In this episode, you’ll discover why The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green resonates so deeply with readers. Through a series of insightful, nostalgic, and often hilarious essays, Green reviews everything from Halley’s Comet and Diet Dr Pepper to scratch-and-sniff stickers and Liverpool soccer games. His reflections turn the ordinary into something extraordinary, offering moments of humor, heartbreak, and wonder. He wrote during the covid pandemic and makes you appreciate newly the challenges of connecting with others during times of separation.

We discuss the essays we might write to review our own lives—the fleeting experiences, vivid memories, and quiet moments that have shaped our world. Green’s unique format invites you to do just that: to pause, reflect, and assign meaning to what might otherwise go unnoticed.

The Anthropocene Reviewed is a book that makes you laugh out loud and, at times, cry. It’s a tender, funny, and profoundly human read—one that stays with you long after the last page. If you haven’t picked it up yet, this episode might be just the push you need.

Have you ever met a female commercial pilot? It's a rare experience and one that we were able to have as we discussed Beryl Markham's memoir West With the Night, with special guest and pilot Lola Reid Allin. 

In this episode of Reality Raincheck, we take to the skies with two extraordinary aviators—one from history and one from our own time. We dive into West with the Night, Beryl Markham’s lyrical memoir of pioneering aviation and life in colonial Africa, and discuss its striking omissions—what she chose to include, and what she left out. Markham, the first person to fly solo east to west across the Atlantic, offers a poetic yet enigmatic account of her adventures, raising questions about authorship, past lovers, and the untold stories behind her words.

Joining us is our special guest, pilot and author Lola Reid Allin, whose memoir Highway to the Sky captures the exhilaration and solitude of flying, as well as the resilience required to carve out a space in a male-dominated industry. Through her firsthand experiences as a pilot, she offers insight into what Markham’s airborne freedom might have truly felt like—the mix of precision, fear, and sheer wonder that comes with being alone in the cockpit. But beyond the thrill of flight, Lola’s story is one of perseverance against incredible odds. She not only broke barriers in aviation but also overcame the personal struggles of an abusive first marriage, finding her own path to independence and strength in the skies.

Lola’s journey underscores the importance of representation in aviation and her mission to serve as the role model she never had, inspiring young women to see themselves in the cockpit. Together, we explore the narrative gaps in Markham’s memoir, and the timeless allure of flight as both a literal and literary journey. Strap in for a discussion where history, adventure, and personal experience converge at cruising altitude.

If you've ever wanted to talk about L.M. Montgomery's Emily of New Moon series, but have lacked the proper bosom friends, fret no longer! Listen to this chat as we'll discuss the magical ways in which Montgomery creates another heroine that rivals Anne of Green Gables in her wit and charm, but is distinct from her in appearance and cool-headedness. We’ll also delve into the lingering mystery surrounding Montgomery’s death—was it an accidental overdose or a suicide? Regardless of the circumstances, one thing remains clear: Montgomery’s ability to create timeless, believable characters is what cements her status as a truly remarkable storyteller. We are Joined by Diana Smith, our longtime friend and fellow bookclub member and  L.M. Montgomery expert.

Be sure to join us next month as we discuss West With the Night, the captivating memoir of Beryl Markham!

If you're searching for a meaningful Christmas read, this episode is just for you. Join us as we dive into Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These, a novella that proves even the shortest books can make a big difference. Set against the backdrop of a quiet Irish town during the holiday season, this story explores the profound impact one person can have in the face of systemic oppression.

In this heartfelt book club discussion, we examine the themes of courage, compassion, and the moral dilemmas faced by ordinary people. We'll explore how acts of kindness and standing up for what's right can resonate far beyond their immediate circumstances, offering hope in even the darkest of situations.

Whether you're a seasoned reader or just looking for something inspiring this holiday season, tune in to discover why Small Things Like These is a must-read that lingers long after you've turned the final page.

In this episode, we dive into the macabre yet enlightening world of cadavers with Stiff by Mary Roach, a book that reveals the many unexpected ways cadavers have advanced human knowledge and society, whether it be from their use in medical research and crash tests to their roles in forensic investigations. Our guest, Dr. Darin Johnston, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon from Northern California, joins us to discuss the book’s accuracy and share his own experiences learning from cadavers in his medical training. We also tackle some heavier topics, including organ donation, the booming industry of death, and the future of internment practices. Whether you’re fascinated by the science or the philosophy behind life, death, and the human body, this episode offers a mix of both the intriguing, the thought-provoking, and sometimes the comical. Blending science, history, and morbid humor, Roach invites readers to confront the reality of death with a sense of both wonder and respect, making it a fascinating read for anyone curious about the afterlife of the human body.

Join us as we welcome back Dr. Carl Sederholm, a professor of horror and early American studies at BYU, to explore the haunting world of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables. Although the novel unfolds at a slow pace, it offers a rich foundation for discussing how individuals and families grapple with ancestral guilt and inherited curses. Together, we’ll examine themes like wealth, greed, isolation, and untimely death.

We’ll also delve into Hawthorne’s personal struggles with ancestral guilt, particularly his connection to the Salem witch trials through his Puritan ancestors. Could this novel represent Hawthorne’s attempt to confront and heal the past? Tune in for an insightful conversation on how The House of the Seven Gables continues to resonate with readers through its exploration of history, legacy, and haunting family secrets.

My Life in Middlemarch by Rebecca Mead is a captivating blend of memoir and biography that invites readers to explore the enduring impact of George Eliot’s Middlemarch. Mead offers insights into the relevance of Middlemarch in contemporary life, illustrating how Eliot’s exploration of human relationships and personal growth resonates today. We are joined by former British Novel professor, and published author, John Bennion as we discuss the merits of Rebecca Mead's book. Join us for a thought-provoking journey through both Mead’s reflections and Eliot’s timeless narrative!

The Last Cuentista is a winner of the Newberry Medal award, and is the second book by author Donna Barba Higuera. It is a fast paced, middle-grade dystopian sci-fi, and yet it has so much depth and maturity in its themes.  We were able to discuss many topics at length including immigration, the importance of storytelling, genetic enhancement, collective working, and what connects us. Azul Uribe is a bi-cultural woman who was partially raised in the U.S.—Texas and Mexico. She is currently working on a book of essays, and lives in Merida Mexico, with her two cats, where she owns no high heels and never wears pants. She has been featured in The Daily Dot, and the Anthologies Los Otros Dreamers (2014) and Somewhere We Are Human (Harper Collins 2019). We talk about Azul’s personal story, as it deals with deportation, and the U.S. immigration policies and other systemic failures that make the path to citizenship unattainable. 

Join us in this book club chat as we discuss Susan Cain's work of non-fiction Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. This book feels very validating for those of us who are introverts, and helpful for extroverts who want to better understand their children and partners and the very different ways in which they are energized. We also talk about the highly sensitive person and the correlation between introversion and the HSP. 

Join us as we discuss a classic that still has modern relevance. Air Force attorney, Mike Bunnell will provide his unique perspective as he specializes in criminal cases involving sexual assault. He discusses the difficulty found in proving or disproving consent (particularly when alcohol is involved) and compares it to the accusation and subsequent trial that take place in the book. In E.M. Forster's novel A Passage to India, Forster seems to be asking if people of different cultural, religious, and racial backgrounds can co-exist, particularly in situations of high tension and biases. It leads to a good discussion regarding what it means to really see a person, or really see a country.