Basically Bookish Podcast

Another Hunger Games book? Hear me out. 👀📚

In today's episode of Basically Bookish Podcast, Sarah is flying solo to talk about the ideas and background of Suzanne Collins's Sunrise on the Reaping.

From Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven to The Philosophy of Composition, there's much more going on in Panem than you might think. We're going beyond the plot to explore the literary connections and ideas that make this story so compelling.

And we're talking about something else, too: why do we sometimes feel like we have to outgrow the books we loved when we were younger?

When did we start confusing sophistication with complexity?📚

IN THIS EPISODE:Why Sunrise on the Reaping deserves a closer lookThe literary connections between Suzanne Collins, Edgar Allan Poe, and the RavenWhat Poe's The Philosophy of Composition can teach us about storytelling

How literature, political power, propaganda, and grief intersect in Panem

Why accessible stories can still have something meaningful to say⚠️

SPOILER NOTE: This discussion covers the premise of Sunrise on the Reaping and its literary themes, but avoids spoilers for the events of the book and the wider Hunger Games series.

💬 LET'S TALK BOOKS!Have you read Sunrise on the Reaping? Did you notice the Poe connections? And what's a book you thought you'd outgrown, only to discover you appreciated it differently as an adult?

Tell us in the comments!

We love hearing your interpretations and finding new things to think about together.

If you enjoy bookish deep dives, literary connections, fantasy, and conversations that go beyond the plot, please like this video and subscribe.

It helps more readers find Basically Bookish, and it means a lot as we try something new!

🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOWFind Basically Bookish for more book discussions and recommendations:

📺 YouTube: @BasicallyBookishPod

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🎧 Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Search for Basically Bookish✨

LET'S HANG OUT LONGER!Explore our other book discussions, reviews, and deep dives here on the channel—and come read along with us!

Thanks for being here, for reading along, and for giving Sarah a little room to try something new.

We're excited to keep exploring books, big ideas, and all the little details that make us love them.

As always, HAPPY READING! ❤️

IT'S THE RED RISING FINALE! 🚨We've made it to the end of our first Red Rising deep dive...and WOW. Darrow's journey from Red miner to the Reaper of House Mars has officially come to a head.In this final installment, alliances are tested, the Institute descends into chaos, and Darrow has to decide exactly what kind of person *and leader* he wants to become.We've got thoughts. In this episode, Sarah & Tess are covering chapters 34–44 of Pierce Brown's Red Rising. This episode contains HEAVY SPOILERS for the entire first book, so if you haven't finished Red Rising yet, bookmark this one and come back when you're ready.We'll be talking about the finale, our biggest theories and predictions, characters we're suddenly VERY invested in, moments that worked (and didn't), and our overall thoughts on Red Rising now that we've officially made it through the book.And because this is our first time reading the series, we're coming in completely unspoiled for everything that comes next. No skipping ahead, just two bookish besties trying to figure out where Pierce Brown is taking us. Have you read the Red Rising series?Did you love the first book? Hate it? Have extremely strong feelings about Darrow, Sevro, Mustang, or dare we say, Cassius? Tell us what you think, we would love to hear from you!If you enjoyed this episode, like the video, subscribe, and come hang out with us again. We're basically a digital book club at this point. 📚LET'S HANG OUT LONGER!🌑 One Dark Window — Full Plot Breakdown:https://youtu.be/teLiCL7CLdo?si=jr_rcMLJ6bBmapfb📖 Wuthering Heights — 2026 Rant Review:https://youtu.be/1VqjulN7ZK4?si=33-qBdS2mGvw28tG🏠 We Used To Live Here — Theories:https://youtu.be/caoZN9aNdTA?si=H-ASan4K8n0p8yzzLET'S GET SOCIAL!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basicallybookishpod/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@basicallybookishp🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rp9zjwK9TJ7q0AjxcpNKU?si=36b90195d2294f1c

It's the 3rd installment of our Red Rising deep dive and things are getting interesting! Bonds are forged and broken, castles are stormed, the howlers are beginning to form, and Darrow is transforming into The Reaper of House Mars before our eyes. This stretch of chapters is a rollercoaster and we hope you will come along with us for the ride!In this episode we will be covering chapters 23-33 of Pierce Brown's cult classic dystopian sci-fi novel, Red Rising. This episode will contain ****HEAVY SPOILERS**** for the book up until this point but if you're reading along with us, don't worry we won't skip ahead! Let us know what you think of Red Rising so far? Have you read the entire series? Is it one of your favorites? Maybe you have some of the same issues with it as we do? Let us know! We'd love to hear from you. If you enjoyed this episode please don't forget to give the video a like and subscribe to our channel for more bookish content from us! We would love to be your new bookish besties.Lets Hang Out Longer!One Dark Window (Full Plot Breakdown) : https://youtu.be/teLiCL7CLdo?si=jr_rcMLJ6bBmapfb"Wurthering Heights" 2026 Rant Review: https://youtu.be/1VqjulN7ZK4?si=33-qBdS2mGvw28tGWe Used To Live Here Theories: https://youtu.be/caoZN9aNdTA?si=H-ASan4K8n0p8yzzLets get social!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basicallybookishpod/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@basicallybookishpSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rp9zjwK9TJ7q0AjxcpNKU?si=36b90195d2294f1c

Welcome to A Basic Girl's Guide to Red Rising by Pierce Brown! Part 2We're continuing our journey into the world of this beloved sci-fi dystopian novel, things are about to get intense and that does not begin to cover it.⚠️ **This episode contains heavy spoilers for Chapters 12-22 of Red Rising.** ⚠️In this episode, we'll break down **Chapters 12-22** so if you're reading along with us, don't worry, we won't go beyond Chapter 22 or spoil the rest of the book or series.Whether you're reading for the first time like us, doing a re-read, or just want a refresher before diving back into the series, we've got you covered. This section of the book completely changes the game as Darrow leaves behind everything he's ever known and begins his transformation into something entirely new.Join us as we unpack shocking revelations, brutal training, dangerous alliances, and staggering truths hidden beneath the Society's carefully crafted lies. We'll follow Darrow through one of the most pivotal sections of the novel as he prepares to infiltrate the very people responsible for shaping his world.Did you love this section as much as we did? Let us know in the comments! We'd love to hear your favorite moments, theories, and reactions as the story continues to unfold.Don't forget to subscribe for the next installment of our Red Rising deep dive as we continue our journey through the rest of the novel.Find us on all social media platforms @basicallybookishpod.This episode covers: Red Rising Chapters 12–22 | Darrow | The Sons of Ares | The Society | Color Hierarchy | Pierce Brown Deep Dive

Welcome to A Basic Girl's Guide to Red Rising by Pierce Brown!We're kicking off our very first journey into the world of this beloved sci-fi dystopian novel, and we're taking you along for the ride. It's a deep dive!⚠️ This episode contains heavy spoilers for the Prologue through Chapter 11 of Red Rising. ⚠️In this episode, we'll break down the Prologue through Chapter 11, so if you're reading along with us, don't worry—we won't go beyond Chapter 11 or spoil the rest of the book or series.Whether you're reading for the first time like us, doing a re-read, or just want a refresher before diving back into the series, we've got you covered. Because this book is packed with worldbuilding, politics, twists, and emotional devastation, we're breaking our deep dive into four parts that mirror the four parts of the novel itself.Join us as we descend into the mines of Mars, meet Darrow and his family, explore the rigid Color hierarchy that governs society, and witness the events that set one of the most iconic science-fiction sagas in motion.We'll discuss the characters, themes, worldbuilding, symbolism, and all the little details that stood out to us as first-time readers experiencing Red Rising.Did you love these opening chapters as much as we did? Let us know in the comments! We'd love to hear your theories, favorite moments, and whether you're reading along with us for the first time or returning to the series.Don't forget to subscribe for the rest of our Red Rising deep dive as we continue through the book over the next three episodes.Find us on all social media platforms @basicallybookishpod.

Welcome to A Basic Girl’s Guide to the Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig!In this episode we will explain everything you need to know (or everything you may have forgotten) about this iconic romantasy novel before you read The Knave and the Moon! Don't want to do a full re-read? We've got you. Just want to relive the magic and yearning that is this book? Us too! We’re talking characters, plot, politics, lore, and all the juicy little details as well as giving you our opinions as we go. We will start out spoiler free just in case you've been curious about this duology but aren't sure if this book is for you. We'll discuss our individual star ratings (spoiler alert we both gave this one 5 stars!) as well as explaining why we loved the book and where it fell short for us. We will give you a clear warning before we get into heavy spoilers later in the episode!Looking for a plot recap? The spoiler section is for you! Join us as we go on an epic quest through Traum, the Stonewater Kingdom, and uncover the dark truths of this world as we go. Did you love this one as much as we did? Let us know in the comments. We'd love for you to suggest what we should read next.Don't forget to subscribe for more bookish content from us, and find us on all social media platforms @basicallybookishpodWatch Next!A Basic Girl's Guide to Wuthering Heights: https://youtu.be/QGSCGq3tN4k?si=0zJxlLCQfRLKUtqXIs This...Rage Bait? Reacting to Emerald Fennell's "Wuthering Heights": https://youtu.be/1VqjulN7ZK4?si=dyauq4jQXIaopQUJINSANE We Used To Live Here Theories: https://youtu.be/caoZN9aNdTA?si=8MXeWVtoonkWoj-J

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke is probably the most talked about book of summer 2026 and we had to know if it was worth the hype. Join us as we discuss this biting satire that follows Natalie Heller Mills, a tradwife influencer who wakes up in 1855 ... or does she? This episode will be more of a free format discussion as we really just want to pick each other’s brains about this book and what it is trying to tell us about social media, rigid gender roles, womanhood in the modern era, tradwives, and the performance of it all. This episodes will contain ****HEAVY SPOILERS!!!!*** So if you haven't finished the book yet and don't want it spoiled, come back when you're done! We'll still be here.We’d love to know your thoughts as well! Have you read this one yet? What did you think of it? Don't forget to like this video and subscribe for more bookish content from us! We'd love to be your new bookish besties.

Welcome to the Basically Bookish Podcast! In this episode, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about Devney Perry’s Shield Of Sparrows: the first book in a romantasy trilogy that we here at Basically Bookish can’t WAIT to finish. In this episode we will be giving you an unspoilered review and star rating, as well as an in depth plot breakdown (don’t worry, we will warn you before we get into spoilers.)Whether you need a recap before reading Rites of the Starling, are curious if this book is for you, or your’re just here for the vibes.. this one is for you. This epic, enemies to lovers, romantasy is a juicy one and we can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it.

Watch us on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BasicallyBookishPodDon’t forget to subscribe to join our digital book club! And find us on all social media platforms @basicallybookishpod

Need a little female rage anyone??In this episode we are breaking down our thoughts on the fantasy standalone, Blood Over Brighthaven by ML Wang. Come with us as we venture into the world of dark academia and meet Sciona Freynan, the first woman to be admitted into a prestigious institute of magic. This review will not contain spoilers *at first*, but we will get into in depth character analysis and plot points in the later part of the episode SO THERE WILL BE SPOILERS! If you haven't read this one yet and want to go in blind, come back and find us once you're done! Don't forget to subscribe to this channel to join our digital book club and find us on all social media @ Basically Bookish Pod We'd love to hear your thoughts on this novel! And be sure to let us know what you think we should read next.Watch Next!A Basic Girl's Guide To Wuthering Heights: https://youtu.be/QGSCGq3tN4k?si=eJ0F8eJbd2eEL3F3"Wuthering Heights" 2026 Emerald's Version Review: https://youtu.be/1VqjulN7ZK4?si=58-0RYjbxiHIrvfCThe BEST We Used to Live Here Theories You've Never Heard : https://youtu.be/caoZN9aNdTA?si=2Airl6VxT2uYMnJTLETS GET SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/basicallybookishpod/Tiktok

Emerald Fennell's 2026 adaptation of Emily Bronte's gothic masterpiece, Wuthering Heights has left us with mixed emotions... In this episode we will be sharing our honest thoughts and opinions of the movie currently taking over our timelines. We hope you'll let us know your thoughts on this adaptation.. I think we're still processing. Don't forget to subscribe for more bookish content! We'd love for you to join our digital bookclub.Watch Next:A Basic Girl's Guide to Wuthering Heights:2026 TBR:Lets get social!Instagram: Tiktok: