The Readirect Podcast

We reflect on our holiday reading experiences and recap our ambitious goals for 2024. Join us as we discuss our favorite books, share insights into reading strategies, and anticipate exciting upcoming releases to fill our TBRs. Emily's Mentions (we know there were many) The Natural Series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes Never Lie and The Housemaid Series by Freida McFadden I Kissed Shara Wheeler by C...

Our latest episode revisits the beloved Chronicles of Narnia, focusing particularly on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, exploring its impact on faith, morality, and our childhood memories. Together, we navigate how these themes resonate differently in adulthood, the complexities of C.S. Lewis’s biography, and the cultural conversations surrounding the stories. Don't forget to follow us...

In today's episode, we're taking a walk down memory lane for a recap of our reading in 2024! First, we'll revisit our goals for the year and update you on our successes and failures. Then, we're reviewing our five-star reads from 2024 (hint: Abigail is a little more judicious with this honor than Emily). Finally, we'll give you our BEST tips for success in 2025! Books we&a...

SIGN UP FOR OUR HOLIDAY BOOK SWAP: Click here to participate! Are you looking for the perfect gift for your book-obsessed friend? Look no further, we're here to guide you this year!  Listen to this episode to find the perfect gift for... The coastal grandmother in your life The goal-oriented, resolution-setter The person who's committed to protecting their peace The fired-up advocate The...

In preparation for the upcoming movie adaptation of beloved musical,  Wicked,  we're reading the source material by Gregory Maguire! Let's just be honest, we're not the biggest fans of this book, so if it's one of your beloveds please know we're approaching this with a critical eye. Fair warning! We love the musical, and we're apprehensively excited for the movie adap...

Escape your Election Day anxiety by exploring an imaginary world where book characters run for office! As always, follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @readirectpodcast. And if you're seeing this before the polls close, don't forget to VOTE!

We're turning to our listeners for another round of book recommendations! We asked, and boy did you answer. We did our best to fit the brief and recommend books to add to your TBR. Plus a discussion of the cover reveals for the new Emily Henry and Hunger Games books! AHH!  Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @readirectpodcast.  

What happens when childhood friends reunite on a European food and wine tour? Join us as we explore this story of second chances and personal growth, while also celebrating McQuiston's knack for creating relatable, complex characters. We really liked this interview with Casey McQuiston in Rolling Stone . Abigail also recommends pairing  this book with the Somm documentary . Books We Read Rece...

We're here to deep dive and debunk the allure of Nicholas Sparks. What were beloved books to us at one point in our lives, are now bizarre, hilarious, and at times, genuinely disturbing. First, some... concerning allegations about Nicholas Sparks , with receipts. If it's not clear by the content of this episode, we strongly disavow any homophobia, racism, or other discriminatory practice...

Get ready to expand your fall reading list with our carefully selected book recommendations. Grab your favorite fall beverage and settle in for an episode packed with books that have rich storytelling, emotional depth, and the perfect vibes for autumn. Happy reading! Emily's Fall Picks:  Rabbit Hole by Kate Brody Blake Crouch's entire catalog (specifically Dark Matter , Recursion , or Up...

Travis, we gotta talk about it. Eternal disclaimer that we do not support JK Rowling in any way, and encourage partaking in only fanfiction and avoiding her altogether. ANYWAYS! When we tell you to, you can skip to 51:56 to miss all Marauders talk. Abigail has FINALLY read All the Young Dudes by the legendary MsKingBean89, and WE GOTTA TALK ABOUT IT. This is now a Wolfstar podcast, we will not be...

In today’s episode, we’re doing a deep dive into one of our FAVORITE playthings from childhood—American Girl Dolls and their accompanying books. Joined by very special guest and leading American Girl expert Emma Wright, we’re revisiting the stories that shaped our childhood. Today, we’re revisiting Kit and Addy’s stories, plus a brief mention of Dolls of Our Lives, another book.  For more about th...

Did you know that Stephanie Meyer wrote a gender-swapped Twilight book for the 10-year anniversary of Twilight? Are you looking for your next summer read that will start to make you question what you ever saw in this godforsaken book series in the first place?? Look no further babes, it's Life and Death, Twilight Reimagined! When we say there is fanfiction better than most books, this is the...

We are back with our third (AND FINAL) installment in our Harry Potter Deep Dive. Did we intend for this to be a full and lengthy three parts? Clearly not. However, it was fun, unhinged, and chaotic in the best ways. Listen to this deep dive where we're covering books five, six, and seven. Emily tries to be normal about Sirius and Remus, and chicken-wing Voldemort makes a long-awaited reappea...

In the second installment of our Harry Potter deep dive, we're covering Prisoner of Azkaban and Goblet of Fire. Did we assure you we could wrap this series up in two parts? Yes. Did we fail miserably? Also yes. As a reminder, we're raising money for the Trevor Project as long as this series continues. Donate at this link to enter for a chance to win the rights to pick a book for us to di...

Major Disclaimer: This podcast and its hosts do not in any way, shape, or form endorse or support or agree with JKR and her awful, transphobic viewpoints. We encourage you to avoid supporting her financially or in any other way. All June, we are raising funds for The Trevor Project in honor of Pride Month. Consider donating at this link! For part one of this deep dive, we're discussing backgr...

For today's episode, we're sharing our summer reading bucket lists, filled with exciting new releases like "The Guncle Abroad" by Steven Rowley, envisioning perfect reading spots from beachside getaways to cozy backyard hammocks. With plans for a season filled with adventure, relaxation, and great books, we capture the whimsical spirit of summer through our cherished memories a...

For today's episode, we read Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn and watched part one of Bridgerton Season 3. We're comparing the book to the tv show, and discussing our  many  feelings about Collin and Penelope. Plus, recent reads All The Young Dudes by MsKingBean89 and How to Fall Out of Love Madly by Jana Casale . Follow us on IG at @readirectpodcast .

Today we're convening our Book Club for a deep discussion on Emily Henry's newest release, Funny Story ! Join us for a discussion of the key plot points, the characters, and find out where we rank this book in the Emily Henry universe. You will feel like you're chatting with your friends about this book, so join in on the conversation with today's episode! Plus, Emily's re...

Join us today for a little wine and cheese pairing, if you will. That's right, we're picking out some of our favorite books and pairing them up with the perfect companion Taylor Swift song and lyrics. Books Mentioned:  Circe by Madeline Miller The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Don't Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma Al...

For today's episode, we are swapping reads that challenge our literary comfort zones. Emily chose One Day by David Nicholls for Abigail to read, and Abigail selected Heartsopper, vol. 1 by Alice Oseman for Emily to read. We're sharing our thoughts, FEELINGS, expectations, and recommendations after reading each other's chosen books.  In addition, we're recommending recent reads...

Today, we're inviting you along for an intimate book club discussion that's all about our recent book goals.  We're talking about the following books... Bride by Ali Hazelwood The Wallflower Series Chain-Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah And exciting upcoming relesaes... The Guncle Abroad The Paradise Problem  One of Us Knows Funny Story by Emily Henry  (Join us for book cl...

Today, we're revisiting a childhood favorite, " The Boxcar Children " by Gertrude Chandler Warner.  Diving into the historical context surrounding the tale's publication, we discuss the stark differences between the 1924 original and the 1942 revision, revealing how time can color a story's message. Take the Personality Quiz ! Explore the Boxcar Children Cookbook (someone...

Crack open the pages of controversy with us as we venture through the tangled web of banned and challenged books.  Today, we're drafting our team of banned books, each picking three books we love that are frequently banned or challenged. Join us and discover how these books are more than just stories; they're crucial conversations on racism, marginalized communities, and the raw truths o...

Join us as we sit down with debut-author Jason Kirk, whose novel " Hell is a World Without You " paints a visceral portrait of life growing up in the grip of Southern evangelical culture. Whether or not your story follows a similar path to main-character Isaac's, we think you'll find something to relate to in this novel. Join us as we sit down for an interview with the author!...