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SHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com

Use code “CROWSPEED5” for $5 off one order of $50+ (ends 09/15/2025 11:59pm PST)

Holy mother of crow, what just happened?! Honestly, we’re not even sure ourselves. We blinked and it was Crowtember! Also known as “September,” we’ve deemed Crowtember the month of the crow, the gateway to fall, spooky season, and all things wonderful!

So what did we do to honor this lovely time of year?! We launched our very first merch line to honor the crows (our pod mascot), and we read some birdish books so we can give you the crow-11 all about them! So stick around if you want all the details on how you can get your hands on our official hoodies, beanies, and more! And discover whether or not these bird shifters are shadow daddy worthy.

We decided to read one cringy crow read: Crow by Layla Fae (IYKYK), and one popular Romantasy read: House of Beating Wings by Olivia Wildenstein. And boy howdy did we have a good time. We’re bringing you a deep dive that covers everything from a complex fantasy world in the sky with a shadow daddy crow king, to a cursed half man, half crow with an egg-expelling appendage… We can’t wait to yap our beaks off with you about both of these books so you can decide if you’ll add them to your TBR or not.

And don’t worry, we’ll make sure to answer the question: Are we INTO crows now? (Yes, like that…) And we finish with a good old creature / crow smash or pass.

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)

Check out these author interviews? ⬇️

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

____

SHOP OUR NEW BESTIES and the BOOKS X CROW Merch! | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com
Use code “CROWSPEED5” for $5 off one order of $50+ (ends 09/15/2025 11:59pm PST)

Ashley is Wearing: The Crop Hoodie with BATB Branded Colors | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/cropped-hoodie-besties-anti-social-crow

And the Anti Social Social Book Club Beanie | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/anti-social-social-crow-book-club-knit-beanie

Liz is Wearing: The Zip Up Hoodie with BATB Branded Colors | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourthwall.com/products/zip-hoodie-grey-besties-anti-social-crow

And the Greyscale Besties and the Books Beanie | * https://besties-and-the-books-shop.fourth

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Ashley
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Today we continue on with our newest miniseries covering the Anne of Green Gables 8-book collection by L.M. Montgomery. We’re officially into Anne’s adult years, and we’re here to bring you the answer to the question we’ve all been wondering since we started this journey… is it worth reading past book 3?

In this episode we dive into books five and six: Anne’s House of Dreams and Anne of Ingleside - we’ve moved past the well-known initial trilogy into Anne’s life as an adult, and the tone has definitely shifted. What do we think about the differences, and how do we currently feel about the focus slowly shifting away from Anne and to other characters, including her children? Who were our favorite and least favorite characters and plot points? Do we think Anne helped pave the way for our favorite FMCs of today? And what literary devices does Montgomery use to critique women’s roles in society?

Check out our kickoff episode all about what the Bildungsroman is, why women and girl’s stories are so important for everyone to read, and how Montgomery expertly uses this book series to critique social and political issues of the early 1900’s, with an emphasis on women’s roles in society. We also provide a bit of context by discussing Montgomery’s life, and the political climate in Canada when this story takes place.

Coming of age tales can be so much more than simple children’s books. We’re here to discover why! Listen on for our reviews of books five and six, our deep dive reactions, fun facts about this timeless classic… and a special bonus section entitled “That’s just like a man!”

Check out our Anne of Green Gables Playlist | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLmUGmwxrZs&list=PLHf5v0KOoZMk43z5cbKp6b9WVMXwsYWki&pp=gAQB

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)

Check out these author interviews? ⬇️

We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

Need more ACOTAR in your life? Cook your way through Velaris with the help of Chelsea Cole and her cookbook A Feast of Thorns & Roses. Check out our author interview here! https://youtu.be/fjzmqd-x3OA?si=kNJ4D9cxvUjhp-Ik

____

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is wearing “Women of Maas World Tour” from @caffeineandcurses | https://caffeineandcurses.com

Liz is wearing a black “I am in the depths of despair” Anne of Green Gables Tee from Amazon | * https://amzn.to/472WzSp

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra

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@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
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Liz
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Ashley
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Today we’re doing the impossible task of ranking every book in the entire Sarah J. MAAS averse, including Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Crescent City, and the lesser known standalone book and DC collaboration, Catwoman. That’s SEVENTEEN books that are all 4+ stars that we pick apart with a fine-toothed comb to come up with one winner, and unfortunately, one at the bottom of the barrel.

What’s fun about this episode is that it’s full of SJM spoilers and possible connections, if you’ve read them all and you’re just here for the tea. It’s also interesting to see how much our rankings have possibly changed over the years, and after doing rereads, buddy reads, and multiple podcast conversations. Our choices might just surprise you!

Listen on to find out our official (current) Sarah j Maas book ranking, and our defense of our choices. Let us know if you agree or disagree with our criteria and ratings, and defend your case!

And don’t you worry, we have an extra special fave and fail SJM character edition, and a smash or pass to go right along with it!

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)

Check out these author interviews? ⬇️
Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKb

We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

Need more ACOTAR in your life? Cook your way through Velaris with the help of Chelsea Cole and her cookbook A Feast of Thorns & Roses. Check out our author interview here! https://youtu.be/fjzmqd-x3OA?si=kNJ4D9cxvUjhp-Ik

____

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!
Ashley is Wearing: “Women of Maas World Tour” Tee from @caffeineandcurses | https://caffeineandcurses.com

Liz is Wearing: “You Do Not Yield” Throne of Glass Tee by @shopsecondbreakfast | https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopSecondBreakfast

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Liz
Instagram | TikTok
@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley
Instagram | TikTok
@AshleyEllix

Send us a text

Today we continue on with our newest miniseries covering the Anne of Green Gables 8-book collection by L.M. Montgomery. We’re diving into classic literature like we’ve never done before to give you the 411 on beloved “children’s” books that we KNOW are actually for everyone!

In this episode we dive into books three and four: Anne of The Island, and Anne of Windy Poplars - we’re officially moving past the well-known initial trilogy into Anne’s life as an adult, and the tone has definitely shifted. What do we think about the differences, and how do we currently feel about book four? Who were our favorite and least favorite characters and plot points? Do we think Anne helped pave the way for our favorite FMCs of today? And what literary devices does Montgomery use to critique women’s roles in society?

Check out our kickoff episode all about what the Bildungsroman is, why women and girl’s stories are so important for everyone to read, and how Montgomery expertly uses this book series to critique social and political issues of the early 1900’s, with an emphasis on women’s roles in society. We also provide a bit of context by discussing Montgomery’s life, and the political climate in Canada when this story takes place.

Coming of age tales can be so much more than simple children’s books. We’re here to discover why! Listen on for our reviews of books three and four, our deep dive reactions, and fun facts about this timeless classic!

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)

Check out these author interviews? ⬇️

Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKb

We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

Need more ACOTAR in your life? Cook your way through Velaris with the help of Chelsea Cole and her cookbook A Feast of Thorns & Roses. Check out our author interview here! https://youtu.be/fjzmqd-x3OA?si=kNJ4D9cxvUjhp-Ik

____

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is Wearing: Ashley is wearing a green Throne of Glass “Fireheart” tshrit from @shopsecondbreakfast | https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopSecondBreakfast

Liz is wearing a black Anne of Green Gables Tee from Amazon | * https://amzn.to/472WzSp + an exclusive “Besties and the Books Beanie” DM us on instagram to get on the waitlist!

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Liz
Instagram | TikTok
@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley
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@AshleyEllix

Send us a text

In this spoiler-free collab episode, we sit down with the brilliant duo behind Book Club After Dark and bring you a whole lot of fun (and some serious tea 😏) on our very first podcast collaboration episode with Danni and Michelle over at the Book Club After Dark Podcast!

Where to find them:

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@Bookclubafterdark

All Podcast Platforms | @ Book Club After Dark

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bookclubafterdarkpod?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

We are so excited to have these ladies on! If you don’t already listen, we know you’ll absolutely love their bookish content. They’ve covered everything from The Crowns of Nyaxia Series by Carissa Broadbent, to Quicksilver, The Empyrean, and now Twilight! So… basically everything we love! This episode will be completely spoiler free, so feel free to stick around as we get to know the creators of Book Club After Dark! We’ll yap all about what inspired them to start their podcast, how they met, what their favorite books are, and then get into each of our top bookish pet peeves!

Does Tamlin deserve a redemption arc? What constitutes a special edition? Should all bookstores have a romance section? Is it a pet peeve when our books don’t match? Listen on to find out our thoughts on these popular bookish problems!

Book Club After Dark describe their vibe as an inviting, moonlit podcast where they break down fantasy, romantasy, & thriller novels; all things enchanting, intriguing & suspenseful. Each of their episodes feature intimate discussions on captivating stories, character breakdowns, fan theories, & much more. They invite you to throw on your sweats, grab your comfort drink, & unwind every Thursday for a brand new episode!

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!)

Check out these author interviews? ⬇️

We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is Wearing: “The Thirteen” Throne of Glass tee @thebeanworkshop Use code BOOKBESTIES10 to save! | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10

Liz is Wearing: “Books Are Trashy” tank @darkanddisturbedshop | Use code VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/trashy-micro-rib-racer-tank-top?_pos=2&_sid=331d95e20&_ss=r

Any link with an * is an affiliate link thru the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. T

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Liz
Instagram | TikTok
@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley
Instagram | TikTok
@AshleyEllix

Send us a text

Today we start covering the Anne of Green Gables 8-book series by L.M. Montgomery. We’re diving into classic literature like we’ve never done before to give you the 411 on beloved “children’s” books that we KNOW are actually for everyone!

Check out our latest Tuesday full length episode all about what the Bildungsroman is, why women and girl’s stories are so important for everyone to read, and how Montgomery expertly uses this book series to critique social and political issues of the early 1900’s, with an emphasis on women’s roles in society. We also provide a bit of context by discussing Montgomery’s life, and the political climate in Canada when this story takes place.

In this episode we dive into books one and two: Anne of Green Gables, and Anne of Avonlea in which we experience adolescence through Anne Shirley’s eyes. Who were our favorite and least favorite characters and plot points? Do we think Anne helped pave the way for our favorite FMCs of today? And what literary devices does Montgomery use to critique women’s roles in society?

Coming of age tales can be so much more than simple children’s books. We’re here to discover why! Listen on for our reviews of books one and two, our deep dive reactions, and fun facts about this timeless classic!

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)

Check out these author interviews? ⬇️

Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKb

We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

Need more ACOTAR in your life? Cook your way through Velaris with the help of Chelsea Cole and her cookbook A Feast of Thorns & Roses. Check out our author interview here! https://youtu.be/fjzmqd-x3OA?si=kNJ4D9cxvUjhp-Ik

____

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms

@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!

https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Liz

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@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley

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@AshleyEllix

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is Wearing: Green “Depths of Despair” Anne of Green Gables Tee from Amazon | * https://amzn.to/41eXnA2

Liz is Wearing: Black “Depths of Despair” Anne of Green Gables Tee from Amazon | * https://amzn.to/472WzSp

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Liz
Instagram | TikTok
@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley
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@AshleyEllix

Send us a text

According to Miriam Webster, the Bildungsroman is a novel about the moral and psychological growth of a main character. Today, we’re kicking off our Anne of Green Gables bonus episode series with an introduction to the genre, a basic examination of life on Prince Edward Island, the 7th Canadian province where the Anne books primarily take place, and some context and backstory about L.M. Montgomery, the creator and author of this timeless series.

If we think back to our high school days, it’s likely that most of us read popular titles like Catcher in the Rye, Invisible Man, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. But what about coming of age stories that center the experiences of women and girls? Popularized by titles like Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice, the Bildungsroman has also been used throughout history by female authors to challenge societal expectations of women’s roles and the politics that make them law.

Coming of age stories about women and girls are oftentimes infantilized and deemed appropriate reading material for girls only. We argue they’re important and good for everyone, regardless of age and gender. The themes and journeys depicted reflect a very different perspective when boys and men are not the central protagonist, focusing more on romance, gender roles, and access to independence and mobility.

Join us this Friday, and for the following five as we read and discuss all eight of the Anne of Green Gables books and the 1980’s movie adaptations within this feminist, coming of age context. We’ll cover everything from our least and most favorite characters and plot points, to how L.M. Montgomery uses the genre to examine political issues, women’s roles, and society at large. We’ll bring you fun facts, and even a bonus feature called “That’s JUST Like A Man!”

These books surprised us in all the best ways and we cannot wait to share them with you! And today we even bring you a fave and fail with a childhood twist, and an old timey / animated smash or pass.

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)

Check out these author interviews? ⬇️

Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKb

We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

____

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is Wearing: Troop Beverly Hills sweater from Etsy | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/2g6nn/

Liz is Wearing: Anne of Green Gables sweater from Amazon | * https://amzn.to/41JA1CB

Any

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Liz
Instagram | TikTok
@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley
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@AshleyEllix

Send us a text

What time is it? Unhinged would you rather time!! Get to know Liz and Ashley, your wonderfully open-bookish podcast hosts through a series of would you rathers, generally off the rails asks, and smash or passes that don’t hold back. Oh! And this episode is entirely spoiler free!

We gathered a collection of would you rather submissions from you, our lovely listeners, so buckle up to hear all the inappropriate answers that you indeed asked for! We also prepare and blind-answer a series of rapid fire book related (and some random AF) would you rathers, then we even dive down into the dregs of the internet to come up with some even more inappropriate asks from Reddit and Threads.

Would we rather have a step dad or a step brother book boyfriend? Have Cheeto fingers or mayonnaise mouth? Be Bella or Anastasia? Fight Erewan or Maeve? Marry Dain or Tamlin? If you need to know where we stand on these extremely important topics, make sure to stick around for plenty of laughs.

We also kick it off with a fave and fail podcasting together edition, and a smash or pass with an unlikely heart throb and a buff sea creature.

Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)

Check out these author interviews? ⬇️

Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKb

We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4

Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM

Need more ACOTAR in your life? Cook your way through Velaris with the help of Chelsea Cole and her cookbook A Feast of Thorns & Roses. Check out our author interview here! https://youtu.be/fjzmqd-x3OA?si=kNJ4D9cxvUjhp-Ik

____

Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!

Ashley is Wearing: @thelastbookstore hoodie and a Besties and the Books beanie, DM us to be added to preorder list

Liz is Wearing: "Is Butter a Carb” Mean Girls Tee by Candee Cult | https://www.etsy.com/listing/4320362301/is-butter-a-carb-womens-baby-tee-retro?ref=yr_purchases

And Double Pom Beanie From @charlieandlunaco | https://www.charlieandlunaco.com

Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms
@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast

Besties and the Book Club on Fable!
https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358

Liz
Instagram | TikTok
@TheRealLifeVeganWife

Ashley
Instagram | TikTok
@AshleyEllix