Send us a text

Welcome back to Ashley & Liz’s dystopian sci fi episode bonus series: The Hunger Games!

Today we go back in time to discuss President Snow and his origin story. How exactly did he become a “villian” and what does his evolution into a tyrannical dictator say about the society that created him? How did Panem and the games themselves evolve into the world we know?

This book is full of so many amazing “easter eggs” and tie-ins to the original trilogy. We’re ready to pick those apart and make all of those connections with you as we gear up for our final book episode all about Sunrise on the Reaping. 

If you’ve been following along and watched our “From 1984 to Hunger Games” dystopian themes in media and literature episode then you know we’re fascinated with everything about this genre and need to delve into this discussion! It just happens to be a BIG bonus that Ashley had never read it before. 

The debate currently on the book talk table is whether or not books (and the act of reading) are inherently political. We’d encourage anyone who has a doubt in their mind to read this series… with themes like media control, a totalitarian regime, and rebellion, it’s hard to see how it ISN’T political.

Episode 4 covers book 4 (or 0.5?): A Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes by Suzanne Collins. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star reviews. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences (yes, with a keyboard…), discuss what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, and add a fun piece of prequel trivia. 

Then we wrap this up with a little smash or pass and some big excitement to read the new book with all of you! 

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! 

Check out these author interviews? ⬇️

We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

Watch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is wearing “To Whatever End” Throne of Glass tshirt from @thebeanworkshop Use code BOOKBESTIES10 to save! | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10

Liz is wearing Besties & the Books Exclusive Beanie & “Bookish” Necklace by @twiheartmerch | https://www.etsy.com/shop/TwiHeartMerch?ref=related&from_page=listing&listing_id=1787487095

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Liz
Instagram | TikTok
@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley
Instagram | TikTok
@AshleyEllix