Sense of Shelf
by John Westley
My name is John Westley and I'm going to be talking to people about the books that left an impression on them. Their favorite book. An acclaimed novel that they dislike. A book that inspired them. A book that made them become obsessed with a certain author(I’m talking about you 1776). I will also be talking about different book related topics that I feel like discussing. So please join me for some lovely book related conversations.
Episodes
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Banned Book Club - Gender Queer by Maya Kobabe
Hi friends. Thanks for joining me in another meeting of our Banned Book Club. In this meeting I will discuss Gender Queer by Maya Kobabe. This wasn't one of my favorite banned books, but a great story none the less. Diverse voices are important to literature and our world as a whole, so I fully...
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The Sandman Volumes 5 and 6
Hi friends. This one took a while because spoiler, I didn't care for volume 5. But here are volumes 5 and 6 combined. Just some quick chats about the two volumes. Neil Gaiman is a master story teller and this series is spectacular. Shout out to Okie Bookcast podcast. Listen to the book news…
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Wakanda Forever and Babel
What's better than an episode with my humble opinions about one book? Probably a lot of things, but for the sake of this caption, the answer is an episode with my humble opinions about TWO books!! Insert DJ horn noise here. I talk about Wakanda Forever by one of my favorite authors Nnedi Okorafor...
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The Memory Librarian by Janelle Monáe
I finally found the energy and drive to come back. Thank you for your patience. I read and review the wonderful collection of short stories The Memory Librarian by Janelle Monáe and other authors. This book has so much queer love and representation it is only a matter of time before someone tries...
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Banned Book Club - All American Boys
The newest installment tackles All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brandon Kiely. This is an important story about police brutality and its' effects on a community. It is told as 2 stories in one from the point of view of the victim, a black teenage boy, and the other from a witness, a white...
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Something is Killing the Children Volumes 1-5, a review.
So I went about this strangely. I started by planning to read, review, and publish an episode for each volume. I changed my mind and just saved each review to publish as this longer episode. I also only wrote a script for volumes 1-3. Volumes 4 and 5 I recorded live with no notes or script. I…
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Binti The Complete Trilogy by Nnedi Okorafor
I read the fantastic book Binti The Complete Trilogy. It is a series of novellas by Nnedi Okorafor all compiled into one book now. Listen to me rave about this imaginative, emotional, suspenseful, riveting set of stories. I truly loved this book and will definitely be reading more of this…
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After The Rain by Nnedi Okorafor, a review
I read and loved this wonderful graphic novel adaptation of a short story by Nnedi Okorafor titled On The Road. It is a short read hence the short episode. I loved it though. It can be read in one sitting. The art and story are fantastic and culture absolutely stuns with its' vibrance. Whether…
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Graphic Novel Review - The Sandman Vol 4 Season of Mists
It's been a few weeks since I've discussed The Sandman, but here are my thoughts on Volume 4. Long story short, I really loved it. It's got some great stories and the scenes with The Endless are delightful. You can purchase the book here, while also supporting indie bookshops and this podcast!…
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Banned Book Club - So You Want To Talk About Race
This book, So You Want To Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo, was recommended to me by the wonderful Red Dove Podcast. Their show is a must listen and this book is a must read. This is a how to guide for helping to combat racism and micro aggressions and have meaningful conversations about the topic.…
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Book Review - Tomorrow And Tomorrow And Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
I had to wait a couple weeks to get this from my library, but it was worth the wait. I highly recommend this wonderful book. It is a sweeping novel about the ups and downs of decades long friendship. Please do yourself a favor and read this. Get the book here and support indie bookshops. Go to my...
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Interview with Author Ryan Estrada
Hey friends. I was lucky enough to talk with author and illustrator Ryan Estrada. I've been releasing episodes about banned books called Banned Book Club, it is currently Banned Book Week, and him and his wife wrote a fantastic graphic novel titled Banned Book Club. Did I say banned book enough?...
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Banned Book Club/Graphic Novel review - They Called Us Enemy
I read and loved They Called Us Enemy by George Takei. Here is my review that was not asked for but I recorded anyways. This book has been challenged in at least one town in Pennsylvania so I'm counting it for Banned Book Club!! Go to the websites linked below for ideas, resources, and…
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The Sandman with special guest Willie from The Thing About Us Podcast
You guys, I finally got to chat with Willie from The Thing About Us podcast (go listen now.....well, after this). I've loved the show since I discovered this podcast community and I was happy to finally get to record with him. We talked about The Sandman volumes 1-3 and a bit about the Netflix...
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Banned Book Club - This Book Is Gay
I read this delightful book that was banned for being educational. No that is not a typo. This fantastic little instruction manual for either coming to terms with your own sexuality or learning more about what a loved one is going through is great. Written by Juno Dawson, I recommend it to anyone...
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Banned Book Club - The Hate U Give
On this episode of Banned Book Club I hide from The Mechanical Hound and talk to you about The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas. This book was incredible and so important for teenagers in today's society. Have a listen and go out immediately to get your hands on a copy and read it. You can purchase…
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Interview with author and publisher Justine A.P. Louis
I have the privilege of speaking with Justine AP Louis in this episode. She is the author of wonderful children's books that she writes to bring the Haitian culture to children and families. Some of you know I have a strong connection to Haitian culture, so this was a great joy for me. Justine is...
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Graphic Novel Review - The Sandman Preludes and Nocturnes……finally!!
I finally read and now will discuss this legendary work written by Neil Gaiman, and illustrated by Sam Kieth, Mike Dringenberg, and Malcolm Jones III. I’m so excited to finally do this. I genuinely loved this book even though Gaiman feels the series starts off awkwardly. You can support…
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Banned Book Club - Maus with Special Guest J Hall of The Okie Bookcast
This is a very special episode of Banned Book Club. Jay, host of one of my favorite shows The Okie Bookcast, joins me to discuss Maus. The story as a whole, our love for the story, and the recent challenges to the book. You can learn about Jay, The Okie Bookcast, and all the great things he does...
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Banned Book Club - Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison
In this episode I review Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison. I’ll be honest, there are things about this book I did not care for. With that being said, it still should not be banned. Don’t ban books and silence voices! Special shoutout to @SophisticatePod for their promo. Go listen and subscribe to…
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Graphic Novel Review - Death Deluxe Edition by Neil Gaiman
My first graphic novel review!! I discuss Death Deluxe Edition by Neil Gaiman. It is not a standalone story or volume in a series, but a compilation of stories featuring the Death character from his very popular The Sandman series. You can purchase the book here to support independent bookshops…
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Banned Book Club - The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
In the first episode of Banned Book Club I discuss this raw and beautiful story. I love Toni Morrison’s work. I give a brief review, not something I do often, and discuss why it has been banned, and why I disagree with banning books in general. Shoutout to The Fandalorians for their promo at the...
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Interview with author and publisher Stacy Padula.
I have the esteemed pleasure of talking with Stacy Padula. She is an author, publisher, and tutor. Stacy was named “Top Inspirational Author of the Year” for 2022 by the International Association of Top Professionals (New York, NY). In June of 2021, she was broadcast on the famous Reuters…
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Interview With Debra Fredette, Author of My Refuge: Finding Peace and Strength in Uncertainty
I had the privilege of speaking with author Debra Fredette about her book My Refuge: Finding Peace and Strength in Uncertainty. A story about her missionary trip to Uganda in 2014 and how her faith, and specifically Psalm 91 helped her through her experience. The website for the non-profit, Hear...
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The Return Of The King with Ben Hunt and Ellie from The Enlightened Podcast.
Ben Hunt from The Enlightened Podcast joins me to discuss the final part of the LOTR trilogy, The Return of The King, and brings his great sometimes co-host Ellie. This was a lot of fun and more often than not I just sat back as a witness to their detailed debates. DECLARE YOUR SUPPORT FOR…
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The Princess Bride with Mr. Richardson of The Fandalorians Podcast.
Join me as I talk with my special guest Mr Richardson from The Fandalorians Podcast. We talk about our mutual love of a great story and he shares his great experiences reading it to his students. Even if you are mostly dead, you will enjoy our talk as much as I did. I also finally debut my book...
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The Pen Made Mightier By The Sword: J.R.R. Tolkien
In this installment of The Pen Made Mightier By the Sword, I discuss the incomparable J.R.R. Tolkien and the ways war influenced and inspired his works. My admiration for this man would reach from The Shire to The Undying Lands. So go on this brief adventure with me as we talk about the Father of...
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State of The Pod
Just a little update. I had a little hiatus and wanted to just talk and catch up with you listeners with things that have been happening and what should be happening soon. I hope you enjoy and go support the other shows and people I mentioned in this episode.
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The Pen Made Mightier by The Sword: C.S. Lewis
In this installment of The Pen Made Mightier by The Sword I discuss CS Lewis and how events in his life, including serving in WW1, caused him to abandon and then emphatically return to his Christian faith and how this influences his writing. Go follow my friend @BeerInFront and subscribe to his...
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The Pen Made Mightier by The Sword: Isaac Asimov
In this installment of The Pen Made Mightier by The Sword, we talk about Sci-fi great, Isaac Asimov and how his works were influenced by political conflict.
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The Pen Made Mightier By The Sword: George Orwell
This mini episode is about 1984 author George Orwell and how political conflict influenced his work. Listen and leave me a rating and review to let me know what you think.
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The Pen Made Mightier By The Sword: Ian Fleming
On this episode of The Pen Made Mightier By The Sword we talk about Ian Fleming, the author and creator of the worlds most famous spy, Bond, James Bond. This one almost feels like cheating when it comes discussing war being an influence on an authors work. The man was a spy and then created one…
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The Pen Made Mightier By The Sword: Kurt Vonnegut
In this episode chosen via Twitter poll, we discuss Kurt Vonnegut and the influence that war had on his writings.
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The Pen Made Mightier By The Sword: Roald Dahl
In this episode of The Pen Made Mightier By The Sword, we have a bit of a challenge in talking about how war influences the work of beloved children’s author Roald Dahl.
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Review of The Harlem Shuffle and Frederick Douglass, as well as some rambling.
Just a little mini episode by myself. An update on the show, a couple book reviews, what’s upcoming to be discussed on the show and what I’ll be reading outside of the show.
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The Pen Made Mightier By The Sword: Ernest Hemingway
In my Pen Made Mightier By The Sword series, I’ll be discussing authors that served in wars and authors who although may not have served in any military still were affected by global conflict and politics, and how these experiences influenced their work. This first installment is about the one…
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Favorite book to screen adaptations.
More solo ramblings from me. I talk with you about my favorite book to screen adaptations. I only talk about things I have consumed both versions of (book and show/movie). It’s also just my opinion. It is not scientific research into the accuracy of the adaptations. I hope you enjoy. Thank you in...
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Favorite books of the last 10(ish) years.
I ramble on about my favorite books published in the last 10(ish) years. I think it’s a nice list of books, but of course I do, I chose them. This is not a list saying any are better than any others, just the books I enjoyed.
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The Two Towers with Ben Hunt
Ben Hunt and I continue our journey to Mordor as we discuss The Lord of The Rings The Two Towers. We've got attacks on middle children for some reason, a lot of fun, and another round of high stakes trivia as we talk about Ben's least favorite, but one he obviously still loves, book out of the...
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The Fellowship of The Ring with Ben Hunt
In my actual debut episode and the first of our episodes together, Ben Hunt, of The Enlightened Podcast, and I nerd out about our mutual love of J.R.R. Tolkien and The Lord of The Rings, specifically the novel of The Fellowship of The Ring. There are terrible puns, names we may not be pronouncing...
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Allow myself to introduce myself.
Hey everyone. This is the debut of the Sense of Shelf podcast. This episode is just a little introduction to me, your host John Westley, and what the podcast aims to do. Please pardon the occasional background noises as I am learning and will get better. Thanks for the listen. Enjoy.
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Sense of Shelf
Updated trailer
About this show
My name is John Westley and I'm going to be talking to people about the books that left an impression on them. Their favorite book. An acclaimed novel that they dislike. A book that inspired them. A book that made them become obsessed with a certain author(I’m talking about you 1776). I will also be talking about different book related topics that I feel like discussing. So please join me for some lovely book related conversations.
Hosted by
John Westley