Episodes
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"I literally think I'm going to take dating advice from this book."
This week, we read Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez.
Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:
Why two romance haters will recommend this book to everyone they know.Why the trash pandas and toilet king were the true stars of this book.What makes a man smell good.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that made Jenna rethink EVERYTHING.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK - Raspberry High Noon Iced Tea, Nice glass of Cabernet SauvignonTV SHOW - Virgin River, Gilmore GirlsBOOK - To All the Boys I Loved Before, Maybe in Another LifeMOVIE - 10 Things I Hate About You, Safe Haven, When in Rome!! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD !!
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. -
”He is such a piece of trash and I f**ing love him.”
This week, we read The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty.
Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:
The exciting premise and flawless execution that this book offers.Why we keep mentioning “naked pirates”.Why the spice level may have been a determining factor in Sierra’s final rating.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you feeling all the aches and pains of being a retired lady pirate.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK - Naked PirateTV SHOW - Working Moms, House of the DragonBOOK - The Book of Longings, Daughter of the Moon GoddessMOVIE - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, 3000 Years of Longing!! WARNING: SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE !!
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. -
Missing episodes?
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“We're going to be slovenly and yelling at each other by the end of the hour.”
This week, we read The Shamshine Blind by Paz Pardo
Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:
How Inside Out and Detective Pikachu relate to this book. Why Ella is talking in a New York cop accentWhy we ended up on polar opposite sides of this bookOpen your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you feeling all the colors.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK - Double Titos Pineapple, DaiquiriTV SHOW - Three Body Problem, His Dark MaterialsBOOK - The Giver, Fahrenheit 451MOVIE - Detective Pikachu, Furiosa!! WARNING: SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE !!
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. -
“I love when women write men. Holy s**t. It was so good.”
This week, it’s a 2 for 1! We read Poor Things by Alasdair Gray and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Bekah joins me on this episode to discuss:
The book vs. movie when talking about Poor ThingsWomen writing menThe problems and triumphs of classicsOpen your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you slogging your way through another classic novel.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK - Frankenpunch, Bloody MaryTV SHOW - The Fall of the House of Usher, Fullmetal AlchemistBOOK - The Haunting of Hill House, Bunny, Pet SemataryMOVIE - Fresh, Poor Things, Ex MachinaContent Warning: We talk about death, sex, and murder in the episode. Please take caution when listening.
WARNING!! SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE!!
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”She's always talking about him slouching. I'm sorry, I do not find that attractive. Be assertive!”
This week, we read and reviewed People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry.
Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:
Why the book was just too long…360 pages for a romance?Why the climax was quite anti-climaticWhy this was the light and fun summer read that we needed.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you planning your next summer vaycay.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK - Piña Colada,TV SHOW - One Day, Dawson’s Creek (Joey and Pacey)BOOK - Beach Read, The People We KeepMOVIE - Palm Springs, Definitely, MaybeOnce you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
WARNING ‼️ SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE !!
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Here's what you can expect from our newest iteration of Red Wine Reads:
New scriptsDrinking gamesMore social media content Same old heated banterMore books spanning across a variety of genresWe love you all and want to give you the best possible listening experience we can. So we present to you, Red Wine Reads - Season 2.
Let's pull some corks and get reading!
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I never thought I’d open up this much on a podcast…but here we are
This week, we read All About Love by bell hooks
Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:
The many meanings behind “Love” and what role it plays in both Ella and I’s lives.Why billionaires kind of suck.Why it was tough to jump back into a dense nonfiction book.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you journaling more than you ever thought possible.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: Cosmo, Whiskey SourTV SHOW - Modern Love, I Will Destroy You, One DayBOOK - Help, Thanks, Wow, How to Fall in Love with Anyone, GenerationsMOVIE -Someone Great, TogetherOnce you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. -
Today we're diving into which books we'll be reading and reviewing in June. From classic horror tales, to sister witch dramas, to beautiful rich people hoofin' it in upstate New York, we're reading some great books this month.
Whether you want to read one, none or all of them, the choice is up to you. We will be having great conversations all month long, so we hope you join us!
Everyone has different tastes, but we hope this podcast is fun to listen to, no matter how you like your books. Let me know which books you are most excited for on our Instagram and TikTok at rw reads podcast.
Links to all books are down below:
All About Love by bell hooks
The Beautiful and Damned by Scott F. Fitzgerald
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
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Yes, I know my mic didn't work in the first half of this episode. I apologize and will do better in the future. Thanks for hanging in there with me.
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Justice for Kevin Jorgeson!
This week, we read The Push by Tommy Caldwell
Bekah joins me on this episode to discuss:
Why this memoir appeals to both the climbers and non-climbers of the world.Why Bekah felt the need to shout, “Justice for Kevin!” about 5 times throughout the full episode.How we talked for over an hour and still didn’t event scratch the surface of his wild, wonderful life.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you shouting, “Kevin! Pitch 15!”
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: IPA brewed in CO: Station 26 Juicy BangerTV SHOW - Edge of the UnknownBOOK - Into Thin Air, Outliers: The Story of SuccessMOVIE - The Dawn Wall, Free Solo, Summit of the Gods, The AlpinistSpecial Pairing: Against the Odds: Rock Climbers AbductedOnce you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. -
"I can't pre-game before this. Things get too crazy."
"You can, and you should!"
This week, we read My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:
A threesome involving Marvel’s infinity gauntletWhy the ending really put a damper on the whole novelAll things relating to vampires — including fruit powersOpen your book and press play on a podcast episode that was fueled by wine and romance novels…which always leads to good decisions.
Mentioned in Pairings:
DRINK: Vampire Wine, Vampire MimosaTV SHOW - What We Do in the Shadows, Buffy the Vampire SlayerBOOK - The Ex Hex, Deal with the Elf KingMOVIE - Twilight, Vamps, Dark ShadowsQuick Summary:
Cassie Greenberg loves being an artist, but it’s a tough way to make a living. On the brink of eviction, she’s desperate when she finds a too-good-to-be-true apartment in a beautiful Chicago neighborhood. Of course, her new roommate Frederick J. Fitzwilliam is far from normal. He sleeps all day, is out at night on business, and talks like he walked out of a regency romance novel. He also leaves Cassie heart-melting notes around the apartment, cares about her art, and asks about her day. And he doesn’t look half bad shirtless. But when Cassie finds bags of blood in the fridge that definitely weren’t there earlier, Frederick has to come clean. . .Cassie’s sexy new roommate is a vampire.
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
Disclaimer
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
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This week, we read Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah
Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:
Why Kristin Hannah will continue to be a favorite, but maybe one who we stick to the newer material If we were faced with the same situation as Julia, how would we respond? Is a hot doctor always necessary for an interesting plot? The answer is in this episode.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you reaching into your desk for that bottle of whiskey you’ve been saving for a moment like this.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: Desk Whiskey TV SHOW - True Detective: Night Country, Shrinking, The Wilds BOOK - Where the Crawdads Sing, Speak, Alice in Wonderland, Nightingale MOVIE - Tarzan, Good Will HuntingQuick Summary: Dr. Julia Cates was one of the country's preeminent child psychiatrists until a shocking tragedy ruined her career. Retreating to her small western Washington hometown, Julia meets an extraordinary six-year-old girl who has inexplicably emerged from the deep woods nearby—a child locked in a world of unimaginable fear and isolation. To Julia, nothing is more important than saving the girl she now calls Alice. But Julia will need help from others, including the sister she barely knows and a handsome doctor with secrets of his own. What follows will test the limits of Julia's faith and strength, as she struggles to find a home for Alice . . . and for herself.
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Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
* Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
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This week, we read Eileen by Otessa Moshfegh
Rebekah joins me on this episode to discuss:
Why Otessa continues to fascinate me, even though I’ve disliked every book I’ve read of hersHow Otessa crossed so many lines in this bookWhy we refuse to go watch the film adaptationOpen your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you questioning if reading this book was worth it.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: GinTV SHOW - Killing Eve, Dead to MeBOOK - The Discomfort of Evening, My Year of Rest and Relaxation, Other People’s Clothes, A Certain HungerMOVIE - Saltburn, The MenuQuick Summary: The Christmas season offers little cheer for Eileen Dunlop, an unassuming yet disturbed young woman trapped between her role as her alcoholic father's caretaker in a home whose squalor is the talk of the neighborhood and a day job as a secretary at the boys' prison, filled with its own quotidian horrors. Consumed by resentment and self-loathing, Eileen tempers her dreary days with perverse fantasies and dreams of escaping to the big city. In the meantime, she fills her nights and weekends with shoplifting, stalking a buff prison guard named Randy, and cleaning up her increasingly deranged father's messes. When the bright, beautiful, and cheery Rebecca Saint John arrives on the scene as the new counselor at Moorehead, Eileen is enchanted and proves unable to resist what appears at first to be a miraculously budding friendship. In a Hitchcockian twist, her affection for Rebecca ultimately pulls her into complicity in a crime that surpasses her wildest imaginings.
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Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
* Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
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This week, we read A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:
How I was able to steer clear of any spoilers up until this pointWhy Tamlin gives me the ick The pure excitement that Sierra feels to FINALLY talk about this book with meOpen your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you traveling Under the Mountain and through the woods to save the people you love.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: Out East Cotes de Provence Rosé, Red Sangria TV SHOW - Vampire Diaries, The Rings of PowerBOOK - Crescent City, Beastly, A Court of Mist and FuryMOVIE - Beauty and the Beast, Twilight, Ella EnchantedQuick Summary: When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world. As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.
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Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
* Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
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This week, we read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Ella joins me on this episode to discuss:
Why, as two people people who don’t normally read romance, ate this s**t up. The fact that our girl Diana can sure write a sex sceneHow all of the elements — romance, historical anecdotes, character development, setting — came together to create a lovely, entertaining storyOpen your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you singing a song of a lass that is gone.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: Rhenish Wine, WhiskeyTV SHOW - Reign, Game of ThronesBOOK - Kindred MOVIE - Brave, Lady Chatterley's LoverQuick Summary: Scottish Highlands, 1945. Claire Randall, a former British combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding clans in the year of Our Lord . . . 1743. Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of a world that threatens her life, and may shatter her heart. Marooned amid danger, passion, and violence, Claire learns her only chance of safety lies in Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior. What begins in compulsion becomes urgent need, and Claire finds herself torn between two very different men, in two irreconcilable lives.
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Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
* Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
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It's our birthday month, so we wanted to start off our new season with a bang (literally). This episode was originally recorded in 2022, but I have sat on it, waiting for the perfect time to post it. And now, it is the perfect time to post it!
Today, we're reading Birthday Girl, a steamy romance in which Jordan, a 19-year-old, falls in love with the almost-40 Pike. The only snag in their romance? Jordan is dating Pike’s son, Cole. Oh, and they’re living in his house.
Sierra joins me today to talk about how I overcame my fear of smut thanks to her book choice.
In this episode we cover:
Why I was legitimately scared of this bookHow sexy books shouldn’t be shamed, but rather celebrated Why this book is right up Sierra’s alleyOpen your book and press play on a podcast episode that will leave you finding a movie theater on your birthday this year.
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This week, we read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Bekah joins me on this episode to discuss:
The dark past of author, Delia Owens, that may or may not influence the plot/characters of the book. What order you should read the “Where the Crawdads Sing” trifecta including book, movie, and New Yorker article.How this book became a phenomenon among book clubs and Reese Witherspoon fans.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you running barefoot into the marsh and talking with all the birds.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: Sweet Tea with WhiskeyTV SHOW - Big Little Lies, Outer Banks, The Last Thing He Told MeBOOK - The Great Alone, To Kill a Mockingbird MOVIE - Safe Haven, Gone Girl, Girl On The Train, The Woman In the WindowImportant links mentioned in the podcast:
“The Hunted” - The New Yorker
“Where the Crawdads Sing Author Wanted for Questioning in Murder” - The Atlantic
“A Shooting in Zambia” - The New Yorker
Quick Summary: For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens.
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Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
* Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
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This month, we’re starting Season 3 off with a BANG. Outlander, ACOTAR, Kristin Hannah and Ottessa Moshfegh? Oh yeah, this month is going to be good. We got a little romance for you (it is the month of love after all). We got a little mystery and weirdness for you. We have characters you love to root for and characters you love to hate.
Whatever your taste in books, we hope you find something you’re looking for.
Here are our picks for February:
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - a novel that combines the best of all worlds — historical fiction, fantasy and romance — into an unforgettable ride through the 18th Century Scottish Highlands.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas - a TikTok-famous romance fantasy novel that is a (very) loose retelling of ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah - a heart string-pulling novel about a woman who will do anything to save a little girl’s life, while also saving herself.
Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh- a dark and twisted tale about how one girl’s obsession turns into an unforeseen friendship with many strings attached.
Which book are you most excited for?
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Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
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This week, we read Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Abby joins me on this episode to discuss:
The characters who really made this book such a devious, sexy inside look into the richest people in Singapore The biggest plot holes in the movie that the book filled inWhy the audiobook absolutely SLAYSOpen your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you booking a trip to Paris with your private shopper (just kidding…more like hopping onto Amazon and getting that $30 sweatshirt set you’ve been eying for the last week).
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: Singapore SlingTV SHOW - Gossip Girl, The Fall of the House of UsherBOOK - What We Were Promised, The Crazy Rich Asians TrilogyMOVIE - Crazy Rich Asians, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Meet the FockersQuick Summary: When New Yorker Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home and quality time with the man she hopes to marry. But Nick has failed to give his girlfriend a few key details. One, that his childhood home looks like a palace; two, that he grew up riding in more private planes than cars; and three, that he just happens to be the country’s most eligible bachelor. On Nick’s arm, Rachel may as well have a target on her back the second she steps off the plane, and soon, her relaxed vacation turns into an obstacle course of old money, new money, nosy relatives, and scheming social climbers.
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Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
* Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
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This week, we read Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Bekah joins me on this episode to discuss:
Why there were way too many characters in the book that it muddled up the endingHow Bekah became the biggest Studio Ghibli stan out thereThe many discrepancies between the book and the movie, and why in this case, the movie is better.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you wondering where you can get your own fire demon.
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: London Fog, Gold FashionedTV SHOW - Slice of Life on CrunchyrollBOOK - Ella Enchanted, Good Omens, MatildaMOVIE - Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, The Boy and the Heron, Spirited Away, Princess MononokeQuick Summary: In this giant jigsaw puzzle of a fantasy, people and things are never quite what they seem. Destinies are intertwined, identities exchanged, lovers confused. The Witch has placed a spell on Howl. Does the clue to breaking it lie in a famous poem? And what will happen to Sophie Hatter when she enters Howl's castle?
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Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
* Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.
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This week, we read — and watched! — Mr. Malcolm's List by Suzanne Allain
Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss:
Why Jenna fell asleep during the movie. How well this book was adapted to screen — they did a great job, almost word-for-word the same!Why the movie’s creative interpretation of the ending irked us both.Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you dozing off while you read on the plane…
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: Bees Knees, Lavender French 75TV SHOW - Queen Charlotte, Emma BOOK - Portrait of a Scotsman, Unequal Affections MOVIE - John Tucker Must Die, BelleQuick Book Synopsis: This novel follows the Honourable Mr. Jeremy Malcolm as he searches for a wife, but not just any wife. He's determined to avoid the fortune hunters and find a near-perfect woman, one who will meet the qualifications on his well-crafted list. But after years of searching, he's beginning to despair of ever finding this paragon. Until Selina Dalton arrives in town. But when Mr. Malcolm begins judging Selina against his unattainable standards, Selina decides that she has some qualifications of her own. And if he is to meet them he must reveal the real man behind...Mr. Malcolm's List.
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Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!
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