Perks (2).png

We were delighted to announce that The Perks of Being a Book Lover won several Positive Change Podcast Awards in 2023, including Best Co-Host Team and Best Seasoned Podcast.

A show where two long-time, totally opposite friends chat about books and reading

with each other and a special guest.

Book lovers are everywhere:

Authors of all kinds, librarians, dramaturgs, slam poets, and book club members to name a few.

Talking about books is one of our favorite things to do (besides eating cheese). 

We may be a little biased, but we think reading people are the coolest.

Latest Episodes

“Perky” Pets

When COVID happened, like everyone who had to learn a new way of doing things, The Perks learned how to record remotely. And that has changed who participates in our recording. It is always Carrie, Amy, and our guest, but the behind-the-scenes guests are dogs, cats, ferrets, and whatever other animal is in our homes. These pets sometimes make an appearance on the show because they bark, meow, sniffle against the mics, or flop down on the keyboards during recording. We decided they need to come out from behind the mic and get their just rewards. Plus who doesn’t need some cute animal pics?

"Perky" Pets
Gypsy
Gypsy

Gypsy is “Chief Wellness Officer” for Bethany Planton, a grant writing consultant who has a special book club with some of her grant-writing colleagues. Gypsy is an 11-year-old black lab mix who was adopted from Tyson’s Chance.

Stella
Stella

Stella is the housemate of costume designer and author Jacqueline Firkins, and yes, Stella’s name does come from the theater (Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire). Jacqueline loves spoiling Stella which includes having 1/3 of her small house built of dog toys.

Koda and Zephyr
Koda and Zephyr

These two adopted rescue pups belong to Australian reader Lily Raiti. “They want nothing but to please us and were very easy to train,” Lily says. “They are inseparable and love playing chase with each other.”

Pippin
Pippin

Pippin belongs to former guest and horror enthusiast Johann Trotter. “He’s a working cocker spaniel. He is very much a Hobbit who enjoys second breakfast and home comforts,” she says.

Gizmo
Gizmo

Gizmo is a 13-year-old Papillon who enjoys daytime naps and randomly whining at his owner, Stacie Dotson from The Willard Library, to ensure she is still his faithful servant.

Nickelby
Nickelby

Nickelby is the pet of former guest Tyler Miller, founder of Reluctant Reader Books. Like his owner, Nickelby has a love of literature because he is named after Charles Dickens’ character, Nicholas Nickelby.

Nora
Nora

Nora is the canine fashionista whose wardrobe assistant is Perks guest and editor in chief of Salon.com, Erin Keane.

Gina
Gina

Perks guest Susan Rogers does not have a furry friend in her home now, but Gina was her beloved pet for many years. “She was a Boston terrier whose face became the mascot for the band Geggy Tai in the 1990s,” Susan says.

Terra
Terra

While former guest Sean Petrie of Typewriter Rodeo doesn’t have his own pet, he has a connection with his neighbor, Terra. “I play ball/fetch with Terra nearly every day. She’s the inspiration for a poem in Pet Poems called “Ball is ALL,” he says.

Archie
Archie

Archie is the handsome canine lead in the happily ever after with former guest Natalie Martin’s family. He is a 4-year-old mixed breed who “hates water, loves camping, always want to be touching me, and loves watermelon, broccoli, and anything that stinks,” Natalie says.

Haggis
Haggis

Haggis, who recently passed away at age 14, was the beloved pet of writer and former guest Shelley Sackier. “He was the best dog I ever had,” she says.

Mavis
Mavis

Mavis is just one of former guest Erin Flanagan’s pets. The household includes two cats, Belle and Mickey, and a poodle named Lorna.

Cleo
Cleo

Cleopatra Ginger Moses is an 8-year-old ginger and white shorthair who shares a home with former guest Cassie Moses and her family. Even though the youngest Moses sister is allergic to cats, they are able to keep Cleo because they vacuum a TON. But Cleo is worth it.

Daisy
Daisy

Daisy is the Boston terrier that has author and guest Bobi Conn’s heart. Daisy’s favorite spot is behind Bobi and between whatever Bobi is trying to lean again when she is sitting.

Betty Sue
Betty Sue

Betty Sue belongs to author and former guest Melissa Hart and will eat mealworms from her hands.

Lizzy
Lizzy

Lizzy is a golden doodle who lives with former guest and author Katy Yocom. Lizzy likes to pretend she is a super spy by blending into her surroundings…like this carpet.

Apollo
Apollo

Apollo lives with former guest Angela Jackson-Brown whose book The Light Always Breaks recently released. She says that Apollo “is a passionate, fun-loving, slightly neurotic two-year-old Border Collie who loves good food, playing with ‘his person’ (Robert) and staring lovingly over the fence at the dog next door.”

Harley
Harley

Harley is a quarter horse who readers meet when they read Courtney Maum’s memoir, Year of the Horses.

Mouse
Mouse

Mouse is one of the three bookstore cats at Cupboard Maker Books in Enola, PA. He is the youngest and a pretty successful mouser.

Bertie
Bertie

Bertie is a five-year-old West Highland terrier who oversees Kate Wickers and her family in Windsor, England. He may be slightly peeved that he doesn’t get to go on fabulous trips with his people.

Miso
Miso

Miso is living with Amy right now. He is a rescue who “helps” her with editing.

Kyle
Kyle

Kyle belongs to Donna Gordon, author of What Ben Franklin Would Have Told Me. She says he’s a people cat who behaves more like a dog. She says, “He loves ice cream, yogurt, and a place at the table doing family dinners and book club discussions.”

Bodie & Ginny
Bodie & Ginny

These cuties live with former guest Sarah Munroe, acquisitions editor and marketing manager at West Virginia University Press. Together, this duo keeps an eye on the chickens, Harry, Larry, Dreama, Phil, and Charlie.

Tot & Spot
Tot & Spot

Amy’s daughter is fostering these two kittens. They are siblings, and their personalities are a little Bart and Lisa Simpson. He is just silly, and she is planning to take over the world.

Wally
Wally

Former guest Namrata Patel doesn’t have a pet, but her literary inspiration was this Wally who belongs to a friend of hers in Portland, Oregon. Wally is a little bit naughty but very friendly.

Mycroft
Mycroft

You would expect a mystery writer to have a cat named Mycroft, wouldn’t you? This Mycroft (not Sherlock’s brother) lives with Jess Montgomery, our former guest. She inherited Mycroft from her daughter who headed to the military.

Gilbert Gandalf Blythe
Gilbert Gandalf Blythe

Gilbert is the adorable doggo of former guest Court Stevens. He is training to be a therapy dog and library friend and accompanies Court on her visits to schools.

Mina Mayo and Bella (Copy)
Mina Mayo and Bella (Copy)

Chelsea Hofmann, creator of Thrillers By the Book Club, doesn’t have a pet, but she has licked a jellyfish when she lived in Palau in Micronesia. She had heard these jellyfish do not sting. As an avid scuba diver, this was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.

Mina Mayo and Bella
Mina Mayo and Bella

Mina Mayo (kitty) is named after the Dracula character Mina Harker AND the condiment, while Bella’s name was also inspired by a vampire book character. Bella loves nibbling on Mina’s neck, which Mina thinks makes an excellent massage. These animals belong to former guest Tabby Pawlitzki and her brother and SIL.

Estelle
Estelle

Estelle is the adorable pet of former guest Kim Vidrine and may well be the most spoiled guinea pig on the planet. Until very recently, Estelle was an audit student at Cedar Park High School in Texas where Kim teaches.

What Amy & Carrie have been reading!

 
Guest Feature
Free for F(all)
Free for F(all)

Week of October 4

Read More →
 

Listener Recommendations

  • “I resisted reading Lonesome Dove, thinking of it as cowboy fiction. It is so much more than that! A western Odyssey, with a plague, storms, stampedes, drought, and more. Certainly a candidate for the Great American Novel.”

    —-Melanie V., Ville Platte, LA

  • “I get bored with traditional fiction that is a straightforward story. In addition to telling a semi-autobiographical story, it subverted the genre at the end and showed the limitations of the stories we traditionally hear.”

    —-Patrick S., Louisville, KY

  • “It was a page-turner, and it is still memorable to me after many years. I have watched the movie and read the book several times.”

    —-Lana C., Parkersburg, WV

  • “Dune is a really good choice for a modern read. It has really early explorations of themes of colonization and exploitation of indigenous populations and natural resources. It deals with planet-wide environmental disaster. It has themes of drug addiction, and the breakdown of society.”

    —Chris S., Louisville, KY

  • “This book looks, on the surface, like another sweet YA rom-com. In many ways it is, but main character Evie is struggling with concepts of love and forgiveness in the wake of her parents' divorce. A chance encounter with a book upends Evie's life in two ways: first, it leads her to La Brea Dance Studio, where she meets adventurous, passionate X; and second, it unlocks an unusual ability to see the romantic future of any couple whose kiss she witnesses. Evie has to decide whether love is worth it, even as she sees heartbreak unfold all around her. Potential readers should ask themselves if a beautiful book is going to break your heart, is it worth reading? My answer is a resounding yes.”

    —Kelsey M., Dayton, OH

  • “I chose this book for my IRL book club in 2019, and I still think about the characters from time to time. It always makes my recommendation list. I loved how thought-provoking and relatable this family story was. This book is about being a family and doing your best, as parents, when you don’t know what the best is.”

    —-Vicki P., Lexington, KY

  • “As a mature reader, I love YA. The latest by Jeff Zentner portrays teens facing very real challenges and tragedies—parents lost to addiction, poverty, trauma, and grief. Zentner weaves a heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful story that left me sobbing.”

    ——Darla R., Southern Illinois

  • “‘Sparks Like Stars’ swept me away in the beautiful, heartbreaking, tender story about an Afghan American woman who wants to learn the truth about her family and the tragedy that took their lives.”

    ——Bethany P. Louisville, KY

  • “A recent 5-star is ‘Change Sings’ for the beauty of Amanda Gorman’s language. The illustrations are amazing. Every time I looked at them, I found something new in the picture I hadn’t seen before.”

    ——-Kate B., Portland, OR

  • “Mary Gauthier tells her story of becoming sober and how writing songs helps her tell stories of her life and of the lives of others. She talks of how other songwriters have influenced her, from the Indigo Girls to Ferron to John Prine.”

    —-Terri N., Gainesville, OH

  • “I loved the twists and turns and all of the characters you’re unsure if you can trust! Riley Sager’s writing has such an ease about it, but it also keeps you on your toes.”

    ——Sandy L., Jacksonville, FL

  • "Why did I wait so long to read this wonderfully delightful book? It is not about an old curmudgeon, but about AJ, a young widower who owns a bookstore. A stolen book and a found baby cause great changes in AJ's plans.”

    ——Helen H., Germany

  • “It’s a tough, tough choice [to name a 5-star read, but I’d have to say] Flight of the Sparrow by Amy Belding Brown. Knowing it comes from a true narrative makes it an intense, can’t-put-down read. An unforgettable story.

    ————Tina T, Nevada

  • “Charmaine Wilkerson has crated a book that is simultaneously heartbreaking and endearing. Definitely add this one to your TBR.”

    ——-Kristin C, New York

  • “I read this at a time when light relief in the face of the pandemic was most needed. Beth O’Leary is now one of my favorite contemporary romance authors.”

    —-Kim D, Dublin, Ireland

  • “I really enjoyed Molly’s unique perspective on the world around her. The writer executed a brilliant mystery. I was riveted from the prologue to the epilogue.”

    —-Sarah Anne T., Salt Lake City, UT

  • “In the past year, I’ve had several 5-stars but one that stood out to me was ‘The Heart’s Invisible Furies.’ The writing was simply beautiful, and I fell in love with the characters.”

    —-Megan C, Leitchfield, KY

  • “This was an incredible and absolutely brilliant read. The writing is excellent and the almost simplistic, forthright manner the story is told in creates an even stronger sense of horror and unease.”

    ——Melissa, New Zealand

  • “I have a cat who reminds me of the narrator. His human had such a sad upbringing but he always saw the positive in any situation and did not have any ill-will to anyone. It was sad but uplifting.

    —-Tiffany W., Manassas, VA

  • “It is a gem of a novella that you can finish in one sitting. It is beautifully paced and moving, a short book that will stay with me for a long time.”

    —-Lara M., Newfoundland, Canada

  • “I started this book in the morning and had finished it by bedtime. Totally unputdownable. The author weaves a haunting imaginative tale of darkness.”

    ——Janine B., Essex, UK

  • “I really loved the story inspired by the life of Prudence Crandall, a Quaker woman who thought girls, whatever their skin color, were worth educating.”

    ——-L.D., Graham, NC

  • “The best part of this book is that for a social justice nonfiction book, it is credibly easy to read; I flew thought the pages much quicker than I imagined.”

    ——Kari H., Des Moises, IA

  • “It was beautifully written. Perfect pace. Relatable characters.”

    —-Heena S., New Delphi, India

  • “This story speaks to all of us that hope for forgiveness for one’s youthful mistakes.”

    —-Debi K., California

  • “This book took my breath away with its classic descriptive prose, intense heart-pounding action scenes, and all-encompassing love story.”

    —-Linda M., Long Island, NY

  • “It was a page turner and kept me on the edge of my seat. Definitely a book that blew my mind!

    —-Shanon G., Alaska

  • “This book is everything. This is truly the best book I’ve ever had the privilege of reading.”

    —-Shelby I., Portland, OR

  • “This is an interesting story of retribution of past wrongdoings to victims such as Emmett Till. I highly recommend this book.”

    —-Dee B., Far Rockaway, NY

  • “This beautifully written book had me in tears for the last 25% and left me with the biggest book hangover I have ever experienced in my life.”

    —Stephanie B., Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

  • “Jedrowski writes with a skilled urgency, giving Ludwig and Janusz’s relationship a sense of running out from the moment they meet.”

    —-Zac and Gomez JG, Louisville, KY

  • “It is written extremely well and hit all the notes for me…fantasy, Black girl magic, romance, action, a little mystery. I love it!”

    —-Kim B., Cincinnati, OH

  • “This book is a 5-star rating for me because of how thoughtful and accurate it was. I loved seeing a strong female character right alongside Jesus.”

    —-Marcy S., Southern California

  • “I especially loved the main character because she’s so sweet and caring and felt very real to me. I also loved the humor and sarcasm.”

    —-Esther D., The Netherlands

  • “‘The Push’ is a compulsively readable, utterly addictive story…The ending is a showstopper that makes you gasp.”

    —-Jacki F., Auckland, New Zealand

  • “It’s a rich, character-driven book. It’s full of charming encounters, light comedy, and grace and resilience in the face of suffering.”

    —Nicola P., Cumbria, UK

  • “This book took my breath away.I was so emotionally affected by the plot and McConaghy’s expert writing.”

    —-Marissa M., NYC, NY

  • “This book was sad, funny, and happy in turns. I really like how real the ups and downs are.”

    —-Leith D., Los Angeles, CA

  • “This book will make you feel all the emotions. It is a character-driven story that tackles grief, loneliness and aging.”

    —-Michelle B., Garden City, NY

  • “There is a lot of character development, and the pacing is good. The author takes more risks in this book.”

    —Mary-Claire, Hazel Park, MI

  • “Like a patchwork quilt crafted from your favorite memories, Viola Shipman’s story will ease you into the quiet of sandy beaches, soothing waters, friendship, and small-town life.”

    ——Cindy R., Anchorage, KY

  • “The Four Winds is a 5-star read for me because it is an eye-opening, compelling piece of historical fiction with an amazing female main character.”

    —-Lindsey C., Minnesota

  • “This book illustrates what really makes a person ‘human’ and what makes a human really a monster.”

    —-Kasey T., Texas

  • “It is a story that explores motherhood, women’s choices, and strength. It examines a pivotal time in women’s rights in a fictional story with strong character development.”

    —-Paula D., Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

  • “This story enlightened me, educated me, and moved me. It was based on real events, which is heart breaking, but also something more people should know about…”

    —-Stacy T. Dallas, TX

  • “I actually read this in one sitting; it was that good. I loved both characters”

    —Gianna A., London, UK

  • “I laughed from the first page and all throughout the interviews with the policemen. I was invested in each of the characters.”

    —Courtney W., Cincinnati, OH

  • “I found the story compelling, full of wonder and imagination.”

    —Quinn V., Florida

  • “Bear Can’t Wait is heartwarming with lovely, lyrical language, delicious illustrations and, of course, an awesome story.”

    —Angie Karcher, Indianapolis, IN

  • “Kuang has created something spectacular within these pages that targets major themes of colonization, racism, xenophobia, academia, language/linguistics, classism, friendship, and family.”

    —Alyssa B., Alberta, Canada

  • “It is a fantastical tale of both the supernatural and the kitsch presented in a very straightforward way that allows the reader to opportunity to think without having shoving ideas down their throat.”

    —Brian L., Charles, SC

  • “I was immediately involved from page one. The writing is easy and draws you in right away.”

    —Susie P., Niagara Falls, Canada

  • “The protagonist’s development kept me hooked throughout the entire book.”

    —-Norah L., Louisville, KY

  • “What a beautiful story of love, friendship, and life. I was gripped from page one.”

    —-Amanda D., Canton, GA

  • “It’s a fabulously imaginative tale. Barnhill delves into her characters’ complex relationships.”

    —Michelle H., Celina, OH

  • “I loved the immersion in the classical music setting. I love a mystery and this one was just fun for me.”

    —-Kathy H., Columbus, OH

  • “The concept of communicating with the dead…combine[d] with a slow burn romance, a wonderful family, and insights into the publishing world make this a winner.”

    —-Jennifer G., Columbus, OH

  • “What a great thriller! The denouement is staggering!”

    —-Suzanne S., The Netherlands

  • “It has everything you want in a romance and more! A part of me loves this book because it helped me navigate my own ADHD diagnosis.”

    —-Tori N., Louisville, KY

  • “I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. I would describe this book as creepy, chilling, atmospheric, suspenseful…and haunting.”

    —-Carmel D., Ireland

  • “It has glimpses of hope and happiness but the book as a whole is completely and utterly heartbreaking.”

    —Tracee G., Appleton, WI

  • “West is a skillful writer who easily transports the reader from Martha’s Vineyard to a plantation in the old South and in between.”

    —-Erin W., Louisville, KY

  • “This was a five-star read for me because it is like reading a love letter to Jane Austen and Little Women.”

    —-Maria S., San Antonio, TX

  • “The settings were stunningly depicted, with palpable, rich imagery that I wanted to reach out and touch, and the LGBTQ+ representation was wonderfully expressed.”

    —-Hayley W., North Wales, UK

  • “Beautifully crafted and epic in scope, intricately woven themes of sacrifice, abandonment, and survival, [and] sensitive portrayal of generational trauma.

    —-Amanda K., Atlanta, GA

  • “After finishing this book all I have to say is wow because the plot was WOW! Overall, I loved this book.”

    —-Hepzibah J. India

  • “This is one of my favorite books ever. I fell in love with the characters almost immediately.”

    —-Katherune T., Greenwood, IN

  • “The writing is engaging. This is historical fiction at its finest with clear, multiple POVs and great storytelling.”

    —-Sharon V., Brooklyn, NY

  • “It’s a book that challenges the story you tell yourself and I think that’s very powerful.”

    —Jan M., Pennsylvania

  • “Demon and his found family have such a special place in my heart. I still think about them. I was sobbing at the end.”

    —Solenn C., Dublin, Ireland

  • “This is an epic story of the fragility and resilience of the human spirit. It’s truly beautiful.”

    —Sharon D., Southeast Ireland

  • “I love when a story is more complicated that expected. Honestly, I just couldn’t put it down.”

    —Ana A., Chicago, IL

  • “Harmon has written a beautiful story that has brought to life Deborah Samson, a woman that history seems to have forgotten.”

    —-Sarah P., Michigan

  • “It was dark, enemies to lovers, with two MCs whose happy ending you couldn’t help to root for.”

    —Amie S., Maryland

  • “Sweet with books and quotes about reading throughout, this is a new heart book.”

    —Michelle M-A., Washington

  • “Long-listed for the Booker in 20022, this was an amazing story that had you hooked right to the end.”

    —Rebecca P., Brisbane, Australia

  • “This book is a 5-star book for me because it’s very relatable. It touches on social, mental, racial, and financial issues.”

    —Heather N., Utah

  • “It’s heartbreaking to read about young friends getting sick and dying in the gay community…but this book is unflinchingly and ultimately uplifting.”

    —Elizabeth N., Louisville, KY

  • “My most recent 5-star is actually The Bonds That Tie series. I’m about to start the final book, and oh my gosh, it’s a complete emotional rollercoaster.”

    —D’Linda P., St. Louis, MO

  • “Boulley has an amazing way of writing keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat action that also centers Ojibwa culture, history, and community.”

    —-Kara, Okinawa, Japan

  • “I absolutely LOVED this book and the main characters Astrid and Jordan! While I love the spice in this book, I love their romance even more!”

    —Haley, New Brunswick, Canada

  • “This book was a 5-star because as a middle grade book it tackles some really heavy topics.”

    —Chris, Atlanta, GA

  • “I loved the independent and smart heroine, the unique setting, and the TWISTS left me totally shocked.”

    —-Juliet, Ottowa, Canada

  • “For me this was so interesting…I couldn’t put it down. The main character and her dedication to achieving what she has in mind.”

    —Eugenia, Republic of Moldova

  • “It is a quick, sweet story about a woman who loses the love of her life, her own mother, and she struggles with how to carry on without her.”

    —Megan, Louisville, KY

  • “The world building is absolutely fantastic, and has me waiting anxiously for a second book to come out.”

    —Tiffany K., Omaha, NE

  • “The book is truly magical, and I think it would be the perfect holiday read also.”

    —-Laney E., Orlando, FL

  • “If you like books about books, if you like books about writers, if you like epic love stories, it has it all.”

    —-Ivana, Croatia

  • “This is a coming-of-age story of perseverance, of family, of chasing your dreams, all set against the backdrop of a traveling circus.”

    —Sarah B., Atlanta, GA

  • “Every time I thought I knew where Du Maurier was going with it, there was a twist that made me rethink everything I’d read previously.”

    —Michael D., Staten Island, NY

  • “I cannot recommend this book highly enough and do suggest having tissues handy. You will probably cry by the time you are done.”

    —Kim L., Indiana

  • “Ashley Herron Blake brings a complexity of romance mixed with complicated family dynamics and personal character growth.”

    —Ciera R. Northern VA

  • “It is a story of love, war and finding oneself literally and figuratively wrapped within the magical lore of the British Isles.”

    —Fabee, Australia