Amanda and Jenn give queer reading recommendations in honor of Pride month in this week’s episode of Get Booked. This episode is sponsored by Hey YA, Book Riot’s own podcast about all things young adult lit, TBR: Tailored Book Recommendations, Book Riot’s personalized reading recommendation service, which now has gifting! and Book Riot Insiders. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Feedback Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (rec’d by Elizabeth) Questions 1. Hello ladies, I am looking for a lighthearted queer romance story with mermaids. It can be mermaid/mermaid or human/mermaid, both are fine. I’d prefer a wlw romance but anything queer would be great. Thank you! -Sam 2. Hello, I am looking for some books for my 11 year old niece. She is confused about her sexuality and gender right now and doesn’t live in a very forgiving household. She loves fantasy novels and real life situations as well. She loves comics and manga. I’m looking for something that could be reassuring for her and make sure she knows she is normal. -Chloe 3. Hello! I’m looking for a book to fulfill the 2020 read harder task to read a romance novel starring a single parent. I have a hard time getting into straight romance novels, but I enjoy LGBTQ romance novels, particularly wlw (women who love women) romance. Any suggestions for wlw (or other LGBTQ+ identities) romance novels featuring a single parent would be much appreciated as I have not had any success in finding one myself. Thank you!! Love the show!!  P.S. – Hey from RVA!  -Kathleen 4. Hi Amanda and Jenn, First, I LOVE the show. My bank account not so much, but it’s worth it. ? I actually have two recommendation requests. They don’t need to be answered soon, nor do they need to be answered at the same time. Request #1 In the past few years I have fallen back in love (hur hur) with romance novels. While I do enjoy contemporary (Julie James, Jennifer Crusie, some Nora Roberts, Kristin Higgins), I absolutely love the historicals of Sarah MacLean and Courtney Milan. Courtney Milan’s The Suffragette Scandal (I think it was this one) made me realise that I’d like to read some historical lesbian romance. I’ve been able to find plenty of contemporary, but I’m struggling to find any historicals other than Sarah Waters, who I like, but don’t love. I’m also not particularly interested in erotica. Request #2 I would love to read some books set in New Orleans or Savannah. I love the Garden District of Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches books, and I’m also a fan of John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and I’d like to expand out from these. Historical, contemporary, or non-fiction, I’m open to anything for this. Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street would be great, but aren’t essential. Thank you for putting out an excellent podcast, and for running such a fantastic website and community! Keep up the fantastic work. -Michelle 5. Hello there, I just read My Real Children by Jo Walton and fell in love with the romance between the two female characters, Pat and Bee. I’ve never explored LGBTQIA+ romance before and was hoping you had some suggestions for more lesbian romance books with the same tone: not tragic but light-hearted, cute, and cozy with the emphasis on the relationship rather than the bedroom. Actually, are there any cozy mysteries featuring lesbian MCs? I’m so here for that if there is! Thank you in advance, -T.L. 6. I love your podcast! It has made my TBR list grown to a ridiculous level. Here is my question. I love stories about amazing people, especially women or LGBT, that are doing amazing things and changing the world. I try to read biographies or memoirs but I always get bored. I love page-turning fiction books of all genres (sci-fi, mystery, thriller, dystopia, etc.) Can you recommend any non-fiction books about people doing amazing things that reads like fiction?   -Jessica 7. Hello! I am suffering from major *character* hangover and need some help. I recently flew through The Raven Cycle trilogy (aha! puns..) and couldn’t get over it.  Since then I’ve tumbled into YA books with cliche brooding anti-heroes who secretly have a soft spot (as in Ronan Lynch, Kaz Brekker, etc.) and can’t get enough of the overdone trope.   Are there any other books you can recommend, in a series or standalone, where there is a character who hates everyone and everything until they find someone/something they don’t? I’m a huge fan of YA (fantasy or contemporary) and don’t mind how cheesy and cliche the books are.  I just think this will be the easiest way to get out of this bizarre funk.  Bonus points for LGBTQ and POC rep! Love the show, thanks so much! -Bianca Books The Seafarer’s Kiss by Julia Ember Aquicorn Cove by Katie O’Neill Zenobia July by Lisa Bunker Lumberjanes Vol. 1 by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters, Brooke A. Allen, and Faith Hicks Courting the Countess by Jenny Frame A Fairytale of Possibilities by Kiki Archer (rec’d by the Lesbrary) Check out our previous episode for Savannah recs The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner Bingo Love by Tee Franklin, Jenn St-Onge, and Joy San Naturally Tan by Tan France (tw racism, homophobia, suicidal thoughts) How to Write an Autobiographical Novel by Alexander Chee (tw: child abuse) Bonds of Brass by Emily Skrutskie In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan (rec’d by Sharifah)

Get Booked

E236: The Pride Show, Or 13 Year Old David Rose Goes to Fairyland

This week on the Handsell, Amanda recommends If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha. This episode is sponsored by Grand Central Publishing and Iris Johansen’s new action-packed, romance-infused thriller, The Persuasion. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

The Handsell: June 15, 2020

Amanda and Jenn recommend anti-racist literature in this week’s episode of Get Booked, in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. This episode is sponsored by TBR: Book Riot’s service for Tailored Book Recommendations, now available as a gift!, Libro.FM, and Book Riot Insiders, the digital hangout spot for the Book Riot community. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Books Discussed: So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo White Fragility by Robin Diangelo How to Be an AntiRacist by Ibram X. Kendi Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi (and Stamped by Jason Reynolds) Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin and Ebony Glenn Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad The Fire This Time, edited by Jesmyn Ward Who Do You Serve, Who Do You Protect: Police Violence and Resistance in the United States, edited by Maya Schenwar, Joe Macare, and Alana Yu-Lan Price Well-Read Black Girl, edited by Glory Edim The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David S. Treuer The Making of Asian America by Erika Lee Ibram Kendi’s Anti-Racist Reading list

E235: Anti-Racist Literature

This week on the Handsell, Jenn recommends Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward. This episode is sponsored by TBR: Book Riot’s service for Tailored Book Recommendations, now available as a gift! Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

The Handsell: June 8, 2020

Amanda and Jenn discuss good books about houseplants, family-focused romance, quirky characters, and more in this week’s episode of Get Booked. This episode is sponsored by TBR: Book Riot’s service for Tailored Book Recommendations, now available as a gift! and Sourcebooks. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Feedback Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix Harrow (rec’d by Eric) Broken Wings by L-J Baker,  Princess of Dorsa by Eliza Andrews, When Women Were Warriors by Catherine Wilson (the kindle version is free on Amazon!!), and everything Anna Burke has written (rec’d by Wynnde) Questions 1. Since it’s almost June, the Gay Month, today I wanna ask for some LGBT recs! In the past I’ve read The Price of Salt, My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness (RECOMMEND btw!!!), On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, Brown, White, Black, The Song of Achilles, and probably others I can’t remember. I already have Ari & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Red, White & Royal Blue, Juliet Takes a Breath, Freshwater, An Unkindness of Ghosts, and It’s a Whole Spiel on my TBR. It would be great if you could recommend 1 fiction and 1 non-fiction, particularly looking for something by a female or nonbinary author, bonus points if they are NOT from the US/UK (or even Europe) as I’m trying to read about experiences other than my own. –Dee 2. COVID-19 Reading Recs: I am a healthcare worker, and this pandemic has been challenging both personally and professionally. My colleagues and I have been working 24/7 to support our community through this difficult time. I am proud to serve my patients, but I am feeling increasingly isolated as this pandemic stretches on. I am in a long distance marriage, and due to travel restrictions in place from my organization, I am not sure when I will be able to see my husband or my family again. I always turn to books in times of crisis, and am having trouble concentrating on my usual genres. What I am hoping for in my reading life is some light fluffy romance with lots of banter, particularly with depictions of strong sibling relationships and/or found families. Some comps would be the Bridgerton series or The Governess Game by Tessa Dare. I know this is a very specific request, and would appreciate any and all recommendations. Thank you so much! –Niki 3. Since quarantine started, I’ve been mostly craving mystery/thrillers and lately (after hearing you describe Death by Dumpling), I’ve been wanting to pick up some cozy mysteries! I love that they’re bingeable and that there’s usually tons more in the series. I think I’m gonna pick 5-10 cozies, read them all and choose my favorite to continue on. I love the Inspector Gamache series (not really a cozy), Riley Sagar thrillers, I recently loved The Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight, The City We Became by NK Jemisin and the Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires. I don’t care to read much historical fiction. I’m always trying to read from a diversity of authors, especially women of color. What are your fave cozies? And do they need to be read in order? –Tara 4. TIME SENSITIVE: I am going on a trip to Charleston and Savannah, and would love some recommendations for books set in either/both of these places. I’ve already read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I am open to any genre and would love anything to get me excited about the upcoming trip! *Also would love any recommendations for independent bookstores in the area, if you know of any!* –Netta 5. My 13-year-old daughter and I are starting a mother-daughter book club for the two of us, thanks to our forced-pandemic-togetherness time. Especially with school ending soon, I hope this is a good way to have some structure as well as fun. We are starting with Pet, by Akwaeke Emezi, and I am looking for recommendations for what we should read next. Some of her favorite books are The Westing Game, The War that Saved my Life, and the Percy Jackson books. I read lots of fantasy, mystery, romance, and some literary fiction – recent faves include The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai, CL Polk’s Kingston cycle books, and Gail Carriger’s Soulless series. My daughter requests nothing that would embarrass to her talk about with her mom (a little swearing is ok, but no explicit sex on the page), and neither of us like graphic violence. Thank you for your help! –Alicia 6. Hi! I love your show! I’ve gotten so many good quirky books with unusual characters or premises…like 1980s high school field hockey team dabbles in witchcraft…or characters like a wyverary (mother was a wyvern, father was a library)…or washed up rock band has to compete in universe-wide battle of the bands to prove that humans are sentient and save the planet? I enjoy most genres, so it’s not limited to fantasy! –Kaitlyn 7. Hi there! Recently I’ve become interested in house plants, and I’ve absolutely loved reading “How to Houseplant: A Beginner’s Guide to Making and Keeping Plant Friends” by Heather Rodino. I loved the author’s practical tips on finding the right light for your plants, watering, different kinds of soil, and what plant would be best for your space. I’m interested in learning more about plants (both indoor and outdoor) / gardening in general. I’d love to read something else that is along the same lines as “How to Houseplant.” Perhaps a step up from beginner but not quite expert. I’d love to hear any recommendations you might have! Thank you! –Katie Books Discussed I Don’t Want to Die Poor by Michael Arceneaux Disoriental by Négar Djavadi, transl. by Tina A. Kover True Pretenses by Rose Lerner (ownvoices Jewish hero, tw: depictions of anti-Semitism) The Rogue Not Taken (Scandal & Scoundrel series) by Sarah MacLean Aunty Lee’s Delights by Ovidia Yu (tw: violent homophobia) Land of Shadows by Rachel Howzel Hall The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd (tw slavery) Defending Angels by Mary Stanton (rec’d by Caitlin) Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger Not Your Sidekick by CB Lee The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix (tw racism, harm to children) Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir Wild at Home by Hilton Carter (IG: @hiltoncarter) Happy Cactus by John Pilbeam Gardeners’ World with Monty Don

E234: Step Up Your Plant Game

This week on the Handsell, Amanda recommeds Affections by Rodrigo Hasbún, translated by Sophie Hughes. Trigger warnings: Nazis, torture This episode is sponsored by Amazon Publishing. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

The Handsell: June 1, 2020

Amanda and guest Rebecca discuss nonfiction about the Midwest, whimsical reads, morally ambiguous characters, and more in this week’s episode of Get Booked. This episode is sponsored by Libro FM, Book Riot Insiders, the digital hangout spot for the Book Riot community, and TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service offering Tailored Book Recommendations for readers of all stripes. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Feedback The River by Peter Heller and Nevada Barr’s Anna Pigeon series (rec’d by Kate) The Mike Bowditch series by Paul Doiron (The Poacher’s Son) (rec’d by Kate)   Michael McGarrity (Kevin Kerney series), William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor series, Rich Curtin’s Manny Rivera mystery series, Paul Doiron (Mike Bowditch series), CJ Box (Joe Pickett series), Nevada Barr (Anna Pigeon series) (rec’d by Audrey) Questions 1. This is one of the first years in my life that I don’t have a trip planned because of COVID19. I initially had intended on vacationing in Greece back in April and June in New York City. I was hoping to get some book recommendations to fill the void one set in each place. I hope you are all staying well and safe. Thanks -Lauren 2. hi! I’m looking for sociological-ish/historyish/journalism-ish nonfiction  books based in the American Midwest. I’m trying to curate a list to learn more about the area(I’m not American myself). So far I have Negroland, Janesville, Columbine, The Warmth of Other Suns, Prairie Fires, The Worst Hard Time. It’s all very scattered, and I don’t mind that, so I hope you can help me find more! ? -Rachel 3. One of my major goals for 2020 is to learn more about history to just generally be a more informed person in the world. However, I don’t want to get stuck with something super depressing, because daily news notifications already hit that spot. Are there any books about happy periods in history or that at least leave you with vaguely positive feelings? -Ashley 4. So I’m another one of Kirsten’s students who said I could get extra credit if I gave a request here. Unfortunately I’ve never been good at saying exactly what I want so I promise I’m trying my best. I usually stick to fantasy and fiction books no matter how many times my language arts teachers tell me to branch out. Some of my favorites are Six of Crows, The Naturals, Renegades, and Escape from Eden. I hope that’s enough information for a recommendation! -Amrita 5. Hey ladies, thanks for the wonderful podcast! I love whimsical novels. Some past ones I’ve enjoyed include: The Night Curcus and The Starless Sea, the Wayward Children series, anything by Kelly Link, Strange the Dreamer, and Gods of Jade and Shadow. I’m always looking to expand my TBR with more fun, lighthearted books that still have depth and heart. Any recommendations? Thanks!  -A Lover of Whimsy 6. Thank you ladies so much for what you do! I’ve only recently discovered your podcast and am in the process of catching up on the backlist. I am chronically ill, and would love to read more books with characters like me. Recently, I’ve enjoyed Lost and Wanted and Autobiography of a Face, which were both fantastic. I’m not a huge YA fan, so I tend to stay away from Stuff like The Fault in Our Stars, or anything exploitative or ableist. Do you have any other recommendations? Thanks so much! -Erin 7. love mysteries, thrillers or just stories that aren’t too predictable and I am a huge sucker for flawed, morally ambiguous central characters that come with heavy baggage. I like Sharp Objects and just about everything Gillian Flynn has written and looking for a book that can give me a similar experience but has an original storyline that won’t remind me of anything I’ve read before. I hope I’m not being too greedy. -Sakshee Books Discussed Honey Olives Octopus by Christopher Bakken Open City by Teju Cole American Harvest by Marie Mutsuki Mockett Heartland by Sarah Smarsh How to Behave Badly in Elizabethan England by Ruth Goodman The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell His Hideous Heart, ed. by Dahlia Adler Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi The Girl Who Circumnavigated series by Catherynne M. Valente We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey Two Kinds of Decay by Sarah Manguso Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas (tw suicide) Penance by Kanae Minato

E233: Stay In That Bow And Think About What You’ve Done

Amanda and Jenn discuss books about trees, great middle-grade audiobooks, dystopias, and more in this week’s episode of Get Booked. This episode is sponsored by Book Riot Insiders, the digital hangout spot for the Book Riot community, Literati, and Flatiron Books, publisher of The Paris Hours by Alex George. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Feedback The Casquette Girls by Alys Arden (rec’d by Summer) Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert (rec’d by Summer) Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin (rec’d by Eric) Goodbye Vitamin by Rachel Khong and In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado (rec’d by Elizabeth) In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado (rec’d by Michelle) Questions 1. Hi Amanda and Jenn! Absolutely love the show. It’s almost stressful how many amazing books there are to read! I’m a straight single woman in my 30s who just recently left a good relationship headed towards marriage just because it didn’t feel right. I’d love to read fiction or non-fiction about women who did such a thing – left a good, decent man or relationship and still created happy lives, or women who found love a little later but were still able to have kids/a partner like they wanted. In this vein I’ve loved Spinster by Kate Bolick, The Rules Do Not Apply, and am about to read No One Tells You This by Glynnis McNichol. Thanks! -Polly 2. This summer, we are moving from California to Virginia and I’m looking for audiobook selections for the drive.  In the fall, I begin my MLIS specializing in Children and Youth Service/Public Librarianship.  I also have two daughters who may or may not listen in — a 9 year old and a 12 year old.    What are some more current middle-grade or YA audiobooks that would keep us all entertained, and will help prep me for my future in the library?     I’ve already listened to Harry Potter, the Lunar Chronicles, and some Rick Riordan.  We’ve also got a pretty solid book collection of popular titles including things like The Mysterious Benedict Society, Book Scavenger, Mr. Limoncello’s Library and Al Capone Does My Shirts.  Last thing — please no narrator with a British accent.  I know it’s weird, but it puts me to sleep so not good for driving!  I love listening to you — and because of that my TBR is out of control!   -Lisa 3. Hi! I was so glad to hear you were reading the Outrun by Amy Liptrot, I live on the island of Westray which is 15minutes by boat from Papa Westray (our little sister island) which as you know is the location for a lot of the Outrun. I hoped you enjoyed reading about our islands and way of life as a part of the book. If you enjoyed the Outrun and reading about ‘living on the edge’ and nature, I think you will enjoy ‘Heida: A shepherd at the edge of the world’ by Steinunn Sigurdardottir & Heida Asgeirsdottir which is a diary of the year former icelandic model turned sheep-farmer Heida fought to save her land from becoming a development site for a power plant, all while managing her flock of 500 sheep at the base of Katla, one of Iceland’s most notorious volcanoes.  So for me! I’m looking for some fiction where the forest (in a non-creepy way) is key to the book. While being in lockdown on a small idyllic scottish island is certainly nothing to complain about, I miss trees, we have had no trees here since the Vikings chopped them all down way back when! And now it’s too windy so any miracle trees we can get to grow just grow stunted, spindly and sideways. So I’m looking to get my beautiful forest fix through my books until I can travel to the mainland again and hug some trees. Thanks!  -Isobel 4. Hi ladies! I’m in need of escapist reading – and that means Queer Fantasy Romance. We’re talking magick and mages, sexy humans falling for even sexier elves, turmoil + angst, and through it all – a happy ending. Books in a similar vein that I’ve loved are the Charm of Magpies Series by K.J. Charles, Salt Magic, Skin Magic by Lee Welch, and The Kingston Cycle Series by C.L. Polk. These are all Victorian-era ish historicals (my fave) but I would love to find something more high fantasy, to ramp up that escapist itch. Bonus for an audiobook – that’s my favorite way of getting sucked into a novel! -Michelle 5. I’m looking for a dystopian/sci fi book.  This isn’t something I read often, but I like to kind of pepper my usual historical fiction/graphic memoir/ YA reading with it every once in a while when I need to shake things up a bit. Station Eleven, Age of Miracles, and Severance have done this for me recently.  I love how everything in my daily life starts to seem weird when I’m reading a book that makes me think about how everything could be changed.  Can you help me find something,  please?  I love the show! -Brooke 6. I need a good realistic fiction book to get me hooked back on reading.  -Christian 7. Two of my favorite books, Saga (Vaughan/Staples) and The Blind Assassin (Atwood), have pulp-y books as a main component of the story yet I have some how never read any myself.  I would love a few suggestions for books or authors to check out.  Almost anything goes, except I cannot stand when ancient or immortal beings start romantic relationships with teenagers/early 20-year-olds.  Eww, just eww. Thanks!!! -Kristin Books Discussed Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert  Untamed by Glennon Doyle (tw: alcoholism, bulimia), Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder Dactyl Hill Squad by Daniel Jose Older Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver (tw: loss of a spouse, bigotry) The Overstory by Richard Powers (tw suicide, self-harm) Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst The Tensorate series (The Black Tides of Heaven #1) by JY Yang  The Book of the Unnamed Midwife by Meg Elison Bannerless by Carrie Vaughn Braised Pork by An Yu Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Everisto (tw: domestic violence, rape, racism, homophobia, self-harm, depression, child abuse) I Am Justice by Diana Munoz Stewart (tw sexual abuse of children) Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes

E232: Vikings Chopped Down All Our Trees

This week on the Handsell, Jenn recommends A Stranger in Olondria by Sofia Samatar. This episode is sponsored by Book Riot Insiders. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

The Handsell: May 18, 2020

Amanda and Jenn discuss books about disabled heroines, high fantasy, and a bunch of murdery reads in this week’s episode of Get Booked. This episode is sponsored by Lit Stitch: 25 Cross-Stitch Patterns for Book Lovers, made by Book Riot and Abrams, TBR, Book Riot’s subscription service offering Tailored Book Recommendations, and Custom House Books, publisher of Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Feedback Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes (rec’d by Suzanne) Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married by Marion Keyes and Kate Bowler’s book Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I’ve Loved (rec’d by Kristi) Books Discussed 1. Just a note to say that I’ve discovered your podcast and Book Riot in general, really, as a result of quarantine, and I appreciate all of it more than you know. I listen to many episodes of all the BR podcasts each day while working from home, and I’ve built a BR TBR of over 300 books! So, thanks for feeding my rediscovery of a passion and hobby that I missed dearly! One of the first Get Booked recs that I bought, read, and loved was Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert. I could relate to it so much! I have cerebral palsy, and my twin has always seen a need to be maternal toward me, leaving me longing for a true sister relationship rather than feeling like I have multiple mothers and no sisters. The book really helped me to understand that I’m not alone in having a maternalistic sibling, but it also gave me glimpses into a true sibling relationship. Our birthday is in mid-June, and I’d love to gift my sister books like L&L but also books in which the sibling with a disability is a hero/heroine as opposed to the non disabled ones, just as a way to start some dialogue between us! Thanks so much! -Erin 2. I need help finding a book for my mom. She has been in a reading slump for a while and it sucks cause she is my reading buddy and I want her to keep reading with me! She is very picky in what she wants to read. She likes to read heavy adult fantasy (it can be ya) books that have kingdoms, dragons, creatures, and elves (she loves elves). She does prefer for it to have a female leading character that is powerful. Not a lot of sex or vivid description of sex scenes would be preferred. She loved the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas and really any other book by her. She did not like The Hobbit or lord of the rings but she did like The Inheritance  Cycle series by Christopher Paolini. Thank u and please help me cause I miss my reading buddy . – Madison Terry 3. Hello!  Looking for some fantastic audiobook recommendations as I have a few credits expiring this month!  As a school librarian, I read all over the place both genre- and age- wise.  Just looking for books that are particularly best when consumed in audio format! -Rachael 4. Hi I am 13 and looking for a book about witches. I want a book female lead where she is a badass. I would like some sort of romantic arc. Some of my favorite tropes are enemies to friends to lovers or friends to lovers. I also really like books where the ex of the main character is still in the plot. Some books I have read and loved were “How to Hang a Witch” by Adriana Mather and “These Witches Won’t Burn” . I would also love a book about a mixed race kid coming to terms about their sexuality.  -Lili 5. Hi Amanda and Jen!  Thank you so much for your wonderful weekly podcast. You keep a healthy stack on my TBR with all your great recs.  I’m looking for a book (or series) to get on audiobook for my husband for Father’s Day. He has a 2.5 hour commute to work right now and needs something to help him get through it. He loves adventure high fantasy and prefers door stoppers or series for obvious reasons. He is moving through the Red Rising series now which he is loving. Tolkien is his all time favorite author. He has also enjoyed Game of Thrones,  Name of the Wind and The Expanse series . Please help me find him something else that will help keep him occupied for a couple weeks.  Thank you!  -Sarah 6. I am requesting recommendations for my partner, Branden. He is an avid outdoorsman – enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, all things active outside. He also loves reading, mostly mystery and general fiction. He gets VERY into specific type of book – outdoorsman mysteries. His favorites are the Craig Johnson Longmire mysteries, and the Sean Stranahan mysteries by Keith McCafferty. He also likes the Jack Reacher series, less outdoorsy but fun. I’d love some other recommendations for that type of book as it’s so specific. Bonus points for the protagonist being a hunter, fisherman, etc.  I attached his Goodreads below. Also terribly sorry if you have gotten this question. I haven’t listened to all episodes so please direct me if you have!!!  -Alicia 7. I have been trying to read more science fiction. I recently read Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky and absolutely loved it. It made me really think and question what it means to be human and whether being human is even a good thing. I am trying to find a book that also tackles this subject in a clever and unique way. Bonus points if there is romance and/or steamy-ness. Bonus points if there is a strong female character that kicks butt and takes name but doesn’t necessarily have to be the main protagonist.  -Sam Books Discussed A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Bridgid Kemmerer The Pretty One by Keah Brown (tw: discussion of suicidal ideation, racism, ableism) Wicked Fox by Kat Cho The Element of Fire by Martha Wells (cw: abusive parent) The Third Rainbow Girl by Emma Copley Eisenberg (TW murder) Bluebird Bluebird by Attica Locke, narrated by JD Jackson (cw: racial slurs) Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood Odd One Out by Nic Stone Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett (tw slavery) The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu   The Lost Man by Jane Harper (tw rape, domestic violence, child abuse) As Long As We Both Shall Live by JoAnn Chaney (tw: violence towards women & children, including imprisonment, rape, child abuse, domestic violence; suicide, graphic violence) Semiosis by Sue Burke Xenogenesis/Lilith’s Brood by Octavia Butler (tw: compulsion/coercion, tentacles) (Dawn #1)

E231: Groundhog Day Plus Beauty and the Beast

This week on the Handsell, Amanda recommends Little Dancer by Brianna Hale. This episode is sponsored by Book Riot Insiders. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

The Handsell: May 11, 2020

Amanda and Jenn discuss escapist reads, Gothic fantasy novels, and lady detectives in this week’s episode of Get Booked. This episode is sponsored by the Hermione Granger for President 2020 campaign, TBR: Tailored Book Recommendations, and Libro FM. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Questions 1. Hello awesome Get Booked peeps!  I am a second time requestor and long time listener.  I am, like many others, working from home during this craziness and I am feeling the anxiety big time.  My usual reading isn’t working for me.  The only things that have allowed me to escape and immerse myself in a story have been kid lit books such as Mysterious Benedict Society series and the Mr. Lemoncello series.  Something about the group of quirky kids doing smart things to solve puzzles is fun and non-threatening and allowing my brain to function for a bit.  Can you please recommend other books similar to this, if they come in a series even better!  As always, thank you for your awesome podcast.  I look forward to each new episode. -Marelis 2. I have huge love for the show and so look forward to it each week – thank you for doing what you do! I love books that are made up of a series of short vignette-like chapters or essays, which weave together and crystallize into the story of a life or a happening. Non-fiction books that have scratched this itch for me are Seven Good Years by Etgar Keret, Man Without a Country by Kurt Vonnegut, and The Opposite of Fate by Amy Tan. The writings of Anthony Bourdain and Joan Didion (which I also love) get me part of the way to what it is that I am looking for, but not all the way there.  The only fiction book that I’ve found in this wheel house is 20 Fragments of a Ravenous Youth  by Xiaolu Guo. Jennifer Egan’s Visit from the Goon Squad, and Dave Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas come close. I’m hoping that you could recommend two fiction and two non-fiction books that might fit the bill? In terms of non-fiction I love memoirs from writers, musicians, explorers, runners, anything outdoorsy or nature-based, or a deep dive into a quirky career or industry. For fiction, I prefer literary or contemporary fiction. Magical realism is ok but no sci-fi or fantasy please. I’m not too crazy about historical fiction or family saga’s – but I’ll give anything else a try! I am currently enjoying exploring non-US authors, so it would be great to find a book by an African, South American, European or Eastern author – but that is not a deal breaker. Hope you can help! Thank you so much – and please be well in these strange times. -Stephnie 3. Hi, Jenn and Amanda. I love your podcast! I started listening only recently so I’m not sure if these questions have been answered but I have a few requests.  I read a book called The Mysterious Benedict Society when I was 12 that has stuck with me for literally eight years and I have never found a book like it. It is about four kids who have to take a series of tests to enter an elite group that needs to infiltrate an evil organization. Kind of like Kingsman but for kids. Basically like a spy/mystery book. Can you recommend me anything like this for adults (or even YA)?  Thank you! -Maria 4. I just finished The Secret History, by Donna Tartt, and am very disappointed that I am not in Vermont, studying Classics. I was wondering if you could recommend me other books with that dark academia vibe. -Maria 5. I recently finished a video game called Bloodborne and am looking for books with a similar concept, but find the pickings are slim. It’s a narrative that marries a Gothic Victorian era setting, with dark urban fantasy and elements of cosmic horror, heavily inspired by Poe and Lovecraft, among others. I’ve heard of Monstrumologist but am doubtful it’s what I want based on its young adult tag. -Cooper 6. I’m looking for a good book to get me through a bad time with my mental health. I don’t want anything dark, deep or tense right now, just something lighter and engaging that I can escape into for a while. Sorry if that’s a bit vague but I’m open to all suggestions. Thank you, -G 7. Last year I read the Lady Sherlock series and I think it was one of the first mysteries – and series – that I’ve read as an adult. I’d love a recommendation for a similar cozy mystery series that would provide at least a couple books’ worth of relaxing & compelling escape. The most important things to me are quality of writing, interesting characters, and some kind of feminist or LGBTQ-related themes to get me hooked. I like some elements of fantasy and/or historical fiction, but these aren’t necessary for me to enjoy a book. I definitely prefer reading about friendships or chosen family over romance. I’ve read a lot of the Sherlock Holmes retellings, and have the Veronica Speedwell series on my TBR. What else would you suggest? Thanks so much! -Angela Books Discussed The Gauntlet and The Battle by Karuna Riazi The Name of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch Weather by Jenny Offill Ordinary Girls by Jaquira Díaz (tw, MANY, incl: graphic harm to children, drug use, sexual assault, mental illness, homophobia, self-harm, suicidal ideation, racism) Renegades by Marissa Meyer Lawless by Jeff Salane If We Were Villains by ML Rio (tw partner violence) Bunny by Mona Awad (rec’d by Kelly) (tw: violence towards animals)  From the Wreck by Jane Rawson Under the Pendulum Sun by Jeanette Ng The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa Travel Light by Naomi Mitchison Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen

E230: Aren't People Weird?

This week on the Handsell, Jenn recommends The Outrun by Amy Liptrot. This episode is sponsored by Summer Darlings by Brooke Lea Foster, published by Gallery Books. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Content warnings: natural animal injury & death, mental illness, suicidal ideation, assault and attempted rape, struggles with addiction

The Handsell: May 4, 2020

Amanda and Jenn discuss poetry, East Asian fiction and fantasy, books in translation, and more in this week's episode of Get Booked. This episode is sponsored by the Book Marks Journal, Tailored Book Recommendations, and Book Riot Insiders. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. Feedback Two Old Women by Velma Wallis (rec'd by Terry) The Blind Contessa's New Machine by Carey Wallace (rec'd by Terry) Questions 1. I have recently been fascinated by both historical fiction and fantasy novels inspired by various East Asian cultures. I have always loved these genres, but growing up my reading centered around more European inspired fantasy and usually regency or WWII historical fiction reads, all from very Western perspectives. I read Memoirs of a Geisha in high school and loved it, but my fifteen year old self did not realize how problematic it was! In the fantasy genre, I've picked up a few more books recently, but I would love to find more, even if they are backlist. I would also love to be able to support #ownvoices authors, as I know there has been harassment particularly in the US towards some members of these communities. Some historical fiction I've recently read or picked up already: Pachinko (LOVED), The Library of Legends (TBR), The Night Tiger (wanted to love, but incest vibes are a hard ICK factor for me that I can't get past), The Lotus Palace (TBR) Fantasy I've read or already picked up: The Poppy War (love), Girls of Paper and Fire (love), Forest of a Thousand Lanterns (love), Flame In the Mist (love), Spin the Dawn (TBR) -Hillary 2. Looking for a good, funny, relaxing book that is 400+ pages and will give me wanderlust! -Abby 3. Hi! I'm always trying to read more books in translation because I love learning about new cultures. I also started tracking the country of origin of my reads lately and didn't feel great about the fact that about 80% of the books I read come from either the US or Canada (I'm Canadian). So I've been making more of an effort, but I find most books in translation are super literary and dense, and that's not always what I'm looking for. I'm hoping for books in translation that are a bit easier to read. I'm not picky about country of origin, and my favourite genres are fantasy and contemporary fiction. I'm looking for something more Fredrik Bachman or Cornelia Funke, and less Haruki Murakami. -Magdalene 4. My 16 year old son is looking for books where magic exists in the everyday world and everyone knows about it. So you might find a herbs and amulets shop next to a shoe shop, and the library openly has a magic books section. He would prefer little or no overt sex or romance as he is aro/ace and finds both uncomfortable. Thank you. -Kerry 5. In the last couple of years I've stumbled on a peculiar plot setup in tv and movies that I really enjoy and would love to explore in book form. It's the "kids face strife as children and escape, then grow up and reunite to destroy it once and for all." I'm thinking of tv shows like The Haunting of Hill House, movies like It, and books like Meddling Kids. I really enjoyed all of these, especially Hill House since it really explored the characters and their relationships. I read Hill House and enjoyed it but it wasn't anything like the show, and It gave me horrible nightmares and I couldn't finish (though no other Stephen King books have). I'm hoping you'll know of more books that might scratch this particular itch. I'm open to books with a similar set-up outside the horror genre, it's really more the reuniting friends/siblings and facing trauma together that is the big draw for me.  Thanks, y'all! -Eileen 6. I was recently diagnosed with cancer and had to have surgery to remove the tumors. I would love some recommendations on characters dealing with the diagnosis of cancer? It can be fiction or nonfiction. Thanks -Brittney 7. Hi! I am a big fiction reader, but I have been wanting to get into poetry recently. I will read basically anything, and lately I have been reading romance, fantasy and memoirs. I am a Hispanic 19-year old female, if that helps. I would love something a bit modern, contemporary and non-traditional. A book of poems would be ideal.  Thanks! -Maria Books Discussed How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee (tw rape) Dandelion Dynasty by Ken Liu (Grace of Kings #1) Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan (rec'd by Tika) The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer (Cinder #1)  Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, transl by Ginny Tapley Takemori A Hero Born by Jin Yong (Louis Cha), translated by Anna Holmwood Recommended with Sherry Thomas  Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor Jade City by Fonda Lee (tw: discussion of child abuse and child pornography) The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth (tw: self harm, fatal overdose, torture, gore) The Bus on Thursday by Shirley Barrett All the Wild Hungers by Karen Babine Don’t Call Us Dead by Danez Smith Bright Dead Things by Ada Limón

E229: Underwater Whale Machine Adventures

This week on the Handsell, Amanda recommends This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. This episode is sponsored by Book Riot Insiders. Subscribe to the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.

The Handsell: April 27, 2020

Get Booked is a weekly show of personalized book recommendations.

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