Books Unbound
Unbinding books to get to their hearts! Ariel Bissett and Raeleen Lemay discuss the books they've read, the books they've bought, and recommend books to listeners every week!
#329 - Coast to Coast Reading is BACK, baby!
Raeleen has finished her big move and is picking her next read live on the air! Ariel is a big rereading mood and has been buying books in unusual ways.
Links mentioned:
Patrick Allaby: https://www.patrickallaby.com/
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All the books we mentioned in this episode...
#328 - The Dog Days of Summer Are Over
We're in the middle of it all this summer! Raeleen hated a book, Ariel read the hottest book she's ever read, and both of us accidentally read the same book!
Links mentioned:
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary: https://www.yamnuskawolfdogsanctuary.com/
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books...
#327 - The Summer Heat is Boiling Our Reading!
Raeleen has read one of her favourite books of the year and Ariel is reporting in about how Summer Monday Mornings is going!
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All the books we mentioned in this episode: https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/books
Use our affiliate link to get 2 audiobooks for the price of 1...
#326 - In The Field: Book Shopping Adventures Together in Calgary!
Bookshops visited:
Fair’s Fair:
https://fairsfair.com/
Nekoto Books: https://nekotobooks.com/
Pages (Kensington): https://www.pageskensington.com/
Shelf Life Books:
https://www.shelflifebooks.ca/
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/Book...
#325 - This Is Going To Be The Greatest Reading Summer of Our Lives
It's our quarterly update! Raeleen is doing a bookish ATTACK and Ariel is totally changing up her Monday mornings.
Check out the Book History of Nova Scotia website: https://www.bookhistoryofnovascotia.com/
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound<...
#324 - Ariel Finally Finished Her Book and She Didn't Like It!
Ariel reads her first big disappointment of the year and Raeleen has discovered a whole new reading philosophy!
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All the books we mentioned in this episode: https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/books
Use our...
#323 - When Do We Start Calling This a Reading Slump???
Ariel returns from a big trip! We both review the potatoes we ate this month and Raeleen reviews three books!
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All the books we mentioned in this episode: https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/books
...
#322 - Are Blind Dates with Books A TRAP?!
This may be shocking but Raeleen has another book haul, hehehe. Also ARiel went to a conference, is struggling with her currently reading, and Raeleen went to a sing-along!
Links mentioned:
Ariel's PEI Trip: https://www.chasinganne.com/
Quilt show: https://www.instagram.com/hangamaamiri/?hl=en
Chasing Anne PEI Trips: https://www.chasinganne.com
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/<...
#321 - Ariel Had a Terrible Bookshop Experience
Raeleen is back with a juicy book haul, Ariel is in full Anne mode, and both of us visit family and have adventures!
Links mentioned:
Ariel's PEI Trip: https://www.chasinganne.com/
Our upcoming Mashed Potato May liveshow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnJmZDLgYXo
Mashed Potato May Bingo Card: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
The Island of Doctor Moreau Audiobook read by Raeleen: https://www.patreon.com/booksunbound/shop/island-of-doctor-moreau-full-audiobook-278323
Animal Farm Audiobook read by Ariel: https://www.patreon.com/booksunbound/shop...
#320 - We're Ridin' The Readin' Wave 🌊
Raeleen has a big thrifted book haul, Ariel has somehow gotten into the middle of four books, Raeleen has finished another Stephen King, and Ariel is testing a new mini e-reader... it's a juicy one!
Check out Ariel's Anne Trip! https://www.chasinganne.com/
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
<...#319 - Our Reading Is Leading to Opportuni-TEA! 🍵
We have a huge breakthrough on the tea front, people. Also books and f1 and snow but mainly the tea thing.
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All the books we mentioned in this episode: https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/books
<...#318 - Will We Ever Stop Setting TBRs??? (We probably should..)
It's the quarterly update! How are our goals going? What are our new reading dreams? Why does Raeleen have so many piles of books to share? All is revealed!
Links mentioned:
Ariel's Book Website Link: bookhistoryofnovascotia.com
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our...
#317 - Ariel Read A Book By a Fave Author and... Didn't Like It?! 💔
This episode is packed with updates! Raeleen saw Les Mis on the stage, Ariel is deep into F1, Raeleen went to an exclusive zoo event, and Ariel eats peanuts by the sea... another classic!
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All...
#316 - Was Les Mis Too Challenging To Finish?
Raeleen finishes three books, Ariel has an update about her TBR Challenge, and both of us haul new (sort of) books!
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All the books we mentioned in this episode: https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/books
<...#315 - Ariel is SOUPer Excited about Wuthering Heights
Ariel is back from her trip with a haul and both Raeleen and Ariel undergo some serious tbr challenges... plus a very important backpack update.
Links mentioned:
When we originally hauled our backpacks: https://youtu.be/1YzCFurCH8E?si=-28js8gxUbZPzIxi&t=468
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?<...
#314 - Annotating Books is Completely Changing Raeleen's Reading!?
In which Ariel has a haul from a big trip and Raeleen has finished FOUR books and is feeling invigorated by her newly discovered world of annotating!
Links mentioned:
Ariel's 10 year old video "Annotating Your Books": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lymm1OpFgaA
Ariel's 5 year old video "How I Annotate My Books": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDtcQ8SON_Q
The Book Leo's video on annotating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L3fWRQqrUE
Support The Podcast:
Join our...
#313 - New Year, New Reading Problems
It's our first reading update of the new year!
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All the books we mentioned in this episode: https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/books
Use our affiliate link to get 2 audiobooks for the price of 1! https://tidd.ly/3dyW1Xw
Our Patrons:
<...#312 - OUR 2026 READING GOALS!
We’re reacting to our 2025 goals and sharing our 2026 dreams!!!
Links mentioned:
Ariel’s New Website: www.bookhistoryofnovascotia.com
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All the books we mentioned in this episode: https://www.booksu...
#311 - Christmas Book Haul MADNESS + Reacting LIVE to YOUR 2025 Reading Stats!
... oops, we instantly bought SO MANY BOOKS!
Links mentioned:
The version of the answers you can read through: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vxZ_K4V0w92Gk8e4y2NqsvClOCEGYL3HvcMxy3hcZjQ/edit
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link...
#310 - 2025 READING WRAP UP & STATS
THE MOMENT WE’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! TOP BOOKS! BOOK DATA! STATISTICS! READING TRENDS!
Links mentioned:
Reading Spreadsheet Template: https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/stuff
Fill out our 2025 Reading Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOaqDlWh7z2bDMsq5m2lc2xugveJtr3jpMxF_JJG9p22g5cA/viewform
Article about niche bookstores: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/one-genre-bookstores-calgary-9.6989662Article about bookshops opening: https://globalnews.ca/news/10935412/a-new-chapter-bookworms-canada-independent-bookstores/)
Article about AI book winning a big prize: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/aug/18/author-rie-qudan-why-i-used-chatgpt-to-write-my-prize-winning-novel
Support The Po...
#309 - AI Stole Ariel’s Book Truck!
Ai is coming for us all! No little truck is safe!
Links mentioned:
2025 Reader Survey: https://forms.gle/gHVtRXybD1w2Nz2u6
Larissa’s adventures: https://www.polarsteps.com/LarissaAC/16978275-were-going-on-an-adventure?s=b0fdb71c-fb97-4161-bfaf-ee89cf1a0b74
Chelle and Poppy’s Anne video: https://youtu.be/ag9xciyz_UE?si=ifJqcTLNZjsZJoPJ
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_un...
#308 - Raeleen's 30 Book Haul-Tacular
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
Use our affiliate link to get 2 audiobooks for the price of 1! https://tidd.ly/3dyW1Xw
Our Patrons:
A special thanks to our Gold Foil Team on Patreon: Adriane, Alex, Alli, Bellanora, Brittany, Bront...
#307 - Raeleen Reads The Scariest Book She's Ever Read
We read some spooky books, share our halloween weekends, and Raeleen gives a plumbing update!
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All the books we mentioned in this episode: https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/books
Use our affiliate link to get 2...
#306 - Celebrating Six Years With a Pathetic Book Update
If our podcast was a child, he would be in Grade 1, he'd be reading, and he'd wear great outfits! To celebrate six years of Books Unbound we go on a walk down memory lane by sharing our favourite books from the past six years. Plus our usual life and reading updates!
Support The Podcast:
Join our and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Our website: booksunboundpodcast.com
Need Info or Some Books?
All the books w...
#305 - Books on the cob?? 🌽
Ariel turns 31! Raeleen goes to a NEW ZOO! We review books, haul them, and have a good bookish time!
Support The Podcast:
Join our and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All the books we mentioned in this episode: https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/books
Submit your book requests at booksunboundpodcast.com
Use...
#304 - How Many Books Can We Fit In Our New Backpacks? 🎒
This episode spirals... we cover new backpacks, a trip to a new zoo, #bangslife, a bunch of book reviews, a new reading era, reality show memoirs, and somehow a whole tag! It's a big one!
The End of the Year Book Tag
1. Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?
2. Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?
3. Is there a new release you're still waiting for?
4. What are three books you want to read before the end of the...
#303 - Ariel Got Married in a BOOKSTORE!!
We're back from a month away with huge hauls and stories from the wedding and honeymoon!
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Links mentioned:
Ariel's Wedding Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/c/ArielBissett
Claire's Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6aJZodZz9k
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://books...
#302 - We Chose Our Absolute Favourite Books Of All Time
We're picking our top two books in five categories: Classics, Memoir/Biography, Young Adult, Graphic Novels, and Sci-fi/Fantasy! Plus we each choose a special category!
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All the books we mentioned in this episode: https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/books
Subm...
#301 - Book Stampede! 📚
Happy summer vacation everyone! Enjoy a double book haul!
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All the books we mentioned in this episode: https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/books
Submit your book requests at booksunboundpodcast.com
Use our affiliate link to get 2 audiobooks for the price of 1! https://tidd.ly/3dyW1Xw
Our Pa...
#300 - 300 Episode Celebration! FINALLY Righting a Serious Wrong 🥲
A very special guest recommends us a special read, we recommend Kat some books, and we haul some books!
Links mentioned:
Patreon update: https://www.patreon.com/posts/podcast-patreon-133625846
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All the books we mentioned in t...
#299 - The Reading Year is HALF WAY DONE?! 😱
Quarterly update, book haul, book reviews, zoo stories, concerts... this episode has it all!
Links mentioned:
Merch sale: https://store.dftba.com/collections/books-unbound
Patreon update: https://www.patreon.com/posts/podcast-patreon-133625846
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Sign up to the bookmark subscription! https://store.dftba.com/products/books-unbound-bookmark-subscription
Our beautiful merch: https://store.dftba.com/collections/books-unbound
Ariel's T-shirt: https://store.dftba.com/collections/bissett-books/products/im-thinking-about-books-t-shirt
F...
#298 - Confessing our Reading HOT TAKES, SINS, and TRANSGRESSIONS 🔥
Things get real but now we are atoned!
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Sign up to the bookmark subscription! https://store.dftba.com/products/books-unbound-bookmark-subscription
Our beautiful merch: https://store.dftba.com/collections/books-unbound
Ariel's T-shirt: https://store.dftba.com/collections/bissett-books/products/im-thinking-about-books-t-shirt
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/Bo...
#297 - Raeleen DNF's THREE Heavy Hitters in a Row
A book haul, a bunch of dnfing, a 5 star read, and a much anticipated weather report.
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Sign up to the bookmark subscription! https://store.dftba.com/products/books-unbound-bookmark-subscription
Our beautiful merch: https://store.dftba.com/collections/books-unbound
Ariel's T-shirt: https://store.dftba.com/collections/bissett-books/products/im-thinking-about-books-t-shirt
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books...
#296 - Why Ariel Isn't Buying Books Anymore
A book shopping story, a library adventure, and a TBR challenge!
Links mentioned:
Strange Adventures Books: https://www.instagram.com/strangeadvhfx/
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Sign up to the bookmark subscription! https://store.dftba.com/products/books-unbound-bookmark-subscription
Our beautiful merch: https://store.dftba.com/collections/books-unbound
Ariel's T-shirt: https://store.dftba.com/collections/bissett-books/products/im-thinking-about-books-t-shirt
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
...
#295 - Rant Week: Gilmore Girls, Mice, and MORE!
We are allowed one non bookish episode a year, right?
Links mentioned:
"Tech Gone Wrong" Books: https://bookshop.org/lists/tech-gone-wrong
"Tech Gone Wrong" Audiobooks: https://libro.fm/playlists/9673?bookstore=bissettbooks
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Sign up to the bookmark subscription! https://store.dftba.com/products/books-unbound-bookmark-subscription
Our beautiful merch: https://store.dftba.com/collections/books-unbound
Ariel's T-shirt: https://store.dftba.com/collections/bissett-books/products/im-thinking-about-books-t-shirt
Foll...
#294 - We Are In The Middle of SEVEN Books
A very different reading week!
Support The Podcast:
Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunbound
Sign up to the bookmark subscription! https://store.dftba.com/products/books-unbound-bookmark-subscription
Our beautiful merch: https://store.dftba.com/collections/books-unbound
Ariel's T-shirt: https://store.dftba.com/collections/bissett-books/products/im-thinking-about-books-t-shirt
Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/
Need Info or Some Books?
Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnbound
All...
#293 - No Need To Worry, We're Still Reading Queens
Last week we challenged ourselves... did we accomplish our goals??
Links mentioned:
Raeleen's Favourite Neck Yoga Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vTJHUDB5ak
Ariel's Favourite Neck Yoga Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FyHoo4Vfxg
Support The Podcast:
Sign up to the bookmark subscription! https://store.dftba.com/products/books-unbound-bookmark-subscription
Our beautiful merch: https://store.dftba.com/collections/books-unbound
Ariel's T-shirt: https://store.dftba.com/collections/bissett-books/products/im-thinking-about-books-t-shirt
Join our patreon and become a Dus...
#292 - What if we never finish a book again?
Raeleen returns to the book sale! Ariel has opinions on Anne of Green Gables! We are who we are!
Bookmark sale: https://store.dftba.com/collections/books-unbound
Book Club Schedule:
First live show: May 31st @ 4pm PST/7pm EST
Second live show: June 29th @ 11am PST/3pm EST
Details here: patreon.com/booksunbound
Links mentioned:
Mashed Potato May Discord: https://discord.gg/XWmfnXaGqG
Instagram posts Ariel mentioned:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJlQ...
#291 - Raeleen Read 1000 Pages but Purchased 5000 Pages Worth Of NEW Books
Raeleen finishes A MASSIVE books and Ariel sits in AWE.
Book Club Schedule:
First live show: May 31st @ 4pm PST/7pm EST
Second live show: June 29th @ 11am PST/3pm EST
Details here: patreon.com/booksunbound
Links mentioned:
Mashed Potato May Discord: https://discord.gg/XWmfnXaGqG
Instagram posts Ariel mentioned:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJjidyII4PQ/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJRxtyHAkn3/
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJeOZkQSc1q/
#290 - Raeleen's Slump is OVER, Baby!
Ariel is pushing through multiple books at once and Raeleen has figured out how to push past her reading slump!
Links mentioned:
Mashed Potato May Discord: https://discord.gg/XWmfnXaGqG
Mashed Potato Bingo Card: https://discord.com/channels/729817457262460938/1367635539947421766/1368669569673199696
Support The Podcast:
Sign up to the bookmark subscription! https://store.dftba.com/products/books-unbound-bookmark-subscription
Our beautiful merch: https://store.dftba.com/collections/books-unbound
Ariel's T-shirt: https://store.dftba.com/collections/bissett-books/products/im-thinking-about-books-t-shirt
Join our patreon and become a Dus...
