"Teaching My Cat to Read" is a book podcast that adds a unique comedic twist to literary discussions - thinking what our cat would think of this book. Discover answers to questions like, "Who would emerge victorious in a fight between Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennett?" or "Who funded the grant money for Victor Frankenstein's experiments?" And don't forget, we never fail to ask the important question: "What rating would our cat give this book?" Tune in every other week for brand new episodes t ...
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The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 4 - Bannered Across the Sky in Fire
1:11:18
1:11:18
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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…
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The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 3 - Egwene Is Going Through It Hours
1:04:55
1:04:55
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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…
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The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 2 - Lanfear Loves Lace, Leather, and Lews Therin
1:00:33
1:00:33
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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…
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The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 1 - This looks better than S1
1:03:54
1:03:54
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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 …
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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…
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Hound of the Baskervilles : *cocks gun* Moor’s Haunted
45:11
45:11
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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…
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Gideon the Ninth: We Do Bones, Motherf*cker
57:47
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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…
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Emma: The “Make Up A Guy To Be Mad At” Olympics
1:03:44
1:03:44
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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…
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The Creature in the Case: Country House Monster Mystery
51:32
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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…
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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…
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Alanna the First Adventure: Twenty Pounds of Stubborn in a Five Pound Bag
57:23
57:23
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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…
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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight : If You Want To Get A-Head, Get An Axe
1:07:29
1:07:29
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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…
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Anno Dracula: A Victorian Vampire Clusterf*ck
1:10:18
1:10:18
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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…
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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…
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The Raven Tower: Put That Rock Back Where It Came From Or So Help Me
1:09:45
1:09:45
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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 …
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Hamlet: Everything a Goddamn Ordeal in Area Family
1:04:28
1:04:28
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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…
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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…
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Guards! Guards!: Bjorn Strong in the Arm’s your Uncle
1:05:23
1:05:23
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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…
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Death on the Nile: Don’t Make Me Turn This Ship Around
58:12
58:12
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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…
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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…
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Howl’s Moving Castle: The world’s magic-est camper van
59:46
59:46
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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…
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Jeeves and Wooster: Wait! Let Me Jeeves That For You
54:43
54:43
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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…
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Planning Series 3: Best laid plans of cats & men
39:37
39:37
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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…
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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…
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Mini Ep - Dracula: A Preponderance of Malewives
16:52
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In this mini-episode we discuss DRACULA by Bram Stoker! We discuss the fun questions we introduced in series 2 for a book we’ve previously read in series 1. Including who’s the manipulator in this book, and what would the right move review be that Dracula is looking for for his London home (he probably won’t have to do a house share for £1k a month…
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The Song Of Achilles: Being God’s Favourite Little Boy Is Bad, Actually
52:25
52:25
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Join us for a discussion of Madeline Miller’s 2012 novel, The Song Of Achilles, which is a modern retelling of the life of Achilles and Patroclus from childhood to death. We talk about the original text of the Iliad (a lot!), the masterful work of art that is the 2004 movie Troy, and which bits of this book made us cry like babies. Content Warnings…
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Cosmere: Time to Get Out My Conspiracy Diagrams
53:12
53:12
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This week, friends of the podcast, Liv and AJ, join Lotti to discuss all things Cosmere! In this episode we discuss the following books and series: The Final Empire, Stormlight Archive (all four books), Warbreaker, Mistborn era 2, Secret History, Sixth of Dusk, Elantris, Mistborn Era 1… This is not a spoiler free episode. Please check timestamps be…
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A Study in Scarlet: The Book of Mormon (No Not That One)
55:58
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This week, we’re talking about A Study In Scarlet, the first full-length Sherlock Holmes novel by Arthur Conan Doyle. Join us for a discussion of frontier Mormonism, flatmate compatibility, and - of course - yelling about how badly Moffat and Gatiss botched it on the BBC. Give us a listen to find out what the cat thinks about it all. Content Warnin…
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This week, we’re talking about Abhorsen by Garth Nix. Join us for a discussion of character growth, using metaphorical molotov cocktails to exchange one problem for another, and - of course - what the cat would think of it all. NB: This is the third in The Old Kingdom Series, after Sabriel and Lirael. We’ve read both of these books before! See seri…
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Mini Ep - Pride and Prejudice: When in doubt, marry a guy for his house
15:36
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In our mini episodes we take 10 mins to discuss all the fun questions about a book we’ve already read on our podcast! Listen to us chat about which of the characters would be mansplain/manipulate/malewife and if Lizzie Bennet would do well in the world of The Long Way to A Small Angry Planet. In this episode we discuss PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by JANE A…
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Out of the Silent Planet: Local Man Too Stupid To Notice He’s Being Kidnapped
53:12
53:12
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This week, we discuss Out Of The Silent Planet, the first of C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy. We talk about Gnosticism, the absolutely atrocious aerodynamics of a spherical spaceship, and the time-honoured literary tradition of writing caricatures of your best friends into your fiction. Content Warnings na Support the Show. Recommend us a Book! If there’…
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What makes a Good Adaptation: Don’t Mention The Film
58:35
58:35
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In this episode we’re discussing what makes a good adaptation! We discuss adaptations of books we have read before such as Pride and Prejudice, to books we haven’t read on the podcast such as The Lord of The Rings! Join us as we wander through the forest of adaptations, what we like, what we don’t like, and picking out those we think our cat would …
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This week, we’re talking about Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson! Join us as we discuss magic systems, talking swords, and the power of character growth. Warbreaker is a stand-alone novel set in the Cosmere Universe, set on Nathlis, the shard world of Endowment. The magic is called Awakening, and is similar to the magic system which we discussed in T…
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A long way to a small angry planet: Roads? Where We’re Going, We Make The Roads
58:11
58:11
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This week, we gush about Becky Chambers’ first novel, The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet. Join us as we talk about humanism when not all the characters are human, why we actually wouldn’t punch any of the characters, and how much this book is just a big warm hug in word form. This episode also includes an excellent recommendation of British desse…
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This week, we’re talking about Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen’s commentary and parody on the Gothic novel genre. Join us for a discussion of dramatic fainting, odious love interests, and leaping to false conclusions. 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 messa…
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Castle of Otranto: Gothic Horror The Gilbert & Sullivan Edition
56:24
56:24
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Welcome to this week’s episode, where we take a rolllicking tour through Horace Walpole’s ‘The Castle of Otranto’, widely considered the first ever Gothic Horror novel. We discuss unmitigated chaos, the incredible diversity of character motivations, and - of course - whether the cat would approve. Content Warnings na Support the Show. Recommend us …
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Uprooted: In Fantasy Poland, Trees Eat You
52:27
52:27
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This week, we discuss Uprooted by Naomi Novik. Join as we talk about magical metaphors, the power of human connection, and - of course - what the cat’s opinions might be. Content Warnings Discussion of attempted sexual assault, murder, fantasy violence. Support the Show. Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, ju…
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Sense and Sensibility: Throw the whole man out/ YOU ARE SIXTEEN
53:02
53:02
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In this episode, we discuss Sense & Sensibility by the master herself, Jane Austen. Join us as we chat about unsettling age differences, where this book stands in conversation with the Gothic literature genre, and the frankly extraordinary blandness of almost every male character in this book. Content Warnings Discussion of large age gap relationsh…
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Wheel of Time Watch Along: Three - One, not-quite, drunken night out and we started a war (woops)
1:03:21
1:03:21
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In this bonus episode of Teaching my Cat to Read, Lotti is joined by two friends of the podcast to discuss episodes 6,7 and 8 of THE WHEEL OF TIME on Amazon prime. In the episode we discuss all the events of the show, plus our favourite book reader nods and subtle references which we picked up on re-watches! Spoiler warning Spoilers for episodes 6,…
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Hogfather: Yes tiny child, you may have a sword
53:55
53:55
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Join us for a festive chat about Hogfather by Terry Pratchett, another installation in his incredible Discworld series. We talk about belief, the horror of childrens’ imaginations, and - of course - what the cat would think of everything. Happy Hogswatch, all! Content Warnings na Support the Show. Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to …
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Wheel of Time Watch Along: Two - Humans, always so hasty
50:11
50:11
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In this bonus episode of Teaching my Cat to Read, Lotti is joined by two friends of the podcast to discuss episodes 4-5 of THE WHEEL OF TIME on Amazon prime. In the episode we discuss all the events of the show, plus our favourite book reader nods and subtle references which we picked up on re-watches! SPOILERS Spoilers for episodes 4-5 of The Whee…
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Wuthering Heights: Heathcliff holds a grudge
51:29
51:29
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Join us for a discussion/dragging of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Beloved by English teachers across the world, this book deals with themes of generational trauma and abuse, set in the evocative Yorkshire moors. We talk about racism, haunted houses and - of course - what the cat would think of it all. Spoilers start around the 3 min mark. Con…
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Good Omens: What’s this? It’s Humanity With A Steel Chair!
56:33
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Join us for the first episode of season 2, in which we discuss Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett! We talk about free will, compulsory heterosexuality, and the *chef’s kiss* perfect humour of the prose in this book. We also discuss who would be the single human in a Muppet adaptation, and what the cat would think of everything. Spoilers …
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Wheel of Time Watch Along - I want to knit Rand's fuzzy jumper.
47:38
47:38
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In this bonus episode of Teaching my Cat to Read, Lotti is joined by two friends of the podcast to discuss the first THREE episodes of THE WHEEL OF TIME on Amazon prime. Featuring questions such as what did we like in the adaptation, what we hope for in future episodes, and why Nynaeve is the MVP. Spoilers for episodes 1-3 of The Wheel of Time. Spo…
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For our final episode of series 1, we answer questions from you, our listeners! Find out what our favourite genres are, which author we would want to meet (and why), and which of the books we have read for series 1 we enjoyed reading the most! We also discuss the first few books which we are going to read for series 2! Make sure to stick around for…
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A Wizard of Earthsea: Do stupid magic win stupid prizes
54:36
54:36
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For our final book of season one we read ‘A Wizard of Earthsea’ the first book in Ursula K le Guin’s Earthsea series. Ged makes a mistake at the beginning, and then makes some more mistakes, potters around the world of Earthsea and does magic and other things. During his adventures, he acquired an Otak, which is very much like a cat, so you know we…
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Beowulf: Grendel’s Mom (Has Got It Going On)
58:59
58:59
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Join us for a robust discussion of Beowulf, one of the most well-known Old English poems. We talk about the monstrous feminine, the political landscape of 7th-10th century Britain, and wanting to fight Seamus Heaney. The cat has actually read this one, sort of. Content Warnings War, battles, Beowulf rips someone’s arm off. Support the Show. Recomme…
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Join us for a discussion of Lirael, Garth Nix’s sequel to Sabriel and the second in the Abhorsen trilogy. We talk about bloodlines, loneliness, and our shared burning desire to become Assistant Librarians in the Great Library of the Clayr. Content Warnings Suicidal ideation, mild gore / zombies, Support the Show. Recommend us a Book! If there’s a b…
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Frankenstein: Local mad scientist experiences a consequence
55:54
55:54
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Join us as we discuss Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, first published in 1818. Featuring: the ethics of marrying your surrogate sister; just, like, a lot of hubris; rating your professors by the odiousness of their physiognomy; and parental abandonment. Spoiler alert: we make fun of Victor, a lot. Content Warnings Grave robbing, sort-of incest, discus…
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The Final Empire: High On Magic Metals And Hubris
55:26
55:26
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This episode we read ‘The Final Empire’, the first book in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series. Listen to us yell about using crime to solve all your problems, doing shots shots shots of magic metal in order to overthrow the government and the fantasy genre’s ongoing problem with magical bioessentialism. Content Warnings Racism, slavery, bioessenti…
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