Book Squad Goals

The #BookSquad visits SoCal this week as we discuss The Mothers, Brit Bennett's stellar debut novel. We cover motherhood (duh!), guilt, grief, and the like. But have no fear, this isn't a bummer episode! In fact, it's pretty cute. The Squad is celebrating the one-year podversary of #BookSquadGoals, so you'll also get to hear us exchange "secret Santa" gifts in honor of this special birthday. Thank you for listening to us for a whole year, and don't forget to rate and review us and check us out on booksquadgoals.com!

1:08--Podcast new year resolutions
5:27--Summary
8:00--Perspective and the mothers
11:23--Motherhood and moms
21:11--Grief and guilt
26:25--Luke
35:30--FEELINGS
38:08--Mom2BE is back!
40:53--Nadia
47:00-Emily's magic make out skills
57:40--Ratings!
1:00:05--RP1 feedback
1:03:03--featured bookstore: bombshell comics!
1:07:25--presents!
1:21:37--Mary's Cheryl Blossom poem, then more presents!
1:29:35--whats up next--UNFRIENDED

Put on your haptic suits and join the Book Squad in Halliday’s OASIS as we discuss the new Steven Spielberg movie, "Ready Player One." We’ve got lots of thoughts and feelings about Parzival, Aech and Art3mis in the movie, as well as in Ernest Cline’s 2011 novel on which the film was based. Plus, the squad gets into some questionable poetry by Cline and dives into how Gamergate affects some feminist readings of the book and the movie. Also, hear what’s up on our next fullpisode and what’s on the #BookSquadBlog!

1:00 – Summary and intro
3:55 – What’s your favorite 80s movie?

9:10 – Let’s jump into it—what is everyone saying about this movie?
(Science Fiction by women, for reference: https://bookriot.com/2018/02/20/read-harder-sci-fi-novel-female-protagonist-by-a-female-author/)
1:06 – Funny responses to the book/film
Jenny Nicholson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWPMJwHrWFU
McSweeney's: https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/excerpts-from-my-upcoming-novel-ready-player-two-girl-stuff
14:36 – Mary and Susan can overlook things; also, Artemis is cooler in the book!
16:28 – Kelli’s big moment: the poem. Read along here: https://www.reddit.com/r/justneckbeardthings/comments/6pfmim/this_incredible_poem_by_ready_player_one_author/
25:40 – How the poem relates to the movie
32:20 – Gamergate and RP1
Vox article: https://www.vox.com/culture/2018/3/26/17148350/ready-player-one-book-backlash-controversy-gamergate-explained
38:40 – Ok, let’s talk about the movie though
46:25 – The first challenge and why Mary is mad it was changed
49:09 – But "The Shining" though!
56:00 – Aech
1:05:50 – Ratings!

1:14:53 – Giveaway!!
1:18:04 – What’s on the blog?

Next time on #BSG: A review of "The Mothers" by Brit Bennett, and our BIRTHDAY!

Join the #BookSquad in Pinewood, North Carolina for a not-so-Gatsby retelling of 'The Great Gatsby' in 'No One Is Coming to Save Us' by Stephanie Powell Watts. The squad discusses characterization, pregnancy and motherhood, and the role of memory and the past in this novel. Find out which Squad members liked the book and which ones felt... differently. Plus, we dig into some great listener feedback on our 'American War' and 'Annihilation' episodes! Emily tells us about this month's featured bookstore, Little Shop of Stories in Decatur, GA, and we tell you what's on the #BookSquadBlog and what we're discussing in our next othersode in two weeks. Rate, review, subscribe, and listen!

1:09 – Intro and summary
3:55 – What did we rate it?
11.:25 – JJ? Gatsby? Same dude?
18:28 – Is this book about parenting?
21:30 – The past; we are depressed
29:05 – The end—what of it?
31:07 – Motherhood and pregnancy
38:06 – Race and stereotypes
42:45 – Dream cast of NOICTSU movie

46:28 – Featured bookstore: Little Shop of Stories - http://littleshopofstories.com/

50:15 – Listener feedback: ‘American War!’
57:35 – The power of the DNF
1:05:02 – 'Annihilation' feedback. Helplessly Hoping: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGtFRsCXRcc

1.15.43 – New site announcement! Visit us at our new home, http://www.booksquadgoals.com. Also, what’s on the blog?

Next time on BSG: an othersode on Wes Anderson’s ‘Isle of Dogs!’

Join the squad as we journey deep into Area X for our long-awaited discussion of ANNIHILATION! In this episode, we tackle Alex Garland’s trippy adaptation of the Jeff VanderMeer novel, and we ask all of the important questions: What is this film “about”? How does it compare to the book? Does Alex Garland think all relationships take place primarily in bed? Was Oscar Isaac’s accent switch intentional, or is this a Nic Cage in “Con Air” situation? The answers you crave and more lie ahead… just try not to get any Shimmer in your ears.

1:23 – What would your job be in Area X?
5:47 – Summary and intro
11:58 – Kane and Lena’s relationship
13:36 – Is “Annihilation” really just Sailor Moon??
24:09 – What is up with Area X?
29:30 – What happens to Josie
33:55 – THE TAPE and weird things happening to people in Area X
38:44 – The Bear - Article about the visual effects: https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/28/17059970/annihilation-visual-effects-interview-andrew-whitehurst-bear
45:10 – THE END. What does it mean? Emily Yoshida’s article:
https://www.vulture.com/2018/02/annihilation-review.html
59:58 – Transition to book talk
1:08:20 – The whitewashing controversy
1:14:58 – Ratings and reviews

1:24:45 – What’s on the blog?! What’s up next??

Next time on #BSG: A discussion of “No One Is Coming to Save Us” by Stephanie Powell Watts!

This week, the squad tackles global warming and animosity between the North and South. Are we talking about the past? Are we talking about the present? Neither! We're discussing America in the year 2073 as the country is in the middle of its second Civil War. Join us as we discuss Omar El Akkad's novel "American War," which gave us a lot of material to talk about. Then we read listener feedback about "The Book of Speclation," "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," and our favorite: "Fifty Shades Freed"!

1:05–we miss Susan!
2:15–who’s your favorite president and why?
6:40–Book intro: why Mary picked it and what it’s about
13:06–feminine vs. masculine—the twins
19:23–Sarat’s body
23:50–The racialized body
26:05–but what about the civil war?
31:06–WHERE IS FLORIDA
31:31–The south and the past
34:55–Geography we know!
38:00–South Carolina...also screwed. Zombie Carolina
38:41–how does the war end?
50:00–Simon’s Story
1:02:00–final thoughts and ratings!

1:11:10–featured bookstore: Church Street Coffee and Books https://booksquad.ink/blog/featured-bookstore-church-street-coffee-and-books-birmingham-al

1:14:34–Book of Speculation question
1:16:30–Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo question (and Mary’s thoughts on the book!)
1:21:36–50 Shades Freed
1:29:40–what’s on the blog? What’s up next?

On a very sexy edition of #BookSquadGoals, the squad breaks down the new film "Fifty Shades Freed," the so-called "climax" of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. Join us as we discuss the strange plot, the use of ice cream during sex, pop sensation Rita Ora, and the utter lack of chemistry between the film's leads. We take a look at what this franchise gets wrong about BDSM and answer the most important question: Is this movie sexy? Plus, hear what's on the #BookSquadBlog (there's LOTS of great stuff right now!) and learn about our next book for the upcoming full episode, "American War" by Omar El Akkad.

0:30 – Intros and why we are now doing 'Othersodes'

2:12 – Elizabeth is here—and ratings
11:07 – This is not how publishing works
14:20 – Susan’s experience—more reviews!
17:00 – Plot (?) summary, and then our much better plot summary
24:28 – Pop sensation Rita Ora and how the Grey family seems unrelated
26:07 – What’s a good heist outfit?
28:50 – When Mary said WHAT in the theater
35:50 - But the acting tho, and the lack of chemistry
38:15 – Elizabeth’s filmmaking takes
41:33 – Is this movie sexy? Is it interesting?
44:00 – Sex and emotional manipulation and BDSM
48:20 – Kelli’s least fave parts
53:03 – Dream casting
57: 20 – Review time!
59:35 – Emily Yoshida’s article - http://www.vulture.com/2018/02/fifty-shades-freed-review.html
1:10:00 – Shout out to 3 Parks Wineeeee - http://www.3parkswine.com

1:12:30 – What’s on the blog? What’s next?

Next time on Book Squad Goals: A discussion of Omar El Akkad's "American War."

Come with us to the glamorous world of old Hollywood as we discuss Taylor Jenkins Reid's "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." The Squad talks about the narrative framing of the novel, how race and queer sexuality are treated, juicy Hollywood gossip, and the real-life starlets on whom the beautiful and mysterious Evelyn Hugo is based. And what about that twist?! Plus, find out why men are canceled and women are renewed for another season, and how strict binaries keep us in boxes. Then we dig into listener feedback and hear your favorite things of 2017, and of course, we tell you what's on the #BookSquadBlog and what's up next on the podcast. Hint: it's supposed to be sexy, but it mostly isn't. Listen to find out!

0:30–Mary is missing and sad!
1:23–book intro
2:53–general impressions and ratings
10:05–the twist!!
14:40–frame narratives and how Evelyn is more interesting than Monique
16:45–Emily’s workshop corner
21:10–Monique as a character
25:46–women are renewed, men are canceled
29:20–bi-erasure
32:22–race and passing
34:48–“book club books” and women’s fiction
42:45–speaking of shitty men—Hollywood!
49:26–bookstore of the month-ish
52:48–Susan feedback
- Link to Stephanie Meyer/Twilight video essay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O06tMbIKh0
59:46–listener feedback!
- Link to the "Rape Joke" poem: https://www.theawl.com/2013/07/patricia-lockwood-rape-joke/
1:04:30–what’s on the blog?
1:06:34–next ep—ROMANCE
1:19:40–next book—American War

2017 was a trash fire at times, but the Squad found joy amongst the garbage in books, music, movies, comedy and podcasts. We each count down our top three pop culture things from 2017 and tell you why they were seriously awesome in their own special ways. (If you were looking for recommendations, you've now got 12 things. You're welcome.) In the second half of the show, Susan interviews Louisville-based author James Markert, whose newest novel, "All Things Bright and Strange," will be out on January 30. Plus, we tell you what's happening on the #BookSquadBlog (a lot!) and introduce our next fullpisode book: "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

00:30–WELCOME TO 2018, DUDES
02:17–Emily-When Dimple Met Rishi
06:40–Kelli-Lorde’s Melodrama
09:44–Mary-The Bold Type
13.33–Susan-American Vandal
17:36–Emily-Coco
22:00-Kelli-Kedi
26:37–Mary-Phoebe Bridgers’s Stranger in the Alps
31:42–Susan—Dirty John
34:57–Emily—The Big Sick
41:09–Kelli—Heavyweight
45:11–Mary-Night in the Woods
48:23–Susan-Thank God for Jokes
50:55–Interview Intro
51:54–Interview with author James Markert!
1:22:10–what’s up next/what’s on the blog?

Special guest Mary Kay from "Everything Trying to Kill You" joins the squad to discuss Erika Swyler’s novel "The Book of Speculation." In this episode, we discuss the ins and out of circus literature (which is totally a thing), tarot readings, family curses, and much much more. Plus, we answer your burning questions about "Stranger Things" and "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." Wonder what those space cows are really called? We have the answer!

0:28 – Introductions! Welcome special guest Mary Kay, from http://everythingtryingtokillyou.blogspot.com/
2:50 - Icebreaker—what would your circus profession be?

8:20 – Why did Kelli pick this book/summary
10:48 – Ratings and general thoughts
17:12 – A leeeeetle bit more background bc goodreads is vague
21:21 – Stereotypes about the circus
25:10 – Past timeline v present timeline characters
28:28 – Do the storylines work together? Or nah?
33:24 – A weird big twist we reveal!
38:16 – but which storyline is better really?
40:30 – What about the narration (which changes)? Workshop corner!
44:54 – What is this book really about?
49:32 – Let’s talk about tarot!
53:12 – Back on themes—Mary Kay’s thoughts
57:46 – Is there enough magic? Or mermaids?
1:00:55 – Doyle, the motherfuckin' electric boy!
1:03:14 – Who is the curse REALLY about??
1:07:59 – Mary’s tangent about criticism

1:11:50 – Listener feedback on "Stranger Things"
1:14:08 – Emily’s take on "The Girls"
1:16:20 – STAR WARS!
Todd VanDerWerff's piece on the Episode VIII backlash: https://t.co/9Ks2CWRlEk
Porgs & Puffins: https://kotaku.com/the-last-jedis-porgs-are-just-puffins-which-the-film-c-1821485957

1:30:08 – What’s on the blog?

Next time on #BSG: An interview with author James Markert and our 2017 wrap-up! Our next book is "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…four women known as the #BookSquad braved crowded theaters on opening weekend to see the new Star Wars movie: The Last Jedi. Listen as we discuss our favorite Star Wars movies, the best characters (Kylo Ren and Poe, duh), what's up with Luke Skywalker, why Leia is still a badass, how the Force works, and of course, PORGS. Plus, we give you the scoop on our next book, Erika Swyler's The Book of Speculation, and what's on the #BookSquadBlog. Don't forget to rate and review us on iTunes. May the force be with you, Goalies.

0:30 - An epic intro, in a galaxy far far away...
2:25 – What’s your favorite Star Wars movie and why?
9:18 – Characters in the new trilogy: Kylo
15:20 – Can the Force work like a telephone?
19:00 - Stuff that got dropped from this movie—like, uh, where are the Knights of Ren?
21:00 - Finn’s story, or lack of story.
25:40 - and Benicio del Toro is in this movie? DJ Oops. Also, Holdo is awesome and also disappointing.
27:33 – Poe and Kelli’s thirst tweets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPtNK9kitO4
31:27 - Leia
35:17 – Poe’s true love
38:10 - Will DJ Oops return?
39:08 - We kind of hate action movies, how much we pee, exciting adventures in sneaking food in.
41:37– HUX
42:58 – We are sad about Phasma
45:07 – Rey’s parentage problem
51:16 - Luke v Kylo and memories
53:45 – Mary cries about puppets
55:40 – WHERE CAN I GET A CRYSTAL FOX? Also, PORG NATION
58:36 - BB8 is so cute. The true hero.
59:06 - Rey and Poe meet!
59:59 – Critics v fans
1:14:00 – Our general thoughts! Review time!

1:17:27– Tubby and Coo’s: our featured bookstore! http://tubbyandcoos.com/

1:21:20 – What’s on the blog?
1:24:18 – Next up: The Book of Speculation!