Just Plane Books Podcast

Have you ever considered hiking the Appalachian Trail? How about the Pacific Crest Trail? Would you be brave enough to go it alone? The suspense novel LaDonna and Jolene bring to you this week features a through hiker on the AT and her mysterious disappearance. One of your hosts loves the experience...the other, not so much! Listen along and decide with whom you agree! Either way, you are not goin...

Do you follow the instructions on your shampoo bottle?  Do you actually REPEAT?  If so, you may notice that a good lather is easily achieved the second time around.  The same might be true with relationships! This clever metaphor sets the stage for this week's novel, a story your hosts classify as a "beach read" and are not overly enthusiastic about.   Join in the discussion and let us know what Y...

Every crime has multiple perspectives.... you could even call them Elements.  John Boyne tells the stories of four heinous acts, from the viewpoints of Enabler, Accomplice, Perpetrator and Victim in four novellas tied cleverly together in one creative novel.  Join LaDonna and Jolene as they dig in and contemplate the relationships and roles in each separate tale - Water, Earth, Fire and Air.  They...

LaDonna and Jolene have a love/hate relationship with the "Oprah Book Club" selections.  John of John is on Oprah's list!  Do they agree with her this time?  Join them on Just Plane Books as they compare their opinions of this story set in a remote island village in Scotland.  John and Cal, father and son, took them on quite a journey this week, and they invite you to join them for the discussion....

This week, LaDonna and Jolene explore the complexities of romantic and familial relationships as they discuss the merits of The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff.  Was there some cheese involved?  Well, MAYBE, but there may also have been moments of profound insight and relatable character development.  It was a collective thumbs up for this novel - the second by Damoff - so you'll want to listen in to...

Imagine emigrating from your country to start a new life...but with only one of your two children. Could you do it?  Would you do it? LaDonna and Jolene hash over what that must have been like for our author's mother, as they review Keeper of My Kin in this week's episode of Just Plane Books.  It is their first dive into a memoir on the podcast, but it won't likely be their last.   What do you thi...

Do you carry guilt about something that happened to you as a child?  Did you connect with an adult early on who made a difference to you, but who did not remain in your life?   In this week's episode, LaDonna and Jolene discuss many aspects of Whistler that they find relatable!  If you have childhood questions, if you love Ann Patchett, if you enjoy Just Plane Books... this book might be for you,...

What causes us to take one path, and not another?  How can two people who were raised together end up living lives that are completely different from one another? What does family actually mean?  Tayari Jones explores these questions and so many more in her latest novel, Kin.  LaDonna and Jolene are here to talk about their opinions, their own experiences and their take on this Oprah Book Club Nov...

Have you ever thought about how maps are made?  How about how they were made nearly 200 years ago! Join LaDonna and Jolene as they explore the story of a map maker and his family in Maggie O'Farrell's latest novel, Land.  Set in Ireland in the 1850's on the heels of the Great Potato Famine, this book is part historical fiction, part mysticism, part family saga.  The story leaves an impression on b...

If you wondered what Kathryn Stockett has been up to since she published The Help, now you know!  She was creating a clever and profound book of historical fiction called the Calamity Club, and Just Plane Books brings you their opinion of this much anticipated tome.  LaDonna and Jolene agree - for the most part - about the real beauty of this story...but should it have been ONE book, or TWO?  Deci...

Can you imagine giving birth to an 18-pound baby?  Can you fathom navigating the world at nearly 9 feet tall?  If you want a little taste of what that might be like, grab Life and Death and Giants by Ron Rindo.  This enchanting novel tells the story of this very unique - and delightful - young man, through the eyes of the people who surround him in an Amish Wisconsin community.  You will want to j...

What more could you hope for...A famous artist, the South of France, young love?  This debut novel by Lucy Steeds brings you all of this and more.  You won't want to miss the discussion of this rich historical fiction novel.  LaDonna and Jolene agree that it's a winner...who will give this book a perfect score?  You'll have to listen to find out! 

LaDonna and Jolene cover another amusing and absurd story this week as they dig into Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash.  If you appreciate a quirky and creative sense of humor, this book might be right up your alley.  If you like books in general, and are looking for your next great read, this podcast will be just what you need!  

Imagine being among the first women in the country to go to space! That is where the main character of Atmosphere finds herself, right along with the love of her life.  Join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss their favorite - and not so favorite - parts of this book of historical fiction by Taylor Jenkins Reid.  Whether you've already read the book or are considering it...you won't want to miss th...

Don't you just love a good road trip story?  Join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss the beauty and sweetness of Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett.  This unlikely novel - as well as the performance by narrator Mark Bramhall - landed just right for both hosts.  You'll want to listen to the podcast, and you'll want to listen to the book! 

Imagine being deserted on a remote Canadian island with only primitive provisions. How long might you survive?   Join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss Marguerite de la Rocque and the incredible true story of her two-year banishment under just such circumstances.  The tale of her strength is beautifully told in Isola, the latest historical novel by Allegra Goodman.  You'll love the story and you'...

Do you like a good plot twist?  How about two?  Join LaDonna and Jolene as they fall in love with the title character of this delightfully touching novel and discuss the merits of the surprising turns in the story.  One of your hosts is here for them... the other, not as much.  You won't want to miss this book, and you won't want to miss this episode! 

Would you ever consider raising your family on a remote, untamed, Antarctic - sinking - island?  Join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss the Salt family's harrowing adventures in just such a place.  Mysteries are solved as the story unfolds in this dramatic, sometimes difficult novel by Australian author Charlotte McConaghy.  Don't miss the discussion! 

Join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss Yesteryear, a 2026 novel by political podcaster Caro Claire Burke.  What does this satire say to you about the role of social media and influencers on our society? Tradwife or Girl Boss? Maybe you can help us find clarity.  Enjoy the discussion! 

Just Plane Books, on a Wednesday? You got it!  You will not want to miss this rapid-fire list of books you really should add to your TBR pile!  LaDonna and Jolene each suggest 5 books that they found particularly interesting, entertaining, moving or just PLANE well-written.  If you need some new ideas, you need this episode!

Join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss this successful 2022 novel-turned-movie by Shelby Van Pelt.  Your hosts are on the same page regarding this delightful book and recommend that you experience this story one way or another!  Don't miss this fun episode!  

LaDonna and Jolene have never seen a book quite so differently as I Who Have Never Known Men.  For one, it's a favorite, for the other...quite the opposite.  If you like the idea of the Gen Z "Handmaid's Tale"; if you favor Sci-Fi and Speculative Fiction; if you don't have to have all the answers; this book might just be for you!  Either way, we are sure this episode will get you thinking!  You wo...

You won't want to miss this week's episode as LaDonna and Jolene discuss this hilariously entertaining story.  Phoebe Stone finds little to live for as we join her at the Cornwall Inn.  She checks in to find she is the only guest at the hotel who is NOT a guest at the very elaborate, week-long wedding taking place there.  The story leads Phoebe - and the bride - to examine their lives and face som...

Do you find yourself in caught between your young adult children and your aging parents?  You might just be a member of the Sandwich Generation...and you might just love this book!  LaDonna and Jolene can certainly relate to author Catherine Newman, and her main character, Rocky, as she navigates the wonderful and emotional world of a woman in her 50s. You won't want to miss this week's discussion...

Get ready for a tough conversation as LaDonna and Jolene dig into this unusual and celebrated novel set in World War I. While Angel Down, a Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction, is not everyone's cup of tea, it provides plenty of material to talk about.  Join us for the discussion and let us know what YOU think!  Drop us a line at justplanebooks@gmail.com!