Episodes

  • This month on Unabridged, we’re thrilled to share our Patreon discussion about Greta Gerwig’s Little Women with you all. In this beloved adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, Gerwig brings a fresh, nuanced perspective to the March sisters' journeys, exploring themes of independence, ambition, and sisterhood in ways that resonate with today’s audiences. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Little Women or discovering Gerwig’s take for the first time, this episode is full of insights that will deepen your appreciation for the film.

    Join us on Patreon to have access to our back catalog of more film adaptation discussions like this one! Also, just a reminder that this season, we now have a shop on Patreon where you can purchase book discussion guides and other resources. We appreciate your support so much.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • In our October Book Club episode, the Unabridged Podcast is diving into Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm). Join Ashley and Jen as they discuss this gripping novel set in 1840s Mexico, where Nena, the daughter of a rancher, faces a sinister threat that lurks near her home, draining men of their blood. After being attacked by this nightmare nine years earlier, Nena is reunited with Néstor, her childhood sweetheart, as they are both pulled into the chaos of the U.S. invasion of Mexico in 1846. Nena, a curandera, and Néstor, a vaquero, must confront their unresolved past while battling a monstrous evil.

    In the episode, Ashley and Jen share their overall impressions, what worked for them, and some powerful quotes from the book, including a discussion about Nena’s struggle for freedom. They also offer their book pairings. Don’t miss this deep dive into a historical, supernatural story!

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
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  • Are you looking for some spooky reads to get you in the Halloween spirit? We’re back with our 2024 spooky recommendations, perfect for curling up with as the nights get longer. Whether you’re in the mood for dark fairy tales or eerie adventures, we’ve got two books that will give you chills!

    In this episode, Ashley recommends Melissa Albert’s The Hazel Wood (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), a dark, atmospheric fairy tale with twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Jen suggests Katherine Arden’s Small Spaces (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), a creepy middle-grade novel that delivers plenty of suspense and eerie moments, making it perfect for readers of all ages.

    Get ready for a frightfully good time with these spooky reads! Also, just a reminder that this season, we now have a shop on Patreon where you can purchase book discussion guides and other resources. You do not have to be a patron to purchase from the shop, so feel free to take a look even if you are not patron! We appreciate your support!

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • Have you ever wondered what family secrets are hiding just below the surface? In this episode, Jen and Ashley dive into Jas Hammonds' stunning debut, We Deserve Monuments.

    As seventeen-year-old Avery navigates the tension between her mother and her terminally ill grandmother, we unpack the complex relationships, hidden histories, and simmering truths that drive this story forward. We discuss how Avery’s search for answers shakes the foundation of her world. Join us as we explore this emotional and thought-provoking novel about family, identity, and the price of truth.

    We now have resources available for purchase on Patreon; these do not require a membership. We appreciate your support so much, and it helps cover the cost of maintaining our podcast. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • We're back with Season 8 of Unabridged: A Book Podcast!

    Join us for a special "Get to Know the Hosts" episode where we catch up on their summer adventures, bookish highlights, and what’s been keeping them inspired.

    Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this episode offers a personal look at the people behind the mic.

    Tune in now to hear about their latest reads and what’s coming up next for Unabridged!

    We now have resources available for purchase on Patreon; these do not require a membership. We appreciate your support so much, and it helps cover the cost of maintaining our podcast. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • Are you looking for a cozy mystery with a lot of spilled tea? Be sure to join us as we read and discuss Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) as our June 2024 book club pick! This cozy mystery is a perfect summer read that will warm your heart despite the dead body at its center.

    We're continuing to add exclusive content over on Patreon. We appreciate your support so much, and it helps cover the cost of maintaining our podcast. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • Are you looking for quick reads to breeze through this summer? We're bringing you recommendations for short books to put on your TBR stack (our in your audiobook queue!) for this summer. If you're looking for more short book recommendations, be sure to check out our popular blog post, "9 Great Short Books to Kick Off Your 2024 Reading Goals."

    We're continuing to add exclusive content over on Patreon. In addition to monthly bonus episodes, we are now releasing more content on Patreon for subscribers. We appreciate your support so much, and it helps cover the cost of maintaining our podcast. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged?

    Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • Are you looking for a book written from an unusual perspective for the 2024 Unabridged Reading Challenge? Henry Hoke's Open Throat, a young adult novel in verse written from the perspective of a mountain lion living in LA, certainly meets the requirements for that category.

    This is a fast, compelling read that addresses many social issues from a unique perspective. Listen in to hear Ashley and Jen discuss Hoke's work as well as our pairings.

    We're continuing to add exclusive content over on Patreon. In addition to monthly bonus episodes, we are now releasing more content on Patreon for subscribers. We appreciate your support so much, and it helps cover the cost of maintaining our podcast. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • How do you find book clubs and buddy reads to join? Jen and Ashley dig into the ways to get involved with book clubs (online and in real life) and buddy reads. If you're doing the 2024 Unabridged Reading Challenge with us, participating in a new book club or buddy read is a category on the list!

    Be sure to tune in to hear how to expand your reading with book club and buddy read opportunities.

    We're continuing to add exclusive content over on Patreon. In addition to monthly bonus episodes, we are now releasing more content on Patreon for subscribers. We appreciate your support so much, and it helps cover the cost of maintaining our podcast. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • Have you read Nella Larsen's Passing (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), a brilliant classic written in 1929? If you haven't read this stellar (short!) book, take time to do that and then join us for the discussion. We share our pairing recommendations as well, including Toni Morrison’s Sula (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) and Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm).

    We are continuing our Patreon drive and appreciate the support on there so much. Also, if you are participating in our challenge this year, this book is perfect for a pre-1950 classic! If you haven't joined us for the challenge yet, there is still time to participate this year. Check out the Reading Challenge page where you can see all of the categories and can download printables and images for social media.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • Are you joining us for the 2024 Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge? For one of the categories, we're focusing on books that were published before 1950, so we wanted to share some recommendations for that category on today's episode. Listen in to hear us talk about Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) and Jane Austen’s Persuasion (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) as well as other things we're reading and doing these days.

    If you haven't joined us for the challenge yet, there is still time to participate this year! Check out the Reading Challenge page where you can see all of the categories and can download printables and images for social media.

    We're continuing to add exclusive content over on Patreon. In addition to monthly bonus episodes, we are now releasing more content on Patreon for subscribers. We appreciate your support so much, and it helps cover the cost of maintaining our podcast. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • Have you read a middle grade novel in verse recently? This month, we're reading Jasmine Warga’s Other Words for Home (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), which is perfect for the Unabridged Reading Challenge 2024 category featuring a middle grade novel in verse. Jen and Ashley discuss the book club pick and share our pairings including Thanhhà Lai’s Inside Out and Back Again (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm), Hena Khan’s Amina’s Voice (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) and Janika Oza’s A History of Burning (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm).

    We're continuing to add exclusive content over on Patreon. In addition to monthly bonus episodes, we are now releasing more content on Patreon for subscribers. We appreciate your support so much, and it helps cover the cost of maintaining our podcast. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • Are you looking for a great middle grade book that highlights equestrian sports and mental health challenges? Listen in to hear author Sarah Ward share about her debut middle grade novel Victory Gallop, which is available exclusively on Amazon.

    Jen and Ashley talk with Sarah about her inspiration for the novel and her passion for the writing she's doing. We also hear a little about some of the other projects Sarah has in the works as she prepares to share more writing soon!

    Listen in to learn more about the middle grade novel, Victory Gallop, directly from the author, Sarah Ward.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    About Sarah Ward and Victory Gallop

    Sarah Ward has been writing and telling stories for as long as she can remember. She lives in Georgia with her husband and dog. Her hobbies include daydreaming about dragons, watching baseball, and drinking copious amounts of hot chocolate. A former teacher and library assistant, Sarah writes stories for both children and adults. Her debut middle grade novel, Victory Gallop, is out now.

    You can get the e-book of Victory Gallop for FREE this coming weekend! From March 15 - 17, go to Amazon to get your free e-copy.

    The epilogue to Victory Gallop will be available to newsletter subscribers this fall, so sign up on Sarah's website to subscribe to her newsletter!

    Learn more about Sarah's books and editing at her website, https://sarahwardbooks.wixsite.com/sarah-ward.

    You can find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sarahwardbooks.

    Sarah is on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@sarahwardbooks.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • Are you looking for a teen coming-of-age love story set in the Australian bush? This month, we're discussing Gary Lonesborough's Ready When You Are (Bookshop.org), which is a YA romance that is perfect for our Unabridged Reading Challenge category Romance by an Indigenous Author.

    We also share our pairings including Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper (Bookshop.org) and Benjamin Alire Saenz’s Aristotle and Dante duology including Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) and Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm). Be on the lookout for our discussion of the Aristotle and Dante film adapatation coming to Patreon this Friday! If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • Are you looking for romance recommendations to read this February? We've got some new recommendations for you as we return with our annual Love is in the Air episode. We'll share about our picks for this year's edition, including Kacen Callender’s Stars in Your Eyes (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) and Jacqueline Firkins’s The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm).

    We're continuing to add exclusive content over on Patreon. In addition to monthly bonus episodes, we are now releasing more content on Patreon for subscribers. We appreciate your support so much, and it helps cover the cost of maintaining our podcast. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • Jen and Ashley read and discuss Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, Little Women (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm). This one is perfect for the Unabridged Reading Challenge category about a classic written before 1950! Check out our reading challenge here. We also share our pairings including Hena Khan’s More to the Story (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) and Geraldine Brooks’s March (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm).

    If you'd like to hear more about Little Women, be sure to tune in to hear our upcoming Patreon exclusive episode on February 1st when we share our thoughts about Greta Gerwig's film adaptation! We appreciate your support on Patreon so much, and it helps cover the cost of maintaining our podcast. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Become a patron on Patreon. | Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • What are your reading challenge plans for 2024? We're excited to launch the fourth annual Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. Ashley and Jen are also each participating in other reading challenges as well, and we share those with you in the episode. If you're looking to reach some new reading goals this year, reading challenges are a great way to help you reach those goals.

    We're continuing our Patreon drive in the new year. In addition to monthly bonus episodes, we are now releasing more content on Patreon for subscribers. We appreciate your support so much, and it helps cover the cost of maintaining our podcast. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • What happens when a nine-year-old girl decides she's determined to sing at Philadelphia's renowned jazz club? Marie-Helene Bertino's 2 AM at the Cat’s Pajamas (Libro.fm) is the story of Madeleine Altimari and other people all trying to reach their goals on the eve of Christmas Eve.

    Listen in to hear our thoughts and our pairings for this book club pick, including Abdi Nazemian’s Like a Love Story (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) and Fredrik Backman’s My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm).

    In addition to monthly bonus episodes, we are now releasing more content on Patreon for subscribers. We appreciate your support so much. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page.

    Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • In our annual Unabridged Awards episode, Jen and Ashley share awards we created for some of our favorite books from 2023. We each share three books in this episode, but if you're interested in more of our favorites, be sure to also check out this month's Bookish Fave posts on our blog.

    Patreon pals, be on the lookout for additional awards coming your way on January 1st! In addition to monthly bonus episodes, we are now releasing more content on Patreon for subscribers. (Our exclusive Bookish Gift Ideas Guide just came out on Monday!) We appreciate your support so much. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page. Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
  • Have you read Elliot Page's brilliant new memoir, Pageboy (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm)? Jen and Ashley are discussing our thoughts about this powerful book in the November book club episode. We also share our pairings, including George M. Johnson’s All Boys Aren’t Blue (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm) and Kacen Callendar’s Felix Ever After (Bookshop.org | Libro.fm).

    In addition to monthly bonus episodes, we are now releasing more content on Patreon for subscribers. We appreciate your support so much. If you haven't joined us there yet, you can check the details out here.

    Visit the Unabridged website for our full show notes and links to the books mentioned in the episode. Interested in what else we're reading? Check out our Featured Books page. Want to support Unabridged? Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. | Join our Unabridged Podcast Reading Challenge. | Visit our curated list of books at Bookshop.org. | Become a patron on Patreon. | Check out our Merch Store. | Visit the resources available in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.