This week we're talking about The Frequency of Living Things, and for the first time ever, we have the author on to discuss his book with us!

Nick Fuller Googins shares stories about the ins and outs of publishing, the real-life activist inmate who inspired one of the characters in this book, and how his writing process takes him on unexpected journeys.

This episode is spoiler-free

To kick off Halloween month, we're reading the disgusting horror novel Tender Is the Flesh, by Argentinian author Agustina Bazterrica. 

Warning: this book is about cannibalism, and our discussion of it mentions a lot of stomach-turning violence, including to pregnant women and animals. Skip this one if you have any reservations about that subject matter. 

Spoilers from 19 mins

We discuss the Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping, which depicts Haymitch's Hunger Games. How does it hold up next to other Hunger Games books and next to other dystopian YA books? 

Spoilers from 14 minutes in, but honestly, if you read the Hunger Games, you already know them

We bring in our Irish friends, Róisín and Claire, to help us discuss Aisling Rawle's The Compound. Billed as "Love Island meets Lord of the Flies," The Compound deals with a vacuous main character on a vapid TV show... but can it meet its goal to rise above vacuousness and vapidity? 

Spoilers from 30 mins in

We discuss the first in a series of historical mysteries set in 1920s India. Somehow no spoilers? 

Our friend Caleb joins us to talk about the fantasy/mystery crossover, The Tainted Cup, which is basically Sherlock Holmes with kaiju. 

We talk about what kaiju are, why more fantasies (and mysteries) should be funnier, and how the second book in this series let us down. 

Spoilers, including for the sequel, starting from 29 minutes

This week we're arguing about Lady Tan's Circle of Women, by Lisa See. We disagree about everything from the controversies surrounding the author to the objective of historical fiction. And especially whether Lady Tan herself is a good character or not.

This week we have a special guest, Bailey, on the show to talk about one of her favorite books, The Death of Vivek Oji. 

We talk about the incestuous sex scenes, the divisive ending, and a whole lot more. 

Spoilers from 20 mins

We discuss the 2025 runaway hit, Broken Country, by Clare Leslie Hall. It features both cheating and a wedding, so we have plenty to discuss. 

Light spoilers at 8 minutes, full spoilers at 24 minutes

This week we discuss the seminal sci-fi novel-in-stories The Martian Chronicles, with special guest Sam, who brought his father's original edition to the discussion. 

No spoilers since this book doesn't really have a plot, but we do spoil individual stories.