Why You're Reading

In the series' finale of Why You’re Reading, Ellen and Ellie dive headfirst into the world of Bridgerton — from Julia Quinn’s beloved novels to Shonda Rhimes’ game-changing Netflix adaptation. They unpack what made Bridgerton a global obsession: the romance, the scandal, the stunning representation, and the perfect dose of escapism. Is it just a guilty pleasure, or is there something more powerful happening under the surface? Ellen and Ellie explore the show’s take on race, gender, sexuality, power dynamics — and why it hit so hard during the pandemic. Plus, they dish on favourite characters, hottest controversies, and what’s next for the Bridgerton universe. As always, they wrap it all up by asking: Shelf it, Share it, or Shred it?

In this episode of Why You’re Reading, Ellen and Ellie take on Atomic Habits by James Clear, the wildly popular self-help book promising life-changing results through tiny behavioural shifts. They explore the book’s central ideas around habit formation, share their personal responses to the methods, and question how much of the advice holds up under scrutiny. The conversation digs into the simplicity of Clear’s framework, the absence of robust scientific support and go beyond the surface to discuss addiction, mental health, and the broader societal pressures around productivity, health, and optimisation. They unpack how books like Atomic Habits often overlook systemic barriers, ignore gendered and class-based experiences, and lean on anecdote more than evidence. And they ask: when self-help doesn’t acknowledge complexity, who does it really help? Finally, the verdict: shelf it, share it, or shred it?

In this episode of Why You’re Reading, Ellie and Ellen dive into Yellowface—R.F. Kuang’s sharp, twisty take on the publishing world, identity, and who gets to tell which stories. They get into the messy, compulsively readable plot, the chaos of June Hayward’s downward spiral, and how Kuang blends satire, thriller, and social commentary.

They talk about Kuang’s genre jump from fantasy to literary fiction, the not-so-subtle takedown of the industry, and how social media plays its own role in the story. There’s also a look at the real-life stats behind publishing’s diversity problem, the impact of microaggressions, and the weird line between admiration and appropriation.

Plus, does this book age well with all those Twitter references? Will it still hit five years from now? And of course, the final call: shelf it, share it, or shred it?

In this episode of Why You’re Reading, Ellie and Ellen - without spoilers - discuss Sunrise on the Reaping—Suzanne Collins’ long-awaited return to the world of Panem. They explore what this new entry means for the franchise, why the world of the Games still resonates, and how our relationship to the series shifts when reading it as adults. From Capitol politics to teenage rebellion, they unpack the cultural legacy of Collins’ dystopia, its influence on YA, and what it means to return to a story that shaped a generation. Plus, the big question: shelf it, share it, shred it.

In this episode of Why You’re Reading, Ellie and Ellen dive into Daisy Jones & The Six—Taylor Jenkins Reid’s exploration of fame, music, and heartbreak. They unpack the novel’s complex character dynamics, the portrayal of addiction, and how the narrative structure mirrors the chaotic glamour of 70s rock ’n’ roll. From the book’s striking parallels to Fleetwood Mac to its innovative audiobook format, they discuss why this story hits differently. Plus, they explore Reid’s recurring themes of fame across her works, the impact of BookTok on its success. And, of course, the big question: shelf it, share it, shred it.

In this episode of Why You're Reading, Ellie and Ellen dive into The Song of Achilles—Madeline Miller’s retelling of the Achilles and Patroclus myth that’s captivated BookTok. They unpack the novel’s themes of love, fate, and grief, while exploring how Miller brings a fresh, emotional depth to ancient Greek mythology. From the book’s tender LGBTQ+ representation to its poetic prose, they discuss why this story resonates so deeply with modern readers. Plus, they tackle the rising popularity of myth retellings, the balance between historical accuracy and contemporary values, and whether social media is reshaping the literary canon. And, of course, they answer the big question: shelf it, share it, or shred it?

In this episode of Why You’re Reading, Ellie and Ellen dive into Book Lovers—Emily Henry’s romance that’s taken BookTok by storm. They unpack the plot, dissect Nora and Charlie’s dynamic, and explore how Henry uses sisterhood, humour, and MANY tropes in the story. From the novel’s perfect escapism to its fresh take on modern dating, they discuss why romance lit is evolving—and how Gen Z is rewriting the rules. Plus, they break down BookTok’s influence, the growing spotlight on female pleasure in romance, and is there such a thing as too many tropes? And, of course, the big question: shelf it, share it, shred it. 

This episode Ellie and Ellen dive into A Court of Thorns and Roses—the fantasy romance that took over BookTok. They break down the plot, messy love triangles, and why Sarah J. Maas’s world has readers hooked. From female empowerment to those spicy scenes, they explore what makes ACOTAR so addictive (and controversial). Plus, they chat about the rise of fantasy romance, why some books get adaptations while others don’t, and how TikTok is changing the way we read. And finally—should ACOTAR stay on your shelf, be shared out or shredded into tiny pieces?

Welcome back to Why You’re Reading! This episode, Ellie and Ellen tackle Intermezzo, the much-anticipated new novel from Sally Rooney. After Conversations with Friends and Normal People cemented her literary stardom—and Beautiful World, Where Are You? left readers divided—the question remains: has Sally Rooney redeemed herself or has she run her course?

Set in Dublin in 2022, Intermezzo follows two grieving brothers—Peter, a successful but emotionally adrift lawyer, and Ivan, a socially awkward competitive chess player—navigating love, loss, and identity in the wake of their father’s death. Through relationships with two very different women, they experience a turbulent period of desire, despair, and possibility.

We explore Rooney’s signature literary style, her evolving themes of class and intimacy, and the novel’s deep ties to Irish identity. Plus, we debate whether Intermezzo lives up to the hype—and whether we’d shelve it, shred it, or share it.

Follow us on socials and let us know your thoughts on Sally Rooney.

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Music by Charlie Curtis

Welcome to the very first episode of Why You're Reading! In this debut, Ellen and Ellie dive into The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey, a historical mystery following 12-year-old Miv as she sets out to solve the case of the Yorkshire Ripper.

They unpack the novel’s unique perspective, its blend of thriller and coming-of-age themes, and the wider cultural conversations it sparks about women's safety—both in 1979 and today. Plus, they debate whether the book lives up to the hype and whether they’d shelve it, shred it, or share it.

Also in this episode: Ellie’s first trip to Ireland, true crime tangents, and a preview of next week’s book: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney.

Follow us on socials and let us know—will you be reading The List of Suspicious Things?

#WhyYoureReading #Podcast #Books #BookReview #TheListOfSuspiciousThings