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Have you ever considered hiking the Appalachian Trail? How about the Pacific Crest Trail? Would you be brave enough to go it alone? The suspense novel LaDonna and Jolene bring to you this week features a through hiker on the AT and her mysterious disappearance. One of your hosts loves the experience...the other, not so much! Listen along and decide with whom you agree! Either way, you are not going to want to miss this book! And you are not going to want to miss this episode.   Thanks for listening!

Do you follow the instructions on your shampoo bottle?  Do you actually REPEAT?  If so, you may notice that a good lather is easily achieved the second time around.  The same might be true with relationships! This clever metaphor sets the stage for this week's novel, a story your hosts classify as a "beach read" and are not overly enthusiastic about.   Join in the discussion and let us know what YOU think!  Drop us a line at [email protected].  We want to hear from you! What are you reading? What do you want us to review? Do you agree with our opinions or think we are off base?  Let us know!

Every crime has multiple perspectives.... you could even call them Elements.  John Boyne tells the stories of four heinous acts, from the viewpoints of Enabler, Accomplice, Perpetrator and Victim in four novellas tied cleverly together in one creative novel.  Join LaDonna and Jolene as they dig in and contemplate the relationships and roles in each separate tale - Water, Earth, Fire and Air.  They agree that the book should contain a trigger warning...  you might want to listen to the episode first, then visit your local bookstore and get yourself a copy!

LaDonna and Jolene have a love/hate relationship with the "Oprah Book Club" selections.  John of John is on Oprah's list!  Do they agree with her this time?  Join them on Just Plane Books as they compare their opinions of this story set in a remote island village in Scotland.  John and Cal, father and son, took them on quite a journey this week, and they invite you to join them for the discussion. Thanks for listening!

This week, LaDonna and Jolene explore the complexities of romantic and familial relationships as they discuss the merits of The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff.  Was there some cheese involved?  Well, MAYBE, but there may also have been moments of profound insight and relatable character development.  It was a collective thumbs up for this novel - the second by Damoff - so you'll want to listen in to this week's episode of Just Plane Books to get the details!

Imagine emigrating from your country to start a new life...but with only one of your two children. Could you do it?  Would you do it? LaDonna and Jolene hash over what that must have been like for our author's mother, as they review Keeper of My Kin in this week's episode of Just Plane Books.  It is their first dive into a memoir on the podcast, but it won't likely be their last.   What do you think of this choice?  Drop them a note and let them know at [email protected].  Thank you for listening!

Do you carry guilt about something that happened to you as a child?  Did you connect with an adult early on who made a difference to you, but who did not remain in your life?   In this week's episode, LaDonna and Jolene discuss many aspects of Whistler that they find relatable!  If you have childhood questions, if you love Ann Patchett, if you enjoy Just Plane Books... this book might be for you, and you won't want to miss this episode!

What causes us to take one path, and not another?  How can two people who were raised together end up living lives that are completely different from one another? What does family actually mean?  Tayari Jones explores these questions and so many more in her latest novel, Kin.  LaDonna and Jolene are here to talk about their opinions, their own experiences and their take on this Oprah Book Club Novel.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the discussion!

Have you ever thought about how maps are made?  How about how they were made nearly 200 years ago! Join LaDonna and Jolene as they explore the story of a map maker and his family in Maggie O'Farrell's latest novel, Land.  Set in Ireland in the 1850's on the heels of the Great Potato Famine, this book is part historical fiction, part mysticism, part family saga.  The story leaves an impression on both hosts, but in very different ways.  Tune into the episode then read the book - or the other way around.  Either way, you'll have an experience worth discussing!

If you wondered what Kathryn Stockett has been up to since she published The Help, now you know!  She was creating a clever and profound book of historical fiction called the Calamity Club, and Just Plane Books brings you their opinion of this much anticipated tome.  LaDonna and Jolene agree - for the most part - about the real beauty of this story...but should it have been ONE book, or TWO?  Decide for yourself.  Either way, you won't want to miss this episode, and you just CANNOT miss this book!

Can you imagine giving birth to an 18-pound baby?  Can you fathom navigating the world at nearly 9 feet tall?  If you want a little taste of what that might be like, grab Life and Death and Giants by Ron Rindo.  This enchanting novel tells the story of this very unique - and delightful - young man, through the eyes of the people who surround him in an Amish Wisconsin community.  You will want to join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss the merits - and potential disappointments - of this creative story.

What more could you hope for...A famous artist, the South of France, young love?  This debut novel by Lucy Steeds brings you all of this and more.  You won't want to miss the discussion of this rich historical fiction novel.  LaDonna and Jolene agree that it's a winner...who will give this book a perfect score?  You'll have to listen to find out!

LaDonna and Jolene cover another amusing and absurd story this week as they dig into Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash.  If you appreciate a quirky and creative sense of humor, this book might be right up your alley.  If you like books in general, and are looking for your next great read, this podcast will be just what you need!

Imagine being among the first women in the country to go to space! That is where the main character of Atmosphere finds herself, right along with the love of her life.  Join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss their favorite - and not so favorite - parts of this book of historical fiction by Taylor Jenkins Reid.  Whether you've already read the book or are considering it...you won't want to miss this episode!

Don't you just love a good road trip story?  Join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss the beauty and sweetness of Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett.  This unlikely novel - as well as the performance by narrator Mark Bramhall - landed just right for both hosts.  You'll want to listen to the podcast, and you'll want to listen to the book!