Plans Are Booked

Chapter 115: In Conversation with Elizabeth Skarpnes

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:01:00 -0400

This week we welcome To The Gallows author Elizabeth Skarpnes to the show. She discusses her childhood love of reading, choosing library time over recess, how her book was inspired by a TikTok video, writing the first line in a Taco Bell parking lot, deciding to describe the story as "Tangled meets The Princess Bride," transitioning from nursing to writing full-time, the importance of booksellers championing authors, and how she made all her merch dreams come true with her Kickstarter campaign. To see the full list of Elizabeth's recommended reads, join us on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 114: Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're chatting about the upcoming novel from an author we all adore. We deep dive on Cherry Baby, discussing the reality of moving through the world in a plus-size body, the love triangle that progressed unexpectedly, Rowell's commitment to honesty and messiness in relationships, who we think really needs to read this book, and how each of us rated it and why. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin recaps the Lady Gaga concert, Hello Kitty night at Fenway Park, the scallion pancake / crab rangoon mashup at Dynasty, and seeing her former student star in Outsiders. Molly shares about her trip to Charleston, including hitting five indie bookstores and trying the Kevin McAllister pizza at Renzo. Steph returns from New York City, sharing all the great food spots she hit and the serious dose of Spring she experienced. In what we're reading this week, Steph introduces us to The Fall of Iris Henley, Molly finishes F1 romance Crash Test, and Kaitlin falls down the space exploration rabbit hole with Rocket Men. To check out all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 113: The Encore by Juliet Izon

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're discussing a debut novel that the author self-describes as "Daisy Jones & the Six meets Gossip Girl." We chat about receiving an early copy, meeting Juliet on her book tour, the cover art, how we pictured the three lead characters in our minds, the focus on music, the nostalgia of the college years, and our hopes for this to be adapted for the screen. In our catch up this week, Steph gives a recommendation for a TV show set in Boston and Molly recaps our evening at trivia night during the Bow Market Book Fair. In what we're reading this week, Steph finally gets her hands on Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke and Molly shares her real-time reaction to finishing Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 112: In Conversation with Jessica Guerrieri

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:01:00 -0400

This week we are joined by author and Heated Rivalry super fan, Jessica Guerrieri. We talk about what hooked us on the show, the beautiful combination of safety, consent, and vulnerability, the tunnel scene, Rose as the most beloved supporting character, freckle pens, and a shared love of Taylor Swift. Then, Jessica chats with us about her upcoming book, Both Can Be True. We discuss the category of "auto-fiction," the importance of hopeful stories, the complicated dynamic between sisters, addiction and recovery, and how women disappear in plain sight. To see the list of all the books we mentioned, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 111: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're discussing an epistolary novel that has taken the world by storm. We chat about the joy of reading letters, the fiery personality of the main character, the wide variety of topics covered - love, loss, grief, regret, romance, gardening, and gossip, the cover art design, and who we think will enjoy this book. In our catch up this week, Steph signs copies of Golden Hour at a bookstore, we have a day of fun seeing the page-to-screen adaptation of Reminders of Him, trying the St. Patrick's Day parfait at Dairy Queen, and starting the new murder mystery TV series 56 Days. In what we're reading this week, Steph finishes an ARC of Rainbow Rowell's Cherry Baby and Molly is 250 pages into Pictures of Him by Clare Leslie Hall. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 110: Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're solving a mystery with Holly Jackson's debut adult thriller. We discuss the expert pacing of the story, the interesting use of past and present tense, the endearing friendship between Jet and Billy, and our desire for this to become a TV miniseries. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin starts researching 55+ communities, and Molly admits her new obsession with her local "Buy Nothing" group. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin is devouring the ARC of Both Can Be True by Jessica Guerrieri and Molly finishes The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. To follow along with all of the books we mentioned this week, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 109: Game Changers Series by Rachel Reid (Part II)

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:01:00 -0500

Our "I'm coming to the cottage" candle is lit and we're talking about books 4 - 6 of the Game Changers series. We gush about the cherub of a person that is Harris, Ilya as a dog dad, the wedding scene we hope makes it to screen, the final book as a "love blimp," Kaitlin's desire for Kingfisher merch, and how the Heated Rivalry fandom rivals the Swiftie fandom for most dedicated. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin shares about her trip to Florida, hosting a baby shower, and a new restaurant that wowed her. Molly jumps for joy upon receiving her Girl Scout cookie delivery, gives her review of the Wuthering Heights movie, and we collectively sigh about the incoming snowstorm. In what we're reading this week, Molly is gripped by Holly Jackson's Not Quite Dead Yet and Kaitlin begins The Enemy of Time by Haley-Grace McCormick. To check out our full list of book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 108: Happy Place by Emily Henry

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:01:00 -0500

We've got all the feels like week after reading Emily Henry's homage to annual traditions. We talk about her gift for conjuring nostalgia, the way she creates intimacy without relying on the physical, the beauty with which she captures the evolution of friendship, and the setting details she chose for the state of Maine. In our catch up this week, we break down the Tell Me Lies series finale, share our winter Olympics highlights, and revisit our friendship origin story (from the night of the 2006 opening ceremony!). In what we're reading this week, Steph explains the popular Dungeon Crawler Carl, Molly gushes about the banter in a Christina Lauren romance, and we tease a book we'll cover in a future episode, The Encore by Juliet Izon. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 107: Heart the Lover by Lily King

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:01:00 -0500

This week we're talking about a deeply emotional book. Lily King is a Massachusetts native, now living in Portland, Maine, who has written a book about a love triangle that evolves over several decades. We praise the brevity of her writing, the way she trusts the reader to fill in the gaps, how expertly she handles two big time jumps, and the way she accurately captures life in your early twenties, stirring up all the feelings from that chapter of adulthood. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin heads to a sledding party, Molly recaps heavenly treats at a new bakery, and we collectively lament about Mother Nature's winter wrath. In what we're reading this week, Molly finished The Long Game and started Emily Henry's Happy Place, and Kaitlin picked up Imperfect Women by Araminta Hall ahead of its screen adaptation this spring. To check out all of this week's book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 106: Page-to-Screen Wishlist

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:01:00 -0500

It's a giggle fest this week as we explore one of our favorite topics: books we'd love to see become TV shows or movies. Each of us share our top picks for stories we'd love to see make it to the screen. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin reviews two restaurants in Cambridge, Molly recaps her trip to North Carolina, and Steph asks a Heated Rivalry question that leads to a lively debate. In what we're reading this week, Molly is on book five of the Game Changers series, Kaitlin starts a story about a marriage that fractures, and Steph is reeled in by Good Dirt. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 105: In Conversation with Vanessa Lillie

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:01:00 -0500

We have a special treat for you this week. Stephanie interviews Vanessa Lillie, author of Blood Sisters, The Bone Thief, Little Voices, and For the Best. She is also the coauthor of the Young Rich Widows series. Lillie shares the stories she treasured as a child - fairy tales, Greek mythology, The Boxcar Children, and anything by R.L. Stine, her love of historical fiction, and how moving to Rhode Island helped her unlock a deep sense of place in her writing. She shares her belief that telling indigenous stories and environmental stories can help readers find similarities in their own communities, why she decided to have a main character obsessed with the pursuit of justice, and how part of the repair work that needs to be done in present day includes the decolonization of belongings. She also explains the process for finalizing cover art, including her feedback vs. the vision of the publisher. In closing, Lillie shares her recommendations for books by other indigenous authors. To see that complete list, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 104: Upward Bound by Woody Brown

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:01:00 -0500

This week we're talking about a powerful and moving book by Woody Brown, an author who is non-verbal. This is the story of the clients, parents, and caregivers at a facility for adults with disabilities. Brown does an incredible job of sharing the inner monologues of individuals who cannot communicate with speech, and educating the reader on the common misconceptions surrounding this particular challenge. We think this book should be required reading and we hope you'll add it to your reading list. In our catch up, Steph shares about dog sitting in the snow storm and the new skating show on Netflix, Kaitlin celebrates the Patriots winning the AFC Championship, and Molly details her quest to buy Heated Rivalry merch at a local indie bookstore. In what we're reading this week, Molly is deep into the newest Ashley Poston, Steph follows a group of hot shots in Protect, and Kaitlin picks up a new-to-her Karin Slaughter mystery. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 103: Game Changers Series by Rachel Reid (Part I)

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:01:00 -0500

Heated Rivalry fans, this week's episode is for you! We are breaking down our thoughts on the first three books in Rachel Reid's Game Changers series. We talk about her hockey universe, the complexity of her characters, the spice level, and our sincere belief that the Heated Rivalry page-to-screen adaptation may be the best in history. In our catch-up this week, Kaitlin gets the DNA test results for her rescue pup, Steph continues writing for her latest book project, and Molly gives a few TV & movie recommendations. In what we're reading this week, Steph is back with Shane and Ilya in The Long Game, Kaitlin is reading The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, and Molly is beginning Heart the Lover by Lily King. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 102: Wait for Me by Amy Jo Burns

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:01:00 -0500

This week we're under the spell of the beautiful and lyrical writing of Amy Jo Burns. We talk about her upcoming novel featuring two women trying to find their place in the world, and how they unexpectedly find "home" in each other. We praise Burns' creativity, character development, and unique ability to showcase love without the typical tropes. We also share ideas for who could play these characters in a film adaptation. In our catch up this week, we review two page-to-screen movies - The Housemaid and People We Meet on Vacation - and Steph updates us on her new book project. In what we're reading this week, Steph gets her hands on the ARC for Laura Taylor Namey's latest, and Molly devours The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center. We have an amazing book list this week; to follow along with all of our picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 101: Fake Skating by Lynn Painter

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 00:01:00 -0500

We're in a hockey state of mind this week with Fake Skating by the queen of banter, Lynn Painter. We talk about her signature storytelling style, share about our favorite character (hello, Grandpa Mick), praise her use of the fake dating trope, and confess to the power of a flirtatious wink. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin visits local icon Town Spa Pizza, Steph deals with a pest problem and begins research for a new book, and Molly recounts her meal at Comfort Kitchen. In what we're reading this week, Steph is gripped by Upward Bound by Woody Brown, Kaitlin tries R.F. Kuang's Babel, and Molly finishes Cynthia Erivo's memoir. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 100: Golden Hour by Stephanie Blackburn

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:01:00 -0500

This week we are toasting to 100 episodes and to our very own Stephanie, as we discuss her newest book, Golden Hour. We ask questions about her writing and editing process, spotlight the characters we adored, applaud the deep sense of place, and read aloud some of our favorite moments in the story. In our catch up this week, we reflect on 2025 and share some goals for the new year. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin enjoys Ali Hazelwood's Check & Mate, Molly falls in love with the lyrical prose of Wait for Me, and Steph gets her hands on the ARC of What Boys Learn. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 99: Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:01:00 -0500

It's our final episode of 2025 and we have so much to share with you. Our featured book this week is Malala's new memoir. Kaitlin reminisces about teaching Malala's heroic story to her students and we discuss the many relatable moments Malala shares from parental pressure to first crushes to trying to fit in at college. We admire her vulnerability in sharing about her anxiety and PTSD, and talk about how she stays motivated to fight for women and girls in a world that is constantly trying to extinguish her passion. In our catch up this week, Steph updates us about the first week of Golden Hour being out in the world, Kaitlin hits a few winter holiday markets, and Molly admits to falling down the hockey romance/Heated Rivalry rabbit hole. In what we're reading this week, Steph got her hands on the new Callie Hart book, Molly is moved by the poet Kate Baer, and Kaitlin is giddy thanks to Lynn Painter's Fake Skating. We close by sharing how you can support Stephanie's book and our podcast this holiday season. Join us for all things books & besties on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 98: That's a Great Question, I'd Love to Tell You by Elyse Myers

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:01:00 -0500

This week we're headed to Memoir Land, chatting about internet superstar and mental health advocate Elyse Myers. We discuss her vulnerability around her anxiety, rewriting conversations in our heads, her incredibly romantic love story, and her talents as both a content creator and illustrator. In our catch up this week, Molly recaps her week-long trip to North Carolina and Steph shares about her holiday with family, including her Nana's feedback on Golden Hour. In what we're reading this week, Steph dives into an ARC of Wait for Me and Molly manifests a Hanukkah meet-cute with Kissing Kosher. To follow along with all of our book picks or to order a Plans are Booked candle, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 97: We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:01:00 -0500

This week we're talking about a mystery that took us by surprise. Author Karin Slaughter has written dozens of books, and this particular story stands out because it's deeply relationship driven. We talk about the suspects, the teenage girls at the center of the crimes, the unexpected second and third acts, and our hopes for this to become a television mini series. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin gets ready to put up her Christmas tree, Molly recaps meeting Heather Aimee O'Neill, and Steph shares putting the finishing touches on the Golden Hour cover. In what we're reading this week, Steph is revisiting a childhood classic, Molly finishes the memoir of a social media star, and Kaitlin relives memorable music moments with Cameron Crowe's memoir. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 96: Books We Love to Gift

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 00:01:00 -0500

Join us for our third annual holiday gift recommendation episode! This week we are sharing ideas for everyone on your list. We've got coffee table books, cookbooks, young adult novels, memoirs, poetry collections, and books that will instantly upgrade the look of your shelves. In our catch up this week, Molly raves about Friendsgiving, Steph finalizes the cover design for Golden Hour, and Kaitlin recaps her trip to Portland, Maine. In what we're reading this week, Steph races through Between Two Kings, Molly gushes about a restaurateur memoir, and Kaitlin falls down the rabbit hole with a new hockey romance series. You can find all of our book picks on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 95: We Fell Apart by E. Lockhart

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:01:00 -0500

We've got the giggles this week, reminiscing about past pop culture obsessions. In our catch up, Kaitlin reviews the page-to-screen adaptation of Regretting You, Steph is devouring the new episodes of Maxton Hall, and Molly admits to binge-watching the entire new season of Selling Sunset. Our book this week is E. Lockhart's We Fell Apart. We discuss the Massachusetts setting, the wildly eccentric characters, the fractured family relationships (her signature), read aloud a passage we think is her best writing yet, and reveal some of her real life author friends who are thanked in the acknowledgements. In what we're reading this week, Molly begins a Karin Slaughter murder mystery and Steph details Rebecca Yarros' The Last Letter. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 94: Buckeye by Patrick Ryan

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:01:00 -0500

This week we're discussing Buckeye, a relationship-driven book about life in small town America across several decades. We talk about how the story follows both the characters and our country as they move through big changes, the ways in which the writing felt observational, and the themes of duty and repression. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin seeks overalls advice from Steph, Steph recaps her time dog sitting in Indiana, Molly attends a live podcast recording with Katie Sturino, and Kaitlin fills us in on her first Halloween party at her new house and the installation of her Little Free Library. In what we're reading this week, Steph enjoys Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score, Molly raves about the newest cowboy romance from Jessica Peterson, and Kaitlin starts Lightlark by Alex Aster. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 93: The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O'Neill

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we are transported to Long Island, literally and via the setting of this debut novel. We are talking about The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O'Neill, which was selected as the Jenna Reads Book Club pick for October 2025. We talk about the family drama genre (and Molly shouts out a few of her favorites), the uniqueness of siblings as narrators, the undercurrent of grief throughout this story, the role of religion in intergenerational dynamics, and our thoughts on a potential screen adaptation. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin recaps her trip to the North Fork of Long Island, and Molly shares about a visit to a new restaurant in the Fenway neighborhood. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin encounters the paranormal in the new Lyla Sage series, and Molly hits the jackpot with a popular thriller find in a Little Free Library. To follow along with all of the books that we mention, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 92: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're gushing about the first novel from an author we all adore: Rainbow Rowell. We reviewed Rowell's Slow Dance (Chapter 49) and were excited to go back in time to the book that started it all. We talk about the power of coming-of-age stories, this sweet relationship that blooms on the school bus, the potent mix of excitement and nervousness of a first crush, how this moment in time (the 1980s) differs from how we communicate today, and our resounding agreement that we will read anything this author puts out into the world. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin has a bestie in town and goes to her first headbanger concert, Steph has a great time dog sitting and admits her wing woman status at the bookstore, and Molly visits an unusual and delicious dessert cafe. In what we're reading this week, Molly picks up TV writer Monica Heisey's Really Good, Actually, Kaitlin makes an impulse purchase at an indie bookstore, and Steph continues to embrace hoa hoa hoa season with Ali Hazelwood's newest, Mate. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 91: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're talking about a very special book with a truly unusual narrator - Marcellus the octopus. We discuss how cover art influences our first impression of a story, emotion-driven vs. action-oriented plots, the beautiful relationship between Tova and Cameron, the moving way this book makes you think about the circle of life, and how it encourages readers to find joy in the small moments. We also share all the questions we wish we could ask the author and our excitement to see the film adaptation when it comes to Netflix. In our catch up this week, Steph asks, "is it perimenopause or is it a handsome man?" and reacts to the first draft of the cover art for her book. Molly raves about two recent dining experiences at Nebo and Sofra, noting her commitment to supporting female-owned businesses. In what we're reading this week, Steph embraces Hoa Hoa Hoa season with werewolf story Bitten, and Molly falls in love with the Lioness of Boston, sparking a heated discussion about whether or not Isabella Stewart Gardner was a Libra. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 90: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're praising the pride of Massachusetts, Taylor Jenkins Reid, as we celebrate her latest novel, Atmosphere. We talk about childhood fascination with the stars and space, our deepened appreciation for NASA's Mission Control, how this may be her most romantic story yet, and the 'butter moment' that left us swooning. In our catch up this week, Steph shares an interaction at the bookstore and updates us on her self-publishing journey, Kaitlin recaps her trip to the Oceans Calling music festival, and Molly gushes about her birthday celebrations. In what we're reading this week, Molly is reeled in by the first sentence of Patrick Ryan's Buckeye, Steph tears through the latest from E. Lockhart, and Kaitlin finds a gem at the Brookline Booksmith with a very unique premise. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at planarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 89: Pax by Sara Pennypacker

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're talking about a children's book that rustled up many childhood memories. Pax is the story of a boy and his pet fox, separated but determined to find their way back to each other. We talk about the parallels to Homeward Bound and Toy Story, how an animal as a central character reels in young readers, the importance of found family, and the meaning behind the name Pax. In our catch up this week, Stephanie introduces a new segment inspired by handsome visitors to the bookstore, Kaitlin shares the challenges of puppy training and her excitement for some upcoming outings, and Molly congratulates a friend of the pod on the upcoming opening of her indie bookstore. In what we're reading this week, Steph finishes Atmosphere and moves on to a racy story set in Boston, Molly is charmed by the octopus in Remarkably Bright Creatures, and Kaitlin is enjoying Angeline Boulley's latest release. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 88: Address Unknown by Katherine Kressman Taylor

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're discussing a very short book with a powerful punch. Address Unknown is an epistolary novel set in the 1930s that tells the story of two business partners whose relationship is dramatically impacted by Hitler's rise to power. We talk about the letter writing format, the erosion of the characters' friendship, parallels to changes we're seeing in the U.S. government today, and how we believe this should be required reading in every high school. In our catch up this week, Steph shares about some recent cuteness at the bookstore and her decision to self-publish Golden Hour, and Molly admits all the ways she is clinging to summer at the beach. In what we're reading this week, Steph is enjoying a family drama with an incredible title and Molly is happy to be reunited with Elissa Sussman's characters for her third book. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 87: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're transported to a remote island in the Southern Hemisphere. We are talking about the powerful and thought-provoking book Wild Dark Shore. We discuss the specificity of the location, the detailed descriptions of nature, the successful use of multiple narrators, the innocence delivered via a child as a main character, McConaghy's masterclass in brevity, and her gut punch of a first sentence. In our catch up this week, Steph shares a memorable meal at La Bodega, Molly reviews two page-to-screen adaptations, and Kaitlin recaps her trip to the U.S. Open. In what we're reading this week, Steph is inspired to start a sci-fi series, Molly heads to Texas with a cowboy romance, and Kaitlin devours her second Catherine Cowles title. To follow along with all of our top picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 86: Hot Desk by Laura Dickerman

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're chatting about a debut novel that surprised and delighted us. Hot Desk is contemporary fiction with multiple timelines, centered around a literary review in 1980s New York City. There's a workplace frenemies situation, a #MeToo revelation, powerful bonds between parents and children, a drunken scoundrel, and a highly coveted posthumous manuscript. We praise the author's ability to juggle so many story elements, read our favorite passages, and admit how much we laughed out loud. In our catch up this week, Molly gushes about a recent work trip and Steph updates on the home stretch at the renovation house. In what we're reading this week, Steph snagged a brand new copy of Pucking Strong and Molly reads Holly Jackson's latest murder mystery. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 85: Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:01:00 -0400

Have you ever been captivated by a viral court case? This week we're talking about a book that centers around a fictional true crime podcast and its subject, a young woman named Lucy who is accused of murdering her best friend. We discuss the podcast transcript format as a way to share a high volume of information, how an unreliable narrator keeps readers on their toes, our appreciation for short chapters, what an amazing plane read this is, and our hopes for a page-to-screen adaptation. In our catch up this week, Molly describes two delicious bakery outings as part of her video series for work and Kaitlin updates us on crate training her new pup. In what we're reading this week, Molly falls in love with a children's book and Kaitlin reviews the supremely popular Remarkably Bright Creatures, as well as an impulse purchase at Brookline Booksmith. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 84: Books That Changed Us

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're sharing a list of titles that expanded our thinking, piqued our interest in new topics, shaped how we write, and reimagined how we analyze books. Our selections cover children's books, contemporary fiction, essay collections, non-fiction, and memoir. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin adopts an adorable pup, Molly recaps her lake and beach time with her cousins, and Steph updates us on the latest at the renovation house. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin is back in Rebecca Yarros land, Molly picks up a work of fiction that reads more like a poem, and Steph starts an ARC from a debut author. To check out all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 83: It's Only Drowning by David Litt

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we deep dive on a memoir that surprised us. We talk about trying something new in your forties, finding common ground via shared hobbies, the hilarity of observational humor, and why this book makes such a great gift. In our catch up this week, Molly reports live from her lake week in New Hampshire, and Kaitlin decorates her back deck and becomes a regular at the Greek restaurant at the Norwood airport. In what we're reading this week, Molly picks up her first Elin Hilderbrand and Kaitlin falls for a Texas cowboy in Jessica Peterson's Cash. To follow along with all of our top picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 82: Summer Reading List

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:01:00 -0400

We have a special treat for you this week; we're sharing our top picks for summer reading. Our list is a mix of books that take place in the summer, are set in beach towns, or give us that carefree and joyful feeling that is synonymous with the season. We have titles across genres - young adult, commercial fiction, romance, and more. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin recaps her holiday weekend on Cape Cod and Molly discovers Taylor Swift Night at the Paragon Carousel. In what we're reading this week, Molly is flying through a Meghan Quinn series and Kaitlin reviews two books - a memoir and the first adult novel from a YA author. To check out all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 81: Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're transported to the English countryside, discussing a now and then story about first love, the complexity of marriage, and the devastation of loss. We praise the concise and compelling writing, the have vs. have-not set up, a surprise reveal in the final few pages, and the emotional depth that sparked deep empathy for these characters. We also share our hopes for a screen adaptation and our thoughts on who should play the lead roles. In our catch up this week, Molly admits to watching multiple newly released summer TV shows and Steph welcomes a furry friend into her home for the week. In what we're reading, Steph is reeled in by a "why choose" romance and Molly has fallen head over heels for a newly released enemies-to-lovers workplace drama. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 80: We Were Liars (Pilot Recap)

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:01:00 -0400

Fueled by wine, brie, and gummy worms, we're sharing all of our thoughts on the first episode of the page-to-screen adaptation of We Were Liars. We begin by sharing our admiration for Carina Adly MacKenzie and Julie Plec, the women who fought to bring this story to TV. We praise their impeccable choices for set design, music selection, and cinematography that activates all of the senses to scream, "summer!" We dissect the differences between the book and the show, and share our hopes for the rest of the episodes and a potential second season. In our catch up this week, Molly has fully entered beach mode and gives a review of the movie Materialists, Kaitlin details a spectacular meal at O Ya and visits a great restaurant in her neighborhood, and Steph enters the most maddening stage of the house renovation - tiling. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin DNFs two romance books and moves on to an audiobook, Steph starts a western that seems slightly inspired by The Inheritance Games, and Molly mentally transports to Italy with Ali Hazelwood's latest. To check out all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 79: Silver Elite by Dani Francis

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're discussing a book shrouded in mystery. Written under a pen name, Silver Elite straddles the line between a dystopian tale of resistance and a sizzling romantasy. We talk about what a military setting brings to a story, including Kaitlin's devotion to group projects and Molly's love for a training montage. We praise the strength of the male / female friendships in this book, the witty and flirtatious banter, and the subtle world building that makes this a bit more accessible than some other popular titles in this category. In our catch up this week, Molly recaps her New England road trip, Kaitlin heads to a boxing event at Fenway, Steph updates us on the house renovation and shares a hilarious encounter with a customer at the bookstore. In what we're reading this week, Steph is devouring the new Ali Hazelwood book set in Italy, Kaitlin completes another small town Lucy Score romance and begins a new book that reminds her of ones we've binged by Jordan Harper and Chris Whitaker. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 78: Mothers and Other Fictional Characters by Nicole Graev Lipson

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're discussing an essay collection by a local author. We chat about this format and how it allows you to read as you feel called to, Lipson's honest and vulnerable reflections on womanhood, her piercing accuracy about body image and self-esteem, and how she deeply understands the complexities of all types of relationships between women. If you have a mother or you are a mother, add this to your summer reading list. In our catch up this week, Molly heads to Newburyport and binges a new page-to-screen adaptation, we beg Stephanie to make more Limoncello, and Kaitlin begins her quest to visit many of the Michelin contender restaurants around Boston. In what we're reading this week, Molly is hoping for Top Chef tea in Kristen Kish's memoir, Steph enters the land of dire wolves, and Kaitlin begins Ocean Vuong's new fiction book. To follow along with all of our top picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 77: The Colleen Hoover Controversy

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:01:00 -0400

You know her from BookTok and the legal drama surrounding the screen adaptation of her novel It Ends With Us - this week we're discussing the phenomenon that is Colleen Hoover. We talk about her meteoric rise, the immersive quality of her writing, her expert pacing, how she moves between genres, and which of her books you should start with if you're a first timer. Then, we get into Reminders of Him, including our thoughts on the recent casting for the film. In our catch up this week, Molly heads to the Boston Pops and Steph updates us on installing dry wall and the dreaded porta-potty phase of the renovation. In what we're reading this week, Steph praises a new fantasy book and Molly grins over the banter in Summer Romance. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 76: One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 29 May 2025 00:01:00 -0400

We reunite with the queen of summer reads this week, as we dive into her latest novel. We head back to Barry's Bay, home of the flirtatious Charlie Florek, who we'd like to nominate for the Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame. We discuss Carley's mastery of the genre, her gift for the nostalgic, the joy of a lovable grandparent character, and a pickling scene that had our hearts melting. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin heads to a graduation party and admits her addiction, Steph anticipates a page-to-screen adaptation of a childhood favorite, and Molly hits the jackpot at a neighbor's Little Free Library. In what we're reading this week, Steph highlights the author controversy around Silver Elite, Kaitlin is pleasantly surprised by How to End a Love Story, and Molly jumps into Curtis Sittenfeld's newest book. To follow along with all of our top picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 75: We Were Liars + Family of Liars by E. Lockhart

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 22 May 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we are in a summer state of mind. We've transported to Beechwood Island off of Martha's Vineyard to analyze the suspicious behavior of the Sinclair family. We're sharing our thoughts on both of E. Lockhart's stories about this mega rich family with generations of dark secrets. We talk about how this book sits at the center of a Venn diagram of YA, contemporary fiction and mystery and applaud the author's ability to tackle tough topics, share our hopes for the screen adaptation, and strongly recommend reading the books back-to-back for optimal sleuthing. In our catch up this week, Steph returns and tells us all about her time in Indiana, Molly heads to the Cape for the first time in years, and Kaitlin enjoys a family weekend and a memorable round of golf. In what we're reading this week, Steph devours an ARC, Molly deepens her admiration for Katie Sturino, and Kaitlin is immersed in a dark tale of missing women. To access all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 74: The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're discussing a debut novel from a beautiful writer. We dissect this singular story, delving into family dynamics and obligations, point of view decisions, unlikable narrators, and the magic of strong prose, even when you aren't rooting for a single character. After reading Wei's first book, we're eagerly anticipating what she creates next. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin heads to the club and shares the emotional rollercoaster of being a Celtics fan this playoff season. Molly recaps her trip to Miami and reveals her secret shopping trip on the way to Kaitlin's house. In what we're reading this week, we celebrate the arrival of beach read season. Kaitlin devours the new Carley Fortune, and highly recommends an essay collection about motherhood. Molly reads her first Lucy Score book and finally understands the hype. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 73: How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 08 May 2025 12:01:00 -0400

This week we're discussing a story about found family, set in Portland, Maine. We hypothesize that chapter one may have started out as a short story, we applaud Wood's beautiful writing and intentional word choice, how the shifting verb tenses deepened our immersion with each character, the way this tale stayed with us for many days after we finished reading, and our hopes for it to become a mini series. In our catch up this week, we read a lovely listener email, Kaitlin attends a camp reunion, Steph starts painting at the flip house, and Molly recaps Independent Bookstore Day. In what we're reading this week, Steph picks up a K-drama romance, Molly opens a time capsule to 1999, and Kaitlin is halfway through a romance that reads more like a mystery. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 72: Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 01 May 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we head to non-fiction land to read a book that is part exposé and part personal reflection. Sarah bravely shares about her experience working for Facebook and the disturbing truths of being inside a company with no moral compass. We talk about the parallels between Facebook's leadership team and our current administration, the hypocrisy of Sheryl Sandberg and her Lean In movement, the importance of boundaries at work, and the tension between altruism and reality. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin discovers a love of boxing, plumbing and electrical have started at Steph's flip house, and Molly preps for summer at Nantasket Beach. In what we're reading this week, Steph and Molly are enjoying ARCs (true crime and family drama, respectively) and Kaitlin devours the final book in Lucy Score's Knockemout series. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 71: Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're discussing an author we adore and deep diving (pun intended) on her newest romance novel. We talk about Ali's unique background - her PhD in neuroscience, her love for fan fiction, and our complete awe that English is not her first language. We praise her foray into sports romance, set among the swimming and diving teams at Stanford, adding a competitiveness that upped the stakes. We note that this is an edgier romance, including really important conversations about desire and consent. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin shares her plans for spring break (and admits to several iconic movies she's never seen), Steph updates us on the latest at the renovation house, and Molly recaps her trip to North Carolina. In what we're reading this week, Steph begins the final book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, Kaitlin continues the Chole Walsh rugby series, and Molly falls hard for a fictional hockey player thanks to Tessa Bailey. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 70: Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we discuss a story about resistance. Bray's novel includes three timelines and three character duos, each trying to make sense of the political environments they're living in. We discuss how YA often tackles hard topics, how strange it is to read about the pandemic, the power of first love, the themes of not being complicit and remaining hopeful, and how deeply relevant this book is to the current state of our country. In our catch up, Kaitlin recaps her trip to Charleston, Steph educates us on septic testing, and Molly shares about her vacation to Mexico. In what we're reading this week, Steph details a Tessa Bailey book set in Boston, Kaitlin starts a rugby romance, and Molly takes life advice from Matthew McConaughey's memoir. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 69: The Favorites by Layne Fargo

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:01:00 -0400

Ever wondered what it's like to listen to three figure skating super fans geek out on a book about ice dancing? This week's episode is for you. We chat about growing up in the land of Nancy Kerrigan, the competitive nature of the sport, and who we were picturing as the main characters. We also deep dive on Layne Fargo's acknowledgement for author Taylor Jenkins Reid, and how the book's structure reminded us of Daisy Jones & the Six. Then, we have a passionate discussion about the marketing of a book and how cover art and jacket summaries influence both what we purchase and our expectations before we begin reading. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin shares about her 40th birthday party, Steph completes a giant step (pun intended) at the flip house, and Molly recovers from a food coma after several back-to-back restaurant meals. In what we're reading this week, Steph is devouring an exposé about Meta, Molly finally starts Onyx Storm, and Kaitlin picks up a mystery praised by Stephen King. To follow along with all of our book recs, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 68: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:01:00 -0400

We've got a wonderfully packed episode for you this week. We recap our trip to New York City to celebrate Kaitlin's 40th birthday, Steph tells us about her new flip house project, and we deep dive on the story of Addie LaRue. We discuss the fantasy genre, Schwab's beautiful writing, timeline hopping, and unexpectedly rooting for a Shadow Daddy. We also explore questions like - what are you willing to take risks for? How long could you last under Addie's curse? In what we're reading this week, Steph begins a new Lucy Score romance, Molly is transported to Barefoot Lake, and Kaitlin shares about two memoirs, one somber and one joyful. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 67: The Chain by Adrian McKinty

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're talking about a suspenseful story that had us gripped. We talk about our favorite characters, the pacing, the parts that made us panic, the dangers of social media, and our shared opinion that this is a stellar airplane read. In our catch up this week, we recap our group outing to the Titanic exhibit, Molly reflects on a client that has her back in the restaurant world, and Steph reveals the source of the famous limoncello recipe she's following. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin is transported to France with Addie LaRue and Steph requests "we listen and we don't judge" before revealing her current book. To follow along with all of our recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 66: Books to Fall Into

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:01:00 -0400

We’ve got a very fun, thematic episode for you this week. Inspired by Ashley Poston’s book, A Novel Love Story, we’re talking about stories, settings and characters we’d like to visit. We each select a book we’d like to vacation in and one we’d consider living in. We didn’t share our picks with each other in advance, leading to a surprising, revealing, and hilarious conversation. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin tells us about her time in Florida and her first visit to Top Golf, Steph finally gets her hands on a coveted limoncello recipe, and Molly recaps her trip to North Carolina. In what we’re reading this week, Steph gives five stars to Libba Bray’s newest work, Kaitlin is enjoying How to Read a Book, and Molly has fallen deeper into the hockey romance rabbit hole. To follow along with all our recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 65: Spare by Prince Harry

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:01:00 -0500

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are back in the spotlight with the release of Meghan's new Netflix show, making it the perfect time for us to share our thoughts on Prince Harry's revealing memoir, Spare. We talk about growing up in the age of Princess Diana, learning the harsh realities of the royal family's internal dynamics, the long-time bitterness between Prince Harry and Prince William, how Harry processed the loss of his mother, his infamous Halloween costume, his lengthy military experience, his ongoing mental health struggles, his relationship with Meghan, and his decision to leave. In our catch up this week, Steph and Molly attend an interior design event, Steph discovers a lavender latte that nearly compares to her beloved drink in Jackson Hole, and we chat about how reading hockey romances led to a startling realization about current NHL players. In what we're reading this week, Steph completes Rebecca Yarros' Flight & Glory series and starts a staff pick from Lovestruck Books. Molly is reading a local author's debut and can't resist sharing the hilarious acknowledgements section. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 64: Back After This by Linda Holmes

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:01:00 -0500

Is there anything more thrilling than winning a giveaway? This week we had the privilege of reading an advance copy of Linda Holmes' newest book, which is packed with witty and charming banter. We talk about how fun it was to read someone else's perspective on the podcast recording and editing process, the clever way she exposes the truth behind advertising and influencer deals, the humor she brought to every date scene, and a dog-centric meet cute that had us swooning. In our catch up this week, Steph is dog sitting and using her caulking skills, Kaitlin is hosting a pup and loving a new HBO series, and Molly recaps her recent trip to Maine. In what we're reading this week, Steph is enjoying a book she describes as "a gateway drug to the fantasy genre," Kaitlin discovers a great local author, and Molly is reunited with a writer she calls the mac & cheese storyteller, always comforting and delicious. For all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 63: Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 00:01:00 -0500

This week we're talking about a book that we all feel should be required reading. We chat about how the idea emerged, the co-author writing process, the intricacy of writing from multiple perspectives across lengthy timelines, the authenticity of how the trans experience is described, the flaws in the U.S. justice system, and much more. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin reunites with her teacher pals and applies to adopt a dog, Steph heads to a barn party and hosts a book brunch, and Molly admits to some serious Netflix binge watching. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin plucks a memoir off her TBR pile, Steph goes deeper into a Rebecca Yarros series, and Molly tries a new-to-her romance author. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also get in touch with us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 62: Cher, The Memoir (Part One) by Cher

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:01:00 -0500

Join us as we get to know a new side of Cher, the global icon. We talk about Cher's traumatic childhood, her complicated relationship with her mother, her romantic patterns, her rise to fame, the abuse she suffered, and our enormous admiration for the human rights champion she has become. We also draw parallels between her story and the many other memoirs we've read by women in the entertainment industry. In our catch up this week, Molly and Steph recap an awesome author event at Porter Square Books and Kaitlin welcomes an adorable house guest. In what we're reading this week, Steph devours the new Ali Hazelwood book, Molly reads her first hockey romance, and Kaitlin recommends a tale of revenge and retribution. To follow along with all of our picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 61: Monsters, A Fan's Dilemma by Claire Dederer

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:01:00 -0500

This week we discuss an essay collection that asks really hard questions. What do you do when you learn an artist you adore has done something deplorable? What is your duty as a fan? Should you separate the work from the person? Can you? Claire Dederer's commentary is brilliant, compelling, and will stay with you long after you finish the book. We share personal stories about the monsters we've grappled with, talk about the insane double standards for men and women, and how this book feels like it was written for the exact time and political climate we're living in. In our catch up, Kaitlin shares about a superb meal, Molly visits a new bakery, and Steph prepares for demo week at her new flip house. We also chat about escaping into fantasy books during tough times and the constant struggle between savoring a book and binge reading it. In what we're reading this week, we cross three genres. Give us a follow on Instagram @plansarebooked to see all of our current recommendations. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 60: We Run the Tides by Vendela Vida

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:01:00 -0500

This week we're headed back to high school. We're talking about coming of age, social hierarchy, queen bees, teenage gossip, and much more. We even get to hear some war stories from Ms. Mattison's classroom. We Run the Tides is one of those great books that straddles the line between adult fiction and YA. In our catch up, Steph dreams of a meet cute at Target, Kaitlin and Molly are giddy about being beta readers for Steph's new book, and Molly shares her quest to see the Oscar-nominated movies. In what we're reading this week, Steph has entered the land of Onyx Storm, Molly delights in the charm of Ina Garten's memoir, and Kaitlin reunites with New England's own, Jodi Picoult. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 59: Romancing Rebecca Yarros

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:01:00 -0500

You know Rebecca Yarros from Fourth Wing, Iron Flame and the newly released Onyx Storm, but did you know she has dozens of other fiction books? This week we explore the full Rebecca Yarros book list, calling out favorites like Variation, Full Measures and Great and Precious Things. We talk about her talent for world building, her preference for small towns and all their quirky locals, her mastery of family dynamics, her gift for conjuring flawed mothers, and the book boyfriends she's dreamed up that make us swoon. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin shares some new habits and routines for 2025, we celebrate Steph finishing her book draft, Molly has her parents in town, and we answer a powerful question posed on Bookstagram. In what we're reading this week, Steph has started a memoir with an iconic author bio, and Molly and Kaitlin debrief on a coming of age story set in the 70s. To follow along with all of our recommended reads, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 58: Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:01:00 -0500

Join us this week as we chat about family dynamics, sisterhood, masking, addiction, grief and forgiveness, all inspired by Blue Sisters. This is a story about three women, each at a critical inflection point. We talk about the authenticity of the characters, the questions we were left with, and our hopes for an eventual screen adaptation. Fun fact: all three of us read this book on vacation. It traveled to New York City, the Bahamas and Jackson Hole. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin shares the highlights from her time in London and Paris, Molly and Steph gush about their winter trip to Wyoming, and Steph gives an exciting flip house update. To ensure you're seeing all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 57: Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:01:00 -0500

This week we're reunited with an author we all admire. We're discussing the fiction novel debut of Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, who wrote The Undocumented Americans. This new work, Catalina, is about a young woman attending Harvard while juggling the many stressors and anxieties that come with being undocumented. We applaud Villavicencio's sharp writing in which every single word packs a punch and praise her ability to balance difficult topics with wit, humor and levity. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin previews the itinerary for her upcoming trip to London and Paris, Steph shares some ridiculous health insurance shenanigans, and Molly recaps a night out on Newbury Street. In what we're reading this week, Steph boards a submersible and Molly falls further down the One Tree Hill rabbit hole with another cast member's memoir. To follow along with all of our book picks, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 56: All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:01:00 -0500

This week we're talking about a memoir that took all of us by surprise. Patrick Bringley leaves a prestigious job at The New Yorker to become a security guard at the MET. His story not only brings readers behind the scenes of one of the most influential centers of art in the world, but it's a powerful testimony about loss, grief, love and hope. We talk about the passages that made us cry, the importance of brevity in long-form prose, all the cool stats we learned about the MET, and how the book's illustrations make this a beautiful gift. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin shares about a new priority for 2025, Steph tells us all about her new interior design project (and we hatch a plan for a manuscript inspired by it), and Molly gushes about the movie Wicked. We close by sharing a list of books we can't wait to read in 2025. To follow along with all of our recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 55: All Fours by Miranda July

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:01:00 -0500

Join us as we deep dive on a story that left us with so many questions. This week we discuss All Fours, a book that felt truly singular. Molly shares what compelled her to purchase it, then we opine about unlikeable narrators, a break dancing scene we can't get out of our heads, the taboo topic of menopause, and where we think this title may have come from. In our catch up this week, Steph spreads holiday cheer by bringing a mini horse to school, we share our recent tarot card readings with House of Stellium, and respond to a listener looking for true crime recommendations. In what we're reading this week, Steph finally wins a Goodreads giveaway and travels to a new version of Whoville, and Molly heads back to Stars Hollow with Kelly Bishop's memoir, The Third Gilmore Girl. We close by sharing two books we're covering in upcoming episodes if you'd like to read along with us. For all of our book picks, join us on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 54: From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:01:00 -0500

We're back in Memoir Land this week, talking about the life of Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie Presley. The book is told from two perspectives, Lisa Marie and her daughter Riley. We talk about Elvis' super stardom, growing up in the shadow of fame, celebrity marriages, and more. All of us were moved by Riley's description of grief and we had a new appreciation for her portrayal of Daisy Jones. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin secures us tickets to see Paul Mescal in New York, Steph decorates for the holidays, and Molly hits a Goodreads milestone. We share five new books during what we're reading this week. Steph is gripped by a Rebecca Yarros second chance love story, Kaitlin is juggling two popular fiction titles, and Molly devoured two steamy romance novels. To follow along with all of our book recs, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 53: Dinner For Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:01:00 -0500

This week we are transported to Tree Hill, North Carolina thanks to Bethany Joy Lenz's memoir. The actress, best known for her role as Haley on One Tree Hill, has written a vulnerable and honest account of her time in a religious cult. We talk about the power of high control groups, how to recognize gaslighting, and how her story shed new light on her role on a fan favorite show. We discuss the iconic TV show, the rewatch podcast, and our hopes for Lenz in the future. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin shares about her first few nights in her new house, Steph shows gratitude as her first season volunteering at the barn winds down, and Molly gushes about Steph's cooking at Friendsgiving. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin is starting a thriller, Steph returns to an author whose prose always moves us, and Molly devours a small town romance. To follow along with all of our book recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 52: Books We Love to Gift

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:01:00 -0500

Our annual tradition is back! Ahead of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, we're sharing our favorite books to gift. This year, we're strongly encouraging you to prioritize banned books to ensure some of the most important and powerful stories get into the hands of new readers. We have recommendations across literary fiction, memoir, romance, YA, graphic novels, children's books, cookbooks, and more. In our catch up, Kaitlin shares about a bread pudding that altered her brain chemistry, Steph and Molly recap their weekend in Wilmington, Vermont, and Molly admits to falling down a One Tree Hill rabbit hole after reading Bethany Joy Lenz's memoir. In what we're reading this week, Steph devours The Housemaid, Kaitlin debates whether she can finish Holly, and Molly picks up another food-centric love story. To follow along with all of our reads, including this year's holiday gift lists, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also reach out to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 51: The Maid by Nita Prose

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:01:00 -0500

Welcome to a tale of two covers. Two key holes, two maids, two murder mysteries. This week we're talking about The Maid by Nita Prose (and The Housemaid by Freida McFadden). We just finished Prose's story about a maid named Molly who works at a luxury hotel. We talk about narrators who are on the spectrum and how challenging it is to read about people being taken advantage of. In our catch up, Kaitlin updates us on her move prep, Molly shares about a delicious meal at a new restaurant, and Steph confesses that she's watching Maxton Hall... again. We have a lively discussion about all of the shows we've streamed lately and close by sharing what we're reading this week. Current book choices include a memoir about surviving a cult, an eccentric family drama, and an essay collection that almost landed on the DNF pile. To follow along with all of our recommendations, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 50: Cheers to One Year

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:01:00 -0500

This is a very special week. We're celebrating 50 episodes - one year of Plans are Booked! We kick off by sharing all the details of our four days in the Big Apple, including crushing on Kit Connor in Romeo + Juliet on Broadway, channeling The Bear at Michelin star restaurant Eleven Madison Park, enjoying the finer things in Soho, falling in love with The Strand Bookstore, catching up with besties, and having an iconic celebrity sighting. Next, we reflect on our first year of podcasting together, covering our favorite reads, author interactions that delighted us, book events we adored, and things we've learned about the recording process. We close by sharing a very exciting giveaway. To enter, be sure to follow @plansarebooked on Instagram. To share feedback, ideas for upcoming episodes, or to order a Plans are Booked candle, you can write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 49: Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're talking about a second chance love story that surprised us. Rainbow Rowell has written two honest and vulnerable leads, Shiloh and Cary, who move through friendship, distance, and romance over two decades. We talk about the resonance of flawed characters, the levity delivered via a spunky little kid, and make comparisons to movies with similar vibes. In our catch up, Steph recaps her five days of dog sitting and gives us an update on house flipping. Kaitlin details her evening with author Jason Reynolds at the Brookline Booksmith and shares her excitement after making a visit to her new house. Molly tells the girls about her trip to Miami and the surprising things that came back in her suitcase. This episode we also share our listener picks for favorite books of 2024. If you'd like to see that list, give us a follow on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can always write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 48: Modern Romance with Casey McQuiston

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week we shine a light on an author we all adore, Casey McQuiston (they / them). Steph shares how she was first introduced to Casey's writing and how quickly all of us became super fans. Kaitlin and Molly recap seeing Casey in person with the Brookline Booksmith and how that deepened our fandom. We cover Casey's gift for writing banter-fueled love stories, vivid descriptions of food and travel, and LGBTQIA+ representation. We talk about our favorite moments from Red, White & Royal Blue, I Kissed Shara Wheeler and The Pairing, including reading passages that moved us and a great idea Kaitlin hatched for a YA prequel to Casey's latest story. In our catch up this week, Molly makes an instant BFF at the hair salon, Kaitlin celebrates a best friend's 40th, and Steph tells us about a new book she's working on. We close by reading a fun listener email and asking for your personal book recommendations. Please share your favorite reads of 2024 with us at plansarebooked@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram, @plansarebooked.

Chapter 47: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week we marvel at author Chris Whitaker's talent and share our thoughts on the story of Patch and Saint. We chat about the importance of well rounded side characters, our love for short chapters with poignant closing sentences, parallels to Forrest Gump, and the text Kaitlin found so powerful she's considering for her next tattoo. We also continue our fascination with how books are chosen for celebrity book clubs, noting Whitaker's shoutout to Jenna Bush Hager in the acknowledgements. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin gives an awesome update on her home buying journey, Steph shares about a recent equine therapy client, and Molly details every delicious thing she ate during her girls trip to Vermont. We also dish on the new seasons of Love is Blind and Heartstopper on Netflix, including a spirited debate about whether reality or scripted TV reigns supreme. To follow along with everything we're reading, join us on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 46: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week we have something extra special for you. We're debuting a line of Plans are Booked romance trope candles! We light a candle each time we record and we want to share that ritual with you. We can't wait for you to smell them, enjoy them in your home, or gift them to your reader bestie. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin recaps a wonderful wedding she went to in Connecticut, Molly details two delicious restaurant meals, and Steph shares an honest update about the querying process and how she's feeling about pursuing this book. We also rave about the new Netflix show Nobody Wants This, starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell. Then we discuss Liz Moore's newest book. We talk about the juggle of a moving timeline and multiple character perspectives. We admit that we're always reeled in by the haves and have nots. We confess our favorite character, how we felt about the ending, and what we think could make a successful screen adaptation. In what we're reading this week, Kaitlin has both a fiction and non-fiction pick, Steph tries her first Emily Henry book, and Molly returns to Lynn Painter land. To follow along with all of our recs, join us on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can also write to us or place an order for a candle at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 45: Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 00:01:00 -0400

It's Molly's birthday week and the Libra season energy is in full effect. We kick off with Molly sharing two book-themed gifts she's unwrapped, including one that Steph and Molly's mom conspired together to procure and secretly have delivered. Steph catches us up on the very special pup she took care of over the weekend. We close out the catch up by sharing two brand new TV shows we're loving. Next, we discuss Margo's Got Money Troubles, a book so unique and specific we had a tough time comparing it to other reads. We fell down the OnlyFans rabbit hole (not something we ever thought we'd do) and discussed how there were so many moments where the story felt like a memoir instead of a work of fiction. We also share our giddiness around it being greenlit for an 8-episode screen adaptation. In what we're reading this week, Molly admits she may have unlocked a new spice level with her latest romance pick. To follow along with all of our book recs, join us on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 44: Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week we mentally transport ourselves to northern California to join Lana, Beth and Jack, the three generations of women who star in Mother-Daughter Murder Night. This debut novel from former NASA engineer Nina Simon features unlikely detectives, hilarious family dynamics, and a picturesque setting that some people will do anything to protect. We talk about the Emily and Lorelai Gilmore-like relationship between Lana and Beth, and who we'd love to see cast in a screen adaptation of this story. This is a Reese's Book Club pick and we begin to fantasize about a TV series that would show the behind-the-scenes process of being chosen for Reese, Oprah or Jenna's book clubs. In our catch up this week, Kaitlin heads to the movie theater, Steph regales us with a nightmare flying experience, and Molly admits she's been binging an insane amount of television. We close by sharing what we're currently reading, which includes books from Chris Whitaker, Casey McQuiston, and Holly Jackson. Join us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, to follow along with all our picks and send us your thoughts on this week's episode to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 43: The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're embracing the transition to fall and donning our favorite sweatshirt + shorts combos (shout out to the OG, Princess Diana). Kaitlin shares her excitement for the return of football and the joy she's feeling from all the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce sightings. She also fills us in on the wedding she went to on the South Shore and an epic meal she had at Bianca in Newton. Steph reminisces about a blissful Labor Day weekend at the beach with Nemo and Scout, updates us on her query process for her latest book, and details a delectable breakfast at Verveine Cafe in Cambridge including the mother of all cinnamon buns. Molly unleashes the Libra energy, sharing how amped she is for birthday month. We close out our catch up by confessing our current TBR tallies, then we deep dive on Holly Gramazio's debut novel, The Husbands. We chat about her career as a video game designer, what we loved about the magical premise, and Kaitlin makes a superb suggestion about how the story should be told next. To follow along with all of our hot takes and book recs, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 42: Wild Love by Elsie Silver

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 00:01:00 -0400

Fueled by milkshakes, this week is an all out gigglefest. Steph shares her day at the barn, including getting to know some adorable, tiny kittens. Kaitlin recaps her weekend on Cape Cod, including an awesome round of golf with her mom. Molly details her annual getaway to Maine, including a growing menagerie of inflatables. Then we deep dive on a book we read in Wyoming, Wild Love by Elsie Silver. Kaitlin and Molly gush about the male lead, Ford Grant, and Steph makes a surprising confession. We talk about the allure of small town settings, the power of fated mates, and our obsession with great banter. In what we're reading this week, we each try to guess how many books are in our respective TBR piles, and then share three books across completely different genres. To follow along with all of our book recs, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. If you have an idea for a future episode, write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 41: Wyoming Trip Recap + Rebel Blue Ranch Series by Lyla Sage

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week we are headed west to Wyoming! We kick off our conversation by sharing a detailed recap of our trip to Jackson Hole, including making friendship bracelets at the airport, our love affair with our rental house's living room, declaring Jenny Lake the prettiest place we've ever seen in real life, buffalo sightings in Yellowstone, customizing cowboy hats, Kaitlin and Steph getting tattoos, and the restaurants you absolutely have to hit if you're planning a future visit. Then, we discuss author Lyla Sage's Rebel Blue Ranch series, which is set in Wyoming. We share our thoughts on the first two books, Done & Dusted and Swift & Saddled, and how excited we are for the next two stories in the series. In what we're reading this week, Steph picks up a Colleen Hoover book from 2013, Kaitlin tries another Erin Hahn story, and Molly finds herself holding a work of fiction that actually reads more like a 300-page poem. If you'd like to follow along with all of our recommendations, join us on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 40: Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week is a big one: we're toasting to 40 episodes! We open by reflecting on our journey so far and sharing the things that have surprised us most about the experience. In our catch up, Steph recaps her trip to Portland for Kate Spencer's author event, Kaitlin updates us on her house hunt, and Molly recounts her weekend road trip. Next, we debrief on the TV adaptation of Holly Jackson's A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Netflix), which we all enjoyed despite its major location change. Then we deep dive on Ninth House. As Kaitlin says, "this one's for the dark academia baddies." We talk about the allure of secret societies and whether or not we like a dash of the paranormal in our stories. We close out by reading an email from a loyal listener. If you'd like to write to us, shoot a note to plansarebooked@gmail.com. You can also follow us on Instagram, @plansarebooked.

Chapter 39: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're discussing a story that has dominated the book club circuit. We deep dive on Yellowface, a tale of deceit and deplorable behavior. We share our individual levels of cringe and why we think this should never be adapted for the screen. In our catch up, Molly recaps her trip to New Hampshire, Kaitlin fills us in on the Newport Folk Festival, and Steph educates us on the units of measure for the height and head size of horses. We have a passionate conversation about the highlights of the summer Olympics (Do you know the muffin man?) and share what we're reading this week. If you'd like to follow along with all of our book picks, connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked. You can also write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 38: Home Is Where The Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:01:00 -0400

Murderinos, this one's for you. This week we're deep diving on Home Is Where The Bodies Are. Steph admits she was Instagram influenced to purchase this book (in hard cover!). After she raced through it, she was positive all of us would love it. It's a mix of family drama, solving the case, and 1980s nostalgia. In our catch up this week, Steph dog sits for her favorite neighborhood pup, Kaitlin prepares for the Noah Kahan concert at Fenway Park, and Molly welcomes her parents to the beach house for the summer. We also discuss a recent podcast interview with Emily Henry where she explains her point of view on what an author's role should be in page to screen adaptations. We're all across the board in what we're reading this week, including Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, which we'll be covering in a future episode. If you'd like to follow along with what we're reading, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. If you have an idea for a book or topic, write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com. This week we read a lovely listener email on air, and we'd love to share more of your feedback.

Chapter 37: Even If It Breaks Your Heart by Erin Hahn

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 00:01:00 -0400

It's Stephanie's birthday! With bubble tea in hand, we're toasting and catching up on a very big week. Steph recounts her recent rescue ride with a foster dog, Kaitlin fills us in on her Cape Cod and New York City trips, and Molly shares a major life update. Then we deep dive on a book we all loved, Even If It Breaks Your Heart. We talk about how Erin Hahn rivals Lynn Painter in the banter game, and how excited we are to read more of her books. In "what we're reading this week," Steph describes a book that totally captivated her, Kailtin gives a preview of the book we're covering next week, and Molly takes her first trip to the "dark academia" genre. To follow along with everything we're reading and loving, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. If you have an idea for a future episode, write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 36: Page to Screen Favorites

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week we have a special treat for you. We are recording at Molly's beach house (a first!) and talking about a subject all three of us are very passionate about - the best book to movie / TV adaptations. Our list is vast and covers many genres - coming of age, family drama, sports towns, dystopian tales, mystery, romance and more. In our catch up, Steph shares about celebrating birthdays at the horse barn, Kaitlin declares her summer sea glass quest, and Molly describes a book she recently finished as the "Magic 106.7 of summer reads." To follow along with everything we're loving, join us on Instagram, @plansarebooked. If you have an idea for a future episode topic, please write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 35: The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week we have a lively catch up, including Steph updating us on the plumbing saga, Kaitlin surviving a golf tournament during a scorching heatwave, and Molly meeting some of the visitors to her Little Free Library. Then we deep dive on The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston. During our chat, we share our favorite time hop stories (books and movies). When we get into what we're reading this week, we launch into a conversation about content warnings (are they necessary?), Steph gushes about a pirate-themed meet cute, Kaitlin starts a book by a celebrity author, and Molly admits that her current book is extra spicy. To keep up with everything we're reading, give us a follow on Instagram, @plansarebooked. If you'd like to suggest a topic for a future episode, please write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 34: This Golden State by Marit Weisenberg

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:01:00 -0400

We kick off this week with a lively catch up. Steph details the latest drama with the plumber at the renovation house (and makes a big reveal). She also tells us about volunteering at two different barns. Kaitlin recaps her re-retirement party from teaching and gushes about the recent Normal People viewing party with Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar Jones. Molly insists everyone try the burrata and smashed avocado salad at Josephine and gets all the feels talking about the official start to summer in Hull. Then we deep dive on a book we all really enjoyed, This Golden State. We talk about the line between YA and adult fiction, the power of deep family bonds, the joy of first love, our hope that this becomes a TV series, and our wish for a second book to continue following these complex characters. To follow along with what we're currently reading, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. If you have a book you're like us to cover, write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 33: This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're in a summer state of mind. We're elated about the warmer weather, driving with the windows down, and ordering giant iced drinks. In our catch up, Kaitlin tells us about her weekend trip to Portsmouth, NH. Molly recaps her road trip to Vermont (and her newfound love for maple-flavored desserts), and Steph shares her weekend of reading and hanging with her favorite neighborhood pup. Then, we deep dive on Carley Fortune's newest book, This Summer Will Be Different. We enter Felix into our book boyfriend hall of fame, relish the deep friendship between Lucy and Bridget, and consider a future trip to Prince Edward Island. To keep up with everything we are reading, follow us on Instagram, @plansarebooked. If you have an idea for a future episode, please write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 32: All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:01:00 -0400

We have a very special episode for you this week. In addition to chatting about a book we all loved and think should be required reading, we kick off the episode by sharing the TV shows we are currently loving. Molly admits she finally cut the cord with cable, which launches a spirited conversation about how all of us will watch the upcoming Paris Olympics. We debate which Olympics are better (summer or winter), Kaitlin makes a plea to Steph and Molly to consider watching more professional sports, and Molly argues that being a Bravo TV fan is just as rewarding and competitive. We also catch up on the end of Kaitlin's school year and Steph sending her first query letter. Then we gush about All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir, a book that moved us. We discuss how the YA genre embraces tough topics, the power of immigrant stories, and how the author's personal life experience and passions became infused into the story. To keep up with everything we're reading, give us a follow on Instagram @plansarebooked. If you'd like to suggest a book or topic for us to cover, write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 31: One in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:01:00 -0400

We're back, baby! After a week off we've returned to the airwaves. In our catch up, Molly shares all about her two-week vacation, Stephanie chronicles her recent escapades at the flip house (hello, flying squirrel!) and she tells us about writing her query letter. Kaitlin updates us on her house hunting quest and we hear all about her private school's recent centennial celebration. This week we deep dive on Kate Kennedy's book, One in a Millennial, including our thoughts on pop culture analysis vs. memoir, the influence of Saved by the Bell, the potency of lifeguard culture, and so much more. We close with what we're reading this week, including two highly praised beach reads and a new author who is being compared to Sally Rooney. To keep up with everything we're loving, give us a follow on Instagram, @plansarebooked. If you'd like to suggest a book for a future episode, shoot us a note to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 30: Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 23 May 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week we celebrate entering our 30s! Well, 30 episodes. In our catch up, Molly shares an intense work moment, Steph talks about a great conversation with a friend writing a memoir, and Kaitlin gives a live text message update on her house hunt. Then we deep dive on a book we all really enjoyed, Songs in Ursa Major. We talk about the appeal of stories set in New England seaside towns, the joy of reading about generations of women living under one roof, the strong side characters in this cast, and Molly's penchant for men who play the piano. We also compare Songs in Ursa Major to another favorite, Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Kaitlin also tells us about the time she took a query letter course with the author, Emma Brodie. We're taking a small break while Molly is on an international vacation, so our next new episode will be Thursday, June 6, 2024. In the meantime, you can follow along with everything we're reading on Instagram, @plansarebooked. If you'd like to get in touch, write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 29: Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 16 May 2024 00:01:00 -0400

We have a packed episode for you this week. Stephanie celebrates finishing the second draft of her book manuscript. She also tells us all about her day trip to Chicago for her cousin's bridal shower at Cindy's Rooftop. Kaitlin shares that she resigned from her teaching position, and Molly and Kaitlin recap their evening at the Boujee Bookstore's Bookstagram Bash in Norwood, MA. We gush about meeting other bookstagrammers, the incredible raffle prizes, and Molly's bounty of winnings by the end of the night. This week we deep dive on Jessica Knoll's Bright Young Women. We talk about the Rolling Stone article that inspired the premise and the parallels to Know My Name by Chanel Miller and the movie Promising Young Woman. We're all across the board genre-wise in what we're reading this week - romance, memoir and pop culture analysis. To keep up with all our book picks, give us a follow @plansarebooked on Instagram. To recommend a book for a future episode, write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 28: The Idea of You (Movie Recap)

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 09 May 2024 00:01:00 -0400

Fueled by Mexican food, gin cocktails and a bottle of rosé, we're sharing our live reactions to the film adaptation of The Idea of You by Robinne Lee. We gathered at Steph's house to watch the movie together and boy do we have thoughts. We break down our approach to managing expectations when books head to screen, why many of these productions should come with a "loosely inspired by" warning, the shocking changes to the lead character of Solene, the switch up of the primary conflict in the plot, and how Nicholas Galitizine can save any scene. We also chat about the habit of rewatching, and share our review of the Zendaya movie Challengers, which we saw together in the theatre. We chat about the scenes filmed at Kaitlin and Molly's alma mater, Wheaton College, and deep dive on our fascination with actor Mike Faist. We close our discussion with what we're reading right now, during which Molly made Steph tear up by reading a particular excerpt from an acknowledgements section. This episode is a wild one! Join us for more fun on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or shoot us a note to plansarebooked@gmail.com. We always love hearing from you.

Chapter 27: She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 02 May 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week we deep dive on a book we all raced through, She Rides Shotgun. We chat about the appeal of adult / kid tag teams, anti-hero stories, how writers create a sense of grittiness, and whether this author has personal ties that enabled him to write so realistically about both trauma and the justice system. In our catch up this week, Stephanie shares that her flip house is officially listed for sale! We also hear about her weekly volunteering at the horse barn. Molly squeals with excitement about going to the movie theater to see the Zendaya movie Challengers. Kaitlin gives us her top tracks from Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poet's Department, and all three of us share our giddiness about The Idea of You movie release day (today!). If you want to follow along with what we're reading, join us on Instagram @plansarebooked. If there's a book you think we should read and discuss, send us a note to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 26: Thicker Than Water by Kerry Washington

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:01:00 -0400

We have a packed episode for you this week! In our catch up, Molly shares about her recent girls trip to Long Beach Island. Kaitlin fills us in on her latest round of open houses, her upcoming concert line up, and her discovery of the new Romeo + Juliet coming to Broadway this fall. Stephanie details her volunteer time at the barn, including what made her tear up in the ring. We share our plans for Indie Bookstore Day (Saturday, April 27) and answer the question, "What makes you stop reading a book?" Our answers will definitely surprise you. Then we deep dive on actress and activist Kerry Washington's memoir. Molly shares the two podcast interviews from the book's press tour that made her want to read it, and we all share our reactions to the pacing, the story arc, and the big reveal at the end. As always, we love hearing from you, so please shoot us a note to plansarebooked@gmail.com and give us a follow on Instagram, @plansarebooked.

Chapter 25: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:01:00 -0400

We are one day away from the release of the new Taylor Swift album and the Plans are Booked gals are excited! Kaitlin shares that she's going to a Swiftie dance party to celebrate. She also fills us in on her house hunting journey and her recent trip to Wu Song tiki bar in Harvard Square. Molly recaps her food-filled weekend in Charleston, SC. Stephanie details the final weeks of her house renovation, including what we're now calling the "no toilet" phase. We close out our catch up with the arrival of our Miss Peaches merch, which supports animal rescues across the country. Then we deep dive on a book we all really enjoyed, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. We talk about the appeal of girl detectives (shoutout to the OG, Harriet the Spy) and how excited we are for the TV adaptation of this book, which is already filming for the BBC. This week, our current reads are across three genres, and we get into a spirited conversation about the future casting of the screen version of Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage. To keep up with everything we're loving, give us a follow on Instagram, @plansarebooked. If you have an idea for a future episode topic, please write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 24: Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 00:01:00 -0400

Welcome to episode 24. This week we realize that we've been podcasting for six months and have a hilarious conversation about how we picture the calendar in our minds. Molly recaps her recent trip to Providence, including its evolution from "home of the mall" to foodie destination. We share about our group outing to Portsmouth, where we hit two independent bookstores and had a feast at Street. Stephanie updates us on her house renovation, including this week's debacle with the refrigerator delivery. Then we deep dive on a book we all adored, Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman. We talk about how realistic this story feels compared to other books in the romance genre, and who we were picturing as the actor at the center of the plot. We praise one of the side characters, Oliver, and manifest him getting his own spin off story. We touch briefly on another one of Sussman's books, Once More with Feeling, and share our excitement for her next one, which comes out in September. We close with a conversation about what we're currently reading. All three of us were in the mystery / thriller realm this week. We love hearing from you, so please connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or send us a note to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 23: Tearjerker Books

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:01:00 -0400

Get out the tissues, because this week we're talking about books that made us cry. Kaitlin admits that stories about teenage boys going through a hard time always wreck her, Stephanie shares three favorites (and gets a bit choked up on air), and Molly heads to memoir land to revisit the books that undid her, including one that made her ugly cry on a plane. In our catch up, we shift into joy mode. Stephanie updates us on her new volunteer role at a horse barn and Molly raves about a new restaurant find in Cambridge. We close by sharing what we're reading now, including a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick that has surprisingly scathing Goodreads reviews. We love hearing what you're excited about and what you think we should read next. Connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or send an email to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 22: A Love Song For Tia Williams

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:01:00 -0400

This week we're gushing about one of our favorite authors, Tia Williams. We share how moved we were by Seven Days in June and how eager we were for this year's release of A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. In our catch up, Molly shares about her recent trip to Library Restaurant, Kaitlin tells us about her spring break in Florida, and Steph asks the question, "Do you have an inner monologue?" which leads to a 15-minute discussion on how our brains work. This episode Molly admits her newfound obsession with the rescue pup Miss Peaches, and we debate matching swag to support her animal rescue work. We close by sharing what we're reading this week - a mix of fantasy, murder mystery, and small town romance. We love chatting with you, so please connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or send us a note to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 21: The Butcher and the Wren by Alaina Urquhart

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:01:00 -0400

Welcome to episode 21. Our podcast is old enough to drink. Cheers to that! This week we're talking about mysteries - why we love them, our early childhood favorites, and how this genre reels in even the most skeptical young readers. We deep dive on a mystery we all just finished, The Butcher and the Wren. Author Alaina Urquhart lives in Boston, hosts two podcasts, and works as an autopsy technician. In our catch up, Kaitlin shares about her flat tire disaster, Molly recaps her day at jury duty, and Steph updates us on her current phase of the house renovation: bathroom tiling. We close by sharing what we're reading this week. Steph confesses she added a book to the DNF pile, Kaitlin is nearly done with Seven in Days in June by Tia Williams, and Molly has fallen down the Helen Hoang rabbit hole. We love hearing from you, so please connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or send us a note to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 20: A Love Letter to Graphic Novels

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:01:00 -0400

It's our 20th episode! We're celebrating with prosecco, funfetti cake, and a genre we all adore - graphic novels. Kaitlin kicks us off on why she loves the combination of beautiful illustrations with powerful dialogue, Steph shares a graphic novel she read recently that moved her to tears, and Molly reviews her first-ever read of this kind. We also live react to the movie trailer for The Idea of You (give episode 3 a listen if you missed our review of the book). We talk about the casting of Nicholas Galitzine as Hayes and Anne Hathaway as Solene, and how we hope the film will embrace their story. We also give a shoutout to a local Massachusetts bookstore we're loving, and Molly unwraps a blind date book on air. We love hearing from you, so please connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or shoot us a quick email to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 19: Female Indigenous Stories with Angeline Boulley

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 00:01:00 -0500

This week we're celebrating an author who has inspired and educated us, Angeline Boulley. She writes stories with indigenous women at the center. We loved her first book, Firekeeper's Daughter, and just raced through her second one, Warrior Girl Unearthed. We talk about Boulley's position in the Obama White House, the way she has nuanced conversations about identity, and how she brilliantly brings readers into a fully immersive world. In our catch up, Kaitlin shares how pho healed her from a lingering cold, Stephanie updates us on her renovation house, and Molly recaps her long weekend in Miami with her family. We close with the list of what we're currently reading, during which Kaitlin introduces us to a new genre called "door stop fantasy." Stephanie is reading the new Ali Hazelwood book, Bride, and Molly is reading a book Ali Hazelwood recommended called Sex, Lies and Sensibility by Nikki Payne. We love hearing from you and knowing what you are reading. Connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or send us a quick note to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 18: Hot and Bothered

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:01:00 -0500

This week we're riled up about romance. We're hot off attending the "Happily Ever After" event at WBUR City Space where we had the extreme pleasure of hearing from romance authors Beverly Jenkins, Jasmine Guillory and Ali Hazelwood. We share the most memorable moments from the panel discussion, the ways they made us feel seen, and advice they offered to aspiring writers. We also sing the praises of the amazingly talented moderator, Kalyani Saxena. In our catch up session, Kaitlin brings us on her house hunting journey, Stephanie fills us in on the latest at her renovation project, and Molly admits that she actually cooked on her recent weekend trip to Maine. We close by shouting out the current books we're reading, which are an extra eclectic mix this week. Listen carefully for a heads up on the subject of next week's episode (hint: we're transporting ourselves to Michigan). We love chatting with all of you, so please connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or send a us note to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 17: Praise for Lauren Oliver

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:01:00 -0500

It's our 17th episode, Kaitlin's lucky number, and we have a big one for you this week. We're going deep on an author who has written children's books, YA and adult fiction - Lauren Oliver. Stephanie and Kaitlin share how they bonded over Oliver's books early on in their friendship, and we all agree that YA has dramatically risen in popularity and visibility since Oliver's books began hitting shelves in 2010. We also share what we're reading this week, including three books we're racing through and can't wait to pass on to each other. In our catch up, we gush about some food favorites - a new ramen spot for Kaitlin, a surprising presentation of tiramisu for Molly, and the secret to Steph's addictive brown butter chocolate chip cookies. We love hearing from you, so please reach out to us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or send us a note to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 16: Tell Me Everything by Minka Kelly

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:01:00 -0500

Welcome to our Sweet Sixteen! This week we're gushing about actress Minka Kelly's memoir. You may know her from Friday Night Lights and Parenthood, but we're certain you don't know about her wild childhood and the intense journey she experienced on the road to Hollywood. In our catch up, Kaitlin shares that she's interviewing for a new teaching position, Stephanie updates us on her current flip house project, and Molly rates Amazon Prime's latest rom-com. We wrap by sharing what we're reading this week, including a graphic novel, Tia Williams' new romance, and a book with a superb acknowledgements section. We love hearing from you and knowing what you're reading, so please connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or reach out to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 15: Glossy by Marisa Meltzer

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:01:00 -0500

This week we begin by exchanging Galentine's Day gifts and reviewing the movie All of Us Strangers, co-starring Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal. Then, we deep dive on what may be our most polarizing book choice yet - Glossy by Marisa Meltzer. We talk about startup culture, the power of Boy Brow, and how an intern at Teen Vogue became a beauty mogul. We close by sharing what books we're reading currently - three extremely different genres this week. We love hearing from you, so please connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or send us a note to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 14: Storytelling Through Food - Our Favorite Cookbooks

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:01:00 -0500

It's a big week for the Plans are Booked gals! Molly shares her brush with fame, putting her two degrees of separation from Taylor Swift. We rave about Stephanie's latest book draft and the epic brunch she hosted to collect feedback from reader friends. She goes deep on whether she wants this new book to be classified as literary fiction or romance. Next, we work up an appetite sharing our favorite cookbooks. Stephanie praises Chrissy Teigen and her corn pudding, Kaitlin confesses she can't stop making Stanley Tucci's eggs and tomato, and Molly admits she's still turning to the chocolate chip cookie recipe she learned in elementary school. We close out the conversation with what we're reading this week and a few of the books we'll be discussing throughout February. As always, we love hearing from you. Please connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or send us a note to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 13: The Queen of Romance Tropes, Lynn Painter

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 00:01:00 -0500

This week we deep dive on an author whose books we've been binge reading the last few months, Lynn Painter. We talk about our favorite characters, her incredible gift for banter, and the way she deeply understands the teenage mind. Kaitlin catches us up on her trip to Washington D.C. including a tour of the White House (and its library), two museums, and of course, Kramer Books. Molly and Steph recount meeting romance author Jenny Howe at Belmont Books. Listen to the full episode for an exciting update on a giveaway we're running this week of Jenny's newest book! We round things out with the titles we're currently reading, including a moment where Molly and Steph give completely opposite reviews of the same romance novel. To stay up to date on everything we're reading, follow along on Instagram, @plansarebooked. We loved hearing from you, so please write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 12: An Ode to Coffee Table Books

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 00:01:00 -0500

This week, punch drunk on ice cream frappes, we have a lively conversation full of hot topics. We dig into Wattpad - What is it? Who uses it? Do you call your account a pad? We chat about Ali Novak's My Life with the Walter Boys, both the book and the recent adaptation for Netflix. We have a heated discussion about books vs. audiobooks and what the correct verb to use is when describing enjoying a story through your eyes vs. your ears. Then we share, with great pride, our favorite coffee table books. We explain how we found them or received them, why they're special, and where we display them in our homes. We close with what we're currently reading, including a dissection of the cover art for Katherine Center's Things You Save in a Fire. We love hearing your thoughts and knowing what books you're reading, so please connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or send us an email to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 11: Beartown by Fredrick Bachman

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 00:01:00 -0500

This week we're transporting ourselves to Sweden to gush about Fredrik Backman's Beartown. In our most passionate conversation yet, we rave about his stunning writing, the strong characters, the deep sense of place, and the parallels to Friday Night Lights. We also catch up on our recent outings, including to see the movie Anyone But You, which leads to a lovely tangent about our go-to rewatch rom-coms. Kaitlin asks a burning question (which we need your input on!), to Kindle or not to Kindle? We end by sharing what we're currently reading and a few books we can't wait to get our hands on, including the upcoming So Fetch: The Making of Mean Girls (And Why We're Still So Obsessed with It). We love hearing from you, so please connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 10: Books We Wish We Could Read Again For The First Time

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:01:00 -0500

Happy new year! In our first episode of 2024 we're talking about books that gave us all the feels. We also catch up about our holiday breaks. Kaitlin headed to Cape Cod, Molly drove up to Vermont, and Stephanie made great progress at her flip house project. Listen carefully for a few Easter eggs about the book we're deep diving on next episode (hint: it's about hockey). We love hearing from you, so please connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 9: Our Favorite Books of 2023

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0500

In our version of Spotify Wrapped, we're ending the year by sharing our favorite books of 2023. Though we compiled our lists separately, we were surprised and delighted to discover some overlap in our top picks. During this conversation, Stephanie shares about the book manuscript she's writing and her upcoming flip house project, Kaitlin reveals the meaning behind her annual Goodreads reading goal, and we resolve as a group to read more non-fiction books in 2024. We'd love to hear which titles made your top list for 2023. Connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or send us a note to plansarebooked@gmail.com. Happy New Year, readers!

Chapter 8: Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0500

We're in the holiday spirit this week, opening the episode by unwrapping gifts on air. Stephanie surprises Kaitlin and Molly with a regal spectacular, and Molly adds fuel to the Swiftie fire for Kaitlin and Stephanie just in time for them to head to Gilette Stadium hoping for a Taylor sighting at the Chiefs vs. Patriots game. This hour we gush about our Julie Murphy fandom, Kaitlin and Stephanie recap seeing her live at an author event, and Molly explains how Merry Little Meet Cute is the convergence of three of her favorite things - rom-coms, Christmas, and boy bands. We also catch up on recent outings and adventures, including big updates from Stephanie on her book manuscript and flip house project, Kaitlin witnessing a hat trick at a Bruins game, and Molly enjoying a Sunday Funday with her niece. As always, we love hearing from you. Connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or email us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 7: Books We Love To Gift

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0500

With holiday season in full swing, Kaitlin, Stephanie and Molly share their favorite books to gift. There are ideas for kids and young adults, first-time romance readers, readers looking to learn more about marginalized groups in America, and several tearjerker books. We also recap our Thanksgiving weeks, the bookstores we hit up on Small Business Saturday, and the titles we're racing through right now. We love hearing what you are reading, so please connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or shoot us a note to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 6: The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:01:00 -0500

In this week's episode, we travel to Basgiath and deep dive on all things Fourth Wing. We discuss everything we learned about dragons and share our thoughts on the casting for the TV adaptation of the book. We also fan girl over Lauren Graham after attending the first stop of her book tour together at Boston's Wilbur Theater. Be sure to listen to the full episode for some tea on authors who've DMed us, and Molly opening a surprise book gift on air. We love hearing from you, so please connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 5: The Woman In Me by Britney Spears & Book Boyfriends

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:01:00 -0500

In our juiciest (and longest) conversation yet, we cover two very hot topics: Britney Spears' new memoir and personal lists of our top book boyfriends. We each share our three swooniest candidates and hilarity ensues. Who knew that reading could make your "type" so clear? We also give several personal updates, including Kaitlin's knee injury, Molly's getaway in Maine, Stephanie's road trip to New York and some exciting news on her next house flipping project. We always love hearing from you, so please connect with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or write to us at plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 4: Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren & Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:01:00 -0500

In our fourth episode we kick off with Kaitlin and Stephanie's thoughts on Killers of the Flower Moon (the book and the movie) and Molly's review of a new restaurant. Then we celebrate one of our favorite romance tropes, the "now and then" reunion stories. We compare and contrast two love stories, both coming of age tales set at family vacation homes. We'd love to hear what you think - follow us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, or shoot us a note to plansarebooked@gmail.com.

Chapter 3: The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 00:01:00 -0500

This week on Plans Are Booked we're chatting about some long-awaited releases - Taylor Swift's 1989, Britney Spears' memoir - and we gush about one of our favorite romance novels, The Idea of You. The story will soon hit the big screen starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. Filming has already wrapped, so now is a perfect time to hear why we loved it and read it before the movie premieres. Stay in touch with us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, and to tell us what you're reading.

Chapter 2: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 00:01:00 -0400

In this week's episode we share what we're reading and some new independent bookstores we discovered on our recent travels. Then we deep dive into a book series we all raced through, The Inheritance Games, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Inspired by the Hawthorne brothers, we also hatch a plan to dedicate a full episode to book boyfriends. If you want to stay in touch with us in between episodes, follow us on Instagram, @plansarebooked. We're excited to hear what you're reading too.

Chapter 1: Welcome to Plans Are Booked

Molly Galler, Stephanie Blackburn, & Kaitlin Mattison — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400

In our very first episode we introduce ourselves, how we met, share what got us into reading, and the genres of books we enjoy most. In future weeks we'll share what we're currently reading and deep dive into a book or series that we love. In between listening, follow us on Instagram, @plansarebooked, for real time updates and the things we're energized about.