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...literally Mid Year Review 2025
Episode 65
ROI! Synergies! Satisfaction!
The bookish business baddies of Literally Books are doing their mid year review for 2025. Listen this week as they discuss their highest ROI reads, books going on their improvement plan, and next steps in the Literally Books world.
...literally a brief history of smut reads
Episode 64
Magda and Lindsay are on the mic this week to convince you that smut is not a dirty word!
They discuss the history of smut and romance literature through the ages and its deep roots in art. And, of course, to keep things spicy, they add in some recommendations in the genre.
Tune in (with headphones).
...literally How To Pick Your Perfect Summer Read
Episode 63
Summertime, and the reading’s easy…
What makes a good summer read? Good covers? Spicy content? Fun plots? All of the above! Listen this week as Magda and Lindsay dive into their recipe for a perfect summer read, complete with recommendations.
...literally master of me by keke palmer
Episode 62
This week Magda and Lindsay attempt to master a delicate conversation about a book they had deeply ambivalent feelings about. Can you separate art from artist? This week the answer is, we must.
Listen in as they discuss Keke Palmer's, memoir (?)...self help book (?), "Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative."
...Literally a feast of thorns and roses with chelsea cole
Episode 61
This week Magda and Lindsay feast their eyes, ears, stomachs, and minds on the culinary delights of Chelsea Cole’s new book, “A Feast of Thorns and Roses.” Inspired by Sarah J. Maas’s ACOTAR series, Chelsea talks all about her recipe inspirations, her love of all things fantasy and historical fiction, and how to build the ACOTAR dinner party of your Calanmai dreams (complete with faerie wine).
...Literally Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Episode 60
It's literally great big beautiful book review time and, ooph, it..is...a...doozy. Listen in as they debate the attractiveness of a toxic men and the true definition of a romance book. This week, Magda and Lindsay chat all about Emily Henry's latest book, "Great Big Beautiful Life."
...Literally best & worst Literary Moms
Episode 59
In honor of Mother's Day, Magda and Lindsay discuss the peak and valleys of literary moms. Who earns their flowers, and who is leaving some parental scars on their fictional (and sometimes nonfictional) children?
Listen in and find out on this week's Literally Books.
...Literally movie adaptation mayhem with special guests, the based on a book podcast
Episode 58
Are you a “book was better than the movie” person or a “I didn’t read the book, but I’ve sen the movie” person?
This week Literally Books has both camps covered as they chat with the gals of the “Based on a Book Podcast” all about movie adaptations.
Listen in to find out the best, worst, and most anticipated adaptations!
...Literally the $25 book challenge
Episode 57
This week Magda and Lindsay take Half-Priced books by storm. The mission? To add to each other’s TBR with things they think the other must read. But here’s the catch, they have to keep their purchases to less than $25.
How will they choose? Will they torture the other with genre tastes they don’t share? Are fancy book covers the guiding light? Will they change each other’s lives with an unsuspecting new favorite? Listen in to find out!
...Literally texas book trail
Episode 56
This week the gals of Literally Books go back to where it all began a year ago, The Texas book Trail!! This year, they blaze the dusty trails to Lockhart, where they visit a vintage store, a haunted building, a purveyor of artisan candies and a gift shop with a perfectly curated selection of stationary and candles…Oh, and did we mention that each of these are bookstores too? Come join them on their journey as they discuss the magic that can be found when a community comes together.
...Literally EVERYTHING IS TUBERCULOSIS
Episode 55
John Green's "Everything is Tuberculosis" slides its way into the crevices of Magda and Lindsay's brains, living up to its promise that readers will never look at anything again without wondering at its tie to the oldest infectious disease in history.
Listen this week as the Literally gals talk about the highs and lows of this non-fiction work, all about the cultural impacts and devastating reach of tuberculosis.
...Literally bookish review Q1 2025
Episode 54
The Literally Books P&L has never looked better (and by that, of course we mean Magda and Lindsay's page count and literature consumption.)
This week, the gals will circle back on their reading journey so far this year, so you, the readers, are in the loop. Join them and get up to speed on the bottom line for the books they've read so far.
...Literally OATHBOUND REACTIONS: PART 4
Episode 53
*gasping….*hyperventilating…*screaming...*
While all of these could be the titles of part 4 of Tracy Deonn’s “Oathbound,” these words describe Lindsay and Magda’s reactions to the final segment of Bree’s story. Listen as they unpack the nonstop action of the end of this book and make their own guesses at what Bree and the group will get up to in the next book.
...Literally OATHBOUND REACTIONS: PART 3
Episode 52
Things are heating up and Magda and Lindsay can barely handle the tension in part 3 of Tracy Deonn’s “Oathbound.” The stakes could not be higher…death, romance, and power are unleashed, and no reader is impervious to the charms of Bree and Nick. Listen in to the penultimate episode of the Literally Books' “Oathbound" journey.
...Literally OATHBOUND REACTIONS: PART 2
Episode 51
Unstoppable - This is both the name of part 2 of Tracy’s Deonn’s “Oathbound” and also Magda and Lindsay’s feelings about the absolute emotional rollercoaster this book takes its readers on. The characters are going THROUGH it, and Magda and Lindsay are right along with them. Traumas, they’ve got them. Listen along as Magda and Lindsay emotionally process, so you don’t have to.
...Literally OATHBOUND REACTIONS: EPILOGUE AND PART 1
Episode 50
Tracy Deonn has Magda and Lindsay under an absolute spell. This week they react to the third book of the Legendborn Cycle, Oathbound, starting with the prologue and part 1. Buckle in, because the ride is off to a bumpy start and it only gets wilder from here.
...Literally Movie Reactions for booksih people: Mickey 17
Episode 49
Magda and Lindsay cannot get enough of Mickey (not that one). Mild, habanero, literary or on-screen, Edward Ashton’s character Mickey Barnes continues to capture their heart this week, as they provide their live reactions to Bong Joon Ho’s adaptation, Mickey 17.
...Literally Legendborn & Bloodmarked Cram Sesh
Episode 48
Magda and Lindsay attempt a whirlwind recap of Briana Matthew’s journey to her power in this week’s recap of the first two books of Tracy’s Deonn’s Legendborn Cycle series.
In preparation for the long-anticipated third book, Oathbound, join the hosts of Literally Books as they recap the highs and lows “Legendborn: and “Bloodmarked.”
...Literally Mickey7 with Edward Ashton
Episode 47
Work, eat, die, repeat. This is the life of Mickey Barnes, the titular character in Edward Ashton’s “Mickey7.” That simple formula launches some serious philosophical discussions on the nature of humanity, immortality, and identity this week. Magda and Lindsay do a quick recap of the book and its overall themes before being joined by the author himself! Their chat will make you a new person…literally.
...Literally characters that need therapy with Wale okerayi
Episode 46
…And how does that make you feel?
This week, Magda and Lindsay are joined by therapist and literary and pop culture scholar, Wale Okerayi (@theehottgirlbooks) to discuss characters that could probably use some time with a licensed professional to talk through their stuff. The group discusses the fine line between a good story and bad mental health as they review some of their favorite troubled characters.
...Literally Going deep into "Deep End" by Ali Hazelwood
Episode 45
This episode won’t hurt a bit…Promise. Magda and Lindsay discuss Ali Hazelwood’s spicy romance, Deep End (aka Whet, for the real ones).
...Literally Books we wish we never read
Episode 44
Like a bad ex, there are some stories that you just can’t quit, even as they’re emotionally scarring you. Magda and Lindsay discuss books they begrudgingly finished, despite their best judgment. From trad wives to Pulitzer winners, these books beg the question, why you gotta be so mean?
...Literally Pop Culture Catch Up
Episode 43
After a long couple of weeks, Magda and Lindsay are ready to settle in with some sweet treats and a warm blanket. It’s time for a pop culture catch up! This week they discuss casting for Children of Blood and Bone and Fourth Wing; and also the official wrap of the Project Hail Mary movie. They also gush over some potential upcoming adaptations, including Dramione fan fic and a seven figure Netflix deal for Ana Huang, author of the “Twisted” series. Settle in y’all; it’s time to yap.
...Literally not-so-final thoughts: An Onyx storm bonus episode
Episode 42.5
You didn't think that Magda and Lindsay would be done after four measly episodes on Onyx Storm? The Literally Books Quest Squad is back at it with a few side missions, unearthing some more mysteries and hot takes to round out their Onyx Storm read.
...Literally Onyx Storm Reactions: Chapters 51-66
Episode 42
The Literally Books Quest Squad has finished this battle, though the war is not yet over. Magda and Lindsay discuss the jaw-dropping conclusion of Onyx Storm and are left with more questions than answers. Join them as they attempt to emotionally recover from this traumatic tornado of events and try to predict what rainbows may be over the horizon.
...Literally Onyx Storm Reactions: Chapters 33-50
Episode 41
The Literally Books Onyx Storm Quest Squad has made it through the first few squalls, but the true storm is headed straight for them as they near the end of the book. Mira and Aaric have them covered with the inspiring speeches, and boy do they need them, because the dragon mean girls have shown up and spilled some tough tea. Join them for the penultimate episode of Onyx Storm reactions.
...Literally Onyx Storm Reactions: Chapters 16-32
Episode 40
Magda and Lindsay have made it halfway through Onyx Storm, and they feel like Tairn after flying through a tornado. There’s a lot to take in during these chapters. Is Xaden’s venin ability an allegory for addiction? Do we…like Dain now? Welcome to mission two of the Literally Books “Onyx Storm” Quest Squad.
...Literally Onyx Storm Reactions: Chapters 1-15
Episode 39
It’s finally here! Magda and Lindsay dive into their initial thoughts and reactions to the first quarter of Onyx Storm. Brace yourselves as they give a brief, but spoiler-filled summary of the plot twists and turns and their reactions and predictions for what’s to come. Venin and Wyvern and Signets, oh my!
...Literally empyrean series cram sesh!
Episode 38
Who has time for hours and hours of re-reads and recaps? Magda and Lindsay give you the booked and busy person’s recap of the first two books of Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean Series — Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. Are they gonna mispronounce names? Yes. Mix up small details? Absolutely! This is a C-student review to get you, the reader, (mostly) ready for Onyx Storm.
...Literally forged by blood with ehigbor okosun
Episode 37
Beauty standards, finding joy, colonialism, empathy, magic, and the power of stories. These are just a few of the things that Magda and Lindsay discuss with author Ehigbor Okosun in this week’s episode about the first book of her Tainted Blood duology, Forged by Blood.
...Literally best book opening lines
Episode 36
How you doin’, good lookin?
Opening lines are…important when making a first impression. This week Magda and Lindsay chat all about the best book intros, including their favorites and a few critics’ picks they may or may not agree with.
Join them as they start the new year with beginnings to remember.
...Literally End of Year wrap up
Episode 35
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” - The Great Gatsby
“She called in her soul to come and see.” - Their Eyes Were Watching God
Though they may not be able to conclude their season as eloquently and dramatically as the authors above, Magda and Lindsay are in their feels about their last episode of 2024. This week they discuss the best holiday gifts for book lovers, their favorite reads this year, and the bookish happenings they’re looking forward to in 2025.
...Literally Wicked
Episode 34
There’s no place like Literally Books. Though the song says “No One Mourns the Wicked,” Magda and Lindsay are grieving the time they’ll spend waiting for Wicked Part 2 to arrive. This week our hosts traverse the yellow brick road through the history of Oz and all its various iterations and adaptations. Baum, Maguire, and Schwartz, oh my!
...Literally Thankful Awards
Episode 33
Merci, Grazie, Gracias, Danke, Obrigado, Arigatou, Xie Xie….There are a million different ways to say thank you, and Magda and Lindsay feel every single version of gratitude as they dole out their Thankful Awards. This week is devoted to book-related recognition and appreciation.
...Literally Texas Book Festival
Episode 32
It’s their book party, and they’ll cry if they want to. And Magda and Lindsay do shed tears…of joy! Listen as they recap all the amazing wisdom and knowledge from this year’s Texas Book Festival.
...Literally Pop Culture Catch Up
Episode 31
What do Elizabeth Bennett, Jennifer Connelly, and Rebecca Yarros have in common? Absolutely nothing! Well..they're all baddies that Magda and Lindsay discuss in this week's hodgepodge episode about all things literary and literary-adjacent in pop culture. It's a cornucopia of fun!
...Literally The Games Gods Play with Abigail Owen
Episode 30
Magda and Lindsay are not playing games when they say that this book and its author are an absolute pleasure. This week they gush about their love of The Games Gods Play, and then chat with the book’s author, Abigail Owen, all about her experience bringing the characters and story to life.
...Literally Practical Magic
Episode 29
Put the lime in the coconut and drink 'em both together....
It's time for midnight margaritas, because this week Magda and Lindsay discuss their thoughts on Practical Magic, both the book and movie. There's no bad time to drink in this story, but somehow it feels extra special to cap off the solstice (nudity optional, as you well remember!)
...Literally The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
Episode 28
If you've ever walked into a HomeGoods, passed a hand towel that says, "100% That Witch," and thought, "I NEED that!" then this is the episode for you. Magda and Lindsay discuss The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and its themes of found family, acceptance, and the adorable side of spooky. It's no secret that our hosts love this cozy read by Sangu Mandanna.
...Literally Scariest Books (According to the internet)
Episode 27
This week our hosts discuss scary stories to tell in the...absolute glaring light of day with an episode of Mr. Rogers playing in front of a cozy, steamy cup of apple cider. Magda and Lindsay research the all time scariest books. While their reviews are mostly conceptual, because they are far too wimpy to actually read these nightmarish tales, their opinions are, as usual, resolute. Listen if you dare...
...Literally The Midnight Feast
Episode 26
An opening theme song echoing in headphones...a summoning of book nerds...a cryptic message about a story read...This week, our hosts discuss Lucy Foley's "The Midnight Feast." Continuing this month's theme of spooky, but definitely not scary, stories, Magda and Lindsay meander through the plot of this semi-unhinged story where Midsommar meets White Lotus meets Goop.
...Literally Upcoming Adaptations
Episode 25
As much as our hosts LOVE to read (and they really, really love to read), sometimes you just need to cozy up with a bowl of popcorn and a good flick. So this week, Magda and Lindsay discuss their most anticipated adaptations. This episode attempts to answer tough questions like, "Was Gabriel García Márquez right about the impossibility of a movie version 100 years of Solitude?" and "What does a NightB**tch look like?"
...Literally BRZRKR Vol. 3
Episode 24
Cults, clones, and serious daddy issues abound in the exciting conclusion of the BRZRKR comic series. Magda and Lindsay wrap up their final thoughts and lament the (hopefully temporary) conclusion of Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt's weird and wonderful universe. Come back to us Keanu..er..uh..Unute!
...Literally Butcher & Blackbird
Episode 23
Orzo pasta...beef tartare...cookies and cream ice cream. Never has a meal turned stomachs more, and yet it's not even close to the biggest ick discussed on this week's episode about Brynne Weaver's murderous romantic comedy (yes, you read that right), Butcher & Blackbird.
Magda and Lindsay welcome special guest Ashley, one of the hosts of the Book Talk Babes Podcast, to discuss this delightfully demented love story.
...Literally A Flight of Wine and Fiction
Episode 22
Everybody with a pub gettin' tipsy....publication, that is! Magda and Lindsay chat with the queen of wine and book pairings, Michelle from @bibliovino. Together, they create the perfect flight, including white wines in summertime, rosé and romance, and a bold red for an immortal odyssey. Listen in to find the perfect read to fit your mood.
...Literally Guilty Pleasures: Twilight
Episode 21
Twilight...oh yeah, we've heard of it. It's fine or whatever...I mean go Team Edward! (Or maybe team Bellice for the diehards) Magda and Lindsay are joined this week by the hosts of the Write Out Loud podcast, Matt and Christina to chat guilty pleasure reads! We discuss what makes something a guilty pleasure and why Twilight is the pinnacle of this category.
...Literally BRZRKR Redux
Episode 20
Ever since last week’s episode, Magda and Lindsay have been sitting on a bench, with a sandwich in hand, staring blankly into the void. So to cure their Keanu longing, they’re endeavoring on another excellent adventure into BRZRKR vol. 2!
...Literally BRZRKR
Episode 19
Magda and Lindsay recap their first comic book on the show. Created by Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt and drawn by Ron Garney, the BRZRKR series follow our leading man, B, an immortal seeking answers about his origins and a remedy for his endless existence and thirst for bloodshed.
...Literally It Ends With Us
Episode 18
Magda and Lindsay discuss It Ends With Us, both the book and the film adaptation. They explore the off screen tension around the film’s production and subsequent press tour before diving into the highlights and pitfalls of the story itself. This episode includes conversations around domestic violence and sexual assault. National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788