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Reggie
All right, everybody, welcome back to I'll read what she's reading. I'm Reggie.
Mikayla
I'm Mikayla.
Kennedy
And I'm Kennedy.
Reggie
And it's winter TBR time, so we're going to be sharing our winter reads that are on our tbr. And what perfect timing to talk about our winter TBR because it's already snowing, so tis the season. So with it being winter, it feels, I guess, when is the first day of winter? We're considering winter, like December, January, February, maybe a little into March because that's.
Kennedy
How long we have snow here.
Reggie
Yeah, it doesn't even turn spring until, like, April.
Kennedy
April, technically, if you guys want to.
Reggie
Get real technical, it's like the 23rd or something.
Kennedy
Winter is from December 21st to March 20th. Oh.
Reggie
Oh. So, okay, that means Gemma's birthday is the first day of spring.
Kennedy
So cute. There you go. But we're counting November, are we not?
Mikayla
No, I'm not.
Kennedy
We are not counting November. We are counting all of December, though, right?
Reggie
Yeah.
Kennedy
Okay.
Mikayla
All of December. I mean, I haven't finished my fall tbr.
Kennedy
Well, you had a really ambitious fall tbr, which is a great segue into talking about our fall TVRs.
Mikayla
Yeah.
Kennedy
Did we finish them? Our favorites. Our least favorites. Michaela, take the floor.
Mikayla
Oh, you want me to go first?
Reggie
Yeah, please do.
Mikayla
Oh, I didn't finish and I'm really mad at myself, but I'm considering the month of November. Yeah.
Kennedy
Okay. But let's also just talk about how Michaela, when she said she was going to read, like, Red Rising for an example, she, like, meant the whole series. She didn't mean just the first book. Okay. Which is. She had, like six different series, I swear on her fall tbr. So let's give her some grace.
Mikayla
Yeah, give me grace, guys. Okay, so first up, on my fall TBR that I finished the first, second, and the novella prior is the Fable series. So I did Fable, Namesake and Saint. Saint is a prequel to Fable. And then Fable and Namesake are like a duology and they're by Adrian Young, which also so happens to be our November book club book, which I'm very excited about, is by the same author. I really, really liked them. I thought they were great. They're kind of a breath of fresh air for me. They weren't fantasy. It's just. It gives Pirates of the Caribbean vibes. It's just sea on ships, you know, kind of like pirate ish stuff. So very good. I really like them. And the only other thing I've read so far is The Red Rising series. I have not finished the last two books Gift yet. And. And there's three. Well, it's not out yet.
Kennedy
No, there's three.
Reggie
There's Iron Gold, Dark Age, Lightbringer.
Mikayla
Lightbringer, yeah. Lightbringer is the third one.
Kennedy
And then Red God is supposed to come out. Well, it's the original trilogy. He finished it and then decided to continue. So technically you did finish is.
Mikayla
I think it's so dumb that he.
Kennedy
Continued, but I'm going to keep my mouth shut.
Mikayla
Well, because you've read it, but I also think it should have just been a different series.
Kennedy
I'm gonna respect your opinion.
Mikayla
Okay. I mean.
Reggie
No, I know what you're saying. Morningstar's one of my favorite books of all time. And I read that. I finished it, and I was like, how could you finish this book and then be like, you know what? I'm gonna keep writing, but I'm gonna trust the process.
Mikayla
I know there's characters in the next book, but it's almost like that is a completed series, and then, like, it's almost like a startup of the next series with, like, the same characters. I've seen multiple books do that. Because you said it's 10 years after morning Star.
Kennedy
Yeah.
Mikayla
So, I mean, I know these two feel way more passionately about Red Rising than I do, so. They were good. I liked them. They were good. And then Lost in Lassoed actually just came out, so I haven't even had a chance to read it. Daughter of no World. I am planning on reading those over the next 2ish weeks. And then from a Blood and Ash. I don't know if I'm going to get to those this year because there are. There's a lot in the series. There's a lot of books.
Kennedy
I'm just really intimidated to start that because I just hear so many mixed things, like people either love it or hate it.
Mikayla
Yeah.
Kennedy
And so that kind of, like, has. I have the first book. I've had it for forever. But you literally picked, like, five series.
Reggie
We love the ambition. I admire it.
Mikayla
No, I failed. I failed. I think. I think realistically, by the end of the. By two weeks from now, I will have finished Lost in Lasso and all of Daughter of no Worlds. So the only one I would not have completed is from Blood and Ash, which is.
Kennedy
Okay.
Mikayla
Yeah.
Reggie
Because you want to be excited to read it. If you're not feeling excited to read it, then.
Mikayla
Yeah. So that's it.
Kennedy
Pat yourself on the back. You read Red Rising. That's a Lot of books.
Mikayla
Fall tbr. Yeah. I mean, I was being ambitious, so.
Reggie
And let's keep in mind, other books have been read.
Kennedy
Yeah.
Reggie
During. It's not like those are the only.
Kennedy
Books that too many you've read, you.
Reggie
Know, so those are just the ones you pick.
Mikayla
I feel like I'm very much like a mood reader.
Reggie
Same my fall tbr. I haven't gotten to two of the books, and one of them I don't know if I'm going to read. So the one I haven't read yet is the Songbird and the Heart of Stone, but that doesn't come out until the end of this month. But I will definitely finish. But what?
Mikayla
Just Kennedy is being so sus.
Reggie
Did you already start it?
Kennedy
No, no.
Mikayla
It's just that we have.
Kennedy
Oh.
Reggie
Oh, yeah.
Kennedy
And other things.
Reggie
But, yeah, I definitely will be finishing it before December 1st, and it's one of my most anticipated reads. But, like, I have pretty low expectations for it. We'll see. But that's my Carissa Broadbent, if I didn't say that already.
Kennedy
Carissa's books are always solid. Like, they're always solid. I always know that I'm gonna get at the very least three and a half.
Reggie
Yeah.
Kennedy
And I don't think very many have been three and a half. I think maybe one has been three and a half. The rest are gonna be four or above. Like, she's very solid.
Reggie
Yes.
Kennedy
I know. I'm gonna enjoy it.
Reggie
Yes. So looking forward to that, but it's just not out yet. The other book I haven't read, and I don't know if I'm going to get to it, is you've Been summoned by Lindsay Lamar. I still really want to read that book. It just doesn't. I just feel like I didn't get to it soon enough. And so therefore, I just feel like I'm not in the mood to read it. So I might have to save it for next fall, Unfortunately. It's just because it's like a Halloween. It's not a Halloween book, but, you know, it's a murder mystery, harder whodunit type of thing. I want to read that around Halloween. And I just missed my opportunity. Unfortunately. It's been a crazy month. But I did read Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez. Loved it. I've read all the books, and so now I'm just, you know, patiently waiting for April 9th.
Kennedy
Yep. I'm gonna. Firstborn child Abby.
Mikayla
I feel like there's so many books coming out in April.
Reggie
Yeah. There's A lot.
Kennedy
Abby Jimenez, if you're listening to this, which you're not, it's okay. My birthday's April 3rd. I would love your book for my birthday. Thank you. Thank you.
Reggie
Signed, sealed, and delivered.
Kennedy
Here's the thing. Her last book came out in April as well. Right close to my birthday.
Reggie
I remember a new Abby book. Also, have any of her books been picked up for a movie? Because maybe after Emily Henry has her movie. Time to shine. It's got to be Abby's turn. Please.
Kennedy
It's about time Hollywood turns to these romance authors for rom coms. Give us what we want, please.
Reggie
I read Caraval. I won't lie. I was a little disappointed. And the world, it's. I love the world. The magic. It was very fun. But as far as, like, plot and characters go, I just wasn't all that excited. And I think the more I continued on, the more I was just not feeling it. I'm a little nervous now to start Once Upon a Broken Heart. I haven't read. So I read. I haven't read the last book in Caraval yet. Finale. No. Yes, Finale. I still need to read that one. I do think I will maybe like finale more than the first two for some reasons. But, you know, Kennedy's face is saying otherwise.
Kennedy
I don't remember much from Carval. Caraval, however the freak you say it, I don't remember a lot. Michaela was having a conversation with Reggie via text one day, and she said something, and I was like, I don't remember that at all.
Reggie
Yeah, I just feel like I don't.
Kennedy
Remember Once Upon a Broken Heart. So if that says anything like.
Reggie
Yeah, I just don't want to, like, not. I just don't want to skip finale and jump into Once Upon a Broken Heart when I already read the first two books. And I know I'll like Once Upon a Broken Heart more. Have I? Yeah. So I'm a little sad that I didn't love it as much as these two did and the rest of Tick Tock. But you know what? Maybe it was just a bad time for me to start. We'll see. And then the last book, I can't really say much about it because I just don't want anyone listening or these two sitting next to me to go in with any preconceived notions when they read this book. I read Spark of the Everflame, and if any of you guys have read it, and I just don't want anyone to accidentally spoil, like, the third book for me because I'm on the second one, right now I really feel like I need to talk to somebody about it. I just have a love hate relationship with it. And that's all I will say. It's like I go from rolling my eyes, like, I'm not kidding, you guys. I was pacing my kitchen last night reading it and I was like, rolling my eyes like you would not believe. I was like, oh, my gosh, are you kidding me? But then I was like, enjoying it so much more than the first book. And then the next second I was like blushing, like, and squealing. I just. It's a love hate relationship.
Kennedy
So what mythical creatures about, like, fae, witches, dragons, normies.
Reggie
There's like the mortals and then there's the immortals. Okay, so they don't have pointy ears or anything like fae. They have powers. There's magic. Yes.
Mikayla
Okay.
Reggie
And there's a gryvern.
Kennedy
Okay.
Reggie
It's like a. I'm picturing it like a dragon, but it has fur.
Kennedy
Cute.
Reggie
Yeah. Honestly, I think that gryvern's my favorite character so far.
Mikayla
I'm getting lots of mixed signals from Reggie about this book.
Kennedy
Yeah.
Reggie
Yeah. So this is the thing is, like, I love it and I hate it. And that's all I really want to say because I don't want you guys going in being like, reggie hated this book, so I'm not going to like it. You might really like it. I just can't say much else without setting you guys up for any sort of other expectation. I'm sorry if I've already said too.
Kennedy
Much, but I'm gonna do a social experiment one time. Say, I completely hated a book that I loved just to see when you guys read it what your reaction would be if you'd be like, you're crazy. I'm gonna start. I'm gonna do a social experiment. You're not gonna know what book. You're not gonna know what hit. When. When it hits you. Just be prepared, okay?
Mikayla
Okay.
Kennedy
Bag on a book so hard. And then you guys read it and you're like, this is the most amazing book. And I'm like, psych. But the thing is, when you do.
Mikayla
Bag on a book, it makes it. I don't want to read it.
Kennedy
So, like, fine line. You bagging on a book.
Mikayla
I'd be like, oh, okay, I can skip it.
Kennedy
Fine line.
Reggie
And I will say about Spark of the Everflame, it's not a bad book. Okay. Like, it's. It's very enjoyable.
Kennedy
You're just wanting more. Maybe. I don't know.
Reggie
I Just.
Kennedy
I can't.
Reggie
I can't say anything.
Kennedy
Okay.
Reggie
Maybe you guys can already tell what I really think about it from what I'm saying. If you really know me. I don't know.
Kennedy
You're giving me mix signals. Yeah.
Reggie
And that's what I want you guys to have. Because I don't want you to go in being like, this is the most amazing five star book and I don't want you to go and being like, this book is probably gonna suck. Just someone talk to me about it because I have so many things I want to say. Anyways. I want to update my. I've never read a book so much where I want to update every single. About what I'm reading. Every chapter on Goodreads. Oh, I have so many thoughts. Okay. Anyways, that's mine. Okay.
Kennedy
My fault. TBR was sad.
Reggie
As per usual.
Kennedy
You know, I picked these books and then I'm like, okay, can we just stick with normal things and just, like, read? I don't. I don't know. Okay, read. Sleep Tight by JH Marker. It was fine. Felt like you took every thriller and horror trope kind of like vomited inside. The book started off really great, and then the ending was kind of just like. It was fine. Great October read, I would say. Then I listened to the graphic audios of Can I Breathe? Then I listened to the graphic audios of Zodiac 1. Sorry. The first Zodiac Academy book. And it was a ride. It was a trip. It's a great trash fantasy book. A good filler fantasy book if you want something a little fun, a little wild. Yeah, I'm gonna continue because I'm interested, but it's something that's for sure. I also read A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. Don't remember a lot about it. I remember it being, like, kind of cute and wholesome. I do this every fall where I'm like, let me read a witchy book. And then I don't like the witchy book. And then I wonder, why do I pick witchy books? I don't know. Very cute and wholesome. Just wasn't my cup of tea. I think it was more. I thought it was a romance, but it was kind of more fiction than romance. Found family kind of vibe. I also read all of the Darker Shade of Magic by V. E Schwab. Very cool concept. You know, four Londons stacked on top of each other. There's these. The main character can travel between all four Londons. Cool magic system. I liked the characters. Sometimes it was hard for me to connect with Them. It was a little bit slow paced at times, but I kind of just feel like that's Ve Schwab in general. Like they're a little bit slower. I do wish it was. Would have been a duology rather than a trilogy, but very different from anything I had been reading or I am reading. So I. I did like that. I think I gave the series as a whole, like a three and a half stars. It would be a very cool movie. Very cool movie. I don't know how I feel about the. She wrote a new book actually in the same world.
Mikayla
Threads of Power.
Kennedy
Yeah. I don't know how I feel about it. I read the synopsis and I was kind of like, oh, okay, okay. Don't know. I don't know how I feel about it. So very cool.
Mikayla
I feel like I have a love hate relationship with Ve Schwab in general.
Kennedy
Yeah. Because you read Vicious, both of those books, right? The first one's better. You read Vicious, Dark Shades of Magic and see your life. Fatty Larue. The more I read, I. I would say out of the books that I read of hers, I would say Vicious is probably my favorite. And then I would say Addie Larue and then Darker Shade of Magic. But of the Darker Shade of Magic series, the first book was my favorite. The rest kind of just went a little downhill. And then I'm actually currently reading. I'm halfway through the Will of the Many by James Islington, I think is. How you say his last name. It's based on Greek mythology, I believe. Right. Greeks were the ones with the columns.
Reggie
Well, there's like also the Romans.
Kennedy
Which one? Red Rising is based off one, and then this one's based off the opposite. I think Red Rising is Roman. Yeah. Will of the Money's Greek. I like it. It's once again. Well, I don't know. For some reason I just have this. This like, thing in my head. I don't know if you guys agree, but I just feel like men write fantasy books in a certain way. They have this like, way about them and it's kind of slow, but I think it's going to pay off in the end. I also don't know how I feel about how he's addressing, like, the magic system in the world building. Not necessarily. I'm still a little confused and I'm halfway through the first book, so. But I think I'm going to really like it. I don't know if it'll be five stars, but I am enjoying it. I'm enjoying the ride.
Reggie
Let us get into our winter TBR now.
Mikayla
Let us. I will go first.
Kennedy
Michaela's ready.
Reggie
She's ready.
Mikayla
What?
Reggie
What you got?
Mikayla
I am trying to finish this series, and this is going to be my motivation. Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson. And I just think why it's taken me so long is that Brandon Sanderson's books are just so dense.
Kennedy
Yeah.
Mikayla
And sometimes you just need a break from them just because it's just like. Almost like. Hurts your brain. Yeah, a little. But I really. I've been seeing so many tick tocks about how, like. Because all of Brandon Sanderson's books are connected. They're in the cosmere world. And so I. I really think over the next 2ish years, I really want to try to finish all of the Brandon Sanderson books in the Cosmer universe.
Kennedy
I would agree with that.
Mikayla
That's an ambitious goal, but I think I can do it.
Kennedy
So I've just been intimidated to continue because it's been so long since I read the first one that just. You know. But I'm gonna do it before the. Well, I don't know, before the end of the year. But I definitely want to finish the Mistborn Children.
Reggie
I definitely want to read the first Mistborn by the end of next year because I feel a little sad that I haven't started a book by Brandon Sanderson yet. Just feels very daunting.
Kennedy
The King.
Mikayla
So I just kind of want to lowkey interview him.
Kennedy
I would die.
Mikayla
I think it would be fun.
Kennedy
I don't. How does that man do what he does? He's popping out a book every. I feel like he pops out two books a year. It's. It's crazy.
Mikayla
Yeah. I don't know. His brain is just like.
Kennedy
He also just wrote, I'm pretty sure, a children's book. Let me. Let me fact check. I don't want to spread rumors or anything, but that's cool.
Mikayla
Tell lies as facts.
Reggie
Yeah.
Kennedy
I'm just trying to. Yeah, I think you did. Wait. Yeah. It's called the most boring book ever by Brandon Sanderson.
Reggie
Cute.
Kennedy
I support. I support that decision on finishing Mistborn.
Mikayla
Thank you.
Kennedy
I will join you on that journey eventually.
Mikayla
The thing that I do want to complain about is there needs to be more fan art for Mistborn. There's not very much.
Kennedy
I'm. I'm trying to figure out, like, what his most popular book slash series is. Would you say it's the Way of Kings? I wouldn't even say it's the Way of Kings. I would I would say it's Mistborn.
Mikayla
I would too. Well, shall we look and see which one has been read more? Well, the first one.
Kennedy
Yeah, just go by the first one.
Mikayla
765, 000 people have read that.
Kennedy
Okay.
Mikayla
543,000.
Kennedy
Okay.
Mikayla
Yeah. So Mistborn, I think is the most popular. There's not very much fan art and I. Come on.
Kennedy
If any of you know any fan art of Mistborn, send it our way.
Reggie
My turn.
Kennedy
Yeah.
Reggie
All right. I got to get this one out of the way. And there's a reason why I'm adding this to my tbr. I will be reading Onyx Storm and I just by Rebecca Yarrows, the third book in the Empyrean series. I just. I know that sounds basic. I would have read it regardless of whether I put it on this specific winter TBR list. But I feel like I have a lot on my plate. I have my work cut out for me these next couple months because things are slowing down for me and so I gotta really get to some bigger books. So I'm adding that to my tbr. I also am gonna need to re. I'm gonna reread Iron Flame because I just don't want Onyx Storm to disappoint me. And I feel like if it disappoints me, it's because I forgot a lot of Iron Flame and I could watch like a recap video. But I just loved 4th Wing so much. I just want to love Onyx Storm as much as I love fourth Wing. So I just want to do my homework.
Kennedy
So can I copy your homework?
Reggie
I'll give you guys a little lesson. Please send me catch things I didn't catch the first time.
Mikayla
A 15 minute marker polo.
Kennedy
No, I mean the graphic audio is tempting. Like if I am not. The nice thing would be about it is I've read it before and I would want to pay attention obviously, but I could also not have pay attention. But I feel like I could listen to the graphic audio while I edit and still catch everything I need to for the other.
Reggie
Yeah.
Kennedy
You know what I mean? So if I don't have anything, I.
Reggie
Just wish there was someone out there who's already read it that could make a video that's like everything you need to know before you read Onyx Storm.
Mikayla
I'm sure there has.
Kennedy
There's gonna. There's. There's gonna be someone who does that.
Reggie
You think?
Kennedy
Yes.
Reggie
But she did she send arcs out to people. That's the thing.
Kennedy
I mean they're probably not. It probably won't be everything you need to know about Onyx Storm it. There's recap videos for sure out there.
Mikayla
The Libya.
Reggie
I mean, I know there's got to be like a recap of Iron Flame. I just wonder, like, I just don't want, like I want. I want to pay attention to the little art detail.
Kennedy
Yes.
Reggie
You know, how long is the wait?
Mikayla
No, none.
Kennedy
What?
Mikayla
For Iron Flame, the graphic audio. No, wait, shut up. No way. I just downloaded them.
Kennedy
Wait, I got to go look right now. You're lying.
Mikayla
No, I'm not.
Kennedy
What?
Reggie
Yeah, I think I have what book. I went to go save them but I didn't want to. I can't remember.
Mikayla
But I did just receive the fourth wing. Like for graphic audios. I don't know how long I had.
Kennedy
To wait for those. Okay, but here's the thing. If, if I want to listen to this, now would be the time. Because once that come, once it's closer, people are gonna go ham.
Mikayla
Yeah.
Kennedy
Oh my gosh. There is literally 87 a night of 91 copies available of that.
Reggie
Uh huh. 87 of 91. Yeah. So, but this is the thing. Do I borrow it if I have to return it in 14 days? I don't know if I'm gonna get to it.
Kennedy
I don't know, maybe just tag it.
Mikayla
Cuz.
Reggie
Yeah, I think I saw that.
Kennedy
Did you borrow it?
Mikayla
Yeah, I did. Well because I have the fourth wings. The graphic audios of the fourth wings. Are you going on your Libby?
Kennedy
Oh, are you going to listen to them?
Mikayla
Probably.
Kennedy
This is a. But I had to wait like a long time.
Mikayla
Yeah. For the fourth wing one. So.
Reggie
Yeah, same. I have my fourth wing ones like keep popping out.
Kennedy
I don't know about the end of January.
Reggie
I don't know if I'm going to listen to the fourth wing.
Kennedy
I'm going to tag these. Okay.
Mikayla
Wow.
Kennedy
Thank you for sharing, Mikayla.
Mikayla
You're welcome.
Kennedy
Thank you. That was wonderful. Also. Yeah, the full audiobook is also available. Wow. Okay. Yeah, I think I will actually re listen to Iron Flame in that case. I love the Libby app.
Reggie
It's the best. That's on my list. So you'll see why I didn't add a. Yeah, we'll continue.
Kennedy
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Mikayla
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Reggie
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Kennedy
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Mikayla
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Reggie
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Kennedy
Okay, my first book, Michaela's gonna be proud of me. Manacled.
Reggie
And kind of jealous.
Kennedy
Here is the reason why. Fomo. Three reasons. One. Fomo. Two, I gotta make sure that I read it before it gets traditionally published. I don't know, I just. I just feel like it's not gonna be the same when it gets traditionally published because you gotta take out all of the things about Harry Potter, you know? Three, my husband wants to re watch all the Harry Potter movies. So I'm just gonna use that as my gateway into Manacled. I was waiting to read it because I was like, I'm gonna read the Harry Potter books. I'm gonna read the books. I'm probably not gonna read the books. Like, let's be honest with myself. Okay. The movies are gonna be just fine, right? They'll be fine.
Reggie
Yeah.
Kennedy
Okay. It'll be fine. So we're gonna read Manacled. Winter is just a time when you're depressed already. It's snowing, it's cold. You can't go outside. The sun sets at 4pm My husband's not home because he coaches basketball. So let's cry in the bath. Let's cry in bed while I read Manacled. Sounds like a fun winter.
Reggie
Yeah. I have FOMO so bad now.
Kennedy
You'll get to it when you get to it. It's already downloaded to your Kimball, which I may have to have you send to me. We'll see.
Reggie
Yeah. Yeah. If it wasn't so freaking long, I would be on that quick.
Kennedy
But one day, I'll get to it.
Reggie
Yeah, you guys can.
Mikayla
That's okay.
Reggie
Cheer me on. So.
Mikayla
All right.
Reggie
Excited for you.
Mikayla
The second book. It's called the Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mall. I Went back and scrolled all the way back to my Goodreads tbr and I went back to the very first book or I'm sure I've read some of the books that I've added. But this book was added August 22, 2022. It's been a while, so it's time for me to read it. And I actually own these books, so it's time for me to read it. It's time.
Kennedy
I'm going to give them some love.
Mikayla
I'm gonna give them some love. I have no idea what they're about. No idea.
Kennedy
Well, if I had to guess, it's about a princess.
Mikayla
Yeah.
Kennedy
Just kidding.
Mikayla
A princess. They did read the covers.
Kennedy
What do the covers look like?
Mikayla
Oh, they're like, just like gold and like cream and stuff. But the old cover was a girl with like, red hair.
Reggie
Oh.
Mikayla
And a green dress.
Kennedy
Oh, okay.
Mikayla
I don't know. I don't know. I don't know anything. I will report back when I do get to them.
Kennedy
I love that. I love that.
Reggie
Nice.
Mikayla
That's it.
Reggie
Cool. I'm hoping that with another book I have on my winter TBR that this one won't, like, clash with another book I'm wanting to read. But I've been thinking about this book a lot for some reason. I don't know why. It's just been sitting on my TBR and I haven't even heard that much about it. But I just kind of keep coming back to it to be like, should I read this? It is called the Blighted Stars by Megan E O Kefi.
Kennedy
Okay. I just got a TikTok about that the other day too.
Reggie
Yeah, I saw that you added it to your T bar and I was like, okay, this. This book keeps popping up. I should probably read it.
Kennedy
It's a sci fi series.
Reggie
Yeah, it's a sci fi series. It's got, like, romance in it.
Mikayla
Romance. We love it.
Reggie
It's gotta be enemies to lovers. I mean, the first line in the description is, when a spy is stranded on a dead planet with her mortal enemy, she must figure out how to survive.
Mikayla
Dang.
Reggie
Anyways, it has a lot of very good reviews. And I think there's three or three books. There might be a fourth one, but I'm not seeing anything about. I think I'm only seeing three. They're not super long. And I've heard that people who've read all three of them, they just say it's like the most wonderful. They just. Everyone loves it. I really want to see what it's all about. And the COVID looks really cool. So.
Kennedy
Yeah, I'm excited for you to read that.
Reggie
I'm very excited because it just sounds different.
Mikayla
Yeah.
Reggie
I mean, not to like skip my next turn, but I do need to finish reading the Red Rising books. So. Iron Gold here. I'm giving two a time. Iron Gold is on my winter TBR because I've. I've missed my people and so I'm gonna be starting that. So two space books. I don't know if that's smart idea.
Kennedy
But I feel like they'll be different.
Reggie
I don't know. We're gonna. I like the sci fi and if this one's more. More of a romance, I. I'm too intrigued. So.
Kennedy
Yeah, I'm excited for you to read that and report back. Yeah.
Reggie
Two turns.
Kennedy
But that's okay. That's great.
Reggie
Iron Gold as well.
Kennedy
Have fun. That's all. I gotta say.
Reggie
I'm scared.
Kennedy
It's just. It's a. It's a lot. It's. It's a lot. Okay. My book, Spectacular by Stephanie Garber, I.
Mikayla
Was gonna read that one.
Kennedy
Is that on your list?
Reggie
Yeah.
Mikayla
So is Iron Gold.
Kennedy
Oh, Brig. Whoa. Okay. That's okay.
Mikayla
That's okay.
Kennedy
Michaela's also gonna read Iron Golden Spectacular. I guess. Here's the thing. I don't remember much from Caraval, if I'm being completely honest. Am I gonna need a little bit of refresher? Probably. When I ask, am I gonna ask.
Reggie
Wait, is Spectacular the fourth?
Kennedy
It's a novella. It's a Christmas novella.
Reggie
Okay. That's why I thought it was a novella. But for a second I was like, oh, is it actually so excited it's a Christmas novella?
Kennedy
I mean, yeah, I want to read that around Christmas time. And I've been seeing some fan art that's in the book and it's got me reeling. Reeling actually has to be really too. So I will be reading that. Michaela might need to give me a little bit of a refresher because I don't remember a lot.
Reggie
I would gladly give you a refresher. Oh yeah.
Kennedy
Both give me a refresher. Just kidding.
Reggie
I don't. Maybe I. I'm not the person to maybe ask because I. I already. Yeah.
Kennedy
And honestly, you know, now that it's on my winter tbr, I can justify spending the money on the book because it's actually a really cool looking book.
Reggie
It does look very.
Mikayla
So cool.
Kennedy
It's very. But I'm like, it's. It's a teeny Tiny novella and I don. If I want to spend that kind of money on it. But also it's really cool. So maybe.
Mikayla
Want the fan art?
Kennedy
Yeah, yeah, the fan art's good. So that is on my winter tbr. I just think fits the vibe. Fits the reason for the season.
Reggie
So where's the Nolla?
Kennedy
Fall, I think after.
Mikayla
After finale.
Kennedy
Yeah. Yeah.
Reggie
Maybe I'll read it too.
Kennedy
You know what if I buy it, you. We can just. It can make its way around.
Mikayla
Yeah. Good use, huh? Well, I gotta change.
Reggie
No, you don't have to change. Keep it on your tbr.
Mikayla
Okay, well, Spectacular is on my TBR for winter, and so is.
Reggie
I'm honestly a little surprised that you're gonna read Iron Gold.
Mikayla
Well, I'm gonna finish the entire series.
Reggie
Yeah. I just don't think you're gonna start.
Kennedy
She's nothing if not committed.
Reggie
I didn't think you're gonna start it as quickly.
Kennedy
Hey, it.
Mikayla
I just.
Reggie
I.
Kennedy
Extends into March. Winter extends into March. She could start. It's true.
Reggie
That's true. That's true.
Mikayla
Well, and also, I just. I mean, I've said this, I've said it again. Whenever I'm too far removed, it just declines.
Reggie
Yeah.
Mikayla
So. And also, I just. I just want to finish it. I just want to be done. So.
Kennedy
Also, like, the thing is, is, I mean, maybe you do decide you do really want to read up. Also, like, you don't have to because it ends. The first three end perfectly. You don't have to.
Mikayla
I'm going to. I bought all of them. I bought all of them.
Reggie
I'll buy one from you.
Kennedy
Yeah. I'm just kidding.
Mikayla
No, I. Guys, I do like it a lot. I was just expecting a lot more.
Kennedy
Yeah.
Mikayla
To be fair.
Kennedy
Yeah.
Mikayla
It was hyped up from everyone. Not just you guys. It was hyped up from everyone. And so I was just like. And I also guessed everything because I'm a stupid idiot and I guess.
Reggie
No, you're not a stupid idiot. You're a genius.
Mikayla
Yes. So I don't know where to start with my tbr.
Reggie
Is that all of them? No, but just read your next one. I mean, I took two turns, so.
Mikayla
Okay, I'm gonna hopefully get this. I needed a cleanser palette one A ROM com, and this is called the Rom Commerce by Katherine Center.
Kennedy
Oh, I think I had that one. I think I've read that one. It just came out.
Mikayla
Maybe.
Kennedy
No, I have not read that one.
Mikayla
Maybe you have. I don't know.
Kennedy
No. Oh, I remember what happened. I got access to it on the Libby app with my library card that expired and I remember being mad. That's what happened.
Mikayla
Yeah, I think it came out, like, a few months ago.
Kennedy
Yeah, but either that or I started it and I wasn't feeling it and I returned it. I can't remember. Anyways, I don't know.
Mikayla
Maybe I'll be filling it, maybe I won't.
Kennedy
I think I just, like, was not in the mood for romance. Wait, hold on. Let me see. I mean, you can never go wrong. She has. She has great books.
Mikayla
I think I've read most of hers.
Kennedy
Yeah, I did not read it. I don't know what I'm talking about.
Mikayla
It's Catherine Center. She has a lot of different books.
Kennedy
Yeah.
Mikayla
That all have some interesting twists in them.
Kennedy
Okay. No, you freaking know what? I did start it.
Reggie
You did?
Kennedy
Yes. And then. Yeah, I wasn't feeling it. I listened to the first, like, half hour and I was like, I'm not in the mood to read this book. And then I returned it. I think that's what happened. Or I didn't return it and then it expired. That's what happened. Sorry. Anyways. Okay, you're going to like it. I'm just going to say you're going to like it. Sorry, I need to just shut my mouth. No.
Mikayla
Well, I really liked the Bodyguard.
Reggie
Yeah, the Bodyguard was cute.
Kennedy
Yeah.
Mikayla
And I wasn't the biggest fan of hello Stranger.
Kennedy
That's what the Face Blind is. I don't think I read that one, so.
Mikayla
But I'm. I'm get. I'm romcommerce that, you know, Sounds cute. Giving it. Giving it a shot. Sounds cute.
Reggie
Nice. All right, I'm gonna read Flawless.
Kennedy
She's in her yeehaw era.
Reggie
If you guys haven't already noticed, we get FOMO a lot. Like when me and Michaela have read something. Well, I feel like that's really rare. That me and Michaela read something and Kennedy hasn't read it. Or me and Kennedy read something that. Well, I don't know. I just feel like it. Their fomo. We get FOMO really easily.
Kennedy
And we do.
Reggie
I need to binge another author, so. Elsie Silver it is. She's bingeable, so, you know, I just want to read about a hot cowboy who cooks a good steak, wears cowboy.
Kennedy
Boots, mowing the lawn in shorts and change.
Reggie
Change his oil for me.
Kennedy
If you didn't listen to last week's episode, you missed out.
Reggie
Just give me a man. I can do that.
Kennedy
Psych.
Reggie
I already have one, but he's not A cowboy. He doesn't wear cowboy boots anyways. Or shorts. Or shorts with cowboy boots. Not shorts with cowboy boots. But we'll wear shorts sometimes. Anywho, Inside joke now. Yeah. That's really all I have to say about those. I just have. I've got some fomo.
Kennedy
They're fun.
Reggie
And honestly, I really just want to skip to the one that's like the single dad one, because that's the one everyone likes. But I'm gonna be patient.
Mikayla
It's the second one.
Kennedy
Yeah, it's a second one.
Reggie
Oh, yeah, jk, you don't even gotta skip. I mean, I'm gonna read all of them. So. Yeah.
Kennedy
Yeah, they're. They're fun. They're a lot of fun. They're good.
Mikayla
Time.
Kennedy
I'm debating some of these on this list that I have here. So I'm just going to say the obvious one that I'm going to read no matter what. Lightbringer by Pierce Brown. I've been putting it off for way too long. That's all I gotta say. And also, pretty sure I got a massive spoiler for it on Tick Tock. Put spoiler warnings on your videos, people. Okay, please. I've been getting so many red rising Tick Tocks on my for you page, my phone is listening to me. I need to stop talking about it. Please just put spoiler warnings because, like.
Reggie
It'S not that hard.
Kennedy
And I'm just genuinely so upset because, like, if that's truly what the spoiler was, I'm going to be so upset when I read that.
Reggie
Well, also, it's like, there's so many books before that that you've worked so hard to read through them. You know what I mean? It's just. I just. I don't understand why spoilers people don't put spoiler warnings. Like, you know how on Goodreads you can play a spoiler warning? I'm like, can Tick Tock come up with a feature that. I mean, people still wouldn't use it? That's the thing. I don't know. It's not that hard. It's not that hard. And also I'm like, if you're passionate about this enough to make a TikTok about it, why would you want to ruin that experience for someone else? So.
Kennedy
And it was like a direct quote from the book. I'm like, okay, nothing. I mean, I. I'm sure there's been at some point where we have accidentally spoiled something. Like, you know, it happens on accident. I'm sure there was at some Point. We've accidentally done that. But just know that, like, we genuinely try so hard not to spoil stuff for you guys. So if we ever have, we're sorry. But I'm still gonna read it. I love it. It's great. I. Part of the other reason why I was putting it off for so long is I don't want it to end. 1, 2. I really wanted to have, like a book that I know is going to be a five star read for me at the end of the year. And also I just keep waiting for Pierce Brown to announce the release date of Red God. And he's just hasn't. So I've just come to terms with I'm just gonna have to read this and have this cliffhanger ending and not have a release date for the next book.
Mikayla
So, Lightbringer, do you know if it ends on a cliffhanger?
Kennedy
Yeah. The spoiler I saw, I'm pretty sure is the ending of the book. So dang. So.
Reggie
Not like that hasn't happened once before.
Mikayla
Yeah, well, I've said five. Do you want me to say another one?
Kennedy
It's up to you.
Mikayla
I'll say. I'll say six, because this book is coming out. Well, the third one is technically coming out and I haven't read the second one yet. It's Nightbane.
Kennedy
Oh, that's gonna be on my list.
Mikayla
Is that on your list? The first one is lighthearted.
Kennedy
Yeah, I was gonna. I was debating whether or not. So let's all put it on our tbr.
Reggie
Okay.
Mikayla
Okay. So you guys read Light, like first.
Kennedy
Yeah.
Mikayla
And I'll wait to read if you guys are wanting to continue.
Kennedy
Yeah.
Mikayla
With Nightbane.
Reggie
Yeah.
Mikayla
Does that make sense?
Kennedy
Yes.
Reggie
Yeah. I put light lark on mine and I'm gonna. Just be honest. I have very low expectations.
Kennedy
So do I.
Reggie
Very low. I also feel like I'm gonna be able to figure something out because of things I've heard people say about the book. So that's why I'm not very excited. But like, I feel like I need to.
Mikayla
I feel like you guys think you know what it is, but I think you think you're. I think you're wrong. What you think you guys know?
Kennedy
I don't know because I've seen her tick tocks and I feel like she. No, maybe she hasn't spoiled her own books for people.
Reggie
Oh.
Mikayla
I haven't read the second book, but I. It. You think something at the end of the first one and it would go completely different the second one.
Kennedy
Oh. So. Okay.
Mikayla
Wait, you.
Kennedy
I haven't read the second book?
Mikayla
No.
Kennedy
Oh, okay.
Reggie
Yeah.
Kennedy
What did you rate?
Reggie
Physical copy too, so.
Kennedy
Oh, signed physical copy. What did you rate it?
Mikayla
I think I rated it 3.
Kennedy
Okay.
Mikayla
But also, this is not a bag on her. She promoted the book in a way that. How do I word this? Like, she promoted her book with like, quotes, but, like, the quotes weren't even in the book.
Kennedy
Oh, interesting.
Mikayla
She put quotes on social media to make them trendy, but, like, in the book she reworded them and I feel like they weren't as like, you know, like hit and if that makes sense. So I think that's why I was like, disappointed. But I feel like if you. I don't know. I've also heard that the second book is way better than the first.
Kennedy
I just am excited because it's young adult, right? Yeah, I'm just kind of excited to like, this is the expectations that I have for it. Just like a good time. I'm not expecting like an amazing fantasy book. I'm just kind of expecting like fast paced. Because it's a trial book, right? What? It's a trial book.
Mikayla
Yeah.
Kennedy
I'm just expecting like fast paced, just fun. That's all I want. Just something fun, easy to read.
Reggie
It's also gonna be a movie.
Mikayla
Yeah.
Reggie
She's been posting Tick Tock saying that it is. And I'm like, I think I got.
Mikayla
Picked up by someone. But I don't know.
Reggie
I'm not gonna lie. I feel like I. When I went to go look at it on Goodreads, I want to say I was surprised by the number of reviews it has. I thought it was more popular than Goodreads was making it out to me.
Mikayla
How many reviews?
Reggie
76, 000. Oh, I thought it would have way more so. But yeah, the second book looks like it's better based off of reviews, so.
Mikayla
Don't read reviews, Reggie.
Reggie
Yeah, I'm not reading the reviews. I'm just looking at the. If anyone I know has read it. And Jordan Fisher's the only one. I don't personally know him, but I wish I did.
Kennedy
All right, Regisa, your turn.
Reggie
Well, my wine was light. Lark. Oh, so that's my list.
Kennedy
Mine's the last one. I'm gonna let you guys pick for me.
Reggie
Oh, okay.
Kennedy
I'm not gonna tell you what they are. I'm gonna tell you the genres.
Reggie
Okay.
Kennedy
I either have a romance book or kind of like a fictiony book by a very well known author.
Reggie
They're both the romance book because you might not like the fiction. 1. But you're going to tell yourself you think you're gonna like it and you're not gonna like it.
Kennedy
I wanted to read it for a while. I just have it. Reggie says the romance. Do you say the romance?
Mikayla
Yeah. You haven't done a romance book, have you?
Kennedy
No.
Mikayla
Do romance.
Kennedy
Okay. It is in a Holidays by Christina Lauren. Part of the reason was. I mean, it's obviously Christmasy. Christmas Christmassy. But here's the other other reason. I don't really know much about it, but I saw that it takes place in Utah. Oh. So that's. There's no place like home. No place. So we're gonna read it. Usually, you know, I kind of feel like Christina Lauren's books are. I'm either like kind of like laughing giggly like, oh my gosh, this is so fun and funny. Or I'm like, this is. This is a little cringy. So we'll see.
Reggie
I think be like a little Hallmark.
Kennedy
Yeah. I'm a little nervous because it's not rated super highly. And I think it's like a date repeating. Like the date repeats over and over and over. But you know.
Mikayla
Yeah.
Kennedy
Beartown by Frederick Bachmann.
Reggie
Oh.
Kennedy
Wintry vibes.
Mikayla
You can still read that one if you wanted to. It's just not on my tbr. Tbr.
Kennedy
But you're right. I need a little rom com. You need a little rom com in.
Mikayla
There to commit to.
Kennedy
But I think I have PTSD from Christmas rom coms because I tried to read that.
Reggie
This Will Bailey one.
Kennedy
What was it called? Wreck the Halls. Oh my gosh. I did not jive with it. In fact, I was decorating my tree while I was listening to it and it kind of gave me PTSD every time I looked at my tree last year. So hopefully this one will be better.
Reggie
Well, we have got our work cut out for us these next few months and it's gonna fly by. Unfortunately, it's time's going by too fast. I don't know if it is for you guys. I mean, the winters kind of seem to drag, but I'm looking forward to winter. I've been too busy, so I get to sit down and I will probably hit my 2023, 2025 reading goal before spring. Just kidding. I won't. But I've been slacking on book reading and I've been really sad about it.
Mikayla
I think with the chestnuts rings books, if you listen on 2.2 point speed, they're like 10 hours long. So you get them done in five. You can go through them really quick.
Kennedy
And they're honestly just, like, fun bingeable. That's how I describe them.
Reggie
I mean, I'm not gonna hit my reading goal. I'm not. I don't even think I'm gonna pass my reading goal. I think I read 53.
Kennedy
What's your goal?
Reggie
75.
Kennedy
You had two months. You'll be close.
Reggie
We'll see. I still have a lot of wedding videos to edit.
Kennedy
Hey, so guess what? You add spectacular in there. Small novella. Boom. Another book, another goal.
Mikayla
Reading goals really don't.
Kennedy
No, they don't matter.
Reggie
They don't. I just, like, am really sad that I didn't get closer.
Mikayla
You know what? I was hoping so the beginning of next year, 2025. Just hit it hard. Oh, hit it hard. And then as it comes towards the end of 2025, you can be, like, you know, feel a little bit more relaxed because I. I understand the sadness you probably feel.
Kennedy
Well.
Reggie
And I. I know I can't compare myself to other people because I live a very different life since I have two children than these two. And so therefore, I have a lot less me time on my hands. And so that is why. I don't know, I just. I didn't think. Anyways, we don't have to get into it. It's not a big deal. But I just.
Kennedy
Yeah, put it in perspective.
Mikayla
That's still a lot.
Kennedy
What have you read? What's Your number at?
Reggie
53.
Kennedy
Okay. You're gonna have read over one book a week by the end of the year. That's a lot of books.
Reggie
Yeah, fair. Anyways, thanks for tuning in. We love you. We appreciate you. Snag our merch. If you haven't already. If you're needing something cozy. Need a new hat to keep your head warm. I don't know what it is.
Kennedy
Keep the noggin warm. The dome warm.
Reggie
Kennedy's sporting it right now. But our camera cut out.
Kennedy
If you're watching, you're also wearing.
Reggie
Our apologies. You're also wearing a hat of ours. It's been out for a while, but.
Mikayla
It'S still a good one. What was I thinking?
Reggie
Wonder is just. I'm just always a hat girl. Anyways, I'm tired. It's been a long day. The sun is going down. Time to snuggle up and read a book. Just kidding. I gotta go pick up my kids anyways. Daylight savings is the worst. Okay, everyone, have a lovely week. We'll see you next week.
Kennedy
Bye.
Reggie
Sorry that was such a bad evening.
Podcast Summary: "I'll Read What She's Reading" – Episode: OUR WINTER TBR
Release Date: November 20, 2024
In the episode titled "OUR WINTER TBR," hosts Reggie, Mikayla, and Kennedy delve into their winter reading lists, reflecting on their fall book selections and sharing insights into upcoming reads. The conversation is rich with personal anecdotes, book recommendations, and candid discussions about their reading habits and challenges.
The episode kicks off with Reggie introducing the theme for the week:
Reggie (00:16): "And it's winter TBR time, so we're going to be sharing our winter reads that are on our tbr. And what perfect timing to talk about our winter TBR because it's already snowing, so tis the season."
Kennedy and Mikayla confirm the winter timing, setting the stage for a seasonal reading discussion.
Before diving into their winter lists, the hosts briefly touch upon their fall reading journey:
Kennedy (01:15): "Well, you had a really ambitious fall tbr, which is a great segue into talking about our fall TBRs."
Mikayla admits to not finishing her fall TBR, expressing mild frustration:
Mikayla (01:32): "Oh, I didn't finish and I'm really mad at myself..."
Despite some setbacks, the hosts maintain a positive outlook, praising Mikayla's ambitious reading goals and encouraging her progress.
The core of the episode centers around each host presenting their winter reading list. Mikayla begins by outlining her selections:
Mikayla highlights her enthusiasm for Adrian Young's work, noting the fresh pirate-themed narratives:
Mikayla (02:00): "I really, really liked them. They are kind of a breath of fresh air for me... gives Pirates of the Caribbean vibes."
Kennedy discusses her tentative plans with Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series, expressing both excitement and intimidation:
Kennedy (18:16): "I think realistically, by the end of the two weeks from now, I will have finished Lost in Lasso and all of Daughter of no Worlds."
Reggie shares her winter picks, focusing on substantial reads to balance her workload:
Reggie underscores her commitment to tackling these substantial titles despite feeling daunted:
Reggie (20:10): "I just feel like I need to... I just have a lot on my plate."
The hosts engage in detailed conversations about specific books and series, sharing personal opinions and critiques.
Mikayla expresses frustration with the continuation beyond the original trilogy:
Mikayla (03:30): "I think it's so dumb that he continued, but I'm gonna keep my mouth shut."
Reggie defends Pierce Brown's expansion of the series, highlighting her favorite installment:
Reggie (04:01): "Morningstar's one of my favorite books of all time."
Kennedy reveals her plan to tackle Sanderson's interconnected universe, acknowledging its complexity:
Kennedy (16:36): "I also don't know how I feel about how he's addressing, like, the magic system in the world building."
The hosts discuss the challenge of engaging with dense, interconnected narratives, emphasizing their dedication to completing the series.
The conversation shifts to personal reading habits, time management, and the pressures of maintaining ambitious TBR lists.
Reggie (45:40): "I know I can't compare myself to other people because I live a very different life since I have two children than these two."
Kennedy and Mikayla offer support and understanding, discussing strategies to balance reading with other life commitments. They emphasize the importance of enjoying the reading journey without undue pressure:
Kennedy (46:00): "Reading goals really don't. They don't matter."
The hosts also reflect on their reading goals for the year, expressing a mix of determination and realism about their progress.
Before concluding, the hosts share additional book recommendations and discuss upcoming reads. Mikayla introduces her choice of a rom-com:
Mikayla (33:30): "It's called the Rom Commerce by Katherine Center."
Kennedy adds her selection from Christina Lauren's holiday-themed romance, balancing her anticipation with cautious optimism:
Kennedy (43:17): "It's a rom com by Katherine Center... sounds cute."
As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to embrace their reading journeys, highlighting the joy and companionship found in shared literary adventures.
Reggie (47:22): "I have a lot of thoughts. Okay. Anyways, that's mine. Okay."
In "OUR WINTER TBR," "I'll Read What She's Reading" offers a heartfelt and insightful discussion on seasonal reading plans. The hosts' candid conversations about their book choices, reading habits, and the challenges of maintaining a TBR list provide listeners with relatable content and inspiring literary recommendations. Whether you're seeking new titles to add to your own winter list or simply enjoy the camaraderie of fellow book lovers, this episode delivers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of winter reading.