Words About Books
Books & Literature
About
Words About Books is a podcast where two wannabe writers read and discuss books. Read along with us, or just enjoy the show! New episodes every Sunday.
Episodes
- Discussing The Name of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
What do you want? It's a secret. Go away. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.threads.net/@wordsaboutbookspodcast Instagram - https:…
- WAOB - What even is a cult (Ft. Cultish by Amanda Montell)
In this episode of Words About Books, hosts Ben and Chy explore the definition of the word "cult," referencing Amanda Montell's work. They aim to establish a clear understanding of the term.
- Discussing The Guncle by Steven Rowley
This episode of Words About Books features a discussion of Steven Rowley's "The Guncle." The hosts, Nate and Ben, explore a scenario where Nate expected Ben to dislike a book, but Ben demonstrated an unexpected ability to appreciate a wide…
- Talking About Tolkien - The Last Debate (Return, 5-9)
This episode of Words About Books, titled 'Talking About Tolkien - The Last Debate,' discusses elements of Tolkien's work, including the mystery of a ghost army and Gandalf's strategy for an assault on Mordor. The recording was delayed due…
- Discussing Chain of Command by Frank Chadwick Part I
Nate discusses Frank Chadwick's Chain of Command, noting his satisfaction with reading a book he truly enjoys. This episode is part one of the discussion, with follow-up episodes planned.
- Talking About Tolkien - The Houses of Healing (Return, 5-8)
This episode of Words About Books focuses on J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Houses of Healing' from 'The Return of the King', referencing the popular saying, 'The hands of the King are the hands of a healer.'
- Discussing Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy: Greater Good: Part II: by Timothy Zahn
The epic conclusion after Ben returns from getting that seltzer! Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.threads.net/@wordsaboutbookspod…
- Talking About Tolkien - The Pyre of Denethor (Return, 5-7)
And so passes Denethor son of Ecthelion... Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.threads.net/@wordsaboutbookspodcast Instagram - https…
- Discussing Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy: Greater Good: Part I by Timothy Zahn
This week Nate reads and discusses another Thrawn book. This is for us. Also Ben's brain leaves his skull like Homer Simpson listening to Flanders' talk about cider and juice. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsabout…
- Talking About Tolkien - The Battle of the Pelennor Fields (Return, 5-6)
“Hinder me? Thou fool. No living man may hinder me!" Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.threads.net/@wordsaboutbookspodcast Instagr…
- Discussing The Odyssey Part IV - Are We Done Yet?
A Fourth Part?!?!? Not since season 1 have we seen such a thing! And to be real, Homer (or the collection of people known as Homer) really could have trimmed a lot of this down. Just a bit too much at the end and it's clearly running out o…
- Talking About Tolkien - The Ride of the Rohirrim (Return, 5-5)
Theoden has arrived too late. He's cut off from Gondor by an army of orcs...then he meets Ghân-buri-Ghân, who really just wants to never have to talk to any of these people again. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsa…
- Discussing The Odyssey Part III - Don't Eat the Cows
Odysseus finishes his telling of his tale to the king of the Phaeoeociians. First by recounting that time that he spent a year sleeping with a Goddess. Then that time he went to the underworld. Then that time he went back to the Goddess's…
- April Fools: Special Announcement: Words About Old Books
Nate has regrettably left the podcast, and there are going to be some changes to how we do things around here. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads…
- Talking About Tolkien - The Siege of Gondor (Return, 5-4)
The armies of Sauron have crossed the river. Denethor is unhappy to say the least. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.threads.net/@…
- Discussing The Odyssey - Odysseus Tries to Get Home (Part 2)
In this episode we follow Odysseus as recounts the first 3 years of his journey to the Phaeacians. Nate's internet connection struggles to remain connected. Ben's car continues to fall apart. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/pr…
- Talking About Tolkien - The Muster of Rohan (Return 5-3)
Rohan gets ready for war. Merry starts to wonder why he never sees Eowyn and Dernhelm in the same place at the same time... Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNR…
- Discussing The Odyssey - Telemechus Sets Out (Part 1)
We're finally reading The Odyssey. Well, some of us are at any rate... Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.threads.net/@wordsaboutbo…
- Talking About Tolkien - The Passing of the Grey Company (5-2)
The only things deader than these paths are Eowyn's dreams. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.threads.net/@wordsaboutbookspodcast…
- Discussing Brigands & Breadknives by Travis Baldree
The stunning conclusion* to the Legends and Lattes Trilogy! It's B&B2! What did the boys think of Fern's midlife crisis? How did it stack up to the other Legends and Lattes Books? What small business are we going to build this time? Find o…
- Talking About Tolkien - Minas Tirith (Return, 5-1)
Gandalf and Pippin arrive in Minas Tirith where they meet the Lord Steward Denethor. You ever see this guy eat a tomato? Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP…
- Chad Dingleton Discusses Chuck Tingle's Compilation Book
Special Guest Chad Dingleton is here to discuss a compilation of Chuck Tingle short stories! Also check our the free episode on Patreon. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://dis…
- Discussing Ship of Destiny by Frank Chadwick (Part 3)
We discuss the exciting conclusion to Ship of Destiny by Frank Chadwick. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.threads.net/@wordsabout…
- Trailer: Pendragon Soldiers of Halla by D. J. MacHale
On PATREON! Ben and Nate finally discuss what everyone has been waiting for with bated breath. The final book in the epic 10-book Pendragon series. All your answers will be answered. All the mystery will be revealed. The final satisfying e…
- Discussing Ship of Destiny by Frank Chadwick (Part 2)
We continue our adventure with Sam Bitka and his lady-owl-friend. Prepare for thrilling engagements and alien wonders. But will it be enough to hold Nate's attention? Will we get a part 3? Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profi…
- Discussing Ship of Destiny by Frank Chadwick Part 1
Ben's wife insisted he read a book with a strange cover. You won't believe what happened. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.thread…
- Discussing Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson Part 2
Tried to make the book's deeper themes a little easier to understand. Failed. Posted the episode anyway. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - htt…
- Discussing Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson Part 1
This week we tackle a Cyberpunk Classic that is genuinely pretty good but maybe twice as long as it needs to be. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threa…
- Discussing Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
This week we discuss a highly stylized book about the navigating the complexities of identity in America. Also Nate is a quarter Japanese. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://d…
- Talking About Tolkien - The Choices of Master Samwise (Towers, 4-10)
Sam loves Frodo more than I have ever loved anything. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.threads.net/@wordsaboutbookspodcast Instag…
- Discussing Beware of Chicken Volume 5 by CasualFarmer
There's a new volume of Beware of Chicken and you'd better believe I'm talking about it. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.threads…
- Talking About Tolkien - Shelob's Lair (Towers, 4-9)
Frodo and Sam face down Shelob. Frequent references are made to The Silmarillion. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.threads.net/@w…
- Discussing The Hunger Games 3: Mockingjay
Starving for Justice! The name writes itself! Anyway, I hope you're ready for the finale of the Hunger Games trilogy! I guess! Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6B…
- Talking About Tolkien - The Stairs of Cirith Ungol (Towers, 4-8)
Frodo and Sam finally cross into Mordor. Ben and Nate become distracted by questions of morality and-ARE THOSE CRUMBS ON SAM'S JACKET?! Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://disc…
- Discussing Hell Hole by Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson (aka the Dune Braintrust)
It's that time of year again! Where Ben and Nate take a brief break and give you an episode from our bonus list. If you want to hear this stuff when it comes out rather than over a year (or 2) later, sign up for your patreon! $3 gets you o…
- End of Year Retrospect & WABie Awards 2025
Ben & Nate are back with real WABies. And someday you might even see the episode if I ever get the video up and running! Yes, Season 6 is over. We give awards to our favorite books, throw out some stats, and head off into the sunset. See y…
- Talking About Tolkien - Journey to the Crossroads (Towers 4-7)
It is the calm before the storm. Frodo, Sam and Gollum enjoy a quiet moment of reflection and so do Ben and Nate. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Thre…
- Merry Yule (Reginsmal and Fafnismal)
As the long night approaches, we tell tales of ancient Gods and Heroes to fortify our courage. Join us in the retelling of Reginsmal and Fafnismal from the Poetic Edda. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.b…
- Talking About Tolkien - The Forbidden Pool (Towers, 4-6)
Gollum enters a forbidden pool and sings a song about murdering everyone. Do you want Faramir to take the shot? Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Thread…
- Discussing Virtual Light by William Gibson
Love the bridge...not so keen on Rydell and Chevette. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.threads.net/@wordsaboutbookspodcast Instag…
- Nate's Naruto Conclusion
A bonus episode in which Nate lays out his concluding thoughts on Naruto. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.threads.net/@wordsabou…
- Talking About Tolkien - The Window On the West (Towers, 4-5)
Detective Faramir is on the case. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threads - https://www.threads.net/@wordsaboutbookspodcast Instagram - https://www.in…
- Discussing the Rest of Naruto (Part II)
We finish our discussion on Naruto. If Ben had only held out we could have just had a 3 hour conversation on Naruto non-stop. But here we are finishing the last, rather small, two arcs. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/…
- Talking About Tolkien - Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit (Towers, 4-4)
Sam teaches us why it's important never to leave our campfires unattended and to ensure that they are properly extinguished when we are done with them. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discor…
- Nate Discusses Naruto Part I
Let's face it, nothing is going to beat Hulk Hogan for Nate's Nightmare November. But this one might come close. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaNRtcP8C Threa…
- Ectoplasm and Photoshop - The History of Spiritualism by Arthur Conan Doyle (Part 3)
The last episode on Arthur Conan Doyle's History of Spiritualism...I promise. We get into the specifics of how manifestation works, the various physical proofs offered on behalf of the Spiritualism, and some of the theology behind the move…
- Talking About Tolkien - The Black Gate is Closed (Towers, 4-3)
Frodo arrives at the Black Gate expecting sweet death to soon follow. (Un)fortunately, Gollum knows another way and the road goes ever on and on. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - ht…
- We Decide Donkey Kong Canon Once and For All
This week of Nate's Nightmare November, we take a break from talking about Hulk Hogan to instead talk about Donkey Kong. First we talk about some book but then we get into the real meat of things when we convene the Council of Nicaea to fi…
- Talking About Tolkien - The Passage of the Marshes (Towers, 4-2)
Gollum leads Sam and Frodo through The Dead Marshes. With each step towards Mordor, Frodo's burden threatens to consume him. Support the show Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/wordsaboutbooks.bsky.social Discord - https://discord.gg/6BaN…
- Surprise! Hulk Hogan had a SECOND BOOK! Hollywood Hulk Hogan BROTHER!
We did it! Nate has achieved maximum Hulkage brother! Ben didn't even know what hit him. He was caught so completely off guard, it was beautiful. It was my master plan. Nothing else this Nightmare November will be able to top that intro, D…