Red Wine Reads

”I could have opened a bottle of champagne. Not gonna do that for this book.”This week, we read Dragonfly in Amber by Diana GabaldonElla joins me on this episode to discuss:The difference between Ireland and Scotland — the fact of which tripped Jenna up multiple times in the episode.Why this book felt TOO LONG.Why, even though Ella has strong feelings about this book, the desire to keep reading this series is sill very strong.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you spending 35 HOURS listening to this book, or however long reading this book, and most would say, that’s 200 pages longer than it needed to be.Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:Jenna’s Pairings:DRINK - WhiskeyTV SHOW - The GreatBOOK - The WomenMOVIE - Wuthering HeightsElla’s Pairings:DRINK - Italian red wine from a barrelTV SHOW - Downton AbbeyBOOK - AtonementMOVIE - Marie Antoinette or Barry Lyndon!! WARNING: SPOILERS !! Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we read A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab.Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:Our immense love for the 2010 masterpiece: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.Why Jenna may be fantasy-challenged.The large role that a stupid little rock plays in this book.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that made us transport between different Londons with brooding, complaining men.Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:DRINK - Bloody Mary, Creme de Violet & ProseccoTV SHOW - The Sandman, LokiBOOK - The Magicians Nephew, BabelMOVIE - The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Doctor Strange, Howl’s Moving Castle Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we read Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy.Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:The Great American Novel that wreaked so much havoc on Jenna’s mental state.Why Ella is so very conflicted on recommending this book.The REAL American history.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you downing shots of Mezcal and eating the biggest grains of salt to get through this book.Jenna’s Pairings:DRINK - MoonshineTV SHOW - DahmerBOOK - Killers of the Flower MoonMOVIE - Django UnchainedElla’s Pairings:DRINK - Bottle of Mescal + a Shot GlassTV SHOW - SeveranceBOOK - White FangMOVIE - The Revenant!! WARNING: SPOILERS !!Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we read Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan.Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:Sierra’s favorite line in the book, which, of course, involves getting on your kneesJenna’s hot take on who the author is - of the book inside of the bookWhether we are Francis or Sebastian stansOpen your book and press play on a podcast episode that made us climb inside a book inside a book inside a book...wait, where were we?Jenna’s Pairings:DRINK - DEEP Cab SavTV SHOW - ReignBOOK - OutlanderMOVIE - InkheartSierra’s Pairings:DRINK - Something sparklyTV SHOW - Shadow and Bone, The Rings of Power BOOK - The Cruel PrinceMOVIE - Beautiful Creatures!! WARNING: SPOILERS !!Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

” I almost never feel neutral towards a book and I just felt so neutral.”This week, we read Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:* What happens when expectations don’t match reality when it comes to our TBR list.* Do we secretly want a 2010 Carey Mulligan bob?* The moment when we almost lost our friendship over a book.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you so tired of chapter-ending cliffhangers and dull love triangles.Jenna’s Pairings:* DRINK - Wine Cooler* TV SHOW - Fallout* BOOK - The Institute, The Interestings* MOVIE - Love, RosieElla’s Pairings:* DRINK - Gin and Tonic* TV SHOW - The End of the F*****g World* BOOK - Atonement, The Golden Compass* MOVIE - Virgin Suicides!! WARNING: SPOILERS !! But also this book is like over 100 years old, so tough cookies. You should know it by now.Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we read The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller.Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:* The romance….YES.* How this will become a book shelf staple for years to come.* The incredible depth of our love for Greek mythology.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you reading the last few chapters through a thick blanket of tears.Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:* DRINK - Mead, Honey Cocktail* TV SHOW - Queen Charlotte, Kaos* BOOK - Circe, A Touch of Darkness, Lore Olympus, Stone Blind* MOVIE - Gladiator II, Helen of Troy, Percy Jackson & the Olympians!! WARNING: SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE !!Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we read Intermezzo by Sally RooneyElla joins me on this episode to discuss:* How Sally Rooney is Ella’s favorite modern romance writer (and also maybe Jenna’s?)* Peter’s LONG A** inner monologues that had no place in this book.* The way Sally dives deep into complicated romantic relationships.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you Googling, “Paul Mescal’s butt Normal People”…trust us.Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:* DRINK - Irish Lemonade, A Shandy* TV SHOW - The Queen’s Gambit, One Day, Catastrophe* BOOK - Normal People, Conversations With Friends* MOVIE - May December, Harold and Maude!! WARNING: SPOILERS !! Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

”Never trust a blonde.”This week, we read Funny Story by Emily Henry.Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:* Why you never trust a blonde* Sexy roommates…yes, please.* Why the romantic relationship isn’t the only ‘ship we’re loving in this book (we’re talking about friendship)Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that made us dream about men saying “mouth feel” to us while they feed us wine and cheese in midwestern winery.Jenna’s Pairings:* DRINK - a bottle of natural wine with a really cool backstory* TV SHOW - Never Have I Ever* BOOK - Just for the Summer* MOVIE - HolidateSierra’s Pairings:* DRINK - Red Wine* TV SHOW - Nobody Wants This* BOOK - Beach Read* MOVIE - Something Borrowed or When Harry Met Sally…!! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD !!Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

“Sierra is in all pink and I am in all black and it just makes a lot of sense for the episode we're recording.”This week, we read The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo.Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:* How we ended up on two VERY different sides of this book discussion.* Why this book may require a revisit (or two).* Why this cover absolutely SLAPS.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that had us finding power in songs and magic in scorpions.Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:* DRINK - Spice-filled Sangria, French 75* TV SHOW - Shadow and Bone , A Discovery of Witches, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina* BOOK - Phantasma, A Discovery of Witches, Babel, Dance of Thieves* MOVIE - Pan's Labyrinth, Howards End!! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD !!Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

”I'm literally like foaming at the mouth thinking about it. I love it so much.”This week, we read No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai.Rebekah joins me on this episode to discuss:* Why this book absolutely rocked us to our cores, in a great way* How this book surprised the both of us* Why this will be a bookshelf staple for the both of usOpen your book and press play on a podcast episode that made Jenna .Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:* DRINK - Water…or a VERY strong whiskey, nonalcoholic gin* TV SHOW - School Spirits, Mr. Robot* BOOK - The Midnight Library, Fight Club* MOVIE - Dear Evan Hansen , A Silent Voice!! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD !!Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

”I just think everything about this book was so chaotic.”This week, we read The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann BrasharesAbby joins me on this episode to discuss:* What out biggest qualm was with this book and why it was them not washing the pants.* Why the realists will really not love this book.* Which character we are most like.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that made us realize sometimes childhood favorites should stay in the past.Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:* DRINK - Dirty Shirley, Shirley Temple* TV SHOW - PEN15, sex lives of college girls* BOOK - Angus Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging, Firefly Lane* MOVIE - The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Sleepover!! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD !!Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

”You might not know this, but vampires and Dracula are a pretty big deal. ”This week, we read Dracula by Bram Stoker.Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:* The classic horror tale that ignited thousands of retellings years after its publication.* Why this book felt TOO LONG.* The very true and sad fact that Ella and I are terrible at picking out horror novels.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you drinking blood and scaling walls like a spider monkey.Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:* DRINK - Vampire's Kiss, Absinthe* TV SHOW - Vampire Diaries, What We Do In The Shadows, Penny Dreadful* BOOK - My Roommate is a Vampire, Twilight: Breaking Dawn* MOVIE - Hotel Transylvania, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, OG Bella Lugosi Dracula!! WARNING: SPOILERS !! But also this book is like over 100 years old, so tough cookies. You should know it by now.Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

“We give you honest reviews only here at Red Wine Reads. Period.”This week, we read Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer.Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:* Why we expected more spice…especially from a book that began on TikTok* Why the frog was truly the star of this book* If Jenna will ever purchase the second bookOpen your book and press play on a podcast episode that made us fall in love with villains and dark office settings.Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:* DRINK - Mudslide, espresso martini, pumpkin spice latte* TV SHOW - What We Do in the Shadows, Galavant, My Lady Jane* BOOK - Howl’s Moving Castle, The Apprentice to the Villain* MOVIE - Descendants, Ella Enchanted, The Princess Bride, Robin Hood: Men in Tights!! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD !!Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

”I was drinking knuckles deep in Floam, man. What do you mean you're mixing Drunk Elephant with tanning drops?”This week, we read Rouge by Mona Awad.Bekah joins me on this episode to discuss:* Why Tom Cruise played such a big role in this book — and why we didn’t love it.* Why this book was SO CLOSE to being SO GOOD* If we would recommend this book or not…it’s leaning toward noOpen your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you trying to untangle the knot that is this plot.Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:* DRINK - Prosecco with Pomegranate Juice* TV SHOW - Nurse Ratched, the Idol* BOOK - The Vanishing Half, Bunny* MOVIE - Suspiria, Bad Hair, Infinity Pool!!WARNING: SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE!!Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

”I'm pretty addicted to recommending this book.”This week, we read Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom RobbinsElla and special guest, Dorothy join me on this episode to discuss:* Why this book has garnered a cult classic following.* Why Dorothy and Ella adore this book and yet I couldn’t even finish it.* Why sometimes a film adaptation just doesn’t need to happen.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you measuring your thumbs and “whooping” at the sky.Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:* DRINK - Beer, Pickle Juice Margarita, Dirty Shirley* TV SHOW - Chimp crazy, Girls, The Midnight Gospel* BOOK - L.A. Woman, Jitterbug Perfume, Inherent Vice* MOVIE - House Bunny, But I’m a Cheerleader, Smiley FaceCheers!What’s our next read? Dracula by Bram StokerOnce you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!* Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

"I literally think I'm going to take dating advice from this book."This week, we read Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez.Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:Why two romance haters will recommend this book to everyone they know.Why the trash pandas and toilet king were the true stars of this book.What makes a man smell good.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that made Jenna rethink EVERYTHING.Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:DRINK - Raspberry High Noon Iced Tea, Nice glass of Cabernet SauvignonTV SHOW - Virgin River, Gilmore GirlsBOOK - To All the Boys I Loved Before, Maybe in Another LifeMOVIE - 10 Things I Hate About You, Safe Haven, When in Rome!! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD !!Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

”He is such a piece of trash and I f**ing love him.”This week, we read The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty.Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:The exciting premise and flawless execution that this book offers.Why we keep mentioning “naked pirates”.Why the spice level may have been a determining factor in Sierra’s final rating.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you feeling all the aches and pains of being a retired lady pirate.Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:DRINK - Naked PirateTV SHOW - Working Moms, House of the DragonBOOK - The Book of Longings, Daughter of the Moon GoddessMOVIE - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, 3000 Years of Longing!! WARNING: SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE !!Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

“We're going to be slovenly and yelling at each other by the end of the hour.”This week, we read The Shamshine Blind by Paz PardoElla joins me on this episode to discuss:How Inside Out and Detective Pikachu relate to this book. Why Ella is talking in a New York cop accentWhy we ended up on polar opposite sides of this bookOpen your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you feeling all the colors.Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:DRINK - Double Titos Pineapple, DaiquiriTV SHOW - Three Body Problem, His Dark MaterialsBOOK - The Giver, Fahrenheit 451MOVIE - Detective Pikachu, Furiosa!! WARNING: SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE !! Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

“I love when women write men. Holy s**t. It was so good.”This week, it’s a 2 for 1! We read Poor Things by Alasdair Gray and Frankenstein by Mary ShelleyBekah joins me on this episode to discuss:The book vs. movie when talking about Poor ThingsWomen writing menThe problems and triumphs of classicsOpen your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you slogging your way through another classic novel. Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:DRINK - Frankenpunch, Bloody MaryTV SHOW - The Fall of the House of Usher, Fullmetal AlchemistBOOK - The Haunting of Hill House, Bunny, Pet SemataryMOVIE - Fresh, Poor Things, Ex MachinaContent Warning: We talk about death, sex, and murder in the episode. Please take caution when listening.WARNING!! SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE!! Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

”She's always talking about him slouching. I'm sorry, I do not find that attractive. Be assertive!”This week, we read and reviewed People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry.Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:Why the book was just too long…360 pages for a romance?Why the climax was quite anti-climaticWhy this was the light and fun summer read that we needed.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you planning your next summer vaycay. Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:DRINK - Piña Colada,TV SHOW - One Day, Dawson’s Creek (Joey and Pacey)BOOK - Beach Read, The People We KeepMOVIE - Palm Springs, Definitely, MaybeOnce you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!WARNING ‼️  SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE !! Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe