Advertise on podcast: The Readerly Report

Gayle and Nicole are back after a long absence and are excited to be talking about books again! We look back on the first half of the year and select our favorite reads through the end of June. Books mentioned: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Greek Lessons by Han Kang Good People by Patmeena Sabit The Compound by Aisling Rawle The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins Strangers by Belle Burden Bangkok Wakes to Rain by Pitchaya Subdanthad The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover Dominion by Addie Citchens American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee Life Out Of Order by Audrey Niffenegger Sophie Standing There by Meg Mason This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

Welcome to another edition of the Readerly Report, where Nicole and Gayle are back to talk all things books. From a historical fiction hangover to a deep dive into an author’s backlist, this episode is a cozy conversation about the books that are currently captivating them. This episode is a book lover’s feast. From character-driven novels that feel like a warm blanket to a sneak peek at some of the most anticipated new releases, they explore the stories that are making them think, feel, and escape. And of course, there are plenty of book recommendations to add to your to-be-read pile. 🪞 In This Episode •A deep dive into Buckeye by Patrick Ryan and why it’s the perfect character-driven, multi-generational read. •A discussion of Jennifer Haig’s work, including Rabbit Moon and a magical bookstore encounter. •Nicole shares her thoughts on Audition by Katie Kitamura, a novel that plays with perception and relationship dynamics. •Gayle introduces Some Bright Nowhere by Ann Packer, a beautifully written and heart-wrenching story of love and loss. •A look inside the box of books Gayle sent Nicole, including new releases and intriguing backlist titles. •The joy of discovering new authors and the comfort of returning to old favorites. ✨ Quotable Moments •“It was sort of like putting on a like a warm blanket at the end of the day reading that book it just felt a little soothing.” — Gayle •“Sometimes you just love problems that are not your own.” — Nicole •“I am your biggest fan.” — Gayle 📚 Books Mentioned •Buckeye – Patrick Ryan (2024) •Rabbit Moon – Jennifer Haig (2024) •Baker Towers – Jennifer Haig •News from Heaven – Jennifer Haig •The Condition – Jennifer Haig •Heat and Light – Jennifer Haig •Audition – Katie Kitamura (2025) •A Separation – Katie Kitamura •Intimacies – Katie Kitamura •The Dive from Clausen’s Pier – Ann Packer •Some Bright Nowhere – Ann Packer (2025) •Cursed Daughters – Oyinkan Braithwaite (2025) •My Sister, the Serial Killer – Oyinkan Braithwaite •What We Can Know – Ian McEwan (2025) •Palaver – Bryan Washington (2025) •Number One Chinese Restaurant – Lillian Li •Bad Asians – Lillian Li (2025) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

After eight months away (Nicole went back and checked), Nicole and Gayle are back behind the mic — finding their microphones, rediscovering rhythm, and catching up on everything that’s changed. It’s the sound of reconnection: two creative women re-entering conversation after a long pause, weaving together books, business, and being. This episode is part reunion, part reflection, and part fall book feast. From Human Design and career pivots to running an independent bookstore and curating events, they explore what it means to return to what you love — even when you’re out of practice. And of course, there are plenty of book recommendations to fall into. 🪞 In This Episode * Returning to the mic after eight months — finding rhythm again * What changes when you rebuild creative practice after a pause * Nicole’s first year outside corporate life and launching Navigating Career Transitions with Human Design * Gayle’s behind-the-scenes look at bookstore life at Wonderland Books: events, inventory, and reader psychology * The intimacy of buying books — and why no one should feel watched * Our favorite fall reads and why certain stories mirror reinvention * The joy of doing something simply because it’s fun — even if no one listens ✨ Quotable Moments “It’s like putting on an old coat — comfortable, but it’s been a long time.” — Gayle “Sometimes the hardest part isn’t leaving who you were; it’s living in the space before the next self arrives.” — Nicole “This is too much fun not to do. Even if nobody listens, I don’t care.” — Nicole 📚 Books Mentioned (all publication dates 2025 unless noted otherwise) * Heart the Lover – Lily King * All the Way to the River – Elizabeth Gilbert * What We Can Know – Ian McEwan * The Ten-Year Affair – Erin Summers * Cursed Daughters – Oyinkan Braithwaite * Wreck – Catherine Newman (sequel to Sandwich) * Second Chance Cinema – Thea Weiss * Truly – Lionel Richie This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

After a three-month hiatus, Nicole and Gayle are back! Life has been busy—Gayle has been putting the finishing touches on her bookstore, while Nicole has been building her Human Design reading business. Now, they’re ready to dive back into all things books, with a refreshed schedule of bi-monthly episodes. Tune in as they catch up, share what they've been reading, and get back into the rhythm of lively book discussions and recommendations. A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler | Amazon | Bookshop Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten | Amazon | Bookshop Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop Rental House by Weike Wang | Amazon | Bookshop Loose Girl by Kerry Cohen | Amazon | Bookshop Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop A Gorgeous Excitement by Cynthia Weiner | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

Welcome back, listeners! After a short hiatus, Nicole and Gayle reunite to share their recent updates, including exciting progress on Gayle's latest project. They also dive into the books they've been reading over the past few weeks. If you're looking for inspiration for your fall reading list, this episode has you covered as they reveal their top picks for the season! Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Amazon | Bookshop A Forty-Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler | Amazon | Bookshop Don't Be A Stranger by Susan Minot | Amazon | Bookshop The God of The Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley | Amazon | Bookshop Hidden Potential by Adam Grant | Amazon | Bookshop Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker | Amazon | Bookshop Dear D******d by Virgine Despentes | Amazon | Bookshop The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop Evening by Susan Minot | Amazon | Bookshop Like Mother Like Mother by Susan Rieger | Amazon | Bookshop Connie by Connie Chung | Amazon | Bookshop Lovely One by Ketanji Brown Jackson | Amazon | Bookshop The Rich People Have Gone Away by Regina Porter | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

Welcome back, listeners! Nicole and Gayle catch up on their recent reads in this episode and share their summer reading picks. Join them for an engaging discussion filled with literary insights and exciting book recommendations for the sunny season ahead. Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop Summer Fridays by Suzanne Rindell | Amazon | Bookshop Sociopath by Patric Gagne | Amazon | Bookshop Green Dot by Madeleine Grey | Amazon | Bookshop The Caretaker by Ron Rash | Amazon | Bookshop Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner | Amazon | Bookshop Margo's Got Money Problems by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop The Memo by Rachel Dodes and Lauren Mechling | Amazon | Bookshop Husbands and Lovers by Beatriz Williams | Amazon | Bookshop The Wives by Simone Gorrindo | Amazon | Bookshop The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis | Amazon | Bookshop All The Colors of The Dark by Chris Whitaker | Amazon | Bookshop The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

Welcome back, listeners! Nicole and Gayle are finally catching up after a brief hiatus due to illness and travel. In this episode, they share the books they've read or listened to over the past month. Join them for an engaging discussion as they reflect on their recent literary adventures. One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware | Amazon | Bookshop Zero Days by Ruth Ware | Amazon | Bookshop The Hunter by Tana French | Amazon | Bookshop Generations by Jean Twenge | Amazon | Bookshop Troubled by Rob Henderson | Amazon | Bookshop The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop Mercury by Amy Jo Burns | Amazon | Bookshop Shiner by Amy Jo Burns | Amazon | Bookshop Sociopath by Patric Gagne | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

In this episode, Nicole and Gayle are buzzing with excitement as they dive into the latest releases hitting shelves this spring. From captivating novels to gripping memoirs, they share their top picks and discuss which ones they're eager to dive into next. Plus, stick around as they share their thoughts on how well book-to-screen adaptations fared at the Oscars this year. Get ready for a lively chat filled with bookish delights and cinematic insights! Here After by Amy Lin | Amazon | Bookshop Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner | Amazon | Bookshop Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop After Annie by Anna Quindlen | Amazon | Bookshop Should We Stay Or Should We Go by Lionel Shriver by Amazon | Bookshop The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop The Wives by Simone Gorrindo | Amazon | Bookshop The Blueprint by Rae Giana Rashad | Amazon | Bookshop Days of Wonder by Caroline Leavitt | Amazon | Bookshop One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware | Amazon | Bookshop James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski | Amazon | Bookshop The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo | Amazon | Bookshop Great Expectations by Vinson Cunningham | Amazon | Bookshop The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger | Amazon | This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

In this episode, Gayle and Nicole dive into the world of spring paperbacks, exploring the titles that have caught their eye. Join us as Nicole shares her vacation reading list, offering tantalizing glimpses into the stories that will accompany her getaway. But that's not all – Gayle has an electrifying announcement to make: the long-awaited reveal of the name for her upcoming bookstore opening later this year. Stay tuned for all this and more in our lively discussion ahead! Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelley Van Pelt | Amazon | Bookshop Good Material by Dolly Alderton | Amazon | Bookshop Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop Games and Rituals by Katherine Heiny | Amazon | Bookshop Maame by Jessica GeorgeAmazonBookshop Generations by Jean Twenge | Amazon | Bookshop Roman Stories by Jhumpa Lahiri | Amazon | Bookshop The Alchemist by Paul Coelho | Amazon | Bookshop Zero Days by Ruth Ware | Amazon | Bookshop Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson | Amazon | Bookshop The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes | Amazon | Bookshop I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop Good Material by Dolly Alderton | Amazon | Bookshop Piglet by Lottie Hazell | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

In this week's episode, Nicole and Gayle discuss their current reads and share brief insights into recent celebrity book club picks. Join them for a lively conversation about the books capturing their attention and their thoughts on the latest literary trends. Tune in for engaging discussions and fresh recommendations that promise to inspire your next reading adventure. Absolution by Ann McDermott | Amazon | Bookshop The Last Love Note by Emma Grey | Amazon | Bookshop The Art Thief by Michael Finkel | Amazon | Bookshop Sam by Allegra Goodman | Amazon | Bookshop Good Material by Dolly Alderton | Amazon | Bookshop Come And Get It by Kiley Reid | Amazon | Bookshop A Court of Thorn and Roses by Sarah J. Maas | Amazon | Bookshop A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas | Amazon | Bookshop Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

In this episode, Nicole and Gayle share their latest reads and dive into a discussion about upcoming releases. With infectious enthusiasm, they offer insights into the books that have resonated with them recently and reveal a curated list of picks they're eager to explore or anticipate. Tune in for a brief yet vibrant journey through the literary world, as Nicole and Gayle bring their dynamic perspectives to the forefront, making this episode a must-listen for book enthusiasts seeking fresh recommendations and an insider's look at the latest in literature. The Woman In Me by Britney Spears | Amazon | Bookshop Come And Get it by Kiley Reid | Amazon | Bookshop The Things We Do To Our Friends by Heather Darwent | Amazon | Bookshop Family Family by Laurie Frankel | Amazon | Bookshop The Other Profile by Irene Graziosi | Amazon | Bookshop A Court of Thorn and Roses by Sarah J. Maas | Amazon | Bookshop Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop Splinters by Leslie Jamison | Amazon | Bookshop Anna O by Matthew Blake | Amazon | Bookshop The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop Ours by Philip Williams | Amazon | Bookshop Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering | Amazon | Bookshop The Fury by Alex Michaelides | Amazon | Bookshop After Annie by Anna Quindlen | Amazon | Bookshop The Morningside by Tea Obrecht | This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

In this episode, Nicole and Gayle engage in a casual conversation reflecting on their experiences in 2023. They delve deeper into some of their favorite books, providing more insights. Towards the end, they shift gears to discuss the reading challenges they anticipate for 2024. Gayle's blog 2024 Reading Challenge The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters | Amazon | Bookshop Absolution by Ann McDermott | Amazon | Bookshop The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton | Amazon | Bookshop All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay | Amazon | Bookshop Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop Pineapple Street by Jennifer Jackson | Amazon | Bookshop Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang | Amazon | Bookshop Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

In this episode, Nicole and Gayle share their top book recommendations of the year, discussing gripping plots, diverse characters, and impactful themes that resonated with them. From thrilling mysteries to thought-provoking non-fiction, their engaging conversation offers insightful insights into their most cherished reads of the year. Tangerine by Christine Mangan | Amazon | Bookshop Hot Springs Drive by Lindsay Hunter | Amazon | Bookshop Dele Weds Destiny by Tomi Obaro | Amazon | Bookshop How To Protect Bookstores And Why by Danny Caine | Amazon | Bookshop Bookends by Zibby Owens | Amazon | Bookshop The LIght Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton | Amazon | Bookshop Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop Talking At Night by Claire Daverly | Amazon | Bookshop The Road To Dalton by Shannon Bowring | Amazon | Bookshop We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith | Amazon | Bookshop I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

In this episode, Nicole and Gayle have a relaxed discussion about the books they have read. Gayle also gives an update on her bookish project. They also talk about some series adaptations. Exit Interview by Kristi Coulter | Amazon | Bookshop Nothing Good Can Come Of This by Kristi Coulter | Amazon | Bookshop Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin | Amazon | Bookshop The Unsettled by Ayanna Mathis | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com

In this episode, Nicole and Gayle talk about what they have been reading during this last month. Some of the books they first came across in the fall preview. Yellowface by R F Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop The Spare Room by Andrea Bartz | Amazon | Bookshop Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman | Amazon | Bookshop The Guest by Emma Cline | Amazon | Bookshop Pete and Alice in Maine by Caitlin Shetterly | Amazon | Bookshop The Country Of The Blind by Andrew Leland | Amazon | Bookshop The Road To Dalton by Shannon Bowring | Amazon | Bookshop The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li | Amazon | Bookshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit therestperpective.substack.com