Reader's Table

What makes a great fantasy adventure work on screen—and which books best capture that same sense of wonder? In this TableTalks episode of Reader’s Table, we talk about Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and then reveal our personal Top 5 fantasy books.

We discuss what we expected from the film, what surprised us, how well it captures the spirit of Dungeons & Dragons, and why its mix of humor, adventure, friendship and fantasy worldbuilding works so well.

Then we turn to the bookshelf and count down the fantasy novels that have stayed with us most. From unforgettable worlds and characters to magic systems, atmosphere and pure escapism, we compare our picks and debate what earns a place in a personal Top 5.

If you enjoy fantasy movies, Dungeons & Dragons, epic adventures and discovering new books to add to your reading list, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What are your Top 5 fantasy books—and which one would you recommend to someone completely new to the genre?

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More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

Why has Mistborn Era 1 become one of the defining modern fantasy trilogies? In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we dive into Brandon Sanderson’s original Mistborn trilogy and the world, characters and magic system that made it such a memorable entry point into epic fantasy.

We talk about Allomancy, the series’ inventive use of metals as magic, the oppressive world of the Final Empire, and the way rebellion, trust and power shape the story.

Along the way, we discuss the characters, plotting and worldbuilding that make the trilogy so compelling, and why Sanderson’s approach to magic and structure has had such a lasting impact on fantasy readers.

If you enjoy epic fantasy, detailed magic systems, revolution stories and richly built fictional worlds, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What hooked you first about Mistborn—the characters, the world, or the magic system?

Follow Reader’s Table on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/readerstable

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

Which books defined 2022 for us—and what are we most excited to read next? In this TableTalks episode of Reader’s Table, we look back at our favourite books of the year, reflect on where the podcast is heading, and talk about the stories we want to carry into 2023.

We share the books that stood out most in 2022, the discoveries that surprised us, and the reads that helped shape our tastes. We also talk about the evolving direction of Reader’s Table and what we want the show to become going forward.

Then we look ahead to 2023 with the books already on our radar, the stories we’re eager to explore, and the kinds of conversations we want to bring to the table next.

If you enjoy book recommendations, year-end reflections, reading goals and thoughtful conversations about storytelling, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What was your favourite book of 2022—and what are you most excited to read in 2023?

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https://instagram.com/readerstable

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

Why does The Hobbit still feel magical generations after its publication? In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we revisit J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy adventure and the journey that carries Bilbo Baggins far beyond the comfort of the Shire.

We talk about Bilbo’s transformation from reluctant homebody to unlikely adventurer, the charm and danger of Middle-earth, and the way Tolkien balances humor, wonder, fear and myth throughout the story.

Along the way, we reflect on the themes of courage, greed, friendship and home, and on the enormous influence The Hobbit has had on modern fantasy storytelling.

If you enjoy Tolkien, classic fantasy, quests, dragons and stories about ordinary people discovering unexpected bravery, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What moment from The Hobbit has stayed with you most?

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https://instagram.com/readerstable

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

Why has The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss become such a beloved modern fantasy novel? In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we explore Kvothe’s story, the world of Temerant, and the way myth, memory and storytelling shape the novel.

We talk about the book’s lyrical prose, its layered framing device, and the tension between the legendary figure Kvothe is supposed to be and the person telling his own story.

Along the way, we discuss the University, music, magic, ambition, loss and the way Rothfuss turns a familiar fantasy coming-of-age story into something more reflective and self-aware.

If you enjoy character-driven fantasy, immersive worldbuilding, stories about stories, and protagonists caught between truth and legend, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What do you find more compelling about The Name of the Wind—Kvothe himself, the worldbuilding, or the way the story is told?

Follow Reader’s Table on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/readerstable

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

What happens when breathing, cold exposure and deliberate discomfort become tools for changing how you experience your body and mind? In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we discuss The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof and reflect on our own experience with the ideas and practices presented in the book.

We talk about the method’s focus on breathing, cold exposure and mindset, the claims and philosophy surrounding the practice, and what we personally found interesting, challenging or useful while experimenting with it.

Rather than treating the book as a simple self-improvement manual, we also consider the broader questions it raises about resilience, discipline, discomfort and how far people should push themselves in pursuit of physical or mental change.

If you’re interested in Wim Hof, breathwork, cold exposure, self-experimentation and books about resilience and personal development, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: Have you ever deliberately used discomfort—cold, exercise, fasting or something else—as a way to challenge yourself?

Learn more about Wim Hof and the Wim Hof Method:
https://www.wimhofmethod.com

Breathing exercise resources mentioned in the episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzCaZQqAs9I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BNejY1e9ik
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tybOi4hjZFQ

Safety note: Reader’s Table and hosts Nick and Priscilla are not affiliated with Wim Hof or the Wim Hof Method. This episode discusses the book and our personal experiences only and should not be treated as medical advice.

Breath-hold exercises can cause light-headedness or loss of consciousness. Do not practise them while driving, swimming, in or near water, operating machinery, or in any situation where losing consciousness could cause injury. Practise only in a safe seated or lying position.

If you have a medical condition, take prescription medication, are recovering from surgery, or have concerns about breathwork or cold exposure, consult an appropriate healthcare professional before attempting these practices.

Follow Reader’s Table on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/readerstable

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

What would change if you stopped living for other people’s approval? In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we discuss The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga and the ideas it presents through the lens of Adlerian psychology.

We talk about the book’s central arguments around freedom, responsibility, relationships and the desire to be liked, as well as the provocative claim that we can choose how much power the past has over the way we live now.

Along the way, we reflect on the book’s dialogue-based structure, the tension between individual responsibility and social connection, and why some of its ideas can feel both liberating and uncomfortable.

If you’re interested in psychology, philosophy, self-development and books that challenge how you think about happiness and other people’s expectations, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: Do you think true freedom requires being willing to disappoint other people?

Follow Reader’s Table on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/readerstable

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

What does it take to build a life that feels like your own? In this BookBites episode of Reader’s Table, we discuss We Were Dreamers by Simu Liu and the story he tells about family expectations, immigration, ambition and becoming an actor.

We talk about Liu’s relationship with his parents, the pressures and sacrifices that shaped his upbringing, and the difficult process of stepping away from a conventional career path to pursue something uncertain and creative.

Along the way, we reflect on identity, belonging, generational expectations and the courage it can take to disappoint the people you love in order to become the person you want to be.

If you enjoy memoirs about creativity, family, ambition and finding your own direction, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: Have you ever had to choose between what others expected from you and what you wanted for yourself?

Follow Reader’s Table on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/readerstable

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com

In today's episode, we are going to discuss the movie "Rebecca" directed by Ben Wheatley.

What makes a book cover impossible to ignore? In this special Reader’s Table interview, we sit down with award-winning designer and illustrator Micaela Alcaino to talk about the art of creating covers that capture the mood, identity and promise of a story before the first page is even opened.

Micaela shares insights from her work as a book cover designer, including projects such as The Binding by Bridget Collins, Ariadne by Jennifer Saint and Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff.

We talk about the relationship between art and storytelling, how a cover balances beauty with commercial appeal, and what goes into translating the feeling of a book into a single image. Micaela also reflects on her creative process, illustration, working with publishers and authors, and building a career in design.

If you’re interested in books, publishing, illustration, graphic design or the creative work that happens behind the scenes of the stories we love, pull up a chair and join us at the table.

Listener Seat: What book cover has stayed with you long after you first saw it?

Learn more about Micaela Alcaino:
https://micaelaalcaino.com

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/micaelaalcainodesign

Books mentioned in the episode:

Take What You Can Carry by Gian Sardar
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55513876-take-what-you-can-carry

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26156469-never-split-the-difference

Follow Reader’s Table on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/readerstable

More from Reader’s Table and Nick Roth:
https://nickrothbooks.com