Podcast Episode Summary: "RECOMMENDING BOOKS for Our Listeners"

Release Date: March 12, 2025
Podcast Title: I'll Read What She's Reading
Hosts: Kennedy, Reggie, & Mikayla

Introduction

In the March 12, 2025 episode of "I'll Read What She's Reading," hosts Kennedy, Reggie, and Mikayla pivot to a dedicated book recommendation session tailored specifically for their listeners. Building upon previous segments where they recommended books to each other, this episode focuses entirely on responding to listener prompts submitted via their Instagram question box.

Segment 1: Revisiting Previous Recommendations

Before delving into new recommendations, the hosts briefly reflect on their recent segment where they exchanged book suggestions:

• Reggie discusses her experience with "Never" by Jessa Hastings, which Kennedy initially suggested.

  "[Reggie, 01:47] 'I could tell that I was reading about a 17, 18-year-old. I felt like she really understood the experience of what it's like to be that age.'"
  Despite appreciating the whimsical writing, Reggie rated the book a 3 out of 5, citing challenges with some character developments.

• Kennedy shares her thoughts on "The Blonde Identity" by Ally Carter, recommended by Mikayla.

  "[Kennedy, 05:48] 'It's a spy rom-com. Very fun... I enjoyed it, but it was not super memorable.'"
  She assigned it a 3-star rating, noting it as a delightful palate cleanser but lacking substantial impact.

• Mikayla recommends "Look Closer" by David Ellis to Reggie, likening the experience to "Glass Onion."

  "[Mikayla, 07:11] 'There was one part that I texted Reggie about that I didn’t guess, but everything else was pretty predictable.'"
  She rated it approximately 3.75 stars, appreciating its character-driven narrative despite some predictable elements.

Segment 2: Book Recommendations Based on Listener Prompts

The core of the episode revolves around addressing various listener-submitted prompts, each inspiring a set of book recommendations. Below are the key prompts and the corresponding books suggested by the hosts.

1. Friends to Lovers Trope

Prompt: Recommendations for the "Friends to Lovers" trope.

• Reggie suggests:

  • "The Cheat Sheet" by Sarah Adams
    Described as a clean, cute, and fun story devoid of spicy elements, perfect for readers seeking a lighthearted romance.

  • "People We Meet on Vacation" by Emily Henry
    Emphasizes the transition from friendship to romance, with an upcoming movie adaptation adding to its appeal.

2. Similar to "Assistant to the Villain"

Prompt: Recommendations akin to "Assistant to the Villain."

• Kennedy introduces:
  • "Dungeon Crawler Carl"
    An unserious, action-packed fantasy resembling a video game, featuring quirky elements like a character named Princess Donut.

    "[Kennedy, 19:18] 'It's a recommendation with a grain of salt. It’s an option, but take it as you will.'"

3. Vampire-Themed Books

Prompt: Vampire-centric recommendations similar to "Vampire Diaries."

• Mikayla recommends:

  • "Serpents in the Wings of Night" by Carissa Broadbent
    A brutal and intense vampire fantasy diverging from traditional magic realism.

  • "Zodiac Academy"
    Combines school life with fantasy elements and complex love triangles.

• Kennedy adds:

  • "Six Scorch Roses" from the Crowns of Nyxia series
    Described as a vampire novella that intertwines with the main series without spoiling it.

4. Songs-Inspired Recommendations

Prompt: Inspired by the song "Put a Little Love on Me" by Niall Horan.

• Reggie suggests:

  • "Magnolia Parks"
    Recognized for its messy yet engaging storytelling, aligning with the emotional tone of the song.

  • "Variation" by Rebecca Yaros
    Highlights specific lyrical parallels with the song, offering a more visceral reading experience.

• Kennedy echoes "Magnolia Parks", likening it to "Binding 13" for its emotional depth and character-driven narrative.

5. TV Show-Inspired Recommendations

Prompt: Recommendations based on the TV show "Severance."

• Reggie recommends:

  • "Dark Matter"
    Delivers similar vibes to "Severance," available as both a book and a TV show on Apple TV.

  • "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir
    A sci-fi novel with emotional depth comparable to "Dark Matter."

    "[Reggie, 33:23] 'If you haven't read that already, go read that. It's also being turned into a movie.'"

• Kennedy adds:

  • "Recursion" by Blake Crouch
    Explores memory preservation technology with intense sci-fi elements.

• Mikayla offers:

  • "The Unmaking of June"
    Although not directly similar, it shares the suspenseful and mysterious atmosphere of "Severance."

6. Whimsical Fantasy Series

Prompt: Seek whimsical fantasy similar to Rebecca Ross and Holly Black.

• Reggie suggests:

  • "Caraval" by Stephanie Garber
    Noted for its circus-like, whimsical vibes, though not her personal favorite.

  • "Never" by Jessa Hastings
    Offers a whimsical take on Neverland, blending magical realism with adventurous storytelling.

7. Slow Burn Romance

Prompt: Recommendations embodying a slow burn romance.

• Kennedy points to:
  • "The Wall of Winnipeg and Me" by Mariana Zapata
    Celebrated as the epitome of the slow burn trope, where romantic developments unfold gradually.

8. Single Parent/Guardian Trope

Prompt: Recommendations featuring a single parent or guardian.

• Mikayla recommends:

  • "The Chestnut Spring" series
    A tender and sweet series centered around single parent dynamics.

  • "Next of Kin" by Hannah Bonham Young
    Highlights guardian relationships with heartfelt storytelling.

Segment 3: General Recommendations and Conclusion

Beyond specific prompts, the hosts offer a few additional suggestions:

• Magical Realism:

  • Ashley Poston's books for their enchanting blend of reality and fantasy.
  • "The Glitch" (author unspecified) for its unique audiobook narration and magical realism elements.

• Comedic Banter in Romance:

  • "The Romancing" series by Katherine Center
    Praised for its humorous dialogue and engaging characters.
  • "Butcher and Blackbird" by Brynn Weaver
    A dark romantic comedy with laughter-inducing moments and adult themes.

• Author Recommendations:

  • Hannah Bonham Young
    Recommended for her ability to romanticize unconventional themes, aligning with authors like Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry.

Notable Quotes

• Reggie on "Never" by Jessa Hastings:

  "[Reggie, 01:47] 'It's just a visceral experience with everything you love about Jess's writing.'"

• Kennedy on "Recursion" by Blake Crouch:

  "[Kennedy, 34:15] 'Anything by Blake Crouch is going to give you a similar vibe as Severance.'"

• Mikayla on "Look Closer" by David Ellis:

  "[Mikayla, 07:11] 'It's like glass onion... slowly peeling back the why.'"

Closing Remarks

The hosts wrap up by encouraging listeners to explore their recommendations and engage with them on various platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Goodreads. They express enthusiasm for potentially making book recommendation segments a regular feature, highlighting the enjoyment derived from interacting with their audience's preferences.

Tune in every Wednesday to join Kennedy, Reggie, and Mikayla as they continue to explore favorite books, dive into author discussions, and maintain an engaging community of readers. Whether you're looking to start a new read or find your next favorite, "I'll Read What She's Reading" offers insightful and personalized suggestions to enrich your literary journey.