Valentines Day Adjacent Book Recs from Not Quite Romance Readers with Halley Sutton

Deconstructing Without Losing Jesus: Jeremy Jernigan's The Edge of the Inside

Mar 31, 20261h 24mSummary

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts sit down with author Jeremy Jernigan to explore his latest work, The Edge of the Inside. The conversation dives into the intersection of memoir and theology, examining how Jernigan utilized writing as a cathartic tool to navigate his own journey through religious deconstruction. Together, they unpack the emotional complexities of questioning long-held beliefs and the necessity of gaining distance from past bitterness to achieve clarity. Listeners can expect a deep discussion on the concept of the edge of the inside—the experience of maintaining a connection to a faith community while simultaneously challenging its structures. The episode also touches on the transformative power of a life quake and how language impacts our understanding of truth. It is an engaging look at how one can reconstruct a meaningful, broader faith after the disorientation of questioning everything they were once taught.

Racial Trauma and Culturally Responsive Care: Ashley McGirt-Adair's The Cost of Healing in Silence

Mar 31, 20261h 10mSummary

In this episode of Bookwild, hosts MacKenzie Green and the show team sit down with author and trauma therapist Ashley McGirt-Adair to discuss her insightful book, The Cost of Healing in Silence. The conversation centers on the profound impact of racial trauma and the critical need for culturally responsive care within the healthcare system. McGirt-Adair draws on her professional expertise and personal history to explain why naming racial trauma is essential for effective healing. Listeners will explore how systemic bias frequently leads to dangerous medical outcomes and the exhausting, unfair burden placed on patients who must self-advocate to be heard. Beyond addressing these institutional challenges, the discussion highlights the importance of reclaiming joy, ancestry, and self-connection as tools for resistance. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to shift from passive hope toward active, daily commitments to drive meaningful, systemic change.

First Quarter Favorite Reads of 2026 with Gare and Steph

Mar 27, 20261h 7mSummary

In this episode of Bookwild, hosts Gare, Steph, and Halley dive into their top literary discoveries from the first three months of 2026. Listeners are treated to a curated collection of standout titles that defined the start of the year, spanning a variety of gripping genres. The trio provides candid reviews and thoughtful discussions on novels like Petra Lord’s Queen of Faces, Robyn Harding’s Strangers in the Villa, and Sally Hepworth’s Mad Mabel. Whether you are looking for your next page-turner or seeking insight into the latest buzz-worthy releases, this episode serves as an excellent guide to the season’s best fiction. The hosts share their personal highlights and deep-dive into what made these specific books memorable, offering plenty of inspiration for your growing reading list. Join the team as they celebrate the stories that captivated them throughout the first quarter.

Secrets, Spirits, and the Stories We Inherit: Olesya Salnikova Gilmore's The Fortune Tellers of Rue Daru

Mar 24, 20261h 2mSummary

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts sit down with author Olesya Salnikova Gilmore to discuss her historical-suspense novel, The Fortune Tellers of Rue Daru. The conversation explores Gilmore’s unique writing process as a plantser and her fascination with the intersections of gothic, fantasy, and mystery genres. Listeners will gain insight into how she utilizes genre-blending to heighten narrative tension while drawing from Slavic folklore and Western spiritualism. Beyond the craft of writing, Gilmore reflects on personal experiences with grief and the complex feeling of straddling two cultures. The discussion also provides a deep dive into the book’s premise, which follows a granddaughter and grandmother duo running a Parisian tearoom that doubles as a site for séances. This episode offers an engaging look at how historical research and personal heritage shape compelling, suspenseful storytelling.

Toxic Masculinity and Female Rage: Katherine Greene's Where the Truth Lies

Mar 24, 202637 minSummary

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts sit down with writing duo Katherine Greene—the combined persona of Claire C. Riley and A. Meredith Walters—to discuss their gripping new small-town thriller, Where the Truth Lies. The conversation delves into the origins of the novel, which was inspired by a decades-old newspaper clipping and the authors' own family history. Listeners can expect an insightful breakdown of how the pair navigates the emotional complexities of fictionalizing real events while utilizing dual timelines and multiple perspectives to build tension. Beyond the mechanics of suspense, the discussion explores profound social themes, including the roots of toxic masculinity, the unfair societal judgment of victims, and the powerful role of female rage. It is a deep dive into the craft of thriller writing and the heavy, secrets-filled narratives that lie beneath a picture-perfect exterior.

Taylor Frankie Paul, Another Duggar, The Manosphere, Age of Attraction and More with Halley Sutton

Mar 20, 20261h 27mSummary

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts are joined by author Halley Sutton for a deep dive into the intersection of modern pop culture, digital ethics, and societal trends. The conversation begins with a timely discussion on the cancellation of The Bachelorette starring Taylor Frankie Paul, prompting a critical look at the ethics of broadcasting domestic violence and real-life trauma for entertainment. The group navigates complex themes including the contradictions of trad-wife culture, the lasting impacts of religious purity culture, and how spiritual bypassing affects personal well-being. Furthermore, the episode examines the rise of the manosphere, exploring how red pill and incel ideologies function as distorted bids for connection. Listeners can expect a thought-provoking analysis of grift culture, the Age of Attraction dating philosophy, and a curated list of recent books and media that have captured the hosts' interests.

The Divine Feminine, Matriarchy and Dreams: Andrea M. Butler's Mother

Mar 17, 20261h 10mSummary

In this episode of Bookwild, the host sits down with author Andrea M. Butler to discuss her gripping debut speculative fiction novel, Mother. Set in a near-future world defined by climate volatility, corporate control of food supplies, and deep economic instability, the story follows a family struggling to survive against a backdrop of systemic corruption. The conversation expands beyond the plot, exploring how Butler uses fiction to examine complex themes such as wealth inequality, the influence of evangelical culture, and the power of community as a form of resistance. Listeners can expect an insightful deep dive into the author’s creative process, including the role of dream interpretation, spiritual communication, and the importance of divine feminine energy in her storytelling. This episode offers a thought-provoking look at how speculative fiction can ground high-stakes narratives in the pressing realities of our current world.

Oscars Reactions (Some Choices Were… Interesting) with MacKenzie Green

Mar 16, 20261h 29mSummary

In this episode of Bookwild, host and guest MacKenzie Green dive into a spirited post-Oscars breakdown, offering candid reflections on the season’s most talked-about moments. The conversation spans the complexities of Oscar campaigning and viral cultural discourse, including the ongoing debates surrounding figures like Timothée Chalamet. Beyond the awards themselves, the pair explores the intersection of performance and identity, analyzing the difference between authentic cultural storytelling and superficial representation. They also provide vital historical context regarding Black Oscar winners, emphasizing the significant impact of milestones like Michael B. Jordan’s recent recognition. By comparing modern outcomes to past controversies like the Green Book versus Black Panther era, the discussion offers listeners a thoughtful critique of the film industry’s evolving landscape. It is an engaging listen for anyone looking to unpack the nuanced politics behind Hollywood’s biggest night.

Buddy Review of Kin by Tayari Jones with Erin Ashley

Mar 13, 20261h 20mSummary

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts dive deep into the emotional and captivating novel Kin by Tayari Jones. The discussion begins with a spoiler-free overview, providing listeners with a perfect opportunity to gauge if the book matches their reading tastes before diving into the core narrative. Once the spoiler warning passes, the conversation shifts into a comprehensive analysis of the story, which follows the diverging paths of two motherless best friends, Vernice and Annie, growing up in rural Louisiana. The hosts share their admiration for Jones’s evocative prose, the complex development of the main characters, and the intricate plotting that defines the journey. Listeners can expect an insightful look at the book’s powerful themes of identity, sisterhood, and the lasting impact of maternal absence. It is an engaging deep dive for anyone looking to unpack this compelling literary work.

Quantum Theology: Where Science Meets the Soul

Mar 10, 20261h 22mSummary

In this episode of Bookwild, the hosts welcome Keith Giles, Mary Terhune, Zac Cannon, and Nish Dubashia to explore the provocative themes found in their collective work, Quantum Theology: Volume One. The discussion bridges the perceived gap between science and spirituality, arguing that these two fields are simply different lenses for observing the same underlying reality. Listeners will delve into how concepts from quantum physics, such as entanglement and interconnectedness, mirror profound insights from global mystical and religious traditions. The guests examine why the feeling of separation between cultures and individuals is fundamentally an illusion and discuss how awakening to a shared consciousness could redefine human compassion and ethics. Ultimately, this conversation offers a deep dive into the limits of language in describing spiritual experiences and invites listeners to rethink the relationship between physical law and the human soul.