The Snobby Sisters Book Club

Rachel Secunda , Pesha Fischer
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On The Snobby Sisters Book Club we dive into the books and authors that shaped us, the ones we couldn’t put down, and the ones we wish we could forget. Each episode we tackle a book (or an author), and share thoughtful (and sometimes critical) takes with a mix of seriousness and sisterly banter. Whether you’re here to discover your next favorite read or to commiserate about books that disappointed you, you’re in good company. Reach out with feedback, questions, or just to say hello at snobbysistersbookclub@gmail.com

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    A Tree Grows in Brooklyn : An Old Book That Still Rings True

    In this episode of The Snobby Sisters Book Club, Pesha and Rachel discuss the timeless classic, and one of their absolute favorite books, Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. The two discuss their favorite scenes, favorite quotes, favorite characters, and the lessons they believe this book shares. They also discuss how or why this book became a classic, and wonder if everyone listening has already read it.  As always, reach out with feedback or just to say hi at snobbysistersbookclub@gmail.com

    36 min

  2. FEB 3

    Nina Is Not Okay: How Trash Became a Treasure

    In this episode of The Snobby Sisters Book Club, Pesha and Rachel discuss Shappi Khorsandi’s novel, Nina Is Not Okay. The two sisters explore how a book that initially seems incredibly inappropriate, crude, and crass quickly becomes a meaningful exploration of personal development, redemption, friendship, and family. The conversation covers Nina, the relationships she has with various characters in the book, including herself, and how she develops beyond the “party girl” persona she starts the book with. While they do discuss certain plot points, they try to avoid spoiling the main incident that defines the book as well as the final resolution.  As always, reach out with feedback or just to say hi at snobbysistersbookclub@gmail.com

    38 min

  3. JAN 20

    Ann Patchett: Summer People with Lightening Bugs

    In this episode of The Snobby Sisters Book Club, Pesha and Rachel take a rare step back from a single title to talk about an author they keep returning to: Anne Patchett. They reflect on how her novels and essays, from Bel Canto and State of Wonder to The Dutch House, Commonwealth, Tom Lake, and These Precious Days, make them feel rather than linger in precise plot details, exploring themes of family, nostalgia, kindness, discomfort, and the quiet beauty of ordinary life. The conversation touches on Patchett’s blend of fiction and nonfiction, her willingness to write openly about complicated relationships, her love of bookstores and literary community, and why her work evokes a distinctly American, summertime warmth. Ultimately, they unpack what makes Patchett’s writing so enduring for them: not perfect characters or dramatic twists, but humanity, generosity, and the belief that books are meant to be shared. Books by Ann Patchett mentioned in this episode: Bel Canto State of Wonder The Dutch House Commonwealth Tom Lake These Precious Days Truth and Beauty This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage Run Books by Barbara Kingsolver mentioned in this episode: The Poisonwood Bible Flight Behavior The Lacuna Demon Copperhead

    30 min

  4. JAN 6

    Circe : Reflections on Motherhood, Loneliness, and Friendship

    In this episode of The Snobby Sisters Book Club, Pesha and Rachel revisit Circe by Madeline Miller to unpack why this novel stands apart from other Greek mythology retellings. They explore Circe’s story as a deeply human meditation on motherhood, loneliness, friendship, and the choice to live a mortal life, touching on themes of curiosity, independence, aging, and love. From Circe’s fierce devotion to her son, to her unexpected female friendship with Penelope, to her rejection of the transactional world of the gods, this conversation dives into what makes Circe so emotionally resonant, and why it’s a book they can’t stop thinking about. Also mentioned: Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller Elektra - Jennifer Saint Clytemnestra  - Costanza Casati The Bright Sword - Lev Grossman Reach out with feedback, book requests, or just to say hello at snobbysistersbookclub@gmail.com

    26 min

  5. 12/23/2025

    The People of Forever Are Not Afraid : Reading During War

    In this episode of The Snobby Sisters Book Club, (originally recorded in March, 2025) Pesha and Rachel dive deep into Shani Boianjiu’s haunting, surreal, and unforgettable novel The People of Forever Are Not Afraid. They explore why this book, about three young Israeli women coming of age in a small town, through army service, and into adulthood, feels at once dreamlike and disturbingly real. Along the way, they reflect on their own experience reading this book during an actual war, the strange mix of humor and horror in its scenes, and the questions it raises about soldiers, checkpoints, and growing up in an imperfect world. The sisters share their favorite (and strangest) scenes, dissect the aimlessness of the characters, talk about how it compares to other books they’ve loved, and confess why they’re desperate to track down the elusive author herself. Also mentioned in this episode: The Yellow Wind — David Grossman To the End of the Land — David Grossman The author’s recommended books as mentioned during the episode:  The Secret History - Donna Tart Who Moved My Cheese - Spencer Johnson,  Kafka on the Shore - Haruki Murakami The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger The History of Love - Nicole Krauss.  Beaufort - Ron Leshem,  Silence of the Lambs - Thomas Harris Things I Don't Tell - Yael Gadi Taub. Missing Kissinger - Etgar Keret Reach out with feedback, book requests, or to say hello at snobbysistersbookclub@gmail.com

    29 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    Why We Are The Snobby Sisters (And Why We Love Books)

    In the very first episode of The Snobby Sisters Book Club, Pesha and Rachel introduce themselves and their shared love of books, especially those about “impoverished women in third-world countries” and other delightfully depressing genres. They share childhood memories of banned books, the family bookshelf of “inappropriate” reads, a Little Women–themed birthday party, and how reading became both an escape and a family tradition. You’ll also hear their all-time favorite books (yes, Ruth Reichl makes the list), their guilty pleasures, the books they couldn’t finish, and the unique genres that have shaped their literary tastes including healthcare nonfiction and not always poor, but definitely witty women trapped in gilded cages. Books mentioned in this episode: Children’s / YA / School Books Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (referred to as “the first Harry Potter book”) The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis The Giver – Lois Lowry Number the Stars – Lois Lowry Classics & Older Literature Little Women – Louisa May Alcott Siddhartha – Hermann Hesse Literary Fiction I Capture the Castle – Dodie Smith Station Eleven – Emily St. John Mandel We Are Not Ourselves – Matthew Thomas Loving Frank – Nancy Horan The Shadow King – Maaza Mengiste The Women – Kristin Hannah Daisy Jones & The Six – Taylor Jenkins Reid Memoir / Nonfiction Tender at the Bone – Ruth Reichl Being Mortal – Atul Gawande The Hot Zone – Richard Preston From Beirut to Jerusalem – Thomas L. Friedman Jewish / Israeli Literature A Tale of Love and Darkness – Amos Oz Dear Zealots - Amos Oz  Challenging / Banned Books The Bluest Eye – Toni Morrison The Relief of Unbearable Urges - Nathan Englander A Blessing on the Moon - Joseph Skibell If you love book talk that’s funny, heartfelt, and just a little bit snobby, then grab a cup of tea and listen in. Have questions, feedback, or just want to say hi? Email us at snobbysistersbookclub@gmail.com.

    28 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

On The Snobby Sisters Book Club we dive into the books and authors that shaped us, the ones we couldn’t put down, and the ones we wish we could forget. Each episode we tackle a book (or an author), and share thoughtful (and sometimes critical) takes with a mix of seriousness and sisterly banter. Whether you’re here to discover your next favorite read or to commiserate about books that disappointed you, you’re in good company. Reach out with feedback, questions, or just to say hello at snobbysistersbookclub@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Rachel Secunda , Pesha Fischer
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rachel Secunda , Pesha Fischer
  • Show Website
    The Snobby Sisters Book Club