Why We (Don't) Read...Or the Power of the DNF
A Book for Everyone podcast
Do you ever feel pressure to finish a specific book? Guilt that you have never read a popular book? Fear that somone will find out that you haven't read every book ever? We have, too! In this episode, Beth and Pearl explore this phenomenom and give you permission to DNF, or "Do Not Finish," a book. Further Reading Singh, S. (2022, June 14). Should you DNF a book? How to decide and next steps to take. Brewing Writer. Retrieved June 14, 2022, from
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Why We Read...Popular Books
A Book for Everyone podcast
What makes a book popular and why do we feel pressured to read popular books? Join Beth and Pearl as they discuss trending books and how to navigate the popular books shelves. Books mentioned Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens Twilight by Stephenie Meyer The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Outlawed by Anna North Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Celebrity Book Club Roundup
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Why We Read...Science Fiction
A Book for Everyone podcast
In this episode, Beth and Pearl discuss Beth's favorite genre: Science Fiction. Explore the difference between hard and soft science fiction, the vast universe of sci-fi subgenres, and all of the wonderful suggestions we have for you to read next. Book Suggestions Classics -The Time Machine by H.G. Wells -Ten Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne -Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick -Dune by Frank Herbert -Kindred by Octavia Butler -A Wrinkle in Time by Madelaine L'Engle -The Giver quartet by Lois Lowry Contemporary -The Carls duology by Hank Green (Book 1: An...
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Why We Read...Star Wars
A Book for Everyone podcast
Happy May the Fourth! In this special bonus episode, Beth and Pearl talk about their love of Star Wars and the books and graphic novels you should read if you're a fan. Books to Read Legends (or books that don't match what happens to our main characters in the more recent movies) The Thrawn Trilogy (Book 1: Heir to the Empire) by Timothy Zahn Young Adult Asohka by E.K. Johnston Queen's Shadow, Queen's Peril and Queen's Hope by E.K. Johnston Adult (canon) Star Wars: From a Certain Point of Few short stories collections Phasma by Delilah Dawson Star Wars: The Force Awakens (novelization)...
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Why We Read...Fantasy
A Book for Everyone podcast
Join Beth and Pearl as they talk about the wide-ranging genre of fantasy. From epic fantasy to low fantasy, from paranormal to afrofantasy, there is something for everyone in this episode. High Fantasy Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Mists of Avalon Marion Zimmer Bradley The Song of the Lioness quartet by Tamora Pierce Sabriel by Garth Nix A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin Low Fantasy The House on the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow Paranormal or Urban Hollows series by Kim Harrison Dresden Files...
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Why We Read...Library-Centered Fiction
A Book for Everyone podcast
It's National Library Week! Learn how to Connect with Your Library during the week of April 3-9, 2022, and all year long. Join Beth and Pearl as they discuss library-centered fiction and get suggestions from a variety of genres to add to your TBR. Beth & Pearl's Suggestions Cozy Mystery (oh so many) -Cat in the Stacks Mystery series by Miranda James (Book 1: Murder Past Due) -Blue Ridge Library Mystery series by Victoria Gilbert (Book 1: A Murder for the Books) -Library Lover’s Mysteries by Jenn McKinlay (Book 1: Books Can Be Deceiving) -Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates...
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Why We Read...Young Adult Fiction
A Book for Everyone podcast
Join Beth and Pearl as they talk about why they still love young adult fiction as adults and why you should, too. Explore a variety of topics and genres written for teens that will also appeal to adults. And, as always, there are plenty of suggestions for books to add to your TBR. Young Adult Fiction Recommendations Novels in Verse - Solo by Kwame Alexander - The Poet X or Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo - Me (Moth) by Amber McBride Difficult Topics - The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas - Turtles All The Way Down or The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - The Astonishing Color of...
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Why We Read...Graphic Novels
A Book for Everyone podcast
Join Beth and Pearl as they share their love of graphic novels. This underappreciated art form truly has something for everyone: From classic superhero stories to diverse perspectives on a range of genres, inspiring memoirs and so much more! Learn about the world of graphic novels and comic books, why we love them and some great choices to add to your TBR pile. Picks for First-Time Graphic Novel Readers 1. Look for continuations/adaptations of your favorite film/television shows: -Star Wars by various authors and artists -The Walking Dead written by Robert Kirkman and illustrated by...
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Why We Read...Mysteries
A Book for Everyone podcast
It's no mystery that Beth and Pearl love mysteries! Join them as they discuss what exactly makes a book a mystery, how to choose a mystery to read, and why cozy mysteries are such a great subgenre. Don't miss our picks for mysteries to add to your TBR stack. What to Try if You are New to Mysteries Classics: Agatha Christie, Wilkie Collins, & Arthur Conan Doyle If you like action and don't mind violence: James Patterson, C.J. Box and Craig Johnson If you like a dark tone, flawed characters, and gritty realism: Tana French, Louise Penny, and Jane Harper If you like an emphasis on...
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Why We Read...Romance
A Book for Everyone podcast
In the first episode of A Book for Everyone, we talk about a controversial genre: Romance! Join longtime romance reader Pearl and recent convert Beth as they explore what the genre encompasses, why so many people read romance, and our romance recommendations for both dabblers and fans. Romanace Author Suggestions: Own Voices—Beverly Jenkins, Alyssa Cole, Casey McQuiston, Farrah Rochon, Jasmine Guillory Historical—Cat Sebastian, Julia Quinn, Evie Dunmore Clean—Nicholas Sparks, Debbie Macomber If You Like Beverly Lewis, you might also enjoy—Amy Clipston or Beth Wiseman...
info_outlineJoin Beth and Pearl as they share their love of graphic novels. This underappreciated art form truly has something for everyone: From classic superhero stories to diverse perspectives on a range of genres, inspiring memoirs and so much more! Learn about the world of graphic novels and comic books, why we love them and some great choices to add to your TBR pile.
Picks for First-Time Graphic Novel Readers
1. Look for continuations/adaptations of your favorite film/television shows:
-Star Wars by various authors and artists
-The Walking Dead written by Robert Kirkman and illustrated by Tony Moore
-Firefly by various authors and artists
-Avatar: The Last Airbender by various authors and artists
2. Explore a genre you like:
-If you like superheroes, try All-Star Superman written by Grant Morrison
-If you like mysteries, try My Favorite Thing is Monsters by Emil Ferris
-If you like Contemporary Romance, try Bingo Love by Tee Franklin
-If you like Contemporary Fantasy, try Fables by Bill Willingham
-If you like Horror, try Wytches by Scott Snyder
3. Pick up an Award Winner:
- Maus by Art Spiegelman (1992 Pulitzer Prize & 1991 National Book Critics Circle Award)
- Can’t We Talk about Something More Pleasant by Roz Chast (2014 National Book Award Finalist; Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award)
Beth's Top Two Picks
-Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters and Brooke Allen
-Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
Pearl's Top Two Picks
-The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
-The Wicked + The Divine by Kieron Gillen & Clayton Cowles, illustrated by Jamie McKelvie, colored by Matt Wilson
Further reading and sources cited
McCloud, S. (1993). Understanding Comics: The invisible art. Harper Collins Publishers.
Milliot, J. (2021, July 9). Print Books Soar in Year's First Half. Publishers Weekly. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/86863-print-book-sales-soar-in-year-s-first-half.html
O'Keefe, M. (2019, July 25). Making Comics: How writers can foster stronger and healthier relationships with artists. The Beat. https://www.comicsbeat.com/making-comics-writing-for-your-artist/
Roseen, J. (2019, July 26). Comic Books vs. Graphic Novels: What's the Difference? Mental Floss. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/588430/comic-books-vs-graphic-novels-what-is-difference