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November 2026 Celebrity Book Club Picks · The Read Carpet Report

• Jackie: Welcome to the Red Carpet Report, your backstage pass for celebrity book clubs, book adaptations, and new book releases. I'm Jackie. And I'm Kirsten. And we're your hosts. Today's episode is a pig party. I swear. Kirsten Baritz: Welcome to the Red Carpet Report, your backstage pass for celebrity book clubs, book adaptations, and new book releases. I'm Jackie. And I'm Kirsten. And we're your hosts. Today's episode is a pig party. I swear we just had October's pick party. How is it a pick party again for November? Jackie: I don't know. and October's a long month. I know. Kirsten Baritz: And October's a long month. I know. I guess like Halloween really did me in. So apparently we've just we're here and we're in November. We're here. And it's it's time to talk Jackie: We are here it's November. It's it's time. It's November. Kirsten Baritz: November books, which is there's not a lot going on end of the year, guys. this is where it gets a little I will say Jackie: I will say I love two books that I read from the celebrity book club Picks. yeah, the Picks are fantastic. But in general Kirsten Baritz: yeah, the picks are good. Fantastic. But in general, November, it's where it goes off the rails a little. November, December is just. Yes. So these episodes Jackie: Yes, yes. Kirsten Baritz: are gonna be we might talk about some other things to fill it out a little bit here. there's lots of stuff to talk about. That's true. Let's start with the red carpet rundown. Jackie: there's lots of stuff to talk about. let's start with the red carpet runtown. I wanna talk about the cat in the hat, actually. Kirsten Baritz: You just set me up right away to give my feelings on this movie. Enough with the cat and the hat. There are so many other Dr. Seuss things. Why are we holding on to this thing like a boogie in a toddler's Jackie: Why are we holding on to this thing like a wheel? Kirsten Baritz: nose? Jackie: Okay, so the Gat in the Cat is coming out November 6th. I will say the last Cat in the Hat live action movie scared the bejesus out of my children. It's the making of nightmares for them. Yes, yes, it is the like childhood nightmares. Kirsten Baritz: out November 6th. I will say the Last Cat in the Hat live action movie scared the bejesus out of my children. It's the making of nightmares for them. With with Mike Myers, yes. Yes, it is the like childhood nightmares. I don't know how they could have thought that that movie was appropriate. This one looks like it's a little more appropriate. Jackie: I don't know how they could have thought that that movie was appropriate. This one looks like it's a little more appropriate, actually, for children. Kirsten Baritz: actually for children. it does, but it also I I feel like today's children are a little bit more sophisticated than the cat in the hat, slap dog, terrible anime like I just I just think the cat in the hat movies are terrible. I think Shrek changed the game because it it incorporated humor for adults, but it also was like talk to children like they weren't infants. Jackie: I think Shrek changed the game because it it incorporated humor for adults, but it also was like talk to children like they weren't infants. Right. And I guess maybe the cat is for infant infants, but like But then who's taking Kirsten Baritz: And I guess maybe the cat in the hat is for infant infants, but But then who's taking it Jackie: an infant to a movie 'cause they're not getting it anyway? I just feel Kirsten Baritz: I just feel like there's so many other Dr. Seuss books out there. Right. Just pick something else. I'd rather see Green Eggs and Ham. Jackie: Right. Just pick something out. I'd rather see green eggs and Kirsten Baritz: I don't I don't know that Dr. Seuss should be like a movie. Yeah, Jackie: I don't know how some of the Dr. Seuss it should be like A movie. Kirsten Baritz: like animated shorts, like a like a Charlie Brown peanuts, you know? Not the not the p movie, but like the great pumpkin. You know what I mean? that'd be Jackie: Yeah, you know what I mean? that'd be cute. Kirsten Baritz: cute. Right? Make them shorts. But I don't maybe a collection of shorts. that's such a good idea. Right? I love that. But why are we and staying true to the books. Yeah. I Jackie: Maybe a collection of shorts. that's such a good idea. Yeah, I love that. But why are we And staying true to the books. I would like to see them do a Tweedlebeetle battle in a puddle with a paddle. It th I mean wanna Fox and socks. I wanna see Kirsten Baritz: would like to see them do a tweetle beetle battle in a puddle with a paddle. It th I mean I wanna see Hop on Pop. I wanna see what's the one with the Lorax and he speaks for the trees? Well actually I did really like that movie. That was a good but that Jackie: Lorax and he speaks for the trees. Well actually really like that movie. I did. That was a great movie. Kirsten Baritz: That is an example of a full story. He didn't do a lot of those full narrative stories like that. That's the kind of stuff I wanna see. I don't wanna see Jackie: Yeah. That's the kind of stuff I want to see if I see. Kirsten Baritz: Cat in a Hat version seventeen million. Right. So I will get off my soapbox. I don't Jackie: Right. Kirsten Baritz: intend to see this movie. Let's talk about something more fun. Okay, well, this is an exciting one that I know you Jackie: Okay, talk okay, well this is an exciting one that I know you want to talk about. Emily Henry released the book cover of her new book. It is modern classic. Kirsten Baritz: Henry released the book cover of her new book. It is modern classic. I'm gonna pop it up here on the screen for those that are watching because it is it needs to be studied. Jackie: It looks so good. I love that it has like a vintage feel. Kirsten Baritz: Love that it has a vintage feel. It reminds me of Roman Holiday. Yes. And I love me a black and white Audrey Hepburn. And that is what it's giving. Jackie: Yes. And I love me pepper. Yes. Yes. Kirsten Baritz: And I appreciate a vintage cover like this. She's breaking from her normal pattern, but I adore the change. I love it too. I hope that it is a new trend. Jackie: I love it too. I hope that it is a new trend Kirsten Baritz: Yeah. Classy, romantic that gives you a feeling of exactly Roman holiday and like the golden ages of Hollywood and Jackie: Classy romantic that gives you a feeling of exactly Roman holiday and like the golden ages of Hollywood and Kirsten Baritz: Yeah, I don't need us to go back to the bodice ripping, you know, flowing hair of a man. Yeah, we don't need Fabio back. Jackie: No, no. Fabio. No. Kirsten Baritz: that trend can die. But I like the classy vintage old Hollywood style. I think Jackie: Like the classic old Hollywood stuff. Kirsten Baritz: it's lovely and It lends Jackie: It might Kirsten Baritz: itself to a more mature feeling. So it's almost signaling to kids this is not a kid's version of something, because right now, like the deal was re-released with these pretty cartoon Jackie: This is not for you. Because right now, like the deal was re-released with these pretty cartons. Kirsten Baritz: covers. The old one was like a guy with like pecs on his front. I was embarrassed to read it in public. then you don't have kids accidentally reading scenes about, you know, things going down in the back of an Uber Jackie: On this front, I was embarrassed to read it in public. Right. then you don't have kids accidentally reading scenes about things going down in the back of an Uber. Kirsten Baritz: that nobody should read, including myself, because I was scarred. Jackie: Right. Icebreaker. Especially 12-year-olds. Okay. Yeah. there's a new TV series coming out. Kirsten Baritz: Icebreaker. Especially 12-year-olds. Yeah. Yeah. there's a new TV series coming out. Crazy Rich Asians original cast is coming back together. They're filming in 2027. It's gonna be an HBO mini-series. Wait, it's the original cast? The original cast. They are Jackie: Wait, it's the original cast? Kirsten Baritz: gonna pick up where the movie left off with books two and three as TV series. Yeah! Jackie: with books two and three as T V series. Yes. Kirsten Baritz: Right? Jackie: I wanted to know. I wanted the rest. Me too. It Kirsten Baritz: Me too. Jackie: was so good and it was such a good cast and I actually like it this way better. I me too. Kirsten Baritz: I know, me too. I think it's one of the best romantic comedies that's ever been written. Jackie: Love the movie. I think I would have loved it even more if it was a series so that we could actually really see his crazy lifestyle. Yeah. And we got a little glimpse of it, but we didn't get enough of that. So that's gonna be amazing. Kirsten Baritz: really see his crazy lifestyle. Yeah. And we got a little glimpse of it, but we didn't get enough of that. So And now we do. I know. Jackie: my and I bet you the clothes. it's gonna be so good. you think about that wedding? Yes. Kirsten Baritz: Yep. it's gonna be so good. The fashion, the over think about that wedding. Yes. Man, I can't wait. So thank you, HBO, for making our dreams come true. Jackie: How how long ago was that movie? Kirsten Baritz: I was wondering too, are you thinking about how the characters have aged? Yeah. Yeah. I mean Hollywood Jackie: Yeah. Yeah. Hollywood does miracles, but people do get older. Kirsten Baritz: Do get older. Like ten years ago, I wanna say? Can't be that long. Can't be that long. No. Jackie: Can't be that long. Can't be that long. Kirsten Baritz: I saw it with my husband at our 10-year wedding anniversary, which was eight years ago this month. So like 2018. Yeah. Because I was reading Crazy Rich Asians in Charleston Jackie: was eight years ago this month. So So twenty eighteen. Yeah. my god. Kirsten Baritz: in preparation for the movie. So yeah. Okay. Yeah. It was it's been out for a little bit. They're all beautiful. Jackie: So yeah. Okay. Yeah. It was all right, listen. They're all beautiful and if they're anything like the ponders. I know, I don't know. Nobody ages. Maybe they just like C GI all the wrinkles away. I know, maybe. I who knows. Kirsten Baritz: And Hollywood is working wonders. So I don't know. Nobody ages. Maybe they just like CGI all the wrinkles away. I know, maybe. I who knows. I feel like everyone in Hollywood is aging. Look at Nicole Kidman. She's like aging backwards. I can't even. Anyway. We digress. I told you there's not a lot to talk about in this in this episode, but we can get into it. Jackie: We digress. I told not a lot to talk about in this episode, but we can get into it. Well, I want to start with the pick party. Kirsten Baritz: I would like everyone to go back to the last episode. And I want you to go back to the very last 30 seconds of the last episode in which I can't bow with this. Jackie: I would like everyone to go back to the last episode. And I want you to go back to the very last 30 seconds of the last episode in which Kirsten Kirsten Baritz: Said, what did you say? Jackie: Said, what did you say? Kirsten Baritz: I said I someone's gonna choose a back list, and I think it's gonna be Reese. And who chose a backlist? My girl Reese. She did it. It's like I have ESPN or something. Jackie: And who chose a backlist? My girl Reese. I think I have E S P N or something. We did not know at the time either. No, no, no, we didn't. We we didn't. And if you Kirsten Baritz: We did not know at the time either because that was no it was not out yet. We we didn't and if you don't Jackie: don't understand that reference, then Then you're too young to be watching this show. Kirsten Baritz: Then you're too young to be watching this show. Jackie: Pretty much. Okay. so what did Reese pick? She chose. Kirsten Baritz: She chose The Great Wherever by Shannon Sanders. Jackie: Mm-hmm. Kirsten Baritz: And I'm actually in the middle of reading it. I didn't have a chance to read it when it came out back in May. Okay. But I've Jackie: Didn't have a chance to read it when it came out back in May. Okay. But I've had Kirsten Baritz: had it as an audiobook, like waiting for my listening time. So I took a dive into it this weekend and Jackie: So I took a dive into it this weekend. Kirsten Baritz: I'm really loving it. I'm about 50% of the way through. It is essentially a story Jackie: It is essentially a story. Kirsten Baritz: of a 32-year-old black woman from DC whose father has recently died. And while her sister got their DC home, she got gifted shares of a farm in Tennessee. Okay. She's just broken up with her boyfriend. She's in debt. She goes back to Tennessee because there's like the prospect of a sale of this 147-acre farm. She reconnects with the other shareholders Jackie: A 32-year-old black woman from DC whose father has recently died, and while her sister got their DC home, she got gifted shares of a farm in Tennessee. Okay. She's just broken up with her boyfriend, she's in debt. She goes back to Tennessee because there's like the prospect of a sale of this 147 acre farm. She reconnects with the other share. Holders Kirsten Baritz: Should they accept the sale of this farm or should they not? In the background, she doesn't know any of the history. So they're Jackie: Should they accept the sale of this farm or should they not? In the background, she doesn't know any of the history. So the her family that lives locally is kind of Kirsten Baritz: Her family that lives locally is filling her in. Her father's never really filled them in on their Tennessee family's life. In the background, ancestors who have staked their claim to the farm, but never got to have the farm themselves for one reason or another, like ghosts we're talking about, are also. Jackie: filling her Her father's never really filled them in on their their Tennessee family's life. In the background, ancestors who have staked their claim to the farm but never got to have to farm them for one reason or another. Like ghosts we're talking about are also narrating and telling the story of the farm over the years. wow. Kirsten Baritz: Narrating and telling the story of the farm over the years. wow. So she's getting brought up to speed, but then we're seeing events from the past also. It's a really cool narrative device. I'm really invested in the history of this farm and how it came to be. And I feel like there's some big twists coming that I don't know about just yet. Jackie: So she's getting brought up to speed, but then we're seeing events from the past also. It's a really cool narrative device. I'm really invested in the history of this farm and how it came to be. And I feel like there's some big twists coming that I don't know about that. Kirsten Baritz: but I'm like back into when the farm was originally built and her learning this story. And I'm I'm really enjoying it. Jackie: I'm really enjoying it. That sounds really good. Very, very interesting. Yeah. Kirsten Baritz: Yeah, it's it's good. Very interesting. Yeah. I've just read which my bookmark is, another book set on a farm, so I feel like I'm really into like farming books right now. Yeah. Jackie: Really? Really into farming books right now. Yeah. Is that a new trend? Who Kirsten Baritz: who knows? So the GMA pick this month is actually a surprise for me. We we did know ahead of time. It is Whale Harbor by Mary Beth Keene. And it's just surprising to me actually that this wasn't Jackie: So the GMA pick this month is actually a surprise for me. Uh-huh. We we did know ahead of time. It is Whale Harbor by Mary Beth Keene. And it's just surprising to me actually that this wasn't Kirsten Baritz: more of a Reese pick. Jackie: More of a Reese pick. Kirsten Baritz: So Mary Beth Keene, she this book, the other one was Ask Again, yes. Yes. Was a Jimmy Fallon pick. Yeah. Jackie: Yes. With the Jimmy pick. Yeah. Kirsten Baritz: But this one tried to throw us for a loop because originally the release date was November 3rd. They bumped Jackie: They both Kirsten Baritz: it back to October 20th. My theory is the election. smart. That it's election day it's GMA. So they obviously are gonna spend all day on the election. smart. So I don't think they wanted to throw this in the the works, but Jackie: smart. So they obviously were gonna spend all day on the election. smart, smart. And they wanted to grow this in the the works, but that threw me for a loop. But why do you say that it Kirsten Baritz: That threw me for a loop. But why do you say that it's more Reese than GMA? GMA usually I feel picks books that are very relatable to the masses. This book is so readable. I'm part way through. I It is so well written, it is so Jackie: GMA usually I feel picks books that are very relatable to the masses. This book is so readable. I'm part way through. I It is so well written. It is so fantastic. It's about a family. They live in Ireland in a small little place. Kirsten Baritz: Fantastic. It's about a family. They live in Ireland in a small little place. Jackie: And it is a woman and her husband, and they have 11 sons. And as the sons get old enough, they have to send them away to get work because it's such a small place. Kirsten Baritz: And it is a woman and her husband, and they have 11 sons. And as the sons get old enough, they have to send them away to get work because it's such a small place. Jackie: And one of them gets sent to Montana. And Kirsten Baritz: and one of them gets sent to Montana. And Jackie: and then one of the younger sons goes missing, and it it's so good. Kirsten Baritz: and then one of the younger sons goes missing, and it it's so good. But the reason I don't think it's really a GMA is because there is a lot of talk about the fact that on this island is a very specific culture, they still speak Irish, whereas most people in Dublin speak English. And so they're talking about the different culture in this in this. Jackie: But the reason I don't think it's really a GMA is because there is a lot of talk about the fact that on this island is a very specific culture. They still speak Irish, whereas most people in Dublin speak English. And so they're talking about the different culture in this in this like small place in so much detail. It's very literary. And Kirsten Baritz: small place in so much detail. It's very literary. And Jackie: Usually I feel like that's not so much of a GMA pick. Kirsten Baritz: usually I feel like that's not so much of a GMA picture. Yeah, like literary tends to be more Jenna or Oprah. I Jenna or Oprah and since we already knew the Jackie: Jenna or Oprah, and since we already knew that the Jenna pick we thought was gonna be the Oprah pick and and and Oprah hasn't picked anything and so when given the only two that we had left, I would have assumed that it was more of a Reese than a GMA, but I would have thought that this one was a Jenna and the Jenna would have been the Oprah and and Mary go round. Kirsten Baritz: The Jenna pick we thought was gonna be the Oprah pick. I know. And I know Oprah hasn't picked anything. And so when given the only two that we had left, I would have assumed that it was more of a Reese than a GMA, but I would have thought that this one was a Jenna and the Jenna would have been the Oprah. Right. It would have been a whole it was a whole domino the other one that we know is the the GMAYA. Yes. Which is Mortal Things by Jackie: Yes. Which is Mortal Things by Marie Lou. Yeah, I think she's been chosen. Kirsten Baritz: Yeah, I think she's been chosen before for some other books. It's she's like a YA sci-fi fantasy writer, and this one is about a girl who's the harbinger for death and then becomes his heir and has to kill people, but she has to be trained by this guy, Raven, or something. She is the harbinger of death. I don't this is not for me. I already know this is not for me. It's an uplifting. Yes. Definitely, definitely uplifting YA. Yeah, yeah. Okay. Jackie: is air and has to kill people, but she has to be trained by this guy racer or something. She's the harbinger of death. I don't this is not so it's an uplifting. It's an uplifting YA. Yeah. Okay. Definitely, an uplifting YA. Yeah, okay. A harpinger Kirsten Baritz: and then we know that Oprah she didn't choose anything yet. I think she's due. I think something's gonna be announced, except that unless she goes backless, which she very well may, I don't see anything that's coming out that speaks to me as Oprah. Jackie: She's due. I think something's gonna be announced. Except that unless she goes backless, which she very well may, I don't see anything that's coming out that speaks to me of it. Kirsten Baritz: And there's not really that many things coming out from previous Jackie: And there's not really that many things coming out from previous. Kirsten Baritz: authors this month. wait, but we didn't talk about Jenna. my god, we didn't talk about Jenna. it is she picked Sweet Pea by Kit DeWall. yeah. Did you read that? I did. I it is so good. Really? It it's so good. It is the story of a woman. Jackie: This month. wait, but we didn't talk about Jenna. god, we didn't talk Jenna. We didn't talk about Jenna. it is she picked Sweet Pea by Kit DeWall. yeah, did you read that? I did. I finished it. It is so good. Really? It it's so good. It is the story of a woman. Kirsten Baritz: Mm-hmm. And she has a boyfriend, and she's hopeful that they're going to be getting married and they're going to be having kids. And his best friend comes to her to let her know that he has been killed in an accident, and she can't come to the funeral because he has a family, he has a wife, he has kids. She never knew that he had. Jackie: And she has a boyfriend, and she's hopeful that they're going to be getting married and they're going to be having kids. And his best friend comes to her to let her know that he has been killed in an accident. And she can't come to the funeral because he has a family. He has a wife. He has kids. She never knew that he had. Kirsten Baritz: lots of second life. Yeah. Yeah. And so he said that he did construction and he would be sent off on projects to be away. And he told his wife the same thing. And it turned out that there were multiple girlfriends. And she ends up having a baby Jackie: lots of other girlfriends. Yeah. Yeah. And so he said that he did construction and he would be sent off on projects to be away. And he told his wife the same thing. And it turned out that there were multiple girlfriends. And she ends up having a baby with somebody else she has a baby. It Kirsten Baritz: With somebody else, she has a baby, it doesn't work out, but he ends up being like a a wonderful father. One day while they're out, he points out the man who was responsible for the accident that killed her boyfriend. And she kind of starts stalking him and realizes that he has a young boy at home that's almost the same age as her child. Jackie: Don't work out, but he ends up being like a wonderful father. One day while they're out, he points out the man who was responsible for the accident that killed her boyfriend. And she kind of starts stalking him and realizes that he has a young boy at home that's almost the same age as her child. And they start a Kirsten Baritz: And they start a kind of reluctant friendship because she feels for this little boy who's not being taken care of properly. And so it becomes like another boy that and and found family over like a very difficult times. And it's just such a good book. Wow. It Jackie: reluctant friendship because she feels for this little boy who's not being taken care of properly. And so it becomes like another boy that and and found family over like a very difficult times. And it's just such a good book. Yeah. Kirsten Baritz: sounds so different and so good. It is so different. It's so good. It's very Jackie: It is so different. It's so good. It's very character driven, but the characters are so good and you just are in there and it's emotional. And I loved it. It was really good. Yeah. So salad picks this month. Very Kirsten Baritz: character driven but the characters are so good and you just are in there and it's emotional and I loved it. It was really wow. Yeah. So solid picks this month. All around. All around really good. Yeah, I love that. And we actually do not have very many authors with books being planted. Since November. So Jackie: Yeah, I love that. And we actually do not have very many authors with books being published published this month. So for anybody that doesn't know, November, December kind of like is winding down the year so that we can really have this massive influx of publication in January. Kirsten Baritz: For anybody that doesn't know, November, December is winding down the year so that we can really have this massive influx of publication in January. Yeah, stuff gets lost because of gift giving holiday season. You'll see a lot of re-releases we were looking through. We're like, wait, those books have all come out. Like new editions, special editions, holiday editions. But yeah, there's nothing good coming out. Jackie: Special edition, holiday editions. But yeah, there's nothing good coming out. Generally speaking, there are. But the sad thing is, and like one of our favorite books that we ever read are favorite Kirsten Baritz: Generally speaking, there are, but the sad thing is, and one of our favorite books that we ever read, our favorite thrillers, the The Ballerinas, came out in December, and we were devastated because it's such a dead month that books that tend to come out in November and December just don't hit the the list unless they are chosen for celebrity book clubs. But even that, a lot of times this is the season, as we said before, that they go backlist. So Jackie: Came out in December and we were devastated because it's such a dead month that books that tend to come out in December just don't hit the the list unless they are chosen for celebrity book clubs. But even that, a lot of times this week the season, as we said before, that fake a black list. So Kirsten Baritz: well we do have a few, so let's talk about the few that are coming out. Okay. Jackie: well we do have a few. So let's talk about the few that are coming out. we had this author. In our book club. Do you wanna tell who it is? Nina De Glamont, who was our February pick and was previously the Reese pick for her book. The Christie Affair. Mm-hmm. Is has a new one coming out. Peric Ren Hill. Yeah. Mm-hmm. That's all I need to know to read it. Yeah. It's on my list. I will read it within the next week. Yeah, and it's gonna be fantastic, I'm sure. I I can't wait. been waiting. Kirsten Baritz: In our book club. Do you want to tell who it is? Nina DeGramont, who was our February pick and was previously the Reese pick for her book, The Christie Affair. Mm-hmm. Is has a new one coming out. Peregrine Hill, I think. And it's a Gilden Age novel. That's all I need to know to read it. Yeah. It's on my list. I will read it within the next week. Yeah. And it's gonna be fantastic, I'm sure. I I can't wait. She's been waiting Years she said she's been working on this and researching it. She was telling us about it in book club back in February. And so Jackie: Years she said she's been working on this and researching this. She was telling us about it in Book Club back in February, and so Kirsten Baritz: this is definitely one of my most anticipated for the year because I Jackie: anticipated for the year because I love Kirsten Baritz: loved her first book. So I'm looking forward to reading this one. So we also have Dangerous Impulses, which is a natural novel, is Jamie Lynn J Jamie. Jackie: Okay, so we also have Dangerous Impulses, which is a naturals novel, is Jamie Lynn J Jamie Lynn Barnes. Yeah, it's in her series. She was a G A Y A but she has multiple series. Kirsten Baritz: Yeah, it's a new one in her series. She was a GMAYA pick, but she has multiple series going on and the naturals is getting a new look. Yeah. So which interestingly, I think, of all of her series, that is for my daughter at least, that's her least favorite. really? Mm-hmm. Okay, wow. I know it's interesting. It is. It is. Because it people love mm-hmm. Jackie: Yeah. Which interestingly I think of all of her series, that is for my daughter at least, that's her least favorite. really? Mm-hmm. Okay, well. I know it's interesting. It is. It is. Because it people love these series. So it's it's just interesting. You know, she has her preferences. Well, I think I think that's Kirsten Baritz: these series. So it's it's just interesting. she has well it's hard to top the inheritance games. That's like I think I think that's that's that's what the issue. Yeah. And then you have completely different characters whereas the other series incorporates some of the same characters. So Yeah. So it feels at least a little bit adjacent. Yep. And then Jackie: That's that's what the issue is. And then you have completely different characters, whereas the other series incorporates some of the same characters. So know, you have at least yep. And then if I could read your writing, I mean that would be amazing. Kirsten Baritz: If I could read your writing, that would be amazing. Horizing flame. that's Jackie: that's what that says. Kirsten Baritz: it. She was the GMA YA pick earlier this year for Her Hidden Fire, which I think you read. Yes, I did. Jackie: Yes, yes, I did. Kirsten Baritz: and the second book is coming out. good. That was a good one. That's a cute YA. mean, I guess not cute. As you get to be older, some of the YA seem younger. Well, you were saying like you enjoyed Jackie: good. That was a good one. That's a cute YA. Yeah. I guess not cute. As you get to be older, some of the the YA seem younger. Kirsten Baritz: it, but you're not. planning to read this one you're not gonna continue it 'cause it's too it's too YA. Some some YA is just YA and it's good for what it is. Which is which is great, but as I get Jackie: Which is which is great, but as I get a little bit older, if it's really strictly about, sixteen, seventeen year olds, I just feel like I should leave those for my daughter. Kirsten Baritz: strictly about 16 17 year olds i just feel like i should leave those for my daughter that's fair well that's kind of it but now it's time we've got a bookmark okay tell us about your your bookmark Jackie: have a bookmark. got a bookmark. Okay. Tell us about your your bookmark. And to go along with this bookmark, we have a whole kitten caboodle. All right. Kirsten Baritz: And to go along with this bookmark, we have a whole king caboodle. I read my first Barbara King Solver novel. Yay! I Jackie: Yay! Kirsten Baritz: can't believe I haven't read Demon Copperhead yet. We talked about this back Jackie: Mm-hmm. Kirsten Baritz: in October when we were like, these books are coming out. and so I read Partita. I had a little Partita party and I Partita I Jackie: A little partita party. Partita party. Kirsten Baritz: wrote a summary and book club questions for you guys, but I could not, like from page one, Jackie: Could not like from page one. Kirsten Baritz: I was like, How have I not read this woman's incredible writing before? She writes in a way Jackie: S. Kirsten Baritz: that is so literary but so approachable and it's character-driven. And it's about a girl Jackie: Mm-hmm. And it's character driven and it's about a Kirsten Baritz: who it's the present day. She gets a phone call Jackie: It's the present day she gets a phone call. Kirsten Baritz: from her ex-boyfriend, from her college ex-boyfriend. She's living on a farm with her now husband, She was originally Jackie: She was originally studying to be a world famous concert pianist and something happens and so now she's, you know, not doing that. And so the the story is set up where every chapter that is in present day is a prelude. Okay. Okay. And there's one prelude per day of the week leading up to whether or not she's gonna let this guy come and say Kirsten Baritz: Studying to be a world famous concert pianist, and something happens. And so now she is, you know, not doing that. And so the story is set up where every chapter that is in present day is a prelude. Okay. Okay. And there's one prelude per day of the week leading up to whether or not she's gonna let this guy come and say hello and visit with her while he's in the area. And the other Jackie: hello and and visit with her while he's in the area. And the other chapters, the college chapters, are different concertos. Kirsten Baritz: Chapters, the college chapters, are different concertos. Jackie: There's a sarande, an alemande, Kirsten Baritz: there's a sarande and alemande a f a fugue, I think it's called. Yeah. basically all these different kinds of pieces of music that themselves, when you look at what the definition is, kind of relates to the state of the story at that time. That's so smart. Like one Jackie: a a fugue, I think it's called. Yeah. basically all these different kinds of pieces of music that themselves, when you look at what the definition is, kind of relates to the same story at that time. That's so smart. Like one of Kirsten Baritz: of them, decapo, which means to go back to the beginning, which goes back to like the beginning of the story. There's Al Fine which is like the end. it's just so cleverly structured. Jackie: Needs to go back to the beginning, which goes back to the 19, which is the end. it's just so cleverly structured, and then you learn a lot about classical music, which I admit was not my favorite. I'm I'm giving it to my dad for the holidays because he loves to go to the orchestra, and I think he loves Kirsten Baritz: And then you learn a lot about classical music, which I admit was not my favorite. I'm giving it to my dad for the holidays because he loves to go to the orchestra. And I think he would love this book. I can't even, there's so much to discuss. I was writing question after question after question, and I had to stop myself because I was at like 29 questions or something, Jackie: I I can't even there's so much to discuss. I was writing question after question after question and I had to stop myself because I was at twenty nine questions or something it's basically all the questions that I wanted to discuss with other people to be like, Well what did you think of this ending? Well what did you think what did you think of it? Kirsten Baritz: It's basically all the questions that I wanted to discuss with other people to be like, Well, what did you think of this ending? Well, what did you think of this? Well, what do you think about him? it's such a good book, club book, and I just cannot believe that I haven't read her before. She's Jackie: She's a really phenomenal writer. But I love I love her writing because it's so clear and emotional, but it doesn't feel like you need to reread a paragraph five times to understand what she's trying to say. And there's some one line over that are just like they speak to your soul. Kirsten Baritz: Because it's so clear and emotional, but it doesn't feel like you need to reread a paragraph five times to understand what she's trying to say. And there's some one-liners that are just like they speak to your soul. It's so good. It's so good. Anyway. There you go. Perfect pick for That's the bookmark. Book club. Jackie: There you go. Perfect pick for your book club. awesome. Yeah. So that is it, except for the reader question, which is what are your favorite Christmas books for this year? Yeah, we are gonna deep dive into Kirsten Baritz: So that is it, except for the reader question, which is what are your favorite Christmas books for this year? Yeah, we are gonna deep dive into all the Christmas new releases next week, because it is the season. It's time. Jackie: Week 'cause it is the season. It's time. Halloween's yeah, can you believe it's end of Halloween? Which means it's the start of the holiday season. Kirsten Baritz: can you believe it's end of Halloween? It means it's the start of the holiday season. We are right in it. My kids are lucky I haven't put on the Christmas music on the radio yet. Like I am I do. I love Christmas music on the radio so much. And tell me about Christmas Jackie: I do. I love Christmas music on the radio so much and I love Christmas. Kirsten Baritz: shoes. Tell me you cry. First time I hear it every year. God. Jackie: God. Kirsten Baritz: But my mama please. No, you know what my thing I get choked up just thinking about it. I wanted it. Jackie: I can't. No, you know what my favorite one? I want a hippopotamus for Christmas. It's my favorite. it's by far the best Christmas. Kirsten Baritz: it's by far the best the best one that's your favorite. I like silver bells. You know the song, okay, this is a weird this is a thing about me. But you know Jackie: That's the thing about me. But you know? Kirsten Baritz: how it's like like when there's silver bells and the bells are chiming in the background and it's like you like no, like like the sleigh bells, like sleigh bells. Jackie: Which is silver bells. Ding ding ding ding ding ding ding ding. No, that's not that one. That's my sleigh bells. yeah, yeah. Kirsten Baritz: Okay. I think that's what snow sounds like. Jackie: Sure, why not? Kirsten Baritz: Right? every time it snows, that's what I hear in my head when I look out at snow. It's just like the the balcony. If actually go outside and listen to snow, snow makes a sound when it falls. Totally. It totally does. But it it's maybe Jackie: If you actually go outside and listen to snow, snow makes a sound when it falls. Totally. It totally does. But it makes Kirsten Baritz: not a musical one, but I in my head that is what I hear when I see snow. Jackie: That's Kirsten Baritz: also am looking forward to the Folgers commercial. You know, the one where like the guy Jackie: You know the one with the Kirsten Baritz: comes back from the military service. I don't know that. And opens the door on crit and they're he's like there, first Folgers in his cup. The the horse ones. Jackie: I don't know that one. Aren't there usually soldiers in this cup? The the horse ones? Don't don't we get some good horse Yeah, don't we get some good Clydesdales and Christmas? Heiser Bush usually has something there. Pol polar bears? Polar bears and coke over Christmas. Those are those are some good ones. Kirsten Baritz: Some goods. Clydesdales. Yeah. Don't we get some good Clydesdales? Yeah. Yeah. And Heiser Busch usually has something there. Pull polar bears. Polar bears and those are yeah. Those are gosh. I can't wait. And the and the Coca-Cola Santa Claus is the best Santa Claus with those cherubic rosy cheeks. Jackie: Mm-hmm. Kirsten Baritz: So much to look forward to. So much to look forward to. I just loved season of happiness. So much. Jackie: So much to look forward to. So of half we have so much, even though there's not a ton of books. Kirsten Baritz: Mm-hmm. We still have lots to talk about. So And we're gonna talk about our best of the year. Yeah. Jackie: and we're gonna talk about our best of the year Kirsten Baritz: There's still some great episodes, even though there's not as many great new releases. And we even have a plan for December when there's probably not that many new releases at all. So we've got a whole plan for that too. We do. Episode two. Jackie: We do and it's exciting, but we're not gonna tell you. So like, follow, subscribe. Kirsten Baritz: So follow, subscribe. happy reading.