TITUS GROAN by Mervyn Peake / THE SOUTHERN BOOK CLUB’S GUIDE TO SLAYING VAMPIRES by Grady Hendrix.

Genre books unite! This time on the pod Toby wades back into a book that already defeated him once, the formidably slow TITUS GROAN by Mervyn Peake, and Bailey indulges in a treat from one of her favorite contemporary authors, THE SOUTHERN BOOK CLUB’S GUIDE TO SLAYING VAMPIRES by Grady Hendrix. Plus we rate Andrew’s wedding out of five stars, learn about Bailey’s Birthday Request, and mention the pop-punk princes Sum 41 way, way too many times.

THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH by Michael Chabon / EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR MOTHER IS A WITCH by Rivka Galchen.

What do an angsty college grad discovering himself in 1988 Pittsburgh and an onery old woman accused of witchcraft in 1618 Germany have in common? They're the protagonists of this week's reviewed books, of course!

Andrew dives into his first Chabon with the problematic bildungsroman THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH. Then, Bailey learns the twisted fate of Johannes Kepler's mother in the darkly hilarious EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR MOTHER IS A WITCH. All that, and we still have time to discuss Garfield the cat's perspective on death and dying!

THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE by Audrey Niffenegger & THE MAN OF MY DREAMS by Curtis Sittenfeld.

This week, Toby questions whether THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE is a tale of true love or true grooming. Then, Bailey digs into THE MAN OF MY DREAMS, a lesser known novel by a favorite author, to determine whether it's worth the read. Plus, we try to come up with shame, find ways to relate to a toad, and discover our time traveler love matches!

If you'd like to play Dillon's personality quiz, you can access it here. 

YES, PLEASE by Amy Poehler & THE IMPERFECTIONISTS by Tom Rachman

This week on the pod Andrew engages with an uber-popular memoir of a few years back, Amy Poehler’s YES, PLEASE, and Bailey checks out the hit first novel by author Tom Rachman, THE IMPERFECTIONITS! The hosts debate skipping early books in a series, whether or not Toby’s new employment opportunity is worth it, and which of them is most likely to wear a white ponytail. Plus, Dillon solves the Three Body Problem!

THE RIGHT STUFF by Tom Wolfe & SURVIVE THE NIGHT by Riley Sager.

This episode comprehensively addresses the age-old question: why do some dudes become astronauts while others become serial killers? Perhaps THE RIGHT STUFF by Tom Wolfe and SURVIVE THE NIGHT by Riley Sager have the answers. Plus, we share our thoughts on Free Comic Book Day etiquette, pirate awareness, and the disarming effects of a full-white suit. 

IN THE DREAM HOUSE by Carmen Maria Machado & THE WITCH ELM by Tana French

This week, two popular authors make their To Read List bows! Andrew reviews Carmen Maria Machado’s powerful memoir, IN THE DREAM HOUSE, and Bailey digs into Tana French’s THE WITCH ELM. Will Andrew like the unique structure of Machado’s work? Was Bailey captivated by the mystery? Find out here! Plus, we dissect the proper way to choose your own adventure, celebrate Independent Bookstore Day, and start a new squad!

FINGERSMITH by Sarah Waters & A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES by John Kennedy Toole.

This week, Toby takes a twisty ride with queer Victorian tricksters in Sarah Waters' astounding FINGERSMITH. Then, Bailey travels to the Big Easy with Ignatius J. Reilly, a bombastic character she won't soon forget. Plus, the hosts test how many times they can say "jambalaya" in one episode. Answer: more than necessary!

Episode 85

PERSEPOLIS by MARJANE SATRAPI & HOOT by CARL HIASSEN

This week on the podcast Andrew engages with Marjane Satrapi’s critically acclaimed graphic novel (or comic book) PERSEPOLIS, and Bailey gets to investigate a book that has been on her mind for years - Carl Hiassen’s HOOT. Plus we learn of the existence of a mysterious figure known as Mullet Fingers, see what Andrew thinks of a peculiar foodstuff, and listen as Dillon recounts the best experience of his entire life (in the 7th grade).

INVISIBLE MAN by Ralph Ellison & MY BODY by Emily Ratajkowski. This week, Toby covers Ralph Ellison's 1952 masterpiece, INVISIBLE MAN. And no, it's not about a spooky ghost. Then, Bailey digs into MY BODY, a sharp essay collection by model/actress/activist/influencer Emily Ratajkowski that will make you think twice before dancing along to the "Blurred Lines" video. Plus, we discuss Brandon Sanderson's big announcement and discover Dillon's love of ENTOURAGE!

Link to Polish Literacy Foundation's campaign to supply books to Ukranian refugee children.

TO PARADISE by Hanya Yanagihara & HOW SOCCER EXPLAINS THE WORLD: AN [UNLIKELY] THEORY OF GLOBALIZATION.

On this week’s show, we examine the book on everyone’s lips, the talk of the town – you guessed it – HOW SOCCER EXPLAINS THE WORLD: AN [UNLIKELY] THEORY OF GLOBALIZATION by Franklin Foer (we also cover a lesser known book called TO PARADISE by Hanya Yanagihara). We talk prescient writers (and surprising facts!), taking chairs, and how to trick people into being our friend. Also, we ask the question: does Dillon have any idea what soccer is? Seriously, I don’t think he’s ever heard of it…