Men's Book Club Matt and Sam

Stephanie Garber takes us to a fantasy world, where competition and clues are the difference between life and death. Sisters Scarlett and Tells want more out of life than living in their abusive father's castle. Their dream is to attend the allusive performance put together by the mysterious 'Legend'. And when they finally get an opportunity to attend, they get more than they bargained for.

A fun story, mainly for young adults, about a world of colors, tricks, love-drama, and consequences of decision, this book (part of a series), is a good read for anyone looking to read something different and not so serious. 

Tell us your thoughts about this episode on Instagram: @mensbookclubpod

In the author's hometown of Lincoln, Illinois, 1922, we are introduced to a group of characters who are tethered to one another by one act or another. The novel opens up about the murder of Loyd Wilson, by his best friend Clarence Smith, who then commits suicde. We then learn little by little about why that happened, how they became friends, why they had a fall out, and where the narrator (who is not a central part of the murder) fits into the novel. 

A novel written with the backdrop of the open plains, tales of family scars, and a very well articulated writing style; William Maxwell takes us on a long, long journey in under 150 pages. This is a rainy day book if we've ever seen one.

Listen in and let us know your thoughts on Instagram: @mensbookclubpod

The Martian by Andy Weir is a famous Sci-fi book about a man who got left behind on Mars after his crew presumed him dead. While awaiting for help that he can't be certain will arrive, Mark Watney attempts to survive. Using his intelligence, his wit and his dark sense of humor, Mark Watney builds himself a habitat on the surface of Mars. 

The book takes the reader through the intricacies of chemical reactions, mathematical formulas and bureaucratic ineptitudes. But most importantly, this book is a display of what would actually happen if everyone on earth was on the same side for once; and how many incredible things that would accomplish. 

Join us on this episode as we take you with us... to Mars. Then tell us your thoughts on Instagram: @mensbookclubpod

Once again, we're back with an unpopular opinion as we discuss the most important debate in the book-reading community: Is listening to an audiobook considered reading? Do we consider a book being listened to the same as a book being read? Does the fiction vs nonfiction part make a difference? 

Along with our opinions, we share some of our reading habits and how each of us differs in their approach to reading. Join us, and join the debate. We want to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram @mensbookclubpod

Frank and April Wheeler are stuck in a typical suburban lifestyle in Connecticut around the early 1960s. Their solution to escape the mundane? Travel to France and live out their dreams there. That decision brings peace and excitement, at first. However, little by little their dreams slowly get more and more unrealistic. 

In the midst of their realities, April and Frank fight and argue and make choices that end up unraveling their entire lives. This Richard Yates novel is about a young couple, but it could be any young couple, anywhere, at any time. Join us on this episode as we dive deep into the lives and heads of the Wheelers. 

Sadie and Sam are childhood friends that turn into co-owners of a successful video game company. Along with their friend Marx, the three of them embark on a tumultuous relationship filled with drama, agony and heartache, and death. 

We do a very deep dive into this book, and come out feeling confused (?), and perhaps a little disappointed (?), but mainly we come out hating Sadie. We list the pros and cons of this book and whether we think this new novel idea is worth the read. Also, is this book a YA novel or not? Listen into what might be our most comprehensive episode yet.