Librarians Read the Darndest Things by Chattahoochee Valley Libraries

This month Kayla and Laine read a book recommended by a listener- Gold Sky #1, Heart and Hand. Listen in as they discuss polyamory representation in modern novels, similar reads, and the magic of reading for vibes.

Listeners know that our hosts Laine and Kayla love Holly Black's Folk of the Air series, but how has her dive into new adult been received? Listen in as we discuss her inspirations, comparable titles, and why we gave this book an almost perfect 5 star rating!

It's another episode of Librarians Read the Darndest Things, and Laine and Kayla have a lot to hash out about The Duke and I! Listen up as they discuss a writing style that's almost 20 years old, The Scene, and the TV show. Then, stay tuned to find out what they'll be reading for the rest of the summer, fake dating trope and Victorian England setting recommendations, and all the ways you're encouraged to read. And, don't forget! It's time for summer reading, so read along with them and complete your summer reading logs.

This month Laine and Kayla follow-up Ninth House by reading another Leigh Bardugo hit- Shadow and Bone! Listen up as they compare Bardugo's debut to her latest novel, compare the series to the Netflix show, and discuss Bardugo's common themes and practices.

Are you a fan of the Shadow and Bone Netflix series? Do you love the found family trope in Six of Crows? Then tune in for this discussion of Leigh Bardugo's first shot at adult fiction! Ninth House is a paranormal murder mystery set around Yale University. Listen up as Laine and Kayla discuss Leigh Bardugo's growth as a writer, the unique plot she provides, and the engaging mystery afoot in Ninth House.

It's Fanfic December with Parents Read the Darndest Things and Laine and Kayla could not be more excited! Fanfiction is one of their favorite mediums, so our hosts went hard for this one. Kayla read two lengthy fics from the Harry Potter universe, and Laine read several short fics ranging from Life With Derek to Dragon Ball Z. Listen in as they discuss why every type of fic is a gem, and how fandoms are the creative communities we love to be a part of.

Bunny by Mona Awad is a surreal journey between reality and the depths of imagination. Listen in as Laine and Kayla share their different takes on what's real and what isn't. Also discussed: the cults of feminity, the performance of friendship, and the absolute brainpower needed to nail down what's really going on in Bunny. 

Join the chat at: https://discord.gg/NwzWPKAgG5

Email questions and suggestions to Laine at: lpresley@cvlga.org

Listen as Laine and Kayla discuss the YA horror novel House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland. They dive into the gruesome, gritty details of Sutherland's writing style, the enthralling plot and the surprisingly complex characters. As always, join the discussion at https://discord.gg/sf32DFGrA6 or email Laine with any questions or responses to this episode at lpresley@cvlga.org. 

Laine and Kayla discuss book 1 of the Off Campus series, The Deal, by Elle Kennedy. Listen in as Laine gushes over her shameless love for hockey romances, Kayla has a literary moral dilemma, and both discuss the horrors of the 2010s. 

Join the discussion at https://discord.gg/3zzRANP

Laine and Kayla jump right into the social media thriller People Like Her by Ellery Lloyd. Tune in as they discuss the pros and cons of social media and influencers, how each was portrayed in this fast-paced novel, and how they affect everyone from the influencer themselves down to relatives of social media lurkers. Spiral out with them as they trail over the benefits of social media as a resource if one is self-aware, the current hype of Kindle Unlimited, and the perfect-book-formula. Remember to always chat with them in the Discord server at https://discord.gg/D87wwRnVtQ 

A super special episode because while Laine is away, Kayla takes the opportunity to have a guest host! Listen in and join the Discord server of the same name (Parents Read the Darndest Things) to drop your thoughts while Kayla and special guest Keshan discuss the children's book A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory, from the A Kids Book About... series. They discuss the importance of the series, the benefits of early cultural conversations, and how to have those conversations. Check it out and find the hosts to chat at https://discord.gg/urhqsu3mAC. 

Listen in to a throw-back episode as Laine and Kayla discuss the hit title from Sarah J. Maas, Crescent City House of Earth and Blood. They discuss possible endgame relationships, characters they hope to see make comebacks, and analyze the plot of this mysterious high fantasy.

Laine and Kayla discuss the historical fiction novel based on serial killer Belle Gunness. They discuss the modern obsession with serial killers; the blurred line between fangirling over toxic fictional characters and toxic real life individuals; and the finesse with which Bruce tells Gunness' story. 

As always, join us in the Discord server at https://discord.gg/3zzRANP or by searching Discord for Parents Read the Darndest Things, and view some of our episodes on YouTube on the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries channel!

Laine and Kayla discuss this daily diary of the quarantine in Wuhan, making comparisons to the American quarantine and musing on cultural and political differences. They discuss hopes for positive cultural sharing, the global disaster of misinformation, and the post-pandemic generations. Their interest in other people's quarantine experience has been tapped! If you'd like to share documentation of your quarantine time, drop it in the Discord chat at https://discord.gg/uGhbPbKAt7

Laine and Kayla discuss (roast??) ACOSF as self-certified #MAASTRASH, but also as picky readers. Listen as they discuss how authors address trauma, the pros of a good editing process, evaluate smut reads, and breakdown the build-up of a well-rounded character. Join the discussion on the Discord at https://discord.gg/rqZsVvHvPF 

View the video of this discussion at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcOjTNs7ugY 

Laine and Kayla discuss Circe by Madeline Miller, the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries title for the NEA Big Read. Kayla re-enforces her distaste for simps; Laine recounts the time a Wendy's employee had an ethereal voice. Join in as we discuss the strength of a great narrator, the power of motherhood, and how the men of Greek mythology are triflin'. 

Join the discussion anytime at: https://discord.gg/rqZsVvHvPF or login to Discord and search for Parents Read the Darndest Things. View the video on the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries YouTube page.

Kayla and Laine discuss the Webtoon version of this YA novel (access: https://www.webtoons.com/en/historical/the-weight-of-our-sky/list?title_no=1739&page=1 ) and it's representation of OCD and trauma. They also consider the value of graphic novels as literature, and the difference illustration makes to the emotion of a story.

This month we decided to read a light romance to go easy on the bookclubbers for the holiday season. One problem- Laine and I can't take any read at  face-value. We picked this one apart- oops! Main character Alice is a biromantic Ace gal just looking for love and struggling in her varied personal relationships. Join us as we unpack this one and discuss the importance of queer and ethnically diverse representation in YA books.

Laine and Kayla discuss Slaughterhouse-Five and Little Women and search for the magic 'perfect class book' formula. 

Remember to join our chats on Goodreads and Discord! Search either site for "Parents Read the Darndest Things".

In this episode, Laine decides she would definitely join a cult; Kayla would probably lead one. We discuss our book club choice Cults Uncovered: True Stories of Mind Control and Murder by Emily G. Thompson and all things culty! Special focus on Patty Hearst's involvement with the SLA, and The Oneida Community. 

View the video of this book club discussion on YouTube! 

Parents Read the Darndest Things is a no-pressure book club for busy caregivers/adults! We try to keep our selections diverse across genres and content, and suggestions are always welcome! As always, feel free to join our chats on Discord at https://discord.com/invite/Jwshz9b and keep up with what we're reading on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/976718-parents-read-the-darndest-things