That Pretentious Book Club

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 9 of That Pretentious Book Club and Episode 103 of The Scripturient Society! After a long, unannounced hiatus, Wheezy and Spoons return for this bookish holiday extravaganza--and introduce a new little member of the pod crew while they're at it! Join sister podcasts and Story Sirens Studio productions The Scripturient Society and That Pretentious Book Club in this third annual Christmas party for readers, writers, and nerds, and lovers of babies! This year the hosts witness a return of the bookish madlibs and a wholesome yet theologically confusing Christmas chain story. Join the story sirens as they celebrate the season in true comedic-yet-literary fashion! For all the storytellers out there, keep writing, and we'll see you on the next page! Find this season's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Follow That Pretentious Book Club and The Scripturient Society on Instagram and TikTok! Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke now available on Amazon!Find us on social media @thescripturientsociety Visit the pod online at storysirensstudio.com Check out our sister podcast That Pretentious Book Club for some refreshing book club comedy! Support the show

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 8 of That Pretentious Book Club! In this episode not only does Ash returns in all her Wheezy glory, but the club is also joined by pod-sister-graphic-designer Maddie Hull for a truly rousing discussion of The Catcher in the Rye byJ.D. Salinger. With a polarizing protagonist and a painfully relatable (to some) portrayal of the teenage experience, this is a book that is renowned for being entirely loved or entirely hated. One thing is for certain, Spoons, Wheezy, and even the club's special guest host this episode have STRONG opinions and plenty to say (and laugh) about when discussing this classic. Skippers jump to 30:52 Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The Catcher in the Rye! Support Leah, Jacob, and their beautiful family at GoFundMe! Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/3941ad83 Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon. Support the show

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 7 of That Pretentious Book Club! This very special episode is hosted by none other than Dr. Spoons Palermo and Pod Nurse Haleigh (usual host Wheezy has taken a break this episode due to-well-her wheezy-ness). In this episode Spoons and Haleigh discuss King of Scars by our queen of fantasy, Leigh Bardugo! The first book in the final duology to the Grishaverse focuses on the dangers facing former-prince-now-king Nikolai of Ravka, Zoya, Nina, and other beloved characters from the universe. Join the club as these hosts swoon over our boy Nikolai and find PLENTY to laugh about from the truly hilarious to the absurd in this fan-favorite! Skippers jump to 10:35 Pour yourself some kvas, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of King of Scars Support Leah, Jacob, and their beautiful family at GoFundMe! Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/3941ad83 Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon. Support the show

*please note: this episode contains brief discussion of sexual assault, violence, and other sensitive topics as relevant to the book* Welcome to Season 5 Episode 6 of That Pretentious Book Club! In this episode the hosts discuss one of the most famous American novels of all times - I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by the ever-impressive and eternally inspiring Maya Angelou. Despite facing periodic censorship due to the sensitive nature of some of this book's content, this autobiography of the famous Maya Angelou has changed hearts, minds, and captured souls ever since its initial publication, revealing a society that in same ways seems eons away, despite being a shockingly recent part of our history. Join the hosts as they gush over this literary hero and one of her greatest masterpieces, finding every opportunity to lighten the mood along the way. Skippers jump to 22:11 Pour yourself a drink, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings... Support Leah, Jacob, and their beautiful family at GoFundMe! Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/3941ad83 Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon. Support the show

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 5 of That Pretentious Book Club! In this episode the hosts discuss "the book Kiera wasn't writing" - AKA the long-awaited YA fantasy novel A Thousand Heartbeats by master-of-her-craft Kiera Cass. Joined again by pod-astrologist-Katherine, the club has plenty to say about this beautiful, action-packed story full of twists, turns, and unforgettable characters - but will the hosts opinions align with one another or will dissension be the order of the day...? Skippers jump to 20:14 Pour yourself a drink, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of A Thousand Heartbeats... Support Leah, Jacob, and their beautiful family at GoFundMe! Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/3941ad83 Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon. Support the show

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 4 of That Pretentious Book Club! In this new year's episode do their best to digest and discuss one of the most swashbucklingly fantastic adventures and also one of the longest books ever - The Three Musketeers by the talented writer and haver-of-good-times Alexandre Dumas. Join the book club as the hosts discuss the three musky boys and their young and irrationally confident companion in The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. Skippers jump to 17:44 Pour yourself a cup of tea (or join Porthos in inbibing something stronger), raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The Three Musketeers. Support Leah, Jacob, and their beautiful family at GoFundMe! Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/3941ad83 Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon. Support the show

Welcome to Season #5 Episode #3 of That Pretentious Book Club! Join sister podcasts and Story Sirens Studio productions That Pretentious Book Club and The Scripturient Society in this second annual Christmas party for readers, writers, and story nerds of all varieties! From ridiculous bookish madlibs to an even more unhinged chain story game than last year (spoiler: the pyrokinetic cat makes a reappearance), this episode is choked full of laughter and holiday cheer - particularly for readers and writers! Pour yourself some eggnog (or hot cocoa if you think eggnog is gross), raise a pinky, and join the club for this special holiday episode! Find this season's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke now available on Amazon! Support the show

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 2 of That Pretentious Book Club! In this special holiday episode TPBC is joined again by the holiday fox Lexi Potter for this discussion of Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie. This impenetrable whodunit still offers plenty for the hosts to plaugh about, with Aggie's ability to spin a dazzlingly complex plot into the most satisfying mystery keeping all the hosts on their toes. Join the book club as the hosts discuss Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie. Skippers jump to 25:55 Pour yourself a cup of cocoa, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Hercule Poirot's Christmas. Support Leah, Jacob, and their beautiful family at GoFundMe! Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/3941ad83 Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon. Support the show

Welcome to Season 5 Episode 1 of That Pretentious Book Club! In this episode TPBC rings in the beginning of Season 5 in true pretentious book club fashion with another classic by Jane Austen, Mansfield Park. This unique Austen story offers plenty for you and the hosts to love and about - from sweet but awkward protagonists who can't help but be buzzkills to the once-again troubling trope of cousin lovers... Join the book club as the hosts discuss the classic if lesser-known novel Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. Skippers jump to 16:12 Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Mansfield Park. Support Leah, Jacob, and their beautiful family at GoFundMe! Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/3941ad83 Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon. Support the show

Welcome club members and new listeners alike! This week That Pretentious Book Club is on hiatus to celebrate the end of Season 4! Don't miss us too much though, we'll be back next week to start off Season 4 in true TPBC tradition with another Jane Austen classic, - Mansfield Park! Until then, check out our sister podcast for writers - The Scripturient Society - and enjoy catching up on any missed episodes. Reach out on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub to let us know which books you liked (or hated) the most from this season! As always, lots of love to the club, and remember to keep your teacups full, pinkies high, and book club pretentious until we get back! Find all of this season's books and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke now available on Amazon! Support the show

Welcome to Season 4 Episode 22 of That Pretentious Book Club! In this last episode of TPBC's Season 4 reading list, the club covers New Moon by Stephenie Meyer! The club's Team Edward vs Team Jacob tensions come to a head in discussions about this absolutely outrageous book full of copious amounts of drama, laughter, and hot supernatural love interests. Join the book club as the hosts discuss this iconic YA paranormal romance and the second book in the Twilight series, New Moon. Skippers jump to 18:10 Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of New Moon. Support Leah, Jacob, and their beautiful family at GoFundMe! Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/3941ad83 Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon. Support the show

Welcome to Season 4 Episode 21 of That Pretentious Book Club! In this special Halloween episode, the club is joined once again by Lexi Potter (AKA the Holiday Fox)! In this episode Wheezy, Spoons, and the Fox discuss all things Frankenstein by Mary Shelly. From the book's scandalous origins to the absolutely insufferable nature of the protaganist (if he can even be called that), there is plenty to laugh about and enjoy whether you think you know everything about Frankenstein's story or if you know nothing at all.Join the book club as the hosts discuss the frightful Gothic novel by the mother of science fiction, Frankenstein. Skippers jump to 18:08 Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Frankenstein. Support Leah, Jacob, and their beautiful family at GoFundMe! Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/3941ad83 Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon. Support the show

Welcome to a bonus interview episode with author Sara Bennett Wealer! In this episode Ash (AKA Wheezy), chats with author Sara Bennett Wealer about her brand-new YA paranormal coming-of-age story, Grave Things Like Love. This book follows teenager Elaine as she struggles to balance obligations to her family and the funeral home they have owned since the 1800s, with the obligations she feels to her friends and to herself. When a new boy moves to town obsessed with ghost hunting, the funeral home, and her, Elaine is forced to figure out what she wants for herself - and how her best-friend-slash-boy-next-door figures into those wishes - especially when he expresses suspicion for the hot new ghost hunter. Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this special author interview! Find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub Follow Sara on her website Twitter @sbennettwealer Instagram @sbennettwealer and on Facebook Sara's book Grave Things Like Love can be purchased from your local bookstore or https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to benefit independent bookstores around the country AND the club. Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Support the show

Welcome to Season 4 Episode 20 of That Pretentious Book Club! In this episode, the club discusses YA fantasy favorite Caraval by Stephanie Garber! This book is absolutely PACKED with plot and gripping twists that leave you wondering if you can tell the difference between dreams, nightmares, and reality. Join the book club as the hosts speed through as much of this action-packed book as possible, finding plenty to laugh about on their journey through Caraval. Skippers jump to 28:03 Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Caraval. Support Leah, Jacob, and their beautiful family at GoFundMe! Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/3941ad83 Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon. Support the show

Welcome to Season 4 Episode 19 of That Pretentious Book Club! In this episode, the club discusses all-time children's classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by the dark and whimsical Roald Dahl. If you've seen the movies, you probably have a good idea just how zany this book this, but the hosts still find plenty to compare, contrast, and laugh hysterically about in the surprisingly short book that inspired it all. Join the book club for this discussion of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and follow That Pretentious Book Club on social media. Skippers jump to 14:28 Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Support Leah, Jacob, and their beautiful family at GoFundMe! Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/3941ad83 Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon. Support the show

Welcome to Season 4 Episode 18 of That Pretentious Book Club! In this episode, the club discusses YA/NA fantasy favorite and listener recommendation,The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. This enigmatic novel is woven together with imagery that practically breathes magic, while the plot offers plenty of material to gush and laugh over. Join the book club for this discussion of Night Circus and follow That Pretentious Book Club on social media. Skippers jump to 19:19 Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of The Night Circus. Support Leah, Jacob, and their beautiful family at GoFundMe! Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/3941ad83 Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World Support the show

Welcome to Season 4 Episode 17 of That Pretentious Book Club! In this episode, the club is joined by co-host from sister podcast The Scripturient Society for Writers, Karissa Harlow (AKA Katherine, AKA Lewis) to discuss Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux in honor of the official start of spooky read season! This dark, operatic novel weaves together a tale of twisted romance, obsession, and the intoxicating power of music - while still providing plenty of fodder for the hosts to laugh over. Join the book club as the hosts discuss this read of Phantom of the Opera. Skippers jump to 20:25 Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Phantom of the Opera. Support Leah, Jacob, and their beautiful family at GoFundMe! Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/3941ad83 Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World Support the show

Welcome to Season 4 Episode 16 of That Pretentious Book Club! In this episode, the club is joined by long-lost pod-nurse Haleigh to cover a personal recommendation, Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes. This YA Fantasy offers an intoxicating combination of game of thrones intensity vibes with all the fast-paced young adult fantasy elements we love - and you've never heard it discussed by more passionate hosts. From ship wars to EXTREMELY questionable love interests, the debate rages on - and in cloaks too. Join the hosts as they find plenty to laugh about after this read of Falling Kingdoms. Skippers jump to 23:13 Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Falling Kingdoms. Support Leah, Jacob, and their beautiful family at GoFundMe! Every bit helps! https://gofund.me/3941ad83 Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon. Support the show

Welcome to a bonus interview episode with author Nicole Lesperance! In this episode Ash (AKA Wheezy), chats with author Nicole Lesperance about her brand-new gothic YA with strong fantasy-horror vibes, The Depths. This book takes all the elements of ghosty gothic fiction that Wheezy is obsessed with and sets it on a mysterious tropical island with imagery so vivid you can practically smell the flowers. Suffice it to say, this was a read Ash could not put down, and is definitely joining both her lists of favorite books and soon-to-be-read-again books. Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this special author interview! Find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub Follow Nicole on her website Twitter @NicLesperance Instagram @nicolesperance and on Facebook Nicole's books The Depths can be purchased from your local bookstore or https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to benefit independent bookstores around the country AND the club. Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Support the show

Welcome to Season 4 Episode 15 of That Pretentious Book Club! In this episode, the club covers long-awaited and much-dreaded (at least by Wheezy) classic, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. If you've visited the club a time or two, you probably know that this author has acted as the inciting (and only) real source of conflict between the hosts, with one believing this author to be one of the greatest writers of all time, with the other believes he is unnecessarily long-winded at best. Join the hosts as they find plenty to laugh and find out what Wheezy really thinks of this book after her latest read of Great Expectations. Skippers jump to 13:52 Pour yourself a cup of tea, raise a pinky, and join the club for this discussion of Great Expectations. Find this episode's book and more by shopping at https://bookshop.org/shop/storysirensstudio to support the club AND local bookstores! Visit us at storysirensstudio.com or find us on social media @thatpretentiousbookclub. Looking for exclusive TPBC content? Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/storysirensstudio Check out sister podcast The Scripturient Society for writers! Find Space Aliens, Southerners, and Saving the World by Ash Leigh O'Rourke on Amazon. Support the show