Lit Society: Books and Drama

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (Part 2)

To hear this episode in full, subscribe to LIT Society on Patreon.
We begin this week's episode with a tour of hidden and secret libraries worldwide (2:00). Then, let's continue with the conclusion of The Shadow of the Wind (10:45). Daniel unravels the tragic end of Julián Carax, uncovers a heartbreaking love story buried beneath layers of deception, vengeance, and sacrifice. In a climactic confrontation, long-hidden truths come to light, offering both closure and redemption to those haunted by the past. With its breathtaking twists and a profoundly satisfying resolution, The Shadow of the Wind leaves readers fascinated, proving that some stories—and loves—can never be erased. We then discuss our final verdict and if we'd recommend this book (11:30).
 
This week, we're discussing the conclusion of The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón.
 
Let's get LIT!
Links & Resources:
Grab your Digital Reading Journal here: ETSY or Patreon
Want more bookish fun? Check out our archive of episodes! (www.LITSocietyPod.com)
Shop Kari's collection of luxury literary-themed candles at www.lovelitotes.com.
Find Alexis and Kari online: 
Instagram — www.instagram.com/litsocietypod
Bluesky — https://bsky.app/profile/litsocietypod.bsky.social
Our website — www.LitSocietyPod.com.
Subscribe to emails and get free stuff: http://eepurl.com/gDtWCr.

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón (Part 1)

In post-war Barcelona, a young boy named Daniel discovers a mysterious novel, The Shadow of the Wind, only to learn that someone has been systematically destroying every copy of the author's works. As he delves into the book's secrets, Daniel becomes entangled in a dark, decades-old mystery of love, betrayal, and revenge that mirrors the story within the pages. Atmospheric, haunting, and full of twists, Carlos Ruiz Zafón's novel is a captivating ode to literature and its secrets.
00:00 Intro01:30 A Game: WAS THE BOOK BANNED?26:43 Who was Carlos Ruiz Zafón, the author?32:30 A deep dive into the plot of The Shadow of the Wind01:18:10 Dramatic Reading: Javier and His Mother01:20:18 Our verdict on the first half of The Shadow of the Wind
This week's book: The Shadow of the Wind
The author: Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Let's get LIT!
 
Links & Resources:
Grab your Digital Reading Journal here: ETSY or Patreon
Want more bookish fun? Check out our archive of episodes! (www.LITSocietyPod.com)
Shop Kari's collection of luxury literary-themed candles at www.lovelitotes.com.
Find Alexis and Kari online: 
Instagram — www.instagram.com/litsocietypod
Bluesky — https://bsky.app/profile/litsocietypod.bsky.social
Our website — www.LitSocietyPod.com.
Subscribe to emails and get free stuff: http://eepurl.com/gDtWCr.

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer

This is a Patreon Member Exclusive Episode (PMEE), meaning you must be a paid member of our Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/litsocietypod) to hear the entire episode. Today's book is about a death doula who attends death cafes to avoid pragmatically taking hold of her own life. If you have no idea what a death doula or a death cafe is, listen on. We'll break it down.
America's biggest city is full of people dying alone, filled with regrets. Clover wants to change that, and so she becomes a death doula, a professional who sits and listens and helps others let go of this life. But what's the point of giving someone a beautiful death if you can't give yourself a beautiful life? Will Clover learn how to live before it's too late, and she, too, is full of regrets?
The book: The Collected Regrets of Clover
The author: Mikki Brammer
Let's get LIT!
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro and brief Synopsis
02:42 - Society Says
05:25 - Who is the author Mikki Brammer?
09:25 - Who may enjoy The Collected Regrets of Clover
14:55 - A Deep Dive into the Plot (Patreon exclusive section)
15:00 - Discussion about the book
29:40 - Our final verdict
Links & Resources:
Grab your Digital Reading Journal here: ETSY or Patreon
Want more bookish fun? Check out our archive of episodes! (www.LITSocietyPod.com)
Shop Kari's collection of luxury literary-themed candles at www.lovelitotes.com.
Find Alexis and Kari online: 
Instagram — www.instagram.com/litsocietypod
Bluesky — https://bsky.app/profile/litsocietypod.bsky.social
Our website — www.LitSocietyPod.com.
Subscribe to emails and get free stuff: http://eepurl.com/gDtWCr.

How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair (Season 6 Premiere)

Hey there, Team LITeratti and welcome to SEASON SIX of LIT Society!!! ("noises of celebration")
We're so happy to be back with you and discussing AMAZING books and stories. We begin this episode by catching up and letting you all know what we've been doing with our time away (00:00). Then we discuss "Who is Haile Selassie?"—our theme of the week (07:00). We give a brief overview of the author (11:58). Then we begin a deep dive and discussion into How to Say Babylon, the celebrated memoir by Safiya Sinclair (20:50).
 
Under the thumb of a strict Rastafarian upbringing, a young girl carves a path to freedom through resilience and the power of poetry.
The girl: Safiya Sinclair
The book: How to Say Babylon
Let's get LIT!
Links & Resources:
Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litsocietypod
Grab your Digital Reading Journal here: ETSY or Patreon
Want more bookish fun? Check out our archive of episodes! (www.LITSocietyPod.com)
Find Alexis and Kari online: 
Instagram — www.instagram.com/litsocietypod
Bluesky — https://bsky.app/profile/litsocietypod.bsky.social
Our website — www.LitSocietyPod.com.
Subscribe to emails and get free stuff: http://eepurl.com/gDtWCr.

Season Wrap-Up: Our Favorite (and Least Favorite) Reads of the Year!

Grab your Digital Reading Journal here: ETSY or Patreon.
We reflect on another year of incredible (and sometimes not-so-incredible) reads! In this fun and insightful episode, we share our top book picks of the year—stories that captivated our imaginations and stayed with us long after the final page. But it's not all sunshine and roses! We also dive into the books that fell flat, disappointed, or didn't live up to the hype.
Spoiler: Not every book is a winner! From thrillers that missed the mark to classics that didn't resonate, we are open and more honest than ever.
 
But it's not all about the misses! Tune in to hear the stories that swept us off our feet and the lessons we learned along the way. Plus, we discuss trends we noticed this year in our reading habits and what we're looking forward to tackling next season.
Highlights from This Episode:
What makes a thriller like Falling fail to land for some readers?
The surprising ways we connect (or don't) with main characters like Finlay Donovan.
Our top book recommendations that are absolutely worth your time!
Listener Question: What was your favorite book of the year? Did you read anything you wish you hadn't? Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #LITSocietyPodcast.
Support the Show:
Love LIT Society? Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! Visit our website for exclusive merch, including our Digital Reading Journal designed by Kari, and follow us on Patreon, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @LITSocietyPod.
Join the Conversation:
What books are you looking forward to next year? Share your TBR list with us, and let's inspire each other to keep reading!
Links & Resources:
Grab your Digital Reading Journal here: ETSY (https://www.etsy.com/shop/litsocietypod) or Patreon
Want more bookish fun? Check out our archive of episodes! (www.LITSocietyPod.com)
Thanks for listening, LIT Lovers!

Keke Palmer's Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative

Listen to full episodes for free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/litsocietypod 
From an award-winning, multihyphenate global entertainer comes one of the most anticipated books of the year - the inspiring guide to understanding your genuine value and identity based on her real-life experience conquering her industry for decades.
The book: Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative
The author: Keke Palmer
LET'S GET LIT!
 
Find Alexis and Kari online: 
Instagram — www.instagram.com/litsocietypod
Twitter — www.twitter.com/litsocietypod
Facebook — www.facebook.com/LitSocietyPod
Our website — www.LitSocietyPod.com. 
Subscribe to emails and get free stuff: http://eepurl.com/gDtWCr 

All Systems Red (Murderbot Diaries #1)

Listen to full episodes for free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/litsocietypod 
On a distant planet, a team of scientists is conducting surface tests, shadowed by their company-supplied droid. This self-aware security unity has hacked its governor module and refers to itself as MURDERBOT.
The book: All Systems Red
The author: Martha Wells
LET'S GET LIT!
 Find Alexis and Kari online: 
Instagram — www.instagram.com/litsocietypod
Twitter — www.twitter.com/litsocietypod
Facebook — www.facebook.com/LitSocietyPod
Our website — www.LitSocietyPod.com. 
Subscribe to emails and get free stuff: http://eepurl.com/gDtWCr 

[PREVIEW] All My Sons by Arthur Miller

Listen to the full episode on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litsocietypod. 
World War II is over, and peace reigns in American suburbia. Under a tree in the Keller family's placid backyard, planted to commemorate a son missing in action, Chris Keller courts Ann, the charming, forthright young woman his brother left behind. But their growing passion disturbs the surface calm of the Keller household. When a storm blows down the memorial tree, a family secret is uprooted, setting the characters on a terrifying journey toward truth.
The play: All My Sons
The playwright: Arther Miller
LET'S GET LIT!
 
* Synopsis from play.
Find Alexis and Kari online: 
Instagram — www.instagram.com/litsocietypod
Twitter — www.twitter.com/litsocietypod
Facebook — www.facebook.com/LitSocietyPod
Our website — www.LitSocietyPod.com. 
Subscribe to emails and get free stuff: http://eepurl.com/gDtWCr 

James by Percival Everett (Preview)

Listen to the full episode for free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litsocietypod/membership. 
A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , both harrowing and ferociously funny, told from the enslaved Jim's point of view.When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and too-often-unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.*
LET'S GET LIT!
* Synopsis from Goodreads.
Find Alexis and Kari online: 
Instagram — www.instagram.com/litsocietypod
Twitter — www.twitter.com/litsocietypod
Facebook — www.facebook.com/LitSocietyPod
Our website — www.LitSocietyPod.com. 
Subscribe to emails and get free stuff: http://eepurl.com/gDtWCr 

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It: A Novel by Elle Cosimano [Preview]

Listen to the full episode for free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/litsocietypod/membership. 
Thanks to her lying ex-husband, Finlay juggles two kids, a deadline for her next book and her sanity. If that's not enough, she soon finds herself working against the Russian Mafia as the prime suspect in the disappearance of one of their top men! Will she escape this predicament without losing her kids and her freedom?
LET'S GET LIT!
Before we dive into the plot, we discuss Terrible Crimes Solved in Surprising Ways. Source for this discussion: Business Insider: 5 real crimes that were solved in unbelievable ways. https://www.businessinsider.com/crimes-twists-history-2018-2.
NOTE: Kari gets a little passionate in this episode, but it should be made clear that we both respect the work of authors and appreciate the stories they produce.
Find Alexis and Kari online: 
Instagram — www.instagram.com/litsocietypod
Twitter — www.twitter.com/litsocietypod
Facebook — www.facebook.com/LitSocietyPod
Our website — www.LitSocietyPod.com. 
Subscribe to emails and get free stuff: http://eepurl.com/gDtWCr