Book Squad Goals

Dive into the gritty, acid-soaked world of Emma Cline's 'The Girls' with the Squad. Get in the Mansony mood by taking the Which Famous Serial Killer Are You? quiz with us. Then we discuss Cline's writing style and why we love our narrator, Evie, and explore Evie's complex relationships with the various female characters in the book. (Bonus: you get to hear a bit about what the Squad members were like as teenage girls!) We get into the real story of the Manson Family and the character of Russell, the cult leader from 'The Girls.' Plus, hear what we're into lately, what's on our #BookSquadBlog, and what's coming up in our next episodes. Don't forget to listen to Emily on the latest episode of 'Everything Trying to Kill You,' and be sure to enter our giveaway for 'The Book of Speculation.' Go to booksquad.ink/giveaway for the simple rules!

0:00 – Help us honor Adam Martin. Visit http://www.lls.org/donate.

1:53 – Intro & serial killer quizzzz: https://www.crimemuseum.org/crime-library/quizzes-trivia-riddles/which-famous-serial-killer-are-you/
15:54 – The results!

17:17 – The book and the events it’s based on
19:50 – General thoughts and ratings
29:41 – Writing style and narration
37:18 – Evie’s relationships—Suzanne
45:00 – Tamar
48:44 – Sasha
53:48 – Russell Manson
1:00:40 – Final thoughts

1:01:40 – Stuff we’re into!
1:11:28 – 'Everything Trying to Kill You — listen to their episode on 'The Lure' ft. Emily: http://everythingtryingtokillyou.blogspot.com
1:13:44 – What’s up next? What’s on the blog? And our new GIVEAWAY!

Next time on #BSG: A very Star Wars minisode!
Our next book: The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler

It's time to enter the Upside Down with the Book Squad as we discuss Stranger Things 2. Play some synth music and take the Which Stranger Things Kid Are You? quiz along with us. Then we're talking character arcs, strong female characters, middle school "romance," and 80s pop culture. Don't worry; we do discuss the controversial 7th episode: "The Lost Sister." Plus, we discuss our next book. On our next fullpisode, we get a little murdery with The Girls by Emma Cline. Read along with us and send us your Stranger Things 2 comments and questions!

Don't forget to check out this month’s featured book store, Avid Bookshop! http://www.avidbookshop.com

1:30 – Quiz Time (https://www.buzzfeed.com/yeezytaughtme/which-stranger-things-kid-are-you-24u4f?utm_term=.uveWOzx4q)
18:27 – Stranger Thiiiiiings *synth noises*/what is it? Overall thoughts?
23:30 - KING STEVE and other characters who have grown
27:00 - Hopper and El
29:25 - Will the Wise
34:20 - Dustin and why he’s maybe the worst
39:30 - Gotta Keep em (female characters) separated (https://www.avclub.com/stranger-things-2-keeps-its-strong-female-characters-1820280840)
47:60 – The Lost Sister
Article 1: https://www.wired.com/story/stranger-things-2-discussion/
Article 2: http://ew.com/tv/2017/11/05/stranger-things-2-chapter-7-defense/
55:20 - Thoughts on the ending
1:02:45 - Questions? Comments? Tell us about your now memories!

1:03:20 - What’s on the blog? What’s up next?
1:07:52 – The Girls by Emma Cline!

What is Borne? Human? Weapon? Flubber?! The Squad discusses Jeff Vandermeer’s "Borne." Join us for the great sci-fi vs. fantasy debate and hear what we think about “The New Weird.” While this book is no Southern Reach Trilogy, there’s still lots of cool stuff going on, including one very questionable twist that shocked Mary in real time. Plus, what’s up next on the blog and the podcast. Rate, review, and enter our next giveaway! Rules at booksquad.ink/thegirlsgiveaway.
Check out this month’s featured book store, Avid Bookshop! http://www.avidbookshop.com

0:27 – Welcome, welcome to the Borne episode
0:50 – What is your fav Sci-Fi story?

6:40 – Description of "Borne" by Jeff VanderMeer
9:05 – What did we think about this book?
15:45 – What even is this book? "The New Weird" (http://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9781892391551)
24:55 – Mary can’t stop talking about the Southern Reach Trilogy
26:26 – Mord was Mary’s favorite thing & Jeff VanderMeer’s notes
27:17 – We would like to thank all the cats in the world
27:44 – The difference between science fiction and fantasy
31:00 – Have you guys heard of Zardulu?
(@Zardulu on Twitter
Reply All's 'Zardulu' - https://gimletmedia.com/episode/zardulu/)
36:16 – What is the point of this story? What is Borne?
39:38 – Borne exploring humanity in his own special way
42:59 – When Borne reveals his true nature
43:53 – Borne-isms
44:29 – You can’t trust something that doesn’t poop
46:00 – What’s the twist????
51:52 – Emily is the best at picking books
52:39 – Do you guys want to talk about narration?

58:20 – Featured Bookstore of the month: Avid Bookshop (http://www.avidbookshop.com)

63:35 – Listener Feedback: "All the Ugly & Wonderful Things" (Hit us up on THA GOODREADS - https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/220870-booksquadgoals)
1:07:20 – "Room" and Gender

1:12:10 – Stuff We’re Into

1:17:04 – What’s on the blooooog? What’s up next on the podcast?
1:22:15 – Giveaway for "The Girls" by Emma Cline (ENTER NOW! Rules at booksquad.ink/thegirlsgiveaway.)

Next time on #BSG: "Stranger Things!"

The Book Squad explores the tiny yet oh-so-rich world of "Room" by Emma Donoghue. We talk about our favorite Jack-isms, Ma's character, and how we feel about the child narration. We also answer a terrible bookclub discussion question and dive into the real (and really awful) story that inspired "Room." Plus: Emily and Mary review Happy Death Day, and we tell you what's on the #BookSquadBlog and what's coming up on the podcast. Rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! And don't forget to enter our Borne giveaway! The simple rules are at booksquad.ink/bornegiveaway. May the odds be ever in your favor!

0:33 - Intro to the book/What is your favorite Jack-ism?
5:00 - Summary from Goodreads (which surprisingly isn’t bad!)
6.55 - Ratings and thoughts
13:28 - Different perspectives
16:45 - Why does the narration in this book work?
21:57 - Breastfeeding, Room, and Jack
26:05 - After the escape: How "Room" deals with trauma
30:22 - Terrible discussion questions! What’s your Sunday Treat?
34:08 - SEAMUS THE DOG
37:50 - Complaints?
41:24 - True Crime Corner: The real story of "Room"

48:30 - "Happy Death Day!"
53:15 - What’s on the blog, what’s up next, and GIVEAWAY NEWS

Next time on #BSG: A discussion of "Borne" by Jeff Vandermeer.

Find out what happens when the whole Book Squad finally agrees on a book! (As Kelli says, now we know "what we can all get on board with.") This week the Squad discusses Bryn Greenwood's "All the Ugly and Wonderful Things," and questions their own morals as they root for a very problematic relationship to succeed. Listen as they dissect Wavy and Kellen's relationship, the book's varying POVs, and why they're mostly happy for Wavy in the end. Plus, the Squad answers "IT" questions and talks about other horror movies. Don't forget to enter our "Borne" giveaway! Simply rate, review and email us!

0:47 – Intro: our happy things this week

4:50 – Summary time
8:46 – General thoughts and Goodreads ratings
18:00 – Horror stories from Goodreads
22:40 – Kellen and mental age and ~morality~
28:57 – POV is jumpin’ jumpin’
36:25 – Characters of all sorts
42:00 – Kellen—and WHAT EXACTLY WENT DOWN
47:26 - So, Amy’s a lesbian
50:29 – Is this a love story? Yes, but...

54:40 – "IT" questions and comments (we just love Stephen King ok)
1:17:20 – What’s on the blog AND GIVEAWAY NEWS!
1:23:30 – Specific giveaway details. Please enter! For more information, visit https://booksquad.ink/bornegiveaway.html

Next time on BSG: A special minisode discussion of "Room" — the book and the movie.

Join your favorite squad of "losers" on a journey through the sewers of Derry, Maine as we discuss the 2017 film adaptation of Stephen King's "IT." How does Bill Skarsgård's Pennywise compare to Tim Curry's performance in the 1990 miniseries? Why did director Andrés Muschietti give Mike's character so little to do? How many clowns is TOO many clowns? Listen now for our thoughts, and don't worry — you'll float too.

0:29 - Intro (Where's Susan? Who's Ben?)

4:00 - What Losers Club member are you?
11:33 - Fear, "IT," and the case of Pennywise
18:17 - Drooling, lip gloss, or both? The Babadook thinks it's hot
21:00 - The scariest scene / Mary doesn't understand projectors
22:57 - "We all float" - literally
27:17 - Our big problem: WHERE IS MIKE?!
33:06 - What'll happen to Mike in the next movie - http://ew.com/movies/2017/09/11/stephen-king-it-sequel-details/
37:55 - Suspicious adults and speculation about their roles
39:43 - ALL THINGS BEV
43:10 - Bev and sex and teen boys
47:00 - Bev's biggest fear
49:50 - Emily has a crush on Jonathan Brandis (also, who is our fave new actor?)
55:16 - Ben doesn't like the haunted house
59:40 - The weird kids TV show
1:01:00 - Child orgy. Yes it exists - https://moviepilot.com/p/stephen-king-it-sex-scene-disturbing-2017-movie/4249079
1:04:40 - Susan's special message!

1:08:50 - A "Silver Linings Playbook" question for Ben!
1:10:53 - What's next? What's on the blog? Mother!!!

Thanks again to the inimitable Ben for filling in for Susan this week! Next time on #BSG: All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood.

Can you ever truly know your spouse? The Book Squad tackles relationship conundrums and more as we discuss Lauren Groff’s novel “Fates and Furies.” There’s even a special guest appearance by Ask-A-Man favorite Joe! Plus: We weigh in on BiP/The next Bachelor, read listener feedback about movies that are better than the books, and reveal the lucky winner of a signed copy of “Orphan Island” by Laurel Snyder!

00:25 - Introduction: Lies we’ve told

08:05 - Intro to "Fates and Furies" and the terrible Goodreads summary
10:30 - Our general thoughts: Mary rages
11:55 - Is it pretentious? Is the language too fancy?
18:18 - Fates vs. Furies (spoiler: Furies wins)
20:53 - Discussing an interview with Lauren Groff - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4P0Sq2k0lI&t=0s
21:59 - Lauren Groff is so cool
25:28 - You can’t Woody Allen it in the Theatre World
27:05 - Lotto is a misogynist and an idiot
28:33 - My mind is telling me no, but my body’s telling me yes
30:00 - How do we feel about the structure?
31:40 - Bitch, you don’t know her
32:38 - Is Lauren Groff pulling a "Gone Girl?"
33:49 - Are Lotto and Mathilde glamorous?
34:45 - Lotto’s Artist Retreat!
37:00 - Dick-related writing advice
39:40 - Not all marriages!
40:55 - Why don’t we talk about all the sex/the lie?
46:23 - Ask a man! We ask Joe about marriage!
50:20 - Losing your virginity vs. getting your period
52:02 - Can you ever really know your spouse?

55:33 - Listener Letters: Melanie and Justineau
58:00 - "Silver Linings Playbook"
58:42 - Bachelor talk: Dean is a fuckboy & no one likes Arie
01:00:23 - Kelli’s Bachelor Plans
01:01:33 - Bradley Cooper’s face
01:02:45 - "Me Before You"
01:04:30 - "The Shining"

01:09:58 - Things on the blog - ARE YOU THE ONE?
01:11:05 - Fresh off the Boat
01:14:10 - NEXT TIME ON #BSG: STEPHEN KING’S "IT!!!!"
01:16:00 - Next next time: "All the Ugly and Wonderful Things" by Bryn Greenwood
01:18:30 - Future love-pisode about "Room?"
01:20:30 - The Winner of the "Orphan Island" Giveaway!!!

The Book Squad supports Susan in the next step of her Harry Potter journey: her official sorting! Find out what house she gets and what the other Squad members are. Plus, Emily interviews Laurel Snyder, author of 'Orphan Island.' They discuss where the idea for the book came from, YA and middle-grade literature, books that make you think, and, of course, pets! Be sure to enter our giveaway contest to win a signed copy of 'Orphan Island!' Details in the episode and on our website, http://booksquad.ink (like a squid).

00:28 - Introduction: our favorite books as kids

7:35 - Speaking of JK, how do we feel about the Hogwarts houses?
13:58 - What house do you WANT to be in, Susan?
17:00 - THE SORTING BEGINS
23:50 - The results! (and quiz analysis)
26:25 - Susan's thoughts on HP Book 1

29:11 - Intro to 'Orphan Island' and Emily's review
32:29 - Interview with Laurel Snyder
34:45 - What house is Laurel in?
37:04 - Where did the idea for the novel come from?
42.10 - Order & age on the island
44:48 - The neglected middle grades
46:30 - Do middle grade books get the middle grade experience wrong?
49:47 - Why is reading a survival skill in the novel, and why did Laurel mention the books she picks?
54:13 - Who does Laurel write for?
56:14 - Will there be a sequel?
58:30 - Or maybe a prequel?
60:50 - Free time! Extreme reactions to the book

63:16 - GIVEAWAY DETAILS: We are giving away an author-signed copy of 'Orphan Island' - to enter, leave us an iTunes podcast review and send us an email with your iTunes username so we know who you are! Details at http://booksquad.ink/orphan-island-giveaway.html
65:30 - What's on the blog? What's coming up?
69:13 - Next time on the podcast: our discussion of 'Fates and Furies' by Lauren Groff!

Thanks again to Laurel Snyder for taking the time to answer our questions! Learn more about 'Orphan Island' here: https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062443410/orphan-island

Special guest Adam joins the squad for a discussion of M. R. Carey's "The Girl with All the Gifts." We talk zombie tropes, narrative style, and what it means to be human. We also talk about the movie, which we were led to believe would be better than it was. Plus: five-minute Bachelorette thoughts, what's on the BSG blog, and what's happening in our next minisode (spoiler alert: we've got our first author interview!).

3:05 - Introducing special guest, Adam!

4:45 - Introduction to the book and the terribleness of Goodreads summaries
10:22 - Initial thoughts and ratings (no half stars, cheaters!)
21:28 - What does 'TGWATG' add to the genre?
25:48 - Zombies and video games
29:20 - But why zombies? Explaining them is a choice
30:35 - Melanie! And what it means to be human
40:05 - POV issuesssss
47:20 - Book vs movie (where are the junkets??)
51:09 - Race implications in the book and movie
Links referenced:
+ http://www.raisingself.com/blog/white-washing-the-girl-with-all-the-gifts-why-im-pissed-helen-justineau-is-being-played-by-a-white-actress
+ https://blackgirlnerds.com/girl-gifts-race-analysis/
58:45 - Sally, why did you say "Girls Trip" was good?
59:47 - The ending of the movie
1:03:36 - Movies that are better than the book - tell us your thoughts!

1:05:02 - "5-minute" Bachelorette finale thoughts
+ Susan's Bachelorette blog post: https://booksquad.ink/blog/let-rachel-lindsay-live

1:12:10 - "Perfect Little World" listener questions and comments: true love, BBQ, and the IRB
1:17:11 - "Couple Next Door" questions and comments: Doritos and irredeemable books
1:27:50 - What's on the blog! The Bachelorette, "Hamlet," "Angels in America," and a pantsless Oscar Isaac. https://booksquad.ink/blog/

1:30:00 - Next time on BSG: A special children's lit minisode with Laurel Snyder (complete with a signed book giveaway!)

The Book Squad finally exorcises our anger over "The Couple Next Door" by Shari Lapena, the book we love to hate, in our first ever hate-pisode. This book has everything: baby kidnapping, shoddy detective work, kinky sex games, and, of course, Zoloft. Listen as we throw shade at the mistreatment of mental illness, flat characters, non-thrilling "thriller" twists, and that batshit crazy ending. We even do some dramatic readings of the most ridiculous scenes and read some GoodReads reviews. Plus, what's on the BSG blog and what we're reading next!

00:30 - Intros and medication

1:53 - Goodreads summary...the drama!
3:40 - How did this podcast come to be? And more summary
10:45 - But who is the couple next door??
13:00 - "This is like the longest episode of Law and Order...but not good."
16:28 - Ann and sympathy and bad bad writing
18:12 - Postpartum depression, mental illness, and twists (oh my)
26:40 - Hospitality Baskets (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQD2nmcHsSI)
28:38 - THE ZOLOFT SCENE, and discussions of medication
36:11 - Ok, back to the book. Is this detective even real? Does anyone know what postpartum depression is?
39:17 - The end of the book and how mental illness is the villain...again.
46:10 - Dramatic readings about postpartum depression
48:50 - How the book conceals information
50:20 - Ok, but for real, that ending
55:46 - Sue1958 reviews the book and we learn all about her life
1:01:19 - The implausible story train (choo choo)!
1:02:03 - Miss gives us a review we can agree with
1:04:15 - Sped up audiobooks and "The Girl with All the Gifts" by M.R. Carey (our next book)!

1:06:45 - What's going on on the blog?
1:09:45 - We are all very excited Susan is reading Harry Potter!