The Dust Jacket

Sunrise on the Reaping, by Suzanne Collins

We discuss the Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping, which depicts Haymitch's Hunger Games. How does it hold up next to other Hunger Games books and next to other dystopian YA books? 
Spoilers from 14 minutes in, but honestly, if you read the Hunger Games, you already know them

The Compound, by Aisling Rawle

We bring in our Irish friends, Róisín and Claire, to help us discuss Aisling Rawle's The Compound. Billed as "Love Island meets Lord of the Flies," The Compound deals with a vacuous main character on a vapid TV show... but can it meet its goal to rise above vacuousness and vapidity? 
Spoilers from 30 mins in

The Widows of Malabar Hill, by Sujata Massey

We discuss the first in a series of historical mysteries set in 1920s India. Somehow no spoilers? 

The Tainted Cup, by Robert Jackson Bennett

Our friend Caleb joins us to talk about the fantasy/mystery crossover, The Tainted Cup, which is basically Sherlock Holmes with kaiju. 
We talk about what kaiju are, why more fantasies (and mysteries) should be funnier, and how the second book in this series let us down. 
Spoilers, including for the sequel, starting from 29 minutes

Lady Tan's Circle of Women, by Lisa See

This week we're arguing about Lady Tan's Circle of Women, by Lisa See. We disagree about everything from the controversies surrounding the author to the objective of historical fiction. And especially whether Lady Tan herself is a good character or not.

The Death of Vivek Oji, by Akaeke Emezi

This week we have a special guest, Bailey, on the show to talk about one of her favorite books, The Death of Vivek Oji. 
We talk about the incestuous sex scenes, the divisive ending, and a whole lot more. 
Spoilers from 20 mins

Broken Country, by Clare Leslie Hall

We discuss the 2025 runaway hit, Broken Country, by Clare Leslie Hall. It features both cheating and a wedding, so we have plenty to discuss. 
Light spoilers at 8 minutes, full spoilers at 24 minutes

The Martian Chronicles, by Ray Bradbury

This week we discuss the seminal sci-fi novel-in-stories The Martian Chronicles, with special guest Sam, who brought his father's original edition to the discussion. 
No spoilers since this book doesn't really have a plot, but we do spoil individual stories. 

Banyan Moon, by Thao Thai

We discuss Thao Thai's Banyan Moon and other multi-generational sagas 
 
Spoilers from 11 minutes in

Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes

We discuss whether this 2012 still holds up or if the controversies are too much for it. We also talk about the wide range of philosophical questions it asks. 
TW: assisted suicide
Spoilers at 5 minutes in