50/50 Books

Mostly unnoticed lies three figures at the end of a long pier in the corner of one of the world’s most famous paintings. But Louisa has noticed, and she’s determined to figure out the story of these figures, especially as the painting ends up in her care. Because this painting was born from a summer 25 years ago in which a group of teens found refuge and purpose in each other.This episode we’re finishing My Friends by Fredrik Backman!TWs/CWs for this book seem to be:Homophobia; Foster care discussed; Rape & sexual assault mentioned; Drugging mentioned; Domestic abuse; Attempted suicide, suicidal ideation, & self-harm; Anxiety & panic attacks; Depression; Alcoholism; Grief & loss depictions; Bullying; Police Brutality; Homophobia and homophobic slursMy Friends by Fredrik Backman – Trigger Warning DatabaseAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Mostly unnoticed lie three figures at the end of a long pier in the corner of one of the world’s most famous paintings. But Louisa has noticed, and she’s determined to figure out the story of these figures, especially as the painting ends up in her care. Because this painting was born from a summer 25 years ago, in which a group of teens found refuge and purpose in each other.This episode we’re reading My Friends by Fredrik Backman, up to (but not including) Chapter 28!TWs/CWs for this book seem to be:Homophobia; Foster care discussed; Rape & sexual assault mentioned; Drugging mentioned; Domestic abuse; Attempted suicide, suicidal ideation, & self-harm; Anxiety & panic attacks; Depression; Alcoholism; Grief & loss depictions; Bullying; Police BrutalityMy Friends by Fredrik Backman – Trigger Warning DatabaseAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Kris Kelvin is sent to the planet Solaris to study the ocean that covers its surface, but his research is not so simple as he and the other crew are plagued with their own painful memories. Could it be the ocean creating these memories, and for what reason?Solaris raises the pivotal question: “Can we truly understand the universe around us without first understanding what lies within?”This episode we’re finishing Solaris by Stanisław Lem!TWs/CWs for this book seem to be:Suicide, outdated language, burn injury, excessive drinking, depression, existential dreadAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Kris Kelvin is sent to the planet Solaris to study the ocean that covers its surface, but his research is not so simple as he and the other crew are plagued with their own painful memories. Could it be the ocean creating these memories, and for what reason?Solaris raises the pivotal question: “Can we truly understand the universe around us without first understanding what lies within?”This episode we’re reading Solaris by Stanisław Lem up to, but not including, the chapter titled: Monsters.TWs/CWs for this book seem to be:Suicide, outdated language, burn injury, excessive drinking, depression, existential dreadAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Tom Hazard, recently returned to London, has settled to become a high school history teacher, even meeting the captivating French teacher who seems just as captivated by him. However, Tom, though in want of an ordinary life, has a rare condition that has let him live for centuries, and the Albatross Society, a group that has protected people like Tom, has always had one rule: Never fall in love. Now Tom will have to decide between remaining stuck in the past or beginning to live in the present.This episode we’re finishing up How to Stop Time by Matt Haig!TWs/CWs for this book seem to be:Dissociation; self-harm; suicidal thoughts/ideation; sexual assault (groping); drowning; murder (mentioned); gaslighting; violence; gun violence; self-immolation; arsonAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Tom Hazard, recently returned to London, has settled to become a high school history teacher, even meeting the captivating French teacher who seems just as captivated by him. However, Tom, though in want of an ordinary life, has a rare condition that has let him live for centuries, and the Albatross Society, a group that has protected people like Tom, has always had one rule: Never fall in love. Now Tom will have to decide between remaining stuck in the past or beginning to live in the present.This episode we’re reading How to Stop Time by Matt Haig up to but not including Hackney outside London, 1599. “Gossip. Gossip lived”TWs/CWs for this book seem to be:Dissociation; self-harm; suicidal thoughts/ideation; sexual assault (groping); drowning; murder (mentioned); gaslighting; violence; gun violence; self-immolation; arsonAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Alice Law has only ever cared about being the brightest and the best in the field of Magick, which, of course, means working with Cambridge professor Jacob Grimes, the greatest magician there is. However, things take a dive when Grimes dies in a magical accident, and it’s an accident that could be Alice’s fault. Now, with Grimes in hell, Alice is descending after him, knowing his recommendation means everything for her future, though it seems her rival, Peter Murdoch, has similar ideas. This episode we’re finishing up Katabasis by R.F. Kuang!TWs/CWs for this book seem to be:Abuse of power; ableism; animal death; blood; character death; health self-negligence; descriptions of a dead body; discussion about medical procedures/treatments; emotional abuse; gore; grief; grooming; manipulation; mention of suicide; misogyny; murder; self-flagellation; sexual abuse (past, recollected); suicidal thoughts; unhealthy eating habitsKatabasis - Book Trigger WarningsAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Alice Law has only ever cared about being the brightest and the best in the field of Magick, which, of course, means working with Cambridge professor Jacob Grimes, the greatest magician there is. However, things take a dive when Grimes dies in a magical accident, and it’s an accident that could be Alice’s fault. Now, with Grimes in hell, Alice is descending after him, knowing his recommendation means everything for her future, though it seems her rival, Peter Murdoch, has similar ideas. This episode we’re reading Katabasis by R.F. Kuang, stopping before Chapter 18! TWs/CWs for this book seem to be:Abuse of power; ableism; animal death; blood; character death; health self-negligence; descriptions of a dead body; discussion about medical procedures/treatments; emotional abuse; gore; grief; grooming; manipulation; mention of suicide; misogyny; murder; self-flagellation; sexual abuse (past, recollected); suicidal thoughts; unhealthy eating habitsKatabasis - Book Trigger WarningsDescriptions of activities typical for the circles of hellAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt are writers and rivals. However, when they’re both invited to a mysterious Christmas party that turns more mysterious when the host, fellow author Eleanor Ashley, disappears, their only hope of figuring out the truth and finding Eleanor might just be each other. Assuming these rivals could ever become allies. This episode we’re finishing The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter!Happy Holidays!!!!Some TWs/CWs for this book seem to be:Anxiety and anxiety attacks; Infidelity; Emotional abuse and gaslighting; Death of parents (recounted); Domestic violence (recounted); near-death experience from a fall (recounted); poisoning; arson; kidnappingMore complete list: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter – Trigger Warning DatabaseAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt are writers and rivals. However, when they’re both invited to a mysterious Christmas party that turns more mysterious when the host, fellow author Eleanor Ashley, disappears, their only hope of figuring out the truth and finding Eleanor might just be each other. Assuming these rivals could ever become allies. This episode we’re reading The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter, stopping just before Chapter 37!!Some TWs/CWs for this book seem to be:Anxiety and anxiety attacks; Infidelity; Emotional abuse and gaslighting; Death of parents (recounted); Attempted murder by a partner; near-death experience from a fall; poisoning; arson; kidnappingMore complete list: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter – Trigger Warning DatabaseAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Holden Caulfield, recently expelled from yet another school, finds himself adrift in New York City, seeking companionship but only feeling out of place and misunderstood. This episode we’re finishing up The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger!TWs/CWs for this book seem to be: Ableism, assault, blood, cancer (mentioned), child death (mentioned), depression, emesis, homophobia, institutionalization (implied), pedophilia (implied), prostitution, racism, sexism, sexual assault, sexual harassment, gun violence, slurs/outdated terms, suicide, suicide ideation, underage alcohol and smoking, violent fantasiesThe Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger - Book Trigger Warnings And our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Holden Caulfield, recently expelled from yet another school, finds himself adrift in New York City, seeking companionship but only feeling out of place and misunderstood. This episode we’re reading The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, up to (but not including) Chapter 15.TWs/CWs for this book seem to be: Ableism, assault, blood, cancer (mentioned), child death (mentioned), depression, emesis, homophobia, institutionalization (implied), pedophilia (implied), prostitution, racism, sexism, sexual assault, sexual harassment, gun violence, slurs/outdated terms, suicide, suicide ideation, underage alcohol and smoking, violent fantasiesThe Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger - Book Trigger Warnings And our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

While on a camping trip, five high-schoolers discover a mysterious staircase to nowhere in the middle of the woods. One of them climbs up only to never come down, and then the staircase disappears. Twenty years later it appears again, and the friends return to find the lost boy and figure out just where the staircase leads.This episode we’re finishing The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig! And we’re finishing it with a super long episode (so sorry (or not sorry???)). Genuinely we’re in the trenches over this book :p Happy spooky month everyone!!TWs/CWs for this book seem to be: Suicide, suicidal ideation, self-harm, drug use, overdose, child abuse, child sexual abuse, cancer, parent death, child death, racism, homophobia, use of a slur, neglect, trauma, gore, murder, and violence And our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

While on a camping trip, five high-schoolers discover a mysterious staircase to nowhere in the middle of the woods. One of them climbs up only to never come down, and then the staircase disappears. Twenty years later it appears again, and the friends return to find the lost boy and figure out just where the staircase leads.This episode we’re reading The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig, up to (but not including) Chapter 41 New Room, Who This.TWs/CWs for this book seem to be: Suicide, suicidal ideation, self-harm, drug use, overdose, child abuse, child sexual abuse, cancer, parent death, child death, racism, homophobia, use of a slur, neglect, trauma, gore, murder, and violence And our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Widow Mimi gets invited to a charity auction held by socialite Jane Ireland, and while normally Mimi would have no interest in attending, this invite comes with blackmail. Rather than go alone, Mimi brings her granddaughter, Addie, along, but the party goes from bad to worse when Jane’s body is found. Trapped inside due to a storm, Addie and Mimi must rely on their skills (crosswords and video game design) to narrow down their suspects; a deductive game that only gets more dangerous as another body is found, all while Mimi holds back her secret.This episode we’re finishing up This is Not A Game by Kelly Mullen!TWs/CWs for this book seem to be: Blackmail, murder, gun violence, blood, drugging, attempted poisoningAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Widow Mimi gets invited to a charity auction held by socialite Jane Ireland, and while normally Mimi would have no interest in attending, this invite comes with blackmail. Rather than go alone, Mimi brings her granddaughter, Addie, along, but the party goes from bad to worse when Jane’s body is found. Trapped inside due to a storm, Addie and Mimi must rely on their skills (crosswords and video game design) to narrow down their suspects; a deductive game that only gets more dangerous as another body is found, all while Mimi holds back her secret.This episode we’re reading This is Not A Game by Kelly Mullen up to but not including Chapter 22: Reading People.TWs/CWs for this book seem to be: Blackmail, murder, gun violence, blood, drugging, attempted poisoningAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Maya Hoshimoto, once the best art thief in the galaxy, was forced into hiding by a disastrous job. She's moved on to a more quiet life, but visions of the future haunt her still. Then an old friend comes with a job she can't refuse, but they aren't the only ones racing through the universe to find it, as it's an object with the power to save an alien species from extinction.This episode we’re finishing The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei!CWs for this book seem to be: Violence and gore, xenophobia, xenocide, colonization, vomit, torture, war, infertility, chronic illness, confinement, suicidal thoughts, pandemic, migrainesTHE STARDUST GRAIL (2024) | Yume Kitasei And our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Maya Hoshimoto, once the best art thief in the galaxy, was forced into hiding by a disastrous job. She's moved on to a more quiet life, but visions of the future haunt her still. Then an old friend comes with a job she can't refuse, but they aren't the only ones racing through the universe to find it, as it's an object with the power to save an alien species from extinction.This episode we’re reading The Stardust Grail by Yume Kitasei, stopping before Part 3: The Visitor!CWs for this book seem to be: Violence and gore, xenophobia, xenocide, colonization, vomit, torture, war, infertility, chronic illness, confinement, suicidal thoughts, pandemic, migrainesTHE STARDUST GRAIL (2024) | Yume Kitasei And our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

There's something strange going on at the Orsk furniture superstore in Cleveland, Ohio. Each morning, things are shattered and destroyed, but it's a mystery as to what might be happening in the night. To work it out, three employees volunteer to work the night shift, but in their investigation they encounter unexpected horrors.This episode we’re finishing up Horrorstor by Grady Hendrix!TW/CWs for this book seem to be: Claustrophobia, Drowning, Emesis, Gore, Groping (minimal, non-sexual), Rats, TortureHorrorstör by Grady Hendrix - Book Trigger WarningsAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

There's something strange going on at the Orsk furniture superstore in Cleveland, Ohio. Each morning, things are shattered and destroyed, but it's a mystery as to what might be happening in the night. To work it out, three employees volunteer to work the night shift, but in their investigation they encounter unexpected horrors.This episode we’re reading Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix, up to but not including Chapter 09 - Mesonxic.TW/CWs for this book seem to be: Claustrophobia, Drowning, Emesis, Gore, Groping (minimal, non-sexual), Rats, TortureHorrorstör by Grady Hendrix - Book Trigger WarningsAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Six years ago, 3 Long Island teenagers were murdered, their drowned bodies discovered with sand dollars over their eyes. The mystery was never truly solved, and Evelyn Mackenzie's father was only cleared of charges when Evelyn summoned a spirit to clear his name, after which she swore to never summon again. Mina Zanetti comes from a family of mediums, using the ocean's power to guide the dead. However, with rising sea levels, the ghosts are becoming more dangerous, and Mina and Evelyn must work together to solve who truly was behind the drowning summer.Happy Pride Month everyone!! This episode we’re finishing The Drowning Summer by C.L. Herman!TW/CWs for this book seem to be: Abandonment, Biphobia, Blood, Death, Grief, Gun violence, Mention of kidnapping, Murder, Attempted suicideAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Six years ago, 3 Long Island teenagers were murdered, their drowned bodies discovered with sand dollars over their eyes. The mystery was never truly solved, and Evelyn Mackenzie's father was only cleared of charges when Evelyn summoned a spirit to clear his name, after which she swore to never summon again. Mina Zanetti comes from a family of mediums, using the ocean's power to guide the dead. However, with rising sea levels, the ghosts are becoming more dangerous, and Mina and Evelyn must work together to solve who truly was behind the drowning summer.For this wonderful Pride Month, we’re reading The Drowning Summer by C.L. Herman, up to (but not including) Chapter 18! TW/CWs for this book seem to be:Abandonment, Biphobia, Blood, Death, Grief, Gun violence, Mention of kidnapping, Murder, Attempted suicideAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Sophie, eldest of three daughters, has never thought much of going off to seek her fate, as she’s destined to fail should she ever. However, a meeting with the Witch of the Waste leaves Sophie under a spell that transforms her into an old lady, and so Sophie’s only chance at breaking it seems to lie in the moving castle in the hills, belonging to the supposed wicked Wizard Howl. In this pursuit, Sophie will strike a bargain with a fire demon, deal with this heartless Howl, and face the Witch of the Waste head on. Of course, along the way, she discovers there is more to Howl, and even herself, that meets the eye. This episode we’re finishing Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones!! TW/CWs for this book seem to be:Nothing that we can think of, let us know if there is though!And our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Sophie, eldest of three daughters, has never thought much of going off to seek her fate, as she’s destined to fail should she ever. However, a meeting with the Witch of the Waste leaves Sophie under a spell that transforms her into an old lady, and so Sophie’s only chance at breaking it seems to lie in the moving castle in the hills, belonging to the supposed wicked Wizard Howl. In this pursuit, Sophie will strike a bargain with a fire demon, deal with this heartless Howl, and face the Witch of the Waste head on. Of course, along the way, she discovers there is more to Howl, and even herself, that meets the eye. This episode we’re reading Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones! Stopping just before Chapter 12: In which Sophie becomes Howl’s old mother.TW/CWs for this book seem to be:Nothing that we can think of, let us know if there is though!And our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Cora, new to the small town of Hickory Falls, ends up purchasing a jar of buttons, baubles, and, surprisingly, two rings. Wanting to do her due diligence, she seeks out the original owner of the rings, but she instead stumbles upon a decades-old mystery. A mystery pertaining to Clarity Grey, a young woman who involves herself with a married man. It all seems to work out at first, with him divorcing his wife for her and the two raising a family of their own. However, that all comes to an abrupt end when she suddenly vanishes, and with her supposed reputation, the town isn’t much interested in taking the disappearance seriously, until Cora.This episode we’re finishing Pretty Dead Things by Lilian West! TW/CWs for this book seem to be:Infidelity, use of a slur, murder, death of parentsAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Cora, new to the small town of Hickory Falls, ends up purchasing a jar of buttons, baubles, and, surprisingly, two rings. Wanting to do her due diligence, she seeks out the original owner of the rings, but she instead stumbles upon a decades-old mystery. A mystery pertaining to Clarity Grey, a young woman who involves herself with a married man. It all seems to work out at first, with him divorcing his wife for her and the two raising a family of their own. However, that all comes to an abrupt end when she suddenly vanishes, and with her supposed reputation, the town isn’t much interested in taking the disappearance seriously, until Cora.This episode we’re reading Pretty Dead Things by Lilian West! Up to, but not including, Chapter 14!TW/CWs for this book seem to be:Infidelity, use of a slur, murder, death of parentsAnd our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Zachary Ezra Rawlins, a grad student in Vermont, stumbles upon a mysterious book hidden in the library stacks, which contains a story from his own childhood. He follows the symbol inside of the book, a bee, key, and sword, to a party, to a club, and then further through a doorway leading to a magical place akin to a labyrinthine library. Through this journey comes Mirabel, a fierce protector of this magical place, and Dorian, a handsome man with shifting alliances. Amidst this magic is also a battle over such a place, those intent on keeping it safe and those wishing it be destroyed, whilst Zachary just seems intent on discovering what purpose he might have in all of it.This episode we’re finishing The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern!TW/CWs for this book seem to be:Alcohol, attempted murder, blood, branding, removal of body parts, death, depression (mentioned), suicidal ideation (mentioned), fire, hallucinations, kidnapping, drugging/poisoning, stalking, drowning, animal death (mentioned)https://booktriggerwarnings.com/The_Starless_Sea_by_Erin_Morgenstern And our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Zachary Ezra Rawlins, a grad student in Vermont, stumbles upon a mysterious book hidden in the library stacks, which contains a story from his own childhood. He follows the symbol inside of the book, a bee, key, and sword, to a party, to a club, and then further through a doorway leading to a magical place akin to a labyrinthine library. Through this journey comes Mirabel, a fierce protector of this magical place, and Dorian, a handsome man with shifting alliances. Amidst this magic is also a battle over such a place, those intent on keeping it safe and those wishing it be destroyed, whilst Zachary just seems intent on discovering what purpose he might have in all of it.This episode we’re reading The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern, stopping before Book IV Written in the Stars!TW/CWs for this book seem to be:Alcohol, attempted murder, blood, branding, removal of body parts, death, depression (mentioned), suicidal ideation (mentioned), fire, hallucinations, kidnapping, drugging/poisoning, stalking, drowning, animal death (mentioned)https://booktriggerwarnings.com/The_Starless_Sea_by_Erin_Morgenstern And our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

A reimagining of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, using its structure within this science fiction setting of a near-future London. Moremi is willing to connect herself to the Panopticon, said by the government to be the end of human suffering once everyone is connected. Orpheus was raised to question everything, including this overreaching government. There are plans to make this connection compulsory in the supposed name of perfection, but there is a divide between those that believe the Panopticon will save humanity and those that will do anything to destroy it.This episode we’re finishing up “More Perfect” by Temi Oh! I’m sure nothing will go wrong /sTW/CWs for this book seem to be: Drug use/abuse; Sexual content/themes; Child abuse; Death; Violence; Terrorism; Mass death; Self-Harm; Suicidal thoughts/discussions And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

A reimagining of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, using its structure within this science fiction setting of a near-future London. Moremi is willing to connect herself to the Panopticon, said by the government to be the end of human suffering once everyone is connected. Orpheus was raised to question everything, including this overreaching government. There are plans to make this connection compulsory in the supposed name of perfection, but there is a divide between those that believe the Panopticon will save humanity and those that will do anything to destroy it.That’s right, this episode we’re reading “More Perfect” by Temi Oh, stopping before Part 2! Expecting a tragedy but I suppose it might just turn out this time.TW/CWs for this book seem to be:Drug use/abuse; Sexual content/themes; Child abuse; Death; Violence; Terrorism; Mass death; Self-Harm; Suicidal thoughts/discussions And our Socials are:https://twitter.com/5050_bookshttps://www.youtube.com/@5050_Bookshttps://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Eden, Kentucky, another bad-luck, dying town, is known for the legend of E. Starling, reclusive author and illustrator of The Underland who disappeared. Before she vanished, Starling House appeared, but that house and its last heir, Arthur Starling, are believed best left to rot. Opal knows better than to involve herself in such things, but an unexpected job offer changes things. As sinister forces converge on Starling House, secrets must come unburied and fears must be confronted before Eden is overtaken by nightmares. For this episode we’re finishing Starling House by Alix E. Harrow! TW/CWs for this book seem to be:  Classism, Homomisia, Racism, Slavery mentioned, Attempted incest mentioned (secondary characters), Depressive episode, Alcohol abuse, Drugging, Blood & Injury depiction, Death of a parent, Murder, Car accident https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/2023/10/12/starling-house-by-alix-e-harrow/  And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Eden, Kentucky, another bad-luck, dying town, is known for the legend of E. Starling, reclusive author and illustrator of The Underland who disappeared. Before she vanished, Starling House appeared, but that house and its last heir, Arthur Starling, are believed best left to rot. Opal knows better than to involve herself in such things, but an unexpected job offer changes things. As sinister forces converge on Starling House, secrets must come unburied and fears must be confronted before Eden is overtaken by nightmares. For this start to the new year we’re reading Starling House by Alix E. Harrow, up to (but not including) Chapter 17! TW/CWs for this book seem to be:  Classism, Homomisia, Racism, Slavery mentioned, Attempted incest mentioned (secondary characters), Depressive episode, Alcohol abuse, Drugging, Blood & Injury depiction, Death of a parent, Murder, Car accident https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/2023/10/12/starling-house-by-alix-e-harrow/  And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Declan Kensington is in need of some peace and quiet to get over his writer’s block, and he’s hoping to find it by spending the holidays alone at his family’s lakeside cabin in the small town of Maplewood, Vermont. However, peace isn’t exactly what he gets when mysterious, threatening notes start appearing and a killer strikes, casting Declan as a possible suspect. It’ll be up to him and Public Safety Commissioner Curtis Monroe to figure out just what’s going on, hopefully before Declan ends up spending his holidays in jail. We’re wrapping up this holiday season by finishing up In the Winter Woods by Isabelle Adler! Novel includes warnings for:  Description of violence, physical injury, murders of secondary characters (off-page), deceased parents, and dealing with grief And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Declan Kensington is in need of some peace and quiet to get over his writer’s block, and he’s hoping to find it by spending the holidays alone at his family’s lakeside cabin in the small town of Maplewood, Vermont. However, peace isn’t exactly what he gets when mysterious, threatening notes start appearing and a killer strikes, casting Declan as a possible suspect. It’ll be up to him and Public Safety Commissioner Curtis Monroe to figure out just what’s going on, hopefully before Declan ends up spending his holidays in jail. Happy Holidays everyone! This season we’re reading In the Winter Woods by Isabelle Adler, up to (but not including) Chapter 10! Novel includes warnings for:  Description of violence, physical injury, murders of secondary characters (off-page), deceased parents, and dealing with grief And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Opaline, Martha, and Henry have always seemed to be side characters in their own lives. Those lives come to intersect, bridging decades, with the story of a lost, vanishing bookshop and the secrets of those shelves. There’s magic to be discovered and with that a world of wonder where nothing is as it seems. For this episode we’re finishing The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods! TW/CWs for this book seem to be:  Domestic Abuse, Cheating, Stalking, mention of rape, mentioned Child death, kidnapping, imprisonment, Medical abuse, depictions of mental distress, mentioned Alcoholism, Self harm, suicidal thoughts, mentions of dissociation  Stories we’re thankful for! Dredge (Video Game) - Taylor In the Heights (Musical) - Jon Geographies of Home (Novel by Loida Maritza Pérez) - Jon  And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Opaline, Martha, and Henry have always seemed to be side characters in their own lives. Those lives come to intersect, bridging decades, with the story of a lost, vanishing bookshop and the secrets of those shelves. There’s magic to be discovered and with that a world of wonder where nothing is as it seems. For this month we’re reading The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, up to (but not including) Chapter 31!!  (Also, I might have spent most of this episode mispronouncing Opaline’s name, honestly couldn’t tell you because Mr. Audiobook (Jon) never corrected me. So, sorry if that’s the case - Taylor).  TW/CWs for this book seem to be:  Domestic Abuse, Cheating, Stalking, mention of rape, mentioned Child death, kidnapping, imprisonment, Medical abuse, depictions of mental distress, mentioned Alcoholism, Self harm, suicidal thoughts, mentions of dissociation And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

It’s 1915 and Adelaide Henry is forced to flee California, making her way to the harsh land of Montana as a homesteader. She has the hopes of proving herself as a “lone woman,” taking advantage of the free land being offered to those who can tame it. However, she isn’t alone. She carries a steamer trunk along with her, always locked, because when it opens, the people around Adelaide start to disappear.  For this episode, we’re finishing up Lone Women by Victor LaValle!  Happy Halloween!! TW/CWs for this book seem to be:  Death of a parent, grief, violence, gore, murder, mass murder, child abuse, kidnapping, mentioned child death, racism and racial slurs, lesbophobia, transphobia and deadnaming, mentions of ableism, hate crime, lynching, xenophobia, drugging And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

It’s 1915 and Adelaide Henry is forced to flee California, making her way to the harsh land of Montana as a homesteader. She has the hopes of proving herself as a “lone woman,” taking advantage of the free land being offered to those who can tame it. However, she isn’t alone. She carries a steamer trunk along with her, always locked, because when it opens, the people around Adelaide start to disappear.  For this spooky month we’re reading Lone Women by Victor LaValle! Up to, but not including, Chapter 36! TW/CWs for this book seem to be:  Death of a parent, grief, violence, gore, murder, mass murder, child abuse, kidnapping, mentioned child death, racism and racial slurs, lesbophobia, transphobia and deadnaming, mentions of ableism, hate crime, lynching, xenophobia, drugging And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Everyone has a soul, shaped into beautiful gardens or frightening dungeons, and Soulwalkers, like Kamai and her mother, can travel into people’s souls as they sleep. However, in every soul Kamai travels to, she sees the same black door. Kamai is told to never open that door, but when tragedy strikes, she does just that.  That’s right, this episode we’re finishing Beyond the Black Door by A.M. Strickland! TW/CWs for this book are listed as: Internalized Aphobia, Internalized Transphobia, Misgendering, Sex work & underage sex work discussed, sex worker shaming, sexual harassment, mentioned sexual assault, emotional abuse, cheating, anxiety attack, attempted suicide, suicide & self-sacrifice discussed, alcohol, nonconsensual drugging, blood, death of loved ones (on and off page), murder & attempted murder, knife violence, kidnapping, fire, imprisonment mentioned https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/2021/05/04/beyond-the-black-door-by-adrianne-strickland/  And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Everyone has a soul, shaped into beautiful gardens or frightening dungeons, and Soulwalkers, like Kamai and her mother, can travel into people’s souls as they sleep. However, in every soul Kamai travels to, she sees the same black door. Kamai is told to never open that door, but when tragedy strikes, she does just that.  That’s right, this episode we’re reading Beyond the Black Door by A.M. Strickland up to (but not including) Chapter 16 Impolite Intrusions! We’ve got dark fantasy, we’ve got court intrigue, we’ve got an asexual main character, let’s see where it all leads! TW/CWs for this book are listed as: Internalized Aphobia, Internalized Transphobia, Misgendering, Sex work & underage sex work discussed, sex worker shaming, sexual harassment, mentioned sexual assault, emotional abuse, cheating, anxiety attack, attempted suicide, suicide & self-sacrifice discussed, alcohol, nonconsensual drugging, blood, death of loved ones (on and off page), murder & attempted murder, knife violence, kidnapping, fire, imprisonment mentioned https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/2021/05/04/beyond-the-black-door-by-adrianne-strickland/  And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Frances Adams is given a foretelling of death, and she’s spent her life trying to solve this crime-to-be, digging up secrets of those around her in the process. In the present day, Annie Adams has been called upon to meet with her reclusive great-aunt Frances. However, Annie arrives too late, and now she’s determined to catch the killer and solve the mystery Frances has left behind with her murder. This episode we’re finishing up “How to Solve Your Own Murder” by Kristen Perrin!  TW/CWs for this book seem to be: Death/Murder, infidelity, gun violence, abuse (domestic) And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Frances Adams is given a foretelling of death, and she’s spent her life trying to solve this crime-to-be, digging up secrets of those around her in the process. In the present day, Annie Adams has been called upon to meet with her reclusive great-aunt Frances. However, Annie arrives too late, and now she’s determined to catch the killer and solve the mystery Frances has left behind with her murder. This episode we’re reading “How to Solve Your Own Murder” by Kristen Perrin, up to, but not including, Chapter 24! TW/CWs for this book seem to be:  Death/Murder, infidelity, gun violence, abuse (domestic), poison And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Travis Wren, with his talent for locating the missing, is hired to find Maggie St. James, a well-known author of dark children’s books. Following her trail, he’s led to a place called “Pastoral,” but reaching it ends with him, too, vanishing. It isn’t until years later that Theo, member of Pastoral, discovers Travis’s missing truck. However, no one is allowed in or out of Pastoral, and trying to unravel just what’s happened only reveals secrets that Theo, his wife, Calla, and her sister, Bee, are keeping from each other, which just might darken this isolated world they’ve known as safe. This episode we’re finishing up “A History of Wild Places” by Shea Ernshaw!  TW/CWs for this book are listed as: Mentions of suicide, grief/loss of a loved one, infidelity, alcoholism, confinement/torture, death, murder, blood, violence, gun violence, execution by hanging, manipulation and gaslighting And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

Travis Wren, with his talent for locating the missing, is hired to find Maggie St. James, a well-known author of dark children’s books. Following her trail, he’s led to a place called “Pastoral,” but reaching it ends with him, too, vanishing. It isn’t until years later that Theo, member of Pastoral, discovers Travis’s missing truck. However, no one is allowed in or out of Pastoral, and trying to unravel just what’s happened only reveals secrets that Theo, his wife, Calla, and her sister, Bee, are keeping from each other, which just might darken this isolated world they’ve known as safe. This episode we’re making another horror return with “A History of Wild Places” by Shea Ernshaw, reading up to the 5th Bee chapter in Part 3: The Gathering. (we tried our best). TW/CWs for this book are listed as: Mentions of suicide, grief/loss of a loved one, infidelity, alcoholism, confinement/torture, death, murder, blood, violence, gun violence, execution by hanging, manipulation and gaslighting And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

On the morning Avery has plans to end her life, she and the world learn there are only days left until an asteroid will end the world. Hoping to spare her family and other loved ones pain, Avery can survive a few more days. With time running out, secrets and truths are revealed and there might just be hope to be found in the tomorrows. This episode we’re finishing If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. Jude! Let’s see if any of our theories turn out! TW/CWs for this book are listed as: Mental illness, depression, suicidal ideation, suicide (not on the page), homophobia, sexual harassment, gun violence, religious bigotry https://www.jenstjude.com/if-tomorrow-doesnt-come.html  And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

On the morning Avery has plans to end her life, she and the world learn there are only days left until an asteroid will end the world. Hoping to spare her family and other loved ones pain, Avery can survive a few more days. With time running out, secrets and truths are revealed and there might just be hope to be found in the tomorrows. This episode we’re reading If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. Jude, up to the chapter titled: six months to impact! TW/CWs for this book are listed as: Mental illness, depression, suicidal ideation, suicide (not on the page), homophobia, sexual harassment, gun violence, religious bigotry https://www.jenstjude.com/if-tomorrow-doesnt-come.html  And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

To celebrate the end of high school, Izzy, Kassidy, and five friends partake in a 1920s-themed getaway to Ashwood Manor. But the vintage and lavish party comes to a sudden halt when somebody ends up dead, and not just dead but murdered. Everyone is a suspect and everyone will be interrogated to figure out just who did it! This episode we’re finishing up Suddenly a Murder by Lauren Muñoz! TW/CWs for this book are listed as: Cheating, Drug Use, Alcohol consumption, and Murder; Suicide (not on page), Mentions of teacher-student relations https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/2023/11/25/suddenly-a-murder-by-lauren-munoz/ And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

To celebrate the end of high school, Izzy, Kassidy, and five friends partake in a 1920s-themed getaway to Ashwood Manor. But the vintage and lavish party comes to a sudden halt when somebody ends up dead, and not just dead but murdered. Everyone is a suspect and everyone will be interrogated to figure out just who did it! This episode we’re starting Suddenly a Murder by Lauren Muñoz, stopping before Chapter 22. TW/CWs for this book are listed as: Cheating, Drug Use, Alcohol consumption, and Murder; Suicide (not on page), Mentions of teacher-student relations https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/2023/11/25/suddenly-a-murder-by-lauren-munoz/ And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

A proposal is set between Jane Shoringfield, having calculated a seemingly perfect match, and Augustine Lawrence, resident doctor, but the rules of this engagement are quick to break, especially as Jane ends up in the one place she’s never meant to visit, Lindridge Hall, the family home of Dr. Lawrence. There is something wrong at Lindridge Hall, and Jane now seems to be stuck in the midst of it. We’re finishing up The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling! Let’s see how the second half treats us! TW/CWs for this book are listed as: Blood & Gore Depiction; Drug Use; Miscarriage; Death of a child; Death of a parent; Death of a spouse; Animal death https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/2023/11/19/the-death-of-jane-lawrence-by-caitlin-starling/ And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books

A proposal is set between Jane Shoringfield, having calculated a seemingly perfect match, and Augustine Lawrence, resident doctor, but the rules of this engagement are quick to break, especially as Jane ends up in the one place she’s never meant to visit, Lindridge Hall, the family home of Dr. Lawrence. There is something wrong at Lindridge Hall, and Jane now seems to be stuck in the midst of it. That’s right! We’re reading the gothic horror The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling! This episode we’ve read up to, but not including, Chapter 24! TW/CWs for this book are listed as: Blood & Gore Depiction; Drug Use; Miscarriage; Death of a child; Death of a parent; Death of a spouse; Animal death https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/2023/11/19/the-death-of-jane-lawrence-by-caitlin-starling/ And our Socials are: https://twitter.com/5050_books https://www.youtube.com/@5050_Books https://www.goodreads.com/5050_books