Dearest Reader

Welcome back, Dearest Reader! 📚✨

In this week's episode, we're celebrating Juneteenth by shining a light on incredible Black authors and unforgettable stories that deserve a place on every bookshelf.

Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. Today, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, culture, history, and the enduring contributions of Black communities across generations.

Books have always been powerful tools for preserving history, amplifying marginalized voices, and inspiring change. In this episode, we're sharing some of our favorite books written by Black authors across a variety of genres—from contemporary fiction and fantasy to romance, thrillers, memoirs, and young adult novels. Whether you're looking to learn, reflect, laugh, cry, or simply discover your next favorite read, we've got recommendations for every kind of reader.

Join us as we celebrate Black storytelling, discuss why diverse literature matters, and honor the voices that continue to shape the literary world. We hope this episode encourages you to read more broadly, support Black authors, and remember that every story has the power to change the way we see the world.

Grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and let's turn the page together.

Happy reading,

Your Dearest Reader hosts ❤️📖

Dearest Readers, In this episode, Shreya takes this guest interview solo and very seriously. Rose was out with a migraine on this particular day and they told Shreya that she could take it solo. She interviews someone whom she has started to find as a role model and someone whom she looks up to. She interviews Anna P, the author of the Love League series. In this episode, they focus on the intersectionality of being queer and being true to your culture, something that they are both passionate about.

Welcome back, Dearest Readers!

Shreya (she/her) and Rose (they/them) are back at it again and we are excited to announce that we are back to our normal upload schedule for Monday evenings!

In today’s episode, in celebration of Pride month, we are sharing our favorite queer reads and queer reads on our TBR.

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Happy Thursday, Dearest Readers!

Between Shreya packing to move and Rose's health concerns, we have been struggling to stay on top of your posting schedule but are still here! We HAVE NOT and WILL NOT be disappearing on you. We are simply playing catch up with editing and getting your episodes published. We will be back on a normal schedule this Monday so please bear with us while we catch up.

In today's episode, with Cinco De Mayo having just past, we thought it would be a fun opportunity to share some Hispanic centered stories! Enjoy!

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Happy Tuesday, my Dearest Readers!

Sorry for being a day late. In today’s episode, Rose (they/them) and Shreya (She/Her) discuss their AAPI book recommendations and books on their TBR in honor of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage month.

🎧 Welcome back to Dearest Reader.

Your favorite podcasters,

Shreya & Rose 💕

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Episode 12 is finally here, and this one is dedicated to the places that keep book lovers alive: independent bookstores. 📚✨

In honor of Independent Bookstore Day, Shreya and I are talking about some of the indie bookstores we absolutely love, the ones we’re dreaming of visiting someday, and why these spaces matter so much to readers, writers, and local communities. From cozy little shops that feel like home to shelves that changed our lives one recommendation at a time, this episode is basically a love letter to indie bookstores everywhere.

This episode is a little later than planned because life has been… a lot lately. Between hospital visits, health issues, and busy schedules, we needed extra time before sitting down to record. Thank you for being patient with us while we navigated everything behind the scenes. 🤍

So grab your current read, your favorite drink, and come spend some time with us while we talk bookstores, bookish memories, dream travel spots, and the magic of finding stories in places built with love.

🎧 Welcome back to Dearest Reader.

Your favorite podcasters,

Shreya & Rose 💕

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📚🖤 Welcome to Dearest Reader

This isn’t your average book podcast.

Hosted by two readers who feel everything way too deeply, Dearest Reader is where we unpack the stories that wreck us, reshape us, and refuse to let us go. Expect raw reactions, honest opinions, and deep dives into books that aren’t afraid to explore identity, grief, love, power, and everything in between.

 In honor of National Arab American Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting Arab American authors and stories that deserve way more attention. From powerful cultural narratives to unforgettable characters, we’re diving into books that expand perspectives and stay with you long after the last page.

If your TBR is already out of control… we’re about to make it worse. 📖🔥

🎧 Press play. Get comfortable. Let’s talk books.

Your favorite podcasters,

Shreya & Rose 💕

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Happy Wednesday, Dearest Readers!

Since April is National Poetry Month, Rose (they/them) and Shreya (she/her) are sharing poems that reflect one another and their friendship. So, grab a snack (and maybe some tissues) before you hop into today's episode! As always, follow us on our socials and feel free to give our podcast a review! We love each and every one of you so much! <3

Your favorite podcasters,

Shreya & Rose 💕

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Dear listeners,

We’re officially closing the chapter on the first quarter of the year, and you know we had to sit down and spill all our bookish favorites so far 👀💌

From unforgettable characters to stories that completely consumed our thoughts (and maybe ruined our sleep schedules), this episode is all about the books that defined our reading lives these past few months. Expect passionate rambling, a few strong opinions, and plenty of recommendations to add to your ever-growing TBR 📖🔥

So grab your current read, get cozy, and join us as we gush, debate, and celebrate the stories we couldn’t put down 💕

With love,
Dearest Readers 💋

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Happy Tuesday, Dear Readers! 💌

Your favorite bookish duo, Shreya (she/her) and Rose (they/them), are back at it again—fashionably late, but worth the wait! 📚✨ In this cozy (and slightly cheeky 😉) episode, we dive into why reading smut can actually be so beneficial! From exploring intimacy on the page to understanding how stories help us connect with ourselves and others—this episode gets real, thoughtful, and a little spicy.

⚠️ Content Warning: Discussions of intimacy, as well as mentions of SA and related topics, are included. Please listen with care and take breaks if you need to.

Your favorite podcasters,
Shreya & Rose 💕

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Books mentioned:

1. Breathe with Me by Becca Mack
2. Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver
3. The Arabian Nights
4. The Black family who built America by McKissack family

Links for SA & related hotlines:

• https://www.helpguide.org/find-help
• https://nomoredirectory.org/
• https://www.theamieffect.com/global-directory-of-abuse-helplines/

Link for free sex education resources:

• https://www.carefortheculture.com/lets-talk-about-prep
• https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-pacific-southwest/campaigns/sex-ed-to-go
• https://sexedrescue.com/