PODCAST · arts
There Will Be Books
by Peter Murphy
Friends, Matt and Peter discuss books and currents reads in a humorous and informal manner.
Episodes
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Episode 197 "TBR Organization"
This week we tackle something we should have figured out much much earlier. We organize our TBR, set out a reasonable schedule, and commit to plan. *Please do not refer to this episode in 6 months, thank you* October -Turn, Magic Wheel by Dawn Powell -Right Ho, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse November...
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Episode 196 "Interview with Kara Infante, host of the podcast "Bookish Flights"
We have delightful episode this week. Kara Infante, host of "Bookish Flights," came on the show to about all things books, reading, podcasting, and so much more. We think you'll really like this one, and be sure to check out Kara's wonderful podcast "Bookish Flights." Enjoy! Contact Us: Instagram...
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Episode 195"Booker Longlist and Upcoming Releases"
We are back after an extended time off and we are ready to talk about books! But first we discuss a new puppy, plumbing issues, home repair, nerve damage, and kidney stones. Fun! Once we talk about getting old we dive into the Booker longlist. We discuss which books sound interesting and make our...
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Episode 194 "Lolly Willowes; The Midnight Train"
Hello, friends. We have a fun one this week discussing the 1926 novel, "Lolly Willowes" by Sylvia Townsend Warner. A novel about a woman becoming a witch but is that what it's really about? We had a great time unpacking what makes this novel tick. Also, Peter surprised Matt with a review of the...
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Episode 193 "A Court of Thorns and Roses"
"You guys never read anything super popular or relevant!" If you've ever yelled that at us in person or online well we have an episode for you. We do our best to discuss, theorize, and dissect the mega super popular romantic fantasy, "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J Maas. Very enjoyable...
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Episode 192 "Transcription by Ben Lerner"
On this week's episode, we review the latest novel by Ben Lerner. We discuss auto-fictions limitations and why we were left frustrated by this potentially thought provoking novel. And, finally, we discussed adding a beach read to our TBR, (since Lerner was so adamant that his latest novel was…
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Episode 191 "The Snows of Kilimanjaro; Ben Lerner"
A jam pack episode this week. We discuss the final Hemingway short story on our TBR, "The Snows of Kilimanjaro," a work that is powerful while being elusive. *Side note, Peter feels like he mispronounced this story the whole way through, he barely sleeps #Dadlife. And finally, we have a spirited...
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Episode 190 "The Midnight Library"
This week we are discussing the popular 2020 novel, "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig. A novel that means well, but does that mean it's a good book? We discuss our thoughts on the book and the genre we think it fits into along with a myriad of other topics* *Other topics include stomach...
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Episode 189 "Enoch Soames and Book Talk"
After more than 40 minutes of tech issues we were finally able to record this weeks episode. (If this episode is bad...blame the tech gods) And after a little bit of a rough start we find our rhythm and discuss the short story "Enoch Soames" by Max Beerbohm. From there we discuss getting into...
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Episode 188 "Victory Lap by George Saunders, and New TBR Addition"
We're back this week to discuss the George Saunders short story, "Victory Lap." (But not before a long intro on the NFL playoffs) We discuss the nuance of the story and give our thoughts on what Saunders is going for with this odd but powerful story. We end the episode with adding a new book to…
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Episode 187 "2026 Kickoff; Book Hauls, Christmas Movies, Author Project, and More"
Happy New Year! We're excited to be podcasting for another year. For our first podcast of 2026 we decided to wrap up our holiday season by talking about the books we received and the holiday movies we watched. In addition, we also decided to offer a glimpse into the content our followers over at...
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Episode 186 "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
We are back discussing books and Matt's sauna life. We begin with the latter but focus this week on the 1983 novel, "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" by Ron Hansen. We dive into the myth of Jesse James, and where the story fits into the greater picture of American...
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Episode 185 "New TBR Additions, Christmas Movie Selection"
We're back, and this week Peter has a stack of books he is trying to convince Matt to read. Why? Because, Matt's team lost to Peter's team, and that's the breaks of the game. Which sad European book will Matt choose...listen to find out (or just scroll to the bottom). Finally, we decide which...
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Episode 184 "Hemingway and October TBR Additions"
Welcome back, we are here this week to discuss another Hemingway short story. This time we discuss "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," a short story that highlights Hemingway's style and is a good entry point into his short stories. And finally, we nominate a good selection of books to add to our TBR....
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Episode 183 "Ripley Under Ground"
We're back this week to discuss all things Tom Ripley. The brilliant character, created by Patricia Highsmith, is a favorite on this podcast and this time we're discussing the second book in the series, "Ripley Under Ground." We go through what makes Highsmith such a great writer and compare the...
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Episode 182 "Book News, Maas Prop Bets, and A Book Recommendation"
Welcome back, we have a fun episode this week full of banter, humor, and books. We begin with some book news and upcoming book releases, before getting into our prop bets for "A Court of Thorns and Roses." We end, by discussing the novel "Perfection" by Vincenzo Latronico, a very good book that...
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Episode 181 "Saki; TBR Additions"
We are back this week with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. We start with Matt courting self help readers to read fiction and from there we dip our toes into the works of Saki. A very clever and funny writer from the last century who is well worth checking out. And finally, we end…
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Episode 180 "The Singularity"
Published in 1960, "The Singularity" by Dino Buzzati is a thought provoking, prescient, and creepy story that makes the reader wonder what our future holds. We often like to discuss the implications of A.I. on society and books and Dino Buzzati's story is a great exploration of what it means to…
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Episode 179 "Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead"
This week we are discussing the fantastic novel "Harlem Shuffle" by Colson Whitehead. A novel which spurned a discussion on mixing genre fiction and literary fiction. We also discussed why people read and write, A.I. novels, and pitching an oral history on George R. R. Martin writing the Game of...
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Episode 178 "Lessons in Chemistry"
We don't normally read bestsellers but this week we discuss the 2022 bestseller "Lessons in Chemistry." And we're normally a pretty positive podcast but one of us had some very strong opinions about this novel and the other had an interesting "theory." Let us know what you thought of this book…
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Episode 177 "Hills Like White Elephants; June TBR Nominations"
Hello! It's been awhile but we are back to talk books. We start by knocking off the rust with random observations (longtime listeners will know this a ruse to not become too successful) before we delve into Ernest Hemingway's short story "Hills Like White Elephants." After that we nominate a…
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Episode 176 "Book Oscars 2024"
This week we celebrate the best in the books we read in the past year. It's time for the Book Oscars!! We debate fun categories such as best villain and best scene before announcing the winners for best book, best character, and best author. We love doing this episode and this year was no...
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Episode 175 "Flashman in the Great Game"
Since we started this podcast we have read one Flashman book a year. This year we read book five, "Flashman in the Great Game." This time we follow Flashman to India as he becomes involved in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. But before we discuss our latest Flashman book, Matt makes a point about...
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Episode 174 "March Additions; Bookshelf Purge"
This week we're adding and subtracting. First, we nominate some new books to add to our TBR. I always say this but lots of interesting titles. Lastly, the main attraction, a new game called, the bookshelf purge. Each of us brought a stack of books to discuss this week, revolving around the…
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Episode 173 "Great Granny Webster"
This week we begin with a little AI chat before discussing a fantastic novella. In 1977, Lady Caroline Blackwood published, "Great Granny Webster," a biting, bleak, hilarious take down of a "great" house. Full of fantastic characters and brilliant prose this book impressed us both immensely....
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Episode 172 "The Spectre of Alexander Wolf; Plus TBR Short Stories"
We're back after winter break to talk about a books! We begin by discussing "The Spectre of Alexander Wolf" by Gaito Gazdanov. A book with a tremendous premise but we discuss why the book fails to build on that. Next we add a bunch of short stories to our TBR. Lots of interesting selections to…
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Episode 171 "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry"
This week we're discussing the successful debut from Rachel Joyce, "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry." A charming, sad, and poignant novel that surprised and pleased us greatly. We had a great time discussing this novel...spoilers ahead! Contact Us: Instagram @therewillbbooks Twitter...
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Episode 170 "Steppenwolf; For Madmen Only"
This week we are discussing the much taught and discussed 1927 novel by Hermann Hesse, "Steppenwolf." Going in we didn't quite know what to expect but we both agreed we were pleasantly surprised by this enlightening, thought provoking, and surreal novel. We discuss our favorite quotes and…
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Episode 169 "Fall Reading Roundup, October Nominations"
We are back from a nice fall break. Peter went to the big apple and Matt stayed around, working on his sourdough starter. While we were away we both have been reading books on the side, and we begin this episode discussing some of our fall reading highlights. And finally we end by picking an...
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Episode 168 "September TBR Additions"
We begin by discussing Matt's recent reads, courtesy of his losing sports teams. Then we dive into another installment of nominating and selecting new books to add to our TBR. Lots of serious literary choices this time around. Also discussed; Sally Rooney, NYC bookstores, and twitter feuds.…
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Episode 167 "My Brilliant Friend"
This week we are discussing the much praised, and beloved novel, "My Brilliant Friend" by Elena Ferrante. We delve into Ferrante's mysterious identity and discuss criticism in the modern age. But mostly we discuss this brilliant, personal, and captivating novel. One of the great things about this...
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Episode 166 "The Wager by David Grann"
Widely hailed as one of the best books of 2023, David Grann's latest, "The Wager" is a remarkable true story that amazes at every turn. We discuss Grann's gift as a story teller and the various fascinating layers to this best selling book. Contact Us: Instagram @therewillbbooks Twitter...
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Episode 165 "Where to start with Pynchon?"
As you can tell from the title, we are discussing the much beloved and somewhat feared author, Thomas Pynchon. I use the word feared because Pynchon can be difficult to read and thus, readers are often left wondering, where do I start with one of the most important authors of the last 60 years?…
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Episode 164 "NYT 100 Best Books of 21st Century; Plus, Horror Novella Recommendation"
This week we start by discussing "Black Spider" by Jeremias Gotthelf. This little known book, reprinted by the fabulous people over at NYRB, packs quite a punch in little over 100 pages. Gotthelf writes a tale with a little bit of everything, from idyllic country sides, to a menacing black…
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Episode 163 "Fun & Serious Additions"
Are you a fan of serious books or fun books? Both? Well this week we are adding two books to the TBR, a "fun" book and a "serious" book? We discuss a large pile of books from the well known to the obscure and end up adding over 1,000 pages of fun and serious fiction to the ever growing TBR. But...
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Episode 162 "Breakfast at Tiffany's"
We're back this week discussing the famous Truman Capote novella, "Breakfast at Tiffany's." We discuss the book, and the 1961 movie adaptation starring Audrey Hepburn. And finally we riff on the idea of author as a celebrity. Have we lost that? If so, who was the last celebrity author? Fun…
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Episode 161 "An Apology: A Maggot"
How do you describe a mysterious episode title? Begin with Matt's brain, add in a John Fowles novel, and there you go! If you listen past the odd beginning, you'll hear us go through our extensive TBR and touch base on where we're at with each book. You'll also learn what a cellar book is. And...
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Episode 160 "The Poison King: Part 1"
History fans, the episode this week is for you. We delve into the first part of Adrienne Mayor's fantastic book, "The Poison King." A riveting history of Mithradates, the legendary king who for a time was the biggest threat to the Roman Empire. We discuss fascinating details, stories, and more....
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Episode 159 "Ripley, Hitchens, and Didion"
This week we're reviewing the latest Ripley adaptation, and discussing two essays from prominent 20th century writers. We begin by discussing a short bookish essay by Christopher Hitchens and then review Joan Didion's essay on John Wayne. And lastly, we heap all kinds of praise on the Ripley…
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Episode 158 "A Question of Upbringing" (A Dance to the Music of Time, #1)
We are back this week talking about one of Matt's desert island books. "A Question of Upbringing" is challenging too describe and even recommend broadly, but as we discuss characters, themes, and plot lines we find there is so much to enjoy and love from this 20th century classic. A rewarding…
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Episode 157 "April TBR Addition Extravaganza"
Spring is upon us and what better way to celebrate than to add to our TBR? This month we decided to add a "dad bio" and a bestseller to our TBR but the real question is did we add just two books? Lots of fun this week, with a great list of books discussed. Matt's question to everybody is, "Are we...
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Episode 156 "2023 Book Oscars"
It's that time again, to pick our favorites from the last year. What was our favorite book? Who wrote our favorite prose? Who was the best villain? Join us for our annual Book Oscars! We have those categories plus lots more. Let us know if you agree or disagree with our selections by reaching out...
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Episode 155 "March Nominations plus Kafka and Bowles"
Are we clowns? Do we not discuss books in a serious enough manner? We discuss these questions plus two more short works from Franz Kafka and Paul Bowles. And finally, we nominate books for March. In typical fashion, we select more than one book! Thanks for listening! Books added to TBR…
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Episode 154 "The Historian. Hunter S Thompson, and Prop Bets"
We are back with a jam packed episode. First off, we discuss the massive 2005 hit, "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova. We gave inklings that one of us didn't like the book and Peter details why. Next, we discuss the essay "Fear and Loathing at the Super Bowl" by Hunter S Thompson. We discuss…
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Episode 153 "HHhH"
We have a fantastic novel to discuss this week. Laurent Binet's debut novel "HHhH" has been on both our radars since its release over a decade ago and our high expectations were met and exceeded by this brilliant, thrilling, and important book. We highly recommend this book and we hope you enjoy...
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Episode 152 "Dinner at the Golden Corral; featuring Dostoevsky, Capote, Didion, Thompson, Bowles, Gaiman, Kafka, and Hitchens
We came in with a plan to add some shorter works to our TBR, and because of Matt's ear infection and because Peter can't help himself, we added two novellas and six essays/short stories. Reasonable, right? Lots of interesting nominations this week so be sure to grab a pen and paper. As always...
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Episode 151 "Flashman at the Charge"
It's beyond cold outside and we've both been under the weather but we are back this week with our annual Flashman episode! We are discussing the fourth book in the series, "Flashman at the Charge." Perhaps the best of the series so far and a possible jumping off point for new readers to the…
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Episode 150 "Christmas Movies. Christmas Book Hauls"
We are back after a busy holiday season to talk Christmas movies, both good and bad. This year we both watched the 2000 movie, Reindeer Games. We discuss if the movie was as bad as everybody said and more. And finally, Peter discusses the stack of books he hauled and Matt talks about the mammoth...
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Episode 149 "The Fellowship of Two Turtledoves"
To close out another great year of book nominations, our December nominations are the best group yet. We could have picked a half dozen books to add to our TBR but we settled on a classic. We also discuss Napoleon's education, attempt insightful analogies, and discuss upcoming Patreon content....
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Episode 148 "Burr: Part 2"
We are back this week to wrap up Burr by Gore Vidal. To finish up this entertaining and informative novel, we discuss Burr's duel with Hamilton and his treason charge. We discuss Vidal's plausible theories that he puts forth during this fascinating chapter in American history. High recommend for...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does There Will Be Books have?
There Will Be Books currently has 197 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is There Will Be Books about?
Friends, Matt and Peter discuss books and currents reads in a humorous and informal manner.
How often does There Will Be Books release new episodes?
There Will Be Books publishes regularly with 197 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to There Will Be Books?
You can listen to There Will Be Books on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts There Will Be Books?
There Will Be Books is created and hosted by Peter Murphy.
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