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March 2026 Celebrity Book Club Picks · The Read Carpet Report

• In-person participant 1: Welcome to the Red Carpet Report, your backstage pass to celebrity book clubs, book adaptations, and new book releases. I'm Jackie. And I'm Kirsten. And we are your hosts. Kirsten Baritz: Welcome to the Red Carpet Report, your backstage pass to celebrity book clubs, book adaptations, and new book releases. I'm Jackie. And I'm Kirsten. And we're your hosts. This week's episode is a pick party where we're going to talk all about March Celebrity Book Clubs. But before we do the red carpet rundown or get into those picks, we just wanted to let you know about a quick change. You may have noticed that last week we didn't do an episode. And the reason for this is we are having a really hard time not telling you guys the spoilers because a lot of the time we already know what the pic is. So we decided that we are going to put it on the website like we always do. So if you want to know what it is, you can head over there. But other than that, we are going to leave the fourth episode for some fun special things. In-person participant 1: You may have noticed that last week we didn't do an episode. And the reason for this is we are having a really hard time not telling you guys the spoilers because a lot of the time we already know what the pic is. So we decided that we are going to put it on the website like we always do. So if you wanna know what it is, you can head over there. But other than that, we are going to leave the fourth episode for some fun special things. and maybe sometimes we're not gonna have a fourth episode. Kirsten Baritz: one of the things that we did want to make sure that we carried over from the final episode of the month to the first episode of the month is upcoming former Celebrity Book Club authors that have new releases in the month ahead. So we are going to be adding that in to this week's pick party. I think that's everything for the news. So let's get into the red carpet rundown. Yes. In-person participant 1: I think that's everything for the news, so let's get into the red carpet rundown. Yes, we are having the very last season of Outlander. I know. Can you believe we made it? No. Kirsten Baritz: the very last season of Outlander. I know. Can you believe we made it? No. So this is apparently a mashup of book eight, is out and or I'm sorry, book nine, which is out and then the new one that isn't out yet. So I think if you watch the show, you're going to know how the series ends. Yeah. And the big question from the beginning was, you remember in the very first episode you see Jamie In-person participant 1: No way. No way. Oh my God. I'm so excited. I'm so excited. I will admit that I stopped reading some of the books. Kirsten Baritz: seeing Claire and we're all like, how was he in the future? That is gonna be answered this season. I know we're gonna get answers to this. ⁓ In-person participant 1: But I love the show. This is one that they did an amazing job with the adaptation. Kirsten Baritz: They really did. They were so true to the books and they were so true to what the fans wanted. I also stopped reading the books at around book six. It just got to be too much medical knowledge for me. They're so hefty. In-person participant 1: for me they're so happy but yeah i have enjoyed the show so i'm sad to see ⁓ it i know i'm like own like i love him number one on my celebrity like ⁓ we know Kirsten Baritz: But yeah, I have enjoyed the show. So I'm sad to see it go. He's like my own, like I him. He's number one on my celebrity like ⁓ free list. In-person participant 1: ⁓ Kirsten Baritz: I love him. So I'm sad that's happening. do. Prince Harry and Sharon, I love them all! In-person participant 1: You love yourself a redhead. Kirsten Baritz: In other big news, the same day on Netflix, Vladimir is coming out. So Vladimir is a literary fiction story about a professor who sort of becomes obsessed with one of her students. the book was so interesting. It was very literary, so I don't think it was a huge bestseller. But I have a feeling that the show adaptation, because it's a steamy book, I think people are really going to get into it and it's going to have more success. In-person participant 1: Yes. Kirsten Baritz: as a book adaptation than as a story. And I personally can't wait to see it because I know what's coming and it is like a creepy, twisty story. I've been seeing it everywhere. It actually popped up for me when I was watching the last season of Bridgerton, the last four episodes. Vladimir kept showing it all the time. Right, because it's on Netflix, so same story. In-person participant 1: I have a feeling that the show adaptation, because it's a steamy book, I think people are really going to get into it and it's going to have more success as a book adaptation than as a story. And I personally can't wait to see it because I know it's coming and it is like a creepy twisty. Yeah. I've been seeing it everywhere. It actually popped up for me when I was watching the last season of Bridgerton, the last four episodes, Vladimir kept showing up all the time. Kirsten Baritz: but I think it's gonna be really interesting because it's a female professor doing something badly, which you don't normally see that. So the creep factor is there, but not in the same like, icky way. Yes, yes. So it's great. In-person participant 1: It's on Netflix, so same story. But I think it's going be really interesting because it's a female professor doing it. Yes, yes. So the creep factor is there, but not in the same like... Predatory way? Yeah. So it's great. Kirsten Baritz: Well, ⁓ yeah, Bridgerton, did you see it? ⁓ In-person participant 1: But speaking of... Yeah, Bridgerton. Bridgerton, I did. I love Bridgerton and I loved the ending. I was so happy with the way that they Did it. Kirsten Baritz: I thought it was really fun. I just really don't like Benedict, I think is my ultimate. Like I loved, loved, loved Sophie. I loved Violet coming in, swooping in, saving the day. I love her. I hope she's not going anywhere. I'm sad that clearly Lady Danbury is gone. That was so sad. But can we talk about something else? Yes. Lady Penwood. Yes, the most evil vile character on TV. Yeah. Do you know who she is? In-person participant 1: I loved Violet coming in to save the day. love her. She's not going anywhere. I'm sad that clearly Lady Danbury is. ⁓ That was so sad. But can we talk about something else? Lady Penwood. Yes, the most evil, vile character on TV. Yeah. Do you know who she is? Kirsten Baritz: the most evil vile character on TV? I know, the actress played Cho Chang on Harry Potter. ⁓ well then that makes sense, because Cho Chang is not my favorite Harry Potter character either. Can I tell you that the entire In-person participant 1: No, she, the actress played Cho Chang on Harry Potter. But can I tell you that the entire time I watched her knowing it was Cho Chang, I couldn't put the two of them together. No, and I know why. Because she had a completely different accent in Harry Potter. And I just couldn't put like the voice and she and now she has so much makeup and all that. No, and I couldn't put the two of them together. I never. Kirsten Baritz: couldn't put the two of them together. Like facially? No, and I know why. Why? and Harry Potter. Oh right. And I just couldn't put like the voice and she... Well and she was young. And now she has so much makeup. And that crazy hair. In-person participant 1: would have figured it out. I know. Well, I think she got what was coming to her anyway. Kirsten Baritz: would have figured it out. Once a villain, always a villain. That's how I feel about her. Well, I think she got what was coming on her anyway. Oh, she did. Should we talk about the other Bridgerton adjacent news that we found out last week? Daphne, AKA Phoebe in real life. ⁓ Is going to be on Beach Read by Emily Henry. Is it In-person participant 1: Daphne, aka Phoebe in real life. Is going to be on Beach Read by Emily Henry. Kirsten Baritz: Well, I think it's gonna be a good one. Emily Henry? I mean, so far I've liked her adaptation. Like it makes me want to go back and read some of these books. So I think I'm going to. Beach Read was really good. It was really adorable. There's nothing not to love. It's a perfect romance. In-person participant 1: Your favorite, Emily Henry. Beach Read was really good. It was really adorable. There's nothing not to love. It's a perfect romance. Kirsten Baritz: we have a really long main segment coming up, so let's jump right into it with the pick party. Let's talk about these celebrity book club hacks. Who do you want to do first? ⁓ In-person participant 1: we have a really long name segment coming up. ⁓ boy. into it with the pick party. Let's talk about the celebrity. Yes, ⁓ let's do Reese. ⁓ Kirsten Baritz: So we don't know Reese's Sunny book club pick yet. It's Monday when we're recording and she's gonna announce it tomorrow and it's the only one we don't have a spoiler for. ⁓ But we do know her main pick, which is a Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hockhauser. Yeah, and you've read this. I did and I loved it. You loved it. And not only that, when you read it, you announced to all of our book club that you thought that this was gonna be a celebrity. In-person participant 1: Yes. But we do know her main pick, which is a Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hockhalter. Yeah, and you've read this. I did, and I loved You loved it. And not only that, when you read it, you announced to all of our book club that you thought that this was going to be a celebrity pick. I did. In our Looking Beyond, I did say I could totally see this being a pick. And that was weeks ago. I mean, that was... Kirsten Baritz: I did in our Looking Beyond, did say I could totally see this being a pick. And that was weeks ago. I mean, that was back in February. So I think I crushed it. In-person participant 1: I'm Kirsten Baritz: This is a Cinderella retelling ⁓ as told by who is normally our main villain, Lady Tremaine, except that it's not ⁓ It's almost ⁓ like ⁓ what's the Barrymore one? I knew you were going to say that ever Ever after. It's like that where it's set. In-person participant 1: This is a Cinderella retelling as told by who is normally our main villain, Lady Tremaine, except that it's not magical. It's almost like, what's the Drew Barrymore one? I knew you were going to say that ever after. Ever after. It's like that where it's set in a specific time frame in France and you're just seeing their day to day life. And you see the sacrifices that Lady Tremaine has to make once her husband dies and sort of sows her with a house and no fortune. Kirsten Baritz: in a specific timeframe in France and you're just seeing their day to day life and you see the sacrifices that Lady Tremaine has to make once her husband dies and sort of saddles her with a house and no fortune. So the villain is maybe not the villain that you thought it was going to be. And more importantly, there are some really deep, dark things that make it worthy of a club discussion. Nice. So this is completely different than the Bridgerton idea of the vicious. Oh, oh, yeah. Totally different. But clearly Cinderella retellings are having a moment. In-person participant 1: So the villain is maybe not the villain that you thought it was going to be. And more importantly, there are some really deep dark things that make it worthy of a book called Discussion. Nice. So this is completely different than the Bridgerton idea of the vicious, evil stepmother. ⁓ yeah. Totally different. Kirsten Baritz: in knowing that you may not Cinderella ⁓ while it. ⁓ Or you may have like a new respect Lady Tremaine. ⁓ In-person participant 1: Oh, I love that. Love that. Kirsten Baritz: Should we talk about fact that you were right? ⁓ And put her pick in. And it's Kim. In-person participant 1: Oh. Pick. And it's kin. This was on February 24. So we weren't sure because it's really weird date and we didn't know if it was going to be the February pick or the March pick. but she announced it in book order. So this was her next pick. is the story of two motherless daughters ⁓ that take a very different So one of them goes on to go to and the other one goes down a deeper path of trying to find her mother. So it is very much a story of mothers, daughters, sisters, friends. It looks like it's going to be great book. Kirsten Baritz: So it is very much a story of mothers, daughters, sisters, friends. It looks like it's going to be great book. And this is Oprah choosing a familiar author again because her last American Marriage, she also chose. So clearly, Oprah plays favorites and Tiari Jones is one of them. I know. In-person participant 1: Yes. I know the next one we have ⁓ is Couric ⁓ and what's book? And I think you read it. Kirsten Baritz: the next one we have ⁓ is Couric. ⁓ And what's the book? And think you read Anna Quinlan's More Than Enough. I did read it. Okay. ⁓ And maybe it wasn't your favorite pick. It wasn't. I think I'm not such a huge fan of author's writing in general, but it's about a book club who gifts ⁓ In-person participant 1: Okay. And maybe it wasn't your favorite pick. It wasn't. Okay. Kirsten Baritz: one of its members, like an Ancestry.com DNA test, and then she finds a long lost potential relative, and she's not sure if it was a mistake or if it was a relative, and that kind of went down that watering hole. I think it was just a topic I wasn't super interested in, so it didn't really resonate with me, and I ended up DNFing it. Okay, but I can see why a book about a book club would be perfect for a book club. And there are certainly some elements to this. There's some fertility-related stuff. In-person participant 1: and she's not sure if it was a mistake or if it was a relative. I think it was just a topic I wasn't super interested in, so it didn't really resonate with me and I ended up DNFing it. Okay, but I can see why a book about a book club would be perfect for a book club. And there are certainly some elements to this. There's some fertility-related stuff. Kirsten Baritz: and ⁓ all kinds of different other topics that the book touches on. It wasn't for me, but that doesn't mean it's not for you. We know both of the GMA picks, which is quite exciting. Let's start with the regular pick. ⁓ the adult pick. The adult pick. It is the secret. In-person participant 1: We know both of the GMA picks, which is quite exciting. Yeah. Start with the regular pick. Or the adult pick. It is The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives. By Elizabeth Arnott. you. ⁓ I cannot wait to read this. I actually ⁓ am waiting to see if I'm going to get a copy. I'm so excited. It is about women ⁓ who become Kirsten Baritz: by Elizabeth Arnott. Thank you. ⁓ I cannot wait to read this. I actually am waiting to see if I'm going to get a copy. I'm so excited. It is about women who become... It sounds wacky, okay? In-person participant 1: It sounds wacky, okay? So this is about a group of women who each married a serial killer, and they have become friends because all of their... ⁓ I guess now ex-husbands are in jail for being murderers. And now there is a serial killer living among them. So they decide that they're gonna catch the serial killer, because who's better to catch a serial killer than women who lived with a serial killer for their entire marriage without realizing that their husbands were serial killers? This sounds so much fun. Kirsten Baritz: there is a serial killer living among them. So they decide that they're gonna catch the serial killer, because who's better to catch a serial killer than women who lived with a serial killer for their entire marriage without realizing that their husbands were serial killers. ⁓ this sounds fun. This sounds like a beach read full of fun. much fun. think this In-person participant 1: I think this is one of the ones that I'm really most excited about because it sounds completely wacky. I know. My I feel like my new book mode is finding the weirdest, quirkiest, most fun and unique books to read. ⁓ I'm so excited to hear about it. This is this is fun. Kirsten Baritz: Sounds completely wacky. I love a quirky book. This quirky book character. My I feel like my new book mode is finding the weirdest, workiest, most fun and unique books. Then you're going to love my bookmark pack. ⁓ I'm so excited to hear that. This is fun. read the GMA YA pick, which is Her Hidden Fire by Lena O'Sullivan. Yes. Crushed it. Crushed it. ⁓ This is a really interesting YA fantasy. I guess I always choose YA fantasy. ⁓ It is about a girl who discovers that she has powers and ⁓ she kind of needs to keep it a secret because what she ends up doing In-person participant 1: Yes. Crushed it. ⁓ This is a really interesting YA fantasy. I guess I always choose YA fantasy. ⁓ It is about a girl who discovers that she has powers and ⁓ she kind of needs to keep it a secret because what she ends up doing is channeling her powers into her best friend who is a boy. He's like the last chance for this family to continue on a magical legacy. He has no powers. She channels her powers into him and then ends up following him to the magical school where he's supposed to learn how to channel. And there are dragons. It's great, but it also deals with ⁓ some class issues, it deals with like some sexism issues, clearly so. There is a little more to this one ⁓ than just the magic and the little bit of romance to see that's there. ⁓ this is the first in a series. Kirsten Baritz: ⁓ some class issues, it deals with like, like some sexism issues, clearly. So there is a little more to this one ⁓ than just the magic and the little bit of romanticity that's there. And ⁓ this is the first in a series. So Dragon Books, I immediately think fourth wing is this like smutty fourth wing or is this like actually appropriate for teenagers? ⁓ I think that this one's appropriate for teenagers. I'm about 50 % of the way through and there's been kissing. again, like the last one, it wasn't until the very last chapter where all of a sudden I was like, ⁓ this is not appropriate for teenagers. So I'm thinking that because they're a little bit younger that it will be. But if there's a change, stay tuned. OK, good to know. The final one. In-person participant 1: ⁓ I think that this one's appropriate for teenagers. I'm about 50 % of the way through and there's been kissing, but again, like the last one, it wasn't until the very last chapter where all of a sudden I was like, ooh, this is not appropriate for teenagers. So I'm thinking that because they're a little bit younger that ⁓ it will be, but if there's a change, stay tuned. Kirsten Baritz: is I've been holding this one. ⁓ what is it? The Raven Jenner pick. ⁓ I'm so excited about ⁓ you. Totally called this. You love this author so much. I do. love Amy Jo Burns. Yes. And you were OK. So talk about it. It's Wait for Me by Amy Jo Burns. I fell in love with her when I read Mercury, which I think came out in twenty twenty four. And it was one of my favorite books of the year and I could not shut up about it. And I don't feel like it got enough credit. In-person participant 1: ⁓ what is it? ⁓ you totally called this. You love this author so much. you yes. And you were OK. So talk about it. Kirsten Baritz: for recognition at the time. So go back and read that one, especially if you like this one. Wait for Me is one of these I highly recommend on audio. You're gonna love this. Oh, you're telling me. It is about musicians from Nashville and there are songs like written in and they actually sing the songs on the audio version. that they're du... In-person participant 1: if you like this one. Wait for Me is one of these I highly recommend on audio. You're gonna love this. Oh you are telling me. It is about musicians from Nashville and there are songs written in and they actually sing the songs. Oh my god. I love that they're doing this now. This is amazing. It's incredible. Okay so Kirsten Baritz: It's incredible. Okay, so let me give you the background of the story and it will be a really great book club pick. So I will tell you that by the time this episode is up, I will have a summary and book club questions on the website. So if you want to choose this for your book club, which I think you should, I have all the resources for you. That's amazing. But it's this incredible story that opens up with a newspaper article about El Harlow, a folk singer who In-person participant 1: That's amazing. that. ⁓ Kirsten Baritz: disappears, she's driving from Nashville to a show up in Pennsylvania, and she never appears at the show in 1973. She goes missing, trail is cold, no one knows what happened to her. But in the opening, really the first chapter, it's in 1991, a meteor strikes this town in Pennsylvania, uncovers some things, and there is a girl there who works, In-person participant 1: Really the first chapter, it's in 1991, meteor strikes this town in Pennsylvania, uncovers some things, and there is a girl there who works Kirsten Baritz: at the gas station with her father and her father is convinced that she is the long lost daughter of Al Harlow. He's convinced that she is the daughter. Like no one would know that she's the daughter, that no one thinks she was pregnant, like nothing like that. ⁓ And we go back in time. In-person participant 1: the gas station with her father, and her father is convinced that she is the long lost daughter of Al Harlow. No way. She's that she is the daughter. Like no one would know that she's the daughter. Kirsten Baritz: to what happened to Elle back when she was a recording artist. So it's like going forward and backwards. There's music all throughout it. In-person participant 1: to what happened to Elle back when she was recording it. It was like going forward and backwards. There was music all throughout it. I mean, it sounds like it's already ready Kirsten Baritz: I am obsessed with this ⁓ I cannot. It is so, so, so, so, so, so good. I'm glad it was chosen. ⁓ I think people are really gonna love this in the way that love ⁓ Daisy Jones. It's different than Daisy Jones, but it's very similar vibe ⁓ of ⁓ music from that era. Just really fun. This seems to a common theme. In-person participant 1: my god. Oh, that's so good. music from that era, just really fun. This seems to be a very common theme this year. This is like the third or fourth book that we've talked about that's about musicians. We already talked about like the Griffin Sisters was going to be adapted. Delphine's song works to becoming an adaptation. We have this one. So. Kirsten Baritz: This year, this is like the third or fourth book that we've talked about that's about musicians. We already talked about like the Griffin Sisters was gonna be adapted. ⁓ Delphine's song is, and it works to becoming an adaptation. We have this one. So. And for them to put the actual music on. Yeah. I mean, I just think this is great. Future Saints is another one that I read earlier this year that also was about musicians. In-person participant 1: Yeah. Thanks feel like audiobooks are really going to the next level. Kirsten Baritz: are really going to the next level. March is shaping up to be like a very good, very good month for the book clubs. Yeah. Good job, have our stamp of approval. You do. I think we should get into former celebrity picks who have books coming out because there are a ton. In-person participant 1: March is shaping up to be like a very good, a very good month. Very good month for the book club. Yeah. Good job, everybody. You have our stamp of approval. You do. I think we should get into. Kirsten Baritz: So first up we have Eris of Nowhere by Stacey Lee. was a Reese Witherspoon book club pick for Downstairs Girl. So was a YA pick. And she has another historical fiction This one set in 1918. ⁓ In-person participant 1: Yeah. I couldn't quite figure out exactly. And it said something about a curse. So it says it's historical fiction. But if there's a curse, does that mean there's like a magical realism component? I'm not sure Kirsten Baritz: And it has something to do with orcas. Yeah, I couldn't quite figure out exactly. And it said something about a curse. So it says it's historical fiction. But if there's a curse, does that mean there's like a magic realism component? I'm not sure The next former Reese author is Alice Hoffman. ⁓ I know you love her. Say no more. You are dead. has a book. It's actually a collection of short stories called The Best Dog in the World, edited by her. And it's actually a bunch of other famous bestselling authors with short stories about their dogs. ⁓ I love that. That's that's so fun. Yeah. In-person participant 1: The next former Reese author is Ella Tothman. Oh, say no more. You had me at hello. She has a book. I love that. That's so cute. Kirsten Baritz: And do you want to tell about the Alice Hoffman news? ⁓ In-person participant 1: This is the thing that I've been really most excited about is that Alice Hoffman has another book coming out in the Practical Magic series. ⁓ Kirsten Baritz: This is the thing that I've been really most excited about is that Alice Hoffman has another book coming out in the Practical Magic series. and they've announced that Practical 2 filming and coming out later this year. Yes, and it's with ⁓ Sandra Bullock. Nicole Kidman! Thank you. it's the original cast. They're back. In-person participant 1: Yes, and it's with Sandra Bullock. Thank you. it's the original cast. ⁓ They're back. that is not this book is. They're just making a practical magic too. So this one is not based on a book. Kirsten Baritz: They're back and that is not what this book is. They're just making a practical magic too. So this one is not based on a book. Alice Hoffman is having herself a very good As she should. As she should. In-person participant 1: As she should. The books are fantastic. They're actually really well researched. I love every one of the characters, so I'm all for it. Kirsten Baritz: The books are fantastic. They're actually really well researched. love every one of the characters. I'm all for it. The new book is called The Witches of Cambridge, and it's about the 1950s. So it's chronologically the second one in the series. In-person participant 1: We actually ⁓ have ⁓ on the website a list ⁓ all the books in the orders that were and also in the order they come chronologically. So if you're confused, you can check that out. Kirsten Baritz: the second in story. have on the website a list of all the books and the orders that they were written and also in the order that they come chronologically. Yep. So if you're confused, you can check that out. Yep, because it is updated with the new one, Witches of Cambridge. Next on the Reese train is If We Never End by Laura Taylor Naimi. Oh, she's the one that wrote Cuban Girl's Guide to T and Tomorrow. Yes. And that was a YA pick. That was such a cute book. So what's the new one? The new one kind of is giving Casper vibes. It's a YA paranormal romance. In-person participant 1: Next on the Rees train is If We Never End by Lara Taylor Nane. She's the one that wrote Cuban girls guide to T and tomorrow. And that was a YA pick. That was such a cute book. So what's the new one? The new one kind of is giving Casper vibes. I love that. Kirsten Baritz: about a girl who summons a boy ghost with a watch. With a watch? Yeah, like some ancient watch and he magically shows up. ⁓ In-person participant 1: With a watch? she uses the watch to summon the boy. I thought you were saying. Kirsten Baritz: ⁓ he had. In-person participant 1: She summons a ghost boy who had a watch. ⁓ Kirsten Baritz: with a lot. I think it sounds very like Casper the Friendly Ghost, I feel like ⁓ youth of today doesn't know about Casper the Friendly Ghost. ⁓ to. Devonsawa, mean. They have to know Casper the Friendly Ghost. ⁓ don't know. Does your daughter know about Casper the Friendly She's seen it? In-person participant 1: No, they have to. They have to know Casper the Friendly Ghost. I don't know. Arty, does your daughter know about Casper the Friendly Has she seen it? I don't know. I'm going to ask her. I bet she hasn't. Kirsten Baritz: I bet she hasn't. That Another Reese pick. In-person participant 1: Another Reese pick. ⁓ Wait, so what else did Sandy Jones write? ⁓ Right ⁓ Kirsten Baritz: It is Killing Me Softly by Sandy Jones. Wait, so what else did Sandy Jones write? She wrote The Other Woman. ⁓ right. She's a psychological thriller gal. Nice. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Thrillers are having a moment In-person participant 1: Nice. Thrillers are having a moment too. Kirsten Baritz: They are. And this is about a seemingly perfect couple whose lives unravel after hit and run accident, leading to a toxic game of blame, obsession and deception from their both perspectives. Amazing. Yeah. You read that was so much feeling. I, I, I getting the vibes. I think she just does like an enjoyable thriller. Sometimes they're predictable. Sometimes they're not, but they're just, they're always a fun ride. Right. In-person participant 1: leading to a toxic game of blame, obsession and deception from their full perspectives. Amazing. You read that with so much feeling. I am getting the vibes. ⁓ Right. Kirsten Baritz: All right, moving on, would you like to do the GMA or the genopics? In-person participant 1: Alright moving on, you like to do the GMA or the Genepix? ⁓ Kirsten Baritz: I thought we already did GMA. No, we only talked about the Reese ones. ⁓ let's do Jenna. Okay, well there's only one of those. In-person participant 1: I thought we already did GMA. We only talked about the Reese ones. Oh! Let's do Jenna. Okay, well there's only one of those. Well, great. Can we talk about the Jenna pick? Yeah. Kirsten Baritz: Yes. The Jenna pick is Lake Effect by Cynthia Dupree Sweeney. Ooh, you read this. I did read it. And she was a Jenna pick for Good Company, which I think you read. No, I don't think I read it. ⁓ you didn't? don't know why I thought you did. I don't think I read it. All right. Well, I read Lake Effect. And it takes place in the 1970s. And it is about divorce. In-person participant 1: ⁓ you read this. No, I don't think I read it. Oh, you didn't? No. don't think I read it. right. Well, I read Lake Effect and it takes place in the 1970s and it is about divorce. Period. End of story. It's just about divorce. Kirsten Baritz: I guess period. It's just about divorce. I didn't realize that back in the 70s, back in the day, divorce was like, now it's like, and they're divorced or my ex husband or this that and the other. No, this was like divorce. like, where was this? Was it like in the South? In-person participant 1: But where, where was this? Was it like in the South? Kirsten Baritz: Minnesota, North Carolina. I don't know. ⁓ just like because I wonder if like divorce rates were different depending on where you live. if London versus United States of the South, it was definitely it was definitely US and like clearly divorce was so taboo that people just either didn't get divorced. They would like have separate bedrooms or like you see the impact, the ripple effect of like imagine your bosses get mad at you and you're like shunned. In-person participant 1: because like I wonder if like divorce rates were different depending on where you live. if like London versus United States in the south versus like New York City. Kirsten Baritz: from your community because you got divorced. Like that's what divorce was back then. Like it was so unheard of. And so it sort of addresses that, which was fascinating. ⁓ It's told by the person, lots of narrators and it's told ⁓ from, they're actually like in the same cul-de-sac, like the wife and husband who both get divorced and end up having an affair with each other and running away together. In-person participant 1: No. Wow. Huh. Oh, okay. I mean, true fact, I know a real story like that. Kirsten Baritz: I mean, true fact, I know a real story like that. Well, I mean, I think it happens. And so it's like the ripple effects of on their individual families, on them as a joint family, on their relationships, on their friendships, their relationships with their children, in their job. Like, it's just like this was what it was like to get divorced back then. And it was really fascinating. Nice. I guess the last ones ⁓ are GMA. ⁓ In-person participant 1: their children and their job. Like it's just like this was what it was like to interesting. Interesting. was really fascinating. Nice. guess the last ones are GMA. Yep. We've got four GMAs. Four? Yeah. So Tide with Reese. Nice. Good job GMA. All right. The first one is Daughters of Egypt. Kirsten Baritz: Yep, we've got four GMAs. Four? Yeah. So Tied with Reese. Nice. Good job, GMA. I am. ⁓ The first one is Daughters of Egypt by Marie Benedict. She was a GMA pick for The Personal Librarian, which was fantastic. She's historical fiction. Yeah. So this is historical fiction. It's really interesting. It's actually told in two timelines. One is the... In-person participant 1: ⁓ yes. Right. She's historical fiction. Yeah, so this is historical fiction. It's really interesting. It's actually told in two timelines. One is the way back when. It's actually from the point of view of the pharaoh who was a woman. also historical fiction. A woman who really doesn't want to get married, she doesn't want to be like in the market of marriage. She wants to go to Egypt to try and find the two. So interesting story. Marie Benedict always has a really good job, two timelines, historical fiction. Really enjoyed it. Kirsten Baritz: in the market of marriage, she wants to go to Egypt to try and find the two. So interesting story. Marie Benedict always has a really good job to timeline historical fiction. Really enjoyed it. Do you know that there are so many books that need you that are historical fictions like Fiona Davis and then Gil Paul? So we have a whole list of books set in Egypt. Yeah, and the interesting thing is I think you've read all of them except for this one. I think so. I think so. It's so funny how many books are set in Egypt. Like we're all, as a culture, obsessed with like, think about it, like King Tut. Like that's one of the most well-known historical figures of all time. Yeah, and it's very interesting because they actually mention this is like... In-person participant 1: Yeah, and the interesting thing is I think you've read all of them except for this one. I think so. I think so. Ancient Egypt. Yeah, and it's very interesting because they actually mention this is like, they want to find King Tut's tomb, but really she does not want to. She's trying to find this other woman's resting place. Kirsten Baritz: Okay, then we have Ruins by Lily Brooks Dalton. She wrote Light Pirate, which was like a dystopian one set in Florida that like terrified me because it was about climate change. She's back with another one that's about like post-apocalyptic from a big climate change event. So I will not be reading this one because I still think about Light Pirate in like a very scary way. And I'm currently reading, I'm currently watching Paradise on Hulu. And if you like Paradise, In-person participant 1: Oh I will not be reading this one because I thought it like a very scary way. I'm reading. I'm currently watching Paradise on Hulu. If you like Paradise, you Kirsten Baritz: you would probably like her books, but climate stuff like totally freaks me out. So that's what this one is about. In-person participant 1: So that's what this one is about. Kirsten Baritz: You read the next one. I did. Once and Again by Rebecca Searle. Oh, I did. I did. I did. And she was the GMA pick for In Five Years. Yes. But tell us about this one. Okay, so I. In-person participant 1: You read the next one. I did? Once and again by Rebecca Sarah. Oh, I did. I did. I did. Yes. OK, so I've read all of her books. I loved in five years so much. It was She's written a few other ones since, and I actually ⁓ really, really loved once and again. And I think that there is a lot to talk about with this book. ⁓ is the story ⁓ of a family, ⁓ and there is an ability passed down from. ⁓ mother to daughter with the ability to turn back time once. And so the main character always has known that her mother turned back time to save her father who had died in a car accident. And now the mother doesn't have her ticket anymore. And so she ⁓ is experience some infertility, there are some marital difficulties because of that, and it's all about her choice of if she has her ticket, if she's going to use it, and when she's gonna use it, and what the ticket should be used for. it's really well written, it's really a story of mothers and daughters and choices and marriage, and there's a lot to talk about. ⁓ but it's not like a huge thick book. So I felt like it moved really quickly. It was really easy to read and I loved it. Kirsten Baritz: and when she's gonna use it and what the ticket should be used for. ⁓ it's really well written. It's really a story of mothers and daughters and choices and marriage. And there's a lot to talk about, but it's not like a huge thick book. So I felt like it moved really quickly. It was really easy to read and I loved it. She's a good one for like a spring break read, a beach read. So that would be a good one probably for the beach. Perfect. It's perfect. In-person participant 1: Yeah, it's perfect. It's perfect. It's a magical realism, but it does have like some more difficult topics. So people should just be aware. Kirsten Baritz: Okay, the last one we have is the adult romantic debut from Alex Astor. Now, you may recall that GMA chose her YA pick, Sky Shade for their thing. And it was the third book in a series. Yeah, the Light Lark series. Book three. Yep. And they didn't choose the other two first. They just announced that that was their pick. Which is a little weird. In-person participant 1: is the adult romance the debut from Alex Astor. ⁓ okay yes her y a pic sky shade for their thing and it was the third book in a series yeah the light lark series book three yep and they didn't choose the other two first they right Which is a little weird because it's not like each story is individual but related. This is legitimately the third one. You cannot understand it without reading the first two. Yeah. Kirsten Baritz: It's not like each story is individual, but related. is legitimately the third one. You cannot understand it without reading the first two. Yeah. So that was like a very weird pic when they did that back in the day, but she has her adult romantic debut. She's like a massive bestseller. It's called Star Side. I'm going to give you a dramatic telling. we go. ⁓ I love this. Okay. I'm closing my eyes. I'm getting the full effect. In this town. In-person participant 1: ⁓ love this. Okay, I'm closing my eyes. I'm getting the full effect. ⁓ Kirsten Baritz: Power is claimed, not inherited. Following an orphan blacksmith's apprentice named Ari, who enters a deadly competition called the Culling for Revenge. Okay, I'm noticing another trend in romances. Hit me. These magical competitions. Sounds like we need a book list. Sounds like a future reading challenge prompt. In-person participant 1: Smith's accrediting Ari, who enters a deadly competition called the Culling for Remed. Okay, I'm noticing another trend in romances. These magical competitions. magical competitions I think that's a great one what do you guys think Kirsten Baritz: I think that's a great one. do you guys think? I think that would be an awesome reading challenge problem. Fall 2026. Great. Doesn't sound fun. Yes. And this is how the magic is made. You're behind the scenes in it. Yeah, I mean, haven't we had things called the culling before? This doesn't sound particularly original, but I've never read one of her books. So who am I to judge? I do have light lark right there. In-person participant 1: Great! Done! Done! And this is how the magic is made. do have light lark right there. And it's a pretty version don't you have a pretty version? Kirsten Baritz: It's a pretty version and I really would like to read it. It's on my wish list for the summer. But someone once said when you run out of books in your TBR is when you're no longer able to live. It's true. So those are all of the books. In-person participant 1: There's a hundred books on my wish list for the summer. But someone once said when you run out of books in your TBR is when you're no longer able to live. Kirsten Baritz: coming out, we will put them in a little widget in the show notes. But those are all the ones coming out in March. That's a great list. I know. It's really across the board. Yeah. Really across the board. Not a ton of romance, not a ton of regular old fiction. A lot of historical, a lot of fantasy. I'm waiting to see when we're going to start seeing some of the romances. not a ton. ⁓ Well, I have one. In-person participant 1: Yeah. That's some great lists, like some great books. Yeah. Which yeah, I'm waiting to see when we're gonna start seeing some of the romances. There's not a ton. I had one. ⁓ what do you have? Kirsten Baritz: What do you have? I have my bookmark and it's a romance. Great. So. In-person participant 1: Great, so tell us about your bookmark. Kirsten Baritz: Let me tell you about Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel. you did. You totally. Oh, I did download it. I'm so excited to read this book. It's by Elizabeth Everett. It's out on March 10th and it is a hotel novel, which is weirdly like I just. In-person participant 1: ⁓ you did. told me. ⁓ I did download it. I'm so excited to read this book. Kirsten Baritz: I have a little kink for like a hotel novel, I just love it. I love a hotel novel. In-person participant 1: And we've had a bunch of fantasy hotel novels too. And that's what this one is. Okay. So a wayside hotel is Kirsten Baritz: fantasy hotel novels too. And that's what this one is. Okay. So a wayside hotel is a hotel that can be transported between worlds. Okay. basically the bus. if you're like a vampire and you need to get to another world or you're a siren or you're a, you know, a boogeyman, you can like ⁓ check into a wayside and it like, as it's like In-person participant 1: ⁓ Kirsten Baritz: hoppin' along to all the different worlds, eventually it'll land in your world and you can leave. It lands on earth. It needs to be ⁓ reset. There's something wrong with the hotel. It's on a non-magical planet and now all of these like creatures are trying to figure out how to reboot the hotel. And they think that what they need is a human, that there's like a reason it's on earth. And you need a human. Got it. And so ⁓ a single mother and her son, who's four basically check into the hotel thinking it's like an apartment. In-person participant 1: It needs to be reset. There's something wrong with the hotel. on a non-magical planet. now all of these are trying reboot the hotel. And they think that what they need is a human. There's a creature on earth. They need a human. Got it. ⁓ And so ⁓ a single mother and her son, four, Kirsten Baritz: and the hotel because it's magical. Like it just starts like repainting its own walls or like it decorates the kids room before he gets there. He loves Spider-Man and they like walk in and they're like, why is this room like decorated? ⁓ the Tenants Association has decided to change it, right? But it's really the hotel itself is like changing the hotel room to accommodate its residents. ⁓ And our. In-person participant 1: basically check into the hotel thinking it's like an apartment. the hotel, because it's magical. Like it just starts like repainting its own walls. His room before he gets or he loves Spider-Man and they walk in and they're like, why is this room like decorative? The tenants association has decided to change it. Oh my God. Changing that room to accommodate his relatives. I love that. Kirsten Baritz: lovely human lady is falling in love with the manager of the hotel. he magical? He's like a warrior from another planet, but he's not magical. Okay, so he's not he's like a human. No, he's a fully he's a human. Is this spicy? ⁓ It does get spicy. Okay. In-person participant 1: Is he magical? Okay. Okay, so he's not like a vampire or something. Is this spicy? Kirsten Baritz: It's a cozy fantasy romance. ⁓ But it's a one. In-person participant 1: But it's a spicy. Okay. Kirsten Baritz: You know, I'm not a fantasy girlie, so I'm telling you I'm a cozy fantasy girlie. I think that's what I've decided. Yeah, so who doesn't love cozy fantasy, right? It's just makes you feel good. It In-person participant 1: Yes, yes, yeah. Who doesn't love cozy fantasy? It just makes you feel good. So next week, I'm so excited to announce we have our very first guest. Yay! ⁓ It ⁓ is ⁓ our friend Jules ⁓ Bono from Friday Night Readers. We're so excited. So you don't know, Jules amazing with her Gilmore Girls Book Club. she is to be coming on to talk to us about what ⁓ she thinks each of the characters from the Gilmore would choose from the Celebrity Book Clubs. So our question to you ⁓ is, what do you think Rory and Lorelei and would pick to read from the Celebrity Book Clubs? Kirsten Baritz: would pick to read from the celebrity book clubs. You can let us know any character and what book you think they would want to read and we'll see if Jules and you agree. for now, especially if you want to tune in next week, make sure you like, follow, subscribe so that we can ⁓ keep showing up in your inbox. In-person participant 1: reading. We'll see you next week. Kirsten Baritz: happy reading. We'll see you next week.