The Menuscript

The “main course” of the deep dive. In this penultimate episode, Emily and I are back in the kitchen covering chapters 24-31. A lot of major plot points in this chapter stretch, but more questions arise. Tune in for discussion, theorizing, and the random unhinged tidbits that always seem to pop into the deep dive episodes. Liking these episodes? Suggestions for other books to cover? Let me know! F...

Hazel is making deals, cutting bodies open, and still finding some time for romance! You get to find out all about it because Emily and I are back with the third installation of the Anatomy deep dive. This episode covers chapters 16-23 of the book. Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mouth-watering meals I make to accompany t...

Join Emily and Rachel for the next chapter section in Anatomy, where we're covering chapters 8-15. Hazel makes some bold moves, Jack loses his job, and the Roman fever continues to spread. More details, discussions, and sandwich making awaits in this second deep dive episode! Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mouth-watering...

Welcome to the first episode of a multi-course serving on Anatomy by Dana Schwartz. I’m joined by fellow reader, Emily, to break down this amazing story. Emily has read the whole book, I haven’t! This book club style podcast features lots of laughter, theories, and predictions. And, of course, some food. Feast with us on the prologue through chapter 7! Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with a...

This month I traveled to St. Louis, MO to attend Enchanticon. This three-day convention was packed with panels, discussions, activities, and more all to celebrate fandoms of all sorts of fantasy books, games, and shows. It was a magical experience and this episode covers the highlights. Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mou...

Houston, we have a podcast! Wrapping up Season 3 with an appetizer on a book that’s sure to take you out of this world. I team up with a fellow reader and podcaster to discuss Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere . Buckle up and let’s blast off! Recipe: You will need: a 3lb pork shoulder, salt and pepper to taste, a tsp of chili powder, a tsp of garlic powder, a cup of barbeque sauce, a Tbsp of apple...

What time is it? Summertime! Enjoy days by the pool/lake/ocean, road trips, trips traveled to by plane, barbeques, picnics, all the things. Whatever you do, be sure to bring along some summer reads. What is a summer read? Find out in the July bonus episode. Recipe: A southwestern inspired mac and cheese. You will need a box of mac and cheese (whatever brand is your favorite, I like Annie’s four-ch...

When you’re at the bookstore, library, or browsing your personal collection it can be hard to pick a book. So, why choose? Get as many as you want (or can reasonably afford) and eventually you’ll read them all! Why choose is the type of romance trope featured in this episode’s book, The Never List . Featuring Con and Lauren of the incredible Between Pages and Friends podcast, pull up a chair for s...

Have you ever walked down the street and smelled something absolutely scrumptious cooking? Have you ever walked into a bookstore or library and saw a book that jumped out right away? We get both of those things with Pomegranate Soup ! Join me and a guest, Marissa, to discuss this beautiful book about love, acceptance, culture, and food. Recipe: For the pomegranate soup you’ll need a large chopped...

Run to the kitchen for a snack and then to the bookstore! Have you ever wondered what is going through someone’s head as they’re running? Maybe you just think they’re insane, or you start thinking about all the things you think about when running. Haruki Murakami decided to write a book about what he talks about when he talks about running and runners everywhere have read it, including yours truly...

Flying through 2025! Can you believe the year is halfway over? In this episode I recap some of my 5-Star reads from the first half of 2025, check in on reading goals, and share some titles I’m looking forward to in the coming months. To hear about Dark Maestro and other books by Brendan Sloccumb, check out this episode . Another top read from the first half of 2025 was By Any Other Name by Jodi Pi...

Justice is served! Or is it? Serving up a supreme episode on the Supreme Court and the book Lawless by Leah Litman. A law professor and podcaster herself, Litman knows how to dish out the dirt on the Court, and to tell us when it has been spoiled.  Order Lawless here. Want to hear more from Leah and her co-hosts? Check out Strict Scrutiny ! Recipe: You will need pasta (thinner pastas like spa...

Thinking critically, reading books, loving magic. I solemnly swear that I am serving up something good! Or at least trying my best. Join me and Professor Julian Wamble to return to Hogwarts for Harry’s third year. We recap the book and deep dive into the magical world. What’s your Patronus? Should Muggle Studies be required? Was the movie good? All this and more! Recipe: Bake some chocolate chip c...

Reading and writing may be done solo but they give us so many ways to form communities. Bookclubs, podcasts, BookTok, sending memes, poetry readings, the list goes on. Us word nerds have to connect! This month’s bonus episode features Erica, a cultivator of the literary community in a Wisconsin town.  Check out Lake Literary Center and all the great things they are doing! Follow me on Instagr...

Twice the tributes, just as much dystopia. Happy Hunger Games! 24 years before our beloved Katniss and Peeta enter the arena, District 12 had another victor: Haymitch. We finally get the story of Haymitch’s games and it did not disappoint! Such an amazing prequel, the perfect first course to the original series.  Recipe: Mushroom goat cheese tarts! Here is what you’ll need: half a sheet of pu...

Words flow together to form a book the way music notes come together to create a symphony, and no one knows this better than bestselling author Brendan Slocomb! He is an educator, musician, and author and he was kind enough to join me in the kitchen. Want to learn more about, or order Brendan’s books? Follow this link to his website. Violin Conspiracy playlist Dark Maestro playlist Follow me on In...

April showers bring bonus podcasts! Close out the month with a nod to the NFL draft and some of our favorite male main characters from beloved fantasy books. Don't know football? No problem! Don't know books? No problem! Don't know nothing? You're welcome here, Jon Snow. Follow me on Instagram here to keep up with all the latest updates and reviews of what I am reading, and the mouth-watering meal...

What’s in a name? In this episode (occurrence, event, happening, installment, etc.) Rachel serves up an appetizer on “By Any Other Name” by Jodi Piccoult. This spellbinding book explores theories that Shakespeare did not write his own plays, at the same time following a modern playwright working to stage her first play. Woven together as only a master like Piccoult can, this book will have you fle...

Welcome to Rome! No, not that Rome. Rome, Kentucky. Home of the Walker family and their love interests. Each book in this adorable comedic series tells the story of a different sibling and their journey to their soulmate. Funny, awkward, relatable, all the things - these books will both satisfy your craving for a cute story while leaving you hungry for more happenings in this charming small town....

One last episode before the season break. Feeling anxious? Too much doom spiraling? Would you define yourself as a chronic overthinker? Joseph Nguyen’s book helps you break out of those mental traps and move towards a calmer mental state. It’s a quick read with lots of great strategies to try and things to consider. Recipe: Today’s recipe is not a meal so much as a little meal prep. It’s slow cook...

Sick of politics? So is Nate Campbell. This debut novel by Sarah Razner follows Nate, the a member of an American family political dynasty who would like nothing more than to get as far away from the legacy as possible. Sarah herself joins me in the kitchen to talk about her book and the writing process behind it. Recipe: Sarah shared a great mac n’ cheese recipe with us to honor Nate’s love of co...

Need a cute, feel-good fun read? Look no further than the wide array of novels by Christina Lauren. This charming author duo provides a buffet of palatable books that are sure to make you smile. Let’s dish it out! Recipe: This dish is my go-to for any potluck or gathering during the fall and winter months. It’s so easy to throw together, tastes delicious, and, as previously mentioned, is so colorf...

We’ve made it to the end of January and we’ve (mostly) weathered the Onyx Storm. What a book! As we settle in to wait for Book 4 the theorizing and discussions abound. I’m joined by fellow reader and author Dominique del Calzo to discuss some of our initial thoughts and things we loved about this outstanding installment of the Empyrean series. Link to Dominique’s books . Follow me on Instagram her...

Books as hot as dragon fire! Thousands of readers took flight with Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing in spring of 2023 and eagerly devoured the sequel, Iron Flame , in November of 2023. Since then we’ve been rereading, theorizing, discussing, and counting down the days until the release of Book Three. And today is the day! Onyx Storm is here!! But, before the storm rolls in, let’s look back at the first...

Ready to kick of 2025 with a thrill? Look no farther than The Butterfly Garden . This isn’t your usual stroll through a peaceful garden surrounded by butterflies. Join the FBI agents to question the survivor of horrific crimes as she walks us through her experiences with a kidnapper/serial killer. Happy New Year! Recipe: You will need a cup and a half to two cups of diced ham, 2 carrots, 2 or 3 st...