Plans Are Booked

This week we're talking about a book that has taken the reading community by storm. We share how much we loved her first book - Songs in Ursa Major, the singular nature of this story rooted in improv and on-stage partnership, the main characters' cosmic connection, AJ's unique and powerful character arc, who we pictured as Noah, and how deeply this love story resonated. In our catch up this week, we praise the arrival of warmer temperatures and outdoor dining, Molly gets ready for mudslides at her favorite restaurant in Hull, and Kaitlin shares about her upcoming trip to Las Vegas. In what we're reading this week, Molly is halfway through Heartbreak is the National Anthem by Rob Sheffield and Kaitlin is fully immersed in Strangers by Belle Burden. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we are delighted to welcome to the show veteran journalist and debut novelist Juliet Izon. We discuss her childhood love of writing, her dream to work at Vogue, the first kernel of her book idea, the original title for The Encore and its deep meaning, casting inspiration for a future screen adaptation, her advice for aspiring writers, and why she believes adults need to have creative hobbies. Juliet also shares books she's read recently and loved. To see that full list, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

We have a thematic episode for you this week, as we share our favorite sports books. Spanning contemporary fiction, non-fiction, young adult, and middle grade, our top picks cover stories about baseball, football, surfing, track & field, and more. Our chat includes a lively discussion about the difference between being a fan of live sports vs. being endlessly curious about the behind-the-scenes realities of athlete lives. In our catch up this week, Steph recommends two TV shows, Kaitlin recaps her weekend hosting her college besties, and Molly gushes about a friend's birthday party that inspired her. In what we're reading this week, Steph reviews the new Riss M. Nielson book, Kaitlin plucks Stay True off her TBR pile, and Molly falls head over heels for Emma Brodie's Into the Blue. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we welcome To The Gallows author Elizabeth Skarpnes to the show. She discusses her childhood love of reading, choosing library time over recess, how her book was inspired by a TikTok video, writing the first line in a Taco Bell parking lot, deciding to describe the story as "Tangled meets The Princess Bride," transitioning from nursing to writing full-time, the importance of booksellers championing authors, and how she made all her merch dreams come true with her Kickstarter campaign. To see the full list of Elizabeth's recommended reads, join us on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're chatting about the upcoming novel from an author we all adore. We deep dive on Cherry Baby, discussing the reality of moving through the world in a plus-size body, the love triangle that progressed unexpectedly, Rowell's commitment to honesty and messiness in relationships, who we think really needs to read this book, and how each of us rated it and why. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin recaps the Lady Gaga concert, Hello Kitty night at Fenway Park, the scallion pancake / crab rangoon mashup at Dynasty, and seeing her former student star in Outsiders. Molly shares about her trip to Charleston, including hitting five indie bookstores and trying the Kevin McAllister pizza at Renzo. Steph returns from New York City, sharing all the great food spots she hit and the serious dose of Spring she experienced. In what we're reading this week, Steph introduces us to The Fall of Iris Henley, Molly finishes F1 romance Crash Test, and Kaitlin falls down the space exploration rabbit hole with Rocket Men. To check out all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're discussing a debut novel that the author self-describes as "Daisy Jones & the Six meets Gossip Girl." We chat about receiving an early copy, meeting Juliet on her book tour, the cover art, how we pictured the three lead characters in our minds, the focus on music, the nostalgia of the college years, and our hopes for this to be adapted for the screen. In our catch up this week, Steph gives a recommendation for a TV show set in Boston and Molly recaps our evening at trivia night during the Bow Market Book Fair. In what we're reading this week, Steph finally gets her hands on Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke and Molly shares her real-time reaction to finishing Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we are joined by author and Heated Rivalry super fan, Jessica Guerrieri. We talk about what hooked us on the show, the beautiful combination of safety, consent, and vulnerability, the tunnel scene, Rose as the most beloved supporting character, freckle pens, and a shared love of Taylor Swift. Then, Jessica chats with us about her upcoming book, Both Can Be True. We discuss the category of "auto-fiction," the importance of hopeful stories, the complicated dynamic between sisters, addiction and recovery, and how women disappear in plain sight. To see the list of all the books we mentioned, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're discussing an epistolary novel that has taken the world by storm. We chat about the joy of reading letters, the fiery personality of the main character, the wide variety of topics covered - love, loss, grief, regret, romance, gardening, and gossip, the cover art design, and who we think will enjoy this book. In our catch up this week, Steph signs copies of Golden Hour at a bookstore, we have a day of fun seeing the page-to-screen adaptation of Reminders of Him, trying the St. Patrick's Day parfait at Dairy Queen, and starting the new murder mystery TV series 56 Days. In what we're reading this week, Steph finishes an ARC of Rainbow Rowell's Cherry Baby and Molly is 250 pages into Pictures of Him by Clare Leslie Hall. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're solving a mystery with Holly Jackson's debut adult thriller. We discuss the expert pacing of the story, the interesting use of past and present tense, the endearing friendship between Jet and Billy, and our desire for this to become a TV miniseries. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin starts researching 55+ communities, and Molly admits her new obsession with her local "Buy Nothing" group. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin is devouring the ARC of Both Can Be True by Jessica Guerrieri and Molly finishes The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. To follow along with all of the books we mentioned this week, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

Our "I'm coming to the cottage" candle is lit and we're talking about books 4 - 6 of the Game Changers series. We gush about the cherub of a person that is Harris, Ilya as a dog dad, the wedding scene we hope makes it to screen, the final book as a "love blimp," Kaitlin's desire for Kingfisher merch, and how the Heated Rivalry fandom rivals the Swiftie fandom for most dedicated. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin shares about her trip to Florida, hosting a baby shower, and a new restaurant that wowed her. Molly jumps for joy upon receiving her Girl Scout cookie delivery, gives her review of the Wuthering Heights movie, and we collectively sigh about the incoming snowstorm. In what we're reading this week, Molly is gripped by Holly Jackson's Not Quite Dead Yet and Kaitlin begins The Enemy of Time by Haley-Grace McCormick. To check out our full list of book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

We've got all the feels like week after reading Emily Henry's homage to annual traditions. We talk about her gift for conjuring nostalgia, the way she creates intimacy without relying on the physical, the beauty with which she captures the evolution of friendship, and the setting details she chose for the state of Maine. In our catch up this week, we break down the Tell Me Lies series finale, share our winter Olympics highlights, and revisit our friendship origin story (from the night of the 2006 opening ceremony!). In what we're reading this week, Steph explains the popular Dungeon Crawler Carl, Molly gushes about the banter in a Christina Lauren romance, and we tease a book we'll cover in a future episode, The Encore by Juliet Izon. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're talking about a deeply emotional book. Lily King is a Massachusetts native, now living in Portland, Maine, who has written a book about a love triangle that evolves over several decades. We praise the brevity of her writing, the way she trusts the reader to fill in the gaps, how expertly she handles two big time jumps, and the way she accurately captures life in your early twenties, stirring up all the feelings from that chapter of adulthood. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin heads to a sledding party, Molly recaps heavenly treats at a new bakery, and we collectively lament about Mother Nature's winter wrath. In what we're reading this week, Molly finished The Long Game and started Emily Henry's Happy Place, and Kaitlin picked up Imperfect Women by Araminta Hall ahead of its screen adaptation this spring. To check out all of this week's book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

It's a giggle fest this week as we explore one of our favorite topics: books we'd love to see become TV shows or movies. Each of us share our top picks for stories we'd love to see make it to the screen. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin reviews two restaurants in Cambridge, Molly recaps her trip to North Carolina, and Steph asks a Heated Rivalry question that leads to a lively debate. In what we're reading this week, Molly is on book five of the Game Changers series, Kaitlin starts a story about a marriage that fractures, and Steph is reeled in by Good Dirt. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

We have a special treat for you this week. Stephanie interviews Vanessa Lillie, author of Blood Sisters, The Bone Thief, Little Voices, and For the Best. She is also the coauthor of the Young Rich Widows series. Lillie shares the stories she treasured as a child - fairy tales, Greek mythology, The Boxcar Children, and anything by R.L. Stine, her love of historical fiction, and how moving to Rhode Island helped her unlock a deep sense of place in her writing. She shares her belief that telling indigenous stories and environmental stories can help readers find similarities in their own communities, why she decided to have a main character obsessed with the pursuit of justice, and how part of the repair work that needs to be done in present day includes the decolonization of belongings. She also explains the process for finalizing cover art, including her feedback vs. the vision of the publisher. In closing, Lillie shares her recommendations for books by other indigenous authors. To see that complete list, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're talking about a powerful and moving book by Woody Brown, an author who is non-verbal. This is the story of the clients, parents, and caregivers at a facility for adults with disabilities. Brown does an incredible job of sharing the inner monologues of individuals who cannot communicate with speech, and educating the reader on the common misconceptions surrounding this particular challenge. We think this book should be required reading and we hope you'll add it to your reading list. In our catch up, Steph shares about dog sitting in the snow storm and the new skating show on Netflix, Kaitlin celebrates the Patriots winning the AFC Championship, and Molly details her quest to buy Heated Rivalry merch at a local indie bookstore. In what we're reading this week, Molly is deep into the newest Ashley Poston, Steph follows a group of hot shots in Protect, and Kaitlin picks up a new-to-her Karin Slaughter mystery. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

Heated Rivalry fans, this week's episode is for you! We are breaking down our thoughts on the first three books in Rachel Reid's Game Changers series. We talk about her hockey universe, the complexity of her characters, the spice level, and our sincere belief that the Heated Rivalry page-to-screen adaptation may be the best in history. In our catch-up this week, Kaitlin gets the DNA test results for her rescue pup, Steph continues writing for her latest book project, and Molly gives a few TV & movie recommendations. In what we're reading this week, Steph is back with Shane and Ilya in The Long Game, Kaitlin is reading The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, and Molly is beginning Heart the Lover by Lily King. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're under the spell of the beautiful and lyrical writing of Amy Jo Burns. We talk about her upcoming novel featuring two women trying to find their place in the world, and how they unexpectedly find "home" in each other. We praise Burns' creativity, character development, and unique ability to showcase love without the typical tropes. We also share ideas for who could play these characters in a film adaptation. In our catch up this week, we review two page-to-screen movies - The Housemaid and People We Meet on Vacation - and Steph updates us on her new book project. In what we're reading this week, Steph gets her hands on the ARC for Laura Taylor Namey's latest, and Molly devours The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center. We have an amazing book list this week; to follow along with all of our picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

We're in a hockey state of mind this week with Fake Skating by the queen of banter, Lynn Painter. We talk about her signature storytelling style, share about our favorite character (hello, Grandpa Mick), praise her use of the fake dating trope, and confess to the power of a flirtatious wink. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin visits local icon Town Spa Pizza, Steph deals with a pest problem and begins research for a new book, and Molly recounts her meal at Comfort Kitchen. In what we're reading this week, Steph is gripped by Upward Bound by Woody Brown, Kaitlin tries R.F. Kuang's Babel, and Molly finishes Cynthia Erivo's memoir. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we are toasting to 100 episodes and to our very own Stephanie, as we discuss her newest book, Golden Hour. We ask questions about her writing and editing process, spotlight the characters we adored, applaud the deep sense of place, and read aloud some of our favorite moments in the story. In our catch up this week, we reflect on 2025 and share some goals for the new year. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin enjoys Ali Hazelwood's Check & Mate, Molly falls in love with the lyrical prose of Wait for Me, and Steph gets her hands on the ARC of What Boys Learn. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

It's our final episode of 2025 and we have so much to share with you. Our featured book this week is Malala's new memoir. Kaitlin reminisces about teaching Malala's heroic story to her students and we discuss the many relatable moments Malala shares from parental pressure to first crushes to trying to fit in at college. We admire her vulnerability in sharing about her anxiety and PTSD, and talk about how she stays motivated to fight for women and girls in a world that is constantly trying to extinguish her passion. In our catch up this week, Steph updates us about the first week of Golden Hour being out in the world, Kaitlin hits a few winter holiday markets, and Molly admits to falling down the hockey romance/Heated Rivalry rabbit hole. In what we're reading this week, Steph got her hands on the new Callie Hart book, Molly is moved by the poet Kate Baer, and Kaitlin is giddy thanks to Lynn Painter's Fake Skating. We close by sharing how you can support Stephanie's book and our podcast this holiday season. Join us for all things books & besties on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're headed to Memoir Land, chatting about internet superstar and mental health advocate Elyse Myers. We discuss her vulnerability around her anxiety, rewriting conversations in our heads, her incredibly romantic love story, and her talents as both a content creator and illustrator. In our catch up this week, Molly recaps her week-long trip to North Carolina and Steph shares about her holiday with family, including her Nana's feedback on Golden Hour. In what we're reading this week, Steph dives into an ARC of Wait for Me and Molly manifests a Hanukkah meet-cute with Kissing Kosher. To follow along with all of our book picks or to order a Plans are Booked candle, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're talking about a mystery that took us by surprise. Author Karin Slaughter has written dozens of books, and this particular story stands out because it's deeply relationship driven. We talk about the suspects, the teenage girls at the center of the crimes, the unexpected second and third acts, and our hopes for this to become a television mini series. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin gets ready to put up her Christmas tree, Molly recaps meeting Heather Aimee O'Neill, and Steph shares putting the finishing touches on the Golden Hour cover. In what we're reading this week, Steph is revisiting a childhood classic, Molly finishes the memoir of a social media star, and Kaitlin relives memorable music moments with Cameron Crowe's memoir. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

Join us for our third annual holiday gift recommendation episode! This week we are sharing ideas for everyone on your list. We've got coffee table books, cookbooks, young adult novels, memoirs, poetry collections, and books that will instantly upgrade the look of your shelves. In our catch up this week, Molly raves about Friendsgiving, Steph finalizes the cover design for Golden Hour, and Kaitlin recaps her trip to Portland, Maine. In what we're reading this week, Steph races through Between Two Kings, Molly gushes about a restaurateur memoir, and Kaitlin falls down the rabbit hole with a new hockey romance series. You can find all of our book picks on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

We've got the giggles this week, reminiscing about past pop culture obsessions. In our catch up, Kaitlin reviews the page-to-screen adaptation of Regretting You, Steph is devouring the new episodes of Maxton Hall, and Molly admits to binge-watching the entire new season of Selling Sunset. Our book this week is E. Lockhart's We Fell Apart. We discuss the Massachusetts setting, the wildly eccentric characters, the fractured family relationships (her signature), read aloud a passage we think is her best writing yet, and reveal some of her real life author friends who are thanked in the acknowledgements. In what we're reading this week, Molly begins a Karin Slaughter murder mystery and Steph details Rebecca Yarros' The Last Letter. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're discussing Buckeye, a relationship-driven book about life in small town America across several decades. We talk about how the story follows both the characters and our country as they move through big changes, the ways in which the writing felt observational, and the themes of duty and repression. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin seeks overalls advice from Steph, Steph recaps her time dog sitting in Indiana, Molly attends a live podcast recording with Katie Sturino, and Kaitlin fills us in on her first Halloween party at her new house and the installation of her Little Free Library. In what we're reading this week, Steph enjoys Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score, Molly raves about the newest cowboy romance from Jessica Peterson, and Kaitlin starts Lightlark by Alex Aster. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we are transported to Long Island, literally and via the setting of this debut novel. We are talking about The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O'Neill, which was selected as the Jenna Reads Book Club pick for October 2025. We talk about the family drama genre (and Molly shouts out a few of her favorites), the uniqueness of siblings as narrators, the undercurrent of grief throughout this story, the role of religion in intergenerational dynamics, and our thoughts on a potential screen adaptation. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin recaps her trip to the North Fork of Long Island, and Molly shares about a visit to a new restaurant in the Fenway neighborhood. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin encounters the paranormal in the new Lyla Sage series, and Molly hits the jackpot with a popular thriller find in a Little Free Library. To follow along with all of the books that we mention, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're gushing about the first novel from an author we all adore: Rainbow Rowell. We reviewed Rowell's Slow Dance (Chapter 49) and were excited to go back in time to the book that started it all. We talk about the power of coming-of-age stories, this sweet relationship that blooms on the school bus, the potent mix of excitement and nervousness of a first crush, how this moment in time (the 1980s) differs from how we communicate today, and our resounding agreement that we will read anything this author puts out into the world. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin has a bestie in town and goes to her first headbanger concert, Steph has a great time dog sitting and admits her wing woman status at the bookstore, and Molly visits an unusual and delicious dessert cafe. In what we're reading this week, Molly picks up TV writer Monica Heisey's Really Good, Actually, Kaitlin makes an impulse purchase at an indie bookstore, and Steph continues to embrace hoa hoa hoa season with Ali Hazelwood's newest, Mate. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're talking about a very special book with a truly unusual narrator - Marcellus the octopus. We discuss how cover art influences our first impression of a story, emotion-driven vs. action-oriented plots, the beautiful relationship between Tova and Cameron, the moving way this book makes you think about the circle of life, and how it encourages readers to find joy in the small moments. We also share all the questions we wish we could ask the author and our excitement to see the film adaptation when it comes to Netflix. In our catch up this week, Steph asks, "is it perimenopause or is it a handsome man?" and reacts to the first draft of the cover art for her book. Molly raves about two recent dining experiences at Nebo and Sofra, noting her commitment to supporting female-owned businesses. In what we're reading this week, Steph embraces Hoa Hoa Hoa season with werewolf story Bitten, and Molly falls in love with the Lioness of Boston, sparking a heated discussion about whether or not Isabella Stewart Gardner was a Libra. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're praising the pride of Massachusetts, Taylor Jenkins Reid, as we celebrate her latest novel, Atmosphere. We talk about childhood fascination with the stars and space, our deepened appreciation for NASA's Mission Control, how this may be her most romantic story yet, and the 'butter moment' that left us swooning. In our catch up this week, Steph shares an interaction at the bookstore and updates us on her self-publishing journey, Kaitlin recaps her trip to the Oceans Calling music festival, and Molly gushes about her birthday celebrations. In what we're reading this week, Molly is reeled in by the first sentence of Patrick Ryan's Buckeye, Steph tears through the latest from E. Lockhart, and Kaitlin finds a gem at the Brookline Booksmith with a very unique premise. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're talking about a children's book that rustled up many childhood memories. Pax is the story of a boy and his pet fox, separated but determined to find their way back to each other. We talk about the parallels to Homeward Bound and Toy Story, how an animal as a central character reels in young readers, the importance of found family, and the meaning behind the name Pax. In our catch up this week, Stephanie introduces a new segment inspired by handsome visitors to the bookstore, Kaitlin shares the challenges of puppy training and her excitement for some upcoming outings, and Molly congratulates a friend of the pod on the upcoming opening of her indie bookstore. In what we're reading this week, Steph finishes Atmosphere and moves on to a racy story set in Boston, Molly is charmed by the octopus in Remarkably Bright Creatures, and Kaitlin is enjoying Angeline Boulley's latest release. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're discussing a very short book with a powerful punch. Address Unknown is an epistolary novel set in the 1930s that tells the story of two business partners whose relationship is dramatically impacted by Hitler's rise to power. We talk about the letter writing format, the erosion of the characters' friendship, parallels to changes we're seeing in the U.S. government today, and how we believe this should be required reading in every high school. In our catch up this week, Steph shares about some recent cuteness at the bookstore and her decision to self-publish Golden Hour, and Molly admits all the ways she is clinging to summer at the beach. In what we're reading this week, Steph is enjoying a family drama with an incredible title and Molly is happy to be reunited with Elissa Sussman's characters for her third book. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're transported to a remote island in the Southern Hemisphere. We are talking about the powerful and thought-provoking book Wild Dark Shore. We discuss the specificity of the location, the detailed descriptions of nature, the successful use of multiple narrators, the innocence delivered via a child as a main character, McConaghy's masterclass in brevity, and her gut punch of a first sentence. In our catch up this week, Steph shares a memorable meal at La Bodega, Molly reviews two page-to-screen adaptations, and Kaitlin recaps her trip to the U.S. Open. In what we're reading this week, Steph is inspired to start a sci-fi series, Molly heads to Texas with a cowboy romance, and Kaitlin devours her second Catherine Cowles title. To follow along with all of our top picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're chatting about a debut novel that surprised and delighted us. Hot Desk is contemporary fiction with multiple timelines, centered around a literary review in 1980s New York City. There's a workplace frenemies situation, a #MeToo revelation, powerful bonds between parents and children, a drunken scoundrel, and a highly coveted posthumous manuscript. We praise the author's ability to juggle so many story elements, read our favorite passages, and admit how much we laughed out loud. In our catch up this week, Molly gushes about a recent work trip and Steph updates on the home stretch at the renovation house. In what we're reading this week, Steph snagged a brand new copy of Pucking Strong and Molly reads Holly Jackson's latest murder mystery. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

Have you ever been captivated by a viral court case? This week we're talking about a book that centers around a fictional true crime podcast and its subject, a young woman named Lucy who is accused of murdering her best friend. We discuss the podcast transcript format as a way to share a high volume of information, how an unreliable narrator keeps readers on their toes, our appreciation for short chapters, what an amazing plane read this is, and our hopes for a page-to-screen adaptation. In our catch up this week, Molly describes two delicious bakery outings as part of her video series for work and Kaitlin updates us on crate training her new pup. In what we're reading this week, Molly falls in love with a children's book and Kaitlin reviews the supremely popular Remarkably Bright Creatures, as well as an impulse purchase at Brookline Booksmith. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're sharing a list of titles that expanded our thinking, piqued our interest in new topics, shaped how we write, and reimagined how we analyze books. Our selections cover children's books, contemporary fiction, essay collections, non-fiction, and memoir. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin adopts an adorable pup, Molly recaps her lake and beach time with her cousins, and Steph updates us on the latest at the renovation house. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin is back in Rebecca Yarros land, Molly picks up a work of fiction that reads more like a poem, and Steph starts an ARC from a debut author. To check out all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we deep dive on a memoir that surprised us. We talk about trying something new in your forties, finding common ground via shared hobbies, the hilarity of observational humor, and why this book makes such a great gift. In our catch up this week, Molly reports live from her lake week in New Hampshire, and Kaitlin decorates her back deck and becomes a regular at the Greek restaurant at the Norwood airport. In what we're reading this week, Molly picks up her first Elin Hilderbrand and Kaitlin falls for a Texas cowboy in Jessica Peterson's Cash. To follow along with all of our top picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

We have a special treat for you this week; we're sharing our top picks for summer reading. Our list is a mix of books that take place in the summer, are set in beach towns, or give us that carefree and joyful feeling that is synonymous with the season. We have titles across genres - young adult, commercial fiction, romance, and more. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin recaps her holiday weekend on Cape Cod and Molly discovers Taylor Swift Night at the Paragon Carousel. In what we're reading this week, Molly is flying through a Meghan Quinn series and Kaitlin reviews two books - a memoir and the first adult novel from a YA author. To check out all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're transported to the English countryside, discussing a now and then story about first love, the complexity of marriage, and the devastation of loss. We praise the concise and compelling writing, the have vs. have-not set up, a surprise reveal in the final few pages, and the emotional depth that sparked deep empathy for these characters. We also share our hopes for a screen adaptation and our thoughts on who should play the lead roles. In our catch up this week, Molly admits to watching multiple newly released summer TV shows and Steph welcomes a furry friend into her home for the week. In what we're reading, Steph is reeled in by a "why choose" romance and Molly has fallen head over heels for a newly released enemies-to-lovers workplace drama. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

Fueled by wine, brie, and gummy worms, we're sharing all of our thoughts on the first episode of the page-to-screen adaptation of We Were Liars. We begin by sharing our admiration for Carina Adly MacKenzie and Julie Plec, the women who fought to bring this story to TV. We praise their impeccable choices for set design, music selection, and cinematography that activates all of the senses to scream, "summer!" We dissect the differences between the book and the show, and share our hopes for the rest of the episodes and a potential second season. In our catch up this week, Molly has fully entered beach mode and gives a review of the movie Materialists, Kaitlin details a spectacular meal at O Ya and visits a great restaurant in her neighborhood, and Steph enters the most maddening stage of the house renovation - tiling. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin DNFs two romance books and moves on to an audiobook, Steph starts a western that seems slightly inspired by The Inheritance Games, and Molly mentally transports to Italy with Ali Hazelwood's latest. To check out all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're discussing a book shrouded in mystery. Written under a pen name, Silver Elite straddles the line between a dystopian tale of resistance and a sizzling romantasy. We talk about what a military setting brings to a story, including Kaitlin's devotion to group projects and Molly's love for a training montage. We praise the strength of the male / female friendships in this book, the witty and flirtatious banter, and the subtle world building that makes this a bit more accessible than some other popular titles in this category. In our catch up this week, Molly recaps her New England road trip, Kaitlin heads to a boxing event at Fenway, Steph updates us on the house renovation and shares a hilarious encounter with a customer at the bookstore. In what we're reading this week, Steph is devouring the new Ali Hazelwood book set in Italy, Kaitlin completes another small town Lucy Score romance and begins a new book that reminds her of ones we've binged by Jordan Harper and Chris Whitaker. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're discussing an essay collection by a local author. We chat about this format and how it allows you to read as you feel called to, Lipson's honest and vulnerable reflections on womanhood, her piercing accuracy about body image and self-esteem, and how she deeply understands the complexities of all types of relationships between women. If you have a mother or you are a mother, add this to your summer reading list. In our catch up this week, Molly heads to Newburyport and binges a new page-to-screen adaptation, we beg Stephanie to make more Limoncello, and Kaitlin begins her quest to visit many of the Michelin contender restaurants around Boston. In what we're reading this week, Molly is hoping for Top Chef tea in Kristen Kish's memoir, Steph enters the land of dire wolves, and Kaitlin begins Ocean Vuong's new fiction book. To follow along with all of our top picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

You know her from BookTok and the legal drama surrounding the screen adaptation of her novel It Ends With Us - this week we're discussing the phenomenon that is Colleen Hoover. We talk about her meteoric rise, the immersive quality of her writing, her expert pacing, how she moves between genres, and which of her books you should start with if you're a first timer. Then, we get into Reminders of Him, including our thoughts on the recent casting for the film. In our catch up this week, Molly heads to the Boston Pops and Steph updates us on installing dry wall and the dreaded porta-potty phase of the renovation. In what we're reading this week, Steph praises a new fantasy book and Molly grins over the banter in Summer Romance. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

We reunite with the queen of summer reads this week, as we dive into her latest novel. We head back to Barry's Bay, home of the flirtatious Charlie Florek, who we'd like to nominate for the Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame. We discuss Carley's mastery of the genre, her gift for the nostalgic, the joy of a lovable grandparent character, and a pickling scene that had our hearts melting. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin heads to a graduation party and admits her addiction, Steph anticipates a page-to-screen adaptation of a childhood favorite, and Molly hits the jackpot at a neighbor's Little Free Library. In what we're reading this week, Steph highlights the author controversy around Silver Elite, Kaitlin is pleasantly surprised by How to End a Love Story, and Molly jumps into Curtis Sittenfeld's newest book. To follow along with all of our top picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we are in a summer state of mind. We've transported to Beechwood Island off of Martha's Vineyard to analyze the suspicious behavior of the Sinclair family. We're sharing our thoughts on both of E. Lockhart's stories about this mega rich family with generations of dark secrets. We talk about how this book sits at the center of a Venn diagram of YA, contemporary fiction and mystery and applaud the author's ability to tackle tough topics, share our hopes for the screen adaptation, and strongly recommend reading the books back-to-back for optimal sleuthing. In our catch up this week, Steph returns and tells us all about her time in Indiana, Molly heads to the Cape for the first time in years, and Kaitlin enjoys a family weekend and a memorable round of golf. In what we're reading this week, Steph devours an ARC, Molly deepens her admiration for Katie Sturino, and Kaitlin is immersed in a dark tale of missing women. To access all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're discussing a debut novel from a beautiful writer. We dissect this singular story, delving into family dynamics and obligations, point of view decisions, unlikable narrators, and the magic of strong prose, even when you aren't rooting for a single character. After reading Wei's first book, we're eagerly anticipating what she creates next. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin heads to the club and shares the emotional rollercoaster of being a Celtics fan this playoff season. Molly recaps her trip to Miami and reveals her secret shopping trip on the way to Kaitlin's house. In what we're reading this week, we celebrate the arrival of beach read season. Kaitlin devours the new Carley Fortune, and highly recommends an essay collection about motherhood. Molly reads her first Lucy Score book and finally understands the hype. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're discussing a story about found family, set in Portland, Maine. We hypothesize that chapter one may have started out as a short story, we applaud Wood's beautiful writing and intentional word choice, how the shifting verb tenses deepened our immersion with each character, the way this tale stayed with us for many days after we finished reading, and our hopes for it to become a mini series. In our catch up this week, we read a lovely listener email, Kaitlin attends a camp reunion, Steph starts painting at the flip house, and Molly recaps Independent Bookstore Day. In what we're reading this week, Steph picks up a K-drama romance, Molly opens a time capsule to 1999, and Kaitlin is halfway through a romance that reads more like a mystery. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we head to non-fiction land to read a book that is part exposé and part personal reflection. Sarah bravely shares about her experience working for Facebook and the disturbing truths of being inside a company with no moral compass. We talk about the parallels between Facebook's leadership team and our current administration, the hypocrisy of Sheryl Sandberg and her Lean In movement, the importance of boundaries at work, and the tension between altruism and reality. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin discovers a love of boxing, plumbing and electrical have started at Steph's flip house, and Molly preps for summer at Nantasket Beach. In what we're reading this week, Steph and Molly are enjoying ARCs (true crime and family drama, respectively) and Kaitlin devours the final book in Lucy Score's Knockemout series. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we're discussing an author we adore and deep diving (pun intended) on her newest romance novel. We talk about Ali's unique background - her PhD in neuroscience, her love for fan fiction, and our complete awe that English is not her first language. We praise her foray into sports romance, set among the swimming and diving teams at Stanford, adding a competitiveness that upped the stakes. We note that this is an edgier romance, including really important conversations about desire and consent. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin shares her plans for spring break (and admits to several iconic movies she's never seen), Steph updates us on the latest at the renovation house, and Molly recaps her trip to North Carolina. In what we're reading this week, Steph begins the final book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, Kaitlin continues the Chole Walsh rugby series, and Molly falls hard for a fictional hockey player thanks to Tessa Bailey. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

This week we discuss a story about resistance. Bray's novel includes three timelines and three character duos, each trying to make sense of the political environments they're living in. We discuss how YA often tackles hard topics, how strange it is to read about the pandemic, the power of first love, the themes of not being complicit and remaining hopeful, and how deeply relevant this book is to the current state of our country. In our catch up, Kaitlin recaps her trip to Charleston, Steph educates us on septic testing, and Molly shares about her vacation to Mexico. In what we're reading this week, Steph details a Tessa Bailey book set in Boston, Kaitlin starts a rugby romance, and Molly takes life advice from Matthew McConaughey's memoir. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected]. 

Ever wondered what it's like to listen to three figure skating super fans geek out on a book about ice dancing? This week's episode is for you. We chat about growing up in the land of Nancy Kerrigan, the competitive nature of the sport, and who we were picturing as the main characters. We also deep dive on Layne Fargo's acknowledgement for author Taylor Jenkins Reid, and how the book's structure reminded us of Daisy Jones & the Six. Then, we have a passionate discussion about the marketing of a book and how cover art and jacket summaries influence both what we purchase and our expectations before we begin reading. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin shares about her 40th birthday party, Steph completes a giant step (pun intended) at the flip house, and Molly recovers from a food coma after several back-to-back restaurant meals. In what we're reading this week, Steph is devouring an exposé about Meta, Molly finally starts Onyx Storm, and Kaitlin picks up a mystery praised by Stephen King. To follow along with all of our book recs, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at [email protected].