Tuesday Night Book Club

Buy/Borrow/Steal our May Book Club Book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Road, by Truman CapoteIn this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex tackle the original nonfiction novel and an early entry in the true crime genre, In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote. They walk through Capote's life, the book's history, and some of the controversy about whether the book is as "immaculately factual" as claimed. Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content!Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Buy/Borrow/Steal our April Book Club Book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Road, by Cormac McCarthy!In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex take a crack at self help books. They talk about some recent bestsellers, common pitfalls, and why the industry seems to be heading in the wrong direction. Also listen for a conversation on latin legal terms, Instagram following etiquette, and some summer podcast ideas. Check Out:To Watch: Nobody Wants This (Netflix)To (Not) Read: Half His Age, by Jennette McCurdyTo Read: Silicon Valley has forgotten what normal people want, by Elizabeth Lopatto (The Verge)Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content!Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Buy/Borrow/Steal our May Book Club Book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Road, by Cormac McCarthy!In this episode, TNBC welcomes the principal of Clinton High School and everyone's favorite science teacher, Scott Czermak. Mr. Czermak is a new listener who has worked his way through the archives quicker than anyone thought possible. Here, he sits down with Tava, Brett, and Alex to talk about his journey to becoming a teacher, his reading style, and the state of education in 2026. In true TNBC style, he also gets badgered by Alex about anything that comes to her mind. Check Out:To Read: Murder in the Clouds, by James J. GriffithTo Read: Whidbey, by T Kira MaddenTo Read: Long BooksTo Watch: Neighbors, on HBOFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content!Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Buy/Borrow/Steal our May Book Club Book, The Road, by Cormac McCarthy!For their April book club, Tava, Brett, and Alex discuss Detransition, Baby, by Torrey Peters. In addition to talking about the beautiful way this book handles identity, queerness, and motherhood, this episode features discussions on creating healthy distance in relationships and an update on Alex's big move to Arkansas. Check Out:To Watch: Trust Me: The False ProphetTo Watch: The Beast in MeTo Read: Penguin Little Black ClassicsFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content!Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Buy/Borrow/Steal our April Book Club Book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Detransition, Baby, by Torrey Peters!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex take The New York Times' By the Book questionnaire. Listen as they discuss their ideal reading experiences, their favorite villains, and who would get an invite to their literary dinner parties. Also, Alex has a complaint about spoilers on Goodreads, Amazon makes some not-so-big changes to the Kindle, and Arkansas re-enters the chat. Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content!Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Buy/Borrow/Steal our April Book Club Book, ⁠⁠⁠Detransition, Baby, by Torrey Peters!⁠⁠⁠Buckle up as Tava takes the lead! She walks Brett and Alex through The Glass Castle, a narrative of grit and determination and the third title in the Books We Love series. Spoiler: The Glass Castle is NONfiction. What a testament to Jeannette Wall's mesmerizing storytelling ability that Alex made it beyond the first chapter. Also in this episode: Tava's tech woes and Brett's iPod love. Videos mentioned in this episode: Embracing a Life with Texture with Jeannette WallsHistory vs. Hollywood: Jeannette and Rosemary Walls InterviewCheck Out: To Do: Power up an old iPodTo Eat: Wise Butter PopcornTo Listen: Call Her Daddy (Michelle Obama)Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content!Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Buy/Borrow/Steal our April Book Club Book, ⁠Detransition, Baby, by Torrey Peters!⁠In their second field trip episode, Tava, Brett, Alex, and Food Correspondent Jeremy venture 150 feet into Connecticut to try Traveler Food and Books, an iconic restaurant with a bookish bent. Also in this episode, a discourse on sovereign states, a tangent on attention spans, and a provocative book-business question. Check Out:To Read: There's A Good Reason You Can't Concentrate (NY Times)To Buy: Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones To Do: Listen to birds!Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content!Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Buy/Borrow/Steal our April Book Club Book, Detransition, Baby, by Torrey Peters!TNBC's medical correspondent drove over six hours round-trip to appear on this very special episode. Vinny talks about his unique relationship with reading, his job as a surgical resident, and his love of New England despite his New York roots. As an Italian citizen, he is as close to Elena Ferrante as this podcast is going to get.Check Out:To Eat: Ice cream from Rota Spring Farm in Sterling, MATo Do: Burp your houseTo Avoid: Ice DamsTo Watch: RugbyFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content!Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Announcing our April Book Club Book, Detransition, Baby, by Torrey PetersIn this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex discuss their March book club book, My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante. After Tava and Alex spend forty-five minutes saying random Italian names, the crew discusses the book's beautiful prose, Ferrante's commitment to the child's point of view, and why the book may not belong at #1 on the list of the best books of the 20th century (so far). Also in this episode, Brett reports on his journey to the Hudson Valley and Alex gives the Irish Brogue a whirl. Check Out:To Read: The Story of a New Name by Elena FerranteTo Read: Reading Is a Vice (The Atlantic)To Read: It's Time to Clean Your Books. Here's How. (New York Times Wirecutter)Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content!Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

March 2026 Book: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante! Nostalgia Alert! This episode features Arthur, Junie B. Jones, Jan Brett, American Girl Dolls, the Dear America series, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, and more! Brett and Alex also team up to prank Tava, Alex reports about getting a new phone, and Brett and Tava get a new fridge.Check Out:To Listen: The Galaxy S26 is a Photography Nightmare, The VergecastTo Download: Apple MusicTo Read: Tethered Literary MagazineFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Order our March book: My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante!This week, Tava, Brett, and Alex turn back the clock to discuss one of their favorite children's series, The Magic Treehouse by Mary Pope Osborne. Along the way, Alex provides an update on her carbon monoxide exposure, Tava and Brett join in on the appliance woes, and Brett discusses his recent trip to Texas.Check Out:To Watch: OzarkTo Watch: Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't DieTo Watch: Love on the SpectrumFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Order our March Book, My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante!Despite Brett's best efforts, this episode seems to be about everything but books. Tune in for an extended conversation about our Food Correspondent's health issues, bookmarks, toilet behavior, and being scared while reading.Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Announcing our March book, My Brilliant Friend, by Elena Ferrante! In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex discuss their February book, Atonement, by Ian McEwan. But first, Alex provides an update on her pellet stove woes (and her months-long illness), Brett gets stuck in a parking garage, and Tava has some dog troubles. Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

One week until we discuss Atonement, our February Book!Fine, we'll admit it. We don't read all the time. In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex discuss the times when the books just aren't hitting. They start by ranking where books fall in the wide wide world on content, discuss the impact that seasons and major life events can have, and end by reporting how they each are feeling during the long days of winter.Check OutTo Watch: Yellowjackets To Listen: Grunge! (Ex: In Utero, by Nirvana)To Listen: By the Way, I Forgive You, by Brandi Carlile

Last Chance to Order Atonement, our February Book!Tava, Brett, and Alex do their best to talk about books in the age of social media, but they end up mostly discussing celebrity memoirs. trad wives, and the modern-day Pompeii.Check OutTo Listen: Short King, by Alex Cameron To Watch: LawlessTo Watch: Idiocracy Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Check out our February 2026 Book, Atonement by Ian McEwan.As one might expect, this episode was a bit all over the place, and only tangentially about books. Enjoy!Check Out:To Puzzle Angrily: The New York Puzzle CompanyTo Drink: Dunkin' Protein Refresher To Do: Workout!To Drink: Coconut WaterFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Announcing our February 2026 Book: Atonement, by Ian McEwan!In this episode ,Tava, Brett, and Alex tackle their first book of 2026, The Sellout by Paul Beatty. In addition to a discussion about racism in America, the group also talks about their recent trips to the movie theater, Brett and Tava's expedition to Bennington, and Alex's love of hotels.Check Out:To Read: The God of Small Things, by Arundhati RoyTo Read: Tell Me Lies, by Carola LoveringTo Do: Go to the movies!Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Tune in next week for our episode on The Sellout, by Paul Beatty.In this episode, the TNBC crew names names. Tava, Brett, and Alex work through some of the worst moments in their book lives - lending out books and not getting them back, borrowing books and ruining the copy, and dividing up books at the end of a relationship. Tune in also for Alex's many accents, Brett & Tava's laundry squabble, and a Christmas decoration tragedy.Check Out:To Subscribe: Personal Canon by Celine Nguyen To Witch: Llewellyn's 2026 Witches' Calendar To Watch: Sean Combs, The ReckoningFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

January's Book Club Book: The Sellout, by Paul BeattyIn this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex do a deep dive into one of their favorite books, The Secret History, by Donna Tartt. Careful to avoid spoilers, the crew talks about how the book was written, the sensation is caused, and the woman who launched herself into literary stardom. Check Out:To Buy: New York Times 2026 Cooking CalendarTo Embrace: Winter! (What Scandinavians Can Teach Us About Embracing Winter)To Watch: EternityFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Announcing Our January 2026 Book: The Sellout by Paul Beatty!In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex work together to create the definitive ranking of TNBC's book club books. They also reveal the best books they read this year outside of the book club, and talk about what they have planned for season 2!Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

In their final book club episode of 2025, Tava, Brett, and Alex discuss The White Hot, by Quiara Alegría Hudes. For the first time in a while, the book elicits some different opinions, leading to an interesting and at times heated discussion about motherhood, abandonment, and what we expect out of realistic fiction. Tune in next week to hear the team rank this year's book club books and to learn what their theme will be for 2026!Check Out:To See: A Total EclipseTo Watch: Four ChristmasesTo Buy: Keychron V6 Keyboard Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Like any good holiday party, this one gets weird. What began as an innocent idea - cook a dish inspired by a book or story - devolves into a conversation about Stranger Things, grocery stores, couches, and AI. In case you missed it because we barely mentioned it, Brett brought cucumber sandwiches (Alice in Wonderland), Tava brought Pasta Puttanesca (A Series of Unfortunate Events), Alex brought Knickerbocker Glory (Harry Potter) and Jeremy made a Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Tune in next week for our conversation about The White Hot, by Quiara Alegría Hudes!Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

ORDER OUR DECEMBER BOOK: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The White Hot, by Quiara-Alegra Hudes⁠⁠⁠⁠In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex submit to capitalism's gravitational pull. They each recommend five book-adjacent gifts, ensuring there is something for everyone - bookworms, booklovers, the book-curious, and the poor souls that are on the hunt for these bookophiles. Tava's Recommendations:1. A custom book stamp, embosser, or sticker.2. A Comfy3. Wooden Bookshop4. A gift card to a local bookstore/coffee shop5. Female Literary Greats Cocktail BookAlex's Recommendations1. A Nook2. A Book Vase3. Bookends4. Book Cover Print5. Penguin Clothbound ClassicBrett's Recommendations1. Custom Leather Bookmark2. Neck Book Light3. Bibliophile Coffee Table Book4. Tea Pot5. MOMA Author ClockFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

ORDER OUR DECEMBER BOOK: ⁠⁠The White Hot, by Quiara-Alegra Hudes⁠⁠To help unravel the secrets of The Big Apple, Tava, Brett, and Alex flew in someone who knows a thing or two about art, culture, the gay scene, and sweat. In this episode, Sam Whitney regretfully informs the gang that Brandon Taylor was pretty accurate in his depiction of NYC in November's book, Minor Black Figures. He patiently explains what it is like to live in America's biggest and most important city, compares it to his time in San Francisco, and doesn't get upset when Alex says she hates his adopted home. Check Out:To Cook: Celery, cream cheese, and olivesTo Read: Bel Canto, by Ann Patchett To Do: Go to the movies!To Cook: Jalapeño, cream cheese, and cranberry dipFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

ORDER OUR DECEMBER BOOK: The White Hot, by Quiara-Alegra HudesAs the weather gets colder, Tava, Brett, and Alex look to a sweaty New York City summer romance to keep warm. Minor Black Figures, a tale that focuses on art and artists, isn't always what the crew wants it to be, but as usual they have plenty to talk about and some strong opinions about the characters, the writer's choices, and the ending. Check OutTo Use: Beef TallowTo Visit: The Montague Bookmill To Read: Sarah Jessica Parker's Year of Judging the Booker Prize (New York Times)To Watch: FrankensteinFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Finish reading Minor Black Figures for our Book Club Episode next week!This week, the claws come out as Tava, Brett, and Alex try to one-up each other during book trivia (supplied by Kat Zahariadis). To up the ante, they even bring in a guest host, Brett's sister-in-law Nina! Before failing to answer thirteen different questions about Charlotte's Web, the gang also discusses honeymoons, New York City, Mamma Mia, Alex's propensity for collecting her friend's locations, Brett's road trip, and The German Game.Check Out:To Watch: Setting Sunset/Selling the OCTo Listen: West End Girl, by Lily AllenTo Visit: St. Lucia! To Listen: Scott Galloway on On with Kara Swisher Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Tava, Brett, and Alex bid adieu to Halloween by revisiting some of their favorite spooky works of literature, including The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving, The Man in the Black Coat by Stephen King, and In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. The group also discusses their October 31 traditions old and new, their go-to candy selections, and the best scary movies of all time.Check Out:To Read: We Need to Talk About Kevin, by Lionel Shriver To Read: Run for the Hills, by Kevin WilsonTo Do: Get a Library Card!Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

ORDER OUR NOVEMBER BOOK: MINOR BLACK FIGURES, BY BRANDON TAYLORThis week, Tava, Brett, and Alex welcome their next illustrious guest to the podcast, Tony Gannon (Brett's dad, Tava's father-in-law, Alex's mortal enemy). Together, they discuss coming of age in a small town, having kids, and maintaining relationships with one's own parents. Check Out:To Watch: Stephen Colbert interviews Lady GagaTo Listen: Jennifer Aniston on Armchair ExpertTo Listen: My Favorite Murder, Ep. 497To Do: Get Involved in Your Community!!Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

ANNOUNCING OUR NOVEMBER BOOK: Minor Black Figures, by Brandon TaylorAfter illness kept them cruelly apart for almost a week,Tava, Brett, and Alex reconvene for a Sunday morning episode. As they prepare to discuss one of the saddest books of all time, When the Cranes Fly South, they use a few AI videos to harden their resolve. After turning to the book in earnest, there is quick consensus - it is the best TNBC book of all time, and a beautiful meditation on love, loss, and family. If you enjoy how personal this episode is, be sure to turn into the guest episode next week!Check Out:To Read: The Number, by David Kirkpatrick (The New Yorker)To Watch: We Live in Time To Eat: Margeaux Supper Parlor, Cambridge MAFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Tava and Brett returned from Scotland, Taylor Swift put out an album, and Alex navigated a comedown from her birthday weekend. In this episode, the group catches up, discusses their book buying habits, commiserates about running out of shelf space, and celebrates a belated Banned Book Week. It isn't too late to read our next book club selection, When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen. Check Out:To Listen: Nobody's Girl, by Amanda ShiresTo Read: Katherine Martinko, The Analog FamilyTo Listen: So Pretty It's Perfect, by Low PhaseFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

We knew we couldn't escape it, so we didn't bother to try. In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex board the T-Swift train and dive deep into song lyrics, with a focus on Taylor Swift in honor of her new album. But don't fret, there is plenty for the anti-Swiftie as well, including a conversation about concerts, other artists, and a recurring gag where Tava and Alex won't stop clearing their throats. Songs Mentioned:My Tears Ricochet, by Taylor SwiftChampagne Problems, by Taylor SwiftNew Years Day, by Taylor SwiftBreathe (2 AM), by Anna NalickCactus Tree, by Joni MitchellElephant, by Jason IsbellCheck Out: To Listen: Back on Top, by the Front Bottoms (Album)To Watch/Listen: Jason Isbell and George Saunders Have an Epic Conversation To Watch: Patti Smith performs Bob Dylan's "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" - Nobel Prize Award Ceremony 2016]Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

This week, Tava, Brett, and Alex are joined by their good friend, Toni Souza. After reading The Compound, the team needed a primer on the world of Reality TV and Toni answered the call. She fills everyone in on some of the most popular shows (Love Island, Love is Blind, the Bachelor), describes her attempts to be a contestant, and connects the crazy world of reality TV to her own frustrating dating experiences. Check Out:To Watch: Switched at Birth (Hulu)To Read: This Is How It Always Is, by Laurie Frankel To Read: The Pope's Astronomer (The New Yorker)To Watch: The Pitt (HBO Max)Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

We're returning to our roots. In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex discuss their September book club pick, The Compound. It is a book that mixes what we know and either love/hate about reality TV with commentary on consumerism, materialism, and fame. Naturally, the conversation includes Instagram influencers, Animal Farm, and Taylor Swift. Join us next week for our guest episode, where we'll speak with a reality TV expert. Check out: To Listen: ⁠Man's Best Friend, by Sabrina CarpenterTo Watch: ⁠It's Always Sunny in PhiladelphiaTo Watch: Modern FamilyTo Watch & Listen: Turnstile: Tiny Desk ConcertTo Plan: Instagram Reels for travel recommendations Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Time to take this show on the road. In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex travel to Worcester, MA, where they visit Root & Press, Annie's, and Bedlam Books. They discuss the stores, take listeners through their purchases, and have way too much fun recording in Alex's car. Support local bookstores!Check out: To Listen: I Quit, by Haim To Read: Elizabeth Gilbert Gets DarkTo Read: The Baby Died, Whose Fault Is It?Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex discuss their favorite (and least favorite) reads of Summer 2025. Brett also invites all TNBC listeners to Beer Olympics next Labor Day, Tava talks about her southern travels, and Alex reveals that she is returning to school this fall! Our Favorite Summer Reads:We Do Not Part, by Han Kang (Alex)Priestdaddy, by Patricia Lockwood (Tava)The Plot Against America, by Philip Roth (Brett)Things to Check OutTo Watch: The Twisted Tale of Amanda KnoxTo Cook: 31 DailyTo Read: He Wants to Climb Nearly All of America's Tallest Peaks. In a Month.Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

This week, Tava, Brett, and Alex turn to the best-selling book of all time, the Bible. With over five billion copies sold, the tome has inspired and infuriated people for thousands of years. In this episode, the group goes through some well-known and not-so-well-known stories, talks about their literary strengths and weaknesses, and tries to be respectful. Things to Check Out:The Man Comes Around, by Johnny CashPriestdaddy, by Patricia LockwoodLinda Ronstadt The Midnight Library, by Matthew HaigFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Tava is on vacation to beautiful Savannah, Georgia this week, so Brett and Alex sat down to chat. Some books are mentioned. Most books are not.Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Tava, Brett, and Alex take a few minutes to explain what is next for Tuesday Night Book Club.

Honor Jones continues to deliver. Tava, Brett, and Alex wouldn't call it a perfect ending, but it the best they're read so far on TNBC. In this episode, they talk about trauma and shame, complex sibling relationships, and holding onto one's childhood. Tune in next week as we reveal our new book and provide an update on the future of the podcast. This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:Bell Canto, by Ann Patchen⁠Notes to John, by Joan Didion⁠⁠Some Hunger Games Book, by the lady who wrote the Hunger Games⁠We All Live Here, by Jojo MoyesFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Homework: Finish SleepFinally, a third section with some answers. Honor Jones mostly satisfies Tava, Brett, and Alex's desire to avoid a cramming everything into the end of the book, but leaves them hanging on one crucial point - why did Margaret and Ezra get divorced? Was there an affair? A traumatic incident? Or did Margaret masturbate one too many times? We need to know. Also, AI doesn't use that much water. This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:⁠⁠⁠Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, by James McBrideLetters to John, by Joan DidionSome Hunger Games Book, by the lady who wrote the Hunger GamesFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Homework: Sleep, Chapters 20-29 (pp. 133-201)In this episode, Honor Jones treats Tava, Brett, and Alex to more of Margaret's family dysfunction, but this time focuses on their present-day struggles. Brett and Tava put some of their own marriage quibbles on display, and Alex welcomes a new dishwasher to her family. This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:⁠⁠Norwegian Wood, by Haruki Murakami⁠⁠⁠⁠The Midnight Library, by Matthew Haig ⁠⁠Priestdaddy, by Patricia Lockwood⁠⁠We Do Not Part, by Han KangFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Homework: Sleep, Chapters 10-19 (pp. 65-132)In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex discuss the first section of Sleep, by Honor Jones. The group discusses the author's depiction of Margaret's molestation by her brother, the complex family dynamics at play, and where the rest of the book may go. This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:⁠Norwegian Wood, by Haruki Murakami⁠⁠The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, by Suzanne Collins⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Priestdaddy, by Patricia Lockwood⁠Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

ORDER SLEEP, BY HONOR JONESHomework: Sleep, pp. 1-64.In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex introduce their fifth book, Sleep, by Honor Jones. They also discuss many movies and tv shows that have nothing to do with Sleep, by Honor Jones. This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:The Plot Against America, by Phillip Roth⁠Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins⁠⁠⁠⁠Priestdaddy, by Patricia LockwoodFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

⁠ANNOUCING BOOK #5: SLEEP, BY HONOR JONES⁠⁠As Tava, Brett, and Alex prepare to say goodbye to Heartwood, they decided to bring on a very special guest to talk about motherhood... a real-life mom, Tena Zapantis! Tena walks the childless TNBC hosts through what it is like raise a family and gives some prescient advice for those who aren't quite sure if kids are in the cards. Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

ANNOUCING BOOK #5: SLEEP, BY HONOR JONESAnother book is in the... books. And, surprise surprise, the group isn't a fan of the ending. In this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex talk about why they are continually disappointed with how TNBC's books wrap up and what they are hoping to see next time around. Specifically - enough with the book jacket pandering! This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:G-Man, by Beverly GageMockingjay, by Suzanne Collins⁠⁠⁠The Art of Travel, by Alain de BottonFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

HOMEWORK: 239-ENDIn this episode, Tava, Brett, and Alex grade last week's predictions and make some new ones, Alex laments how Covid has infected contemporary literature, and the group is starting to get suspicious about book jackets.This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:The Camera My Gave Me, by Susanna Kaysen⁠⁠The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins⁠⁠The Women on Platform Two, by Laura AnthonyFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

HOMEWORK: Heartwood pp. 159-238Tava, Brett, and Alex go deep into the world of monsters and larger-than-life figures, discussing some local lore as well as some of their boldest theories about just what is happening to Valerie in the Maine woods. This episode features TNBC's first-ever call-in, from former CEMA director Dino Zapantis. This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:The Camera My Gave Me, by Susanna Kaysen⁠The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins⁠Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

This week, Tava, Brett, and Alex dive into Heartwood, by Amity Gaige. The trio trade theories, make predictions, and swap survival stories. Homework: Heartwood, pp. 79-158This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:⁠⁠⁠⁠Mood Machine, by Liz Pelly⁠You Could Make This Place Beautiful, by Maggie SmithThe Hunger Games, by Suzanne CollinsFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

BOOK #4: HEARTWOOD, BY AMITY GAIGE. Out now wherever you get books, and on ⁠⁠⁠our Bookshop.org page⁠⁠⁠. Tava, Brett, and Alex spend a few minutes with TNBC's newest book, Heartwood by Amity Gaige. Then, the group works their way through some of their favorite first lines in literature, featuring Moby Dick, a Tale of Two Cities, The Glass Castle, The Secret History, One Hundred Years of Solite, and more than one work by Joan Didion. In this book-heavy episode, they managed to sneak in a few tangents about Amy Winehouse and their search histories. Heartwood Schedule:6/2/25: pp. 1-786/10/25: pp. 79-1586/17/25: pp. 159-2386/24/25: pp. 239-302This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:⁠⁠⁠Mood Machine, by Liz PellyThe Virgin Suicides, by Jeffrey EugenidesI Leave Tt Up to You, by Jinwoo ChongFollow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

In their final episode for The Dream Hotel, Tava, Brett, and Alex talk through some of the ways the future is already here. Topics include predictive crime cameras, a ring that tracks cheating partners, AI models to screen cancer patients, and private prisons. ANNOUCING BOOK #4: HEARTWOOD, BY AMITY GAIGE. Out now wherever you get books, and on ⁠our Bookshop.org page⁠. This week's What Else are You Reading? Books:⁠⁠The Huntress, by Kate Quinn⁠⁠⁠Moby Dick, by Herman Melville⁠Follow us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for additional content, polls, and cute pictures of TNBC mascot, Tessie.Intro Music: evandean.wav by madmerv -- https://freesound.org/s/690635/ -- License: Attribution 4.0