Amanda and Jenn discuss unreliable narrators, romantic suspense, historical mysteries, and more in this week's episode of Get Booked.

This episode is sponsored by The Shimmer by Carsten Stroud and Tonight I’m Someone Else by Chelsea Hodson.

 

Questions

 

1. I recently began a mini book challenge with my 2 book worm friends. We each thought of ideas for the challenge and are tackling them together but have run into a bit of a dry spell. We are interested in looking at books with unreliable narrators as well as short stories or short story collections. Do you have any suggestions?

--Sandra

 

2.Hey there!

I'm looking for some recommendations on good WWI era books. I've read all the classics (Fitzgerald, Hemingway, etc). I've tried reading "The Guns of August" but its so dry it’s hard to get into. I'm fine with a perspective from any country involved in the conflict (though particularly interested in either German or British). I pretty much love any genre, just want to read a really good book!

PS: Your fantasy recs are amazing, I've found so many great books listening to your advice, thanks!

Thanks!

--Radhi

 

3. Hello!

My request is for a romance novel that I can get into. I've never really been a fan of the genre, but I really want to give it a shot, and I feel I just haven't found the right ones. I know it can't be that I'm averse to romance, because I've read plenty of stories that have romance, but that weren't categorized as romance perse. I think I may just have a hard time relating to the characters most of the time.

I'm a huge fan of the TV show Jane the Virgin, which is BIG on romance, and I love the drama of it. So I was wondering if y'all could maybe find something along those lines, with the telenovela feel, and definitely a Latinx protagonist. Bonus points for queer representation as well.

Thanks!

--Meagan

 

4. Hello! I am currently in a reading slump and need help picking up the next amazing book that will keep me up way past my bed time. I'm looking for a mystery/suspense romance recommendation. I've recently read authors such as Nina Laurin, Loreth Anne White, Louisa Luna, B.A. Paris, Kristen Lepionka, and Peter Swanson which I have all enjoyed. Two of my most favorite books are Too Late by Colleen Hoover, and He Will Be My Ruin by K.A. Tucker. Please no fantasy or sci-fi. Thanks in advance!

--Kimberly

 

5. Hi! I'm a huge fan of the podcast! I'm working as a library aide in a college-prep high school with a diverse student body and high-achieving students. I've had some requests for the Rick Riordan books; in the interest of exposing my kids to authors and books that get less buzz and helping them bridge the gap between middle-grade and adult reads, I'm looking for something similar. Along the lines of "You liked Harry Potter, now try Akata Witch!" or "You liked Tolkein? How about The Tiger's Daughter?" Preferably with non-white authors and characters, at a YA or adult level.

Thanks in advance,

--Jessie

 

6. Hi - I'm a serious reader and love, love, love books! I usually read literary fiction - I love a good, deep story, that's well written and has characters that live with me off the page. I like books to be places where i can learn things in relaxed ways and expand my knowledge of the world. Recent books I've loved have been A Little Life / Home Going / Alias Grace and Pachinko. I recently read my first Fantasy / Sci Fi novel - The Fifth Season by NK Jemisin and to my surprised - i LOVED IT! I loved the world building, the strong female characters, the challenge it posed in how it was read, and it was so beautifully written. I also like the idea of there being 2 more books in the series for me to get my teeth into. This is a new genre for me - so id like some recommendations of where to go next - Im looking for SciFi / Fantasy - that's thoughtful, not male centric, mature (im not a lover of YA fiction) and tells a super well written story. Thank you so much

--Mitch

 

7. Hello!

I am a huge fan of the National Treasure movies, and I was a history major in college. I love mysteries, especially ones that put a spin on an historical event.

I have read all of Dan Brown's books and I enjoy James Rollins as well. Do you have any recommendations that would fall into this category? I would love to be able to listen on audio, but any recommendation would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

--Jessica

 

 

Books Discussed

Glass and Gardens: Solarpunk Summers, edited by Sarena Ulibarri

The Lost for Words Bookshop by Stephanie Butland

Coffee Boy by Austin Chant

The Others series (Written in Red #1) by Anne Bishop

The Merry Spinster by (Daniel) Mallory Ortberg

The Night Guest by Fiona McFarlane

Singled Out by Virginia Nicholson

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria

A Summer for Scandal by Lydia San Andres

I Am Justice by Diana Munoz Stewart

All Beautiful Things by Nicki Salcedo

Song of Blood and Stone by L. Penelope

Beasts Made of Night by Tochi Onyebuchi

Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie

The Poppy War by RF Kuang (tw: rape, war crimes)

The Badass Librarians of Timbuktu by Joshua Hammer

Labyrinth by Kate Mosse

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.