Laura and Rachel are talking about some great American novels you might have missed and how modern literature examines the qualities that make America who she is.

Then Laura tries her hand at "Who Said It? Founding Fathers or BookTok Boyfriends" in this month's game!

Laura and Rachel highlight the upcoming Summer Reading program, "Unearth a Story."

In this episode, Laura and Rachel are joined by young readers who are eager to tell you what books they're actually reading and which ones you shouldn't miss out on!

Then, the tables turn as Rachel puts Laura in the hot seat with another quiz. Can Laura identify the modern equivalents to her favorite childhood classics? Tune in to see how the books we grew up with stack up against the best-sellers of today.

This month, Rachel and Laura explore what makes a book perfect for book club—stories that invite debate, challenge perspectives, and stick with you long after the final page.

* Featured Titles

Yellowface by R. F. Kuang

The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

Caste by Isabel Wilkerson

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

The Typewriter and the Guillotine by Mark Braude

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

The Villa by Rachel Hawkins

Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash

Whidby by T. Kira Madden

The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

*Recorded Live (Sort Of!)

This episode was recorded in front of the Round Table of Wabash, bringing a little extra energy—and a lot of literary legacy—to the conversation.

*Game Time: Would You Rather?

Rachel wraps things up by putting Laura through a rapid-fire round of bookish “Would You Rather?” questions. The answers? Occasionally unhinged. Always entertaining.

*Join the Conversation

What book has sparked the best discussion in your group? Let us know—we’re always looking for more titles to add to the list.

This episode started with no plan… and turned into a deep dive on analog hobbies, uncovering your reader personality, red & green reading flags, what’s coming up at the library — and a very passionate stance on the one question you should absolutely never ask a stranger.

It’s chaotic good. Maybe you'll enjoy it!

Laura and Rachel share their hottest literary takes - do you agree with them? No? Let them know!

We are kicking off the new year by discussing our reading resolutions, diving into publishing trends, like AI and cozy reads, and talk about which upcoming books we can't wait to read. Plus, Laura is blind ranking trends of 2025 and upcoming page-to-screen film adaptations. Get ready for insightful discussions and a few rants along the way.

00:00 Welcome to the Bookmark Podcast

01:09 New Year Resolutions and Fun Stuff

02:42 Library Programs and Events

07:47 Reading Resolutions for 2026

23:31 Trend Predictions for 2026

34:21 Anticipated Book Releases of 2026

47:35 Blind Rankings: Book Trends of 2025

51:05 Blind Rankings: Book-to-Screen Adaptations

55:29 Blind Rankings: Book Covers of 2025

01:02:44 Concluding Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

It’s our annual bookish gift guide episode! Rachel and Laura are sharing their top picks for books and other literary gifts that are perfect for the readers on your list. Or maybe a little inspiration for your own wish list.

In this episode, Rachel and Laura interpret the concept of books about 'gratitude' VERY differently!

It's the podcast that even tech issues wanted to BAN! Rachel and Laura dive into the controversial world of book banning and censorship. Get ready for discussions on the importance of reading freedom, surprising banned book titles, and hilarious laws against books you will not believe!

They also share how you can support your local library and stand up for your right to read. Plus, find out which banned book you are with a fun quiz!

institute.org/book_censorship_database_magnusson

https://infreadomtoread.org/

https://pen.org/book-bans/

https://www.wabash.lib.in.us/jointhefriends