In our thirty-eighth episode, we reflect on our 2025 best reads and goals. Additionally, we discuss our new goals for 2026. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 “American”: I. Allegro ma non troppo (1893), performed by the Cleveland Quartet (Telarc, 1991).

In our thirty-seventh episode, we slip through the wardrobe one last time this year for a spoiler-filled journey through The Chronicles of Narnia. As we close out our final book of the year and step into the winter season, we take a closer look at C. S. Lewis—examining the craft behind his storytelling, the themes that shape Narnia, and the enduring impact of his imaginative world. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/The...

In our thirty-sixth episode, take a deep dive into Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Join us as we spend the month with the March family, exploring the charm, heart, and timeless spirit of this beloved classic. Loisa May Alcott's Diary (p. 201): https://www.google.com/books/edition/Louisa_May_Alcott/wu4x7eZ2IccC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA11&printsec=frontcover Louisa May Alcott: Dreamer and Worker by Belle Moses (pp. 189-190): https://www.google.com/books/edition/Louisa_May_Alcott_Drea...

In our thirty-fifth episode, we’re introducing Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, our November book club pick. Join us as we spend the month with the March family, exploring the charm, heart, and timeless spirit of this beloved classic. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 "American": I. Allegro ma non t...

In our thirty-fourth episode, we take a deep dive into our thoughts on John William Polidori’s The Vampyre (1819) and Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight (2005). Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 "American": I. Allegro ma non troppo (1893), performed by the Cleveland Quartet (Telarc, 1991).

In our thirty-third episode, we examine the persistence of the vampire in literature, focusing on John William Polidori’s The Vampyre (1819) and Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight (2005). Despite their distance in time, both works present strikingly similar portrayals of the vampire. We discuss what continues to make this figure so enduring and culturally resonant. Referenced content: Dr. Rebecca Marks' substack on vampires: https://substack.com/@culturedump/note/c-153724554 The Nightmare ...

In our thirty-second episode, we discuss what makes a good story and the impact it can have. Additionally, we take a few quizzes to test our book and movie knowledge. Link to BuzzFeed quiz: https://www.buzzfeed.com/swapnaravichandran/guess-the-popular-books-these-quotes-are-from Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F maj...

In our thirty-first episode, we take a deep dive into the many themes and lessons in the book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 "American": I. Allegro ma non troppo (1893), performed by the Cleveland Quartet (Telarc, 1991).

In our thirtieth episode, we introduce the children’s genre through the beloved book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. We explore what makes children's literature so powerful—for both kids and adults. Referenced information: BBC journal article Why adults should read children's books by author Katherine Rundell (2023): https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20230711-why-adults-should-read-childrens-booksStudy on child development and reading daily (2019): https://ehe.o...

In our twenty-ninth episode, we continue to celebrate one full year of our podcast with our good friend Kylee! In this episode, we discuss the top eight books that make her a reader, and she answers the question: Why do we read? Follow Kylee's socials: - @kyjoraven (art account) - @kylee_r_lawyer (writing account) Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured ...

In our twenty-eighth episode, we celebrate one full year of our podcast. This month, we explore the question at the heart of it all: Why do we read? We share thoughtful comments from our listeners on what draws them to stories, what obstacles keep them from picking up a book, and how reading fits into their lives. We also reflect on what our podcast has become or what we hope for it to be—a space for connection, curiosity, and community through the written word. In this episode we reference t...

In our twenty-seventh episode, we delve into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, exploring our favorite moments in The Lord of the Rings and the impact it has had on us as readers. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 "American": I. Allegro ma non troppo (1893), performed by the Cleveland Quartet (Telar...

In our twenty-sixth episode, we delve into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, exploring the origins of The Lord of the Rings and how Tolkien’s imagination laid the foundation for modern fantasy storytelling. In this episode we reference the following: J. R. R. Tolkien: A Biography by Humphrey Carpenter The Prancing Pony Podcast: https://theprancingponypodcast.com/Zach Rider The Lord of the Rings audiobooks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvzrLtkGgwuyYOyCH6Ep4gA Brandon Sanderson int...

In our twenty-fifth episode, we take a deep dive into Frank Herbert's Dune. Join us as we discuss the complex characters, politics, and world-building. *Light Last of Us spoilers are mentioned. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 "American": I. Allegro ma non troppo (1893), performed b...

In our twenty-fourth episode, we explore the life and legacy of Frank Herbert, the visionary behind Dune, examining his impact on science fiction and what defines the genre as a whole. As mentioned, Lauren listened to the audiobook version of the book, using the free edition available on YouTube from Echo Wirm, which divides the story into three parts. You can check out the creator’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@EchoWirm-f6m Additionally, here’s the interview Kali referenced between...

In our twenty-third episode, we take a deep dive into Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, expanding on our reviews of the series and the impact it had on us as readers. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 "American": I. Allegro ma non troppo (1893), performed by the Cleveland Quartet (Telarc, 199...

In our twenty-second episode, we dive into Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, exploring the author behind the phenomenon and the dystopian genre that reshapes ancient questions for a modern age. We discuss the world-building, the moral frameworks, and the timeless appeal of stories that challenge power, justice, and survival. Reference to the interview with Suzanne Collins: https://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/hunger_games_10th_anniversary_scholastic_interview.htm Follow us on Instagram @TheBo...

In our 21st episode, we delve deep into the different themes and characters from Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe. Content Warning from Rachel Smythe: Lore Olympus regularly deals with themes of physical and mental abuse, sexual trauma, and toxic relationships. Some of the interactions in this volume may be distressing for some readers. Please exercise discretion, and seek out the support of others if you require it. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom Watch or listen to us ...

In our twentieth episode, we introduce Lore Olympus, the author, and the genre that brings ancient myths to life in a modern world. We explore why these timeless stories still captivate us and how they continue to evolve. Content Warning from Rachel Smythe: Lore Olympus regularly deals with themes of physical and mental abuse, sexual trauma, and toxic relationships. Some of the interactions in this volume may be distressing for some readers. Please exercise discretion, and seek out the suppor...

In our nineteenth episode, join us as we take a deep dive into our thoughts and opinions in Jane Austen's novel, Persuasion. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom Watch or listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBookCommonRoom Introduction music featured by Antonín Dvořák's String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, B. 179 "American": I. Allegro ma non troppo (1893), performed by the Cleveland Quartet (Telarc, 1991).