Judging Book Covers Podcast

Content warning for police brutality discussion.  This week Meghan and Stephanie invite Elle back to discuss one of the best books of 2017: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. The movie comes out in October, so it seemed like a good time to read the book first!  We discuss what Tumblr is, the importance of teaching this book, and how amazing Angie Thomas is at weaving the neighborhood and culture into this story about police brutality. Really, we just gush about this book and how amazing it is.  Book Drink: Ice kool-aid cups Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our hosts: Meghan's Twitter | Stephanie's Instagram and guest:  Elle's Twitter 

  Stephanie and Meghan welcome back Liz Babish to discuss the satirical The Portable Veblen by Elizabeth McKenzie! We discuss how this book confirmed Meghan hates a certain kind of mom character (while still loving a book), squirrels, engagements, and how complex families can be!  Book Drink: Gin and tonic with campari floating Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our hosts: Meghan's Twitter | Stephanie's Instagram and guest:  Liz's Twitter | Keeping Up With the Carringtons Podcast Twitter

This week Stephanie and Meghan are joined by James Anderson of Unabashedly Obsessed Podcast! He brought us one of the shortest yet densest book we have ever read: A Mercy by Toni Morrison! Meghan works in Brooklyn 99, we ponder if this is Angel/Buffy fanfic, and set our English class paper topics!  If you listen to We'll Get It Right Next Year and want to stay pure, or if you're named Ryan Lynch, please skip from 1.31.30 to 1.36.00!  Book Drink: Water Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our hosts: Meghan's Twitter | Stephanie's Instagram and guest:  James's Twitter | Unabashedly Obsessed Podcast's Twitter | Unabashedly Obsessed Podcast

Life is stressful and busy, so Stephanie and Meghan take it slow and calm in this host-only episode! We read Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, one of 2018's hottest YA books. We discuss all the action in the book, the way the author takes YA tropes and gives us a fresh take, and even how much we love all the characters.   CW: This book has a lot of violence, some discussion of rape, and horrific death scenes.  Book Drink: Dark and Stormy (Stephanie) and Coffee (Meghan)  Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our hosts: Meghan's Twitter | Stephanie's Instagram  

 This week we are joined by A Handbook for Handbook for Mortals' newest cohost, Elle Riccardi! We discuss the now 10 years old The Host by Stephenie Meyers. Is it a sci-fi novel? Is it a romance? Let's find out!  We discuss how weird the brother and sister dynamic is, defend Stephenie Meyers legacy a bit, and try to decide which of the boys we are rooting for.    Book Drink: Mini Coronas  Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our hosts: Meghan's Twitter | Stephanie's Instagram and guest:  Elle's Twitter 

In preparation for Solo, Stephanie and Meghan invite Olivia James of Super Serious Social Justice Podcast to come on and discuss Bloodline by Claudia Gray! We briefly debate if we want to just talk about Donald Glover and adult juice boxes, how our old Star Wars didn't have politics why does it now?? And how awesome Senator Leia is as the main character.  Book Drink: A good ole glass of milk Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our hosts: Meghan's Twitter | Stephanie's Instagram and guest:  Super Serious Social Justice Podcast | SSSJ Podcast Twitter | Aut of Spoons

Kanye, thank you for setting up this week's episode so well for us!! Your [nonexistent] check is in the mail.  Content Warning: Slavery, Rape, and everything that comes with both and MILD SPOILERS FOR BLACK PANTHER. This week Stephanie and Meghan are joined by Sarah Iff Decker to discuss Kindred by Octavia Butler! This kicks off the first of a few Sci-Fi novels we will be covering, and it adds a wonderful, horrific historical twist.  We discuss how we are glad that Dana isn't a manic pixie dream girl, we look at her husband Kevin through 2018 lenses and maybe don't like him as much as we are supposed to, and how Rufus's ideals of "love" and what he "deserves" is still way too present in 2018.  Book Drink: Mint Julep Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our hosts: Meghan's Twitter | Stephanie's Instagram and guest:  Sarah's Instagram

This week Stephanie and Meghan are joined by Amy Pascale of Ladies Love Paul Rudd to discuss one of America's favorite co-stars: Judy Greer! We read her 2014 memoir I Don't Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star. We discussed the book in physical and audio form, judgemental animals, terrible jobs, and many other advice tidbits we got from her memoirs!  Book Drink: Snapple Spiked Tea Vodka   Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our hosts: Meghan's Twitter | Stephanie's Instagram and guest:  Amy's Twitter | Amy's Facebook | Ladies Love Paul Rudd's Twitter | Ladies Love Paul Rudd | Ladies Love Paul Rudd Facebook |

Judging Book Covers Podcast has hit one year! To celebrate, we brought back Tim Lowe from the first two episodes to discuss another Scott Sigler book: Earthcore! While this book is originally from 2005, we are discussing the re-written version which came out in ebook/audiobook in 2017 but was just released in paperback. Spoilers are abundant this episode (like in most!)  Stephanie compares characters to their Harry Potter counterparts, Meghan accidentally kills Tim, and we realize that the true meaning of the podcast is to get Chris to read. There is also a long debate as to whether or not a character lives and thank god we don't have to wait 13 years for the sequel! Tim also admits on air that he will read Harry Potter FINALLY.  Book Drink: Whiskey (because everyone drinks whiskey)  We also discuss Alex's Clearing out the Backlog, so if you are interested in seeing his journey through comic book trades, check this out! Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Email: jud

It isn't an April Fool's trick: there are two Judging Book Cover's episodes this week! Really, we are just celebrating for weeks that it's the podcast's year anniversary.  While reading Pet Sematary, Stephanie and Chris happened to luck out and find a showing of the movie on the screen near them! They discuss their early memories of the movie, how it felt to see the movie in theatres, and some differences from the book to movie!  Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook |Facebook Group | Instagram | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our hosts: Meghan's Twitter | Stephanie's Instagram and guest:  The Citadel Podcast | Chris's Twitter

Welcome to Part II of our Pet Sematary discussion! We talk about the second half of Stephen King's book, focusing on when Louis and Rachel lose their youngest child through the end of the book. We also discuss in depth what led up to King publishing this book and the isues with his publisher. And like, honestly, don't bring people back from the dead guys. Even if they've only been dead for minutes. Book drink: Beer, in a can, but only while drinking with an only man on a porch Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our hosts: Meghan's Twitter | Stephanie's Instagram and guest:  The Citadel Podcast | Chris's Twitter

Second part of "Horror Book March!" Is that a thing? It is now! Stephanie and Meghan are joined by a special fun host, Chris Hayes! We had fun talking Stephen King — both books and movies we've seen — and a few other horror movies and shows! Due to how long our discussion is for this large book, and that Stephanie and Chris were going to see Pet Sematary after recording, we decided to split up the episode! So check back in later this week for the second half of the book, plus a discussion of the book and the movie!  Some spoilers for the 2015 game Until Dawn!   Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook |Facebook Group | Instagram | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our hosts: Meghan's Twitter | Stephanie's Instagram and guest:  The Citadel Podcast | Chris's Twitter

Stephanie and Meghan are joined by Phil Gonzales of Deep in Bear County, It's Del Toro Time, and Klickitcast to discuss Universal Harvester by John Darnielle!  We have a hard time categorizing this book, as it appears on the surface to be a horror book, yet diving into it ..... we still can't quite figure out how to classify it. And yet, none of us could put the book down!  We discuss small town life, feelings of dread and incompleteness, how our views of horror books shouldn't be shoehorned in, the necessity of loss in life and how it can't be avoided....but strangely in an upbeat kind of way? Book drink: Milwaukee's Best (a Beast!)  Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook |Facebook Group | Instagram | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our hosts: Meghan's Twitter | Stephanie's Instagram and guest:  Deep in Bear County A Bernstain Bearcast | It's Del Toro Time | Klickitcast: A Beverly Cleary Podcast

As probably every book podcast is doing, we read A Wrinkle in Time before the movie comes out! This is a book Meghan read as a kid, but Stephanie and our guest had not read before. We discuss how it feels to read a kids/middle school grade book as an adult, some of our other childhood favorite books (Stephanie and Meghan read a lot of YA horror books?)  Ileana discusses if this book is the basis for Scientology — we are hoping to get an academic paper out of it, Meghan tries to make IT in this book and It (Pennywise) should be the same thing.  Thanks to Stephanie, we realize this book is riddled with Mayan names and literary allegories, and how this book refreshed our imaginations.  We also briefly discuss the movie and how we are all optimistic about the casting and director and costume designer!  Favorite Childhood books discussed: Babysitters Club series RL Stine and Christopher Pike The Golden Compass series Book Drink: hot tea or cocoa — Ileana also discusses a Silverfizz drink off-air that seemed perfec

Season 2 of Judging Book Covers kicks off with a host only episode! We read a book that takes on the question: "If Women ruled the world, would it be better?" The Power by Naomi Alderman takes this question and laughs in its face. We discuss the four storylines of the book, the subtle shifts of power from men to women, and the relationship with the religious and political world.  As with most books discussed on this podcast, there are lots of spoilers here!  Book Drink: Shots of Tequila   Join us in two weeks and read A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle with Ileana Garcia!  Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our hosts: Meghan's Twitter | Stephanie's Instagram

Ryan and Tracy join Meghan again to discuss the podcast's first graphic novel — Local, written by Brian Wood, illustrated by Ryan Kelly! This is a bit of a long episode as the series consists of twelve issues, and we had to discuss how important each issue is in turn. This is a good slice of life comic, especially for someone who maybe isn't as into superhero comics (like me!)  We discuss how maybe we differed from the book's journey and where we felt we lined up similarly, as this book takes place over twelve years of a woman's life in twelve different locations.  Book Drink: Road trip diner hot chocolate  Join Stephanie and Meghan in two weeks for The Power by Naomi Alderman!  Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our host and guest(s): Meghan's Twitter | Tracy's Blog | Oops I talked Divisive Issues FB Group | We'll Get It Right Next Year: An Adventure in Cinema | Oops I Talked Politics Twitter | Divisive Issues Twitter | 

It's a new year, and it's time for a new round of guests! This week I am joined by Tracy Tanoff and Ryan Lynch of Divisive Issues, Oops I talked Politics, and We'll Get it Right Next Year! Tracy had us read Restless by William Boyd, a World War II spy novel!  We discuss media manipulation (aka fake news) in World War II, if men can really write from a true woman's perspective, how you should never ever date while you are a spy, and how maybe you shouldn't try to solve the mystery that doesn't really exist? Book Drink: Extremely cold water or hot tea in your bath Join us in two weeks for Local, written by Brian Wood, art by Ryan Kelly! Find us on the  |web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our host and guest(s): Meghan's Twitter | Tracy's Blog | Oops I talked Divisive Issues FB Group | We'll Get It Right Next Year: An Adventure in Cinema | Oops I Talked Politics Twitter | Divisive Issues Twitter | 

Happy Holidays! For a holiday special, I brought back two of my favorite guests to talk about one of my favorite books! Emily Bennett and Ollie Brady of Best Acquaintances Podcast join me to discuss Vicious by V. E. Schwab! Jason Statham, Ollie's amazing friend and frequent guest star of BA also makes a guest appearance as well!  Meghan offends Ollie with her feelings on Battlestar Galactica, and she publically apologizes. Muffin makes her podcast debut!  Join us in two weeks for a 2018 episode, with two new guest hosts!  Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our host and guest(s): Meghan's Twitter | Best Acquaintances' Twitter | Best Acquaintances' Facebook | Best Acquaintances' Facebook Group

Meghan is joined again by Vicki Crosson and Ryan Alexander to discuss Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange, a Pride and Prejudice retelling from the main love interest's point of view.  We learn that books are hard as they are filled with words, discuss our own journalling/diarying habits, and start comparing Darcy and Grey. We also consider writing our own crossover fiction — Georgina and Mia anyone? And Ryan actually considers reading Pride and Prejudice!  Book Drink: An Afternoon British Tea (Earl Grey, if you want to crossover with Grey again....)  Also, Meghan keeps playing with a fidget spinner and didn't realize it was being picked up sound wise. Sorry!  Join us again in two weeks, and don't forget to rate and review us!  Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Email: judgingcoverspodcast@gmail.com Find our host and guest(s): Meghan's Twitter | Ryan's Twitter | Ryan's Weekly Wing WReview Archives    

This week I am joined by Ryan Alexander and Vicki Crosson to discuss book 4 of the 50 Shades of Grey series: Grey by E.L. James. Spoiler: None of us have read the original three books or had seen the movies prior to reading this book — most of our knowledge came from reviews and podcast discussions of the book series. And I'm sorry to anyone who has come in contact with me the past week as I read this book. Ryan has a "hot take" of an opinion on this book, we briefly discuss how awful the aftercare in this book is, the most offensive scene in this book, (spoiler: it's not what you would think it is!) and Vicki tries to find the metaphor in the book.  Also I had just binged Crazy Ex Girlfriend and I'm SORRY for all the references.  Book Drink: 1999 vintage Bollinger champagne / Evan Williams and Coke Darker comes out Tuesday so you know Vicki and Ryan will be back to discuss that book next year. Join us again in two weeks, and don't forget to rate and review us!  Find us on the web: Website | Twitter | Faceboo