Breaking Flashback Summer News: in the title of the book Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison, “Angus” refers to the cat! Renata was almost as excited about this fact as she was about convincing JJ, aka S. Jae-Jones, author of Guardians of Dawn: Zhara to return as a guest for this episode! Listen to this episode while shaving your eyebrows (or while you are homebound, waiting for your eyebrows to regrow). Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Time 100 Best YA Books Of All Time: Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging Coming up next: Nancy Drew and the Secret at Solaire by Carolyn Keene.

Breaking Flashback Summer News: in the title of the book <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9780064472272" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison</a>, “Angus” refers to the cat! Renata was almost as excited about this fact as she was about convincing <a href="https://sjaejones.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">JJ, aka S. Jae-Jones</a>, author of <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9781250191427" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Guardians of Dawn: Zhara</a> to return as a guest for this episode! Listen to this episode while shaving your eyebrows (or while you are homebound, waiting for your eyebrows to regrow). Readers advisory: <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-224-angus-thongs-and-full-frontal-snogging" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="https://time.com/collection/100-best-ya-books/6084491/angus-thongs-and-full-frontal-snogging/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Time 100 Best YA Books Of All Time: Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging</a> Coming up next: <a href="https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/12747820" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nancy Drew and the Secret at Solaire by Carolyn Keene</a>.

Episode 224 – Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging

Anastasia Krupnik

For this Flashback Summer episode, the Bellwether Friends Anna &amp; Alene joined Renata to discuss Anastasia Krupnik by Lois Lowry. Sadly, Kait had to miss this one because she was busy shopping for her new poetry outfit, which would make Anastasia green with envy. Listen to this episode while you update the list of “loves” and “hates” in your notebook! Kait’s Poetry Outfit:     Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: “Four Questions with Lois Lowry, Newbery Award-Winning Children’s Author” by Molly Parr “Why Anastasia Krupnik Was Ahead of Her Time” by Grace Lapointe Bellwether Friends #65 – Fastest and Furiousest Coming up next: Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison.

For this Flashback Summer episode, the <a href="https://bellwetherfriends.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bellwether Friends</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/helgagrace" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anna</a> &amp; <a href="http://twitter.com/surlyspice" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alene</a> joined Renata to discuss Anastasia Krupnik by Lois Lowry. Sadly, Kait had to miss this one because she was busy shopping for her new poetry outfit, which would make Anastasia green with envy. Listen to this episode while you update the list of “loves” and “hates” in your notebook! Kait’s Poetry Outfit: <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_1374-rotated.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_1377-rotated.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_1380-rotated.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_1383-rotated.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Readers advisory: <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-223-anastasia-krupnik" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="https://www.jewishboston.com/read/four-questions-with-lois-lowry-newbery-award-winning-childrens-author/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“</a><a href="https://www.jewishboston.com/read/four-questions-with-lois-lowry-newbery-award-winning-childrens-author/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Four Questions with Lois Lowry, Newbery Award-Winning Children’s Author” by Molly Parr</a> <a href="https://bookriot.com/anastasia-krupnik/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Why Anastasia Krupnik Was Ahead of Her Time” by Grace Lapointe</a> <a href="https://bellwetherfriends.wordpress.com/2017/07/09/episode-65-fastest-and-furiousest-with-renatasnacks/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bellwether Friends #65 – Fastest and Furiousest</a> Coming up next: <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9780064472272" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison</a>.

Episode 223 – Anastasia Krupnik

Trixie Belden

Were you looking for sound medical advice to treat snakebites and rabies? Well, we do not recommend consulting Trixie Belden #1: The Secret of the Mansion by Julie Campbell for first aid training. However, we had a great time talking to returning guest Carrie about this Flashback Summer mystery novel. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: The Trixie Belden Series WikiHow: How to Treat a Snake Bite WikiHow: How to Spot Rabies in a Dog Coming up next: Anastasia Krupnik by Lois Lowry.

Were you looking for sound medical advice to treat snakebites and rabies? Well, we do not recommend consulting <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-of-the-mansion-julie-campbell/1030133050?ean=9780307808776" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trixie Belden #1: The Secret of the Mansion by Julie Campbell</a> for first aid training. However, we had a great time talking to returning guest <a href="https://twitter.com/carriempruett" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carrie</a> about this Flashback Summer mystery novel. Readers advisory: <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-222-trixie-belden" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="http://www.series-books.com/trixiebelden/trixiebelden.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Trixie Belden Series</a> <a href="https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Snake-Bite" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WikiHow: How to Treat a Snake Bite</a> <a href="https://www.wikihow.com/Spot-Rabies-in-a-Dog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WikiHow: How to Spot Rabies in a Dog</a> Coming up next: <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9780544336681" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anastasia Krupnik by Lois Lowry</a>.

Episode 222 – Trixie Belden

Help! We’re trapped in the bodies of millennial podcasters! Andrew and Craig from the Overdue podcast joined us to discuss the classic switcheroo tale Help! I’m Trapped In My Teacher’s Body by Todd Strasser. Listen to this episode while your coworker makes you breakfast! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: A Taste of Spongey: Help! I’m Trapped in the First Day of School Overdue #590 – Super Mario Bros movie adaptation Coming up next: The Secret of the Mansion (Trixie Belden #1) by Julie Campbell.

Help! We’re trapped in the bodies of millennial podcasters! <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewWrites" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andrew</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/MCGetting" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Craig</a> from the <a href="https://overduepodcast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Overdue podcast</a> joined us to discuss the classic switcheroo tale <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9798620244454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Help! I’m Trapped In My Teacher’s Body by Todd Strasser</a>. Listen to this episode while your coworker makes you breakfast! Readers advisory: <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-221-help-im-trapped-in-my-teachers-body" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="https://spongey444.wordpress.com/2021/08/13/help-im-trapped-in-the-first-day-of-school/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Taste of Spongey: Help! I’m Trapped in the First Day of School</a> <a href="https://overduepodcast.com/episodes/2023/5/20/ep-590-super-mario-bros-1993-the-novelization-by-todd-strassler" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Overdue #590 – Super Mario Bros movie adaptation</a> Coming up next: <a href="https://amzn.to/3NVs2ef" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Secret of the Mansion (Trixie Belden #1) by Julie Campbell</a>.

Episode 221 – Help! I’m Trapped In My Teacher’s Body

It’s–hey, calm down, no, put down your pitchforks, we’re not calling Judy Blume a “worst” bestseller! Absolutely not, just, please, let me finish this intro–it’s Flashback Summer! The time when we chill out and revisit childhood favorites, even when they are iconic classics that absolutely do not match the name of our podcast. We were joined by writer and comedian Sarah Aswell (@seaswell),  also known as the Scary Mommy behind Scary Mommy Book Club, to discuss Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by the one and only Judy Blume. Listen to this episode while increasing your bust! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: “Judy Blume Shares How It Felt To Finally Watch ‘Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret’” by Sarah Aswell “God to Margaret: Always with wings!” by Rebecca Traister “Judy Blume Blasted An Article Linking Her To J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Views As ‘Bullshit'” by David Mack Judy Blume embraces renewed interest in her work from her Florida book store Coming up next:  Help! I’m Trapped in my Teacher’s Body by Todd Strasser.

It’s–hey, calm down, no, put down your pitchforks, we’re not calling Judy Blume a “worst” bestseller! Absolutely not, just, please, let me finish this intro–it’s Flashback Summer! The time when we chill out and revisit childhood favorites, even when they are iconic classics that absolutely do not match the name of our podcast. We were joined by writer and comedian <a href="http://sarahaswell.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sarah Aswell</a> (<a href="https://twitter.com/sarahaswell" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@seaswell</a>),  also known as the Scary Mommy behind <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scarymommybookclub/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scary Mommy Book Club</a>, to discuss <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9781481409940" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by the one and only Judy Blume</a>. Listen to this episode while increasing your bust! Readers advisory: <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestellers/readers-advisory-episode-220-are-you-there-god-its-me-margaret" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="https://www.scarymommy.com/entertainment/judy-blume-interview" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Judy Blume Shares How It Felt To Finally Watch ‘Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret’” by Sarah Aswell</a> <a href="https://www.salon.com/2006/03/02/blume/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“God to Margaret: Always with wings!” by Rebecca Traister</a> <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/davidmack/judy-blume-transgender-jk-rowling-hadley-freeman" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Judy Blume Blasted An Article Linking Her To J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Views As ‘Bullshit'” by David Mack</a> <a href="https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/arts/books/2023/04/23/judy-blume-margaret-movie-documentary-amazon-prime/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Judy Blume embraces renewed interest in her work from her Florida book store</a> Coming up next:  <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9798620244454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Help! I’m Trapped in my Teacher’s Body by Todd Strasser</a>.

Episode 220 – Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret

Hey, we’ll be honest: we kind of phoned this one in. On a landline. You screened it? On your answering machine? Haha, a topical reference. See, we read Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and The Musical Rent by Anthony Rapp. He was in Rent! Listen to this episode while waiting in line for rush tickets for Rent. Or, honestly, don’t listen to this episode if you don’t care about Rent the musical. You’ve been warned! Content warning: Sexual assault, death of a parent. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: This American Life: Hoaxing Yourself ‘Without You’ Review: Anthony Rapp’s Seasons of Love, and Loss by Elisabeth Vincentelli “Actor Anthony Rapp: Kevin Spacey Made A Sexual Advance Toward Me When I Was 14” by Adam Vary Rentheads FAQ Josh’s Website    Coming up next: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume.

Hey, we’ll be honest: we kind of phoned this one in. On a landline. You screened it? On your answering machine? Haha, a topical reference. See, we read <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9780743269773" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and The Musical Rent by Anthony Rapp</a>. He was in Rent! Listen to this episode while waiting in line for rush tickets for Rent. Or, honestly, don’t listen to this episode if you don’t care about Rent the musical. You’ve been warned! Content warning: Sexual assault, death of a parent. Readers advisory: <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-219-without-you" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/155/hoaxing-yourself-2000" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This American Life: Hoaxing Yourself</a> <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/26/theater/without-you-review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">‘Without You’ Review: Anthony Rapp’s Seasons of Love, and Loss by Elisabeth Vincentelli</a> <a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/adambvary/anthony-rapp-kevin-spacey-made-sexual-advance-when-i-was-14" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Actor Anthony Rapp: Kevin Spacey Made A Sexual Advance Toward Me When I Was 14” by Adam Vary</a> <a href="https://www.angelfire.com/ny2/AntRappRules/faq.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rentheads FAQ</a> <a href="https://judeschall.tripod.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Josh’s Website</a> <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/antrenata.jpeg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a> Coming up next: <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9781481409933" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume.</a>

Episode 219 – Without You

Pamela Anderson: model, actress, activist…poet. Dame Karen Corday (of Two Bossy Dames and elsewhere on the internet!) joined us to read Love, Pamela, which…we kinda loved. Join us as we revisit the 90s with increased feminist rage! Content warning: Child abuse/child sexual abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: “What to Read, Watch, and Listen to After the Pam &amp; Tommy Finale” by Sophie Brookover and Karen Corday Pamela Anderson Blue Zone Girl ad Pamela Anderson’s Playboy Covers Through the Years Coming up next: Without You by Anthony Rapp.

Pamela Anderson: model, actress, activist…poet. <a href="https://twitter.com/newoldkaren" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dame Karen Corday</a> (of <a href="https://twobossydames.substack.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Two Bossy Dames</a> and <a href="http://www.karencorday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">elsewhere on the internet</a>!) joined us to read <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9780063226562" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Love, Pamela</a>, which…we kinda loved. Join us as we revisit the 90s with increased feminist rage! Content warning: Child abuse/child sexual abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault. Readers advisory: <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-218-love-pamela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here.</a> Footnotes: <a href="https://www.vulture.com/2022/03/pam-and-tommy-read-watch-listen-next.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“What to Read, Watch, and Listen to After the Pam &amp; Tommy Finale” by Sophie Brookover and Karen Corday</a> <a href="https://beerinfo.com/pamela-anderson-labatt-blue-zone-girl/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pamela Anderson Blue Zone Girl ad</a> <a href="https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-body/pictures/pamela-anderson-see-her-playboy-covers-2013246/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pamela Anderson’s Playboy Covers Through the Years</a> Coming up next: <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9780743269773" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Without You by Anthony Rapp</a>.

Episode 218 – Love, Pamela

As Americans, it’s our right to not pay attention to the British royal family. However, we’re waiving that right in order to read Spare by Prince Harry. We were thrilled to be joined by Dame Sophie of Two Bossy Dames–even more thrilled than Harry was to meet Will Arnett at a party at Courtney Cox’s house. Listen to this episode on your way to throw more tea into Boston Harbor. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Prince Harry Holds Spike the Echidna The Victorian Society in America “Royal Bodies” by Hilary Mantel BrainyQuote.com Jimenez’s “Wolverine” Savages the Poaching Trade Coming up next: Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson.

As Americans, it’s our right to not pay attention to the British royal family. However, we’re waiving that right in order to read <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9780593593806" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spare by Prince Harry.</a> We were thrilled to be joined by <a href="https://twitter.com/sophiebiblio" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dame Sophie</a> of <a href="https://twobossydames.substack.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Two Bossy Dames</a>–even more thrilled than Harry was to meet Will Arnett at a party at Courtney Cox’s house. Listen to this episode on your way to throw more tea into Boston Harbor. Readers advisory: <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-217-spare/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="https://www.heart.co.uk/news/royals/prince-william-prince-harry-royal-throwback-photos/prince-harry-sabbatical-sydney-echidna-royal/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Prince Harry Holds Spike the Echidna</a> <a href="https://victoriansociety.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Victorian Society in America</a> <a href="https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v35/n04/hilary-mantel/royal-bodies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Royal Bodies” by Hilary Mantel</a> <a href="https://www.brainyquote.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BrainyQuote.com</a> <a href="https://www.cbr.com/jimenezs-wolverine-savages-the-poaching-trade/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jimenez’s “Wolverine” Savages the Poaching Trade</a> Coming up next: <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9780063226562" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson</a>.

Episode 217 – Spare

Divorced, beheaded, subjected to an extremely long and boring work of historical fiction. Ann Foster from Vulgar History joined us to discuss The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. We were glad for Ann’s expertise, because now we now that it’s historically inaccurate in addition to being super boring. Listen to this episode on your way to your next gay witchcraft circle! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Brimping. Gable hoods. Coming up next: Spare by Prince Harry.

Divorced, beheaded, subjected to an extremely long and boring work of historical fiction. <a href="https://annfosterwriter.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ann Foster</a> from <a href="https://vulgarhistory.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vulgar History</a> joined us to discuss <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9780743227445" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory</a>. We were glad for Ann’s expertise, because now we now that it’s historically inaccurate in addition to being super boring. Listen to this episode on your way to your next gay witchcraft circle! Readers advisory: <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-216-the-other-boleyn-girl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="https://i.imgur.com/Uigv6Q6.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brimping.</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gable_hood" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gable hoods</a>. Coming up next: <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9780593593806" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spare by Prince Harry</a>.

Episode 216 – The Other Boleyn Girl

Did you read Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus and think, “This could really use more victim blaming?” If so: have we got a book for you! Kristen and Jolenta from How To Be Fine (and By the Book) joined us to discuss Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever: The Making of a Happy Woman by Judge Judy Sheindlin. Listen to this episode on your way to pick up your husband’s dry cleaning! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: By The Book: Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever Judge Judy To Megyn Kelly: ‘I’m Not A Feminist’  Coming up next: The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory.

Did you read Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus and think, “This could really use more victim blaming?” If so: have we got a book for you! <a href="https://twitter.com/kristenmeinzer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kristen</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JolentaG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jolenta</a> from <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/show/by-the-book" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How To Be Fine</a> (and By the Book) joined us to discuss <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9780060929916" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever: The Making of a Happy Woman by Judge Judy Sheindlin</a>. Listen to this episode on your way to pick up your husband’s dry cleaning! Readers advisory: <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-215-beauty-fades-dumb-is-forever" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/show/by-the-book/episode/beauty-fades-dumb-is-forever-the-making-of-a-happy-woman-by-judge-judith-sheindlin-200223288" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">By The Book: Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHi5R0-dcVU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Judge Judy To Megyn Kelly: ‘I’m Not A Feminist’ </a> Coming up next: <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/5209/9780743227445" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory.</a>

Episode 215 – Beauty Fades, Dumb Is Forever

On of them sounds like a valley girl “Oh my gawd” “hehehe yeah your so right” no hate, just cringy

Nice flow, enjoyable and easy to listen to.

Good listen

The Worst Bestsellers

We don’t have anybody’s HBO login, so instead of watching the show, we were forced to read the book Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty! Fortunately, we were joined by Melissa of the Truer Words podcast for this trip through the delightfully sordid world of Australian elementary school politics. Are you #TeamMadeline or #TeamRenata? Duarte is #TeamRenata, but only because Madeline has never fed him. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Chloe’s Big Little Lies playlist on Spotify The Dixie Chicks – Goodbye Earl Framed: She Was the PTA Mom Everyone Knew. Who Would Want to Harm Her? by Christopher Goffard This American Life #447 – The Incredible Case of the P.I. Moms Candy Pairing:  Kait says Tim Tams, Melissa says Calissons, Renata says champagne Jelly Bellies. Coming up next: The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

We don’t have anybody’s HBO login, so instead of watching the show, we were forced to read the book <a href="https://amzn.to/300978c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty</a>! Fortunately, we were joined by <a href="https://twitter.com/fatgirlinohio" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Melissa</a> of the <a href="https://www.truerwordspodcast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Truer Words podcast</a> for this trip through the delightfully sordid world of Australian elementary school politics. Are you #TeamMadeline or #TeamRenata? Duarte is #TeamRenata, but only because Madeline has never fed him. Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-123-big-little-lies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/1218819246/playlist/33bKfGu8eb4pCPFYrFTlra?si=uGpfnme3T9Gd35cT2wwXgg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chloe’s Big Little Lies playlist on Spotify</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw7gNf_9njs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Dixie Chicks – Goodbye Earl</a> <a href="https://www.latimes.com/projects/la-me-framed/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Framed: She Was the PTA Mom Everyone Knew. Who Would Want to Harm Her? by Christopher Goffard</a> <a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/447/the-incredible-case-of-the-pi-moms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This American Life #447 – The Incredible Case of the P.I. Moms</a> Candy Pairing:  Kait says <a href="https://amzn.to/2DRP0iX" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Tams,</a> Melissa says <a href="https://amzn.to/300vLgs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calissons</a>, Renata says <a href="https://amzn.to/2DP3Y9y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">champagne Jelly Bellies</a>. Coming up next: <a href="https://amzn.to/2Y8VkdO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom</a>. * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 123 – Big Little Lies

We knew we would need a lot of help to get through the frequently-requested book The Mister by E. L. James, so we tagged in Kitty and Piggy, the financial mavens behind the website and now podcast Bitches Get Riches! We’d already suffered through both Fifty Shades of Grey and also Grey, so we thought we knew what we were in for. But The Mister took us to unexpected places, such as inside a pair of big pink granny panties, and also Albania. Don’t miss DJ Maxim’s Club remix of this episode! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Fanfiction 101 Second Chance Book Club: The Mister (is secretly Poldark?) The Evolution of E. L. James by Alexandra Alter E.L. James’ New Book The Mister Has A Connection To Fifty Shades Of Grey Mary Bichner Candy Pairing:  Kait says despair, Kitty says anything vanilla flavored, Renata says Activia yogurt. Coming up next: Queer Venting About Instinct by James Patterson.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

We knew we would need a lot of help to get through the frequently-requested book<a href="https://amzn.to/2WEChZ0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Mister by E. L. James</a>, so we tagged in Kitty and Piggy, the financial mavens behind <a href="http://www.bitchesgetriches.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the website</a> and now<a href="http://www.bitchesgetriches.com/category/bgr-podcast-episodes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> podcast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BitchesGetRich" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bitches Get Riches</a>! We’d already suffered through both <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-15-fifty-shades-of-grey/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fifty Shades of Grey</a> and also <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-29-grey/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grey</a>, so we thought we knew what we were in for. But The Mister took us to unexpected places, such as inside a pair of big pink granny panties, and also Albania. Don’t miss DJ Maxim’s Club remix of this episode! Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-137-the-mister" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes:<a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/fanfiction-101/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Fanfiction 101</a> <a href="http://jennytrout.com/?p=12561" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Second Chance Book Club: The Mister (is secretly Poldark?)</a> <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/12/books/el-james-the-mister-fifty-shades.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Evolution of E. L. James by Alexandra Alter</a> <a href="https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2470819/el-james-new-book-the-mister-has-a-connection-to-fifty-shades-of-grey" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">E.L. James’ New Book The Mister Has A Connection To Fifty Shades Of Grey</a> <a href="https://www.marybichner.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mary Bichner</a> Candy Pairing:  Kait says <a href="https://amzn.to/2qP0MqJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">despair</a>, Kitty says anything <a href="https://amzn.to/2pj7ZPo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">vanilla flavored</a>, Renata says <a href="https://amzn.to/2pj23px" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Activia yogurt</a>. Coming up next: <a href="https://amzn.to/2Qgpon0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Queer Venting About Instinct by James Patterson</a>. * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 137 – The Mister

How desperate is Kait for scraps? She pre-ordered the next Murder Games novel just for another dumb murder story about gay people, despite all her issues with the first one. And boy, there were issues. Join Kait and Wren as they delve into what works and what doesn’t in “James Patterson’s” foray into queer protagonists, and gush endlessly over how much they love the incredibly silly show based on it. Original Episode Readers Advisory Coming up next: Bests and Worsts of 2019, Part One

How desperate is Kait for scraps? She pre-ordered the next Murder Games novel just for another dumb murder story about gay people, despite all her issues with the first one. And boy, there were issues. Join Kait and <a href="http://twitter.com/wrenparker" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wren</a> as they delve into what works and what doesn’t in “James Patterson’s” foray into queer protagonists, and gush endlessly over how much they love the incredibly silly show based on it. <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-120-murder-games-instinct/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Original Episode</a> <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-120-murder-games-instinct" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Readers Advisory</a> Coming up next: Bests and Worsts of 2019, Part One

Episode 138 – Queer Venting About Instinct

It’s our 100th episode! Kait, Renata, and their editor Becca have been studying up on our bad book trivia for years to be able to process Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. This has been one of our most-requested books over the years, so we weren’t surprised when it won our listener poll for the 100th episode. We were surprised by how it was almost exactly like all the parodies of it we saw on Twitter. Thanks to all our listeners for helping us make it to 100 episodes! We love you all so much we want to stand in your yards and play this episode on a boombox. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: John Mulaney explains Back to the Future The 6 Most Absurd Product Placements in Video Game History Monster Factory: The Boy Mayor of Second Life Monster Factory: Second Life, Second Chances DM’s Deep Dive: D&amp;D Economics Grandma Shirley Plays Skyrim Candy pairing:  Becca says Skittles, Kait says Airheads,  Renata says the description of a sugar molecule. Coming up next: The Ghost in the Third Row by Bruce Coville.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

It’s our 100th episode! Kait, Renata, and their editor Becca have been studying up on our bad book trivia for years to be able to process <a href="https://amzn.to/2yiKj19" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ready Player One by Ernest Cline</a>. This has been one of our most-requested books over the years, so we weren’t surprised when it won our listener poll for the 100th episode. We were surprised by how it was almost exactly like all the parodies of it we saw on Twitter. Thanks to all our listeners for helping us make it to 100 episodes! We love you all so much we want to stand in your yards and play this episode on a boombox. Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-100-ready-player-one" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3pHRPDsr1M" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Mulaney explains Back to the Future</a> <a href="http://www.cracked.com/article_20267_the-6-most-absurd-product-placements-in-video-game-history.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The 6 Most Absurd Product Placements in Video Game History</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-3jDVTLdaQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Monster Factory: The Boy Mayor of Second Life</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orrcgpJ5tQ4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Monster Factory: Second Life, Second Chances</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SPi8d5hhQk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DM’s Deep Dive: D&amp;D Economics</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Jgwdkxzg78" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grandma Shirley Plays Skyrim</a> Candy pairing:  Becca says <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darkened_Skye" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Skittles</a>, Kait says <a href="https://amzn.to/2MzLCMC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Airheads</a>,  Renata says <a href="https://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/candy/sugar.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the description of a sugar molecule</a>. Coming up next: <a href="https://amzn.to/2t40Ot4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ghost in the Third Row by Bruce Coville</a>. * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 100 – Ready Player One

For our third episode, Kait and Renata are joined by writer/activist Keane to discuss The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. This best-selling self-help book taught us that the Universe doesn’t understand the word “no.” Seriously, the Universe, no means no. Listen now to learn how to manipulate the Universe to cook a man! Or cook a man’s meal. The choice is yours. This episode was definitely not brought to you by Christian Mingle dot com. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Blank check from the Universe. Oprah on how The Secret made The Color Purple happen. Barbara Ehrenreich’s Bright-Sided Explores the Dark Side of Positive Thinking Candy pairing: Kait says sugary protein bars, Keane says Willy Wonka gum, Renata says a poisoned apple. Coming up next: I Didn’t Come Here to Make Friends: Confessions of a Reality Show Villain by Courtney Robertson   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.  (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

For our third episode, Kait and Renata are joined by writer/activist <a href="http://www.twitter.com/KeaneBhatt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Keane</a> to discuss <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582701709/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1582701709&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=HKDSVKV2EP5HPZ4N" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Secret by Rhonda Byrne</a>. This best-selling self-help book taught us that the Universe doesn’t understand the word “no.” Seriously, the Universe, no means no. Listen now to learn how to manipulate the Universe to cook a man! Or cook a man’s meal. The choice is yours. This episode was definitely not brought to you by Christian Mingle dot com. Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-03-the-secret" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here.</a> Footnotes: <a href="http://thesecret.tv/the-secret-check.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blank check from the Universe.</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYFIN6Csr0k" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oprah on how The Secret made The Color Purple happen.</a> <a href="http://religiondispatches.org/barbara-ehrenreichs-ibright-sidedi-explores-the-dark-side-of-positive-thinking/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barbara Ehrenreich’s Bright-Sided Explores the Dark Side of Positive Thinking</a> Candy pairing: Kait says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006VRQLWM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B006VRQLWM&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=R7WVHLINHFFKI7OJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sugary protein bars</a>, Keane says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142410314/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0142410314&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=LTLYLNU5AFZEFGSM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Willy Wonka gum</a>, Renata says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0374468680/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0374468680&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=S4LH2V7QWWZXGQKK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a poisoned apple</a>. Coming up next: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062326651/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0062326651&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=LJMBPGNZTGEX535A" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Didn’t Come Here to Make Friends: Confessions of a Reality Show Villain by Courtney Robertson</a> * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 03: The Secret

Ring in the new year–1743–with Kait, Renata, and their guest lassie Erica! We read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and we learned so much about British history, medicinal herbs, corporal punishment, witchcraft, animal husbandry, the Loch Ness Monster, and many other sexy topics. Sync your MP3 player to your nearest henge to listen now! Content warning: Outlander contains sexual assault and we discuss it in this episode. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Objectified Scotsman Thursday. Diana Gabaldon Fanlore Diana Gabaldon on her Doctor Who inspiration Candy pairing: Erica says mixed bags of Halloween candy,  Kait says beef jerky (or herbs), Renata says Everlasting Gobstoppers. Coming up next: Need for Speed: the Movie Novelization by Brian Kelleher.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.  (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Ring in the new year–1743–with Kait, Renata, and their guest lassie Erica! We read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440212561/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0440212561&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=UUP6B4E7P3T7T47I" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Outlander by Diana Gabaldon</a> and we learned so much about British history, medicinal herbs, corporal punishment, witchcraft, animal husbandry, the Loch Ness Monster, and many other sexy topics. Sync your MP3 player to your nearest henge to listen now! Content warning: Outlander contains sexual assault and we discuss it in this episode. Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-12-outlander" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here.</a> Footnotes: <a href="http://wtfbadromancecovers.tumblr.com/tagged/objectified-scotsmen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Objectified Scotsman Thursday</a>. <a href="http://fanlore.org/wiki/Diana_Gabaldon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diana Gabaldon Fanlore</a> <a href="http://www.dianagabaldon.com/resources/faq/faq-about-the-books/#choosescotland" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diana Gabaldon on her Doctor Who inspiration</a> Candy pairing: Erica says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002K72YKU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002K72YKU&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=E55H4E537ZBFMU33" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mixed bags of Halloween candy</a>,  Kait says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050Z3PRU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0050Z3PRU&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=S2L65ZUTNFFMQLOS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">beef jerky</a> (or herbs), Renata says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C2M5FWW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00C2M5FWW&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=EJS7WMSH7QZJTMCW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Everlasting Gobstoppers</a>. Coming up next: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425273881/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0425273881&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=KMQW6T6IGJD3RU3C" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Need for Speed: the Movie Novelization by Brian Kelleher.</a> * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 12 – Outlander

Kait, Renata, and their guest Anna of Bellwether Friends read Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James! Their inner goddesses are all annoyed at how much they felt compelled to defend this book. Sure, it’s unconventional to have a modern college-aged protagonist who doesn’t own a computer, but once you get over the initial shock, it’s really not as bad as we thought it would be. Plus: our inaugural game of The Rock, Paper, SNIKT! and a dramatic reading of the infamous tampon scene. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Anna’s Fifty Shades Readalikes Project In Defense of Fifty Shades of Grey (Sort Of) Oh  Joy, Sex Toy’s Fifty Shades Review by Erika Moen (NSFW) “Does Kinkphobia Color Criticism of Fifty Shades of Grey?” by Catherine Scott “The Real Fantasy of Fifty Shades of Grey” by Alyssa Rosenberg “The Trouble With Prince Charming or He Who Trespassed Against Us”  by Roxane Gay “Sex, Lies, and Fifty Shades” by Leslie Bennetts Candy pairing: Anna says Sugar Daddys, Kait says generic Valentine’s chocolates, Renata says bachelorette party chocolate. Coming up next: Middle School, The Worst Years of my Life by James Patterson.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.  (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Kait, Renata, and their guest <a href="http://www.twitter.com/helgagrace" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anna </a>of <a href="https://bellwetherfriends.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bellwether Friends</a> read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345803485/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0345803485&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=E5DLLA36MODGK7LC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James!</a> Their inner goddesses are all annoyed at how much they felt compelled to defend this book. Sure, it’s unconventional to have a modern college-aged protagonist who doesn’t own a computer, but once you get over the initial shock, it’s really not as bad as we thought it would be. Plus: our inaugural game of The Rock, Paper, SNIKT! and a dramatic reading of the infamous tampon scene. Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-15-fifty-shades-of-grey" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here.</a> Footnotes: <a href="http://fadedhat.blogspot.com/2015/02/50-shades-readalikes-project-recap.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anna’s Fifty Shades Readalikes Project</a> <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/in-defense-of-fifty-shades-of-grey-sort-of/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In Defense of Fifty Shades of Grey (Sort Of)</a> <a href="http://www.ohjoysextoy.com/50shadesofgrey/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oh  Joy, Sex Toy’s Fifty Shades Review by Erika Moen (NSFW)</a> <a href="http://bitchmagazine.org/post/does-kinkphobia-color-criticism-of-fifty-shades-of-grey" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Does Kinkphobia Color Criticism of Fifty Shades of Grey?” by Catherine Scott</a> <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/act-four/wp/2015/02/13/the-real-fantasy-of-fifty-shades-of-grey/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“The Real Fantasy of Fifty Shades of Grey” by Alyssa Rosenberg</a> <a href="http://therumpus.net/2012/05/the-trouble-with-prince-charming-or-he-who-trespassed-against-us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“The Trouble With Prince Charming or He Who Trespassed Against Us”  by Roxane Gay</a> <a href="http://www.ew.com/microsites/longform/fiftyshades/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Sex, Lies, and Fifty Shades” by Leslie Bennetts</a> Candy pairing: Anna says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NKL6HS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000NKL6HS&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=TDFJY26N53OXC7DU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sugar Daddys</a>, Kait says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJH8IHY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00HJH8IHY&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=HENQHSPDVJB2653W" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">generic Valentine’s chocolates</a>, Renata says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIB95WY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00LIB95WY&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=HJ3JBNUXKVFWYQ6G" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bachelorette party chocolate</a>. Coming up next: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316101699/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0316101699&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=T66SSFHSVR3MPFSL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Middle School, The Worst Years of my Life by James Patterson.</a> * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 15 – Fifty Shades of Grey

We wanted to start the new year off with a self-help book, so we teamed up with Jolenta and Kristen from By the Book, a podcast where they try out living by self-help books, and read Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray. We’re glad Jolenta and Kristen already tried out John Gray’s advice, because we would hate to even think about living by his gender essentialist nonsense. Make sure to download this before you retreat to your Woman Well or Man Cave, because everyone knows the wifi down there is terrible. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: By The Book: Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus This American Life #291 – Reunited (And It Feels So Good) “How To Talk To Babies About Gender Theory” by Mallory Ortberg “Solved: Do Men Cry? Do Women Defecate?” by Amy Collier Captain Awkward  Savage Love Candy pairing: Jolenta says rock candy, Kait says gin, Kristen says circus peanuts,  Renata says astronaut ice cream. Coming up next: Warriors: Into the Wild  by Erin Hunter   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

We wanted to start the new year off with a self-help book, so we teamed up with <a href="https://twitter.com/jolentag" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jolenta</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/kristenmeinzer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kristen</a> from <a href="https://www.panoply.fm/podcasts/bythebook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">By the Book</a>, a podcast where they try out living by self-help books, and read <a href="http://amzn.to/2DhepUg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray</a>. We’re glad Jolenta and Kristen already tried out John Gray’s advice, because we would hate to even think about living by his gender essentialist nonsense. Make sure to download this before you retreat to your Woman Well or Man Cave, because everyone knows the wifi down there is terrible. Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-90-men-are-from-mars-women-are-from-venus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here.</a> Footnotes: <a href="https://www.panoply.fm/podcasts/bythebook/episodes/4HQ9IPUlh6aYywQu0W0Yeo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">By The Book: Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus</a> <a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/291/reunited-and-it-feels-so-good" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This American Life #291 – Reunited (And It Feels So Good)</a> “<a href="http://the-toast.net/2014/05/29/talk-babies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How To Talk To Babies About Gender Theory” by Mallory Ortberg</a> <a href="http://the-toast.net/2014/05/06/solved-men-cry-women-defecate/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“Solved: Do Men Cry? Do Women Defecate?” by Amy Collier</a> <a href="https://captainawkward.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Captain Awkward </a> <a href="https://www.thestranger.com/savage-love/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Savage Love</a> Candy pairing: Jolenta says <a href="http://amzn.to/2mw7HPW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">rock candy</a>, Kait says <a href="http://amzn.to/2DdK3Su" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">gin</a>, Kristen says <a href="http://amzn.to/2mwmtWA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">circus peanuts</a>,  Renata says <a href="http://amzn.to/2myVv0T" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">astronaut ice cream</a>. Coming up next: <a href="http://amzn.to/2D3kccE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Warriors: Into the Wild  by Erin Hunter</a> * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 90 – Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus

Kait, Renata, and Kait’s secret cousin Nicole read City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, because we read all the rest of the Harry Potter fanfiction the internet had to offer. This is a book with something for everyone: vampires, werewolves, magical cats, telepathic monks, Shadowhunters, and surprise incest. Listen now for all of that, plus an in-depth discussion of Cassandra Clare’s sordid fandom history! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Nicole’s vlog review of The Knife of Never Letting Go The Very Secret Diaries Cassandra Clare on Fanlore Special note: We’re still raising money for a few charitable causes! Please support us here! Thanks to Dee for her support! Make sure to check out her blog, Your Number 54 Fan. Candy pairing: Kait says generic M&amp;Ms, Nicole says Cherryheads, Renata says Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans. Coming up next: The Target by David Baldacci.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.  (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Kait, Renata, and Kait’s secret cousin <a href="https://twitter.com/N_DeGennaro" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nicole</a> read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416955070/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1416955070&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=EOEUPH5OQTXBBIZ7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">City of Bones by Cassandra Clare</a>, because we read all the rest of the Harry Potter fanfiction the internet had to offer. This is a book with something for everyone: vampires, werewolves, magical cats, telepathic monks, Shadowhunters, and surprise incest. Listen now for all of that, plus an in-depth discussion of Cassandra Clare’s sordid fandom history! Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-21-city-of-bones" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="https://youtu.be/mw3U2G10Al8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nicole’s vlog review of The Knife of Never Letting Go</a> <a href="http://www.ealasaid.com/misc/vsd/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Very Secret Diaries</a> <a href="http://fanlore.org/wiki/Cassandra_Claire" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cassandra Clare on Fanlore</a> Special note: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/hello-please-give-us-some-money-for-charity/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We’re still raising money for a few charitable causes! Please support us here!</a> Thanks to Dee for her support! Make sure to check out her blog, <a href="http://yn54f.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Your Number 54 Fan</a>. Candy pairing: Kait says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JS9UOSW/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00JS9UOSW&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=JYGC7VJ53W7G3S44" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">generic M&amp;Ms</a>, Nicole says<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035XY0PU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0035XY0PU&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=LGX76E4YQDLS42BR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Cherryheads</a>, Renata says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0095KATS4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0095KATS4&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=R4ISZP6DKM6T43EE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans.</a> Coming up next: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1455521183/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1455521183&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=437BDC4ZPHT7XIK3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Target</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1455521183/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1455521183&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=437BDC4ZPHT7XIK3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> by David Baldacci.</a> * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 21 – City of Bones

Kait, Renata, and their guest Anna (of LCARS Librarian and Women Write About Comics) read Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. It’s a confusing melange of everyone’s favorite YA dystopia tropes, like “love triangle,” “government-sponsored competition,” and “manic pixie blood girl.” Listen now for the return of Fucking, Marrying, Killing, and a discussion of dystopian menstrual blood art! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: This Woman Is Using Her Own Period Blood To Create Beautiful Photographs Candy pairing:  Anna says red velvet candy corn, Kait says generic grocery store knockoff candy, Renata says Shock Tarts. Coming up next: Diary of an Oxygen Thief by Anonymous.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Kait, Renata, and their guest <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lcarslibrarian" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anna</a> (of <a href="https://lcarslibrarian.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LCARS Librarian</a> and <a href="http://womenwriteaboutcomics.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Women Write About Comics</a>) read <a href="http://amzn.to/2pV2Bjv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard.</a> It’s a confusing melange of everyone’s favorite YA dystopia tropes, like “love triangle,” “government-sponsored competition,” and “manic pixie blood girl.” Listen now for the return of Fucking, Marrying, Killing, and a discussion of dystopian menstrual blood art! Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-72-red-queen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here.</a> Footnotes: <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/stephaniemcneal/this-artist-is-using-period-blood-to-create-beautiful-photog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This Woman Is Using Her Own Period Blood To Create Beautiful Photographs</a> Candy pairing:  Anna says <a href="http://amzn.to/2pWlLn2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">red velvet candy corn</a>, Kait says <a href="http://www.dollargeneral.com/food/candy-gum.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">generic grocery store knockoff candy</a>, Renata says <a href="https://www.oldtimecandy.com/walk-the-candy-aisle/shockers-shock-tarts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shock Tarts</a>. Coming up next: <a href="http://amzn.to/2pbtws3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Diary of an Oxygen Thief by Anonymous</a>. * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 72 – Red Queen

It’s been one year since our very first episode, when Caroline of Fantastic Fangirls read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer with us! To celebrate, we decided to return to the scene of the crime and read New Moon, the next book in the Twilight saga. Also, we decided to drink heavily while we talked about it. We crowdsourced a Worst Bestsellers drinking game and played it as we recorded. It turns out that if you drink every time one of us says “literally,” you’ll get pretty drunk! We hope you enjoy listening to this extra-long special episode as much as we enjoyed recording it, but that’s honestly probably impossible. Thanks for listening to us this year! We hope to continue reading stuff so you don’t have to for years to come. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Another Look at Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight American Indians in Children’s Literature on Twilight Sucking The Quileute Dry Truth Versus Twilight Running With The Wolves: A Racialicious Reading of Twilight New Moon and the Joys of Face Punch The Vamp Sex Toy (NSFW) Worst Bestsellers Drinking Game Forever Young Adult’s New Moon Drinking Game Candy pairing:  Caroline says giant Reese’s peanut butter cups, Kait says Mr. Goodbar, Renata says Dove Promises. Coming up next: Dino Park After Dark by Christie Sims &amp; Alara Branwen. Special note: We’re having a Twilight movie tweet-along on 7pm (EST) the evening of October 4th. It’s currently streaming on Netflix. We hope you’ll join us with #TwiWorst ! Netflix took down the Twilight movie on October 1st, so we’ll be livetweeting the documentary TWILIGHT IN VOLTERRA instead.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.  (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

It’s been one year since <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-01-twilight/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">our very first episode</a>, when <a href="http://www.twitter.com/CarolinePruett" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Caroline </a>of <a href="http://www.fantasticfangirls.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fantastic Fangirls</a> read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer with us! To celebrate, we decided to return to the scene of the crime and read <a href="http://amzn.to/1Vkt0w5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Moon</a>, the next book in the Twilight saga. Also, we decided to drink heavily while we talked about it. We crowdsourced a <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/worst-bestsellers-drinking-game" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Worst Bestsellers drinking game</a> and played it as we recorded. It turns out that if you drink every time one of us says “literally,” you’ll get pretty drunk! We hope you enjoy listening to this extra-long special episode as much as we enjoyed recording it, but that’s honestly probably impossible. Thanks for listening to us this year! We hope to continue reading stuff so you don’t have to for years to come. Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-31-new-moon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here.</a> Footnotes: <a href="http://www.booklistonline.com/%28X%281%29A%28a9UElpD50AEkAAAAMTU1Zjg3ZDQtNDhiNi00NTliLWE5ZDctOTg3NDU0NjM4ZmIycha2d-voy0DZ2HITcmkrNnBb4hY1%29%29/ProductInfo.aspx?pid=7695919&amp;AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Another Look at Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight</a> <a href="http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/search/label/twilight" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Indians in Children’s Literature on Twilight</a> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/08/opinion/08riley.html?_r=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sucking The Quileute Dry</a> <a href="http://www.burkemuseum.org/truth_vs_twilight/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Truth Versus Twilight</a> <a href="http://www.racialicious.com/2009/11/26/running-with-the-wolves-a-racialicious-reading-of-the-twilight-saga/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Running With The Wolves: A Racialicious Reading of Twilight</a> <a href="http://thelesserfeat.blogspot.com/2010/01/twilight-new-moon-and-joys-of-face.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Moon and the Joys of Face Punch</a> <a href="http://www.tantusinc.com/collections/dildos/products/the-vamp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Vamp Sex Toy (NSFW)</a> <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/worst-bestsellers-drinking-game" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Worst Bestsellers Drinking Game</a> <a href="http://foreveryoungadult.com/2010/03/19/the-official-fya-new-moon-drinking-game/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forever Young Adult’s New Moon Drinking Game</a> Candy pairing:  Caroline says <a href="http://amzn.to/1NVU4S2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">giant Reese’s peanut butter cups</a>, Kait says <a href="http://amzn.to/1MSNigZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mr. Goodbar</a>, Renata says <a href="http://amzn.to/1MSNrRK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dove Promises</a>. Coming up next: <a href="http://amzn.to/1NVUyr4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dino Park After Dark by Christie Sims &amp; Alara Branwen.</a> Special note: We’re having a Twilight movie tweet-along on <a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?msg=%23TwiWorst+tweetalong&amp;iso=20151004T19&amp;p1=179&amp;ah=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">7pm (EST) the evening of October 4th</a>. It’s currently streaming on Netflix. We hope you’ll join us with #TwiWorst ! Netflix took down the Twilight movie on October 1st, so we’ll be livetweeting the documentary TWILIGHT IN VOLTERRA instead. * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 31 – New Moon

It’s been three years since our very first episode, when Carrie read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer with us! (And two years since we read New Moon and one year since we read Eclipse!) We’re back to play the Worst Bestsellers drinking game and drunkenly discuss the final book in the saga, Breaking Dawn. It’s a book with something for everyone–a wedding, a horrifyingly graphic birth scene, a baby, a werewolf pack schism, and a vampire named Renata. Thanks to all our Best Listeners for three great years of terrible books!  How the #podcat gets made 😻 pic.twitter.com/phEOZaVls7 — Renata Sancken (@renatasnacks) September 8, 2017   It’s that time, once again. #wbsdrinkinggame pic.twitter.com/iAJ9COjqMo — kait 👻🏳️‍🌈🎃 (@fourteenacross) September 8, 2017  Readers advisory: Twilight New Moon Eclipse Footnotes:  Bonus Episode – Twilight Movies (Patreon patrons only)  Iron Wine – “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” (Breaking Dawn wedding song) We Might Be Getting More ‘Hunger Games’ and ‘Twilight’ Movies Great Comet’s Creator Still Can’t Believe How His Show Ended  Renata Batteries How Did This Get Made? #27 – Breaking Dawn Part 1 How Did This Get Made? #50 – Breaking Dawn Part 2 Worst Bestsellers Drinking Game Candy pairing:  Carrie says Lik-M-Aid, Kait says Jordan almonds, Renata says Doritos. Coming up next: Handbook for Mortals by Lani Sarem.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

It’s been three years since <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-01-twilight/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">our very first episode</a>, when <a href="http://www.twitter.com/carriempruett" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carrie</a> read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer with us! (And two years since <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-31-new-moon/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">we read New Moon</a> and one year since <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-58-eclipse/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">we read</a><a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-58-eclipse/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Eclipse</a>!) We’re back to play the <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/worst-bestsellers-drinking-game" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Worst Bestsellers drinking game</a> and drunkenly discuss the final book in the saga, <a href="http://amzn.to/2y2dkxn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Breaking Dawn</a>. It’s a book with something for everyone–a wedding, a horrifyingly graphic birth scene, a baby, a werewolf pack schism, and a vampire named Renata. Thanks to all our Best Listeners for three great years of terrible books! <blockquote> How the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/podcat?src=hash" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#podcat</a> gets made 😻 <a href="https://t.co/phEOZaVls7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/phEOZaVls7</a> — Renata Sancken (@renatasnacks) <a href="https://twitter.com/renatasnacks/status/906300386398662657" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">September 8, 2017</a></blockquote> <blockquote> It’s that time, once again. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wbsdrinkinggame?src=hash" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#wbsdrinkinggame</a> <a href="https://t.co/iAJ9COjqMo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/iAJ9COjqMo</a> — kait 👻🏳️‍🌈🎃 (@fourteenacross) <a href="https://twitter.com/fourteenacross/status/906292607835394048" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">September 8, 2017</a></blockquote> Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-01-twilight/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twilight</a> <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-31-new-moon/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Moon</a> <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-58-eclipse" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eclipse</a> Footnotes:  <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-episode-13703977" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bonus Episode – Twilight Movies (Patreon patrons only)</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT9Wm_PLTNY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Iron Wine – “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” (Breaking Dawn wedding song)</a> <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/we-might-be-getting-more-hunger-games-and-twilight-movies_us_598b14bde4b0a66b8bb04371" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We Might Be Getting More ‘Hunger Games’ and ‘Twilight’ Movies</a> <a href="http://www.vulture.com/2017/09/great-comet-dave-malloy-is-still-processing.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Great Comet’s Creator Still Can’t Believe How His Show Ended </a> <a href="http://www.renata.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Renata Batteries</a> <a href="http://www.earwolf.com/episode/twilight-breaking-dawn-pt-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How Did This Get Made? #27 – Breaking Dawn Part 1</a> <a href="http://www.earwolf.com/episode/twilight-breaking-dawn-pt-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How Did This Get Made? #50 – Breaking Dawn Part 2</a> <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/worst-bestsellers-drinking-game/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Worst Bestsellers Drinking Game</a> Candy pairing:  Carrie says <a href="http://amzn.to/2wN0ToQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lik-M-Aid,</a> Kait says <a href="http://amzn.to/2xz0l4O" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jordan almonds</a>, Renata says <a href="http://amzn.to/2y2edpH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Doritos.</a> Coming up next: <a href="http://amzn.to/2yAf1iy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Handbook for Mortals by Lani Sarem</a>. * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 82 – Breaking Dawn

It’s been two years since our very first episode, when Caroline of Fantastic Fangirls read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer with us! (And one year since we read New Moon!) And now we’ve added Danielle to our crew to play the Worst Bestsellers drinking game discuss the third book in the saga, Eclipse. Even though not that much happens in this book, and there are barely any Civil War vampire scenes, we couldn’t stop talking about it, and we hope you enjoy listening to it! Thanks to all our Best Listeners for two great years! Readers advisory: Twilight New Moon Eclipse Special note: We’ve launched our Patreon! Please check it out for information on how to support us. Footnotes: Another Look at Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight American Indians in Children’s Literature on Twilight Sucking The Quileute Dry Truth Versus Twilight Running With The Wolves: A Racialicious Reading of Twilight Worst Bestsellers Drinking Game Candy pairing:  Caroline says Nerds, Danielle says Pop Tarts, Kait says Mike and Ikes, Renata says Twizzlers. Coming up next: A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.  (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

It’s been two years since <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-01-twilight/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">our very first episode</a>, when <a href="http://www.twitter.com/CarolinePruett" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Caroline </a>of <a href="http://www.fantasticfangirls.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fantastic Fangirls</a> read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer with us! (And one year since <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-31-new-moon/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">we read New Moon</a>!) And now we’ve added <a href="http://www.twitter.com/docwhoot" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Danielle</a> to our crew to play the <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/worst-bestsellers-drinking-game" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Worst Bestsellers drinking game</a> discuss the third book in the saga, <a href="http://amzn.to/2dkKUBa" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eclipse</a>. Even though not that much happens in this book, and there are barely any Civil War vampire scenes, we couldn’t stop talking about it, and we hope you enjoy listening to it! Thanks to all our Best Listeners for two great years! Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-01-twilight/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twilight</a> <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-31-new-moon/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New Moon</a> <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-58-eclipse" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eclipse</a> Special note: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/worstbestsellers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We’ve launched our Patreon! Please check it out for information on how to support us.</a> Footnotes: <a href="http://www.booklistonline.com/%28X%281%29A%28a9UElpD50AEkAAAAMTU1Zjg3ZDQtNDhiNi00NTliLWE5ZDctOTg3NDU0NjM4ZmIycha2d-voy0DZ2HITcmkrNnBb4hY1%29%29/ProductInfo.aspx?pid=7695919&amp;AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Another Look at Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight</a> <a href="http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/search/label/twilight" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">American Indians in Children’s Literature on Twilight</a> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/08/opinion/08riley.html?_r=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sucking The Quileute Dry</a> <a href="http://www.burkemuseum.org/truth_vs_twilight/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Truth Versus Twilight</a> <a href="http://www.racialicious.com/2009/11/26/running-with-the-wolves-a-racialicious-reading-of-the-twilight-saga/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Running With The Wolves: A Racialicious Reading of Twilight</a> <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/worst-bestsellers-drinking-game/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Worst Bestsellers Drinking Game</a> Candy pairing:  Caroline says <a href="http://amzn.to/2d233pB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nerds</a>, Danielle says <a href="http://amzn.to/2d2bX4J" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pop Tarts</a>, Kait says <a href="http://amzn.to/2cwYIf3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mike and Ikes,</a> Renata says <a href="http://amzn.to/2duFrLb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twizzlers</a>. Coming up next: <a href="http://amzn.to/2d22LPn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton.</a> * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 58 – Eclipse

 Flashback Summer continues! While Renata is off in the wilderness, settling into her Sadness Cave, Kait, our editor Becca, and our guest Jennifer said hello to their friends–the Baby-sitters Club! Kait, Becca, and Jen revisited the BSC franchise as a whole with Baby-sitters Club #56: Keep Out, Claudia!, Baby-sitters Club Super Special #4: Baby-sitters’ Island Adventure, and California Diaries: Ducky #3, thinking fondly back on the time when you could call one number and reach seven reliable baby-sitters, people just abandoned their children to The World’s Most Mature Thirteen Year Olds on the regular, and that theme song was constantly stuck in your head. Put on your oversized blue and pink tie dyed t-shirt, blue cowboy boots, pink and black checked leggings, side-ponytail, and one earring shaped like a musical note and one earring shaped like a guitar and join us for another stroll down memory lane in our Flashback Summer! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: The Baby-sitters Club television theme song The Baby-sitters Club Mystery Game commercial A Mary Anne with Kristy Rising: On the Enduring Legacy of the Baby-Sitters Club Books List of Baby-sitters Club books by ghostwriter California Diaries on Wikipedia (including ghostwriters) Peter Lerangis on Ghostwriting the Baby-Sitter’s Club and the Future of YA Lit Quantum Leap theme song Monstress Vol 1 by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda Candy pairing:  Kait says candy necklaces, Becca says Now and Laters, Jennifer says Fruit-by-theFoot. Coming up next: Goosebumps and Fear Street by RL Stine. * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

<center> </center>Flashback Summer continues! While Renata is off in the wilderness, settling into her Sadness Cave, Kait, our editor Becca, and our guest <a href="http://twitter.com/jenmargretsmith" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jennifer</a> said hello to their friends–the Baby-sitters Club! Kait, Becca, and Jen revisited the BSC franchise as a whole with <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Baby-Sitters-Club-56-Keep-Claudia-ebook/dp/B00HG1NFKS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1468799496&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=keep+out+claudia&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=26a5fb78c8fb1648d1209cb8c0209a5a&amp;sa-no-redirect=1#nav-subnav" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baby-sitters Club #56: Keep Out, Claudia!</a>, <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Baby-Sitters-Club-Super-Special-Adventure-ebook/dp/B00CFTA1O4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1468799474&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=baby-sitters+island+adventure&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=26a5fb78c8fb1648d1209cb8c0209a5a&amp;sa-no-redirect=1#nav-subnav" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baby-sitters Club Super Special #4: Baby-sitters’ Island Adventure</a>, and <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Ducky-Diary-Three-California-Diaries-ebook/dp/B00ISH7D02/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1468797585&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=california+diary+ducky&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=26a5fb78c8fb1648d1209cb8c0209a5a&amp;sa-no-redirect=1#nav-subnav" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">California Diaries: Ducky #3</a>, thinking fondly back on the time when you could call one number and reach seven reliable baby-sitters, people just abandoned their children to The World’s Most Mature Thirteen Year Olds on the regular, and that theme song was constantly stuck in your head. Put on your oversized blue and pink tie dyed t-shirt, blue cowboy boots, pink and black checked leggings, side-ponytail, and one earring shaped like a musical note and one earring shaped like a guitar and join us for another stroll down memory lane in our Flashback Summer! Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-53-the-baby-sitters-club/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-ierdtgY6o" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Baby-sitters Club</a> television theme song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_lcU7mfDTc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Baby-sitters Club Mystery Game commercial</a> <a href="http://www.lennyletter.com/culture/a445/a-mary-anne-with-kristy-rising-on-the-enduring-legacy-of-the-baby-sitters-club-books/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Mary Anne with Kristy Rising: On the Enduring Legacy of the Baby-Sitters Club Books</a> <a href="http://babysittersclub.proboards.com/thread/3688/books-ghostwriter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">List of Baby-sitters Club books by ghostwriter</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Diaries" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">California Diaries on Wikipedia (including ghostwriters)</a> <a href="http://airshipdaily.com/blog/peter-lerangis-on-ghostwriting-the-baby-sitters-club-and-the-future-of-ya" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Peter Lerangis on Ghostwriting the Baby-Sitter’s Club and the Future of YA Lit</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S4jLGR8c-0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Quantum Leap theme song</a> <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Monstress-Vol-1-Marjorie-Liu-ebook/dp/B01DJOS93I/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1468796540&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=monstress&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=26a5fb78c8fb1648d1209cb8c0209a5a&amp;sa-no-redirect=1#nav-subnav" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Monstress Vol 1 by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda</a> Candy pairing:  Kait says <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Fun-Express-Candy-Necklace-1-Pack/dp/B005DS52YS/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1468799555&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=candy+necklaces&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=26a5fb78c8fb1648d1209cb8c0209a5a&amp;sa-no-redirect=1#nav-subnav" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">candy necklaces</a>, Becca says <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Now-Later-Classic-Mini-Bars/dp/B008FVTCVE/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1468799575&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=now+and+laters&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=26a5fb78c8fb1648d1209cb8c0209a5a&amp;sa-no-redirect=1#nav-subnav" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Now and Laters</a>, Jennifer says <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Crocker-Fruit-Snacks-Foot-Variety/dp/B017XKTCMG/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1468799534&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=fruit+by+the+foot&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=26a5fb78c8fb1648d1209cb8c0209a5a&amp;sa-no-redirect=1#nav-subnav" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fruit-by-theFoot</a>. Coming up next: <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/R.-L.-Stine/e/B000AQ2UR0/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1468799516&amp;sr=1-2-ent&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=26a5fb78c8fb1648d1209cb8c0209a5a&amp;sa-no-redirect=1#nav-subnav" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goosebumps</a> and Fear Street by RL Stine. * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 53 – The Baby-sitters Club

Out of the attic and into the rocking chair, we were joined by Sophie of Two Bossy Dames to read My Sweet Audrina by V. C. Andrews. We were grudgingly impressed by how effectively Andrews gaslit us, the readers, because by the end of this book we had no idea which end was up anymore. Play this episode at your next tea party/seance! Content warning: This book and our discussion of it contains sexual assault, physical &amp; emotional abuse of a child, ableism, gaslighting, miscarriage, and pretty much any other upsetting topic you could imagine. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Episode #17 – Flowers in the Attic Prisms and Bon-Bons: (Re)Reading V.C. Andrews’ My Sweet Audrina by Leila Roy A Review of the Worst Book in History by Erin Callahan Flowers in the Attic (The Appeal Thereof) by Sigrid Ellis Girl Catches Boyfriend Gaslighting Her Then Tricks Him Into Watching The Movie “Gaslight” Candy Pairing: Kait says a bowl full of marbles mistaken for jelly beans, Renata says two-year-old birthday cake, Sophie says prismatic rock candy. Coming up next: Five Nights at Freddy’s: The Silver Eyes by Kira Breed-Wrisley and Scott Cawthon.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Out of the attic and into the rocking chair, we were joined by <a href="http://www.twitter.com/sophiebiblio" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sophie</a> of <a href="https://twobossydames.substack.com/welcome" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Two Bossy Dames</a> to read <a href="https://amzn.to/2zX2AQA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Sweet Audrina</a> by V. C. Andrews. We were grudgingly impressed by how effectively Andrews gaslit us, the readers, because by the end of this book we had no idea which end was up anymore. Play this episode at your next tea party/seance! Content warning: This book and our discussion of it contains sexual assault, physical &amp; emotional abuse of a child, ableism, gaslighting, miscarriage, and pretty much any other upsetting topic you could imagine. Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-108-my-sweet-audrina" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/episode-17-flowers-in-the-attic/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode #17 – Flowers in the Attic</a> <a href="https://bookriot.com/2015/07/28/prisms-bon-bons-knowing-rocking-chair-rereading-v-c-andrews-sweet-audrina/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Prisms and Bon-Bons: (Re)Reading V.C. Andrews’ My Sweet Audrina by Leila Roy</a> <a href="http://foreveryoungadult.com/2011/06/10/a-review-of-the-worst-book-in-history/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Review of the Worst Book in History by Erin Callahan</a> <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/flowers-in-the-attic-the-appeal-thereof/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flowers in the Attic (The Appeal Thereof) by Sigrid Ellis</a> <a href="https://thoughtcatalog.com/eric-redding/2015/05/girl-catches-boyfriend-gaslighting-her-then-tricks-him-into-watching-the-movie-gaslight/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Girl Catches Boyfriend Gaslighting Her Then Tricks Him Into Watching The Movie “Gaslight”</a> Candy Pairing: Kait says <a href="https://amzn.to/2ymmh2f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a bowl full of marbles mistaken for jelly beans</a>, Renata says <a href="https://amzn.to/2pIRKHP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">two-year-old birthday cake</a>, Sophie says <a href="https://amzn.to/2Pp5AL2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">prismatic rock candy</a>. Coming up next: <a href="https://amzn.to/2zXOoqv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Five Nights at Freddy’s: The Silver Eyes by Kira Breed-Wrisley and Scott Cawthon</a>. * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 108 – My Sweet Audrina

Kait, Renata, and their guests Sophi and Stacey read (or re-read) Flowers in the Attic by V. C. Andrews. Some of us reflected fondly about furtively reading this in our childhoods, while others of us struggled to understand the appeal of the Dollanganger saga. Don’t worry–we read the sex scene aloud, so you don’t have to find that dogeared page from your library’s copy. Curl up with your loved ones and listen to the sinful struggles of the devil’s issue! Content Warning: Flowers in the Attic contains several types of incest (most prominently sibling incest) and a scene of sexual assault, both of which are discussed in this episode. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: What It’s Like to Date Your Dad Candy pairing: Kait says black licorice, Renata says an inedible Christmas ornament, Sophi says Sugar Daddys, and Stacey says Hostess powdered Donettes. Coming up next: Not Cool: The Hipster Elite and Their War On You by Greg Gutfeld.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.  (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Kait, Renata, and their guests <a href="https://twitter.com/babegladwallers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sophi</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/snerdy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stacey</a> read (or re-read) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HQI811Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00HQI811Y&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=SE634MOH6BDP4XSJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flowers in the Attic by V. C. Andrews</a>. Some of us reflected fondly about furtively reading this in our childhoods, while others of us struggled to understand the appeal of the Dollanganger saga. Don’t worry–we read the sex scene aloud, so you don’t have to find that dogeared page from your library’s copy. Curl up with your loved ones and listen to the sinful struggles of the devil’s issue! Content Warning: Flowers in the Attic contains several types of incest (most prominently sibling incest) and a scene of sexual assault, both of which are discussed in this episode. Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-17-flowers-in-the-attic" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here.</a> Footnotes: <a href="http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2015/01/what-its-like-to-date-your-dad.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What It’s Like to Date Your Dad</a> Candy pairing: Kait says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002EAPHKM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002EAPHKM&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=HKEBQM66NYS35UIZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">black licorice</a>, Renata says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NM2VUO8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00NM2VUO8&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=JWEUQRKLFIQNKES3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">an inedible Christmas ornament</a>, Sophi says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NKL6HS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000NKL6HS&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=TDFJY26N53OXC7DU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sugar Daddys</a>, and Stacey says <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027IVBBK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0027IVBBK&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=S255BGTOXP6IOIIY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hostess powdered Donettes</a>. Coming up next: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GQAOL58/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00GQAOL58&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=GPOHYSQTFUI2RFCL" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Not Cool: The Hipster Elite and Their War On You by Greg Gutfeld.</a> * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 17 – Flowers in the Attic

Our lives have been changed by The Secret, as have those of Andrew and Craig from the Overdue podcast. So they joined us in reading How The Secret Changed My Life by Rhonda Byrne. We were delighted to combine our vision boards with Andrew and Craig; less delighted to hear about all the people who quit their jobs and their medicines and their Canadian lifestyles with no backup plan other than the goodwill of the universe. We know you’ll love this episode, because we already asked the universe for your approval. Readers advisory: How The Secret Changed My Life Readers advisory: The Secret Footnotes: Overdue Episode #280 – The Secret The Secret Check from the Universe The Downside of Positive Thinking The Secret movie (2019) Ryback (Wikipedia) “Does the Law of Attraction apply to animals too, or just humans?” Money Cat meme Smithsonian Zoo Giant Panda Cam Candy Pairing: Andrew says CBD gummies, Craig says Zeebo pills, Kait says a picture of candy, Renata says 3-course meal gum. Coming up next: Year One by Nora Roberts.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Our lives have been changed by The Secret, as have those of <a href="https://www.twitter.com/andrewwrites" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andrew</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/MCGetting" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Craig</a> from the <a href="https://overduepodcast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Overdue podcast</a>. So they joined us in reading <a href="https://amzn.to/2T6rFzH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How The Secret Changed My Life by Rhonda Byrne</a>. We were delighted to combine our vision boards with Andrew and Craig; less delighted to hear about all the people who quit their jobs and their medicines and their Canadian lifestyles with no backup plan other than the goodwill of the universe. We know you’ll love this episode, because we already asked the universe for your approval. Readers advisory: <a href="https://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-116-how-the-secret-changed-my-life" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How The Secret Changed My Life</a> Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-03-the-secret/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Secret</a> Footnotes: <a href="https://overduepodcast.com/episodes/2018/1/15/episode-280-the-secret-by-rhonda-byrne" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Overdue Episode #280 – The Secret</a> <a href="https://www.thesecret.tv/gifts-for-you/the-secret-check/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Secret Check from the Universe</a> <a href="http://www.aquarianonline.com/the-downside-of-positive-thinking/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Downside of Positive Thinking</a> <a href="http://www.thelawofattraction.com/the-secret-movie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Secret movie (2019)</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryback" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ryback (Wikipedia)</a> “<a href="https://www.inwardquest.com/questions/4766/does-the-law-of-attraction-apply-to-animals-too-or-just-humans" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Does the Law of Attraction apply to animals too, or just humans?</a>” <a href="http://alxbngala.tumblr.com/post/124372461800" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Money Cat meme</a> <a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams/panda-cam" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Smithsonian Zoo Giant Panda Cam</a> Candy Pairing: Andrew says <a href="https://amzn.to/2RNJDdK" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CBD gummies</a>, Craig says <a href="https://amzn.to/2CRbwYb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zeebo pills</a>, Kait says a picture of candy, Renata says <a href="http://www.inliterature.net/food-in-literature/2013/01/charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory-willy-wonka-series-three-course-meal.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">3-course meal gum</a>. Coming up next: <a href="https://amzn.to/2WfBahS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Year One by Nora Roberts</a>. * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 116 – How The Secret Changed My Life

Divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth, a dystopian society controlled by Buzzfeed quizzes, has been one of most frequently-requested episodes. In an effort to bring peace to the five factions, we invited Annie, author of The Chance You Won’t Return and cohost of the Crossover Appeal podcast to read this flash-in-the-pan dystopian novel with us. Listen to this episode on your next trip to Chicago–just make sure to be careful when jumping off the El train! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: GoodReads Interview with Veronica Roth Official Divergent Faction Quiz Bean cleaned: Workers quickly remove graffiti from Chicago’s beloved sculpture Candy Pairing:  Annie says Pop Rocks and Coke, Kait says chocolate with a razor blade in it, Renata says abandoned chocolate. Coming up next: The Host by Stephenie Meyer.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

<a href="https://amzn.to/300jbNg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Divergent by Veronica Roth</a>, a dystopian society controlled by Buzzfeed quizzes, has been one of most frequently-requested episodes. In an effort to bring peace to the five factions, we invited <a href="https://twitter.com/anniecardi" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Annie</a>, author of <a href="https://amzn.to/2PUmwxn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Chance You Won’t Return</a> and cohost of the <a href="https://crossoverappealpodcast.tumblr.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crossover Appeal podcast</a> to read this flash-in-the-pan dystopian novel with us. Listen to this episode on your next trip to Chicago–just make sure to be careful when jumping off the El train! Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-132-divergent" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/interviews/show/637.Veronica_Roth" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GoodReads Interview with Veronica Roth</a> <a href="https://www.epicreads.com/blog/divergent-quiz-factions/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Official Divergent Faction Quiz</a> <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-cloud-gate-bean-vandalized-7-arrested-20190702-4xho3k24dfcyxfwyzakonfv2di-story.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bean cleaned: Workers quickly remove graffiti from Chicago’s beloved sculpture</a> Candy Pairing:  Annie says <a href="https://amzn.to/2A0BZkG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pop Rocks</a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2zYdi8K" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coke</a>, Kait says <a href="https://amzn.to/2A3UnsY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chocolate</a> with a <a href="https://amzn.to/2N3RX66" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">razor blade</a> in it, Renata says <a href="https://amzn.to/2A3UnsY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">abandoned chocolate</a>. Coming up next: <a href="https://amzn.to/2A3pswY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Host by Stephenie Meyer</a>. * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 132 – Divergent

We read After by Anna Todd, a fanfiction-turned-novel that’s bold enough to ask the question: would you like to date Harry Styles, if, rather than being a member of One Direction, he was just a college student, and also a completely rude and hurtful person? Liz from Liz &amp; Alissa Make Stuff joined us to conclude: no, we definitely would not like that. Be sure to download this before you begin the impossibly long journey from your dorm room to your boyfriend’s frat house! Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Harry Styles Carpool Karaoke Harry Styles Caught a Gummy Bear Thrown By a Fan and Everyone at O2 Arena Lost It Anna Todd: From 1D fan fiction to feature film writer From Fangirl to Phenomenon: Anna Todd and the Rise of Fanfiction After on Fanlore Fanfiction 101 Candy Pairing: Kait says Baby Bottle Pops, Liz says Sugar-Free Haribo Gummy Bears, Renata says Conversation Hearts. Coming up next: Murder Games (Instinct) by James Patterson.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

We read <a href="https://amzn.to/2Uuqcni" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">After by Anna Todd</a>, a fanfiction-turned-novel that’s bold enough to ask the question: would you like to date Harry Styles, if, rather than being a member of One Direction, he was just a college student, and also a completely rude and hurtful person? <a href="https://twitter.com/ladyharvatine" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Liz</a> from <a href="http://www.lizandalissa.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Liz &amp; Alissa Make Stuff</a> joined us to conclude: no, we definitely would not like that. Be sure to download this before you begin the impossibly long journey from your dorm room to your boyfriend’s frat house! Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-119-after/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvLLx0cpJVI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harry Styles Carpool Karaoke</a> <a href="https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8310334/harry-styles-catches-gummy-bear-mouth-thrown-by-fan-o2-arena" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harry Styles Caught a Gummy Bear Thrown By a Fan and Everyone at O2 Arena Lost It</a> <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-45006031" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anna Todd: From 1D fan fiction to feature film writer</a> <a href="http://orangemag.co/orangeblog/2016/1/25/from-fangirl-to-phenomenon-anna-todd-and-the-rise-of-fanfiction" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">From Fangirl to Phenomenon: Anna Todd and the Rise of Fanfiction</a> <a href="https://fanlore.org/wiki/After_(One_Direction_story)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">After on Fanlore</a> <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/fanfiction-101/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fanfiction 101</a> Candy Pairing: Kait says <a href="https://amzn.to/2SOLV8a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baby Bottle Pops</a>, Liz says <a href="https://amzn.to/2tW5Nfj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sugar-Free Haribo Gummy Bears</a>, Renata says <a href="https://amzn.to/2EJDiqc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Conversation Hearts</a>. Coming up next: <a href="https://amzn.to/2C6mWrb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Murder Games (Instinct) by James Patterson</a>. * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 119 – After

Did you ever read a science fiction book and think, “I wish I knew more about these characters’ bathroom usage?” If so, Red Rising by Pierce Brown is the book for you! Children’s librarian Anna (@opinionsbyanna) joined us for this miserable slog through a Martian Hunger Games with no carbs and no bathroom breaks. Listen now to find out into which Hogwarts House each Martian House would be sorted! Content warning: This book and our discussion of it contains sexual assault, war, and general unpleasantness. Readers advisory: Here. Footnotes: Red Rising Wiki – Caste Pyramid Red Rising Wiki – Houses My Brother, My Brother and Me: Cool Pee Book The West Wing – CJ Does The Jackal Candy Pairing: Anna says Atomic warheads, Kait says generic beef jerky,  Renata says vomit flavored Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. Coming up next: Stranger Than Fanfiction by Chris Colfer.   * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Did you ever read a science fiction book and think, “I wish I knew more about these characters’ bathroom usage?” If so, <a href="https://amzn.to/2JBDcmy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red Rising by Pierce Brown</a> is the book for you! Children’s librarian Anna (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/opinionsbyanna" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@opinionsbyanna</a>) joined us for this miserable slog through a Martian Hunger Games with no carbs and no bathroom breaks. Listen now to find out into which Hogwarts House each Martian House would be sorted! Content warning: This book and our discussion of it contains sexual assault, war, and general unpleasantness. Readers advisory: <a href="http://www.frowl.org/worstbestsellers/readers-advisory-episode-110-red-rising" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a>. Footnotes: <a href="http://red-rising.wikia.com/wiki/Red_Rising_Wiki" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red Rising Wiki – Caste Pyramid</a> <a href="http://red-rising.wikia.com/wiki/Category:School" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red Rising Wiki – Houses</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6Jh1xNedec" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Brother, My Brother and Me: Cool Pee Book</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7H_L5cYkg8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The West Wing – CJ Does The Jackal</a> Candy Pairing: Anna says <a href="https://amzn.to/2D24pO0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Atomic warheads</a>, Kait says <a href="https://amzn.to/2QjI7uW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">generic beef jerky</a>,  Renata says <a href="https://amzn.to/2D3aWbu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">vomit flavored Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans</a>. Coming up next: <a href="https://amzn.to/2DpMYYO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stranger Than Fanfiction by Chris Colfer</a>. * Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;node=1000&amp;site-redirect=&amp;tag=worstbests0e-20&amp;linkId=Z2A4ORUYFZJ4UA6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>. (But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)

Episode 110 – Red Rising

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