Best CS Book Club Podcasts (2025)

1
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume 34:37

1y ago34:37

34:37

Join hosts Sam and Sarah on this episode of "Not Your Average Book Report" as they dive into Judy Blume's timeless classic "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." Discover how this beloved coming-of-age tale resonates with readers and explore its enduring themes of identity, friendship, and faith. Power Rank These Three from Worst to Least Worst: 1…

1
Matilda by Roald Dahl 38:59

1y ago38:59

38:59

In this episode we're reading Matilda by Roald Dahl. Sam and Sarah share laughter-inducing excerpts (You can do it, Brucie!) and reminisce about their favorite teachers who inspired them. Immerse yourself in a delightful blend of nostalgia, humor, and genuine moments as we discuss this classic.By Not Your Average Book Report

1
The Dungeoneers: Episode 7 39:00

2y ago39:00

39:00

Join Jake and Joel as they fill out their I-9 paperwork and join the Dungeoneers at what they do best, raiding the Dungeon like professionals, and drinking some amazing beers while we do it. It's worth noting that no chickens were harmed during the making of this episode.By Jacob Fleckenstein

1
Hunger of the Gods: Episode 6 Part 1 1:26:04

2y ago1:26:04

1:26:04

Join the Bookleggers as we sit on our sea chest and row back to Vigrio for our first sequel episode. Jake and Joel discuss the old and the new Charecters introduced, Orkas kill count, how Varg has that dawg in him and how much we hate Guthvar in Hunger of the Gods, The Bloodsworn Trilogy book 2, by John Gwynne.…

1
Legends and Lattes: Episode 5 39:13

2y ago39:13

39:13

Join the Bookleggers as we take a dive into the coziest coffee shop in fantasy. Legends and Lattes is Travis Baldree's debut into fantasy, and it leaves us wanting croissants and cinnamon rolls, and maybe an espresso stout along the way!By Jacob Fleckenstein

1
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary 23:28

2y ago23:28

23:28

Ah, the sweet nostalgic halls of the Mountain View Inn where you'll find loud dogs, plenty of crumbs and perhaps a MOUSE bbbbbbbbbbddddd-ing by on a motorcycle. We loved this discussion of Beverly Cleary's The Mouse and the Motorcycle and think you will too! Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Got comments or book suggestions? You can n…

1
Shadow of the Gods: Episode 4 Part 3 1:09:54

2y ago1:09:54

1:09:54

Join the Bookleggers as we pick up the second half of this Saga tale written by John Gwynne. With Beers in hand and the cat out of the bag we discuss the second half of this amazing novel.By Jacob Fleckenstein

1
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 27:19

2y ago27:19

27:19

Let's journey to Yorkshire in England to the wild and wonderful moor where Mistress Mary Quite Contrary is discovering some things about the world and herself! It's the Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett!By Not Your Average Book Report

1
Our Friend S.D. Smith Serves Up Some Sandwiches 35:28

2+ y ago35:28

35:28

Today we are joined by S.D. Smith, author of the Green Ember series, who tells us about things like writing being a job you do with an apron on, telling stories to your kids and we find a way to talk about Narnia. You can find Sam on the web at sdsmith.com. There you can find info about his newest book: Jack Zulu and the Waylander's Key.…

1
Shadow of the Gods Episode 4 Part 2 47:01

2+ y ago47:01

47:01

Listen in as Jake and Joel run down the storylines for Varg and Elvar in John Gwynne's Norse inspired fantasy saga. With crazy predictions for the direction of the story lines, Jake and Joel conlcude chapters 1-28 with a beer in hand and a Seax in their sea chests.By Jacob Fleckenstein

1
Shadow of the Gods: Episode 4 Part 1 1:00:16

2+ y ago1:00:16

1:00:16

Join the Bookleggers, as Jake and Joel grab their beers and seax and form a shield wall to take on John Gwynne's Norse inspired fantasy saga. In this episode Joel falls in love and Jake has dragons on the mind.By Jacob Fleckenstein

1
Wonder by R.J. Palacio 39:41

2+ y ago39:41

39:41

We are back from our little fall break and we've got a doozy. We read Wonder by R.J. Palacio based on a recommendation from our friend (who you might just be hearing from later on in the show!). Wonder is a heart-warming book in the truest sense and we hope you enjoy it and this episode as much as we did.…

1
Palace Job: Episode 3 56:03

2+ y ago56:03

56:03

The Bookleggers discuss The Palace Job, Joels favorite novel in this newly formatted special episode. Join us as we dust off our floating crystals and start hatching our plans for this fantasy heist novel!By Jacob Fleckenstein

1
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling 39:45

2+ y ago39:45

39:45

It all ends here. "One will die at the hands of the other, for neither shall live while the other survives." Join us as we conclude our Summer of Potter (in October, it's fine, it's fine).By Not Your Average Book Report

1
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling 28:29

2+ y ago28:29

28:29

Just when we think things can't get worse, they do. And I'm afraid for poor Harry, this is far from the end of his troubles but we're here every step of the way as we continue our journey through the Harry Potter series in our SUMMER OF POTTER.By Not Your Average Book Report

1
Kings of the Wyld: Episode 2 Part 3 1:50:32

2+ y ago1:50:32

1:50:32

The Bookleggers finish this epic saga of a tale, in part 3 of our Kings of the Wyld episodes. All we can say is it involves cannibals, dragons, centaurs and more!By Jacob Fleckenstein

1
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling 29:34

2+ y ago29:34

29:34

Ah, being 15 again: being angry all the time, feeling misunderstood and of course girls bursting into tears when you kiss and the evil wizard invading your dreams. Wait what? Yep, things are getting wild for Harry Potter and we're here to discuss as we dive into the fifth book in the Harry Potter series!…

1
Kings of the Wyld: Episode 2 Part 2 56:41

2+ y ago56:41

56:41

The Bookleggers are back, and all our attention is focused on the plot, well most of it anyway. Join Jake and Joel as they finish their first sit down with Kings of the Wyld, written by Nicholas Eames.By Jacob Fleckenstein

1
Our Friend Raychel is a Harry Potter Professor 36:23

2+ y ago36:23

36:23

Today we are joined by our friend Raychel McKelvy! Within minutes, Raychel blows my mind with some of the symbolism in the books and the conversation only gets better from there. Rachel is an actress, a writer as well as an assistant professor of communications at Moody Bible Institute. She also happens to a be a Ravenclaw! Be sure to follow Rayche…

1
Kings of the Wyld: Episode 2 Part 1 48:01

3y ago48:01

48:01

Jake and Joel throw'em back with the boys of Saga, as we take a deep dive into the fantasy novel written by Nicholas Eames, Kings of the Wyld, for the Bookleggers second book of season 1.By Jacob Fleckenstein

1
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling 32:29

3y ago32:29

32:29

We rejoin Harry Potter as he faces new dangers like dragons, merpeople and talking to girls! It's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as we continue our Summer of Potter.By Not Your Average Book Report

1
Dark Rise: Episode 1 Part 2 1:10:09

3y ago1:10:09

1:10:09

Join Jake and Joel as they finish their cups, and their book in part 2 of episode 1. Listen in as they discuss just how wrong their predications were, and what the Bookleggers think of this dark fantasy novel!By Jacob Fleckenstein

1
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling 24:51

3y ago24:51

24:51

The worst thing about prison was the dementors! But for Harry Potter, those dementors are now swirling around Hogwarts looking for the murderer Sirius Black who apparently wants nothing more than to murder Harry! Join us as we continue our Summer of Potter with the third book in the series, the Prisoner of Azkaban.…

1
Dark Rise: Episode 1 Part 1 1:27:38

3y ago1:27:38

1:27:38

Jake and Joel take a sip from their cups and discuss the first part of this wonderful dark fantasy novel Dark Rise, written by C.S. Pacat. This is the first installment in her Dark Rise Trilogy.By Jacob Fleckenstein

1
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling 28:04

3y ago28:04

28:04

It's the Summer of Potter! We're going to read the entire series by September and you should join us! The weather is heating up and so are things at Hogwarts as Harry faces new perils like Dobby trying to save his life, giant snakes and Ernie McMillan's accusations! It's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.…

1
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling 33:47

3y ago33:47

33:47

It's the Summer of Potter! We're going to read the entire series by September and you should join us! Today we're kicking it off with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's (or Philosopher's) Stone! Here's the article where Rowling discusses where the K. came from. Here's Rowling's diagram for Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince.…

1
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate 31:58

3y ago31:58

31:58

The 2013 Newberry Award winning The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is a precious story about a gorilla named Ivan who lives in a shopping mall with his friends Bob the stray dog and Stella the elephant. Join us as we discuss this fun book and themes like belonging, caring for animals and more.…

1
The Giver by Lois Lowry 31:18

3y ago31:18

31:18

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Giver falls more in the young adult category and deals with some heavier themes which young ears may not be ready for. So if you’re listening with youngsters around, we advise discretion. We're diving into the classic The Giver by Lois Lowry. Did you know this 1993 classic was the #11 most challenged book (a challenge is an atte…

1
Redwall by Brian Jacques 32:13

3y ago32:13

32:13

Eulalia! We're jumping into the first of Brian Jaques Redwall series, the eponymous story that started it all. And to make it even more special, we're joined by Nat Scott (Sarah's husband, Sam's brother), an english teacher who loves this series!By Not Your Average Book Report

1
Holes by Louis Sachar 32:27

3y ago32:27

32:27

This week we are reading the 1999 Newberry Medal winner, Holes by Louis Sachar. Join us as we journey with Stanley Yelnats to Camp Green Lake as he digs some holes (and learns so much more).By Not Your Average Book Report

1
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo 31:06

3y ago31:06

31:06

Get ready for all the feels because we're jumping into Kate DiCamillo's The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.By Not Your Average Book Report

1
My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett 24:04

3y ago24:04

24:04

Today we are reading My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett. Join us as we discuss lions getting their hair done, the beauty of imagination and have our very first guest join the show!By Not Your Average Book Report

1
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg 36:42

3+ y ago36:42

36:42

On today's episode, we're discussing the 1967 Newberry Award winner, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basel E. Frankweiler. We discuss running away, the desire in kids to be "seen" and how we all have secrets!By Not Your Average Book Report

1
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis 37:32

3+ y ago37:32

37:32

Oh yes, it's time to dive into C. S. Lewis's classic story about lampposts, fauns carrying parcels in the snow and Aslan. Specifically we want to discuss how relevant this story is to the Christmas season.By Not Your Average Book Report

1
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl 30:59

3+ y ago30:59

30:59

Today we're reading the James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl For more on Roald Dahl's life story and World War 2 experiences.By Not Your Average Book Report

1
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White 33:00

3+ y ago33:00

33:00

It's our first episode! Today we're reading the 1952 classic Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White Show Notes: Here's the full C.S. Lewis quote Sam references: “No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally (and often far more) worth reading at the age of fifty – except, of course, books of information. The only imaginative works w…

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CS Book Club Podcasts

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