SOS Library

We’ve read some spooky books before, but The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia?? Yeah… this one had us sleeping with the lights on. Three timelines, one seamless (and spine-tingling) story, characters we adored, and villains we loved to hate. Terrifying AND terrific all at once Next book: Water Moon by Samantha Soto YambaoChecked out:Lin: A Brief History of Seven Killings - Marlon JamesMonkey - Wu Cheng En Stan: Monkey - Wu Cheng EnRun with the Wind - Shion MiuraMonstress - Lysley TenorioShan: Marriage at Sea - Sophie ElmhurstWild Reverance - Rebecca RossWitches Guide of Magical Innkeeping - Sanguu MandannaCan't Help Falling In Love - Sophie Sullivan

I Leave It Up to You traded the wild, magical edges of Flux for a quieter meditation on grief, family, and the loves that shapes us. We admired its tender, trope-defying family dynamic, but felt some moments fell just shy of their potential. It left us thinking… and, fittingly, left a lot up to us.Next book club book: The Bewitching - Silvia Moreno GarciaChecked out: LinA Brief History of 7 Killings - Marlon JamesThe Last Murder at the End of the World - Stuart TurtonBat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng - Kylie Lee BakerStanDisability Visibility - Alice WongThe Vegetarian - Han KangThe Daughter of Dr. Moreau - Silvia Garcia MorenoShanOriginal Sins: The (Mis) Education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism - Eve L. EwingWhat Kind of Paradise - Janelle BrownA Marriage at Sea - Sophie ElmhirstA Boy and His Dog at the End of the World - C.A. FletcherThe Great Believers - Rebecca Makkai

Fredrik Backman’s My Friends had us in our feelings—and occasionally at odds. A moving meditation on grief, art, and the friendships that shape us, this one sparked big discussions about what makes a story resonate. Some of us saw beauty in the brushstrokes, others wanted more from the present than just one long, melancholy summer. Either way, it got us talking.Next book club book: I Leave It Up to You by Jinwoo ChongChecked out: LinCirce - Madeline MillerPride or Die - CL MontblancStanThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer - Mark TwainNettle & Bone - T. KingfisherEverything is Tuberculosis - John GreenShanThe Disappeared - Rebecca J. SanfordThe Safekeep - Yael van der WoudenLush - Rochelle Dowden-LordGet a Life Chloe Brown - Talia Hibbert

This episode, we dive into Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar—and let’s just say, we didn’t all walk away with the same take. Between shifting POVs, existential spirals, and one ending that sparked serious debate, this book had us questioning identity, purpose, and what it means to live a meaningful life. Buckle up for a discussion that’s as messy, layered, and thought-provoking as the novel itself.Next book club book: My Friends by Fredrik BackmanChecked out: LinThe God of the Woods - Liz MooreThere, There - Tommy OrangeThe Bride Test - Helen HoangShanMy Friends - Fredrik BackmanMockingjay - Suzanne CollinsThe Disappeared - Rebecca J. SanfordThe God of the Woods - Liz MooreIntermezzo - Sally RooneyStanYou Never Forget Your First - Alexis CoeThe Rosie Project - Graeme SimsionThe Shadow of What Was Lost - James Islington

In this episode, we dig into Parable of the Sower—a dystopian tale that feels a little too real. From Lauren’s spiritual evolution to the gritty realities of survival, we talk about how Octavia E. Butler’s vision of the “future” hits uncomfortably close to home. Plus: the pros and cons of reading hard-hitting stories in audiobook, graphic novel, and good ol’ physical form. Spoiler: no format made this emotionally easier. 🌍📖🔥Next book club book: Martyr! by Kaveh AkbaChecked out: ShanSpinning Silver - Naiomi NovikThe Fox Wife - Yangsze ChooStanAll the Colors of the Dark - Chris WhitakerAssata: An Authobiography - Assata ShakurThe Bee Sting - Paul MurrayLinThe Priory of the Orange Tree - Samantha ShannonThose Fatal Flowers - Shannon IvesButter - Asako Yuzuki

In this episode, we step into Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop—a soft, cozy read that felt like a warm embrace…but maybe one that didn’t linger long enough. We appreciated its gentle take on burnout, life’s crossroads, and charming characters, but it left us craving a little more depth. Still, as an easy start to the year, it did the job! Join us as we unpack this quiet, comforting, but slightly forgettable read. Next book club book: Donuts & Other Proclamatios of Love - Jared Reck Checked out: Lin Into the Riverlands - Nghi Vo Priory of the Orange Tree - Samantha Shannon Library of the Dead - TL Huchu Stan Wind and Truth - Brandon Sanderson The Bee Sting - Paul Murray Intermezzo - Sally Rooney Shan Kitchen Confidential - Anthony Bourdain Yiddish Policemen's Union - Michael Chabon

We hope you had a restful holiday! We have an exciting update for the coming year.

Join us as we dive into Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah—a book that had us hooked but also left us scratching our heads. While we found the story engaging, its complex themes and a head-scratching ending turned this read into a bit of a literary workout. We ignite a lively debate about the prison system that could rival any courtroom drama. Settle in as we unpack our thoughts, explore the tough topics, and maybe even come to a conclusion—or not! Bittersweet Quiz: https://susancain.net/susans-bittersweet-quiz/ Book Club Book of the Month: Chain-Gang All-Stars - Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Next Book Club Book: Small Mercies - Dennis Lehane Checking In: Lovely One: A Memoir - Ketanji Brown Jackson Bittersweet; How Sorrow and Longing Makes Us Whole - Susan Cain Somewhere Beyond the Sea - TJ Klune Leslie Fucking Jones - Leslie Jones Rhythm of War - Brandon Sanderson The Great Alone - Kristin Hannah Women! in! Peril! - Jessie Ren Marshall The Last Olympian - Rick Riordan Book of Doors - Gareth Brown Thank you for Listening - Julia Whelan Sweethand - N.G. Peltier The Volcano Daughters - Gina Maria Baliberra Traveling Cat Chronicles - Hiro Arikawa Lost & Found - Kathryn Schulz Checking out: Xiao Shi Dai - Guo Jing Ming One of Us is Lying - Karen M. McManus Nightbitch - Rachel Yoder The Berry Pickers - Amanda Peters The Unbearable Lightness of Being - Milan Kundera The Woman in the Window - AJ Finn Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

Join us as we dissect One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle—a book that left us longing for an Italian exit! 🇮🇹 Katy, the main character, is a walking "do not recommend" list with her selfish ways and cringe-worthy dynamics. While the twist had its moments and the lesson hit the mark, Katy’s delusional drama made us wish for a better tour guide. Tune in for our hilariously honest take on this Italian misadventure! Book Club Book of the Month: One Italian Summer - Rebecca Serle Next Book Club Book: Chain-Gang All-Stars - Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Checking In: The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi - Shannon Chakraborty The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet - Becky Chambers A Closed and Common Orbit - Becky Chambers The Lost Hero - Rick Riordan The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight - Andrew Leland The First to Die at the End - Adam Silvera Sharp Objects Checking out: Xiao Shi Dai - Guo Jing Ming The Knockoff - Lucy Sykes & Jo Piazza House of Leaves - Mark Z. Danielewski Rhythm of War - Brandon Sanderson The Great Alone - Kristin Hannah Women! in! Peril! - Jessie Ren Marshall The Last Olympian - Rick Riordan Book of Doors - Gareth Brown Thank you for Listening - Julia Whelan Sweethand - N.G. Peltier Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

In this episode, we dive into The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson—a YA book that chalked up more points than we expected! With fun character dynamics, an intriguing world, and a mystery that kept us hooked, we were impressed enough to give it a solid 4/5 stars. Sure, the concept of chalk monsters had us rolling our eyes (and spotting some plot holes), but overall, it was a fun ride that left us pleasantly surprised. Tune in for our thoughts, laughs, and a bit of erasing the rough edges. Book Club Book of the Month: The Rithmatist - Brandon Sanderson Next Book Club Book: One Italian Summer - Rebecca Serle Checking In: The Color Purple - Alice Walker Oathbringer - Brandon Sanderson Still Alice - Lisa Genova Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 - Stephen Puleo The Secret Hiistory - Donna Tart Checking Out: Xiao Shi Dai - Guo Jing Ming The Lost Hero - Rick Riordan Rhythm of War - Brandon Sanderson The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi - Shannon Chakraborty The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight - Andrew Leland The First to Die at the End - Adam Silvera Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

Get ready for a wild ride through the twisted world of "Natural Beauty" by Ling Ling Huang! In this episode, we dive deep into a story that's heavy on body horror and light on consent. With pacing issues that had us checking our watches and science that made us scratch our heads, this book was a time. But don’t fret! Amidst the creepy procedures and questionable ethics, Huang’s sharp commentary on capitalism, beauty standards, and the art world kept us hooked. Tune in for laughs, critiques, and a whole lot of body horror! 📚✨ Book Club Book of the Month: Natural Beauty - Ling Ling Huang Next Book Club Book: The Rithmatist - Brandon Sanderson Favs: Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card Artificial Condition - Martha Wells Maybe You Should Talk to Someone - Lori Gottlieb Mid: When Women Were Dragons - Kelly Barnhill Iron Flame - Rebecca Yarros Check Out: The Wild Huntress - Emily Lloyd-Jones The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet - Becky Chambers The Gentleman's Gambit - Evie Dunmore Travelling Cat Chronicles - Hiro Arikawa Currently Reading: Stan: The Color Purple - Alice Walker Oathbringer - Brandon Sanderson Lin: The Color Purple - Alice Walker Xiao Shi Dai - Guo Jing Ming Still Alice - Lisa Genova Shan: Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 - Stephen Puleo The Secret Hiistory - Donna Tart Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

This month on SOS Library we are trekking into the unexplored lands of cozy fantasy reads with Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett. Was the romance and magical elements a hit or miss for us? Listen to find out! Plus, a discussion on our favorite romance tropes, trends in the current reading zeitgeist, and of course our round up for our best and worst reads. Book Club Book of the Month: Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries - Heather Fawcett Next Book Club Book: Natural Beauty - Ling Ling Huang Currently Reading: Stan - The Gentleman's Gambit - Evie Dunmore Traveling Cat Chronicles - Hiro Arikawa Shan - The Wild Huntress - Emily Lloyd-Jones The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet - Becky Chambers Lin - Xiao Shi Dai - Guo Jing Ming Still Alice - Lisa Genova Favs: The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet - Becky Chambers Above Ground - Clint Smith Beast At Every Threshold - Natalie Wee The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi #1) - Shannon Chakraborty Us Against Them - Fredrick Backman We Had a Little Real Estate Problem - Kliph Nesteroff The Maid and the Crocodile - Jordan Ifueko Once Upon a Leap Year - Anna Bell There's always this year: On Basketball and Ascension - Hanif Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

Come abroad to sail across the Hundred Kingdoms with "To Kill A Kingdom" by Alexandra Christo and her epic fantasy story! Our metaphorical ship also dock at a couple of other stops which includes tackling The Annoying Bookish Tag to discuss our bookish pet peeves as well as our usual highs and low reads for the month. We can't wait for you to dive in with us! Original Annoying Bookish Tag: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeyjxlKKeoE&ab_channel=BooksI%27mNotReading Book Club Book of the Month: To Kill A Kingdom - Alexandra Christo Next Book Club Book: Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries - Heather Fawcett Currently Reading: Stan - There's always this year: On Basketball and Ascension - Hanif The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet - Becky Chambers Lin - Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore - Robin Sloan Shan - The Vulnerables - Sigrid Nunez Fourth Wing - Rebecca Yarros Favs: Vampires of El Norte - Isabel Cañas A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting - Sophie Irwin A Lady's Guide to Scandal - Sophie Irwin All Systems Red - Martha Wells Dislikes: Lady of the Lake - Andrzej Sapkowski Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

Strap in for a rollercoaster ride through the posh and plothole-ridden world of "Tripping Arcadia" by Kit Mayquist! 🎢 Join us as we take on this tale of excess, where the only thing deeper than the characters' pockets is the drug-induced haze they stumble through. From lavish parties to questionable life choices, we'll be dishing out laughs and dissecting the lack of substance in this glittery, high-society saga. Book Club Book of the Month: Tripping Arcadia - Kit Mayquist Next Book Club Book: To Kill A Kingdom - Alexandra Christo Currently Reading: Stan - Alexander Hamilton - Ron Chernow Lin - Titan - Ron Chernow Sappho's Leap - Erica Jong Shan - Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life In Lyrics - Dolly Parton The Burning God - RF Kuang Favs: Carrie Soto is Back - Taylor Jenkins Reid Rebecca - Daphne du Maurier Dislikes: Wicked - Gregory MacGuire Other books read that we didn't hate: Words of Radiance - Brandon Sanderson Xingu - Edith Wharton Black Friend: Essays - Ziwe This is What it Sounds Like - Susan Rogers, Ogi Ogas Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay

This episode is all about the bottom line! We crack into Heather Radke's 'Butts,' and share some cheeky tales that'll have you in stitches. And, as if that wasn't enough, we slice into the layers of drama in Hulu's 'Black Cake' Episode 4 – this ep is a bottomless pit of entertainment! Book Club Book of the Month: Butts: A Backstory - Heather Radke Next Book Club Book: If I Had Your Face - Frances Cha Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay

Kick off 2024 with us as we explore the brilliance of "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Adding a dash of sweetness, we also dish out our take on the first three episodes of Hulu's "Black Cake" adaptation. From delectable drama to surprising twists, we're here to share our thoughts with our signature charm and warmth. It's the perfect start to a year filled with literary adventures and on-screen delights. Book Club Book of the Month: Americanah - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Next Book Club Book: Butts: A Backstory - Heather Radke Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay

Dive into chaos with our penultimate 2023 episode featuring the fishy existential wonders of "Why Fish Don't Exist" by Lulu Miller. Are fish in on a cosmic joke? What's the real deal with reality? Life upside down got you pondering purpose? We'll tackle the deep questions (or not) and spill the bookish tea—join the witty chaos! 🐟📚✨ Book Club Book of the Month: Why Fish Don't Exist - Lulu Miller Next Book Club Book: Americanah - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Books We Loved: Flux - Jin Woo Chong Maame - Jessica George The Dutch House - Ann Patchett The Secret History - Donna Tartt Mistborn - Brandon Sanderson Mid-Tier Books Black Cake - Charmaine Wilkerson The 5 People You Meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom The Master and Margarity - Mikhail Bulgakov Divine Rivals - Rebecca Ross The Storied Life of AJ Fikry - Gabrielle Zevin Books to Avoid Iron Widow - Xinran Jay Zhao The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina - Zoraida Cordova The Sun and the Void - Gabriela Romero - Lacruz Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay

This tenth episode of SOS Library is a spooky one! We continue our trek into the dark and autumnal season with this month's pick: Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno Garcia. A nineties horror picture show adapted on the page for our reading pleasure, we talk about what scared, thrilled, and disappointed us. Finally, we discuss our book highs and lows since the last episode and dive into our pick for next time! Book Club book of the Month: Silver Nitrate - Silvia Moreno Garcia Discussion topics and more: https://silviamoreno-garcia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Book-club-kit-Silver-Nitrate.pdf Next Book Club Book of the Month: Why Fish Don't Exist - Lulu Miller Recommended books: The Seven Husbands of Eveyln Hugo - Taylor Jenkins Reid Know My Name - Chanel Miller Finding Me - Viola Davis The Dragon Republic - RF Kuang Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead - Olga Tokarczuk Do not read: The Wise Man's Fear - Patrick Rothfuss Kiss Her Once for Me - Alison Cochrun The Unhoneymooners - Christina Lauren Romantic Comedy - Curtis Sittenfeld After I Do - Taylor Jenkins Reid You Again - Kate Goldbeck Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay

For this ninth episode of SOS Library, Season 1 of Pachiko draws to a close with its eighth and final installment. We give our thoughts about the episode as well as the execution of the show as a whole. Then, to welcome back-to-school season, for our book of the month pick, we are discussing Bunny by Mona Awad. If dark academia and horror are your genres of choice then you are in good company with us! While still being in comfy and cozy company. And lastly, we talk about our favorite and not-so-favorite reads over the past month. Book Club Book of the Month: Bunny - Mona Awad Next Book Club Book of the Month: Silver Nitrate - Silvia Moreno Garcia Recommends: Flux - Jinwoo Chong Daisy Jones & The Six - Taylor Jenkins Reid Remarkably Bright Creatures - Shelby Van Pelt Hello Beautiful - Ann Napolitano Do not read: The Black Lyon - Jude Deveraux Hello Stranger - Katherine Center Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay

Welcome to episode 8 of SOS Library, where we serve up a double dose of literary and TV excitement! In this thrilling episode, we dive into not one but two book club picks for the month. First up, we unravel the mysteries of "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann. Get ready for a gripping discussion as we explore the dark and haunting secrets hidden within its pages and learn about the inception of the FBI. But that's not all! In a surprising twist, we also venture into the world of Stephen King's "Fairy Tale," where the master of horror takes a somewhat fantastical turn. Join us as we (try to) navigate the eerie realms of this unique King novel and share our thoughts on the unexpected journey it provides. And if that's not enough, we’re taking you behind the scenes of episode 7 of "Pachinko" on Apple TV. Spoiler: it’s a filler. So grab your reading glasses and your remote control, because SOS Library episode 8 is your one-stop shop for book club intrigue and TV thrills. With laughter, insights, and plenty of surprises, we’ll keep you entertained from beginning to end! Book Club Books of the Month: Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI - David Gran Fairy Tale - Stephen King Next Book Club Book of the Month: Bunny - Mona Awad Books mentioned (all midish): The Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller The Wedding Date - Jasmin Guillory On Chesil Beach - Ian McEwan Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love - Sue Johnson Lunar Love - Lauren Jessen Kung Do not read: Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors - Sonali Dev More Osage information: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/american-scandal/id1435516849?i=1000526375461 https://youtu.be/C5OiFBNlYkY https://www.famous-trials.com/osage-home/2376-the-osage-reign-of-terror-murder-trials-a-chronology Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay