Book Cougars Podcast: Two Middle-Aged Women on the Hunt for a Good Read
Books & Literature
About
Chris and Emily discuss books and literary adventures
Episodes
- Episode 259 - Busted by Nathaniel Hawthorne
In Episode 259, the Book Cougars share their recent reading, including books by Hwang Bo-Reum, Patricia Cornwell, Elizabeth Strout, Jung Yun, Amy Bloom, and Caro Claire Burke. Emily details her visits to independent bookstores and a librar…
- Episode 258 - Author Spotlight with Heather Harper Ellett
In Episode 258, the Book Cougars welcome Heather Harper Ellett to discuss the republication of her debut novel, AIN’T NOBODY NOBODY. They cover the new publisher, the revised ending, and the addition of an audiobook. The episode also inclu…
- Episode 257 - Author Spotlight with Emily Franklin
This episode features author Emily Franklin discussing her new historical fiction novel, LOVE AND OTHER MONSTERS, which explores the life of Claire Clairmont, stepsister to Mary Shelley. The conversation delves into Claire's historical sig…
- Episode 256 - Author Spotlight with Sara Catterall & Q2 Readalong Announcement
This episode of Book Cougars features a conversation with biographer Sara Catterall about her book "AMELIA BLOOMER: Journalist, Suffragist, Anti-Fashion Icon." The hosts also announce the Q2 readalong and discuss various books, including "…
- Episode 255 - Q1 Readalong: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
In Episode 255, the Book Cougars discuss Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and its adaptations, noting how filmmakers interpret Shelley's work. They also cover recent reads and advocate for libraries, referencing The Librarians documentary.
- Episode 254 - Author Spotlight with Tiya Miles
In Episode 254, Tiya Miles joins the Book Cougars to discuss her book NIGHT FLYER: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People. Hosts Chris and Emily also briefly mention their current reads, including Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN,…
- Episode 253 - Author Spotlight with Sharon M. Harris
Book Cougars shares their annual Holiday Gift Ideas for book lovers and discusses their fourth-quarter readalong pick, HOW TO SELL A HAUNTED HOUSE by Grady Hendrix. They also review THE BONE THIEF by Vanessa Lillie, WITCHES OF DUBIOUS ORIG…
- Episode 252 - Listener Top Tens of 2025 and New Year Reading Intentions
Episode 252 of the Book Cougars Podcast presents listener-voted Top Ten Reads of 2025, highlighting a first-time second-place nonfiction book. The hosts also share their 2026 reading intentions and discuss books they recently read, includi…
- Episode 251 - Top Ten Reads of 2025 with Russell of Ink and Paper Blog
In Episode 251, the Book Cougars and Russell of Ink and Paper Blog discuss their top ten books read in 2025 and a Biblio Adventure. Over 30 books were mentioned in the episode.
- Episode 250 - In podcasting years, we’re older than America250
In Episode 250, the Book Cougars podcast hosts compare their age to America250, review their 2025 reading accomplishments, and discuss their 2026 theme focusing on books adapted into movies or TV shows. Their first quarter readalong pick i…
- Episode 249 - It’s Our Ninth Anniversary!
The Book Cougars podcast marks its 9th anniversary in Episode 249, discussing Edith Wharton's "Afterward" and their favorite selections from "The Penguin Book of Ghost Stories." They also review recent reads like "The Chicken Sisters," sha…
- Episode 248 - Author Spotlight with Natalie Dykstra
Book Cougars Podcast features an extended author spotlight with biographer Natalie Dykstra. They discuss Dykstra's biography CHASING BEAUTY: THE LIFE OF ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER, which won the New England Society of New York Book Award and…
- Episode 247 - 2025 Holiday Gift Ideas & Q4 Readalong (How to Sell A Haunted House)
Episode 247 of the Book Cougars Podcast covers 2025 Holiday Gift Ideas and the Q4 Readalong selection, "How to Sell A Haunted House".
- Episode 246 - A Flock of Words
In Episode 246, the Book Cougars recap their recent Biblioadventures, which included attending an author event with Mel Rosenthal and Virginia Evans, visiting Columbia University’s Rare Book and Manuscript Library, and browsing Grey Matter…
- Episode 245 - Henry James is dead (to us)
This episode features discussions on Henry James's ghost stories "The Jolly Corner" and "The Turn of the Screw," noting challenges with his writing style despite engaging plots. The hosts also cover Daphne Du Maurier's "The Birds" and ment…
- Episode 244 - Spooky Stories with Our Mystery Man
In Episode 244, the Book Cougars discuss ghost stories from "The Penguin Book of Ghost Stories," including Ambrose Bierce's "The Moonlit Road." They also review A HOUSE WITH GOOD BONES, 107 DAYS, SUNNY SIDE UP, MARGARET FULLER: Collected W…
- Episode 243 - Ghosts, Ghosts, and More Ghosts
In Episode 243, the Book Cougars discuss their fall reading pick, "How to Sell a Haunted House," and other ghost stories they considered. They also review "Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad" by M.R. James, and share recommendations…
- Episode 242 - Announcing the Q4 Readalong!
The Book Cougars Podcast announces their fourth quarter readalong, with adventurous listeners signing up without knowing the book. They discuss recent reads including works by Laurie Colwin, Eden Collinsworth, and Auđur Ava Ólafsdóttir, an…
- Episode 241 - The Yellow Wallpaper
This episode of the Book Cougars Podcast covers discussions on Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper" and Julia Fine's "The Upstairs House." It also touches upon W.W. Jacobs' "The Monkey's Paw," other recent reads, and travel ex…
- Episode 240 - The Nightmare Touch
In Episode 240, the Book Cougars discuss Lafcadio Hearn's ghost story "Nightmare-Touch." They also share details about their recent travels to various bookstores and libraries, mention books they have read and are currently reading, and an…
- Episode 239 - Playwright Spotlight with Laura Thoma
In Episode 239, playwright Laura Thoma joins the Book Cougars to discuss her commissioned play "Letter to My Soul," premiering at the GreenStage Guilford Live Arts Festival. They also discuss Rudyard Kipling's "At the End of the Passage,"…
- Episode 238 - Author Spotlight with Clare Beams
In Episode 238, the Book Cougars podcast features an Author Spotlight with Clare Beams, discussing her novel THE GARDEN. The hosts also share their current reads, including Margaret Fuller and Patrick Ryan, and discuss ghost stories by Rob…
- Episode 237 - From Connecticut to Carbondale
This episode of Book Cougars features discussions on current reads such as THE GARDEN and SILAS MARNER, and recent reads including THE SHINING by Stephen King. The hosts also share Biblio Adventures, including library visits and the Aspen…
- Episode 236 - From Nyack to Nebraska
In Episode 236, hosts Emily and Chris discuss their recent travels, including visits to bookstores and historical sites. They share their reading list, featuring titles like FINDING GRACE and THE PROFESSOR’S HOUSE, and announce their third…
- Episode 235 - Hello, Pittsburgh Calling!
In Episode 235, Chris and Emily share their "Biblio Adventures." Chris recounts visiting libraries and bookstores in Pittsburgh, PA, and Van Wert, Ohio. Emily shares her experience hosting story time at Wesleyan R.J. Julia. They also discu…
- Episode 234 - Author Spotlight with Elissa Altman
In Episode 234, the Book Cougars spotlight memoirist Elissa Altman, discussing her writing process and new book PERMISSION. The hosts also share reviews of various books and recount a trip to NYC.
- Episode 233 - Author Spotlight with Matthew Goodman
Matthew Goodman discusses his new book, PARIS UNDERCOVER, about two middle-aged women who smuggled British servicemen from behind enemy lines during wartime. The conversation covers their story, Etta Shiber's memoir, and the consequences f…
- Episode 232 - Author Spotlight with Eowyn Ivey
The Book Cougars interview author Eowyn Ivey about her book BLACK WOODS BLUE SKY, her writing process, and her reading life, including discussions on motherhood and literary influences. The hosts also review Amelia B. Edwards
- Episode 231 - Author Spotlight with Ruth Franklin
In Episode 231 of Book Cougars Podcast, hosts interview author Ruth Franklin about her books THE MANY LIVES OF ANNE FRANK and SHIRLEY JACKSON: A RATHER HAUNTED LIFE. The episode also features discussions on Mary Elizabeth Braddon's short s…
- Episode 230: "Come for the Skiing, Stay for the Library"
In Episode 230, Book Cougars discuss several books including THE GOOD HOUSE, CARELESS PEOPLE, THE EXTENDED MIND, WOMAN, EATING, MURDER UNDER HER SKIN, THE GHOSTWRITER, TELL ME EVERYTHING, TILDA IS VISIBLE, and "The Haunted and the Haunters…
- Episode 229 - Announcing our 2nd Quarter Readalong in our year of reading Ghost Stories
In Episode 229, the Book Cougars announce their second quarter readalong pick and discuss Fitz-James O’Brien’s ghost story “What Was It?”. Emily reviews several books including LONE WOMEN, while Chris shares her experiences with picture bo…
- Episode 228 - Q1 Readalong: The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Emily and Chris discuss Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House as their first quarterly readalong. The conversation includes other ghost stories, related media like the biography Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life, and mentions o…
- Episode 227 - Spotlight with Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Megan Marshall
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Megan Marshall discusses her new essay collection, After Lives: On Biography and the Human Heart. The hosts also share their recent reading, including works by Caroline Kirkland, Louise Penny, and Elizabeth Ga…
- Episode 226 - A Book-Packed Episode including Listener Top Ten Reads of 2024
In Episode 226, Book Cougars Podcast hosts Chris and Emily share the Listener Top Ten Reads of 2024, which expanded to fourteen due to ties. They discuss a variety of genres including nonfiction, self-help, literary fiction, thrillers, hor…
- Episode 225 - Top Ten Books of 2024 with Russell from Ink and Paper Blog
In Episode 225, Book Cougars Podcast hosts discuss their Top Ten Reads of 2024 with Russell from Ink and Paper Blog. The episode covers over 40 books and features an annual tradition of sharing favorite reads.
- Episode 224 - Author Spotlight with Pamela D. Toler
This episode features author Pamela D. Toler discussing her book THE DRAGON FROM CHICAGO, about American reporter Sigrid Schultz in Nazi Germany. The hosts also share their reading intentions for 2024 and 2025, mentioning specific titles a…
- Episode 223 - Author Spotlight with Brian D. Kennedy
This episode of the Book Cougars Podcast features an author spotlight with Brian D. Kennedy. The hosts are two middle-aged women who discuss books.
- Episode 222 - 2024 Holiday Gift Ideas
In Episode 222, the Book Cougars share their 2024 bookish holiday gift ideas, discussing items they have gifted, received, or purchased themselves. They also cover recent literary experiences, including a visit to a bookstore and a book cl…
- Episode 221 - Trial by Ambush with Marcia Clark and John Valeri
Marcia Clark and John Valeri discuss Clark's true crime book "Trial by Ambush," which investigates the 1953 trial of Barbara Graham. The episode also covers short stories by Shirley Hazzard, Emily Ross, Uche Okonkwo, and Shuly Cawood, plus…
- Episode 220 - A Shocking Buddy-Read with Our Mystery Man John Valeri
In Episode 220, the Book Cougars and guest John Valeri discuss "Murder in the Smithsonian." They also announce newsletter and Patreon giveaways and mention recent reads like "The Dead Romantics," "Boyfriend Material," and "Real Americans,"…
- Episode 219 - Exploring Picture Book Art
In Episode 219, the Book Cougars recap museum and bookstore visits, discussing picture books such as The Tower of Life, The City Tree, and I Am Bat. They also cover short stories and novels including The Mighty Red and Sandwich, and mentio…
- Episode 218 - Playwright Spotlight with Laura Thoma
Episode 218 of the Book Cougars Podcast features playwright Laura Thoma and her new Christmas play, MISS MARGARET’S BARTON COTTAGE CHRISTMAS SURPRISE. The hosts also discuss recent literary events and books read, including short stories an…
- Episode 217 - Author Spotlight with James R. Benn
This episode features James R. Benn, author of the Billy Boyle World War II mystery series, discussing his latest book, THE PHANTOM PATROL. The hosts also review several other titles, including THE MOST, THE GATHERING, DEMON COPPERHEAD, EN…
- Episode 216 - Guest Spotlight with Michael Kelleher, Director of the Windham Campbell Prizes
Michael Kelleher, Director of the Windham Campbell Prizes, explains that the awards are given to writers in four categories: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and playwriting. The episode also covers books read by the hosts, including works by…
- Episode 215 - The Midwest Episode
In this episode, Book Cougars hosts Emily and Chris discuss books read during their visits to the Midwest, where they originally hail from. They cover titles like HOT AIR, SO THIRSTY, and SULWE, along with short stories and recent #biblioa…
- Episode 214 - Biblio Adventure Extravaganza
Emily explored libraries and bookstores in Michigan while visiting her daughter. Chris and Colleen embarked on a four-day literary tour in New England, visiting historical homes and bookstores, and concluded with a Moby Dick marathon.
- Episode 213 - "I'll Have What You're Reading" with Booktuber Shawn Breathes Books
In Episode 213, Book Cougars and guest Shawn Breathes Books revisit the "I'll Have What You're Reading" buddy read and discuss insights from Alice Munro's daughter. They share current reads and discuss short stories by Ann Beattie, Alice E…
- Episode 212 - Author Spotlight with Juliet Grames
Episode 212 of Book Cougars Podcast features author Juliet Grames, discussing her novel THE LOST BOY OF SANTA CHIONIA. The episode also includes updates on the podcast's current buddy read, a future Zoom discussion, and a recap of a Biblio…
- Episode 211 - Deep Dive Into Summer Reading
In Episode 211, the Book Cougars recount a summer Biblio Adventure featuring art inspired by Emily Dickinson, local landmarks, and a bookstore. They also discuss author Ann Leary, a virtual panel on Thomas Merton, and various books read, i…
- Episode 210 - Getting Cozy with Our Mystery Man, John Valeri
In Episode 210, Book Cougars hosts welcome John Valeri to discuss mystery and thriller recommendations and the elements of cozy mysteries. They also review books such as Nora Roberts' THE AWAKENING, Laurie Frankel's THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS I…