What You Should Read

Send a text Hi, Should-Heads! We're here with an unfortunate episode. We're not reading the way we should and we're trying to get that back. We're discussing the things that have worked for us in the past and what new ideas we may try. If you've got any ideas, please text us (the link is here in the notes!). We'll also happily take any book recommendations. Twitter an...

Send a text Should-Heads, this is probably going to be a dangerous episode for you to listen to. First, our favorite reading enthusiast Kathy Coe is back, so automatically, you know it'll be fun. We've got a list of the best books we've read so far this year and the five books we're each most excited to read before Labor Day.   LINKS MENTIONED:   AI Summer Reading   AI Prompt i...

Send a text We can't believe it, Should-Heads, but our podcast is five years old! We discuss our favorite episodes and guests, plus goals of where we would like to go from here. We've also got very fun stories about Julia, forever our Kristy Thomas.    LINKS MENTIONED:   Baltimore convention goes very wrong   Judy Blume's novel Forever... is on Netflix now   New Thursday Next novel!...

Send a text You Should Read: Stephen King! (With special guest Mom of the Pod Becky Hall)!   Should-Heads, our favorite mom is back to discuss Stephen King! We've got great recommendations for you and no matter your comfort level with horror, there are a handful of stories you'll love without losing any sleep.   Links mentioned:   John Lithgow Open letter asking him to quit   Boleyn Trai...

Send a text Hello, Should-Heads! We had such a great time with this episode a few weeks back that we decided to make it a regular feature. Our friend Kathy came back to help us choose what our next reads should be and we discuss how this experiment went last time.    Also, you can text the podcast now! There's a link in each episode's show notes. Feel free to request our help or to give...

Send a text Should-Heads, we’ve talked about doing starter kit episodes for years but we’re finally doing it! Every starter kit episode will feature at least one but usually two authors with extensive backlists and we’ll help you figure out where to start.  Links mentioned: The Testaments: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/handmaids-tale-sequel-the-testaments-hulu-cast-1236353125/#:~:text=%E2%80%9C...

Send a text As you know, we’re very in love with books…but we’re also in love with TV and movies. When we find a fictional place that feels like home, sometimes we find additional stories that let us stay there a bit longer. Our friend Amanda stops by to discuss her favorite fanfic stories.  Links: Independent Bookstore Day catalog https://www.bookweb.org/independent-bookstore-day-2025-exclusives-...

Send a text Hello, Should-Heads! We're giant fans of the Book of the Month Club and we've been subscribers for years. Mom of the Pod Becky comes on and we discuss our favorite picks and the ones we hope to get to soon.   Book News:  Tori Woods and Daddy's Little Toy And there's an update! She was arrested. For Fun! Mom's Advent Calendar Minisode Episode Twitter and Instagr...

Send a text You Should Read: All the Book News! (a minisode)   Should-Heads, you wouldn't believe what's going on these days. There's so much book news that we needed a special episode just to break it all down. (And as a bonus, Rachael and Kelly give an update on how their reading resolutions are going.)   STORIES MENTIONED:   Roxane Gay's book list   Louise Penny     Romance...

Send a text We’re not sure if there’s ever been a time when Rachael, Kelly AND our guest host Kathy have all been unsure of what to read next. Fortunately, we’re better at choosing for other people… Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast

Send a text Hi, Should-Heads! Kindred Spirit of the Pod Bekki joins us to discuss books about friendship. We examine the differences between friendship and found family and, of course, a lot of book recs. Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast

Send a text Welcome back Should-Heads! Today we are joined by Dr. Sherna Ann Phillips to discuss more books by Black Authors! This time we are focusing on books that highlight different types of Love. Enjoy! Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast

Send a text Should-Heads, this episode will take you on quite a journey. AI has been increasingly prevalent and controversial of late, and so we talked to author Martha Brockenbrough about what all this means and what, if anything, can be done.  Links mentioned: No more blurbs: https://lithub.com/in-a-dazzling-move-simon-schuster-is-dropping-their-blurbs-requirement/ Author apologizes for AI gaffe...

Send a text We’ve got a confession, Should-Heads. We’re not perfect. Our friend Christa joined us to discuss our bad book habits. We listen and we don’t judge (mostly). Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast

Send a text Should-Heads, have you ever wondered what’s wrong with Kelly? (It’s okay; she wonders too.) This episode answers that question. DISCLAIMER: Please forgive our sound and editing mishaps this episode - we were having some technical difficulties. We love you, Should-heads! Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast

Send a text Well, Should-Heads, we’re finally doing our last Zodiac recommendations, so if you’re a Taurus, Leo or Aquarius, you’ll want to take some notes.  Links mentioned: Neil Gaiman. Vulture posted an article where they spoke with four of the five women who have accused Neil Gaiman of sexually assaulting them. The article is explicit in spelling out their accusations. https://www.vulture.com/...

Send a text Should-Heads, you know how much we love pop culture. It’s probably our favorite thing (except for books, obviously). Our friend Kristine came back to discuss our favorite books centering around pop culture (both nonfiction and fiction and dealing with any facet of pop culture). Links mentioned:  Emily Henry’s Having a Moment Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast

Send a text We hate to admit this, Should-Heads, but we can’t read everything. Today, Rachael and Kelly are joined by their friend Amanda to discuss the books they haven’t read. What are some of your overdue books? Links Mentioned: Fable controversy Fable site Bookly Goodreads Storygraph Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast

Send a text Welcome back, and today we have a very special episode. One year ago today, we lost our beloved cohost/sister/friend Julia. Today we have just a few of her many loved ones on to talk about some bookish memories in her honor. Please enjoy this trip down memory lane with us.  Side note: We recorded these about 8 months ago so keep that in mind our grief was very fresh and the topics get...

Send a text Hey Should Heads! Welcome back. Today we are joined by our tastemaker of the pod, Kathy Coe! Kathy is here to help us discuss the books we are most excited to see released in 2025! You won't want to miss this one.  Follow Kathy @glassofwine81 on social media! Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast

Send a text We're back again, Should-Heads! We're so excited to get back into the swing of podcasting. Kelly and Rachael return with this one-on-one discussion of our bookish highlights of the year and discuss our hopes for continuing this podcast in the future.  Stay tuned for more episode, we have some great plans for you all! And Happy New Year!!! Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast

Send a text Hi, Should-Heads! We're very excited to share some upcoming spring releases with you. As always, we're joined by Kathy Coe, who always knows about the best ones.   Book News:   People continue to challenge Nora Roberts   The Thought of You movie sounds amazing   Our most anticipated spring reads:   Kathy: Missing White Woman (Kellye Garrett), Honey (Isabel Banta), The One Who...

Send a text Hello, Should-Heads. It’s been a while and we’re happy to be back. We missed you! We’ve got horrible news first, though. Julia, our cohost, passed away in January. We needed to take some time to honor her and also decide to do with the show. We’ve got some answers for you. Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcast

Send a text It’s the holiday season, Should-Heads! Here are the books we’re most grateful for.  LINKS: P!nk Donates Banned Books in Florida: https://www.npr.org/2023/11/16/1213317663/pink-gives-away-2-000-banned-books-at-florida-concerts BOOKS MENTIONED: Julia: Big Summer (Jennifer Weiner), Everything Happens For a Reason: And other Lies I've Loved (Kate Bowler) and Fangirl (Rainbow Rowell) K...

Send a text Hi, Should-Heads! We're back and what better topic to return with than the memoir that everyone's talking about? Kendell joins us to discuss who's the biggest villain in the story and the things that surprised us most. Major spoiler alerts for this one!   BOOK NEWS LINKS:    LeVar Burton Hosts the National Book Awards   Scholastic and Diverse Books   Millie Bobby Brown a...