Episodes

  • 44. Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games #0.5)
    Aug 24 2025

    Melissa and James discuss Suzanne Collins’ latest Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, through themes of integrity, the role of government, and human nature.

    Join us next month for Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • 43. Great Big Beautiful Life
    Jul 1 2025

    Melissa and James discuss Emily Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life through themes of truth, process, and relationships.

    Join us next month for Sunrise on the Reaping, the new Hunger Games prequel by Suzanne Collins.

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • 42. Colored Television
    May 18 2025

    James and Melissa discuss Danzy Senna’s Colored Television through themes of categorization, integrity, and a brief detour into American Girl Doll lore.

    Join us next month for Great Big Beautiful Life, our annual return to Emily Henry.

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • 41. The Pairing
    Apr 4 2025

    Melissa and James discuss Casey McQuiston’s The Pairing through themes of self-discovery, relationships, and cross-cultural encounters. Spiciness warning for the book itself!

    Join us next month for Colored Television by Danzy Senna.

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • 40. The Wedding People
    Feb 21 2025

    Melissa and James discuss Alison Espach’s The Wedding People through themes of loneliness, connection, and ritual. Trigger warning for attempted suicide.

    Join us next month for The Pairing by Casey McQuiston (spiciness warning).

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • 39. The Merriest Misters
    Dec 24 2024

    Melissa and James discuss Timothy Janovsky’s The Merriest Misters by through themes of control, mentorship, and personal growth.

    Join us next month for The Wedding People by Alison Espach.

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • 38. Intermezzo
    Dec 15 2024

    James, Melissa, and special guest Elyse Kanagaratnam discuss Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo through themes of care ethics, character doubling, and Melissa’s very strong views on birth order.

    Join us later this month for The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky.

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • 37. Slow Dance
    Nov 26 2024

    James and Melissa discuss Rainbow Rowell’s Slow Dance through themes of personal growth, escape, and returning home.

    Join us next month for Intermezzo by Sally Rooney.

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins