In this episode we discuss all of the amazing books we read in 2023, from literature to nonfiction and audiobooks. We also discuss some of the things we experienced as "social media influencers" and "Bookstagrammers," what our goals are for 2024 and so, so much more. Thank you to everyone who has watched or listened to our book podcast this year. We couldn't have done it without your support, and we're looking forward to sharing and talking about more books with you in the new...

In this episode we sit down with author Ed Park to discuss his newest novel Same Bed Different Dreams. Same Bed Different Dreams is Park's second novel, his first, Personal Days was published in 2008. His recent release is a masterpiece of post modern fiction, taking over 9 years to complete, yet despite it's unique narrative structure, his sophomore novel remains entertaining and perhaps more importantly, approachable to readers of all kinds. We take a deep dive on Ed's favorite...

In this episode we sit down with Eskor David Johnson, the Trinidad and Tobago author, to discuss his debut novel, Pay As You Go. Pay As You Go has been labeled as "magical realism" by fans, a "Mock epic" by author and Penguin press editor Ed Park, and is one of our favorite books of the year. Whether you see it as a coming of age story, a hero's journey, or something else entirely, Pay As You Go is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers due to its fantastic storytelling, loveable and...

What is literature? Dictionary.com defines it as: writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic or essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays. That definition feels somewhat satisfactory, but is there more to it than than? In today's episode, Tony and Andy dive into what defines literature, where the line is draw, and if books written for the specific purpose of selling copies and making...

We've been getting lots of questions about books. In our DMs, on our comments, so we asked you all to give us your bookish questions and we are here to answer them! In this episode Tony and Andy break down everything from how they met, to how you can read faster and remember more of what you read. Thank you to everyone who submitted questions, and if we didn't get to your question this time, another book Q&A is in the future! In the meantime, keep those questions coming, join the...

Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Park has been gaining a lot of hype lately, with some calling the book the next "Gravity's Rainbow" and Park the "new Thomas Pynchon." But are those statements true, and does the book live up to the hype? In this podcast episode, Tony and Andy break down what they thought of Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Park, what they liked and didn't like, as well as tackle the burning question...is it really the next Gravity's Rainbow?

Each year 6 different authors win the Pulitzer prize. In 2016, Viet Thanh Nguyen won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction with his book The Sympathizer. On its surface the Sympathizer is about a North Vietnamese spy, but in reality it's a story about searching for one's identity. In this episode, Andy and Tony break down the Sympathizer and talk about its themes: communism, capitalism, socialism, colonialism, class warfare, social norms, and so much more. The Sympathizer is diverse, unique, and...

In this episode, Andy and Tony discuss their favorite quotes and passages from some of their favorite books, and talk about the impact these words had on them as individuals. This discussion really highlights how impactful books can be, how books can change as as people, and demonstrates how reading books can lead to interesting conversations about the world. The books mentioned in the episode are linked below (in no particular order): Been Down So Long it Looks like Up to Me ...

In this episode we address many of the comments we received on a recent Tiktok video about General Jim Mattis who is quoted as saying "If you don't read, you are functionally illiterate." Many people pointed out that there are other ways to learn, and we don't disagree, but we do feel that books pose a unique advantage to learning that other mediums like listening or watching don't offer. In today's episode we dig into those differences, but we also ask for you to share your point of view...

Ever wonder what avid readers think are the most overrated books or underrrated books of all time? Well we've got you covered because in today's episode, Tony and Andy are sharing their top 5 most underrated books and their top 5 most overrated books. Picking the most underrated books was difficult since there are so many amazing books out there that don't get much attention, not to mention how many extremely popular books simply aren't that good. There are a lot of controversial takes in...

In this episode we talk about our top 5 favorite books of all time, and make our case for why each one of them deserves to be on the list. It's clear right away that Andy's literature bro tendencies are taking over with name drops like David Foster Wallace and Infinite Jest, while Tony sings the same old song and dance about Joseph Heller and Catch-22 What are your favorite books of all time? Drop them in the comments!

In this episode of the ON Life Podcast we talk about the pros and cons of the internet on readers around the world. While most of us probably think of the internet as a net positive for life in general, and in particular for readers, there are definitely some drawbacks as well. Whether it's fear of missing out on certain books, encouraging a consumerist mindset, over saturating the book market, or gamifying reading, there are plenty of critiques to make about the internet and its effect on...

In this epsisode of The ON Life Podcast, we sit down with New Hampshire Suspense Author Dan Lawton. Dan is the author of 8 books, including the "That Was Before" series. During our discussion we dive into the impact social media has on the career of writers, the relationship between writing and reading, as well as the future of writing with the proliferation of AI technology like ChatGPT and Mid Journey. Dan has won numerous awards, including the 2021 New Hampshire Writers' Project...

Apparently today is Thomas Pynchon's birthday, so what better time to ask the question: Are hard to read books like Gravity's Rainbow worth reading? What is the appeal? What do you get out of harder books? We've all heard of these highly lauded but often daunting works: Moby Dick, Ulysses, Gravity's Rainbow etc...Not only are they mentioned for being challenging to read, but also are often considered some of the most important books it literary history. In this episode we dive deep into...

In this episode we sit down to talk with Tom, a recent UNH grad who studied Philosophy. We talk about whether or not studying Philosophy is a good idea, and what you can do with a Philosophy degree.  To watch as well as listen, you can head over to YouTube.com/TheONLife