To Be Read

Julie and Vanessa
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Join two best friends, Vanessa and Julie as they talk about their favorite things, books. From reviews and deep-dives, to navigating the book world and being unapologetically true to yourself and what you like to read.

  1. 2d ago

    Genre Jumpstart: Gateway Books for Every Kind of Reader

    Trying a new genre can feel overwhelming, so we’re making it easy. In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite gateway books for readers who want to branch out into fantasy, romantasy, sci-fi, romance, literary fiction, historical fiction, horror, thrillers, classics, and YA. These aren’t necessarily the “best books of all time.” They’re the books we think are the best place to start: approachable, fun, and strong enough to make you want to keep exploring. We also talk about the biggest hang-ups readers have with each genre, from fantasy world-building and sci-fi intimidation to romance stigma, classics trauma, and the idea that YA is only for teens. Pick a genre you’ve been nervous to try, and let this be your jumpstart. Books and genres discussed include: Fantasy: Assasin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb (Farseer trilogy)Warbreaker by Brandon SandersonTress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon SandersonDaughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent (The War of Lost Hearts trilogy)Mistborn by Brandon SandersonThrone of Glass by Sarah J. MaasRomantasy: One Dark Window by Rachel GilligIn the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie CassidyThe Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson (Book 1: A Kiss of Deception)Runebreaker by Mila FinchThe Poison Daughter by Sheila MastersonSci-Fi: Enders Game by Orson Scott CardThe Martian by Andy WeirProject Hail Mary by Andy WeirHitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas AdamsReady Player One by Ernest ClineDungeon Crawler Carl by Matt DinnimanRed Rising by Pierce BrownMurderbot by Martha WellsThe Expanse series by James S.A. Corey (First book: Leviathan Wakes)We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. TaylorContemporary Romance: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily HenryUnbound: A Novel by Peyton CorinnePhoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It by Brooke AverickThe Deal by Elle KennedyBook Lovers by Emily HenryWhen in Rome series by  Sarah AdamsThe Bodyguard: A Novel by Katherine CenterThe Windy City series by Liz TomForde (Book 1: Mile High)Deep End by Ali HazelwoodProblematic Summer Romance by by Ali HazelwoodDear John by Nicolas SparksDusty Britches by Marcia Lynn McClureHistorical Fiction and Literary Fiction: Horse: A Novel by Geraldine BrooksHello Beautiful by Ann NapolitanoTom Lake by Ann PatchettLessons in Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusThe Lost Bookshop by Evie WoodsThe Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by nnie Barrows and Mary Ann ShafferJames Percival EverettThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins ReidAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidHorror and Thriller: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha ChristieAnd Then There Were None by Agatha ChristieThe Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady HendrixDon't Let the Forest In by C. G. DrewsHazelthorne by C. G. DrewsAnathema by Keri LakeClassics: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness OrczyFrankenstein by Mary ShelleyPride and Prejudice by Jane AustinYoung Adult: Six of Crows by Leigh BardugoScythe by Neal ShustermanSaint Anything by Sara DessenJohn Green (author)Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul EvansPrison Healer by Lynette Noni ⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️ 00:00 Introduction 03:37 Fantasy 12:32 Romantasy 17:23 Sci-fi 22:14 Contemporary Romance 32:12 Literary Fiction and Historical Fiction 37:12 Horror and Thriller 41:03 Classics 43:10 Young Adult 45:24 Closeout 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify Podcast⁠

    47 min

  2. May 19

    Red Rising: I Would Have Lived in Peace…

    This week, we’re diving deep into Red Rising by Pierce Brown, the explosive first book in the bestselling Red Rising Saga. Part dystopian sci-fi, part brutal survival story, and part emotionally devastating rebellion, Red Rising follows Darrow of Lykos as he is torn from the mines of Mars and remade into a weapon meant to infiltrate the ruling Golds from within. In this full Red Rising book discussion, we break down Darrow’s transformation, the Society’s color-based caste system, the horrors of the Institute, and the book’s biggest themes of power, oppression, identity, revenge, justice, and revolution. We also talk favorite characters like Mustang, Sevro, Cassius, and Eo, the betrayals and alliances that shape Darrow’s path, and the unforgettable moments that made us realize Pierce Brown was absolutely not messing around. From “I would have lived in peace, but my enemies brought me war” to the rise of the Reaper, we unpack why Red Rising remains one of the most gripping science fiction and dystopian fantasy books out there, and why it lays such a legendary foundation for the rest of the series. 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Spotify Podcast⁠

    47 min

  3. May 5

    Fantasy Task Force Draft: Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, Red Rising & Lord of the Rings

    What happens when we build the ultimate fantasy task force using characters from some of the most iconic series ever? Absolute chaos, questionable strategy, and a lot of passionate character defending.In this episode, Julie and Vanessa each draft their perfect six-person task force, pulling from Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Red Rising, and The Lord of the Rings, plus one wild card character from any book to serve as the chaotic sixth member. We break down who made the team, who almost made the cut, and which runner-ups caused the most emotional damage.Along the way, we dive into why we love these characters so much, from their strength and loyalty to their growth, flaws, trauma, leadership, and full-blown unhinged energy. Expect character analysis, fantasy debates, chaotic hypotheticals, and plenty of “but hear me out” moments.If you love fantasy books, morally complicated characters, found family, powerful character arcs, and wildly unserious bookish debates, this episode is for you. Please note, deep dive videos contain spoilers. ⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️ 00:00 Introduction and Task Force objective 03:00 First Pick– Aragorn LOTR0 4:48 First Pick– Darrow O'Lykos Red Rising 08:13 Second Pick– Aelin Ashryver Galathynius TOG 11:46 Second Pick– Gandalf the White LOTR 14:03 Third Pick– Lorcan Salvaterre TOG 16:27 Third Pick– Sevro au Barca Red Rising 19:45 Fourth Pick– Galadriel LOTR 21:40 Fourth Pick– Nesta Archeron ACOTAR 24:35 Fifth Pick– Azriel ACOTAR 26:18 Fifth Pick– Manon Blackbeak TOG 29:47 Wild Card– Rocky Project Hail Mary 32:44 Wild Card– Ian Malcolm Jurrasic Park 35:45 Runner Ups 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Spotify- To be Read⁠⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Apple Podcast⁠ | ⁠Spotify Podcast

    46 min

  4. Apr 21

    The Dystopian Renaissance Continues | Part 2

    The dystopian renaissance continues in part two of our dystopian book series. In this episode, we’re discussing Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton, Bones by K.L. Speer, and Daggermouth by H.M. Wolf. We dive into dystopian fiction, dark worldbuilding, oppressive systems, survival, rebellion, resistance, and the high-stakes tension that makes dystopian books so addictive. If you love dystopian books, speculative fiction, post-apocalyptic stories, book recommendations, and deep book discussions, this episode is for you. Tune in for more book podcast episodes, reading recommendations, and conversations about dystopian, fantasy, and speculative fiction. ⏱️ CHAPTERS⏱️ (00:00) Introduction and Dystopian Renaissance (01:21) Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton (14:08) Bones by K.L. Speer (25:45) Daggermouth by HM Wolfe (43:55) Wrap up and Next Books 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions. CONNECT WITH US TikTok⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Apple Podcast⁠ | ⁠Spotify Podcast

    45 min

  5. Apr 7

    Welcome to the Dystopian Renaissance | Part 1

    Dystopian books are back, and we are fully here for it. In part one of our dystopian books deep dive, we’re discussing To Cage a Wild Bird by Brook Fast, along with Conform and Beneath by Ariel Sullivan. We get into the dark worldbuilding, high-stakes survival, oppressive systems, rebellion, and the tension that makes dystopian fiction so addictive for readers. If you love dystopian books, speculative fiction, post-apocalyptic vibes, dangerous societies, and stories about resistance and control, this episode is for you. In part two, we’ll continue the dystopian book spiral with Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton, Bones by K.L. Speer, and Daggermouth by H.M. Wolf. Follow for more book talk, book recommendations, reading deep dives, and genre conversations for fantasy, dystopian, and speculative fiction readers. ⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️ (00:00) Introduction and Dystopian Renaissance (02:47) To Cage a Wild Bird by Brooke Fast (12:42) Conform by Ariel Sullivan (29:16) Beneath by Ariel Sullivan (43:55) Wrap up and Next Books 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US!⁠ Spotify- To be ReadTikTok | Instagram | Apple Podcast | Spotify Podcast

    45 min

  6. Mar 17

    The 5-Star Rating System Has Lost the Plot

    In this episode of To Be Read, Vanessa and Julie get deep into the weeds of their reading lives, from how they pick their next read to how they organize their lists and what makes a book-reading experience really work. But this conversation is also a bit of an intervention for the 5-star rating system, because frankly, it has lost the plot. Reading is too personal, too emotional, and too nuanced to fit neatly into one little number. So by the end of the episode, they share the custom ranking system they created instead, one that captures more of what a book actually made them feel, think, and experience. Brief books mentioned (no spoilers): ACOTAR by Sarah J. Maas Red Rising by Pierce Brown A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas A Shadow of the Gods by John Gwyn Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Bones by K.L. Speer Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas Heartless Hunter (Crimson Moth) by Kristen Ciccarelli Jade City by Fonda Lee A Feather so Black by Lyra Selene Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti Don't Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews Caravel by Stephanie Garber Tres of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson Stardust by Neil Gaiman Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling Alchemized by SenLinYu Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole Air Awakens by Elise Kova Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Greenlights by Matthew Mcconaghey  Red City by Marie Lu  We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E Taylor  The Poet Empress by Shen Tao  The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson

    49 min

  7. Mar 3

    WE ARE SO BACK

    Julie and Vanessa make their triumphant return to the podcasting world. After a year-long hiatus, they’re back to discuss where they’ve been and what they’ve been up to, and of course, what they’ve been reading. Join along for a recap of their favorite reads of 2025, they’re most anticipated reads of 2026, and what books they’ve read so far this year and loved. It’s a gab fest, and it’s a great time, and baby we are so back!

    52 min

  8. 2024-11-05

    Season 1 Finale: Best Lines in Books

    As we wrap-up season one of the podcast we discuss our best lines in books. What hit us right in the feels? What was profound? What was the best declaration of love? We're all over the place and a little emo. Happy listening! Books Mentioned: Bridge of Clay by Marcus Zusak Air Awakens by Elise Kova The Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien Manacled by SenLinYu All the Young Dudes by MsKingBean89 and more! Find us on social media: Check us out on Instagram: @toberead.pod ⁠ / toberead.pod ⁠ Check us out on TikTok: @toberead.pod ⁠ / toberead.pod ⁠ Check us out on Youtube: ⁠@tobereadpodcast ⁠

    55 min
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About

Join two best friends, Vanessa and Julie as they talk about their favorite things, books. From reviews and deep-dives, to navigating the book world and being unapologetically true to yourself and what you like to read.

Information

  • Creator
    Julie and Vanessa
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Julie and Vanessa
  • Show Website
    To Be Read

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