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Explaining The Ever King to People Who Haven’t Read It | Season 6 Bonus Chaos
Welcome to this Season 6 bonus episode of That Pretentious Book Club!
What happens when only half of a book club reads LJ Andrews’s spicy romantasy hit The Ever King… and then have to explain the entire plot to the club members who know absolutely nothing about it?
Confusion. Unjustly hot characters. Questionable explanations. Wheezy’s golden retriever. General unhinged behavior.
Welcome to this bonus episode of That Pretentious Book Club, where we tried something completely new — and things went almost exactly as you'd expect.
In this episode: ✨ Two hosts read The Ever King by LJ Andrews ✨ Two hosts go in blind ✨ Everyone attempts to survive the retelling while maintaining the ability to look each other in the eyes
Whether you've read The Ever King cover to cover or have no clue what this romantasy phenomenon is about, this episode is equal parts detailed recap, hot takes, and disaster.
Let us know in the comments: 📚 Have you read The Ever King? 😂 Should we do more episodes like this?
That Pretentious Book Club is a Story Sirens Studio production, made in collaboration with The Story Emporium & Bookshop in Hutto, TX.
Come see us in person to browse our shelves, yap about books, explore irresistible literary merch, and more: https://www.thestoryemporiumandbookshop.com
Looking to browse online while still supporting the shop? Visit us at Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/shop/thestoryemporiumandbookshop
More of an audiobook listener? Switch to Libro.fm and support indie bookstores like ours: https://libro.fm/thestoryemporiumandbookshop
Visit Story Sirens Studio online for more about our podcasts, hosts, writing retreats, and more: https://storysirensstudio.com/
Welcome to Season 6 Episode 8 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode, the hosts dive into The Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine—a beloved young adult fantasy filled with courage, sisterhood, and the kind of quiet bravery that lingers long after the final page.
We’re also breaking in our brand-new microphones (so yes, we sound a little different), while Wheezy shares more about her first pregnancy and current pregnancy than anyone wants to know and we all learn some interesting new fun facts about Dr. Spoons Palermo.
Expect sincere moments, ample chaos, and plenty of laughter-riddled discussion about what makes this story such a classic—from its gentle worldbuilding to its deeply human characters.
☕ Pour yourself a cup of tea 📚 Grab your copy 🗡️ Join the club for our discussion of The Princesses of Bamarre!
That Pretentious Book Club is a Story Sirens Studio production, made in collaboration with The Story Emporium & Bookshop in Hutto, TX.
Welcome to Season 5, Episode 23 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode (the last episode of Season 5!), hosts Spoons, Wheezy, and Gino dive into the girl-power-inspired world of Just Ella by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This Cinderella retelling flips the classic tale on its head, exploring the harsh realities and pressures of royal life for our beloved protagonist, Ella. As Ella navigates the treacherous waters of palace protocol and a less-than-charming prince, the club unpacks the book's take on freedom, independence, and true love. Expect passionate debates, side-splitting tangents, and the always-unpredictable antics of the hosts.
Don't forget to pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this engaging discussion of Just Ella!
Reserve your spot at the Story Sirens Studio Fall Writing Retreat now! https://storysirensstudio.com/retreats
Welcome to Season #2 Episode #5 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Spoons and Wheezy are joined by two very special guests as they dive into the thrilling and possibly most-impossible-to-put-down classic, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. With a unicorn collection of four English lit majors with their own unique opinions on this novel, the insight shared in this episode is at times deeply fascinating and extremely ridiculous.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Jane Eyre.
Welcome to Season #2 Episode #4 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this first-ever remotely recorded episode, Spoons and Wheezy discuss the masterpiece that is The Picture of Dorian Gray by all-time favorite author Oscar Wilde. From the low-down on Ash's mermaid retreat to personal anecdotes of the hosts' exploits in Dublin (including being inexplicably attacked by Irish children), and unbridled adoration for Wilde's comic genius, it's safe to say the hosts find plenty to talk about both on and off-topic.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Welcome to Season #2 Episode #3 of That Pretentious Book Club!
Spoons and Wheezy are joined by darling guest and fellow writer Karissa (AKA Katherine) Harlow in this super special and hypothetically-much-anticipated episode on A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. The trio slides quickly from debate over the hottest Disney prince/villain and tales from introverted college life to in-depth discussions regarding their love (and hatred) for this spicy favorite of faerie romance and fantasy lovers.
Pour yourself a cup of anything but faerie wine, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR).
Welcome to Season #2 Episode #2 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Spoons and Wheezy discuss popular enemies-to-lovers YA fantasy, Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin. In this truly chaotic episode, the hosts debate everything from the legitimacy of Ash's main-character-syndrome and the appeal of star-crossed lovers to what a trope looks like when it's done well.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Serpent and Dove.
Welcome to Season #2 Episode #1 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In the first episode of Season 2, Spoons and Wheezy are thrilled to discuss the snootiest-of-literary-masterpieces - Emma by Jane Austen. From club updates and exciting plans for the new season to in-depth and philosophical discussions about whether Emma and Mr. Knightly are too siblingish for romance, this episode marks a triumphant return from the club's seasonal hiatus.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Emma.
Spoons and Wheezy just want to remind everyone that That Pretentious Book Club is taking a one-week hiatus to celebrate the end of Season 1! Come back next week for the first episode of Season 2, Emma by Jane Austen, and until then enjoy catching up on any missed episodes, check out our Patreon, and reach out on social media to let us know which book you liked (or hated) the most from this season!
As always, lots of love to everyone in That Pretentious Book Club and remember to keep your teacups full, pinkies high, and book club pretentious until we get back!
Welcome to Season #1 Episode #22 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In the last episode of That Pretentious Book Club's first season, Spoons and Wheezy discuss the lightly steampunk fantasy masterpiece that is Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. From romantic leads that are exactly equal in their irresistibility to insanely compelling characters, it's hard to not to fall in love with this book, especially one throuple in particular. If you're looking for a beautifully crafted fast-paced fantasy set in 1800s London, this is the book - and the episode - for you.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Clockwork Angel.
Welcome to Episode #21 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Spoons and Wheezy discuss The War of the Worlds by potentially-quite-stuck-up father of science fiction, H.G. Wells. From conversation about unnecessarily healthy babysitting snacks to debating the merits of causing a scene, the hosts definitely don't stray off topic at all as they take on this early piece of science fiction, complete with alien invasions and mass panic.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The War of the Worlds.
Welcome to Episode #20 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Spoons and Wheezy are finally back in their own studio and ready to discuss the gripping psychological thriller that is Nine Perfect Strangers by New York Times Bestselling Author Liane Moriarty. Join the hosts as they do their best (and worst) Australian accents, discuss the pains of never-drying nail polish, and debate what meal would be given to them at Tranquillium House if they were to attend a spooky health retreat like the nine perfect strangers did.
Pour yourself a cup of tea (or a non-psychedelic smoothie), raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Nine Perfect Strangers.
Welcome to Episode #19 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this very special episode Spoons introduces the club to her long-deceased boyfriend, the infamous Billy the Kid. In this fast-paced, beautifully crafted Western by award-winning writer Larry McMurtry, readers get an inside look at the life and psyche of one fictional iteration of one of U.S. history's most mythologized non-fictional outlaws.
Pour yourself a cup of tea (or a glass of whiskey), raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Anything for Billy.
Welcome to Season 5, Episode 21 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode, Spoons and Wheezy deep-dive into listener recommendation North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. This Victorian romance is rife with more than just yearning (although make no mistake—the yearning is copious), and also features fascinating social commentary and confirmation that humans have always been humans. Featuring the first truly in-depth author bio the club has covered in a while, this slightly-longer-than-usual episode is bound to have you in fits, with the hosts doing their best to remind you why this podcast is shelved under "comedy" on your listening app of choice.
Skippers jump to 37:39
Now pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of North and South!
P.S. Wheezy may or may not have lost her editing notes for this episode—so if you catch a few extra “um”s, awkward pauses, or rogue throat clearings, just pretend it’s part of the authentic Victorian atmosphere.
Welcome to Episode #18 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this very nautical episode, Spoons and Wheezy discuss favorite drinks, mermaid-ing, and most importantly the horror-fantasy masterpiece that is House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig. In this re-telling of the twelve dancing princesses fairytale, Craig expertly weaves tragedy, magic, and romance into one truly terrifying and utterly mind-bending story.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of House of Salt and Sorrows.
Welcome to Episode #17 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this somewhat echoey episode, Spoons and Wheezy discuss the merits of social media, origins of the word waifu, and whether or not Heathcliff truly can be called a romantic lead. From wuthering moors to a cast of intense characters that make you wonder who you're supposed to root for, this book presents a truly wild and somewhat disturbing ride.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Wuthering Heights.
Welcome to Episode #16 of That Pretentious Book Club!
Spoons and Wheezy are thrilled to invite you to their discussion of YA fantasy favorite The Raven Boys by author Maggie Stiefvater! From comparisons to popular anime characters and adoration of old muscle cars, to fangirling over each and every one of the Aglionby boys, this particularly nerdy episode has something for every YA fantasy fan. The hosts are joined in this episode by special (and noisy) guest Shaylee the Great Dane, accompanied by her very real fear of storms.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The Raven Boys.
Welcome to Episode #15 of That Pretentious Book Club!
Join Spoons and Wheezy as they share personal stories of gastrointestinally complicated pet adoptions, painful accents, and - of course - discussions of the The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy! If you like stories set against the backdrop of the French revolution, clandestine spies, romance, and himbos, this is the classic for you.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The Scarlet Pimpernel.
Welcome to Episode #14 of That Pretentious Book Club!
Join Spoons and Wheezy as they revisit a childhood (and current) favorite: Rick Riordan's The Lightning Thief! Topics of conversation include: the origin of the endearment "Uncle Rick," blue food, and why boxy car models are superior.
Pour yourself a cup of nectar, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The Lightning Thief.
Welcome to Episode #13 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this week's episode, Ash and Kendall cover that timeless sci-fi classic, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? which was the loose inspiration for Blade Runner. Of course, the convo doesn't end there. Enjoy as our hosts cover such important topics as misogyny TikTok, the importance of fiction, and why comedy/action is the best genre of film.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Welcome to Episode #12 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode (recorded too late at night not to be a little silly), Spoons and Wheezy jump straight into the adventure, passion, and baby spice that is Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck. From Indian mythology to tragic curses and adventure scenes that could put Indiana Jones to shame, this book was hard to put down. While the hosts found the love interests (one in particular) absolutely infuriating, this bestselling story full of magic, romance, and handsome tigers was well worth the read.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Tiger's Curse.
Welcome to Episode #11 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Spoons and Wheezy settle in to discuss the book which inspired popular Netflix series by the same name, The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis. The hosts discuss everything from cappucinos versus fries to the artful way Tevis represented the experience of childhood, puberty, and adulthood of chess prodigy and master, Beth Harmon. With very special and somewhat loud apperances from Ash's cats
Pour yourself a cup of tea (or something stronger - in moderation of course), raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The Queen's Gambit!
*This episode briefly touches on mature themes from the book including sex, abuse, and drugs/alcohol, and may not be suitable for listeners under the age of 13.
Welcome to Episode #10 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Spoons and Wheezy step into popular YA thriller Wink Poppy Midnight by April Genevieve Tucholke. From conniving high schoolers to lovesick heroes and a plot that seems to bend the rules of reality without ever stepping outside the lines, it's hard to tell which way is up in this intensely complex, pseudo-mystery novel.
Pour yourself a cup of strawberry tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Wink Poppy Midnight!
Welcome to Episode #9 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Spoons and Wheezy fly off to Neverland as they discuss J. M. Barrie's most famous work, Peter Pan, with a special appearance from Wheezy's cats. In a story rife with perplexing-yet-magical amounts of whimsy, bumbling pirates, salty fairies, and flying children, there is something nostalgic for everyone in this well-loved classic.
Pour yourself a cup of imaginary tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Peter Pan!
Welcome to Season 5, Episode 20 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Wheezy and Gino slip into the shadowy world of The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides—an unsettling psychological thriller and the second book by this author the club has covered this season! Fueled by a hilariously fitting cocktail, chaos quickly takes the reins as our hosts try to piece together the tangled threads of a story where silence speaks louder than words—and nothing is ever quite what it seems. Expect unexpected feline interference from Flora the Void Cat, scattered memories of mind-bending plot twists, and the creeping suspicion that someone—or something—isn’t telling the whole truth.
Skippers jump to 40:21
Now pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The Silent Patient!
Welcome to Episode #8 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this last special episode on the Grisha trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, Spoons and Wheezy are joined by special guest Dr. Hal to discuss Ruin and Rising. From an underground cathedral with a creepy priest to the edge of a cliff over misty falls, Sankta Alina, Mal, and our favorite Prince Nikky have one more chance to stop the Darkling (who is somehow still hot). With another dramatic summary from Wheezy and plenty of delightfully entertaining commentary in-between, lovers (and haters) of the Shadow and Bone trilogy will enjoy this final special episode.
Pour yourself one last splash of kvas and join the club for this discussion of Ruin and Rising!
Welcome to Episode #7 of That Pretentious Book Club!
Spoons and Wheezy are joined by none other than father-of-Kendall and former english teacher Darren Shaw in this episode on Of Mice and Men by the great John Steinbeck.For those who are wary of classics, this book serves as a vibrant and fast-paced breath of fresh air (if you can look past the ending - which Wheezy is determined to do). With intensely complex characters and imagery that leaps off the page, it's impossible not to feel invested in the protagonists' quest toward an ever-illusive dream.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Of Mice and Men!
Welcome to Episode #6 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this special episode, Spoons and Wheezy focus down on an in-depth summary of Leigh Bardugo's second book in the Grisha trilogy, Siege and Storm. What will Alina do when she is faced with choosing between her own freedom or that of her country? And is life without power freedom at all? With a maddeningly moody love interest, delightfully snarky pirate, and an intensely gripping plot, who couldn't love this book?
(Listeners who have not listened to TPBC's Episode #4 on Shadow and Bone will probably want to do so first.)
Pour yourself another splash of kvas and join the club as they embark upon Book 2 of the renowned Grisha Trilogy!
Welcome to Episode #5 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode, Spoons and Wheezy get into it over one of the world's most well-known tragedies, Hamlet by William Shakespeare. While Wheezy is skeptical of just about everything in this story, Spoons delights in the bard's darker side. Whatever side of the Hamlet love-hate spectrum listeners fall on, there is undoubtedly plenty to abhor, ridicule, and marvel in gruesome fascination at in this famous (or infamous) play.
Pour yourself a cup of tea (or a mug of ale) and join the club for this discussion of Hamlet!
Welcome to Episode #4 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode, Spoons and Wheezy explore the Grishaverse in the first book of Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy, Shadow and Bone. With another meet-the-author story and a dramatic summary, even those who haven't read the book will enjoy this episode. From marveling at Bardugo's world-building prowess to debating the hottest fantasy profession, the hosts find plenty to adore, laugh at, and delight in.
Pour yourself a splash of kvas and join the club for this discussion of Shadow and Bone!
Welcome to Episode #3 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode, Spoons and Wheezy explore F. Scott Fitzgerald's arguably best-known book, and the tragedy that was and is again, the 20s. From fabulous champagne parties to heartbreakingly unattainable dreams, Fitzgerald perfectly demonstrated the rampant disillusionment of his times. Find a glass and raise a pinky as the hilarious (and humble) TPBC hosts draw connections from this jazz-age masterpiece to the modern-day, using wit and laughter to lighten some otherwise dark subject matter along the way.
Pour yourself a cup of something fizzy and join the club for this discussion of The Great Gatsby!
Welcome to Episode #2 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode, Ash and Kendall dive into one of Kiera Cass's lesser known books, The Siren. Although better known for popular YA series The Selection, The Siren is a sweeping fantasy where one superhuman girl is caught between her love for a human boy and a far more dangerous love, The Ocean. Despite the gravity of some of the content in this book, the TPBC hosts know how to find the humor in anything, peppering their discussion of this book with laughter, wit, and general absurdity. As a bonus, Kendall shares a personal anecdote about the author and Ash discusses her potentially unhealthy and lifelong obsession with mermaids.
Pour yourself a cup of tea and join the club for this discussion of The Siren!
Welcome to Episode #1 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode, Dr. Spoons Palermo (Kendall Shaw) and Wheezy No-Last-Name (Ash O'Rourke) dive into Jane Austen's most well-known novel, Pride and Prejudice. From debates over delightfully ridiculous characters, inspiring moments of honor, and breathtaking displays of wit, these hosts had no end of fun fawning over a mutual favorite. Enjoy a snappy summary, author bio with information you might have never heard before, and pure comedy gold woven into the opinions of two highly-sophisticated and dangerously comedic ladies. Pour yourself a cup of tea and join the club!
In this special episode, Wheezy (aka Ash O'Rourke) is joined by guests Lacy Rising and Madison Hull to dive into the romantasy sensation that has taken the internet by storm – Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros!
Surprisingly on-topic (no skip notes needed this time!), this trio doesn't have to search hard for juicy details in this spicy, action-packed fantasy. Tune in as we break down the plot, characters, and all the moments that have made this story capable of capturing so many imaginations.
Grab a cup of tea, raise your pinky, and join the club for this chaotic yet thorough review of Fourth Wing.
And don't forget to follow Lacy Rising on Instagram @author_lacyrising for more literary goodness!
Welcome to Season 5, Episode 18 of That Pretentious Book Club!
This week, Spoons, Wheezy, and Gino are venturing into a world of treacherous fae, forbidden love, and a Cinderella story like you've never seen before. In Ash by Malinda Lo, we’re diving deep into a fable reimagined—a tale of grief, magic, romance, and a powerful journey of self-discovery.
Tune in as we give this enchanting novel a thorough review, complete with the full spectrum of pinkies-up ratings, ranging from “must-read” to “meh, not so much.”
Skippers jump to 29:42
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Ash!
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 17 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Spoons, Wheezy, and Gino dive headfirst into the wildly popular academic folkloric fantasy, Emily Wilde's Encylopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett. Get ready for some serious fangirling over Wendell Bambleby—who somehow manages to be both a golden-haired prince AND a bad-boy dreamboat, and a main character who is nothing less than an inspiration to the hosts (and probably all women everywhere). From swooning to snarking, we can’t help but gush, laugh, and go off about this enchanting, hilarious, and occasionally curmudgeonly cast of characters. You won’t want to miss it!
Skippers jump to 21:10
Pour yourself a cup of tea (or hot chocolate), raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Emily Wilde's Encylopaedia of Faeries!
It's that time of year again! Are you ready to throw out the time codes and embrace the nonsense?
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 16 of That Pretentious Book Club and Episode 117 of The Scripturient Society -- also known as the 4th Annual Story Sirens Studio Christmas Party!
Join the hosts for a series of bookish games, deranged laughter, and friendship as all four hosts come together for the first time ever for this holiday extravaganza. This year you can look forward to (or possibly fear), a return of Lewis's custom madlibs and a shockingly dark Christmas chain story.
Keep your teacups full, pinkies high, and we'll see you on the next pretentious page! Did we do that right?
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 15 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Spoons and Wheezy discuss cozy regency romance Merry Little Match by independent author Celine Rachelle. Inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (an all-time and iconic pod-favorite) but taking place during Christmas, this story is positively bursting with holiday cheer and all the enemies-to-lovers vibes an Austen girlie could wish for.
Skippers jump to 37:23
Pour yourself a cup of tea (or wassail--however that's pronounced), raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Merry Little Match!
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 14 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Gino and Wheezy discuss the absolutely gripping thriller The Fury by Alex Michaelides. This novel takes place on a private Greek island when an ex-movie star's spontaneous vacation is derailed by a shocking murder, told in a series of five acts by an unreliable narrator who--let's face it--we would all love to be friends with (at least for a little while). This story takes the locked-door-murder-mystery trope and turns it on its head for a high stakes, fast-paced, irresistible story rife with allusions to Greek mythology and reflections on the human condition.
Skippers jump to 28:00
Pour yourself a cup of tea (or a "perfect" martini), raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The Fury!
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 13 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Spoons and Wheezy come to you (recorded) live from "Girl World" to discuss classic young adult novel The Outsiders, by master-of-her-craft S. E. Hinton. This coming-of-age novel has more than earned its spot in middle and high school reading curriculums, and may just be begging to take up residence on your TBR list this year.
With what we are going to call "thought-provoking interruptions" from Wheezy's tiny dragonslayer (assuming those thoughts are about the importance of hiring babysitters), Ash and Kendall find plenty to talk, laugh, and cry about in this discussion of one of the best pieces of classic literature your high school syllabus has to offer.
Skippers jump to 19:00
Pour yourself a cup of chocolate milk, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The Outsiders!
Welcome to Season 6 Episode 7 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode, the hosts dive into The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig—a lush, atmospheric fantasy filled with prophecy, devotion, and an overachieving heroine. For once, the hosts find themselves surprisingly aligned on most of the book… except for the love interest—which, yet again, sparks some spirited disagreement.
Expect some swooning, side-eyeing, and lively debate as the group unpacks this story, the amazing worldbuilding, and characters that range from beloved to loathsome.
☕ Pour yourself a cup of tea
📚 Grab your copy
🦋 Join the club for our discussion of The Knight and the Moth!
Note: Video episodes are mostly raw footage with minimal editing. For polished audio and time-edited episodes, find That Pretentious Book Club wherever you listen to podcasts.
That Pretentious Book Club is a Story Sirens Studio production, made in collaboration with The Story Emporium & Bookshop in Hutto, TX.
Come see us in person to browse our shelves, yap about books, explore irresistible literary merch, and more: https://www.thestoryemporiumandbooksh...
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 12 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Wheezy and Gino fill their glasses and dive into the sweet, slightly nostalgic young adult fantasy Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones--the inspiration for Studio Ghibli's 2004 Japanese animated fantasy film of the same name.
From comparisons between the relative "thirst-worthiness" of Howl in the book versus the movie, to life lessons we can all learn from Sophie Hatter, the hosts had their work cut out for them fitting this episode into a remotely acceptable length of time.
Skippers jump to 23:35
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Howl's Moving Castle!
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 11 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Spoons, Wheezy, and Gino team up for a (slightly out of control) discussion of YA sci-fi/fantasy Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte. Catch up with the club, sit back, relax, and listen to some very mixed opinions about this book.
Skippers jump to 12:16
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Four Dead Queens!
Note: Pod-baby was under the weather and joined the club for this episode, so don't be surprised if you hear some...energetic...commentary from Wheezy's kiddo.
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 10 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode Spoons and Wheezy return for a rousing (and mildly deranged) discussion about none other than the infamous tragedy Macbeth by the bard himself, William Shakespeare -- or as the club may better know him, good ol' Billy Shakes.
Join Ash and Kendall as they dive into the spooky, treacherous, and questionably... feminist...?
Skippers jump to 26:53
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Macbeth!
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 9 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode the club makes a spectacular return from its extended hiatus with the addition of new co-host Myrissa "Gino" Yokie! Join Ash (AKA Wheezy) and Gino as they celebrate this return with a fittingly chaotic and humorous discussion of YA fantasy Chaos and Flame by Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton.
Skippers jump to 13:38
Pour yourself a cup of tea (or fizzy wine), raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Chaos and Flame!
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 9 of That Pretentious Book Club and Episode 103 of The Scripturient Society!
After a long, unannounced hiatus, Wheezy and Spoons return for this bookish holiday extravaganza--and introduce a new little member of the pod crew while they're at it!
Join sister podcasts and Story Sirens Studio productions The Scripturient Society and That Pretentious Book Club in this third annual Christmas party for readers, writers, and nerds, and lovers of babies! This year the hosts witness a return of the bookish madlibs and a wholesome yet theologically confusing Christmas chain story. Join the story sirens as they celebrate the season in true comedic-yet-literary fashion!
For all the storytellers out there, keep writing, and we'll see you on the next page!
Find this season's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores!
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Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke now available on Amazon!Find us on social media @thescripturientsociety
Visit the pod online at storysirensstudio.com
Check out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for some refreshing book club comedy!
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 8 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode not only does Ash returns in all her Wheezy glory, but the club is also joined by pod-sister-graphic-designer Maddie Hull for a truly rousing discussion of The Catcher in the Rye byJ.D. Salinger. With a polarizing protagonist and a painfully relatable (to some) portrayal of the teenage experience, this is a book that is renowned for being entirely loved or entirely hated. One thing is for certain, Spoons, Wheezy, and even the club's special guest host this episode have STRONG opinions and plenty to say (and laugh) about when discussing this classic.
Skippers jump to 30:52
Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The Catcher in the Rye!
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 7 of That Pretentious Book Club!
This very special episode is hosted by none other than Dr. Spoons Palermo and Pod Nurse Haleigh (usual host Wheezy has taken a break this episode due to-well-her wheezy-ness). In this episode Spoons and Haleigh discuss King of Scars by our queen of fantasy, Leigh Bardugo! The first book in the final duology to the Grishaverse focuses on the dangers facing former-prince-now-king Nikolai of Ravka, Zoya, Nina, and other beloved characters from the universe. Join the club as these hosts swoon over our boy Nikolai and find PLENTY to laugh about from the truly hilarious to the absurd in this fan-favorite!
Skippers jump to 10:35
Pour yourself some kvas, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of King of Scars
*please note: this episode contains brief discussion of sexual assault, violence, and other sensitive topics as relevant to the book*
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 6 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode the hosts discuss one of the most famous American novels of all times - I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by the ever-impressive and eternally inspiring Maya Angelou. Despite facing periodic censorship due to the sensitive nature of some of this book's content, this autobiography of the famous Maya Angelou has changed hearts, minds, and captured souls ever since its initial publication, revealing a society that in same ways seems eons away, despite being a shockingly recent part of our history. Join the hosts as they gush over this literary hero and one of her greatest masterpieces, finding every opportunity to lighten the mood along the way.
Skippers jump to 22:11
Pour yourself a drink, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings...
Welcome to Season 5 Episode 5 of That Pretentious Book Club!
In this episode the hosts discuss "the book Kiera wasn't writing" - AKA the long-awaited YA fantasy novel A Thousand Heartbeats by master-of-her-craft Kiera Cass. Joined again by pod-astrologist-Katherine, the club has plenty to say about this beautiful, action-packed story full of twists, turns, and unforgettable characters - but will the hosts opinions align with one another or will dissension be the order of the day...?
Skippers jump to 20:14
Pour yourself a drink, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of A Thousand Heartbeats...