Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day is my favorite novel – not because I believe it's objectively the greatest ever written, but because it was the first book that truly showed me what literature could do. It challenged me, reached me, and ultimately set me on the path that would lead to Paperback Friends.

In this episode, we discuss Ishiguro's restrained writing, Stevens as one of literature's great unreliable narrators, identity, duty, regret, and why this quiet novel has become a modern classic.

Along the way, I also reflect on why this book has remained so important to me, and why I chose to save it for the podcast's 100th episode.

Thank you for listening, whether this is your first episode or your hundredth. You are a Paperback Friend =)

Type: Review | Book: The Remains of the Day | Writer: Kazuo Ishiguro

In this episode of Paperback Friends, I return to Frances Hardinge with The Lie Tree, a Victorian mystery where science, religion, reputation, and social systems collide.

This is a novel about deception, but more importantly, it is about the systems that decide what society believes. Hardinge explores gender roles, class, reputation, morality, and the ways people are forced to survive within unfair structures.

I also discuss why The Lie Tree feels like much more than a YA novel, how Hardinge builds complex characters who refuse to fit simple categories, and why a book does not have to be a personal favorite to be worth talking about.

Type: Review | Book: The Lie Tree | Writer: Frances Hardinge

What does it really mean to "not get" a novel? Can an interpretation be wrong, or are books simply open to whatever we bring to them?

In this episode of Paperback Friends, we dive into one of my favorite topics: literary interpretation. We talk about what a book means, the difference between an opinion and an interpretation, why some readings fit a story better than others, and why being willing to challenge your own understanding can make reading far more rewarding.

Along the way, we revisit books like The Secret Garden, Shutter Island, Parable of the Talents, The Dice Man, and Burmese Days to explore how different perspectives can completely change the conversation.

Whether you're a casual reader or someone who loves picking books apart long after you've finished them, I hope this episode encourages you to look a little deeper; without ever forgetting that reading should still be enjoyable.

Because the goal isn't to win an argument about literature – it's to contribute to the conversation.

Type: General | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Parable of the Sower left a massive impression on me, so I expected Parable of the Talents to hit just as hard.

It didn't.

At least... not in the way I expected.

In this episode, we dive into Octavia E. Butler's final Earthseed novel, discussing why this sequel frustrated me, why I think its story is weaker than its predecessor, and how I eventually realized I had misunderstood what Butler was actually trying to accomplish.

We explore Earthseed, faith, family, ideology, and why Parable of the Talents may be less about survival than about humanity's need to believe in something.

Have you read Parable of the Talents? Did it surpass Parable of the Sower, or did you find yourself wrestling with it as much as I did?

Type: Review | Book: Parable of the Talents | Writer: Octavia E. Butler

Some books comfort us. Others challenge us. Some make us uncomfortable, and maybe that's exactly why they're worth reading.

In this episode, we talk about why stepping outside your comfort zone as a reader can be one of the most rewarding things you do. From trying new genres to taking on books that ask more of you, I share my own experiences with difficult literature, why I used to avoid it, and why I think challenge is something to embrace, but never force.

Do you actively seek out books that challenge you, or do you prefer staying within your wheelhouse?

Type: General | Book: N/A | Writer: N/A

Life of Pi is one a beloved novels of the 21st century. It has sold millions of copies, won major awards, inspired a successful film adaptation, and continues to be recommended as a modern classic.

So why did I spend most of my time with it feeling bored?

In this episode, we dive into Yann Martel's famous survival story, following Pi Patel and Richard Parker across the Pacific Ocean as we try to make sense of the core question of "faith vs reason."

Have you read Life of Pi? Which story did you choose to believe?

Type: Review | Book: Life of Pi | Writer: Yann Martel

In this episode of Paperback Friends, I review Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff.

A squad of academy rejects, an ancient galactic threat, a girl lost in time, and enough banter to power a small moon.

Aurora Rising is one of those books that constantly reminded me that I am probably not the target audience for this book. It full of overwritten banter, and enough dollar store humor to feel three episodes of Saved by the Bell. It isn't until the third act the novel get's its act together. It tones down the humor, and delivers by far the best act.

We talk about the writing, the characters, why the middle of the novel nearly lost me entirely, and why some books can be perfectly fine while still not being for me.

Type: Review | Book: Aurora Rising | Writers: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Finally! We are reviewing The Alchemist. This one has been a long time coming, and considering how famous this book is, and what it did to new age; I felt it was only a matter of time before we got here.

In this episode I break down why The Alchemist has connected with so many readers, why the writing is surprisingly competent; even if its philosophies leaves me largely unconvinced. I love when a book challenges my perspectives, and as much as this book is not for me; I walk away from this review not hating this book anymore.

Type: Review | Book: The Alchemist | Writer: Paulo Coelho