Paperback Friends

This was not the best book for me. I don't love the genre, and I can't say much in this novel made me care. Writer Patricia Wolf does something pretty strange considering this is supposed to be a thriller. It's fine for what it is, but I have a lot of fun breaking this one down; I hope you have as much fun listening to it!Type: Review | Book: Outback | Writer: Patricia Wolf

We had to dig deep for this episode, but it was a lot of fun even if it was a bit more work, and I think it turned out pretty well too. I hope that it feels worthwhile for you, my dear listener, and don't hesitate to reach out with questions.Huge thanks to Nina Tegar for supplying some of the spine for the episode.Other sources:https://kdp.amazon.com/en_UShttps://www.myidentifiers.com/identify-protect-your-book/isbn/buy-isbnhttps://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/GTJ8LBXL6Z4WV5QXhttps://tegarforlag.se/Type: Writing 101 | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

What an absolute surprising delight this book was! I had no idea, but I more than get into it in the episode =)Type: Review | Book: The Secret Garden | Writer: Frances Hodgson Burnett

What Is Purple Prose? Well, that's what we are here to figure out! The TL;DR: it's overly descriptive prose and writing that tries to be poetic or sound nice, but more likely just drags and bores you.Type: Writing 101 | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

The five-star-legend is back! God, I love this old bastard; here's another Orwell review coming at you.Also, I say hello out of form in this episode. If you noticed, and you hate it; I did too. We'll have to yell at me, you and I.Type: Review | Book: Down and Out in Paris and London | Writer: George Orwell

Alright, nothing to see here, just a new trailer for the podcast =)/Sam - 11/04-2026.

A classic episode with some tangents and frustrated energy. All in good fun, but I had some major issues with the fundamental story in this novel; it just does not make sense which is a shame considering Lynch's pretty solid writing overall.Type: Review | Book: Red Seas Under Red Skies | Writer: Scott Lynch

This topic has been bothering me for a while, so I thought we could make an episode about it.More reviews are coming up, and these other episodes have gotten a lot better, but this idea may have been a bit under-cooked. I still feel like this was fair at least =)Type: General | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Short and sweet, just a bit of a teaser episode at some of the books that are coming in the near future. I can't wait to read these books, so we can talk about them together =)Type: General | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

That makes for two episodes in a row of just excellent concepts. Sadly, like The Picture of Dorian Gray this book does not quite do it for me. Let's talk about why in another episode of Paperback Friends. Type: Review | Book: Shutter Island | Writer: Dennis Lehane

This is the year of quality. Solid episode, short and sweet and a good review. Fun behind the scenes info is that this was supposed to be 81, but 80 was so awful I had to scrap it. Quality, quality, quality.Type: Review | Book: The Picture of Dorian Gray | Writer: Oscar Wilde

Episode 79 coming in from orbit. This is an interesting one; I should like this more than I end up doing, but regardless it has a lot to say.Also, sorry about the voice sounding a bit nasally; I was on the other side of influenza while recording this.Type: Review | Book: The Man Who Fell to Earth | Writer: Walter Tevis

Some crazy and angry energy in this one, but that's what I'm here for =)Type: [General] | Book: Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames | Writer: Thích Nhất Hạnh

Haha, some weird energy in this one. I was a day away from coming down with a pretty bad cold. You can hear it in my voice in some places if you really listen for it. Also the energy in my voice is a bit off.Other than that it actually is a bit of a spicy episode for spicy topics! Non-fiction is pretty rare on this podcast, but this memoir have been on my radar for a while, and it was nice to finally cross it off my list.Join me in another classic review episode of Paperback Friends!Type: Review | Book: Permanent Record | Writer: Edward Snowden

Not the most riveting read for me. Though, the novella does have some interesting stuff to offer; it's one of those – message is cool, book is boring kind of a deal.Save yourself time, and skip reading it by joining me for this episode!Type: Review | Book: Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde | Writer: Robert Louis Stevenson

Not the most interesting novella, and it's not a secret that I hate this one. One of the worst things I've read outside of school. However, why do I feel like that, and does it really have nothing to offer? Find out in another episode of Paperback Friends.Type: Review | Book: The Old Man and the Sea | Writer: Ernest Hemingway

You know what? I may not be the worst reviewer in the world anymore xDSeriously though, I think I've shaped up a lot. This is a pretty good episode! Type: Review | Book: Coraline | Writer: Neil Gaiman

Does Orwell do the impossible, or will this be the first Orwell book that does not hit? Find out, in another episode of Paperback Friends!Type: Review | Book: Burmese Days | Writer: George Orwell

What is this? A good freaking episode?! I told you 2026 was going to bump up the quality, and this episode is where I started putting even more effort in scripting than ever before.Far from perfect, but this is actually pretty darn good. Hope you like it, and expect more like it from now on, but with a bit more anger and verve ^^Type: Review | Book: The Dice Man | Writer: Luke Rhinehart

Let's recap the year. If we squint, it's kind of a review episode ^^Type: [General] | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Feels about time we have a Charles Dicken's book on the podcast. There is something a bit magical, something unmistakable about this one; despite me not falling headless over heels for it.It's a novel that it feels like a guy like me should have read. Now, I have.Type: Review | Book: Great Expectations | Writer: Charles Dickens

This series has me excited! All Systems Red, novella by Martha Wells, is very enjoyable, and it leaves me hoping for the rest of the series. I will definitely read more of this in the podcast.Type: Review | Book: All Systems Red | Writer: Martha Wells

I wanted to say thanks for 2025, and talk about some goals for 2026.Shorter than last time...Thanks for your time, really. It means the world to me =)/Sam.

Some good points here, but I still need to tighten up, and I promise that this is one of the key focus points for 2026, and I hope that in some of the coming episodes we will see way more signs of that.For now, an okay episode, but I can do way better, and you deserve better. Let's get better =)Type: Review | Book: Queen of Fire | Writer: Anthony Ryan

A bit sloppy on my end, but I feel as if I get a lot better results with more scripted stuff. Sadly, I was a bit distracted at the time of recording this.2026 is going to start pretty rough, but at least I have you guys!Type: Review | Book: Dragonfruit | Writer: Makiia Lucier

Filler, unhinged? You’ve heard it before, welcome to another episode of Paperback Friends with your host Sam Ögren.Type: [General] | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Was my pronunciation extra off this week? Seems like I heard way more mistakes than usual. Simple 101 episode, pretty interesting topic, but I don't know how interesting it was to listen to ^^We have been pushing a lot of reviews, and with audio books in the mix as well; we are not about to slow down!Type: Writing 101 | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

God, I love it when I stumble over something I really, really love. This book was such a treat for me. It had pretty much all I want from a novel like this.This novel was also a perfect return to our normal audio settings. I hated that messed with the quality (the audio quality, I still suck as much as usual ^^) of my other episodes. It feels great to be back, and swinging.Can very much recommend this one too! Excellent novel!Type: Review | Book: The Hustler | Writer: Walter Tevis

At the time of recording I still had not fixed the audio issues, but this was not from a lack of trying. It took me quite a few hours to fix. I finally sorted out the issues before recording the next episode: 64.I'm really sorry about this, but things like this happen. I still think I made this sound okay given the circumstance. I hope you can bare with me for this episode before we are back to my normal crappy self.Thanks for your understanding =)As for the episode, this was a nice review to make as it marks the end of the Wayfarer series. We'll do a series review at some point pretty soon, but for now, you'll have to settle with this!Type: Review | Book: The Galaxy, and the Ground Within | Writer: Becky Chambers

I like what Randy Ellefson does here. He seems like a good dude, and this book is pretty useful for what it is.What is not so good is the sound quality. I had recently made the switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This erased all my audio settings and recreated a bunch of old audio problems I had when starting. Sadly, I was not able to get my recording to sound good for this episode and coming episode 63. I do have it fixed for episode 64 though.The quality for this episode is... acceptable, but if you think the sound sucks; I hear you... and believe me, I fought this for hours in this episode and the coming before finally solving it just before I recorded 64. I'm really sorry about the quality; I only hope it is bearable, and I want you to know you'll be able to hear my awful voice as normal from episode 64 and onward =)Thanks!!!!!Type: Review | Book: 185 Tips on World Building | Writer: Randy Ellefson

Pretty good vibes for a filler episode. I was definitely off my crazy pills for this one, but let's hope that's a good thing =) Type: Writing 101 | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

It’s been a long time coming, but we are finally taking a look at the sequel to Blood Song in Antony Ryan’s Tower Lord.This is part two in this trilogy, and it’s nice to see Ryan flex his skills. He’s really an amazing fantasy writer. Albeit, I can struggle quite a bit with some of his plot devices. Despite grievances on that subject with part one; this time he fares better.This time we won’t push into massive two-parter episodes. You’ll have to settle with something a bit more succinct ^^Type: Review | Book: Tower Lord | Writer: Anthony Ryan

God, I should be a dentist I do so much filling. DERP!!Not, the best, I have a point. Sadly, I don’t do as good a job as I thought conveying that point. Oh, well. You know it by this point; some episodes are going to be a bit like this. At least its short ^^ Type: [General] | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

GABRIELLE (not Gabriella) Zevin’s hit novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is chock full of beauty, passion and humanity. And yet, for me it does not hit the same way as it seems to have done for so many others. Surprised?I don’t hate it, but I do leave this one with a lot of small things bugging me. Join me as I take a swing at this beloved novel.Type: Review | Book: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow | Writer: Gabrielle Zevin

In this episode I talk about Tower Lord and Sorcery of Thorns. One uses the plot device "unlikely allies" well, and the other does not. At least according to the gospel of this old fool; something that is important to always remember heading into one of my episodes ^^Type: Writing 101 | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Not much to say here, it's some general thoughts about incorporating audio books into the mix!Spoilers, I have recently finished my first audio book, and I think it works great. It will also mean more reviews, so win-win, unless you hate the podcast, then it's really bad for you ^^Type: [General] | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

I’ve been thinking about writing again. Yet, I’m not sure how I want to go about it – and exactly what to write? It can be hard to figure out an idea about what to write about, and how to actually find the time, drive and committing to an idea. It’s scary, but it’s part of it.I like the subject for this episode. Alright for a filler!Type: [General] | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Let's try a new episode format, and see how we feel about this one =)Type: Expectations and impressions | Book: Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow | Writer: Gabrielle Zevin

We are closing in on the end of quadrilogy. One more to go, and I’ll likely start reading that pretty soon. Sadly, this part was not on par with the other parts. I struggled to connect to the characters although the world-building is solid as usually with Chambers.Don’t let that scare you away from part one, and especially part two. They are very much stand-alone after all! We’ll see where the final book in the series lands, and then we’ll probably analyze the entire series as well.Type: Review | Book: The Record of a Spaceborn Few | Writer: Becky Chambers

I’m not going anywhere…But if you think my usual episodes have a small audience this update is made for no one, maybe Flink ^^Solid if you picked up on the tone in episode 52 already, it was an elaborate joke.

Yes, I know. I mispronounce Beltik in the episode. It happens like two times, I know it’s annoying, and I know you want to yell at me.Besides that…This was cool to do, and this is a special episode to me – perfect for a special novel.This story, and I say story to include the show, makes me feel good. It makes me yearn and hope. It’s a story where the quiet dork is the hero; we so rarely get to be anything but.I had a strong feeling I was going to review this in some other way than just a written review that no one would read. Now, it’s a podcast episode that no one will listen to =)Type: [Review] | Book: The Queen’s Gambit | Writer: Walter Tevis

I like the goofy ones.I found a poll, at least on Spotify? Make your voice heard =)Type: [General] | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Today we run through some easy-to-read books for the summer. I know it’s the end of summer, but consider them your fall-reading then if you hate the concept so much ^^Animal Farm“Allt är för bra nu”Wayfarer series: The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet | A Closed and Common Orbit.Dark MatterType: [General] | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

How did he do it?Well, this is the answer, and it’s why I love it.George Orwell is no stranger to any of my regular listeners. This book is a bit outside of my usual stuff, but so, I suppose, is my enthusiasm for Orwell.If you are sick of my watered-down episodes; this is the apology. This is one of my best reviews of a really great gem that I think anyone with the slightest of interest in Orwell should read.Type: [Review] | Book: Homage to Catalonia | Writer: George Orwell

Why do so many of my episodes suck? Not my best, but this is how it has to be sometimes if we are going to keep up this rate.I'll see if I can get some better filler episodes in there; I think you deserve better than this.I like the points in this one, but it lacks a true substance, and drive to be honest.Type: Writing 101 | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Not the most inspiring topic, but the show must go on. If nothing else, I do get some funnies going in this episode.This is something that’s probably better suited for a discussion, but we are not quite there yet with guests lining around the block, and until we are there; you’ll have to make due with me, or drop me like a bad book ^^Type: General | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

It’s always tough for me to do reviews of books I read a while ago. Still, I do okay with it in this one.So, what does the no mighty one think about this one? Well, if you know how I feel about Blood Song – you know how I feel about this one.There are many cool things about this novel, but writer Scott Lynch falls into the trap of terrible plot points like so many others. Yepp, it’s our favorite plot device (kind of) again. While your vote is out on that for now, I hate shit like that.This makes for a great novel with good writing, but while also having colossal plot problems.If you are not as picky as I am about that stuff “making sense” then this is a great fantasy novel.Type: [Review] | The Lies of Locke Lamora | Writer: Scott Lynch

A calm and mild-mannered review. I don’t yell a single time, and I barely curse.Don’t worry it’s still on brand. There are things in this novel that I really, really hate; I just show very high restraint. So this is what I’m like on medication?This novel could be for someone, but it sure isn’t me. And considering how many other great books there are; just in this podcast – I would not get to this one anytime soon if I were you.Type: [Review] | Book: Sorcery of Thorns | Writer: Margaret Rogerson

The second interview on the podcast!This time, I sit down with the great guy, Oskar Eklin. Oskar coaches people in personal efficiency and productivity.We all have a limited amount of time and energy each day, so how do we make the most of it? How can you make changes in your life? That’s where Oskar comes in.As you might know, I’m not the biggest fan of personal development books. The war wages on. But that’s exactly why someone like Oskar is such a welcome guest on the podcast; he brings perspective and great conversation.We talk about life, books, and Oskar shares his thoughts on the personal development genre. He also recommends a few books, including one that changed his life forever.Books mentioned in the episode:Company of One – Paul Jarvis – 27:52Atomic Habits – James Clear – 32:06How to Change – Katy Milkman – 34:00The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg – 35:03Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman – 50:35( I accidentally say the wrong book title during the podcast=) )If you want to find out more about Oskar; you can get in touch with him at LinkedIn, or check out his homepage.Type: Interview | Books: several see above | Writers: several see above

Why don't I grade the books I review? Do you care? Probably not, but that has never, and will never stop me =)I have certainly mentioned it before, but here is the Sam Ögren reason (aka, the long answer).Type: General | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A