kayliametcalfe

14. The Sun Was Electric Light (Book Review)

Kaylia gives a Spoiler-Free review of The Sun Was Electric Light, a literary debut novel by Rachel Morton. This book is short, powerful, cerebral, highbrow, and Hemingwayesque. It might be just what you are looking for.

This episode is longer than normal because Kaylia went a bit off-script in the “spoiler” section at the end.

As always, we look at the novel’s atmosphere, writing style, plot, characters, and overall entertainment value to give you a SPOILER-FREE review. Plus a delightful popcorn fact at the end of the episode and a bonus at the very very end for those of you who NEED to KNOW. Enjoy!

13. Tilt (Book Review)

Kaylia reviews Emma Pattee’s 2025 novel Tilt. This page-turner thriller about a pregnant woman in the aftermath of a disaster is emotional, poignant, and masterfully written. One of the best books of the year so far, Tilt will make you laugh, cry, and feel hope while showcasing the writing chops of this amazing debut novelist.

As always, we look at the novel’s atmosphere, writing style, plot, characters, and overall entertainment value to give you a SPOILER-FREE review. Plus a delightful popcorn fact at the end of the episode, and a bonus at the very very end for those of you who NEED to KNOW. Enjoy!

94. Pinedale, California

The Pinedale neighborhood of Fresno, California was once the location of a facility used to stage Japanese-Americans on their way to the WWII-era internment camps. In this episode, Matt talks about how history can be stored but also warped in ghost stories and how some aspects of our past hold lessons for the present. Also, there’s an old Spanish lady who throws sand in people’s eyes.

Friends, Foes, and Finding a Voice in Florida (April 4th, 2025)

Chris and Kaylia talk about the slow burn of progressive resistance that is finally starting to pick up steam, from Corey Booker’s record-breaking Senate speech to an interview with Feleipe Sousa-Lazaballet from Florida’s District 42, who is running to be the first Dreamer ever elected to the State House in that state. We also talk about some good news, the importance of protest, the inherent risks of free speech when you work for a corporation (or a university), and a few ways you can get involved in local lgbtq activism.

12. Goddess Complex (Book Review)

Kaylia reviews the 2025 novel Goddess Complex by Sanjena Sathian. This much-anticipated novel tackles the issues of motherhood, millennial goals, and marriage. While not a beach read, this novel is funny, poignant, and very timely. (Even if it isn’t speculative fiction.)

As always, we look at the novel’s atmosphere, writing style, plot, characters, and overall entertainment value to give you a SPOILER-FREE review. Plus a delightful popcorn fact at the end of the episode, and a bonus at the very very end for those of you who NEED to KNOW. Enjoy!

11. Young Rich Widows (Book Review)

Kaylia reviews the 2024 80s-inspired thriller Young Rich Widows. Despite there being multiple issues for this grammar nerd, the book was overall fun, light, and very much 80s action adventure…. complete with a coke-fueled mob party and amateur sleuths in sexy lingerie. As always, we look at the novel’s atmosphere, writing style, plot, characters, and overall entertainment value to give you a SPOILER-FREE review. Plus a delightful popcorn fact at the end of the episode. Enjoy!

Unity in Protest (March 21st, 2025)

On this episode we talk to Amanda from the Women’s March and Daney from 5051 and the San Joaquin Valley Resistance about how we protest the current administration and how we move forward.

93. Ghosts of Penn State (With Sharon Hill)

Sharon A Hill returns to discuss the ghosts at Penn State and the rise of ghost hunters associated with this prestigious university. (Her previous episode was ep 85: The Stone Tape Theory.) Enjoy!

10. The Bones Beneath My Skin (Book Review)

Kaylia reviews The Bones Beneath My Skin which, despite the title, is not a horror book but a delightful sci-fi beach read about found family, love conquering all, and the universal power of bacon. She looks at the novel’s atmosphere, writing style, plot, characters, and overall entertainment value and gives you a SPOILER FREE review. Plus a delightful popcorn fact at the end of the episode. Enjoy!

9. The Measure (Book Review)

This week I look at the heavy theme of “the meaning of life” through the lens of the rather light 2022 speculative novel “The Measure” by Nikki Erlick. I look at atmosphere, writing style, the plot, the characters, and the overall entertainment of the book to give you, my lovely listeners, a SPOILER FREE review. Plus some delightful popcorn facts at the end of the episode. Enjoy!