I'd Read That!

Yadriel just wants his family's magic to recognize him as the brujo he is — instead, he summons the wrong ghost. This week: the world-building of Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas — traditions, family, and magic tied to gender (brujos summon, brujas heal) — plus the relationship at its heart: Yadriel and Julian. Yadriel solo quiere que la magia de su familia lo reconozca como el brujo que es — en...

What makes a villain truly unforgettable? In this episode, we explore the psychology of storytelling by mapping out the most compelling villain archetypes and character tropes in literature using the Enneagram personality framework . We break down the core fears and motivations of the nine different Enneagram types, matching them up against our favorite fictional antagonists, literary antiheroes,...

We are broadcasting live from the NWA Book Fest Kids event in Springdale, Arkansas! In this quick bonus episode, we interview a lineup of brilliant local children's authors about their new books, their writing journeys, and what inspires them to create engaging stories for young readers. If you want to support independent creators and discover amazing new kid-lit from the Northwest Arkansas l...

Welcome to our special Children's Literature Episode ! Today we dive deep into the world of picture books, storytelling for kids, and graphic novels. We are joined by two incredible special guests: award-winning author and illustrator Zeke Peña , and Ryan from Fayetteville's own independent children's bookstore, Dad Suggests . What we thought would be a simple conversation about kid...

Hey, hey! In this episode, we’re celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with a few incredible books from Asian American authors. We’re talking fantasy, thrillers, literary fiction, and horror. What can I say, we have genre types. Non-Book Things More time to enjoy - Liz Lawn is looking better - Jerry Book Things: Dear Debbie by Frieda McFadden Come Closer by Sara Gran Books Mentioned: Jade City Trilogy b...

Happy Mother's Day to all you special moms out there! Non-Book Things: Noah Kahan Hacks - Season 5 Books Mentioned: Open Throat by Henry Hoke My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney Mother's Day Books Send us Fan Mail Thanks so much for listening to I’d Read That ! As a Bookshop.org affiliate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the links, which directly supp...

This episode celebrates the "auto-buy" authors; the writers whose names alone are enough to make us hit the pre-order button. Whether it’s sweeping historical drama, sharp-witted romance, or haunting atmosphere, these four authors have our full attention! Non-Book Thing Paradise Home Labbing Books Mentioned Buttermilk Graffiti by Edward Lee The God of the Woods by Liz Moore Authors We Lo...

It’s a horror-heavy episode today. We’re looking at the Bram Stoker nominees, revisiting some classics from the ever-pleasant Stephen Graham Jones, and going deep on Wendy Wagner’s Girl in the Creek . That last one is for all the 'moist' fans in the audience. You're welcome! Pronounced Bram or Bram? Bram Stoker 2025 Nominees Bram Stoker 2024 Awards Show Non-Book Things: Something Ve...

Welcome to the book club! Today we dive into a full book review and discussion of the bizarre, delightful speculative fiction novel, Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino . It's a coming-of-age story with a surreal, 'is this really happening' vibe... Also, Liz discusses her love affair with Below Deck. Non-Book Things: Below Deck: Down Under - Season 4 Reading the Greens: Fayetteville...

Set a book number goal this year and already feel behind? That goal might be working against you. In this episode, we're exploring non-numerical reading goals that are low-stress, fun, and way better at helping newer readers build a real, lasting habit. Come read with us. Non-book Favorites Survivor Season 50 NCAA March Madness  Books Mentioned: Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward The Wager:...

In this episode, we’re sharing what we’re excited to read in 2026. It’s a very normal, very balanced list; starting with the horrors of a Japanese home, sliding into the horrors of Colorado, and then skipping over to the horrors of Oakland. Ok…so we’re clearly thriving. Along with our non-book obsessions, I’m beginning to sense a theme. Join us as we preview upcoming releases that are ready to abs...

Hockey romance didn’t just arrive, it checked us into the boards. We’re breaking down Heated Rivalry , the rivals-to-lovers obsession on ice, and our favorite read-alikes to try next if you just can't get enough of these fire on ice passions! Non-Book Things 2026 Winter Olympics Book Things The Re-Do List by Denise Williams A Mad Called Ove by Fredrick Backman Book Club Pick Beautyland by Mar...

In this absolutely special live episode,  we’re joined by science fiction and fantasy author Marina Lostetter and horror and supernatural author John Hornor Jacobs . Together, we explore how genre becomes a storytelling lens and how science fiction and horror use different tools to examine fear, identity, and what it means to be human. Authors  John Hornor Jacobs Marina Lostetter Books Mentioned T...

Did you think we were done after our Top 10? Not so fast, my friend. Some books demand special recognition, and that calls for an awards show. This episode is dedicated to our most delightfully specific favorites of the year. From dream adaptations to the questionably horny , these are the books that stood out for all the right (and very specific) reasons. Join us as we roll out the red carpet one...

It's time to wrap up 2025 with our Top 10 of 2025! We've been saying for quite some time that this has been one of our best reading years ever, and our lists reflect that. We laugh, cry, agonize over our list, so why don't you join us in the same!! Best Non-Book Things Physical: Asia Andor Season 2 Annie Bot Playlist Honorable Mentions Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green Demon...

In this episode, we take a look at the “Read Your Color” framework and what it says about our reading habits. We dig into how different color profiles shape the kinds of stories people connect with, why certain books grab us right away, and how knowing your color can make choosing your next read a lot easier.  Non Book Thing The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Steve Books Mentioned Our Wives Under th...

It is a truth universally acknowledged that one brilliant opening sentence can ruin your sleep schedule. Join us in this episode as we gush about why first lines are so potent, how they cast their spell within seconds, and which recent ones are our current favorites! Non-Book Things Turkey Pastry Asia Phsical 100 Book Things A Sorceress Comes to Call by T Kingfisher Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley Boo...

It's our latest book club discussion, Slewffot: A Tale of Bewitchery. This spoiler-filled discussion lets us dive into the rich world that's part of our history. Connecticut, 1666: An ancient spirit awakens in a dark wood. The wildfolk call him Father, slayer, protector. The colonists call him Slewfoot, demon, devil. To Abitha, a recently widowed outcast, alone and vulnerable in her piou...

In this episode, we discuss books that don't fit into one genre box neatly. We delved into novels that add a twist to familiar stories; horror that becomes healing, sci-fi that becomes terrifying, and fantasy with real-world emotional stakes. Non-Book Things Below Deck Mediterranean Peacemaker Season 2 Books Mentioned Play Nice by Rachel Harrison The Sentence by Louise Erdrich Genre Bending B...

It's time to reveal how Jerry handled his Spicy Romance Challenge. There were laughs, tears, pearl clutching; it's all here and more! Non-Book Things Alice in Borderland More Lawn Work! Book Things Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green Absolutely No Thoughts of Pounding During My Fun Day with This Kind T-Rex Because I'm Aromantic and Asexual and That's a Wonderfully Valid Wa...

 This week, we're doing a deep dive into seven essential short story collections. We cover books that span the entire emotional spectrum: from Argentine gothic horror and Korean surrealism to sharp American satire and the most swoon-worthy love stories you've ever read. If you only listen to one episode about short stories, make it this one!  Non-Book Things 3rd Annual Ostomy Race for Aw...

Gang, what a special episode for all this go round. We're celebrating our 50th episode! In honor of that, we are revisiting our first episode where we discuss our Mt. Rushmore of books...and there have been changes! Find out what they are and drop a note via email or on our Substack. Non-Book Things TruFru Snacks Jerry's Lawn Irish Works: Episode 39 Book Things The Possession of Alba Dia...

In this episode, we let ourselves gush over all things Riley Sager—the twists, the thrills, the atmosphere, and why his books are such addictive reads. From favorite characters to unforgettable reveals, we dig into what makes Sager’s work so compulsively bingeable and why we can’t stop coming back for more. Non Book Things America's Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys Alien: Earth Books Mention...

It's hot. So hot. July is a good time to reflect on 2025 so far and share some thoughts about how our reading journey is progressing.  Spoiler Alert, it's going great! What are your favorite reads so far in 2025? Non-Book Things The Bear - Season 4 Trailer Summer 5K Training Book Things Hungerstone by Kat Dunn The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohammed Mid-Year Highlights The Art Thief...

In this special episode, we explore the Enneagram through the lens of literature —matching all 9 personality types with unforgettable characters and storylines that reflect their deepest motivations, struggles, and growth arcs. Whether you're a loyal Type 6, a passionate Type 4, or a driven Type 3, there’s a book on this list that will feel like it was written for you . Non Book Things: Lorde...