Shoulda Books

Author Andrew Martin shares the three books he thinks everyone should read. His fantastic new novel Down Time is available everywhere now, via Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.

follow Andrew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewhmartin85/?hl=en

for the ad-free, extended version of this episode, sign up for the Shoulda Books Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ShouldaBooks

books discussed below. these are affiliate links for bookshop.org. by purchasing books through these links, you support local bookstores, and I earn a (very small) commission.

Down Time by Andrew Martin https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780374617066

The Radetzky March by Joseph Roth https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781585673261

The Collected Stories of Grace Paley https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780374530280

Unforgiving Years by Victor Serge https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781590172476

join the Shoulda Book Club on Fable: https://fable.co/club/the-shoulda-book-club-with-shoulda-books-225140024638?brid=yapSJjJ6zqETOwu3XngDDw

follow Shoulda Books on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shouldabooks/

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follow Jonathan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jf.kirk/?hl=en

Shoulda Books theme song by Skyler Klingenberg

Scott Broker, whose excellent new novel The Disappointment is out now, stops by to talk James Baldwin, Greek myths, desire, grief, and more.

check out Scott's website: https://www.scottjbroker.com/

follow Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottjbroker/?hl=en

for the ad-free, extended version of this episode, sign up for the Shoulda Books Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ShouldaBooks

books discussed below. these are affiliate links for bookshop.org. by purchasing books through these links, you support local bookstores, and I earn a (very small) commission.

"The Disappointment" by Scott Broker https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781646222858

"Another Country" by James Baldwin https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780679744719

"Autobiography of Red" by Anne Carson https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780375701290

"Small Rain" by Garth Greenwell https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781250397508

"The Outsiders" by SE Hinton https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780142407332

join the Shoulda Book Club on Fable: https://fable.co/club/the-shoulda-book-club-with-shoulda-books-225140024638?brid=yapSJjJ6zqETOwu3XngDDw

follow Shoulda Books on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shouldabooks/

follow Shoulda Books on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shouldabooks

follow Jonathan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jf.kirk/?hl=en

Shoulda Books theme song by Skyler Klingenberg

The inimitable Jonny Cakes talks about 3 books and whatnot, sure, but MOST IMPORTANTLY he reads his diary from a Walden-style English class/camp. And, honestly, the Beautiful Dining Room Studio has never been so blessed.

follow Jonny on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejonnycakes

follow Jonny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejonnycakes/?hl=en

follow Jonny on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejonnycakes?lang=en

for the ad-free, extended version of this episode, sign up for the Shoulda Books Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ShouldaBooks

books discussed below. these are affiliate links for bookshop.org. by purchasing books through these links, you support local bookstores, and I earn a (very small) commission.

"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" by Frederick Douglass https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780486284996

"Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life" by Steven Martin https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781416553656

"The Heart's Invisible Furies" by John Boyne https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781524760793

"The Outsiders" by SE Hinton https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780142407332

join the Shoulda Book Club on Fable: https://fable.co/club/the-shoulda-book-club-with-shoulda-books-225140024638?brid=yapSJjJ6zqETOwu3XngDDw

follow Shoulda Books on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shouldabooks/

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follow Jonathan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jf.kirk/?hl=en

Shoulda Books theme song by Skyler Klingenberg

I hold down the fort on my lonesome this month to talk through a classic that I ended up enjoying much more than I thought I would. JUSTICE FOR BERTHA.

for the ad-free, extended version of this episode, sign up for the Shoulda Books Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ShouldaBooks

article about machine learning I mentioned: https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/ai-revives-physiognomy-dangers/

books discussed below. these are affiliate links for bookshop.org. by purchasing books through these links, you support local bookstores, and I earn a (very small) commission.

"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780141441146

"The Outsiders" by SE Hinton https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780142407332

join the Shoulda Book Club on Fable: https://fable.co/club/the-shoulda-book-club-with-shoulda-books-225140024638?brid=yapSJjJ6zqETOwu3XngDDw

follow Shoulda Books on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shouldabooks/

follow Shoulda Books on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shouldabooks

follow Jonathan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jf.kirk/?hl=en

Shoulda Books theme song by Skyler Klingenberg

Emilie Friedlander (writer and co-host of The Culture Journalist podcast) shares 3 books that shaped her thinking on music, culture, and, well, THINKING itself.

find Emilie's work here: https://www.emilie-friedlander.com/

follow Emilie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiliefriedlander/?hl=en

check out The Culture Journalist podcast: https://theculturejournalist.substack.com/

Emilie's article about the Facebook cult: https://onezero.medium.com/inside-the-social-media-cult-that-convinces-young-people-to-give-up-everything-f3878fbec632

for the ad-free, extended version of this episode, sign up for the Shoulda Books Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ShouldaBooks

books discussed below. these are affiliate links for bookshop.org. by purchasing books through these links, you support local bookstores, and I earn a (very small) commission.

"The Essential Ellen Willis" https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780816681211

"The Manual: How to Have a Number One the Easy Way" by Jimmy Cauty and Bill Drummond

"There Is No Antimimetics Division" by qntm https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780593983751

"I Who Have Never Known Men" by Jacqueline Harpman https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781945492600

"Blank Space: A Cultural History of the 21st Century" by W. David Marx https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780593833995

"Antimemetics: Why Some Ideas Resist Spreading" by Nadia Asparouhova

"Down and Dirty Pictures" by Peter Biskind https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780684862583

"Easy Riders, Raging Bulls" by Peter Biskind https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780684857084

"The End of the Myth" by Greg Grandin https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781250214850

"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780141441146

"The Outsiders" by SE Hinton https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780142407332

join the Shoulda Book Club on Fable: https://fable.co/club/the-shoulda-book-club-with-shoulda-books-225140024638?brid=yapSJjJ6zqETOwu3XngDDw

follow Shoulda Books on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shouldabooks/

follow Shoulda Books on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shouldabooks

follow Jonathan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jf.kirk/?hl=en

Shoulda Books theme song by Skyler Klingenberg

Will Witwer shares 3 books that have me questioning just what HE means when he says a book is "fun"

follow Will on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wwitwer/?hl=en

for the ad-free, extended version of this episode (and lots more), sign up for the Shoulda Books Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ShouldaBooks

books discussed below. these are affiliate links for bookshop.org. by purchasing books through these links, you support local bookstores, and I earn a (very small) commission.

"Cloud Atlas" by David Mitchell https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780375507250

"The Door" by Magda Szabo https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781590177716

"Piranesi" by Susannah Clark https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781635577808

"Early Work" by Andrew Martin https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781250215017

"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780141441146

join the Shoulda Book Club on Fable: https://fable.co/club/the-shoulda-book-club-with-shoulda-books-225140024638?brid=yapSJjJ6zqETOwu3XngDDw

sign up for the Shoulda Books Newsletter: https://shouldabooks.com/

follow Shoulda Books on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shouldabooks/

follow Shoulda Books on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shouldabooks

follow Jonathan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jf.kirk/?hl=en

Shoulda Books theme song by Skyler Klingenberg

at least the scenery looked nice (at times). Joyce Louis-Jean stops by to discuss the absolute trainwreck that is Emerald Fennell's "Wuthering Heights".

to listen to the full episode, sign up for the Shoulda Books Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ShouldaBooks

this is the first episode of SHOULDA FILMS, a monthly bonus show about movies adapted from books. sign up for the Professor tier ($7.99/month) today so you don't miss an episode.

follow Joyce on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atribecalledjoyce/?hl=en

join the Shoulda Book Club on Fable: https://fable.co/club/the-shoulda-book-club-with-shoulda-books-225140024638?brid=yapSJjJ6zqETOwu3XngDDw

follow Shoulda Books on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shouldabooks/

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follow Jonathan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jf.kirk/?hl=en

Shoulda Books theme song by Skyler Klingenberg

MJ Smith shares 3 books that helped her deal with rage. Just don't ever call a Cheeto a chip in front of her.

follow MJ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss_joy99/?hl=en

follow MJ on Twitch: https://m.twitch.tv/moirajoy/home

Miles Bonsignore's 24-Hour Livestream for Creators Against ICE | Feb 15, 2026 | 9 am onward (PST)

Perfect Person podcast (where the livestream will be held): https://www.youtube.com/@PerfectPerson

Donate to Creators Against ICE: https://donate.tiltify.com/98a42569-5a95-4ee7-b045-7eb2b8bdf4ec/details

books discussed below. these are affiliate links for bookshop.org. by purchasing books through these links, you support local bookstores, and I earn a (very small) commission.

"Giovanni's Room" by James Baldwin https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780345806567

"The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780142000663

"The Art of War" by Sun Tzu https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781590302255

"Slow Days, Fast Company" by Eve Babitz https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781681370088

"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780141441146

join the Shoulda Book Club on Fable: https://fable.co/club/the-shoulda-book-club-with-shoulda-books-225140024638?brid=yapSJjJ6zqETOwu3XngDDw

follow Shoulda Books on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shouldabooks/

follow Shoulda Books on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shouldabooks

follow Jonathan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jf.kirk/?hl=en

Shoulda Books theme song by Skyler Klingenberg

Jack McGill (The Try Guys) shares 3 nonfiction books that might just make you rethink everything.

follow Jack on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsjackmcgill

follow Jack on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjackmcgill/?hl=en

for February, we're reading "Jane Eyre". follow along with the Shoulda Book Club on Fable: https://fable.co/club/the-shoulda-book-club-with-shoulda-books-225140024638?brid=yapSJjJ6zqETOwu3XngDDw

books discussed below. these are affiliate links for bookshop.org. by purchasing books through these links, you support local bookstores, and I earn a (very small) commission.

"Ask Iwata" edited by Hobonichi https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781974721542

"Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780767905923

"The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781401323257

"Bad Thoughts" by Nada Alic https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780593466636

"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780141441146

sign up for the Shoulda Books Newsletter: https://shouldabooks.com/

follow Shoulda Books on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shouldabooks/

follow Shoulda Books on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shouldabooks

follow Jonathan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jf.kirk/?hl=en

Shoulda Books theme song by Skyler Klingenberg

I sit down with editor and YouTuber Sam Bakas to discuss a book that could NOT be more relevant to today…Isabel Allende's "The House of the Spirits".

follow Sam on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheShmoopy/featured

follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshmoopy/

books discussed below. these are affiliate links for bookshop.org. by purchasing books through these links, you support local bookstores, and I earn a (very small) commission.

The House of the Spirits https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9781501117015

Jane Eyre https://bookshop.org/a/120498/9780141441146

join the Shoulda Book Club on Fable: https://fable.co/club/the-shoulda-book-club-with-shoulda-books-225140024638?brid=yapSJjJ6zqETOwu3XngDDw

sign up for the Shoulda Books Newsletter: https://shouldabooks.com/

follow Shoulda Books on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shouldabooks/

follow Shoulda Books on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shouldabooks

follow Jonathan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jf.kirk/?hl=en

Shoulda Books theme song by Skyler Klingenberg