Shelf Centered Podcast

Send a text Shelf Centered Podcast wraps up Season 1 with a celebratory finale full of laughter and literary love. Together, we give out quirky book awards to the stories and moments that surprised, moved, and challenged us most this year. We also honor standout episodes, spotlighting the moments that made our season unforgettable. Expect playful banter, heartfelt reflections, and a few unexpected...

Send a text This week on Morningstar , we focus on the clash of rebellion and empire through games, sharp banter, and unforgettable twists. We break down the shocking turns that redefine the stakes of the story, while reflecting on the farewells to characters who shaped its heart. The episode balances intensity with moments of levity, keeping the spirit of resistance alive. From strategy to sacrif...

Send a text Darrow’s revolution surges forward in Golden Son , the explosive second book of the Red Rising saga. Betrayal and shifting alliances test his resolve as he fights to dismantle the Golds’ iron grip. Fleet battles rage across the stars, echoing the chaos of rebellion and the cost of loyalty. Mustang’s choices and the Sovereign’s schemes force Darrow to confront the line between justice a...

Send a text Buckle up, Howlers—this episode dives headfirst into the blood-soaked brilliance of Red Rising . We’re talking color-coded castes, Martian rebellion, and one very angry Helldiver with a bone to pick. Darrow’s journey from miner to myth gets the full treatment, with plenty of gasps, laughs, and “wait, what?!” moments along the way. We unpack the politics, the betrayals, and the sheer au...

Send a text Follow the yellow brick road—but bring snacks, sass, and a broomstick—as we stir the cauldron of Wicked and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz . This episode peels back the glittery curtain to reveal the morally gray land beneath. We unpack how Gregory Maguire turned a green-skinned villain into a misunderstood icon with better eyeliner than most heroes. Flying monkeys, political shade, and re...

Send a text Today we dove into Pride and Prejudice and Ibi Zoboi’s Pride , unpacking how language shapes identity, class, and love across centuries. Our language game spotlighted Austen’s formal wit versus Zuri’s poetic fire—two heroines, same backbone, different boroughs. We explored the romance arcs, from Darcy’s slow-burn humility to Darius’s Brooklyn swagger, and how both challenge pride to ma...

Send a text This episode cracks open James , Percival Everett’s razor-sharp retelling of Huckleberry Finn . Told through Jim’s eyes, it’s a story of wit, survival, and subversion. Everett flips the script on race, language, and who gets to narrate freedom. We dig into how Jim uses code-switching and quiet rebellion to outsmart a brutal system. It’s satire with teeth, history with heart, and a rive...

Send a text  We weren’t big fans of Children of Anguish and Anarchy , but we gave it a fair shot. In this episode, we break down the final installment’s tangled plot, heavy-handed themes, and emotional whiplash. Zélie’s journey is epic, but the pacing and payoff left us more puzzled than pumped. Still, there’s plenty to unpack—from magical politics to messy alliances. Tune in for a light critique...

Send a text We’re cracking open Children of Virtue and Vengeance and stepping straight into the storm of Orïsha’s fractured magic and fractured morals. This episode pulls no punches as we confront the chaos, grief, and power struggles that define Zélie and Amari’s return. Expect heated debates over Amari’s leadership choices, Zélie’s unraveling, and a roster of side characters who test every ounce...

Send a text In this episode, we ride magical giant cats, dodge evil monarchs, and scream “Bring back the magic!” like it’s our job. Zélie’s got powers, trauma, and a whole lot of attitude—and we’re here for every dramatic hair flip and dagger stare. We unpack the plot, the heartbreak, and the tension. Also: Yoruba mythology, floating boats, and one very intense sibling dynamic. Tune in for chaos,...

Send a text Bree’s not just breaking curses—she’s breaking the system. In this episode, we dissect Oathbound  by Tracy Deonn, where ancestral power collides with Arthurian legacy and grief refuses to stay quiet. We’re talking memory as weapon, rage as inheritance, and the cost of rewriting a story that was never meant to include you. From blood oaths to shadow realms, this sequel doesn’t just rais...

Send a text In this episode, we’re diving into Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn, where Bree’s powers grow stronger—and so do the secrets surrounding her heritage. As she faces off against the Order and uncovers the truth about her ancestors, Bree must decide who to trust and what she’s willing to fight for. We’ll unpack the twists, the tension, and the emotional weight behind Bree’s choices in this high...

Send a text In this episode, we dive into Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn , unpacking how Arthurian legend is reimagined through Southern Black girl magic and generational trauma. We explore Bree Matthews’ journey at UNC Chapel Hill, where secret societies, buried memories, and latent powers collide. Our discussion blends literary analysis with personal reflections (and plenty of laughter), spotlighting...

Send a text In our first episode, we are introducing the podcast and ourselves so that listeners will know what to expect from us as hosts. We ask each other questions, make some jokes and get excited for our first book Legendborn by Tracy Deonn! Support the show