Paperback Friends

Parable of the Sower left a massive impression on me, so I expected Parable of the Talents to hit just as hard. It didn't. At least... not in the way I expected. In this episode, we dive into Octavia E. Butler's final Earthseed novel, discussing why this sequel frustrated me, why I think its story is weaker than its predecessor, and how I eventually realized I had misunderstood what Butler...

Some books comfort us. Others challenge us. Some make us uncomfortable, and maybe that's exactly why they're worth reading. In this episode, we talk about why stepping outside your comfort zone as a reader can be one of the most rewarding things you do. From trying new genres to taking on books that ask more of you, I share my own experiences with difficult literature, why I used to avoid...

Life of Pi is one a beloved novels of the 21st century. It has sold millions of copies, won major awards, inspired a successful film adaptation, and continues to be recommended as a modern classic. So why did I spend most of my time with it feeling bored? In this episode, we dive into Yann Martel's famous survival story, following Pi Patel and Richard Parker across the Pacific Ocean as we try...

In this episode of Paperback Friends, I review Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. A squad of academy rejects, an ancient galactic threat, a girl lost in time, and enough banter to power a small moon. Aurora Rising is one of those books that constantly reminded me that I am probably not the target audience for this book. It full of overwritten banter, and enough dollar store humor to f...

Finally! We are reviewing The Alchemist. This one has been a long time coming, and considering how famous this book is, and what it did to new age; I felt it was only a matter of time before we got here. In this episode I break down why The Alchemist has connected with so many readers, why the writing is surprisingly competent; even if its philosophies leaves me largely unconvinced. I love when a...

We got a big one this week, we are tackling none other than Octavia E. Butler's Parable of the Sower. This book has been recommended to me a few times, directly and through book influencers. This book was not a light read, it took a lot from me to get through, but as I stand here on the other side of it; ready to share my review of it with you – I'm very glad that I did. So, let's get...

The war of Sam Ögren against things everybody likes continues! This week I'm raving about book sequels, and why I so much prefer stand-alone books. However, I don't just sit there and complain. I also try to explain why I believe there are so many sequels, and why it makes perfect sense as well as why it's okay to like them. A solid, quick general episode. Gone is the era of filler episodes! Type:...

Personal efficiency expert Oskar Eklind once again honors us with his presence! This time he talks about something that I hear people mention quite often; not reading as much anymore. Why do we stop reading, when does it happen, and how can we pick it back up again? These and more questions we cover in this great interview episode. Thanks for taking the time Oskar; it feels so nice to get an exper...

This was not the best book for me. I don't love the genre, and I can't say much in this novel made me care. Writer Patricia Wolf does something pretty strange considering this is supposed to be a thriller. It's fine for what it is, but I have a lot of fun breaking this one down; I hope you have as much fun listening to it! Type: Review | Book: Outback | Writer: Patricia Wolf

We had to dig deep for this episode, but it was a lot of fun even if it was a bit more work, and I think it turned out pretty well too. I hope that it feels worthwhile for you, my dear listener, and don't hesitate to reach out with questions. Huge thanks to Nina Tegar for supplying some of the spine for the episode. Other sources: https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US https://www.myidentifiers.com/iden...

What an absolute surprising delight this book was! I had no idea, but I more than get into it in the episode =) Type: Review | Book: The Secret Garden | Writer: Frances Hodgson Burnett

What Is Purple Prose? Well, that's what we are here to figure out! The TL;DR: it's overly descriptive prose and writing that tries to be poetic or sound nice, but more likely just drags and bores you. Type: Writing 101 | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

The five-star-legend is back! God, I love this old bastard; here's another Orwell review coming at you. Also, I say hello out of form in this episode. If you noticed, and you hate it; I did too. We'll have to yell at me, you and I. Type: Review | Book: Down and Out in Paris and London | Writer: George Orwell

Alright, nothing to see here, just a new trailer for the podcast =) /Sam - 11/04-2026.

A classic episode with some tangents and frustrated energy. All in good fun, but I had some major issues with the fundamental story in this novel; it just does not make sense which is a shame considering Lynch's pretty solid writing overall. Type: Review | Book: Red Seas Under Red Skies | Writer: Scott Lynch

This topic has been bothering me for a while, so I thought we could make an episode about it. More reviews are coming up, and these other episodes have gotten a lot better, but this idea may have been a bit under-cooked. I still feel like this was fair at least =) Type: General | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Short and sweet, just a bit of a teaser episode at some of the books that are coming in the near future. I can't wait to read these books, so we can talk about them together =) Type: General | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

That makes for two episodes in a row of just excellent concepts. Sadly, like The Picture of Dorian Gray this book does not quite do it for me. Let's talk about why in another episode of Paperback Friends. Type: Review | Book: Shutter Island | Writer: Dennis Lehane

This is the year of quality. Solid episode, short and sweet and a good review. Fun behind the scenes info is that this was supposed to be 81, but 80 was so awful I had to scrap it. Quality, quality, quality. Type: Review | Book: The Picture of Dorian Gray | Writer: Oscar Wilde

Episode 79 coming in from orbit. This is an interesting one; I should like this more than I end up doing, but regardless it has a lot to say. Also, sorry about the voice sounding a bit nasally; I was on the other side of influenza while recording this. Type: Review | Book: The Man Who Fell to Earth | Writer: Walter Tevis

Some crazy and angry energy in this one, but that's what I'm here for =) Type: [General] | Book: Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames | Writer: Thích Nhất Hạnh

Haha, some weird energy in this one. I was a day away from coming down with a pretty bad cold. You can hear it in my voice in some places if you really listen for it. Also the energy in my voice is a bit off. Other than that it actually is a bit of a spicy episode for spicy topics! Non-fiction is pretty rare on this podcast, but this memoir have been on my radar for a while, and it was nice to fin...

Not the most riveting read for me. Though, the novella does have some interesting stuff to offer; it's one of those – message is cool, book is boring kind of a deal. Save yourself time, and skip reading it by joining me for this episode! Type: Review | Book: Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde | Writer: Robert Louis Stevenson

Not the most interesting novella, and it's not a secret that I hate this one. One of the worst things I've read outside of school. However, why do I feel like that, and does it really have nothing to offer? Find out in another episode of Paperback Friends. Type: Review | Book: The Old Man and the Sea | Writer: Ernest Hemingway

You know what? I may not be the worst reviewer in the world anymore xD Seriously though, I think I've shaped up a lot. This is a pretty good episode! Type: Review | Book: Coraline | Writer: Neil Gaiman