Galaxies and Goddesses: A Sci-Fi & Fantasy Bookcast

Tolkien’s Legacy: The Hero’s Journey and Literary Nods to Middle-earth

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, we explore the lasting influence of J. R. R. Tolkien on modern fantasy and beyond. From shaping iconic tropes in The Lord of the Rings to inspiring authors like R. F. Kuang and Christopher Paolini, Tolkien’s impact spans generations. We also discuss the Hero's Journey as a timeless storytelling framework and how it plays into the Lord of the Rings. At the end of the episode we announce our next trilogy pick, swinging back into the realm of science fiction with Isaac Asimov’s Foundation trilogy.

03:43 Spotting Tolkien References

05:56 Influence vs Infringement

08:57 What Is The Hero’s Journey

12:16 Why Tropes Still Work

13:56 Travel Inspired by Books

14:40 Back to The Hero's Journey

16:50 The Circle as a Symbol

20:48 Tolkien-esque Names

25:51 Tolkien Language Intent

28:52 Eragon And Dragon Nostalgia

32:05 Next Read Foundation Trilogy

33:56 Episode Wrap And Teaser

Books Mentioned
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Katabasis by R. F. Kuang
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Brimstone by Callie Hart

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Foundation by Isaac Asimov

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Return of the King: Epic Battles, Healing Hands, and Returning to the Shire

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0700

Join Andrea and Elizabeth as they discuss The Return of the King, the epic conclusion to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, highlighting standout moments, character arcs, and what makes the ending memorable. They compare book and film differences, while emphasizing the book’s quieter moments and added history. They focus on Aragorn’s kingship revealed through the House of Healing, Éowyn’s confidence and role in defeating the Lord of the ringwraiths, and Faramir’s unexpected romance. They note the extensive chapters after the Ring’s destruction and both rate the series five stars, giving appreciation to Tolkien for his gift to the world.

00:52 Where Return of the King Begins

05:26 Books Versus Movies Debate

07:55 Stand Out Moments

10:52 Love in the House of Healing

15:54 Encounters with Saruman

18:39 The Battle Isn't the End of the Story

24:348 Library Reading Buddies

29:59 Feelings at the End

32:28 It's Not a Trilogy

38:05 Ratings

Spoiler warning for:
The Fellowship of the Ring

The Two Towers

The Return of the King

Reddit fan theories mentioned in the episode:

Was Bilbo’s mithril coat originally made for Legolas?

https://www.reddit.com/r/tolkienfans/comments/yr9lrl/bilbos_mithril_coat_was_made_for_legolas/

Adding 3 Books to Our TBR: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Picks, Wild Cards & Intimidating Reads

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0700

In this special one year anniversary episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, we’re reflecting on our favorite moments from the past year of podcasting, how our reading habits have evolved, and the books that have shaped our journey. Instead of looking back at our top reads, we’re each adding three intentional picks to our TBR: a highly anticipated sci-fi or fantasy book, a wild card outside our usual genres, and an intimidating or long read we’ve been putting off.

06:49 The ‘River of Books’ & Managing a TBR

09:33 Highly Anticipated Sci-Fi or Fantasy Book

15:41 Wild Card Book Pick

21:23 An Intimidating Read

25:09 Tolkien and The Silmarillion

27:45 Looking Ahead

Books mentioned in the episode:

The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson

A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.

1984 by George Orwell

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
How to Art: Bringing a Fancy Subject Down to Earth by Kate Bryan
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien

Follow along & explore more:

Our 26 to Read in 2026:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DT-wnMqicdB/

TBR Mindset Post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DVNlgZfD7F8/

Independent Bookstore Day (last Saturday in April):

https://www.bookweb.org/independent-bookstore-day

💫 Have a favorite sci-fi or fantasy trilogy we should read next? Let us know! We’d love your recommendations!

The Two Towers: Hidden Heroism and Tolkien’s Deeper Themes

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:25:48 -0700

Andrea and Elizabeth continue their journey through The Lord of the Rings with The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien. With the Fellowship scattered, the story suddenly expands across Middle-earth, following Merry and Pippin’s unexpected role in the fall of Isengard, Aragorn and the Riders of Rohan at Helm’s Deep, and Frodo and Sam’s increasingly complex relationship with Gollum. Along the way, they discuss the deeper themes of mercy and redemption, as well as how the pacing and storytelling shift dramatically from The Fellowship of the Ring. With five-star ratings from both hosts, they call The Two Towers a fast-paced, action-driven, and unexpectedly humorous turning point in the trilogy.

⚠️ Spoilers! for The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers

00:57 The Fellowship is Broken

02:59 Merry & Pippin’s Big Purpose

08:36 Merry and Pippin Continue to Shine

13:10 Palantiri

16:22 What Would Gandalf Do?

18:08 Realm of Rohan

21:44 Two Towers vs Fellowship

23:31 Meta Storytelling Moments

24:56 Gollum As A Timeless Character

30:51 Well What About?

31:30 Ratings

J.R.R.Tolkien’s Study of Beowulf

“Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics” (1936)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beowulf:_The_Monsters_and_the_Critics

✨Connect with Us

Follow along for bookish updates, polls, and behind the scenes content

Instagram: @galaxiesandgoddesses

Mythmakers and Memoirs: The Power of Telling Your Own Story

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0800

Join Andrea and Elizabeth as they explore the remarkable friendship between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, including their Oxford writing groups, shared faith, as documented in the graphic novel biography The Mythmakers by John Hendrix. They discuss how belief, war, and literary community shaped The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, then pivot to memoirs and the power of telling your own story, highlighting reads like I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, Educated by Tara Westover, Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, while debating why some celebrity memoirs resonate more than others.

00:53 Exploring Tolkien and Lewis's Friendship

02:36 The Mythmakers Graphic Novel

10:07 Celebrity Memoirs and Their Impact

13:35 Memoirs of Overcoming Trauma

19:18 Trevor Noah is Wonderful

23:56 Celebrities in Real Life

26:25 Lord of Maps!

Books mentioned in this episode:

The Mythmakers by John Hendrix

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang

Open Book by Jessica Simpson

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Educated by Tara Westover

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

Spare by Prince Harry

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Into the Uncut Grass by Trevor Noah

Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks

Lord of Maps Stamps
Bring your fantasy world to life with Lord of Maps stamps, designed for creating detailed, Middle-earth-inspired maps for tabletop gaming, journaling, or creative writing. For a limited time, use promo code GALAXIES for 10% off your order at https://lordofmaps.com/

Trevor Noah: Born a Crime 10-Year Anniversary and Tour Dates
Trevor Noah’s bestselling memoir Born a Crime, which explores his childhood growing up during apartheid in South Africa, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with a special re-release. Trevor Noah is also touring this year. https://www.trevornoah.com/

Jennette McCurdy Memoir Adaptation (Apple TV+)
Jennette McCurdy’s bestselling memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died is being adapted into a 10-episode Apple TV+ series. Jennifer Aniston is set to star as McCurdy’s mother and will executive produce alongside McCurdy.

https://www.imdb.com/news/ni65360818/

Emerald City Comic Con 2026 Lord of the Rings Fan Meetup
Join us at Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle, March 5–8, for a Lord of the Rings fan meetup celebrating the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. We’ll be gathering on Thursday, March 5 to connect with fellow fantasy readers, Tolkien fans, and cosplay enthusiasts.

https://www.emeraldcitycomiccon.com/en-us/experiences/meetups/meetup-info.html?gtID=923374&panel-name=Lord-of-the-Rings-Fan-Meetup

Galaxies and Goddesses Bookshop.org Storefront

Browse and shop all the books mentioned in this episode through our Bookshop.org storefront. Every purchase supports Galaxies and Goddesses while also helping sustain independent bookstores across the United States. https://bookshop.org/shop/galaxiesandgoddesses

The Fellowship of the Ring: Long Roads, Dark Powers, Hope

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0800

Andrea and Elizabeth dive into J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, comparing it to The Hobbit and the film adaptations while unpacking Tolkien’s themes of power, temptation, fellowship, and endurance. They discuss differences in pacing, tone, and character development, reflect on first-time versus reread experiences, and consider how reading The Hobbit first adds emotional depth. The conversation explores the corrupting influence and possible sentience of the Ring, Gandalf’s respect for hobbits, the mystery of Tom Bombadil, and how Tolkien builds scale through geography, time, and long roads across Middle-earth.

⚠️ Spoilers for The Fellowship of the Ring and The Hobbit

00:52 Synopsis and Initial Thoughts

02:13 Reading it for the First Time

05:01 Journey and Geography in Middle Earth

09:31 What Surprised You?

12:33 Tom Bombadil: A Mysterious Character

14:10 Standalone Novel Discussion

16:09 Goblins vs. Orcs: Clarifying the Confusion

17:07 The Sentience of the Ring

21:14 Sauron and Saruman: The Dark Forces

23:53 Tom Bombadil: The Enigma

27:51 The Fellowship and Character Bonds

28:53 Rating and Reviewing the Book

33:11 Fellowship Match Quiz

Fellowship Match Quiz

Discover your inner fantasy reader archetype with our quiz! Screenshot and share with us on Instagram so we can see who is part of our podcast fellowship!

https://forms.gle/6WWHLRoaWy4PGTnv9

✨Connect with Us

Follow along for bookish updates, polls, and behind the scenes content

Instagram: @galaxiesandgoddesses

Trilogies on our TBR: Commitment, Cliffhangers, and Classic Epics

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0800

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into the trilogies they are currently reading and eagerly anticipating. They discuss Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, Callie Hart’s Brimstone, and Colson Whitehead’s Harlem Trilogy, while exploring what makes the three book structure so compelling for readers. From historical fiction to fantasy, they reflect on the joy of committing to a trilogy and the anticipation of what comes next. The episode wraps up with their excitement for next week’s discussion of The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien, inviting listeners to read along.

00:55 Elizabeth's Recent Read: Wolf Hall

04:11 Andrea's Recent Read: Brimstone

07:18 Was the first book enough to commit?

08:45 Colson Whitehead's Harlem Trilogy

11:24 Book Covers and Shelf Frustrations

12:31 When is a Trilogy Really a Trilogy?

14:46 The Empire Trilogy and Thematic Storytelling

17:49 History through a Fantasy Lens

19:38 Dragon Trilogies Dilemma

21:33 Finally Diving into The Lord of the Rings

25:36 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

Trilogies and Series Mentioned:

Wolf Hall Trilogy by Hillary Mantel

Fae & Alchemy Series by Callie Hart

Harlem Trilogy by Colson Whitehead

Hierarchy Series by James Islington

The Empire Trilogy by J.G. Farrell

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi Series by Shannon Chakraborty

The Moonfall Series by Sarah A. Parker

Upcoming Read A Long Trilogy

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Fellowship of the Ring

The Two Towers

The Return of the King

Support the Show

Explore our Bookshop.org storefront to find the books we discuss. Purchases support independent bookstores and help keep the podcast going.

https://bookshop.org/shop/galaxiesandgoddesses

Revisiting JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit: Nostalgia, Dragons, and Epic Adventure

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0800

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth revisit J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, diving into a spoiler-light discussion for new and returning readers. They reflect on personal reading experiences, explore Tolkien’s world building, songs, and maps, and compare the book to the movie adaptations. Join them as they share nostalgia, laugh at the dragon’s antics, and discuss why The Hobbit is the perfect introduction to Middle-earth. Fans of Tolkien, fantasy literature, and epic adventures won’t want to miss this episode!

00:32 Introduction to Middle-earth

01:33 Personal Reading Experiences

07:49 Tolkien's World Building

10:40 Oral Quality of the Tale

13:45 Why Bilbo?

15:44 Dwarven Songs

16:59 Maps!

20:29 The Lord of the Rings in Theaters

21:26 Would you read it again?

22:19 Delightful Moments

24:39 British Influence

26:27 Final Thoughts and Ratings

A brief introduction to JRR Tolkien’s Maps

https://www.tolkienestate.com/painting/maps/

The Lord of the Rings Extended Edition in Theaters January 2026

https://www.fathomentertainment.com/series/the-lord-of-the-rings-trilogy/

Soon May the Wellerman Come History

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wellerman

Support the Show:

Explore our Bookshop.org storefront to find the books we discuss. Purchases support independent bookstores and help keep the podcast going.

https://bookshop.org/shop/galaxiesandgoddesses

Best Books of 2025: Our Top 10 Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Standout Reads

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0800

In this Season Two kickoff episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth look back at their Top 10 books of 2025, spanning sci-fi, fantasy, romantasy, literary fiction, and standout nonfiction that reads like fiction. From epic, immersive reads and thought-provoking classics to surprising favorites and an audiobook honorable mention, they reflect on reading habits, bookish stats, and what makes a story truly memorable. Stick around to the end for the big reveal of the podcast’s 2026 theme.

00:56 Top 10 Books of 2025

02:31 Similar Books in our Top 10

03:59 Long Books and Epic Reads

05:27 Medical Insights in Fiction

06:57 Stephen King's Dark Tower Series

08:00 Romantasy Reads and Sequels

10:28 Book Club Favorites

13:31 More of Elizabeth's Top 10 Books

23:15 Rounding Out the Top 10

25:12 Andrea's Favorite Audiobook of the Year

26:16 Number of Books Read for the Year

27:07 Epic Trilogies for 2026

Books Mentioned

A Psalm for the Wild-Built — Becky Chambers (Andrea & Elizabeth)

The Dispossessed — Ursula K. Le Guin (Andrea & Elizabeth)

Awry with Dandelions — J.S. Fields (Andrea)

The Covenant of Water — Abraham Verghese (Elizabeth)

Wolves of the Calla — Stephen King (Elizabeth)

The Moonday Letters — Emmi Itäranta (Andrea)

Water Moon — Samantha Sotto Yambao (Andrea)

Quicksilver — Callie Hart (Andrea)

When the Moon Hatched — Sarah A. Parker (Andrea)

All the Colors of the Dark — Chris Whitaker (Andrea)

By Any Other Name — Jodi Picoult (Andrea)

Wellness — Nathan Hill (Elizabeth)

Bel Canto — Ann Patchett (Elizabeth)

Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland — Patrick Radden Keefe (Elizabeth)

James — Percival Everett (Elizabeth)

Squeeze Me — Carl Hiaasen (Elizabeth)

In the Heart of the Sea — Nathaniel Philbrick (Elizabeth)

Blood Over Bright Haven — M.L. Wang (Andrea)

Honorable Mention: Best Audiobook

You Didn’t Hear This From Me: Mostly True Notes on Gossip — Kelsey McKinney, narrated by the author

Referenced Articles and Media:

New York Times: The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/books/best-books-21st-century.html

The Global Wellness Economy Hits a Record $6.8 Trillion and Is Forecast to Reach $9.8 Trillion by 2029

https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/press-room/press-releases/the-global-wellness-economy-hits-a-record-6-8-trillion-and-is-forecast-to-reach-9-8-trillion-by-2029

The Smithsonian Magazine - The Snakes That Ate Florida

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/snakes-ate-florida-180972534/

Freakonomics Podcast - The First Great American Industry

https://freakonomics.com/podcast/the-first-great-american-industry/

In the Heart of the Sea - IMDB

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1390411/

Reflecting on Water Moon: A Journey Through a Magical Ghibli-esque World

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0800

Andrea and Elizabeth dive into their December book pick, Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao. This listener voted book pick made it to the second round of the Goodreads Choice Awards, is discussed in detail, including its synopsis and thematic elements. The story follows Hana Ishikawa, the new owner of a mystical pawn shop in Tokyo, as she embarks on a journey to find her missing father. The hosts analyze the book's Ghibli-esque charm, poetic writing, romantic subplot, cultural references, and philosophical themes. They conclude with their ratings and comparisons to similar works, recommending it to fans of Japanese cozy fantasy and those intrigued by magical realism.

Spoiler Alert: We do go into spoilers mid-episode!

Content Note: This episode discusses themes of regret, reproductive choice (including implied abortion), and pregnancy/childbirth.

02:35 Meaning of the Title

05:49 Romance Sub-plot

10:15 Fictional Folklore

12:01 Japanese Vocab

14:26 Dreamlike Reflections of the Real World

18:47 Well, What About?

22:49 Spoilers and Interpretations

25:15 Flying Paper Birds

26:44 Folding the Cover

28:34 Ratings

29:53 Other Similar Books

31:16 Closing Remarks

Similar Book Recommendations

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki

Similar Movie Recommendations

Spirited Away

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Inception

Other Books with Flying Paper Birds

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker

What is the Super-Kamiokande?

https://www-sk.icrr.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/sk/about/outline/

No Face from Spirited Away

https://ghibli.fandom.com/wiki/No-Face

Kitsune from Japanese folklore

https://www.britannica.com/topic/kitsune

The Art of Japanese Ceramics Repair - Kintsugi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kintsugi

Water Moon themed Playlist on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/25kdPSzyM0b9w6v0T7LYEV?si=DqPUE3jaSyefSQVK_PRDzQ

Barnes and Noble Monthly Pick - Guest Post by Samantha Sotto Yambao

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/samantha-sotto-yambao-guest-post/

Numbers, Novellas, and a Touch of Holiday Cheer

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0800

Andrea and Elizabeth delve into the world of novellas, discussing the defining characteristics of a novella and the blurry line where it becomes a novel. They share their favorite short reads of the past month, including Automatic Noodle, The Outsiders, and Amsterdam. The episode also highlights Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, exploring its cultural impact, the accuracy of its numerous adaptations, and its enduring significance as a holiday classic.

00:00 Introduction to Novellas

00:46 Defining a Novella

04:39 Novella Stats

06:24 Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz

10:45 The Outsiders by SE Hinton

13:06 Amsterdam by Ian McEwan

15:02 A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

24:27 The Fantasy Elements in A Christmas Carol

28:18 Recommending a Classic

30:25 Wrapping Up

Books mentioned in this episode:

I’m a Fan by Sheena Patel

The Outsiders by SE Hinton

Amsterdam by Ian McEwan

Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao - Our December Book Pick

SFWA Nebula Award Criteria

https://nebulas.sfwa.org/about-the-nebulas/nebula-rules/

Hugo Award Criteria

https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-categories/

A Christmas Carol Audiobook - Narrated by Patrick Stewart

https://open.spotify.com/show/5q6TxUY7gYLCEbCNAh24Yt?si=192f9fdc5fca485f

A Christmas Carol at Grand Stree Theatre, Helena, MT

https://grandstreettheatre.com/event/a-christmas-carol/

Michael Caine Loves The Muppet Christmas Carol as Much as You Do

By Lauren Larson, December 15, 2016

https://www.gq.com/story/michael-caine-muppet-christmas-carol-interview

Support the Show

Explore our Bookshop.org storefront to find the books we discuss. Purchases support independent bookstores and help keep the podcast going.

https://bookshop.org/shop/galaxiesandgoddesses

Hope, Harmony, and Reflection: A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0800

Andrea and Elizabeth dive into Becky Chambers’ solarpunk novella Psalm for the Wild-Built and explore its themes of hope, utopia, and relatable self-discovery. They discuss Sibling Dex’s journey, the meaning of sentience, and how solarpunk reimagines sustainable futures in science fiction.

Episode Chapters

00:00 A Psalm for the Wild-Built

00:55 Understanding Solarpunk

01:57 Initial Impressions

05:32 Character Analysis: Sibling Dex

07:38 Language and Gender in Literature

09:50 Relatability

11:07 Asking Big Questions

13:37 Personal Utopia

14:50 Sentience and Robots

20:23 Recommended by a Bookseller

23:15 Adapting the Book for Screen

25:36 Rating and Final Thoughts

27:50 Supporting the Podcast

Support the Show

Explore our Bookshop.org storefront to find the books we discuss. Purchases support independent bookstores and help keep the podcast going.

https://bookshop.org/shop/galaxiesandgoddesses

References Mentioned:

Genre of Solarpunk

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solarpunk

Areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs): Designation and management

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/areas-of-outstanding-natural-beauty-aonbs-designation-and-management

Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach

https://www.maryroach.net/fuzz.html

New Zealand National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee: Animal sentience

https://www.nawac.org.nz/animal-sentience

Late Night with Seth Meyers: The Best of The Kind of Story We Need Right Now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UABJH6zLHBE

Hugo Award lists for 2022: Psalm for the Wild-Built Won Best Novella

https://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/2022-hugo-awards/

To Borrow or To Buy: The Ultimate Book Lover's Dilemma

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0800

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into the age-old debate of borrowing versus buying books. They discuss their personal experiences, motivations, and the joy of owning or sharing books. Highlights include anecdotes about book fairs, the allure of special editions, independent bookstores, and the ethical considerations of supporting authors and local businesses. The episode also touches on the thrills of discovering new reads through unexpected avenues such as estate sales and Little Free Libraries. They emphasize the underlying love for stories, regardless of how the books are acquired.

00:00 Borrowing V Buying

04:20 Different Feel to Buying Versus Borrowing

06:04 Dandelion Chocolate

06:53 Special Edition Books

09:26 Borrowing from Little Free Libraries

14:54 Unconventional Ways of Buying Books

16:48 Adventure and Discovery of In Person Book Browsing

20:09 The Debate on Supporting Used Bookstores

24:27 Atypical Library Books

27:48 No Patience for the Hold List

29:26 Concluding Thoughts on Book Buying and Borrowing

Books mentioned in this episode:

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

A Dance with Dragons by George R. R. Martin

One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach

Blackfish City by Sam J. Miller

Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas

Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers (November book pick)

A Sweet Shoutout to Dandelion Chocolate

Dandelion Chocolate’s 2025 Advent Calendar is a delicious way to honor 25 of our Solar System’s moons this holiday season. This is an affiliate link, not a discount, and another way to support the show while giving something special to yourself or others.

dandelionchocolate.pxf.io/7azQny

Friends Of The Historical Museum At Fort Missoula’s Annual Used Book Sale

https://fortmissoulamuseum.org/event/annual-used-book-sale/

The Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana

https://ninepipesmuseum.org/

Arts Midwest: National Endowment for the Arts Big Read

https://artsmidwest.org/about/updates/announcing-the-2025-26-nea-big-read-grantees/

FY2025-26 NEA BIG READ TITLES

https://artsmidwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/NEA-Big-Read-25-26-Titles.pdf

Galaxies and Goddesses now has a Bookshop.org affiliate storefront!

It’s a curated page where we share the books we talk about on the podcast. When you buy through our storefront, Bookshop.org donates a portion of every sale to independent bookstores nationwide and we earn a small affiliate commission. It’s a great way to support indie bookstores and our show at the same time.

https://bookshop.org/shop/galaxiesandgoddesses

Dragons, Romantasy, and World Building: When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker, a sweeping romantasy filled with dragons, magic, and mystery. They unpack the novel’s intricate world building, discuss what defines epic fantasy versus romantasy, and share their first impressions, including how this hefty book compares to War and Peace in sheer size.

From the protagonist’s haunted frozen lake coping mechanism to paper birds that come to life and shimmering aurora cycles, the hosts explore what makes this story and its world so unforgettable. They also draw comparisons to other epic and romantasy favorites such as A Court of Thorns and Roses, Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, The Name of the Wind, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Spoiler warning! There are a few MAJOR mid-episode spoilers.

00:00 When the Moon Hatched

01:14 First Impressions and Book Size

04:41 Romantasy vs. Epic Fantasy

08:06 World Building and Unique Concepts

16:09 Characters & Tropes

19:29 Spoiler Alert!

23:21 Explicit Content

24:35 When the Moon _______

26:29 Final Thoughts and Ratings

Witchy Vibes & Haunted Reads: Falling into Spooky Season

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth lean into spooky season. They discuss their favorite books featuring witches, vampires, and other supernatural elements. Andrea shares her thoughts on The Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli, a YA book focused on witches, while Elizabeth reflects on reading Carrie, Stephen King's debut novel. They also touch on the history of Halloween and temporary tattoos as a fun addition to Halloween costumes!

Be sure to listen for the Sparrow and Wilde limited time promo code in the middle of the episode for a fun discount on bookish merch and temporary tattoos.

00:00 Spooky Season

00:53 Kicking off Spooky Season

02:02 Witchy Reads

04:28 Stephen King's Carrie

14:13 Fated Mates

15:24 Exploring Vampire Literature

18:25 Halloween Costumes and Temporary Tattoos

22:12 The Origins of Halloween

25:20 Haunted Houses

27:26 Seasonal Reading Habits

30:43 Concluding Remarks

Sparrow & Wilde: Romantasy Apparel, Accessories, and Temporary Tattoos

https://sparrowandwilde.com/

Stephen King is the most banned author in U.S. schools

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/stephen-king-banned-books-rcna235326

Moons, Money, and Society: The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth delve into Ursula K. Le Guin's sci-fi classic The Dispossessed. They discuss major themes such as privacy, identity, societal structure, and capitalism vs. socialism, exploring how these themes remain relevant today. They examine how Le Guin's world-building brings new perspectives on familiar societal norms and reflects on how the book made them reconsider aspects of their own lives.

00:00 The Dispossessed

07:14 Deep Themes

09:36 Meaning of the Title

17:52 Does Money Buy Politeness?

23:21 Words that Stood Out

25:40 Relevant Today?

33:18 Similar Books?

38:17 Elizabeth's Favorite Publication Pages

41:22 Ratings

44:45 Conclusion

The Ursula K. Le Guin Prize for Fiction

https://www.ursulakleguin.com/prize-overview

Freakonomics - Why Does Tipping Still Exist? (Update)

https://freakonomics.com/podcast/why-does-tipping-still-exist-update/

Smithsonian - History Behind Shaving in the United States

https://www.si.edu/spotlight/health-hygiene-and-beauty/hair-removal

What is Arcosanti?

https://www.arcosanti.org/history/

Summer Book Bingo: Wins, Faves, and Future Plans

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth recap their Summer Book Bingo Challenge, discussing their favorite reads and the books that stood out to them. Elizabeth proudly shares her three bingos, while Andrea talks about edging out a single bingo with a bit of strategic shuffling. Both highlight the works that contributed to their wins, including discussions on titles like By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult, Awry with Dandelions by JS Fields, and The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy, among others. They wrap up by announcing the winners of their Instagram Summer Book Bingo Challenge and discuss potential changes for next year's challenge. Tune in for book recommendations and a fun bookish conversation.

00:00 Summer Bingo Recap

00:51 Did You Get a Bingo?

02:01 Number of Books Read

02:36 Andrea's Bingo Reads

10:01 Elizabeth Bingo Highlights

19:22 Using the Free Space

27:46 Andrea's ARC Bingo Square

30:59 Instagram Bingo Winners

32:46 New To You Format?

34:00 Still in the Stack

Galaxies and Goddesses on Bookshop.org. Find books mentioned in this episode in a curated list on Bookshop.org. Purchases on this site help support the podcast as well as independent bookstores across the US.
https://bookshop.org/shop/galaxiesandgoddesses

Check out author JS Fields!

https://jsfieldsbooks.com/book/awry-with-dandelions/

Montana Shakespeare in the Park

https://shakespeareintheparks.org/

Seattle Parks Shakespeare in the Park

https://parkways.seattle.gov/2025/05/20/2025-shakespeare-in-the-park/

NYT 100 Best Books of the 21st Century - 2024

https://thegreatestbooks.org/v/grid/lists/431

NYT Readers Pick Their 100 Best Books of the 21st Century

https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2024/07/nyt-readers-picks-100-best-books.html

Global Peace Index report for 2025

https://www.visionofhumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Global-Peace-Index-2025-web.pdf

Classics, Cons, and Cosmic Awards: Hugo Tidbits & Timeless Reads

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, join Andrea and Elizabeth as they recap Andrea’s recent experience at WorldCon 2025 in Seattle. They delve into the Hugo Awards, explaining their significance and highlighting the 2025 winners in categories like Best Novel, Best Novella, and Best Series. The episode also covers what makes a book a sci-fi or fantasy classic, mentioning influential books from the hosts' reading journeys. From Frank Herbert’s Dune to J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, some classics live on and inspire the next generation. The episode concludes with an announcement for their next book pick, The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin.

00:00 Worldcon, Hugos, & Classics

03:35 Hugo Awards Mini FAQ

05:23 2025 Hugo Award Winner Highlights

09:02 Previous Hugo Award Winning Novels

14:18 Other Notable Awards

17:00 How Would You Define a Classic?

19:02 Sci-Fi Classics Being Film Adaptations

26:00 Back to Defining Classics

28:58 Next Month's Book Pick

Previous WorldCon Locations

https://www.worldcon.org/worldcon-history/

WorldCon 2026, August 27-31st, at the Anaheim Convention Center (LACon V)

https://www.lacon.org/about/

2025 Hugo Award Winners:

https://locusmag.com/2025/08/hugo-lodestar-and-astounding-awards-winners-2/

Previous Hugo Award Winners By Year:

https://www.sfadb.com/Hugo_Awards_Winners_By_Category

Lateral Episode: When Brad Pitt Caused a Walk Out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHIbBMowOkc

Org Chart 30 Rock: Sheinhardt Wig Company, the fictional parent company of NBC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G03R3fvLIhI

Tea, Twee, and a Touch of Magic: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth delve into Sangu Mandanna's cozy fantasy novel The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. They explore how main character Mika Moon connects to their lunar theme for the year, the heartwarming found family at the center of the story, and how trust takes time to build. They touch upon the 'twee' aesthetic of the book, comparing it to other similar novels and discussing British cultural influences. They also share some moments that didn’t quite work for them, just enough to impact their overall rating. Additionally, the hosts share their favorite teas and offer a special discount code for Plum Deluxe Tea to enhance the cozy reading experience.

00:00 Secret Society of Irregular Witches

06:56 Being Nice Versus Being Kind

12:36 British Vocabulary Lessons

17:27 Similarities to Other Books

19:36 Tea Love

24:45 Cozy Fantasy Square for Book Bingo?

29:00 Where We Got Lost on the Way to Nowhere House

31:25 Our Ratings

33:48 Concluding Remarks

Other books mentioned in this episode:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Favorite Teas:

https://www.barrystea.ie/

https://www.shop.tipuschai.com/

https://www.plumdeluxe.com/

Promo code in the episode for Plum Deluxe Tea is for first order during the month of August 2025, does not combine with other codes.

Dark Academia & Dream Libraries: Secret Histories, Magical Schools, and the Allure of Literary Lore

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, hosts Andrea and Elizabeth dive into the sub-genre of Dark Academia, discussing its key elements.. They talk about essential Dark Academia characteristics such as elite academic settings, gothic elements, and intellectual pursuits, citing examples like ‘The Secret History’ by Donna Tartt and TV shows like ‘Wednesday’. The hosts discuss the allure of magical schools, secret societies, and libraries. They touch upon various books like Rebecca Yarros' ‘Onyx Storm’, Naomi Novik's ‘A Deadly Education ', and R.F. Kuang’s upcoming release ‘Katabasis.’ They also delve into the allure of libraries, their dreams of personal libraries, and a few of their favorite libraries IRL.

00:00 Introduction to Dark Academia

00:45 Defining Dark Academia

04:02 Tropes and Personal Preferences

06:14 Dark Academia on Netflix

08:22 Naomi Novik's Scholomance Series

12:33 More Dragons

13:38 Book Bingo Dark Academia Square and TBR

15:18 Elizabeth’s Current Librarian Recommendation

18:37 Pirate Academy: A Dark Academia Twist

19:43 Pirates and Dragons in Tress of the Emerald Sea

21:19 Libraries: The Heart of Dark Academia

23:03 Dream Libraries

27:40 RF Kuang's Dark Academia Books: Katabasis & Babel

30:22 Closing Remarks

Books Mentioned:

The Secret History & The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Paper Towns by John Green

The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides.

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

The Library Book by Susan Orlean

Katabasis & Bable by R.F. Kuang

Other fun things:

https://www.instagram.com/1000libraries/

The Moon Made of Cheese: Philosophic Nibbles with “When the Moon Hits Your Eye” by John Scalzi

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth dive into John Scalzi's book When The Moon Hits Your Eye, exploring its whimsical premise of the moon turning to cheese and the ensuing effects on Earth. They discuss the book's blend of absurdity, philosophical musings, and scientific implications. The conversation also touches on favorite plotlines, perhaps a few too many characters to follow, and the book's overall impact. They debate the book's categorization within genres like sci-fi and satire, and conclude with mixed reviews, ranging from three to four stars. Tune in next time for a discussion on Dark Academia.

00:00 When the Moon Hits Your Eye

00:51 Quick Book Recap and Synopsis

09:03 Spoiler Alert

14:23 A Very American Point of View

16:38 Talking Cats, Dinosaurs, or Dragons?

19:28 The Caseusian Hoax

20:52 What kind of cheese did you imagine?

22:49 Reading Large Print Books

24:34 Does this count as science fiction?

32:33 Would this be a good book club book?

35:03 Ratings

36:27 Who would you recommend read this book?

37:48 Conclusion

Mid-Year Check-In: Tracking Reads & Choosing What’s Next

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, hosts Andrea and Elizabeth discuss their annual reading goals, methods for setting those goals, and tracking their progress. They talk about various book tracking systems such as Goodreads, StoryGraph, and physical journals. They share their personal experiences and preferences in reading habits. Book club assignments, mood reading, and the impact of life circumstances on reading frequency are covered, alongside a quick review of the New York Times Best 100 Books of the 21st Century lists. They also check in their the Galaxies and Goddesses Summer Book Bingo progress. Additionally, listen closely for a promo code on the bookish merchandise at https://www.book-sisters.com. Tune in next time for a discussion on 'When the Moon Hits Your Eye' by John Scalzi.

00:00 Reading Goals

00:56 Setting Reading Goals for the Year

06:05 How do you decide what to read next?

08:24 Elizabeth's Current Read: Say Nothing

10:43 Andrea's Book Tracking Methods

13:17 Elizabeth's Book Tracking Systems

15:39 Galaxies and Goddesses Summer Book Bingo

17:18 Fantasy Semantics : Warlocks Versus Wizards

18:41 Other Recent Summer Reads

25:17 Conclusion

Listen in for a special discount code to help plan your reading journey with The Book Sisters: https://www.book-sisters.com/

Other fun resources:

The New York Times Book Review Best Books of the 21st Century

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/books/best-books-21st-century.html

The New York Times Book Review Best Books of the 21st Century - Reader’s Choice

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/books/reader-best-books-21st-century.html

Exploring "The Moonday Letters" by Emmi Itäranta: A Sci-Fi Mystical Journey

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0700

In this week's episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth delve into their first sci-fi book pick “The Moonday Letters” by Emmi Itäranta. They share their thoughts on the book, highlighting its unique blend of science fiction, ecological themes, and mystical elements. The story, written in an epistolary format, follows Lumi's quest to find her missing spouse, Sol, across space in the year 2168. The hosts discuss the book's melancholic beauty, realistic world-building, and the interplay between science and mysticism. They also touch on similar book recommendations and their personal ratings.

Other books mentioned in this episode:

Origin by Dan Brown

This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older

00:00 Galaxies & Goddesses Episode Intro

02:32 Themes and Structure of the Book

04:45 Defining a Thriller?

09:50 The Anthropocene Epoch

12:59 Digging the Details

16:13 Mythology References

19:19 Life on Earth vs. Mars: A Tale of Inequality

23:59 Mysticism and Science: A Delicate Balance

29:33 Final Thoughts and Ratings

Cosmic Pride: Celebrating Queer Narratives in Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Beyond

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth celebrate Pride Month, emphasizing the importance of visibility and support for queer stories as allies. They discuss the origins of Pride Month, highlighting the 1969 Stonewall riots and their impact on LGBTQ+ rights movements. The conversation transitions to LGBTQ+ books, with the hosts sharing recommendations and discussing various stories that feature queer characters and relationships. The episode concludes with details about various pride parades across the United States and an invitation for listeners to tune into their June book pick for their next episode The Moonday Letters by Emmi Itäranta.

Books mentioned in this episode:

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K Le Guin

Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, Wendy Xu (Illustrator)

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

On our TBR

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marsk

The Moonday Letters by Emmi Itäranta

00:00 Introduction and Pride Month Acknowledgment

01:32 History of Pride Month and Stonewall Riots

06:02 Queer Representation in Literature

16:36 Normalizing Queer Relationships

18:33 "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides

23:30 Books on on TBR

26:26 Parades!

Let’s Connect…

Email us at galaxiesandgoddesses@gmail

Podcast IG: @galaxiesandgoddesses

Summer Reading Adventures: Little Free Libraries, Independent Bookstore Day Recap, and Summer Reading Programs

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 22 May 2025 07:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, hosts Elizabeth and Andrea explore their seasonal reading habits and discuss nostalgic summer reading programs that foster a love for books. They share childhood memories of reading on backyard patios, discuss the impact of reading programs such as Pizza Hut’s and local library initiatives, and emphasize the charm and community of independent bookstores. The episode wraps up with the announcement of their own summer book bingo challenge and encourages listeners to join in on the fun!

Books Mentioned in this episode:

(Books We’ve Found in Little Free Libraries)

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

The Plot Against America by Phillip Roth

The Human Stain by Phillip Roth

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

(A Book that Andrea Owns Two Copies)

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

(A Book that Elizabeth bought on Independent Bookstore Day)

James by Percival Everett

Bingo Programs:

Little Free Library Book Bingo

https://littlefreelibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/lfl-bingo-card-2025.pdf

University of Maryland: Terp Summer Challenge

https://alumni.umd.edu/events/marquee/terp-summer-reading-challenge

Ohio State Summer Reading Challenge

https://www.osu.edu/alumni/reading-bingo-challenges

Seattle Public Library Summer Bingo

https://www.spl.org/programs-and-services/authors-and-books/book-bingo

Kids Reading Programs:

PIzza Hut Summer Reading Program

https://www.bookitprogram.com/

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program

https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025-BN-Kids-Summer-Reading-Journal.pdf

Connect with us on Instagram @galaxiesandgoddesses

00:00 Welcome to Galaxies and Goddesses

00:34 Episode Overview

00:46 Seasonal Reading Habits

02:27 Outdoor Reading Spaces

04:38 Nostalgic Backyard Patios

06:36 Exploring Little Free Libraries

17:49 Excitement for Alexander Skarsgard's New Show

18:12 New Orleans Bookstore Adventure

21:29 Independent Bookstore Day Marathon

30:46 Summer Reading Programs and Conclusion

Soaring into "Daughter of the Moon Goddess": A Journey Into Chinese Mythology

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 08 May 2025 08:35:58 -0700

Join hosts Andrea and Elizabeth in this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses as they discuss Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan. They explore the book's setting, plot, and connections to Chinese mythology, and offer their thoughts on whether it leans more towards young adult or adult fiction. They also share personal reflections and library anecdotes, and touch on themes like dragons in fantasy worlds and the inclusion of meditation. The episode concludes with their ratings and invites listeners to their next episode about favorite summer reading activities. Tune in for an engaging and informative book discussion!

Other books mentioned in this episode:

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty

Circe and Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

00:00 Welcome to Galaxies and Goddesses

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:31 Book Discussion: Daughter of the Moon Goddess

02:08 Themes and World-Building

04:41 Character Analysis and Final Thoughts

18:27 Telepathic Dragons and Mythical Creatures

20:07 Exploring Chinese Mythology

24:02 Meditation and Mindfulness

33:03 Book Ratings and Final Thoughts

From TBR Piles to Indie Aisles: Gearing up for Independent Bookstore Day!

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0700

Join hosts Andrea and Elizabeth as they dive into what’s next on their TBR shelf of their favorite sci-fi and fantasy series, along with a few stand alone novels. They share personal anecdotes and detailed insights about why these books captivate them. They also touch upon upcoming releases by authors like Rachel Gillig and R.F. Kuang. Additionally, the hosts discuss Independent Bookstore Day and their plans to celebrate, including how to find out more about local bookstore events.

Fantasy books on our TBR

Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J Maas

The Blackbird Oracle (All Souls #5) by Deborah Harkness

Wolves of the Calla (The Dark Tower #5) by Stephen King

Written in My Own Heart's Blood (Outlander #8) by Diana Gabaldon

Oathbound (The Legendborn Cycle #3) by Tracy Deonn

Sci-Fi books on our TBR

The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells (upcoming on Apple TV+)

Project Hail Mail by Andy Weir (film in production)

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

I,Robot by Isaac Asimov

The Dispossessed by Ursula Le Guin

Authors with new releases

Rachel Gillig with The Knight and the Moth, May 20, 2025

R.F. Kuang with Katabasis, August 26, 2025

Independent Bookstore Day

Indiebound Map and other resources: https://www.indiebound.org/independent-bookstore-day/map

Trevor Noah’s Podcast, “What Now? With Trevor Noah”

https://open.spotify.com/show/122imavATqSE7eCyXIcqZL

The Book Larder, Seattle

https://booklarder.com/products/seattle-independent-bookstore-day-2025

Parnassus’ Books, Nashville

https://parnassusbooks.net/event/independent-bookstore-day-2025

Witches, Bog Monsters, and the Power of Stories, Getting into 'The Girl Who Drank the Moon' by Kelly Barnhill

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0700

Andrea and Elizabeth dive into the world of children's literature with an in-depth discussion of 'The Girl Who Drank the Moon' by Kelly Barnhill, which won the Newbery Medal in 2017. They explore its themes, characters, and setting. The podcast episode touches on the simplicity and depth often found in children's literature, the duality of characters, and the poetic prose unique to these stories. The conversation also touches on religious allegories and the significance of names and symbols within the book. Andrea and Elizabeth conclude by introducing their next book, 'The Daughter of the Moon Goddess' by Sue Lynn Tan, which continues their full moon theme.

Let’s Connect…
Email us at galaxiesandgoddesses@gmail
Galaxies & Goddesses on YouTube
Podcast IG: @galaxiesandgoddesses

Exploring 'The Full Moon Coffee Shop' by Mai Mochizuki

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 08:57:13 -0700

In this episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, Andrea and Elizabeth delve into 'The Full Moon Coffee Shop' by Mai Mochizuki. They discuss the book’s themes, such as astrology, talking cats, and its translated title, which led to some unexpected elements. The hosts share their personal insights, perceptions of astrology, and how these influenced their enjoyment of the book. Conversations also touch on related topics, including other books with talking cats, cultural differences in translation, and cat cafes. They conclude the episode with their individual ratings and encourage the audience to read along next time.

00:00 Welcome to Galaxies and Goddesses

00:27 Introducing 'The Full Moon Coffee Shop'

01:56 Exploring the Book's Themes and Translation

04:14 Astrology and Character Analysis

08:55 Book Structure and Personal Reflections

15:40 Music and Cultural Context

24:14 Cat Cafes and Other Books

28:50 Conclusion and Ratings

Let’s Connect…

Email us at galaxiesandgoddesses@gmail

Galaxies & Goddesses on YouTube

Podcast IG: @galaxiesandgoddesses

Galaxies and Goddesses: Intro and Top Reads of the Year So Far

Andrea and Elizabeth — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:24:41 -0700

Note from Andrea & Elizabeth:
This was our very first episode of Galaxies and Goddesses! Our audio and editing have come a long way since then, but we’re leaving this episode as part of the podcast’s history. If you enjoy it, be sure to check out some of our newer episodes to hear how the show has evolved. ✨

In the first episode of Galaxies and Goddesses, hosts Andrea and Elizabeth introduce themselves and their new podcast dedicated to sci-fi and fantasy books. They discuss their reasons for starting the podcast, emphasizing their love for the genres and the unique perspectives they bring. They also preview the year ahead, focusing on a theme of the full moon and upcoming book discussions. Listeners are encouraged to follow along on social media and read with the hosts.

Elizabeth’s Top Reads so far…

“Wellness” by Nathan Hill

“Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee

Broken Earth trilogy, which includes “The Fifth Season”, “The Obelisk Gate”, and “The Stone Sky” by N.K. Jemisin

Andrea’s Top Reads so far…

“The Will of the Many” by James Islington

“Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros

“The Full Moon Coffee Shop” by Mai Mochizuki, translated by Jesse Kirkwood

Let’s Connect…

Email us at galaxiesandgoddesses@gmail

Galaxies & Goddesses on YouTube

Podcast IG: @galaxiesandgoddesses