This week, I discuss Ann Liang's 2024 historical novel A Song To Drown Rivers. This book avoids the pitfalls of the YA genre, tells a compelling story, and even has some interesting things to say about power and the patriarchy. I have two main plot quibbles that I will warn you about in this Spoiler-Free review,… and then I will totally rant about …

This week we have a special Mail Bag Episode! Kaylia answers a few listener questions about favorite books, the possibility of using YouTube, and a potential double meaning of the title of Tilt! Plus a very sweet personal popcorn fact. Enjoy!You can find sources and all past and future episodes of this podcast on its website kmmamedia.com/pagesandp…

Kaylia gives a Spoiler-Free review of the 2025 “cozy thriller” Jane and Dan At The End of the World by Colleen Oakley. This book is a fast, fun read about a married couple having an adventure in a fancy restaurant… an adventure that could make or break their marriage. Maybe. This light read is perfect for the beach, the pool, or the airplane. As al…

Kaylia gives a Spoiler-Free review of The Sun Was Electric Light, a literary debut novel by Rachel Morton. This book is short, powerful, cerebral, highbrow, and Hemingwayesque. It might be just what you are looking for. This episode is longer than normal because Kaylia went a bit off script in the “spoiler” section at the end. As always, we look at…

Kaylia reviews Emma Pattee's 2025 novel Tilt. This page-turner thriller about a pregnant woman in the aftermath of a disaster is emotional, poignant, and masterfully written. One of the best books of the year so far, Tilt will make you laugh, cry, and feel hope while showcasing the writing chops of this amazing debut novelist.As always, we look at …

Kaylia reviews the 2025 novel Goddess Complex by Sanjena Sathian. This much-anticipated novel tackles the issues of motherhood, millennial goals, and marriage. While not a beach read, this novel is funny, poignant, and very timely. (Even if it isn’t speculative fiction.) As always, we look at the novel’s atmosphere, writing style, plot, characters,…

Kaylia reviews the 2024 80s-inspired thriller Young Rich Widows. Despite there being multiple issues for this grammar nerd, the book was overall fun, light, and very much 80s action adventure…. complete with a coke-fueled mob party and amateur sleuths in sexy lingerie. As always, we look at the novel’s atmosphere, writing style, plot, characters, a…

Kaylia reviews The Bones Beneath My Skin which, despite the title, is not a horror book but a delightful sci-fi beach read about found family, love conquering all, and the universal power of bacon. She looks at the novel’s atmosphere, writing style, plot, characters, and overall entertainment value and gives you a SPOILER FREE review. Plus a deligh…

This week I look at the heavy theme of “the meaning of life” through the lens of the rather light 2022 speculative novel “The Measure” by Nikki Erlick. I look at atmosphere, writing style, the plot, the characters, and the overall entertainment of the book to give you, my lovely listeners, a SPOILER FREE review. Plus some delightful popcorn facts a…

Join Kaylia for a Spoiler-Free review of this 2023 speculative suspense thriller by Lauren Beukes. This mind trip of a noble deals with mothers, daughters, choices, and the multiverse. Plus Kaylia has her mind blown when she watchest the Thriller music video for the first time. Enjoy!Thriller Music Video: https://youtu.be/sOnqjkJTMaA?si=Ak80h7_g5bl…

The classic Pages and Popcorn Book vs. Film discussion is back in this very special episode as Kaylia, Leah, and Kat discuss Nightbitch… a novel by Rachel Yoder that became the film starring Amy Adams. We talked about what worked in the book, what worked in the film, and how we would have "fixed" a few of the issues in both. Plus, some Star Trek tr…

Join Kaylia for a Spoiler-Free review of this 2024 thriller (and sneaky speculative fiction) novel by Nicola Yoon. This memorable thriller asks us how much we would give up for safety… The answer for this Black family might surprise you. Pages and Popcorn Podcast on Instagram instagram.com/Pages_pop_podcast Facebook facebook.com/pagesandpopcornpodc…

Join Kaylia for a Spoiler-Free review of Emily Austin’s Interesting Facts About Space… a novel brimming with fun that still manages to feel deep. Pages and Popcorn Podcast on Instagram instagram.com/Pages_pop_podcast Facebook facebook.com/pagesandpopcornpodcastPatreon patreon.com/pagesandpopcornpodcast Website kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcast E…

Kaylia interviews local poet and writer S. Bryan Medina about his time as Fresno's Poet Laurette and his new book (release party Feb 15th 2025). Plus a very special reading of an unpublished poem. You can find S. Bryan Medina onFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryan.medina Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryanmedina2040/Book release party in…

In this episode, Kaylia gives a Spoiler Free Review of the 2023 Queer Literary novel Dykette by Janny Fran DavisShow notes and all past and future episodes of this podcast can be found on its website www.kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcastYou can also touch base with the show on social media:Instagram instagram.com/Pages_pop_podcastFacebook facebo…

In this episode, Kaylia gives a Spoiler Free Review of the 2022 novel Small Angels by Lauren Owen… This well-crafted sapphic fairy tale will have you believing in magic, true love, and the power of memory.Show notes and all past and future episodes of this podcast can be found on its website www.kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcastYou can also touc…

In this episode, Kaylia gives a Spoiler Free Review of the 2024 historical fiction book James by Percival Everett… a retelling of the story of Huckleberry Finn from the point of view of Jim, the runaway slave side character from the Mark Twain classic. A transcript of this review along with any sources and notes, and a snazzy graphic, can be found …

Join Kaylia for a Spoiler-Free review of The Future by Naomi AldermanAlderman reinterprets a Bible story and uses it as the basis for a cult while at the same time pointing a very accusatory finger at tech billionaires for the evils of the world. This is not a post apocalyptic novel (or is it?) and it doesn’t have all the answers (or does it?) But …

In this episode, Kaylia gives a Spoiler Free Review of the 1993 speculative fiction classic Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. Part warning about the future, part supernatural adventure, and part philosophical deep dive into humanity’s desire for religion… this book just might be the perfect read for January 2025.Pages and Popcorn Podcast on I…

In this episode, Kaylia explains WTH is going on with this feed and what you can expect to hear in the future.More details can be found here: https://kayliametcalfe.com/2024/12/19/relaunch-reviews-and-what-the-heck-is-aspect/ Pages and Popcorn Podcast on Instagram instagram.com/Pages_pop_podcast Facebook facebook.com/pagesandpopcornpodcastPatreon p…

Kaylia and Matt talk about the modern story of the classic private detective in over his head that somewhat hits the mark and the movie based on it... that really really misses it. Show notes, links, resources, and back catalog of episodes: kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcastPages and Popcorn on Facebook: facebook.com/pagesandpopcornpodcastKMMA Me…

Kaylia and Chris talk about the subversive1950s lesbian novel (The Price of Salt) and its 2015 film adaptation (Carol). We talk about changes, history, and personal connections. Enjoy!Show notes, links, resources, and back catalog of episodes: kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcastPages and Popcorn on Facebook: facebook.com/pagesandpopcornpodcastKMMA…

In this episode, Kaylia and Cynthia talk about the joys and dramas of puberty and growing up... going through it and then watching your own tween go through it. We discuss this classic book and film adaptation that hits all the right notes.Show notes, links, resources, and back catalog of episodes: kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcastPages and Popc…

Kaylia and Chris talk about institutionalized abuse, power dynamics, and how this very evocative book and beautiful movie find a way to be optimistic in the face of some of the worst parts of humanity. Trigger Warning for rape, sexual abuse, and domestic violence(against both children and adults).Show notes, links, resources, and back catalog of ep…

Matthew and Kaylia talk racism, colonialism, American vs British views on the "crime novels" and their purposes, the amazing contributions of queer musical icon Rosetta Tharpe, Gone With the Wind, Looney Tunes, censorship, and so much more!Show notes and back catalog of episodes: kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcast/Pages and Popcorn on Facebook: w…

In this episode Kaylia and Cynthia chat about this funny book/film about suicide. Also, was Sonja an angel, a cat, a long suffering woman trapped in a (borderline) abusive relationship, a manic pixie dream saint? Maybe all of the above? Listen now as Kaylia mangles Swedish names and Cynthia channels her inner Ove/Otto. Show notes and back catalog o…

In this episode Kaylia is joined by real-life archeologist Matthew to discuss this real-life event that was heavily changed to be a novel that was then heavily changed to be a movie. Join us for a discussion of archeology, history, badly inserted queer plotlines, and what Kaylia deems as an unforgivable literary sin. Show notes and back catalog of …

Kaylia and Chris talk about this book turned movie that attempts to tell the tragic love story of two gay men through the lens of a (some would say unlikeable) straight woman. Is this all styles or is there substance in this book and movie combo? Show notes and back catalog of episodes: kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcast/Pages and Popcorn on Face…

Kaylia and Sarah discuss The Quiet Boy (short story) and Antlers (movie adaptation). When you base a feature length film on an 8,000 word short story, you have to add some stuff. But some of the things they added were truly scary. We talk about the stories behind the plots, the people behind the monsters, and the big sins behind the padding. Plus a…

In this special crossover episode, Kaylia (Pages and Popcorn) and Matt (Ghosthropology) talk about that 1970s classic: The Exorcist. We discuss the “true story” that inspired the novel, the novel that inspired the movie, and the movie that has inspired fear for almost 50 years. KMMA Media online: www.kmmamedia.com KMMA_Media on Instagram:@kmma_medi…

Hey there, remember me? Yeah… it’s been a while. Here’s a quick update as to why I went away, when I’m coming back, and what you can expect for the future of the Pages and Popcorn Podcast. Spoiler: new episodes are on their way! Show notes and back catalog of episodes: https://kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcast/Pages and Popcorn on Facebook: http…

Fantasy, lust, envy, nighttime wanderings, masks, and the most boring male-gaze-y orgy of all time. That's right! It’s time for Jennifer and Kaylia to talk sex, love, and dreams aka Dream Story (1926) and its film adaptation Eyes Wide Shut (1999). Show notes and back catalog of episodes: https://kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcast/Pages and Popcor…

Jennifer and Kaylia talk about all four versions of the Grinch story… from a mostly black and white book to a sponsored TV special to the more adolescent onslaught of Jim Carey, and finally a sweet CGI offering, we will talk about what works, what doesn’t work, and which versions are worth your time. Plus, Star trek Trivia and a Show notes and back…

Leah and Kaylia attempt to separate their love of the book from their disappointment in the movie and discuss the very different stories the two are attempting to tell. We try to answer the important questions like… How do these two much-loved things actually connect to one another? How much slime is the right amount of slime? Who is this movie for…

Chris and Kaylia talk about this amazing and important nonfiction book that was adapted into a heartbreaking well-made movie that has the same name but tells a very different story. Happy Thanksgiving! Show notes and back catalog of episodes: https://kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcast/Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pagesandpopcorn…

In this very special Crossover Halloween Episode, Matt and Kaylia talk about the folklore that became the book, the book that became the movie: the Mothman Prophecies! We talk about what works and what doesn’t, what the book/movie can tell us about US society in the 70s and early 2000s, and attempt to determine if the Mothman, the UFOs, the Men In …

Leah and Kaylia talk about gender dynamics, the lgbt coding, the struggle of good and evil, the Biblical Easter Eggs, the concept of rising above base nature…. And of course, there is Star Trek trivia and a bunch of English major interpretations. Enjoy!Show Website for show notes, sources, links, and more: www.kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcast/P…

Jennifer and Kaylia talk about life lessons learned through fairy tales, the failings of Hollywood tropes, and the amazing casting for a movie that simply could not hold a (Babylon) candle to the book. Plus Star Trek trivia and lots of episode name-dropping. Enjoy!Show Website for show notes, sources, links, and more: https://kmmamedia.com/pagesand…

Chris and Kaylia talk about thinking about time travel, the limitations of language, just how many diagrams are too many for a short story, and what makes this movie adaptation just so freakin’ awesome. Show Website for show notes, sources, links, and more: https://kmmamedia.com/pagesandpopcornpodcast/Pages and Popcorn Podcast on Facebook: https://…

Kaylia and Heather discuss this small book turned Big Burton film and ask important questions like: Just how anti-feminist is this book? Are tall tales useful or detrimental? Do true friends help you rob a bank? Is it better to teach the giant to farm or to sell him to the circus? How historically accurate do we want our absurd stories to be? And… …

Jennifer and Kaylia talk about the evils of privacy vs the evils of entitlement, the relative charm factor of Emma Watson, and how a book neither one of us loved still had some really cool provocative bits… that somehow got left out of the film. Hopefully, our episode elicits more “smiles” than “frowns.” Enjoy! Show Website for show notes, sources,…

Matthew and Kaylia discuss such topics as: Is it a kid’s book or just a book about kids? What is the message, lesson, or argument of the book? Is Ender more victim or hero? How blameless is he really? Plus all the controversy about the author and a warning not to meet your heroes. Enjoy!Show Website for show notes, sources, links, and more: https:/…

Jennifer and Kaylia talk about Sherlock holmes… so many different versions of Sherlock Holmes! Cartoon versions, women versions, anime versions, futuristic versions…. Versions with cleft chins! Jennifer has a bone to pick with Moffat / Cumberbatch and Kaylia doesn’t really “get” the fun of watching a smart jerk be a jerk. We hope you enjoy this sup…

Join the awesome foursome of Heather, Jennifer, Kat, and Kaylia for the Shadow and Bone Season 1 Finale where we talk about the wrapping up (mostly) of the storylines in this YA fantasy as well as such thrilling topics as... Nuts! Leslie Knope! Our collective desire for gore and destruction! The fun of renaming bad guys after Pokemon! And the dange…

Our fab foursome talks about terrorism, revolution, the disappointing lack of Nina, just how bad of a soldier/pawn Alina was (is?), the joyful return of Milo, and the teen angst overtones of Call Me Darkling and his poofy teenage hair. Plus a Firefly tirade and the invention of a Mal-getting-wounded drinking game.Enjoy!Pages and Popcorn Podcast web…

Kaylia and Leah talk about this very popular coming-of-age story about a 35-year-old man. More than just one of the best book-to-film adaptations ever made (thanks to John Cusack), the book is a living symbol of the longevity (?) importance (?) symbolism (?) of Pop music. And yes, the book IS pop music. But more than that the story deals with the s…

Most people do their yearly wrap of best/worst in December, but we think it is better to wait until January. And then to wait until after ALL the holidays. And then to wait until the holiday decorations are down.But at last… here it is. Kaylia and Jennifer talking about the best and worst books they read in 2020(ish).For more information (including…

Aka Choking on the DarknessWe talk about the cleavage-y spy powers of Nina, the complexities of power dynamics, the frustration of YA tropes (and bad dialogue), and how one chokes on darkness... (vastly different than choking on the Darkling/"Call Me Alexander") Plus... just how impressive is a mile?Enjoy!Pages and Popcorn Podcast website: www.kmma…

Our discussion of episode 5: Show Me Who You Are aka “Show Me A Roll In The Hay” features Kaylia, Jennifer, Heather, and Kat talking about spy networks, what smolders and what doesn’t, the ongoing mysteries of Grisha vs Non-Grisha politics, military dramas, and multiple murders! Plus, obviously, a wonderful roll in the hay when all the various time…

Join Jennifer and Kaylia for a rousing discussion where we debate the following: the okay-ness of the pseudo nudity of Tom Holland, the casting of a black actor as a villain, whether the lack of talking animals in the movie was a travesty or a smart choice, and if the “secret of manhood twist” was a plot hole or layered writing on Ness' part. Plus …