In this episode, we read some iconic opening lines, from timeless classics to modern favorites (we got you covered too, indies!), and why those first few words have so much pressure to be brilliant (nbd right?).

We also give some well-deserved attention to epistolary novels and at least try to make the case for reading more broadly, even when it means stepping out of your comfort zone. We’re here to celebrate great writing, side-eye lazy tropes, and remind everyone that books are better when they surprise you.

In hot goss, we talk about why empathy might just be literature’s greatest superpower.

Welcome to Bad Lit Friends. We’re glad you’re here, even if none of us know what we’re doing.

Bad Lit Friends was created and is hosted by Meagan Thompson-Mann and Kirk Rafferty.

Show email: [email protected]

Bluesky: @[email protected].

Threads: @badlitfriends

Instagram: @badlitfriends

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BadLitFriends

Website: badlitfriends.com

Show notes:

Pride and Prejudice: https://bookshop.org/p/books/pride-and-prejudice-jane-austen/d037d070de87e54f
Bleak House: https://bookshop.org/p/books/bleak-house-charles-dickens/0a8f64b370463d43
Maeve Fly: https://bookshop.org/p/books/maeve-fly-cj-leede/96a041c5c9a4bca4
Crazy Rich Asians: https://bookshop.org/p/books/crazy-rich-asians-movie-tie-in-edition-kevin-kwan/f0c74f97854adae8
The Midnight Dolls: https://a.co/d/05U56oDk
Dear Committee Members: https://villagewell.com/item/ERwtpK2h44AEywicI58rtg
READ MORE DIVERSELY!!! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUJqpOWEvzh/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==