What Ya Reading?

Jay Braggs
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Tune in weekly as host Jay connects with fellow book enthusiasts to chat about their latest reads, the topics that fuel their book obsession, and all the things that keep them glued to those pages.

  1. 42. Reading Holiday Novels + End of the Year Vibes

    25/11/2024

    42. Reading Holiday Novels + End of the Year Vibes

    In today's episode, Jay sits down with Bookstagrammer Mysia from BlackGirlBuJos to chat about holiday reading. Tune in to hear them discuss books they are excited to read this holiday season and some of their end-of-year- reading hopes. Mysia also shares her journey to content creation, gives tips on how to connect with book tours, and book suggestions for different types of readers. What we talked about:  Episode intro 00:00 Guest intro and current reads 00:44 Immersion reading 5:28 Mysia's content journey 7:04 Reading YA novels 10:05 Creating diverse reading list suggestions 13:37 Joining book promotion tours 17:10 Favorite reading seasons 23:57 Reading set up and annotating 36:29 Holiday book recommendations 39:44 Cozy book recommendations 40:48 End of the year book recommendations 54:12 Lightning Round - There's a book for that 59:08 Final Thoughts 1:03:28 Books mentioned in this episode: I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming Mistlefoe by Kimberly Lemming This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings Chosen by a Vampire by Wynta Tyme The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin Bluford High series Author Tia Williams Author Kennedy Ryan Author Lamar Jones Author Kalynn Bayron Author Kimberly Lemming Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma Monsters Under Mistletoe - Holiday Anthology Second Chance Christmas by Jahquel J Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills Author Beverly Jenkins A Christmas to Remember by Beverly Jenkins Indigo by Beverly Jenkins Blackmail and Bibingka by Mia P. Manansala A Novel Christmas by Charity Shane Only for the Holidays by Abiola Bello The Most Wonderful Time by Jayne Allen I'll Be Gone for Christmas by Georgia K. Boone The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna The House of Frank by Kay Synclaire Author Kennedy Ryan Author Kimberly Lemming Mismatched by Anne Camlin The Terrifying Tales of Vivian Vance by Josh Ulrich Author James Baldwin The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin Weirdo by Tony Weaver Jr. Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair The Grim Reaper's Lawyer by Mea Monique Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi Come Home Safe by Brian G. Buckmire The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna Where Your Eyes Linger by Dani M. Ward Tender Beasts Liselle Sambury Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi Hell's Diva by Anna J. All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.  Other links mentioned in this episode: Episode 36. Reading and Exploring YA Novels + Books That Left A Mark Hear Our Voices Book Tour The Nerd Fam Colored Pages Book Tour Black Odyssey Media Episode 31. Writing Graphic Novels & Being a Weirdo With Author Tony Weaver Jr. Connect with today's guest:  Connect with Mysia on Instagram @blackgirlbujos Follow Mysia on TikTok @blackgirlbujos Shop Cover Snob: Shop current special editions Final Thoughts:  Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs Join our November buddy read discussion on Instagram for Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight. For inquiries please email info@jaybraggs.com . Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.

    1h 6m
  2. 41. Writing Perfectly Candid with Author J.S. Jasper

    18/11/2024

    41. Writing Perfectly Candid with Author J.S. Jasper

    In today's episode, Jay is sitting down with author J.S. Jasper to discuss her journey from a reader to a published author. They also talk about Jasper's latest novel, Perfectly Candid. Tune in to hear how Jasper approaches the writing process, where she draws inspiration, and what we can expect from her next. What we talked about:  Episode intro 00:00 Guest intro and current reads 1:03 Author journey 6:29 The writing process 10:25 The editing process 20:56 About Perfectly Candid 26:24 Favorite scene 36:39 The books cover 39:53 What's next - Spring Awakening 42:14 Lightning Round - There's a book for that 45:44 Final thoughts 49:55 Books mentioned in this episode: A Love Most Fatal by Kath Richards Perfectly Candid by JS Jasper Bite Me Twice by JS Jasper Spring Awaking by JS Jasper Diamond Brother Series by Anthony Horowitz Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Twilight by Stephenie Meyer Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.  Connect with today's guest:  Connect with JS Jasper on Instagram @jsjsprwrts Shop Cover Snob: Shop current special editions  Final Thoughts:  Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs Join our November buddy read discussion on Instagram for Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight. For inquiries please email info@jaybraggs.com . Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.

    53 min
  3. 40. Reading That Brings Joy + Creating Fun Bookish Content

    28/10/2024

    40. Reading That Brings Joy + Creating Fun Bookish Content

    In today's episode, Jay is sitting down with fellow Bookstagrammer Bridget to chat about her thoughts on finding joy in reading. Tune in to hear them discuss how Bridget creates a joyful reading experience and her unique approach to content creation. What we talked about:  Episode intro 00:00 Guest intro and current reads 00:41 The joy of reading 12:09 Reading routines 17:00 Balancing heavy reads 23:30 Book expectations 28:59 Thoughts on tropes 32:36 Intention behind content 43:35 Book clubs and buddy reads 47:27 Final recommendations 50:46 Lightning Round - There's a book for that 54:31 Final Thoughts 1:00:47 Books mentioned in this episode: The Instrumentalist by Harriet Constable The Attic Child by Lola Jaye Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson Clear Water by Nina The Reformatory by Tananarive Due Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin Author Kennedy Ryan Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen Author Beverly Jenkins Indigo by Beverly Jenkins I Did a New Thing by Tabitha Brown Reel by Kennedy Ryan The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers Well Read Black Girl by Glory Edim The Attic Child by Lola Jaye James by Percival Everett Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto Forget Me Not by Julie Soto A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin Finding Me by Viola Davis Wildflower by Aurora James Over the Influence by Joanna Jojo Levesque Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.  Connect with today's guest:  Connect with Bridget on Instagram @knotabookclub Follow Bridget on Fable Shop Cover Snob: Shop current special editions  Final Thoughts:  Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs Join our November buddy-read discussion on Instagram for Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight. For inquiries please email info@jaybraggs.com . Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.

    1h 2m
  4. 39. Reading Romance Series + Authors We Love

    21/10/2024

    39. Reading Romance Series + Authors We Love

    In today's episode, Jay sits down with fellow content creator Schae Love to chat about romance series and their appreciation for the authors who write them. Tune in to hear them talk about the series that has captivated their hearts and share tips for using rating systems. What we talked about:  Episode intro 00:00 Guest intro and current reads 00:43 Thoughts on popular books 19:57 Changes in reading habits 24:51 Introduction to romance reading 28:56 Series and interconnected standalones 41:07 Buddy reading 48:25 Star rating systems 50:32 Lightning Round - There's a book for that 1:02:22 Final Thoughts 1:07:19 Books mentioned in this episode: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer Author Cassandra Clare Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rea Around the Way Girl by Taraji P. Henson We're Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish The Twisted Series by Ana Huang So Not Meant To Be by Meghan Quinn A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover Verity by Colleen Hoover Author Freida McFadden The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah Disappearing Acts by Terry McMillan Flyy Girl by Omar Tyree Midnight by Sister Souljah A Deeper Love Inside by Sister Souljah Life After Death by Sister Souljah Filthy Rich Vampires by Geneva Lee Artifacts of Ouranos Series (Trials of the Sun Queen) by Nisha J. Tuli Just for The Summer by Abby Jimenez So Not Meant To Be by Meghan Quinn Bridesmaid Undercover by Meghan Quinn Bridesmaid for Hire by Meghan Quinn Twisted Lies by Ana Huang A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson The Brutal Birthright Series (Brutal Prince) by Sophie Lark The Kingmaker Series by Sophie Lark Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn A Love Like the Sun by Riss M. Neilson Seven Days in June by Tia Williams Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston The Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett The Rokesby's Series by Julia Quinn So Not Meant To Be by Meghan Quinn I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.  Other links mentioned in this episode: Girl What's Up With That Podcast CAWPILE Rating System The Read Joy System Relatability, Enjoyment, Atmosphere, Depth Journey, Originality, Yearning Connect with today's guest:  Connect on Instagram @schaelove Follow on TikTok @schaelove Schae Love social links Final Thoughts:  Shop the Cover Snob's Special Editions Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs Join our November buddy read discussion on Instagram for Bitter and Sweet by Rhonda McKnight. For inquiries please email info@jaybraggs.com . Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.

    1h 12m
  5. 38. Writing A Fate of Onyx & Ivory with Author O'Junea Brown

    14/10/2024

    38. Writing A Fate of Onyx & Ivory with Author O'Junea Brown

    In today's episode, Jay is sitting down with debut author O'Junea Brown. They are chatting about her journey to becoming an author and what inspired her first novel, A Fate of Onyx & Ivory. They also discuss O'Junea's writing process and the joys and challenges of self-publishing. What we talked about:  Episode intro 00:00 Guest intro and current reads 00:44 Author journey 5:21 Dealing with imposter syndrome 10:05 Authors writing process 14:06 Being a published author 22:39 About A Fate of Onyx & Ivory 24:03 The next books in the series 41:44 Lightning Round - There's a book for that 44:18 Final Thoughts 46:53 Books mentioned in this episode: The Canary Cowards by Jescie Hall Living Legend by Allie Shante A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass Spare by Prince Harry the Duke of Sussex Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien Twilight by Stephenie Meyer That Sik Luv by Jescie Hall Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.  Other links mentioned in this episode: The Last Chapter Bookshop Sinners and Stardust Book Harvest Boozy Book Tour C2E2 Writers Block  Connect with today's guest:  Connect with O'Junea on Instagram @fit.and.fiction Purchase A Fate of Onyx & Ivory on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or Barnes & Noble Visit the Author's Website  Shop Cover Snob: Shop current special editions Final Thoughts:  Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs Join our September buddy read discussion on Instagram or the Geneva App for Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond For inquiries please email info@jaybraggs.com Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast

    49 min
  6. 37. Reading The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein (Part 1)

    07/10/2024

    37. Reading The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein (Part 1)

    In today's episode, you'll be listening to a buddy-read discussion on The Color of Law. This book explores the historical laws and policies that enforced racial segregation in America. Tune in to hear Jay and the other book club members chat about their personal experiences with these types of zoning laws, white flight, and gentrification. What we talked about:  Episode intro 00:40 Knowledge and experience with housing segregation 01:53 White Flight 12:02 Proximity to whiteness 20:40 Zoning of Black neighborhoods 23:45 Freeway and transportation segregation 27:12 Housing segregation and the HOA 35:30 2008 Housing Crisis 43:58 Tips for reading & final thoughts 48:34 Closing credits 50:50 Books mentioned in this episode: The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.  Shop Cover Snob: Shop current special editions Final Thoughts:  Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs Join our September buddy read discussion on Instagram or the Geneva App for Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond. For inquiries please email info@jaybraggs.com Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast

    53 min
  7. 36. Reading and Exploring YA Novels + Books That Left a Mark

    16/09/2024

    36. Reading and Exploring YA Novels + Books That Left a Mark

    In today's episode, Jay is sitting down with fellow Bookstagrammer Bree to chat about exploring the different genres of YA novels. Tune in to hear them discuss their thoughts on representation in this category. They also touch on how best to approach reading YA novels and the books that have left a lasting impression on them. What we talked about:  Episode intro 00:00 Guest intro and current reads 00:43 Memorable YA reads 12:00 Having empathy for YA characters 15:24 YA author appreciation 25:41 Thoughts on representation in YA novels today 29:52 Bree's favorite YA books 36:17 Annotating in books 41:16 Book recommendations 43:13 Lightning Round - There's a book for that 51:42 Final thoughts 58:00 Books mentioned in this episode: Sleep Like Death by Kalynn Bayron Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron Children of Anarchy and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi This Side of Home by Renée Watson Legendborn by Tracy Deonn Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington City of Bones (Shadow Hunter Series) by Cassandra Clare Love Radio by Ebony Ladelle Author Elise Bryant Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling by Elise Bryant Author Angie Thomas The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas On The Come Up by Angie Thomas Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi The Revolution of Birdie Randolph by Brandy Colbert All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah Children of Anarchy and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi Nothing Like The Movies by Lynn Painter Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter Finding Me by Viola Davis Legendborn by Tracy Deonn The Davenports by Krystal Marquis Kindred by Octavia Butler The Fault in Our Stars by John Green Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson You've Been Served by Kristen Alicia All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.  Connect with today's guest:  Follow Bree on Instagram @breesbookshelf_ Follow Bree on TikTok @breesbookshelf_ Connect with Bree on GoodReads Stay up to date with all Bree's reading and life journey   Final Thoughts:  Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs Join our September buddy discussion on Instagram or the Geneva App for Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond. For inquiries please email info@jaybraggs.com Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast

    1 hr
  8. 35. Reading After a Hiatus + Exploring New Genres

    09/09/2024

    35. Reading After a Hiatus + Exploring New Genres

    In today's episode, Jay is sitting down with fellow Bookstagramer Aleka from @actbookshelf to talk about the journey of getting back into reading after taking a hiatus. Tune in to hear them discuss the books that reignited Aleka's love of reading and the challenges of finding new authors and genres to explore. They also chat about the inspiration behind her new bookish Instagram account. What we talked about:  Episode intro 00:00 Guest intro and current reads 2:51 Dyslexia and Aleka's reading journey 19:05 Exploring different genres 24:03 Thriller book suggestions 27:32 Setting reading goals 35:37 Tracking the books you read 41:47 Historical fiction books 45:16 Reading with book clubs 49:08 Starting a Bookstagram 53:43 Final book recommendations 58:16 Lightning Round - There's a book for that 1:04:53 Final thoughts 1:09:26 Books mentioned in this episode: Author Eric Jerome Dickey Author Sister Souljah Author Zane Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan Block Shot by Kennedy Ryan The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein Power Moves by Sarah Jakes Roberts The Power of Moments by Dan Heath and Chip Heath You Are Always Mine by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza Zora Books Her Happy Ever After by Taj McCoy Author Christina Lauren The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray Women Evolve Sarah Jakes Roberts Do The New You by Steven Furtick The Good Ones Are Taken by Taj McCoy Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell by Taj McCoy Outdrawn by Deanna Grey Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D Jackson White Smoke by Tiffany D Jackson When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole 101 Essays That Will Change Your Life by Brianna Wiest Only For The Week by Natasha Bishop The Reformatory by Tananarive Due The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi Transcendent Kingdom Yaa Gyasi Hood Feminist by Mikki Kendall Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan Seven Days In June by Tia Williams Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks Do The New You by Steven Furtick Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey Not Without Laughter by Langston Hughes This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)? by Jay Ellis The Babysitters Club by Ann M. Martin Fighting for Our Friendships by Danielle Jackson All book links above are affiliate links. By purchasing the books through the links What Ya Reading? Podcast, will earn a small commission.  Other links mentioned in this episode: Podcast Episode - The Personal Librarian Discussion The Photograph movie The Nap Ministry Connect with today's guest:  Aleka's Bookish Instagram account - @actbookshelf Aleka's Instagram account - @naturallyact Shop Cover Snob: Shop current special editions Final Thoughts:  Follow Jay on Instagram @bookswithjaybraggs Join us on the Geneva App for our September buddy read of Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin. For inquiries please email info@jaybraggs.com . Don't forget to like, review, and subscribe to the podcast.

    1h 11m
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About

Tune in weekly as host Jay connects with fellow book enthusiasts to chat about their latest reads, the topics that fuel their book obsession, and all the things that keep them glued to those pages.

Information

  • Creator
    Jay Braggs
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    What Ya Reading?
  • Provider