Proofread

"Everything Is Tuberculosis" by John Green is a thought-provoking journey into illness, advocacy, and the stories we tell about health. Part memoir, part cultural critique, this nonfiction work traces how Green’s encounter with Henry Reider—a young patient battling drug-resistant tuberculosis —sparked a deep exploration of global health inequities and our collective failure to treat what is preventable and curable. Is it urgent or overwhelming? Compassionate or overly earnest? Hosts Kacy and Tyler untangle Green’s personal narrative, the book’s broader historical and social context, and the power of storytelling to spur change so you can decide if this one belongs in your regular reading rotation or on your “must-read later” list.

"One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Nobel Prize–winning author Gabriel García Márquez is a sweeping novel that follows the rise and fall of the Buendía family across generations in the fictional town of Macondo. Blending history, myth, and magical realism, the classic novel explores love, power, memory, and the cyclical nature of human life. Is it dazzling or disorienting? Timeless or tangled? Beautiful or brutal? Hosts Kacy and Tyler dig into its themes, literary style, and lasting influence to help you decide if this landmark of world literature belongs on your shelf or just on your “to be admired” list.

Slow Productivity by bestselling author Cal Newport argues that the key to a meaningful career isn’t frantic busyness but a slower, more intentional approach to work. Blending philosophy, history, and practical advice, Newport offers a framework for producing great results without burning out. Is it refreshing or unrealistic? Practical wisdom or productivity rebranded? Kacy and Tyler dig into the book’s big ideas, key takeaways, and cultural context to help you decide if this is the productivity guide you’ve been waiting for or one you can skip.

Gilead by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson is a novel written as a father’s letter to his young son, reflecting on faith, family, forgiveness, and the beauty of everyday life. Is it profound or meandering? Spiritually stirring or overly sentimental? Hosts Kacy and Tyler dive into its historical context, themes, and literary style and share their personal takeaways so you can decide if this modern classic deserves a place on your reading list.

The Invisible Kingdom by Meghan O'Rourke is a mix of memoir, investigative reporting, and cultural critique regarding the topic of chronic illness. It was a finalist for the 2022 National Book Award for nonfiction. Is it illuminating or overwhelming? Comforting or frustrating? Kacy and Tyler break it all down from its context, to its key takeaways, to its personal impact so you can decide if this read is right for you.

James by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Percival Everett is a #1 New York Times bestseller that retells Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn through the eyes of Jim the slave.

Is it a fresh perspective or literary fanfiction? Powerful commentary or provocative posturing? Hosts Kacy and Tyler explore the book’s historical context, its themes, its content, and its impact to help you decide if it’s worth the read or one to skip.

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt is an instant #1 New York Times bestseller that discusses how smartphones and social media are shaping the mental health of today’s kids and what we can do about it. Is it alarmist or essential? Insightful or obvious? With their blend of curiosity and expertise as parents and English professors, hosts Kacy and Tyler will help you decide if you should read it or skip it.

Between work, parenting, and life’s endless to-do lists, who has time to invest in books they don't like? Welcome to Proofread. Proofread wants to help you read more of what you love and less of what you don't. Hosted by Kacy and Tyler, two English professors, avid readers, and busy parents, each Proofread episode gives you everything you need to decide whether a book is a must-read or a hard pass. In just 15 minutes, you’ll get thoughtful context, a quick summary, honest opinions, and clear content warnings. No spoilers and no fluff. These aren’t sponsored reviews, just real readers giving real takes to help you find the right book for right now. Proofread is a production of BYU Radio.