Two years ago, Sophia and I started meeting up for book dates; we’d each bring our own respective read, order some wine, and sit in companionable silence. During one of those dates, I spontaneously spurted out, “Do you want to start a podcast?!” Sophia offered a yes in all of her signature excitement, and the rest is PPG history. So to celebrate the end of our second season, we introduce some fun new segments to spice things up as we also bemoan our least favorite holiday, Halloween.
Bookmate Banter: Halloween decor or not and costumes of Halloween past and present
Page Turner or Burner: Caraval Trilogy by Stephanie Garber
Things we liked:
- Unlike other YA series/trilogies we have read, Caraval ends beautifully. The story gets richer and stronger from book to book!
- It wasn’t spooky, but the dark carnival and vibrant world of Fates and magic made for a perfect autumn read.
- Complex characters and development for our two main character sisters and their love interests. Plus, our Prince of Hearts, Jacks!
- Happily ever afters all around.
Things we disliked:
- A slower beginning/first book… things don’t really pick up and get exciting until the second and third.
- The actual Caraval games that are the story arc of books 1 and 2 fall flat (and confusing), but the expanded world and final endgame are worth it.
Overall rating: 4/5 TURNER
AITA (Am I The Antagonist?): For making my reluctant husband wear a costume to my sister’s Halloween party – and – for complaining about all the kids who don’t live in our neighborhood but specifically come to trick-or-treat every year? Tune in to hear our takes on this Reddit trend!
‘Til next time…
- Join us for our November book club and read “The Heart Principle” by Helen Hoang with us!
- Sign up for our newsletter because we’ve got some exciting holiday stuff coming your way.
- Follow along @penandpagegals for more bookish content 🙂
On to season THREE!