What Y’All Reading? A YA Book Review Podcast
By Madeline and Alyssa
Tune in for laughter, fun, and a new YA Book review every week! As both Librarians and Authors, Madeline and Alyssa to gush over writing, characters, and the best ships. Expect frequent comparisons to our millennial childhoods. New episodes released every other Wednesday!
What Y’All Reading? A YA Book Review PodcastJan 20, 2021
00:00
33:49
E. 37 You're The One That I Want or Grease!
Who doesn't love Grease? Truly Kenickie, Rizzo, Frenchie, Danny, and Sandy (In that order) are some of the most loved movie characters of all time. Listen in for our re-cap of the movie, our love for Kenickie, and some awesome YA book and graphic novel recommendations at the end of the episode. Plus, listen in to the very end for a fun fact that may just blow your mind!
Jun 17, 202146:00
E. 36 Hidden History or They Called Us Enemy by George Takei et. al
If you are a history nerd who loves graphic novels, listen in to this episode to get hyped about this book! If not, listen anyway to get hyped about this book! It is rare for history to be portrayed in such a raw, personal, digestible way. This comic is truly impeccable. Read it.
May 26, 202131:33
E. 35 My Sister's Graces or Bone Crier's Dawn by Kathryn Purdie
We read this sequel because the first book was the first episode we recorded-Bone Crier's Moon! We talk a lot about story pacing, structure, plot devices, editing, and traditional publishing. We still love the characters and the concepts! Love triangles and bones galore. Also, very cinematic imagery carries you through. Tune in!
May 13, 202101:07:48
E. 34 Lady Literati - Author Chat
Listen in to meet two of the six members of Lady Literati (hint: you already know two of us...)! Learn about how we began writing and what we are working on currently, along with our favorite books of the writing craft and some mildly embarrassing childhood anecdotes. If you don't have a writing support group, hopefully this episode will convince you to find your own, and will inspire your own writing journey!
May 01, 202156:11
E. 33 Wonder Woman's Super Sister or Nubia: Real One by L.L. McKinney and Robyn Smith
The first black woman DC comic superheroine makes her return in Nubia: Real One by L.L. McKinney and Robyn Smith. We were itching for something different, and this comic hit the spot. It gave me Ms. Marvel 2016 vibes and I truly hope we have more episodes. It's everything a good comic should be, entertainment, great storytelling, and an honest reflection of the times we are living in. Pick this up on your library's hoopla app or buy/borrow a copy. It's worth every minute and every cent.
Apr 14, 202135:09
E. 32 Made in the Narrows or Namesake by Adrienne Young
We want to let you know that Namesake by Adrienne Young may just be the best sequel ever. We agree that we've never read a sequel with such a smooth transition and that is just as fantastic as the first. Fable's story is full of adventure, vivid imagery, and once again pulls you right onto the sea and the Marigold with the crew. We geek out and swoon over Adrienne's writing, along with our favorite character ships. Alyssa also mispronounces a name, again, and drops a fun sea-faring history fact at the end.
Mar 31, 202134:29
E. 31 Revival of the Riot Grrrl or Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu
This episode I read (listened) to the book and Alyssa watched the Netflix version of Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu. Spoiler, they are not as similar as the Lara Jean movies. But this episode is a good throwback to my days making zines in undergrad, and we have important conversations about feminism, along with laughter as always. Apologies for the late release, I lost a mentor last weekend so I took my time editing. Enjoy!
Mar 19, 202152:15
E. 30 Love Stories: Preheat to 375 or Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant
This episode was so much fun to record. I (Madeline) am a hardcore romance reader and writer, and Alyssa is a phenomenal writer and also likes to read romance. Elise is on point with so many references in this book, and it is just an overall fun read sprinkled with really rich moments as well as descriptions of baked goods you can almost taste. Pick up this fun read. You'll be glad you did!
Mar 04, 202126:48
E. 29 LJ & JH, Always and Forever or To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
In this episode we discuss Jenny Han's YA romance series To All the Boys I've Loved Before, and compare them to the Netflix series, which release the last movie on February 12. Jenny Han is a master of YA romance, so dig in!
Feb 17, 202125:56
E. 28 Dredging for Family or Fable by Adrienne Young
Read this book. That’s it. Alyssa and I already officially added it to our best books of the year list, and February just started. Pirates, family, vivid imagery, gems, world building like whoa, and accuracy in fantasy. What more could a reader ask for? If you’ve ever wanted to sail in a big ass schooner, read this book for a free trip.
Feb 04, 202132:24
E. 27 Gods, Hunters, and DIY Weapons or Lore by Alexandra Bracken
We're Back! Though this episode doesn't review that iconic dinosaur film, it is our first episode of 2021! We will be releasing every two weeks, and instead of dad jokes, you will be getting fun historical facts, which we think are much more on brand for us. This book, Lore by Alexandra Bracken is chock full of Greek references with the history of New York City baked right in, so you know we were game. It also features a kick-ass heroine, diversity, and some pretty cute ships. Also: diy weapons that Athena fashions from brooms and mops, so you learn life skills. Listen in to see if you think you'd like to give it a read!
Jan 20, 202133:49
E. 26 Don't You Forget About Me or The Breakfast Club
Our Season Finale!!! Can you believe it? We certainly cannot. We will have a special holiday episode sometime before we start next season in 2021. Do you also have a penchant for 80s movies? Especially ones that take place in a library? We do too. We re-watched the iconic movie The Breakfast Club and recommended books that have group dynamics similar to the one in the movie. We also talk about The Mighty Ducks, Tom Hanks, and reveal which character we are most like. You can too with the quiz in the show notes--also where you can find the book recommendation list.
This is our season finale! We will pop back in with a special sometime in December, but otherwise you'll hear us back in January. Have a lovely holidays and stay safe.
This is our season finale! We will pop back in with a special sometime in December, but otherwise you'll hear us back in January. Have a lovely holidays and stay safe.
Nov 25, 202032:57
Ep. 25 History, Huh? or Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
In order to boost our moods and escape into a land of politics that is happy and full of love and squee, we read Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. This is a romance, and recommended for YA readers who are 16 years old and above. It's an enemies to lovers romance, featuring the Prince of Wales and the First Son of the United States, a woman president, texting, emails, and even an incident involving Turkeys. If you've been looking for a book to make you smile and hope, this is it! (Also, Casey is magical, this is her first novel and the writing is impeccable). Check out show notes etc. on our website and instagram!
Nov 18, 202036:19
E. 24 Falling through Time or A Girl Called Echo
This graphic novel was Alyssa's jam. She is all about history, and this one is chock full of the history of The Pemmican Wars. It starts with a bison stampede, then Echo wakes up in her history class-and let's face it, highschool can often feel like you're being stampeded. This story weaves together the emotions of Echo's day to day life and the ups and downs of the Pemmican Wars as she learns about her cultural history. The books are full of references and timelines in the back.
Nov 11, 202027:44
E. 23 Once and Future King or Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn is truly a legend itself. This book didn't get nearly the hype it deserved. It is freaking fantastic! It mixes two different magic systems that live in one world, there's a secret society that is based off of King Arthur legends, oh and did I mention a kick-ass heroine? Carve out some chunks of time and dive into this book! Quick, go, before the Hell Foxes get you! Read show notes on our website here!
Nov 04, 202032:55
Ep. 22 Sassy Sandersons or Hocus Pocus
This past weekend Alyssa and I got to spend a blissful long weekend with our dear author friends to focus on writing. For our podcast we decided to watch Hocus Pocus and record us chatting about the movie, the book, and the sequel. Other topics include the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Yabos, Scrod, Yadriel from Cemetery Boys, and of course Salem. Visit us on instagram @whatyallreadingpodcast or visit our website https://whatyallreadingpod.wixsite.com/home for show notes.
Oct 31, 202050:30
Spooky Preview E. 22 Sassy Sandersons
This week we are releasing a special episode on Halloween! Listen in for a preview of just a few of the gems from the episode we recorded with our friends at our writer's retreat in Tennessee, and don't forget to tune back in on Saturday for the full length episode.
Oct 28, 202001:56
E. 21 Vampire Angst Party or Midnight Sun, etc. Part 2
How old were you when Twilight first came out? Did you read them? Watch the movies? Have you read the new book? What are your thoughts on the name, 'Renesmee'? Listen in to part 2 of this episode where we dive into the world of Twilight and teen angst, discuss book 4, terrible wigs, and fan fiction wishes.
Oct 21, 202036:35
E. 20 Vampire Angst Party or Midnight Sun, etc. Part 1
How old were you when Twilight first came out? Did you read them? Watch the movies? Have you read the new book? What are your thoughts on the name, 'Renesmee'? Listen in to part 1 of a 2 part episode where we dive into the world of Twilight and teen angst.
Oct 14, 202034:28
Ep. 19 Sickles are a Girls’ Best Friend or Dread Nation
If you are in the mood to read historical fiction that includes zombie slaying bad ass ladies, this is your book. In this episode Alyssa gives us all a history lesson on the civil war, Madeline reveals how “yankee” she really is, and they both agree that they’d rather not be “shambler chow.” Check out the show notes on our website HERE.
Oct 07, 202037:43
E. 18 Brujx Babes or Cemetery Boys
If you are looking for a book with magical realism, spirits, a cat named Purrcasso, and gay/trans pride for days, this one is for you. Alyssa and I can't get over the beauty of how this book was crafted (and the beauty of the author, I mean, Aiden is a looker)! There is not only an A and B plot, but also a C plot, proving that Aiden is a master of his craft. This book also is another example of why own voices novels should always be center stage. It's a perfect read for October, but also whenever. Multiple times. Read this book. (The audio book is stunning as well.)
Sep 30, 202043:30
E. 17 Broken Glass Slippers or Cinderella is Dead
Have you ever wondered if Cinderella's step-sisters were actually evil? This book is a deep dive into the dark side of the Cinderella story. It's not a re-telling, or a twisted fairy tale, it is something new entirely. We give a book summary, talk about our favorite Cinderella re-tellings, writing styles, and the importance of queer black representation in books.
Sep 23, 202031:41
E. 16 Change Your Stars or A Knight's Tale
So, we didn't actually read A Knight's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer. We did however, re-watch A Knight's Tale with Heath Ledger, and boy I wish I had re-watched it sooner. We spend the episode recapping the movie and then talking about books with the same underdog to hero knight feel to them.
Sep 16, 202031:19
E. 15 Reminiscent Reads or Stuff we Read in the 2000's
This episode is a tribute to the books we read and loved in middle and high school. From Alyssa's fantasy books and basic pumpkin spice latte taste, to Madeline's epistolary books and mind benders, you'll get to know how we became who we are today. For if anything in life shapes you, it most certainly is what you read.
Sep 09, 202044:37
E. 14 Girls with Gumption or My Calamity Jane
Y'ALL! WE LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH! (We even dressed up to record the episode!) It has everything! History, gun slinging, bad ass ladies, werewolves, romance, and fun musical theater easter eggs! The narrators give hysterical asides throughout the book, breaking the 4th wall and talking straight to the reader, which draws you in even more. This is the third book by these ladies, and you should read the other two after this one! You can find our show notes linked in our instagram bio @whatyallreadingpodcast .
Sep 02, 202054:35
Ep. 13 Preposterous Promposals or You Should See Me in a Crown
Did you love prom? Hate it? Did you go? Were you on prom court? While talking about the book You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson, we reminisce on Midwestern childhoods, the absence of promposals in our millenial high school years, band and show choir, and utterly ridiculous prom stories of our own. This book is a fun and important addition to YA lit, as it features a black queer girl and her experience in a mostly white upper class suburb.
Aug 26, 202037:14
E.12 Magic Hair, Don't Care or Witchy
Do you marvel at shampoo commercials, wishing you had shiny long magical hair? Well, in this graphic novel, wish no more. Everyone has magical hair, and the longer it is, the more magic you wield. So then they put you in the army. Unless you run away. And cut off your hair. And a crow named banana follows you around. Tune in for a review of this super fun queer positive graphic novel.
Aug 19, 202034:29
E.11 Mirror Duet or Kingdom of Back
As a musician myself, this book surprised and pleased me. If you are looking to become immersed in a world where music, family dynamics, and a magic world all exist, read this book. Marie Lu seamlessly weaves lessons about our deepest desires into a narrative that is all at once familiar and strange. **Apologies for the sound quality this week. We're still struggling with recording remotely but together, and the anchor app keeps overlapping our voices somehow, so this week we used the zoom audio. I promise I'll get it figured out soon!!!**
Aug 12, 202034:52
E.10 Spiders, Shamans, and Spirits, Oh My! or Forest of Souls
Do you dream of an epic fantasy with sword play, magic, treason, killer trees, and a spider king? If so, this book is a must for your TBR. It’s so chock full of great ideas it could have honestly been 700+ pages! We delve a bit into story structure in this episode and may have gotten carried away and lost track of time...so....sorry not sorry. As always, check our insta for show notes!
Aug 05, 202039:02
E.9 Angst Armada Strikes Back or Don’t Read the Comments
Calling All Gamers! This is the book for you! If you have found yourself stuck inside on RPGs during the pandemic, and have been hankering for a bit of flirting, you will find hope here! 😂 Listen in as we admit our rudimentary and old school gaming knowledge, and for the best dad joke so far (at least I think so).
Jul 29, 202028:37
E.8 Girl vs. Possum or Be Not Far From Me
Love survivalist stories? Was Hatchet your jam? Want a quick read you’ll be thinking about for months after you’ve finished? Maybe this is the book for you. Listen in to decide. (Hint: It’s worth it)
Jul 22, 202041:12
E.7 Magical Killer Books or Sorcery of Thorns
If you love libraries and fantasy, this is the book for you. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson is our book of the week. Listen in as we laugh at hijinks, talk about the amazing magic system in this book, and get grossed out over book live. Sorcery, demons, books and swordplay await you!
Jul 15, 202031:24
E.6 Rights for Riot Grrrls or Music from Another World
Did you know cancel culture is not new? Want to learn about how gay bars cancelled the orange juice lady? Want to hear about sweet sweet baby queer girls and their journey through punk to love? Join in for laughter and history lessons on Gay Rights as we review Music from Another World by Robin Talley.
Jul 08, 202037:41
E.5 Black Girl Magic or A Song Below Water
If you are ready to read a book full of magical beings including sirens, eloko, a gargoyle and some serious black girl magic, this is the episode/book for you. Bethany C. Morrow is brilliant. We will be talking about this book for years to come. Black Lives Matter.
Jul 01, 202033:04
E.4 Chess Moves in Life or Clap When You Land
If you are waiting for the perfect book that will pull you into your feels, make you think, make you gasp at the imagery Elizabeth Acevedo brilliantly paints with her words in verse, and so much more, listen in and then read Clap When You Land!
Jun 24, 202033:59
E.3 Floating with Giant Bugs or Skyward Vol.1-3
Listen to us talk about this amazing graphic novel. There is no gravity, giant bugs, and diversity for days. Don’t miss out!
Jun 18, 202029:53
E.2 Feminism Badassery on Horseback aka The Life and Medieval Times of Kit Sweetly
If you are a sucker for a badass heroine, jousting, feminism, family issues, and a friends to lovers, this episode/book is for you! Note that this book does contain triggers including underage drinking, poverty, abusive parent, and drug use.
Jun 15, 202036:03
E.1 Using Magic Bones to Ferry the Dead and Kill Your True Love or Bone Crier’s Moon
In this episode we introduce ourselves, talk about our fave YA books, and gush over the magic that is Bone Crier’s Moon by Kathryn Purdie.
Jun 14, 202030:46
June 13, 2020
Jun 13, 202001:04