To Be Read

Julie and Vanessa

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. Sep 14

    The Bookish Dinner Party Nobody Asked For | A Very Questionable Guest List

    We’re building the bookish dinner party nobody asked for, and the guest list gets questionable fast.In this episode, we each draft our dream fictional dinner guests, build the seating chart, and try to predict what happens when some of our favorite book characters are all stuck at the same table.We’re pulling from fantasy books, sci-fi books, romantasy, literary fiction, and BookTok favorites like Red Rising, Dungeon Crawler Carl, A Court of Mist and Fury, The Sword of Kaigen, and more.Some guests were chosen for the conversation. Some for the chaos. And some because we simply need to see what happens.If you love book podcasts, fictional character debates, fantasy and sci-fi recommendations, BookTok discussions, and wildly unnecessary literary hypotheticals, this one is for you.Dinner is served. The seating chart may have been a mistake. Please note, this episode may contain character development style spoilers for the books.⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️00:00 Introduction and Task Force objective04:22 First Pick– Remus Lupin from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling or All the Young Dudes by mskingbean8908:32 First Pick– Emma M. Lion from The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower12:31 Clay Dunbar from The Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak15:09 Levi Williams from Beneath by Arial Sullivan17:59 Darrow au Lykos from Red Rising by Pierce Brown20:58 Princess Donut from Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman23:59 Matsuda Misaki from The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang28:06 Cassian A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas31:33 Ender Wiggin from Speaker of the Dead by Orson Scott Card35:10 Tisaanah Vytezic from Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent37:51 Seating Chart41:18 What are the vibes?45:23 Honorable mentions 🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠

  2. Aug 18

    Bones: The Book That Solidified Our Friendship | K.L. Speer Interview

    We’re sitting down with K.L. Speer, author of Bones, for an author interview about the dark fantasy post-apocolyptic novel that helped start our friendship. We talk about the inspiration behind Bones, K.L. Speer’s writing process, fantasy worldbuilding, character development, publishing, and the creative choices behind this strange, dark, unforgettable story. We also dig into the characters, themes, and behind-the-scenes details that made Bones such a memorable read.Whether you’re already a fan of Bones by K.L. Speer, looking for a new dark fantasy post-apocolyptic book, or just love author interviews, fantasy books, BookTok, and book podcasts, come hang out with us for a conversation about writing, storytelling, publishing, and the books that bring readers together.We did try to keep spoilers to a minimum, but there may be light spoilers throughout. Bones is traditionally published and releases September 1, 2026. Get your copies now!! Find K.L. Speer at ⁠https://www.klspeer.com/⁠ Meet Kelsey: K.L. Speer, or Kelsey, is a writer and artist living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband, two children, and numerous animals. She grew up on a quiet hobby farm in remote northwestern Montana, tending goats and chickens, exploring the woods with a vivid imagination, and devouring every book within reach.Kelsey started writing her first novel at twelve, but tragically, the pink floppy disc holding it was lost. Over the years, she wrote countless stories—sometimes for fun, sometimes as a refuge during mental health struggles. As an adult diagnosed with ADHD, she finally completed a project and embraced self-publishing with the story Bones. Drawing on her art and design background, she created the art, covers, and layout for the indie editions of The Bones Series. Her mental health journey deeply influences her portrayal of raw, emotional characters and the transformative strength of found family.🔔 Subscribe for more book obsessions.🔔 CONNECT WITH US!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcast⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify Podcast⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH K.L. SPEER ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website | Goodreads

  3. Aug 4

    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

  4. 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

  5. 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

4.2
out of 5
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About

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.

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