This week, we read Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler—a powerful, thought-provoking novel and the first in her Earthseed series. It’s our second banned book selection, and we were surprised to learn it’s been restricted in some prisons and schools due to its “controversial” themes, including race, politics, religion, and violence.

We also loved and talk about this NPR interview where Butler was asked to imagine a world without racism—definitely worth a listen: https://www.npr.org/2022/02/03/1078020872/octavia-butler-imagines-a-world-without-racism

Plus, we chat about recent travels, fender benders, and a surprisingly strong affection for Delta Airlines.

In this episode, we talk about Miranda July’s award-winning, “wild, sexy, shocking” autofictional novel, All Fours. While this book isn’t banned, it’s been getting a lot of attention—and we had to find out why. We loved its unhinged glory.

All Fours explores relationships, marriage, midlife, identity, motherhood, and a surprising theme: menopause.

Listen in as we also dive into current fashion trends (yes, jorts!), car shopping, and campus tours.

It’s our first full episode, and we’re so excited! Today, Carey and Deb discuss Oryx and Crake, Margaret Atwood’s 2003 dystopian novel that has been banned at the state level in public schools. But why? That’s what we set out to find.

Grab a coffee—or your favorite beverage—and listen in!

We’ll also dive into Carey’s obsession with pre-ordering books. How much has she spent? And will we read the second book in Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy? You’ll have to listen to find out.