Read Alert

Alicia Baca, Amanda Mason, Amity Hulse, Carlina Roundy, and Laura Leon
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Books
  • Updated Semiweekly

We're 5 moms that talk about our favorite reads, book news, books lists and more! We'll provide you with all the great reads that you should add to your TBR, and tell you which ones you should skip. Join us for all of the fun bookish conversations!

  1. 5d ago

    Tiny But Mighty: Short Books That Pack a Punch

    Big stories don't always require big page counts. In this episode, we each chose a short book that made a lasting impression and shared what made it memorable. From powerful characters and thought-provoking themes to unforgettable storytelling, these books prove that a great read can come in a small package. Join us as we discuss the short books that packed the biggest punch and might just earn a spot on your reading list.Titles mentioned in this episode: And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman My Friends by Fredrik Backman A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Tuesday's With Morrie by Mitch Albom Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth BrowerUp next: Book Club Episode Featuring The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Volumes 1-4

    35 min

  2. Jun 4

    Our Ultimate Summer Book List 2026

    Summer reading season is here! In this episode of Our Ultimate Summer Book List 2026, we each share three books we think are perfect additions to your summer reading lineup. Whether you're looking for an engaging page-turner, a thought-provoking read, or simply something fun to enjoy by the pool, we've got recommendations for a variety of readers. We also reveal one book each that we're planning to tackle this summer, giving you a glimpse into our own reading goals. Join us for plenty of book talk, recommendations, and inspiration for your best summer reading season yet! Titles mentioned in this episode: The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls Educated by Tara Westover Tress of The Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson The Princess Bride by William Goldman Mistborn Series by Brandon Sanderson Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld Last Summer Boys by Bill Rivers Playful Parenting by Lawrence J Cohen Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel Harry Potter by JK Rowling The Wild Robot by Peter Brown The Forget Me Not Summer by Leila Howland The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson The Queen's Gambit by Beth Brower The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion Beth Brower The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jennie Han It's Not Summer Without You by Jennie Han We'll Always Have Summer by Jennie Han The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer Adventuring Together by Greta Eskridge It's Time to Talk to Your Kids About Porn by Greta Eskridge The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor E Frankl The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson The Killing Series by Bill O'Reilly Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky The Blue Castle by Lucy Maud Montgomery Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty The Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon The Astral Library Kate Quinn

    46 min

  3. May 20

    We Don't Read Science Fiction...Or Do We?

    In this episode, we set out to prove one thing: we don’t read science fiction. At least… that’s what we thought. Join us as we explore the sci-fi titles that pulled us out of our comfort zones—and maybe even changed our minds. Were these truly “science fiction,” or just great stories with a futuristic twist? Along the way, we share what surprised us, what challenged us, and whether we’re ready to embrace a genre we once avoided. So… do we read science fiction? You might be surprised by the answer. Books mentioned in this episode: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Dune by Frank Herbert Emma M. Lion Series by Beth Brower Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel 1984 by George Orwell The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Divergent by Veronica Roth Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

    51 min

  4. May 6

    Let's Talk Newberry Awards 2026

    The 2026 Newbery Medal winners are here, and we have thoughts. In this episode, we each spotlight a different honored title and break down what makes it award-worthy (or not!). From unforgettable characters to powerful themes, we’re sharing our honest reactions, favorite moments, and a few surprises along the way. Come chat books with us! Titles mentioned in this episode: The Trouble With Heroes by Kate Messner Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamilo Little House on The Prarie by Laura Ingalls Wilder Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes From The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil by E. Frankweiler The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P. Kelly Smokey The Cow Horse by Will James On The Bank of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes The Teacher of Nomad Land by Daniel Nayeri Refugee by Alan Gratz Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Yan Glaser The Vanderbeekers Series by Karina Yan Glaser All The Blues in The Sky by Renée Watson A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Corrido of Roberto Alvarez by María Dolores Águila Pax by Sara Pennypacker Heartwood Hotel by Kallie George The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Divergent by Veronica Roth Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

    45 min

  5. Apr 22

    Our Thoughts on I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

    In this episode, we dive into I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel, a heartfelt celebration of the reading life. Each of us chose a different chapter to explore, sharing personal takeaways and favorite moments along the way. From the joy of getting lost in a good book to the habits and quirks that make readers unique, this conversation highlights why reading matters and how it shapes who we are. Whether you’re an avid reader or just getting back into books, there’s something here for you. Books mentioned in this episode: Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman These Is My Words by Nancy E. Turner A Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson Wonder by R.J. Palacio The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne Kingdom of Wrenley Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes LIttle House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Cannery Row by John Steinbeck East of Eden b John Steinbeck Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck Erasure by Percival Everett James by Percival Everett Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl The Sugar Queen by Sarah Allen Bear Town by Fredrik Backman My Friends by Fredrik Backman

    54 min

  6. Apr 8

    Let's Talk Banned Books

    This week we are talking about banned and challenged books! What that actually means, why certain books get challenged, and whether those concerns feel fair or like an overreaction. Each of us picked a banned or challenged book to break down. We're discussing what it's about, why it was questioned, and where we personally land on it.  We also dive into bigger questions about age appropriateness, school vs. parent choice, and whether banning books really protects readers or just limits conversations. Titles mentioned in this episode: Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Lord of The Flies by William Golding All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr Between The World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck East of Eden by John Steinbeck Erasure by Percival Everett Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls Educated by Tara Westover Ashes by Frank McCourt The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner The House of My Mother by Shari Franke Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe Charlotte's Web by E.B. White Skippyjon Jones by Judith Byron Schachner Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel

    57 min

  7. Mar 25

    Worth the Hype? Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 Book Club Picks

    On this week's episode, we each chose a different title from Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 Book Club list and asked if they were worth the hype? We share star ratings, potential triggers, break down what worked (and what didn't), and help you decide whether these picks deserve a spot on your TBR! Titles mentioned: The Names by Florence Snap Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand Heartwood by Amity Gaige Midnight Library by Matt Haig Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte Little Women by Louisa May Alcott A Family Matter by Claire Lynch This Is A Love Story by Jessica Soffer The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O'Neill

    56 min

  8. Mar 11

    Inside the Glamorous Worlds of Taylor Jenkins Reid

    In this episode, we dive into the captivating worlds created by bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid. From old Hollywood glamour to the drama of 1970s rock bands and the intensity of professional tennis, Reid’s novels bring unforgettable characters and emotional storytelling to life. We discuss some of her most popular books—including The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & the Six, Malibu Rising, and Carrie Soto Is Back—sharing our favorite moments, characters, and themes along the way. Join us as we explore what makes Taylor Jenkins Reid’s stories so addictive, why readers can’t stop talking about them, and which of her books might be the perfect place to start.Titles mentioned in this episode: Forever, Interupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Up Next: Read with Jenna 2025 Picks

    39 min
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About

We're 5 moms that talk about our favorite reads, book news, books lists and more! We'll provide you with all the great reads that you should add to your TBR, and tell you which ones you should skip. Join us for all of the fun bookish conversations!

Information

  • Creator
    Alicia Baca, Amanda Mason, Amity Hulse, Carlina Roundy, and Laura Leon
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Alicia Baca, Amanda Mason, Amity Hulse, Carlina Roundy, and Laura Leon
  • Show Website
    Read Alert