The Bookyard Pod d3h27

In this episode, Sam and Kai travel back in time to episode three, where they each pitched a book for the other to read. In the present, both of them have completed their reading, and it is time to see what they each thought about the other’s recommendation. After the discussion, the girls offer an inside view into what Season 2 of the podcast has in store for listeners. We hope to see you next season! This episode contains spoilers for both Shark Heart and The Wishing Game.

In this episode, Sam and Kai talk about their LAST experiment of season one. Welcome to Best and Worst, where we go to a bookstore and ask a bookseller for the best book they’ve read recently, and one that was not their cup of tea. This time, we went to Poppy Books in Spanish Fork, Utah. This episode contains spoilers for both The Thirteenth Child and Tehrangeles. Listen along to hear us compare the reads and share our thoughts. As part of the Worst and Best series, we want to remind you that people have all kinds of takes. Just because someone didn’t enjoy a particular book, it doesn’t mean that you won’t or that it isn’t worth a read. We hope you’ll read both books we discussed in this episode.

In this episode, Sam and Kai talk about another fun reading experiment that they recently finished. They read trending books and then read other books written by the same authors. They discover writing style changes, preferred genres, and other helpful insights. This episode contains spoilers for books written by Emily Henrie, Rebecca Ross, Stephanie Meyer (disclaimer in episode), and Rebecca Yarros.

In this episode, Sam and Kai talk about Sunrise on the Reaping, Suzanne Collins’ new installment in the Hunger Games series. The girls talk about Haymitch, surprisingly recognizable side characters, and corrupt governments. The book is incredible, and we dive into it with you. As always with a deep dive, there are major spoilers in this episode for the book (and the whole series).

In this episode, Sam and Kai launch into the original Hunger Games trilogy in preparation for the release of Suzanne Collins’ Sunrise on the Reaping. The girls talk about how the Hunger Games shaped their childhoods and dystopian fiction. They cover the love triangle and avidly defend Peeta (the chosen MMC). They go into what they most hope to see from the next book in the series, which they will talk about in episode 15. It goes without saying that there are a lot of spoilers in this episode about the Hunger Games…and yet…here I am saying it.

In this episode, Sam and Kai talk about the Rebecca Ross theory. What started as a theory about how the second books in Ross’ duologies weren’t living up to expectations ended up taking a surprising turn when Sam and Kai decided to read ALL of Rebecca Ross’ books before jumping to conclusions. After discussing Divine Rivals, Ruthless Vows, A River Enchanted, A Fire Endless, The Queen’s Rising, The Queen’s Resistance, and The Sisters of Sword and Song, the girls propose a new Rebecca Ross theory. Notes: Although the episode doesn’t directly relate to the Throne of Glass Universe, there is a significant spoiler for the death of a character. Please do not proceed if that will make you sad. Also, we accidentally turned on the reverb setting on our mic for about 15 minutes of this episode. Please forgive the audio quality.

In this episode, Sam and Kai talk about Intermezzo by Sally Rooney. Was it one of the best books they read in 2024? You’ll have to listen to find out. As always, there will be spoilers in any episode where Sam and Kai do a deep dive into a book.

In this episode of The Bookyard Pod, Sam and Kai talk about some of their favorite bookstores in Utah County and beyond. us as we take you on a tour of four bookstores building their local communities and selling amazing books. The stores included in this episode are Pioneer Book, Planted in Pages, Folklore, and Poppy Books and Gifts.

In this episode, Sam and Kai talk about All the Colors of the Dark, a thriller that we are absolutely obsessed with. We talk about the author, the characters, and all the different aspects of the book. This is a thriller that has love stories, friendship, abuse, murder, abortion, and so much more. If you are squeamish about those topics, this may not be the episode for you. This episode contains spoilers (like all of our episodes).

In this episode, Sam and Kai talk about Onyx Storm, the third book in the Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros. Is Xaden having an Edward from Twilight moment? Is Aaric the hottest character? Who is Xaden’s new Venin bro? Listen along as we dive into our favorite Onyx Storm lore. This episode clearly contains spoilers, so do what you will with that.

In this episode, Sam and Kai talk about the enemies-to-lovers pipeline, a theory that they made up about how authors use physical characteristics to show readers who is going to be the love interest in a book. There will be a part 2 to this theory in Season 2. This episode contains spoilers about the love interests in the following books: A Court of Thorns and Roses, Divine Rivals, Throne of Glass, Fourth Wing, and Manacled. It also discusses Suzanne Collins’ A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

In this episode, Sam and Kai talk all about the Folk of the Air series. From the Cruel Prince to a bonus mini-book, the team chats about the unique characters that make up the world and the things they weren’t fans of. This episode contains spoilers for the series.

In this episode of The Bookyard Pod, Sam and Kai discuss Ali Hazelwood’s Bride. Then, they go over a new theory of theirs called the smut-to-plot ratio. They talk about different comfort levels when it comes to sex in books and how the smut-to-plot ratio can help you figure out if a book will be your cup of tea. This episode includes spoilers for Bride and also discusses sex. If you are uncomfortable with either, feel free to skip this episode!

In this episode of The Bookyard Pod, Sam and Kai discuss I Who Have Never Known Men, a dystopian novel that they read in 2024. Sam and Kai both consider this book a must-read. They discuss the premise of the book and theorize about the ambiguous ending. This episode does contain in-depth spoilers about I Who Have Never Known Men and its ending. This book does not include romance or spice, so if you avoid those topics, this is a safe episode.

In this episode of The Bookyard Pod, Sam and Kai finally deep dive into a duology. They present The Shepherd King Duology as one of their favorite reads of 2024, they discuss the providence cards that make the magic system so interesting, and finally, they figure out what the difference is between girls who like Elm and girls who like Ravyn. This episode contains limited spoilers for both One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns.

In this episode of The Bookyard Pod, Sam and Kai take you on a journey through their reading origin stories. They discuss how they started reading, what they like to read in their free time, and how they met and began a podcast. This episode does not include in-depth spoilers. However, several books such as Harry Potter, Throne of Glass, etc. are referenced.

In this episode of The Bookyard Pod, Sam and Kai play Pitch-a-book. They each present the premise, tropes, and vibes of a book that they have read (in secret) recently and then ask if the other would read it. If you are looking for two new reads, listen along! This episode contains a few spoilers from two mystery books that are revealed at the end.

In this episode of The Bookyard Pod, Sam and Kai present a very scientific theory that they made up about how a well-written male main character can mean the end of a crappy relationship. Kai will take you along with her as she recounts the true story of her breakup, which all started while she was reading Fourth Wing. This episode does not contain in-depth spoilers but male main characters from several series are mentioned, and the plot of Fourth Wing is discussed.