In this light-hearted episode of the Shelf Awareness podcast, we discuss why two Y/A book series from our youth (Twilight and The Mortal Instruments) are incredibly problematic and seemingly absurd. Tune in for some second hand embarrassment, unfortunate nostalgia, and uncomfortable laughs.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shelfawareness-podcast/message

In this episode, we analyze Delia Owen's contemporary novel Where the Crawdad's Sing (which we both love!). We discuss the aspects of the books that caught our attention, the heartbreaking coming-of-age story and the murder mystery element, and also how the descriptions of the natural world in this novel are absolutely stunning. Stay tuned! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shelfawareness-podcast/message

In today’s episode, we will be talking about our different college experiences. We are basing our discussion on a 4-minute YouTube video called “My College Transition” filmed by Emery Bergmann. The link to the video can be found below, we highly recommend you watch it before listening to the podcast. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAUcoadqRlE&t=187s --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shelfawareness-podcast/message

In this episode, we will be continuing our discussion of Sylvia Plath's first and only novel "The Bell Jar" and we will be conducting a character analysis of the protagonist Esther Greenwood, a nuanced and oftentimes relatable individual.  Disclaimer: In this episode, we will be discussing difficult subjects like depression and suicide. If these topics are disturbing, please consider not listening to this episode and prioritizing your mental health. Please know that you are not alone in this.  Resources: https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/suicide-resource-guide#Crisis-hotlines --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shelfawareness-podcast/message

In this episode, we will be discussing the themes and symbols in Sylvia Plath's first and only novel "The Bell Jar." Stay tuned!  Disclaimer: In this episode, we will be discussing difficult subjects like depression and suicide. If these topics are disturbing, please consider not listening to this episode and prioritizing your mental health. Please know that you are not alone in this.  Resources: https://www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/suicide-resource-guide#Crisis-hotlines --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shelfawareness-podcast/message

An album review of Olivia Rodrigo's debut "SOUR" (which we love). Stay tuned! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shelfawareness-podcast/message

In this episode, we discuss banned book in the US and other places around the world, the reasons why they were banned, and our own personal impressions about the merit these books hold.  Disclaimer: There are spoilers in this episode about several different works, and sensitive topics are being discussed. Here are the time stamps and warnings in regards to each work. Listener discretion is advised.  1) "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell, 1:24 - 9:58 (Warning: Discussions of derogatory language) 2) "Leaves of Grass" by Walt Witman, 9:59 - 13:34 3) "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, 13:35 - 20:54 4) "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, 20:55 - 28:11 (Warning: Discussions of sexual assault and derogatory language) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shelfawareness-podcast/message

Welcome to Season 2 of the Shelf Awareness Podcast! In this episode, we will be analyzing one of our favorite books, "1984" by George Orwell. In our analysis, we talk about the dystopian world created by the mysterious, totalitarian leader Big Brother and how the trends narrated in this book closely paralleled actual totalitarian, communist societies in the late 20th century.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shelfawareness-podcast/message

Enjoy our Season 1 bloopers for a good laugh!  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shelfawareness-podcast/message

In the Season 1 finale of Shelf Awareness, we will be analyzing two poems called "Little Red Cap" and "Success is counted sweetest" by Carol Ann Duffy and Emily Dickinson respectively. Happy International Women's Day!  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shelfawareness-podcast/message