Books Around the Block

Adrienne, Audrey, Lindsay

We’re Adrienne, Audrey, and Lindsay—three neighbors who can’t stop talking about books, so we’re bringing the conversation to you. Each episode, we’ll dive into the stories we love (and maybe a few we don’t), mixing fun with literary insight. So get ready to laugh, add to your TBR, and join the discussion—because in our neighborhood, a good book is always just around the block.

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#74
Tuesday · 1 hr 10 min
Chapter 74: Whistler by Ann Patchett Book Club Discussion
It’s time for our August book club discussion! In this episode of Books Around the Block, we’re diving into Whistler by Ann Patchett, sharing our ratings and discussing the book in full, including characters, relationships, major themes, favorite moments, and all of our thoughts on the ending. Warning: this episode contains full spoilers for Whistler. We’re also announcing our September book club pick, so stick around to find out what we’ll be reading next! If you love book club discussions, Ann Patchett books, book reviews, spoiler discussions, book recommendations, and finding your next great read, this episode is for you. What did you think of Whistler? Did it live up to the hype? Listen in for our full review, ratings, and spoiler-filled discussion! Five by Ilona Bannister The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow The Five Star Weekend by Elin Hildebrand Strangers by Belle Burden
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#73
August 18 · 47 min
Chapter 73: Back to School Books You Need to Read
It's time to go back to school! In this episode of Books Around the Block, we're sharing 6 must-read books set in schools, colleges, boarding schools, and academic settings, or books that are academia adjacent. Each of us brings two books to the table, covering everything from school drama and campus life to academia, boarding schools, dark academia, secrets, friendships, and more. Whether you're looking for back to school books, books set at school, campus romance, or dark academia reads, we've got plenty of books to add to your TBR. You don't have to go back to school to read these books! My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney Whistler by Ann Patchett The Five Star Weekend by Elin Hildebrand The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman Heart the Lover by Lily King The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen The Academy by Elin Hildebrand Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
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#72
August 11 · 41 min
Chapter 72: We Rate BookTok and Bookstagram Viral Books
What happens when a book takes over BookTok and Bookstagram, everyone is talking about it, and you finally read it? In this episode of Books Around the Block, each host brings a viral, trending, or hugely hyped book from social media and gives the ultimate verdict: loved it or loathed it? We’re talking about the books that dominated BookTok, flooded our feeds, made it onto everyone’s TBR, and had readers everywhere talking. We’re breaking down whether these popular books actually lived up to the hype. If you love BookTok books, Bookstagram recommendations, trending books, popular books, and honest book reviews, this episode is for you! P.S. We are also tackling a LOT of True Crime in our Read, Watch, Obsessed segment, so don't miss the first 25 minutes of this episode, especially if you're paying attention to the Lindsay Clancy trial. Take What You Can by Naima Coster We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt 25 Days by Per Jacobson I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin
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#71
August 4 · 1 hr 3 min
Chapter 71: July Monthly Reading Wrap-Up & Our August TBR Hopefuls
Looking for your next great read? In this month's reading recap, we're sharing every book we read in July, including our favorite book, our biggest disappointment, and one book we just had to rant or rave about. Whether you're searching for your next five-star read or hoping to avoid a book that didn't live up to the hype, we've got plenty of honest opinions and book recommendations to add to your TBR. Then we're looking ahead to August and each sharing the two books we're hoping to read this month. From new releases to backlist favorites, we're talking about the books we currently have on our TBR. If you love book recommendations, monthly reading wrap-ups, TBR videos, book club discussions, romance books, thrillers, historical fiction, literary fiction, and all things Bookstagram and BookTok, you'll feel right at home with Books Around the Block. Follow the podcast so you never miss a new episode every Tuesday, and come read with us! The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead by Mai Nguyen The Unknown by Riley Sager Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune The Hour of the Wolf by Fatima Bhutto Daggermouth by H.M. Wolfe Savor It by Tarah DeWitt Someone Else's Husband by Kimberly McCreight The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves Just For The Season by Rachel Griffiths Its A Love Story by Annabel Monaghan The Lake Club by Lina Patton For Love of the Grind by Sara Hall The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen The Replacement by Liv Constantine The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark The Five Star Weekend by Elin Hildebrand Love You More by Emily Giffin Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green Love Felt Like This by Julie Olivia Whistler by Ann Patchett
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#70
July 28 · 1 hr 1 min
Chapter 70: Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune Book Club Discussion
It's time for another Books Around the Block Book Club! This week we're diving deep into Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune, breaking down everything from the friends-to-lovers trope and whether this newest release lives up to the hype. We also share our individual star ratings, discuss what worked (and what didn't), and reveal our dream cast if Our Perfect Storm is ever adapted into a movie. As always, we kick things off with Read, Watch, Obsessed. That entire opening segment is completely spoiler-free, so even if you haven't read Our Perfect Storm yet, you can listen to the first 15 minutes of the episode without worry. Before we begin our full book discussion, we give a clear spoiler warning, so you'll know exactly when it's time to pause if you're still reading. If you're looking for an Our Perfect Storm podcast discussion, Carley Fortune book review, Our Perfect Storm ending explained, or a fun, in-depth book club podcast covering the biggest new romance releases, this episode is for you.
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#69
July 21 · 1 hr
Chapter 69: Our Mid-Year Reading Wrap-Up (Best and Worst Books of 2026 So Far)
We're halfway through the year, which means it's time for our biggest reading recap yet! In this special mid-year episode of Books Around the Block, we're looking back at everything we've read since January and sharing our top 3 favorite books so far, our biggest reading disappointments, and the publishing trends we've noticed throughout the first half of 2026. If you're looking for your next great read or wondering which new releases are actually worth the hype, this episode is filled with honest book reviews, must-read recommendations, and plenty of books to add to your TBR. It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan Just for the Season by Rachel Griffiths Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez The Elements by John Boyne Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan This story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum Dear Debbie by Frieda McFadden Women Down by Colleen Hoover Told You So by Mayci Neeley Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick Caller unknown by Gillian McAllister Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
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#68
July 14 · 34 min
Chapter 68: Best Mindless Reads & Page-Turners That Don't Require Much Brainpower
Looking for your next easy read? In this episode of Books Around the Block, we're sharing our favorite mindless reads—the easy-to-read, fast-paced page-turners that don't require a ton of brainpower but are nearly impossible to put down. Whether you're in a reading slump, heading on vacation, just finished reading something heavy, or simply want an entertaining book that keeps the pages turning, we've got recommendations across romance, thrillers, mysteries, women's fiction, and more. If you're searching for the best easy books to read, binge-worthy novels, or books that will get you reading again, this episode is packed with recommendations you'll want to add to your TBR. We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter It's A Love Story by Annabel Monaghan The Whisper Man by Alex North Hot Girl Murder Club by Ashley Winstead The Storied Life of A.J. Fikery by Gabrielle Zevin Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak The Rumor by Elin Hildebrand Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
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#67
July 7 · 1 hr 7 min
Chapter 67: June Monthly Reading Wrap-Up & Our July TBR Hopefuls
Looking for your next great book? In this month's reading wrap-up, we're sharing our honest reviews of everything we read in June. From our favorite five-star books to the biggest disappointments, we hold nothing back. Then we're diving into our July TBR and the new releases, backlist hopefuls, and summer required reading we're hoping to read next. If you love book recommendations, monthly reading wrap-ups, and discovering the best books to add to your TBR, this episode is for you. Grab your favorite drink and snack, and join us as we chat all things books, reading, and summer reading! Someone Else’s Husband by Amelia McCreight The Ex-Vows by Jessica Joyce All The Ugly and Wonderful Things by Brynn Greenwood Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth Love, theoretically by Ali Hazelwood The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff Ask Not by Maureen Callahan Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick Woman Down by Colleen Hoover All The Little Ways by Laura Lekkos Dolly All Time by Annabel Monahan It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell Theo of Golden by Allen Levi What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston Like, Follow, Subscribe by Fortesa Latifi The One Day You were My Husband by Rosie Walsh Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling The Divine Counselor by Alex Seeley Five by Ilona Bannister It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan Hot Girl Murder Club by Ashley Winstead Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson The Woman In White by Sarah Pekkanen Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
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#66
June 30 · 1 hr 8 min
Chapter 66: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi Book Club Discussion
Is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi worth the hype? In this month's Books Around the Block Book Club, we're diving deep into one of the year's most talked-about novels with our discussion, which includes spoilers. Before we jump into the book, the first 23 minutes are our signature Read, Watch, Obsessed segment, where we share what we've been reading, watching, and loving lately. That entire portion is completely spoiler-free, so everyone can listen! After that, it's full steam ahead into Theo of Golden with spoilers. We break down the plot, characters, emotional moments, writing style, themes, and ending, share our final ratings, debate what worked (and what didn't), and unpack all the biggest moments. Whether you've already finished the book a while ago or you're looking for an in-depth book club discussion after turning the last page, this episode is for you. If you love book podcasts, book club discussions, spoiler reviews, and discovering what to read next, be sure to subscribe to Books Around the Block for our monthly book club episodes. Like, Follow, Subscribe by Fortesa Latifi Theo of Golden by Allen Levi You With A View by Jessica Joyce It Could Have been Her by Lisa Jewell Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
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#65
June 23 · 51 min
Chapter 65: Our Most Anticipated Books of Q3 2026 (July, August, September New Releases)
In this week's episode of Books Around the Block, Audrey, Adrienne, and Lindsay each share their three most anticipated book releases of Q3 2026, featuring upcoming books hitting shelves in July, August, and September. From buzzy new fiction and emotional literary novels to page-turning thrillers and can't-miss romances, we're sharing the books we're most excited to add to our TBRs and why we think these upcoming releases could become some of the biggest books of the year. Dolly All The Time by Annabel Monaghan Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown Take what you can by Naima Coster The Good Parts by Evan Normanand The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel The Wild Beneath by Kelly Anderson The Unknown by Riley Sager Hollow Bones by Jodi Picoult The Truth about Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley and Agatha Christy Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
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#64
June 16 · 35 min
Chapter 64: Books That Feel Like Your Favorite Summer Movies
Summer is here, and we're combining two of our favorite things: movies and books! In this episode of Books Around the Block, Audrey, Adrienne, and Lindsay each bring one of their favorite summer movies and pair it with a book that captures the same atmosphere, themes, characters, and emotional vibes. Whether you're looking for the perfect beach read, planning your summer reading list, or searching for books like your favorite summer movies, we've got recommendations for romance readers, contemporary fiction lovers, and anyone chasing that nostalgic summer feeling. If you're searching for summer book recommendations, beach reads, books to read on vacation, or books that feel like your favorite movies, this episode is for you. Ask Not by Maureen Callahan Dolly all the time by Annabel Monaghan Japanese gothic by Kylie Lee Baker My Friends by Fredrik Backman The Wedding People by Alison Espach Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
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#63
June 9 · 44 min
Chapter 63: Books We Regret Reading (& Books We'd Read Again for the First Time)
In this episode of Books Around the Block, the three of us each share two unforgettable reads: one book we wish we could permanently wipe from our memory because we hated it, and one book we wish we could erase just so we could experience reading it for the very first time again. From disappointing books that didn't live up to the hype to all-time favorite novels that gave us book hangovers, we're sharing our most memorable reading regrets and our most beloved book recommendations. Expect plenty of strong opinions, passionate defenses, and a few controversial picks along the way. Whether you're looking for book recommendations, wondering which popular books might not be worth the hype, or searching for your next five-star read, this episode is packed with discussion about the best books we've ever read and the books we'd rather forget. June Baby by Shannon Garvey What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston Expecting Adam by Martha Beck The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin The House on the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah Maas Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
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#62
June 2 · 1 hr 1 min
Chapter 62: May Monthly Reading Wrap-Up & Our June TBR
In this monthly reading wrap-up episode of Books Around the Block, we’re sharing our best and worst books of the month of May… the ones we loved, the ones we didn’t, and the ones we cannot stop thinking about. We break down everything we read in May with honest, unfiltered reviews, from standout 5-star favorites to the biggest disappointments. If you’re looking for real opinions before adding books to your TBR, this episode is packed with must-read recommendations and a few you might want to skip. We also share two books we’re planning to read in June, giving you a preview of our upcoming TBR. We also reveal Lindsay's birthday read, and she's not happy. Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali Fever Dream by Ali Hazelwood Dolly All The Time by Annabel Monaghan The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James The Shippers by Katherine Center Labor by Mary Fariba Afsari The Social Climber by Amanda Pellegrino This is Me by Hayden Panettierre Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke The Situationship by Abby Jiminez The Good Lie by A.R. Torre The One Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker Someone Else's Husband by Kimberly McCreight Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood
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#61
May 26 · 57 min
Chapter 61: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Book Club
In this special book club episode of Books Around the Block, we’re discussing Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke and trust us, we had THOUGHTS. From differing opinions to deep dives into the characters, themes, and that twist ending, we unpack every part of this buzzy bestseller and process together in real time. There are NO spoilers for the first 15 minutes of this episode, and we give a full spoiler warning before diving deeper into our discussion. If you’re looking for a detailed Yesteryear book review and book club podcast or readers reacting to Caro Claire Burke’s novel, this episode is for you. Whether you loved the book, hated the book, or are still trying to figure out how you feel about it, come process Yesteryear with us! American Fantasy by Emma Straub Fever Dream by Elsie Silver A Good Lie by A.R. Torre Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
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#60
May 19 · 36 min
Chapter 60: Beach Read Books You Need This Summer
This week on Books Around the Block, we’re diving into the ultimate beach reads for summer. Each host brings two must-read books perfect for vacation reading, lazy pool days, and long afternoons in the sand. From addictive thrillers that will keep you turning pages til you're sunburned to swoony romances that belong in your beach bag, we’re sharing the best summer books to pack for your next getaway. If you’re searching for the best beach reads of 2026 or books that feel like a day at the beach, this episode is packed with reading recommendations for summer readers! The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Dolly All The Time by Annabel Monaghan The Friends We Keep by Jane Green Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan The Shippers by Katherine Center Slightly South of Simple by Kristy Woodson Harvey On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
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#59
May 12 · 32 min
Chapter 59: Our Auto-Buy Authors (The Writers We Read No Matter What)
In this episode of Books Around the Block, we’re talking all about our ultimate auto-buy authors: the writers whose books we order instantly, recommend nonstop, and trust every single time. Each host brings one beloved author to the table and shares what makes them impossible to resist, from unforgettable storytelling to twisty plots and characters we can’t stop thinking about. If you love book recommendations and discovering authors worth obsessing over, this episode is for you. We also chat about our favorite books from these authors and what keeps us coming back for every release. Perfect for readers looking for their next favorite author. The Social Climber by Amanda Pellegrino The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell Broken Girls by Simone St. James The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James What Does It Feel Like by Sophie Kinsella The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
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#58
May 5 · 1 hr 1 min
Chapter 58: April Monthly Reading Wrap-Up & Our May TBR
In this monthly reading wrap-up episode of Books Around the Block, we’re sharing our best and worst books of the month of April… the ones we loved, the ones we didn’t, and the ones we cannot stop thinking about. We break down everything we read in April with honest, unfiltered reviews, from standout 5-star favorites to the biggest disappointments. If you’re looking for real opinions before adding books to your TBR, this episode is packed with must-read recommendations and a few you might want to skip. We also share two books we’re planning to read in May, giving you a preview of our upcoming TBR. The Anniversary by Alex Finlay First by Ali Hazelwood The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez Told You So by Mayci Neeley Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry The Summer of Second Chances by K.L. Walther Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth Fever Dream by Elsie Silver One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick The Shippers by Katherine Center
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#57
April 28 · 52 min
Chapter 57: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Book Club
This week on Books Around the Block, we’re discussing Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. We start with our Read, Watch, Obsessed catch-up, sharing what we’ve been loving lately, before getting into our discussion of this beloved book club pick. After the 16-minute mark, we shift into a full spoiler discussion, breaking down the characters, relationships, and everything that worked (and didn’t) for us. We also talk about the upcoming Netflix adaptation releasing May 8, 2026, including our thoughts on the cast (Sally Field is a QUEEN). If you’ve read this charming pick, listen now!
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#56
April 21 · 40 min
Chapter 56: Top Authors Most Popular Books vs Our Favorites
In this episode of Books Around the Block, we’re diving into the most popular books by bestselling authors and asking the big question: are the most read titles actually their best? Each of us picked a favorite author and compared their most popular book with the book we think deserves the real spotlight. From viral BookTok hits to underrated backlist gems, we’re sharing our honest takes on what you should read next. If you’ve ever searched for: best books by your favorite authors most popular books vs underrated books what to read after a bestselling novel this episode is for you. -- Told You So by Mayci Neeley Lost and Found by Tarah DeWitt Into The Blue by Emma Brodie Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt None of This is True by Lisa Jewell Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell Watching You by Lisa Jewell The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood Bride by Ali Hazelwood Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros
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#55
April 14 · 58 min
Chapter 55: Our Interview with NYT Bestselling Author Tiffany Crum
This week on Books Around the Block, we sit down with New York Times bestselling author Tiffany Crum for an inside look at her novel This Story Might Save Your Life. We dive into the inspiration behind the book, hidden Easter eggs, and the unique bonus content included in the audiobook. Tiffany also shares her writing process, how her stories come to life, and what readers can expect from her next project. Whether you’ve already read the book or are looking for your next must-read, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes insights, author secrets she spilled just for us, and, as usual, our own version of bookish chaos. Perfect for fans of fiction, audiobook lovers, and anyone curious about the creative process of a bestselling author. This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer Best Offer Wins by Marissa Kashino Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan Dolly All The Time by Annabel Monaghan
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