Subway Reads

Debut novelist Nicholas Russell joins us to chat about his upcoming book, Observer (available now to pre-order!). In this conversation, we discuss the challenges of genre, making an uneasy peace with readers’ expectations, the realities of a two-book deal, and life as a bookseller.Our Writing Weeks:Rachel and Leia talk about the fog of the novel submission and querying process while grappling with the reality of rejection in writing. They keep their morale high while serving up respect and credit to the literary agents of the world. Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with these recommendations!Nicholas’s Subway Read: The Moonstone by Wilkie CollinsLeia’s Pick: Borne by Jeff VandermeerRachel’s Pick: Annihilation by Jeff VandermeerOther Books Mentioned in this EpisodeThe Woman in White by Wilkie CollinsHouse of Beth by Kerry CullenFingersmith by Sarah WatersThe Miniature Wife by Manuel GonzalesCity of Saints and Madmen by Jeff VandermeerClose Relationships with Strangers by Krista DiamondDive into the whole conversation: Get the full episode recap on our Substack!Thanks for reading and listening! Join us every week on Subway Reads and don’t forget to subscribe! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

Our co-producer, Leia Menlove, just announced her forthcoming novel, CAUTIONARY TALES FOR WOMEN AND FOXES.Rachel chats with Leia about the book deal and a bit about its history. During their conversation, Leia also explores her mixed feelings given her novel’s basis (though speculative and rather whimsical) on real-life events.From Publisher’s Marketplace Deal Report: “Leia Menlove’s CAUTIONARY TALES FOR WOMEN & FOXES, a family saga intertwining stories of three generations of women in a Polish-American family, their search for justice after a life-altering assault, and the fairy tales that pass from mother to daughter, pitched as for fans of Kelly Link and Karen Russel, to Mika Kasuga and Stefanie Chin at Union Square & Co, in a pre-empt, for publication summer 2027, by Stephanie Delman at Trellis Literary Management.”Special thanks to Mika Kasuga, Editorial Director Fiction and Classics, and Stefanie Chin at Union Square & Co. (Hachette), and also to Stephanie Delman and Elizabeth Pratt at Trellis Literary Agency.Join us weekly for new interviews and also follow along with Leia on her journey as a debut author. You can listen on Substack, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. You can also find our full archive and recaps on Substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

New York Times bestselling author, Rachel Harrison, joins us for a spoiler-free conversation about her latest book, Kiss Slay Replay. We also chat about her career as an author who publishes a book a year, the power of community, and the care we should take when talking about writers in horror.Rachel Harrison’s latest novel, Kiss Slay Replay, is out today and she is currently on an international book tour. Check her out on instagram to find the dates and follow along at @rachelharrisonsghostOur Writing Weeks:Rachel opens up about taking the leap and sending out her novel to agents (aka, querying). And Leia tells us about the new realities of book publicity that she’s learning as a debut author.Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with these recommendations!Rachel Harrison’s Subway Read: Body Count by Codie CrowleyLeia’s Subway Read: Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch by Rivka GalchenRachel’s Subway Read: My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du MaurierOther Books Mentioned in this Episode: Welcome Home, Caroline Klein by Courtney Preiss, Don’t Look Now: Selected Stories by Daphne du Maurier selected by Patrick McGrath, and Rebecca by Daphne du MaurierDive into the full conversation: You can listen to the episode on Substack, or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And check out our Substack for the full recap. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

This week, Leia speaks with flash fiction writer turned novelist, Janice Leadingham, about writing her Appalachian roots and the responsibility she feels to her place of origin. Janice has been featured in Best American Small Fictions and her work was most recently published in Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant.Janice’s story “Those of Us Who Created Them” can be found in Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet #52.Also, in this episode, Rachel talks about submitting her query letters to literary agents for her gothic suspense novel. While Leia faces the very exciting, possibly devastating, and definitely nerve-wracking process of soliciting blurbs for her 2027 novel.Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with these recommendations!Janice’s Subway Reads: Music for Chameleons by Truman Capote and Hellions by Julia ElliottLeia’s Subway Read: Angel Down by Daniel KrausRachel’s Subway Read: The Vegetarian by Han KangOther Books Mentioned in this Episode: The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides, Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk, The Wedding People by Alison Espach, Human Acts by Han Kang, and The Book of Love by Kelly LinkDive into the full conversation: You can listen to the episode on Substack, or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And check out our Substack for the full recap. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

This week, Rachel and Leia dive into the world of picture books and talk about the children’s books that made them. Rachel was transfixed by colorful chameleons while Leia was deep in the delightful dark tales of murderous mice and Scandinavian folklore. Then Rachel has a one-on-one chat with picture book author Emily Sun Li about her debut MR. CHOW’S NIGHT MARKET and talk about the poetic beauty of writing for children.Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with these book recommendations!Leia’s Subway Read: City of Night Birds by Juhea KimRachel’s Subway Read: Click, Clack, Moo by Doreen CroninEmily’s Subway Read: Fireworks by Matthew BurgessOther Books Mentioned in this Episode: Redwall by Brian Jacques, The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren, The Borrowers by Mary Norton, and A Million Chameleons by James YoungDive into the full conversation: You can listen to the episode on Substack, or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And check out our Substack for the full recap. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

This week, Rachel and Leia talk about what makes a compelling page turner and share the lessons Leia learned in her MFA program and the ones Rachel honed as a ghost tour guide. Then Rachel has a one-on-one chat with author Lina Patton about her soapy debut suspense, THE LAKE CLUB, and talk about her experiences as a writing instructor and debut author.Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with these book recommendations!Rachel’s Subway Read: The Possession of Alba Diaz by Isabel CañasLeia’s Subway Read: Katabasis by RF Kuang.Lina’s Subway Read: Romantic Comedy by Curtis SittenfeldOther Books Mentioned in this Episode: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, by Jenny Han, Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill, Less by Andrew Sean Greer, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, and Sweetbitter, by Stephanie Danler.Dive into the full conversation: You can listen to the episode on Substack, or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And check out our Substack for the full recap.Thanks for listening! Subscribe for free to get next week’s episode! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

This week, Leia and Rachel talk about the looming specter of self-promotion, the unexpected challenges writerdom presents to introverts, and Rachel discusses her experience pitching agents and editors in person at this year’s ThrillerFest.Then Leia shares her candid interview with Randy Winston, the Creative Director of Fiction at The Black List and former Director of Writing Programs at The Center for Fiction, where he managed, curated, and directed the production of all writing courses, the illustrious First Novel Prize, the famed Susan Kamil Emerging Writer Fellowship, and the highly sought-after Writers Studio membership. He is a 2016 graduate of the MFA program in Creative Writing (Fiction) at The New School.Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with:Leia’s Subway Read: Hum by Helen PhillipsRachel’s Subway Read: Writers & Lovers by Lily KingRandy’s Subway Reads: On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong, Merchants of Culture by John B. Thompson, and Middlemen by Laura B. McGrathYou can listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and get the full episode recap on our Substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

This week, Leia and Rachel discuss the best writing advice they’ve ever received and the art of navigating failed drafts. Then Rachel tells us about going to an event put on by Reading Rhythms in honor of Library Week 2026 at the Jersey City Free Public LibraryThat’s where she spoke with today’s guest, the multitalented Michelle Maryk, debut novelist of THE FOUND OBJECT SOCIETY, all about being on panels, talking about your work, and the debut experience.Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with:Leia’s Subway Read: Whidbey by T. Kira MaddenRachel’s Subway Read: The Queen of the Night by Alexander CheeMichelle’s Subway Read: Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee BakerAnother Brilliant Book Mentioned in this Episode: How to Write an Autobiographical Novel by Alexander Chee, The Society by Karen WinnDive into the full conversation:You can listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and get the full episode break-down on our Substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

In this special mid-week episode, Rachel and Leia focus on the recent paperback release of Kerry Cullen’s debut House of Beth, a novel about a bisexual woman who suffers from Harm OCD. We also discuss the ways OCD has been and continues to be misunderstood with Rachel sharing her personal story of diagnosis and treatment. (Thanks, Rachel!) And Leia recaps her visit to The Twisted Spine Bookstore in Brooklyn to watch Kerry Cullen in a deliciously unconventional conversation with debut author Sara Van Os.Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with:Kerry’s Subway Read: Girl’s Girl, by Sonia FeldmanOther Books Mentioned in this Episode: Decomposition Book, by Sara Van Os, Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier, and The Turn of the Screw, by Henry JamesYou can listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and get the full break-down on our Substack. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

Leia and Rachel chat about male-coded spaces, horror, community, and writing life (oh the horrors!)Today’s Killer Guest is Lauren Komer, co-founder of The Twisted Spine in Brooklyn, NY! Visit them in Brooklyn or online at: www.twistedspinebooks.com/Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you withLauren’s Subway Read: Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee BakerRachel’s Pick: Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary RoachLeia’s Pick: The Gormenghast Novels by Mervyn PeakeOther Books Mentioned in this Horror-Filled Episode: Bob the Vampire Snail by Andrea Zuill, Lone Women by Victor LaValle, Bonk by Mary Roach, Grunt by Mary Roach, and Gulp by Mary Roach. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

Today we kick things off by reviewing our writing weeks and Rachel opens up about the ways a writer’s trauma can provide nearly mystical creative energy and a safe space to live. Then we chat about the ways we find the books we read and buy. Which leads us to…Today’s Special Guest: Kathleen Carter of Kathleen Carter Communications. Leia and Kathleen chat one-on-one about what a literary publicist does, when an author might need one, and why.Then, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with…Kathleen Carter’s Subway Read: The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett:Rachel’s Pick: The Children by Melissa AlbertLeia’s Pick: No Heaven for Good Boys by Keisha BushFeatured Book: The Art of Mystery by Maud CaseyGet the full recommendations and more behind-the-scenes on our substack: subwayreads.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

In the inaugural episode, Leia and Rachel introduce themselves along with Subway Reads!Check out our substack for a complete look at this episode and the full book recommendations. (You can get them now on BOOKSHOP.)Today’s Special Guest: Grey Traynor! Grey is a trans-femme short story writer, podcaster, and novelist who specializes in the kind of delightful misery you can only find in a John Waters fever dream.Where you can find Grey beyond this episode: Follow them on Instagram (instagram.com/greytraynor - clearly, we’re fans!) and check out their website: www.greytraynor.gayThen, in our post-interview-cooldown, we psychoanalyze American culture’s allergic reaction to failure and the gritty reality of rejection. We also gush over how much we love Grey.And, as this IS a book podcast, we present you with…Grey’s Subway Reads:* Tangled Up in Blue by Larry Duplechan* Blackbird by Larry Duplechan* Tapping the Source by Kem NunnOur Subway Reads:* Rachel’s Pick: Sky Daddy by Kate Folk* Leia’s Pick: The Liars’ Club by Mary KarrOther Books Mentioned in this FABULOUS Episode:* The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides * Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace* Down and Out in Paris and London by George OrwellDon’t forget to subscribe for next week's conversation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com

Welcome to our new podcast dropping July 7, 2026 on Substack and where podcasts are found. Subway Reads is made with love and laughter by two friends, Rachel Reynolds Westerwelle and Leia Menlove, who are trying to make it in the book world.The Scoop on Our Episodes:Every Subway Reads episode features a one-on-one interview with someone involved in the writing world, whether author, publicist, agent, book scout, bookstore owner… you get it.In each episode, Rachel and Leia dish on either side of the day’s interview about their own often catastrophic writing lives (and somewhat more productive reading lives) while delving into the world of books, books, books.Listen to the trailer now for a sneak peek at what’s to come! And check out our SUBSTACK for more bonus tidbits.Join us every week on Subway Reads and subscribe! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit subwayreads.substack.com