Podcast Summary: "Top 3 Books, Top 3 Series" — I'll Read What She's Reading

Release Date: May 14, 2025

Introduction

In this heartfelt and introspective episode of I'll Read What She's Reading, hosts Reggie, Mikayla, and Kennedy delve deep into their literary preferences by sharing their current top three favorite books and series. Reflecting on their podcast journey over the past two years, the trio candidly discusses the challenges of ranking beloved reads and the emotional connections they have with their selections.

Top 3 Favorite Books

Kennedy's Selections:

1. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas ([03:25] - [07:19])

   Kennedy places this book at the pinnacle of her list, emphasizing its profound impact on her engagement with the fantasy genre. She notes, “That book just changed the game for me” ([14:31]). The intricate world-building and emotional depth resonated deeply, making it a cornerstone of her reading journey.

2. Supernova by Marissa Meyer ([03:25] - [07:19])

   Continuing her list, Kennedy highlights Supernova as a consistent favorite, expressing her desire to reread the series despite having ventured into richer literary territories since first encountering it.

3. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein ([03:25] - [07:19])

   Although categorized as a "dog book," Kennedy appreciates its emotional storytelling and the bond it fosters between humans and their pets. She remarks, “Honestly, still a really good book” ([03:25]).

Reggie's Selections:

1. Red Rising by Pierce Brown ([52:31] - [56:11])

   Reggie crowns Red Rising as his top pick, lauding its complexity and emotional depth. He shares a personal anecdote, “I could cry every time I think about certain parts in that book” ([14:34]), highlighting the series' profound influence on him.

2. Morningstar by Pierce Brown ([07:20] - [09:05])

   As part of his top three, Reggie discusses Morningstar's unique ability to stand out in the fantasy genre. He appreciates the book’s unpredictability and emotional resonance, stating, “It's like a core memory” ([07:35]).

3. Silent Patient ([07:20] - [09:05])

   Although briefly mentioned, Silent Patient earns a spot for its compelling narrative and the way it has stayed with Reggie long after reading.

Mikayla's Selections:

1. Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas ([33:00] - [48:23])

   Placing Kingdom of Ash at the forefront, Mikayla praises its intricate plot and character development. She describes the series as “engraved in my soul” ([47:52]), underscoring its lasting impact.

2. Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson ([04:12] - [09:05])

   Mikayla appreciates the engaging narrative and the author’s ability to blend drama with emotional depth. She notes, “There’s so much going on” ([09:05]), highlighting the series' complexity.

3. Manacled by [Author Not Specified] ([18:26] - [39:22])

   Emphasizing her love for character-driven stories, Mikayla includes Manacled in her top three. She mentions, “I love the characters so much and mostly just Kai” ([38:52]), reflecting her emotional investment in the narrative.

Top 3 Favorite Series

Kennedy's Selections:

1. Red Rising by Pierce Brown ([39:43] - [55:28])

   Kennedy highlights Red Rising for its epic storytelling and complex characters. She shares, “From the first book to the last book, you can see how all of the dots are connecting” ([54:16]).

2. Throne of Glass by [Author Not Specified] ([33:00] - [48:23])

   Although earlier placed in her book list, Kennedy seamlessly integrates Throne of Glass into her series top three, praising its multifaceted points of view and intertwining plots. She asserts, “It was one of the first fantasy series that I read that had multiple point of views and it... interweaved everything” ([48:27]).

3. Magnolia Park Series by Jessa Hastings ([34:24] - [38:54])

   Kennedy commends this series for its unique storytelling and emotional depth, stating, “There’s genuinely not another book like it” ([34:24]). She appreciates the drama and metaphors that resonate with her personal experiences.

Reggie's Selections:

1. Red Rising by Pierce Brown ([52:31] - [56:11])

   Reggie aligns his top series choice with Kennedy’s, emphasizing the series' unmatched complexity and emotional stakes. He reflects, “It just stands out compared to other series that I have read” ([52:35]).

2. Throne of Glass by [Author Not Specified] ([33:00] - [48:23])

   Reggie shares his evolving appreciation for Throne of Glass, admitting that his initial engagement was influenced by his podcasting schedule. He recounts, “I'm rereading Throne of Glass, and I appreciate it so much more than I did the first time” ([50:35]).

3. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas ([33:00] - [48:23])

   While initially hesitant, Reggie includes A Court of Thorns and Roses in his series top three due to its impactful storytelling and character development. He confesses, “It set this tone... it was really great” ([52:19]).

Mikayla's Selections:

1. Red Rising by Pierce Brown ([33:00] - [48:23])

   Mikayla also recognizes the significance of Red Rising in her literary journey, albeit with a personal critique on its reading experience.

2. Throne of Glass by [Author Not Specified] ([33:00] - [48:23])

   Although not explicitly ranked in her series list, Mikayla's admiration for Throne of Glass is evident through her discussions about its complex characters and narrative structure.

3. Powerless Series by [Author Not Specified] ([38:35] - [42:17])

   Combining her top series with elements from other favorite series, Mikayla includes the Powerless Series for its fun and easy-to-read nature. She explains, “It has every single element I love about a fantasy book” ([39:14]).

Reflections and Emotional Connections

Throughout the episode, the hosts share personal anecdotes that underline their deep emotional connections to their favorite books and series. Reggie describes a particularly poignant moment while reading A Court of Mist and Fury: “I sobbed like a baby for, like, two hours” ([15:09]). This illustrates how literature can profoundly affect readers on a personal level.

Kennedy and Reggie also discuss their struggles with unfinished series and the anxiety of awaiting future installments. Kennedy expresses her frustration with the delayed release of the next ACOTAR book, saying, “It hurts my brain, but I like it” ([41:18]). Similarly, Reggie voices his anticipation and hope that Red Rising will continue to meet his high expectations.

Mikayla balances her critiques with praise, acknowledging the beauty in the stories while candidly discussing her personal challenges with character attachment and narrative complexity.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the growth of their podcast and their enduring love for reading. Reggie muses, “This podcast has made reading so much more fun for me” ([56:38]). They express gratitude towards their listeners and the broader book community, emphasizing how shared literary experiences have enriched their lives.

The episode serves not only as a ranking of favorite books and series but also as a testament to the profound impact literature has on personal growth and friendship. Listeners are left with a deeper understanding of the hosts' literary journeys and the passion that fuels their vibrant book club.

Notable Quotes:

• Reggie on starting the podcast: “We were just doing this for funsies” ([01:15]).
• Kennedy on A Court of Mist and Fury: “That book just changed the game for me” ([14:31]).
• Reggie on Red Rising: “It's complex, it's very epic, it's heartbreaking” ([53:54]).
• Mikayla on Magnolia Park Series: “There’s genuinely not another book like it” ([34:24]).

Final Thoughts

This episode is a blend of personal stories, passionate discussions, and thoughtful critiques, making it an engaging listen for both long-time fans and newcomers looking to discover new reads. The authenticity and camaraderie among the hosts shine through, offering listeners a relatable and enriching experience centered around the love of books.