennette McCurdy
“Song of Solomon“ by Toni Morrison
......Literally Disney Princess TBRs
A whole new world…of book recommendations.
Now, Magda and Lindsay firmly believe that everyone is a princess, and that all readers should rule their own literary kingdom. But for this week’s episode, they asked themselves, “What would our Disney Princess sisters put on their TBR?”
Listen in as they make their recommendations for which stories they think Snow White, Ariel, Belle, Tiana, Cinderella, and Jasmine would trade their magical kingdoms for.
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Sky Daddy“ by Kate Folk
“Every Version of You“ by Natalie Messier
Literally Book News! August Week 2: Adaptations, "Wicker," Obama Reading List, and a $28k library fee?
Okay, all, strap in because Literally Books is CHOCK FULL of book news this week. Magda and Lindsay have an absolute avalanche of adaptation news, including their deep thoughts on the upcoming movie, “Wicker” (swoon).
Then, they discuss their faves from Obama’s summer reading list, audiobook news about the Queen, Julia Whelan, and a $28,000 library fee.
Outro Song: "Would it Kill You," courtesy of The Soldier Thread
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...Literally "When the Universe Sings" with author Gillian Eliza West!!!
Are you a romantasy fan who’s looking for a story that feels fresh and new? Or maybe you’re a sci-fi connoisseur who’s thought, “I could use a dash more romance.” Gillian Eliza West’s book “When the Universe Sings” has you covered.
Listen in this week as Magda and Lindsay talk with Eliza herself all about the creation of her quiet baddie, Juniper, and the worlds she traverses in this tale.
Find out more about Gillian at:
https://www.gillianelizawest.com
Instagram: @gillianeliza
“When the Universe...
...Literally Book News! August Week 1: Jonathan Bailey Dracula, Haaland's perfection, DCC updates and more!!!
This week is packed with book news. Magda and Lindsay discuss the upcoming audio adaptation for Bram Stoker's "Dracula," featuring Jonathan Bailey and his sl*tty lil' glasses.
We also have other adaptation updates for "I'm Glad My Mom Died," "Peculiar Stars," and the "When in Rome" series.
And of course, we have auction news, featuring the man, the myth, the legend, Erling Haaland.
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Intro & Outro Song...
...Literally "Honey in the Wound" with author Jiyoung Han
This week, Magda and Lindsay are joined by Jiyoung Han to talk about her stunning debut novel, "Honey in the Wound."
Listen in as they discuss this wholly compelling tale of family, magical realism, and the horrors of war.
Find out more about Jiyoung at:
https://www.hanjiyoung.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/han_g0_/?hl=en
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Honey in the Wound“ by Jiyoung Han
“Clytemnestra“ by Costanza Casati
“When the Universe Sings“ by Gillian Eliza West...
...Literally "Rules for Aging and Larceny" with Julia London: Live at Lark and Owl Booksellers!
This week Magda and Lindsay are coming to you live from Lark and Owl Booksellers in Georgetown, TX to talk with Julia London about her book, “Rules for Aging and Larceny!”
If you’ve ever watched Ocean’s Eleven and thought, “I wish there were more ladies in this.” Or maybe you’ve been watching the Golden Girls and wondered, “Could these gals pull off a casino heist?” If so, then this show will answer all of your heart’s desires.
Special thanks to the hilarious and brilliant Julia London and the wonderful Lark and Owl!
...Literally Book News! July Week 3: 2026 Bestsellers, AI Book Award Controversy, Texas Monthly Publishing, and Tomi Adeyemi
In book news this week, Magda and Lindsay discuss the bestseller thus far in 2026, some sad stats on readership, an AI book award bombshell, the revival of the Texas Monthly publishing arm, and what the heck is going on with "Children of Blood and Bone."
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Theo of Golden“ by Allen Levi
“Project Hail Mary“ by Andy Weir
“The Let Them Theory“ by Mel Robbins
“The Correspondent“ by Virginia Evans
“Oh, the Places You'll Go!“ by Dr. Seuss
“The Housemaid“ by Freida McFadden
“He...
...Literally "The Trouble with Love and Exposure" with author Harriet Ashford!!
The trouble with Harriet Ashford is that Literally Books can’t stop talking about her, and this week is no exception!
Listen in as Magda and Lindsay chat with Harriet about the third book in the “Trouble” series, “The Trouble with Love and Exposure.” They talk about birding, bathroom art, and the allure of NSFW cross-stitch.
Books mentioned in the episode
“The Trouble with Love and Exposure“ by Harriet Ashford
“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe“ by C.S. Lewis
“The Magician’s Nephew“ by C.S. Lewis
“Honey in t...
...Literally Book News! July Week 2: Ishiguro novel, DCC, American Fantasy and Auctions!
Welcome to our new weekly book news episode!
This week, Magda and Lindsay discuss the highly anticipated new book by Kazuo Ishiguro, "Miss Lambert Steps Aboard Danger." Then, in adaptation news, they dish on the latest with the "My Year of Rest and Relaxation,” “Dungeon Crawler Carl," and "American Fantasy" projects.
Lastly, would it even be Literally Book News if there wasn't auction talk? Any guesses on what the original AA manuscript goes for? Listen in to find out.
Books mentioned in the episode:
“Miss Lambert Steps Aboard Danger“ by Kazuo Ishiguro
...Literally A MUCH needed catch-up!
We’re back, baby!
While Magda and Lindsay have enjoyed some much-needed time off, they certainly didn’t neglect their duties as book lovers. This week, they chat about the books they read on break, the TV shows they’re currently obsessed with (and think you should be too), and all the things that are making them generally excited in life.
Also, we're on a new schedule!! We'll still be releasing episodes every Wednesday, but we'll be sharing all of our book news updates on Friday. Double trouble from here on out!
Books me...
...Literally "Zoom with a View" Live Event @ Lark & Owl with author Jess Cannon!!!
This week, Magda and Lindsay are recording LIVE from Georgetown’s very own Lark & Owl Booksellers to chat with the incredible Jess Cannon about her cozy mystery novel “Zoom with a View.”
This conversation has EVERYTHING from South American television programming in the 90s to obscure snark subreddits to the insidious culture of online wellness gurus.
Much like the book that spawned it, this episode a fun and wild ride.
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Literally Books Y...
...Literally BONUS EPISODE: Interview with Rachel Thorne, author of "The Substitute"
This week, Magda and Lindsay sit down with Rachel Thorne, aka Denise Grover Swank, author of many a rom-com and mystery tale, to talk all about her book “The Substitute.”
“The Substitute” follows Megan Vandemeer, who has just recently dumped her cheating finance bro fiancé, Jay. There’s just one hitch: she hasn’t told her family the wedding’s off. While flying home to break the news to her uptight mother, Megan chats up her handsome seatmate in first class, Josh. After some Dramamine, a glass of champagne, and a gentlemanly attempt to get a semi-conscious...
...Literally Summer Reading List
Volunteering for a summer reading list?!
Uh, YES. Magda and Lindsay are your favorite kind of teacher’s pets, though, because they’re going to walk through every kind of option for a perfect summer read. Memoir, romance, heist, magical realism…economics (?). These are all the books they’re reading and planning to read during their short summer break.
Email us!
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Intro & Outro Song: "Would...
