Molly by Blake Butler

Madeline and Laura discuss Blake Bulter's deeply personal biography Molly. They discuss Butler's captivating and intimate writing, and break down the controversy over the ethics of publishing Molly's story. Content warnings: This episode contains discussion of suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, and emotional abuse.

Madeline and Laura discuss Miranda July's 2024 National Book Award Finalist, All Fours. This discussion contains spoilers. 

Madeline and Laura dive into Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, dissecting its ambitious exploration of friendship, trauma, and the gaming industry. From the fragmented plot and complex characters to the unexpected thematic twists, they grapple with the novel’s portrayal of Sam and Sadie—two deeply flawed protagonists navigating their way through creative highs and personal lows. They discuss everything from the relentless nostalgia of The Oregon Trail to the mishandled depiction of trauma and identity and unpack what made this book a fascinating, frustrating ride.

Madeline and Laura dive into Julia Fox's provocative memoir, Down the Drain. They explore Fox's candid reflections on her childhood, art, sexuality, and fame. Join them as they discuss the balance of vulnerability and strength in her storytelling and whether this book transcends the celebrity memoir genre.

Madeline and Laura discuss Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll in this thought-provoking episode of our book discussion podcast. Dive into a lively conversation about the ethics of consuming true crime content, the complex layers of gender politics presented in the novel, and why, despite high expectations, neither of us found ourselves captivated by Knoll's latest work. Join us as we unravel the book's provocative themes, critique its execution, and explore how it fits within the broader landscape of true crime narratives. Whether you’ve read the book or are just curious about the conversation, this episode offers an engaging analysis and a candid reflection on our reading experience.

Madeline and Laura depart the world of literary fiction and read Julia Bartz's 2023 thriller The Writing Retreat.

Madeline and Laura discuss Megan Giddings' modern-dystopian novel, The Women Could Fly.  They unpack the blending of genres, analysis of identity and how the novel landed in the aftermath of the Roe v. Wade repeal.

Madeline and Laura discuss Jessica Knoll's 2015 debut novel, Luckiest Girl Alive. We talk about the strength of Knoll's writing and characterization of Ani FaNelli throughout multiple timelines and debate whether the recent film adaptation, starring Mila Kunis lived up to the novel.CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault and violence in schools.

Madeline and Laura review Curtis Sittenfeld's latest novel set behind the scenes at SNL, Romantic Comedy. They discuss Sittenfeld's handling of COVID, celebrity and whether it's a successful entry into the rom-com canon. 

Madeline and Laura dive into beauty editor Cat Marnell's memoir, How to Murder Your Life. They discuss Cat's unique voice, the collapse of the magazine publishing industry, and of course, addiction.