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.