Reader's Table

What are the best books and movies of 2026 so far? In this Summer TableTalks episode of Reader’s Table, we look back at the stories that have stayed with us during the first half of the yea, and ahead to everything still coming.

We talk about the books we’ve been reading, including Red Rising by Pierce Brown and The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden, before turning to some of the films we’ve seen in cinemas this year: The Drama, The Devil Wears Prada 2, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Backrooms, The Odyssey and Kokuho. We also touch on Project Hail Mary, Wuthering Heights and The Housemaid.

Then comes the important question: what are our favourite book and movie of 2026 so far?

Finally, we look ahead to the second half of the year and the stories we’re most excited about; from Dune and Avengers: Doomsday to Practical Magic 2, Resident Evil, Clayface, Klara and the Sun, Robert Eggers’ Werwulf and more. On the reading side, we’re already looking toward Red God, Dune and Talisman 3.

Pull up a chair and join us for a mid-year conversation about books, cinema, anticipation and the stories worth sitting with.

🎙️ Listener Seat: What is your favourite book or movie of 2026 so far? Tell us in the Spotify comments.

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
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What happens when medieval history, folklore and political power collide with myth? In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we discuss The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden and the world it builds around history, legend and survival.

Inspired by Anne of Brittany, the novel blends historical fantasy, court politics and folklore as a young ruler fights to preserve her kingdom while confronting forces that feel both mythical and dangerously real.

We talk about the book’s atmosphere, its use of myth and history, and the way Katherine Arden explores power, identity and the stories nations tell about themselves.

⚠️ This episode contains minor spoilers for The Unicorn Hunters.

If you enjoy historical fantasy, folklore, medieval settings and myth-driven storytelling, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What is your favourite fantasy novel inspired by real history or folklore?

Learn more about The Unicorn Hunters:
https://katherineardenbooks.com/books/the-unicorn-hunters

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What makes Red Rising by Pierce Brown more than just another dystopian sci-fi novel? In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we explore the worldbuilding, mythology and class conflict behind Darrow’s rise from Red Helldiver to Gold.

We discuss the novel’s rigid color-based society, the influence of Greek and Roman history, and the deadly Institute—a brutal proving ground where future rulers are shaped through competition, violence and political instinct.

Along the way, we talk about identity, rebellion, the cost of becoming part of the system you want to destroy, and why Red Rising feels like a meeting point between dystopian fiction, military science fiction and mythic storytelling.

⚠️ Contains minor spoilers up to Act II of Red Rising.

If you enjoy science fiction, Roman-inspired empires, class conflict, mythology and fast-paced stories of rebellion, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What part of Red Rising hooked you first—the world, Darrow’s transformation, or the Institute?

Discover the Red Rising saga:
https://www.piercebrown.com/redrisingsaga

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Which books and movies defined 2025—and which stories are we most excited to discover next? In this New Year edition of TableTalks, we look back at the books, films and moments that stayed with us throughout the year.

We share some of our favourite stories of 2025, reflect on what surprised us, and talk about the books and movies we’re looking forward to in 2026. We also share a few New Year’s resolutions and think about what the next chapter might look like for us and for Reader’s Table.

It’s a relaxed end-of-year conversation about reading, movies, storytelling, creativity and the stories that become attached to particular moments in our lives.

Pull up a chair and join us as we close the book on 2025 and turn the page to 2026.

Listener Seat: What was your favourite book or movie of 2025—and what story are you most excited for in 2026?

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What makes Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid such an emotionally absorbing read? In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we talk about the novel’s tone, character-driven storytelling and the emotional tension that gives the book its distinct atmosphere.

We explore how Reid balances intimacy with ambition, how quiet moments can carry as much weight as major plot turns, and why mood matters so much in shaping the way a story stays with us.

Along the way, we reflect on the book’s themes of connection, uncertainty, longing and the tension between personal desire and larger dreams.

If you enjoy thoughtful, character-focused fiction and stories where emotion lives as much between the lines as on the page, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What book has stayed with you mainly because of its atmosphere or emotional tone?

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What can Stephen King teach us about becoming better writers—and about staying with the work when confidence disappears? In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, Nick reflects on On Writing, King’s mix of memoir, craft advice and practical philosophy about the writing life.

After revisiting the book in both paperback and audiobook form, Nick talks about the ideas that have stayed with him most: King’s writing “toolbox,” the importance of first drafts, the reality behind the myth of daily writing, and the discipline required to keep showing up.

We also explore self-doubt, creative fear, storytelling instinct and the strange balance between structure and magic that makes writing feel both like a craft and something harder to explain.

If you’re a writer, aspiring author or simply curious about how stories get made, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What piece of writing advice has actually stayed useful for you over time?

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What happens when the host becomes the guest? In this special BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, Priscilla interviews Nick Roth about his horror novelette The Mask of Verdon.

We talk about the inspirations behind the story, the writing process, and the personal ideas that shaped its unsettling atmosphere. The conversation also looks at horror, identity, fear, and what Nick wanted readers to feel beneath the surface of the plot.

Because this episode goes deep into the story, we also discuss major plot developments and key twists.

⚠️ Spoiler warning: This episode contains substantial spoilers for The Mask of Verdon. If you plan to read the novelette, we recommend doing that first.

If you enjoy psychological horror, dark fiction, author interviews, and conversations about how stories are made, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: Do you prefer hearing an author explain the meaning behind a story, or would you rather keep your own interpretation untouched?

Read The Mask of Verdon and discover more from Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

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What is it like to experience The Lord of the Rings Extended Editions in a cinema again? In this special TableTalks episode of Reader’s Table, we revisit Peter Jackson’s trilogy after seeing all three films on the big screen.

We talk about the moments that hit differently in a theater, the scale of Middle-earth, the emotional power of the trilogy, and the scenes and characters that have stayed with us over the years.

Along the way, we nerd out about the worldbuilding, Tolkien’s mythology, the music, the performances, the Extended Edition material, and why The Lord of the Rings still feels like such a singular fantasy experience decades later.

More than a retrospective, this episode is our love letter to Tolkien, Peter Jackson, and the strange magic that happens when a beloved story is experienced together in a darkened cinema.

If you love Middle-earth, epic fantasy, film adaptations, or simply want an excuse to return to the Shire, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: If you could watch only one Lord of the Rings film in the cinema again, which one would you choose?

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How much does the language we speak influence the way we think, remember and experience the world? In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we discuss The Power of Language by Viorica Marian and some of the ideas that make the book such an accessible introduction to the science of language and cognition.

We talk about how multilingualism can shape perception, memory and identity, and reflect on the ways language influences how we understand both ourselves and the people around us.

Along the way, we share the ideas that stood out to us most and ask what changes when we begin to see language not just as a tool for communication, but as something that actively shapes experience.

If you’re interested in psychology, linguistics, multilingualism, cognition or simply curious about why words matter so much, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: Do you feel like you think or behave differently depending on which language you’re speaking?

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What makes Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu feel both ancient and completely alive? In this special TableTalks episode of Reader’s Table, Nick and Priscilla are joined by longtime friend and fellow film lover Jeremy to talk about Eggers’ haunting reimagining of the vampire classic.

We begin spoiler-free with our first impressions, the film’s atmosphere, and the way Eggers uses gothic imagery, sound and performance to create a sense of dread. Then we move into a full spoiler discussion of the music, cinematography, pacing, story, performances and the ideas underneath the horror.

Along the way, we talk about desire, obsession, fear, beauty, and why Nosferatu works as more than just a vampire film. We also share what it was like experiencing the movie together and, naturally, find room for a few less-serious detours along the way.

⚠️ Spoiler warning: The first part of the episode is spoiler-light before we move into a full discussion of the film.

If you enjoy Robert Eggers, gothic horror, atmospheric filmmaking, vampire stories and conversations that dig into why a film feels the way it does, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What is your favourite modern gothic horror film—and what makes it work for you?

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https://nickrothbooks.com