In this Brief Encounters episode of Facts & Fictions, we’re diving into a few thought-provoking pieces on the state of reading today — from declining literacy rates to the rise of bibliotherapy and the growing role of AI in how we consume and create stories.

What does it mean to be a reader in 2026? Are attention spans really shrinking? Can books still change us? And where does artificial intelligence fit into all of it?

In this conversation, we reflect on the cultural moment around reading — what’s shifting, what concerns us, and what gives us hope.

Brief Encounters is our short-form series where we unpack essays, articles, and big ideas shaping the literary world.

If you care about reading culture, the future of books, and the evolving role of storytelling, this one’s for you.

✨ New episodes every other Sunday

📚 Book Discussions + Brief Encounters + Overdue for a Chat

Reading is better when you talk about it.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments — is reading in crisis, or just changing?

Mentioned articles:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/12/us/high-school-english-teachers-assigning-books.html

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/whats-happening-to-reading

https://psyche.co/ideas/reading-books-is-not-just-a-pleasure-it-helps-our-minds-to-heal

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What if you could live every version of your life?📚✨

In this episode of Facts & Fictions, we dive into The Midnight Library by Matt Haig — a genre-bending novel that blends literary fiction, speculative fantasy, and mental health exploration. We discuss Nora Seed’s journey through infinite alternate lives, how the book handles themes like regret, choice, and depression, and whether it lives up to the hype.

Join us for thoughtful conversation, personal reflections, and our honest take on one of the most talked-about books of the last few years.

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This week on Facts & Fictions, we’re talking about The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins.

After taking a break from self-help books, Morgan and Desiree are diving into this viral release that’s been making waves across social media.

Is “just let them” really the key to less stress and more peace—or just another catchy phrase?

💬 Let us know in the comments — have you read the book? Did the “Let Them” mindset shift anything for you?

📚 Books Mentioned:

• The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thoughtful book conversations every week.

#MelRobbins #LetThemTheory #SelfHelpBooks #FactsAndFictionsPodcast #BookReview #PersonalDevelopment

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🎙️ Facts & Fictions — Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

In this episode, Morgan and Desiree dive into Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt’s heartwarming debut novel about connection, grief, and one remarkably clever octopus. We unpack the story, discuss the themes of loneliness and healing, and share our thoughts on how Marcellus the octopus completely stole the show.

Join us for a cozy conversation filled with honest reflections, big feelings, and a little marine magic.

📚 Got thoughts on the book? Drop a comment — we’d love to hear what you think!

🔗 Subscribe for more bookish convos

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @factsandfictionspod

🎧 Listen on Spotify/Apple/etc

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Navigating Grief and Relationships in Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo

In this episode, Morgan and Desiree dive into Sally Rooney’s latest novel, Intermezzo—a poignant exploration of grief, family tension, and complicated love. The story follows brothers Peter and Ivan as they navigate life after their father’s death, confronting their strained relationship and romantic entanglements with Sylvia, Naomi, and Margaret.

Morgan and Desiree unpack the novel’s emotionally charged dynamics, reflect on their own experiences with loss, and share their thoughts on literary fiction as a genre. 📖✨ They also discuss Rooney’s signature style, the power of character-driven storytelling, and what Intermezzo reveals about love, sorrow, and human connection.

If you love literary fiction, book clubs, and lively discussions, this episode is for you! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts on Intermezzo!

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or on YouTube!

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📖 The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Book Club Podcast Discussion 💍✨

This week on the pod, Desiree & Morgan dive into The Wedding People by Alison Espach! 🎉 From its sharp humor to its heartfelt exploration of love, loneliness, and unexpected connections, we break down what makes this novel such a compelling read.

Join us as we discuss:

💍 The novel’s unique take on weddings & relationships

📖 Character deep dives & their emotional journeys

😂 The humor vs. heartbreak balance

🔥 Our favorite (and least favorite!) moments

If you love literary fiction, book clubs, and lively discussions, this episode is for you! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts on The Wedding People!

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or on YouTube!

#TheWeddingPeople #AlisonEspach #BookClub #Podcast #LiteraryFiction #Books #Bookish #ReadingCommunity #FictionLovers

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🔪 The Housemaid’s Twists Keep Coming! Let’s Talk Books 2 & 3 👀

Freida McFadden is back with more shocking twists, locked doors, and jaw-dropping secrets! In this episode, your hosts Desiree & Morgan dive into The Housemaid’s Secret and The Housemaid is Watching—books 2 and 3 in The Housemaid series. Are they just as addictive as the first book? Do the twists live up to the hype? And does McFadden still have us on the edge of our seats?

Join us as we break down the drama, the mystery, and that ending!

📚 Books Discussed:

✔ The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden

✔ The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Have you read these books? Did the twists shock you?

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more bookish discussions!

📩 Follow Desiree & Morgan for more book talk: @factsandfictionspod on Instagram and Tiktok

🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & anywhere you listen to podcasts!

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🔪 The Housemaid by Freida McFadden – Is It Worth the Hype?

In this episode, Desiree & Morgan dive into The Housemaid, the psychological thriller that’s been everywhere. We’re breaking down the jaw-dropping twists, eerie Winchester house vibes, and whether this book truly lived up to the hype. 👀

Was it unputdownable or just another predictable thriller? Let’s discuss! 🤯

📖 Spoilers ahead! If you’ve read The Housemaid, drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear what you think! Haven’t read it yet? Proceed with caution… 🚪

💬 Join the conversation:

•Did you see that twist coming?

•What would YOU do in Millie’s shoes?

•Are you picking up The Housemaid’s Secret next?

🎧 Subscribe for more bookish discussions! Like & comment if you enjoyed this episode—we love connecting with fellow readers.

🔔 New episodes every other Sunday!

📌 Follow us for more book talk:

📸 Instagram: @factsandfictionspod

#TheHousemaid #FreidaMcFadden #ThrillerBooks #BookPodcast #BookDiscussion #PsychologicalThriller

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In this episode, Desiree and Morgan discuss The Girls by Emma Cline, a haunting coming-of-age novel inspired by the infamous Manson family. Set against the backdrop of 1960s California, the story follows Evie Boyd, a lonely teenager drawn into the magnetic orbit of a dangerous cult.

We delve into the novel’s exploration of loneliness, longing, and the seductive power of belonging. How does Cline’s lush prose capture the innocence and darkness of Evie’s journey? What does The Girls say about the vulnerability of adolescence and the blurred lines between empowerment and manipulation?

Desiree and Morgan reflect on the novel’s chilling atmosphere, its timeless themes, and the enduring fascination with cult dynamics.

Please note that we do record under the assumption that you've read the book and do discuss details and spoilers freely!

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In this episode, Desiree and Morgan dive into Emily Henry’s heartfelt and hilarious novel, Happy Place. They unpack Harriet and Wyn’s fake-dating scheme, the emotional complexities of their breakup, and whether a “happy place” can ever truly be revisited.

Join us as we explore themes of love, friendship, and the tricky balance between pursuing your own happiness and meeting the expectations of others. From laugh-out-loud moments to gut-punch emotional truths, we discuss how Happy Place captures the joy and messiness of modern relationships.

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