Tag Archives: kaylia metcalfe

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!

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.

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!

The Who, What, and Why of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo (March 7th, 2025)

Join Chris and Kaylia as they talk to Jon and Terry from the Fresno Chaffee Zoo about community, animals, and conservation. Plus gay animal facts and we find a few things to laugh at during these chaotic stressful times.

8. Bridge (Book Review)

Join Kaylia for a discussion of this 2023 suspense, no wait, this 2023 speculative fiction thriller by Lauren Beukes about mothers, daughters, the multiverse, and choices. Plus Kaylia watches the Thriller music video for the first time… and is never the same.

81. Nightbitch

The classic Pages and Popcorn Book vs. Film discussion is back in this very special episode as Kaylia, Leah, and Kat discuss Nightbitch… a novel by Rachel Yoder that became the film starring Amy Adams. We talked about what worked in the book, what worked in the film, and how we would have “fixed” a few of the issues in both. Plus, some Star Trek trivia and a Buffy shout-out! Enjoy!