The Reader's Couch

By Victoria Wood

What's The Reader's Couch about?

A book podcast where you will discover new books and get reading tips, but we also talk about lifestyle, wellness, and self-care.  So let's learn something new, feel encouraged and inspired, and have fun!

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The Reader's Couch episodes:

06.29.2024
Ep. 205 A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke
Send me a text message What does it mean to truly live? Douglas Westerbeke’s debut novel "A Short Walk Through a Wide World" is set in 1885 Paris. The story follows nine-year-old Aubrey, who must constantly travel to stay alive...
06.27.2024
Ep. 204 Three Classic Page-Turners to Heat Up Your Summer
Send me a text message Have you ever wondered which classic novels are perfect for summer reading? Well, I share three timeless classic novels, explain why these books are ideal for summer, and share tips on enhancing your reading experience. ...
06.25.2024
Ep. 203 Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel
Send me a text message Ever wondered what goes on in the minds of young athletes? Whether you're a sports fan or not, this episode offers an intriguing mix of competitive spirit, emotional depth, and the surreal. In Headshot by...
06.21.2024
Ep. 202 How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley
Send me a text message Have you ever considered that aging could be the most exciting part of your life? In Clare Pooley’s How to Age Disgracefully, we meet Daphne, a 70-year-old woman who steps out of 15 years of...
06.13.2024
Ep. 201 The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger
Send me a text message Ever wondered what dark secrets could lie behind the inheritance of a luxurious apartment? In The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger, we follow Rosie, a true crime writer, and her actor husband Chad...
06.10.2024
Ep. 200 Summer Reads & Adventures: Top Books and Activities for 2024
Send me a text message Make the most of your summer through reading and engaging in enjoyable activities. In this episode, I discuss The BiblioLifestyle 2024 Summer Reading Guide and the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge. I also share eight standout...
06.05.2024
Ep. 199 Sweetness in the Skin by Ishi Robinson
Send me a text message Travel to Jamaica with Ishi and I, and get recommendations for food, drinks, and a list of things to do on your next visit, all while we talk about her debut novel. Sweetness in...
05.20.2024
Ep. 198 Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray
Send me a text message This is a fictional biography of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in the U.S. Cabinet as the secretary of labor in FDR’s cabinet. In this novel, we learn about Frances’s professional achievements and...
05.17.2024
Ep. 197 Celebrating Historical Women in Literature with Cindy
Send me a text message Come with us on a historical journey through books highlighting women's remarkable contributions to society. Cindy Burnett from the Thoughts from a Page Podcast joins me on the couch to share five books about trailblazing...
05.13.2024
Ep. 196 I Love You So Much It’s Killing Us Both by Mariah Stovall
Send me a text message Can the music of our youth forever shape our lives? In Mariah Stovall's novel "I Love You So Much It's Killing Us Both," she explores the enduring impact of teen friendships and punk anthems on...
05.09.2024
Ep. 195 Under the Covers of Historical Rom-Coms with Francesca
Send me a text message From what defines a historical rom-com, similarities and differences between other sub-genres, and how it provides a seamless transition for fans of contemporary rom-coms, Francesca from the Under the Book Covers blog shares all that...
05.07.2024
Ep. 194 The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
Send me a text message Go on a magical adventure with this book about books by author Gareth Brown. In "The Book of Doors" we meet Cassie Andrews, a bookseller in New York City, who is given a magical book...
04.25.2024
Ep. 193 How to Read More Books at Low to No Cost with Laura
Send me a text message From ebook and audiobook bundles, and discounted books from popular retailers, to library resources and platforms plus lots more. Today on the couch I’m super excited to chat with Laura Yamin from the What to...
04.22.2024
Ep. 192 Never Been Better by Leanne Toshiko Simpson
Send me a text message Jetset to the Turks and Caicos, get recommendations of what to do when visiting, and learn more about Leanne’s debut novel Never Been Better. In the novel, we meet a woman navigating mental health struggles,...
04.18.2024
Ep. 191 Piglet by Lottie Hazell
Send me a text message "Piglet" explores the ambitions and desires of a woman whose life is upended by a shocking betrayal just before her wedding. This leaves her questioning her choices and desires while grappling with family pressures,...
04.15.2024
Ep. 190 The Longest Autumn by Amy Avery
Send me a text message Can you imagine a world where the season of autumn stays indefinitely? Well, that’s exactly what happens in Amy Avery’s novel “The Longest Autumn.” In the novel, Amy transports us to a world where...
04.04.2024
Ep. 189 Three Classic Novels Better Read in Spring
Send me a text message These novels not only stand the test of time but also resonate deeply with the themes of spring which include: growth, rebirth, and self-discovery. From the landscapes of Italy and England to the enchanting confines...
03.30.2024
Ep. 191 Literary Tea Party! What's New: March 26th
I'm sharing a list of all the new books for this week, life and content updates, and my take on Kate Middleton, Diddy, and the “Quiet on Set” documentary. Literary Tea Party is a community-exclusive literary lifestyle podcast where we...
03.25.2024
Ep. 188 The Excitements by CJ Wray
Send me a text message Get a mashup of historical fiction, women’s fiction, mystery, and lots of humor in CJ Wray’s novel “The Excitements.” In the novel we meet Josephine and Penny, two brave and witty World War II veterans...
03.23.2024
Ep. 188 Literary Tea Party! What's New: March 19th
I'm sharing a list of all the new books for this week, some life updates, and my take on the Kate Middleton of it all. Literary Tea Party is a community-exclusive literary lifestyle podcast where we brew the finest blend...
03.22.2024
Ep. 187 Keep Your Friends Close by Leah Konen
Send me a text message How well do you know your friends? Dive into a gripping tale of friendship, betrayal, and a mysterious disappearance in Leah Konen's "Keep Your Friends Close." In the novel we meet Mary, who is isolated...
03.20.2024
Ep. 186 Seasonal Living Ideas for Spring
Send me a text message Sharing my experiences with living in tune with the seasons and ideas and opportunities for you to embrace spring and be present this season. Spring is not just a transition from winter to summer; it's...
03.18.2024
Ep. 185 Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares
Send me a text message Sun of Blood and Ruin is a Zorro-inspired historical fantasy that intertwines Mesoamerican mythology and Mexican history. Set in an alternate 16th-century colonial Mexico, the novel follows a Mestiza woman named Leonora. Leonora possesses the...
03.14.2024
Ep. 184 The 6 Best New Books to Read This Spring
Send me a text message From a thrilling mystery to keep you guessing, a fantasy you can escape into, and travel back in time with historical fiction or romance to make you swoon, these six books will keep you turning...
03.11.2024
Ep. 183 The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo
Send me a text message The mythological and the mysterious are intertwined in Yangsze Choo's novel "The Fox Wife." The story is set in 1908 Manchuria (in northeast China,) and we meet a fox spirit named Snow who assumes a...
03.04.2024
Ep. 182 Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj
Send me a text message Peel back the layers of a diverse Palestinian American community in Baltimore. That's what you can expect in "Behind You Is the Sea" by Susan Muaddi Darraj. "Behind You Is the Sea" follows three main...
02.28.2024
Ep. 181 Midnight on Beacon Street by Emily Ruth Verona
Send me a text message If you love classic horror movies and 90’s nostalgia then you’re in for a treat because Emily Ruth Verona joins me on the couch to talk about her debut horror thriller "Midnight on Beacon Street." ...
02.26.2024
Ep. 180 The American Daughters by Maurice Carlos Ruffin
Send me a text message Set in pre-Civil War New Orleans, we follow Ady, an enslaved girl who joins a secret resistance movement run by women who are fighting against slavery and sabotaging the Confederacy. That's what you can...
02.19.2024
Ep. 179 Twice Lived by Joma West
Send me a text message How do you prepare loved ones for your inevitable disappearance? We unravel all this plus more in Joma West's novel, "Twice Lived." In the novel, we follow a troubled teen, torn between two families and...
02.14.2024
Ep. 178 The Layers of Adult Friendships with Amy Allen Clark + Book Recommendations
Send me a text message From talking about friends old and new, how to meet new friends, and rekindle old friendships that have fallen by the wayside, this is a heartfelt chat on the significance of friendships in adulthood. Amy...
02.12.2024
Ep. 177 On the Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe
Send me a text message This is a makeover reality television show and behind-the-scenes romance mash-up, where the lines between performance and authenticity blur. Today on the couch, I'm joined by Jenny L. Howe, whose charm, laughter, and candid...
02.01.2024
Ep. 176 Let's Talk All About Journaling
Send me a text message As I flipped through the pages of my journals, I gained so much perspective on life. I had the opportunity to relive memories and experiences, and I have a tried and true place where I...
01.29.2024
Ep. 175 Family Family by Laurie Frankel
Send me a text message Family and social media can be loving and bring us together, but they can get complicated and messy fast. In this episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Laurie Frankel, whose novel "Family Family" unravels...
01.27.2024
Ep. 174 Seven of My Most Anticipated Books of 2024
Send me a text message From literary fiction to thrillers, horror, historical fiction, and more, this episode is a treasure trove for any bibliophile seeking a glimpse into some of the fantastic books we can look forward to in 2024. SHOW...
01.24.2024
Ep. 173 The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner
Send me a text message What happens when a murder is linked to a group of mothers you're friends with? In The Other Mothers, a young journalist finds herself in the middle of a wealthy London community of mothers, but...
01.22.2024
Ep. 172 The 5 Things I’m Focusing on for 2024
Send me a text message In this episode, I open up and share my top five priorities and goals for 2024. I share where my head is, what I think and feel, and what I'm working towards. My main pillars...
01.15.2024
Ep. 171 Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
Send me a text message There's something undeniably magical about reconnecting with a past love, especially when that journey intertwines with a rediscovery of your own roots. That's the spellbinding ride Raquel Vasquez Gilliland takes us on with her enchanting...
01.10.2024
Ep. 170 The 2024 Winter Reading Guide + 6 New Books to Add To Your TBR
Send me a text message Listen in as I turn the pages of The BiblioLifestyle 2024 Winter Reading Guide and share six page-turners that are the perfect companions for the cold winter months. You'll also get insights into the guide's...
01.08.2024
Ep. 169 The Manor House by Gilly Macmillan
Send me a text message What would you do if you won the lottery? We discuss that plus more as we unravel how a lottery win turns into a deadly curse in Gilly Macmillan's novel, "The Manor House." In the...
01.04.2024
Ep. 168 Sharing Our Stories: Get to Know Victoria, Cindy and Amy
Send me a text message This episode is a get-to-know-us chat trio edition! Joining me on the couch is Cindy Burnett from the Thoughts from a Page Podcast and Amy Allen Clark, who runs the momadvice.com blog and the Book...
01.01.2024
Ep. 167 The Good Part by Sophie Cousens
Send me a text message Ever wished you could fast-forward to the best parts of your life? That's what Lucy Young did in Sophie's Cousens's latest novel, "The Good Part." In "The Good Part," Lucy stumbles upon a wishing...
12.30.2023
Ep. 166 Before You Set Your Reading Goals Do This
Send me a text message Craft your own reading life for a more meaningful literary year ahead! Join me on the couch as I share five tips to help you create reading goals that align with your life and passions. ...
12.25.2023
Ep. 165 A Floridian Christmas and Second Chances with TJ Alexander
Send me a text message Eating key lime pie and paper-thin Santas with a side of palm trees are some very Floridian Christmas traditions, and in this episode, we're embracing a sunny twist on all things holidays! I had the...
12.23.2023
Ep. 164 Top Thirteen Books of 2023
Send me a text message Ready to expand your reading list? Listen in as I share my top 13 personal favorite books of 2023! I think each book on this list is a winner, and I share a spoiler-free description...
12.18.2023
Ep. 163 Sophie Hannah on Agatha Christie, Murder Mysteries and Christmas Traditions
Send me a text message Ever wondered what it's like to keep alive the legacy of a legendary author like Agatha Christie? Sophie Hannah spills the beans on her journey writing new Poirot novels authorized by the Christie estate, and...
12.13.2023
Ep. 162 The One Thing I Do at the End of Every Year
Send me a text message Have you ever rushed into the New Year without pausing to reflect on the past 365 days? Well, I've been there, and it's a whirlwind, and I don't recommend it. So today, I invite you...
12.11.2023
Ep. 161 Holiday Cheer & Romance Novels with Jean Meltzer
Send me a text message We're spreading holiday cheer in today's episode! Author Jean Meltzer joins me on the couch to talk about her fantastic romance novels (The Matzah Ball, Mr. Perfect on Paper, Kissing Kosher) and to share all...
12.06.2023
Ep. 160 Celebrating the Holidays with 6 Festive Reads
Send me a text message From timeless classics to new fiction and even fun children's books, these six enchanting holiday-themed books promise to transport you to a world filled with love, laughter, and holiday cheer and perhaps teach you a...
12.04.2023
Ep. 159 Baking Spirits Bright by Sarah Fox
Send me a text message Get transported to the wintery town of Larch Haven, Vermont, where chocolatier Becca Ransom finds herself in the middle of a baking competition turned murder investigation, and she must unravel the truth before she becomes...
11.29.2023
Ep. 158 How to Prioritize Self Care During the Holiday Season
Send me a text message I'm sharing my personal experiences, practical tips, and self-care ideas that have worked for me and hopefully will help you navigate the busy holiday season. I talk about why self-care is vital during the holidays...

What's The Reader's Couch about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Reader's Couch episodes:

Ep. 205 A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke

Ep. 204 Three Classic Page-Turners to Heat Up Your Summer

Ep. 203 Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel

Ep. 202 How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley

Ep. 201 The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger

Ep. 200 Summer Reads & Adventures: Top Books and Activities for 2024

Ep. 199 Sweetness in the Skin by Ishi Robinson

Ep. 198 Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray

Ep. 197 Celebrating Historical Women in Literature with Cindy

Ep. 196 I Love You So Much It’s Killing Us Both by Mariah Stovall

Ep. 195 Under the Covers of Historical Rom-Coms with Francesca

Ep. 194 The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

Ep. 193 How to Read More Books at Low to No Cost with Laura

Ep. 192 Never Been Better by Leanne Toshiko Simpson

Ep. 191 Piglet by Lottie Hazell

Ep. 190 The Longest Autumn by Amy Avery

Ep. 189 Three Classic Novels Better Read in Spring

Ep. 191 Literary Tea Party! What's New: March 26th

Ep. 188 The Excitements by CJ Wray

Ep. 188 Literary Tea Party! What's New: March 19th

Ep. 187 Keep Your Friends Close by Leah Konen

Ep. 186 Seasonal Living Ideas for Spring

Ep. 185 Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares

Ep. 184 The 6 Best New Books to Read This Spring

Ep. 183 The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo

Ep. 182 Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj

Ep. 181 Midnight on Beacon Street by Emily Ruth Verona

Ep. 180 The American Daughters by Maurice Carlos Ruffin

Ep. 179 Twice Lived by Joma West

Ep. 178 The Layers of Adult Friendships with Amy Allen Clark + Book Recommendations

Ep. 177 On the Plus Side by Jenny L. Howe

Ep. 176 Let's Talk All About Journaling

Ep. 175 Family Family by Laurie Frankel

Ep. 174 Seven of My Most Anticipated Books of 2024

Ep. 173 The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner

Ep. 172 The 5 Things I’m Focusing on for 2024

Ep. 171 Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Ep. 170 The 2024 Winter Reading Guide + 6 New Books to Add To Your TBR

Ep. 169 The Manor House by Gilly Macmillan

Ep. 168 Sharing Our Stories: Get to Know Victoria, Cindy and Amy

Ep. 167 The Good Part by Sophie Cousens

Ep. 166 Before You Set Your Reading Goals Do This

Ep. 165 A Floridian Christmas and Second Chances with TJ Alexander

Ep. 164 Top Thirteen Books of 2023

Ep. 163 Sophie Hannah on Agatha Christie, Murder Mysteries and Christmas Traditions

Ep. 162 The One Thing I Do at the End of Every Year

Ep. 161 Holiday Cheer & Romance Novels with Jean Meltzer

Ep. 160 Celebrating the Holidays with 6 Festive Reads

Ep. 159 Baking Spirits Bright by Sarah Fox

Ep. 158 How to Prioritize Self Care During the Holiday Season

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