Category Archives: PagesPopcorn

James (Book Review)

In this episode, Kaylia gives a Spoiler Free Review of the 2024 historical fiction book James by Percival Everett… a retelling of the story of Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of Jim, the runaway slave side character from the Mark Twain classic.

Parable of the Sower (Book Review)

Part warning about the future, part supernatural adventure, and part philosophical deep dive into humanity’s desire for religion… this book just might be the perfect read for January 2025.

S012 Relaunch

Books, books books! We learn about local efforts to get a library in the Tower District, a new queer-centric bookstore in Fresno’s Chinatown, and our personal picks for the best books of 2024. Plus book ban updates, what’s going on in queer lit, and we both find love… Hot Santa or Tater Tots? You decide which is yummier!

80. The Black Eyed Blond / Marlow

Kaylia and Matt talk about the modern story of the classic private detective in over his head that somewhat hits the mark and the movie based on it… that really really misses it

79. The Price of Salt / Carol

Kaylia and Chris talk about the subversive1950s lesbian novel (The Price of Salt) and its 2015 film adaptation (Carol). We talk about changes, history, and personal connections. Enjoy!

78. Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret.

In this episode, Kaylia and Cynthia talk about the joys and dramas of puberty and growing up… going through it and then watching your own tween go through it.  We discuss this classic book and film adaptation that hits all the right notes.

77. Women Talking

Kaylia and Chris talk about institutionalized abuse, power dynamics, and how this very evocative book and beautiful movie find a way to be optimistic in the face of some of the worst parts of humanity.

Trigger Warning for rape, sexual abuse, (against both children and adults) and domesitc violence etc.

76. Death on the Nile

Matthew and Kaylia talk racism, colonialism, American vs British views on the “crime novels” and their purposes, the amazing contributions of queer musical icon Rosetta Tharpe, Gone With the Wind, Looney Tunes, censorship, and so much more!

75. A Man Called Ove/Otto

In this episode Kaylia and Cynthia chat about this funny book/film about suicide. Also, was Sonja an angel, a cat, a long suffering woman trapped in a (borderline) abusive relationship, a manic pixie dream saint? Maybe all of the above? Listen now as Kaylia mangles Swedish names and Cynthia channels her inner Ove/Otto.