Medium Lady Reads

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 46 - “End of Summer Reading Slump.”

Erin and Jillian are so glad you’re here with them once again! As always, they’ve got a fresh batch of book recommendations they’re excited to share.

Whether you’re squeezing out the last moments of summer or excited to update your TBR for fall, Jillian and Erin hope at least one of these titles finds its way onto your library holds list. So grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and let’s talk books. Erin and Jillian are always hoping you might just find your next favorite book!

In This Episode:

• Erin and Jillian check-in on how they’re reading and life is going. 
• Mentioned in this episode: Mississauga Public Library
• Jillian and Erin share their latest 6 book reviews. 
• Mentioned in this episode: Amy Poehler’s Podcast Good Hang
• Time for Hot Takes! Erin and Jillian dive into the drama around Ali Hazelwood. Listen in to learn more about it!
• Mentioned in this Episode: Elizabeth Gilbert halts publishing of book
• What books do Erin and Jillian have on hold at the library this week? Tune in to find out!

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

• Winging It With You by Chip Pons
• ShopGirls by Jessica Anya Blau
• Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
• A Love Story by Annabel Monaghan
• A Witch’s Guide to Burning by Aminder Dhaliwal 
• Yes Please by Amy Poehler
• Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez 
• Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
• Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
• Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
• Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
• Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Bride by Ali Hazelwood
• Playground by Richard Powers
• After Taste by Daria Lavelle  
• All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
• The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 45 - can you believe it? Season 3 is here! And, Erin and Jillian are excited to be back on mic.

Summer is in full swing, and if your brain is already in back to school mode, this episode is perfect for you.  Even if you’re stealing 10 minutes for yourself, books are your permission slip to slow down and check back in with yourself. If your TBR is overwhelming, or if you’ve got no idea what to read next, Jillian and Erin have you. So grab your iced coffee, ditch the guilt, it’s time to find your next favorite book!

In This Episode:

• The ladies check-in on how their lives and reading are going.
• Jillian and Erin jump right into their book review! Each woman brings 3 books to this episode.
• This week’s hot take is little less provocative and a little more heart-warming. This week the ladies are talking about the legacy Dan Pelzer left behind. You can see his reading journal by visiting https://what-dan-read.com/ . 
• Erin and Jillian end with the holds list - what they have waiting for them, and what’s up next in their reading queue.

Books Mentioned In This Episode:

• Home of the American Circus by Allison Larkin
• The Summers Between Us by Noreen Nanja
• Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang
• Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
• A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn 
• Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood
• Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
• Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
• Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab
• The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
• All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
• God of the Woods by Liz Moore
• Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean
• Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
• Maggie; Or, A Man and Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee
• The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King
• Shopgirls by Jessica Anya Blau 
• Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
• Winging It With You by Chip Pons
• Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 44 - can you believe it? Erin and Jillian are so happy you’re here. 

Jillian and Erin have six new book recommendations to share with you today, plus all the cozy, nerdy, bookish vibes you know and love. So grab a drink, get comfy, and it’s time to dive in!

In This Episode:

• It’s time to start the episode, Erin and Jillian check-in on how their lives and reading is going.
• Mentioned in this episode: The public library in Finland the Oodi.
• The ladies jump into their reviews! Erin and Jillian share 3 books each, tune in to find out what they’re sharing.
• Mentioned in this episode: @pieladybooks.
• After the reviews, Jillian and Erin decide to share an update on their reading goals.
• If you’re curious what Erin and Jillian put on their holds list, be sure to stick around to the end of the episode.

Books Mentioned In This Episode:

• Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
• My Friends by Fredrik Backman
• Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
• Beartown by Fredrik Backman
• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
• The Joy Reset by Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald, PhD
• One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
• Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
• Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
• Audre and Bash are Just Friends by Tia Williams
• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
• Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
• Practice Makes Perfecty by Sarah Adams
• Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
• Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
• The Mars House by Natasha Pulley
• Act Your Age Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
• Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
• So Far Gone by ​​Jess Walter
• The Deal by Elle Kennedy
• Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean
• The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads. This is episode 43, “Our Best Recommendations for Your Summer Reading Pile.”

Summer is just around the corner, and that means it's time to talk about the books that’ll keep you company on park benches, road trips, backyard loungers—or wherever your sunny days might take you. Whether you’re deep in your TBR, building your summer stack, or just here for a cozy bookish chat—Jillian and Erin have got you covered. So grab your iced coffee or a tall glass of lemonade, find a comfy spot, and let’s get into this week’s bookish goodness together.

In This Episode:

• To kick this episode off, the ladies share how their reading and life is going.
• Next up, it’s time to talk books! Erin and Jillian each bring 3 books to the show.
• Time for hot takes. What are the ladies dishing on this week? Tune in to find out! 
• Let’s wrap up with the Holds List - Jillian and Erin share what’s on their holds list and what they’ll reach for next. 

Books Mentioned in this Episode:

• One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
• Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
• My Friends by Fredrik Backman
• Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
• Beg, Borrow, and Steal by Sarah Adams
• Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
• Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
• Tilt by Emma Pattee
• The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner
• The Mars House by Natasha Pulley
• Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
• The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
• I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
• The Unseen World by Liz Moore
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
• Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
• Skye Falling by Mia McKenzie 
• Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood
• Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads. This is episode 42, “Thaw your Reading List and Get Ready For Summer.”

Whether you're building your summer TBR, looking for something to dive into on a sunny afternoon, or just hoping to discover a story that sticks with you, Erin and Jillian got something that might just become your next favorite. So settle in, get cozy (or throw on your shades if you’re listening poolside), and let’s talk books!

In This Episode:

• How are the ladies doing? Both Jillian and Erin start the show by sharing how their reading and lives are going.
• This week Jillian starts the show off with her review, Erin follows with her’s. 
• Each woman shares a total of 3 books in this episode.
• Next up, the ladies discuss their Hot Take for the episode, tune in to learn what it is. 
• Finally, it’s time to check in with what the ladies have on hold and what they’ll be reading next.

Books Mentioned In This Episode:

• Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao
• The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner
• Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center
• Things You Save In a Fire by Katherine Center
• How to Walk Away by Kathering Center
• Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob 
• Ducks by Kate Beaton
• Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
• The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life, Freedom, and Justice by Anthony Ray Hinton
• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin
• Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley 
• Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• Normal People by Sally Rooney
• Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
• All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
• Black Wood Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey
• Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
• The Hike by Drew Magary 
• Tilt by Emma Pattee
• Audre and Bash are Just Friends by Tia Williams
• Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
• Mismatched by Anne Camlin 
• My Friends by Fredrick Backman

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads. This is episode 41, “A Real Dud of a Thriller... plus What is a Novella And Do we Like Them?” 

Erin and Jillian are so happy to be back with you this week—and of course, they've got more great books to share that they think you'll love! Whether you're looking for your next cozy read, something to make you laugh, or a story that’ll completely sweep you away, they've got you covered. So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's dive into this week’s bookish goodness together!

In This Episode:

• Erin and Jillian start the episode like they usually do by sharing how they’re reading and life is going.
• Erin starts the show off with her first review, followed by Jillian's review. 
• Each woman shares 3 books in this episode.
• Next up, the ladies discuss their Hot Take for the episode, tune in to learn what it is. 
• Finally, it’s time to check in with what the ladies have on hold and what they’ll be reading next.
• Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 40 & Missing White Woman.

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

• Penitence by Kristin Koval
• Black Woods Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey
• The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
• The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
• Orbital by Samantha Harvey
• Sweetness in the Skin by Ishi Robinson 
• Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine
• James by Percival Everett
• First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
• First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
• Kate & Frida by Kim Fay
• Foster by Claire Keegan
• Martyr by Kaveh Akbar
• I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
• Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett
• Starter Villain by John Scalzi
• Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao
• The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner
• Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage
• The Sirens by Emilia Hart
• Weyward by Emilia Hart

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads. This is episode 40, “Wonderful Publishers Behind Wonderful Authors.”

Welcome back to Medium Lady Reads! Erin and Jillian are excited to land in a new “decade” of episodes. The ladies are both in their 40s and they’ve hit their stride with the podcast as they arrive at episode forty. This episode will continue to bring you all the content you love! Book recs, cozy vibes and hot takes, Jillian and Erin are so glad you’re here!

In This Episode:

• The ladies thank their listeners for helping them hit 40 episodes. 
• Erin and Jillian check in with each other about how they’re reading and how life is going. 
• Both ladies bring 2 new books to the show and then share a review of the latest TJ Klune release.
• It’s time for the hot take of the episode! Jillian and Erin share their thoughts on this week’s hot take - tune in to learn what they’re chatting all about.
• What’s on their Holds List? Erin and Jillian weigh in on what they’re reading next. 
• Mentioned in this episode: Episode 27 and The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon.

Books Mentioned In this Episode:

• Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
• Oathbound by Tracy Deonn
• Let’s Call Her Barbie by Renée Rosen
• Penitence by Kristin Koval
• First Time Caller by B.K. Borison
• Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
• Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett
• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin
• How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
• What Happened to the McCrays by Tracey Lange
• The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune
• The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
• Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
• Wolfsong by TJ Klune
• The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune
• The Mars House by Natasha Pulley 
• The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
• You Still Look the Same by Farzana Doctor
• James by Percival Everett 
• Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
• Kate & Frida by Kim Fay

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads. This is episode 39, “Are Celebrity Memoirs Clogging your TBR?”

Welcome back to Medium Lady Reads! Be sure to get settled in, cue up the latest episode, open your TBR tracker, and get ready to add 6+ more books to your stack.

In This Episode:

• The ladies check in, sharing how their reading and life is going.
• Both women share what types of books they’re bringing to the show for this episode.
• Time for the meat of the episode, where Erin and Jillian share three books each. Books you should definitely add to your TBR.
• What is the hot take for this week? Tune in to hear what Jillian and Erin are giving their 2 cents on. 
• After you listen to the hot take, share with us on Instagram - @mediumladyreads
• What’s on our holds lists? Listen in to find out, and add even more books to your TBR.

Books Mentioned In This Episode:

• Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune
• Beyond Anxiety by Martha Beck
• Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine
• Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce
• The Heartstopper Series by Alice Oseman
• The PLAN: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi
• The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
• Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
• Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
• Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
• Red Rising by Pierce Brown
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• The Favorites by Layne Fargo
• Run Towards the Danger by Sarah Polley
• We Were Dreamers Simu Liu
• Taste by Stanley Tucci
• Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
• The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin
• Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
• Heavenly Tyrant (Iron Widow 2) by Xiran Jay Zhao 
• The Unseen World by Liz Moore
• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
• First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston 
• Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
• Women Who Work Too Much by Tamu Thomas
• Black Woods Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey
• Penitence by Kristin Koval

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads. This is episode 38, “Sneaky Censorship in the Bookish Community.”

Welcome back to Medium Lady Reads! Thanks to daylight savings time we’re all enjoying a bit more evening sunshine, and today’s recommendations are sure to brighten your day!  Today Erin and Jillian are bringing you another stack of books for your future TBR

In This Episode:

• Erin and Jillian check in on how they’re reading and life is going.
• Both women share what types of books they’re bringing to the show for this episode.
• Jillian and Erin each bring and share 3 books to the show. Tune in to hear what they’re sharing!
• Next up, the ladies discuss hot takes. Listen in to hear what the ladies are debating this week.
• Mentioned in this episode: @britandherbooks
• Time for the holds list! What are Erin and Jillian waiting for from the library? Better listen in! (Erin even got into a little trouble with the library.) 😉😉😉

Books Mentioned In This Episode:

• Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson 
• (S)kin by Ibi Zoboi
• Pride by Ibi Zoboi
• Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
• The Favorites by Layne Fargo
• The Woman In Me by Britney Spears
• For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
• All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
• The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
• First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
• The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly 
• Christopher Pike Books by Christopher Pike
• Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros 
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
• Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
• Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah 
• The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
• Kate and Frida by Kim Fay
• We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes
• Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
• The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune

Hello, hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads. This is episode 37, “MLR Ep 37 Ebooks or Physical Copies - Which do you prefer?”

Welcome back to Medium Lady Reads! The snow banks are sky high, but spring is right around the corner, we swear - and this week Erin and Jillian are sharing various books that you can add to your Spring TBR. 

In This Episode:

• To start the show, Erin and Jillian check-in on how their lives and reading is going. 
• Erin starts the show off with her first review, followed by Jillian and her review. 
• Each woman shares 3 books in this episode.
• Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 33: Cozy Christmas Reads 2024
• Next up, the ladies discuss their Hot Take for the episode, tune in to learn what it is. 
• Finally, it’s time to check in with what the ladies have on hold and what they’ll be reading next.

Books Mentioned In This Episode:

• The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
• The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin
• Private Rites by Julia Armfield
• Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield
• Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang
• Into the Woods by Jenny Holiday
• Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday
• Tell Me More: Stories about the 12 Hardest Things I'm Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan
• The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight
• The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
• The Hike by Drew Magary
• First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
• The Secret History by Donna Tartt
• The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune
• Beyond Anxiety by Martha Beck
• Penitence by Kristin Koval
• The Big Questions of Life by Om Swami
• Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
• Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
• Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
• Oathbound by Tracy Deonn