Book Explained

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One book per episode. Hailey gives an honest, spoiler-free review and a verdict, recommends what to read next, and then, after a clear spoiler warning, explains the ending. Depending on the book you also get a summary, a fact check of the true story, a book club guide, or a book versus screen comparison. From the team behind bookexplained.com and the Book Explained YouTube channel.

Oct 16

The Martian by Andy Weir: Review, Books Like It, the Ending Explained and a Science Fact Check

An astronaut is left for dead on Mars with a habitat built for a month. Hailey reviews Andy Weir's The Martian spoiler-free, recommends six books to read next, then, after a spoiler warning, explains the rescue, the sugar bomb and the final launch, and checks how much of the science is real. Content note: frequent strong language in the book. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0553418025?tag=bookexplained-20 Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082BHWQCJ?tag=bookexplained-20 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Books mentioned in this episode Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0593135202?tag=bookexplained-20 Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Red+Mars+Kim+Stanley+Robinson&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Seveneves by Neal Stephenson: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Seveneves+Neal+Stephenson&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Lost Moon by Jim Lovell and Jeffrey Kluger: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Lost+Moon+Jim+Lovell+and+Jeffrey+Kluger&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Packing for Mars by Mary Roach: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Packing+for+Mars+Mary+Roach&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Robinson+Crusoe+Daniel+Defoe&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Artemis by Andy Weir: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Artemis+Andy+Weir&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Chapters 0:00 Cold Open 0:31 Welcome 1:10 The Review 6:33 What To Read Next 8:58 Spoiler Warning 9:16 The Ending Explained 15:49 The Science 20:34 Outro Scores, the full written review and the videos: https://bookexplained.com/books/the-martian/ Narrated by Hailey, the Book Explained host voice (AI-generated with Kokoro TTS). Music "Friday Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Fresh Air" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Carefree" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Disquiet" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Reminiscing" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Oct 16

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Review, Books Like It and Ending Explained

A reclusive Hollywood legend picks one unknown reporter to hear the truth about her seven marriages, and refuses to say why. Hailey reviews Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo spoiler-free, recommends six books to read next, then, after a spoiler warning, explains the ending and shares the book club questions that start the best arguments. Content note: domestic violence, the sexual exploitation of a teenage girl, homophobia, abortion, grief and a death by choice are discussed. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Seven+Husbands+of+Evelyn+Hugo+Taylor+Jenkins+Reid&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Seven+Husbands+of+Evelyn+Hugo+Taylor+Jenkins+Reid&i=audible&tag=bookexplained-20 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Books mentioned in this episode Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Daisy+Jones+%26+The+Six+Taylor+Jenkins+Reid&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Malibu+Rising+Taylor+Jenkins+Reid&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Beautiful+Ruins+Jess+Walter&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Funny Girl by Nick Hornby: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Funny+Girl+Nick+Hornby&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Last+Night+at+the+Telegraph+Club+Malinda+Lo&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Atmosphere+Taylor+Jenkins+Reid&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Chapters 0:00 Cold Open 0:26 Welcome 1:19 The Review 6:36 What To Read Next 9:13 Spoiler Warning 9:33 The Ending Explained 16:29 Book Club Highlights 18:06 Outro Scores, the full written review and the videos: https://bookexplained.com/books/the-seven-husbands-of-evelyn-hugo/ Narrated by Hailey, the Book Explained host voice (AI-generated with Kokoro TTS). Music "Friday Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Fresh Air" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Reminiscing" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Almost Bliss" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Oct 16

"Verity by Colleen Hoover: Review, Spice Level, Books Like It, Ending Explained and the Clues You Missed"

A broke writer moves into a stranger's Vermont mansion to finish a famous author's series, and finds the author's hidden autobiography. Hailey reviews Colleen Hoover's Verity spoiler-free, with an honest spice level and content notes, recommends seven books to read next, then, after a spoiler warning, explains the ending, the hidden letter and the clues planted before the twist. Content note: this episode discusses explicit sexual content, the deaths of children and harm to babies. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Verity+Colleen+Hoover&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Verity+Colleen+Hoover&i=audible&tag=bookexplained-20 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Books mentioned in this episode Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Rebecca+Daphne+du+Maurier&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Gone+Girl+Gillian+Flynn&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JX7ZDJ3?tag=bookexplained-20 Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sometimes+I+Lie+Alice+Feeney&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 The Housemaid by Freida McFadden: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Housemaid+Freida+McFadden&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=We+Need+to+Talk+About+Kevin+Lionel+Shriver&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Wife+Between+Us+Greer+Hendricks+and+Sarah+Pekkanen&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=It+Ends+With+Us+Colleen+Hoover&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Chapters 0:00 Cold Open 0:35 Welcome 1:13 The Review 8:01 What To Read Next 11:15 Spoiler Warning 11:39 The Ending Explained 18:00 The Clues 22:54 Outro Scores, the full written review and the videos: https://bookexplained.com/books/verity/ Narrated by Hailey, the Book Explained host voice (AI-generated with Kokoro TTS). Music "Fresh Air" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Reminiscing" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Disquiet" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Friday Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Oct 16

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman: Review, Summary of All Five Parts, Habits and Books to Read Next

A bat and a ball cost one dollar and ten cents, and your gut gets it wrong. Hailey reviews Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow, summarizes its five parts, shares six practical habits and one caution, and recommends six books to read next. No spoilers, because the plot is your own brain. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Thinking%2C+Fast+and+Slow+Daniel+Kahneman&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Thinking%2C+Fast+and+Slow+Daniel+Kahneman&i=audible&tag=bookexplained-20 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Books mentioned in this episode Nudge by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Nudge+Richard+H.+Thaler+and+Cass+R.+Sunstein&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Predictably+Irrational+Dan+Ariely&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Misbehaving by Richard H. Thaler: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Misbehaving+Richard+H.+Thaler&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Black+Swan+Nassim+Nicholas+Taleb&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Noise by Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony and Cass R. Sunstein: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Noise+Daniel+Kahneman%2C+Olivier+Sibony+and+Cass+R.+Sunstein&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Blink by Malcolm Gladwell: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Blink+Malcolm+Gladwell&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Chapters 0:00 Cold Open 0:26 Welcome 0:58 The Review 4:27 The Summary 7:40 Putting It To Work 9:39 What To Read Next 11:45 Outro Scores, the full written review and the videos: https://bookexplained.com/books/thinking-fast-and-slow/ Narrated by Hailey, the Book Explained host voice (AI-generated with Kokoro TTS). Music "Friday Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Fresh Air" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Oct 16

The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest: Review, Chapter Summary, Exercises and Books to Read Next

Why do we keep getting in our own way? Hailey reviews Brianna Wiest's The Mountain Is You, summarizes it chapter by chapter, shares six exercises to try this week plus two cautions, and recommends six books to read next. No spoilers, and this is a book review, not therapy or medical advice. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Mountain+Is+You+Brianna+Wiest&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Mountain+Is+You+Brianna+Wiest&i=audible&tag=bookexplained-20 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Books mentioned in this episode Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735211299?tag=bookexplained-20 The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0670785938?tag=bookexplained-20 Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Man%27s+Search+for+Meaning+Viktor+Frankl&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Gifts+of+Imperfection+Bren%C3%A9+Brown&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Maybe+You+Should+Talk+to+Someone+Lori+Gottlieb&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Four+Agreements+Don+Miguel+Ruiz&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Chapters 0:00 Cold Open 0:23 Welcome 1:05 The Review 4:45 The Summary 7:57 Putting It To Work 10:14 What To Read Next 12:15 Outro Scores, the full written review and the videos: https://bookexplained.com/books/the-mountain-is-you/ Narrated by Hailey, the Book Explained host voice (AI-generated with Kokoro TTS). Music "Friday Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Fresh Air" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Oct 16

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot: Review, Summary, the Real Story and Books to Read Next

A woman's cells changed medicine, and her family was never told. Hailey reviews Rebecca Skloot's The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, summarizes its three parts, goes through the real story and the questions about consent that are still open, and recommends six books to read next. Content note: racism, illness and medical mistreatment are discussed. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Immortal+Life+of+Henrietta+Lacks+Rebecca+Skloot&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Immortal+Life+of+Henrietta+Lacks+Rebecca+Skloot&i=audible&tag=bookexplained-20 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Books mentioned in this episode Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Medical+Apartheid+Harriet+A.+Washington&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Emperor+of+All+Maladies+Siddhartha+Mukherjee&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Spirit+Catches+You+and+You+Fall+Down+Anne+Fadiman&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Being Mortal by Atul Gawande: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Being+Mortal+Atul+Gawande&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Bad Blood by John Carreyrou: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Bad+Blood+John+Carreyrou&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=When+Breath+Becomes+Air+Paul+Kalanithi&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Chapters 0:00 Cold Open 0:27 Welcome 1:10 The Review 4:56 The Summary 7:44 The Real Story 10:37 What To Read Next 12:45 Outro Scores, the full written review and the videos: https://bookexplained.com/books/the-immortal-life-of-henrietta-lacks/ Narrated by Hailey, the Book Explained host voice (AI-generated with Kokoro TTS). Music "Friday Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Fresh Air" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Oct 16

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: Review, Summary of All Thirty Principles, Habits and Books to Read Next

One of the most famous self help books ever written, from the nineteen thirties. Hailey reviews Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People, walks through all thirty principles in four parts, shares six habits that still work plus one worry, and recommends six books to read next. No spoilers. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=How+to+Win+Friends+and+Influence+People+Dale+Carnegie&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=How+to+Win+Friends+and+Influence+People+Dale+Carnegie&i=audible&tag=bookexplained-20 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Books mentioned in this episode Influence by Robert Cialdini: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Influence+Robert+Cialdini&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Crucial+Conversations+Kerry+Patterson%2C+Joseph+Grenny%2C+Ron+McMillan+and+Al+Switzler&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Never+Split+the+Difference+Chris+Voss&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Getting+to+Yes+Roger+Fisher+and+William+Ury&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Nonviolent+Communication+Marshall+B.+Rosenberg&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Charisma+Myth+Olivia+Fox+Cabane&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Chapters 0:00 Cold Open 0:25 Welcome 1:00 The Review 4:42 The Summary 7:48 Putting It To Work 9:58 What To Read Next 12:16 Outro Scores, the full written review and the videos: https://bookexplained.com/books/how-to-win-friends-influence-people/ Narrated by Hailey, the Book Explained host voice (AI-generated with Kokoro TTS). Music "Friday Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Fresh Air" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Oct 16

Die With Zero by Bill Perkins: Review, Summary of All Nine Rules, How to Use It and Books to Read Next

Why work and save for decades, only to die with a pile of money you never enjoyed? Hailey reviews Bill Perkins's Die With Zero, summarizes all nine rules, shares six ways to put the ideas to work plus two cautions, and recommends six books to read next. No spoilers, and this is a book review, not financial advice. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Die+With+Zero+Bill+Perkins&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Die+With+Zero+Bill+Perkins&i=audible&tag=bookexplained-20 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Books mentioned in this episode The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Psychology+of+Money+Morgan+Housel&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0374159122?tag=bookexplained-20 Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Your+Money+or+Your+Life+Vicki+Robin+and+Joe+Dominguez&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Top+Five+Regrets+of+the+Dying+Bronnie+Ware&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Millionaire+Next+Door+Thomas+J.+Stanley+and+William+D.+Danko&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Die Broke by Stephen Pollan and Mark Levine: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Die+Broke+Stephen+Pollan+and+Mark+Levine&i=stripbooks&tag=bookexplained-20 Chapters 0:00 Cold Open 0:22 Welcome 1:06 The Review 4:53 The Summary 8:43 Putting It To Work 11:23 What To Read Next 13:35 Outro Scores, the full written review and the videos: https://bookexplained.com/books/die-with-zero/ Narrated by Hailey, the Book Explained host voice (AI-generated with Kokoro TTS). Music "Friday Morning" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ "Fresh Air" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

See All (66)

Creator

Book Explained
Years Active

2026
Episodes

66
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Book Explained

Book Explained

Episodes

The Martian by Andy Weir: Review, Books Like It, the Ending Explained and a Science Fact Check

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Review, Books Like It and Ending Explained

"Verity by Colleen Hoover: Review, Spice Level, Books Like It, Ending Explained and the Clues You Missed"

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman: Review, Summary of All Five Parts, Habits and Books to Read Next

The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest: Review, Chapter Summary, Exercises and Books to Read Next

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot: Review, Summary, the Real Story and Books to Read Next

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: Review, Summary of All Thirty Principles, Habits and Books to Read Next

Die With Zero by Bill Perkins: Review, Summary of All Nine Rules, How to Use It and Books to Read Next

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