I think this is a lovely picture. I might even read the book even though I'm ambivalent about Steinbeck.

New episode just posted! This week we are discussing the much taught and discussed 1927 novel by Hermann Hesse, “Steppenwolf.“ Going in we didn't quite know what to expect but we both agreed we were pleasantly surprised by this enlightening, thought provoking, and surreal novel.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0u4zJHtj9d6cPjRoWQ2IAT

Pretty decent book haul.

My favorite book just fell apart from too much use.

As mentioned in our latest episode, here is the sourdough loaf I just baked! Looks good but it was hard as a rock after an hour. Probably something to do with proofing at altitude. Let me know if you have any tips or tricks.

I don't really have the time to start this one but I might anyway.

Scenes from our latest episode

We are back from a nice fall break. Peter went to the big apple and Matt stayed around, working on his sourdough starter. While we were away we both have been reading books on the side, and we begin this episode discussing some of our fall reading highlights.

We end by picking an October book to read. Will we continue to pick a horror book or will we go another direction?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2cpTWJW3JqI2FBNko8Q6Wk

Some potential late October spooky reads.

A little Get Shorty episode prep. It was a fun episode to record and we came up with some cool theories. You can find the conversation on our Patreon page. New subscribers get a free mug mailed to them!

https://www.patreon.com/c/therewillbebooks

New Get Shorty episode just posted over on Patreon! We dive into the Leonard classic and argue about it's quality and “clunkiness.“ We aslso discuss the movie version and inflation and colorblindness. It's an entertaining episode and available to all subscribers! Enjoy!

https://www.patreon.com/posts/get-shorty-114585111?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm...

It's that time of year!

Okay I need everyone's help. What color is this blanket?

Okay, MLB playoffs start today. If the Royals lose I read ten pages of the Foote. If they win I do five of V. Fun way to channel my emotions.

The kid is making a bed of books

New episode just dropped! We begin by discussing Matt's recent reads, courtesy of his losing sports teams. Then we dive into another installment of nominating and selecting new books to add to our TBR. Lots of serious literary choices this time around. Also discussed; Sally Rooney, NYC bookstores, and twitter feuds. Thanks for listening. Enjoy!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6CUyLxtnLk53hppTEWcCpP

September book select time!

The Royals are getting swept in the middle of a pennant race? Don't care. Learning about history.

New episode just posted! This week we are discussing the much praised, and beloved novel, “My Brilliant Friend“ by Elena Ferrante. We delve into Ferrante's mysterious identity and discuss criticism in the modern age. But mostly we discuss this brilliant, personal, and captivating novel. Enjoy!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CKVxGb3QEHJCWTDjwNTYe

Having fun preparing for this episode. Does anyone know what came of the rumor that Ferrante was really Domenico Starnone? People talked like there was conclusive evidence years ago but I can't find anything recent.

Did an episode on The Wager. We talked scurvy, old timey wooden ships, and whether it'd be okay for Jerry Jones to press gang Tom Brady out of retirement.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6C6qxwj0c4CJPNJsiUMCgy?si=sSTl1vC0S5i8kIQB2vern...

Widely hailed as one of the best books of 2023, David Grann's latest, “The Wager“ is a remarkable true story that amazes at every turn. We discuss Grann's gift as a story teller and the various fascinating layers to this best selling book.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6C6qxwj0c4CJPNJsiUMCgy

The official late summer reading list!

New Patreon episode just dropped! We select a new Crime Thriller to read, have an adorable interlude and finally, we unveil our preliminary lists for favorite books of the 21st century! We will fine tune our lists but let us know what you think. Do you agree? Were you surprised? Shocked? Let us know what would make your list.

https://www.patreon.com/therewillbebooks

Scenes from our latest Pynchon episode!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4oXT0Gf63mnLWrghvDDUu4?si=wOg9QQCuSjOXULTOtzgb4...

New episode just dropped! As you can tell from the title, we are discussing the much beloved and somewhat feared author, Thomas Pynchon. I use the word feared because Pynchon can be difficult to read and thus, readers are often left wondering, where do I start with one of the most important authors of the last 60 years? Let's find out.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4oXT0Gf63mnLWrghvDDUu4

New episode just posted! This week we discuss “The Black Spider“ by Jeremias Gotthelf. This little known book, reprinted by the fabulous people over at NYRB, packs quite a punch in little over 100 pages. Gotthelf writes a tale with a little bit of everything, from idyllic country sides, to a menacing black spider all within a Christian allegory that makes for a rewarding reading experience.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gV1ulTIGgsxFsFVmUbdRw

We have ourselves a little stand off.

Almost selected a Richard Russo book in our latest episode, but we got him confused with Richard Powers and ultimately went in a different direction.

Are you a fan of serious books or fun books? Both? Well this week we are adding two books to the TBR, a “fun“ book and a “serious“ book? We discuss a large pile of books from the well known to the obscure and end up adding over 1,000 pages of fun and serious fiction to the ever growing TBR.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/10PYc5vDY9eB4Aa0YnN5A6

Oh hello, good morning.

So the idea is to choose one fun book to read and one serious book. These are some of the candidates.

We're back this week discussing the famous Truman Capote novella, “Breakfast at Tiffany's.“ We discuss the book, and the 1961 movie adaptation starring Audrey Hepburn. And finally we riff on the idea of author as a celebrity. Have we lost that? If so, who was the last celebrity author? Fun episode with a few hot takes but mostly just two friends discussing books. Enjoy!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3uoy5uKqCl44WfVe9HQ63n

Some potential crime thrillers for our next #thrillercorner selection.

New Patreon episode just dropped! We discuss The Nine Tailors, bell ringing, parrots, go over our prop bets, and nominate some new crime novels to read next. Pretty productive episode.

https://www.patreon.com/posts/nine-tailors-106166876?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&u...

Gearing up for our Nine Tailors episode.

This is where the title of our latest episode comes from. Maggot doesn't mean what you think it means, by the way.

https://spotify.link/0aThlq0G1Jb

How do you describe a mysterious episode title? Begin with Matt's brain, add in a John Fowles novel, and there you go! If you listen past the odd beginning, you'll hear us go through our extensive TBR and touch base on where we're at with each book. You'll also learn what a cellar book is. And finally, we add to our TBR with a May selection. As always, thanks for listening and happy reading.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/649365fWgV7y8dkVxT7t4Z

Some of the books covered in our latest episode.

History fans, the episode this week is for you. We delve into the first part of Adrienne Mayor's fantastic book, “The Poison King.“ A riveting history of Mithradates, the legendary king who for a time was the biggest threat to the Roman Empire. We discuss fascinating details, stories, and more. Thanks for listening!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2rNtUiUPI5WwyQJLVxR8HO

Happy Friday everyone!

The new Ripley series on Netflix may be the most faithful adaptation of a novel that I've ever seen. Loved it!

We discuss the very talented Joan Didion in our latest episode, along with the very talented Tom Ripley.

https://spotify.link/oQT2DrRFiJb

This week we're reviewing the latest Ripley adaptation, and discussing two essays from prominent 20th century writers. We begin by discussing a short bookish essay by Christopher Hitchens and then review Joan Didion's essay on John Wayne. And lastly, we heap all kinds of praise on the Ripley series debuting on Netflix. Fun episode for everybody. Enjoy!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3kvnE6tTbuj6YNRkk8E0s1

Books do furnish a room

One of the best books ever written on people and what motivated them and why they do what they do. Hitchens is the writer who put me onto Powell.

New episode just posted!. “A Question of Upbringing“ is challenging too describe and even recommend broadly, but as we discuss characters, themes, and plot lines we find there is so much to enjoy and love from this 20th century classic. A rewarding read that favors a curious and patient reader. As always, thanks for listening and supporting us. Enjoy!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4lRhur5LEnNqWmkjxvcCOj

Just a look at some of the times mentioned in our latest episode "An April TBR Extravaganza"

https://spotify.link/dPMcHUjFQIb

Spring is upon us and what better way to celebrate than to add to our TBR? This month we decided to add a “dad bio“ and a bestseller to our TBR but the real question is did we add just two books? Lots of fun this week, with a great list of books discussed. Matt's question to everybody is, “Are we at a TBR tipping point?“ As always thanks for listening and supporting us!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1XqrWylOjG1cKCYS6aqcow

Some more potential Dad Bios