Greetings,
I've heard that a good man is hard to find. Agree. But I'll tell you something. A good podcast is even harder to find. No bull crap. You'd think with millions upon millions of them out there, it would be easier to find more that are worth listening to. Not in my opinion, but that's why I'm working on starting my own. Eventually. Because everything I do is golden...I tell myself. Fortunately, I have found a few of these "21st Century Old-Timey Radio Shows" (What?) that I do, in fact, enjoy giving a listen to. None of them are perfect, but what is? However, I did find a pretty good one and it's all about books! Hooray! And since I spent all last week doing book reviews on the blog, I thought I'd keep that theme going by talking about this. It's called the Overdue Podcast. Get it. Because books at the library can be overdue. That's right. I'm the one who ruins everything with explanations. Deal with it.
Anyway, the Overdue Podcast is hosted by two friends named Craig and Andrew. And it definitely sounds like it's hosted by two friends. In fact, that's one of the things I like most about it. There's just something very nice about hearing some genuine comradery, and it's even better when they're talking about books. Good times, indeed. Especially good times since they go off on tangents way less than other podcasts I've listened to. For real, when I want to hear people talk about terrible 90's sitcoms, I don't want to go off into uncomfortable territory. Just sayin'. So, as I like to make lists, I decide to make a WISH-list of the books I hope that these guys will one day discuss. Most of them I've read; some I haven't. But all, I feel, are worthy of some examination. Sounds like a decent idea. Kind of.
As it turns out, the very existence of this list may be a bit - and I hate to use this word, as it is my current least favorite - problematic. See, the premise of the podcast is that one of them reads a book they've never read before. And I don't know what they've read. Also, some of these may already be in their TBR jar, which is most likely decorated with stickers and sparkles, just like mine. So, my requesting them may be pointless. And finally, they do have a Patreon, where people who become patrons can request books. But under present circumstances, I am SO not in the position to give money away. Of course, time is money, and this list is taking up my time, so.... Yeah, I still feel like I'm cheating.
Oh, and no, I am not going to request any of my own books. Even though next month is National Poetry Month and I would be happy to send them free copies, I am not that desperate for exposure in order to sell books. I mean, I am, but I can take the day off. Because today is not about me. It's about spreading the word about a very entertaining couple of guys and the great work they do, talking about the wonder of the written word. And it is such great work that now I will proceed to tell them exactly what I think they should be doing where that is concerned. Enjoy!
Honorable Mention: The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers a.k.a My Favorite Book - So, why only an honorable mention if it's my favorite? Well, that is precisely why. I'm open to hearing their opinion on it, but I am also very protective of it. I'm like one of those Directioners who come to the defense of those guys no matter what foolish thing they do. Or something. But I suppose I can bring attention to it as a potential possibility.
#10. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende - This is one of the books that I haven't read yet. I'm putting it off because I feel like, as soon as I start reading it, all I'm gonna hear in my head is the theme song from the movie. I just want the guys to read it to see if this happens to them. And if it does, I apologize.
#9. Paper Towns by John Green - They already covered a John Green book, and that was a great episode. I personally did not care for this book, nor anything I've ever read by its author. However, I'm interested in hearing their take on the Margo character, and if they hate her as much as I and many others do. Yeah, I'm mean. What about it?
#8. U.F.O's, J.F.K. and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don't Have To Be Crazy to Believe by Richard Belzer - No, I didn't make this one up. Stop asking. And no, I am not a conspiracy theorist. But I was, and possibly still am, a fan of Richard Belzer's. I just think this one may make for some amusing exchanges between the guys, to say nothing of a discussion on other conspiracy theories. Just for fun.
#7. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver - This is the other one I haven't read yet. But this was an Oprah Book Club selection back in the day, and I remember something interesting that the author said on the show. Apparently, this book has five different main characters (it's a family) and she wrote the entire book from all five different perspectives. Yes, she wrote the book five times, just so she could get to know all the voices and write them distinctly, perfectly. Even I don't work that hard. But I wonder if this effort was worth it, if it achieved the goal and if the guys can tell the difference between those voices.
#6. Anything by Sidney Sheldon, but probably Master of the Game, because that's my favorite - What? I'm allowed to be vague. I may, on occasion, refer to Sidney Sheldon as my favorite writer, if for no other reason than I own ALL of his books, of which there are many. But he is very good. And any one of his books are worthy of some serious discussion. I just happened to like the aforementioned one best, and it is probably the most complex. So, good luck.
#5. Faithful Place by Tana French - Well, they already talked about the first two books by Tana French, and those are a couple of my favorite episodes. This is the third one, which is just as good, in my opinion. I'd love for them to continue exploring the tales of the...Dublin Murder Squad, which totally exists. I don't care what anyone says. Just get out of here with your facts and your knowledge.
#4. The Sherlockian by Graham Moore - When the guys did an episode about The Hound of the Baskervilles, they talked about a group of nerds (their word; not mine) who are super into the whole Sherlock thing. Almost...suspiciously super into. So, I figured maybe they'd like to read a whole book about them, and just mock them to their hearts' content. Or maybe they'll find a decent story in there. You just never know.
#3. The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells - If they decide to read and discuss this book, I hope that some part of said discussion is devoted to how we need to give it one more cinematic chance. It's something I believe in deeply, and I want others to be on my side. But just get rid of the "Cat Woman". She's NOT in the book!
#2. Deception Point by Dan Brown - The first episode of the Overdue Podcast that I listened to was about The Da Vinci Code, so it holds a special place in my heart. It also remains one of my favorites. So, what better idea (besides my #1) than to cover another book by Dan Brown, except this time, sans Robert Langdon. I know. What's a Dan Brown book with out Dan Brown's self-insert character? Hopefully, they'll find out.
#1. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy - Yeah, that's right. I went there. But only because I trust that they can do this. And I love this book. Not the titular character, mind you, but certainly the book that surrounds her. When I read this, I had to pace myself, but I don't know if they'll have that kind of time, so I'll just wish them luck. Also, if they choose this one, may I suggest the edition that Oprah used when she chose this for the book club. It's actually a very good translation. And why am I talking about Oprah so much? Anyway, I do believe this book is quite rich and will bring forth some great discussion. What more can I ask for from a podcast like this?
And there's my wishlist for the gentlemen of the Overdue Podcast, which you should all check out. Check out? Again with the library puns. I am the funniest person in the world, it would seem. Anyway, these are merely requests; certainly not demands. Hopefully, though, it might give them a good idea or two. I mean, it's the least I can do considering how much I've enjoyed this podcast, even in the moments where I may disagree with them or their opinions. Yeah, I can disagree with them and still like them. I'm magic, apparently. And I will always give credit to people who love books and are willing to share that with others. We need as many of those as we can get.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
