Karla and Alex share what their listeners/followers are listening to, and pretty much stay on track on this episode! Let us know if you love or hate the focus on this episode!

What You've Been Reading: Andee is re-reading Fourth Wing and Iron Flam in anticipation of Onyx Storm release

Bri is reading Kingdon of Ash from TOG series

@Flippingpages10 is reading Butter, by Asako Yuzuki

@Ghentontheblock is reading The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, finished T Will of the Many, Heir, and The Dryad Storm (final book in black witch series) Books discussed by Karla and Alex: Anita de Monte Laughs Last, by Xochitl Gonzalez

Where The Forest Meets the Stars, by Glendy Vanderah

A Welcome Reunion, by Lucinda Berry

Don't Let Her Stay, by Nicola Sanders

So Thirsty, by Rachel Harrison

Lovers at the Museum, by Isabel Allende

Let us know what you've been reading!

Editing Credit: Kelly Shook

Music Credit: Brisket Taco by Cumbia Deli

Karla and Alex start their podcasting year in 2025 by talking about the medicinal uses of garlic (obvioulsy), as well as discussing reading goals or the lack thereof. We discuss the books we've been reading, as well as the books we've been having trouble reading, and Karla has a genious recommendation for those that can't read long-form books (which Leigh also discussed in Episode 11).

Books discussed:

There are Rivers in the Sky, by Elif Shafak Love, Holly, by Emily Stone Book 4 The Dark Tower, by Stephen King A Sunny Place for Shady People, by Mariana Enriquez Flock, by Kate Stewart The True Love Experiment, by Christina Lauren So Thirsty, by Rachel Harrison Anita de Monte Laughs Last, by Xochitl Gonzalez The Starless Sea, by Erin Morgenstern

Also referenced:

The Island of Missing Trees, by Elif Shafak The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead

Happy Reading!

Editing credit: Kelly Shook

Music credit: Aurora on the Boulevard by National Sweetheart

We open with the word that makes Alex uncomfortable and she can't even type out. We talk about a new Christmas experience Alex discovered through holiday romances. Karla is traumatized by her book choice. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Also: confirming that quotidian IS an English word.

Books discussed:

• The Christmas Tree Farm, by Laurie Gilmore
• Beautiful World Where Are You, by Sally Rooney
• All I Want is You, by Falon Ballard
• Valentine, by Elizabeth Wetmore (sexual assault and racism trigger warnings)
• Meave Fly, by CJ Leede (all the trigger warnings)
• There Are Rivers in the Sky, by Elif Shafak (book I couldn't think about when discussing this book is Cloud Cuckoo Land)
• Maggie's Grave, by David Sodergren

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Editing by Kelly Shook

Music Credit: Apollo by Patrick Patrikios