Best Virtual Book Club Questions Podcasts (2024)

1
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins 1:02:46

6d ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Wendy and Amy discuss a Gothic thriller, The Villa by Rachel Hawkins. We may not have found the characters very likeable, but they definitely gave us a lot to discuss! We explore the parallel storylines, relationships and control, and cursed houses. Pop a cork to messy characters! Book: The Villa by Rachel Hawkins Bubbly: C Villa Prosecco This epis…

1
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood 58:52

1M ago58:52

58:52

Wendy and Amy take on a sciencey romance with Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood. We let AI guide our discussion and it took us down a science path that was anything but boring. Pop a cork to love in the lab! Book: Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood Bubbly: Biagio Prosecco Have you ever read a STEMinist romance? Did you know that Marie Curie was th…

1
The Measure by Nikki Erlick 1:05:20

3M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Wendy and Amy discuss speculative fiction novel The Measure by Nikki Erlick. We talked characters we related to and loved, and some we didn't. We had thoughts about AI and which of us would absolutely have to open the box. Pop a cork to living your life to the fullest! Book: The Measure by Nikki Erlick Bubbly: Giusti Asolo Prosecco Can AI Predict L…

1
Book Lovers by Emily Henry 55:37

4M ago55:37

55:37

Wendy and Amy discuss a little romance with Book Lovers by Emily Henry. We loved the sisterly bond between Nora and Libby, and the snarky banter between Nora and Charlie. Pop a cork to finding love where you least expect it! Book: Book Lovers by Emily Henry Bubbly: Caposaldo Prosecco This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY. Character Sketches Wendy: Nor…

1
The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 4 - Bannered Across the Sky in Fire 1:11:18

4M ago1:11:18

1:11:18

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

1
The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 3 - Egwene Is Going Through It Hours 1:04:55

5M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

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

1
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson 1:01:59

5M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

Wendy and Amy discuss the sweeping family drama Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. They talk characters, ghastly and golden, secrets, love, and of course, about a black cake. Pop a cork to traditions that hold together, and sometimes even heal, a family! Book: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson Bubbly: Gancia Prosecco This episode has a SPOILER SUMM…

1
The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 2 - Lanfear Loves Lace, Leather, and Lews Therin 1:00:33

5M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

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

1
The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 1 - This looks better than S1 1:03:54

6M ago1:03:54

1:03:54

In this bonus episode, Lotti, and M, are joined by AJ, and Liv, about series 2 of the Wheel of Time on Amazon Prime. In this episode, we discuss specially episodes 1 and 2. We discuss all things costumes, plot points, and our favourite bits from the episodes. Plus we ask the question: Which Ajah would Jane Austen’s heroines be in? Make sure you’ve …

1
The Maid by Nita Prose 1:06:03

6M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

Wendy and Amy discuss The Maid by Nita Prose, a locked-room mystery with an intriguing cast of characters. We loved Molly, were repulsed by Rodney (one of us, anyway!), and enamored with the fabulous setting. Which characters got a kiss, a ring, or a knife through the heart this time? Pop a cork to one underestimated, but brilliant Maid! Book: The …

1
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus 1:09:00

7M ago1:09:00

1:09:00

Wendy and Amy put on their lab coats and dive into Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. They talk characters, resiliency, and just what that #2 pencil (might've) meant for Elizabeth Zott. Pop a cork to women who stand up for other women and themselves! Book: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Bubbly: Bolla Prosecco Toxic Pesticide article by S…

1
Season 6 The Prologue 17:00

8M ago17:00

17:00

Wendy and Amy are back! It's a whole new year and a whole new season. We've got a few tweaks and changes this season, a stack of great books and plenty of bubbly. Our prologue will get you ready for it all. Pop a cork to Season 6! Books and Bubbly by Month * January: Prologue with Hi Prosecco * February:Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus with Bo…

1
Q and A: jingle jingle jingle 41:37

9M ago41:37

41:37

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

1
S4:E6 | Modern Retellings of the Grimm Fairy Tales 19:45

9M ago19:45

19:45

Alterations to the Grimm collected fairy tales have been ongoing since, well, the brothers began editing them in the early 1800s! The short tales lend themselves to a kind of metamorphosis that keeps them present across time and borders. In this episode we look at modern retellings of these established stories in the twentieth and twenty-first cent…

1
S4:E5 | Symbols in the Grimm Fairy Tales and What They Mean 23:31

10M ago23:31

23:31

This is going to be one of those episodes where once you hear about the patterns, you won’t be able to unsee them as you read the Grimm’s collected tales! In this episode we examine common symbols in fairy tales and tease out what they mean. What is so interesting is that these symbols—the rule of three, clothing, the forest, roses—create a subtext…

1
Hound of the Baskervilles : cocks gun Moor’s Haunted 45:11

10M ago45:11

45:11

For our final book review of series 3 join us as we discuss the Sherlock Holmes story “The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Featuring haunted moors, Scooby-Doo villainy, the John Watson defence squad, and some dogs (no cats). For our other episodes featuring Sherlock Holmes, including “Study in Scarlet”, see our website link be…

1
S4:E4 | Echoes of the Grimm Fairy Tales Found in Other Countries 25:18

10M ago25:18

25:18

From Germany to Japan, Chile to Iceland! In this episode we’ll be looking at how the tales collected by the brothers Grimm in Children’s and Household Tales have corresponding stories in other locations around the world. We’ll look specifically at fairy tales “Hansel and Gretel” and “Snow White” to demonstrate how the kernel of a story is mirrored …

1
S4:E3 | Religion and the Grimm Fairy Tales 20:56

10M ago20:56

20:56

In today’s episode we’re looking at the daddy of all patriarchal systems (pun intended!), the church and its teachings and how they are reflected in the Grimm fairy tales. After a quick refresher on Lutheranism, we dive into how Eve’s curiosity in the Garden of Eden becomes problematic, marriage as the only happily-ever-after, and Old Testament jus…

1
Gideon the Ninth: We Do Bones, Motherf*cker 57:47

10M ago57:47

57:47

Join us on an unforgettable literary journey as we unlock the secrets of Tamsyn Muir's captivating novel, "Gideon the Ninth." In this episode, we venture into a realm where necromancers wield power, the line between life and death blurs, and secrets shroud the decaying Canaan House. Content Warnings Death Support the Show. Recommend us a Book! If t…

1
S4:E2 | Sexism in the Grimm Fairy Tales 21:39

11M ago21:39

21:39

From women storytellers to male writers, hear how sexism and the patriarchy were woven into the Grimm fairy tales. In this second episode in the series, we’ll trace how the brothers Grimm crafted competition between female protagonists and antagonists (centered on beauty and youth) and made physical labour around the home a way to show marriageabil…

1
S4:E1 | How the Brothers Grimm Created their Fairy Tale Collection 20:25

11M ago20:25

20:25

Welcome to this new Le Salon Literary Discussions podcast series about the brothers Grimm. You’ve probably heard the name before and can identify some of the fairy tales they collected, but in this series, we’re going to tease out themes from the tales to take a closer look at them—and I think you’re going to be surprised what we find! In this epis…

1
Emma: The “Make Up A Guy To Be Mad At” Olympics 1:03:44

11M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Join us for a discussion of Jane Austen’s Emma - a story of misguided match-making, lying lovers, and stressful social situations. We talk about class, telling yourself stories about what’s going on in the heads of those around you, and - of course - who we’d fight if given the chance. Content Warnings na Support the Show. Recommend us a Book! If t…

1
The Creature in the Case: Country House Monster Mystery 51:32

11M ago51:32

51:32

Join us for a lively review of "Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case." By Garth Nix. In this standalone novella set in the Abhorsen universe, Nicholas Sayre embarks on a thrilling adventure, facing personal demons and unraveling a chilling mystery surrounding a locked case and an enigmatic creature. We explore Nix's masterful storytelling, i…

1
Mini Ep - The Final Empire 15:16

12M ago15:16

15:16

In this mini episode, the team ask the questions they didn’t ask before in the full review of The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson. For the full book review, see series 1 episode 20 Support the Show. Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but pleas…

1
Alanna the First Adventure: Twenty Pounds of Stubborn in a Five Pound Bag 57:23

1y ago57:23

57:23

Join us for a discussion of the first book in Tamora Pierce’s The Song of the Lioness series, Alanna the First Adventure. We think about what this story has to say about gender, and how it took on topics like bullying, sexism and misogyny while not even being allowed to run more than a couple hundred pages, because “it’s for children”. Content Warn…

1
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight : If You Want To Get A-Head, Get An Axe 1:07:29

1y ago1:07:29

1:07:29

It’s time for us to review another medieval poem! In this episode, we discuss “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a late 14th-century chivalric romance in Middle English, with an unknown author. The title of the poem was given centuries later after it was first written. It is one of the best-known Arthurian stories…

1
S3:E6 | No Longer Adrift: All You Need to Know About Shakespeare’s The Tempest 21:45

1y ago21:45

21:45

For our final episode in this series, we’re looking at what might have been the last play Shakespeare wrote: The Tempest. This play has marriage, magic, betrayal, and a happy ending—all things you’ve come to expect from the Bard. But what you might not expect is the commentary in the play on Indigenous vs. colonizer conflict. I’ll walk you through …

1
S3:E5 | Coming in From the Cold: Explaining Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale 21:38

1y ago21:38

21:38

The Winter’s Tale is a changeling play: we can see where it switches from tragedy to romantic comedy making it seem like Shakespeare was trying to connect two stories. And it has an ending that is up for your interpretation (even as it sets everything to rights). Not only will you get a summary of the play in this episode, you’ll also hear about wh…

1
Anno Dracula: A Victorian Vampire Clusterf*ck 1:10:18

1y ago1:10:18

1:10:18

Join us for a special episode of Teaching My Cat To Read, where Eli brings some beloved guests on board to discuss Kim Newman's Anno Dracula. We talk about whether vampires are always sexy, how many fun literary cameos an author can include before it gets annoying, and exactly what on earth is going on in this book. Please mind the content notes; t…

1
S3:E4 | Winning at Love’s Labour’s Lost: A Summary of the Play and Key info to Better Understand it 20:31

1y ago20:31

20:31

There’s no place for Shakespeare to hide in this 20-minute episode! Not only does this episode give you an act-by-act breakdown of what is happening in Love’s Labour’s Lost, so you can better understand the action in the play, I also tell you when it was written, what might have inspired it, and what is the key theme you need to know about. [1:01] …

1
S3:E3 | The Taming of the Shrewd: Answering Popular Questions about Shakespeare, Including, ‘How Do I Even Read This?’ 23:43

1y ago23:43

23:43

The Oxford University whose website says: “The biggest obstacle to enjoying Shakespeare is that niggling sense that understanding the works is a kind of literary IQ test.” In this episode we’ll help you feel more prepared to face this “test” by looking at how to make it easier to read Shakespeare’s plays and giving you the answers to questions you’…

1
Mini Ep - Temeraire 17:09

1y ago17:09

17:09

In this mini episode, the team asks the questions they didn’t ask before in the full review of Temeraire (His Majesty’s Dragon) by Naomi Novik. "Temeraire" combines history and fantasy, transporting readers to an alternate Napoleonic era where dragons exist. Join Captain Will Laurence as he unexpectedly becomes the partner of a dragon hatchling nam…

1
S3:E2 | Shakespeare’s England—The Elizabethan and Jacobean Eras 23:31

1y ago23:31

23:31

One of the ways to better understand Shakespeare’s plays is to look at the historical context he was writing in. In this episode, I’ll share how he wrote and performed for two different monarchs: Elizabeth I and James I (of England). Keep in mind that this was still a time when depending how a play was interpreted, performances could easily have be…

1
S3:E1 | Making Shakespeare Fun Again 22:31

1y ago22:31

22:31

I know that this season’s focus is going to have some people tune out immediately—but let me make the case as to why you might want to stick around. Firstly, most of us know Shakespeare from our high school days. Let me assure you, this is NOT your high school Shakespeare! Secondly, looking at William Shakespeare is intimidating. I mean the guy has…

1
The Raven Tower: Put That Rock Back Where It Came From Or So Help Me 1:09:45

1y ago1:09:45

1:09:45

In this episode, we review Ann Leckie's captivating fantasy novel, "The Raven Tower." Published in 2019, it immerses readers in a world where gods and humans coexist. Leckie's masterful prose, rich mythology, and well-crafted characters make this a must-read. Discover why it earned critical acclaim and awards. Happy reading! “A usurper has claimed …

1
Hamlet: Everything a Goddamn Ordeal in Area Family 1:04:28

1y ago1:04:28

1:04:28

In this episode, we chat about the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare. “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark”, often shortened to “Hamlet” is one of Shakespeare’s most quoted plays. It was written between 1599-1601, and is his longest play. The play is set in Denmark, where Prince Hamlet’s uncle has taken over the throne by killing Hamlet’s fat…

1
Mini Ep - Small Gods 16:05

1y ago16:05

16:05

In this mini episode, the team asks the questions they didn’t ask before in the full review of Small Gods by Terry Pratchett. For the full book review, see series 1 episode 10. Support the Show. Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read…

1
Guards! Guards!: Bjorn Strong in the Arm’s your Uncle 1:05:23

1+ y ago1:05:23

1:05:23

As we continue on our valiant quest to read more books in the Discworld series, we decided to discuss “Guards! Guards!” by Terry Pratchett. The first in the City Watch series of books within the Discworld universe, Guards! Guards! Follows the Night Watch as they try to recover a stolen magical book which can be used to summon dragons. Featuring man…

1
Death on the Nile: Don’t Make Me Turn This Ship Around 58:12

1+ y ago58:12

58:12

In this episode, we discuss the Agatha Christie Novel “Death on the Nile”. Featuring everyone’s favourite Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, (brushing off our gcse French to understand his thoughts), the twists and turns of the plot, silly questions, and what our cat would think. Content Warnings Fictional murder, alcoholism Support the Show. Recomm…

1
Cosmere: Look, a chicken! 1:02:57

1+ y ago1:02:57

1:02:57

In this episode Lotti is joined by friends of the podcast Liv and AJ to discuss Brandon Sanderson’s high fantasy book series The Stormlight Archive. What did we think of this series compared to Wheel of Time, or other Cosmere books? What’s our favourite cameo? Who’s our favourite character? Check out this episode to find out! We’ve read the books b…

1
Howl’s Moving Castle: The world’s magic-est camper van 59:46

1+ y ago59:46

59:46

In this episode we discuss the novel Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. Listen to the episode to find out what we thought, and more importantly what our cat thought of the book! Book blurb: Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fortune. But w…

1
Jeeves and Wooster: Wait! Let Me Jeeves That For You 54:43

1+ y ago54:43

54:43

In this episode, we discuss The Inimitable Jeeves by PG Wodehouse. A collection of short stories, published in the 1920’s, the book follows Bertie Wooster and his Valet Jeeves, who solves the hapless problems encountered by Wooster. Featuring why shouldn’t probably steal other authors ideas, colourful clothing, and Bertie Vs a cat. Make sure to fol…

1
S2:E6 | Modern Brontë Retellings (& About Branwell) 23:43

1+ y ago23:43

23:43

In this last episode of the series on the Brontës we’re finally looking at brother Branwell and I recommend some novels that interact with the Bronte’s works—from modern retellings to spin offs. You can see Branwell’s painting of his sisters here. If you haven’t yet read Anne’s novel Agnes Grey, or you’re due for a revisit, sign up for the August 2…

1
Planning Series 3: Best laid plans of cats & men 39:37

1+ y ago39:37

39:37

In this special episode to kick off series 3, we record us planning the books we are going to read! If you want to find out all the books we are reading check out our website for all the details. Content Warnings NA Support the Show. Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll p…

1
Welcome to Teaching my Cat to Read 0:59

1+ y ago0:59

0:59

Support the Show. Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram…

1
S2:E5 | Damaging the Brontë Legacy 26:55

1+ y ago26:55

26:55

A super juicy look at how Charlotte Brontë negatively influenced the popularity of her sister’s works and how we remember them today. Did Charlotte believe she was acting with her sister’s best interest when it came to their legacies? Or did she have ambitions of being the Brontë sibling we remember the most? Don’t forget to register for the August…

1
Season 5 Epilogue: Short Stories 27:26

1+ y ago27:26

27:26

Wendy and Amy recap this season with one final jello shot, a Fruited Prosecco Jelly Shot. Some short stories and jello shots were clear winners and others were not, in their opinion. Find out which ones ranked and which ones tanked! Pop a cork to shorts and shots! Today's Prosecco Jello Shot: Fruited Prosecco Jelly Shot from Jelly Shot Test Kitchen…

1
S2:E4 | Charlotte Brontë: The Last Sibling 20:55

1+ y ago20:55

20:55

Today’s episode is all about the most well-known Brontë sister: Charlotte. While her presence has been felt in the other episodes, here we’ll look more closely at her personal life and her novels. If you’re a fan of the novel Jane Eyre, you might want to read my blog post about the fairy tale elements or listen to the episode titled Modern Gothic f…

1
S2:E3 | Anne Brontë: The Forgotten Sister 22:18

1+ y ago22:18

22:18

Hear how Anne Brontë, the youngest child in the family, has been cast as the lesser-known talent in popular culture (although undeservedly so!). In August we’re bringing Anne into the light by reading and talking about her novel Agnes Grey. Click here to sign up for the discussion and don’t forget to use code podcastlove to get 20% off your ticket.…

1
Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway 44:30

1+ y ago44:30

44:30

Wendy and Amy wrap up the season with tow short stories by Ernest Hemingway, "in our time" and "The Killers," paired with a classic brunch drink as a jello shot, a Mimosa Jello Shot. They talk Hemingway's terse style, recurring themes in his work, and fun facts that shaped his writing. They also find out if a mimosa jello shot is just like the real…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Virtual Book Club Questions Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide