What Ya Reading?

In today's episode, you'll be listening to a buddy-read discussion on Ana Maria and the Fox by Liana De La Rosa.

Tune in to hear Jay and the other book club members chat about their thoughts on this book, what they learned, and the impression it left on them.

Please keep in mind that this episode will contain spoilers.

What we talked about:

• Episode intro 00:00
• Reading Historical Romance 2:04
• The French Occupation in Mexico 3:10
• Liana De La Rosa's writing 4:18
• Historical references + feminism themes 8:29
• Thoughts on the characters + overall story 13:35
• Listing to the story on audio + the next books 30:36
• Final thoughts and ratings 39:05

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Ana Maria and the Fox by Liana De La Rosa
• Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn
• Author Beverly Jenkins
• Isabel and the Rogue by Liana De La Rosa
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
• Escaping Mr. Rochester (Jane Eyre Remix) by L. L. McKinney
• A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.

Shop Cover Snob:

• Shop current special editions

Final Thoughts:

• Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
• Join us on the Geneva App for our September buddy read of Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin.
• For inquiries please email [email protected] .
• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.

In today's episode, Jay is sitting down with author Tony Weaver Jr. to talk about his new graphic novel, Weirdo, which tackles bullying and mental health themes.

Tune in to hear them chat about Tony's journey to becoming an author and the inspiration behind Weirdo. They also discuss Tony's writing process, the importance of representation in literature, and the impact of storytelling for young readers.

What we talked about:

• Episode intro 00:00
• Guest intro 1:50
• Current reads and shows 6:24
• The intention behind Weirdo 14:33
• Writing mental health representation for young readers 19:50
• Finding your weird community 25:41
• Writing a Graphic Novel 28:23
• The illustration process 39:56
• How to support the release of Weirdo 46:28
• Importance of pre-orders 50:20
• Final Thoughts 52:35

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Weirdo by Tony Weaver Jr.
• Talli, Daughter of the Moon by Sourya
• This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
• To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
• Princess Jellyfish by Akiko Higashimura
• The Bluford Series
• The War for Art by Steven Pressfield
• Ouran High School Host Club by Bisco Hatori

All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.

Other links mentioned in this episode:

• Weird Enough Productions
• Nichijou by Keiichi Arawi

Connect with today's guest:

• Pre-order Weirdo on Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon
• Connect with Tony on Instagram and TikTok (@TonyWeaverJr)
• Follow Tony on Youtube (@TonyWeaverJr)
• Visit online at www.tonyweaverjr.com

Shop Cover Snob:

• Shop current special editions

Final Thoughts:

• Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
• Join us on the Geneva App for our September buddy read of Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin.
• For inquiries please email [email protected] .
• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.

The podcast is back! After a few weeks off, we're back and excited to bring you new episodes every Monday.

In today's episode, Jay is chatting with her sister Janette to do a mid-year check-in on their reading goals. Tune in to hear them discuss the books they've loved and what they hope their reading life will look like for the remainder of the year.

What we talked about:

• Episode intro 00:00
• Guest intro and current reads 3:55
• General thoughts on our reading so far 5:56
• Being introduced to new authors and content creators 8:30
• Recapping on our reading goals 14:07
• Reading nonfiction 21:34
• Janette's new Booksatagram account 24:18
• Other thoughts on nonfiction books 27:09
• Books we hope to read soon 34:55
• Lightning Round - Mid-Year Freakout 39:03
• Final Thoughts 55:43

Books mentioned in this episode:

• The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKnight
• Triple Sec by Tj Alexander
• The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
• I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
• Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
• This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
• All About Love by Bell Hooks
• Communion by Bell Hooks
• Salvation by Bell Hooks
• The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein
• The Broken Earth Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin
• The Brothers Curse Saga by Christine M. Germain
• Blackguard by R. S. Cobb
• The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
• Dracula by Bram Stoker
• Carmela by Sheridan Le Fanu
• Author Jane Austin
• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
• Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury
• Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
• Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
• Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
• Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
• Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
• Author Nikki Payne
• Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne
• Sex, Lies and Sensibility by Nikki Payne
• Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
• One Week in Paradise by Anise Starre
• Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
• Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi
• Collide by Bal Khabra
• Powerless by Lauren Roberts
• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
• So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole
• Only For The Week by Natasha Bishop
• Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
• Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
• The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
• Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi
• The Hoops Series by Kennedy Ryan
• Restore Me by J. L. Seegars
• Revive Me by J. L. Seegars
• Jade City by Fonda Lee
• Oathbound by Tracy Deonn
• Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco

All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.

Other links mentioned in this episode:

• Episode #6 - Reading Goals for the New Year
• Cover Snob Book Box
• Follow Shawnaci on Instagram and YouTube
• Follow Ann Marie on Instagram (AmAboutBooks)
• Episode #26. Reading LGBTQ+ and Diverse Stories with Ann Marie
• Follow Shelby on Instagram (BooksWith_Shelby)
• The Story Wanderer on Instagram (TheStoryWanderer)
• Follow Jananie on Instagram (ThisStoryAnitOver)
• Reel - JayJay's TBR cart progress
• The Ripped Bodice in Brooklyn
• LA Times Festival of Books
• Follow Detonation Crenshaw on Instagram
• Follow Elliot Brooks on YouTube
• Six Crimson Cranes - UK Cover
• Satisfiction Book Box

Connect with today's guest:

• Follow Janette on Instagram (BookishBraggs)

Shop Cover Snob:

• Shop current special editions

Final Thoughts:

• Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
• Join us on the Geneva App for our September buddy read of Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin.
• For inquiries please email [email protected] .
• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.

It's time for our summer podcast break. Don't fear, new epsides will resume in a few weeks.

Today, Jay also shares a quick and exciting announcement with you so make sure you listen to full audio clip.

Wishing everyone a wonderful reading adventure until we meet again!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Send Jay podcast suggestions via email ([email protected])
• Send Jay podcast suggestions on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
• Grab the Cover Snob special edition of A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams.
• Follow Satisfiction Box on Instagram
• Shop Satisfiction's special editions

Final Thoughts:

• Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
• Join us on the Geneva App for our June - July buddy read of The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein.
• For inquiries please email [email protected] .
• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.

In today's episode, Jay is joined by her book bestie Brittany to discuss their shared love of reading celebrity books and memoirs. Tune in to hear them chat about what elements they look for in these stories and how they go about rating and recommending them.

What we talked about:

• Episode intro 00:00
• Guest intro and current reads 2:06
• Reading Celebrity Memoirs 11:27
• Should we always expect dramatic stories 16:50
• Rating celebrity memoirs 24:24
• Listening to memoirs on audio 38:56
• Favorite memoirs 42:28
• Reflection on Obama's books 58:06
• Final thoughts and book recommendations 1:03:40
• Lightning Round - There's a book for that 1:14:52

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Bride by Ali Hazelwood
• Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood
• Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
• The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
• Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
• My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
• The Blood Trials by N. E. Davenport
• The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth
• Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker
• Blood Justice by Terry J. Benton-Walker
• Just as I Am by Cicely Tyson
• My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand
• A Promised Land by Barack Obama
• The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones
• The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
• Spare by Prince Harry
• I'm Glad My Mom Died Jennette McCurdy
• The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae
• The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
• The Meaning of Mariah Carey by Mariah Carey
• More Myself by Alicia Keys
• The Mother of Black Hollywood by Jenifer Lewis
• Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
• #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso
• Brazen by Julia Heart
• Life in Motion by Misty Copeland
• Dear Black Girls by A'Ja Wilson
• Life in Motion (Young Readers Version) by Misty Copeland
• Becoming by Michelle Obama
• More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth
• I Am These Truths by Sunny Hostin
• Will by Will Smith
• Worthy by Jada Pinkett Smith
• Walking with the Wind by John Lewis
• A Man Called White by Water White
• My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg
• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
• The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X
• Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg
• I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
• Solito by Javier Zamora
• Votes of Confidence by Jeff FLetcher
• Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum
• Ana María and the Fox by Liana De La Rosa

All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.

Connect with today's guest:

• Follow Brittany on Instagram @britt.kirkland .

Final Thoughts:

• Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs .
• Join us on the Geneva App for our June - July buddy read of The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein.
• For inquiries please email [email protected] .
• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.

In today's episode, Jay is chatting with fellow Bookstagrammer Tori from @readnoted. They're talking about the inspiration behind Tori's monthly themed TBR (to be read) list, how she selects books to focus on, and her self-proclaimed title as a Literary Hype Girl.

They also discuss the intention behind Tori's monthly newsletter, which includes reading recommendations and book-themed playlists.

What we talked about:

• Episode intro + housekeeping 00:00
• Guest intro and current reads 2:33
• Planning monthly TBR lists 20:58
• Curating monthly bookish playlists 30:44
• Listening to music as you read 33:29
• Favorite reading playlists 37:57
• Go to reading genre 42:24
• Being a literary hype girl 48:31
• Lightning Round - There's a book for that 1:00:26
• Final Thoughts 1:09:37

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
• Author Kennedy Ryan
• Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
• This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
• The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin
• When Crack Was King by Donovan X Ramsey
• The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa
• Real Americans by Rachel Khong
• Goodbye Vitamins by Rachel Khong
• Biting the Hand by Julia Lee
• Making a Scene by Constance Wu
• Author S. A. Cosby
• Sympathy of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb
• The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
• Gathering of Waters by Bernice L. McFadden
• Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
• Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby
• Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby
• Gathering of Waters by Bernice L. McFadden
• Wildflower by Aurora James
• When Crack Was King by Donovan X Ramsey
• Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
• How The Word Is Passed by Clint Smith
• The God of Good Looks by Breanne MC Ivor
• The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa
• This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
• Hold My Girl by Charlene Carr
• Three Girls from Bronzeville by Dawn Turner
• The Upcycled Self by Tariq Trotter
• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
• Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan
• Sympathy of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb
• The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin
• The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
• Author Octavia Butler
• Dawn by Octavia Butler
• A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
• Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
• Kindred by Octavia Butler

All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.

Other links mentioned in this episode:

• Listen to the Read+Noted playlists on Spotify
• Listen to the Read+Noted playlists on Apple

Connect with today's guest:

• Follow Tori on Instagram @readnoted
• Sign up for Tori's newsletter HERE

Final Thoughts:

• Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
• Join us on the Geneva App for our June - July buddy read of The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein.
• For inquiries please email [email protected] .
• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.

In today's episode, Jay is sitting down with fellow Bookstagrammer Bri from @briisbooked to chat about reading books that evoke strong emotions. Tune in to listen to them chat about the books that have given them a range of emotions and how those emotions enhance their reading experience.

What we talked about:

• Episode intro 00:00
• Guest intro and current reads 1:18
• Exploring new genres 5:06
• Books that make us emotional 17:06
• What makes a 5 star read 19:30
• Having strong reactions to books 24:51
• Reading historical stories from the Black perspective 27:16
• Our favorite emotional books + recommendations 36:20
• Lightning Round - There's a book for that 1:00:02
• Final thoughts 1:07:45

Books mentioned in this episode:

• All The Lonely People by Mike Gayle
• Next of Kin by Kia Abdullah
• Not So Perfect Strangers by L.S. Stratton
• One of Us Knows by Alyssa Cole
• When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole
• The Good Ones Are Taken by Taj McCoy
• Zora Books Her Happy Ever After by Taj McCoy
• Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
• A Love Song For Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
• Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston
• The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
• The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
• The American Queen by Vanessa Miller
• Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson
• Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
• All The Lonely People by Mike Gayle
• All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
• An Ember in the Ashes Series by Sabaa Tahir
• Hurricane Summer by Asha Ashanti Bromfield
• Author Tracy Brown
• Hold You Down by Tracy Brown
• The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers
• When I Think of You by Myah Ariel
• Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
• The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
• Deacon King Kong by James McBride
• Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
• Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
• The Attic Child by Lola Jaye
• Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
• Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
• Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson

All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.

Other links mentioned in this episode:

• The National Book Festival
• Sybil the movie
• Split the movie
• Frankie and Alice the movie
• The Currently Reading Podcast

Connect with today's guest:

• Follow Bri on Instagram @briisbooked
• Follow Bri on Goodreads and/or StoryGraph

Final Thoughts:

• Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
• Join us on the Geneva App for our May - June buddy read of The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein
• For inquiries please email [email protected]
• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast

Happy Pride Month!

In today's episode, Jay is sitting down with fellow Bookstagrammer Ann Marie to talk about LGBTQ+ books, representation, and reading diverse stories. Tune in to hear them chat about Ann Marie's favorite books, authors, and her passion for highlighting these stories on her platform.

What we talked about:

• Episode intro 00:00
• Guest intro and current reads 1:47
• Books that Ann Marie is excited about 20:12
• Being a champion for queer stories 25:02
• Reading different types of LGBTQ+ stories 29:47
• "Reading diversity is a joy, it's not a chore" 34:21
• Finding exciting stories to read 36:11
• Utilizing our libraries and requesting diverse stories 41:24
• Thoughts on diversifying your shelf 43:46
• Discussion on tropes and contemporary romance 53:59
• Book recommendations 01:00:42
• Lightning Round - There's a book for that 01:09:21

Books mentioned in this episode:

• A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers
• Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King
• Devourer of Men by Nikki St. Crowe
• The Vicious Lost Boys Series by Nikki St. Crowe
• Darling Girl by Liz Michalski
• Napkins & Other Distractions by M. A. Wardell
• Teacher in Love Series by M.A. Wardell
• Mistletoe & Mishigas by M.A. Wardell
• Author TJ Alexander
• The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson
• The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang
• A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
• So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole
• The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
• Legondborn by Tracy Deonn
• Author Emily Henry
• My Dear Henry by Kalynn Bayron
• This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron
• Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
• Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa
• Mistletoe & Mishigas by M.A. Wardell
• Author Olivia Dade
• The Spoiler Alert Series by Olivia Dade
• All the Feels by Olivia Dade
• Mantras & Minotaurs by Ashley Bennett
• Author M.A. Wardell
• Author TJ Alexander
• Author Ashley Bennett
• Author Gabe Cole Nova
• Samantha Allen
• Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Allen
• Outdrawn by Deanna Grey
• Sundial by Catriona Ward
• Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
• Skater Boy by Anthony Nerada
• The Truthspoken Heir by Novae Caelum
• The Chemist Stephenie Meyer
• Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
• Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
• Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa
• Cinder by Marissa Meyer
• Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.

Other links mentioned in this episode:

• TikToker teaching himself to read
• Episode 17. Reading BIPOC Stories
• Bookstagrammer @shonnareads

Connect with today's guest:

• Follow Ann Marie on Instagram

Final Thoughts:

• Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
• Join us on the Geneva App for our June - June buddy read of The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein.
• For inquiries please email [email protected] .
• Join my email list as to be the first to hear about the special project I've been working on for romance lovers.
• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.

If you are a lover of romance, or looking to read more from the genre, then this episode is for you. Today Jay is sitting down with fellow Bookstagrammer Niah to chat about their shared love of romance books. Tune in to hear them discuss what attracted them to the genre, their favorite books, and what authors they can't get enough of!

What we talked about:

Episode intro 00:00

Guest intro and current reads 1:28

Requesting and reading ARCs 8:00

Books that sparked Niah's love of romance 12:14

Reading young adult romances 13:39

Romance elements that we love 21:28

Discussion on tropes 31:37

Reading based on your mood and vibes 39:10

BIPOC romance authors 41:36

Romance book recommendations 46:24

Niah's Etsy store 54:54

Lightning round - There's a book for that 58:56

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Author Emily Giffin
• The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux by M. J. Robotham
• The Good Ones Are Taken by Taj McCoy
• Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell by Taj McCoy
• Zora Books Her Happily Ever After by Taj McCoy
• A Love Song for Riki Wilde by Tia Williams
• This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
• Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
• Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
• Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
• Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
• Love Radio by Ebony Ladelle
• Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling by Elise Bryant
• Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant
• A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
• Author Zane
• Author Eric Jerome Dickey
• Author Carl Weber
• Author Mary Monroe
• Author Beverly Jenkins
• Destiny's Embrace (The Destiny Series) by Beverly Jenkins
• Rebel by Beverly Jenkins
• Indigo by Beverly Jenkins
• Only For The Week by Natasha Bishop
• Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
• Author Christina Lauren
• Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
• In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
• The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
• Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
• The Paradise Problem - Newest book by Christina Lauren
• The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
• The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
• Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
• Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
• Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
• Author Scarlett St Clair
• A Touch of Darkness (Hades and Persephone retelling) by Scarlett St Clair
• Clause and Effect by Piper Rayne
• Forget Me Not by Julie Soto
• The Brutal Birthright Series by Sophie Lark
• Broken Vow by Sophie Lark
• Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark
• Kingmakers Series by Sophie Lark
• Author Kristina Forest
• The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
• Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
• Women of Good Fortune by Sophie Wan
• Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen
• The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest
• The Bromance Book Club Series by Lyssa Kay Adams
• Reel by Kennedy Ryan
• Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling by Elise Bryant
• Hold You Down by Tracy Brown
• Brooklyn by Tracy Brown
• Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby
• All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby
• 32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter
• A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
• Kiss and Spell by Celestine Martin
• A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas
• The House in the Cerulean Sea by Tj Klune
• The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
• It's Elementary by Elise Bryant
• Author Elizabeth Acevedo

All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.

Other links mentioned in this episode:

Something Borrowed Movie

Connect with today's guest:

• Follow Niah on Instagram @niahraereads
• Check out Niah's Etsy Store

Final Thoughts:

• Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
• Join us on the Geneva App for our May - June buddy read of The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein.
• For inquiries please email [email protected] .
• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.

In today's episode, Jay is sitting down with fellow Bookstagrammer Bianca to chat about exploring new and indie authors. Tune in to hear how Bianca has discovered new favorite books and her passion for sharing works from indie authors.

What we talked about:

• Episode intro 00:00
• Guest intro and current reads 1:59
• Our reading taste 8:51
• Exploring the library 15:58
• Exploring different types of authors and reading ARCs 17:52
• Finding similar and indie authors 26:36
• Reading epic fantasies 34:36
• Bianca's reason for starting a Bookstagram 42:13
• New favorite authors 48:22
• Final book recommendations 51:49
• Lightning Round - There's a book for that 54:06
• Final Thoughts 01:06:28

Books mentioned in this episode:

• Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
• Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
• Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
• This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno
• Dear Vicky by Octavia Grant
• Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff
• Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
• Bridgerton - The Duke and I (Book 1)
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Books by Talia Hibbert
• An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
• All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
• Blackguard by R. S. Cobb
• Rising by Nelle Nikole
• Ecos of War by Nelle Nikole
• Living Legend by Allie Shante
• The Brother's Curse Saga by Christine M. Germain
• Author John Gwynne
• The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
• The Hunger of the Gods by John Gwynne
• The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne
• Malice - The Faithful and the Fallen Series by John Gwynne
• The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
• The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin
• Author AJ Kelley
• The Inevitability Of: Death's Gate by Neka Marie
• We Are the Origin by C. M. Lockhart
• Author Jessica Cage
• In the House of Transcendence by Amanda Ross
• The Vampire Diaries by L. J. Smith
• Author Britney S. Lewis
• The Dark Place by Britney S. Lewis
• Blood Moon by Britney S. Lewis
• Sociopath by Patric Gagne
• The City of Brassy (The Daevabad Trilogy) by S.A. Chakraborty
• Author Tananarive Due
• The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
• The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
• The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
• Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury
• Blood Sisters by Vanessa Lillie
• The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St James
• Don't Call Me Crazy by Octavia Grant
• The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
• Avatar: The Last Airbender by Bryan Koneitzko

All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.

Other links mentioned in this episode:

• Netgalley
• Britney S. Lewis on Instagram

Connect with today's guest:

• Follow Bianca on Instagram @b.ham.reads
• Follow on StoryGraph and GoodReads

Final Thoughts:

• Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
• Join us on the Geneva App for our May read of Ana Maria And The Fox by Liana De La Rosa.
• For inquiries please email [email protected] .
• Be sure to join the email list.
• Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.