This is such a fun listen! I was obsessed with Sweet Valley High as a preteen, and now as an adult I love revisiting and snarking on these wonderfully awful stories. The host Marissa never fails to pick out the same ridiculous bits I love to make fun of and give them the mockery they deserve. And I love that she has different co hosts (I especially like her dad lol) - it keeps it fresh.

This podcast is SUCH a fun listen. Marissa’s tone captures the youthful enthusiasm with which I originally experienced the series. Hurrah for schmaltzy soap-operatic YA, hurrah for 80s/90s nostalgia, hurrah for having a hobby and sharing it hilariously with the world. Thanks and keep going!

Marissa is the friend we all needed in the 80s/90s to guide us through the Sweet Valley universe. She’s smart, funny, and has become increasingly vulnerable over time in terms of how the gorgeous “perfect size six” twins affected her - and many of us. She does a great job with the recaps and analysis. My only slight critique (?) would be she doesn’t need a guest/co-host every time. Marissa, you got this. I like the banter, especially recently, but am also super happy to just listen to you ruminate on the latest book. Thank you for making this podcast!

Love the hot takes on SVH! Total nostalgia for the books and the 80s, the fashion, the stories. I loved these books as a kid and an adult so really enjoy the recaps and the analysis.

I am foaming at the mouth waiting for the Jungle Prom.

Love the podcast, love Marissa and her guests, and love the trip down memory lane! I read most of these books in the 90s but I cannot believe how much I remember listening to these podcasts! Marissa and her guests are witty and entertaining and I’ve enjoyed listening to their commentary and comparing how these books would be so much different in todays times. Thank you Marissa for all of your hard work and dedication to bringing these books back to life!

I love your story and keep it up

I read these books in the 80s. I reread them in recent years realizing just how bonkers fun they actually are! Now having discovered Marissa Flaxbart’s indepth (yet light hearted) show- i’m loving the laughter and tears all over again. Marissa knows how to carry a show! It’s a Fun Listen and I’m hooked!

I was absolutely obsessed with these books when I was a teenager and I recently bought a lot of books 1-91 and have decided to read them all in order. This podcast is the perfect companion to my endeavor. I’m only through book 5 but felt compelled to write a review because Marissa and her guests are so much fun to listen to. There’s just the right amount of snark but also just the right amount of discussion of the actual issues that the series brings up. Very thoughtful and very fun. This is the best SVH podcast out there. 10/10 would recommend.

I am probably a bit older than most listeners of the podcast as I read the books in the mid to late 80s into the early 90s. If I’m being honest, I have to admit that I still pick them off my shelf and re-read them when I need some mindless entertainment! The podcast is great and I really enjoy the discussions surrounding the main stories and the B plots. I have found myself talking to Marissa and her guests reminding them that these books were written in the 80s when things were a lot different - when bullying wasn’t a big issue, mental health wasn’t something that was really discussed, etc. I do like the modern day take they have on these books and seeing how things have changed so much in 30 years. As a reader who grew up during this time, I take the books for what they are worth (no one was really reading Sweet Valley High for life lessons), but the fresh views are welcome and bring me out of the 80s mentality. If you were a fan of the Sweet Valley High series, this is a must listen! Marissa - I am always available if you’re looking for a new guest 😀