The Dust Jacket

The Book Censor's Library, by Bothanya Al-Essa

We discuss The Book Censor's Library, by Bothayna Al-Essa, which was a finalist for the 2024 National Book Award for work in translation. 
Spoilers start at 14 minutes in

Blue Sisters, by Coco Mellors

We discuss the standout 2024 lit-fic novel, Blue Sisters, by Coco Mellors

The Unicorn Woman, by Gayl Jones

We discuss the 2025 Pulitzer Prize finalist The Unicorn Woman, by Gayl Jones. This book is notable for its obscurity and also its low review scores.
Later, Dacey digs into the Pulitzer Prize process and we float some totally unfounded theories about what goes on in those jury meetings.

Dinner for Vampires, by Bethany Joy Lenz

We discuss the shocking memoir of One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy Lenz, who was in a cult for over a decade. 
We also have a special guest, the person who recommended this book, Alayne!

Good Dirt, by Charmaine Wilkerson

We talk about the new novel by the acclaimed author of Black Cake. The love streak is over: neither of us liked this one. It's probably our fault. 
Spoilers from 7 minutes in

The Alternatives, by Caoilinn Hughes

Dawn, by Octavia Butler

We discuss the first installment of Octavia Butler's Xenogenesis trilogy, Dawn. This might be the first book we both really liked! 
Light spoilers start at 8 minutes

The Favorites, by Layne Fargo

We discuss The Favorites, by Layne Fargo. Is it too soapy or just soapy enough? Does knowing it's "Wuthering Heights on ice" make it better or worse? 
Spoilers from about 15 mins in

Piglet, by Lottie Hazell

We talk about Lottie Hazell's 2024 debut novel, Piglet. One of us rated this book 5 stars, and the other one.... didn't... 

Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen

We discuss the classic Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, which is an astounding 212 years old! We talk about what still works two centuries later, what feels dated, and whether this book is the origin point of popular romance tropes