This week, Josh and Dietrich throw out some unusual gift ideas for the book lovers in your life. Instead of rattling off some titles, they talk about various ideas that may not occur to your favorite bibliophile, including a miniaturized neighborhood library, a collection to a stunningly literate television series, an album that embraces poetry in a remarkable way, and more. They do throw a few book recommendations in as well, and talk about some old recommendations in a new light. In addition, they both revisit fantasy series, Josh with a legendary counter to the Narnia books, and Dietrich with an epic series by a famously dedicated author. Finally, they wrap up with a wonderful documentary about Jane Goodall, a pair of historical podcasts of wildly different styles, and a Netflix original movie that left Josh extremely impressed. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

After a long delay, Dietrich and Josh finally sit down for the first big chunk of filling in Dietrich's gap in his Stephen King education: the Dark Tower series. The pair dig into the first four books, warts and all. Josh talks about the discovery of The Gunslinger on the shelves of a bookstore, and his deep love of this bizarre, strange world and its unrelenting protagonist. Dietrich discusses why the second book nearly led him to give up on the series entirely, and why he's extremely glad that he kept going. They debate the bizarre choice of Detta Walker, while marveling over the spectacular world building and the climactic finale of book three. Finally, Dietrich raves about book four, an extended flashback that tells a surreal spaghetti Western. It's a deeply uneven and wobbly series that shows the evolution and experimentation of one of the greatest authors of all time, and one that they both enjoy despite its flaws. In addition, Dietrich raves about Josh's recommendation HEX, Josh explores a book that taps into a mythology not often explored in American books, and they discuss a book with echoes of Trainspotting, and whether such a book is for everyone. Finally, they wrap up with a pair of movies and a pair of Netflix series. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

As you might guess from the dated references and the significantly poorer audio quality, this is not a new episode. With the Thanksgiving holiday, we weren't able to schedule a recording this week, so instead, we're rereleasing one of our Thanksgiving favorites: Episode 128, in which Christopher Merchant joins us to talk about some of the best things about our modern publishing industry. It's one of our more optimistic episodes, and felt oddly fitting for this time of year. We'll be back soon with our Dark Tower episode, and we've got a few other things planned as we close out 2017. You can send questions or comments to [email protected]

This week, Josh and Dietrich look at how books handle troubling or difficult topics. Josh talks about a book that tried unsuccessfully to fold spousal abuse into a soap-opera style story, and Dietrich discusses the jarring moment in which threats of violent sexual assault were brought into Janet Evanovich's previously pulpy Stephanie Plum series. While they both agree that no topic needs to be forbidden, it's also critically important that an author realizes that a different tone and approach are necessary when dealing with such ugly topics. They also talk about the challenge of using recent global disasters or commonly experienced abuses as subject matter in books. It's a challenging discussion, and one without an easy answer. In addition, Josh discusses a terrifyingly compelling book about a witch, Dietrich finds a historical book about the Civil War that captures the tragedy, cruelty, and reality of this controversial conflict, and the pair discuss a Lovecraftian novel that gets the Lovecraft part dead right. Finally, Josh raves about two extremely surreal films, Dietrich confirms that Stranger Things 2 is nearly everything he wanted it to be, and they close out discussing the unique, delightful, and utterly brilliant The Good Place. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

After some technical gremlins tried to take down Dietrich's computer, he's rallied and brought out this new episode, in which the pair tackle the surprisingly difficult challenge of a primer for thrillers. Immediately, Josh and Dietrich run headfirst into the definition of a thriller, debating how in the world a book like A Simple Plan can exist in the same world as Relic. They discuss how surprisingly broad the genre is, and look at how the basic tenets of thrillers crop up in horror, science fiction, noir, and countless other genres of fiction. With no easy answer, the pair decide to explore the breadth of available thrillers, discussing some of the best highlights, and talking about which books truly stand out as thrilling fiction. Before that, Josh wraps up his reread of The Dark Tower, Dietrich opens up with a pair of cookbooks for some reason, and they close the episode discussing the highs and lows of the most recent season of Game of Thrones. You can send questions or comments to [email protected]

Josh and Dietrich started The Library Police based on their love of stories, and every once in a while, they decide to take some time to highlight extraordinary storytelling outside of the written word. This week, they're joined by Quentin White to discuss the recently completed Balance Arc of the remarkable podcast The Adventure Zone. The three sit and talk about how a goofy podcast of three sons sitting down to play Dungeons and Dragons with their dad transformed over 69 episodes from a silly comedy podcast to one of the most uplifting and joyous pieces of storytelling they've ever seen. Quentin talks about how the sense of family informed all of the choices made in this story, giving it a sense of positivity and love absent from so much else. Dietrich discusses the staggering accomplishment of Griffin McElroy, who crafted a complex, interweaving narrative while simultaneously letting his family grow and create. Josh talks about how effected he was by the earned moments throughout, with both tears and laughter. It's an extraordinary accomplishment, and one the three can't recommend enough. In addition, Dietrich finishes up an outstanding science fiction series, Josh continues his revisit of The Dark Tower, and Quentin and Josh rave about Rick and Morty while Dietrich grumbles in the background. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

In a spiritual successor to the last episode, Josh and Dietrich move from an author's debt to their readers and representation in fiction, and sit down to discuss the dramatic role that social media has played in giving readers a voice, for better or for worse. The pair discuss a recent article from Vulture that highlights some of the more toxic and hostile reactions to books, and talk about the changing dynamics of the author/reader relationship. With Twitter campaigns bringing the anger and dissatisfaction of thousands directly to an author or publisher's inbox, what are the right steps to take to address concerns that come out before a book even hits the shelves? Is there ever a case where banning a book from publication is acceptable? It's a difficult and complex subject, one which both hosts are woefully underqualified to address, and we encourage you to share your thoughts and criticisms through email and the Facebook group. In addition, Josh discusses a Victor LaValle book that rocked him so hard he had to set it down, Dietrich talks about an unusual interpretation of a beloved children's cartoon in a very adult novel, and they wrap up with discussions of Dunkirk, Atomic Blonde, and a pair of video games. You can send questions or comments to [email protected]

This week, Josh and Dietrich discuss what, if anything, an author owes their readers, and discover that their answer is much more complicated than the last time they debated this. Josh points out the challenge of addressing the demands of a rabid fan base, and makes a somewhat depressing prediction about the last few books in the Game of Thrones series. Dietrich talks about the fear of starting a new epic series when so many authors are leaving their work unfinished, and the impact this has on new authors hoping to pen their own long term series. Finally, they (very gingerly) discuss the importance and challenge of representation in books. Do authors need to include minority characters in their stories? If they do, what responsibility do they have to portray those characters in a respectful and balanced way? Are two straight white cis men at all equipped to really ask these questions? In a much less serious opening, Dietrich talks about a book by Umberto Eco, and Josh continues his revisiting of Stephen King's epic work. Finally, they discuss a surprisingly good Star Wars film, a surprisingly good Marvel film, and a predictably good Edgar Wright film. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

This week, Josh and Dietrich are joined by special guest Quentin White to discuss adaptations. A topic that they've touched on several times, the trio dig deep into some of the more recent adaptations, looking on what makes the jump from page to screen a successful one. They look at the surreal visual spectacles of Bryan Fuller's Hannibal and Noah Hawley's Legion, two television shows that have used every tool at their disposal to create extraordinary interpretations of gothic horror and psychic warfare. They discuss why television seems to be so much more fertile ground for adaptations, with the ability to luxuriate in character building and storytelling in a way that film struggles. Quentin and Dietrich talk about the recent American Gods series on HBO, and how choosing to drift from the books generated several of the season's most compelling episodes. In addition, Quentin learns about the talented but procrastinating author Patrick Rothfuss, Dietrich enjoys a collection of interviews about the history of the USO, and Josh begins his summer project to revisit the Dark Tower series. Finally, they wrap up with a discussion of a show about women in the wrestling ring, and Josh recommends a documentary about one of the most bizarre subjects we've ever seen. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].

Turn on the Jimmy Buffett, grab the sunblock, and head for those sandy shores. This week, Josh and Dietrich look at what makes a book that perfect beach read. Josh talks about the challenge of finding a horror novel that works well for vacation reading, and Dietrich discusses the value of a clever hook in a book you're going to devour in just a few days. Fantasy and science fiction surprisingly have a strong showing in their recommendations, with titles from J. Zachary Pike, Saladin Ahmed, and podcast favorite Scott Lynch. While they acknowledge that the nastier turns of noir can be a challenge, Josh still manages to pluck a few recommendations for vacation books, including Made to Kill. In addition, Dietrich raves about The Girl With All The Gifts in the regular "Josh Was Right" segment, Josh enthuses about a book that's made up primarily of eulogies, and they wrap up with a discussion of a brilliantly dark superhero film, a YouTube series about smashing digital cars, and the fact that Better Call Saul is having its strongest season yet. You can send questions or comments to [email protected].