Podcast
Meagan's Book Club Podcast
Hosted by Meagan Briggs · EN
This is the place with unfiltered thoughts on everything book related. We're talking about the highs and lows in the publishing world. Books to look out for and books to avoid. Opinions are coming in hot and you don't want to miss them!
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Episodes
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150: June Books
4d ago00:31:37Tap to summarizeIn this week's episode, I'm sharing all 17 books I read in June—and it was definitely a mixed bag. While I found a few enjoyable reads, only two earned my full recommendation, so I'm breaking down what worked, what didn't, and which books are actually worth adding to your TBR.I'm also sharing a quick podcast update before signing off for a July break. Thank you for listening, supporting the show, and spending your reading life with me. I'll be back soon with more bookish conversations and recommendations!June Books 🎧 Whistler ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫🎧 Lady X ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Make Nice ⭐️⭐️⭐️The Book Witch ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 The Shampoo Effect ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 The Rainy Day Bookshop ⭐️⭐️⭐️Happier Here With You ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫🎧 Heart of Glass ⭐️⭐️⭐️Counting Down to You ⭐️⭐️💫A Deal with the Devil ⭐️⭐️⭐️The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 The Calamity Club ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 Hot Girl Murder Club ⭐️⭐️⭐️The Devil You Know ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 Someone Else’s Husband ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 The Seven Year Slip ⭐️⭐️⭐️The Devil Gets His Due ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Transcribe →149: Chat with Ethan Joella
6d ago00:38:22Tap to summarizeBestselling author Ethan Joella joins me on the podcast to talk about his moving new novel, The Top of the World — a heartfelt story about grief, healing, sibling relationships, and the quiet ways people change each other’s lives.Ethan is always such a joy to talk to, and this conversation felt especially honest and thoughtful as we discussed the writing process behind this book, his “pantser” approach to storytelling, the edits and revisions that shaped the final novel, and how he’s learned to develop a tough skin while still staying emotionally open enough to write characters with such depth and humanity.We also dive into the nostalgic setting of the Poconos in the 1970s, the emotional core of Maggie’s search for answers after her brother’s death, and why stories centered on connection and hope continue to resonate so deeply with readers.If you love emotionally rich fiction and behind-the-scenes author conversations, this is one you won’t want to miss.Website: https://www.ethanjoellawriter.com/IG: @joellawriting
Transcribe →148: Q3 All About the Books
2w ago01:22:25Tap to summarizeQ3 episode is here! Hannah from @booksandbitesroc joins me again to talk about the books we're most excited about coming out in July, August, and September. We covered everything from buzzy bestsellers to under-the-radar gems, and after more than an hour of book talk, your TBR is guaranteed to grow. All of the books we discuss are listed in the show notes! July BooksHabits of the Sea by Shea Ernshaw 7/7, Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves 7/7, Helpless by Jessica Knoll 7/7, Love You More by Emily Giffin 7/7, Pretty Dead Things by Kelsey Cox 7/7, Man Overboard! by Kathleen Rooney 7/7, Ungodly Rich by Katharine McGee 7/7, An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton 7/7, The Season of Sinking by Daphne Woolsoncroft 7/7, Crash Into Me by Robinne Lee 7/7, Star-Crossed Summer by Devon Daniels 7/7, Most Ardently Yours by Freya Sampson 7/7, Last Night Was Killer by Mary Pauline Lowry 7/7, Lady X by Molly Fader 7/14, The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren 7/14, The Half Life by Rachel Beanland 7/14, Hot Girl Murder Club by Ashley Winstead 7/14, Cool Machine by Colson Whitehead 7/14, The Parisian Heist by Jo Piazza 7/14, Extracurricular by Rachel Lynn Solomon 7/14, Unreliable Narrator by Araminta Hall 7/14, If Books Could Kill by Kate Eberle 7/21, Married with Benefits by Ellie Palmer 7/21, Destination Funeral by Paige Harbison 7/21, Deadly Does It by Abbi Waxman 7/21, Not that Kind of Proposal by Victoria Lavine 7/21, Three Reasons for Revenge by Dervla McTiernan 7/21, Buyer Beware by Catherine Ryan Howard 7/28, The Whisper by Chelsea Iversen 7/28, Meet Me in Paris by Kristin Harmel 7/28, Getting Away with Murder by Shari Lapena 7/28, Wild Goose Chase by Sarah Adler 7/28August BooksThe Amateur by Chris Bohjalian 8/4, The Unknown by Riley Sager 8/4, The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen 8/4, When Lemons Give You Life by Anna Johnston 8/4, You'll Love it Here by Natalie Sue 8/11, The Magic We Made by Meg Cabot 8/11, That Night by Gillian McAllister 8/18, Something About September by Julia McKay 8/18, My Sister is Going to Kill Me by Nina Simon 8/18, How to Find a Romance in a Bookshop by Poppy Alexander 8/18, Ideal Life by Evelyn Skye 8/18, Promise Me Never by Liv Constantine 8/18, God's Country by William Kent Krueger 8/18, The Phone Swap by Lia Louis 8/25, Wicked Wanted Widows by Vanessa Lillie; Kimberly Belle; Cate Holahan 8/25, They Say a Girl Died Here by Sarah Pinborough 8/25, Heart of Glass by Jennifer Hillier 8/25, Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty 8/25September BooksA Time of Witches by Madeline Martin 9/1, Mother Daughter Sister Stranger by Hank Phillippi Ryan 9/1, The Oxford Guide to Scandal and Lies by Kate Westbury 9/1, Paper Ghosts by Sarah Addison Allen 9/1, Understory by Chloe Benjamin 9/1, The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent 9/1, Before You Were Anne by Emiko Jean 9/1, Kiss Slay Replay by Rachel Harrison 9/1, The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman 9/8, Love Felt Like This by Julie Olivia 9/8, The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon 9/8, Taipei Story by RF Kuang 9/8, Queenie Is Working on It by Candice Carty-Williams 9/8, The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand + Daughter 9/15, Dead Beat by Leigh Bardugo 9/15, Grim Tidings by BK Borison 9/15, Thank You for Remembering by Emily Harding 9/15, Exit Party by Emily St John Mandel 9/15, Falling for Peachtree Bluff by Kristy Woodson Harvey 9/15, Hollow Bones by Jodi Picoult 9/15, A Study in Sparkling by Jodi McAlister 9/15, We Chase Shadows by Richard Osman 9/15, The Wonder of One by Suzanne Redfearn 9/15, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley/Agatha Christie 9/22, Free Falling by Lyla Sage 9/22, Hollywood, Ending by John Green 9/22, It's Not What You Think by Clare Mackintosh 9/22, American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee 9/29, Beyond the Graves Waits Mist and Sea by Kathleen Kaufman 9/29, The French Illusion by John Grisham 9/29, The Weight of Angels by John Boyne 9/29, *Untitled Empyrean (Not Book Four)Rebecca Yarros 9/29
Transcribe →147: Chat with Kyleigh Leddy
2w ago00:40:49Tap to summarizeIn today’s episode, I’m joined by debut author Kyleigh Leddy to talk all about her powerful first novel, Worse Than Strangers. Kyleigh brings a unique perspective to her writing, with a background that spans journalism, therapy, and fiction—having written for The New York Times, New York Magazine, and more, and earning recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Media list.We dive into the inspiration behind her debut, the emotional layers of the story, and how her work as a licensed therapist shapes the way she approaches character and connection. Kyleigh also shares insights into her writing journey, from her academic path to publishing her first novel. This is a thoughtful and compelling conversation you won’t want to miss.Website: https://kyleighleddy.com/IG: @kyleighleddy
Transcribe →146: Why My Kids Love Reading
3w ago00:39:32Tap to summarizeThis week is a special episode of the podcast because I’m joined by my favorite guests—my kids! We’re chatting about their favorite books, the stories they recommend most, and what they love about reading. They also share how becoming strong readers has helped them in school, built their confidence, and opened the door to new interests. Whether you're raising readers, looking for book recommendations for kids, or simply curious to hear their perspective, this fun and candid conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of book talk.8 yo old book recsBig NateDragon Master series Guts, Smile, Sisters 11 yo old book recsPercy JacksonHarry Potter13 yo book recsI Survived booksThe Hunger GamesLynn Painter's YA 16 yo book recsLove & Gelato seriesThe Naturals The Inheritance Games
Transcribe →145: What I'm Loving
3w ago00:29:22Tap to summarizeIt's time for another What I'm Loving episode! This month, I'm sharing everything that's been bringing me joy lately—from what I'm reading and watching to a few things making everyday life a little brighter. We chat about the World Cup excitement taking over our house, my thoughts on reading The Calamity Club, and some behind-the-scenes updates, including why the podcast will be taking a short break in July. As always, this episode feels like catching up with a friend, and I'm so glad you're here.What I'm Loving Categories:What I'm WatchingWhat I'm ReadingWhat I'm EatingWhat I'm Doing More OfWhat I'm BuyingWhat I'm Looking Forward To
Transcribe →144: Whistler, Jimmy, and Adult Bevs
4w ago00:34:46Tap to summarizeIt's that time again for our mid-month check in! This episode was fun to record because I was coming off the high of seeing Jimmy Eat World (for the first time!) at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. The show was one I'll remember all my life! We then pivoted to my new "adult bevs" group on Instagram, book world news, my thoughts on Whistler, and a few other books I'm currently reading.
Transcribe →143: Chat with Courtney Walsh
4w ago00:45:58Tap to summarizeThis week on the podcast, I’m joined by one of my longtime favorite authors and humans, Courtney Walsh, to talk about her uplifting new novel, Brighter Than Before. We chat about second chances, found family, reinvention in your forties, and the courage it takes to become who you really are. Courtney’s books always leave me feeling hopeful, and it’s always such a joy catching up with her about writing, life, and everything in between.Website: https://courtneywalshwrites.com/IG: @courtneywalsh
Transcribe →142: May Books
Jun 400:36:28Tap to summarizeMay was a busy reading month filled with a few highlights, some disappointments, and plenty to discuss. In this episode, I'm breaking down every book I finished, sharing what stood out, what fell flat, and which stories are still lingering in my mind. I kept things as spoiler-free as possible but did warn you that I talk more about the plot issues I had in Life, and Death, and Giants, but I warn you! Hope you had a wonderful month and I can't wait to see what we read in June!Favorites:🎧 Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫🎧 Down with the Shipmans ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The Top of the World ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Really Liked🎧 Both Can Be True ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 Villa Coco ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 The Forgotten Midwife ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 Cover Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫Just Okay🎧 Good at Being Alive ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫Habits of the Sea ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 The Summer Share ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 The Island Club ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 Austenland ⭐️⭐️⭐️🎧 The Midnight Train ⭐️⭐️⭐️Meh🎧 Wasp’s Nest ⭐️⭐️💫🎧 Take Me With You ⭐️⭐️💫🎧 Life, and Death, and Giants ⭐️⭐️💫The Half Life DNF @50%
Transcribe →141: Chat with Meg Mitchell Moore
Jun 200:35:01Tap to summarizeOn today’s episode, I’m joined by bestselling author Meg Mitchell Moore to celebrate her newest novel, Down with the Shipmans, available now. We had such a fun conversation about the writing process behind this summery family drama, Meg’s journey to becoming a published author, and the scenes and storylines that ultimately had to be edited—or completely removed—from the book. We also chat about the exciting events surrounding the release and what readers can expect from this heartfelt story about three sisters returning to their childhood home, each carrying secrets of their own. If you love family drama, complicated relationships, and behind-the-scenes publishing talk, this episode is for you.Website: https://www.megmitchellmoore.com/IG: @megmitchellmoore
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