Medium Lady Reads

Hello, Hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 26, “They Can’t All Be 5 Stars.”

In this episode, Erin and Jillian share their latest books, even those that may not have been 5 stars. This allows you to choose whether to read them or not! 

In This Episode:

• Both ladies check in on how their reading lives are going. 
• It’s time to jump into the heart of the episode, Jillian and Erin share their latest three reads. To know what they’re sharing tune in to the episode. 
• This episode’s Hot Takes are up next! Erin found this great question and blog post that both she and Jillian weigh in on. If you want to read the blog post about book tropes, just click here.
• What are the ladies sharing on their holds lists this time? Be sure to listen to find out!
• Mentioned in this episode: Episode 24 - Welcome Back to Season 2 

Books Mentioned In This Episode:

• The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
• Promise Boys by Nick Brooks
• The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
• The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
• Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
• The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters 
• The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson
• Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday
• The Summer Pact Emily Giffin
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
• The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri
• Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri
• Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young
• Love, Off the Record by Samantha Markum 
• The Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
• The Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
• The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
• By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
• Sandwich by Catherine Newman
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

Hello, Hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 25, “The End of Summer and Genre Jumping.”

In this episode, Erin and Jillian share their end-of-summer reading and all the genre-jumping books they’re reading.

In This Episode:

• The ladies jump right in with their reading check-in. How many books did Erin read on her vacation? Tune in to find out!
• What is Jillian’s pet peeve regarding books from the library? You must listen to learn more!
• It’s time to jump into the meat of the episode… Erin and Jillian each share 3 of their last three books, and there are some GREAT recommendations.
• Are books becoming the next Fast Fashion? That’s this week’s hot take! We’re basing our hot take on this article: https://www.themarysue.com/books-are-now-fast-fashion-and-you-can-blame-booktok/
• To end the show, Erin and Jillian share what books they’re waiting for from the library and what books are up next. 

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

• Maya’s Laws of Love by Alina Khawaja 
• The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
• Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
• One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
• Blessed Water by Margot Douaihy 
• Scorched Grace by Margo Douaihy
• Go As a River by Shelley Read
• This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
• One Brother Shy by Terry Fallis
• The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
• Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean
• The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
• Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
• The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson
• Birnham Wood by Eleanor Catton
• Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
• A Love Like the Sun by Riss M. Neilson
• The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
• The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
• Sandwich by Catherine Newman
• The Wedding People by Alison Espach 

Hello, Hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 24, “Welcome Back to Season 2.”

In this episode, Erin and Jillian introduce the new season of Medium Lady Reads and all of the new changes that will come along with it.  

In This Episode:

• The ladies check-in with each other to see how their break had been. 
• Erin introduces the new format of the podcast.
• Time for the reading check-in: Jillian and Erin share how their reading is going.
• Jillian and Erin take turns sharing their last three books.
• What’s the Hot Take in this episode? Tune in to find out!
• Finally, the ladies end the show by sharing their Holds List. They’ve added a couple new check-ins during this section - to hear what those are, TUNE IN! 
• Episode 20: Our Last Three Reads - where Erin shares her thoughts on Butcher and Black Bird.

Books Mentioned In This Episode:

• Nevermoor Book 3: Hollowpox by Jessica Townsend
• Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
• The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
• The Rom-Commers by Kathering Center
• Taking Care by Sarah DiGregorio
• The Midnight Feast Lucy Foley
• The Only One Left by Riley Sager
• Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
• Sandwich by Catherine Newman
• We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman
• Happy Place by Emily Henry
• Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
• Positivity by Barbara L. Frederikson
• The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson
• Little Rot by Akwaeke Emezi 
• You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
• The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
• The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
• The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

Hello, Hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 23, “The Best Books of 2024 - SO FAR.”

In this episode, Erin and Jillian discuss their favorite books of the year so far. Since it is mid-June and mid-year, it’s the perfect time to catch up and see what books have been the standouts up until now.

In This Episode:

• It’s time to celebrate! Medium Lady Reads turned 1 year old - join us in celebrating by sharing your favorite episode with us on Instagram - tag us @mediumladyreads.
• The ladies check in to see how their reading is going.
• Erin and Jillian jump into the topic of this week’s podcast which is checking in on what their top books of the year are, so far.
• Both women share what constitutes a 5-star read for them.
• Jillian and Erin each share their top 3 books of the year, so far.
• Looking for more book recommendations? The ladies have you covered with their quick-fire list of some more top books of the year.
• Episode 22 - The BIPOC Alphabet with Alesia Galati
• Tune in to hear this week’s Hot Take!
• As always, Erin and Jillian and the show by checking in on their holds list.

Books Mentioned In This Episode:

• There There by Tommy Orange
• The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley 
• Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
• Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
• Happy Place by Emily Henry
• The Guncle by Steven Rowley
• The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
• Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
• The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
• Shark Heart by Emily Habeck
• Family Family by Laurie Frankel
• Women & Power A Manifesto by Mary Beard
• The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
• The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding by  Holly Ringland
• Project Hail Mail by Andy Weir
• One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy
• This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
• Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa
• Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday
• Finish by Jon Acuff
• The Whispers by Ashley Audrain
• You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
• First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
• Heartstopper Graphic Novels by Alice Oseman
• The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
• Telephone of the Tree by Alison McGhee
• A Love Song for Ricki Williams by Tia Williams

Hello, Hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 22, “The BIPOC Alphabet Reading Challenge with guest Alesia Galati.”

In this episode, Jillian and Erin welcome their first guest host, Alesia Galati! They’re discussing Alesia’s BIPOC Alphabet Reading Challenge. 

Jillian and Erin would love it if you shared what diverse authors you’re reading! Be sure to tag them on Instagram, Jillian is @jillianfindinghappy and Erin is @medium.lady, or you can tag the show @mediumladyreads!

In This Episode:

• Jillian welcomes Alesia to the episode. Alesia is the owner and founder of Galati Media, as well as podcast host of two shows, “Successful Podcasting Unlocked” and “Listeners to Leads.” In addition to being a fellow book lover. She is the co-creator behind We Read Smut on Instagram, a bookish account dedicated to those who like their books ranging anywhere from sweet to scorching. 
• You can find Alesia on Instagram here, and you can find @WeReadSmut on Instagram here.
• Alesia introduces herself. 
• Learn how Alesia was reintroduced into the reading world.
• All three women check-in on how their reading is going.
• It’s time to talk about the BIPOC Alphabet Challenge and you can learn all about it by clicking here.
• Alesia kicks-off the recommendations in this episode - tune in to hear all 26 recommendations from diverse authors. 
• The women share what's on their holds list.

Books In This Episode:

• A: Almost Maybes by Anna P. 
• A: Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa
• B: Bad Guy by Kenya Goree-Bell
• C: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
• D: Drop Dead Gorgeous by Lauren Landish
  E: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
• F: Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
• G: Getting Schooled by Christina C. Jones
• H: Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
• I: In Every Mirror She’s Black by Lola Akinmade Åkerström
• J: Just for the Cameras by Viano Oniomoh
• J: Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward
• J: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
• K: Kwarq by Nikki Clarke
• K: Know My Name by Chanel Miller
• K: The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini
• L: Leave the World Behind by Ruman Alaam
• M: Much Ado about Nada by Uzma Jallaludin
• N: Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley
• O: On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
• P: Persepolis by Marjane Strajapi
• Q: Queenie & the Krakens by Aleera Anaya Ceres
• Q: Q&A by Vikas Swarup
• Q: Quicksand by Nella Larsen
• R: Role Playing by Cathy Yardley
• S: ShadowLands Omega by Elizabeth Stephens
• T: Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
• V: V - Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
• V: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
• V: Venco by Cherie Dimaline
• W: We Were Dreamers by Simu Liu
• X: Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon
• X: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
• X: XOXO by Axie Oh
• Y: Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi
• Z: Prize Money by Celeste Castro
• Z: Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xóchitl González
• Z: Zora Books Her Happily Ever After by Taj McCoy

Hello, Hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 21, “The Beach Read is -That Way.”

In this episode, Jillian and Erin start looking toward summer! With summer right around the corner, many of us are looking for those perfect books to enjoy under the sun. Erin and Jillian are huge fans of seasonal reading and just like their spooky book episode last fall, this episode will embrace the seasonal book genre known as the “Beach Read.”

Jillian and Erin would love it if you shared YOUR FAVORITE beach reads, just be sure to tag them on Instagram, Jillian is @jillianfindinghappy and Erin is @medium.lady, or you can tag the show @mediumladyreads!

In This Episode:

• The ladies check in with their reading to see how it’s going.
• Erin dives into what a beach read means to her and how it’s evolved.
• Jillian shares her thoughts about what makes a book a beach read.
• If you’re wondering what seasonal reading is, Erin and Jillian share their thoughts.
• It’s time for Jillian and Erin’s recommendations - Each woman shares 2 books to enhance your beach reading season.
• Jillian mentions episode 20, if you want to listen click here.
• Medium Lady Talks Episode with Jayne Allen
• It’s time for Hot Takes! Tune in to hear what the ladies are sharing their thoughts on this time.
• Are you wondering what’s on Erin and Jillian’s library list? They share in this episode.
• Julia Washington’s Instagram
• Jillian and Erin make an exciting announcement about the next round of the book club!
• Erin is hosting an in-person event on June 7th - Chase the Good - You can grab tickets here. 

Books Mentioned in this Episode:

• The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding by Holly Ringland 
• Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
• The Guest List by Lucy Foley
• The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman 
• Happy Place by Emily Henry
• Funny Story by Emily Henry
• The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen 
• Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by Jayne Allen
• Black Girls Must Be Magic by Jayne Allen
• Black Girls Must Have It All by Jayne Allen
• Legends and Lattes Travis Baldree
• Go As a River by Shelley Read
• Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
• Nimona by ND Stevenson 
• Stars in Their Eyes by Jessica Walton 
• Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy by Faith Erin Hicks
• The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
• Celine by Peter Heller
• This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
• The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

Hello, Hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 20, “Our Last Three Reads - Spring 2024.”

In this episode, Jillian and Erin will review the last three books they’ve read, and as they said back in Episode 15, they stay true to listing their actual last three books. They want to appeal to all their listeners' wide and varied tastes. 

Jillian and Erin would love it if you checked in and shared some of your previous 3 reads, just be sure to tag them on Instagram, Jillian is @jillianfindinghappy and Erin is @medium.lady!

In This Episode:

• The ladies celebrate hitting 20 episodes!! Celebrate with them by sharing your favorite episode with them on IG, @mediumladyreads. 
• Erin and Jillian check in on how their reading is going.
• Erin shares how she learned how to read poetry with this YouTube video from Writing with Andrew. 
• It’s time to jump into the meat of the episode where Jillian and Erin share their last three reads.
• Erin mentions Medium Lady Talks episode 100 with Pam Chriton.
• Did you know?! Erin’s hosting an event! Chase the Good - you MUST check out all the details and join her on June 8, 2024.
• Have a book you’d like us to read? Send us a DM on IG and let us know what book(s) we should read.
• It’s time for hot takes - tune in to the episode to hear this week’s thoughts.
• Finally, the ladies share what’s on their library hold lists.

Books In This Episode:

• Bride by Ali Hazelwood
• The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
• Wolfsong by TJ Klune
• Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn 
• Heartstopper: Volume Four by Alice Oseman
• You are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth by Jen Sincero
• You are a Badass by Jen Sincero
• Good Material by Dolly Alderton
• Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
• Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
• Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
• Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad
• The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh
• Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
• Circe by Madeline Miller
• Funny Story by Emily Henry
• Telephone of the Tree by Alison McGhee
• The Midnight Feast Lucy Foley
• The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
• The Guest List by Lucy Foley
• Titanium Noir by Nick Harkaway
• An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
• You’re Not Enough (and That’s OK): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love by Allie Beth Stuckey

Hello, Hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 19, “Checking in On our 2024 Reading Goals.”

In this episode, Jillian and Erin are checking in on how their 2024 reading goals are progressing and how it’s impacting their reading. Back in episode 14, Erin and Jillian listed off some of their reading goals for the coming year, and now it’s time for a check-in!

Jillian and Erin would love it if you checked in on how your reading goals were going, tag them on Instagram, Jillian is @jillianfindinghappy and Erin is @medium.lady!

In This Episode:

• As is the norm, the ladies check in with how their reading has been going.
• Jillian shares a new goal she’s setting for herself for the remaining months of the year.
• Erin reminds readers of what her reading goals were for 2024.
• And, then Jillian reminds readers of what her reading goals were for 2024.
• Both of the ladies reflect on their goals for 2024 and how things are going.
• Medium Lady Reads Episode 14
• Currently Reading Podcast
• Erin shares how she’s going to adjust her goals for the remainder of the year.
• Jillian shares what she’ll do to adjust her goals this year
• Hot Takes is up next! Wondering what the topic is, be sure to tune in and listen. 
• The episode wraps up with the ladies discussing their library holds list. 

Books Mentioned in this Episode:

• The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest
• The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese 
• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
• The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
• The Sun and All Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
• Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
• House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig 
• The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
• Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
• Real Americans by Rachel Khong
• The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
• The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr
• Good Material by Dolly Alderton
• Break the Good Girl Myth by Majo Molfino

Hello, Hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 18, “Read This, Not That.”

In this episode, Jillian and Erin are having a "Read This, Not That" book conversation. Read This, Not That is all about sharing book substitutions—recommending books for each person’s reading taste. It's about acknowledging that not every book is for everyone and offering alternatives that might resonate more with listeners. There’s a lot to learn when you don’t like a book and hopefully, by the end of this episode, you’ll feel less dismayed when you close the cover on a 2-star read and feel excited to get to the heart of what didn’t work for you so you can make another choice for your next read.

If you have a “Read This, Not That” book recommendation, tag Jillian and Erin (@jillianfindinghappy and @medium.lady) on Instagram!

In This Episode:

• A staple of every episode, the ladies check in with each other to see how their reading is going.
• The ladies dive into the meat of the episode discussing what Read This, Not That means to them.
• Jillian & Erin share their process for rating a book they don’t feel great about.
• Why is it important to consider substitutions when reading a book you didn’t love? The ladies both answer this question.
• It’s time to dive into the substitutions that Erin and Jillian are recommending. Each woman shares 2 books they didn’t love, and 2 they’d recommend instead.
• The ladies share what they learned about their reading tastes in planning for this episode and the books they mentioned.
• What would Instagram make you buy? Erin and Jillian share what Instagram is influencing them to buy or do.
• Jillian mentions that she wants a hammock for her birthday, this is the one she wants.
• Finally, Erin and Jillian share what is on their library holds list.

Books Mentioned:

• Heartstopper Series by Alice Oseman
• Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday
• Good Material by Dolly Alderton
• Bride by Ali Hazelwood
• Talking at Night by Claire Daverley
• Normal People by Sally Rooney
• Homecoming by Kate Morton
• The Secret Book of Flora Lee by Patti Callahan Henry
• Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros 
• The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu
• Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson
• Drive Your Own Darn Bus by Julia Kristina
• You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
• The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith
• Looking for Alaska by John Green
• The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose 
• Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
• The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding by Holly Ringland

Hello, Hi, and welcome to Medium Lady Reads this is episode 17, “Library Etiquette and Why Dear Abby Got it So Wrong.”

In this episode, Jillian and Erin are diving into the realm of library etiquette and why it’s essential in fostering a positive reading environment. Libraries are sanctuaries for book lovers and many others within our communities, and understanding proper etiquette ensures that everyone can enjoy their time there to the fullest. However, sometimes people can take that etiquette too far… listen to this episode to learn more. Be sure to tag them (@jillianfindinghappy and @medium.lady) on Instagram, and tell us what you think about libraries and library etiquette.

In This Episode:

• A staple of every episode, the ladies check in with each other to see how their reading is going.
• Erin and Jillian discuss what library etiquette means to them, and how it’s changed through the years. 
• Have you ever wondered why library etiquette matters? Erin and Jillian discuss why in this episode.
• Each woman shares some etiquette violations that you should be aware of.
• Erin shares some things you should expect when you go to the library so that you can manage your expectations.
• Ready to debunk some misconceptions? Jillian and Erin go through this list of things a librarian wrote to Dear Abby to share how one should behave in the library. Do you agree with any of these?
• If you like to reminisce, join Erin and Jillian as they spend some time discussing memories from their own childhood library experiences.
• If you’re someone who reads books because of the best-seller listing on the cover, you’re going to love this week’s hot takes. 
• Finally, the women check in with each of their holds lists

Books Mentioned in this Episode:

• All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin
• A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
• The Beauty of Your Face by Sahar Mustafah
• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
• The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell
• Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa 
• Good Material by Dolly Alderton
• Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang 
• This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
• Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday
• The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest
• A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
• Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
• Funny Story by Emily Henry
• This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune