This week we're discussing Buckeye, a relationship-driven book about life in small town America across several decades. We talk about how the story follows both the characters and our country as they move through big changes, the ways in which the writing felt observational, and the themes of duty and repression. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin seeks overalls advice from Steph, Steph recaps her time dog sitting in Indiana, Molly attends a live podcast recording with Katie Sturino, and Kaitlin fills us in on her first Halloween party at her new house and the installation of her Little Free Library. In what we're reading this week, Steph enjoys Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score, Molly raves about the newest cowboy romance from Jessica Peterson, and Kaitlin starts Lightlark by Alex Aster. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

This week we are transported to Long Island, literally and via the setting of this debut novel. We are talking about The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O'Neill, which was selected as the Jenna Reads Book Club pick for October 2025. We talk about the family drama genre (and Molly shouts out a few of her favorites), the uniqueness of siblings as narrators, the undercurrent of grief throughout this story, the role of religion in intergenerational dynamics, and our thoughts on a potential screen adaptation. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin recaps her trip to the North Fork of Long Island, and Molly shares about a visit to a new restaurant in the Fenway neighborhood. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin encounters the paranormal in the new Lyla Sage series, and Molly hits the jackpot with a popular thriller find in a Little Free Library. To follow along with all of the books that we mention, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

This week we're gushing about the first novel from an author we all adore: Rainbow Rowell. We reviewed Rowell's Slow Dance (Chapter 49) and were excited to go back in time to the book that started it all. We talk about the power of coming-of-age stories, this sweet relationship that blooms on the school bus, the potent mix of excitement and nervousness of a first crush, how this moment in time (the 1980s) differs from how we communicate today, and our resounding agreement that we will read anything this author puts out into the world. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin has a bestie in town and goes to her first headbanger concert, Steph has a great time dog sitting and admits her wing woman status at the bookstore, and Molly visits an unusual and delicious dessert cafe. In what we're reading this week, Molly picks up TV writer Monica Heisey's Really Good, Actually, Kaitlin makes an impulse purchase at an indie bookstore, and Steph continues to embrace hoa hoa hoa season with Ali Hazelwood's newest, Mate. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

This week we're talking about a very special book with a truly unusual narrator - Marcellus the octopus. We discuss how cover art influences our first impression of a story, emotion-driven vs. action-oriented plots, the beautiful relationship between Tova and Cameron, the moving way this book makes you think about the circle of life, and how it encourages readers to find joy in the small moments. We also share all the questions we wish we could ask the author and our excitement to see the film adaptation when it comes to Netflix. In our catch up this week, Steph asks, "is it perimenopause or is it a handsome man?" and reacts to the first draft of the cover art for her book. Molly raves about two recent dining experiences at Nebo and Sofra, noting her commitment to supporting female-owned businesses. In what we're reading this week, Steph embraces Hoa Hoa Hoa season with werewolf story Bitten, and Molly falls in love with the Lioness of Boston, sparking a heated discussion about whether or not Isabella Stewart Gardner was a Libra. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

This week we're praising the pride of Massachusetts, Taylor Jenkins Reid, as we celebrate her latest novel, Atmosphere. We talk about childhood fascination with the stars and space, our deepened appreciation for NASA's Mission Control, how this may be her most romantic story yet, and the 'butter moment' that left us swooning. In our catch up this week, Steph shares an interaction at the bookstore and updates us on her self-publishing journey, Kaitlin recaps her trip to the Oceans Calling music festival, and Molly gushes about her birthday celebrations. In what we're reading this week, Molly is reeled in by the first sentence of Patrick Ryan's Buckeye, Steph tears through the latest from E. Lockhart, and Kaitlin finds a gem at the Brookline Booksmith with a very unique premise. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at planarebooked@gmail.com. 

This week we're talking about a children's book that rustled up many childhood memories. Pax is the story of a boy and his pet fox, separated but determined to find their way back to each other. We talk about the parallels to Homeward Bound and Toy Story, how an animal as a central character reels in young readers, the importance of found family, and the meaning behind the name Pax. In our catch up this week, Stephanie introduces a new segment inspired by handsome visitors to the bookstore, Kaitlin shares the challenges of puppy training and her excitement for some upcoming outings, and Molly congratulates a friend of the pod on the upcoming opening of her indie bookstore. In what we're reading this week, Steph finishes Atmosphere and moves on to a racy story set in Boston, Molly is charmed by the octopus in Remarkably Bright Creatures, and Kaitlin is enjoying Angeline Boulley's latest release. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

This week we're discussing a very short book with a powerful punch. Address Unknown is an epistolary novel set in the 1930s that tells the story of two business partners whose relationship is dramatically impacted by Hitler's rise to power. We talk about the letter writing format, the erosion of the characters' friendship, parallels to changes we're seeing in the U.S. government today, and how we believe this should be required reading in every high school. In our catch up this week, Steph shares about some recent cuteness at the bookstore and her decision to self-publish Golden Hour, and Molly admits all the ways she is clinging to summer at the beach. In what we're reading this week, Steph is enjoying a family drama with an incredible title and Molly is happy to be reunited with Elissa Sussman's characters for her third book. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

This week we're transported to a remote island in the Southern Hemisphere. We are talking about the powerful and thought-provoking book Wild Dark Shore. We discuss the specificity of the location, the detailed descriptions of nature, the successful use of multiple narrators, the innocence delivered via a child as a main character, McConaghy's masterclass in brevity, and her gut punch of a first sentence. In our catch up this week, Steph shares a memorable meal at La Bodega, Molly reviews two page-to-screen adaptations, and Kaitlin recaps her trip to the U.S. Open. In what we're reading this week, Steph is inspired to start a sci-fi series, Molly heads to Texas with a cowboy romance, and Kaitlin devours her second Catherine Cowles title. To follow along with all of our top picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

This week we're chatting about a debut novel that surprised and delighted us. Hot Desk is contemporary fiction with multiple timelines, centered around a literary review in 1980s New York City. There's a workplace frenemies situation, a #MeToo revelation, powerful bonds between parents and children, a drunken scoundrel, and a highly coveted posthumous manuscript. We praise the author's ability to juggle so many story elements, read our favorite passages, and admit how much we laughed out loud. In our catch up this week, Molly gushes about a recent work trip and Steph updates on the home stretch at the renovation house. In what we're reading this week, Steph snagged a brand new copy of Pucking Strong and Molly reads Holly Jackson's latest murder mystery. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

Have you ever been captivated by a viral court case? This week we're talking about a book that centers around a fictional true crime podcast and its subject, a young woman named Lucy who is accused of murdering her best friend. We discuss the podcast transcript format as a way to share a high volume of information, how an unreliable narrator keeps readers on their toes, our appreciation for short chapters, what an amazing plane read this is, and our hopes for a page-to-screen adaptation. In our catch up this week, Molly describes two delicious bakery outings as part of her video series for work and Kaitlin updates us on crate training her new pup. In what we're reading this week, Molly falls in love with a children's book and Kaitlin reviews the supremely popular Remarkably Bright Creatures, as well as an impulse purchase at Brookline Booksmith. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

This week we're sharing a list of titles that expanded our thinking, piqued our interest in new topics, shaped how we write, and reimagined how we analyze books. Our selections cover children's books, contemporary fiction, essay collections, non-fiction, and memoir. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin adopts an adorable pup, Molly recaps her lake and beach time with her cousins, and Steph updates us on the latest at the renovation house. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin is back in Rebecca Yarros land, Molly picks up a work of fiction that reads more like a poem, and Steph starts an ARC from a debut author. To check out all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

This week we deep dive on a memoir that surprised us. We talk about trying something new in your forties, finding common ground via shared hobbies, the hilarity of observational humor, and why this book makes such a great gift. In our catch up this week, Molly reports live from her lake week in New Hampshire, and Kaitlin decorates her back deck and becomes a regular at the Greek restaurant at the Norwood airport. In what we're reading this week, Molly picks up her first Elin Hilderbrand and Kaitlin falls for a Texas cowboy in Jessica Peterson's Cash. To follow along with all of our top picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

We have a special treat for you this week; we're sharing our top picks for summer reading. Our list is a mix of books that take place in the summer, are set in beach towns, or give us that carefree and joyful feeling that is synonymous with the season. We have titles across genres - young adult, commercial fiction, romance, and more. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin recaps her holiday weekend on Cape Cod and Molly discovers Taylor Swift Night at the Paragon Carousel. In what we're reading this week, Molly is flying through a Meghan Quinn series and Kaitlin reviews two books - a memoir and the first adult novel from a YA author. To check out all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

This week we're transported to the English countryside, discussing a now and then story about first love, the complexity of marriage, and the devastation of loss. We praise the concise and compelling writing, the have vs. have-not set up, a surprise reveal in the final few pages, and the emotional depth that sparked deep empathy for these characters. We also share our hopes for a screen adaptation and our thoughts on who should play the lead roles. In our catch up this week, Molly admits to watching multiple newly released summer TV shows and Steph welcomes a furry friend into her home for the week. In what we're reading, Steph is reeled in by a "why choose" romance and Molly has fallen head over heels for a newly released enemies-to-lovers workplace drama. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

Fueled by wine, brie, and gummy worms, we're sharing all of our thoughts on the first episode of the page-to-screen adaptation of We Were Liars. We begin by sharing our admiration for Carina Adly MacKenzie and Julie Plec, the women who fought to bring this story to TV. We praise their impeccable choices for set design, music selection, and cinematography that activates all of the senses to scream, "summer!" We dissect the differences between the book and the show, and share our hopes for the rest of the episodes and a potential second season. In our catch up this week, Molly has fully entered beach mode and gives a review of the movie Materialists, Kaitlin details a spectacular meal at O Ya and visits a great restaurant in her neighborhood, and Steph enters the most maddening stage of the house renovation - tiling. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin DNFs two romance books and moves on to an audiobook, Steph starts a western that seems slightly inspired by The Inheritance Games, and Molly mentally transports to Italy with Ali Hazelwood's latest. To check out all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

This week we're discussing a book shrouded in mystery. Written under a pen name, Silver Elite straddles the line between a dystopian tale of resistance and a sizzling romantasy. We talk about what a military setting brings to a story, including Kaitlin's devotion to group projects and Molly's love for a training montage. We praise the strength of the male / female friendships in this book, the witty and flirtatious banter, and the subtle world building that makes this a bit more accessible than some other popular titles in this category. In our catch up this week, Molly recaps her New England road trip, Kaitlin heads to a boxing event at Fenway, Steph updates us on the house renovation and shares a hilarious encounter with a customer at the bookstore. In what we're reading this week, Steph is devouring the new Ali Hazelwood book set in Italy, Kaitlin completes another small town Lucy Score romance and begins a new book that reminds her of ones we've binged by Jordan Harper and Chris Whitaker. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

This week we're discussing an essay collection by a local author. We chat about this format and how it allows you to read as you feel called to, Lipson's honest and vulnerable reflections on womanhood, her piercing accuracy about body image and self-esteem, and how she deeply understands the complexities of all types of relationships between women. If you have a mother or you are a mother, add this to your summer reading list. In our catch up this week, Molly heads to Newburyport and binges a new page-to-screen adaptation, we beg Stephanie to make more Limoncello, and Kaitlin begins her quest to visit many of the Michelin contender restaurants around Boston. In what we're reading this week, Molly is hoping for Top Chef tea in Kristen Kish's memoir, Steph enters the land of dire wolves, and Kaitlin begins Ocean Vuong's new fiction book. To follow along with all of our top picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

You know her from BookTok and the legal drama surrounding the screen adaptation of her novel It Ends With Us - this week we're discussing the phenomenon that is Colleen Hoover. We talk about her meteoric rise, the immersive quality of her writing, her expert pacing, how she moves between genres, and which of her books you should start with if you're a first timer. Then, we get into Reminders of Him, including our thoughts on the recent casting for the film. In our catch up this week, Molly heads to the Boston Pops and Steph updates us on installing dry wall and the dreaded porta-potty phase of the renovation. In what we're reading this week, Steph praises a new fantasy book and Molly grins over the banter in Summer Romance. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

We reunite with the queen of summer reads this week, as we dive into her latest novel. We head back to Barry's Bay, home of the flirtatious Charlie Florek, who we'd like to nominate for the Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame. We discuss Carley's mastery of the genre, her gift for the nostalgic, the joy of a lovable grandparent character, and a pickling scene that had our hearts melting. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin heads to a graduation party and admits her addiction, Steph anticipates a page-to-screen adaptation of a childhood favorite, and Molly hits the jackpot at a neighbor's Little Free Library. In what we're reading this week, Steph highlights the author controversy around Silver Elite, Kaitlin is pleasantly surprised by How to End a Love Story, and Molly jumps into Curtis Sittenfeld's newest book. To follow along with all of our top picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. 

This week we are in a summer state of mind. We've transported to Beechwood Island off of Martha's Vineyard to analyze the suspicious behavior of the Sinclair family. We're sharing our thoughts on both of E. Lockhart's stories about this mega rich family with generations of dark secrets. We talk about how this book sits at the center of a Venn diagram of YA, contemporary fiction and mystery and applaud the author's ability to tackle tough topics, share our hopes for the screen adaptation, and strongly recommend reading the books back-to-back for optimal sleuthing. In our catch up this week, Steph returns and tells us all about her time in Indiana, Molly heads to the Cape for the first time in years, and Kaitlin enjoys a family weekend and a memorable round of golf. In what we're reading this week, Steph devours an ARC, Molly deepens her admiration for Katie Sturino, and Kaitlin is immersed in a dark tale of missing women. To access all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.