Best Teaching My Cat To Read Podcasts (2025)

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Q and A - Call and response with listener questions 56:05

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2d ago56:05

56:05

We asked you to send in your burning questions - about books, cats, podcasting, and everything in between - and you delivered. From favourite reads and guilty pleasure genres to behind-the-scenes podcast stories (and a few chaotic tangents), we’re answering them all. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re brand new to the show, this i…

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Carry on Jeeves - Our Favourite Married Couple 1:05:42

16d ago1:05:42

1:05:42

This week, we’re diving into Carry On, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse, a collection of short stories that perfectly captures the hilariously lopsided dynamic between the clueless Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet, Jeeves. If you’ve never read Wodehouse before, this is the perfect entry point-sharp, charming, and laugh-out-loud funny. In this episo…

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All systems Red - Local SecUnit Can’t Believe It Paused Its Shows For This 1:11:42

1M ago1:11:42

1:11:42

This week, we’re talking about All Systems Red by Martha Wells, the first novella in the Murderbot Diaries series-and it’s safe to say we’re officially obsessed. With a title like Murderbot, you’d expect chaos (and there’s plenty), but what really caught us is the dry humor, the unexpected heart, and one of the most relatable AI narrators we’ve eve…

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Murder at the Vicarage -No One Expects the Village Inquisition 1:04:42

1M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

This week, we’re stepping into the quiet village of St. Mary Mead—where, naturally, a murder has just taken place. We're talking about Murder at the Vicarage, Agatha Christie’s first full length novel to feature the sharp-eyed, quietly brilliant Miss Marple. In this episode, we dig into what makes this book such a good introductory read to one of C…

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Mini Ep - Death on the Nile 17:44

2M ago17:44

17:44

In this mini episode we re-cap the Agatha Christie Novel “Death on the Nile”. Note, we will spoil the plot of this book in this mini episode. The Back of the book: “The tranquility of a cruise along the Nile is shattered by the discovery that Linnet Ridgeway has been shot through the head. She was young, stylish and beautiful, a girl who had everyt…

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Harrow the Ninth - It’s A Beautiful Day On The Mithraeum And You Are A Horrible Necromancer 1:10:39

3M ago1:10:39

1:10:39

We’re back for part two of our deep dive into Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir—because let’s be honest, one episode wasn’t nearly enough. In this follow-up discussion, we’re untangling all the parts we didn't get to discuss in the first half - where things get even more mind-bending, the emotional stakes rise, and the mysteries lurking behind the Lo…

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Harrow the Ninth - Tragic Find-And-Replace Incident: Multiple Deaths 1:11:38

3M ago1:11:38

1:11:38

We’re back in the world of necromancers and space palaces with *Harrow the Ninth* by Tamsyn Muir—and things are even weirder (and more brilliant) than before. If you caught our episode on *Gideon the Ninth*, you know we’re already obsessed with this series. Now, we’re diving headfirst into Harrow’s fractured mind, impossible timelines, and a story …

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Mini Ep - Gideon the Ninth 17:53

4M ago17:53

17:53

Before we read and discuss the second book in “The Locked Tomb” series, we thought we would revisit the first book, “Gideon the Ninth”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book. The Back of the Book: “The Emperor needs necromancers. The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman. Gideon has a sword, som…

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The Red Headed League - A Holmes, A Watson and a Redhead Walk Into A Bank Robbery 51:22

4M ago51:22

51:22

In this episode, we’re digging into *The Red-Headed League*, one of the most clever and entertaining short stories from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes collection. Join us as we follow Holmes and Watson through a bizarre case involving a mysterious job posting, a suspicious employer, and a scheme that’s far more serious than it first appea…

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The Hunger Games - Bread and circuses and child murder 1:02:36

5M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

In this episode, we’re talking all things The Hunger Games—the book that took the world by storm and redefined YA dystopian fiction. We’ll dive into what makes this story so gripping, from the intense survival stakes to the sharp social commentary woven into Panem’s brutal world. We’ll break down Katniss Everdeen as a protagonist, the tension of th…

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Jane Eyre - Even The Weather Thinks This Is A Bad Idea 1:13:36

5M ago1:13:36

1:13:36

Join us for an in-depth conversation as we explore Charlotte Brontë’s classic, Jane Eyre. In this episode, we chat about the unforgettable journey of Jane—from her early struggles as an orphan to her quest for independence and love. We dive into the many layers of social commentary, Gothic atmosphere, and the fierce resilience that makes this novel…

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Mini Ep - Much Ado about Nothing 22:20

6M ago22:20

22:20

In this Mini episode, we’re back to the world of Shakespeare with “Much Ado About Nothing”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book. The Back of the Book: “The primary plot of Much Ado About Nothing turns on the courtship and scandal involving young Hero and her suitor, Claudio, but the witty war …

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Throne of Jade (Temeraire) - it's my book they will stay on the boat if I tell them to 55:18

6M ago55:18

55:18

Join us for a chat as we dive into Naomi Novik’s Throne of Jade, the second installment in the Temeraire (His Majesty’s Dragon) series. In this episode, we discuss about the epic blend of historical intrigue, vibrant dragon lore, and complex characters that bring this story to life. We’ll share our thoughts on the rich worldbuilding and the unforge…

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Mansfield Park - Mansplain Park 1:02:54

6M ago1:02:54

1:02:54

In our final Austen discussion, we turn our attention to Mansfield Park. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about Jane Austen’s classic as we explore its characters, intricate plot, and enduring social commentary. Throughout the episode, we examine Austen’s narrative and have a think if our pet cat would approve of this novel. If you appreciate …

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A Closed and Common Orbit - What does it mean to be a Human or an AI? 1:01:09

7M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

In this episode of Teaching My Cat to Read, we’re diving into the heartwarming and deeply thought provoking sci-fi novel A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers. We have a chat about the book’s big themes: identity, belonging, the meaning of family, and what it means to build a life—whether you’re human, an AI, or something in between. With its…

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Mini Ep - Long way to an Angry Planet 14:41

7M ago14:41

14:41

Please note: this episode contains MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS for the book if you haven’t read it yet from the start In this Mini episode, we return to the world of the Wayfarer with “The Long Way to a Small, Angry, Planet”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book. The Back of the Book: “Follow a motley …

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The Scottish Play - Just One More Murder, Bro, I Swear 1:04:38

8M ago1:04:38

1:04:38

In this week’s episode of Teaching My Cat to Read, we’re entering into the world of Macbeth—a play packed with witches, ambition, and one very messy quest for power. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or just curious about all the drama, this episode is for you! We’ll chat about those three witches and their prophecies, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s …

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Wyrd Sisters - And I Would Have Gotten Away With It Too, If It Wasn’t For Those Meddling Witches 1:14:18

8M ago1:14:18

1:14:18

In this episode, we go back to the Discworld to discuss the book “Wyrd Sisters”, by Terry Pratchett. The second book in the Witches series, “Wyrd Sisters” parodies and satires “Macbeth, by William Shakespeare” (which we discuss in the episode after this one). We discuss which character would be the only human in the muppets adaptation, critique on …

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The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe - I’d Sell You To Satan For One Turkish Delight 1:10:52

9M ago1:10:52

1:10:52

In this special Christmas Episode of “Teaching My Cat to Read”, we discuss the classic children’s novel “The lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” By CS Lewis. We discuss, Christian Allegory, the enchanted Turkish Delights, character arcs and how not to die in a Wardrobe. What rating do we think our cat will give this book? Listen to find out! Content…

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Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: You Won’t Like Me When I’ve Drunk My Murder Potion 1:06:52

11M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

Happy Halloween! For today’s spooky special episode, we welcome back friend of the pod and Jekyll and Hyde aficionado Charlotte to discuss Secret Crimes, queer readings and cat ratings. Featuring in-depth Utterson discussion, trans woman Hyde, the politics of disgust and unexpected time cops. Content Warnings Swearing Please note, as of this episod…

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The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 4 - Bannered Across the Sky in Fire 1:11:18

1+ y ago1:11:18

1:11:18

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 any…

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The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 3 - Egwene Is Going Through It Hours 1:04:55

1+ y ago1:04:55

1:04:55

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: M…

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The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 2 - Lanfear Loves Lace, Leather, and Lews Therin 1:00:33

1+ y ago1:00:33

1:00:33

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 w…

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The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 1 - This looks better than S1 1:03:54

1+ y ago1:03:54

1:03:54

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 …

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Q and A: jingle jingle jingle 41:37

2y ago41:37

41:37

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 acce…

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Hound of the Baskervilles : cocks gun Moor’s Haunted 45:11

2y ago45:11

45:11

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 be…

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Gideon the Ninth: We Do Bones, Motherf*cker 57:47

2y ago57:47

57:47

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 th…

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Emma: The “Make Up A Guy To Be Mad At” Olympics 1:03:44

2y ago1:03:44

1:03:44

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 th…

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The Creature in the Case: Country House Monster Mystery 51:32

2y ago51:32

51:32

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, i…

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Mini Ep - The Final Empire 15:16

2y ago15:16

15:16

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…

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Alanna the First Adventure: Twenty Pounds of Stubborn in a Five Pound Bag 57:23

2y ago57:23

57:23

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 Warn…

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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight : If You Want To Get A-Head, Get An Axe 1:07:29

2y ago1:07:29

1:07:29

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…

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Anno Dracula: A Victorian Vampire Clusterf*ck 1:10:18

2y ago1:10:18

1:10:18

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; t…

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Mini Ep - Temeraire 17:09

2y ago17:09

17:09

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 nam…

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The Raven Tower: Put That Rock Back Where It Came From Or So Help Me 1:09:45

2y ago1:09:45

1:09:45

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 …

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Hamlet: Everything a Goddamn Ordeal in Area Family 1:04:28

2+ y ago1:04:28

1:04:28

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 fat…

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Mini Ep - Small Gods 16:05

2+ y ago16:05

16:05

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 …

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Guards! Guards!: Bjorn Strong in the Arm’s your Uncle 1:05:23

2+ y ago1:05:23

1:05:23

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 man…

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Death on the Nile: Don’t Make Me Turn This Ship Around 58:12

2+ y ago58:12

58:12

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 Recomme…

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Cosmere: Look, a chicken! 1:02:57

2+ y ago1:02:57

1:02:57

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 b…

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Howl’s Moving Castle: The world’s magic-est camper van 59:46

2+ y ago59:46

59:46

In this episode we discuss the novel Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. Listen to the episode to find out what we thought, and more importantly what our cat thought of the book! Book blurb: Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fortune. But w…

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Jeeves and Wooster: Wait! Let Me Jeeves That For You 54:43

2+ y ago54:43

54:43

In this episode, we discuss The Inimitable Jeeves by PG Wodehouse. A collection of short stories, published in the 1920’s, the book follows Bertie Wooster and his Valet Jeeves, who solves the hapless problems encountered by Wooster. Featuring why shouldn’t probably steal other authors ideas, colourful clothing, and Bertie Vs a cat. Make sure to fol…

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Planning Series 3: Best laid plans of cats & men 39:37

2+ y ago39:37

39:37

In this special episode to kick off series 3, we record us planning the books we are going to read! If you want to find out all the books we are reading check out our website for all the details. 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 po…

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Welcome to Teaching my Cat to Read 0:59

2+ y ago0:59

0:59

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: [email protected] Instagram:…

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Mini Ep - Dracula: A Preponderance of Malewives 16:52

3y ago16:52

16:52

In this mini-episode we discuss DRACULA by Bram Stoker! We discuss the fun questions we introduced in series 2 for a book we’ve previously read in series 1. Including who’s the manipulator in this book, and what would the right move review be that Dracula is looking for for his London home (he probably won’t have to do a house share for £1k a month…

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The Song Of Achilles: Being God’s Favourite Little Boy Is Bad, Actually 52:25

3y ago52:25

52:25

Join us for a discussion of Madeline Miller’s 2012 novel, The Song Of Achilles, which is a modern retelling of the life of Achilles and Patroclus from childhood to death. We talk about the original text of the Iliad (a lot!), the masterful work of art that is the 2004 movie Troy, and which bits of this book made us cry like babies. Content Warnings…

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Cosmere: Time to Get Out My Conspiracy Diagrams 53:12

3+ y ago53:12

53:12

This week, friends of the podcast, Liv and AJ, join Lotti to discuss all things Cosmere! In this episode we discuss the following books and series: The Final Empire, Stormlight Archive (all four books), Warbreaker, Mistborn era 2, Secret History, Sixth of Dusk, Elantris, Mistborn Era 1… This is not a spoiler free episode. Please check timestamps be…

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A Study in Scarlet: The Book of Mormon (No Not That One) 55:58

3+ y ago55:58

55:58

This week, we’re talking about A Study In Scarlet, the first full-length Sherlock Holmes novel by Arthur Conan Doyle. Join us for a discussion of frontier Mormonism, flatmate compatibility, and - of course - yelling about how badly Moffat and Gatiss botched it on the BBC. Give us a listen to find out what the cat thinks about it all. Content Warnin…

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Abhorsen: The Dog Lends A Hand 52:13

3+ y ago52:13

52:13

This week, we’re talking about Abhorsen by Garth Nix. Join us for a discussion of character growth, using metaphorical molotov cocktails to exchange one problem for another, and - of course - what the cat would think of it all. NB: This is the third in The Old Kingdom Series, after Sabriel and Lirael. We’ve read both of these books before! See seri…

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Mini Ep - Pride and Prejudice: When in doubt, marry a guy for his house 15:36

3+ y ago15:36

15:36

In our mini episodes we take 10 mins to discuss all the fun questions about a book we’ve already read on our podcast! Listen to us chat about which of the characters would be mansplain/manipulate/malewife and if Lizzie Bennet would do well in the world of The Long Way to A Small Angry Planet. In this episode we discuss PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by JANE A…