Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book Review Podcast

In this 4th bonus episode for our 3rd series, we discuss the final 2 episodes, episodes 7 and 8, of Amazon Primes “The Wheel of Time” series 2, “Daes Dae'mar” and “What Was Meant to Be". We talk about the episodes in relation to the books, this series is an adaptation of books 2+3 “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn”, so we try to not spoil anything plot wise after those books. We do spoil the episodes, so make sure you’ve watched the episodes first! Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

In this bonus episode, we discuss episodes 5 and 6 of Amazon Primes “The Wheel of Time” series 2, “Damane” and “Eyes Without Pity”. We talk about the episodes in relation to the books, this series is an adaptation of books 2+3 “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn”, so we try to not spoil anything plot wise after those books. Episode 5, Damane: Moiraine and Rand run to save their lives, as Selene still appears to be alive; Egwene and Nynaeve meet a new enemy. Episode 6, Eyes Without Pity: Rand makes a risky alliance and Egwene gathers her strength to confront the horror of her circumstances. Content Warnings Fictional Slavery Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

In this bonus episode, we discuss episodes 3 and 4 of Amazon Primes “The Wheel of Time” series 2. In this episode we focus on episodes 3 and 4 of Series 2 (“What might be” and “Daughter of the Night”). In relation to the books, this series is an adaptation of books 2+3 “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn”, so we try to not spoil anything plot wise after those books. “What Might Be”: To become an Accepted, Nynaeve must overcome her trials; Rand finds it difficult to control his power; While searching the tower for Nynaeve, Egwene and Elayne discover Sheria; Mat wakes up to find Liandrin, who is in mourning. “The Daughter of the Night”: Moiraine looks for Rand; Nynaeve grieves over all her losses. Lanfear Walks Again. Content Warnings NA Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

In this bonus episode, Lotti, and M, are joined by AJ, and Liv, about series 2 of the Wheel of Time on Amazon Prime. In this episode, we discuss specially episodes 1 and 2. We discuss all things costumes, plot points, and our favourite bits from the episodes. Plus we ask the question: Which Ajah would Jane Austen’s heroines be in? Make sure you’ve watched the episodes first, as it’s not spoiler free! Note this episode is marked E due to a light peppering of language. Episode 1 synopsis: Nynaeve and Egwene must endure the harsh tutelage of Alanna and Liandrin; Liandrin holds Mat prisoner to grill him for information; Rand al'Thor is concerned that his power might drive him insane; Moiraine pushes Lan away. Episode 2 synopsis: Rand intimidates one of his more antagonistic employees but unintentionally uses the One Power; Moiraine and Lan prepare to leave for the White Tower with Verin, Adeleas and Tomas; Liandrin steals a vial of crimsonthorn root with Nynaeve's help. Content Warnings N/A Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

It’s our Q and A episode! We answer your questions in this special bonus episode of our podcast. Content Warnings NA Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

For our final book review of series 3 join us as we discuss the Sherlock Holmes story “The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Featuring haunted moors, Scooby-Doo villainy, the John Watson defence squad, and some dogs (no cats). For our other episodes featuring Sherlock Holmes, including “Study in Scarlet”, see our website link below. Content Warnings Murder, death of animals, brief mention of phrenology Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

Join us on an unforgettable literary journey as we unlock the secrets of Tamsyn Muir's captivating novel, "Gideon the Ninth." In this episode, we venture into a realm where necromancers wield power, the line between life and death blurs, and secrets shroud the decaying Canaan House. Content Warnings Death Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

Join us for a discussion of Jane Austen’s Emma - a story of misguided match-making, lying lovers, and stressful social situations. We talk about class, telling yourself stories about what’s going on in the heads of those around you, and - of course - who we’d fight if given the chance. Content Warnings na Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

Join us for a lively review of "Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case." By Garth Nix. In this standalone novella set in the Abhorsen universe, Nicholas Sayre embarks on a thrilling adventure, facing personal demons and unraveling a chilling mystery surrounding a locked case and an enigmatic creature. We explore Nix's masterful storytelling, immersive world-building, and themes of identity and duty. Discover the magic of this captivating tale, whether you're a fan of Nix's work or a newcomer to his extraordinary storytelling prowess. Content Warnings Death Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

In this mini episode, the team ask the questions they didn’t ask before in the full review of The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson. For the full book review, see series 1 episode 20 Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

Join us for a discussion of the first book in Tamora Pierce’s The Song of the Lioness series, Alanna the First Adventure. We think about what this story has to say about gender, and how it took on topics like bullying, sexism and misogyny while not even being allowed to run more than a couple hundred pages, because “it’s for children”. Content Warnings Discussion of misogyny and school bullying. Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

It’s time for us to review another medieval poem! In this episode, we discuss “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a late 14th-century chivalric romance in Middle English, with an unknown author. The title of the poem was given centuries later after it was first written. It is one of the best-known Arthurian stories, with its plot combining two types of folk motifs: the beheading game, and the exchange of winnings. The poem draws on Welsh, Irish, and English stories, as well as the French chivalric tradition. Also, it is an important example of a chivalric romance, which typically involves a hero who goes on a quest which tests his prowess. In the episode we discuss the following translations by different translators: We had some technical issues with this episode and had to use our backup recording, apologies for the increase in background noises, cross talk ect. Content Warnings na Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

Join us for a special episode of Teaching My Cat To Read, where Eli brings some beloved guests on board to discuss Kim Newman's Anno Dracula. We talk about whether vampires are always sexy, how many fun literary cameos an author can include before it gets annoying, and exactly what on earth is going on in this book. Please mind the content notes; this episode is a little heavier than usual. Content Notes Discussion of extreme violence, homophobia, xenophobia, suicide, ableism, sexual content and harm to animals Guest Links Charlotte’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlie_isnt_a_guy Tell it to the Bees by Emma K. Leadley: http://www.newconpress.co.uk/info/book.asp?id=225&referer=Catalogue Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

In this mini episode, the team asks the questions they didn’t ask before in the full review of Temeraire (His Majesty’s Dragon) by Naomi Novik. "Temeraire" combines history and fantasy, transporting readers to an alternate Napoleonic era where dragons exist. Join Captain Will Laurence as he unexpectedly becomes the partner of a dragon hatchling named Temeraire. Novik weaves a captivating tale of adventure, danger, and the bond that forms between Captain Laurence and Temeraire. In this episode, we'll touch on the thrilling premise, the well-developed characters, and Novik's seamless blending of history and fantasy. Prepare to be immersed in a world where dragons soar across the skies, leaving you breathless with each turn of the page. If you love historical fiction, fantastical elements, and dragons, then this book and this episode is a must-listen. (Note: For a comprehensive review of "Temeraire," check out our series 1 episodes 14 and 15, where we discuss the book in full.) Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

In this episode, we review Ann Leckie's captivating fantasy novel, "The Raven Tower." Published in 2019, it immerses readers in a world where gods and humans coexist. Leckie's masterful prose, rich mythology, and well-crafted characters make this a must-read. Discover why it earned critical acclaim and awards. Happy reading! “A usurper has claimed the throne. Invaders amass at the borders. And they have made their alliances with enemy gods... For centuries the kingdom of Iraden has been protected by a god known as the Raven. But in their hour of need, the Raven speaks nothing to its people. It is into this unrest that the warrior Eolo - aide to the true heir to the throne - arrives. In seeking to help his master reclaim his city, Eolo discovers that the Raven's Tower holds a secret. Its foundations conceal a dark history that has been waiting to reveal itself... and to set in motion a chain of events that could destroy Iraden forever.” - Book Blurb Content Warnings Death, suicide Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

In this episode, we chat about the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare. “The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark”, often shortened to “Hamlet” is one of Shakespeare’s most quoted plays. It was written between 1599-1601, and is his longest play. The play is set in Denmark, where Prince Hamlet’s uncle has taken over the throne by killing Hamlet’s father, and marrying Hamlet’s mother. This play features on many shortlists for literature for GCSE + A-level, but how will we find it (as first time readers of this play)? Listen to find out! In this episode we discuss several different stagings of the play, including the 1996 version with Kenneth Branagh, the 2009 version with David Tennant, the 2018 version with Andrew Scott, and the 2016 RSC staging with Paapa Essiedu, which are all available online, although we’re not sure we can recommend all of them **cough** Branagh **cough**. Content Warnings Death, Suicide Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

In this mini episode, the team asks the questions they didn’t ask before in the full review of Small Gods by Terry Pratchett. For the full book review, see series 1 episode 10. Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

As we continue on our valiant quest to read more books in the Discworld series, we decided to discuss “Guards! Guards!” by Terry Pratchett. The first in the City Watch series of books within the Discworld universe, Guards! Guards! Follows the Night Watch as they try to recover a stolen magical book which can be used to summon dragons. Featuring many puns, humor, and brilliant writing, plus dragons, this book got a Cat rating of 8.75/10. Listen to the episode to find out why! Content Warnings N/A Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

In this episode, we discuss the Agatha Christie Novel “Death on the Nile”. Featuring everyone’s favourite Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, (brushing off our gcse French to understand his thoughts), the twists and turns of the plot, silly questions, and what our cat would think. Content Warnings Fictional murder, alcoholism Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9

In this episode Lotti is joined by friends of the podcast Liv and AJ to discuss Brandon Sanderson’s high fantasy book series The Stormlight Archive. What did we think of this series compared to Wheel of Time, or other Cosmere books? What’s our favourite cameo? Who’s our favourite character? Check out this episode to find out! We’ve read the books before, so we have spoilers for the series (with Easter eggs) from about 34 min in. We do note when we spoiled and keep it high level (if you know you know etc). Key spoilers: Dalinars curse + journey (book 3/ 4) Who Thaidikar is (implied) (book 4) Why the war started with Parensedi (book2/3) Stormlight Archive books mentioned: The Way of Kings The Words of Radience Oathbringer Rhythm of War Content Warnings Some minor language. Support the show Recommend us a Book! If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email and we’ll pop it on our long list (but please read our review policy on our website first for the books we accept). Social Media Website: https://teachingmycattoread.wordpress.com/ Email: teachingmycattoread@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmycat2read/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/teachmycat2read?s=09 Tumblr: https://teachingmycattoread.tumblr.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFXi9LNQv8SBQt8ilgTZXtQ Listener Survey https://forms.gle/TBZUBH4SK8dez8RP9