Red Wine Reads

Red Wine Reads
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Welcome to Red Wine Reads, a community of book lovers talking about our favorite and not-so-favorite books while pouring a glass (or two) of wine. Each week, your host Jenna Weston is joined by a rotating cast of four co-hosts, each with a specific set of reading skills and preferences. From TikTok famous smut, to Pulitzer-Prize winning novels, to the classics you read in high school, we hope you find a little something you like. These reviews are not backed by any educational experience and full of spoilers and hot takes. So here’s what you can expect from each episode: a 60-second summary and some quick facts to get you oriented. Then, we answer the question, “Would you recommend this book?” and we spend the majority of the episode arguing why or why not. We end the show with final ratings and pairings, where we pick drinks, TV Shows, movies and other books to pair with today’s read. Each episode also hosts its own drinking game, so whatever your drink of choice — wine, cocktails, mocktails, coffee, water — we hope you’ll sip along with us. So without further ado, let’s pull some corks and get reading! redwinereads.substack.com

  1. 20: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon: Why was this book 200 pages longer than it needed to be?

    29 MAR

    20: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon: Why was this book 200 pages longer than it needed to be?

    ”I could have opened a bottle of champagne. Not gonna do that for this book.” This week, we read Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon Ella joins me on this episode to discuss: The difference between Ireland and Scotland — the fact of which tripped Jenna up multiple times in the episode. Why this book felt TOO LONG. Why, even though Ella has strong feelings about this book, the desire to keep reading this series is sill very strong. Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you spending 35 HOURS listening to this book, or however long reading this book, and most would say, that’s 200 pages longer than it needed to be. Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: Jenna’s Pairings: DRINK - Whiskey TV SHOW - The Great BOOK - The Women MOVIE - Wuthering Heights Ella’s Pairings: DRINK - Italian red wine from a barrel TV SHOW - Downton Abbey BOOK - Atonement MOVIE - Marie Antoinette or Barry Lyndon !! WARNING: SPOILERS !! Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you! Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

    55 min
  2. 19: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab: What happens when you mix too much wine & a fantasy novel? Let’s find out.

    9 FEB

    19: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab: What happens when you mix too much wine & a fantasy novel? Let’s find out.

    This week, we read A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss: Our immense love for the 2010 masterpiece: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Why Jenna may be fantasy-challenged. The large role that a stupid little rock plays in this book. Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that made us transport between different Londons with brooding, complaining men. Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: DRINK - Bloody Mary, Creme de Violet & Prosecco TV SHOW - The Sandman, Loki BOOK - The Magicians Nephew, Babel MOVIE - The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Doctor Strange, Howl’s Moving Castle Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

    44 min
  3. 18: Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy: We answer the question of how far is too far?

    19 JAN

    18: Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy: We answer the question of how far is too far?

    This week, we read Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. Ella joins me on this episode to discuss: The Great American Novel that wreaked so much havoc on Jenna’s mental state. Why Ella is so very conflicted on recommending this book. The REAL American history. Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you downing shots of Mezcal and eating the biggest grains of salt to get through this book. Jenna’s Pairings: DRINK - Moonshine TV SHOW - Dahmer BOOK - Killers of the Flower Moon MOVIE - Django Unchained Ella’s Pairings: DRINK - Bottle of Mescal + a Shot Glass TV SHOW - Severance BOOK - White Fang MOVIE - The Revenant !! WARNING: SPOILERS !! Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you! Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

    59 min
  4. 17: Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan: An exciting meta journey where villains are hot and corsets are tight

    11 JAN

    17: Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan: An exciting meta journey where villains are hot and corsets are tight

    This week, we read Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan. Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss: Sierra’s favorite line in the book, which, of course, involves getting on your knees Jenna’s hot take on who the author is - of the book inside of the book Whether we are Francis or Sebastian stans Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that made us climb inside a book inside a book inside a book...wait, where were we? Jenna’s Pairings: DRINK - DEEP Cab Sav TV SHOW - Reign BOOK - Outlander MOVIE - Inkheart Sierra’s Pairings: DRINK - Something sparkly TV SHOW - Shadow and Bone, The Rings of Power BOOK - The Cruel Prince MOVIE - Beautiful Creatures !! WARNING: SPOILERS !! Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you! Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

    50 min

  5. 28/08/2025

    16: Bunny by Mona Awad: Did we love it or hate it? Maybe both?

    ” I almost never feel neutral towards a book and I just felt so neutral.” This week, we read Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. Ella joins me on this episode to discuss: * What happens when expectations don’t match reality when it comes to our TBR list. * Do we secretly want a 2010 Carey Mulligan bob? * The moment when we almost lost our friendship over a book. Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you so tired of chapter-ending cliffhangers and dull love triangles. Jenna’s Pairings: * DRINK - Wine Cooler * TV SHOW - Fallout * BOOK - The Institute, The Interestings * MOVIE - Love, Rosie Ella’s Pairings: * DRINK - Gin and Tonic * TV SHOW - The End of the F*****g World * BOOK - Atonement, The Golden Compass * MOVIE - Virgin Suicides !! WARNING: SPOILERS !! But also this book is like over 100 years old, so tough cookies. You should know it by now. Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you! * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

    50 min

  6. 06/05/2025

    15: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller: We’re not sobbing, you are.

    This week, we read The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss: * The romance….YES. * How this will become a book shelf staple for years to come. * The incredible depth of our love for Greek mythology. Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you reading the last few chapters through a thick blanket of tears. Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: * DRINK - Mead, Honey Cocktail * TV SHOW - Queen Charlotte, Kaos * BOOK - Circe, A Touch of Darkness, Lore Olympus, Stone Blind * MOVIE - Gladiator II, Helen of Troy, Percy Jackson & the Olympians !! WARNING: SPOILERS IN THIS EPISODE !! Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you! * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

    52 min

  7. 29/04/2025

    14: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney: The queen of complicated romantic relationships is back.

    This week, we read Intermezzo by Sally Rooney Ella joins me on this episode to discuss: * How Sally Rooney is Ella’s favorite modern romance writer (and also maybe Jenna’s?) * Peter’s LONG A** inner monologues that had no place in this book. * The way Sally dives deep into complicated romantic relationships. Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you Googling, “Paul Mescal’s butt Normal People”…trust us. Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast: * DRINK - Irish Lemonade, A Shandy * TV SHOW - The Queen’s Gambit, One Day, Catastrophe * BOOK - Normal People, Conversations With Friends * MOVIE - May December, Harold and Maude !! WARNING: SPOILERS !! Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you! * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

    57 min

  8. 25/03/2025

    13: Funny Story by Emily Henry: The book that made us Emily Henry stans.

    ”Never trust a blonde.” This week, we read Funny Story by Emily Henry. Sierra joins me on this episode to discuss: * Why you never trust a blonde * Sexy roommates…yes, please. * Why the romantic relationship isn’t the only ‘ship we’re loving in this book (we’re talking about friendship) Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that made us dream about men saying “mouth feel” to us while they feed us wine and cheese in midwestern winery. Jenna’s Pairings: * DRINK - a bottle of natural wine with a really cool backstory * TV SHOW - Never Have I Ever * BOOK - Just for the Summer * MOVIE - Holidate Sierra’s Pairings: * DRINK - Red Wine * TV SHOW - Nobody Wants This * BOOK - Beach Read * MOVIE - Something Borrowed or When Harry Met Sally… !! WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD !! Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you! * Disclaimer * At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. Get full access to Red Wine Reads at redwinereads.substack.com/subscribe

    44 min
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About

Welcome to Red Wine Reads, a community of book lovers talking about our favorite and not-so-favorite books while pouring a glass (or two) of wine. Each week, your host Jenna Weston is joined by a rotating cast of four co-hosts, each with a specific set of reading skills and preferences. From TikTok famous smut, to Pulitzer-Prize winning novels, to the classics you read in high school, we hope you find a little something you like. These reviews are not backed by any educational experience and full of spoilers and hot takes. So here’s what you can expect from each episode: a 60-second summary and some quick facts to get you oriented. Then, we answer the question, “Would you recommend this book?” and we spend the majority of the episode arguing why or why not. We end the show with final ratings and pairings, where we pick drinks, TV Shows, movies and other books to pair with today’s read. Each episode also hosts its own drinking game, so whatever your drink of choice — wine, cocktails, mocktails, coffee, water — we hope you’ll sip along with us. So without further ado, let’s pull some corks and get reading! redwinereads.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Red Wine Reads
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    111
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Red Wine Reads
  • Show Website
    Red Wine Reads