In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss N. Scott Momaday’s 1968 novel House Made of Dawn. Topics include diabolical library pranks, Momaday’s influence on future Native writers, lyrical prose, Spark Notes coming in clutch, non-cringe sex scenes (including a tangent about smut), and Angela and Milly. Plus, we go down a rabbit hole about weird internet videos. And George the Cat makes another appearance. This week’s drink: Golden Dawn via Difford’s Guide INGREDIENTS: 3⁄4 oz Hay...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Octavia E. Butler’s 1979 novel Kindred. Topics include Torrey Pines and Tawny Port, nuts, Nazi Germany vs. American slavery, why white people have such a hard time acknowledging history, Rufus the Doofus and Tom Weylin who have 1 ¼ moral between them, (we need to talk about) Kevin, and Dana’s Conundrum. Plus, we get tipsy and talk about Keanu Reeves. And, George the Cat makes an appearance and brings some much-needed levity. This week’s...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Thomas Olde Heuvelt’s 2024 novel Bore-acle Snore-acle Oracle. Topics include Dr. Pepper, a horrible translation that pretty much ruined the book for us, incoherent plotting, algae, Austin Powers, and the utter laziness of having the male characters call every woman a bitch multiple times. Plus, we do a deep dive into the origins of the “c”-word (and introduce a new segment of the pod: C*nt Corner). This week’s drink: Flying Dutchman via liquo...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Daniel Mason’s 2023 novel North Woods. Topics include apple puns, the intricacies of Vermont maple syrup grading, beetle sex, geeking out about the writing, Taylor’s audiobook experience, the haunting magic of New England, creepy murder twins, gay tragedy, ghost sex, and the beautiful, hopeful ending. Plus, Kayla introduces a new song in her Taylor Swift parody oeuvre, talks about the food of the summer, and finally informs Taylor about her lat...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Anne Brontë’s 1847 novel Agnes Grey. Topics include the Sisters Brontë, Jack the Ripper origin stories, terrible children and their terrible parents, the fascinating character journey of Rosalie Murray, crazy courting rituals of Victorian England, the titular Agnes Grey, and the iconic clapback from Mrs. Grey. This week’s drink: Creamy Earl Grey Cocktail via Rhubarb & Lavender INGREDIENTS: Earl Grey Simple Syrup 1 cup water1 cup sug...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Gillian Flynn’s 2012 novel Gone Girl. Topics include true crime, the punchability of Ben Affleck, Nick’s family dynamics and his stunted development, the “Cool Girl”, how the patriarchy negatively affects women and men, Amy’s narcissism (and generally sociopathy), the Andie factor, the deeper commentary Gillian Flynn is making, and that frustrating but brilliant ending. Plus, we talk Target and Beyonce. This week’s drink: Perfect Pear v...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Betty Smith’s 1943 novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Topics include horrible Brooklyn bits, elusive cocktail ingredients, the incredible detail and specificity of the characters and events in this book, how relatable people are even 100+ years later, the current real estate situation in Brooklyn, class prejudice, education as a means to improve your life, Katie and Johnny as people and parents, and singing the praises of Francie Nolan. Plus, we t...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Margot Douaihy’s 2023 novel Scorched Grace. Topics include lemon ribbons, New Orleans and how much we love it, how not upsetting a murder mystery is, the uniqueness of a nun (and a punk nun at that) solving mysteries, kickass feminist nuns, Sister Holiday’s views on religion, how Nina is THE WORST, the interesting partnership between Sister Holiday and Riveaux, and the tragedy of Sister Augustine. Plus, we talk about our latest independent book...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Hernan Diaz’s 2017 novel In the Distance. Topics include screen time and dryness, old timey medicine, Lorimer’s insight into nature, figuring out the timeline of this book, the violent turning point in Hawk’s life, literal and metaphorical stones, the concept of the American myth, utter desolation and loneliness, Asa the Flamboyant Prairie Gay, and the big question left at the end of the book. This week’s drink: Gold Rush via liquor.com...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Debra Magpie Earling’s 2002 novel Perma Red. Topics include Martini Time, Charlie, Baptiste, and Louise and their complicated and entwined experiences, Awful White Men, shame, generational trauma, and the hope at the end of it all. Plus, Taylor talks about her experience Marie Kondo-ing her books. This week’s drink: Dirty Martini via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 2 1/2 ounces gin or vodka1/2 ounce dry vermouth1/2 ounce olive brineGarnish: 2 to 4 ol...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Percival Everett’s award-winning 2024 novel James. Topics include the never ending surprise of the atrocities human beings commit, slave language, dream visits from “enlightened” philosophers, the freedom inherent in reading and writing, the return of the King and the Duke (ugh), Huck is whose son?!, James’s revenge, and the reclamation of his narrative. Plus, a side track into who the heck Cunegonde is. Finally, we end with a rousing discussio...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Mark Twain’s 1885 children’s (?) novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Topics include the confusing geography of the south/midwest, Huck’s moral quandary and gradual shift of worldview, a peek at initial reactions of this book, the iconic energy of Aunt Sally, and a deep dragging of Tom Sawyer. Plus, Kayla gets on her librarian soapbox about book banning. And also, a brief foray into the recent Oscars ceremony. This week’s drink: Hucklebe...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Daphne Du Maurier’s 1938 novel Rebecca. Topics include important plant updates, Kayla’s frustrating pre-pod antics, Flow, the transatlantic accent, the writing prowess of Daphne du Maurier, murder, unhinged Mrs. Danvers, the unbelievable tension in many scenes, the looming figure of Rebecca (who we don’t actually hate!), the surprising complexity of Maxim, and how guilty we feel about rooting for these crazy kids. Plus, we talk about Kayla’s Os...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Kelly Link’s 2024 novel The Book of Love. Topics include absinthe, the unique structure of this book, the “unlikeablility” of these magical teenagers, breaking down the ending, all the different types of love, and Hilary Duff. Plus, a brief word on Neil Gaiman. This week’s drink: Necromancer via liquor.com INGREDIENTS: 3/4 ounce absinthe 3/4 ounce elderflower liqueur3/4 ounce Lillet blanc1 dash London dry gin3/4 ounce lemon juice, ...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Lily King’s 2014 novel Euphoria. Topics include MySpace pictures, the ease of reading Lily King, evil Fen, poor Bankson, and Nell. Oh Nell. Plus, Taylor’s hot take on the Australian accent, and Kayla’s book snobbery.This week’s drink: Liquid Euphoria va BarGPTINGREDIENTS:2 oz gin1 oz elderflower liqueur1 oz fresh lemon juice½ oz simple syrup2 dashes orange bittersFresh mint leaves, for garnishINSTRUCTIONS:In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, c...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Ursula K. Le Guin’s 1969 sci-fi classic The Left Hand of Darkness. Topics include the new look of L&L, Nosferatu, the interesting ideas about sex and gender Ursula presents, the relationship between Genly and Estraven, the masculine urge for war and violence, the need for light and darkness, and our complete inability to traverse a vast glacier. Plus, we check in on Voyager 1.This week’s drink: Left Hand (of Darkness) via liquor.comINGREDIE...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor wrap up their 2024 reading with their favorite pod and non-pod reads, plus other things that they enjoyed throughout the year. Thanks for reading and drinking with us! See you in 2025!This week’s drink: White Christmas Mimosa via @yellowbellykellyINGREDIENTS:ChampagneWhite cranberry juiceEdible glitterCranberries and rosemary for garnishINSTRUCTIONS:Fill a champagne flute ¾ full with champagneTop with white peach juiceStir in edible glitterGarnish with...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Charles Dickens’s 1843 novel A Christmas Carol. Topics include Bob’s Burgers, the importance of vitamin C, a Dog Day Afternoon tangent, excellent food descriptions, the issue of Tiny Tim, the joy of gift giving, AI search results for “grool”, the sassiness of Christmas Present, and the hope of it all.This week’s drink: Cranberry Sauce Sour via @cocktailswithvalINGREDIENTS:2 bar spoons cranberry sauce2 oz gin¾ oz lemon juice1 oz simple syrup1 eg...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Tommy Orange’s 2018 novel There There. Topics include nostalgia for the Bay Area, the genius of the shifting narrative perspectives, the “there there” of it all, generational trauma, the lack of education about Native Americans, powwow experiences, and the final tragic scene.This week’s drink: Hot Toddy via Love & LemonsINGREDIENTS:¾ cup hot water1½ ounces whiskey2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice2 teaspoons honey1 lemon round, or 1 (3-inch) pie...

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Jean Rhys’s 1966 novella Wide Sargasso Sea. Topics include the background of Jean Rhys, important historical context for the novel, colonialism (no good very bad), how places can turn warped and hateful, the absolute douchebaggery of Rochester, Christophene and her obeah, and who is named and unnamed. This week’s drink: Planter’s Punch via liquor.comINGREDIENTS:3 ounces dark rum1 ounce simple syrup3/4 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed1 te...