The Readirect Podcast

Today we're deep-diving Noah Kahan's new album, The Great Divide, and discussing the books we'd pair with some of his songs. Mentioned Books: Heated Rivalry & The Long GameThe EverlastingHappy PlaceBeartownThe Dutch House (and Ann Patchett books in general)Love and Other WordsNo Matter WhatEast of EdenMalibu RisingRecent ReadsStar Shipped by Cat SebastianYou Should Be So Lucky by Cat SebastianEveryone is Lying to You by Jo PiazzaFollow us on Instagram & TikTok @readirectpodcast. Abigail is on TikTok @fabigail11 and Instagram @fabigailinsta. Emily is on all platforms @emilyrojasreads. Shop merch & contact us & learn more on our website, readirectpodcast.com! 

We're summoning summer reading energy to get us out of reading slumps and to balance our sorrow at the Beach Read casting news. Links: TikTok creator mentioned @vivafalastinleenMargo's Got Money Troubles Official Trailerdon't look much like a lover (doesn't mean that i won't try) by barkatthemoon - wolfstar beach read-ish auPaladin's GraceThe EverlastingRecent Reads: Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka BruntWe Could Be So Good by Cat SebastianYou Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian

CONTENT WARNING: In this episode, we discuss themes from David's book, which include sexual abuse, parental abuse, suicidal ideation, and homophobia. Please take care when listening! We are joined by special guest Jubilee Dawn for today's book club, focusing on David Archuleta's memoir, Devout. About Jubilee: You can find Jubilee on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok @jubileedawns. Her podcasts are Healed-ish and The Overshare Hour. Recent Reads: The Love of My AfterlifeThe Night We Met

Today we're talking about the Project Hail Mary movie adaptation! Plus: Bridgerton season 5 announcement & All the Young Dudes being published (gross!!!) 

For today's episode, we're crawling deep into the trenches of our youth group past and revisiting the Christy Miller series by Robin Jones Gunn. Let's discuss why we hate Todd, love/hate Bob and Marti, and question all of Christy's decisions. Recent Reads:The Complete MausNo Matter What

Join us for a very special book talk episode starting off with BIG NEWS!!! Links: Readirect Podcast WEBSITE!!!SHOP MERCH!!!!!!Recent Reads: Promise Me Sunshine by Cara BastoneReady or Not by Cara BastoneI Think They Love You by Julian WintersOld Dogs Fest on AO3The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine ChanFutbolista by Jonny Garza VillaThe Sweet Spot by Amy PoppelFun Home by Alison Bechdel

Dearest Gentle Reader, For this episode, we are deep-diving Julia Quinn's An Offer From a Gentleman, as well as Bridgerton Season 4 (part one). We have been THOROUGHLY charmed by Benedict and Sophie, and had just the best time discussing their season, the changes from the book, and our excitement for part 2. Recent Reads: Lady Like by Mackenzi LeeOne Day in December by Josie SilverCrash Test by Amy JamesYou can follow The Readirect Podcast on Instagram, Bluesky, and TikTok at @readirectpodcast! 

Heavy content warning for this episode, please listen with care! While we do not go into gratuitous detail in our recap, this book does contain references to many serious subjects. Proceed with caution & definitely don't listen to this episode around children! Today we're revisiting Redeeming Love and...we did not like what we read! Skip to the recent reads: To hear our letters to our future husbands following our fraught Redeeming Love discussion, skip to 53:11. Recent reads start at 59:33. Recent Reads: The Shots You Take by Rachel ReidWhy Can't I Just Enjoy Things? by Pierre NovellieMinor Black Figures by Brandon Taylor

We're going to be honest, we were not fans of Netflix's People We Meet on Vacation adaptation. This was not helped by us loving the book! But we're here to deep dive the movie and share all of our thoughts. Just a fair warning if you loved the movie, this episode may not be for you. Plus: New Game Changers book, Unrivaled! Wuthering Heights trailer reactionsRecent Reads: The Favorites by Layne Fargo, leave the ruins where they fall by sharpa, and Question of the Day by wilmonstan12345Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast, shoot us an email at [email protected], and leave us a five-star review if you love the show! Plus, follow Emily everywhere at @emilyrojasreads and Abigail on TikTok at @fabigail11. 

We're dropping in with a mini-episode to catch up before we get back to our regularly scheduled programming. Hear more about our recent reads, our 2026 book goals, and our thoughts on upcoming book adaptations.See you next week to our return to regular episodes with our recap of People We Meet on Vacation! 

We're back for one last deep dive of episode six of Heated Rivalry, aka the FINALE!!!! How did we get here so soon??? It's been an absolute blast recapping these with you. If you've enjoyed our show, consider following us into the new year. We'll be back every other Tuesday with more book goodness. We're also on Instagram and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast. Emily is everywhere at @emilyrojasreads and Abigail is on TikTok @fabigail11. We love you see you soon!!! <3

Here is our recap of episode 5. In exchange for editing this insane episode down to something consumable, please leave us a 5-star review, follow us on IG and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast, and tell a friend to tell a friend to listen. We love you, we love Hollanov, we'll see you next week!!!!

All the things she said, all the things she said, running through my head, running through my head!!!! We're back with a DEEP-DIVE of episode 4, and WOW! Did we have a lot to talk about! Join us to unpack the whole episode: ginger ale, tuna melt, hockey, montages, and that f***ing club scene. This whole episode was catharsis for us all. We'll be back with our recap of episode 5 & more regular episodes soon!! Until then, you can leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and let us know you're enjoying the show. You can also follow us on Instagram and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast. 

We recap Episode 3 of Heated Rivalry! You can follow us on Instagram and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast. You can follow Emily on all platforms at @emilyrojasreads and Abigail on TikTok at @fabigail11.

It's not quite the end of 2025, but we're checking in for our annual year-in-review episode. We celebrate a breakout year of reading and real talk: how to hit big number goals, diversify authors with intention, and find joy reading. We share five-star favorites, surprising hits, and a few fears about the 2026 release drought (let's not talk about how no new books are coming from Ali Hazelwood, Casey McQuiston, Talia Hibbert, Alison Cochrun, OR Emily Henry so far in 2026 - SAVE US!!!) Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast. Emily is on Instagram and TikTok @emilyrojasreads, and Abigail is on TikTok @fabigail11. See you later this week for another Heated Rivalry Bonus Episode !!!! 

We're popping in with a check-in chat quickly discussing our initial thoughts on episodes one and two of Heated Rivalry! This long-awaited adaptation is finally here. If you were sick of us (Emily, mostly, let's be honest) before, it's only going to get worse from here! In this brief bonus episode, we're talking our expectations, viewing experiences, initial reactions, and even discussing the popularity of MM romance as a genre. Let us know what you thought & if you'd like us to keep doing this for future episodes. We are ever at your service <3 Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast. You can also follow Emily on TikTok and Instagram at @emilyrojasreads and Abigail is on TikTok at @fabigail11. 

Want to gift a book this holiday season, but not sure where to start? Tune in to today's episode for a thoughtful, curated holiday gift guide. Plus the Goodreads Book Awards, recent reads, and more. 

In honor of the 20th anniversary of Twilight's release AND to commemorate our origins as a podcast, today's episode is all about Twilight! Hear our experiences attending screenings in the theater and our updated thoughts now that we are fully formed adults and not Edward-obsessed tweens. Plus Emily's 14-year-old self's unedited thoughts on the Breaking Dawn of it all. Read: Why We Love (and Hate) Twilight by Sarah GallagherRecent Reads: Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina StringsWintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine MayWe Used to Live Here by Marcus KliewerThe Brightness Between Us by Eliot SchreferFollow us on Instagram and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast! You can also email us at [email protected] If you really, really love the show, feel free to leave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or (even better) share our show with a friend and help us grow our community of book loving nerds.

We're back with another series of book recommendations as submitted by our listeners! PLUS: Breaking news from Abigail, recent reads, Mate reactions, the Louvre heist (???) and more chaos! BOOK REC LINKS: Heated Rivalry The Long Game COZY MYSTERIES: Wrong Place Wrong TimeFamous Last WordsEveryone in my Family Has Killed SomeoneYou Can RunStation Eleven, The Glass Hotel, and Sea of TranquilityThe Ministry of TimeConclavePALATE CLEANSERS: A Witch's Guide to Magical InkeepingSummer RomanceAli HazelwoodThe Raven BoysKiss Her Once for Mewading in waist-high waterTRICK YOUR PARENTS: Margo's Got Money TroublesBeartown Wool Careless People Leave the World BehindThe Will of the ManyLEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND: Bride and Mate WolfsongFourth WingBrown Sisters Trilogy The Duke and I The Paradise TrilogyHOLIDAY BOOK RECS: Winter StreetOnly Santas in the BuildingMerry InkmasThe Most Wonderful Crime of the YearTime to ShineA Home for the Holidays 

We're back for a chill book talk episode where Emily is definitely not going insane about Heated Rivalry for the 40th time this year.  We catch up after travel, compare notes on The Thursday Murder Club film, and share a stack of recent reads. Here for the links? Request Heated Rivalry on your favorite streaming services. DO IT FOR EMILY IF NOTHING ELSE!!!! NETFLIX – https://help.netflix.com/en/titlerequestHBO – https://help.hbomax.com/us-en/Home/IndexHULU – https://help.hulu.com/feedbackAmazon Prime – https://digprjsurvey.amazon.com/api/feedbacks/AIV/websiteHeated Rivalry official trailerHeated Rivalry and The Long Game booksThursday Murder Club bookwading in waist-high water by colgatemintybluegel Recent ReadsPlay Nice by Rachel HarrisonThe Hacienda by Isabel CañasThe Beartown Trilogy by Fredrick BackmanCome & Get It by Kiley ReidTough Guy by Rachel ReidThe Compound by Aisling RowleThe Fall by Tal Bauer

Join us for a discussion on Jen Hatmaker's newest book, Awake. Unlike our other book club episodes, this is less deep dive and more vibes based discussion. That's because we enthusiastically recommend reading this book for yourself and then coming back to join us for our discussion. You're more than welcome to use this as a TLDR, and trust we are spilling the tea, but it is also impossible for us to capture the true generosity, beauty, and impact of this book in one simple episode. So listen & read & enjoy! PLUS Twilight non-news, a buzzy Wuthering Heights trailer, and adaptations we’re excited to watch (*ahem* HEATED RIVALRY!!!!) Important LinksStephenie Meyer Q&A Livestream recordingRachel Reid Blog Post - An Attempt to be EarnestRecent ReadsLittle Bosses Everywhere by Bridget ReadWhy We Love (and Hate) Twilight by Sarah Elizabeth GallagherAmericanah by Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieEvery Step She Takes by Alison CochrunTo the Moon and Back by Eliana RamageLeave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow @readirectpodcast on Instagram and Bluesky. Share our show with a friend because that is by far the best way to grow our community of book-loving nerds! 

Today, we're doing a deep dive into Christine Brown Woolley's memoir, Sister Wife. As longtime fans of TLC's Sister Wives, we were SEATED for this tell-all from Christine. Read along or listen in for our TLDR version of this explosive book. Plus recent read from Emily, Beartown by Fredrick BackmanFollow us on Instagram and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast, and if you're loving the show, please leave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Sharing our show with a friend is by far the best way to grow our community of book-loving nerds!

In honor of Back to School season, we're drafting our teams of our favorite fictional schools from literature, discussing what makes these educational settings compelling, terrifying, and gossip-worthy. Team Emily One-room schoolhouse from The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah Shiz from Wicked by Gregory Maguire Hawkings Independent School from The Cadence of Part-Time Poets by mostwolo Elligham Academy from the Truly Devious Series by Maureen Johnson Team Abigail Forks High School from the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer Catenan Academy from The Will of the Many by James Islington Basgiath War College from Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Crunchem Hall Elementary from Matilda by Roald Dahl Recent Reads Love is a War Song by Danica Nava Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe Wolfsong by TJ Klune We'd love to hear which fictional school you'd want to attend! Comment on our Instagram or Bluesky @readirectpodcast, or leave us a note on Spotify! 

Today, we're previewing our most anticipated fall 2025 book releases! Plus a bunch of recent reads. Fall Releases: Every Step She Takes by Alison CochrunSweet Heat by Bolu BabalolaSister Wife by Christine Brown WoolleyAlchemised by SenLinYuAwake by Jen HatmakerThe Librarians by Sherry ThomasThursday Murder Club #5 (The Impossible Fortune) by Richard OsmanPlay Nice by Rachel HarrisonMate by Ali HazelwoodThe Strength of the Few by James IslingtonRecent Reads: Emily: The Dead Romantics by Ashley PostonAnxious People by Fredrik BackmanThe Prospects by KT HoffmanWolfsong by TJ KluneArchive of Unknown Universes by Ruben Reyes JrFutbolista by Jonny Garza VillaLove and Other Conspiracies by Mallory MarloweAbigail: An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana HerreraCome & Get It by Kiley ReidThe Rose Code by Kate QuinnFollow us on Instagram & Bluesky at @readirectpodcast! 

Today we're revisiting Mary Pope Osborne's Magic Treehouse series for a Reading Rewind episode! PLUS: Is Stephanie Meyer going to release a Jacob and Renesmee sequel for the 20th anniversary of the Twilight saga? And personal updates from Emily & Abigail to round out the episode. Stay tuned to the end for a plethora of book recommendations. Recent Reads: Real Life by Brandon TaylorSay a Little Prayer by Jenna VorisNever Let Me Go by Kazuo IshiguroSky Daddy by Kate FolkLast Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda LoWe'd love for you to support the podcast by leaving a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and sharing our show with your friends. PLUS follow us on Instagram and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast. See you next time, nerds! 

We take stock of our reading lives at the halfway point of the year, discussing our progress toward reading 100 books, favorite and least favorite reads, and what's on our TBR lists.Recent Reads: And They Were Roommates by Page PowersThe Rose Code by Kate QuinnChain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-BrenyahHold Me Tight by Sue JohnsonIf you like our candid conversations and unedited thoughts, go on to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, leave us a five-star review, and let us know that you love the show. You can also follow us on Instagram and BlueSky at @readirectpodcast.

Today we're discussing the world of celebrity pap walks featuring the celebs and their books. From Sarah Jessica Parker (who always seems to be caught with a book) to Timmy C. on the subway reading Dune to a SPIRITED debate over the Bradley Cooper-Suki Waterhouse Lolita fiasco... We've got it all. We're also discussing the recent trailer for Project Hail Mary (hello!!!!!) and the teaser/release date for People We Meet on Vacation. PLUS Recent Reads: Rules for Second Chances by Maggie NorthPachinko by Min Jin LeeOur Wives Under the Sea by Julia ArmfieldShare our show with a friend to help us grow our community of book-loving nerds and follow us on Instagram and BlueSky @ReadirectPodcast.

Join us for our highly competitive Pride Month book draft! We each take turns selecting our team of favorite books about queer characters and/or authors who are LGBTQIA+. Team Abigail: The Song of Achilles by Madeline MillerHere We Go Again by Alison CochrunHeartstopper by Alice OsemanAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidTeam Emily: The Pairing by Casey McQuistonA Lady for a Duke by Alexis HallThe Celebrants by Steven RowleyTime to Shine by Rachel ReidFor even more of us gushing about The Pairing, check out our book club episode!

It's time for another jam-packed Book Talk episode! We catch up on our recent reads, from Abigail's recent Emily Henry reread journey to five-star favorites and recent DNFs, plus discuss the controversial marketing of fanfiction in traditional publishing.Abigail's complete (revised) Emily Henry reread rankings: Funny StoryHappy Place Beach ReadPeople We Meet on Vacation Book Lovers Great Big Beautiful Life Plus, we're covering: Recent DNFs including First Time Caller by BK Morrison and Silver Elite (please bully me, Emily, if you think I should give these a second chance)Five-star reads worth your time: East of Eden by John Steinbeck and Memorial by Bryan Washington Abigail's recents: A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams and How to End a Love Story by Yulin KuangProblematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood review & lengthy discussionDiscussion of the ethics of marketing fanfiction-inspired books using original IP (we're PASSIONATE) Upcoming anticipated releases Plus, share our podcast on your Instagram story or tag us on Bluesky for a chance to win a $50 Thriftbooks gift card! Be sure to follow and tag us @readirectpodcast for a chance to win! 

We're joined by dear Friend of the Show Colleen to discuss Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams. This book details Sarah's account of her time working for Facebook, and it is definitely explosive. We're recapping the highlights and horrifying revelations including: shark attacks, private planes, Settlers of Catan, Zika virus, global politics, and more.  Read the book & join along, or listen to our recap as a ;tldr version of events. Either way, we hope you'll enjoy this book club episode! Recent Reads: Heated Rivalry and The Long Game by Rachel ReidThe Wedding People by Alison EspachCover Story by Celia LaskeyIf you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and following us on Instagram and Bluesky @ReadirectPodcast. 

Today's episode is all about our picks for your beach reads this year! As a reminder, the beach is a closed ecosystem and what you read there does not transcend into other realms. Like the airport, nothing matters here. Read your crazy books, be free, have fun. BEACH READS: Bull Moon Rising by Ruby DixonFunny Story by Emily HenryThe Fake Boyfriend Fiasco by Talia HibbertGravity & The Other Side of the Story by Tal BauerHere We Go Again by Alison CochrunYou With a View by Jessica JoyceThe Five Year Lie by Sarina BowenChain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-BrenyahThe Displacements by Bruce HolsingerRecent Reads:This Is How It Always Is by Laurie FrankelHeated Rivalry by Rachel ReidAriadne by Jennifer SaintWe'd love if you would support the show by leaving us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also follow us on Instagram and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast, and please share the show with your friends – it's the best way to help us grow our community of book-loving nerds!

Join us for a deep dive of Emily Henry's newest release, Great Big Beautiful Life! Plus a discussion of upcoming releases, movie adaptations, and casting for Sunrise on the Reaping. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a five-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, follow us on Instagram and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast, and share our show with a friend.Recent Reads: Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha TuliDeep Cuts by Holly BrickleyPlus a sh*t ton of hockey romances (DM Emily for details) 

We're here with a short and hilarious episode that had us CRYING laughing on multiple occasions. Today, we're sharing our unpopular bookish opinions, as well as the unpopular opinions of listeners & strangers on Reddit. Want to help us grow our community of book loving nerds? Leave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow us on Instagram and Bluesky at @redirectpodcast, and share the show with a friend! Recent Reads: Deep End by Ali HazelwoodFamous Last Words by Gillian McCallisterYou Didn't Hear This From Me by Kelsey McKinney

SPOILER ALERT! We will be discussing this book in exhaustive details, proceed with caution! Today, we're doing a deep dive on Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. The raw audio for this episode was over an hour and a half long, and it still somehow feels like we barely scratched the surface. There's so much to unpack with this new Hunger Games prequel. Tune in to hear our thoughts, reactions, and speculations. Recent Reads: The Roommate Risk by Talia HibbertThe Cadence of Part-Time Poets by motswoloFamous Last Words by Gillian McCallisterCareless People by Sarah Wynn-WilliamsReal Americans by Rachel KhongDon't forget to follow us on Instagram and Bluesky @readirectpodcast. We love ya! 

We're seven years late to reading Sally Rooney's Normal People, a time capsule that takes us back to the 2010s and explores the complex relationship between two Irish teenagers as they navigate high school, college, and early adulthood.If you've been enjoying the podcast, we would humbly ask that you support us in a few very simple ways. Leave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, follow us on Instagram and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast, and share our show with a friend. Tune in for our next episode which will cover Sunrise on the Reaping.Recent Reads: Team Players by Deanna GreySuch a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

Warning: This Episode is Cursed! Just kidding, but seriously, we tried recording this episode like three separate times and it felt like the forces of nature were conspiring against us! Even in the middle of this recording, we both got phone calls randomly, which we left part of the audio in for so you can see how truly chaotic this episode was. Anyway, we've read a lot lately! If you want the name of the fanfiction I (Emily) bleeped out, feel free to DM us but I can't just put my business out on the internet like that tbh. Recent Reads: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally CarterFlirting with Disaster by Naina KumarWhen We Were Widows by Annette Chavez MaciasNot in Love by Ali HazelwoodDeep End by Ali Hazelwood Gathering Moss by Robin Wall KimmererFrostbite by Nicola TwilleySo Let Them Burn by Kamilah ColeLove After the End by Joshua WhiteheadPlus we talk a bunch of other nonsense like what's going on in our lives, who should play a young Haymitch, and boygenuis tiktok edits.As always, follow us on Instagram, Tiktok, and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast! We love ya! 

This episode may sound familiar, because it is! Tune in for a timely re-release of this older episode where we discuss our favorite banned and challenged books. This episode felt relevant when we first recorded it, and even more so now. We hope you'll consider adding some of our faves to your TBR in 2025! Team Abigail: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret AtwoodLooking for Alaska by John GreenThe Complete Persepolis by Marjane SatrapiTeam Emily: A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J GainesNative Son by Richard WrightAre You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy BlumePlus, books we've read lately:Everyone on this Train is a Suspect by Benjamin StevensonRaiders of the Lost Heart by Jo SeguraThe Poppy War by R. F. KuangFollow us on Instagram AND Bluesky at @readirectpodcast! 

Today, we're putting the ROMA into ROMAntasy with an Onyx Storm deep dive. We yapped for an hour and a half and it still wasn't enough to figure out what happened in this book & theorize what's going to come next. Join us on this journey with our favorite shadow daddy Xaden & clueless heroine Violet. Plus, recent reads: Flirting with Disaster by Naina KumarTrial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. TuliPlus - follow us on Instagram and Bluesky at @readirectpodcast. 

We reflect on our holiday reading experiences and recap our ambitious goals for 2024. Join us as we discuss our favorite books, share insights into reading strategies, and anticipate exciting upcoming releases to fill our TBRs.Emily's Mentions (we know there were many)The Natural Series by Jennifer Lynn BarnesNever Lie and The Housemaid Series by Freida McFaddenI Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston Quicksilver by Callie HartAbigail's MentionsBull Moon Rising by Ruby DixonFourth Wing Audiobook on HooplaRomantic Comedy by Curtis SittenfeldRodham by Curtis Sittenfeld2025 Releases We're Excited AboutFlirting with Disaster by Naina KumarOnyx Storm by Rebeccas YarrosSunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne CollinsGreat Big Beautiful Life by Emily HenryJoin us for a Buddy Read of Onyx Storm on Storygraph! Follow us at @fabigail and @emilyrojasreads. And as always, follow us on Instagram and TikTok (while you still can) at @readirectpodcast! We love you! 

Our latest episode revisits the beloved Chronicles of Narnia, focusing particularly on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, exploring its impact on faith, morality, and our childhood memories. Together, we navigate how these themes resonate differently in adulthood, the complexities of C.S. Lewis’s biography, and the cultural conversations surrounding the stories.Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Tiktok @readirectpodcast! 

In today's episode, we're taking a walk down memory lane for a recap of our reading in 2024! First, we'll revisit our goals for the year and update you on our successes and failures. Then, we're reviewing our five-star reads from 2024 (hint: Abigail is a little more judicious with this honor than Emily). Finally, we'll give you our BEST tips for success in 2025! Books we've read recently...AbigailWinter Street Series by Elin HilderbrandUnder the Mistletoe SeriesEmilyA Lady for a Duke by Alexis HallThe Husbands by Holly GramazioSay You'll Be Mine by Naina KumarDon't forget to follow us on Instagram & TikTok at @readirectpodcast! 

SIGN UP FOR OUR HOLIDAY BOOK SWAP: Click here to participate! Are you looking for the perfect gift for your book-obsessed friend? Look no further, we're here to guide you this year! Listen to this episode to find the perfect gift for...The coastal grandmother in your lifeThe goal-oriented, resolution-setterThe person who's committed to protecting their peaceThe fired-up advocateThe fan-fiction obsessed friendThe Bridgerton fan who's looking to move into the modern eraAnd give us a gift by leaving a five-star review and following us on TikTok and Instagram! Recent Reads: Conclave by Robert HarrisThe Ministry of Time by Kaliane BradleyThe Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun

In preparation for the upcoming movie adaptation of beloved musical, Wicked, we're reading the source material by Gregory Maguire! Let's just be honest, we're not the biggest fans of this book, so if it's one of your beloveds please know we're approaching this with a critical eye. Fair warning! We love the musical, and we're apprehensively excited for the movie adaptation. For more on the Wizard of Oz curse, read this article from Time. As always, let us know your thoughts on our TikTok or Instagram at @readirectpodcast. 

Escape your Election Day anxiety by exploring an imaginary world where book characters run for office! As always, follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @readirectpodcast. And if you're seeing this before the polls close, don't forget to VOTE!

We're turning to our listeners for another round of book recommendations! We asked, and boy did you answer. We did our best to fit the brief and recommend books to add to your TBR.Plus a discussion of the cover reveals for the new Emily Henry and Hunger Games books! AHH! Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @readirectpodcast.  

What happens when childhood friends reunite on a European food and wine tour? Join us as we explore this story of second chances and personal growth, while also celebrating McQuiston's knack for creating relatable, complex characters. We really liked this interview with Casey McQuiston in Rolling Stone. Abigail also recommends pairing this book with the Somm documentary.Books We Read Recently: We Solve Murders by Richard OsmanA People's History of the United States by Howard ZinnYou're the Problem, It's You by Emma AlbanWe'd also recommend chasing this episode with our book club episode covering Red, White, and Royal Blue, also by Casey McQuiston.As always, we'd love for you to join us on our Instagram and TikTok at @readirectpodcast.

We're here to deep dive and debunk the allure of Nicholas Sparks. What were beloved books to us at one point in our lives, are now bizarre, hilarious, and at times, genuinely disturbing.First, some...concerning allegations about Nicholas Sparks, with receipts. If it's not clear by the content of this episode, we strongly disavow any homophobia, racism, or other discriminatory practices. And, there are simply much better authors to give your time and money to! As for books we've read recently: The Pairing by Casey McQuistonThe Will of the Many by James IslingtonThe Charm Offensive by Allison ChochrunAs always, we're on TikTok and Instagram @readirectpodcast! Follow us over there for more fun and unhinged bookish content. 

Get ready to expand your fall reading list with our carefully selected book recommendations. Grab your favorite fall beverage and settle in for an episode packed with books that have rich storytelling, emotional depth, and the perfect vibes for autumn. Happy reading!Emily's Fall Picks: Rabbit Hole by Kate BrodyBlake Crouch's entire catalog (specifically Dark Matter, Recursion, or Upgrade!)A Witch's Guide to Fake-Dating a Demon by Sarah HawleyAbigail's Fall Picks: Conclave by Robert HarrisThe Dutch House by Ann PatchettMidnight Feast by Lucy FoleyThe Will of the Many by James IslingtonPlus Recent Read: The Pairing by Casey McQuistonDon't forget to follow us on Instagram & TikTok @readirectpodcast! 

Travis, we gotta talk about it.Eternal disclaimer that we do not support JK Rowling in any way, and encourage partaking in only fanfiction and avoiding her altogether. ANYWAYS! When we tell you to, you can skip to 51:56 to miss all Marauders talk. Abigail has FINALLY read All the Young Dudes by the legendary MsKingBean89, and WE GOTTA TALK ABOUT IT.This is now a Wolfstar podcast, we will not be accepting comments, criticism, or negative reviews at this time. Good vibes only for our favorite gay wizards from the 1970s.If you're only here for the links, here you go:All the Young Dudes by MsKingBean89All the Young Dudes - Sirius's Perspective by RollercoasterwordsTaylor Swift Songs as Books (Readirect Podcast Episode)Crimson Rivers by msamoonyChoices by MesserMoonFive Times Draco Malfoy Accidentally Apparated into Hermione Granger's Bed... And the One Time He Meant To by thefrancakesLanguage Lessons by MsAlexWPwading in waist-high water by colgatebluemintygelHere We Go Again by Alison CochrunBooks We've Read Recently:Abigail: The Plot by Jean Hanff KorelitzEmily: A Familiar Stranger by A. R. TorreFollow us on Instagram and TikTok at @readirectpodcast for much more fun and chaos! 

In today’s episode, we’re doing a deep dive into one of our FAVORITE playthings from childhood—American Girl Dolls and their accompanying books. Joined by very special guest and leading American Girl expert Emma Wright, we’re revisiting the stories that shaped our childhood. Today, we’re revisiting Kit and Addy’s stories, plus a brief mention of Dolls of Our Lives, another book. For more about the making of Addy, we highly recommend this Slate article. Plus, take the AG personality quiz! Finally, read-along with us as we reviewed a hilarious piece, American Girl Dolls Ranked In Order of Gayness.Recent Reads: Summer Romance by Annabel MonaghanAll the Young Dudes by MsKingBean89The Carrying by Ada Limón Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and TikTok @readirectpodcast!