The Book Common Room
Hello! We are Lauren and Kali and we want to create a space for all to join in on our book discussions and learn to love reading.
Episodes
54 episodes
Why We Still Love Percy Jackson: A Yap Session
In this episode, we further discuss the many reasons why we still love Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan, 20 years later. If you'd like to read along, you can find it here:
Percy Jackson and the Many Adaptations: A Discussion
In this episode, we introduce the many reasons why we still love Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan, 20 years later. Additionally, we take a glance into who Rick Riordan is and how he started his writing career. If you'd like to read al...
Why The Odyssey Still Hits So Hard 3,000 Years Later
In this episode, we're back to discuss Part 2 of The Odyssey. We dive into our overall reactions to the epic, compare the Emily Wilson and Robert Fagles translations, and explore why The Odyssey continues to resonate thousands...
Who Was Homer? | A Beginner's Guide to The Odyssey & Its Translations
In our thirteenth episode of season two, we dive into the divisive topics of which translation of the Odyssey is the best and who Homer was. For this month, Lauren and I will be reading both the Robert Fagles and Emily Wilson translations. You ...
The Wordsworths: Stewards of Nature, Stewards of Each Other
In our twelfth episode of the season, we take a deeper dive into the writings of William and Dorothy Wordsworth. Through poetry, journals, and reflections, we explore themes of stewardship, of nature, of community, and of one another. Join us a...
The Underappreciated Sister Who Changed Poetry: Intro to William and Dorothy Wordsworth
In our eleventh episode of the season, we enter into a new genre through the lens of William and Dorothy Wordsworth. Enjoy the world of poetry with us as we learn about the brilliance of both William and his sister, Dorothy. L...
The Reaper of Mars: A Red Rising Deep Dive
Content warning: this episode includes discussion of rape, murder, and the dehumanization of marginalized groups within the novel.In our tenth episode of the season, we return to Pierce Brown’s Red Rising for a spoiler-filled deep dive. ...
"Rise, So High, in Mud You Lie": An Intro to Red Rising
In our ninth episode of the season, we explore Pierce Brown as an author and the different works that influenced his epic series, Red Rising. References: -
Why Wuthering Heights Still Haunts Us
In our eighth episode of the season, we explore Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, sharing our reactions, interpretations, and some of our favorite passages from her powerful writing. What are some of your favorite Wuthe...
The Dark Sublime: Emily Brontë and Wuthering Heights
Lauren and Kali break down Romanticism, who Emily Brontë was, and the impact both had on her novel Wuthering Heights. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheB...
Amaze, Amaze, Amaze: Project Hail Mary Deep Dive
In our sixth episode this season, we’re breaking down Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. We’re sharing our thoughts, reactions, and favorite moments—and we want you to think back on your own reading experience right along with us.Follow us...
Are We Smart Enough? Intro to Project Hail Mary
In our fifth episode, we introduce Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Join us as we discuss a handful of Weir's other projects and our love for Project Hail Mary. Resources: Casey and Andy Comic: https://galactanet.com/comic/...
Borges: Short Stories & Existential Crises
In our fourth episode of the season, we explore short stories by Jorge Luis Borges: Shakespeare’s Memory, Death and the Compass, The Circular Ruins, and Everything and Nothing. Join us as we delve into existe...
Is Borges the Most Important Writer of the 20th Century?
In our third episode, we explore who Borges was and the influence he has had on literature. February Borges Short Stories: 1. Shakespeare’s Memory: English translation (p. 1036):
Discussing Tress of the Emerald Sea & Emmanuel Levinas' Ethics of the 'Other'
In our second episode, we continue our discussion of Brandon Sanderson’s Tress of the Emerald Sea! Join us as we discuss our favorite moments and how they tie to Emmanuel Levinas' ethics of the 'Other'. February Borges Short Stories...
Introducing Tress of the Emerald Sea: A Gentle Entry into Fantasy_S2E1
In the first episode of our new season, we introduce Brandon Sanderson’s Tress of the Emerald Sea! Kick off the new year with us as we explore a story celebrated for its charming, character-driven narrative and imaginative worldbuildin...
2025 Reading Recap & Our 2026 Goals_Episode 38
In our thirty-eighth episode, we reflect on our 2025 best reads and goals. Additionally, we discuss our new goals for 2026. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.e...
Narnia: The Deep Dive Behind the Wardrobe_Episode 37
In our thirty-seventh episode, we slip through the wardrobe one last time this year for a spoiler-filled journey through The Chronicles of Narnia. As we close out our final book of the year and step into the winter season, we take a cl...
Lessons in Little Women: A Deep Dive_Episode 36
In our thirty-sixth episode, take a deep dive into Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Join us as we spend the month with the March family, exploring the charm, heart, and timeless spirit of this beloved classic.Loisa May Alcott's Diary ...
Sisterhood, Stories, and Little Women_Episode 35
In our thirty-fifth episode, we’re introducing Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, our November book club pick. Join us as we spend the month with the March family, exploring the charm, heart, and timeless spirit of this beloved classic...
Do Vampire Stories Have Plots? A Twilight and The Vampyre Deep Dive
In our thirty-fourth episode, we take a deep dive into our thoughts on John William Polidori’s The Vampyre (1819) and Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight (2005). Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen to...
Lord Ruthven to Edward Cullen: Has the Vampire Really Changed?_Episode 33
In our thirty-third episode, we examine the persistence of the vampire in literature, focusing on John William Polidori’s The Vampyre (1819) and Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight (2005). Despite their distance in time, both works pre...
What Makes a Good Story? & Guess That Book/Movie!_Episode 32
In our thirty-second episode, we discuss what makes a good story and the impact it can have. Additionally, we take a few quizzes to test our book and movie knowledge. Link to BuzzFeed quiz: https://www.buzzfeed.com/swapnaravichandra...
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: A Deep Dive_Episode 31
In our thirty-first episode, we take a deep dive into the many themes and lessons in the book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen to us on Apple Pod...
Discovering the Magic of Children's Books_Episode 30
In our thirtieth episode, we introduce the children’s genre through the beloved book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. We explore what makes children's literature so powerful—for both kids and adults.R...