Bestsellers & Brews

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of suicide, drunk driving fatality, mortality themes Discover why Foreign Affairs won the 1985 Pulitzer Prize and became a groundbreaking portrayal of middle-aged romance. Alison Lurie's sophisticated comedy of manners follows two American academics in London finding unexpected second chances at life. Episode Highlights: Complete breakdown of the novel's prestigious awards (Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award finalist) Why this pioneering work changed how literature portrays middle-aged women Spoiler-free recommendation section for potential readers In-depth analysis of Lurie's narrative techniques and character development Critical examination of the novel's structural weaknesses and convenience plotting Constructive suggestions for strengthening character arcs and thematic coherence Key Timestamp: 25:55 - ⚠️ SPOILER SECTION BEGINS - Full plot breakdown and detailed analysis Resources Mentioned: Foreign Affairs by Alison Lurie on Goodreads 1985 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction Comparison to Henry James's "The Ambassadors" David Lodge's campus novels 1993 NBC adaptation starring Joanne Woodward Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation, drunk driving resulting in death, and mortality themes. Join our book review community for weekly deep-dive discussions and honest literary analysis. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more Pulitzer Prize winner breakdowns and hidden gem discoveries. Join the FREE Skool Community to get good at writing

Why Shield of Sparrows became the #1 New York Times bestseller that pulled TS back into romantasy after swearing off the genre. This comprehensive review compares Perry's monster-hunting debut against Fourth Wing and Quicksilver to see what works—and what definitely doesn't. Episode Highlights: Why this book convinced a reluctant reader to try romantasy again Complete commercial success breakdown and industry impact Spoiler-free recommendation: who should and shouldn't read this Shadow daddy comparison: Guardian vs. Xaden vs. Kingfisher The Witcher connections and missed monster-hunting opportunities Character motivation breakdowns that don't make sense Writing style issues and repetitive middle section problems Game of Thrones arranged marriage comparison and what went wrong Key Timestamp: 20:04 - ⚠️ SPOILER SECTION BEGINS - Full plot breakdown and detailed craft analysis Resources Mentioned: Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry (available on Kindle Unlimited) Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros comparison throughout Quicksilver by Callie Hart shadow daddy analysis The Witcher series parallels and monster-hunting concepts Game of Thrones arranged marriage execution comparison Red Tower Books publishing strategy discussion This is TS's third romantasy review on Bestsellers and Brews. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more honest book breakdowns and writing craft discussions. Next Episode: Foreign Affairs by Alison Lurie Connect with us: Join the FREE Skool Community to get good at writing: https://www.skool.com/get-good-at-writing

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of domestic violence, mental health institutionalization, and infant loss Discover why The Lost Bookshop became a global phenomenon, selling over 1 million copies in just 11 months. Evie Woods' debut magical realism novel weaves together 1920s Paris and contemporary Dublin through a vanishing bookshop that appears only to those who need it most. Key Timestamps: [17:33] - ⚠️ MAJOR SPOILERS BEGIN - Complete story breakdown and analysis Resources Mentioned: The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods on Goodreads Shortlisted for 2024 British Book Award (Page-Turner of the Year) Nielsen Gold Bestseller Award 2025 Author's influences: Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Emily Brontë About This Episode: This comprehensive review examines both the magical charm and structural flaws of Woods' bestselling debut. We explore how a book about books captured readers worldwide while analyzing specific craft elements that could have elevated it from commercial success to literary masterpiece. Perfect for aspiring writers seeking to understand what makes bestsellers work—and how they could work better. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence, asylum abuse, and infant loss as portrayed in the novel. Join our book review community for weekly deep-dive discussions and honest literary analysis. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more bestseller breakdowns and writing craft insights. Next Week: We'll be diving into Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry! Connect with us: Join our FREE Skool Community to get good at writing: https://www.skool.com/get-good-at-writing

Discover why Project Hail Mary sold over 1 million audiobooks despite critical character flaws. Andy Weir's third novel won the 2022 Audie Award and earned endorsements from Barack Obama and Bill Gates, yet struggles with the same characterization issues that plagued Artemis. This comprehensive review examines why Rocky the alien saves an otherwise flawed narrative. Episode Highlights: Project Hail Mary's remarkable commercial success: #1 NYT bestseller, Hugo nominee, Goodreads Choice winner Spoiler-free analysis of Andy Weir's persistent character development problems In-depth comparison to The Martian's grounded stakes versus Hail Mary's hypothetical overload Critical examination of convenient plot devices and missing human conflict Why Rocky emerges as the book's unexpected emotional core Film adaptation news: Ryan Gosling stars in the $108 million production (March 2026) Key Timestamps: 14:44 - ⚠️ SPOILER SECTION BEGINS - Full plot analysis and writing craft discussion Resources Mentioned: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir on Goodreads 2022 Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year Ray Porter's acclaimed audiobook narration Comparison to The Martian and Artemis Brandon Sanderson's review calling it his "favorite book of the year" ✍️ Get Good at Writing - Join the FREE Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/get-good-at-writing Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more science fiction breakdowns and writing craft analysis.

Discover why Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow became 2022's most celebrated literary phenomenon and #76 on The New York Times' 100 Best Books of the 21st Century. Gabrielle Zevin's acclaimed novel about video game designers Sam and Sadie revolutionized how literature treats gaming culture. Episode Highlights: Complete awards breakdown: Goodreads Choice Award, simultaneous #1 Book of Year (Amazon + Time Magazine) Why this gaming novel sold 2.8 million copies and secured a $2 million film deal Spoiler-free recommendation section for potential readers In-depth analysis of Zevin's narrative techniques and character development Critical examination of friendship dynamics, creative collaboration, and gaming as art Constructive suggestions for structural improvements and missed storytelling opportunities Key Timestamp: 17:20 - ⚠️ SPOILER SECTION BEGINS - Full plot breakdown and detailed literary analysis Resources Mentioned: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin on Goodreads Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fiction 2022 Film adaptation by Academy Award winner Siân Heder (CODA) Paramount Pictures and Temple Hill Entertainment production The New York Times' 100 Best Books of the 21st Century list Join our book review community for weekly deep-dive discussions and honest literary analysis. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more literary fiction breakdowns and hidden gem discoveries. Connect with us: Join our FREE Skool community to get good at writing 

Discover why R.F. Kuang's award-winning contemporary satire about literary theft and cultural appropriation became a global phenomenon. This comprehensive review examines whether Yellowface deserves its critical acclaim and commercial success. Episode Highlights Complete awards breakdown: Goodreads Choice Award winner, British Book Awards Fiction Book of the Year, and Reese's Book Club selection Commercial success analysis: #1 New York Times Bestseller with seven consecutive weeks on the list R.F. Kuang's impressive credentials: Marshall Scholar, Oxford lecturer, and acclaimed fantasy author's first contemporary fiction Spoiler-free recommendation: Who should read this satirical take on publishing industry tokenism Deep structural analysis: Character motivation problems and missed psychological thriller opportunities Controversial industry perspective: Alternative take on "marginalized voices" and commercial storytelling realities Resources Mentioned Yellowface by R.F. Kuang on Goodreads R.F. Kuang's previous works: The Poppy War trilogy, Babel Comparison titles: Percival Everett's Erasure, Elaine Hsieh Chou's Disorientation Lionsgate Television adaptation with director Karyn Kusama Industry context: Publishing diversity initiatives and cultural appropriation cases Join our book review community for weekly deep-dive discussions and honest literary analysis. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more contemporary fiction breakdowns and hidden gem discoveries. Connect with us: Join our Facebook book club community

Discover why Laila Lalami's genre-bending dystopian thriller The Dream Hotel achieved national bestseller status and Women's Prize for Fiction longlist recognition. The acclaimed author's bold departure from literary fiction explores surveillance capitalism through AI-powered dream analysis and pre-crime detention. Episode Highlights: Women's Prize for Fiction 2025 longlist and Read with Jenna Book Club selection analysis Spoiler-free recommendation section for dystopian fiction and speculative fiction readers In-depth examination of Lalami's unique background as former computational linguist turned distinguished literary author Critical analysis of surveillance capitalism themes and algorithmic bias exploration Comprehensive breakdown of missed storytelling opportunities and character development issues Key Timestamp: 24:01 - ⚠️ SPOILER SECTION BEGINS - Full plot breakdown and detailed craft analysis Resources Mentioned: The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami on Goodreads Women's Prize for Fiction 2025 longlist recognition Read with Jenna Book Club March 2025 selection Comparison titles: Minority Report, 1984, The Handmaid's Tale Laila Lalami's previous works: The Moor's Account (Pulitzer finalist), The Other Americans Join our book review community for weekly deep-dive discussions and honest literary analysis of both acclaimed and disappointing releases. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more dystopian fiction breakdowns, speculative fiction reviews, and hidden gem discoveries in contemporary literature. Connect with us: Join our Facebook book club community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/4029345297281810

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions of suicide and domestic violence. Discover why The Silent Patient became the #1 New York Times bestseller with over 6.5 million copies sold worldwide. Alex Michaelides' debut psychological thriller won the Goodreads Choice Award and captivated readers globally, but does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we break down everything that worked and what didn't in this award-winning psychological thriller. Perfect for book club discussions and readers deciding whether to pick up this polarizing bestseller. Episode Highlights: Complete breakdown of The Silent Patient's massive commercial success Spoiler-free recommendation section for potential readers In-depth analysis of Alex Michaelides' narrative techniques and writing style Critical examination of plot devices, character development, and structural issues Constructive suggestions for story improvement and missed opportunities Trigger Warning: This episode discusses themes of suicide, domestic violence, and psychological trauma as they appear in the book. Join our book review community for weekly deep-dive discussions and honest literary analysis. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more bestseller breakdowns and hidden gem discoveries. Join our Facebook group

Episode Overview In this episode, TS analyzes Clare Leslie Hall's bestselling novel Broken Country. This deep dive explores what works and what doesn't in this complex tale of a woman torn between two loves in 1960s rural England, while examining how the novel's structure and character development could have been improved. Key Topics Covered The premise and dual timeline structure of Broken Country Character analysis of Beth, Frank, and Gabriel The love triangle and its execution The underutilized historical setting of 1960s England The murder mystery/courtroom drama elements Beth's problematic character motivations and lack of redemption arc Craft discussion: missed opportunities and how the novel could have been strengthened Rural British drink pairing: The Broken Heart Bramble Timestamps 10:19 - Detailed Spoiler Analysis Begins Drink Pairing The Broken Bramble - A sloe gin-based cocktail that captures the rural British setting with its ruby-red color and traditional countryside ingredients, mirroring the bittersweet emotional complexity of the novel. Non-alcoholic alternative: Countryside Bramble Fizz with blackberry syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and soda water. Join Our Community! Be part of our reading community! Join our Facebook group Next Up Coming soon: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Episode Overview In this episode, TS analyzes Marjan Kamali's bestselling novel The Lion Women of Tehran. This examination explores the powerful friendship between two Iranian women set against the backdrop of three transformative decades in Tehran, from the 1950s through the Islamic Revolution and beyond. Key Topics Covered The premise and historical context of The Lion Women of Tehran Character analysis of Ellie and Homa and their complex friendship The "lioness" metaphor and its significance Iranian political history and how it shapes the characters' lives The betrayal that fractures the friendship and its consequences Structural issues with the narrative and missed dramatic opportunities Discussion of the "atonement structure" and how it could have strengthened the novel The theme of women's rights in pre and post-revolutionary Iran Drink Pairing "The Persian Lioness" - A golden-hued cocktail featuring saffron-infused vodka, pomegranate juice, rose syrup, and lime juice, garnished with pomegranate seeds and rose petals. Non-alcoholic alternative: Pomegranate juice, saffron tea, rose syrup, and sparkling water with the same garnishes. Join Our Community! Be part of our reading community! Join our Facebook group Next Up Coming soon: Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Episode Overview In this episode, TS analyzes Kazuo Ishiguro's 2021 novel Klara and the Sun, the Nobel Prize winner's first book since receiving the prestigious award. This examination explores what works and what doesn't in this melancholy sci-fi tale told from the perspective of an "Artificial Friend" named Klara who develops a spiritual connection to the Sun while caring for a sick child. Key Topics Covered The premise and narrative structure of Klara and the Sun Character analysis of Klara, Josie, and their complex relationships The theme of faith and the Sun as a symbol The "lifted" vs "unlifted" social division in the novel Analysis of Klara as an unreliable narrator Alternative narrative approaches that might have worked better Craft discussion: creating non-human perspective and restraint in exposition Drink pairing: "The Artificial Friend" - a sophisticated twist on a classic Drink Pairing "The Artificial Friend" - A sophisticated, metropolitan twist featuring Japanese whisky, yuzu-infused vermouth, and orange bitters, garnished with a Sun-like orange peel with three small cuts representing Klara's fragmented vision. Non-alcoholic alternative: Cold-brewed white tea with yuzu juice, honey syrup, and orange blossom water, with the same garnish. Next Up Coming soon: The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali Join Our Community! Be part of our reading community! Join our Facebook group

Episode Overview In this episode, TS analyzes Barbara Kingsolver's award-winning novel Demon Copperhead, a modern reimagining of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield set in Appalachia during the opioid crisis. This Pulitzer Prize and Women's Prize-winning bestseller follows a red-headed boy born to a teenage mother as he navigates poverty, foster care, addiction, and ultimately finds his voice through art. Key Topics Covered The premise and characters of Demon Copperhead Parallels to Charles Dickens' David Copperfield The portrayal of the opioid crisis in Appalachian communities The foster care system and its failures Demon's compelling narrative voice and sardonic humor Structural and symbolic elements that could be improved The power of art as a means of processing trauma Craft discussion: Kingsolver's exposition techniques and character development Timestamps 10:55 - Spoiler Warning & Detailed Analysis Begins Drink Pairing The Copperhead - A simple but impactful drink inspired by Demon's copper-colored hair and Appalachian roots. Alcoholic version: 2 oz bourbon 1 oz apple cider Splash of cinnamon syrup Garnish with apple slice Non-alcoholic version: 2 oz apple cider 1 oz ginger ale Dash of cinnamon Garnish with apple slice Next Up Coming soon: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro Join Our Community! Be part of our reading community! Join our Facebook group

Episode Overview In this episode, TS analyzes Sally Rooney's "Beautiful World, Where Are You." This contemporary literary novel follows four characters approaching thirty—Alice, Felix, Eileen, and Simon—as they navigate relationships, personal crises, and existential questions about finding meaning and beauty in a troubled world. Key Topics Covered The novel's unique structure alternating between narrative and philosophical emails Character analysis of Alice (a famous novelist) and her struggles with success Eileen and Simon's long-standing, complicated relationship The authentically Irish setting and its impact on the story The book's title origin from Friedrich Schiller's poem Craft discussion: missed opportunities for stronger narrative structure and character development How the novel could have used time as a narrative device for greater tension Drink Pairing The Dublin Philosopher - An Irish whiskey cocktail featuring Jameson, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup, and ginger beer, garnished with rosemary. The honey represents friendship, the lemon brings intellectual sharpness, while the rosemary evokes the Irish countryside. Non-alcoholic alternative: Cold-brewed Irish breakfast tea with lemon, honey, and ginger beer. Join Our Community! Be part of our reading community! Join our Facebook group Next Up Coming soon: "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver

Episode Overview In this episode, TS analyzes Percival Everett's "James: A Novel," a bold reimagining of Mark Twain's classic "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" from Jim's perspective. This discussion explores how Everett transforms a canonical American text by centering a previously marginalized character and examines both the strengths and missed opportunities in this ambitious retelling. Key Topics Covered The premise and narrative structure of "James: A Novel" James's hidden intellect and performative identity The complex relationship between James and Huck The major third-act revelation about James and Huck's relationship The pencil motif and its significance for James's agency The "Life is Beautiful" concept and how it could have strengthened the story Analysis of specific powerful scenes, including the riverboat engine room Craft discussion: narrative focus and emotional payoff in retellings Missed opportunities in character development and thematic exploration Timestamps 1:04 - Spoiler-Free Recommendation Starts 10:28 - Spoiler Warning & Drink Pairing 13:17 - Detailed Spoiler Analysis Begins Drink Pairing The Philosopher's River - A bourbon-based cocktail with blackberry liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup represents James's intellectual depth and the Mississippi River journey. The deep amber color with purple undertones symbolizes both the muddy waters and James's hidden complexity. Non-alcoholic alternative: "River Journey" - Strong black tea, blackberry syrup, lemon juice, and honey topped with soda water. Join Our Community! Be part of our reading community! Join our Facebook group Next Up Coming soon: "Beautiful World, Where Are You" by Sally Rooney

Episode Overview In this episode, TS breaks down Emily Henry's popular 2024 romance novel Funny Story. This analysis explores what works and what doesn't in this roommates-to-lovers story about a children's librarian who finds herself living with her ex-fiancé's new fiancée's ex-boyfriend. Key Topics Covered The premise and setup of Funny Story Character analysis of Daphne and Miles The fake dating trope and its execution Structural issues with plot and character development The Michigan lakeside setting of Waning Bay Craft discussion: how the book could have been improved Wine pairing: Michigan Chardonnay Timestamps 10:17 - Spoiler Warning & Drink Pairing 12:30 - Detailed Spoiler Analysis Begins Drink Pairing Michigan Chardonnay - A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay with bright apple and pear notes mirrors the refreshing, summery feel of the book and connects to the winery setting where Miles works. Non-alcoholic alternative: Sparkling apple cider with a splash of lemon. Join Our Community! Be part of our reading community! Join our Facebook group Next Up Coming soon: James by Percival Everett