Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book Review Podcast

We asked you to send in your burning questions - about books, cats, podcasting, and everything in between - and you delivered . From favourite reads and guilty pleasure genres to behind-the-scenes podcast stories (and a few chaotic tangents), we’re answering them all. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re brand new to the show, this is a perfect chance to get to know us better and h...

This week, we’re diving into Carry On, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse, a collection of short stories that perfectly captures the hilariously lopsided dynamic between the clueless Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet, Jeeves. If you’ve never read Wodehouse before, this is the perfect entry point-sharp, charming, and laugh-out-loud funny. In this episode, we talk about what makes the Jeeves and Wooste...

This week, we’re talking about All Systems Red by Martha Wells, the first novella in the Murderbot Diaries series-and it’s safe to say we’re officially obsessed. With a title like Murderbot , you’d expect chaos (and there’s plenty), but what really caught us is the dry humor, the unexpected heart, and one of the most relatable AI narrators we’ve ever met. In this episode, we dive into Murderbot’s...

This week, we’re stepping into the quiet village of St. Mary Mead—where, naturally, a murder has just taken place. We're talking about Murder at the Vicarage , Agatha Christie’s first full length novel to feature the sharp-eyed, quietly brilliant Miss Marple. In this episode, we dig into what makes this book such a good introductory read to one of Christie’s most beloved detectives. We’ll tal...

In this mini episode we re-cap the Agatha Christie Novel “Death on the Nile”. Note, we will spoil the plot of this book in this mini episode.  The Back of the book: “The tranquility of a cruise along the Nile is shattered by the discovery that Linnet Ridgeway has been shot through the head. She was young, stylish and beautiful, a girl who had everything – until she lost her life. Hercule Poirot re...

We’re back for part two of our deep dive into Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir—because let’s be honest, one episode wasn’t nearly enough. In this follow-up discussion, we’re untangling all the parts we didn't get to discuss in the first half - where things get even more mind-bending, the emotional stakes rise, and the mysteries lurking behind the Locked Tomb start to come into sharper (and str...

We’re back in the world of necromancers and space palaces with *Harrow the Ninth* by Tamsyn Muir—and things are even weirder (and more brilliant) than before. If you caught our episode on *Gideon the Ninth*, you know we’re already obsessed with this series. Now, we’re diving headfirst into Harrow’s fractured mind, impossible timelines, and a story that refuses to play by the rules.   In the next t...

Before we read and discuss the second book in “The Locked Tomb” series, we thought we would revisit the first book, “Gideon the Ninth”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book.  The Back of the Book: “The Emperor needs necromancers. The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman. Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead no...

In this episode, we’re digging into *The Red-Headed League*, one of the most clever and entertaining short stories from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes collection. Join us as we follow Holmes and Watson through a bizarre case involving a mysterious job posting, a suspicious employer, and a scheme that’s far more serious than it first appears.   We’ll talk about the charm of Holmes’s deduc...

In this episode, we’re talking all things The Hunger Games —the book that took the world by storm and redefined YA dystopian fiction. We’ll dive into what makes this story so gripping, from the intense survival stakes to the sharp social commentary woven into Panem’s brutal world. We’ll break down Katniss Everdeen as a protagonist, the tension of the Games, and the deeper themes of power, control,...

Join us for an in-depth conversation as we explore Charlotte Brontë’s classic, Jane Eyre. In this episode, we chat about the unforgettable journey of Jane—from her early struggles as an orphan to her quest for independence and love. We dive into the many layers of social commentary, Gothic atmosphere, and the fierce resilience that makes this novel a timeless favorite. We’ll share our insights on...

In this Mini episode, we’re back to the world of Shakespeare with “Much Ado About Nothing”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book.  The Back of the Book:  “The primary plot of Much Ado About Nothing turns on the courtship and scandal involving young Hero and her suitor, Claudio, but the witty war of words between Claudio's friend Benedick...

Join us for a chat as we dive into Naomi Novik’s Throne of Jade , the second installment in the Temeraire (His Majesty’s Dragon) series. In this episode, we discuss about the epic blend of historical intrigue, vibrant dragon lore, and complex characters that bring this story to life. We’ll share our thoughts on the rich worldbuilding and the unforgettable bond between captain and dragon, explore t...

In our final Austen discussion, we turn our attention to Mansfield Park . Join us for a thoughtful conversation about Jane Austen’s classic as we explore its characters, intricate plot, and enduring social commentary.  Throughout the episode, we examine Austen’s narrative and have a think if our pet cat would approve of this novel. If you appreciate “in-depth” (with Wikipedia) literary discussions...

In this episode of Teaching My Cat to Read , we’re diving into the heartwarming and deeply thought provoking sci-fi novel A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers. We have a chat about the book’s big themes: identity, belonging, the meaning of family, and what it means to build a life—whether you’re human, an AI, or something in between. With its dual storyline, we’ll follow Lovelace, an AI str...

Please note: this episode contains MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS for the book if you haven’t read it yet from the start  In this Mini episode, we return to the world of the Wayfarer with “The Long Way to a Small, Angry, Planet”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book.  The Back of the Book: “Follow a motley crew on an exciting journey through space-and on...

In this week’s episode of Teaching My Cat to Read , we’re entering into the world of Macbeth —a play packed with witches, ambition, and one very messy quest for power. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or just curious about all the drama, this episode is for you! We’ll chat about those three witches and their prophecies, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s wild journey from power couple to full-blown cha...

In this episode, we go back to the Discworld to discuss the book “Wyrd Sisters”, by Terry Pratchett. The second book in the Witches series, “Wyrd Sisters” parodies and satires “Macbeth, by William Shakespeare” (which we discuss in the episode after this one).  We discuss which character would be the only human in the muppets adaptation, critique on theatre, as well as discussing our favourite meta...

In this special Christmas Episode of “Teaching My Cat to Read”, we discuss the classic children’s novel “The lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” By CS Lewis. We discuss, Christian Allegory, the enchanted Turkish Delights, character arcs and how not to die in a Wardrobe.  What rating do we think our cat will give this book? Listen to find out! Content Warnings Mild Swearing Support the show Recommen...

Happy Halloween! For today’s spooky special episode, we welcome back friend of the pod and Jekyll and Hyde aficionado Charlotte to discuss Secret Crimes, queer readings and cat ratings. Featuring in-depth Utterson discussion, trans woman Hyde, the politics of disgust and unexpected time cops.  Content Warnings Swearing Please note, as of this episode, we are no longer bleeping swear words on this...

In this 4th bonus episode for our 3rd series, we discuss the final 2 episodes, episodes 7 and 8, of Amazon Primes “The Wheel of Time” series 2, “Daes Dae'mar” and “What Was Meant to Be". We talk about the episodes in relation to the books, this series is an adaptation of books 2+3 “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn”, so we try to not spoil anything plot wise after those books. We do...

In this bonus episode, we discuss episodes 5 and 6 of Amazon Primes “The Wheel of Time” series 2, “Damane” and “Eyes Without Pity”. We talk about the episodes in relation to the books, this series is an adaptation of books 2+3 “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn”, so we try to not spoil anything plot wise after those books. Episode 5, Damane: Moiraine and Rand run to save their lives, as Selen...

In this bonus episode, we discuss episodes 3 and 4 of Amazon Primes “The Wheel of Time” series 2.  In this episode we focus on episodes 3 and 4 of Series 2 (“What might be” and “Daughter of the Night”). In relation to the books, this series is an adaptation of books 2+3 “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn”, so we try to not spoil anything plot wise after those books. “What Might Be”: To become...

In this bonus episode, Lotti, and M, are joined by AJ, and Liv, about series 2 of the Wheel of Time on Amazon Prime. In this episode, we discuss specially episodes 1 and 2. We discuss all things costumes, plot points, and our favourite bits from the episodes. Plus we ask the question: Which Ajah would Jane Austen’s heroines be in? Make sure you’ve watched the episodes first, as it’s not spoiler fr...

It’s our Q and A episode! We answer your questions in this special bonus episode of our podcast. Content Warnings NA Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycatto...