Best Tolkein Podcasts (2024)

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#6 The Book That Wouldn't Burn: Chaper 1 - 17 40:04

4d ago40:04

40:04

Sam and Dan discuss chapters 1 - 17 of Mark Lawrence's The Book That Wouldn't Burn: the first instalment of The Library Trilogy. SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers of the first 17 chapters of this book. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening. We dive straight into the big questions around how our two m…

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#5 The Foxglove King: Chaper 29 - End 40:33

19d ago40:33

40:33

Sam and Dan discuss chapters 29 - the end of Hannah Whitten's The Foxglove King: the first instalment of The Nightshade Crown trilogy. SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers of the entire book. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening. Now that we've finished the novel, we discuss what we thought was great, …

1
#4 The Foxglove King: Chaper 14 - 28 40:04

1M ago40:04

40:04

Sam and Dan discuss chapters 14 - 28 of Hannah Whitten's The Foxglove King: the first instalment of The Nightshade Crown trilogy. SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers for the first 28 chapters of the book. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening. Now that the story is in full swing we delve into the devel…

1
142. The End of a Chapter 50:00

2M ago50:00

50:00

A chapter of this story is over; a new one begins. We laugh and celebrate the nearly four years of stories this podcast has wrought, commemorate the end of an era, and look forward to a bright future. Listen to hear some updates, tales, and good friends enjoying each other's company. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: http…

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#3 The Foxglove King: Chapter 1 - 13 42:12

2M ago42:12

42:12

Sam and Dan discuss chapters 1 - 13 of Hannah Whitten's The Foxglove King: the first instalment of The Nightshade Crown trilogy. SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers for the first 13 chapters of the book. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening. In this episode we get to know our main protagonist, Lore, a…

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#2 Godkiller: Chapter 20 - End 50:10

2M ago50:10

50:10

Sam and Dan discuss chapter 20 through to the end of Hannah Kaner's Godkiller. SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers for the whole book. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening. We discuss the action, the mysteries, the unexpected twists and the steamy romance as Kissen and the gang make their way to Blenr…

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141. Kristin Lavransdatter 21:58

2M ago21:58

21:58

Cooper discusses a wonderful book of Christian imagination. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!By 4:12 Podcasting

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#1 Godkiller: Prologue - Chapter 19 50:16

3M ago50:16

50:16

Sam and Dan discuss the prologue through to chapter 19 of Hannah Kaner's Godkiller. SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers for the first 19 chapters of the book. We strongly recommend reading the chapters we're covering before listening. We get to know the four main characters. We figure out how to pronounce the names. We share some suspicio…

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140. Love What Lasts: How to Save Your Soul from Mediocrity 23:18

3M ago23:18

23:18

Why does our culture love bad art? Why do Christians today love bad art? How do we return to loving really good art? Author and classical educator Josh Gibbs wrote about a book this. We summarize his thesis (hint: it's the title) and discuss what important ideas and thoughts were influential for us. Enjoy! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHEC…

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139. Outlaws of Time 43:08

3M ago43:08

43:08

The boys return to ND Wilson, this time for a rollicking sci-fi western. Time travel and deserts do go together! Listen to hear why this is probably Wilson’s best book, why Sam is a likable protagonist, and how good the style is. Note: we were supposed to drop an episode on the Aeneid (our final one!) on Monday, but God’s sovereignty and technical …

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#0 Introduction: Welcome to Escapists Anonymous & meet your hosts 7:23

3M ago7:23

7:23

We welcome you you Escapists Anonymous: Fantasy Fiction Book Club. A brand new podcast and peer support network for fantasy literature fanatics. In this intro episode, you'll meet us... your hosts... Sam and Dan. We'll introduce ourselves and discuss what we love about fantasy fiction. You'll find out about the premise of this new podcast, and we'l…

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138. The Aeneid, Part 4: Books 9-10 30:38

3M ago30:38

30:38

This section is just Iliad but with Latins and Trojans this time. Listen to hear comparisons of Aeneas to Homer, Pallas to Patroclus, Turnus as furor, and whether furor can ever serve piety. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!…

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137. The Resurrection in Storytelling 15:34

4M ago15:34

15:34

The Resurrection of Christ is the grand climax to the story God has woven. How should we respond when we see it in storytelling? FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!By 4:12 Podcasting

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136. The Aeneid, Part 3: Books 5-8 20:37

4M ago20:37

20:37

A brief episode on books 5-8 of the Aeneid: down to the dead and up, the futileness of rejecting piety and fate, plus the second stage of the epic! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!By 4:12 Podcasting

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135. Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Scarlet 47:42

4M ago47:42

47:42

Sorry this is late! Cooper and Bryson have a rip-roaring time discussing Sherlock Holmes in the context of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet. Vigilanteism and Mormonism both make an appearance as topics in this episode. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.…

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134. The Aeneid, Part 2: Books 3-4 41:51

4M ago41:51

41:51

It's official. This is now a relationship advice podcast. Ok, not really. But the discussion of Aeneas and Dido, their relationship, and failures therein provide grounds for a fascinating time talking about piety, furor, and God's sovereignty. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: ht…

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133. The Aeneid, Part 1: Books 1-2 35:47

4M ago35:47

35:47

The guys begin to discuss a piece of Roman propaganda in epic proportions: Virgil’s Aeneid! Is having a shared mythology and heritage important for a nation? What is our heritage as Americans, a nation of immigrants? What about as Christians? Should we re-embrace piety? Lots to discuss! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: h…

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132. And Then There Were None 11:10

5M ago11:10

11:10

Cooper reviews Agatha Christie's classical mystery novel. NOTE: I realized after I stopped recording that while my microphone was plugged into my computer, it had not been selected as the audio input, resulting in the audio quality being subpar. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: …

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131. Tress of the Emerald Sea 20:52

5M ago20:52

20:52

Cooper gives his thoughts on the first of Brandon Sanderson's Secret Project novels. A modern fairy tale, a new Princess Bride. Is that good or bad? Does the narrator grate on the reader? A satisfying love story? All this and more! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreo…

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New episode on Wednesday! 2:00

5M ago2:00

2:00

New episode comes out on Wednesday, but meanwhile, here's an update! TEXT US HERE!By 4:12 Podcasting

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130. The Odyssey of Homer, Part 7: Books 22-24 37:52

5M ago37:52

37:52

It’s the end!!! The faithful bride is reunited with the avenging husband. Listen to hear the guys discuss. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!By 4:12 Podcasting

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129. The Odyssey of Homer, Part 6: Books 16-21 44:15

5M ago44:15

44:15

Everything begins to converge: the beggar-king is working his way up to the top, determining friend from foe, while his bride begins to despair. Listen to the guys discuss! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!…

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128. 100 Cupboards 48:57

6M ago48:57

48:57

Bryson, Cooper, and Tanner discuss ND Wilson's 100 Cupboards series. Bryson recaps the basic setup for the series, and the guys commence talking the prose, the everywhere-ness of magic, forgetfulness, and images. It's the complete package of an episode. Check it out! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: https://412podcasting…

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127. The Odyssey of Homer, Part 5: Books 13-15 38:44

6M ago38:44

38:44

Tanner leads Bryson, Cooper, and Isaiah on a wild ride through books 13-15 before, just like Odysseus, bringing it home with a discussion of hospitality and paganism. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!…

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126. The Odyssey of Homer, Part 4: Books 9-12 37:00

6M ago37:00

37:00

So, turns out this small four book section is what we really think of when we say, "The Odyssey." The Cyclops, Sirens, Circe, Giant Whirlpool Monster-Thingys--all that features today, plus a trip to talk to some dead folks. Listen to hear the guys talk through the exciting and rip-roaring storyline. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT O…

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125. The Wingfeather Saga Animated Series, Season 1 35:55

6M ago35:55

35:55

Cooper and Bryson review the first season of the Wingfeather Saga animated series, discussing expectations, characters, weaknesses, strengths, and everything in between. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK US OUT AT OUR COOL WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!…

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124. The Wingfeather Saga Revisited, Part 6: Looking Back 47:15

7M ago47:15

47:15

Cooper, Bryson, and Tanner cover all the bases and conclude their discussion of Andrew Peterson's fantasy series. Topics include: the sea dragons, how these books have impacted us for the better, and what we expected to experience vs. how that shaped out to be. Plus, a random Star Wars/nostalgia rant, and a ChatGPT written donor shoutout story. Mak…

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123. The Odyssey of Homer, Part 3: Books 5-8 43:21

7M ago43:21

43:21

This is a good episode about the Odyssey and Odysseus. We summarize all the events and talk through the important themes and moments. You should listen. Yay! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK US OUT AT OUR COOL WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!…

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122. The Wingfeather Saga Revisited, Part 5: The Warden and the Wolf King 1:18:06

8M ago1:18:06

1:18:06

This book rocks. We just had to spend a long time discussing. Truly. Featuring: poor Leeli, Sara's tragedy, Gnag's unrighteous anger compared to Job, the role of great fiction, Janner's sacrifice, Kalmar's Luke Skywalker-esque plan, Ouster Will's laugh, Artham's failure, Gammon and Marlaly's relationship, cheek water (of course) and much, much more…

1
121. Thanksgiving updates! 6:50

8M ago6:50

6:50

Yes. It is as the title says. No false advertising here. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK US OUT AT OUR COOL WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!By 4:12 Podcasting

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120. The Odyssey of Homer, Part 2: Books 1-4 21:28

8M ago21:28

21:28

BOOKIN’ IT launches out on their discussion of Homer and his accessible classic. Beginning with books 1-4, the crew discusses a boy and his journey to manhood as encouraged by a god, as one does. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR COOL WEBSITE AND CHECK OUT OUR BLOG: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bo…

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119. The Odyssey of Homer, Part 1: Introduction 18:46

8M ago18:46

18:46

Cooper, Bryson, and Tanner discuss the main themes of the Odyssey, setting up their many episode discussion of it. Featuring: the lamentation of modern hospitality, going too far on typology, and a bad joke about Honda. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR COOL WEBSITE AND CHECK OUT OUR BLOG: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE…

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118. The Wingfeather Saga Revisited, Part 4: Monster in the Hollows 50:58

8M ago50:58

50:58

We're not sure whether to say "sorry" or "you're welcome" for this episode. Either way, staying true to the source material, this discussion has much laughter, many bibes (of a fashion), and is between good friends. Join us as we talk about the motifs, character, and heart of the third book in this saga. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK …

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117. The Iliad of Homer, Part 7: Books 22-24 43:04

9M ago43:04

43:04

The finale. The climax and resolution. The. End. Join us as we discuss Hector v. Achilles, epic funeral games, and two dudes crying. Plus, the longest donor shoutouts we've ever done! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR COOL WEBSITE AND SIGN UP FOR OUR AWESOME MONTHLY NEWSLETTER HERE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https…

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116. DEBATE: Is Hector Likable? 12:08

9M ago12:08

12:08

Cooper and Isaiah take the affirmative, while Tanner and Bryson negate. Vote for who you think won below! VOTE ON THE DEBATE WINNER POLL AND SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR COOL WEBSITE AND SIGN UP FOR OUR AWESOME MONTHLY NEWSLETTER HERE: https://412podcasting.com TEXT US HERE!…

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115. The Iliad of Homer, Part 6: Books 18-21 33:43

9M ago33:43

33:43

Patroclus dies. Achilles rages. And somehow Bing-Bong from Inside Out is compared to some loser who perished under the wrath of the aforementioned angry Achaian. Yes, it does make sense. We promise. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR COOL WEBSITE AND SIGN UP FOR OUR AWESOME MONTHLY NEWSLETTER HERE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT…

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114. The Wingfeather Saga Revisited, Part 3: North! Or Be Eaten 54:06

9M ago54:06

54:06

Our heroes venture forth from whimsical Glipwood onto a treacherous journey that will lead them past Toothy Cows, over ancient Miller's Bridge, into the dreaded Stand, in the belly of the Fork Factory (woe!), and at last to Kimera, frozen wasteland--provided one makes it past the Bomnubbles. As they travel, they ponder profusely, musing concerning …

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113. The Iliad of Homer, Part 5: Books 13-17 38:13

9M ago38:13

38:13

As a slight chill permeates the Texas air as the guys discuss the themes, characters, and action in books 13-17 of the Iliad. Featuring: Patroclus' death, Achilles partially rejected prayer, Star Wars: The Last Jedi references, Cooper's mom as the remnant of the Trojan war, liturgy, extended metaphors, Hera swearing by her marriage bed, godlike mid…

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112. The Iliad of Homer, Part 4: Books 9-12 30:24

9M ago30:24

30:24

After sarcastically summarizing the four books, the guys launch into a discussion led by Bryson on books 9-12 of the Iliad. How do signs affect our lives? Who is the best leader in the Iliad? Is Hector really likable, or is his glory selfish? All these questions, plus much more, all found here! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR CO…

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111. The Iliad of Homer, Part 3: Books 5-8 27:19

10M ago27:19

27:19

How does Homer make Hektor more likeable? What insights can Helen give us about Paris? Speaking of, will he do anything? Is the Iliad pro kleos-warrior-ethic? Men hurt the gods, the gods hurt men, men kill and are killed, and somehow we have an utterly compelling, beautiful, scene between man and wife and child. Plus a freebie show idea which may o…

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110. The Wingfeather Saga Revisited, Part 2: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness 51:02

10M ago51:02

51:02

Like eager thwaps (iykyk), the gang gathers gleefully to discuss the first book of the Wingfeather Saga! A lengthy conversation about all of the following ensues: why the actress for Nia in the animated series is way too old for the character, how the worldbuilding is delightfully whimsical and confusing, and a ten-minute section where many footnot…

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109. The Iliad of Homer, Part 2: Books 1-4 34:05

10M ago34:05

34:05

The guys convene again to start discussing a classic of ancient literature. The topics of conversation include: in what ways does Agamemnon stink as a leader? (Hint: in all of them. All the ways) Does Achilles overreact to the dishonor done to him with his pity-party? What's going on with the gods' pettiness? Is Paris...? Does he...? Well, you'll s…

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108. The Iliad of Homer, Part 1: Introduction 39:12

10M ago39:12

39:12

The guys kick off a new series on the Iliad of Homer, discussing the epic poem broadly and setting the stage for the rest of the series! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR COOL NEW WEBSITE AND SIGN UP FOR OUR AWESOME MONTHLY NEWSLETTER HERE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!…

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107. The Wingfeather Saga Revisited, Part 1: Prelude 31:24

11M ago31:24

31:24

The year was 2020. Four people very new to podcasting talked about one of their favorite series. Today, those people return to that series and discuss their history with and overall thoughts on Andrew Peterson's the Wingfeather Saga! FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRRAM: @bookinitpod CHECK OUT OUR COOL NEW WEBSITE: https://412podcasting.com SUPPORT US HERE: htt…

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106. Theogony, Part 2: Comparing and Contrasting with Genesis 36:39

11M ago36:39

36:39

The guys convene again to finish their discussion on Theogony: the origin story of Greek mythology. They conclude their overall discussion on the events of the book and proceed to compare and contrast ("with vigor") this pagan genesis with the Real One that begins the story of Scripture. Plus, thoughts on male fantasy authors writing women characte…

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105. Theogony, Part 1: Why Read the Pagan Classics? 29:37

11M ago29:37

29:37

This isn't your mama's Genesis. The ancient Greek, Hesiod, writes in this poem concerning the origin of the Titans, gods, and other beings--and it's not pretty. So why would Christians want to read this? Listen to hear the guys talk through it. Part 2 next week! SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!…

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104. Persuasion, Part 2 18:59

11M ago18:59

18:59

Cooper gives some glorious announcements and updates then proceeds to give an immaculate review of Jane Austen's last written novel. SUPPORT US HERE AND GET ACESS TO OUR 'BARBIE' REVIEW: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!By 4:12 Podcasting

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103. Persuasion + Summer Reading 34:43

12M ago34:43

34:43

Cooper, Tanner, and a special guest discuss Jane Austen's Persuasion as well as many other books they've been reading over the summer. SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!

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102. Around the World in 80 Days 29:31

1y ago29:31

29:31

Cooper and Tanner discuss the classic children's book and introduce a new format for the show! SUPPORT US HERE: https://patreon.com/bookinit TEXT US HERE!By 4:12 Podcasting

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101. Summer Reading 8:42

1y ago8:42

8:42

Cooper says thank you and lays out the plan for episodes coming over the summer! Lord willing, here's the plan: June | Around in the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne July | TBD by CS Lewis August | Persuasion by Jane Austen Read along with us! SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND INTERACT WITH US DURING SUMMER READING: BOOKIN’ IT - YouTube (Also mak…

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