Red Wine Reads

“The Nightingale” is a crowd favorite…but why is that?

*SPECIAL EPISODE: RWR BOOK CLUB*
This week, we read The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This novel follows two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France. It shows the side of the war that is seldom seen: the women’s war. 
Sierra Marshall, love story aficionado and two other very special guests: Claire (our RWR Book Club fearless founder) and Marlee (the one who seems to mic drop in every episode she appears in).
In this episode we cover: 
The powerful writing that is Kristin Hannah - and why I am very much obsessed with her.
Why the ending frustrated most of us and what we wanted to see instead. 
How the strength of women continues to amaze us. 
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you climbing a mountain in order to read this book (not really, but we hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we did). 
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: French 75, Espresso Martini, Irish Coffee  
TV SHOW - Wynonna Earp, The Handmaid's Tale, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Bluey, Downton Abbey, Peaky Blinders
BOOK - The Diamond Eye, Night Witches, The Book Thief, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
MOVIE - Harriet, The Book Thief
*** 
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you! 
 
* Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. 

Thriving on Tarot and Cigarettes: “The Cloisters” surprised us…in a good way

This week, we read The Cloisters by Katy Hayes
This novel follows an academic that scores a job at The Cloisters, a gothic museum and garden renowned for its medieval art collection and its group of enigmatic researchers studying the history of divination. When the dangerous game of power, seduction, and ambition at The Cloisters turns deadly, our main character becomes locked in a race for answers as the line between the arcane and the modern blurs.
Rebekah Sausmikat, a New Yorker thriving off of the New York diet: caffeine and nicotine, joins me to talk about a book that was given to us by Sierra that had made its rounds on TikTok. We were pretty skeptical at first…but the book did grow on us. 
In this episode we cover: 
Why the addition of multiple plot twists was Jenna’s cup of tea, but not Bekah’s
How Jenna didn’t know this was a real place before sitting down to record
The different roles Tarot plays in both Bekah and Jenna’s lives. 
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you reaching out into the void for some answers from a higher power. 
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: Liquid Death, Canned Red Wine - Freakshow
TV SHOW - Gossip Girl, The Librarians
BOOK - Other People’s Clothes, Stargazer, Verity
MOVIE - Harry Potter series, Knives Out, I Care a Lot
*** 
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you! 
 
* Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together. 

”Persepolis” is RWR’s first graphic novel...and we thoroughly enjoyed it

This week, we read Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
This graphic novel memoir follows Marjane as she grew up in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution. It’s a coming-of-age story of a girl trying to navigate what growing up looks like for her and for her family. 
Abby Williams, who initially read only book one of a two book series, is back to talk about the complete series. 
In this episode we cover: 
Why reading a graphic novel was new and exciting
The real toll of culture shock and moving away from home
What the evolution of our relationships looks like as we grow up
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you laughing and crying all in one comic strip. 
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: Persian Tea (type of black tea), Darioush Pinot Noir 
TV SHOW - Derry Girls, Never Have I Ever 
BOOK - Blankets, 44 DaysIran and the Remaking of the World
MOVIE - The Hate U Give, Argo 
*** 
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you! 
 
* Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

“Just Kids” is a classic NYC love story about friendship and art. Had us feeling all the feels.

This week, we read Just Kids by Patti Smith
This memoir follows the duo of Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe as they navigate New York City as young creatives who are trying to make a name for themselves. They struggle with poverty and sickness, but in the end, they always have their deep friendship.  
Rebekah Sausmikat, someone who spends her free time roaming around museums in Chelsea, joins me today to talk about a book that is so quintessentially New York.
In this episode we cover: 
What it would be like to get patted on the head by Salvador Dalí and hang out with Andy Warhol
Why Ella felt the need to insert a prerecorded ode to Patti Smith
The absolutely STUNNING writing style of Patti Smith
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you booking your next trip to New York City to soak up all of the creative energy left behind by Patti and Robert. 
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: Manhattan, just drugs
TV SHOW - Will & Grace, Edie Sedgwick: New York's "It Girl" and Andy Warhol's Muse 
BOOK - Daisy Jones & The Six, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, LA Woman, The Lyrics
MOVIE - Infinity - Yayoi Kusama, Bohemian Rhapsody, Woodstock, Across the Universe
*** 
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!

Male Authors, Survival, & True Stories - “Into Thin Air” had everything Sierra doesn’t want in a book.

This week, we read Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
This award-winning nonfiction work follows the Everest disaster of 1996 when eight climbers lost their lives after getting caught in a blizzard while trying to summit. One of the survivors was John Krakauer, a journalist and the author of this book. 
Sierra Marshall, who will not be climbing Everest anytime soon, joins me to talk about one of Ella’s most favorite books by her most favorite author. 
In this episode we cover: 
Why this book is right up Jenna’s alley 
Why Sierra couldn’t find the romance or entertainment throughout this book
Why nonfiction is not Sierra’s speed because she reads to escape. 
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you Googling survival tips and steering clear of Everest for a while. 
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: White Russian, Snow Plow
TV SHOW - I Survived, Bear Grylls
BOOK - In Harm's Way, Little Princes
MOVIE - Everest, 127 Hours
Special Podcast Pairing - Out Alive: Backpacker
*** 
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you! 
 

“The Atlas Six” is way overhyped.

This week, we read The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake 
This novel, made popular by TikTok and Instagram, follows six talented individuals with special gifts who must battle it out to earn a place in the highly coveted Alexandrian Society. 
Ella Kopeikin, who thought the threesome in this book was the most well-written scene, joins me today to talk about a book that missed the mark on so many levels. 
In this episode we cover: 
Why this book got a total of three stars from BOTH Jenna and Ella
Why we really hated each and every character equally
How a plot twist couldn’t even save this book
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you wondering if you should read the sequel, but the answer is probably no. 
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: Full Moontini, Absinthe
TV SHOW - Marvel’s Runaways, Gossip Girl
BOOK - Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, The Maidens, The Last Thing He Told Me, The Institute
MOVIE - The Kingsman: The Secret Service, Suspiria
*** 
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you! 

Five people, five very different opinions on “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow”

This week, we read Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and TomorrowTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and TomorrowTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow Gabrielle Zevin
This book has reached the top of many “Best of 2022” lists, so naturally, we had to read it. It’s been on my TBR list for a few months now because it has everything I love: a great story about friendship, video games, and pulling the curtain behind the creative process. And with it being a story of two friends who keep finding each other over years of success and hardships, we thought we would invite some friends to join our conversation! 
Ella Kopeikin, co-host extraordinaire and co-host of the inaugural Red Wine Reads Virtual Book Club, joins me and three other very special guests: Claire (RWR Virtual Book Club Originator and someone who sees beauty in everything), Hannah (doctor by day, reader by night), and Marlee (badass gamer and superb writer).
In this episode we cover: 
Whether this book was too long or the perfect length 
Can non gamers relate to this video game–heavy plot? 
If this book deserves all the praise and hype it’s been receiving on BookTok and Bookstagram 
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you choosing a side: Pioneer Chapter Supporter or Non-Supporter. 
*** 
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you! 
 
***
* Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

We reviewed ‘Horse’ on Derby weekend

This week, we read Horse by Geraldine Brooks
This book came to me from my own grandmother, Mormor. She read it in her book club and I just knew we had to read it on the podcast. This historical fiction novel tells the story of a race horse that made waves throughout generations, and a moving narrative about race and art.
Abby Williams, who may not be a horse girl, but she definitely liked this book, joins me to open up a tough conversation that Geraldine so beautifully started with her novel. 
In this episode we cover: 
How Geraldine gracefully weaved together stories that captured injustice across American history.
The fact that racing horses is a world we know NOTHING about. 
Why each section of the book had us SOBBING (well maybe with the exception of Martha...sorry Martha). 
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you wanting to switch career paths to “horse bones examiner” (pretty sure that’s the technical term). 
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: Woodford Reserve, Macallan
TV SHOW - Beef, When They See Us
BOOK - Another Country, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, The Hate U Give
MOVIE - Seabiscuit, Lincoln
*** 
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you! 
 
***
* Disclaimer *
At Red Wine Reads, we want to engage in the stories of people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. The value of books lies in the power of storytelling and sharing a range of perspectives. We don't want to just read what we know, we want to read stories that open our worldview. And in turn, that means getting into challenging, rewarding conversations. But we are not experts in any field — literature, race relations, politics, etc .— and we know that our reviews of these books come from a place of privilege. We encourage our community of readers to add to these conversations with their own thoughts, critiques, and questions. We want to open up a safe place for people. That being said, we also realize that getting into race, sexuality, gender, and other difficult topics can be triggering. We aim to include content warnings whenever they are applicable but we are not perfect. So as we continue to do our best, know you have the room to tell us when we can do better and even, if you want to, share resources with us. Let's learn, grow, and have fun together.

When nerds lead a revolution, you get ‘Babel’

This week, we read Babel by R.F. Kuang
This buzz-worthy brick takes place in a magical world where magic is power, and power lies in the ability to translate. But when a group of college kids find discrepancies in who has the power and how it’s being used, they realize something must be done. 
Rebekah Sausmikat, who’s the nerd who would lead a revolution, joins the podcast today to talk about a fantasy book that had us diving into deeper cultural issues. 
In this episode we cover: 
The WTF moment that had us both sobbing and mourning our favorite character
The power of communication and language
Why we wanted another book, or at least a different ending…
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will make you want to download Duolingo and learn a new language (or three). 
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: Red Wine in Silver Goblet, London Fog
TV SHOW - House of the Dragon, Warrior
BOOK - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Secret History
MOVIE - The School for Good and Evil, Maleficent, Babel History
*** 
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!

The ending of “Bel Canto” changed our entire view of the book.

This week, we read Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
This 2001 novel tells the story of an opera singer, translator and rich businessman who find themselves in a hostage situation. When the line between hostage and captor starts to blur, unlikely friendships form and even romance starts to bud. 
Sierra Marshall, who just wants a happy ending, joins me to talk about a book that had us weeping, laughing, and “aweeee”ing. 
In this episode we cover: 
Why Jenna is now buying every book by Ann Patchett
Why hopeless romantics may want to steer clear of this book because it’s so far from a happy ending
The beautiful way Ann Patchett shows readers the various types of communication and understanding between people who don’t speak the same language. 
Open your book and press play on a podcast episode that will have you questioning why reading this book is worth it with ending that brutal (trust me, it is sooooo worth it). 
Mentioned in the Pairings section of the podcast:
DRINK: Tequila with Blood Orange San Pellegrino, Sangria
TV SHOW - Yellowjackets, Peaky Blinders
BOOK - The Only Good Indians, All the Bright Places, Lord of the Flies, Where She Went
MOVIE - The Mist, Atonement
*** 
Once you're done listening, hop onto our Instagram and TikTok @rwreadspodcast to give us your thoughts on the discussion and the book. We look forward to hearing from you!