What Ya Reading?

What Ya Reading?

By Jay BraggsArtsBooks
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What Ya Reading? episodes

  • 23. Reading Books Over 500 Pages + Long Series Recommendations

    Around here we like thick books (books over 500 pages). But if you aren't used to reading books of that size, they can be a little intimidating.

    In today's episode, Jay is sitting down with Bookstagrammer Stephany to chat about reading books with large page counts. Tune in to hear them talk about why they love thick books, how they approach reading them, and books they'd suggest picking up.

    Also - There is an exciting announcement coming soon. Be sure to join the email list to be the first to hear the news.

    What we talked about:

    • Episode intro 00:00
    • Guest intro and current reads 1:10
    • Wanting to see older and diverse protagonists in books 8:10
    • Reading books with large page counts 13:07
    • What is considered a thick book 30:38
    • Thick books and series 36:24
    • The Shadowhunter Series by Cassandra Clare 49:39
    • Other book recommendations 53:40
    • Annotating and our reading styles 57:24
    • Lightning Round - There's a book for that 01:08:59
    • Final Thoughts 01:15:44

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    • Androne by Dwain Worrell
    • Essence and Runes by Taylor Lynn
    • Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
    • The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
    • Pucking Around by Emily Rath
    • Pucking Wild by Emily Rath
    • The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
    • The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
    • War Against All Puerto Ricans by Nelson A. Denis
    • Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
    • The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones
    • The Shadowhunter Series by Cassandra Clare
    • The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
    • The Last Hours Series by Cassandra Clare
    • Faking with Benefits by Lily Gold
    • An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
    • Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
    • Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
    • City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
    • Only For The Week by Natasha Bishop
    • Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare
    • The Wicked Powers Trilogy by Cassandra Clare
    • These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
    • Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong
    • A Court of Thrones and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
    • Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood Series) by JR Ward
    • Game of Thrones Series by George R. R. Martin
    • A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
    • Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
    • American King by Sierra Simone
    • Priest Series by Sierra Simone
    • American Queen (New Camelot series) by Sierra Simone
    • Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampire series) by Chloe Neill
    • Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
    • You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria
    • Babel by R. F. Kuang

    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:

    • Pizza Hut Book It Reading Program
    • Instagram post about big books
    • Author Brandon Sanderson

    Connect with today's guest:

    • Follow Stephany on Instagram @booksteantravel
    • Check out Stephany's book reviews online at www.loveleighly.com
    • Follow Stephany on Storygraph and/or GoodReads
    • Check out Stephany's Pango Store

    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]
    • Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast
    1 hr 20 min
  • 22. Reading & Collecting Special Editions + Book Aesthetics

    In today's episode, Jay is joined by fellow Bookstagrammer Amber and they're chatting about the joy of collecting special edition books.

    Tune in to learn how Amber started building her collection and tips on how you can start adding copies of your favorite books to your personal library.

    Also - There is an exciting announcement coming soon. Be sure to join the email list to be the first to hear the news.

    What we talked about:

    • Intro and announcement 00:00
    • Guest intro and current reads 1:35
    • Taking aesthetically pleasing book photos 10:37
    • Collecting special editions + styling your shelves 15:43
    • Special edition book boxes 22:45
    • The lack of diversity in the industry 28:34
    • Finding special editions online 37:12
    • How to get started with collecting special editions 43:51
    • Book journaling 54:19
    • Lightning Round - There's a book for that 01:08:57

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    • Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender
    • The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang
    • Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana
    • Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
    • Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker
    • The Blood Trials by N. E. Davenport
    • Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
    • You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
    • My Dear Henry by Kalynn Bayron
    • Forth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
    • Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
    • Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn
    • Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston
    • Only For The Week by Natasha Bishop
    • Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
    • Sing Me To Sleep by Gabi Burton
    • The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
    • Forged By Blood by Ehigbor Okosun
    • Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
    • The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
    • Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
    • Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi
    • Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender
    • A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
    • The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers
    • Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
    • Holes by Louis Sachar
    • Addy - The American Girl Doll

    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:

    • Preset from Analeigh Sbrana
    • Booked and Busy on YouTube
    • Satisfiction Book Box
    • Book of the Month
    • Author Kalynn Bayron
    • Hoops Series by Kennedy Ryan - Special Editions
    • Author Beverly Jenkins
    • Pango Books
    • Mercari Books
    • Fairyloot Book Box
    • Illumicrate Book Box
    • Fox & Wit Book Box
    • Dazzling Book Box
    • Page And Wick (UK) Book Shop
    • Author N. K. Jemisin
    • Happy Planner
    • Bookish Signs on Instagram
    • Custom Sprayed Edges
    • Ink Stone Books

    Connect with today's guest:

    • Follow Amber on Instagram @amber.imagines
    • Check out the books Amber has on Pango
    • Connect with Amber on Storygraph
    • Look out for Amber's book clog coming soon!

    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] .
    • Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
    1 hr 23 min
  • 21. Reading Hood Feminism + Our Thoughts On The Movement

    In today's episode, you'll be listening to a buddy-read discussion on Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall. This book addresses the blind spots within the feminist movement.

    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.

    What we talked about:

    • Intro 00:00
    • First impressions of the book 1:31
    • Our thoughts on feminism and the book 4:14
    • Where we think feminism is today 13:32
    • The importance of knowing history 24:08
    • Discussion about history and what we felt the book lacked 28:35
    • Discussion on what our parents taught us about race and history 40:41
    • Our star rating 49:31

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    • Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
    • How The Word Is Passed by Clint Smith
    • When Crack Was King by Donovan X Ramsey
    • When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Cullors
    • Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

    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:

    • Reading BIPOC Stories + Getting Comfortable With The Uncomfortable - Episode # 17
    • The Fearless Funds
    • Info on Rachel Dolezal
    • Info on Brett Kavanaugh
    • Info on Anita Hill

    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] .
    • Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
    54 min
  • 20. Reading Books That You Enjoy & How To Find Them

    Do you ever feel like you're on a never-ending quest for the perfect read? And that "popular" books don't always live up to the hype? We know that feeling all too well.

    Today Jay is sitting down with fellow Bookstagrammer Kina to talk about how to discover your unique reading taste. Tune in to hear them discuss their reading preferences and share tips to help you find new books that you'll love.

    What we talked about:

    • About today's episode 00:00
    • Guest intro and current reads 2:38
    • Finding your reading taste 7:21
    • Sharing negative book reviews 20:17
    • Utilizing the library 23:03
    • Kina's reading style 25:21
    • Books that surprised Kina 32:39
    • Tips for figuring out your reading taste 38:38
    • Book recommendations from Kina 44:22
    • Lightning Round - There's A Book For That 45:49

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    • Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
    • Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
    • Perfect Little Lives by Amber & Danielle Brown
    • The Family She Found by Lauren Lacey
    • Verity by Colleen Hoover
    • Happy Place by Emily Henry
    • Funny Story by Emily Henry
    • Carved In Scars by Elle Mitchell
    • Sign of the Slayer by Sharina Harris
    • The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin
    • And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
    • Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
    • House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson
    • Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington
    • This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
    • Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
    • The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
    • Never Never by Colleen Hoover
    • Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley
    • All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers
    • Charlotte's Web by Kate DiCamillo
    • Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
    • Girls with Bad Reputations by Xio Axelrod
    • Nikki Chronicles by Cherayla
    • Dear Vicky by Octavia Grant

    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:

    • Author Emily Henry
    • Author Kennedy Ryan
    • Netgalley
    • Pango Books

    Connect with today's guest:

    • Follow Kina on Instagram @litnlisten
    • Follow Kina on TikTok @litnlisten

    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].
    • Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
    51 min
  • 19. Reading Black Thriller & Horror Novels

    This week on What Ya Reading? we're jumping into the exciting and sometimes tense world of Black horror and thriller novels. Jay sat down fellow Bookstagrammer Chanel to chat about some of the books they've been loving in this genre.

    They also chat about what attracts them to the horror and thriller genre and the elements they look for when picking up these books.

    What we talked about:

    • About today's episode 00:00
    • Guest intro and current reads 1:37
    • What attracts us to Black horror and thriller novels 6:25
    • Recent Black thriller and horror reads 9:59
    • The connection between dark academia and thrillers 20:50
    • Going into books blind (without reading the synopsis) 28:56
    • Other Black thrillers and horror recommendations 31:52
    • Reading gothic books 37:11
    • Other BIPOC book thriller recommendations 44:36
    • Our desire to share diverse book options online 48:15
    • Lighting Round - There's A Book For That 57:49

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    • The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
    • Lakewood by Megan Giddings
    • A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
    • Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson
    • Jackal by Erin E. Adams
    • I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me by Jamison Shea
    • Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
    • Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington
    • Babel by R. F. Kuang
    • Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
    • The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang
    • The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington
    • Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
    • If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio
    • The Undead Truth of Us by Britney S. Lewis
    • House of Cotton by Monica Brashears
    • Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
    • Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
    • None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
    • My Dear Henry by Kalynn Bayron
    • You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
    • This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron
    • Things We Do In The Dark by Jennifer Hillier
    • Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li
    • I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
    • Forth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
    • Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
    • Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker
    • Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
    • A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
    • Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
    • The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope
    • Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
    • Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr Seuss
    • The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
    • Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
    • The Martian by Andy Weir
    • Dune by Frank Herbert
    • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
    • Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
    • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling
    • Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston
    • The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

    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:

    • Narrator from The Weight of Blood - Karen Malina White
    • The movie Black Swan
    • Britney S. Lewis on TikTok and Instagram
    • Author Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    Connect with today's guest:

    • Follow Chanel on Instagram @chanels.library
    • Follow Fiction Fanatics Podcast on Instagram @fictionfanaticspod
    • Listen to Fiction Fanatics Podcast on Spotify or Apple

    Final Thoughts:

    • Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
    • Join us on the Geneva App for our March read of Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
    • For inquiries please email [email protected] .
    • Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
    1 hr 12 min
  • 18. Reading for Spiritual & Mental Growth

    Sometimes a book makes you feel seen. In today's episode, Jay is sitting down with her friend Leah to talk about The Garden Within by Anita Phillips; a book that connects nature, science, and spirituality.

    Tune in to hear them chat about their main takeaways from the book and how it made them both feel seen. They also talk about the concept of being the "strong woman" and the pressure to continue to "just keep moving forward".

    What we talked about:

    • Episode intro - 00:00
    • Guest and topic intro - 1:56
    • Book setup - 10:10
    • First impression of the book - 20:20
    • The practice of "just keep moving forward" - 25:43
    • The integration of science, nature, and spirituality - 41:26
    • The struggle of being the "strong woman" - 42:02
    • Lighting round game - There's A Book For That - 55:45

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    • The Garden Within by Anita Phillips
    • The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones
    • Hey Friend: 100 Ways to Connect with 100 People in 100 Days by Keisha Mabry
    • Satisfied: Finding Hope, Joy, and Contentment Right Where You Are by Alyssa Bethke
    • Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
    • Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
    • We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
    • More: Do More of What Makes You Feel Alive by Kobi Yamada
    • How Are You Really by Jenna Kutcher
    • Managing Your Emotions by Joyce Meyers
    • The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk

    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 with Shanell - 7. Reading Big Magic + Books That Spark Creativity
    • Orange Collab podcast episode - Making Friends as an Adult

    Connect with today's guest:

    • Connect with Leah on Instagram @leahhall.co

    • Find Leah online at leahhall.co

    Final Thoughts:

    • Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
    • Join us on the Geneva App for our March read of Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
    • For inquiries please email [email protected]
    • Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast
    1 hr 5 min
  • 17. Reading BIPOC Stories + Getting Comfortable With The Uncomfortable

    In today's episode, Jay is chatting with a friend and fellow book club member Rissa about reading from BIPOC narratives and how it has impacted their worldview.

    Tune in to hear them chat about how they've had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable when reading certain stories. They also talk about how they lean on books to expose them to different narratives and how Rissia uses books to teach her children about racial injustices.

    What we talked about:

    • Rissia's recent reads
    • Finding impactful and educational narratives to read
    • Reading stories even when they are uncomfortable
    • Finding books that also portray joy
    • Utilizing the book community to help process as we read
    • Educating kids on racial injustices and having tough conversations

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    • Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
    • A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan
    • Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
    • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
    • A Promised Land by Barack Obama
    • Freedom Is a Constant Struggle by Angela Y. Davis
    • The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
    • A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
    • Something Happened In Our Town Marianne Celano and Marietta Collins
    • The Colors We Share by Angélica Dass
    • The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton
    • In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park and Maryanne Vollers
    • One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy
    • Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
    • The Giver by Lois Lowry
    • Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
    • Zlata's Diary by Zlata Filipovic
    • Beloved By Toni Morrison
    • Indigo by Beverly Jenkins
    • Rebel by Beverly Jenkins
    • The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
    • Dracula by Bram Stoker
    • The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

    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:

    • Daisy Jones & the Six TV show on Amazon
    • Libby App
    • Hoopla App
    • Author Beverly Jenkins

    Connect with today's guest:

    • Follow Rissa on Instagram @rissagunderson
    • Follow Rissa's home decor account @our_mountain_retreat

    Final Thoughts:

    • Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
    • Join us on the Geneva App for our March read of Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
    • For inquiries please email [email protected] .
    • Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
    1 hr 3 min
  • 16. Reading With Full Schedules + Finding The Best Busy-Season Books

    Finding the time to read in busy seasons can be difficult. We can't always plan for the busy moments but as we learn about our reading style we can find ways to adapt to those seasons.

    This week on the podcast, your host Jay is joined by fellow bookworm Brittany, to chat about making reading adjustments during life's busy chapters. They talk about how they identified their reading preferences and give the listeners suggestions for finding the best books to pick up when they're short on time.

    What we talked about:

    • Reading when you have a full schedule.
    • Using books to break up your day.
    • Picking books that are enjoyable and easy to comprehend.
    • Implementing audiobooks into your routine.
    • Building a reading habit and finding books for your busy seasons.

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    • The Dance of the Dolls by Lucy Ashe
    • I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me by Jamison Shea
    • Biting the Hand by Julia Lee
    • Finding Me by Viola Davis
    • More Myself by Alicia Keys
    • The Meaning of Mariah Carey by Mariah Carey
    • The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
    • Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
    • Restore Me by JL Seegars
    • The Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn
    • The Destiny's Series by Beverly Jenkins
    • Falling by T. J. Newman
    • The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
    • The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
    • The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa
    • 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:

    • Books by Jasmine Guillory

    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 March read of Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman.
    • For inquiries please email [email protected] .
    • Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
    32 min
  • 15. Reading Romances by Kennedy Ryan + This Could Be Us (Spoiler-Free)

    Kennedy Ryan is known for crafting captivating and empowering romances with strong female leads. In this episode, Jay is joined by fellow Bookstagrammer, Tristen, for a deep dive into what makes Ryan's books so irresistible.

    Tune in to hear them chat about their favorite books from her catalog and how they admire her female characters who overcome challenges to claim their happily ever afters. They also have a spoiler-free discussion about Ryan's new book, This Could Be Us.

    What we talked about:

    • Jump right to the episode discussion - 7:31
    • Why Kennedy Ryan is one of our favorite romance authors.
    • What we look for in romance novels.
    • Our appreciation of Black Romances.
    • Thoughts on the Kennedy Ryan books we've read.
    • Non-spoiler discussion on This Could Be Us.

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    • The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
    • We Are the Origin by C. M. Lockhart
    • Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
    • Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
    • Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
    • This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
    • The Seven Month Itch by Tanvier Peart
    • Forget Me Not by Julie Soto
    • The Perfect Find by Tia Williams
    • The Hoops Series by Kennedy Ryan
    • Reel by Kennedy Ryan
    • The Skyland Series by Kennedy Ryan
    • The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan
    • The Grip Series by Kennedy Ryan
    • Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan
    • Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan
    • Block Shot by Kennedy Ryan
    • Sympathy of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb
    • Behind The Scenes by Christina C. Jones
    • Only For The Week by Natasha Bishop
    • All the Light We Can Not See by Anthony Doerr
    • Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington
    • Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney
    • Confessions of an Alleged Good Girl by Joya Goffney
    • Neverwraith by Shakir Rashaan
    • Sign of the Slayer by Sharina Harris

    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:

    • StoryGraph
    • Author Kennedy Ryan
    • Author Tia Williams
    • The Perfect Find on Netflix
    • Author Emily Henry
    • Netgalley
    • Instagram Interview with Kennedy Ryan and Booked Til Dawn on Instagram
    • Natasha Bishop Website
    • All The Light We Can Not See on Netflix

    Connect with today's guest:

    • Follow Tristen on Instagram @her.shelfindulgence

    Final Thoughts:

    • Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
    • Join us on the Geneva App for our March read of Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
    • For inquiries please email [email protected] .
    • Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
    57 min
  • 14. Reading Atomic Habits + Finding Fun Fiction Books

    Atomic Habits by James Clear has been one of the most influential personal development books over the last few years. And for good reason!

    In today's episode, Jay is chatting with Penelope, a fellow reader and online business owner, about how transformative this book has been for both of them. They discuss the concept of habit stacking and the importance of building small habits to achieve larger goals.

    They also discuss Penelope's desire to incorporate more fiction novels into her reading life and a few books that Jay suggests she begins with.

    What we talked about:

    • What we look for in personal development books.
    • Finding books that challenge our beliefs and way of thinking.
    • The concept of habit stacking.
    • How to implement what we learned from Atomic Habits into our lives.
    • Finding new fiction books to read.

    Books mentioned in this episode:

    • Atomic Habits by James Clear
    • Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
    • A Good Mom's Guide to Making Bad Choices by Jamilah Mapp & Erica Dickerson
    • Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
    • All About Love by Bell Hooks
    • When Crack Was King by Donovan X. Ramsey
    • Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
    • The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein
    • This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
    • Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
    • Destiny's Embrace by Beverly Jenkins
    • The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
    • Restore Me by J.L Seegars
    • Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington
    • The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
    • You're Not Supposed To Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
    • None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
    • I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai

    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:

    • Good Mom's Bad Choices Podcast
    • Mattie James on Instagram
    • The Libby App
    • Underworld - The Movie
    • Scream - The Movie
    • The StoryGrapy App
    • GoodReads App

    Connect with today's guest:

    Connect with Penelope on Instagram @penelope.connects

    Final Thoughts:

    • Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs
    • Join us on the Geneva App for our December Buddy Read - The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray
    • For inquiries please email [email protected]
    • Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.
    1 hr 4 min

About What Ya Reading?

From the publisher's feed

Tune in weekly as host Jay connects with fellow book enthusiasts to chat about their latest reads, the topics that fuel their book obsession, and all the things that keep them glued to those pages.