The Book Jar Podcast

Marissa Trarback, Megan Breitenbach
  • 4.0 (1)
  • Books
  • Updated Biweekly

A podcast between two avid readers in which the topics are chosen from the book jar! Episodes are released every two weeks. Send us your topics to have them added to the jar.

  1. 11/01/2025

    A Brand New Page | What's Next for The Book Jar Podcast

    The Book Jar is back, and we're turning over a new page. In this episode, we're catching you up on what's new around The Book Jar, as well as introducing you to two new(ish) hosts that you'll be seeing, or rather hearing, a lot more from! Enjoy! Have a question you want us to discuss? Send us an email or message our Instagram account with your question, and we'll add it to our book jar. You can find our sister podcast, the Queens of Fantasy Podcast, on Instagram as well. Like our podcast? Leave us a review so more people can find us! Want to support us? Consider buying us a book (or a coffee)! Want to be in a community full of readers? Join our Discord server to discuss books and join our book club (if you want!). You can do that right here.  00:00 Cold Open0:291:05 What's New2:59 Your New Hosts24:28 Outro & Socials26:00 Bloopers

    28 min

  2. 11/28/2024

    Who Would Win A Fictional Fight Between...? | Let the Fighting Begin!

    Let the fighting begin! In this episode, Marissa and Megan discuss, argue, and fight over who would win between fictional characters in fictional fights. From Dracula and Rhysand to Emma and Lizzie Bennet, this episode is throwing everything down and everyone with them! So, join us while we fight it out.  As usual, the three readers start by reviewing their most recent reads and finish by discussing their upcoming reads. They also announce their next topic from the Book Jar. Expect us to discuss: The Hemlock Queen by Hannah WhittenA Memory of Light by Robert Jordan and Brandon SandersonOcean's Echo by Everina MaxwellThe Hurricane Wars by Thea GuanzonDracula by Bram StokerA Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. MaasEmma by Jane AustenPride and Prejudice by Jane AustenSabriel by Garth NixLirael by Garth NixSailor Moon by Naoko TakeuchiPlease note that we do mention some SPOILERS for the ACOTAR series. Have a question you want us to discuss? Send us an email or message our Instagram account with your question, and we'll add it to our book jar. You can find our sister podcast, the Queens of Fantasy Podcast, on Instagram as well. Like our podcast? Leave us a review so more people can find us! Want to support us? Consider buying us a book (or a coffee)! Want to be in a community full of readers? Join our Discord server to discuss books and join our book club (if you want!). You can do that right here.  Marissa discussed a Blog post for the Wheel of Time. Find it here.  00:00 Cold Open0:34 Intro1:11 A Memory of Light7:48 The Hemlock Queen8:33 Ocean's Echo10:40 The Hurricane Wars17:51 Today's Topic: FIGHT1:03:31 Outro & Socials

    1h 5m

  3. 11/14/2024

    Bookish Confessions | Dust Jackets, Reading Challenges, DNF-ing, and More

    It's time to share our deepest reader secrets. In this episode, Marissa and Megan are joined by Alix Calfa from the Queens of Fantasy podcast, to discuss all those things we usually keep to ourselves. We're talking about our bookish confessions, from dust jacket behaviour to reading challenges and even cheating on reading goals. Get ready to see us in a different light! As usual, the three readers start by reviewing their most recent reads and finish by discussing their upcoming reads. They also draw their next topic from the Book Jar. Expect us to discuss: Iron Flame by Rebecca YarrosMistress of Lies by K.M. EnrightHeartstopper by Alice OsemanLies We Sing to the Sea by Sarah UnderwoodLore Olympus by Rachel SmytheBloody Sweet by NaRae LeeMy Roommate Is A Vampire by Jenna LevineCurse of Breath and Blood by K.W. FosterA Ship of Bones and Teeth by Karina HalleTowers of Midnight by Robert Jordan and Brandon SandersonA Memory of Light by Robert Jordan and Brandon SandersonThe Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani ChokshiHave a question you want us to discuss? Send us an email or message our Instagram account with your question, and we'll add it to our book jar. You can find our sister podcast, the Queens of Fantasy Podcast, on Instagram as well. Like our podcast? Leave us a review so more people can find us! Want to support us? Consider buying us a book (or a coffee)! Want to be in a community full of readers? Join our Discord server to discuss books and join our book club (if you want!). You can do that right here.

    1h 13m

  4. 10/18/2024

    The Best Bookstores Worldwide | Portland, Edinburgh, Tokyo, and More

    Besides that one overly comfortable chair in the corner, every reader's favourite place to be is a bookstore. In this episode, Marissa and Megan share the best bookstores they've explored. From local gems to international stars, these bookstores have one thing in common: they are well-loved and well-read. As usual, the two readers start by reviewing their most recent reads and finish by discussing their upcoming reads. They also draw their next topic from the Book Jar. Expect us to discuss: Ink, Blood, Sister, Scribe by Emma TörzsFayne by Ann-Marie MacDonaldLove on the Brain by Ali HazelwoodBelladonna by Adalyn GraceKingdom of the Wicked by Kerri ManiscalcoThe Unfinished by Cheryl IsaacsTowers of Midnight by Robert Jordan and Brandon SandersonThe Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani ChokshiBookstores We Discuss In This Podcast: Second Chance Reads (Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada)Slow Burn Books (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)Wee Book Inn (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)The Next Page (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)Eliot's Bookshop (Toronto, Ontario, Canada -- CLOSED)The Scribe (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)Munro's Books (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada)The Paper Hound Bookshop (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)Powell's City of Books (Portland, Oregon, USA)Persephone Books (Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom)Armchair Books (Edinburgh, Scotland)The Gently Mad (Edinburgh, Scotland)Jimbōchō -- Tokyo's Used-Book District (Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan) Have a question you want us to discuss? Send us an email or message our Instagram account with your question, and we'll add it to our book jar. You can find our sister podcast, the Queens of Fantasy Podcast, on Instagram as well. Like our podcast? Leave us a review so more people can find us! Want to support us? Consider buying us a book (or a coffee)! Want to be in a community full of readers? Join our Discord server to discuss books and join our book club (if you want!). You can do that right here.  00:00 Cold Open0:48 Intro2:42 Recently Read5:39 Ink, Blood, Sister, Scribe6:15 Love on the Brain8:14 Belladonna12:44 Kingdom of the Wicked15:25 Fayne17:12 Let's Talk Book Shops!18:04 Second Chance Reads (GP, CAN)20:22 Slow Burn Books (Calgary, CAN)22:24 Wee Book Inn (Edmonton, CAN)24:17 The Next Page (Calgary, CAN)26:17 Eliot's Books (Toronto, CAN)28:58 The Scribe (Toronto, CAN)30:55 Munro's Books (Victoria, CAN)35:42 The Paper Hound Bookshop (Vancouver, CAN)39:16 Powell's City of Books (Portland, USA)44:01 Persephone Books (Bath, UK)49:47 Armchair books (Edinburgh, SCO)52:11 Jimbōchō (Tokyo, JAP)53:55 The Gently Mad (Edinburgh, SCO)57:31 Next Topic!58:58 Current Reads1:02:24 Outro & Socials1:03:27 After the Pod

    1h 4m

  5. 10/03/2024

    The History of Audiobooks | A Lesson From Megan

    Ever heard of audiobooks? How much do you really know about them? In this episode, Megan explores everything audiobook. From the history of audiobooks to its formats, uses, and styles, join along as your two favourite readers explore the world of audiobooks! As usual, the two readers start by reviewing their most recent reads and finish by discussing their upcoming reads. They also draw their next topic from the Book Jar. Expect us to discuss: White Horse, Black Nights by Evie MarceauSilver Wings, Golden Games by Evie MarceauDracula by Bram Stoker (Narrated by Mike Bennett)A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (Narrated by Ink, Blood, Sister, Scribe by Emma TörzsFayne by Ann-Marie MacDonaldThe Burning God by R.F. Kuang (Narrated by Emily Woo Zeller)If It Bleeds by Stephen King (Narrated by Will Patton, Danny Burstein, and Steven Weber)What Happened to You?  Bruce D. Perry and Oprah WinfreyEpisode References: Romance Audiobook Narration: Dual vs. DuetWikipedia Audiobook PageBest Platform to Listen to Audiobooks (Reddit) Have a question you want us to discuss? Send us an email or message our Instagram account with your question, and we'll add it to our book jar. You can find our sister podcast, the Queens of Fantasy Podcast, on Instagram as well. Like our podcast? Leave us a review so more people can find us! Want to support us? Consider buying us a book (or a coffee)! Want to be in a community full of readers? Join our Discord server to discuss books and join our book club (if you want!). You can do that right here.  00:00 Cold Open0:32 Intro3:16 Recently Read4:06 Silver Wings, Golden Games13:15 Ink, Blood, Sister, Scribe14:34 Today's Topic!1:02:00 Drawing the Next Topic1:02:48 Current & Future Reads1:03:59 Outro & Socials1:05:16 After the Pod

    1h 6m

  6. 09/19/2024

    Literary Terms 101 With Marissa | Metaphor, Similes, Character Foils & More

    It's time to go back to school! And, what better way to celebrate school than with a test? In this episode, Marissa and Megan review literary terms. Or rather, Marissa quizzes Megan on this terminology while putting her friendship at risk. From metaphor and simile to allusions and character foils, Marissa puts on her teaching hat to share the top literary terms every reader should know -- or learn! As usual, the two readers start by reviewing their most recent reads and finish by discussing their upcoming reads. They also draw their next topic from the Book Jar. Expect us to discuss: The Gathering Storm by Robert JordanSiren Queen by Nghi VoWhite Horse, Black Nights by Evie MarceauSky in the Deep by Adrienne YoungA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. MaasWithout Words by Ellen O'ConnellInk, Blood, Sister, Scribe by Emma TörzsSilver Wings, Golden Games by Evie MarceauFayne by Ann-Marie MacDonaldHave a question you want us to discuss? Send us an email or message our Instagram account with your question, and we'll add it to our book jar. You can find our sister podcast, the Queens of Fantasy Podcast, on Instagram as well. Like our podcast? Leave us a review so more people can find us! Want to support us? Consider buying us a book (or a coffee)! Want to be in a community full of readers? Join our Discord server to discuss books and join our book club (if you want!). You can do that right here.  00:00 Cold Open0:32 Intro1:28 Recent Reads1:37 White Horse, Black Nights2:54 Siren Queen3:18 Sky in the Deep4:09 The Gathering Storm5:45 ACOTAR7:03 Without Words12:48 Literary 10113:54 Easy Vocab25:18 Harder Vocab29:12 Metaphors & Similes37:28 Even Harder Vocab40:39 Isn't It Ironic?57:50 Megan's Score59:27 Drawing the Next Topic1:00:17 Current & Upcoming Reads1:02:17 Outro & Socials1:04:31 After the Pod

    1h 6m

  7. 09/05/2024

    Banned Books: Which Ones We've Read And Our Thoughts | Elana K. Arnold, Judy Blume, J.D. Salinger, and More

    Books are made to be read, not banned. In this episode, Megan and Marissa discuss banned books. From the most commonly banned novels to their favourite illicit reads, these two readers dive into why the books are banned and why they disagree. As always, they start the podcast with their most recent reads and end it by drawing a new topic from the jar. Articles referenced in the episode: Most Banned Books of All Time (Containing list of top 25 banned books)Plot twist: Activists skirt book bans with guerrilla giveaways and pop-up librariesTop 10 Most Famous Banned Books Of All Time15 of the Most Famous Banned Books in US HistoryBook Censorship in CanadaThe 50 Most Banned Books in America Right NowTop 100 List of Banned Books 2024Expect us to discuss: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (series) by Alvin SchwartzAlice (series) by Phyllis Reynolds NaylorOf Mice and Men by John SteinbeckIt’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health by Robie HarrisAdventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark TwainThe Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeThe Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger The Color Purple by Alice Walker I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou The Giver by Lois Lowry The Chocolate War by Robert CormierAnd Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson Beloved by Toni Morrison Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Captain Underpants (series) by Dav Pilkey Internet Girls (series) by Lauren Myracle Forever… by Judy BlumeThe Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson My Brother Sam Is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier Go Ask Alice by Anonymous (Beatrice Sparks)In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak Harry Potter (series)Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay AsherSpeak by Laurie Halse AndersonThe Shining by Stephen KingThe Sarah J. Maas Multiverse (Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses)Lord of the Flies by William GoldingDamsel by Elana K. ArnoldImmortal Longings by Chloe GongVelvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-GarciaThe Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison GoodmanHave a question you want us to discuss? Send us an email or message our Instagram account with your question, and we'll add it to our book jar. You...

    1h 5m

  8. 08/22/2024

    Books You've Been Avoiding On Your TBR (To-Be Read) Shelf | A Feather So Black, Wheel of Time & Many More

    This one is dedicated to all the book stacks on all those book shelves just waiting to be read. In this episode, Marissa and Megan uncover their most shameful -- or most interesting -- books on their TBRs that they've been avoiding. From books they didn't even know they owned to books they've been waiting for the perfect moment to pick up, join these two readers as they dive into their TBRs.   As always, they start the podcast with their most recent reads and end it by drawing a new topic from the jar and discussing their upcoming reads. Expect us to discuss: Knife of Dreams by Robert JordanSecretly Yours by Tessa BaileyRobin Hobb's The Farseer TrilogyThe City of Stardust by Georgia SummersIron Flame by Rebecca YarrowsClariel by Garth NixThe Invisible Library Series by Genevieve CogmanBefore the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu KawaguchiDoctor Sleep by Stephen KingThe Witchland Series by Susan Dennard (Truthwitch)The Dark Star Trilogy by Marlon JamesThe Once and Future Witches by Alix E. HarrowBookshops and Bonedust by Travis BaldreeGlass Thorns Series by Melanie Rawn (Touchstone, Elsewhens & Thornlost)Zadie SmithHell Bent by Leigh BardugoShimmer and Burn by Mary TarantaWitches of Ash and Ruin by E. LatimerThe Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. SchwabEleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail HoneymanNever Fade by Alexandra BrackenThe Darkness Outside Us by Eliot SchreferThe Gathering Storm by Robert JordanImmortal Longings by Chloe GongHave a question you want us to discuss? Send us an email or message our Instagram account with your question, and we'll add it to our book jar. You can find our sister podcast, the Queens of Fantasy Podcast, on Instagram as well. Like our podcast? Leave us a review so more people can find us! Want to be in a community full of readers? Join our Discord server to discuss books and join our book club (if you want!). You can do that right here. Timestamps: 00:00 Cold Open 0:47 Intro5:10 Most-Recent Reads5:36 Knife of Dreams7:09 Secretly Yours10:07 The City of Stardust11:28 Today's Topic: TBR Books13:03 Doctor Sleep24:11 The Invisible Library Series26:40 The Witchland Series27:58 Before the Coffee Cold Series28:24 Glass Thorns Series 33:26 Shimmer & Burn34:36 Witches of Ash and Ruin38:10 The Dark Star Trilogy39:21 Crescent City40:26 The Invisible Life of Addie Larue41:25 Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine43:22 Bookshops and Bonedust44:04 Never Fade44:37 Hell Bent 45:49 The Once and Future Witches47:31 The Darkness Outside Us48:46 Zadie Smith50:06 Next Topic!51:27 Upcoming Reads52:29 Outro & Socials53:26 After the Pod

    55 min
See All (79)

Ratings & Reviews

About

A podcast between two avid readers in which the topics are chosen from the book jar! Episodes are released every two weeks. Send us your topics to have them added to the jar.

Information

  • Creator
    Marissa Trarback, Megan Breitenbach
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Marissa Trarback, Megan Breitenbach