The Hold List

Listen to episode 28, mate!  This is our last episode before we take an extended break.  Take a listen to the show to hear what's going on.  We review, "After We Were Stolen" by Brooke Beyfuss.  Is this book darker than it's cover?   Published July 19th 2022.  388 pages.   Goodreads gives this 3.91 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  Is Mel ready to join a cult after reading this?  Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Books mentioned include:  The Liar's Daughter by Megan Cooey Peterson   Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

Thank you for all the support in 2022!  We end this year with Episode 27.  Mel recaps her top 10 books that she read this past year.  They include: Books mentioned   We Were Dreamers by Simu Liu  Only a Monster by Vanessa Len A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus Skyward by Brandon Sanderson Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett Seasparrow by Kristin Cashore The Book of M by Peng Shepherd The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant   Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

The fix is in for Episode 26... pass it on.  We review, "The Magic Christmas" by Jamie Suzanne.  Yes, the young teen book.  Yes, the Sweet Valley Twins.  Yes, Mel is an adult.  Published December 1st 1992.  247 pages.   Goodreads gives this 4.05 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating? Is her own sister the perfect partner to fight wizards?  Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Books mentioned include:  Sweet Valley High by Francine Pascal Sweet Valley Twins (and friends) by Francine Pascal The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle After We Were Stolen by Brooke Beyfuss   Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

Jump and jive to Episode 25!  We review, "Unlikely Animals" by Annie Hartnett.  Love the book cover on this one, but that's not all to love.   Published April 12th 2022.  368 pages.  Goodreads gives this 4.14 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating? What is her dream animal to own?  Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Books mentioned include:  Seasparrow by Kristin Cashore The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin The Magic Christmas by Jamie Suzanne   Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

Knock on a rich persons door to get Episode 24...  We review, "The Inheritance Games" by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.  Published September 1st 2020.  376 pages.  Goodreads gives this 4.23 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating? And could there be a literal cliff hanger?   Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Books mentioned include:  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett   Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

Between you and me, it's episode 23!   We review, "Seasparrow" by Kristin Cashore.  It's the fifth novel as part of the Graceling Realm series.   Published November 1st 2022.  624 pages.  Goodreads gives this 4.39 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  And why does Mel love a good fantasy novel that involves boats?   Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Similar books include: Graceling by Kristin Cashore Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer Defend the Dawn by Brigid Kemmerer The Lunar Chronicles by Marrisa Meyer Cinder by Marissa Meyer The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes   Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

Episode 22 if you're feeling blue!  Maybe I need to find a better rhymes...  We review, "Poster Girl" by Veronica Roth.  Wartime poster propaganda on the cover is always an added bonus.  Published October 18th 2022.  288 pages.  Goodreads gives this 3.76 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  Is there a common theme with Veronica Roth books?    Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Similar books include: Divergent by Veronica Roth Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng Seasparrow by Kristin Cashore Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

Lucky 21!  In our 21st epsiode, we review, "Wake" by Shelley Burr.  Since it's a Thanksgiving holiday, we're going to take a break for the rest of the week and will be back next week with new reviews.   Published August 30th 2022.  368 pages.  Goodreads gives this 4.07 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  And why does Mel keep selecting books about missing children??  Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

The big 2-0!  In our 20th epsiode, we reviews, "Heartless" by Marissa Meyer.  Published November 8th 2016.  464 Pages.  Goodreads gives this 4.08 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  Why does Mel want to be Marissa's best friend after seeing her at a local library?  Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Other books mentioned: The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer Gilded by Marissa Meyer Cursed by Marissa Meyer Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater Wake by Shelley Burr Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

Episode 19 is here - we review, "The Family Next Door" by Sally Hepworth.   Published March 6th, 2018.  335 Pages.  Goodreads gives this 3.84 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  Will Mel ever be able to sleep at night without this nightmare scenario crossing her head?   Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Other books mentioned:  The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth The Husband's Wife by Liane Moriarty Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty Greenwich Park by Karen Faulkner Heartless by Marissa Meyer Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

this week Mel reads and reviews, "Spells for Forgetting" by Adrienne Young.   Published September 27th, 2022.  352 Pages.  Goodreads gives this 4.06 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  Will Mel want to forget this book, or will she want to read more? Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

This week Mel reads and reviews the new novel, "Gone Dark" by Amanda Panitch. Published April 12th, 2022, 448 pages.   Goodreads gives this 3.74 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  Is she stocking up on food and water as we speak?  Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

We're back to normal, and this week Mel reads and reviews, "Signal Fires" by Dani Shapiro.   Goodreads gives this 4.2 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  What is the one distracting thing that detracts from the book?   Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

It's our SPOOKY Halloween Episode 15!  We switch roles and Ryan reviews, "Night of the Living Dummy" by R.L. Stine.  Who is the real dummy (don't answer that question).   Goodreads gives this 3.84 out of 5, would Ryan take the over or under on that rating?  Can this book be enjoyed by an adult?  Does Ryan count as an adult??   Would Ryan recommend this book to her book club... or his kids? What similar books would we compare this to?  Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

Episode 14 is another fantasy book - we review, "Skyward" by Brandon Sanderson.  From what Mel tells me, the talking ship it he best character in the entire book.  Goodreads gives this 4.5 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  What does the voice of the ship sound like in her head?   Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

Episode 13 is here!  We review the fantasy book, "Defend the Dawn" by Brigid Kemmerer.  Get ready for flowers, boats and pirates.   Goodreads gives this 4.39 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  Is it a pirates life for Mel?   Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show and give us something to talk about during the next episode.  

Episode 12 is here - we review, "Before She Was Found" by Heather Gudenkauf.   Goodreads gives this 3.92 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  Will she remove all electronics away from our kids before the end of the show?   Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show.  I think even bad reviews will help people find this podcast, so feel free to give Ryan a piece of your bookmark. 

Episode 11!  We review, "Our Missing Hearts" by author Celeste Ng.  Goodreads gives this 4.09 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  What does she like about this, and what one thing drove her crazy?   Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Thank you to all the reviews on Apple Podcasts! We could always use more - it will help new listeners discover this show.  I think even bad reviews will help people find this podcast, so feel free to give Ryan a piece of your bookmark. 

We made it to double digits - episode 10!  We review, "My Sister, the Serial Killer" by Oyinkan Braithwaite Goodreads gives this 3.7 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  Will this book help her discover more thrillers?  Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Thank you to all the great (and not so great) reviews on Apple Podcasts! It has helped new listeners discover the show.  I think even bad reviews will help people find this podcast, so feel free to give Ryan a piece of your bookmark.  

We review the classic, "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte.  Goodreads gives this 4.14 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  Did we ever find Charlotte on Instagram? Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Thank you to all the great (and not so great) reviews on Apple Podcasts! It has helped new listeners discover the show.  I think even bad reviews will help people find this podcast, so feel free to give Ryan a piece of your bookmark.  

We review, "We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story" by Simu Liu.   Goodreads gives this 4.5 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  Could this actually be Mel's first 5-star review??  Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  Thank you to all the great (and not so great) reviews on Apple Podcasts! It has helped new listeners discover the show.  I think even bad reviews will help people find this podcast, so feel free to give Ryan a piece of your bookmark.  

We review, "Firekeeper's Daughter" by Angeline Boulley.  Goodreads gives this 4.37 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  With nearly 89,000 reviews of this book, can she argue with their rating or will she give it a bump up?   Would Mel recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  We finally got our first bad review on Apple Podcasts, so hear our review of that.  How about a nice 5-star review to offset it?  It will go a long way to help new people discover the show.  I think even bad reviews will help people find this podcast, so feel free to give Ryan a piece of your bookmark.  

Welcome to The Hold List!  We review "Blade Breaker" by Victoria Aveyard. Goodreads gives this 4.10 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  AND would she change that rating if Victoria Aveyard reached out to her?! Would she recommend this book to her book club... or her mom? What similar books would we compare this to?  If you like this podcast, do you have it in your heart to give us a nice 5-star review?  It will go a long way to help new people discover the show.  

Welcome to episode 5 of The Hold List!  We review "This Time Tomorrow" by Emma Straub.  Goodreads gives this 3.84 out of 5.  Does Mel take the over or under? Would we recommend this to your mom?  How about a book club? What similar books come to mind? If you enjoy these quick book reviews, give us a nice 5-star review.  It helps other people discover this podcast.  Plus it counts as your good deed for the day. 

We review I'm Glad My Mom Died by author Jennette McCurdy. Goodreads rates this book 4.68 out of 5.  Would Mel take the over or under?  Should you put this book on your hold list? 

We take a look at The Blinds by author Adam Sternbergh.  Goodreads gives this 3.74 out of 5, would Mel take the over or under on that rating?  Should you put this book on your hold list?  

Episode 002: Fairy Tale is a novel by author Stephen King, published on September 6, 2022 goodreads gives it 4.46 out of 5

Episode 001:  Sea of Tranquility is a 2022 novel by the Canadian writer Emily St. John Mandel.   goodreads gives it a 4.18 out of 5  

Welcome to The Hold List! Mel is an avid reader.  Ryan is a non-avid reader.  She loves to talk about the books that she just read off of her hold list, while he doens't mind as long as he can make fun of the book.   These quick 15-minute-ish book reviews will be easy to follow and enjoyable.  Discover new stories, preview a book before reading it, or just enjoy hearing us talk about it.