The Worst Bestsellers

  To ease ourselves back into reading garbage after our winter break, we had returning guest Christine join us for another book by Our Lady Nora Roberts. This time around, we read Midnight Bayou, a Louisiana love story for the ages between a man and home renovations. You’re going to have to turn your volume way up if you want to listen to this episode over all that Mardi Gras ruckus! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: “Welcome to Noraville, the Small Maryland Town Rebuilt by Nora Roberts” by Esther Wang Smart Bitches, Trashy Books – Renovation Romances Candy Pairing: Christine says rum candy, Kait says a French 75, Renata says beignets. Coming up next: Scythe by Neal Shusterman.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Tune in to our Bests & Worsts of 2019 episodes to hear us discuss these titles and read excerpts from our favorites! Please note: We counted things that we read in 2019, regardless of publication year. We didn’t count anything that we read specifically for this podcast, so our worst books are aside from those. For that reason, we picked top 5 favorites and only 1 least favorite–we have this whole podcast to talk about bad books, so for these episodes we’re choosing to focus on the positive! Some of our “worsts” are really just “least best.” Listen to the podcast to hear more detail! Adult Kait’s Top 5 Best 5.) The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) A Light Amongst Shadows (Dark is the Night Series) by Kelley York and Rowan Altwood (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Kait’s Worst Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) Renata’s Top 5 Best 5.) Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts by Kate Racculia (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) Thick and Other Essays by Tressie McMillan Cottom (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) My Life as a Goddess by Guy Branum (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Renata’s Worst No Walls and the Recurring Dream by Ani DiFranco (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Graphic Novels Kait’s Top 5 Best 5.) The Life of Melody by Mari Costa (Kickstarter) 4.) Sheets by Brenna Thummler (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) Bloom by Kevin Panetta & Savanna Ganucheau (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) The White Trees by Chip Zdarsky, Kristofer Anka, & Matt Wilson (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) Crowded by Christopher Sebela, Ro Stein, Ted Brandt, Triona Farrell, & Cardinal Rae (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) An excerpt from Crowded (click to embiggen)!   Kait’s Worst War of the Realms: Journey into Mystery by The McElroys & André Lima Araújo (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Renata’s Top 5 Best 5.) Unbeatable Squirrel Girl by Ryan North & Derek Charm (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki & Rosemary Valero-O’Connell (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) The Faithful Spy by John Hendrix (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) New Kid by Jerry Craft (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) An excerpt from New Kid (click to embiggen)! Renata’s Worst Doctor Strange, Vol. 3: Herald, by Mark Waid, Barry Kitson, Scott Koblish, & Brian Reber (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)

Tune in to our Bests & Worsts of 2019 episodes to hear us discuss these titles and read excerpts from our favorites! Please note: We counted things that we read in 2019, regardless of publication year. We didn’t count anything that we read specifically for this podcast, so our worst books are aside from those. For that reason, we picked top 5 favorites and only 1 least favorite–we have this whole podcast to talk about bad books, so for these episodes we’re choosing to focus on the positive! Some of our “worsts” are really just “least best.” Listen to the podcast to hear more detail! Children’s/Middle Grade Kait’s Top 5 Best 5.) The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) Dactyl Hill Squad by Daniel Jose Older (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) The Forgotten Girl by India Hill Brown (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) Midsummer’s Mayhem by Rajani LaRocca (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) Small Spaces by Katherine Arden (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Kait’s Worst My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Renata’s Top 5 Best 5.) Roll With It by Jamie Sumner (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) Good Enough by Jen Petro-Roy (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) Sauerkraut by Kelly Jones (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) Blended by Sharon Draper (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Renata’s Worst Witch Week by Diana Wynne Jones (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Young Adult Kait’s Top 5 Best 5.) Keep This to Yourself by Tom Ryan (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) Love From A to Z by S. K. Ali (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) Dig by A. S. King (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) Wilder Girls by Rory Power (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Kait’s Worst Lovely War by Julie Berry (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Duarte’s Best Queen of Nothing by Holly Black (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Renata’s Top 5 Best 5.) I, Claudia by Mary McCoy (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) Captain Marvel: Liberation Run by Tess Sharpe (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy Colbert (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) The (Other) F Word, edited by Angie Manfredi (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Renata’s Worst S.T.A.G.S. by M. A. Bennett (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

How desperate is Kait for scraps? She pre-ordered the next Murder Games novel just for another dumb murder story about gay people, despite all her issues with the first one. And boy, there were issues. Join Kait and Wren as they delve into what works and what doesn’t in “James Patterson’s” foray into queer protagonists, and gush endlessly over how much they love the incredibly silly show based on it. Original Episode Readers Advisory Coming up next: Bests and Worsts of 2019, Part One

  We knew we would need a lot of help to get through the frequently-requested book The Mister by E. L. James, so we tagged in Kitty and Piggy, the financial mavens behind the website and now podcast Bitches Get Riches! We’d already suffered through both Fifty Shades of Grey and also Grey, so we thought we knew what we were in for. But The Mister took us to unexpected places, such as inside a pair of big pink granny panties, and also Albania. Don’t miss DJ Maxim’s Club remix of this episode! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Fanfiction 101 Second Chance Book Club: The Mister (is secretly Poldark?) The Evolution of E. L. James by Alexandra Alter E.L. James’ New Book The Mister Has A Connection To Fifty Shades Of Grey Mary Bichner Candy Pairing: Kait says despair, Kitty says anything vanilla flavored, Renata says Activia yogurt. Coming up next: Queer Venting About Instinct by James Patterson.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

It must be the season of the witch, since we read The Initiation, the first book in L. J. Smith’s Secret Circle series. The new school year in New Salem marks the start of some beautiful friendships whose homoerotic subtext is only barely concealed beneath a thin layer of herbs. Plus also, some valuable lessons about urban planning! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Forever Young Adult: Recap of The Secret Circle Pilot Candy Pairing: Kait says a caramel apple, Katie says saltwater taffy, Renata says feverfew. Coming up next: The Mister by E. L. James.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

  We revisited the world of V. C. Andrews and read Dark Angel, the second book in the Casteel family saga with V. C. Andrews apologist Arielle. It’s a grim story of a girl who escapes her impoverished hometown but can’t get away from the fact that men are trash everywhere. Keep your wits about you if you listen to this episode in a hedge maze! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Episode 108 – My Sweet Audrina Episode 17 – Flowers in the Attic Guest Post: Flowers In the Attic (The Appeal Thereof) The True Story of How V.C. Andrews’ Casteel Family Saga Came to Be by Amanda Garrity Comedy Bang! Bang! – This Is Your Boy Troy Candy Pairing: Arielle says blackstrap molasses, Kait says circus peanuts, Renata says spiked punch. Coming up next: The Initiation (Secret Circle series) by L. J. Smith.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

  As listeners to the podcast may know, we’re big fans of Dwayne Johnson, but slightly less knowledgable about his pro wrestling alter ego, The Rock. So we invited Tres Dean, author of For Your Consideration: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, to read the 2000 memoir The Rock Says… by The Rock and Joe Leyden. We learned a lot about both Dwayne Johnson and The Rock. Arguably, more than we wanted to know? Put your MP3 player in your fanny pack to listen to this episode on the go! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Gennifer Flowers Interviews The Rock “Meet the Woman Who Built Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Media Empire” by Colleen Leahey McKeegan “The Wrestler and the Cornflake Girl: Ring legend Mick Foley explains how Tori Amos changed his life” by Mick Foley Wrestlesplania podcast I Don’t Even Own A Television #140 – No Regrets by Ace Frehley and Joe Leyden Candy Pairing: Kait says WWE Superstars Ice Cream bars, Renata says margarita Jelly Bellies. Coming up next: Dark Angel by V. C. Andrews.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

  Unlike vampires, we keep aging, so this is our 5th podcastversary! Tragically, we’ve completed our run on the Twilight saga, but the show must go on. We brought back returning guest Caroline to discuss Stephenie Meyer’s awkward alien follow-up to the Twilight saga, The Host. Bad news: it’s not as entertaining as Twilight. Good news: she never followed through on making this a trilogy. As you listen to this episode, please join us in using The Secret to compel Stephenie Meyer to write another vampire book for next year! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Remembering The Host, a Scifi Book That Barely Wanted to be Scifi by Beth Elderkin Stephenie Meyer Hopes The Host Will Be A Trilogy, Is That A Good Thing? by Kelly West Candy Pairing: Carrie says Blow Pops, Kait says a giant lollipop, Renata says giant gummy worms. Coming up next: The Rock Says… by The Rock and Joe Leyden.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Divergent by Veronica Roth, a dystopian society controlled by Buzzfeed quizzes, has been one of most frequently-requested episodes. In an effort to bring peace to the five factions, we invited Annie, author of The Chance You Won’t Return and cohost of the Crossover Appeal podcast to read this flash-in-the-pan dystopian novel with us. Listen to this episode on your next trip to Chicago–just make sure to be careful when jumping off the El train! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: GoodReads Interview with Veronica Roth Official Divergent Faction Quiz Bean cleaned: Workers quickly remove graffiti from Chicago’s beloved sculpture Candy Pairing: Annie says Pop Rocks and Coke, Kait says chocolate with a razor blade in it, Renata says abandoned chocolate. Coming up next: The Host by Stephenie Meyer.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

  Hola! We read the Dora and the Lost City of Gold movie novelization by Steve Behling so you don’t have to! We were joined by librarian extraordinaire and Dora the Explorer watcher Kristi, who helped us avoid getting stuck in the quicksand of this self-aware novel that briefly took Twitter by storm. Strap on your backpack and listen to this episode as you hack your way through the jungle! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: The Dora the Explorer movie sounds absolutely bonkers Candy Pairing: Kait says movie theater popcorn, Kristi says last year’s Halloween candy, Renata says pan dulce. Coming up next: Divergent by Veronica Roth.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

As Flashback Summer draws to a close for another year, our friend Kelsey joined us to return to a feminist favorite: Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede. The three of us all loved this book as tweens and were thrilled to report that it holds up. Listen to this episode while cleaning your dragon’s cave. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: The Problem of the Improper Princess by Catherine Nichols Candy Pairing: Kait says mini Twix bars, Kelsey says cherries jubilee, Renata says lemon drops. Coming up next: Dora and the Lost City of Gold junior novel by Steve Behling.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

For this installment of Flashback Summer, we flashed way back to ancient Rome. We read The Rotten Romans from the Horrible Histories series by Terry Deary & Martin Brown with returning guest, librarian Laura. It’s a whimsically British look at history with some cartoons that remain inscrutable, even to the eyes of adult Americans with history degrees. This podcast is only available in English, because Latin is a dead language (RIP). Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Ancient Roman Readers Advisory sent by listener Lydia Ecce Romani memes Our Fake History podcast Sawbones podcast Candy Pairing: Kait says Fig Newtons, Laura says chocolate, Renata says no thank you. Coming up next: Dealing With Dragons by Patricia Wrede.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.) Audio Player

Flashback Summer continues with a trip to the Polk Street School, where the kids aren’t alright. Becca joined us to read Pickle Puss by Patricia Reilly Giff, an early chapter book about how not to run a summer reading program or care for a pet. Listen to this episode on your way to deceive your local librarian! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Endangered Series: The Kids of Polk Street School. Candy Pairing: Becca says melted Hershey’s kisses, Kait says sugar free hard candy, Renata says Scandinavian Swimmers. Coming up next: Rotten Romans (Horrible Histories series) by Terry Deary & Martin Brown.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

  The next stop on our Flashback Summer vacation is the 30th floor of an elementary school. Literary agent Amy joined us to read Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar. Everyone should listen to this episode, unless you’re secretly a dead rat in a raincoat. Dead rats are not allowed. Everyone else, join us on Apple podcasts before Mrs. Gorf turns you into an apple! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: “The Absurd Joy of ‘Sideways Stories From Wayside School'” by Adrienne LaFrance Louis Sachar’s FAQs Ghost Quartet Candy Pairing: Amy says candy apples, Kait says Sky Bars, Renata says dinosaur egg oatmeal. Coming up next: Pickle Puss (Polk Street School Kids series) by Patricia Reilly Giff.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

It’s the return of Flashback Summer and the 40th anniversary of beloved children’s classic Bunnicula by James & Deborah Howe. We were joined by Laura to discuss the story of some irresponsible pet owners. Listen now to hear one weird trick to make your vegetables more Instagrammable! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: “The Enduring Legacy of Bunnicula, a 40-Year-Old In-Joke That’s Still Hilarious” by Sarah Gailey Overdue #138 – Bunnicula Candy Pairing: Kait says Ecto Cooler, Laura says white chocolate, Renata says white Skittles. Coming up next: Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

  We ran out of Twilight books so we had to read about some less-sparkly vampires, ugh! Fortunately, we were #blessed with the company of not only Meredith Goldstein (author of the Boston Globe’s Love Letters column as well as the books Can’t Help Myself and Chemistry Lessons) but also a live audience at Trident Booksellers, for our discussion of Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice. If you weren’t able to join us in person, now at last you can hear our agonized discussion of a book with a lot of arson and insufficient glam (which could have been rectified by the addition of Cher.) Transcript (experimental): Here. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Interview With the Vampire film on Wikipedia Vampire Chronicles Timeline Candy Pairing: Kait says black jellybeans, Meredith says Hershey’s Hugs, Renata says atomic fireballs. Coming up next: Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

If you like sitting around, listening to esoteric monologues that may or may not relate to your life from random people who refuse to answer any pertinent questions, do we have the vision of the afterlife for you! Chelsea joined us for The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom, a trudge through one man’s severely messed-up existence that was probably meant to be inspirational, but mostly made us feel disturbed and dead inside. Hold onto your keys and join us on this carnival ride into our own personal hell! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: The Five People You Meet In Heaven movie trailer Reading ‘The Next Person You Meet in Heaven’ is Hell by Ron Charles Death Parade opening theme song Candy Pairing: Kait says generic lollipops, Chelsea says Tootsie Rolls, Renata says saltwater taffy. Coming up next: Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice, live from Trident Books!   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

We don’t have anybody’s HBO login, so instead of watching the show, we were forced to read the book Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty! Fortunately, we were joined by Melissa of the Truer Words podcast for this trip through the delightfully sordid world of Australian elementary school politics. Are you #TeamMadeline or #TeamRenata? Duarte is #TeamRenata, but only because Madeline has never fed him. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Chloe’s Big Little Lies playlist on Spotify The Dixie Chicks – Goodbye Earl Framed: She Was the PTA Mom Everyone Knew. Who Would Want to Harm Her? by Christopher Goffard This American Life #447 – The Incredible Case of the P.I. Moms Candy Pairing: Kait says Tim Tams, Melissa says Calissons, Renata says champagne Jelly Bellies. Coming up next: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

When Gina joined us to read A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, we were startled to discover that this book has way more than just witches! This book also has vampires, daemons, and plenty of #herbs. Join us for a relationship between a witch with tenure and a vampire who is 15 times older than Edward Cullen! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Deborah Harkness’ ‘A Discovery of Witches’ started with airport bookstores ‘A Discovery of Witches’: When a Vamp Loves a Wiccan Candy Pairing: Gina says Cadbury Flake, Kait says old timey candy, Renata says #herbs. Coming up next: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

In a world…where a teen girl’s touch is deadly…to everyone except one hot guy…who she’s locked in a jail cell with…what will happen next? According to Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, maybe she’ll overthrow the government? Bookseller Maggie joined us to discuss this chaste, yet horny YA dystopian novel. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: “A Very Large Expanse Of Sea” Author Tahereh Mafi on Representation for Muslim-American Teens and the Need for More Diverse Love Stories Rogue & Gambit #5 Review (Featuring a Kate Beaton tribute) Hilliterate Candy Pairing: Kait says Thin Mints, Maggie says cinnamon rock candy, Renata says Twinkies. Coming up next: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Since James Patterson & Howard Roughan went to the trouble of giving their book two different titles, we decided that we needed the power of two book podcasts to discuss it. So we had our old friends J.W. and Chris from I Don’t Even Own a Television (@IDEOTVpod) join us for Murder Games aka Instinct! The best thing about this book is that it got Alan Cumming an acting job. The worst thing about this book is…well, we’ll tell you at the end of the next chapter. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Readers Advisory – Naked in Death Episode #94 – Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas I Don’t Even Own a Television #102 – The Angel Experiment A Suspense Novelist’s Trail of Deceptions Urban Dictionary: Skittles Candy Pairing: Chris says a Hershey bar, J.W. says Ben & Jerry’s Cores, Kait says Hershey’s Kisses, Renata says white Skittles. Coming up next: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

We read After by Anna Todd, a fanfiction-turned-novel that’s bold enough to ask the question: would you like to date Harry Styles, if, rather than being a member of One Direction, he was just a college student, and also a completely rude and hurtful person? Liz from Liz & Alissa Make Stuff joined us to conclude: no, we definitely would not like that. Be sure to download this before you begin the impossibly long journey from your dorm room to your boyfriend’s frat house! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Harry Styles Carpool Karaoke Harry Styles Caught a Gummy Bear Thrown By a Fan and Everyone at O2 Arena Lost It Anna Todd: From 1D fan fiction to feature film writer From Fangirl to Phenomenon: Anna Todd and the Rise of Fanfiction After on Fanlore Fanfiction 101 Candy Pairing: Kait says Baby Bottle Pops, Liz says Sugar-Free Haribo Gummy Bears, Renata says Conversation Hearts. Coming up next: Murder Games (Instinct) by James Patterson.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

As the talents of Our Lady Nora Roberts cannot be held by one pen name alone, we were joined by fellow Nora devotee Christine to investigate Naked in Death by J. D. Robb. It’s a romantic suspense novel set in a future that is in some ways better than our present day (the USA banned guns!) and in some ways much worse (coffee beans are nearly extinct due to deforestation)! Still, no matter what year it is, Nora is here to provide us with excellent strong female protagonists and the male love interests who almost deserve them. Content warning: This book and our discussion of it contains sexual assault and, um, death. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: This Cat is Chonky Facebook Group Nora Roberts Addresses Plagiarism Candy Pairing: Christine says Starbursts, Kait says Oreos, Renata says chocolate covered espresso beans. Coming up next: After by Anna Todd.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

It’s the end of the world as we know it, and we feel fine, since we’re spending it with Kathryn from the Truer Words podcast! Our Lady Nora Roberts has launched a post-apocalyptic series with Year One. Don’t worry–even though 90% of the human population has been killed by a mysterious, magical virus, Nora wouldn’t kill the dog. Content warning: This book and our discussion of it contains sexual assault, graphic illness, and, well, the death of 90% of Earth’s population. The dog is fine though. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Real Romance: How Nora Roberts became America’s most popular novelist Romance Author Nora Roberts Responds To Tomi Adeyemi Accusation: ‘You Can’t Copyright A Title’ Nora Roberts: Mob Rule by Social Media Candy Pairing: Kait says freshly-baked bread, Kathryn says peanut M&Ms, Renata says Little Debbies. Coming up next: Naked in Death by J.D. Robb.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

  Our lives have been changed by The Secret, as have those of Andrew and Craig from the Overdue podcast. So they joined us in reading How The Secret Changed My Life by Rhonda Byrne. We were delighted to combine our vision boards with Andrew and Craig; less delighted to hear about all the people who quit their jobs and their medicines and their Canadian lifestyles with no backup plan other than the goodwill of the universe. We know you’ll love this episode, because we already asked the universe for your approval. Readers advisory: How The Secret Changed My Life Readers advisory: The Secret Footnotes: Overdue Episode #280 – The Secret The Secret Check from the Universe The Downside of Positive Thinking The Secret movie (2019) Ryback (Wikipedia) “Does the Law of Attraction apply to animals too, or just humans?” Money Cat meme Smithsonian Zoo Giant Panda Cam Candy Pairing: Andrew says CBD gummies, Craig says Zeebo pills, Kait says a picture of candy, Renata says 3-course meal gum. Coming up next: Year One by Nora Roberts.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Tune in to our Bests & Worsts of 2018 episodes to hear us discuss these titles and read excerpts from our favorites! Please note: We counted things that we read in 2018, regardless of publication year. We didn’t count anything that we read specifically for this podcast, so our worst books are aside from those. For that reason, we picked top 5 favorites and only 1 least favorite–we have this whole podcast to talk about bad books, so for these episodes we’re choosing to focus on the positive! Some of our “worsts” are really just “least best.” Listen to the podcast to hear more detail! Adult Kait’s Top 5 Best 5.) The Collector by Nora Roberts (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Kait’s Worst The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) Renata’s Top 5 6 Best 6.) So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 5.) There There by Tommy Orange (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) Nobody Cares by Anne T. Donahue (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) Can’t Help Myself by Meredith Goldstein (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us by Hanif Abdurraqib (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Renata’s Worst You’re On An Airplane by Parker Posey (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Graphic Novels Kait’s Top 5 Best 5.) Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) Bingo Love written by Tee Franklin, art by Jenn St-Onge, colors by Joy San (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) Heavy Vinyl written by Carly Usdin, art by Nina Vakueva (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins written by Clint McElroy, Justin McElroy, Travis McElroy and Griffin McElroy, art by Carey Pietsch (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) An excerpt from The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins (click to embiggen)! Kait’s Worst Alexander Hamilton written by Jonathan Hennessey, art by Justin Greenwood (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   Renata’s Top 5 Best 5.) Doctor Strange by Donny Cates, art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta, Niko Henrichon (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) Rogue & Gambit by Kelly Thompson, art by Pere Perez (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) Lost Soul, Be At Peace by Maggie Thrash (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) An excerpt from Hey, Kiddo (click to embiggen)!   Renata’s Worst Riverdale by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, art by Alitha Martinez & Joe Eisma (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Tune in to our Bests & Worsts of 2018 episodes to hear us discuss these titles and read excerpts from our favorites! Please note: We counted things that we read in 2018, regardless of publication year. We didn’t count anything that we read specifically for this podcast, so our worst books are aside from those. For that reason, we picked top 5 favorites and only 1 least favorite–we have this whole podcast to talk about bad books, so for these episodes we’re choosing to focus on the positive! Some of our “worsts” are really just “least best.” Listen to the podcast to hear more detail! Children’s/Middle Grade Kait’s Top 5 Best 5.) Thornhill, written and illustrated by Pam Smy (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) The Aviary by Kathleen O’Dell (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) Kait’s Worst A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L’Engle (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) Renata’s Top 5 Best 5.) The Backstagers and the Ghost Light written by Andy Mientus, illustrated by Rian Singh (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) Front Desk by Kelly Yang (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) Assassination of Brangwain Spurge written by M. T. Anderson, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) Renata’s Worst Black Panther: The Young Prince by Ronald L. Smith (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) Young Adult Kait’s Top 5 Best 5.) The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) All Out, edited by Saundra Mitchell (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) Here to Stay by Sara Farizan (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) Kait’s Worst Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) Renata’s Top 5 Best 5.) Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 4.) The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 3.) The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 2.) Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) 1.) Sadie by Courtney Summers (Amazon | Trident Booksellers) Renata’s Worst Runaways by Christopher Golden (Amazon | Trident Booksellers)   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

As the weather outside grows frightful, we decided to have our editor Becca join us for a trip Down Under. We read The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough, the 700-page epic saga of the Cleary family, who have almost as many shocking secrets as they do sheep. (And they have a lot of sheep.) Join us now in swearing fealty to Boy King! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Colleen McCullough’s ‘The Thorn Birds’ Is A Total Classic, And Here Are 6 Reasons You Need To Revisit It Right Now by Lindsay Harrison ‘Instant vomit!’ The Thorn Birds author gives her damning verdict on the iconic TV series Review: The Thorn Birds, the musical – a tragic disaster in Swansea Candy Pairing: Becca says a giant jawbreaker, Kait says a dirty hard candy, Renata says a sexy communion wafer. Coming up next: Bests & Worsts of 2018 (Part 1, Children’s & YA). * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

How do you get and keep a man? Hell if Kait knows, even after reading Having It All by Helen Gurley Brown. Once again, Kait has gathered some queer friends to see if Helen Gurley Brown’s worldview falls apart if you are not a heterosexual, cisgender woman. (Spoiler alert: It does!) Join Kait, Wren (of Ready to Roll), and Laura as they explore whether bisexual people exist (Spoiler alert: They do!), what the best “thanks for the sex!” gift is (brass lion all the way), and how much to tip on dates (less than the price of whatever outmoded status symbol you gift to your date at the start). Original Episode Readers Advisory Coming up next: The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

Have you been wondering what Chris Colfer has been up to since Glee? Are you ready to read some self-insert celebrity real person fanfiction written by an actual celebrity? Honestly, you’re probably not, and we weren’t either, but we were happy to have Cory along for the ride with us as we read Stranger than Fanfiction by Chris Colfer. Have this podcast queued up to fill the awkward silence the next time you take a roadtrip with your best friends who don’t actually know anything about you! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Check, Please St. Louis City Museum 844,739 Ways to Eat a Hamburger Fanfiction 101 Candy Pairing: Cory says candy cigarettes, Kait says Nerds, Renata says a slushie. Coming up next: Having it All by Helen Gurley Brown (Part 2).   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

  Did you ever read a science fiction book and think, “I wish I knew more about these characters’ bathroom usage?” If so, Red Rising by Pierce Brown is the book for you! Children’s librarian Anna (@opinionsbyanna) joined us for this miserable slog through a Martian Hunger Games with no carbs and no bathroom breaks. Listen now to find out into which Hogwarts House each Martian House would be sorted! Content warning: This book and our discussion of it contains sexual assault, war, and general unpleasantness. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Red Rising Wiki – Caste Pyramid Red Rising Wiki – Houses My Brother, My Brother and Me: Cool Pee Book The West Wing – CJ Does The Jackal Candy Pairing: Anna says Atomic warheads, Kait says generic beef jerky, Renata says vomit flavored Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. Coming up next: Stranger Than Fanfiction by Chris Colfer.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Happy Halloween! We faced the scariest thing imaginable for a bad books podcast: a video game tie-in novel that turned out to be actually like, really good? We know: we were shocked too. Almost as shocked as the teen protagonists of Five Nights at Freddy’s: The Silver Eyes by Kira Breed-Wrisley and Scott Cawthon were to discover all the horrors awaiting them at Freddy Fazbear’s Funtime Pizza. Rebecca Mahoney of The Bridge podcast joined us for one night of terror. Do not listen to this podcast on your overnight security guard shift: you need to keep your senses alert! Content warning: This book and our discussion of it contains the death of a child, suicide, and some very scary animatronics. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Five Nights at Freddy’s on Steam Five Nights at Freddy’s on Wikipedia Five Nights at Freddy’s on GameFAQs PlayPals – Five Nights at Freddy’s Game Grumps – Five Nights at Freddy’s Markiplier – Five Nights at Freddy’s Polygon (feat Griffin and Justin McElroy) – Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 Polygon (feat Griffin and Justin McElroy) – Five Nights at Freddy’s 3 Candy Pairing: Kait says fruit flavored Tootsie rolls, Rebecca says Pop Rocks, Renata says birthday cake. Coming up next: Red Rising by Pierce Brown.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Out of the attic and into the rocking chair, we were joined by Sophie of Two Bossy Dames to read My Sweet Audrina by V. C. Andrews. We were grudgingly impressed by how effectively Andrews gaslit us, the readers, because by the end of this book we had no idea which end was up anymore. Play this episode at your next tea party/seance! Content warning: This book and our discussion of it contains sexual assault, physical & emotional abuse of a child, ableism, gaslighting, miscarriage, and pretty much any other upsetting topic you could imagine. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Episode #17 – Flowers in the Attic Prisms and Bon-Bons: (Re)Reading V.C. Andrews’ My Sweet Audrina by Leila Roy A Review of the Worst Book in History by Erin Callahan Flowers in the Attic (The Appeal Thereof) by Sigrid Ellis Girl Catches Boyfriend Gaslighting Her Then Tricks Him Into Watching The Movie “Gaslight” Candy Pairing: Kait says a bowl full of marbles mistaken for jelly beans, Renata says two-year-old birthday cake, Sophie says prismatic rock candy. Coming up next: Five Nights at Freddy’s: The Silver Eyes by Kira Breed-Wrisley and Scott Cawthon.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

It’s our 4th anniversary! Traditionally, we’ve read a new book from the Twilight saga each year to celebrate our anniversary. But last year, we finished the saga, so this year we decided to create our own Twilight adventure. Danielle (of Hello World Tarot) ran a Twilight-themed D&D (5th edition) adventure for Kait, Renata, and Amy (of WTF Is America?). Listen now to hear what happens when a dwarf, a half-elf, and a dark elf walk into a Steaks & Cakes in Forks, Washington and roll for initiative. Please accept 20 points of gratitude for listening to us for all these years! Footnotes: Renata’s Wolverine character sheet Episode 82 – Breaking Dawn Episode 58 – Eclipse Episode 40 – Twilight: Life & Death Episode 31 – New Moon Episode 1 – Twilight Worst Bestsellers Drinking Game The Adventure Zone Critical Role Roll20 Coming up next: My Sweet Audrina by V. C. Andrews.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

We teamed up with Anna and Alene from Bellwether Friends, our BFP (best friend podcast), to read about our nation’s greatest BFFs, Joe Biden and Barack Obama. Unfortunately for us, Andrew Shaffer’s political RPF mystery Hope Never Dies turned out to be light on the friendship and heavy-handed on the opioid crisis. Listen to this episode on your next Amtrak trip! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Watching President Obama Make a Bracelet for Joe Biden Gave Us Friendship Goals 18 Times Barack Obama And Joe Biden Were #FriendshipGoals Obama and Biden are the ultimate crime-fighting team in ‘Hope Never Dies’ Stop, You’re Killing Me: List of Real People Mysteries Fanfiction 101 Candy Pairing: Alene says a melted Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Anna says a Waffle House pecan waffle, Kait says White House M&Ms, Renata says almond milk. Coming up next: 4th Anniversary Spectacular!   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

As the sun goes down on this year’s Flashback Summer, we pay a visit to Sunset Island by Cherie Bennet. We’re joined by Denise (@DezDono), editor of the Gailsone series and one of the few people who remembers this 90s Sweet Valley High knockoff series. Listen now to hear about the lifestyles of a secretly rich babysitter and her horny middle-class friends! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: TeenReads bio of Cherie Bennett Candy Pairing: Denise says Pop Rocks, Kait says OUCH Bubble Gum, Renata says a melting milkshake. Coming up next: Hope Never Dies by Andrew Shaffer.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

If you’d like to continue with Flashback Summer, turn to page 2 for Kait, Renata, and Becca’s discussion of House of Danger by R.A. Montgomery. If you’re curious about the Choose Your Own Adventure franchise’s crossover into board game territory, roll a die. If you’re curious about how a single dangerous house can contain aliens, ghosts, carnivorous plants, and counterfeiting chimpanzees, listen to this episode now. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: North & Henderson Choose Their Own Adventure for Special “Unbeatable Squirrel Girl” Issue The Seven Most F***ed up Real ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Books House of Danger on BoardGameGeek.com Candy Pairing: Becca says banana Runts, Kait says a boardwalk candy store, Renata says a mall candy store. Coming up next: Sunset Island by Cherie Bennett.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Flashback Summer gathered around the campfire to read Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz & Stephen Gammell with our editor Becca. Put your hand in a bowl of peeled grapes and listen to hear how deeply upsetting Renata finds the formative stories of Kait’s childhood. Remember: the best way to make sure your friends know that you’re telling them a scary story is to end it with a scream! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: The 18 Most Egregious Art Replacements in Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark I’m Glad They Changed The Art in Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Candy Pairing: Becca says a big toe, Kait says peeled grapes, Renata says peanut butter taffy. Coming up next: The House of Danger by R.A. Montgomery.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Flashback Summer continues as we revisit everyone’s favorite little sister. Becca and Katelyn joined us to discuss Beverly Cleary’s classic Ramona and Her Mother. Relive the thrill of squeezing out an entire tube of toothpaste and the tragedy of a bad haircut! Listen to this while making a tasty gelatine salad for your next dinner party. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Ramona TV series on YouTube The Ageless Appeal of Beverly Cleary by Pamela Paul 10 Facts About Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Books Candy Pairing: Becca says gummy bears, Kait says generic hard candy, Katelyn says dinner mints, Renata says Jello salad. Coming up next: Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

We’re launching our third Flashback Summer with one of Kait’s most formative childhood books. Author Becky Allen (@allreb) joined us to discuss The Ghost in the Third Row by Bruce Coville, a middle-grade mystery that’s aged surprisingly well, much like a slightly haunted historic theater. Join us for a tween theatrical drama with a higher body count and more satisfying emotional resolution than the Phantom of the Opera! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Ten Books that Terrified Us As Kids (But We Read Them Anyway) Candy Pairing: Becky says Choward’s violet mints, Kait says yogurt covered raisins, Renata says Dots. Coming up next: Ramona and her Mother by Beverly Cleary.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

It’s our 100th episode! Kait, Renata, and their editor Becca have been studying up on our bad book trivia for years to be able to process Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. This has been one of our most-requested books over the years, so we weren’t surprised when it won our listener poll for the 100th episode. We were surprised by how it was almost exactly like all the parodies of it we saw on Twitter. Thanks to all our listeners for helping us make it to 100 episodes! We love you all so much we want to stand in your yards and play this episode on a boombox. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: John Mulaney explains Back to the Future The 6 Most Absurd Product Placements in Video Game History Monster Factory: The Boy Mayor of Second Life Monster Factory: Second Life, Second Chances DM’s Deep Dive: D&D Economics Grandma Shirley Plays Skyrim Candy pairing: Becca says Skittles, Kait says Airheads, Renata says the description of a sugar molecule. Coming up next: The Ghost in the Third Row by Bruce Coville.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Y’all know TFW you’re an extremely powerful faerie who has an important role to play in a war to save all of magic-kind, but you’re also extremely DTF? Meredith Goldstein (@MeredithGoldste), author and advice columnist for The Boston Globe’s Love Letters column and podcast, knows all about that feel, so we invited her to discuss A Court of Wings and Ruin, as well as the rest of Sarah J. Maas’s Court of Thorns and Roses YA fantasy series. If you take a drink every time we mix up the titles of these books, then you probably won’t notice all the times we mess up the characters’ names! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: What Happened in A Court of Thorns and Roses? What Happened in A Court of Mist and Fury? “The Mate Rules” in Sarah J. Maas’s series Candy pairing: Kait says a bag of trail mix with gummy penises, Meredith says cotton candy, Renata says edible underwear. Coming up next: Our 100th Episode – book TBD!   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Kait and Renata decided that this podcast didn’t have enough musical theater references, so they invited their Jellicle friends Ashley and Stacey to read Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s memoir Unmasked. Join us to learn more than we ever wanted to know about Andrew Lloyd Webber’s child bride, and not as much as Duarte wanted to know about Andrew Lloyd Webber’s cats. We apologize in advance for all the earworms. Special note: Our 100th episode is coming up! Please vote on what we should read for the occasion. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Renata’s Highly Subjective Audio-Visual Guide to the World of Andrew Lloyd Webber Andrew Lloyd Webber to quit House of Lords due to Brexit making his schedule ‘impossibly’ busy Comedy Bang! Bang!: Andrew Lloyd Webber Rap Comedy Bang! Bang!: John C. Reilly, Ice-T, & Andrew Lloyd Webber Call in from a Hot Air Balloon Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “MUSICAL; THEATRE” with guests THE BOTH (Aimee Mann & Ted Leo) How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? Episode 1 Candy pairing: Ashley says Trolli Sour Brite Blasts, Kait says a themed Broadway cocktail in a souvenir sippy cup, Stacey says Riesens, Renata says sherbet lemons. Coming up next: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Renata, Kait, and their returning guest Angie decided to #ChooseKind and experience the wonder of Wonder by R. J. Palacio, a saccharine story of what some abled people could learn from spending time with a boy with craniofacial differences. It’s also the story of a boy’s inexplicable love of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Tune in now to get your recommended daily allowance of Inspirational Quotes! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Review of Wonder, written by Mike Moody for Disability in KidLit On Wonder by Mindy R. What “Wonder” Gets Wrong About Disfigurement and Craniofacial Disorders by Ariel Henley “I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much” by Stella Young Children’s Craniofacial Association: About Treacher Collins Syndrome Critics Question the Representation of Disability in ‘Wonder’ by Lauren Barack About R. J. Palacio Worst Bestsellers #2 – Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer Candy pairing: Angie says Werther’s Originals, Kait says McDonald’s apple slices, Renata says sketchy charity candy. Coming up next: Unmasked by Andrew Lloyd Webber.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

In honor of the upcoming royal wedding, we read Alyssa Cole’s first Reluctant Royals romance, A Princess in Theory, with the 2016 Romance Writers Association librarian of the year, Robin Bradford. Although this book has a slightly silly premise–namely, what if spam emails insisting that you’re betrothed to the prince of a small African nation were real–we loved it, just as much as Prince Thabiso loves his lost love Naledi. Join us to be reminded that love is real, even if neither Thesolo nor Wakanda are. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Fanfiction 101 Library Journal Movers & Shakers: Robin Bradford Candy pairing: Kait says homemade macarons, Renata says King Size Skittles, Robin says a 100 Grand Bar. Coming up next: Wonder by R. J. Palacio.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Kait and Renata dug into some vintage life advice from former Cosmopolitan editor Helen Gurley Brown’s 1982 book Having It All. Who better to help them talk about compliance to gender and beauty norms than Bitch Planet writer Kelly Sue DeConnick? That’s not a rhetorical question, we really got to talk to Kelly Sue DeConnick! Join us now to hear 17 easy ways to tell whether or not you’re a mouseburger! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: The Author of Enter Helen on Why Helen Gurley Brown Is Such an Enigma by Julia Felsenthal Bitch Planet has always been absurd. But in 2017, it reads like a warning. Candy pairing: Kait says hot lemonade, Kelly Sue says monkfruit, Renata says a packet of Equal. Coming up next: A Princess In Theory by Alyssa Cole.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

In Part 2 of our Big Podcast Crossover Event with I Don’t Even Own A Television, J.W. and Collision joined us to discuss James Patterson’s Suzanne’s Diary For Nicholas. It’s a beautiful example of the power of Telling, Not Showing. Specifically, telling your children all about your sex life with way too much detail. Turn off your Macy Gray albums and get ready to dive into a book so stupid that it took four book podcasters to fully unpack it! Content warning: This book and our discussion of it contains both miscarriage and the death of an infant. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: I Don’t Even Own A Television #102 – Maximum Ride Episode #61 – Bridges of Madison County Episode #70 – The Notebook Dave Malloy – The Whale As A Dish (from Moby Dick) Dave Malloy – A Squeeze of the Hand Shoba Narayan Performs A Song From Dave Malloy’s Moby Dick Candy pairing: Collision says butterscotch hard candy, J. W. says Buttered Popcorn Jelly Bellies, Kait says Jolly Ranchers, Renata says an elaborate caramel apple. Congratulations to Melinda, who won our #BygoneBadassBroads pin giveaway! And thanks to everyone who entered and supported Trident Books. We may have more things to support Trident through the aftermath of their fire, so stay tuned! Coming up next: Having It All by Helen Gurley Brown.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

We’re taking a break from our regularly scheduled book podcast to release this bonus episode about the movies of the Twilight saga! As a Patreon goal, we watched all 5 films and recorded our reactions to them. (Renata’s dazzled reactions and Kait’s….less-dazzled reactions.) Special note: Check out our Bygone Badass Broads Giveaway, running through 3/25/18, to support an independent bookstore and get cool stuff! Apologies: Sorry for the delayed episodes and for the iffy audio quality of the first part of these episodes! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Storified #TwiWBS Storified #TwiWBS: New Moon Storified #TwiWBS Eclipse Storified #TwiWBS Breaking Dawn Part 1 Storified #TwiWBS Breaking Dawn Part 2 Candy pairing: Cranberry-apple cider punch Coming up next: Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Our February observance of Nora Roberts Month continues, as we read Angels Fall with author and longtime Nora devotee Christine Ricketts. It’s a quirky small-town romance between a traumatized chef and a mystery writer who hates vegetables. What could go wrong? A murder? An elaborate town-wide gaslighting campaign? A lack of fresh #herbs? All this and more, but spoilers…it ends happily ever after. Content warning: This book and our discussion of it contains a fictional mass shooting. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Concept of Waffles Newsletter Stained Page Newsletter Episode #92 – Whiskey Beach Episode #28 – Black Hills Candy pairing: Christine says hotel chocolates, Kait says trail mix, Renata says #herbs. Coming up next: Wonder by R. J. Palacio