JAM Podcasts & Audiobooks

Fun, yet clever books for college kids: Jen joined us again from Still North; and, Sam and Allie were still unable to be with us. But Jen, Kari, and Emma discussed great ideas to answer a question from Laura looking for great books for her kid in college. Their picks included, but were not limited to, The Idiot by Elif Batuman, Bunny by Mona Awad, Long Way To Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers,...

Some books that provide feminist rethinkings and revisionings of the hero cycle/”hero’s journey”, or said another way books that explore the heroine’s journey: We were joined by Allie for this episode, and bid a fond goodbye to Still North’s Jen, hoping to hear from her again soon. This question from Devon was interpreted widely by the group – Allie, Emma, and Kari (still no Sam). Their picks incl...

This episode was guided by a question from Shelf Help’s friend KJ, an author herself, who was looking for great books for her mom that feature protagonists who are older and not depressed about it. Her question led of course to the Thursday Murder Club mysteries by Richard Osman, and quickly veered away from those as KJ’s question specifically said don’t recommend those because her mom is not yet...

Shelf Help booksellers answer a question from Caleb –”some of my favorite books are ones with allusions to other literary works, like the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde. What other books like that series would the co-hosts recommend?” Recommendations included the unexpected – a picture book – A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers, as well as other novels the Wayward children series by Seanan M...

Kirsten asks, “My dilemma: Making time to read fiction as my thirst for knowledge/evidence increases with age.” The booksellers first challenged her assumption she should or has to read fiction, then came up with a pretty good list including books by Adrienne Brodeur, Jenny Odell, Ottessa Moshfegh, Lydia millet and Rumaan Alam. Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one...

Food becomes the main discussion in Episode 36 when Signe asks “Who’s the next Barefoot Contessa?” The booksellers agreed on the following – Ina Gratner still reigns and there is nothing wrong with sticking with her cookbooks. And, if you are looking for someone else they all landed on Alison Roman. Specific discussions of I Dream of Dinner (so you don’t have to) and Gesine Bullock-Prado’s latest...

Jenn’s question, “I would love to go on a European holiday soon, but I just can’t find the time or the money. What are some recommended memoirs or ‘travel fiction?'” was the starting point for Episode 37.  Kari mentioned the Bruno Chief of Police series based in France and American Gods, by Neil Gaiman. Allie suggested Lost Daughter, by Elena Ferrante and Tender is the Night, by F Scott Fitzg...

“ Horror Recs!” is all Maria Teresa wrote in her request, but our booksellers were incredibly excited to explore this relatively new category they are now using to shelve books in their stores.  And wow, did they come up with some fun books for Episode 37, after having a broad discussion about what makes a book a horror novel, and what sort of sub-genres are included (sporers, body horror). Some t...

This episode’s question came from Lisa F. and asked us to recommend “good YA book that spotlights an animal, but isn’t about animal abuse of heart wrenchingly sad.”  This was hard because many animal books are well … sad. and this amazing group still found some titles to recommend. These include Shady Hallow, Pax, Council of Animals , and The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl. Welcome to Shelf Help, a podc...

In this episode we discussed Dianne’s need for “some good humor books that are not romantic comedies of Janet Evanovich.” This led to a brief discussion about whether Janet Evanovich writes humor books. We came to no conclusion. Suggestions included anything by Eleanor Lipman including her latest Ms. Demeanor, anything by Jenny Lawson and Samantha Irby, and French Exit . We hope these leave everyo...

A request from Matt S. for “gay/queer romance novels” was met in Episode 41 with an extensive list from the booksellers, including when When Kate Met Cassidy, One Last Stop, Red White and Royal Blue (soon to be a movie), In At The Deep End, Ladies Guide to Celestial Mechanics, a Lady for a Duke, and all gay hockey books — which seems to be an extensive sub category of this genre.  Have fun with th...

is all about books that are “Informational but easy to digest” based on a question from Britt via Instagram.  Due to her busy schedule  – starting with owning a store and getting married in early July, Allie was unable to join us and sent Jen in her place. We were thrilled to welcome Jen again and wish Allie the best. Now the books. Jen opened with a recommendation for The Right to Sex . Emma foll...

This comment, “I LOOOOVED Cloud Cuckoo Land and Great Circle – need epic multi-POV novels” from Amanda via IG, led us into Episode 43.  Once again, Allie was unable to join us and sent Jen in her place. Kari started with God of Endings by Jacqueline Holland. Jen mentioned two classics, Dracula and Paradise Lost and a more recent title – The Dark Materials Series by Philip Pullman. Emma mentioned t...

A few people asked for “just a good summer read” – even if their names were lost in the ether before the booksellers could capture them on IG. This led Episode 44 to begin with a discussion about what makes a book a summer book. Ideas included: it’s about a road trip? it’s a paperback, it’s intense and engrossing and long because you finally have time for those books, or it’s light and breezy and...

Erin on IG asked for “some more queer books that aren’t romance or historical fiction”. This episode tackles this question Open Throat by Henry Hoake, Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White, Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby, and Cleanness by Garth Greenwell. Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questi...

Laura via IG says she “needs historical somewhat fictional adventure” and in this episode the booksellers delivered some great ideas. Emma discussed Hild and Menewood by Nicola Griffith. Jen, subbing for Allie, recommends Washington Black by Esi Edugyan and 100 Years of Solitude   to either read again or for the first time if you have not yet done so. And, Kari wants you to read Whalebone Theatre...

Episode 1 – In episode 1, we introduce each of the Shelf Help booksellers by asking each to review a book that best represents them. What results is a great list of books and some fun insight into the Shelf Help booksellers who will be recommending books on future episodes. Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely importan...

Aaron & Mathew, Burlington Dismas House residents, Aaron & Matthew, share the importance of supportive community, attempts at self medication, accessibility of substances on the dark web, and the Federal drug court system. Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model...

Drew Rockwell, Dismas of Vermont Board President, Drew Rockwell, shares his reflections on the evolution of an expanding organization.  Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing....

Molly, Marisa, Kevin, Two Dartmouth Students and Hartford Dismas House Council Members, Molly and Marisa, join in on a conversation with former resident, Kevin, and discuss his path to Dismas, personal growth since, and how we can all help to improve the Dismas community! Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One...

Kristi & Tim, Volunteer of the year recipient, Kristi, sits down for a conversation with Hartford Dismas House resident, Tim, about his experience and subtleties of the legal system. Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers...

Kathy Astemborski & Cherry Sullivan, Director of Women’s Services for the Vermont Department of Corrections, Kathy, joins Hartford Dismas House Council Member, Cherry, for a conversation about supervision in the community, addiction and trauma management, and the female experience in the correctional system. Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceratio...

Tom & Darby, Hartford Dismas House Director, Tom, shares the story of his own path to Dismas while resident, Darby, talks about what it was like moving the homeless population into motels during the Covid-19 pandemic, the value of a 12 step program, and what it was like growing up "on the other side of the tracks". Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women lea...

Sheena & Dee, Women's Dismas House Resident, Sheena, joins Committed Member, Dee, for a conversation about incarcerated women, job hunting with a record, and the incredible Rutland community! Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in wh...

Miranda, Shawn & Doug, After presenting to Hartford High School students weeks prior, Hartford Dismas House resident, Shawn, aims to recreate the experience with Hartford High School teacher, Doug, and his student, Miranda, in a two way street of valuable life lessons. Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. On...