Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book Review Podcast

Join us for an in-depth conversation as we explore Charlotte Brontë’s classic, Jane Eyre. In this episode, we chat about the unforgettable journey of Jane—from her early struggles as an orphan to her quest for independence and love. We dive into the many layers of social commentary, Gothic atmosphere, and the fierce resilience that makes this novel a timeless favorite.
We’ll share our insights on the themes of class, gender, and personal freedom, and explore how Brontë’s storytelling continues to resonate with readers today. Whether you’re revisiting the novel or discovering it for the first time, our discussion offers a fresh take on one of literature’s most enduring works.
Tune in for a friendly and thoughtful look at Jane Eyre and join us as we celebrate its lasting impact on classic literature.

Content Warnings
Discussion of mental health treatment in 1800 England

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Recommend us a Book!
If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept).

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In this Mini episode, we’re back to the world of Shakespeare with “Much Ado About Nothing”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book. 

The Back of the Book: 

“The primary plot of Much Ado About Nothing turns on the courtship and scandal involving young Hero and her suitor, Claudio, but the witty war of words between Claudio's friend Benedick and Hero's cousin Beatrice often takes center stage. Set in Messina, the play begins as Don Pedro's army returns after a victory.”

Content Warnings
NA

Support the show

Recommend us a Book!
If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept).

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Join us for a chat as we dive into Naomi Novik’s Throne of Jade, the second installment in the Temeraire (His Majesty’s Dragon) series. In this episode, we discuss about the epic blend of historical intrigue, vibrant dragon lore, and complex characters that bring this story to life.

We’ll share our thoughts on the rich worldbuilding and the unforgettable bond between captain and dragon, explore the challenges of navigating ancient political landscapes, and highlight our favorite moments from the book, as well as our fun questions such as “Which character best embodies the characteristics: Gaslight/Gatekeep/Girlboss”. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of historical fantasy or just starting your journey into the Temeraire universe, this discussion promises fresh insights, hearty laughs, and plenty of thoughtful commentary.

As always, we will have a think what our literacy loving cat would think of this book. (We think she’d give the first book in the series a 10/10!)

Tune in for a friendly and insightful look at one of the most imaginative fantasy adventures out there, and join the conversation about what makes Throne of Jade a standout in the genre.

Support the show

Recommend us a Book!
If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept).

Social Media
Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ

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In our final Austen discussion, we turn our attention to Mansfield Park. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about Jane Austen’s classic as we explore its characters, intricate plot, and enduring social commentary. 

Throughout the episode, we examine Austen’s narrative and have a think if our pet cat would approve of this novel. If you appreciate “in-depth” (with Wikipedia) literary discussions with a friendly tone, this episode is for you.

Content Warnings
NA

Support the show

Recommend us a Book!
If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept).

Social Media
Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/
Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ

Listener Survey
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In this episode of Teaching My Cat to Read, we’re diving into the heartwarming and deeply thought provoking sci-fi novel A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers.

We have a chat about the book’s big themes: identity, belonging, the meaning of family, and what it means to build a life—whether you’re human, an AI, or something in between. With its dual storyline, we’ll follow Lovelace, an AI struggling to adapt to her new humanoid body, and Pepper, a mechanic with a moving backstory. Both tales intertwine to create a story bursting with hope, heart, and a touch of sci-fi magic.

If you’re a fan of books that make you think, laugh, and maybe shed a tear, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. Perfect for fans of thoughtful speculative fiction and anyone looking to add more Becky Chambers brilliance to their shelves. Tune in now for a cosy chat about this award-nominated masterpiece!

Spoilers
There are spoilers for the first book in the Wayfarers series, Long Way To A Small Angry Planet from very early in the episode - if you haven’t read it yet, here’s your sign from the universe!

Content Warnings

NA

Support the show

Recommend us a Book!
If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept).

Social Media
Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/
Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ

Listener Survey
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Please note: this episode contains MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS for the book if you haven’t read it yet from the start 

In this Mini episode, we return to the world of the Wayfarer with “The Long Way to a Small, Angry, Planet”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book. 

The Back of the Book:

“Follow a motley crew on an exciting journey through space-and one adventurous young explorer who discovers the meaning of family in the far reaches of the universe-in this light-hearted debut space opera from a rising sci-fi star.

Rosemary Harper doesn’t expect much when she joins the crew of the aging Wayfarer. While the patched-up ship has seen better days, it offers her a bed, a chance to explore the far-off corners of the galaxy, and most importantly, some distance from her past. An introspective young woman who learned early to keep to herself, she’s never met anyone remotely like the ship’s diverse crew, including Sissix, the exotic reptilian pilot, chatty engineers Kizzy and Jenks who keep the ship running, and Ashby, their noble captain.

Life aboard the Wayfarer is chaotic and crazy—exactly what Rosemary wants. It’s also about to get extremely dangerous when the crew is offered the job of a lifetime. Tunneling wormholes through space to a distant planet is definitely lucrative and will keep them comfortable for years. But risking her life wasn’t part of the plan. In the far reaches of deep space, the tiny Wayfarer crew will confront a host of unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that force them to depend on each other. To survive, Rosemary’s got to learn how to rely on this assortment of oddballs—an experience that teaches her about love and trust, and that having a family isn’t necessarily the worst thing in the universe.”

Content Warnings
None

Support the show

Recommend us a Book!
If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept).

Social Media
Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/
Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ

Listener Survey
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In this week’s episode of Teaching My Cat to Read, we’re entering into the world of Macbeth—a play packed with witches, ambition, and one very messy quest for power. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or just curious about all the drama, this episode is for you!

We’ll chat about those three witches and their prophecies, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s wild journey from power couple to full-blown chaos executors, and why this tale still grips us in the modern day. 

So, grab a cuppa, cuddle up with your cat (or dog—we’re not picky), and join us as we break down this iconic play. It’s a breakdown of Shakespeare like you’ve never heard it before—fun, relatable, and maybe even a little spooky.

Content Warnings

Murder, child death

Support the show

Recommend us a Book!
If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept).

Social Media
Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/
Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ

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In this episode, we go back to the Discworld to discuss the book “Wyrd Sisters”, by Terry Pratchett. The second book in the Witches series, “Wyrd Sisters” parodies and satires “Macbeth, by William Shakespeare” (which we discuss in the episode after this one). 

We discuss which character would be the only human in the muppets adaptation, critique on theatre, as well as discussing our favourite metaphor of the book (feat. “the fool jingled miserably across the floor”) 

If you’re a fan of all things Discworld, Terry Pratchett, or Cats perceiving ghosts, then this episode is for you. 

Book Blurb:

“Three witches on a lonely heath. A king cruelly murdered, his throne usurped by his ambitious cousin. A child heir and the royal crown, both missing.

Witches don’t have these kinds of leadership problems themselves – in fact, they don’t have leaders.

Granny Weatherwax is the most highly regarded of the leaders they don’t have. But even she finds that meddling in royal politics is a lot more complicated than certain playwrights would have you believe. Particularly when the blood on your hands just won’t wash off . . .”


Content Warnings

NA

Support the show

Recommend us a Book!
If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept).

Social Media
Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/
Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ

Listener Survey
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In this special Christmas Episode of “Teaching My Cat to Read”, we discuss the classic children’s novel “The lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” By CS Lewis. We discuss, Christian Allegory, the enchanted Turkish Delights, character arcs and how not to die in a Wardrobe. 

What rating do we think our cat will give this book? Listen to find out!

Content Warnings
Mild Swearing

Support the show

Recommend us a Book!
If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept).

Social Media
Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/
Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ

Listener Survey
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Happy Halloween! For today’s spooky special episode, we welcome back friend of the pod and Jekyll and Hyde aficionado Charlotte to discuss Secret Crimes, queer readings and cat ratings. Featuring in-depth Utterson discussion, trans woman Hyde, the politics of disgust and unexpected time cops. 

Content Warnings
Swearing

Please note, as of this episode, we are no longer bleeping swear words on this podcast. 

Support the show

Recommend us a Book!
If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept).

Social Media
Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/
Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ

Listener Survey
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