Embedded Player
...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
...Literally Mid Year Reviews
Episode 17
It’s mid year review season! Our hosts talk about their favorite books this year and why they loved them. Grab your snacks, get comfy, and skip to the best parts (so far). There’s literally something for everyone…so get your review hats on.
...Literally Project Hail Mary
Episode 16
Fist my bump! This week Lindsay and Magda gush about Andy Weir's hilarious sci-fi book, Project Hail Mary. It's a feat for two liberal arts majors to dig into a science-heavy plot, but they brave the work, because the book is that good. Join the journey, you'll love it...
...Literally We Can't
Episode 15
Ughh....sigh....blerg...This episode is all about hate reads and DNF's (did not finish). As readers, we accept that not everything can be a winner, but man is it frustrating trying to slog through. This week, Magda and Lindsay discuss what causes them to abandon ship and the kinds of stories they hate so much that they just have to finish them out of spite.
...Literally Cookbooks
Episode 14
This week our hosts get cooking...literally and figuratively. Magda and Lindsay discuss cookbooks and books about cooking. (There IS a distinction). They talk about the history of cookbooks and their place as a litmus test of culture and technology. So much to digest!
...Literally A Conversation with Julia London
Episode 13.5
This is an extra special follow-up conversation to the deep dive on "Nice Work, Nora November" with the book's author, Julia London!! Julia chats with Magda and Lindsay about her newest book, including research on near death experiences, her writing process, and even an update on a new owl friend.
...Literally nice work, nora november
Episode 13
Julia London's latest book, "Nice Work, Nora November" is all about second chances. The book's main character, the flawed and lovable Nora, uses her second chance after a near death experience to refashion her life into something she loves by creating a "reverse bucket list." In this week's episode, Magda and Lindsay give their thoughts on the book and walk through Nora's progression from a depressed people-pleaser to an endearing and relatable work in progress.
...Literally self help
Episode 12
This week Magda and Lindsay ask themselves the question, what is a self help book, and does it actually make us better? Magda gives a rundown of the genre's history and evolution over time. Then, our hosts discuss their personal experiences with self improvement books, including what they've loved, hated, and even some that don't fit the mold, but have enriched their lives nonetheless. It's literally self care just to listen to them talk about it...
...Literally coffee talk
Episode 11
Settle in listeners, because this week's episode is like a warm blanket. Magda and Lindsay catch up and talk about the lovely shenanigans at two author events for Julia London and Katherine Center. And, of course, they discuss all the exciting news to come out in the book world these last few weeks.
...Literally blood at the root
Episode 10
Magda and Lindsay literally lose their minds trying to capture the unique wonder that is LaDarrion Williams' "Blood at the Root." In this episode, our hosts humbly attempt to analyze the magic, the history, and the complex character development of the book, whose elevator pitch is, "What if Harry Potter attended an HBCU," but that ultimately gives its reader so much more.
...Literally bridgerton dreams and romance themes
Episode 09
Magda and Lindsay discuss their thoughts on episodes 3 and 4 of Bridgerton, season 3. Has Francesca finally found a partner for life to sit with silently? Are Eloise and Cressida destined to be together? Why was that balloon moving so, so slowly?
Then, they delve into their favorite and least favorite romance tropes and clichés with book recommendations to match.
...Literally Brittney Griner's Coming Home
Episode 08
Magda and Lindsay delve into Coming Home by Brittney Griner and Michelle Burford. This episode recaps the WNBA all-star and two-time olympic gold medalist's memoir about her arrest and subsequent incarceration in the Russian prison system. This beautifully written, heart-wrenching story deals with themes of patriotism, sports, gender pay inequity, racism, politics, war, true love and other topics too numerous to list, and our hosts attempt to tackle it all.
...Literally Bride
Episode 07
...Literally an hour of Magda and Lindsay gushing about their love of Ali Hazelwood's "Bride." Before diving into the world of Misery Lark and friends, Magda discusses her newfound obsession with tv procedurals, and Lindsay reluctantly admits she may or may not be becoming a full-fledged romance reader...
...Literally Trips
Episode 06
In this episode, trips take many forms-some literal and some figurative. Magda and Lindsay journey through their local bookstores and discuss what makes them magical. From there, they explore Alexandra Kiley's, Kilt Trip, a book about love and travel and every Scottish tourist trap you've never heard of. Buckle your seat belts and ensure your volume knobs are in their full upright position...literally.
...Literally Bridgerton
Episode 05
Ladies and Gentleman, pour yourselves a cup of tea and delve into the regency era fantasy that is Bridgerton...Literally. These podcasters have heard whispers from the ton that there's much to be said about Ms. Shonda Rhimes' bold interpretation of Ms. Julia Quinn's passionate, and sometimes misguided, tales of romance and gossip. ...The Scandal!
...Literally The Power of Taylor Swift
Episode 04
...Literally an episode all about Queen T. Swift’s influence on authors (plus some other music too). Students of The Tortured Poets Department, take out your typewriters. It’s time to talk all things books and music.
...Literally Adaptations
Episode 03
...Literally the definitive list of best and worst adaptations...that Magda and Lindsay have read and seen in the little free time that life affords them to research these things. They review their top and bottom 3 movie and television adaptations from Breakfast at Tiffany's to Twilight.
...Literally Slumps
Episode 02
...Literally an episode where we discuss the inevitable reading slump. Join us for some tips and tricks on how to climb out of a reading depression.
...Literally Community
Episode 01
...Literally the very first episode where Magda and Lindsay introduce themselves, talk about the books that made them, and delve into how reading builds community.