To Be Read

Julie and Vanessa
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Join two best friends, Vanessa and Julie as they talk about their favorite things, books. From reviews and deep-dives, to navigating the book world and being unapologetically true to yourself and what you like to read.

  1. 19h ago

    Our Top 5 Books of 2026 So Far: The Lines We Can’t Stop Thinking About

    We’re halfway through 2026, which means it’s time to look back at the books that have completely taken over our brains. In this episode, we’re each sharing our five favorite reads of the year so far, along with the lines that made us laugh, ache, stare dramatically intothe distance, or immediately reach for a highlighter. From epic science fiction and Norse-inspired fantasy to dark romantasy, anxious tennis players, murderous heroines, and women changing history from between the lines, these books gaveus plenty to obsess over. We’ll give you a spoiler-light synopsis of each book, explain why it earned a spot in our top five, and read the quotes that have stayed with us long after we closed the cover. Consider this your midyear reading check-in anda warning that your TBR is about to get significantly longer. *Please note, this episode may contain spoilers* Books Discussed: The Poison Daughter by Sheila MastersonThe Poet Empress by Shen TaoThe Shadow of the Gods by John GwynnThe Raven Scholar by Antonia HodgsonDuskbound by Grenwich and LennoxThe Open Era by Edward SchmitThe Wicked and the Damned by Rebecca RobinsonThis Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona AndrewsSpark of the Everflame by Penn ColeEmpire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio ⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️ 00:00 Introduction 02:03 The Poison Daughter 08:47 The Poet Empress 12:32 The Shadow of the Gods 18:13 The Raven Scholar 21:22 Duskbound 26:18 The Open Era 29:40 The Wicked and the Damned 35:31 This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me 39:06 Spark of the Everflame 46:37 Empire of Silence 51:52 2026 Hopefuls 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Spotify- To be Read⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify Podcast

  2. Jul 21

    Golden Son: Power, Betrayal, and One Brutal Ending

    If Red Rising is about survival, Golden Son is about power, and what it costs to hold onto it.In this deep dive into Pierce Brown’s second book in the Red Rising Saga, we’re breaking down Darrow’s expansion beyond the Institute and into a much more dangerous arena filled with political maneuvering, shifting loyalties, space battles, and betrayals that still hurt.We discuss Darrow’s struggle between his Red identity and the Gold persona he has built, whether he can dismantle a broken system without becoming part of it, and how his ambition affects the people closest to him. We also get into the gala scene, Ragnar’s introduction, Sevro’s unmatched loyalty, Mustang’s role, Tactus’s tragedy, the Jackal’s terrifying mind, and the betrayal that changes everything.And yes, we absolutely have to talk about that ending.Spoiler warning: This episode contains full spoilers for Golden Son and may include light discussion of the broader Red Rising Saga. 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify Podcast⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠ YouTube⁠

  3. Jul 7

    Books That Make Us Feel Seen | Why Representation Matters in Reading

    What does it mean when a book makes you feel truly seen? In this special collaboration episode, To Be Read is joined by Adam Harper from Queerly Overthinking for a thoughtful conversation about representation in books, queer stories, diverse reading, and the power of finding yourself on the page. We talk about the books that made us feel less alone, why representation in literature matters, and how reading outside your own lived experience can build empathy, curiosity, and connection. Because a meaningful reading life includes both: books that reflect who you are and books that help you better understand the world around you. Books discussed include: The Open Era by Edward Schmit  Him by Elle Kennedy & Sarina Bowen  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid  Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick  The Build a Boyfriend Project by Mason Deaver  The Color Purple by Alice Walker  Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang  Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar  What If Its Us by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli Beneath by Ariel Sullivan  I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak  Listen for a heartfelt, reflective, and very overthinking-friendly conversation between To Be Read and Queerly Overthinking. 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠ ⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify Podcast⁠⁠ | ⁠ YouTube⁠ CONNECT WITH QUEERLY OVERTHINKING Website |⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify Podcast⁠⁠⁠ | YouTube

  4. Jun 23

    Genre Jumpstart: Gateway Books for Every Kind of Reader

    Trying a new genre can feel overwhelming, so we’re making it easy. In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite gateway books for readers who want to branch out into fantasy, romantasy, sci-fi, romance, literary fiction, historical fiction, horror, thrillers, classics, and YA. These aren’t necessarily the “best books of all time.” They’re the books we think are the best place to start: approachable, fun, and strong enough to make you want to keep exploring. We also talk about the biggest hang-ups readers have with each genre, from fantasy world-building and sci-fi intimidation to romance stigma, classics trauma, and the idea that YA is only for teens. Pick a genre you’ve been nervous to try, and let this be your jumpstart. Books and genres discussed include: Fantasy: Assasin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb (Farseer trilogy)Warbreaker by Brandon SandersonTress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon SandersonDaughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent (The War of Lost Hearts trilogy)Mistborn by Brandon SandersonThrone of Glass by Sarah J. MaasRomantasy: One Dark Window by Rachel GilligIn the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie CassidyThe Remnant Chronicles by Mary E. Pearson (Book 1: A Kiss of Deception)Runebreaker by Mila FinchThe Poison Daughter by Sheila MastersonSci-Fi: Enders Game by Orson Scott CardThe Martian by Andy WeirProject Hail Mary by Andy WeirHitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas AdamsReady Player One by Ernest ClineDungeon Crawler Carl by Matt DinnimanRed Rising by Pierce BrownMurderbot by Martha WellsThe Expanse series by James S.A. Corey (First book: Leviathan Wakes)We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. TaylorContemporary Romance: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily HenryUnbound: A Novel by Peyton CorinnePhoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It by Brooke AverickThe Deal by Elle KennedyBook Lovers by Emily HenryWhen in Rome series by  Sarah AdamsThe Bodyguard: A Novel by Katherine CenterThe Windy City series by Liz TomForde (Book 1: Mile High)Deep End by Ali HazelwoodProblematic Summer Romance by by Ali HazelwoodDear John by Nicolas SparksDusty Britches by Marcia Lynn McClureHistorical Fiction and Literary Fiction: Horse: A Novel by Geraldine BrooksHello Beautiful by Ann NapolitanoTom Lake by Ann PatchettLessons in Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusThe Lost Bookshop by Evie WoodsThe Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by nnie Barrows and Mary Ann ShafferJames Percival EverettThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins ReidAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidHorror and Thriller: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha ChristieAnd Then There Were None by Agatha ChristieThe Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady HendrixDon't Let the Forest In by C. G. DrewsHazelthorne by C. G. DrewsAnathema by Keri LakeClassics: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness OrczyFrankenstein by Mary ShelleyPride and Prejudice by Jane AustinYoung Adult: Six of Crows by Leigh BardugoScythe by Neal ShustermanSaint Anything by Sara DessenJohn Green (author)Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul EvansPrison Healer by Lynette Noni ⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️ 00:00 Introduction 03:37 Fantasy 12:32 Romantasy 17:23 Sci-fi 22:14 Contemporary Romance 32:12 Literary Fiction and Historical Fiction 37:12 Horror and Thriller 41:03 Classics 43:10 Young Adult 45:24 Closeout 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Spotify Podcast⁠

  5. May 19

    Red Rising: I Would Have Lived in Peace…

    This week, we’re diving deep into Red Rising by Pierce Brown, the explosive first book in the bestselling Red Rising Saga. Part dystopian sci-fi, part brutal survival story, and part emotionally devastating rebellion, Red Rising follows Darrow of Lykos as he is torn from the mines of Mars and remade into a weapon meant to infiltrate the ruling Golds from within. In this full Red Rising book discussion, we break down Darrow’s transformation, the Society’s color-based caste system, the horrors of the Institute, and the book’s biggest themes of power, oppression, identity, revenge, justice, and revolution. We also talk favorite characters like Mustang, Sevro, Cassius, and Eo, the betrayals and alliances that shape Darrow’s path, and the unforgettable moments that made us realize Pierce Brown was absolutely not messing around. From “I would have lived in peace, but my enemies brought me war” to the rise of the Reaper, we unpack why Red Rising remains one of the most gripping science fiction and dystopian fantasy books out there, and why it lays such a legendary foundation for the rest of the series. 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Spotify Podcast⁠

  6. May 5

    Fantasy Task Force Draft: Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, Red Rising & Lord of the Rings

    What happens when we build the ultimate fantasy task force using characters from some of the most iconic series ever? Absolute chaos, questionable strategy, and a lot of passionate character defending.In this episode, Julie and Vanessa each draft their perfect six-person task force, pulling from Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Red Rising, and The Lord of the Rings, plus one wild card character from any book to serve as the chaotic sixth member. We break down who made the team, who almost made the cut, and which runner-ups caused the most emotional damage.Along the way, we dive into why we love these characters so much, from their strength and loyalty to their growth, flaws, trauma, leadership, and full-blown unhinged energy. Expect character analysis, fantasy debates, chaotic hypotheticals, and plenty of “but hear me out” moments.If you love fantasy books, morally complicated characters, found family, powerful character arcs, and wildly unserious bookish debates, this episode is for you. Please note, deep dive videos contain spoilers. ⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️ 00:00 Introduction and Task Force objective 03:00 First Pick– Aragorn LOTR0 4:48 First Pick– Darrow O'Lykos Red Rising 08:13 Second Pick– Aelin Ashryver Galathynius TOG 11:46 Second Pick– Gandalf the White LOTR 14:03 Third Pick– Lorcan Salvaterre TOG 16:27 Third Pick– Sevro au Barca Red Rising 19:45 Fourth Pick– Galadriel LOTR 21:40 Fourth Pick– Nesta Archeron ACOTAR 24:35 Fifth Pick– Azriel ACOTAR 26:18 Fifth Pick– Manon Blackbeak TOG 29:47 Wild Card– Rocky Project Hail Mary 32:44 Wild Card– Ian Malcolm Jurrasic Park 35:45 Runner Ups 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Spotify- To be Read⁠⁠TikTok⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Apple Podcast⁠ | ⁠Spotify Podcast

  7. Apr 21

    The Dystopian Renaissance Continues | Part 2

    The dystopian renaissance continues in part two of our dystopian book series. In this episode, we’re discussing Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton, Bones by K.L. Speer, and Daggermouth by H.M. Wolf. We dive into dystopian fiction, dark worldbuilding, oppressive systems, survival, rebellion, resistance, and the high-stakes tension that makes dystopian books so addictive. If you love dystopian books, speculative fiction, post-apocalyptic stories, book recommendations, and deep book discussions, this episode is for you. Tune in for more book podcast episodes, reading recommendations, and conversations about dystopian, fantasy, and speculative fiction. ⏱️ CHAPTERS⏱️ (00:00) Introduction and Dystopian Renaissance (01:21) Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton (14:08) Bones by K.L. Speer (25:45) Daggermouth by HM Wolfe (43:55) Wrap up and Next Books 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions. CONNECT WITH US TikTok⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Apple Podcast⁠ | ⁠Spotify Podcast

  8. Apr 7

    Welcome to the Dystopian Renaissance | Part 1

    Dystopian books are back, and we are fully here for it. In part one of our dystopian books deep dive, we’re discussing To Cage a Wild Bird by Brook Fast, along with Conform and Beneath by Ariel Sullivan. We get into the dark worldbuilding, high-stakes survival, oppressive systems, rebellion, and the tension that makes dystopian fiction so addictive for readers. If you love dystopian books, speculative fiction, post-apocalyptic vibes, dangerous societies, and stories about resistance and control, this episode is for you. In part two, we’ll continue the dystopian book spiral with Us Dark Few by Alexis Patton, Bones by K.L. Speer, and Daggermouth by H.M. Wolf. Follow for more book talk, book recommendations, reading deep dives, and genre conversations for fantasy, dystopian, and speculative fiction readers. ⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️ (00:00) Introduction and Dystopian Renaissance (02:47) To Cage a Wild Bird by Brooke Fast (12:42) Conform by Ariel Sullivan (29:16) Beneath by Ariel Sullivan (43:55) Wrap up and Next Books 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US!⁠ Spotify- To be ReadTikTok | Instagram | Apple Podcast | Spotify Podcast

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Join two best friends, Vanessa and Julie as they talk about their favorite things, books. From reviews and deep-dives, to navigating the book world and being unapologetically true to yourself and what you like to read.

Information

  • Creator
    Julie and Vanessa
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Julie and Vanessa
  • Show Website
    To Be Read

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