To Be Read – Details, episodes & analysis

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To Be Read

Julie and Vanessa

Arts

Frequency: 1 episode/42d. Total Eps: 19

Join two best friends, Vanessa and Julie as they talk about their favorite things, books. From reviews and deep-dives, to navigating the book world and being unapologetically true to yourself and what you like to read.

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Data updated on 14/07/2026

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Genre Jumpstart: Gateway Books for Every Kind of Reader

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 • Duration 46:35

Trying a new genre can feel overwhelming, so we’re making it easy. In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite gateway books for readers who want to branch out into fantasy, romantasy, sci-fi, romance, literary fiction, historical fiction, horror, thrillers, classics, and YA.

These aren’t necessarily the “best books of all time.” They’re the books we think are the best place to start: approachable, fun, and strong enough to make you want to keep exploring. We also talk about the biggest hang-ups readers have with each genre, from fantasy world-building and sci-fi intimidation to romance stigma, classics trauma, and the idea that YA is only for teens.

Pick a genre you’ve been nervous to try, and let this be your jumpstart.

Books and genres discussed include:

Fantasy:

Assasin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb (Farseer trilogy)
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent (The War of Lost Hearts trilogy)
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Romantasy:

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy
The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson (Book 1: A Kiss of Deception)
Runebreaker by Mila Finch
The Poison Daughter by Sheila Masterson

Sci-Fi:

Enders Game by Orson Scott Card
The Martian by Andy Weir
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Murderbot by Martha Wells
The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey (First book: Leviathan Wakes)
We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor

Contemporary Romance:

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Unbound: A Novel by Peyton Corinne
Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
When in Rome series by Sarah Adams
The Bodyguard: A Novel by Katherine Center
The Windy City series by Liz TomForde (Book 1: Mile High)
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
Problematic Summer Romance by by Ali Hazelwood
Dear John by Nicolas Sparks
Dusty Britches by Marcia Lynn McClure

Historical Fiction and Literary Fiction:

Horse: A Novel by Geraldine Brooks
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by nnie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
James Percival Everett
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Horror and Thriller:

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
Don't Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews
Hazelthorne by C. G. Drews
Anathema by Keri Lake

Classics:

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin

Young Adult:

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Saint Anything by Sara Dessen
John Green (author)
Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans
Prison Healer by Lynette Noni

⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️

00:00 Introduction

03:37 Fantasy

12:32 Romantasy

17:23 Sci-fi

22:14 Contemporary Romance

32:12 Literary Fiction and Historical Fiction

37:12 Horror and Thriller

41:03 Classics

43:10 Young Adult

45:24 Closeout

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Red Rising: I Would Have Lived in Peace…

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 • Duration 47:26

This week, we’re diving deep into Red Rising by Pierce Brown, the explosive first book in the bestselling Red Rising Saga. Part dystopian sci-fi, part brutal survival story, and part emotionally devastating rebellion, Red Rising follows Darrow of Lykos as he is torn from the mines of Mars and remade into a weapon meant to infiltrate the ruling Golds from within.

In this full Red Rising book discussion, we break down Darrow’s transformation, the Society’s color-based caste system, the horrors of the Institute, and the book’s biggest themes of power, oppression, identity, revenge, justice, and revolution. We also talk favorite characters like Mustang, Sevro, Cassius, and Eo, the betrayals and alliances that shape Darrow’s path, and the unforgettable moments that made us realize Pierce Brown was absolutely not messing around.

From “I would have lived in peace, but my enemies brought me war” to the rise of the Reaper, we unpack why Red Rising remains one of the most gripping science fiction and dystopian fantasy books out there, and why it lays such a legendary foundation for the rest of the series.

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CONNECT WITH US!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Fantasy Task Force Draft: Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, Red Rising & Lord of the Rings

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 • Duration 45:39

What happens when we build the ultimate fantasy task force using characters from some of the most iconic series ever? Absolute chaos, questionable strategy, and a lot of passionate character defending.In this episode, Julie and Vanessa each draft their perfect six-person task force, pulling from Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Red Rising, and The Lord of the Rings, plus one wild card character from any book to serve as the chaotic sixth member. We break down who made the team, who almost made the cut, and which runner-ups caused the most emotional damage.Along the way, we dive into why we love these characters so much, from their strength and loyalty to their growth, flaws, trauma, leadership, and full-blown unhinged energy. Expect character analysis, fantasy debates, chaotic hypotheticals, and plenty of “but hear me out” moments.If you love fantasy books, morally complicated characters, found family, powerful character arcs, and wildly unserious bookish debates, this episode is for you.

Please note, deep dive videos contain spoilers.

⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️

00:00 Introduction and Task Force objective

03:00 First Pick– Aragorn LOTR0

4:48 First Pick– Darrow O'Lykos Red Rising

08:13 Second Pick– Aelin Ashryver Galathynius TOG

11:46 Second Pick– Gandalf the White LOTR

14:03 Third Pick– Lorcan Salvaterre TOG

16:27 Third Pick– Sevro au Barca Red Rising

19:45 Fourth Pick– Galadriel LOTR

21:40 Fourth Pick– Nesta Archeron ACOTAR

24:35 Fifth Pick– Azriel ACOTAR

26:18 Fifth Pick– Manon Blackbeak TOG

29:47 Wild Card– Rocky Project Hail Mary

32:44 Wild Card– Ian Malcolm Jurrasic Park

35:45 Runner Ups

The Dystopian Renaissance Continues | Part 2

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 • Duration 44:49

The dystopian renaissance continues in part two of our dystopian book series. In this episode, we’re discussing Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton, Bones by K.L. Speer, and Daggermouth by H.M. Wolf. We dive into dystopian fiction, dark worldbuilding, oppressive systems, survival, rebellion, resistance, and the high-stakes tension that makes dystopian books so addictive. If you love dystopian books, speculative fiction, post-apocalyptic stories, book recommendations, and deep book discussions, this episode is for you. Tune in for more book podcast episodes, reading recommendations, and conversations about dystopian, fantasy, and speculative fiction.

⏱️ CHAPTERS⏱️

(00:00) Introduction and Dystopian Renaissance

(01:21) Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton

(14:08) Bones by K.L. Speer

(25:45) Daggermouth by HM Wolfe

(43:55) Wrap up and Next Books

🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.

CONNECT WITH US

TikTok⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Apple Podcast⁠ | ⁠Spotify Podcast

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Welcome to the Dystopian Renaissance | Part 1

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 • Duration 45:11

Dystopian books are back, and we are fully here for it. In part one of our dystopian books deep dive, we’re discussing To Cage a Wild Bird by Brook Fast, along with Conform and Beneath by Ariel Sullivan. We get into the dark worldbuilding, high-stakes survival, oppressive systems, rebellion, and the tension that makes dystopian fiction so addictive for readers. If you love dystopian books, speculative fiction, post-apocalyptic vibes, dangerous societies, and stories about resistance and control, this episode is for you.

In part two, we’ll continue the dystopian book spiral with Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton, Bones by K.L. Speer, and Daggermouth by H.M. Wolf. Follow for more book talk, book recommendations, reading deep dives, and genre conversations for fantasy, dystopian, and speculative fiction readers.

⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️

(00:00) Introduction and Dystopian Renaissance

(02:47) To Cage a Wild Bird by Brooke Fast

(12:42) Conform by Ariel Sullivan

(29:16) Beneath by Ariel Sullivan

(43:55) Wrap up and Next Books

🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔

CONNECT WITH US!⁠

Spotify- To be Read TikTok | Instagram | |

The 5-Star Rating System Has Lost the Plot

Season 2 · Episode 2

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 • Duration 49:25

In this episode of To Be Read, Vanessa and Julie get deep into the weeds of their reading lives, from how they pick their next read to how they organize their lists and what makes a book-reading experience really work. But this conversation is also a bit of an intervention for the 5-star rating system, because frankly, it has lost the plot. Reading is too personal, too emotional, and too nuanced to fit neatly into one little number. So by the end of the episode, they share the custom ranking system they created instead, one that captures more of what a book actually made them feel, think, and experience.

Brief books mentioned (no spoilers):

ACOTAR by Sarah J. Maas

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

A Shadow of the Gods by John Gwyn

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Bones by K.L. Speer

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas

Heartless Hunter (Crimson Moth) by Kristen Ciccarelli

Jade City by Fonda Lee

A Feather so Black by Lyra Selene

Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

Don't Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews

Caravel by Stephanie Garber

Tres of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

WE ARE SO BACK

Season 2 · Episode 1

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 • Duration 51:44

Julie and Vanessa make their triumphant return to the podcasting world. After a year-long hiatus, they’re back to discuss where they’ve been and what they’ve been up to, and of course, what they’ve been reading. Join along for a recap of their favorite reads of 2025, they’re most anticipated reads of 2026, and what books they’ve read so far this year and loved. It’s a gab fest, and it’s a great time, and baby we are so back!

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Season 1 Finale: Best Lines in Books

Tuesday, November 5, 2024 • Duration 55:20

As we wrap-up season one of the podcast we discuss our best lines in books. What hit us right in the feels? What was profound? What was the best declaration of love? We're all over the place and a little emo. Happy listening!

Books Mentioned:

Bridge of Clay by Marcus Zusak

Air Awakens by Elise Kova

The Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown

Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien

Manacled by SenLinYu

All the Young Dudes by MsKingBean89

and more!

Find us on social media: Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.pod ⁠ / toberead.pod ⁠ Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.pod ⁠ / toberead.pod ⁠ Check us out on Youtube: ⁠@tobereadpodcast ⁠

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Let's Talk Villains

Season 1 · Episode 10

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 • Duration 48:25

Happy Halloween Week!

This week's episode is all about our favorite villains. Are they handsome and morally grey? Crazy and completely unpredictable? Born evil? Some we absolutely detest, and some we can't help but love. Find us on social media: Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.pod ⁠ / toberead.pod ⁠ Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.pod ⁠ / toberead.pod ⁠ Check us out on Youtube: ⁠@tobereadpodcast ⁠

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ACOTAR

Tuesday, October 22, 2024 • Duration 01:21:10

It's FINALLY HERE! The ACOTAR episode. Sit down and get comfy--its time to head to Prythian. Spoilers lay ahead for ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City.

Find us on social media: Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.pod⁠ / toberead.pod ⁠

Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.pod⁠ / toberead.pod

⁠Check us out on Youtube: ⁠@tobereadpodcast ⁠

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To Be Read – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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Apple Podcasts

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To Be Read – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Instagram2

Tik Tok2

Spotify1

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Instagram2

Tik Tok2

Spotify1