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Welcome to Season 6 Episode 8 of That Pretentious Book Club! 

In this episode, the hosts dive into The Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine—a beloved young adult fantasy filled with courage, sisterhood, and the kind of quiet bravery that lingers long after the final page.

We’re also breaking in our brand-new microphones (so yes, we sound a little different), while Wheezy shares more about her first pregnancy and current pregnancy than anyone wants to know and we all learn some interesting new fun facts about Dr. Spoons Palermo.

Expect sincere moments, ample chaos, and plenty of laughter-riddled discussion about what makes this story such a classic—from its gentle worldbuilding to its deeply human characters.

☕ Pour yourself a cup of tea
📚 Grab your copy
🗡️ Join the club for our discussion of The Princesses of Bamarre!

That Pretentious Book Club is a Story Sirens Studio production, made in collaboration with The Story Emporium & Bookshop in Hutto, TX. 

Come see us in person to browse our shelves, yap about books, explore irresistible literary merch, and more: https://www.thestoryemporiumandbookshop.com

Looking to browse online while still supporting the shop? Visit us at Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/shop/thestoryemporiumandbookshop

More of an audiobook listener? Switch to Libro.fm and support indie bookstores like ours: https://libro.fm/thestoryemporiumandbookshop

Visit Story Sirens Studio online for more about our podcasts, hosts, writing retreats, and more: https://storysirensstudio.com/

Support the show

Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub.

Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers and join our writing group on Facebook!


Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World  by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon.

Support the show

Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores!

Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub.

Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers and join our writing group on Facebook!


Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World  by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon.

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Season 6 Episode 7 of That Pretentious Book Club! 

In this episode, the hosts dive into The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig—a lush, atmospheric fantasy filled with prophecy, devotion, and an overachieving heroine. For once, the hosts find themselves surprisingly aligned on most of the book… except for the love interest—which, yet again, sparks some spirited disagreement. 

Expect some swooning, side-eyeing, and lively debate as the group unpacks this story, the amazing worldbuilding, and characters that range from beloved to loathsome. 

☕ Pour yourself a cup of tea 

📚 Grab your copy 

🦋 Join the club for our discussion of The Knight and the Moth! 

Note: Video episodes are mostly raw footage with minimal editing. For polished audio and time-edited episodes, find That Pretentious Book Club wherever you listen to podcasts. 

That Pretentious Book Club is a Story Sirens Studio production, made in collaboration with The Story Emporium & Bookshop in Hutto, TX. 

Come see us in person to browse our shelves, yap about books, explore irresistible literary merch, and more: https://www.thestoryemporiumandbooksh... 

Looking to browse online while still supporting the shop? Visit us at Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/shop/thestoryemporiumandbookshop

More of an audiobook listener? Switch to Libro.fm and support indie bookstores like ours: https://libro.fm/thestoryemporiumandbookshop

Visit Story Sirens Studio online for more about our podcasts, hosts, writing retreats, and more: https://storysirensstudio.com/

Support the show

Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores!

Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub.

Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers and join our writing group on Facebook!


Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World  by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon.

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Season 6 Episode 6 of That Pretentious Book Club!

In this episode, the hosts are once again joined by special guest Lacy for an absolutely unhinged deep dive into the YA/NA fantasy Elixir by Hilary Duff (yes—that Hilary Duff). What starts as a seemingly straightforward read quickly spirals into wild theories, wildly different opinions, questionable love interest allegiances, and serious side-eye over who may have actually written this book. Expect hot takes, disbelief, laughter, and zero consensus—just the way we like it.

Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Elixir!

Reserve your spot at a Story Sirens Studio Writing Retreat now! https://storysirensstudio.com/retreats

Learn more or plan a visit to Wheezy's bookstore!

https://www.thestoryemporiumandbookshop.com/

Support the show

Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores!

Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub.

Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers and join our writing group on Facebook!


Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World  by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon.

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Season 6 Episode 5 of That Pretentious Book Club!

In this episode the hosts return to discuss famous classic The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain—a tale of switched identities, social satire, and boys who definitely should not have been left unsupervised in historic England.

Expect big opinions and some debate, as certain hosts were charmed while others were... skeptical. Join us for a wildly entertaining and occasionally ridiculous discussion of this well-known classic.

Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain!

Reserve your spot at a Story Sirens Studio Writing Retreat now! https://storysirensstudio.com/retreats

Learn more or plan a visit to Wheezy's bookstore!

https://www.thestoryemporiumandbookshop.com/

Support the show

Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores!

Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub.

Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers and join our writing group on Facebook!


Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World  by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon.

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Season 6 Episode 4 of That Pretentious Book Club!

In this episode the hosts dive without hesitation into Small Favors by Erin A. Craig! This charming gothic retelling of classic fairytale Rumplestiltskin seasoned liberally with elements of horror was a gripping read start to finish. One of the club's most unhinged episodes in a while, you can expect plenty of laughter, questionable tangents, Wheezy's most intense fictional infatuation yet, and discussions over whether the fae can, in fact, be trusted (spoiler: they cannot).

Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Small Favors by Erin A. Craig!

Join a team, crush your TBR, and support a new indie bookstore in the Bookshop Read-A-Thon!
https://myevent.com/sebookshopreadathon

Reserve your spot at the Story Sirens Studio Fall Writing Retreat now! https://storysirensstudio.com/retreats

Help Ash launch her bookstore!
https://www.ifundwomen.com/projects/story-emporium-bookshop

Support the show

Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores!

Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub.

Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers and join our writing group on Facebook!


Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World  by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon.

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Season 6 Episode 3 of That Pretentious Book Club!

In this twisty episode, the club dives into With a Vengeance by Riley Sager—a 1950s, fast-paced psychological thriller that had even the smartest of us second-guessing everything.

Join the hosts as they unravel the backstories of a cast of incredibly dislikable suspects, all of whom played a part in the mysterious tragedy that destroyed our (incredibly badass) heroine's life. If you liked Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, this book is almost guaranteed to satisfy.

Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of With a Vengeance by Riley Sager!

Join a team, crush your TBR, and support Wheezy's new indie bookstore in the Bookshop Read-A-Thon!

Reserve your spot at the Story Sirens Studio Fall Writing Retreat now!

Help Ash launch her bookstore!
https://www.ifundwomen.com/projects/story-emporium-bookshop

Support the show

Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores!

Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub.

Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers and join our writing group on Facebook!


Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World  by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of That Pretentious Book Club, hosts Spoons, Wheezy, and Gino are joined by fellow teacup Grandmaster Myla for a magical deep dive into Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston.

This popular middle grade fantasy quickly has quickly become a contender for one of the best books in the genre—ever. We're talking Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief level praise here, which, if you know this podcast, is the highest honor we can bestow.

Join us as we discuss what makes this story so special, the unique experience of being an adult reader enjoying middle grade books, and many a humorous opinion about the characters in this book.

Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Amari and the Night Brothers!

Reserve your spot at the Story Sirens Studio Fall Writing Retreat now! https://storysirensstudio.com/retreats

Help Ash launch her bookstore!
https://www.ifundwomen.com/projects/story-emporium-bookshop

Support the show

Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores!

Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub.

Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers and join our writing group on Facebook!


Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World  by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon.

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Season 6, Episode 1 of That Pretentious Book Club!

In the first episode of season 6, Spoons, Wheezy, and Gino join The Teacups to discuss ethereal classic mystery The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. Heralded as one of the first detective novels (despite the absence of any licensed detective), this book ranges from spooky to intensely intriguing, heart-wrenching, and back again. Also up for debate, is Marian Halcombe a feminist icon or a cringe-worthy pick-me girl?

Don't forget to pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The Woman in White!

Reserve your spot at the Story Sirens Studio Fall Writing Retreat now! https://storysirensstudio.com/retreats

Help Ash launch her bookstore!
https://www.ifundwomen.com/projects/story-emporium-bookshop

Support the show with merch and more at storysirensstudio.com!

Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores!

Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub.

Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers and join our Story Sirens writing group on Facebook!

Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon.

Support the show

Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores!

Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub.

Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers and join our writing group on Facebook!


Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World  by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon.

Send us Fan Mail

✨ Come behind the scenes of our Spring 2025 Story Sirens Writing Retreat—a weekend filled with creativity, connection, and storytelling magic!

In this short episode, we share some of our favorite moments from Story Sirens inaugural retreat and discuss some of the things we are looking forward to at our next one!

🌿 Whether you're drafting a novel, revising a memoir, or just craving time with fellow storytellers, the Story Sirens Studio writing retreats are designed to fill your creative cup with exactly what you need.

📣 Applications for our Fall 2025 retreat are OPEN!

Spots are limited and already going fast, so don’t wait—visit https://storysirensstudio.com/retreats to explore testimonials and pictures from previous retreats, learn about upcoming events, and apply!

💌 Questions? Drop them in the comments, reach out via our site, or email us at [email protected]!

🖋️ Your story matters—and we want to help you tell it.

Support the show

Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores!

Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub.

Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers and join our writing group on Facebook!


Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World  by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon.

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Season 5, Episode 23 of That Pretentious Book Club! 

In this episode (the last episode of Season 5!), hosts Spoons, Wheezy, and Gino dive into the girl-power-inspired world of Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This Cinderella retelling flips the classic tale on its head, exploring the harsh realities and pressures of royal life for our beloved protagonist, Ella. As Ella navigates the treacherous waters of palace protocol and a less-than-charming prince, the club unpacks the book's take on freedom, independence, and true love. Expect passionate debates, side-splitting tangents, and the always-unpredictable antics of the hosts. 

Don't forget to pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this engaging discussion of Just Ella!

Reserve your spot at the Story Sirens Studio Fall Writing Retreat now! https://storysirensstudio.com/retreats

Support the show

Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores!

Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub.

Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers and join our writing group on Facebook!


Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World  by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon.