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Books
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A buddy read podcast

Jun 14

Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami

This episode, we dive into the dreamy, melancholic world of Haruki Murakami’s 1999 novel, Sputnik Sweetheart. Part mystery, part meditation on human connection, this story explores what happens when the people we care about remain just out of reach—like lonely satellites passing in the dark. The plot follows Sumire, an erratic and passionate young writer who falls hopelessly in love with Miu, a glamorous older businesswoman. When Sumire suddenly vanishes from a remote Greek island, her closest friend—a narrator who is secretly in love with Sumire—is forced to travel to Greece to piece together her final days. In true Murakami fashion, the narrative blends the ordinary with the surreal, featuring deep reflections on unrequited love, late-night phone calls, jazz records, and a literal fracturing of reality. In this episode, we discuss: The Unrequited Triangle: Analyzing the complex dynamics between the narrator, Sumire, and Miu. The Disappearance: Breaking down the novel's magical realist elements, including that infamous Ferris wheel scene. The Sputnik Metaphor: Why Murakami’s take on loneliness and existential isolation still resonates so strongly today. We unpack our own theories on the book's ambiguous ending and look at how it fits into Murakami's wider body of work.
Jun 1

Seven Deadly Wonders by Matthew Reilly

Buckle up, because this week we are diving headfirst into the absolute madness that is Matthew Reilly’s Seven Deadly Wonders (or Seven Ancient Wonders, depending on where you bought your copy). The best way to describe this book is Indiana Jones meets The Fast and the Furious with a massive dose of National Treasure. We follow Jack West Jr. and his team of underdog misfits as they race against global superpowers to find the scattered pieces of an ancient golden capstone before the world literally ends. In this episode, we’re laughing about Reilly's completely unhinged, breakneck pacing and debating whether his wild ancient traps actually make sense. We also talk about our favorite team members, and whether this is a cinematic masterpiece or just the ultimate popcorn read.
May 31

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon

Grab a drink and get cozy! This week, the book club is tackling Michael Chabon’s Pulitzer-winning epic, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. Set in 1930s NYC, it follows cousins Sammy Clay and Joe Kavalier—a Jewish refugee who just escaped Nazi-occupied Prague—as they break into the budding comic book industry and create a superhero named "The Escapist." We're diving into the themes of magic and escape, Sammy and Joe's heartbreaking dynamic, and Chabon's love letter to old-school New York. Most importantly, we're giving our honest thoughts on whether this 600+ page novel actually lives up to the hype. Whether you finished it or gave up halfway, press play and join the conversation!
Jan 25

Blindsight by Peter Watts

The Pagsubook gang goes deep into Blindsight by Peter Watts—a dense, unsettling sci-fi novel that asks a big question: do you actually need consciousness to be intelligent? We break down the book’s wild ideas about aliens, evolution, and what it means to be human, plus share what confused us, what stuck with us, and why this book still messes with readers’ heads. Come for the space horror, stay for the existential dread. ⚠️ Spoilers included. --- Intro Song: Ultra Composer: Savfk Website: https://youtube.com/savfkmusic License: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-free Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com
12/28/2025

You're That Bitch: And Other Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself by Bretman Rock

The Pagsubook gangs goes deep with Bretman Rock’s You’re That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself—aka parang chikahan with your funniest ate who’s loud, real, and somehow also drops life advice when you least expect it. Bretman shares stories about growing up Filipino in Hawaii, becoming that internet icon, and learning how to stay true to yourself kahit may bashers, expectations, at kung sino-sino pang may opinion. We talk about confidence, pagiging makapal ang mukha (in a good way), self-love, and why being “that bitch” is really just knowing your worth and not letting anyone dim your shine. Expect “ay ang sakit naman,” “relate ako diyan,” and moments na akala mo joke lang pero biglang may hugot. If you need a reminder to mind your own business, love yourself harder, and live your best buhay, this episode is for you. Periodt.
12/27/2025

The High King by Lloyd Alexander

This episode kicks off a new format for our Pagsubook podcast! One of us, Ava, picked a longtime favorite to reread—The High King by Lloyd Alexander—while the rest of the group is coming to it fresh. That mix leads to some fun (and honest) conversations as we talk through Taran’s journey, favorite scenes, big themes, and how the ending lands for first-time readers versus someone who’s loved this book for years. Expect relaxed discussion, different perspectives, and plenty of appreciation for a classic fantasy that still holds up. Pull up a chair and read along with us.
08/24/2025

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

Cozy fantasy. Magical realism. Ghibli vibes. Water Moon is all of these. Can a few hundred pages weave an engaging (and sensible) plot to engage the Pagsubook gang? We’ll unpack what works (and what doesn't) and ultimately consider: What kind of reader will sail into the world of Water Moon and come away spellbound?
07/02/2025

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande

Atul Gawande's Being Mortal. An apt book for the (our) age? It’s honest, it’s moving, and it forces you to think about stuff most of us try to avoid. So in this episode, we’re going to unpack some of the big ideas, talk about what stood out, and maybe rethink the way we approach some of life’s hardest conversations. A heavy episode but insightful episode with a special guest.

A buddy read podcast

Creator

Cads
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

16
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Cads
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