Interview: Allayne L. Webster talks Selfie

In this special interview, we chat with Allayne L. Webster, who recently published her tenth novel, Selfie. In Selfie, we meet year 8 student Tully, who is shocked to find herself the new best friend of teenage influencer Dene Walker. We chat about teenage friendships, the impact of social media on trust and identity, andContinue reading “Interview: Allayne L. Webster talks Selfie”

Interview: Nina Kenwood on Unnecessary Drama

We are very excited to chat with the wonderful Nina Kenwood about her latest novel, Unnecessary Drama. Nina’s debut novel, It Sounded Better in My Head, has been shortlisted for multiple awards and has been published in six languages. (It is also one of Priscilla’s favourite YA novels.) Our conversation covers topics like high-functioning anxiety,Continue reading “Interview: Nina Kenwood on Unnecessary Drama”

Nine Perfect Strangers

In this blog-exclusive review, we talk about the psychology behind Liane Moriarty’s Nine Perfect Strangers. Now a major TV series! Please note that this blog post contains spoilers! Mental health issues covered:  grief after a family member’s suicide, body image and disordered eating, drug use/psychedelics Additional content warnings for the book itself: diet talk andContinue reading “Nine Perfect Strangers”

The Morbids

In this blog-exclusive review, we talk about our views on Ewa Ramsey’s 2020 novel, The Morbids. For this blog, we’re joined by a special guest, Bree from Feelz Podcast, who gives her unique and comedic spin on this book. Please note that this blog post contains spoilers! Mental health issues covered:  Death anxiety, post-traumatic stress,Continue reading “The Morbids”

Interview with Kay Kerr

In this special episode, we chat to Kay Kerr, author of Please Don’t Hug Me and the newly released Social Queue. Topics include: autism representation, Kay’s writing processes for both of her books, and self-care. We also discuss Please Don’t Hug Me in spoilery details in the second half of the episode (we’ll let youContinue reading “Interview with Kay Kerr”

I Wish You All The Best

In this post, Priscilla wants to talk about I Wish You All The Best by Mason Deaver. This book is an honest and heartfelt portrait of coming out in the context of difficult and/or abusive family dynamics. The main character also wrestles with symptoms of anxiety and depression and starts therapy in the story. PleaseContinue reading “I Wish You All The Best”

S02E07. Darius The Great Is Not Okay

What can you do when you feel disconnected from your family, and your culture? Darius is a ‘fractional Persian’, and speaks better Klingon than Farsi. And his first trip to Iran is about to change his life. In this episode, we chat about Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram. We discuss whatContinue reading “S02E07. Darius The Great Is Not Okay”

The intensity and beauty of The Midnight Library

In this blog-exclusive review, Elise talks about Matt Haig’s 2020 novel, The Midnight Library. Yep, it’s a popular and hyped book covering some pretty intense themes. So here’s an attempt to wrangle a lot of thoughts and feels together. Please note that this blog post contains spoilers! Mental health issues covered in the book:  Suicide,Continue reading “The intensity and beauty of The Midnight Library”

S02E06. You Should See Me in a Crown

Would you run for prom king/queen? There is nothing Liz Lightly would like less, but she’s willing to do whatever it takes to win a scholarship, even if it means facing her fear of the spotlight. With special guests, Hallie and Allie from the Read It, Next podcast, we chat about anxiety representation, cute romance,Continue reading “S02E06. You Should See Me in a Crown”

Please Don’t Hug Me

So, we are experimenting with blog-only reviews. Why? Because producing a podcast episode takes a lot of time and energy, and sometimes we want to get our thoughts out there without all the labour attached! Not that blog posts are exactly instant but, you know, they are much easier to create. So make sure toContinue reading “Please Don’t Hug Me”