Life and Lit

This week, Sydney and Paige are back with a true crime thriller, "Notes on an Execution" by Danya Kukafka. This book tells the story of a serial killer on death row, and his story is told in part through the eyes of women in his life. It's an interesting perspective on our culture's obessisson with true crime. Join us for the discussion!

This week, Paige and Sydney cover a new author in one of their favorite genres. "The Secret Book of Flora Lea" by Patti Henry Callahan follows a young woman on the quest to solve her sisters decades old disappearance. Set amongst a backdrop of WWII and 1960s London, this novel has it all--war, heartbreak, mystery, and redemption.

This week we cover the latest release from Emily Henry, "Happy Place." This romcom novel follows Harriet and Wyn, a broken-up couple who has to pretend they are back together to keep peace with their friends. It's the perfect mix of romance, friendship, and summer vibes. Plus we bring back our Casting Couch to dream up who could play these ensemble characters!

This week Sydney and Paige return to the world of fantasy to discuss the third book in the ACOTAR series "A Court of Wings and Ruin" by Sarah J. Maas. War has come to Prythian, and Feyre is doing everything she can to save those she loves. In the Spring Court, she attempts to bring down Tamlin's court and sow discord throughout his lands. As she returns to Rhysand, she assumes her new role as High Lady of the Night Court and works to gather the powers of the High Lords to rally against Hybern. Tune in as we discuss Feyre's new role, how Sarah J. Maas is the master of the long game, and the epic battle scene to close out this part of the story for our Prythian friends.

Paige and Sydney go back to a tried and true genre, historical fiction. "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys covers a little known but vastly important even from WWII. You know we love an ensemble cast set amongst real life history, and this one does not disappoint!

This week Sydney and Paige discuss a new author to the pod with "Lock Every Door" by Riley Sager. Jules is down on her luck when she sees an ad in the newspaper for an apartment sitter at one of the most famous buildings in New York City--the Bartholomew. She can't believe her luck and soon settles in amongst the famous residents there. When strange events start happening that she can't ignore, she digs into the building's history and starts to think its beautiful facade was hiding a terrible secret... Join us as we discuss Jules' questionable decision making, try to figure out who we can trust (if anyone), and the reveal of the truly bananas plot twist (in Sydney's words)!

This week, Sydney and Paige cover another epic from Stephen King. "Fairy Tale" follows Charlie Reade, a 17 year old boy who lands himself in a fantasical adventure. But before that, we have to discuss the real life unhappy ending of one of our favorites. Why can't everything have a happy ending?