Reading Through Life

Eek, I did my very first Substack Live, y’all! When Sarah Hartley asked me to join her to talk about underrated books we’ve read recently, I was nervous, but I immediately said yes. Mostly because I miss her, and also because I’ve always wanted to try a Substack Live video.
In case you’re new here, it’s time for a tiny bit of back story. Sarah and I started Reading Through Life years ago because we wanted to have a reason to talk to each other about books. Then, sadly, Sarah left us last year for other pursuits. But then Carrie Palumbo graciously said yes to joining as a co-host so I wouldn’t have to do this by myself!
Anyway, I hope you enjoy our conversation and getting to see Sarah again for a brief visit. I heart your face, lady! -Mia
Books Mentioned:
Mia: The Husband Stitch by Carmen Maria Machado from the collection Her Body and Other Parties
Sarah: The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman
Mia: Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal by Meghan Quinn
Sarah: The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey
Mia: The Last Father-Daughter Dance by Lisa Wingate
Sarah: The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland

Also Mentioned:
-The Substack article from Kate Jones about The Husband Stitch (there are spoilers!)
-The Reading Room
-The RTL mood reader book club prompt for March


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Hi, book nerds! We’re really excited to bring these monthly episodes to our paid subscribers. And we’re back in your ears again, after a bit of a break, and excited to talk January books with you.
We’ll be sharing what we read this past month, starting with some featu…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit readingthroughlife.substack.com

*Want to add our podcast directly to your podcast feed? CLICK HERE for all the details.*
Hi, book nerds! We’re really excited to bring these monthly episodes to our paid subscribers. We’re back in your ears again and excited to talk October books with you.
We’ll be sharing what we read this past month, starting with some featured books that have more of an-depth review. And then we’ll finish off the episode with the rest of the books we read with a couple of quick thoughts, and also share some books we’re excited to read next.
Time to dive in! Happy listening!!

*Want to add our podcast directly to your podcast feed? CLICK HERE for all the details.*
Hi, book nerds! We’re really excited to bring these monthly episodes to our paid subscribers. We’re back in your ears again and excited to talk September books with you.
We’ll be sharing what we read this past month, starting with some featured books that have more of an-depth review. And then we’ll finish off the episode with the rest of the books we read with a couple of quick thoughts, and also share some books we’re excited to read next. Time to dive in!
We’re sharing this episode FREE with all of our subscribers this month. If you aren’t yet a paying subscriber, click this link to take advantage of our 40% off discount for monthly or annual subscriptions. Discount ends Oct. 31, 2025.
And without further ado, here are our September book reviews - happy listening!
September 2025 Featured Book Reviews:C: Katabasis by R.F. KuangM: How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady HendrixC: Discontent by Beatriz SerranoM: All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. CosbyC: Ring Shout by P. Djèlí ClarkM: My Name Isn’t Paul by Drew HuffC: Elena Knows by Claudia PiñeiroM: You Invited It In by Sarah JulesC: The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis
The Rest of Our September Reads:M:
* Hold On, Sweetheart by Chahak Kawatra
* A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
* Eerie Basin by Ivy Pochoda
* The Wonder of Creation by Louie Giglio
C:
* Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin
* Acquired Taste by Clay McLeod Chapman
* What the Dead Know by Barbara Butcher
* Strange Pictures by Uketsu
* Rust & Stardust by T. Greenwood
* Flashlight by Susan Choi
One Book We’re Excited to Read in October:M: House of Bone and Rain by Gabino IglesiasC: The Mad Wife by Meagan Church
Also Mentioned:-If you’re a free subscriber to Reading Through Life, we’re offering a 40% off discount for paid annual or monthly subscriptions. Click here to save. Discount ends 10/31. -Don’t forget to join us for our mood reader book club. October’s reading prompt is: What does spooky season (or fall reading) mean to you? Click here for more details.
That’s all for September. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you read any of the same books? What was your favorite book that you read in September? Tell us everything in the comments! See you back here next month.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingthroughlife.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit readingthroughlife.substack.com

*Want to add our podcast directly to your podcast feed? CLICK HERE for all the details.*
Hi, book nerds! We’re really excited to bring these monthly episodes to our paid subscribers. We’re back in your ears again and excited to talk August books with you.
We’ll be sharing what we read this past month, starting with some featured books that have more of an-depth review. And then we’ll finish off the episode with the rest of the books we read with a couple of quick thoughts, and also share some books we’re excited to read next. Time to dive in!
If you aren’t yet a paying subscriber, click the button below to upgrade and unlock the entire episode. It’s just $5/month to support our show.