Just Plane Books Podcast

Do you find yourself in caught between your young adult children and your aging parents?  You might just be a member of the Sandwich Generation...and you might just love this book!  LaDonna and Jolene can certainly relate to author Catherine Newman, and her main character, Rocky, as she navigates the wonderful and emotional world of a woman in her 50s. You won't want to miss this week's discussion as our hosts find ways in which they connect with the powerful themes in this book...and decide if it is in fact a "beach read" or not! 

Get ready for a tough conversation as LaDonna and Jolene dig into this unusual and celebrated novel set in World War I. While Angel Down, a Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction, is not everyone's cup of tea, it provides plenty of material to talk about.  Join us for the discussion and let us know what YOU think!  Drop us a line at [email protected]!

LaDonna and Jolene bring a few surprises to you this week, as they review Patrick Ryan's multigenerational novel Buckeye.  This book tells the moving story of two midwestern families who are inextricably intertwined after a brief indiscretion.  One of our hosts is brought to tears during the discussion, the other awards the book a perfect five stars! We suggest you pick up this bestselling tome and join the discussion!   

Our hosts have similar thoughts about this new - and somewhat controversial - novel by Woody Brown.  Set in an adult daycare called Upward Bound, this story sparks emotions on every level.  You won't want to miss this episode.  But be warned!  After listening, you will want to visit your local bookstore to grab this one for yourself!  

Have you ever wanted a Do-Over?  Alfie, the main character in Twice has the power to do exactly that.  This week, LaDonna and Jolene discuss the advantages and heartbreak of using this gift, especially when it comes to love.  Our hosts are both Mitch Albom fans, and after you join this week's discussion, you will likely be too!  

Join LaDonna and Jolene this week as they learn about orphans in post-World War II Germany.  Keeper of Lost Children explores the challenge of mixed-race babies in the 1940s and 50s, telling the complicated and emotional stories of three people whose lives were defined by it. Our hosts are - for the most part - on the same page on this one.  Don't miss it! 

Did you ever consider visiting the Panama Canal? This week, LaDonna and Jolene discuss this rich novel of historical fiction set in the early 20th century.  The creation of this Wonder of the Modern World serves as the backdrop for this story, and our hosts are here for it!  You won't want to miss the discussion, and you won't want to miss the book!  

Join LaDonna and Jolene this week as they discuss their first mystery thriller novel on the podcast!  John Grisham's latest bestseller is the topic of conversation today, and while they come to a similar rating, they have very different opinions about the characters in the book.  What do you think?  Let us know anytime, here at Podbean, or drop us a note at [email protected]!  We want to hear from you!

Imagine if Cinderella's evil stepmother wasn't so evil after all!  This week, LaDonna and Jolene discuss the entertainment quality and themes in Rachel Hochhauser's debut novel Lady Tremaine, which tells the iconic fairy tale from a different and creative perspective.  You will want to join the ladies in the airplane to find out how they feel about this fresh take on a very old story!

LaDonna and Jolene are mostly on the same page this week as they discuss the merits and challenges of this celebrated Sci-Fi novel by Andy Weir.  They explore the themes represented in the book and highlight the performance by narrator Ray Porter.  If you are on the fence about picking up this book, this week's episode might just settle things for you!  You won't want to miss today's flight!