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Summary: Travel back in time with us to one of history’s most prolific literary periods (and, if Holly says so herself, peak fashion as well). Today our hosts discuss books set between the 1830s and 1900, a period known commonly as the Victorian period after Queen Victoria of Britain. With a strong emphasis on social morality, industrialization and elaborate ornamentation, both romance and thriller stories set in this era are vivid, chaotic, and gothically influenced.
Topics Discussed:
The Dagger (3:58): Holly discussed Things in Jars by Jess Kidd, a mystery with fantastical elements following Bridie Devine, a female detective who investigates the kidnapping of Christabel Berwick. Cristabel is the secret daughter of Sir Edmund Athelstan Berwick; he is a wealthy collector of oddities and this daughter of his is rumored to have supernatural abilities–which have captured the unwanted attention of collectors trading curiosities in this age of discovery. Holly’s key takeaways were:
The characters are the stars of this book and bring wonderful quirky and eccentric energy. A few favorites include a charming tattooed boxer who happens to be a ghost, a newt-eating girl-maybe-mermaid, and a formidable seven-foot tall maid.
The novel’s setting in Victorian London adds to its gothic tone, with vivid descriptions of the city’s foggy streets, eerie riverbanks, and strange, shadowy characters who dwell in its hidden corners. It is a perfect time period for this story, given the age of discovery and fascination with the strange and macabre while still hanging onto a lot of superstition.
The writing (especially the first quarter) felt like it was trying too hard to fit every descriptive long word in, which can trip up a reader and prevent them from feeling super invested. That being said, over time that experience does improve and the end made even the unflappable Holly emotional.
The Heart (15:35): Devin discussed The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes by Cat Sebastian, a Victorian-era romance following Marian Hayes, the Duchess of Clare, after she shoots and kills her husband. Due to a spot of blackmail, she connects with highwayman and con artist Rob Brooks and after some misunderstandings, some light bondage, and a mutual agreement the duo flee across the country to build, hopefully, a new future for them both. Devin’s key takeaways were:
Marian and Rob (as well as everyone else) are constrained throughout the story by the strict societal and cultural pressures mandated by the Patriarchy and the Aristocracy. Rob strives at all times to reject the privilege of his aristocratic history, and Marian seeks freedom from her abusive marriage (nailed it, killed him) and the fallout a woman can suffer when seeking liberation in the Victorian era.
Eschewing dresses and feeling most comfortable in breeches, Marian is a heroine to root for. While each character has their own journey and there’s a uniting plot similar to Robin Hood, everyone is empowered in their own way and the interplay of Rob’s sunshine charisma and Marian’s standoffish efficiency is a blast to read.
While the tension and connection between Rob and Marian is strong from the start as the reader experiences the letters they write to each other (blackmail to banter, a new favorite trope), this is not a traditionally steamy book. Marian’s trauma from her pregnancy and abusive marriage has reframed how she wants to experience intimacy, and Rob’s acceptance of her situation makes modern men look pathetic compared to this Victorian king.
Hot On the Shelf (34:02):
Holly: The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden
Devin: Cleat Cute by Meryl Wilsner
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (37:10):
Holly: The Great British Baking Show
Devin: Trousdale
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: While many authors dream of the day when their story will be picked up by Simon and Schuster, many more decide not to wait for their own IP or publisher. These brave, creative souls write fanfiction. One of the most popular ships in the fanfic world is that of Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger - iconic hero and villain characters from the Harry Potter franchise. Join Devin (seasoned Dramione and fanfic reader) and Holly (experiencing her first ever fanfiction for this episode) as they explore the oft-overlooked world of fanfic.
Topics Discussed:
The Heart (5:31): Devin discussed Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love by isthisselfcare, a friends to lovers tale set after the Harry Potter books end. Draco has a successful career as an Auror, an amicable relationship with his colleagues Ron and Harry, and a new assignment guarding his former nemesis - Hermione Granger. Hermione straddles the Muggle and Magical worlds as a medical researcher and Healer, but her most recent discovery has put her in danger and Draco Malfoy may be the only person who can keep her safe. Devin’s key takeaways were:
This is one of the most common ships in the Harry Potter fanfiction universe, and for a good reason. Hermione’s sassy, fiery hyper-competence combined with Draco’s bad boy but soft cinnamon roll vibe is a combo that readers never get sick of. They go toe-to-toe with banter, witticisms, and are both very attractive people. The redemption arc for Draco assisted by Hermione also feels accurate to their characterizations.
A lot of this story is centered around exploring those who have power (magic, political, physical, etc.) and those who do not. Both Draco and Hermione in their respective ways are fighting for those weaker than them and the plot arcs toward an ultimate battle against a known villain we all hated but never got their comeuppance in the cannon.
If you think intelligence is hot, boy, this is the book for you. Both Draco and Hermione are at the top of their craft in different ways and find their respective talents and cleverness alluring, which makes this an absolutely fantastic read for nerds. The author clearly did a ton of in-depth research on medicine, mathematics, and magical theories to make this story feel accurate to real, modern life (with a magical twist).
The Dagger (16:26): Holly discussed Regression by WritexAboutxMe
The fanfiction is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers narrative, combining elements of suspense with intense emotional and psychological depth. It includes mature themes such as PTSD and trauma recovery, as well as moments of sexual tension between the characters.
For a fanfiction, the settings of the story were fantastic; Draco’s Paris flat, Neville and Luna’s cozy cottage for example. The mystery was intriguing amidst the cozier places as Draco and Hermione sought to understand how the bodies had runes carved into them, trying to get to the bottom of what they meant and who might be responsible.
If you’re used to reading published works, the lack of editing and juvenile tone can be off-putting in this story. Be mindful of things like the length (600-800 pages equivalent), some sudden and explicit mentions of sex, and Harry calling our protagonist “‘Mione” nonstop.
Hot On the Shelf (36:24):
Devin: Fang Fiction by Kate Stayman-London
Holly: Christine Falls by Benjamin Black
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (39:32):
Devin: Nobody Wants This on Netflix
Holly: Rings of Power Season 2 on Amazon Prime
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Summary: Grab a bowl of brains and hunker down for a perfect theme for spooky season - the Undead! Today Holly and Devin sink their teeth into these legendary creatures; deceased but actually alive, depicted as everything from vampires, zombies, mummies and skeletons. Whether you vibe with Brendan Frasier in the iconic 1999 film or are a huge fan of The Walking Dead, these beings have captured our imaginations for centuries for a great reason.
Topics Discussed:
The Dagger (3:37): Holly discussed Dread Nation by Justina Ireland, an alternate history novel where the Civil War ended not because of political agreements or military victories, but because the dead begin to rise on the battlefield at Gettysburg, forcing both Union and Confederate forces to confront a new, common enemy: the undead. We follow Jane McKeene as she is trained in the art of combat against the undead (called Shamblers) at Miss Preston’s School of Combat for Negro Girls in Baltimore. Jane becomes increasingly disillusioned with the system and matters escalate when she and her friend are sent to Summerland, a western settlement that harbors dark secrets. Holly’s key takeaways were:
Ireland was inspired to write this book after reading “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies”; it is unlikely that women who didn’t even dress themselves would be zombie fighting machines, and would likely have relied on their ladies’ maids instead. Ireland uses this speculative angle to shed light on the very real history of the United States and the implications of racism both then and now.
The Shamblers are pretty classic zombies: slow-moving, rotting, and relentless in their pursuit of human flesh. They can turn others into shamblers through bites, similar to traditional zombie lore and hoards of shamblers roam the countryside.
Jame is resilient, a master at surviving and must navigate the tricky path of how much one has to compromise their morals in order to survive; she is faced with illusions of safety and the crumbling facade of corruption while holding onto friendships and the trust she shares with her schoolmates.
The Heart (15:55): Devin discussed Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match by Sally Thorne, a reimagining of the Mary Shelley classic that follows Victor’s younger sister who has been unlucky in love. A great scientific mind but known as being a bit odd, she’s run out of suitors but strikes upon a solution as she assists her brother with his groundbreaking reanimation experiments; she’ll make her own! A lucky (and gorgeous) corpse lands on her lab table and soon, Will is (re)born. But will the spark of life lead to a spark of love? Devin’s key takeaways were:
This novel was such a fun re-imagining of the Frankenstein story. It keeps all the same creepiness and gothic energy without the moral quandary of hating your creation and instead falling in love with it. Will is a dashing, galant, and not-too-wonky reanimated corpse that any reader will root for.
Angelika as a protagonist is the twist this story needed; Thorne explores the power and powerlessness of women in this era, especially within the scientific community through Angelika and the scrapes her crew gets into.
Whenever you’re reanimating a dead body, you have to wonder if our lives are controlled by fate or by our own choices - is everything a coincidence or is it all meant to be? Throne uses a familiar tale to explore the implications of choice for characters and when love truly does conquer all, including death.
Hot On the Shelf (29:28):
Holly: Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
Devin: Hot Hex Boyfriend by Carly Bloom
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (33:10):
Holly: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives on Hulu
Devin: English Teacher on FX/Hulu
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: Grab your ouija boards and candlesticks, folks, it’s time to get messages from the other side! Today, Holly and Devin dabble in the world of Mediums! Whether you’ve visited a medium yourself or don’t believe in ghosts, our hosts are leaning into spooky season by discussing books that feature folks who can (well, can they really, though?) commune with the beyond.
Topics Discussed:
The Heart (5:01): Devin discussed Happy Medium by Sarah Adler, a spooky romance following Gretchen Acorn, a grifter who delights and consoles the grieving of DC by “channeling” their dearly departed. When her best (richest) client asks her to speak to a ghost who is making it impossible for her bridge partner to sell his farm, Gretchen reluctantly agrees. When she realizes that a) the bridge partner is NOT an old, crotchety man named Charlie Waybill but a super sexy youthful farmer and b) that the ghost is real and named Everett, Gretchen has to confront that maybe she’s less of a fraud than she thought, and in much bigger trouble than she ever thought possible. Devin’s key takeaways were:
Our protagonist presented as a fraud is a surprise at the start but adds authenticity to the rest of the story. In DC she uses her roommate who works various service jobs and a ton of internet sleuthing about the dead person, but heading to Gilded Creek Goat Farm her facade fades away and all she’s left with is a real ghost and her annoying, growing feelings for a real life man.
Gretchen, Everett and Charlie must all face the gap between who they pretend to be and who they actually are over the course of the book. While Gretchen is a straight up grifter, all three of them have falsehoods and fake parts of their lives (or afterlives) that are holding them back and keeping them from living authentically and, for the living, finding love.
This bucolic setting of Gilded Creek was phenomenal. The old farm with lots of knitted sweaters and afghans, early mornings and willow trees by brooks with weekly farmer’s markets was idyllic and the perfect setting for this slightly spooky, very wholehearted story.
The Dagger (17:30): Holly discussed Hazardous Spirits by Anbara Salam, a psychological historical fiction novel set in 1920s Edinburgh, Scotland that follows Evelyn Hazard as she sprints to her sister’s house to call a doctor for her husband, Robert. He’s started acting strangely and saying he can see spirits, and Evelyn worries he is losing his mind. But is he? Tension mounts as Evelyn grapples with the social and logistical implications of the one person who might reveal what she’s hiding about the death of her sister, Dolores. Holly’s key takeaways were:
This story draws you in from the very start; the narrative is close third person so the reader is only shown part of what is happening and is dropped into the world by following Evelyn around as she’s navigating this new, scary situation.
While yes there is tension and suspense, Salam also explores beautifully the nature of grief; Robert wants to use his gift to help comfort people who have lost loved ones, which is almost everyone because of the recent world war and flu epidemic.
The characterization across the board from protagonists to side characters is fantastic; Evelyn and Robert are super interesting as well as Evelyn’s mother; Salam captures the small, pathetic moments of being human that anyone can relate to while also exploring the supernatural.
Hot On the Shelf (33:23):
Devin: Briefly Perfectly Human by Alua Arthur, Death Doula
Holly: The Empusium by Olga Tocarczuk
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (38:24):
Devin: The Decameron on Netflix
Holly: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: Welcome to Episode 9, our final of the special Throne of Glass series, friends! Aelin, her court, and every character we’ve grown to love (or hate) come together for this epic finale in the heart of Terrassen. Today we explore Kingdom of Ash Part 2, the eighth (or ninth depending on your reading order) book in ToG. With a push to destroy the Wyrdkeys and save their world, Aelin, Dorian, Rowan, Yrene, Manon and other key players must come together to vanquish the united front of Maeve and Erawarn, who are supported by the full might of Morath.
We have both been reading the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas, a mutual favorite author who we celebrated in a previous LoveFest episode. We have been releasing monthly special episodes in which we debrief on each book as we go throughout the series and have finally come to the end!
We encourage you to read this series and play our 9 published episodes as you go; enjoy our reactions, speculations, and gushing as we explore this fantastical world.
As a reminder, each episode has spoilers for the book being discussed and any of the books we've read previously, with this final episode spoiling the whole dang thing.
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/shop/heartsanddaggerspod (purchases support our work)
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: Welcome to spooky season (nerd edition) friends! Today Holly and Devin explore a joint favorite career through grim and gleeful stories - librarians. While both our hosts fantasized about working in libraries and being able to read all the time surrounded by thousands of books, they’ll settle today for a chat about when librarians can use books for good, or for evil. Listen in to hear how librarians have important roles to play in any genre and are always a worthwhile addition to a good story.
Topics Discussed:
The Dagger (4:21): Holly discussed How Can I Help You by Laura Sims, a psychological suspense novel following Margot, a librarian in a small town public library. No one has any reason to suspect that Margot is in fact Jane, a nurse with a trail of premature deaths in her wake. Enter Patricia, a new reference librarian who starts working with Margot and gets curious about her past. Holly’s key takeaways were:
The suspense and writing of this novel stand out. Sims alternates between staggered timelines from Margot’s and Patricia’s points of view, with Margot’s voice being especially crystal clear and unique.
Sims explores themes of obsession and addiction; Margot is obsessed with and addicted to feeling as if she’s “helping others” (in a very twisted way) and we watch Patricia become obsessed with Margot who acts as her muse (in a very twisted way).
If you enjoy dark, almost so dark it's funny, character-driven suspense stories, especially involving libraries and medical malpractice, this story is for you.
The Heart (14:28): Devin discussed The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna, a novel following Mika Moon, one of the few witches in Britain, as her solitary life is upended by an invitation to tutor three young witches in the remote and mysterious Nowhere House in Norwich. Finding community she’s never had, Mika must also navigate her simmering dynamic with the handsome (if standoffish) librarian of the house, Jamie. Devin’s key takeaways were:
Everything about this book screams “cozy” and sparkles and safety and joy. Even when a dead body is uncovered it’s somehow beautiful. Magic in this book floats around like gold dust and Mika can see it around her; it’s rambunctious and well-meaning but gets up to tomfoolery.
The biggest struggle Mika, Jamie and the other characters in this book must confront is their own loneliness. Mandanna does an incredible job articulating this complicated emotion and how it can impact adults and children alike; it’s a manifesto on the importance of human connection.
Nowhere House has a special collection of very rare books and Jamie presides over this unique and beautiful section of an otherwise chaotic house. The importance of books, reading, and the physical space Jamie guards and protects plays a major role in the story.
Hot On the Shelf (35:23):
Devin: The Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Holly: Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (38:31):
Devin: Veep on HBO Max
Holly: Pachinko season 2
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: Welcome to Fall, friends, and dive into Spooky Season with Holly and Devin today. Our hosts are launching their favorite season of the year with our 7th LoveFest! We’re diving deep into the Practical Magic series by Alice Hoffman - a four book, multi-generational saga following the Owens witches as they explore, grow, and combat a curse that keeps them all from long-time love. Hoffman’s style is known for its connection to nature, the focus on women, and a bittersweet treatment of life and aging. Whether you read these books in publication or chronological order, you’re in for a witchy treat!
Topics Discussed:
Practical Magic (10:19):
After their parents die, Sally and Gillian are raised by their eccentric aunts, Frances (Franny) and Jet Owens, in an old house filled with the scent of herbs and magic. The aunts openly practice witchcraft, and while this fascinates the girls, it also causes them to be ostracized by the townspeople.
The Owens women are notorious in their Massachusetts town for their magical abilities and are rumored to be cursed in matters of love; any man who falls in love with an Owens woman is doomed to an untimely death.
The sisters have contrasting personalities: Sally is practical, responsible, and yearns for a normal life, while Gillian is wild, impulsive, and eager to escape the confines of her small-town life.
The Rules of Magic (20:50):
Prequel to Practical Magic, going back to tell the story of their aunts from book 1
The novel is set in the 1960s and follows the lives of three siblings: Franny, Jet, and Vincent Owens, who live in New York City. They come from a long line of witches, but their mother, Susanna Owens, forbids them from practicing magic or interacting with the supernatural. Despite their mother’s strict rules, the siblings are irresistibly drawn to magic.
Magic Lessons (27:45):
The story begins in the 1600s in England, where Maria Owens is born under mysterious circumstances. She is abandoned as an infant in a snowy field but is found and raised by Hannah Owens, a healer and practitioner of the “Nameless Art” (magic). From Hannah, Maria learns about herbs, healing, and magic. Hannah also gives her the essential rule that will shape Maria’s life: "Always love someone who will love you back."
Maria is betrayed by the man who once declared his love for her, who she follows to Salem, Massachusetts. Maria's experiences with love lead her to create the infamous Owens family curse: that any man who loves an Owens woman will meet a tragic end. This curse is born out of Maria's heartbreak and becomes a central element in the Owens family's history, affecting generations to come.
The Book of Magic (35:54):
The novel opens with Jet Owens receiving a sign that her time is near. As she nears death, she hears the "deathwatch beetle," a sound that heralds the impending death of an Owens family member. Before she dies, Jet leaves behind a letter revealing the key to breaking the family curse that has plagued the Owens women for centuries.
This novel ties together the stories of multiple generations of the Owens family, focusing on their quest to finally break the family curse and achieve a future where love does not result in tragedy.
Jet’s death deeply affects the family, especially Sally’s daughters, Kylie and Antonia. In the wake of Jet’s passing, Kylie discovers that the curse may have already started affecting her own life. She is in love, but fears for the life of her beloved.
Hot On the Shelf (45:59):
Holly: The Book of Witching by CJ Cooke
Devin: The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (49:10):
Holly: Playing piano again
Devin: Experiencing live music at the Dillon Amphitheater
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: Welcome to Episode 8 of our special Throne of Glass series, friends! Aelin is being tortured and held inside an iron coffin by Maeve and her lackey, Cairn. Lysandra plays her at the front, Rowan will stop at nothing to find her, and things are looking very grim for our heroes. Today we explore Kingdom of Ash Part 1, the seventh (or eighth depending on your reading order) book in ToG. As Maeve and Erawan begin to make their final moves, the grand tapestry of friends, allies and lovers across continents must come together and find a way to overcome horrible odds and an existential evil.
We have both been reading the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas, a mutual favorite author who we celebrated in a previous LoveFest episode. We will be releasing monthly special episodes in which we debrief on each book as we go throughout the series.
We encourage you to read along with us throughout the year–or at whatever point you’re jumping into these episodes–and enjoy our reactions, speculations, and gushing as we explore this new fantastical world.
As a reminder, each episode will have spoilers for the book being discussed and any of the books we've read previously, but we won't give spoilers beyond that point. Episodes will continue to drop each month until we finish the series.
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/shop/heartsanddaggerspod (purchases support our work)
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: Welcome to the final stop on our Summer Road Trip Series, friends! Today, Holly and Devin sip some tea while sheltering from the Seattle rain in Washington State. With cozy vibes that can quickly turn sinister, this state is ripe with potential for stories in either wheelhouse for our hosts. Culturally and literally this state is rooted in nature and the natural world, which can highlight the most epic loves or the darkest, chilling terrors. We’re so delighted you joined us for our road trip and are excited to dive into Spooky Season with you next!
Topics Discussed:
The Heart (4:08): Devin discussed Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur, a sapphic romance following Darcy Lowell and Elle Jones after a disastrous first date turns into a fake-dating relationship of convenience. Both trying to escape pressures from family, the no-nonsense actuary Darcy and the earnest astrologer Elle agree to play the part of lovers through the holiday season, but fate (and the stars?) have a different plan for them. Devin’s key takeaways are:
This novel takes place in Seattle and everything about it from the location descriptions to the characters themselves speak to that quirky, offbeat but sincere culture. Things are a bit slower, the rain creates a vibe, and everyone is more in-tune with their feelings in this neck of the woods.
Astrology is a major player in the entire trilogy by Bellefleur. The book has fun astrological tidbits woven throughout (what song are you based on your astrological sign, etc.) and is a huge part of Elle’s career, life etc. and how Darcy ends up authentically connecting with her.
This story was one of Devin’s favorite “opposites attract” and “fake dating” trope stories she’s run into for the last several years. Elle and Darcy are both so authentic, their issues so valid and their situation so feasible feeling that it’s impossible not to buy in.
The Dagger (16:27): Holly discussed The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean, a crime fiction story centered around Ellie Black - a 19 year-old who stumbles out of the Washington State woods and back into the world from which she disappeared when she was kidnapped two years prior. Detective Casey Calhoun works with Ellie and is determined to get to the bottom of what happened to her, but has a hard time getting straight answers. With personal investment in uncovering the truth, Calhoun must discern if it’s trauma or if Ellie is hiding something. Holly’s key takeaways were:
The concept and tropes in this book aren’t groundbreaking–disappearing girls, seasoned detective determined to solve it–but somehow Jean made the story feel fresh with fantastic execution. Jean deeply established the characters themselves, which balanced well with the story that unravels in alternating POVs and timelines.
Jean examines themes like misogyny and misplaced affection; Ellie’s perspective is told as though she’s speaking to someone, although we’re not sure who, if it’s the detective or someone else. It goes back and walks the reader through what she experienced while kidnapped, which is pretty chilling.
There was a decent sense of place as being in the Pacific Northwest, especially when experiencing the vastness of the woods that Ellie is held within and from which she emerges.
Hot On the Shelf (31:40):
Holly: The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Devin: A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (37:13):
Holly: Frasier
Devin: Getting creative with a glass blowing class!
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: Holly would like to welcome you to her state! On this stop of their Summer Road Trip Series, Holly and Devin discuss books set in the sunny, lovely California. Whether you’re basking in the glitz and glam of Hollywood in LA, sipping wine in Napa Valley or dancing in the queer energy of San Francisco, this state truly has it all. That applies to books as well - from serial killers to rich people behaving badly to epic romances, Holly and Devin feel like they’d never run out of Cali stories to enjoy.
Topics Discussed:
The Dagger (4:52): Holly discussed Good Rich People by Eliza Jane Brazier, a psychological thriller following Lyla, her husband Graham and his mother Margo as they play “The Game” i.e. inviting people to live in their guesthouse under the pretense of helping them, only to secretly manipulate and destroy their lives. Enter Demi, an unhoused woman who has jumped at the chance to better her own lot in life and will absolutely not go down without a fight. Holly’s key takeaways were:
The sense of place wasn’t a huge part of the book but the story utilized specific aspects of Los Angeles specifically in a way that felt real-to-life and effective. No other city is as well positioned to tell a story like this, contrasting great wealth against great poverty.
This book highlights a huge issue that a lot of the country is facing, and which cities like Los Angeles in particular face: the wealth gap and housing crisis. The contrast of Demi’s life compared to Lyla and Graham’s highlights the callousness and cruelty that can arise from extreme privilege. It questions the morality of the wealthy and the lengths they will go to maintain their status.
Brazier takes on a satirical tone and creates unlikeable characters in Good Rich People; the sharp way Brazier writes in Lyla’s voice, for example, expressing her disdain for the less-than-wealthy, had Holly laughing out loud because it was so gross and so spot-on. The depiction of rich people is extreme and requires some suspension of disbelief; the reader can easily question if very wealthy people are quite this overtly awful and criminal.
The Heart (19:26): Devin discussed The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center, a novel following Emma Wheeler as she gets the chance of a lifetime to collaborate on a romantic comedy film script with the world-famous and award winning Charlie Yeates. Having lived in Houston, TX her entire life caring for her disabled father after a rock climbing accent when she was young, Emma’s leap to LA is in crisis right away when she realizes Charlie didn’t know she was coming and does not want a collaborator. Stuck in his mansion together, can these enemies find common, rom-com ground? Devin’s key takeaways were:
This book had big Hollywood energy; Meryl Streep is featured as well as several fictitious stars and as Charlie takes Emma around the city we as the reader get to experience the glitz, glam, and privilege of the area. There’s heavy industry talk and focus for film and screenwriting which is enjoyable to delve into.
While yes, this is a romance, our protagonists’ journeys center more than anything on their careers. What does aspiration look like when you’ve dealt with so much trauma? How does one advocate for themselves in their career authentically? Emma and Charlie must face each other’s divergent paths as well as their trajectories in order to heal and grow together.
If you’re into trauma porn, this book is for you. Devin struggled a bit with just how many different threads of trauma exist for Emma and Charlie and how the book piles even more on as it goes. It was a bit of a miss here; a little less volume of trauma would have made the core trauma more emotionally gratifying.
Hot On the Shelf (38:12):
Devin: Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
Holly: The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (41:09):
Devin: The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris
Holly: House of the Dragon Season 2
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: Devin would like to welcome you all to her state! On this stop of their Summer Road Trip, Holly and Devin discuss books set in the Rocky Mountain state. Even though we’re all battling heat waves, both their books feature blizzards, being snowed in, and close quarters tension. In every other way, though, the plots differ drastically. Known for its outdoor culture, snow skiing, and craft beer this state has a lot to offer those seeking an adrenaline rush like our hosts!
Topics Discussed:
The Heart (5:21): Devin discussed The Gamble by Kristen Ashley, a second-chances romance that follows Nina Sheridan, a visitor to the mountain town of Gnaw Bone, as she finds herself stuck in a gorgeous A-frame home with the homeowner, Holden “Max” Maxwell due to a rental mixup. Escaping to Colorado to think about her future and her neglectful fiancé back in the UK, Nina was hoping for peace and quiet but Max brings anything but; can she withstand the allure of this sexy mountain man? Devin’s key takeaways were:
This is a quintessential Colorado book. Very strong sense of place, small town with resort energy on the sides and picturesque with the start of a blizzard and lots of good views, mountains, valleys, dive bars. Devin spent a good chunk of it wondering if it was modeled after the town she lives in specifically.
There are trigger warnings for sexual abuse and violence, physical violence and threats. This book has heavy trauma, for every single character; it classifies as trauma porn in a lot of ways. If you like watching people who have suffered and then work to support, grow, and love each other this book will work great for you.
There is a simmering tension between Max and Nina right from the start and while some of the build up is the annoying “interrupted” trope, it is a blast to read and experience. The book takes its time building everything and the side characters/town play a huge part, but the care, chemistry and overall vibes between our protagonists carry you through.
The Dagger (21:08): Holly discussed No Exit by Taylor Adams, a psychological thriller that follows college student Darby Thorne on her frantic drive home to Utah to see her dying mother. In the mountains of Colorado, a blizzard forces her to stop at a remote highway rest stop. Trying to find cell service in the parking lot, Darby discovers a little girl locked in an animal crate in the van near her car; the situation becomes increasingly dangerous from there. Holly’s key takeaways were:
The novel explores themes of survival as Darby must use her wits, courage, and resourcefulness to navigate the life-threatening situation and protect herself and the kidnapped girl. Adams underlines the moral choices characters make in extreme circumstances for good or evil; Darby’s determination to save the girl contrasts sharply with the kidnapper’s sinister motives.
We aren’t seeing broader life in Colorado, but the book uses the wintry elements to great effect to increase the tension and stakes in the story. The setting of the remote, snowed-in rest stop amplifies themes of isolation and vulnerability. The characters are cut off from the outside world, heightening the sense of danger and urgency.
No Exit has various twists and a nail-biting pace, even some horror elements. It reminded Holly a bit of The Shining just in the way of feeling trapped and isolated in a wintry wasteland. The reader feels the intensity of trying to survive as Darby uses her wits, courage, and resourcefulness to navigate the life-threatening situation.
Hot On the Shelf (35:54):
Devin: Micro Activism: How You Can Make a Difference in the World Without a Bullhorn by Omkari L. Williams
Holly: The Feast by Margaret Kennedy
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (39:07):
Devin: Bob’s Burgers
Holly: New rescue dog, Toki!
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: Grab a book and a slide of deep dish pizza, it’s time to visit Chicago folks! Today Holly and Devin discuss books set in the iconic city that brought us greats like The Bean and Al Capone. While neither host has a lot of experience in the midwest or in Chicago itself, they both think it’s a great setting for a book - especially in Holly’s darker wheelhouse. Stick around after the end credits for a spoiler-y romp through some horrifying details on her book today!
Topics Discussed:
The Dagger (3:05): Holly discussed The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker, a crime thriller that follows Detective Sam Porter as a bus accident that killed a man quickly turns into a hunt for the not-yet-murdered final victim of the Fourth Monkey Killer. He had been crossing the street to mail a package containing a human ear when the bus struck him down, but Sam’s work isn’t anywhere near over. Holly’s key takeaways were:
This book may be the most horrifying and messed up book Holly has ever read. Dual storylines follow the content of a diary the killer had on his person when he died and the current, real-time hunt for his final victim and both are deeply disturbing.
The novel explores the blurred lines between good and evil, as the 4MK sees himself as a punisher of wrongdoers rather than a mere killer. This moral ambiguity challenges readers to question what constitutes true justice and whether taking the law into one's own hands can ever be justified.
There isn’t a strong sense of Chicago, with the focus resting much more on action and the characters involved. The investigation roves around the city but without too much detail on place, and the diary feels more suburban family life vibes and the tone of it is very midwest, stilted 60s tone.
The Heart (19:09): Devin discussed Love at First by Kate Clayborn, a second-chances romance following Will Sterling and Nora Clarke after Will inherits an apartment from his uncle Donny. As the leader of the HOA in a six-unit building that has barely changed in decades, a new presence (especially one who wants to convert the unit for short-term renters) is a threat to everything Nora fights for. Feuding and at loggerheads, Will and Nora can’t help but notice there’s an undercurrent of something else in their fights and attempts to undermine each other. Devin’s key takeaways were:
The sense of place isn’t super strong in this book because the focal point is a single apartment building in Chicago. Will works at a hospital near the south shore and Nora is much further north. Later in the book there are more scenes set in popular Chicago, but otherwise it’s really a character driven story.
The tenants in the apartment building that acts as our focal point is a chosen, messy family. Both protagonists struggle with their own biological families and the trauma they got from their parents, but they also both seek found family in their community as it evolves.
The primary trope in this novel is enemies to lovers, but even that element is subtle and infused with a lot of emotional intelligence on both parts. It diffuses a lot of tension in the book; Devin was never stressed out or unsure about our protagonists even though it technically followed our classic arc. Alternating between Nora and Will’s perspectives, we go deep on who they are and their interior perspectives.
Hot On the Shelf (37:11):
Holly: Kingdom of Copper by S.A Chakraborty
Devin: A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (39:47):
Holly: Presumed Innocent on Apple TV+
Devin: We Are Lady Parts on Peacock
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: Welcome to Episode 7 of our special Throne of Glass series, friends! Leaving Aelin and her court behind this time, we follow Chaol and Nesryn as they visit a new part of the world and embark on their own adventures. Today we explore Tower of Dawn, the sixth (or seventh depending on your reading order) book in ToG. Chaol and Nesryn have traveled to Antica to achieve two goals: benefitting from their world-class healers to help Chaol walk again and secure the support of the Khagan in the war. Both become more complicated and more important and sooner than later we realize that no matter the physical distance, everything they do connects to Aelin and her struggle to overthrow the evil in Erilea.
We have both been reading the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas, a mutual favorite author who we celebrated in a previous LoveFest episode. We will be releasing monthly special episodes in which we debrief on each book as we go throughout the series.
We encourage you to read along with us throughout the year–or at whatever point you’re jumping into these episodes–and enjoy our reactions, speculations, and gushing as we explore this new fantastical world.
As a reminder, each episode will have spoilers for the book being discussed and any of the books we've read previously, but we won't give spoilers beyond that point. Episodes will continue to drop each month until we finish the series.
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/shop/heartsanddaggerspod (purchases support our work)
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: Howdy, partners! Stop number three on our road trip this summer is the Lone Star state - Texas! Join Holly and Devin as they take a romp around the second largest state in the union. It’s huge, it’s hot and as Holly underlines, tensions tend to run high. A melting pot of the West, the South, American and Mexican influences, Texas really does have it all. Holly and Devin share the ends of the spectrum with their books today.
Topics Discussed:
The Heart (3:55): Devin discussed Pumpkin by Julie Murphy, a novel that follows Waylon Russell Brewer as his private, quiet drag aspirations are exploded into the public sphere after his audition tape for Fiercest of Them All (a drag show à la RuPaul’s Drag Race) is released. As a cruel joke, he and his twin sister’s girlfriend Hannah Perez are nominated as Prom Queen and King respectively. Instead of caving to the bullies, Waylon and Hannah decide to play to win. Devin’s key takeaways were:
This is such a gay book; it’s amazing, it’s flamboyant, it’s loud and proud and includes so much drag. Waylon and his twin Clementine are both gay and we meet a myriad of other queer characters throughout. Whether some characters are already out or not, this book vibrates with positive energy for the queer community.
When you hear about a queer book set in Texas, you go in assuming a central tension will be community rejection of the queer character but that was not the case in this book. Waylon’s parents accept him and his sister right away and there’s a Prism group of fully out high school students - most people aren’t repressed and even one character comes out during the book. Yes there’s bullying and vitriol but the school supports LGBTQ students and the tone overall is uplifting and supportive.
As a high school story, this book explores the evolving sense of self we all remember from that age. While the focus is on Waylon with a first-person narrative structure, we see every character in the book evolve who they believe they are into who they can be.
The Dagger (15:47): Holly discussed Bluebird Bluebird by Attica Locke, a literary mystery set in East Texas in 2016. We follow Darren Matthews, a Texas Ranger who has recently been suspended and is called over to Shelby County to help investigate two bodies, one of which recently washed up on the shore of a local woman’s back yard. Holly’s key takeaways were:
Racial tensions abound in this novel. The bodies found were a Black man from Chicago and a local white woman. Darren also struggles with his own identity as a Black man and having to balance being a Texas Ranger with wanting to do right by his community, including the Black community that congregates at Geneva’s.
Locke underlines the importance and value of community, particularly how the Black community in the town has had to find joy and safety where they can. How places like Geneva’s serve as a haven for locals or anyone passing through.
Darren’s career has put strain on his relationship w his wife Lisa, so he’s also navigating being recently kicked out and wanting to go back, while also not wanting to give up his purpose or turn down cases like these.
Hot On the Shelf (34:25):
Devin: Lady Charlotte Always Gets Her Man by Violet Marsh
Holly: Like Mother, Like Daughter by Kimberly McCreight
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (38:12):
Devin: Riding a horse!
Holly: X-Men 97
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: Today Holly is joined by a special guest - Laura Tremaine, the host of the 10 Things To Tell You podcast and author of The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs and Share Your Stuff, I’ll Go First. Laura has been sharing her life online for over a decade. She writes about friendship, anxiety, motherhood, and marriage. Her posts and podcast episodes resonate with women looking for ways to connect more deeply with others as they transform from one era of life into another.
Laura’s favorite author is Stephen King, a masterful storyteller and a mutual favorite of Holly’s. She advocates for more women to read King and the value of owning that we love to be scared! Her 2024 Stephen King Summer Book Club began on June 1st; learn more about it during today’s episode and hear why Laura loves to add spooky to summer.
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod / @laura.tremaine / @10thingstotellyou
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Episode 64: The Carolinas
Summary: Welcome to stop two of our summer road trip around the United states - the Carolinas! Holly and Devin both have connections to these southern states (Holly’s bachelorette was in Charleston, SC!) but the books they brought today made them feel even closer to the region. Whether you’re curling up to read a sapphic romance or buckling up for a character-driven murder mystery, our hosts have something for you today!
Topics Discussed:
The Dagger (4:04): Holly discussed Decent People by De’Shawn Charles Winslow, a historical mystery set in the segregated town of West Mills in 1976. Josephine (Jo) Wright has returned back to her small hometown to marry her childhood sweetheart, Olympus “Lymp” Seymour. When the bodies of Lym’s three half-siblings are found, though, Lymp becomes the lead suspect and Jo must fight for her love and her community to uncover the truth. Holly’s key takeaways were:
This book explores shame in all its forms; the characters struggle with shame around their station in life, race, heritage and sexuality. It motivates certain people to hide and others to act, as Jo uncovers as she untangles the knots of relationships in her community.
As Joe begins to investigate those who might know the most about the deaths of her fiancés half-siblings, she uncovers darker secrets than she ever imagined. Winslow paints for the reader a slow story pivoting between townspeople connected to the victims; a pattern of cover-ups, racial incidents, homophobia and medical misuse.
Read this book if you enjoy character-driven mysteries, small town secrets and drama, a historical 1970s setting. North Carolina as a setting strikes a great backdrop for the themes Winslow explores.
The Heart (18:42): Devin discussed Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings, a floral sapphic romance set in Asheville, NC. Opal Devlin, a woman dressed as an ice cream cone and used to being taken advantage of by everyone she knows, finds the opportunity to achieve her dreams when she wins the lottery and purchases a flower farm where she envisions becoming an artist. Little does she know that Pepper Smith, an angry, gorgeous farmer, is waiting for her and sees herself as the rightful owner of Thistle and Bloom Farms. Enemies to roommates to… well. Devin’s key takeaways were:
This book is perfect for Pride Month! Opal is enthusiastically bisexual and has had a lot of experience with myriad genders, often with a lot of negative ones with cis men (see: her crappy ex Miles who keeps trying to get some of her winnings). Pepper identifies as a lesbian but has never felt like she can trust anyone enough to open up and actually have an intimate experience.
Opal moves from Charlotte to Asheville and the sense of place is strong in this novel; The Thistle and Bloom Farm is vivid, vibrant, and a microcosm of the rich culture in North Carolina. Pepper has never known any home outside of the farm and Opal is working on a new beginning herself, all couched inside of the verdant region.
Pepper has been diagnosed as on the autism spectrum. Opal is undiagnosed but knows that she is likely on the spectrum as well as having ADHD. They have both struggled in their lives with being taken advantage of by people who were supposed to love them and their neurodivergent experience bonds them and aligns with the way they each seek to build, finally, a safe space in which to thrive.
Hot On the Shelf (35:16):
Devin: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Holly: Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (38:59):
Devin: Pride Month and being out and proudly bisexual
Holly: Challengers with Zendaya
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
Keywords: Literature, Books, Reading, Bookish, Pop-culture, Thriller, Romance, North Carolina, South Carolina, The Carolinas, Summer Roadtrip, Decent People, De’Shawn Charles Winslow, Late Bloomer, Mazey Eddings, Just for the Summer, Abby Jimenez, Middle of the Night, Riley Sager, Pride Month, Challengers, Zendaya
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Summary: Welcome to Episode 6 of our special Throne of Glass series, friends! Aelin is on the move to build an army after being rejected from her rightful throne in Terrassen. Today we explore Empire of Storms, the fifth (or sixth depending on your reading order) book in ToG. Aelin’s court has just come together and is immediately at risk for being torn asunder. With monsters threatening from sea and air, within and without their group, Aelin must decide who she is and what she’s willing to sacrifice to save the world.
We have both been reading the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas, a mutual favorite author who we celebrated in a previous LoveFest episode. We will be releasing monthly special episodes in which we debrief on each book as we go throughout the series.
We encourage you to read along with us throughout the year–or at whatever point you’re jumping into these episodes–and enjoy our reactions, speculations, and gushing as we explore this new fantastical world.
As a reminder, each episode will have spoilers for the book being discussed and any of the books we've read previously, but we won't give spoilers beyond that point. Episodes will continue to drop each month until we finish the series.
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/shop/heartsanddaggerspod (purchases support our work)
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: We’re choosing the scenic route this summer as we travel around the United States book by book. Join Holly and Devin on their first stop today - Maine! Known for its lobsters, gruff people, rocky shores and gorgeous landscapes this state is the easternmost state of the 50. While the vibes skew much more toward Holly’s wheelhouse, we’re reminded that love can happen anywhere with Devin’s book.
Topics Discussed:
The Heart (4:01): Devin discussed Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes, a novel following Eveleth “Evvie” Drake as she becomes a recluse after the untimely death of her husband. Dean Tenney, former MLB pitcher whose career tanked after a case of the yips, seeks to find solace and escape by moving into Evvie’s spare apartment. They agree at the start - Dean doesn’t ask Evvie about her husband, and Evvie doesn’t ask Dean about his baseball career. As their rocky friendship solidifies into something more, though, they risk letting everything into the light. Devin’s key takeaways were:
Known as a very culturally New England, isolated place, Maine can also be a safe haven once you find your people. This state as the backdrop of this romance is perfect - there is pain, grief, and isolation but there’s also connection and building something sustainable out of the bedrock of the shoes of the region.
Both through the more traditional grief of losing someone and through the grief of losing the life you thought you’d live, Evvie and Dean work to recover together and the reader gets to see how people come back to themselves through the help of others.
While the premise is heavy, Holmes breathes this novel full of life, joy, and romantic connection. While not the steamiest book Devin has ever read, love is at the forefront as both the most challenging and the most healing thing our protagonists can do.
The Dagger (15:29): Holly discussed Granite Harbor by Peter Nichols, a novel that opens on three teenage boys skateboarding after dark and quickly turns even darker when a boy’s body is found at the historic settlement in Granite Harbor. We follow Alex, former writer and now detective in town as he investigates first one murder and then escalates as more bodies are found and the parents in town realize none of their teens are safe. Holly’s key takeaways were:
Both literally as well as within the history that lingers in Maine - its violence, its folklore and traditions, the need for survival in a harsh climate - all resonate throughout the book and serve to heighten the tension at every turn.
Nichols really packs a punch when it comes to gore and gruesome scenes (though it isn’t overdone). There are some gross, unsettling scenes in the story and Holly shares trigger warnings for animal cruelty and gore/violence.
A lot of this book explores the anxiety of parenting teens. We see characters like Isabel, who has just started working at the Granite Harbor Living History Settlement, struggle to navigate keeping her teenage son Ethan safe while often feeling helpless. Nichols highlights the tenacity with which parents will fight for their kids even when they’re almost grown themselves.
Hot On the Shelf (38:16):
Holly: The Mantis by Kotaro Isaka
Devin: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (41:10):
Holly: Ripley on Netflix
Devin: Anyone But You on Netflix
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: Today Holly is joined by a special guest - Sara Hildreth, the creator behind FictionMatters - a literary Instagram account, newsletter, and book club focused on putting thought-provoking books into the hands of adventurous readers. Sara also co-hosts Novel Pairings, a podcast dedicated to making the classics readable, relevant, and fun. As a former English teacher, Sara’s literary knowledge and thoughtfulness has greatly enriched the reading lives of thousands, including Holly’s.
Keep an eye out for Sara’s Paperback Summer Reading Guide 2024 and the Novel Pairings summer readalong of Les Miserables by Victor Hugo!
Topics Discussed:
Genre Fiction (2:03):
For Sara, Genre Fiction signals to the reader that it will be following certain templates, patterns, and tropes. There are expectations set through the genre, which is why some genre fiction is the most disappointing for readers because of those expectations.
No genre or designation is mutually exclusive - romances and mysteries can also be literary. Sara underlines that a lot of genre designations are more about marketing the books than they are about the actual content.
Genre fiction is important; to be a good reader of literary fiction you should know a lot about genre fiction. Genre fiction is a playground for tropes and knowing and understanding them can help readers recognize when authors are doing things with those tropes.
Dark Literature (15:37):
When Sara thinks of “Dark Literature,” she thinks of darker themes that explore those aspects of human nature and relationships. It can also describe the atmosphere of a book - think dark academia, for example. However, for Sara this remains loosely defined and really targets the “vibe” more than a hard definition.
Sara divides books in her mind between Light and Dark and Cold and Warm. Less of a fan of Light books, Sara does appreciate Warm and Cold books that have more or less heart and emotional depth. There can be aesthetic darkness without being psychologically bleak, and a lot of readers are drawn to subgenres like “cozy horror” that fit in different places in the quadrants.
Gothic Literature is often hallmarked by a heroine in a creepy house as she explores her own psychology. Sara extends the definition to books that play with the interior vs. exterior trust and reliability of a protagonist and macabre settings with a sprinkling of horror tropes to explore human motivation and psychology.
Classic + Modern Dark/Literary Books (24:49):
Classic:
Beloved by Toni Morrison
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
Frankenstein by Mary Shelly
Modern:
Never Let Me Go by Kazu Ishiguro
Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
The Keep by Jennifer Egan
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Hot on the Shelf (41:51):
Sara: This Strange Eventful History by Claire Messud
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (44:21):
Sara: Top Chef on Bravo
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
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Summary: We left money by the phone for pizza, listeners! The parents are out to dinner tonight while Holly and Devin discuss books featuring babysitting. Whether you made pocket money as a teenager or lived your best life as an Au Pair in Europe, most of us have experience babysitting and certainly being babysat. Books that explore the power, social, and logistical dynamics of babysitters with their employers and children usually go one of two ways, and Holly and Devin are the resident experts for both. Grab a slice of greasy cheese and get excited to hear them break it down.
Topics Discussed:
The Dagger (4:29): Holly discussed Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak, a supernatural thriller that inspires nightmares. Mallory Quinn is fighting for a new beginning after leaving rehab and lands a full time nanny position watching five year-old Teddy for the Maxwell family. Finding the stability she’s always craved and bonding with Teddy, Mallory thinks she’s found the solution to her future until Teddy’s adorable drawings take a sinister turn; Mallory must decipher the images and save Teddy before it’s too late. Holly’s key takeaways were:
A major theme of this thriller is second chances when all seems hopeless. Mallory’s struggle with addiction not only underlines the triumph of her new beginning but throws her into self-doubt; can she trust her recollections and experiences as Teddy’s drawings reveal what should be unbelievable?
The pictures add a unique and engaging twist to this story; Rekulak builds tension well by including the actual images of Teddy’s drawings in the book. The reader will be turning pages seeing normal stick figures of a kid, a bunny, the sun—and then unveil something super creepy.
Mallory’s relationship with the Maxwell family underlines the class and power dynamics often at play for babysitters; she moves into a well-to-do suburban setting, in drastic contrast to Mallory’s upbringing and her life recently as an addict on the Philly streets.
The Heart (23:06): Devin discussed Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez, a romance following Vanessa Price (YouTube sensation and world traveler) and her next door neighbor Adrian Copeland (a workaholic criminal defense attorney) as they are thrown together in order to care for Grace, Vanessa’s half-sister’s baby after the child is left on Vanessa’s doorstep with no warning. As friendship blossoms into something more, both Vanessa and Adrian must acknowledge that the last thing either could just be the thing they need most. Devin’s key takeaways were:
Adrian and Vanessa are on the opposite ends of the risk tolerance spectrum but for similar reasons. Trauma and fear drive them both to do what they do; for Adrian it's to do nothing at all and work nonstop. For Vanessa it's to experience as much as she can all the time, with no consistency or roots. Thrown together, the sparks fly as these polar opposites clash and connect.
Vanessa already lost her mother and sister to ALS, and she has a 50% chance of getting it herself. She lives with the assumption that she won’t make it past 30 years old. What do we do when we think right now is all we have? Does it make us love harder or avoid it? Jimenez interrogates this with her polar opposite protagonists.
In the physical form of baby Grace, both Vanessa and Adrian must confront their relationships with responsibility. Vanessa has spent her life avoiding real responsibility, obligations and deep connections because she doesn’t want to leave anyone heartbroken after her expected, untimely death. The reader examines with our protagonists the point at which love and responsibility meet.
Hot On the Shelf (40:13):
Holly: The Sleepwalkers by Scarlett Thomas
Devin: Outlive by Peter Attia, MD
What’s Making Our Hearts Race (44:06):
Holly: A Gentleman in Moscow Limited Series Show
Devin: Just For Us Standup Comedy Special by Alex Edelman
Instagram: @heartsanddaggerspod
Website: www.heartsanddaggerspod.com
If you like what you hear, please tell your friends and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so that we can find our perfect audience.
- Visa fler
