Dropping in with another spoiler-free episode for y'all! This one is all about my favorite (and least favorite!) recent reads. This list is pretty dated now as I recorded this a while ago so I will do an updated episode soon. I have read some absolute bangers lately that I really want to share. I also have a book vs. series adaptation episode coming your way as well as some audiobook recs. It's been a long time since I last uploaded and I'm so excited to be sharing some content with y'all. Hope ...
Jun 01, 2023•17 min
New content, who dis? We're going to be trying something new on the Booked Solid feed - short form, SPOILER-FREE, content! All of the information about this new series can be found at the beginning of this episode as well as important updates about season 3. For the first episode of this "short stories" series I will be discussing some of my favorite Greek mythology retellings plus a few that I'm eager to read. It was impossible to list all of them in one episode, so let me know if you'd like a ...
Oct 06, 2022•21 min
In this week’s episode I’m joined by Jainny from @jainnyreads to discuss Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades. Spoiler alert - this book is absolutely incredible and this was such a fun and special episode to record. This novel resonated so deeply with both Jainny and myself, and we dive deep into everything we loved as well as our own experiences as Brown Girls. If you haven’t read it yet, PLEASE do yourself the favor. P.S. An update on this season can be found here. Where to find us Donation...
Aug 01, 2022•47 min
In this week’s episode I am joined by Moe from @readingwithmoe to chat about Nobody’s Magic by Destiny O. Birdsong. Following the lives of three Black women with albinism, this breathtaking novel is told in three parts and features compelling and unforgettable characters. We’ll be discussing the nuance of each woman’s story, the role the title plays in the novel, and all the ways in which this novel grasped at our emotions. Where to find us Donation of the Week: The Trevor Project, a non-profit ...
Jun 20, 2022•30 min
Surprise! In today’s bonus episode I am joined by Kara Thomas, author of The Cheerleaders, That Weekend, and more to chat about her writing process, true crime, and which literary tropes we are ready to say goodbye to. I’m so excited to have Kara on the show (you can find my gushy review of two of her novels here) and her latest novel, That Weekend is available in paperback today! Where to find us Content warning: We briefly discuss true crime and topics related to it (i.e. missing persons, psyc...
Jun 14, 2022•36 min
In today’s episode I am joined by Élaina of Bookshelf Remix (another amazing book review podcast that you need to check out if you haven’t already!) to chat about Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke. Written entirely in slack messages between employees, this was definitely a unique read. We’ll be discussing what it means to be human, how technology plays a role in answering that question, and how a robot tells you when it’s full. Also! As you may have already seen, Élaina and I host a Gi...
Jun 06, 2022•42 min
For this week’s episode I’m joined by Tabitha from @bookmarkedbytab to chat about Brit Bennet’s debut novel, The Mothers. This book was especially exciting as The Vanishing Half was one our debut episodes, and Brit Bennett is beloved around these parts. We’ll be discussing the role the title plays in the novel, the major disappointment that is Luke’s character, and the complexity of Aubrey and Nadia’s friendship. Content Warning: This book deals with sensitive themes such as assault, abortion, a...
May 23, 2022•47 min
Wahala means trouble and oh do these girls get into it! In these week’s episode I’m joined by Jade from @goodreadswithjade to discuss Nikki May’s debut novel. Described as an Anglo-Nigerian Sex and the City, we definitely had high hopes for this one. We’ll be chatting about Isobel’s perplexing motivations, how on earth these girls are friends with each other, and why Didier is the true MVP. Where to find us Donation of the Week: Black Girls Code, a non-profit dedicated to providing young Black g...
Apr 18, 2022•48 min
Season 3 is in full swing! Today I’m joined by bookstagrammer Liz from @anotherreaderaccount to discuss Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. This book was something ELSE and let me just say that I finally understand the hype. We’ll be chatting about the complexity of Eva and Shane’s relationship, the precocious wonder that is Audre, and the sound advice from RuPaul that we all need to follow. Where to find us Donation of the Week: A list of over 30 organizations to support Ukraine can be found he...
Apr 04, 2022•52 min
Remember that big news I said would be coming soon? Well, it’s here! I present to you, Women of Questionable Morals (if you know, you know!) a Gilmore Girls analysis podcast created/hosted by myself and Élaina from @bookshelfremix. We could not be more excited about this and can’t wait to share it with y’all. Be sure to follow/subscribe for updates! If you have any episodes or themes that you’d like to see us cover, send us an email at woqmpod@gmail.com. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/Booke...
Feb 05, 2022•3 min
It's been a while! We're dropping in to fill you in on where we've been and chat about season 3 (which will finally be coming on April 4th!). We're switching things up a bit this season so listen in for what you can expect this time around. Also, keep your eye on this feed and our instagram for more big news coming in just a few days!
Feb 03, 2022•2 min
In today’s episode, Sariah is joined by her friend Jordan to discuss the sci-fi classic Dune. Rounding out at about 625 pages, there’s MUCH to be said (the length of this episode being exhibit A). This novel was 10x better than we imagined and if you take anything away from this episode, let it be that this is a must read. We’ll be chatting about the ramifications of Paul’s gift, the depth of Frank Herbert’s writing, and how this novel redefined an entire genre. Keep a lookout for a bonus episod...
Aug 16, 2021•58 min
We have an incredibly special guest today! Join Sariah in this episode as she chats with Erin A. Craig, The NY Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows, about all things spooky, her writing process, and her beautifully terrifying new novel, Small Favors, which is available today! Where to find Erin: Instagram @penchant4words, Twitter @Penchant4Words, TikTok @penchantforwords Small Favors B&N Special Edition: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/small-favors-erin-a-craig/1137975188?e...
Jul 27, 2021•53 min
Join Sariah in this bonus episode as she chats with her friend and fellow book lover, Kaila, about the novel currently taking the literary world by storm, The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Delila Harris. Described as “The Devil Wears Prada meets Get Out” there’s a lot to unpack with this one! Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid How to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast
Jul 23, 2021•41 min
Happy Birthday Booked Solid! Thank you all so much for the support you’ve shown us over the last year. We’re so grateful for this community and appreciate every one of you who’ve listened, liked, commented, shared, or subscribed. Happy reading and we’ll see you soon for season 3! Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid How to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast
Jul 20, 2021•46 sec
We’re baaaack! We missed y’all way too much so we’re dropping in with a few bonus episodes while we continue to work on season 3. In today’s episode Sariah will be sharing her thoughts on the highly anticipated Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon. A beautifully written novel that explores the weight of love and the many different forms that it comes in. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid How to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast
Jul 06, 2021•16 min
It’s our very first non-fiction episode! This week we’ll be discussing Thick: And Other Essays by Tressie McMillan Cottom. A powerful collection of essays that both validated and challenged us, in the best way possible. We’ll be chatting about disparities in the healthcare system, the impossible (and often contradicting) standards placed on Black women, and why we (like Tressie) hate LinkedIn. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid Donation of the Week: https://bwhi.org/donate/ How to s...
Mar 31, 2021•55 min
We’re dropping in with a bonus episode on Somewhere in the Dark by R.J. Jacobs. A true psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end! Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid How to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast
Mar 15, 2021•31 min
This week we’re discussing The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. A novel that explores the weight of regret and roads less travelled. We’ll be chatting about Nora’s journey, the beautifully immersive writing, and the role of perspective in this novel. Content Warning: This book deals with sensitive themes such as situational depression and suicide. We do not go into detail, but we reference these topics a few times throughout the episode. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid How to suppo...
Mar 08, 2021•44 min
Welcome to the very first Booked Solid Awards! We’re taking a look at everything we covered during season 1 and awarding our favorites. We’ll be handing out best plot twist, best character, best adaptation, and more! Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid How to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast
Mar 01, 2021•36 min
For our Valentine’s Day bonus episode we’re covering the YA romance, Love is a Revolution by Renée Watson. This book resonated with us in so many ways (representation matters)! We’ll be discussing how trust is the foundation of relationships, the impact of respectability politics on the black community, and the importance of self love. Mentioned in the episode: From author Renée Watson: https://zora.medium.com/amp/p/6e01d9e10f7e YouTuber Tee Noir’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LVe9CEL...
Feb 14, 2021•1 hr 8 min
In today’s episode we’ll be chatting about One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus. A modern whodunit that is “Pretty Little Liars meets The Breakfast Club” (Entertainment Weekly) with a splash of Gossip Girl. We’ll be sharing our opinions on each of the characters, how clichés helped the plot (and how they didn’t), and why the killer’s identity was an injustice to the story. Content Warning: This book deals with sensitive themes that may be triggering, such as emotional abuse, depression, and su...
Feb 08, 2021•58 min
This week we're discussing Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam. This book was completely different than we thought it would be. If you've read it, you know! It keeps you thinking long after you finish, and by the end of this episode we had a completely different perspective. We chat about the nuance of the writing, how classism and racism shape this story, and why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid Donation of the Week: https://www.national...
Jan 25, 2021•57 min
We've got some thoughts on the Bridgerton series! We'll be chatting about Simon and Daphne's tumultuous relationship, Eloise's elitist attitude, and the surprising identity of Lady Whistledown. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid How to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast Timestamps: 1:07 - Initial thoughts 6:23 - Anthony Bridgerton 14:33 - Eloise Bridgerton 18:32 - Penelope Featherington 28:17 - Colin Bridgerton & Marina Thompson 32:30 -...
Jan 23, 2021•1 hr 10 min
We’re back! We’re opening season 2 with The Queen’s Gambit, the new Netflix original series that’s taken the world by storm. We’ll be exploring the weight of Beth’s gift, the characters that shaped her life, and everything we loved (and didn’t!) about both the book and the adaptation. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid How to support our podcast: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast
Jan 11, 2021•1 hr 9 min
Happy Halloween! Join us as we wrap up our Spooktober series chatting about the Netflix adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's classic novel. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid Our GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/building-booked-solid-podcast
Oct 31, 2020•21 min
For this week’s episode we’re discussing When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole. A jaw-dropping thriller, with major Get Out vibes, that takes a deeper look at gentrification in a Brooklyn neighborhood. We’ll be chatting about Theo’s misguided intentions, Sydney’s pursuit of the truth, and the very real and harmful effects of gentrification. Key sources and terms mentioned in this episode: https://www.cdc.gov/tuskegee/timeline.htm https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/history/40-years-human-experime...
Oct 26, 2020•1 hr 19 min
Join us as we chat with the wonderful Julia Walton, author of the novel Words on Bathroom Walls. We discuss her writing process, what it was like to see her book on the big screen, and her upcoming novel, Just Our Luck. Julia also shares what led to her to start writing and advice for those looking to start their own careers. The film Words on Bathroom Walls will be available digitally on 11/10 and DVD & Blu-Ray on 11/17. Be sure to check out Just Our Luck which will be hitting shelves on 12...
Oct 19, 2020•42 min
This week we’re discussing Words on Bathroom Walls by Julia Walton as well as the recent film adaptation. A novel that follows Adam, a teenager recently diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, as he navigates high school, his diagnosis, and an experimental new treatment. We’ll be chatting about his relationship with Maya, the damaging stigma surrounding mental illness, and Adam’s journey of self-acceptance. Be sure to check out our bonus episode where we interview Julia Walton! Where to find us: ...
Oct 19, 2020•40 min
Welcome to the second episode in our Spooktober series! We’re discussing House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig. A dark, enchanting fairytale, influenced by Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, that immerses you in the world of Salten and the Thaumas sisters. This page-turner will give you chills, goosebumps, and keep you guessing right up until the final page. Where to find us: https://linktr.ee/BookedSolid Donation of the Week: Donate your time by learning more about the SARS protests in Nigeria a...
Oct 14, 2020•50 min
