Books I Make My Husband Read

In this episode, we discuss Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Specifically, Kya’s journey of survival and isolation, the novel’s exploration of loneliness and belonging, and how the story translates from page to screen in the film adaptation.LinksOfficial author website: (https://www.deliaowens.com/)Where the Crawdads Sing: (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36809135-where-the-crawdads-sing) Delia Owens on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7043934.Delia_Owens)Chapters(00:00) - - Intro (01:40) - - Why Kristy picked this book (02:44) - - Upcoming books (05:42) - - Book summary (spoiler-free) (06:50) - - SPOILER ALERT! (07:04) - - Kristy's review (09:26) - - Jon's review (11:02) - - Sympathy for Kya (15:49) - - Isolation shaping personality (18:37) - - Alternating timelins (23:14) - - Tate & Chase (28:47) - - Nature's role (31:16) - - Barkley Cove (34:28) - - The ending impact (37:11) - - Transitioning to the film (37:16) - - Capturing the atmosphere (40:00) - - Isolation translate to screen (43:03) - - Daisy Edgar-Jones as Kya (46:18) - - Tate & Chase (Pt II) (49:52) - - The way the ending landed (54:57) - - Final thoughts

For episode five, Kristy throws Jon a classic, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. And as a bonus this season, we'll also be discussing the 2013 film adaptation. We explore the novel’s themes of wealth, ambition, and the American Dream, talk through its major symbols, and compare how the story translates from page to screen.LinksThe Great Gatsby on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41733839-the-great-gatsby)F. Scott Fitzgerald on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3190.F_Scott_Fitzgerald)Chapters(00:00) - Introduction (02:09) - Why Kristy picked this for Jon (03:12) - Upcoming books (05:23) - Book summary (spoiler-free) (06:40) - SPOILER ALERT (07:15) - Jon's review (09:02) - Kristy's review (12:53) - Nick Caraway (17:16) - Jay Gatsby (21:14) - Daisy Buchanan (25:59) - Tom Buchanan (30:11) - Critiquing a system (33:32) - Where Nick falls in the spectrum (34:57) - Is the dream an illusion? (36:34) - Why it's such a classic (40:27) - Transition to the film (40:37) - Mechanism for dialogue (43:01) - Adaptation differences (46:28) - Standing on its own (50:58) - Final thoughts

In episode four, we analyze Regretting You by Colleen Hoover — discussing both the book and its film adaptation. We talk about the mother-daughter dynamic at the heart of the story, the twists that reshape everything, and how the themes of grief, secrets, and second chances land differently on the page versus on screen. We also get into what worked for us, what didn’t, and whether the adaptation captured the emotional core of the novel. If you’ve read it, watched it, or are deciding if either is worth your time, this one’s for you.LinksOfficial author website:  (https://www.colleenhoover.com/)Regretting You: (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44582454-regretting-you?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_14)Colleen Hoover on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5430144.Colleen_Hoover)Chapters(00:00) - Intro (05:55) - Upcoming books (07:05) - Book summary (spoiler-free) (08:16) - SPOILER ALERT! (08:36) - Book summary + spoilers (10:08) - Kristy's review (11:51) - Jon's review (14:56) - To tell or not to tell (21:23) - Sympathy for Morgan (24:11) - Shifting narrators (26:58) - Jonah's POV (30:33) - Morgan & Jonah (33:14) - The ending (36:55) - Transition to the film (37:23) - The casting (39:52) - Biggest changes (46:32) - Final thoughts

In this episode, we’re talking People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry — the book and its film adaptation. We get into the friends-to-lovers slow burn, the years of miscommunication, and how nostalgia and timing shape Poppy and Alex’s relationship. We also debate whether this story works better on the page or on screen and how the adaptation handles the emotional buildup.LinksOfficial author website: (https://www.emilyhenrybooks.com/)People We Meet On Vacation: (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60581725-people-we-meet-on-vacation)Emily Henry on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13905555.Emily_Henry)Chapters(02:04) - Why Kristy picked this book (03:11) - Upcoming books (04:20) - Book summary (spoiler-free) (05:58) - SPOILER ALERT! (06:20) - Alex & Poppy (10:31) - A lack of purpose (14:15) - The miscommunication trope (17:21) - The turning point(s) (20:26) - Emotional fairness (22:56) - Chasing happiness (24:49) - Transition to the film (25:06) - The casting (27:41) - Chemistry on screen (31:03) - The alternating timelines (33:04) - Movie miscommunication (35:05) - Simplifying something complex (36:12) - The big reveal (40:35) - Book vs movie ending (44:32) - Final thoughts

In this episode, we sift through a classic: Stephen King’s Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption—yes that movie. We talk about what makes this story so enduring, the unforgettable characters, and what it means to stay human in a place designed to break you.LinksOfficial author website: (https://stephenking.com/)Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption: (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39664.Rita_Hayworth_and_Shawshank_Redemption)Stephen King on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3389.Stephen_King)Chapters(02:40) - Why Kristy picked this one (04:09) - Upcoming books (05:09) - Book summary (spoiler free) (06:04) - SPOILER ALERT! (06:27) - Summary (with spoilers) (07:14) - Kristy's review (08:04) - Jon's review (10:46) - Everything from Red's POV (15:09) - Andy's sanity (17:56) - I have the power? (20:55) - Strength vs shutting down (23:19) - What's up with Rita? (24:40) - Hope is... (27:21) - Transitioning to the film (30:21) - The brilliant cast (34:03) - The warden (37:47) - Visual storytelling vs literary depth (40:12) - Institutionalization and its effects (44:20) - Comparing endings: book vs film (46:43) - Final thoughts

Kicking off season four is The Housemaid — and its brand-new film adaptation. We revisit Millie’s tense, twisted experience working inside the Winchesters’ home before unpacking how the movie brings that psychological tension to the screen. We compare what worked (and what didn’t), talk casting and those jaw-dropping twists, and debate whether the book or the film tells this story best.LinksOfficial author website: (https://www.freidamcfadden.com/)The Housemaid: (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60556912-the-housemaid)Freida McFadden on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7244758.Freida_McFadden)Chapters(05:16) - Upcoming books (07:33) - Spoiler-free summary (09:08) - SPOILER ALERT! (09:28) - Summary with spoilers (11:03) - Jon's review (13:16) - Kristy's review (15:12) - Why does Millie stay (17:31) - It's all about control (19:38) - Oh, Nina... (21:34) - Krsity ruined books for Jon (23:17) - Handling the sitch differently (26:14) - Most memorable scenes (28:38) - Reaction to the ending (30:31) - Transition to the film (30:40) - Did it feel like the same story (33:27) - Andrew on screen (36:16) - Biggest changes between book and film (42:11) - If you were directing... (45:13) - Final thoughts

A full season of reading, chaos, arguments, hot takes, and two author interviews—all wrapped in one recap episode. We’re looking back, calling ourselves out, and gearing up for Season Four.Chapters(02:27) - Favorite book of the season (04:39) - Least favorite book (06:05) - Most unexpected (07:55) - Favorite characters (10:51) - Who'd you actively avoid? (13:07) - The one Jon secretly liked more than he admitted (14:40) - The episodes with author guests (19:25) - More nervous or relaxed? (22:43) - Our biggest learning moment (25:34) - The hardest EP to record (28:09) - Funniest moment? (29:16) - Looking ahead to S4 (31:31) - TBR for the holiday (33:42) - Final thoughts

In this episode, we dive into My Friends by Fredrik Backman—a deeply human story about connection and the messy devotion that holds friendships together. We talk about friendships as a lifeline, the way humor softens heartbreak, and why these characters feel so lived-in. Listen for the themes that hit hardest and if we recommend adding this to your TBR.LinksMy Friends:(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217163697-my-friends)Fredrik Backman on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6485178.Fredrik_Backman)Chapters(01:49) - Why Kristy picked it (03:21) - Calling all listeners! (04:20) - Book summary (spoiler-free) (05:50) - SPOILER ALERT! (06:10) - Kristy's review (08:23) - Jon's review (10:10) - Finding your people (13:23) - Louisa (16:10) - The struggle was real (19:54) - So much trauma (21:36) - A slight divergence... (23:36) - Back to the question... (25:20) - Who did Kimkim love? (27:57) - Christian (30:20) - Meaning of the pier (32:13) - Unpacking the ending (36:29) - Final thoughts

In this episode, we dissect The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood—the STEM rom-com packed with fake dating and grumpy/sunshine chemistry. We talk about what felt rom-com convenient, power dynamics inside academia, and whether the resolution sticks the landing—professionally and romantically. Join us for our favorite laugh-out-loud moments!LinksOfficial author website: (https://alihazelwood.com/)The Love Hypothesis: (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56732449-the-love-hypothesis)Ali Hazelwood on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21098177.Ali_Hazelwood)Chapters(01:27) - Announcing contest winner (04:41) - Book summary (spoiler-free) (06:24) - SPOILER ALERT! (06:44) - Jon's review (07:44) - Kristy's review (09:41) - The academic setting (12:51) - Olive (16:57) - Adam (21:36) - All the tropes (23:58) - Protecting a friend’s happiness (26:06) - Bad reputation (Adam's version) (30:30) - F-ing Greg (32:37) - The "conference" (38:58) - How Olive handled "the situation" (43:47) - Final thoughts

In this episode, author Paige Harbison joins us to unpack The Other Side of Now—a grief-tinged “what if” that drops a woman into an alternate version of her life. We talk about how loss reshapes identity, the fault lines in friendships when reality shifts, and why the book’s timeline jump works without leaning heavy into sci-fi.LinksOfficial author website: (https://www.paigeharbison.com/)The Other Side of Now: (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217388211-the-other-side-of-now)Paige Harbison on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4130856.Paige_Harbison)Chapters(01:57) - Why Kristy picked it (05:22) - Book summary (spoiler-free) (07:18) - SPOILER ALERT! (07:36) - Kristy's review (09:37) - Jon's review (11:44) - What about the 'what if' (16:17) - Reshaping choices, values, and relationships (23:16) - Fame and identity (25:55) - The reveal (29:34) - You're not the person I know! (33:40) - What would your alternate reality look like? (35:25) - Interview with the author (01:06:27) - Wrapping up

For this episode, Kristy made Jon read Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson—a thriller where a 27-year-old, given one week to live after a Halloween attack, decides to investigate her own impending murder. We talk about the impending tension and who to trust when everyone’s a suspect. Listen for our takes on character choices, twists, and whether the premise sticks the landing.LinksNot Quite Dead Yet (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220223963-not-quite-dead-yet)Holly Jackson on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18229614.Holly_Jackson)Chapters(03:20) - Book summary (spoiler-free) (04:18) - SPOILER ALERT! (04:41) - Jon's review (06:15) - Kristy's review (08:26) - Jet as a narrator (13:04) - A few days left to live (16:50) - Police inadequacies (20:01) - Who did Jon suspect (25:55) - Trust Luke? (27:30) - Good & evil (29:43) - The final chapters (34:39) - Reaction to Luke's decision (37:22) - Did it feel YA to Jon? (39:19) - Final thoughts

In this episode, we discuss Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Jessica Guerrieri, joined by the author herself. It’s a powerful story of motherhood, identity, and the phantom life that lingers in the background. We unpack the choices, struggles, and regrets that make Leah O’Connor’s journey unforgettable.LinksOfficial author website: (https://www.jessicaguerrieri.net/) Book on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216052784-between-the-devil-and-the-deep-blue-sea) Jessica Guerrieri on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50861087.Jessica_Guerrieri)Chapters(01:23) - Why Krsity picked this book (04:05) - Book summary (clean) (05:29) - SPOILER ALERT (05:45) - Kristy's review (07:09) - Jon's review (08:30) - A metaphorical title (10:16) - A phantom life (15:04) - Sympathetic or infuriating (18:07) - Reliable or unreliable (20:38) - Shaping a sense of self (23:23) - Leah’s relationships (27:26) - Paving another path (30:24) - Making different choices (32:53) - Failures or societal pressures (35:03) - More from the ending? (39:39) - Interview with Jessica (01:08:49) - Final thoughts

Kristy and Jon dive into Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, a sweeping novel set in NASA’s 1980s shuttle program. They unpack Joan Goodwin’s path from professor to astronaut, the heartbreaking tension of mission STS-LR9, and the slow-burn love story that had them publicly sobbing by the pool. With laughs, tears, and plenty of side-eye for Barbara, they explore ambition, sacrifice, and what it means to find love among the stars.LinksOfficial author website: (https://taylorjenkinsreid.com/)Atmosphere: (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220817728-atmosphere)Taylor Jenkins Reid on Goodreads: (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6572605.Taylor_Jenkins_Reid)Chapters(04:23) - Jon's review (06:26) - Kristy's review (07:51) - The storytelling (10:54) - Cast of characters (15:17) - More than friendship (17:56) - Thoughts on the love story (21:17) - NASA program (25:27) - Barbara, Barbara, Barbara (28:05) - Space vs Earth (30:48) - A romance exposed (34:51) - No one left behind (39:06) - THe ending (44:56) - The ending being the ending (48:25) - Wanna go to space, puppy? (51:46) - Final thoughts

We’re back in the world of Basgiath—and things are darker, deadlier, and dragon-ier than ever. In this episode, we dive into Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros to unpack the twists, the trauma, and THAT final reveal. Violet’s world is crumbling and Xaden’s fate hangs in the balance. So. Many. Thoughts.LinksOfficial author website (https://rebeccayarros.com/)Onyx Storm on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209439446-onyx-storm)Rebecca Yarros on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7539785.Rebecca_Yarros)Chapters(02:00) - Podcast format (03:49) - RomanceCon '25 (07:32) - Kristy's review (10:15) - Jon's review (13:22) - Adding to the world building (17:08) - Magicless (20:13) - Andarna's teenage sass (21:14) - How Andarna was treated (25:12) - Are there others? (26:15) - The second signet (29:57) - Other second signets (32:56) - Building their own army (35:37) - Violet's dad (38:43) - Asher's excerpts (41:41) - The last 100pgs Pt1 (46:27) - The last 100pgs Pt2 (50:03) - Bonds (52:44) - Final thoughts

In this episode, we discuss The Love Haters by Katherine Center, a witty, heart-filled rom-com where a jaded producer meets her match in a real-life hero. We discuss the importance of self-love, sibling rivalries, and why George Bailey is a great name for a dog.LinksOfficial author website (https://katherinecenter.com/)The Love Haters on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217387810-the-love-haters)Katherine Center on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/409113.Katherine_Center)Chapters(00:46) - Intro (02:11) - Special announcement (02:57) - Book summary (04:06) - SPOILER ALERT! (04:40) - Kristy's review (06:03) - Jon's review (07:13) - Katie's inner dialogue (11:55) - Culture of appreciation (14:56) - Take me to Key West (17:37) - Lover hater yes or no? (19:12) - Humor levels (20:15) - Sibling rivalries (23:11) - Fake dating? (25:22) - A collective hallucination (27:53) - A realistic survival? (30:46) - George Bailey (31:54) - Discussing the author's note (34:41) - Recommendation

In this episode, we dive into Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry—a genre-bending story of rival writers, buried secrets, and one enigmatic woman at the center of it all. We unpack parental expectations, weird endings, and why being 5'7" is apparently a plot point.LinksOfficial author website (https://www.emilyhenrybooks.com/)Great Big Beautiful Life (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218559595-great-big-beautiful-life)Emily Henry on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13905555.Emily_Henry)Chapters(02:07) - Book summary (03:48) - SPOILER ALERT! (04:29) - Jon's review (05:41) - Kristy's review (08:46) - Genre mixing (11:05) - Crossing lines of love and work (14:09) - Parental expectations (17:09) - Margaret's story (19:58) - Media's impact on the soul (22:15) - The twist (24:27) - What would Jon have done? (27:32) - Margaret's decision (30:00) - Wanna be famous?! (31:34) - Three versions of a story (33:34) - Who Jon would tell-all on (36:19) - Final thoughts

In this week’s episode, we’re talking The Trade Off by Samantha Greene Woodruff—a sharp, fast-paced historical fiction set in 1920s New York. Join us as we dig into ambition, gender roles, market chaos, and what it means to be the smartest (and most ignored) person in the room.LinksOfficial author website (https://www.samanthawoodruff.com/)The Trade Off (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/207644520-the-trade-off)Samantha Greene Woodruff on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21418696.Samantha_Greene_Woodruff)Chapters(00:46) - Skip intro (01:24) - A special guest?! (04:11) - Book summary (05:17) - SPOILER ALERT! (05:47) - Kristy's review (07:02) - Jon's review (09:29) - Impressions of Bea (11:50) - Shifting social status (14:30) - Bea & Sophie (16:44) - Henny & Millie (18:52) - Jake (22:59) - The Great Crash (25:13) - What if Jon was Bea? (27:27) - Trust & perseverance (29:49) - Oh, Nate (35:31) - Pauline (38:27) - Introducing our special guest! (48:05) - Interview debrief (48:33) - Recommendations

In this episode, we dive into Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez—a heartfelt, emotionally layered romance that’s equal parts swoony and soul-stirring. We’re talking long-distance love, grief, family struggles, and why Abby’s stories always hit deeper than your average love story. This one gave us all the feels. Tune in for our take on one unforgettable night, an unexpected connection, and the kind of love that refuses to fade.LinksOfficial author website (https://www.authorabbyjimenez.com/)Say You’ll Remember Me (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216437557-say-you-ll-remember-me?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_16)Abby Jimenez on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18446724.Abby_Jimenez)Chapters(00:46) - Skip Intro (03:16) - Book summary (04:28) - SPOILER ALERT! (05:01) - Jon's review (06:25) - Kristy's review (07:47) - Instant attraction (10:18) - Withholding critical information (12:25) - Black cat vs golden retriver (15:15) - Impact of dementia (19:10) - A husbandly conundrum (23:02) - Adult understanding (27:34) - The hits just keep on comin (30:20) - Xavier’s demons (33:22) - The family intervention (37:05) - Parallel timelines (39:54) - Thoughts on the ending (41:54) - To buy, or not to buy… mustard (44:30) - Final thoughts

In this episode, Kristy and Jon dive into The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune—a heartwarming tale of magical children, unlikely friendships, and finding your voice. They unpack themes of prejudice and humanity, gush over favorite characters like Chauncey and Talia, and reflect on the cozy magic of this feel-good read. Come for the laughs, stay for the tears... and maybe a surprise Rudolph reference.LinksOfficial author website (https://www.tjklunebooks.com/)The House in the Cerulean Sea (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45047384-the-house-in-the-cerulean-sea) TJ Klune on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5073330.T_J_Klune)Chapters(00:46) - Skip intro (01:37) - Upcoming books (02:39) - Book summary (03:53) - SPOILER ALERT! (04:19) - Kristy's review (05:22) - Jon's review (05:58) - Live up to the hype? (07:26) - Linus (10:58) - Favorite children (14:24) - Chauncey! (16:39) - Lucy(fer) (19:15) - Body size metaphor (23:39) - Arthur (29:01) - Blindly following the rules (30:51) - Addressing prejudices (32:24) - A magical romance (34:12) - Finding 'home' (36:55) - A surprise question?! (39:08) - Recommendations (40:55) - Closing time

In this episode, we dive into The Family Experiment by John Marrs, where various families volunteer for a cutting-edge virtual reality competition that pairs adults with children to form instant families. We break down the hidden agendas, the crazy tech, and the total emotional chaos.LinksOfficial author website (https://www.johnmarrsauthor.com/) The Family Experiment by John Marrs (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197108968-the-family-experiment)John Marrs on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7264719.John_Marrs)Chapters(00:46) - Skip intro (02:11) - Book summary (03:24) - SPOILER ALERT! (03:43) - Jon's review (04:54) - Kristy's review (06:48) - Relevancy of AI (08:33) - Physically moving, virtually (10:15) - Cadman and Gabriel (13:12) - Woody and Tina (17:50) - Selena and Jaden (21:35) - Dimitri and Zoe (24:38) - Adam (27:23) - Hudson (30:32) - 24/7 surveillance (33:17) - £250,000 (36:24) - The great (meta) debate (42:44) - Would society be ready? (45:52) - Would we volunteer? (47:07) - Our recommendation