What You Should Read

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Hi, Should-Heads! If you’re like us, you may sometimes need help reading more. Fortunately, our friend Kristine is here to help. She’s currently in the process of getting her doctorate and still reads 100 books a year! So how does she do it, while also working full time and having a life? Good news–she breaks it down and it’s actually doable. (Without giving up sleep.)

Book News:

Kelly Bishop and Ali Rosen write a book

Dolly Parton’s memoir?!

Jason Reynolds’ adult debut

...

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Should-Heads, it’s Kelly’s favorite time of year, and we have recommendations ranging from the moderately unsettling to the deeply terrifying (YMMV)

Book news:

“Commercial fiction” display nonsense https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTysTt63d/

Book world drama https://www.instagram.com/p/DdMo8tokQl9/?mdxt=MTFrZ3B2d2Y3b2FrYw==

Recs:

Rachael:

Rebecca (Daphne du Maurier)

Adam, Mine (K. Ancrum)

My Murder (Katie Williams)

Kelly:

Someti...

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Hi, Should-Heads! Hopefully you’re enjoying amazing books like we are but if you’re in a reading slump or just looking forward to some upcoming releases, we’ve got you. Plus our fantastic friend Kathy Coe is back and she’s always got amazing recommendations. Also, as an update: you can actually contact us with the link in the show notes. Feel free to give us your recommendations or pitch show ideas. 

Book News:

It looks like almost every single author we love is releasing books next year...

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Hi, Shouldheads! We took a summer vacation and accidentally forgot to come back. Oops.

But we’re here now and we’ve got a fun episode of recommendations and a look at what we’re covering soon. 

Book news:

One Italian Summer will be a movie! https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/one-italian-summer-brie-larson-release-bradbeer-paramount-1236700819/

Tara Westover’s releasing a sequel of sorts. 
https://people.com/tara-westover-memoir-brothers-and-sisters-12125745 

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Hi, Should-Heads! We're here with an unfortunate episode. We're not reading the way we should and we're trying to get that back. We're discussing the things that have worked for us in the past and what new ideas we may try. If you've got any ideas, please text us (the link is here in the notes!). We'll also happily take any book recommendations.

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Should-Heads, this is probably going to be a dangerous episode for you to listen to. First, our favorite reading enthusiast Kathy Coe is back, so automatically, you know it'll be fun. We've got a list of the best books we've read so far this year and the five books we're each most excited to read before Labor Day.

LINKS MENTIONED:

AI Summer Reading

AI Prompt in Published Book

AI and James Frey

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We can't believe it, Should-Heads, but our podcast is five years old! We discuss our favorite episodes and guests, plus goals of where we would like to go from here. We've also got very fun stories about Julia, forever our Kristy Thomas. 

LINKS MENTIONED:

Baltimore convention goes very wrong

Judy Blume's novel Forever... is on Netflix now

New Thursday Next novel! 

Christmas Peanut Butter Balls recipe episode!

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You Should Read: Stephen King! (With special guest Mom of the Pod Becky Hall)!

Should-Heads, our favorite mom is back to discuss Stephen King! We've got great recommendations for you and no matter your comfort level with horror, there are a handful of stories you'll love without losing any sleep.

Links mentioned:

John Lithgow

Open letter asking him to quit

Boleyn Traitor!

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Hello, Should-Heads! We had such a great time with this episode a few weeks back that we decided to make it a regular feature. Our friend Kathy came back to help us choose what our next reads should be and we discuss how this experiment went last time. 

Also, you can text the podcast now! There's a link in each episode's show notes. Feel free to request our help or to give us recommendations. This is a new thing that Buzzsprout is doing and we're excited to see what ha...

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Should-Heads, we’ve talked about doing starter kit episodes for years but we’re finally doing it! Every starter kit episode will feature at least one but usually two authors with extensive backlists and we’ll help you figure out where to start. 

Links mentioned:

The Testaments:

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As you know, we’re very in love with books…but we’re also in love with TV and movies. When we find a fictional place that feels like home, sometimes we find additional stories that let us stay there a bit longer. Our friend Amanda stops by to discuss her favorite fanfic stories. 

Links:

Independent Bookstore Day catalog https://www.bookweb.org/independent-bookstore-day-2025-exclusives-catalog

Sugarquill Archived

After The End on Fanfiction.net 

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Hello, Should-Heads! We're giant fans of the Book of the Month Club and we've been subscribers for years. Mom of the Pod Becky comes on and we discuss our favorite picks and the ones we hope to get to soon.

Book News: 

Tori Woods and Daddy's Little Toy

And there's an update! She was arrested.

For Fun!

Mom's Advent Calendar Minisode Episode

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You Should Read: All the Book News! (a minisode)

Should-Heads, you wouldn't believe what's going on these days. There's so much book news that we needed a special episode just to break it all down. (And as a bonus, Rachael and Kelly give an update on how their reading resolutions are going.)

STORIES MENTIONED:

Roxane Gay's book list

Louise Penny 

Romance novel pulled pre-publication

JD Barker's contest (preorder the book)<...

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We’re not sure if there’s ever been a time when Rachael, Kelly AND our guest host Kathy have all been unsure of what to read next.

Fortunately, we’re better at choosing for other people…

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Hi, Should-Heads! Kindred Spirit of the Pod Bekki joins us to discuss books about friendship. We examine the differences between friendship and found family and, of course, a lot of book recs.

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Welcome back Should-Heads! Today we are joined by Dr. Sherna Ann Phillips to discuss more books by Black Authors! This time we are focusing on books that highlight different types of Love. Enjoy!

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Should-Heads, this episode will take you on quite a journey. AI has been increasingly prevalent and controversial of late, and so we talked to author Martha Brockenbrough about what all this means and what, if anything, can be done. 

Links mentioned:

No more blurbs: https://lithub.com/in-a-dazzling-move-simon-schuster-is-dropping-their-blurbs-requirement/

Author apologizes for AI gaffe: https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/1i2nt9o/k_c_crowne_and_the_use_of_ai/

Find Martha Brockenbrough online: nothingtonovel.com 

Ma...

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We’ve got a confession, Should-Heads. We’re not perfect. Our friend Christa joined us to discuss our bad book habits. We listen and we don’t judge (mostly).

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Should-Heads, have you ever wondered what’s wrong with Kelly? (It’s okay; she wonders too.)

This episode answers that question.

DISCLAIMER: Please forgive our sound and editing mishaps this episode - we were having some technical difficulties. We love you, Should-heads!

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Well, Should-Heads, we’re finally doing our last Zodiac recommendations, so if you’re a Taurus, Leo or Aquarius, you’ll want to take some notes. 

Links mentioned: Neil Gaiman.

Vulture posted an article where they spoke with four of the five women who have accused Neil Gaiman of sexually assaulting them. The article is explicit in spelling out their accusations. https://www.vulture.com/article/neil-gaiman-allegations-controversy-amanda-palmer-sandman-madoc.html 

Book Riot discussed it here https://bookriot.com/neil-gaiman-sexual-assault-victims-speak-out-vulture/ 

Some of his upcoming projects have been...

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Should-Heads, you know how much we love pop culture. It’s probably our favorite thing (except for books, obviously). Our friend Kristine came back to discuss our favorite books centering around pop culture (both nonfiction and fiction and dealing with any facet of pop culture).

Links mentioned: Emily Henry’s Having a Moment

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We hate to admit this, Should-Heads, but we can’t read everything.

Today, Rachael and Kelly are joined by their friend Amanda to discuss the books they haven’t read. What are some of your overdue books?

Links Mentioned:

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Welcome back, and today we have a very special episode. One year ago today, we lost our beloved cohost/sister/friend Julia. Today we have just a few of her many loved ones on to talk about some bookish memories in her honor. Please enjoy this trip down memory lane with us. 

Side note: We recorded these about 8 months ago so keep that in mind our grief was very fresh and the topics get pretty raw and real, so keep the tissues handy. 

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Hey Should Heads! Welcome back. Today we are joined by our tastemaker of the pod, Kathy Coe! Kathy is here to help us discuss the books we are most excited to see released in 2025! You won't want to miss this one. 

Follow Kathy @glassofwine81 on social media!

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We're back again, Should-Heads!

We're so excited to get back into the swing of podcasting. Kelly and Rachael return with this one-on-one discussion of our bookish highlights of the year and discuss our hopes for continuing this podcast in the future. 

Stay tuned for more episode, we have some great plans for you all! And Happy New Year!!!

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Hi, Should-Heads! We're very excited to share some upcoming spring releases with you. As always, we're joined by Kathy Coe, who always knows about the best ones.

Book News:

People continue to challenge Nora Roberts

The Thought of You movie sounds amazing

Our most anticipated spring reads:

Kathy: Missing White Woman (Kellye Garrett), Honey (Isabel Banta), The One Who Got Away With Murder (Trish Lundy), The Husbands (Holly Gramazio) and Such a Bad Influ...

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Hello, Should-Heads. It’s been a while and we’re happy to be back. We missed you!

We’ve got horrible news first, though. Julia, our cohost, passed away in January. We needed to take some time to honor her and also decide to do with the show.

We’ve got some answers for you.

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It’s the holiday season, Should-Heads! Here are the books we’re most grateful for. 

LINKS:

P!nk Donates Banned Books in Florida: https://www.npr.org/2023/11/16/1213317663/pink-gives-away-2-000-banned-books-at-florida-concerts

BOOKS MENTIONED:

Julia: Big Summer (Jennifer Weiner), Everything Happens For a Reason: And other Lies I've Loved (Kate Bowler) and Fangirl (Rainbow Rowell)

Kelly: Somewhere Beyond the Sea (TJ Klune), Somehow: Thoughts on Love (Anne Lamott) and The Collected Regrets of Cl...

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Hi, Should-Heads! We're back and what better topic to return with than the memoir that everyone's talking about? Kendell joins us to discuss who's the biggest villain in the story and the things that surprised us most. Major spoiler alerts for this one!

BOOK NEWS LINKS: 

LeVar Burton Hosts the National Book Awards

Scholastic and Diverse Books

Millie Bobby Brown and Ghostwriters

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Hi, Should-Heads! We’ve got an…interesting episode for you today! Kelly shares some life updates and the nonfiction that’s getting her through *gestures* all this.

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Should-heads, summer's almost over. Starbucks is selling pumpkin spice everything and Kelly's starting to think about her Halloween viewing choices. We've got the books you need to preorder or request from the library.

BOOKS MENTIONED:

Kathy: The Kingdom of Sweets (Erika Johansen), The Good Part (Sophie Cousens), Good Girls Don’t Die (Christina Henry), Midnight is the Darkest Hour (Ashley Winstead) and Stars in Your Eyes (Kacen Callender)
 

Julia:  The Breakaway (Jennifer Weiner), Unreliable Narrator: Me, Myself and Imposter Syndrome (Aparna Nancherla), The Bell in th...

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How do you feel about outer space, Shouldheads? Are you like Julia, where it's fascinating and something you want to know more about? Or are you like Kelly, where it's one of the scariest things to ponder?

No matter where you fall in the debate, we've got some recommendations for you!

BOOKS:

Julia: The Galaxy, and the Ground Within (Becky Chambers), The Martian (Andy Weir) and Meet Me In Another Life (Catriona Silvey)

Kelly: The Sound of Star...

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Hi, Should-Heads! Have you always wanted to try reading epic fantasy but don't know where to start? Or maybe you already like it but aren't sure of where to go next? Or possibly you have no idea because you're not even sure what that IS? Either way, don't worry: Rachael has come with suggestions.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Henrietta Lacks' family settles with biotech firm

BOOKS MENTIONED:

Legends and Lattes (Travis Baldree), The Green Rider series (Kristen Britain), the Grac...

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Hi, Should-Heads! We're back and we have a real treat for you today. Michael Koryta is back to discuss books set in Maine (including his newest, An Honest Man, which is out today!).

Book news:

Britney's Book

PRH Layoffs and Buyouts

Harper Collins Layoffs

Recommendations:

Michael Koryta: Bag of Bones (Stephen King), When We Were the Kennedys (Monica Wood) and Into the Raging Sea (Rachel Slade)

Julia: Evvie Drake...

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Hi, Should-Heads! It's summer, our favorite season! Time for fun, hopefully vacations and a lot of reading. We've got some of our favorites to discuss with you.

NOTE: We are on vacation and will return with more books and fun in July!

RECOMMENDED BOOKS:

Julia: Before She Finds Me (Heather Chavez), Real Love (Rachel Lindsay) and The Seven Year Slip (Ashley Poston)

Kelly: Summer Rental (Rektok Ross), The Only One Left (Riley Sager), Happy Place (Emily Henr...

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Hello, Should-Heads! Who doesn't love a good time-related story? Time loops, jumps, travel...we're in for any and all of them! Here are some of our favorites (and one we can't wait to read).

Julia: The Rehearsals (Annette Christie), This Time Tomorrow (Emma Straub), Eternal Life (Dara Horn), The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (V. E. Schwab), Oona Out of Order (Margarita Montimore) and Off to Be the Wizard (Scott Meyer)

Kelly: Throwback (Maurene Goo), Twice in a Lifetime (Melissa Baron) and The Good Part (So...

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Should-Heads, it's a little known fact but we love detective stories! Whether it's the thrill of trying to solve a mystery or the fun of spending thousands of pages with the same characters, there's not much better. In this episode we recommend some of our favorites (after we get through our absolutely unhinged recent acquisitions this week.)

Book News:

Illinois bans book bans (finally some good news!)

Recommendations:

Dorian: The Lavender House (AC Rosen), The Big Book of Female Detectives

Julia: Roderick Alleyn...

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Hi, Should-Heads! We're back to give you more recommendations based on your sign. This time, we discuss Virgo, Pisces and Gemini. (SPOILER: There is some Gemini slander)

Book News:

Tennessee goes after book publishers, maybe

Recommendations:

Julia (Virgo): How to Be Perfect (Michael Schur), Oh My God What a Complete Aisling (Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen) and Will (Will Smith)

Kelly (Gemini): Reggie & Delilah’s Year of Failing (Elise Bryant), The Extraordinaries (TJ Klune) th...

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Hi, Should-Heads! How are you doing with all...this? If you're struggling, we get it and we're here with recs for you! NOTE: This episode deals with grief, anxiety, self-harm, depression and, while we don't delve too deeply into any of them, they are mentioned.

Book News: 

Missouri may defund libraries

Mental Health recommendations:

Julia: Adelaide (Genevieve Wheeler), Signal Fires (Dani Shapiro), Maame (Jessica George) and Darius the Great is Not Okay (Adib Khorram)

Kelly: In Sight o...

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Hi, Should-Heads! We're discussing Meredith, Alone in our latest book club episode. Julia picked it and we delve into the story with sidebars into self-care, our housebound survival kits and much more.

We also share our favorite reads of the year so far.

NOTE: Meredith, Alone contains depictions of sexual assault, self-harm and abuse. Also, there are spoilers in this episode.

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