Paperback Friends

We’re back with Martha Wells and The Murderbot Diaries! I really enjoyed All Systems Red, and Artificial Condition continues to show me why I like this series so much.Wells's writing is remarkable restraint, building a surprisingly complex world without drowning the story in unnecessary detail. The corporate politics, world-building, action, and Murderbot itself all work beautifully together.This is another excellent entry in a series that has quickly become one of my easiest recommendations. It may not quite reach five stars for me, but I absolutely want more Murderbot.Type: Review | Book: Artificial Condition | Writer: Martha Wells

In this episode of Paperback Friends, I try to answer a question I've been asking myself ever since I finished the novel: why is this book considered such a fantastic novel?Together we explore why To the Lighthouse became a cornerstone of modernist literature, and why Woolf's stream-of-consciousness style has inspired generations of writers.We talk about modernism, narration, Virginia Woolf's craft, the passage of time, consciousness, and why I believe this is one of the hardest books I've ever attempted, not because it's unintelligent, but because it asks the reader to experience literature in a fundamentally different way.I loved making this episode, and I hope you like listening to it.Type: Review | Book: To the Lighthouse | Writer: Virginia Woolf

Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day is my favorite novel – not because I believe it's objectively the greatest ever written, but because it was the first book that truly showed me what literature could do. It challenged me, reached me, and ultimately set me on the path that would lead to Paperback Friends.In this episode, we discuss Ishiguro's restrained writing, Stevens as one of literature's great unreliable narrators, identity, duty, regret, and why this quiet novel has become a modern classic.Along the way, I also reflect on why this book has remained so important to me, and why I chose to save it for the podcast's 100th episode.Thank you for listening, whether this is your first episode or your hundredth. You are a Paperback Friend =)Type: Review | Book: The Remains of the Day | Writer: Kazuo Ishiguro

In this episode of Paperback Friends, I return to Frances Hardinge with The Lie Tree, a Victorian mystery where science, religion, reputation, and social systems collide.This is a novel about deception, but more importantly, it is about the systems that decide what society believes. Hardinge explores gender roles, class, reputation, morality, and the ways people are forced to survive within unfair structures.I also discuss why The Lie Tree feels like much more than a YA novel, how Hardinge builds complex characters who refuse to fit simple categories, and why a book does not have to be a personal favorite to be worth talking about.Type: Review | Book: The Lie Tree | Writer: Frances Hardinge

What does it really mean to "not get" a novel? Can an interpretation be wrong, or are books simply open to whatever we bring to them?In this episode of Paperback Friends, we dive into one of my favorite topics: literary interpretation. We talk about what a book means, the difference between an opinion and an interpretation, why some readings fit a story better than others, and why being willing to challenge your own understanding can make reading far more rewarding.Along the way, we revisit books like The Secret Garden, Shutter Island, Parable of the Talents, The Dice Man, and Burmese Days to explore how different perspectives can completely change the conversation.Whether you're a casual reader or someone who loves picking books apart long after you've finished them, I hope this episode encourages you to look a little deeper; without ever forgetting that reading should still be enjoyable.Because the goal isn't to win an argument about literature – it's to contribute to the conversation.Type: General | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Parable of the Sower left a massive impression on me, so I expected Parable of the Talents to hit just as hard.It didn't.At least... not in the way I expected.In this episode, we dive into Octavia E. Butler's final Earthseed novel, discussing why this sequel frustrated me, why I think its story is weaker than its predecessor, and how I eventually realized I had misunderstood what Butler was actually trying to accomplish.We explore Earthseed, faith, family, ideology, and why Parable of the Talents may be less about survival than about humanity's need to believe in something.Have you read Parable of the Talents? Did it surpass Parable of the Sower, or did you find yourself wrestling with it as much as I did?Type: Review | Book: Parable of the Talents | Writer: Octavia E. Butler

Some books comfort us. Others challenge us. Some make us uncomfortable, and maybe that's exactly why they're worth reading.In this episode, we talk about why stepping outside your comfort zone as a reader can be one of the most rewarding things you do. From trying new genres to taking on books that ask more of you, I share my own experiences with difficult literature, why I used to avoid it, and why I think challenge is something to embrace, but never force.Do you actively seek out books that challenge you, or do you prefer staying within your wheelhouse?Type: General | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Life of Pi is one a beloved novels of the 21st century. It has sold millions of copies, won major awards, inspired a successful film adaptation, and continues to be recommended as a modern classic.So why did I spend most of my time with it feeling bored?In this episode, we dive into Yann Martel's famous survival story, following Pi Patel and Richard Parker across the Pacific Ocean as we try to make sense of the core question of "faith vs reason."Have you read Life of Pi? Which story did you choose to believe?Type: Review | Book: Life of Pi | Writer: Yann Martel

In this episode of Paperback Friends, I review Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.A squad of academy rejects, an ancient galactic threat, a girl lost in time, and enough banter to power a small moon.Aurora Rising is one of those books that constantly reminded me that I am probably not the target audience for this book. It full of overwritten banter, and enough dollar store humor to feel three episodes of Saved by the Bell. It isn't until the third act the novel get's its act together. It tones down the humor, and delivers by far the best act.We talk about the writing, the characters, why the middle of the novel nearly lost me entirely, and why some books can be perfectly fine while still not being for me.Type: Review | Book: Aurora Rising | Writers: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Finally! We are reviewing The Alchemist. This one has been a long time coming, and considering how famous this book is, and what it did to new age; I felt it was only a matter of time before we got here.In this episode I break down why The Alchemist has connected with so many readers, why the writing is surprisingly competent; even if its philosophies leaves me largely unconvinced. I love when a book challenges my perspectives, and as much as this book is not for me; I walk away from this review not hating this book anymore.Type: Review | Book: The Alchemist | Writer: Paulo Coelho

This week I finally tackle Octavia E. Butler's Parable of the Sower—one of the most recommended books I've ever received, and one that completely challenged me.We talk about why Butler's writing feels so relentlessly human, why Lauren Olamina stands among the strongest protagonists I've read, and whether the novel's extreme violence serves a greater purpose or goes too far.More importantly, we explore why this story is far more than another dystopian novel. It's a meditation on survival, change, hope, and what remains of our humanity when everything else is stripped away.One of the hardest books I've reviewed.One of the most rewarding conversations I've had.Type: Review | Book: Parable of the Sower | Writer: Octavia E. Butler's

Book sequels are everywhere.Fantasy becomes trilogies. Trilogies become sprawling series. Successful books grow into franchises that can last for decades.But is that actually good for storytelling?In this episode I explore why writers keep returning to the same worlds, why readers keep asking for more, and why I sometimes think the most powerful thing a story can do... is end.From worldbuilding and publishing realities to The Wheel of Time, Blood Song, Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, this is a conversation about ambition, restraint, and whether "more" really means "better."Type: General | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Personal efficiency expert Oskar Eklind once again honors us with his presence! This time he talks about something that I hear people mention quite often; not reading as much anymore.Why do we stop reading, when does it happen, and how can we pick it back up again? These and more questions we cover in this great interview episode.Thanks for taking the time Oskar; it feels so nice to get an expert's perspective.If you are curious about Oskar and his personal efficiency coaching, his podcast or his news letter you can find more information on his webpage.Type: Interview | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

I've never really been a crime thriller reader.So what happens when I finally pick one up?This week I review Patricia Wolf's Outback—a thriller set in the unforgiving Australian outback where two backpackers disappear, a detective from Berlin arrives searching for her sister, and the hunt for a killer begins.Along the way we talk about suspense, mystery, realism, why revealing the villain too early can drain a story of its tension... and whether this genre is simply one that isn't for me.A fun experiment, even if that is all it will ever amount to.Type: Review | Book: Outback | Writer: Patricia Wolf

Everyone wants to know how to get published. Few people talk about what that journey actually looks like.In this Writing 101 episode, I break down the publishing process—from finding the right concept and approaching publishers to literary agents, pitching your manuscript, marketing yourself, and why talent alone is rarely enough.If you've ever dreamed of writing a book, or wondered why getting published is so difficult, this episode is for you.Huge thanks to Nina Tegar for supplying some of the spine for the episode.Other sources:https://kdp.amazon.com/en_UShttps://www.myidentifiers.com/identify-protect-your-book/isbn/buy-isbnhttps://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GTJ8LBXL6Z4WV5QXhttps://tegarforlag.se/Type: Writing 101 | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Sometimes the books we overlook are the ones that surprise us the most.In this review, I dive into Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden—a century-old children's novel about healing, friendship, nature, and becoming a better person. What begins as a simple story about a neglected garden becomes something much deeper: a thoughtful exploration of how people grow when given kindness, purpose, and the right environment.I discuss Burnett’s writing, the power of simplicity, why this novel has endured for generations, and why sometimes a book does not need to be complicated to be meaningful.Type: Review | Book: The Secret Garden | Writer: Frances Hodgson Burnett

Why does some writing feel beautiful while other writing feels like it is desperately trying to prove how beautiful it is?In this Writing 101 episode, I explore the concept of purple prose: overly elaborate, flowery, and self-indulgent writing that can distract from the story instead of enhancing it.But this isn't an attack on descriptive writing. Great prose can be powerful, poetic, and unforgettable. The question is where the line is between meaningful style and unnecessary decoration.I discuss what purple prose is, where the term comes from, why it can hurt a story, and how writers can use language with more purpose.Type: Writing 101 | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

The five-star-legend is back!In Down and Out in Paris and London, Orwell trades fictional warnings for personal experience, recounting his time living in poverty, working brutal jobs, and surviving alongside society’s forgotten people.But this is not just a book about being poor. It is about dignity, class, survival, and the systems that decide who gets opportunities and who gets left behind.Join me as I explore why Orwell’s simple, direct writing remains so powerful nearly a century later, and why this forgotten corner of his work deserves more attention.Type: Review | Book: Down and Out in Paris and London | Writer: George Orwell

Alright, nothing to see here, just a new trailer for the podcast =)/Sam - 11/04-2026.

Locke Lamora returns to Paperback Friends!In this episode, we return to Scott Lynch’s Gentleman Bastard series and review Red Seas Under Red Skies – a fantasy adventure full of elaborate schemes, dangerous enemies, pirates, and some of the most memorable names and cultures fantasy has to offer.But is the sequel able to capture the magic of The Lies of Locke Lamora?I explore what Scott Lynch does well, from his characters and worldbuilding to his incredible attention to detail, while also discussing where the story starts to struggle under the weight of its own plot.A book full of ambition, creativity, and just enough tomfoolery to make your favorite book podcaster lose his mind.Type: Review | Book: Red Seas Under Red Skies | Writer: Scott Lynch

Not every book conversation needs to become a competition.In this episode of Paperback Friends, we are talking about book snobbery — why some readers feel the need to judge what others read, and why nobody should have to defend the books that bring them joy.Whether you read classics, fantasy, romance, self-help, or something someone else considers "lesser," your enjoyment is what matters.Books can challenge us, teach us, and connect us — but they should never become a way to make other people feel small.Join me as I explore the difference between having strong opinions about books, and turning those opinions into elitism.Type: General | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Sometimes you just have books sitting on your shelf that you cannot wait to get to.In this episode of Paperback Friends, I’m taking a quick look at three upcoming books that have me especially excited: Martha Wells’ Murderbot Diaries, Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff’s Aurora Cycle, and George Orwell’s essay Why I Write.I’ll talk about what these books are about, why I picked them, and what I hope they bring to the table.From sarcastic security cyborgs to chaotic space crews and another dive into the mind of one of my favorite writers, these are three books I’m very excited to explore.Type: General | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

In this episode of Paperback Friends, I’m reviewing Dennis Lehane’s psychological thriller Shutter Island — a story filled with mystery, paranoia, and a disturbing question: what happens when you can no longer trust your own perception of reality?I’ll talk about Lehane’s writing, the unforgettable central concept, and the way the novel plays with the line between truth and illusion. We’ll explore the characters, the atmosphere of Ashecliffe Hospital.Shutter Island has one of those ideas that immediately grabs you, and there is a lot to admire in the way Lehane builds his mystery. But I’ll also discuss why, despite loving the core concept, I felt parts of the execution struggled to maintain the same level of believability.Join me as I dive into one of the most famous psychological thrillers of the 2000s and ask whether the journey lives up to the destination.Type: Review | Book: Shutter Island | Writer: Dennis Lehane

In this episode of Paperback Friends, I’m diving into Oscar Wilde’s classic novel The Picture of Dorian Gray — a story about youth, vanity, temptation, art, and the consequences of escaping the passage of time.The concept of a portrait carrying the weight of a person’s sins is one of those ideas that feels almost impossible to improve on. It explores humanity’s fear of aging, our obsession with beauty, and the fragile line between pleasure and corruption.However, while I admire what Wilde created, I’ll also discuss why this is a book that didn’t completely leave the mark on me that I expected.Join me as I explore one of literature’s most famous stories and ask what makes a classic truly stand the test of time.Type: Review | Book: The Picture of Dorian Gray | Writer: Oscar Wilde

In this episode of Paperback Friends, I’m reviewing Walter Tevis’ science fiction novel The Man Who Fell to Earth — a story about an alien visitor, humanity’s flaws, and the slow destruction of someone who simply wanted to help.The Man Who Fell to Earth is a strange and unpredictable novel that moves between science fiction, character study, and a much deeper look at what it means to be human.Join me as I explore one of Walter Tevis’ most fascinating stories and discuss why even someone with the power to change the world can still become lost.Also, sorry about the voice sounding a bit nasally; I was on the other side of influenza while recording this.Type: Review | Book: The Man Who Fell to Earth | Writer: Walter Tevis

Some books make you think. Some books make you laugh. And some books make you want to throw them across the room.In this episode of Paperback Friends, I’m taking a break from traditional reviews to talk about the angriest I’ve ever been while reading a book.Join me for a slightly unhinged, but entertaining discussion about the book that tested my patience the most.Type: [General] | Book: Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames | Writer: Thích Nhất Hạnh

In this episode of Paperback Friends, I’m reviewing Edward Snowden’s memoir Permanent Record — the story of how a curious kid fascinated by computers became one of the most controversial whistleblowers in modern history.I’ll talk about Snowden’s journey, the writing of the memoir, and the difficult questions surrounding privacy, security, loyalty, and the responsibility we have when we discover something we believe is wrong.Permanent Record is not a traditional narrative with fictional characters, but it tells a very real story about power, conscience, and the consequences of challenging the systems around you.Join me as I explore Snowden’s account of his life, his choices, and the impact his actions had on the world.Type: Review | Book: Permanent Record | Writer: Edward Snowden

In this episode of Paperback Friends, I’m reviewing Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde — a story about identity, morality, and the darker parts of human nature.I’ll talk about Stevenson’s writing, the famous relationship between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and why this short story has had such a lasting impact on literature and popular culture.While this is a story that has inspired countless adaptations and interpretations, I’ll also discuss why revisiting this classic was a more challenging experience for me than I expected, and why some ideas become more interesting the deeper you dig into them.Type: Review | Book: Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde | Writer: Robert Louis Stevenson

In this episode of Paperback Friends, I’m reviewing Ernest Hemingway’s famous novella The Old Man and the Sea — a story about perseverance, dignity, aging, and one man’s struggle against nature.I’ll talk about Hemingway’s writing style, the symbolism behind Santiago’s journey, and why this is a book that has inspired countless readers for decades.However, while I can understand why this story resonates with so many people, I’ll also discuss why my own experience with it was very different. From the writing style to the deeper meanings behind the novella, this is one of those books where admiration and frustration ended up existing side by side.Type: Review | Book: The Old Man and the Sea | Writer: Ernest Hemingway

In this episode of Paperback Friends, I’m taking a look at Neil Gaiman’s Coraline — a dark fantasy novella about curiosity, courage, and the dangers of getting everything you think you want.A bored young girl discovers a mysterious door leading to a twisted version of her own world, where everything seems better… until the unsettling truth begins to reveal itself.Coraline is a surprisingly strong child protagonist, and why I’m not entirely convinced this novella deserves all the “modern classic” praise it receives I does some things right.A creepy little story with plenty to unpack — but does it live up to the hype?Type: Review | Book: Coraline | Writer: Neil Gaiman

Burmese Days takes us to British-controlled Burma in the 1920s, where Orwell explores colonialism, racism, hypocrisy, and the moral compromises of people trapped inside an unjust system.I’ll discuss Orwell’s early novel, its historical importance, and why I think it contains many of the themes that would later define his greatest works. But I’ll also talk about why this was one of the most difficult books I’ve read on the podcast, from its slow pacing to a writing style that simply did not work for me.Does Orwell keep doing the impossible, or will this be the first Orwell book that does not hit? Find out, in another episode of Paperback Friends!Type: Review | Book: Burmese Days | Writer: George Orwell

What begins as an experiment in breaking free from routine quickly spirals into something much darker, as Luke Rhinehart uses the dice to justify increasingly disturbing choices and challenge ideas of morality, responsibility, and personal freedom.I’ll discuss the novel’s provocative ideas, its psychological approach, and why I think a book that wants to be rebellious, clever, and shocking often ends up feeling more interested in being extreme than meaningful.A strange, infamous, and uncomfortable novel — but does The Dice Man actually have something profound to say, or is it just rolling for shock value?Type: Review | Book: The Dice Man | Writer: Luke Rhinehart

Let's recap the year. If we squint, it's kind of a review episode ^^Type: [General] | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Charles Dickens. One of the biggest names in literature. A novel considered by many to be a masterpiece. So naturally, I had to find out whether Great Expectations was actually great… or just a very long book about a guy learning some expensive life lessons.In this episode of Paperback Friends, I dive into Dickens’ classic coming-of-age story about Pip, ambition, social status, love, regret, and the dangers of forgetting where you came from.We discuss Dickens’ incredible character work, his unmistakable writing style, the strange experience of reading a novel that can be both brilliant and painfully slow, and why appreciating greatness does not always mean enjoying every moment of it.It's a novel that it feels like a guy like me should have read. Now, I have.Type: Review | Book: Great Expectations | Writer: Charles Dickens

An AI security unit with a hacked governor module, a group of scientists in danger, and a machine that would rather watch TV than save humanity.Sounds like the beginning of a typical sci-fi story… except Murderbot is probably the least interested hero you’ll ever meet.In this episode of Paperback Friends, I dive into Martha Wells’ All Systems Red, the first novella in The Murderbot Diaries. We discuss what makes Murderbot such an interesting character, how Wells handles artificial intelligence, and why sometimes a story doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel to be great.This series has me excited, you can expect much more from it as the podcast chugs along.Type: Review | Book: All Systems Red | Writer: Martha Wells

I wanted to say thanks for 2025, and talk about some goals for 2026.Shorter than last time...Thanks for your time, really. It means the world to me =)/Sam.

Some good points here, but I still need to tighten up, and I promise that this is one of the key focus points for 2026, and I hope that in some of the coming episodes we will see way more signs of that.For now, an okay episode, but I can do way better, and you deserve better. Let's get better =)Type: Review | Book: Queen of Fire | Writer: Anthony Ryan

A bit sloppy on my end, but I feel as if I get a lot better results with more scripted stuff. Sadly, I was a bit distracted at the time of recording this.2026 is going to start pretty rough, but at least I have you guys!Type: Review | Book: Dragonfruit | Writer: Makiia Lucier

Filler, unhinged? You’ve heard it before, welcome to another episode of Paperback Friends with your host Sam Ögren.Type: [General] | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Was my pronunciation extra off this week? Seems like I heard way more mistakes than usual. Simple 101 episode, pretty interesting topic, but I don't know how interesting it was to listen to ^^We have been pushing a lot of reviews, and with audio books in the mix as well; we are not about to slow down!Type: Writing 101 | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

God, I love it when I stumble over something I really, really love. This book was such a treat for me. It had pretty much all I want from a novel like this.This novel was also a perfect return to our normal audio settings. I hated that messed with the quality (the audio quality, I still suck as much as usual ^^) of my other episodes. It feels great to be back, and swinging.Can very much recommend this one too! Excellent novel!Type: Review | Book: The Hustler | Writer: Walter Tevis

At the time of recording I still had not fixed the audio issues, but this was not from a lack of trying. It took me quite a few hours to fix. I finally sorted out the issues before recording the next episode: 64.I'm really sorry about this, but things like this happen. I still think I made this sound okay given the circumstance. I hope you can bare with me for this episode before we are back to my normal crappy self.Thanks for your understanding =)As for the episode, this was a nice review to make as it marks the end of the Wayfarer series. We'll do a series review at some point pretty soon, but for now, you'll have to settle with this!Type: Review | Book: The Galaxy, and the Ground Within | Writer: Becky Chambers

I like what Randy Ellefson does here. He seems like a good dude, and this book is pretty useful for what it is.What is not so good is the sound quality. I had recently made the switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This erased all my audio settings and recreated a bunch of old audio problems I had when starting. Sadly, I was not able to get my recording to sound good for this episode and coming episode 63. I do have it fixed for episode 64 though.The quality for this episode is... acceptable, but if you think the sound sucks; I hear you... and believe me, I fought this for hours in this episode and the coming before finally solving it just before I recorded 64. I'm really sorry about the quality; I only hope it is bearable, and I want you to know you'll be able to hear my awful voice as normal from episode 64 and onward =)Thanks!!!!!Type: Review | Book: 185 Tips on World Building | Writer: Randy Ellefson

Pretty good vibes for a filler episode. I was definitely off my crazy pills for this one, but let's hope that's a good thing =) Type: Writing 101 | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

It’s been a long time coming, but we are finally taking a look at the sequel to Blood Song in Antony Ryan’s Tower Lord.This is part two in this trilogy, and it’s nice to see Ryan flex his skills. He’s really an amazing fantasy writer. Albeit, I can struggle quite a bit with some of his plot devices. Despite grievances on that subject with part one; this time he fares better.This time we won’t push into massive two-parter episodes. You’ll have to settle with something a bit more succinct ^^Type: Review | Book: Tower Lord | Writer: Anthony Ryan

God, I should be a dentist I do so much filling. DERP!!Not, the best, I have a point. Sadly, I don’t do as good a job as I thought conveying that point. Oh, well. You know it by this point; some episodes are going to be a bit like this. At least its short ^^ Type: [General] | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

GABRIELLE (not Gabriella) Zevin’s hit novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is chock full of beauty, passion and humanity. And yet, for me it does not hit the same way as it seems to have done for so many others. Surprised?I don’t hate it, but I do leave this one with a lot of small things bugging me. Join me as I take a swing at this beloved novel.Type: Review | Book: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow | Writer: Gabrielle Zevin

In this episode I talk about Tower Lord and Sorcery of Thorns. One uses the plot device "unlikely allies" well, and the other does not. At least according to the gospel of this old fool; something that is important to always remember heading into one of my episodes ^^Type: Writing 101 | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Not much to say here, it's some general thoughts about incorporating audio books into the mix!Spoilers, I have recently finished my first audio book, and I think it works great. It will also mean more reviews, so win-win, unless you hate the podcast, then it's really bad for you ^^Type: [General] | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

I’ve been thinking about writing again. Yet, I’m not sure how I want to go about it – and exactly what to write? It can be hard to figure out an idea about what to write about, and how to actually find the time, drive and committing to an idea. It’s scary, but it’s part of it.I like the subject for this episode. Alright for a filler!Type: [General] | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A