Episodes

  • The Library Is Open: The Fictional Libraries We Love

    The Library Is Open: The Fictional Libraries We Love
    May 6 2025
    Today, we are discussing the fictional world of libraries. Join us as we talk about our favorite fictional librarians, what fictional libraries we would want to explore, and what we'd want in our own libraries we'd create! Zack Barnson created the music used in our episodes. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Novel Escapes Podcast!
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Finding Ourselves Through Fiction

    Finding Ourselves Through Fiction
    Apr 22 2025
    In this episode, we delve deeper into our favorite types of books and genres, as well as why those stories resonate with us on a personal level. Join us as we dig into our favorite character tropes, what books in our most loved genres didn't jive with us, and which books we were surprised to enjoy! Zack Barnson created the music used in our episodes. *Correction that at 56.07, Janessa meant to say Doctor Sleep instead of Doctor Strange.
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Making Janessa Read Manga: Why Manga is Important

    Making Janessa Read Manga: Why Manga is Important
    Apr 8 2025
    Shaylee introduced Janessa to a different kind of storytelling: manga! We briefly discuss the history of manga as a storytelling medium and highlight Osamu Tezuka as an author and artist. We also discuss some roadblocks to getting into manga as a beginner. Janessa talks about her first impressions of Fullmetal Alchemist, Death Note, and A Sign of Affection. We also touch on some downsides to manga and its influence on Japanese culture. *Please note that our discussion of the drawbacks and negative influence that some aspects of manga create is not comprehensive or complete; it's just a brief mention of a much broader and sensitive topic. Zack Barnson created the music for our episode.
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    57 mins
  • Shelf Help: Books that Break the Stigma and Open the Conversation on Mental Health

    Shelf Help: Books that Break the Stigma and Open the Conversation on Mental Health
    Mar 25 2025
    *Trigger Warning* In today’s episode, we discuss mental health and the books that have helped us on our journeys. We will be discussing everything from anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, miscarriages, infertility, grief, and more. If this episode isn’t for you, please take care of yourself and join us next time! Zack Barnson created the music used in our episodes.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Wands, Wisdom, and Wizardry part 2

    Wands, Wisdom, and Wizardry part 2
    Mar 11 2025
    We are continuing to discuss the world of Harry Potter! In this episode we discuss what characters we wanted more story development from, our hot takes, and take some quizzes.
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    1 hr
  • Wands, Wisdom, and Wizardry: The Magic of Harry Potter

    Wands, Wisdom, and Wizardry: The Magic of Harry Potter
    Feb 25 2025
    Grab your wands and join us as we dive into the magical world of Harry Potter! This week we will explore our memories of the series, our favorite & least favorite characters, and the different dynamics and relationships within these stories that shaped a generation. Zack Barnson created the music used in our episodes. Novel Escapes Socials: @novelescapespodcast on Instagram and Novel Escapes Podcast on Facebook.
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    57 mins
  • Reading: One Size Doesn't Fit All

    Reading: One Size Doesn't Fit All
    Feb 11 2025
    In this episode, Janessa and Shaylee are joined by their sister, Alyssa! They discuss the ways that reading can be inaccessible to those who don't fit the typical mold due to disabilities, neurodivergence, learning difficulties, or disinterest. Alyssa shares her personal experience with having a family who excelled at reading, while she struggled, and how she found her groove. The sisters also touch on ways that reading can be made accessible for those who need it, and anyone else who may benefit! Zack Barnson created the music used in our episodes.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • From Paperback To Motion Picture part 2

    From Paperback To Motion Picture part 2
    Jan 28 2025
    We are finishing our discussions this week on book adaptations! Listen to our final thoughts on what versions we prefer to the book and discover the scoop on some of our least favorite library patron experiences. Zack Barnson created the music used in our episodes. Novel Escapes Socials: @novelescapespodcast on Instagram and Novel Escapes Podcast on Facebook.
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    49 mins