August is done with romance and ready to take on New York City by herself. That is, until she meets a woman lost in time, and falls head over heels in this romantic comedy by Casey McQuiston, bestselling author of Red, White & Royal Blue. Hosts Amber and Lizzy discuss the pressure of figuring out what to do with your life, the experience of working in a diner, and the stone-cold hottie that is Jane.

If you're interested in reading One Last Stop after listening to this episode, consider borrowing it from your local library or purchasing it from an independent bookstore!

¡Hola Papi! The popular advice column comes to you in book form with this collection of essays by John Paul Brammer. Subtitled “How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons" , Brammer covers topics surrounding relationships, early queer friendships, and reflecting on the past to heal, all discussed by hosts Amber, Ashley, and Lisa.

If you're interested in reading ¡Hola Papi! after listening to this episode, consider borrowing it from your local library or purchasing it from an independent bookstore!

Gideon, armed with her sword and a pile of dirty magazines, plots an ambitious escape from her boring afterlife – but in order for her to succeed, she’ll end up owing a sizeable favor to her childhood nemesis. Hosts

If you're interested in reading Gideon the Ninth after listening to this episode, consider borrowing it from your local library or purchasing it from an independent bookstore!

This week’s pick is I Think Our Son is Gay, a manga series by Okura read by Ashley, Dani, and Sora. This manga is a very positive depiction of a teen who is not quite ready to come out and his supportive mother who can’t seem to miss his awkward slips of the tongue. Discussed are way too smart little brothers, emotionally available parents, and the difficulty telling the difference between platonic and romantic relationships.

If you're interested in reading I Think Our Son is Gay after listening to this episode, consider borrowing it from your local library or purchasing it from an independent bookstore!

Em and Annika eagerly discuss Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger, a beautiful YA murder mystery that juxtaposes indigenous magic with European folklore. Even though no one else agrees, Ellie is convinced her older cousin has been murdered and she is determined to prove who did it and why. We love this book so much, we’re begging for sequels!

CW: Minor violence, racism

If you're interested in reading Elatsoe after listening to this episode, consider borrowing it from your local library or purchasing it from an independent bookstore!

The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass is a story of Jake, who

CW: School shooting, sexual assault, and racism 

If you're interested in reading The Taking of Jake Livingston after listening to this episode, consider borrowing it from your local library or purchasing it from an independent bookstore!

Cohosts Amber, Em, and Lisa discuss Light From Uncommon Stars, a scifi novel by Ryka Aoki. Topics discussed include Faustian bargains, the intersectionality of abuse for marginalized groups, and the wonder that is perfectly fitting clothing.

CW: Transphobia, Racism, Sexual Assault

If you're interested in reading Light From Uncommon Stars after listening to this episode, consider borrowing it from your local library or purchasing it from an independent bookstore!

Season two of Reading the Rainbow opens with Under the Whispering Door by prolific author T.J. Klune, a story of Wallace’s life after his death. Ashley, Lizzy, and Anne discuss Klune’s gentle style of writing, especially with such a heavy topic. Also mentioned are the importance of social connections, the many faces of grief, and a very good dog. 

CW: Topics of loss and grief are discussed. At the start of the book, the author notes "This story explores life and love as well as loss and grief. There are discussions of death in different forms—quiet, unexpected, and death by suicide. Please read with care.”

If you're interested in reading Under the Whispering Door after listening to this episode, consider borrowing it from your local library or purchasing it from an independent bookstore!

Cohosts Orin and Em discuss Light One Candle, a contemporary romantic short story by Keelan Ellis. Topics discussed include the enemies to lovers trope, the awkwardness of unexpected guests at holiday dinners, and how gays are no longer safe from maternal demands for grandchildren.

CW: References to childhood bullying

Rep: Gay Jewish MC, Gay potential LI

This is the final episode of Season One. See you in 2022 for Season 2!

If you're interested in reading Light One Candle after listening to this episode, consider borrowing it from your local library or purchasing it from an independent bookstore!

Cohosts Lisa, Amber, and Lizzy discuss Written in the Stars, a contemporary romance by Alexandria Bellefleur. Topics discusses include the need for more fluffy gay holiday media, the commonality of tropes in fanfiction and romance, and the queer obsession that is astrology.

Rep: Bisexual female MC, Lesbian LI