Unabridged: A Book Podcast

Love is in the Air 2025 - Our Latest Romance Recs

Love is in the air! In our annual February episode, we’re back with some romance recommendations just in time for Valentine’s (or Galentine’s!) season. We’re sharing books that have captured our hearts recently, from star-crossed lovers to unconventional storytelling.
But first, we kick things off with our latest reads, including Matt Haig’s The Life Impossible and Jennifer Croft’s The Extinction of Irena Rey—both of which bring unique narrative structures and compelling protagonists to the table. Join us as we chat about what we’re loving (and maybe not loving) in romance right now, with a mix of new releases and backlist gems.
Want even more from us? Check out our Patreon for bonus content, exclusive guides, and access to our full back catalog: patreon.com/unabridgedpod.
 
Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.
 
Want to support Unabridged?
 
 
Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Percival Everett's JAMES - January 2025 Book Club Pick

What does it mean to explore identity, legacy, and the complexities of family through a literary lens? For our January book club episode of Unabridged, join us as we discuss Percival Everett’s James.
This inventive retelling of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn reimagines the story from Jim’s perspective, giving voice to a character often overshadowed in the original. Packed with humor, grief, and rich reflection, Everett’s novel invites readers to explore themes of race, agency, and storytelling in a whole new way. Don’t miss this engaging conversation about a brilliant book that will be discussed for many years to come.
 
Join us on Patreon to have access to our back catalog of recordings and resources. Also, just a reminder that this season, we now have a shop on Patreon where you can purchase book discussion guides and other resources. We appreciate your support so much.
 
Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.
 
Want to support Unabridged?
 
 
Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Our 2025 Reading Challenges and Looking Back on 2024

Happy New Year! In this episode of Unabridged, we're diving into our 2025 reading challenges and reflecting on the highs and lows of our 2024 goals. Join us as we share our experiences with various reading challenges—what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons we’re carrying forward. We're also introducing our 2025 Unabridgedpod Reading Challenge. We'd love for you to join us!
Whether you’re new to reading challenges or a seasoned pro, this episode offers inspiration and insight to shape your reading life for the year ahead. Don't forget to check out our Patreon shop for discussion guides, book club resources, and more to support your reading journey!
 
Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.
 
Want to support Unabridged?
 
 
Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.

284: Sonya Lalli's A HOLLY JOLLY DIWALI - December Book Club (Encore)

As we approach winter break, we wanted to share a re-release of a book club episode about a seasonal novel we loved discussing. Looking for a fun, illuminating holiday-centered read? Check out Sonya Lalli's A Holly Jolly Diwali (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), our December Unabridged book club pick.
In this episode, Jen and Ashley discuss thoughts about A Holly Jolly Diwali and share our book pairings including Jean Meltzer’s The Matzah Ball (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) and Thrity Umrigar’s Honor (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm).
 
Join us on Patreon to have access to our back catalog of recordings and resources. Also, just a reminder that this season, we now have a shop on Patreon where you can purchase book discussion guides and other resources. We appreciate your support so much.
 
Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.
 
Want to support Unabridged?
 
 
Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Cynthia Hand's THE AFTERLIFE OF HOLLY CHASE - December 2024 Book Club

For our December book club episode of Unabridged, join Ashley and Jen as we discuss Cynthia Hand's The Afterlife of Holly Chase. This modern young adult retelling of A Christmas Carol is packed with holiday spirit, humor, and poignant themes. Alongside our book discussion, Ashley and Jen also share our book pairings to complement your reading experience. Don’t miss this festive conversation!
 
Join us on Patreon to have access to our back catalog of recordings and resources. Also, just a reminder that this season, we now have a shop on Patreon where you can purchase book discussion guides and other resources. We appreciate your support so much.
 
Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.
 
Want to support Unabridged?
 
 
Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Waubgeshig Rice's MOON OF THE CRUSTED SNOW - November 2024 Book Club

In our November Book Club episode, Jen and Ashley are discussing Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm). Join Ashley and Jen as we explore this haunting post-apocalyptic novel set in a remote Anishinaabe community and as we share our thoughts and pairing recommendations.
 
As the outside world descends into chaos and communication cuts off, the community must grapple with the collapse of modern systems, rediscover traditional ways of life, and confront the arrival of unsettling outsiders. Filled with tension and resilience, Rice’s novel offers a compelling exploration of survival, identity, and the strength of community.
 
Join us on Patreon to have access to our back catalog of recordings and resources. Also, just a reminder that this season, we now have a shop on Patreon where you can purchase book discussion guides and other resources. We appreciate your support so much.
 
Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.
 
Want to support Unabridged?
 
 
Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Discussing Greta Gerwig’s LITTLE WOMEN - A Fresh Look at a Beloved Classic

This month on Unabridged, we’re thrilled to share our Patreon discussion about Greta Gerwig’s Little Women with you all. In this beloved adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, Gerwig brings a fresh, nuanced perspective to the March sisters' journeys, exploring themes of independence, ambition, and sisterhood in ways that resonate with today’s audiences. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Little Women or discovering Gerwig’s take for the first time, this episode is full of insights that will deepen your appreciation for the film.
Join us on Patreon to have access to our back catalog of more film adaptation discussions like this one! Also, just a reminder that this season, we now have a shop on Patreon where you can purchase book discussion guides and other resources. We appreciate your support so much.
 
Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.
 
Want to support Unabridged?
 
 
Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Isabel Cañas's Vampires of El Norte - October Book Club

In our October Book Club episode, the Unabridged Podcast is diving into Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm). Join Ashley and Jen as they discuss this gripping novel set in 1840s Mexico, where Nena, the daughter of a rancher, faces a sinister threat that lurks near her home, draining men of their blood. After being attacked by this nightmare nine years earlier, Nena is reunited with Néstor, her childhood sweetheart, as they are both pulled into the chaos of the U.S. invasion of Mexico in 1846. Nena, a curandera, and Néstor, a vaquero, must confront their unresolved past while battling a monstrous evil.
In the episode, Ashley and Jen share their overall impressions, what worked for them, and some powerful quotes from the book, including a discussion about Nena’s struggle for freedom. They also offer their book pairings. Don’t miss this deep dive into a historical, supernatural story!
 
Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.
 
Want to support Unabridged?
 
 
Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Our 2024 Spooky Reads Recommendations

Are you looking for some spooky reads to get you in the Halloween spirit? We’re back with our 2024 spooky recommendations, perfect for curling up with as the nights get longer. Whether you’re in the mood for dark fairy tales or eerie adventures, we’ve got two books that will give you chills!
In this episode, Ashley recommends Melissa Albert’s The Hazel Wood (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), a dark, atmospheric fairy tale with twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Jen suggests Katherine Arden’s Small Spaces (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), a creepy middle-grade novel that delivers plenty of suspense and eerie moments, making it perfect for readers of all ages.
Get ready for a frightfully good time with these spooky reads! Also, just a reminder that this season, we now have a shop on Patreon where you can purchase book discussion guides and other resources. You do not have to be a patron to purchase from the shop, so feel free to take a look even if you are not patron! We appreciate your support!
 
Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.
 
Want to support Unabridged?
 
 
Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Jas Hammonds's WE DESERVE MONUMENTS - September 2024 Book Club

Have you ever wondered what family secrets are hiding just below the surface? In this episode, Jen and Ashley dive into Jas Hammonds' stunning debut, We Deserve Monuments.
 
As seventeen-year-old Avery navigates the tension between her mother and her terminally ill grandmother, we unpack the complex relationships, hidden histories, and simmering truths that drive this story forward. We discuss how Avery’s search for answers shakes the foundation of her world. Join us as we explore this emotional and thought-provoking novel about family, identity, and the price of truth.
 
We now have resources available for purchase on Patreon; these do not require a membership. We appreciate your support so much, and it helps cover the cost of maintaining our podcast. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.
 
Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.
 
Want to support Unabridged?
 
 
Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.