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
39 episodes
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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45:25
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...
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55:37
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...
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1:04:25
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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1:01:19
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...
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Episode 35
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51:51
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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41:53
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...
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43:21
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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59:13
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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48:19
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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50:50
Guest Spotlight: Kylee’s 8 Books That Made Her_Episode29
In our twenty-ninth episode, we continue to celebrate one full year of our podcast with our good friend Kylee! In this episode, we discuss the top eight books that make her a reader, and she answers the question: Why do we read? Fo...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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41:32
Why Do We Read?_Episode 28
In our twenty-eighth episode, we celebrate one full year of our podcast. This month, we explore the question at the heart of it all: Why do we read? We share thoughtful comments from our listeners on what draws them to stories, what ob...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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1:00:07
Tea in the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Review_Episode 27
In our twenty-seventh episode, we delve into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, exploring our favorite moments in The Lord of the Rings and the impact it has had on us as readers. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or li...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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1:18:38
Meet Tolkien: A Soft Intro to The Lord of the Rings_Episode 26
In our twenty-sixth episode, we delve into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, exploring the origins of The Lord of the Rings and how Tolkien’s imagination laid the foundation for modern fantasy storytelling.In this episode we ...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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1:00:43
Dune Deep Dive: Facing Dune's Complex Themes_Episode 25
In our twenty-fifth episode, we take a deep dive into Frank Herbert's Dune. Join us as we discuss the complex characters, politics, and world-building. *Light Last of Us spoilers are mentioned. Follow us on Ins...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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1:06:51
Sci-Fi Foundations: A First Look at Dune_Episode 24
In our twenty-fourth episode, we explore the life and legacy of Frank Herbert, the visionary behind Dune, examining his impact on science fiction and what defines the genre as a whole.As mentioned, Lauren listened to the audiobo...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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51:17
More Than a Game: Unpacking The Hunger Games_Episode 23
In our twenty-third episode, we take a deep dive into Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, expanding on our reviews of the series and the impact it had on us as readers. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom. Watch or listen to u...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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1:04:42
Introducing Dystopia in The Hunger Games_Episode 22
In our twenty-second episode, we dive into Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, exploring the author behind the phenomenon and the dystopian genre that reshapes ancient questions for a modern age. We discuss the world-building, the moral...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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50:22
Lore Olympus: A Deep Dive_Episode 21
In our 21st episode, we delve deep into the different themes and characters from Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe. Content Warning from Rachel Smythe: Lore Olympus regularly deals with themes of physical and mental abuse, sexual traum...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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39:33
Introducing Lore Olympus: The Myths We Keep Telling_Episode 20
In our twentieth episode, we introduce Lore Olympus, the author, and the genre that brings ancient myths to life in a modern world. We explore why these timeless stories still captivate us and how they continue to evolve.Content...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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39:04
Persuasion: A Deep Dive_Episode 19
In our nineteenth episode, join us as we take a deep dive into our thoughts and opinions in Jane Austen's novel, Persuasion. Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom Watch or listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube: link...
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48:18
Introducing Persuasion_Episode 18
In our eighteenth episode, we dive into the life and legacy of Jane Austen, exploring her impact and introducing her novel Persuasion.Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom Watch or listen to us on Apple Podcast, Sp...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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43:06
Our Hot Take on Fourth Wing_Episode 17
In our seventeenth episode join us as we discuss the good and the bad in Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Follow us on Instagram @TheBookCommonRoom Watch or listen to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube: linktr.ee/TheBoo...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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34:59
What Makes a Trending Book: Intro to Fourth Wing_Episode 16
In our sixteenth episode, we introduce Rebecca Yarros' popular fantasy book Fourth Wing from her Empyrean series. Join us as we ramble through what makes a trending book in relation to Fourth Wing!Links to content referenced: <...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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55:26
2024 Reading Recap & Our Exciting Plans for 2025_DecemberBonusEpisode
In our December bonus episode, join us as we reflect on our 2024 reading goals and discuss some goals we wish to make for 2025. Please comment on what books you would like us to highlight in 2025!Follow us on Insta...
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Season 1
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49:44