Red Wine Reads

“Sierra is in all pink and I am in all black and it just makes a lot of sense for the episode we're recording.”

This week, we read The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo.

Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:

* How we ended up on two VERY different sides of this book discussion.

* Why this book may require a revisit (or two).

* Why this cover absolutely SLAPS.

Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that had us finding power in songs and magic in scorpions.

Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:

* DRINK - Spice-filled Sangria, French 75

* TV SHOW - Shadow and Bone , A Discovery of Witches, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

* BOOK - Phantasma, A Discovery of Witches, Babel, Dance of Thieves

* MOVIE - Pan's Labyrinth, Howards End

!! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD !!

Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!

* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

”I'm literally like foaming at the mouth thinking about it. I love it so much.”

This week, we read No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai.

Rebekah joins me on this episode to discuss:

* Why this book absolutely rocked us to our cores, in a great way

* How this book surprised the both of us

* Why this will be a bookshelf staple for the both of us

Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that made Jenna .

Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:

* DRINK - Water…or a VERY strong whiskey, nonalcoholic gin

* TV SHOW - School Spirits, Mr. Robot

* BOOK - The Midnight Library, Fight Club

* MOVIE - Dear Evan Hansen , A Silent Voice

!! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD !!

Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!

* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

”I just think everything about this book was so chaotic.”

This week, we read The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:

* What out biggest qualm was with this book and why it was them not washing the pants.

* Why the realists will really not love this book.

* Which character we are most like.

Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that made us realize sometimes childhood favorites should stay in the past.

Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:

* DRINK - Dirty Shirley, Shirley Temple

* TV SHOW - PEN15, sex lives of college girls

* BOOK - Angus Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging, Firefly Lane

* MOVIE - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Sleepover

!! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD !!

Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!

* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

”You might not know this, but vampires and Dracula are a pretty big deal. ”

This week, we read Dracula by Bram Stoker.

Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:

* The classic horror tale that ignited thousands of retellings years after its publication.

* Why this book felt TOO LONG.

* The very true and sad fact that Ella and I are terrible at picking out horror novels.

Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you drinking blood and scaling walls like a spider monkey.

Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:

* DRINK - Vampire's Kiss, Absinthe

* TV SHOW - Vampire Diaries, What We Do In The Shadows, Penny Dreadful

* BOOK - My Roommate is a Vampire, Twilight: Breaking Dawn

* MOVIE - Hotel Transylvania, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, OG Bella Lugosi Dracula

!! WARNING: SPOILERS !! But also this book is like over 100 years old, so tough cookies. You should know it by now.

Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!

* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

“We give you honest reviews only here at Red Wine Reads. Period.”

This week, we read Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer.

Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:

* Why we expected more spice…especially from a book that began on TikTok

* Why the frog was truly the star of this book

* If Jenna will ever purchase the second book

Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that made us fall in love with villains and dark office settings.

Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:

* DRINK - Mudslide, espresso martini, pumpkin spice latte

* TV SHOW - What We Do in the Shadows, Galavant, My Lady Jane

* BOOK - Howl’s Moving Castle, The Apprentice to the Villain

* MOVIE - Descendants, Ella Enchanted, The Princess Bride, Robin Hood: Men in Tights

!! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD !!

Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!

* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

”I was drinking knuckles deep in Floam, man. What do you mean you're mixing Drunk Elephant with tanning drops?”

This week, we read Rouge by Mona Awad.

Bekah joins me on this episode to discuss:

* Why Tom Cruise played such a big role in this book — and why we didn’t love it.

* Why this book was SO CLOSE to being SO GOOD

* If we would recommend this book or not…it’s leaning toward no

Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you trying to untangle the knot that is this plot.

Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:

* DRINK - Prosecco with Pomegranate Juice

* TV SHOW - Nurse Ratched, the Idol

* BOOK - The Vanishing Half, Bunny

* MOVIE - Suspiria, Bad Hair, Infinity Pool

!!WARNING: SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE!!

Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!

* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

”I'm pretty addicted to recommending this book.”

This week, we read Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins

Ella and special guest, Dorothy join me on this episode to discuss:

* Why this book has garnered a cult classic following.

* Why Dorothy and Ella adore this book and yet I couldn’t even finish it.

* Why sometimes a film adaptation just doesn’t need to happen.

Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you measuring your thumbs and “whooping” at the sky.

Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:

* DRINK - Beer, Pickle Juice Margarita, Dirty Shirley

* TV SHOW - Chimp crazy, Girls, The Midnight Gospel

* BOOK - L.A. Woman, Jitterbug Perfume, Inherent Vice

* MOVIE - House Bunny, But I’m a Cheerleader, Smiley Face

Cheers!

What’s our next read? Dracula by Bram Stoker

Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!

* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

"I literally think I'm going to take dating advice from this book."

This week, we read Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez.

Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:

1. Why two romance haters will recommend this book to everyone they know.


2. Why the trash pandas and toilet king were the true stars of this book.


3. What makes a man smell good.

Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that made Jenna rethink EVERYTHING.

Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:

• DRINK - Raspberry High Noon Iced Tea, Nice glass of Cabernet Sauvignon


• TV SHOW - Virgin River, Gilmore Girls


• BOOK - To All the Boys I Loved Before, Maybe in Another Life


• MOVIE - 10 Things I Hate About You, Safe Haven, When in Rome

!! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD !!

Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!

• Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

”He is such a piece of trash and I f**ing love him.”

This week, we read The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty.

Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:

1. The exciting premise and flawless execution that this book offers.


2. Why we keep mentioning “naked pirates”.


3. Why the spice level may have been a determining factor in Sierra’s final rating.

Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you feeling all the aches and pains of being a retired lady pirate.

Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:

• DRINK - Naked Pirate


• TV SHOW - Working Moms, House of the Dragon


• BOOK - The Book of Longings, Daughter of the Moon Goddess


• MOVIE - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, 3000 Years of Longing

!! WARNING: SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE !!

Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!

• Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

“We're going to be slovenly and yelling at each other by the end of the hour.”

This week, we read The Shamshine Blind by Paz Pardo

Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:

1. How Inside Out and Detective Pikachu relate to this book. 


2. Why Ella is talking in a New York cop accent


3. Why we ended up on polar opposite sides of this book

Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you feeling all the colors.

Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:

• DRINK - Double Titos Pineapple, Daiquiri


• TV SHOW - Three Body Problem, His Dark Materials


• BOOK - The Giver, Fahrenheit 451


• MOVIE - Detective Pikachu, Furiosa

!! WARNING: SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE !! 

Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!

• Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.