Just Plane Books Podcast

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!

LaDonna and Jolene bring a few surprises to you this week, as they review Patrick Ryan's multigenerational novel Buckeye.  This book tells the moving story of two midwestern families who are inextricably intertwined after a brief indiscretion.  One of our hosts is brought to tears during the discussion, the other awards the book a perfect five stars! We suggest you pick up this bestselling tome an...

Our hosts have similar thoughts about this new - and somewhat controversial - novel by Woody Brown.  Set in an adult daycare called Upward Bound, this story sparks emotions on every level.  You won't want to miss this episode.  But be warned!  After listening, you will want to visit your local bookstore to grab this one for yourself!  

Have you ever wanted a Do-Over?  Alfie, the main character in Twice has the power to do exactly that.  This week, LaDonna and Jolene discuss the advantages and heartbreak of using this gift, especially when it comes to love.  Our hosts are both Mitch Albom fans, and after you join this week's discussion, you will likely be too!  

Join LaDonna and Jolene this week as they learn about orphans in post-World War II Germany.  Keeper of Lost Children explores the challenge of mixed-race babies in the 1940s and 50s, telling the complicated and emotional stories of three people whose lives were defined by it. Our hosts are - for the most part - on the same page on this one.  Don't miss it! 

Did you ever consider visiting the Panama Canal? This week, LaDonna and Jolene discuss this rich novel of historical fiction set in the early 20th century.  The creation of this Wonder of the Modern World serves as the backdrop for this story, and our hosts are here for it!  You won't want to miss the discussion, and you won't want to miss the book!  

Join LaDonna and Jolene this week as they discuss their first mystery thriller novel on the podcast!  John Grisham's latest bestseller is the topic of conversation today, and while they come to a similar rating, they have very different opinions about the characters in the book.  What do you think?  Let us know anytime, here at Podbean, or drop us a note at Justplanebooks@gmail.com!   We want to h...

Imagine if Cinderella's evil stepmother wasn't so evil after all!  This week, LaDonna and Jolene discuss the entertainment quality and themes in Rachel Hochhauser's debut novel Lady Tremaine, which tells the iconic fairy tale from a different and creative perspective.  You will want to join the ladies in the airplane to find out how they feel about this fresh take on a very old story!

LaDonna and Jolene are mostly on the same page this week as they discuss the merits and challenges of this celebrated Sci-Fi novel by Andy Weir.  They explore the themes represented in the book and highlight the performance by narrator Ray Porter.  If you are on the fence about picking up this book, this week's episode might just settle things for you!  You won't want to miss today's flight! 

This week on Just Plane Books, LaDonna and Jolene discuss the latest novel by "Snow Falling on Cedars" author, David Guterson.   Join them as they work through a complex story set on two continents in two different timelines.  Would you allow your child to be raised by Buddhist Lamas who claim he is reincarnated?  Evelyn, the intriguing main character of this novel, must decide!  

Things heat up in the hangar as LaDonna and Jolene disagree about the merits of this week's book selection.  Allen Levi would be surprised to learn that his debut novel Theo of Golden sparked such a debate in the airplane.  You won't want to miss this episode and discover who is a fan, and who is not impressed by this book.  (Spoiler alert!  LaDonna and Jolene emerge as friends!)

LaDonna and Jolene don't exactly see eye to eye on this week's episode as they dig into this dark novel by Wally Lamb.  Join them as they discuss themes of loss, guilt, forgiveness and healing amid the difficult backdrop of the American prison system.  If tough, emotional stories are your thing, this might be the book for you.  Take a listen and find out!  

LaDonna and Jolene have differing opinions about this one!  You'll want to listen in as they discuss this 1960s-era novel about the members of a suburban book club as they analyze the controversial and groundbreaking book "The Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan.  Is this your kind of book?  Listen in and decide for yourself!

LaDonna and Jolene join a zookeeper and a dustbowl boy as they transport two giraffes from hurricane-ravaged New York Harbor to the San Diego Zoo.  You will want to come along as your hosts discuss the touching themes and "old-timey" language of this delightful story set in 1938.  If you like good historical fiction or you are looking for your next book club selection, this week's episode is just...

LaDonna and Jolene explore a new genre today!  Climb aboard the Cessna to hear what they have to say about the Historical Mystery Novel Homecoming.  They will discuss dual timelines, suspense and surprise endings.  You won't want to miss this flight!

LaDonna and Jolene join you once again from the Cessna, to discuss The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, a 2018 novel by Robert Dugoni.  Don't miss the conversation as they sift through themes of friendship, faith, bullies and taking power too far.  If you like a good underdog story, this is the episode for you!

Don't miss out on this week's episode, as LaDonna and Jolene discuss having regrets, changing the past and other themes included in the Midnight Library by Matt Haig.  Once again, the ladies take you on a journey, this time to talk about what you might do differently if you had the chance. 

In this week's episode, LaDonna and Jolene discuss the relationship between love and grief, and whether or not they would take part in a hypothetical and controversial treatment to alleviate the pain of loss. Hop on board to listen in on the conversation as they review the 2025 bestselling novel "The Poppy Fields" by Nikki Erlick.