Pouring Over Books
Welcome to Pouring Over Books, a podcast where we dive into the books we love…and maybe a few we didn’t. Every week I’ll be deep diving into what I’m reading, recommendations, and talking about all the things we love about books! .
10 Before The End: Can I read these books before 2027?
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Today on Pouring Over Books, I'm talking about Kindle +, James Patterson and Romantasy, why I'm officially on a book buying ban and my ambitious 10 before the End TBR.
Books Mentioned in this Episode
Horror Books By Black Authors to Add to Your TBR in Time For Halloween
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In this episode, I'm talking about some bookish news genre snobbery, and why you should mind your own TBR, spooky season recommendations by Black Authors and the ONE book I'm reading this week.
Books Mentioned in this Episode.
The Weight Of Blood By Tiffany D Jackson
Lone Woman By Victor Levelle
Jackal by Erin E Adams
My Soul To keep by Tannanrive Due
Lakewood by Megan Giddings
When No One is Watching By Alyssa COl...
5 Tropes That I Love in My Romance Books but Not in Real Life
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In this episode, Lashawn shares her thoughts on recent bookish news, her current reading slump, and her love for romance tropes that she would never pursue in real life. Like never eva.
Books Mentioned in this Episode
Autobiography of Red: A Novel in Verse by Anne Carson
I’ll Believe in Anything: Jacob Tierney
Hollywood Ending by John Green
Abby Offsides by Anna McCallie
The wedding party Jasmine Guillory
The Fine Print b...
How Banned Books Teach Kids Empathy
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In this episode of Pouring Over Books, I'm talking about banned and challenged books, empathy, and why difficult stories matter.
We'll talk about books that deal with racism, sexual assault, abuse, identity, and other subjects that make people uncomfortable, along with 5 books by Black Women that have been banned or challenged and why we and our children need to read them.
Spoiler: Yes this episode is political because reading is political.
That is all.
Books Mentioned in this Episode
Sold...
What I read in September and Books on My Radar for October
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In this episode, LaShawn talks about the books she read ( and is still reading ) during September, initial thoughts on President Obama's Podcast, and books on her Never ending TBR for October.
President Barack Obama’s Podcast
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Books Talked About in This Episode
Love Hypothesis By Alli Hazelwood
Hate you to love you by Joshua Hortinela
Love Felt Like this by Juile Olivia
A Me...
Book To Screen Adaptations I'm Looking Forward to this Fall
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In this episode LaShawn talks about the latest book news including The National Book Awards Long List for Fiction, President Obama's guest list for his pod, How Singapour thinks its going to solve doomscrolling and upcoming book-to-screen adaptations.
The National Book Awards long list for fiction b
President Obama’s podcast lineup was released.
People.com article about The author of Educated's new book.
The Singapore government is paying people to read more
Books Discussed in this Episo...
How I'm Reading More and Doomscrolling Less
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On today's episode, LaShawn shares practical tips on how to read more and scroll less, including having a book always ready, swapping bedtime doom scrolling for reading, and using apps to block social media. She also reviews her recent reads ( a fabulous controversial read that not everyone will like) and current TBR including finally getting to one of this year's most popular books.
Brick Device
The Downtime App
The Margins App Apple Android
Books Mentioned in this Episode
<...
New Books I'm Looking Forward to This Fall
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On today's episode, LaShawn is talking about the new debate about POV in books and why people say they won't read 1st person POV, 7 books that are coming out between now and November that she is adding to her TBR, and a few niche Honorable Mentions that are specific to her tastes. Maybe after you hear about them they will be for you too....
Books Mentioned in this Episode
Take My Word For it By Lavar Burton
American H...
August Reads and Books on my Radar for September
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In this episode, LaShawn discusses the books she read in August, a review of her latest read and what books she is looking forward to in September
Books Mentioned in this Episode
Paradise by Toni Morrison
Love by Toni Morrison
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Honey by Imani Thompson
Luster by Raven Lelani
The Knave the the...
5 Books to Read Before the Summer Ends
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In this episode, LaShawn talks about the recent price increase of Amazon Kindle devices, end of summer reading season with book recommendations, and what she is currently reading and a review on her latest audiobook.
Books Mentioned in this Episode.
The Calamity Club by Katherine Stockett
All Systems Red by Martha Wells.
London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth by Patrick Radden Keefe
The Missed Connection by T...
10 Romantasy Books that are NOT ACOTAR
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In this week's episode, LaShawn is talking about President Obama's New Podcast, her thoughts on it being on Audible, and the long awaited release of the titles of ACOTAR 6 and 7. Which leads to a discussion on alternatives to ACOTAR that might be a bit more ...diverse.
She also talks about books she read last week and what's on her TBR for this week.
Books and Things Mentioned in today's episode
President Obama’s Podcast news
...
Let's Talk About Smut..in Books
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So...what exactly counts as smut? On today's episode of Pouring Over Books, LaShawn is breaking down her five levels of spice, from closed door romance to books where sex is the main event. Because not every romance with a sex scene is smut. So where's the line?
Books Mentioned in this Episode
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
The Bodyguard: A Novel By Katherine Center
Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adam
Book Lovers by...
An AI Witch Hunt Summer Reading and Current Reads
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Welcome back to Season 4! In this first episode back, Lashawn discusses the impact of AI on the book industry, especially on Black authors, shares her summer reading list, and reviews recent books she loved.
Books Mentioned in this Episode
Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral and A Memoir of Phillis Wheatley, a Native African and a Slave by Phyllis Wheatley
Dolly All the Time by Annabelle Monnagan
Rites of the Stirling by Devny Perry
My Personal Summer TBR: Books I'm Reading This Summer
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In today's Episode, LaShawn talks about what she PLANS on reading this summer including 10 books on her personal summer TBR. The quesiton as always is will she stick to the plan? Programming notes and summer plans also discussed.
Books Mentioned in this Episode
Unbound by Peyton Corrine https://bookshop.org/a/106568/9781668219423
The Odyssey By Homer https://bookshop.org/a/106568/9780393356250
Huntsman Naima Simone https://bookshop.org/a/106568/9781250352941
The Art of Loving You by Natasha Bishop https://bookshop.org/a/1...
My Favoite Books of 2026 So Far
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On today's Episode, LaShawn talks about her favorite books of 2026 SO FAR, what she read while she was down with a sickness for 7 days and what's on her TBR for this week.
Books Mentioned in this Episode
Tender is the Flesh Agustina Bazterrica https://bookshop.org/a/106568/9781982150921
DireBound by Sable Sorrensen https://bookshop.org/a/106568/9780316601382
You and Me Tal Bauer https://go.shopmy.us/p-64995093
Half His Age Jennette Mccurdy http...
May Reads, Books on my Radar for June and What's on my Personal TBR
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On today's Episode, LaShawn talks about the Books she read in May,( including some long awaited reviewsO what's books are on her radar for June( spoiler, romance and literary fiction ) and and what her personal TBR looks like. Yes, LaShawn is sticking to a TBR for the month. Find out how it worked for her last month and what's on this month's list.
She also gives a few long awaited reviews.
Books Mentioned in today's episode:
Score by Kennedy Ryan
St...
The 2026 Summer Reading Guide Preview
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Its offically summer reading season! Today on Pouring Over Books, LaShawn shares a preview of her summer reading guide, highlighting 28 books across various genres, and provides insights into her current reading list and favorites for the season.
The 2026 FREE Complete Summer Reading Guide can be found Here.
Summer Guide Preview Books
Score By Kennedy Ryan
Yesteryear By Caro Claire Burke
The Missed Connection Tia Williams
Honey By Imani Thompson
The Shampoo Effect by Jen...
Re-Run How I Read Multiple Books at Once
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One of The questions most frequently asked of Lashawn ( as recently as last week) is how does she read multiple books at once?
So in this episode re-run LaShawn shares her reading system, which allows her to read multiple titles simultaneously. The conversation also touches on the recent controversy surrounding digital ownership of Kindle books and Amazon's policies. LaShawn invites listeners to join the Pouring Over Books Club for a community reading experience.
Links for this episode
Colorsoft kindle
The apple ipad mini
...
Aprill Reads and Books On my Radar for May
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LaShawn talks about what she read in April, her recent book reviews, books on her radar for May, summer reading plans and an attempt at an acutal organzied TBR
Support the show
Purchasing at any of the links above supports this podcast at no additional cost to you.
Join the Pouring Over Books Bookclub. We are reading Toni Morrison in 2026.
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I Said What I Said: Bookish Takes I’m Done With
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In this episode LaShawn is talking about the bookish conversations online that she is am officially tired of having. From whether audiobooks “count,” to the constant question of how people read so many books, to the way we talk about romance and who gets labeled as “smut”, she's getting into all of it.
This isn’t just a rant (okay, maybe a little), but more of a real conversation about the double standards, repetitive debates, and takes that feel way past their expiration date. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at the same bo...
Joy Hunting and Cat Burglars: A conversation with Nicole Blades( Author of Would I Lie to You)
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In this Episode of the Pouring Over Books Podcast, LaShawn talks to Nicole Blades about her latest novel Would I Lie To You, a thrilling spy next door story about a high stakes cat burgler who is given one last job before you can retire.
They talk about her writing process, developing this character and the book, joy hunting and more. Plus she talks about what's next and a book rec.
This post contains affilaite links
Would I Lie to You By Nicole Blades Amazon.com | Bookshop.org...
RERUN: Black Love Stories You Need to Add to Your TBR
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In this episode of Pouring Over Books, LaShawn discusses a few of her favorite Black Romance Novels and why you should read them all.
00:00
Valentine's Day Reflections and Exciting News
01:21
Celebrating Black Love Stories
02:14
Book Recommendations: A Duke by Default
04:19
Book Recommendations: You Made a Fool Out of Death
05:41
Book Recommendations: The Art of the Scandal
07:16
Book Recommendations: The Perfect Fine
09:28
Book Recommendations: Take a Hint, Dani Brown
...
Unputdownable Memoirs to add to your TBR
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On this week's episode, LaShawn discusses some of her favorite most recommended Memoirs , an upcoming milestone birthday, what she is currently reading and what's next on her TBR.
Books Mentioned in this episode
The Meaning of Mariah Carey
Will by Will Smith
Educated by Tara Westover
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Sp...
March Reads and Books on My Radar for April
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Summary
LaShawn shares thoughts on a few books she read in March including literary fiction, dark romance, new releases and more. Then she talks about what books she is looking forward to in April plus what she is currently loving and reading.
Books Mentioned in this Episode
Kin by Tayari Jones
Across the vanishing sky by Catherine Cowles
Hunt the villain by rina Kent ...
My Most Anticipated Book Releases for Spring 2026
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On today's episode, Lashawn discusses her most anticipated upcoming spring book releases that she thinks you should add to your TBR, what she is currently reading and what she is currently obsessed with.
Books Mentioned in Today's Episode
American Fantasy by Emma Staube
Rites of the Starling bY Devny Perry
Yesteryear Caro Clair Burke
Witch Queen Rising by Savannah Stephens
...
Jane Austen Retellings To Add to Your TBR
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On this episode of Pouring Over Books, LaShawn shares her obsession with Jane Austen retellings, exploring various modern adaptations of classics like Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, and Emma. She discusses her favorite books, themes, and the importance of reading classics to understand modern literature. Plus what she is currently reading.
Books Mentioned in This Episode
Heartstone Elle Katharine White
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld
Reci...
6-ish Alternatives to Audible for Audiobooks
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This week, LaShawn shares her favorite audiobook platforms, recent reads, her book club activities,and thoughts on ACOTAR 6.
Platforms mentioned in this episode
Audible
LibroFM Deal use code SWITCH
Chirp
Everand
Apple
Libby app
Books Mentioned in this Episode
ACOTAR 6 and 7
Kin By Tayari Jones
Song of Solomon By Toni Morrison
Missed Connections Tia Williams
The Redo List Denise Willi...
February Reads and Books on My Radar for March
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It's a new month, and LaShawn is discussing why she read 19 books in February but is only discussing 4 of them, new books on her radar for March and what bookish thing she is currently loving.
Books Mentioned in this Episode.
The Arcaine Inheritance. By Kamilah Cole
Daggermouth by HM wolfe
If I ruled the world by Amy Dubois Barnett
Sula By Toni Morrison
Lake Effect By Cynthis D’Aprix Sweeney
200 Monas by Jan Saenz
Across the V...
Black Romantasy Recommendations for Black History Month
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Today, LaShawn discusses her love for the Romantasy genre, particularly Black Romantasy books since it is Black History Month. She critiques the derogatory term 'fairy smut' and addresses the elitism surrounding literature, emphasizing the importance of escapism in reading. LaShawn highlights the lack of diversity in Romantasy literature and shares her favorite book recommendations by Black authors. She also touches on her current reads
Books and Articles Mentioned in this Podcast
Lore of the Wilds by A...
Banned Books By Black Women
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In this episode of the Pouring Over Books podcast, LaShawn discusses the alarming rise of book censorship in the United States, particularly targeting works by Black authors. She highlights five significant books by Black women that have faced bans and restrictions, emphasizing the importance of these narratives in understanding the Black experience. The conversation also touches on LaShawn's current reading list, including new releases and personal recommendations.
Books Mentioned in this Episode
A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Ibi Zoboi
...January Reads and 5 New Books By Black Authors coming in February
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In this episode, LaShawn talks about how she got over two reading slumps in January, and celebrates Black History Month by emphasizing the importance of amplifying Black voices in literature with 5 new books by Black Authors coming out in February. She also reflects on her current reads and the impact of maintaining a reading journal, which has deepened her understanding of the books she engages with.
Books Mentioned in this episode.
Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica
W...
5 Books to Read in Times of Resistance
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In this episode of Pouring Over Books, LaShawn shares five books to read in times of resistance — stories that challenge power, question truth, and remind us why paying attention matters. From censorship to memory to survival, these picks show how reading can be both an escape and a quiet act of defiance.
Books Mentioned in this Episode
Octavia Butler – Parable of the Sower
Citizen by Claudia Rankine
George Orwell – 1984
How Fasc...
The Well Read Debate, 5 Easy Classics and a Personal Reading Project
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In this episode of the Pouring Over Books Podcast, LaShawn reflects on her reading goals for the year, particularly her intention to read three classic novels. She discusses the ongoing debate in the literary community about what it means to be 'well-read' and shares her personal list of five accessible classics, and explains why each book is worth reading. LaShawn also reveals her own selections for her own personal curriculum of reading 3 classics in 2026
Books Mentioned in This Episodes
Pri...
My Most Anticipated Romance Books of 2026
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In this episode of the Pouring Over Books Podcast, LaShawn discusses her chaotic reading life, the struggle to finish books, and her love for romance novels. She emphasizes that Romance Novels MUST HAVE A HAPPILY EVER AFTER, contrary to recent chatter on the book internet. She then shares her most anticipated romance novels for 2026.
Books Mentioned on this Podcast
Slanting Towards the Sea By Lidije Hilje
Wuthering Heights Emily Bronte
Our Perfect Storm Carly Fortune
A Girl Like Her...
My Reading Goals and Most Anticipated Books for 2026
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Happy New Year! Catch up with LaShawn as she discusses her reading goals for 2026 and her most anticipated books for 2026.
Books Mentioned in this Episode
The Odyssey By Homer
The Love Songs By WEB Dubois
The Missed Connection By Tia Williams
The First Time I saw him Laura Dave
Kin By Tayari Jones
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
Rites of the Sta...
The Best Books I Read in 2025
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In this episode of the Pouring Over a Books podcast, LaShawn shares her top 10 books. She discusses the emotional depth of character-driven stories and highlights the importance of diverse narratives in literature. LaShawn also shares her current reads and looks ahead to her bookish goals for 2026, encouraging listeners to join her in exploring the works of Toni Morrison in the Pouring Over Books Bookclub in 2026
Books mentioned in this episode can be found here:
Join the Pouring Over Books Bookclub in our year of Reading Toni Morrison here
Books I DNF'd in 2025
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In this episode of the Pouring Over Books podcast LaShawn eflects on her holiday season, discusses the books she has DNF'd (Did Not Finish) throughout the year, and shares insights into her Process for a DNF. She emphasizes the importance of understanding why certain books didn't resonate with her and expresses her intention to revisit some of them in the future. Additionally, LaShawn shares her current reads and anticipates upcoming books for the new year,
Join the Pouring Over Books Bookclub right here. We are reading Toni Morrison in 2026
Sho...
On the Lack Of Diversity in The Goodreads Choice Awards
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In this episode of the Pouring Over Books podcast, LaShawn discusses the lack of diversity among the winners of the recent Goodreads Choice Awards, emphasizing the need for more representation of authors of color. LaShawn shares her thoughts on various categories, including fiction, historical fiction, romance, and young adult fiction, while also discussing her current reads and future reading goals. The episode highlights the importance of diversity in literature and the challenges faced by marginalized authors in gaining recognition.
The Unbearable Whiteness of the Goodreads Choice Awards from Bookriot
J...
Books I read in November, Bookish gifts and Toni Morrison in 2026
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In this episode of the Pouring Over Books podcast, LaShawn Wiltz talks about 5 of the 13 books she read last month, discusses thoughtful gift ideas for book lovers and introduces an upcoming book club focused on the works of Toni Morrison.
Books mentioned in this episode
Books Discussed in this Episode
I, Medusa By Ayana Gray :
Blind Date with a Werewolf by Patricia Briggs
Slave to Sensation By Nalini Sing :
Sounds like Love By Ashley Poston
The Wolf King b...
10 Before the End: 10 Books on my TBR before the end of 2025
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In this episode of the Pouring Over Books podcast, LaShawn shares her top 10 books she aims to read before the end of the year and discusses her Thanksgiving preparations, including her husband's smoking of the turkey and her reading goals for the year. She also gives a hint for next year's Bookclub theme. Can you guess?
Books Mentioned in this Episode
1 Amity by Nathan Harris
2. Blood Moon by Britney S Lewis
3 Pines By Blake Crouch
4 Son of the morning...
