Throwback Paperback: A Young Adult Novel Podcast

Episode 140 - Aqueous

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Throwback Paperback was gifted complimentary copies of this book by the publishing house, but received no other compensation in exchange for us readin...

Episode 139 - They Return: Chapters 24-45

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

TW: This episode includes topics of death, violence, and self harm. Please take care of yourself and only listen if these are safe topics for you. If ...

Episode 138 - They Return: Chapters 1-23

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

TW: This episode includes topics of death, violence, and self harm. Please take care of yourself and only listen if these are safe topics for you. If ...

Episode 137 - They Whisper: Chapters 20-38

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

TW: This episode includes topics of mental abuse, death, violence, kidnapping, gun violence, alcoholism, drug addiction, and PTSD. Please take care of...

Episode 136 - They Whisper: Chapters 1-19

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

TW: This episode includes topics of mental abuse, death, violence, kidnapping, gun violence, alcoholism, drug addiction, and PTSD. Please take care of...

Episode 135 - They Stay: Chapters 20-39

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

TW: This episode includes topics of physical and mental abuse, death, violence, kidnapping, gun violence, alcohol abuse, references to suicide, sexual...

Episode 134 - They Stay: Chapters 1-19

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

TW: This episode includes topics of physical and mental abuse, death, violence, kidnapping, alcohol abuse, references to suicide, implied sexual abuse...

Episode 133 - Extras: Chapters 28-54

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

TIme to finish another series on Throwback Paperback, as we finish Extras, and thereby Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series. In this book we get the con...

Episode 132 - Extras: Chapters 1-27

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Thank you Scott Westerfeld for writing another book because we are incredibly excited and happy to stay in the Uglies world with the follow-up fourth ...

Episode 131 - Specials: Chapters 26-50

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We finish the original Tally Youngblood arc this week as we finish off Specials. All hell breaks loose with Tally’s city attacking the newfound city...

Episode 130 - Specials: Chapters 1-25

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Specials hits the ground with quite a bang as Tally has been made into the thing she always swore she wouldn't become. Working for Shay, Tally is ...

Episode 129 - Pretties: Chapters 21-39

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tally is off on another adventure as we finish out Pretties. After Peris disappoints us once again, Tally makes her escape from the city only to disco...

Episode 128 - Pretties: Chapters 1-20

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Forging right ahead, this week we cover the first half of Pretties in Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series. Things have changed because Tally has been m...

Episode 127 - Uglies: Chapters 26-50

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the second week of Uglies, and this book has really turned around for us. Can it be? Are we both in complete agreement to enjoy this series? Th...

Episode 126 - Uglies: Chapters 1-25

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

New series time, we are starting Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies, and we are pleasantly surprised to discover that these books really were at the beginnin...

Episode 125 - The Grave Robbers of Genghis Khan

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s series wrap-up week here at Throwback Paperback. Are the tears flowing? Well we finish the Children of the Lamp with the Grave Robbers of Gengh...

Episode 124 - The Five Fakirs of Faizabad

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s do the time-warp again! Book 6 of the Children of the Lamp is possibly our most chaotic as the children discover the secrets of the Five Fakir...

Episode 123 - The Eye of the Forest

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for book 5 of the Children of the Lamp, by P.B. Kerr, the Eye of the Forest. This book takes our main characters plus some new additions o...

Episode 122 - The Day of the Djinn Warriors

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If the last book was intricate and complicated, just wait until you read this week’s book, The Day of the Djinn Warriors. Week 4 of the Children of ...

Episode 121 - The Cobra King of Kathmandu

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Week 3 of the Children of the Lamp, and this week the adventure is off to Kathmandu in Nepal. Definitely the grossest book in the series, the twins ha...

Episode 120 - The Blue Djinn of Babylon

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

DISCLAIMER: Charles’ audio is particularly rough this week due to NYC radiators. He apologizes profusely! It’s week two of the Children of the Lam...

Episode 119 - The Akhenaten Adventure

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for a new series, The Children of the Lamp! It’s week one, so we read the whole first book, The Akhenaten Adventure. We follow our fello...

Episode 118 - Love, Stargirl

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We are going to follow Stargirl on her journey to Pennsylvania. She writes the longest letter of all time to her ex, Leo, for the entirety of this wee...

Episode 117 - Stargirl

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s new series time for a cute duology, Jerry Spinelli’s Stargirl books. Back to quirky school time, and realistic fiction, Stargirl bursts onto ...

Episode 116 - Talking to Dragons

02 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the last week in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles and we’re reading Talking to Dragons. This book follows Cimorene’s son, Daystar as he has ...

Episode 115 - Calling on Dragons

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re in the second half of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, covering Calling on Dragons, a book following Morwen. The adventure starts slowly as th...

Episode 114 - Searching for Dragons

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s another week of adventure on Throwback Paperback as we meet the king of the enchanted forest in Searching for Dragons. Mendanbar is trying to a...

Episode 113 - Dealing with Dragons

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s new series time here at Throwback Paperback! We’re starting a Charles pick: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia Wrede. And will you b...

Episode 112 - Reached: Chapters 33-63

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the finale of the Matched trilogy and the plague variant is truly reeking havoc throughout the Rising/Society. The golden trio is tasked with f...

Episode 111 - Reached: Chapters 1-32

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Rising is upon us as we cover the first half of Reached. Cassia, Ky, and Xander are placed throughout the society at key points and watch from dif...

Episode 110 - Crossed: Chapters 27-54

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Once reunited, of course there must be trouble in paradise in the second half of Crossed. Ky and Cassia find each other, only to have division sown be...

Episode 109 - Crossed: Chapters 1-26

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ky and Cassia are split up as they start their lives of resistance in Crossed. Cassia is working as a laborer planning her chance to break out in sear...

Episode 108 - Matched: Chapters 17-32

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Romance is in the air in the second half of Matched! Cassia and Ky’s relationship develops quickly from furtive glances to well much more than that....

Episode 107 - Matched: Chapters 1-16

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We dive into The Society as we cover the first half of Allie Condie’s Matched. Cassia lives in a post-society utopia, and everything seems perfect w...

Episode 106 - Switch: Chapters 18-34

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We finished a series today! Today we have finished Switch, and thereby the whole Savvy trilogy. Gypsy and company get their groove back and collect gr...

Episode 105 - Switch: Chapters 1-17

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for the final Savvy book and we return to the Beaumont branch of the savvy family with Gypsy as she turns thirteen as well as older brothe...

Episode 104 - Scumble: Chapters 19-36

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back with Ledger on his journey of scumbling his explosive savvy. He and cousin Rocket start to bond which definitely helps, though Sarah Jane...

Episode 103 - Scumble: Chapters 1-18

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re staying in the savvy world, as we cover the first half of Scumble and follow along with Ledger Kale as he gets his savvy. Ledger’s savvy has...

Episode 102 - Savvy: Chapters 19-37

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The craziest road trip ever continues as Mibs and colony continue to travel along in the second half of Savvy. Mibs starts to figure out her savvy and...

Episode 101 - Savvy: Chapters 1-18

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

New series time on Throwback Paperback! We are reading Savvy by Ingrid Law, and it’s a Charles pick that Asia likes. We are just as surprised as you...

Episode 100 - Full Tilt

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for another Neal Shusterman book as we cover Full Tilt. This book was another Asia recommendation, and once again it’s a personal recomm...

Episode 99 - Elsewhere

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re entering the life after death, as we cover Elsewhere. This time we explore another take on what happens after death. Liz, our 15 year old prot...

Episode 98 - The Lovely Bones

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

TW: This episode includes topics of graphic violence, rape, and murder. Please take care of yourself and only listen if these are safe topics for you....

Episode 97 - Looking for Alaska

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re starting a new unit of sad fiction picked by Asia. To start off this set of four single books we’re starting with cult classic Looking...

Episode 96 - The Last Battle

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We are finally here, at the ending of Narnia. This week we cover The Last Battle, as the last king of Narnia along with Jill and Eustace try, and fail...

Episode 95 - The Silver Chair

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re beginning the end of the Chronicles of Narnia as we cover book 6, The Silver Chair. This book might be Charles’ favorite while it definitely...

Episode 94 - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for an adventure as we cover book 5, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. This book is an undisputed fan favorite, and possibly Asia’s favori...

Episode 93 - Prince Caspian

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Back to the famous Chronicles this week, we are covering Prince Caspian. We’re turning over a new leaf because Asia actually enjoys this book. We ar...

Episode 92 - The Horse and His Boy

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week it’s time to return to the golden age of Narnia, but our story takes place in the neighboring countries of Calormen and Archenland. Shasta...

Episode 91 - The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for the most famous of the Chronicles of Narnia. This week we read the iconic The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. We meet the Pevensie c...

Episode 90 - The Magician's Nephew

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Diving right into the most classic of children’s literature, we cover all of The Magician’s Nephew this week. This first book of the series follow...

Episode 89 - Everfound: Chapters 29-53

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It is time to finish The Skinjacker Trilogy as we wrap up Everfound. This week the stakes become all too real as Mary goes in search of an atomic bomb...

Episode 88 - Everfound: Chapters 1-28

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

TW: This episode includes topics of mass violence and guns. Please take care of yourself and only listen if these are safe topics for you. If you need...

Episode 87 - Everwild: Chapters 20-40

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Well the build off pays off this week as things get absolutely crazy in Everlost. All of our characters converge in Memphis for a big showdown. Allie ...

Episode 86 - Everwild: Chapters 1-19

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The second book of the Skinjacker trilogy starts with multiple different plotlines as our characters navigate their own journeys through the Everwild....

Episode 85 - Everlost: Chapters 15-30

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We are wrapping up the first half of Everlost today as Allie tries to lure the McGill into a false sense of security. Nick and Mary’s relationship a...

Episode 84 - Everlost: Chapters 1-14

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s once again time for a new series on Throwback Paperback, and we have taken a complete turn from the fantasy and general bookishness of the last...

Episode 83 - Inkdeath: Chapters 42-81

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for the final book in the Inkworld to come to a close. Today we’re finishing Inkdeath and leaving Mo and Meggie behind us. The conflict ...

Episode 82 - Inkdeath: Chapters 1-41

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We left the last episode on a relative high with some interest and some empathy. Alas, we spoke too soon, which we can confirm as we dive into the fin...

Episode 81 - Inkspell: Chapters 40-77

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are things turning around for us with the story? In what is undoubtedly our favorite Inkworld reading so far, the political turmoil reaches a boiling ...

Episode 80 - Inkspell: Chapters 1-39

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re entering the Inkworld this week as most of our characters are transported inside the book. Dustfinger first, then Meggie and Farid, and finall...

Episode 79 - Inkheart: Chapters 31-59

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

All parties converge on Capricorn’s village as he prepares his plan for the Shadow to execute Dustfinger once and for all. Meanwhile Fenoglio and Me...

Episode 78 - Inkheart: Chapters 1-30

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s finally time for a new series back at Throwback Paperback, and we’re diving into the cult-classic Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke. We retu...

Episode 77 - Bruiser

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

TW: This episode includes topics of violence, assault, mental and emotional abuse. Please take care of yourself and only listen if these are safe topi...

Episode 76 - Eggs

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In week 3 of our single books on tragedy, we have Eggs, a tale of two misfits who form an unexpected but necessary friendship. David, who is dealing w...

Episode 75 - The Fault in Our Stars

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing with our journey of sadness, we are covering The Fault in Our Stars this week. With heavy allusions to Shakespeare, we get to follow the st...

Episode 74 - The Perks of Being a Wallflower

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

TW: This episode includes a discussion of sexual assault and rape. Please take care of yourself, and only listen if these are safe topics for you. If ...

Episode 73 - The Death Cure: Chapters 38-73

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It is time to finish up the Maze Runner trilogy as we finish The Death Cure. This episode wraps up a LONG unit on dystopian fiction, and we have mixed...

Episode 72 - The Death Cure: Chapters 1-37

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We dive into the third and final book of the Maze Runner trilogy, The Death Cure. Thomas and the gang make their dramatic escape from Wicked only to b...

Episode 71 - The Scorch Trials: Chapters 32-65

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Plots thicken and so does the suspicion as we finish the second half of The Scorch Trials. In this episode, we discuss the larger ramifications of the...

Episode 70 - The Scorch Trials: Chapters 1-31

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Another week of the Maze Runner trilogy, and another episode filled with vile disgusting content. The boys of the Glade think they are safe only to be...

Episode 69 - The Maze Runner: Chapters 32-62

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Gladers get kicked into high gear as the end of their maze trial looms. The maze enters its ending phase and the violence, horror, and gore are el...

Episode 68 - The Maze Runner: Chapters 1-31

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We jump right back into a dystopian/post-apocalyptic/hellscape as we start The Maze Runner trilogy. This book feels like the perfect encapsulation of ...

Episode 67 - The Diamond of Darkhold: Chapters 15-27

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we finish the Ember trilogy as we wrap up the Diamond of Darkhold. We have thoroughly enjoyed the series, we definitely feel ready to wrap i...

Episode 66 - The Diamond of Darkhold: Chapters 1-14

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for us to dive into the end of the Ember trilogy as we start the Diamond of Darkhold. While we are still thoroughly enjoying the series, t...

Episode 65 - The People of Sparks: Chapters 16-29

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The tension has been building and finally comes to a boiling point. Lina has been bonding with Maddie, and Doon has been spying on Tick. The racism pa...

Episode 64 - The People of Sparks: Chapters 1-15

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for the second book of the trilogy, The People of Sparks. The denizens of Ember have emerged into a post apocalyptic society that only beg...

Episode 63 - The City of Ember: Chapters 11-20

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The story picks up quite quickly this week as Lina and Doon super sleuth out both the corruption and greed of Ember as well as the egress from the cit...

Episode 62 - The City of Ember: Chapters 1-10

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We start our new series with strong Giver vibes and a return to younger characters. We get to enjoy the mystery of the failing world of Ember as this ...

Episode 61 - Allegiant: Chapters 26-56

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If the Divergent trilogy was chaotic before, it has reached an apex in this final reading. We have the big and polarizing reveal as well as lots of co...

Episode 60 - Allegiant: Chapters 1-25

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The books take a drastic turn and the thematic discussion changes completely as we cover the first half of Allegiant. The world has completely changed...

Episode 59 - Insurgent: Chapters 25-47

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Things on the pod start to unravel much like the plot of the books. Charles continues to be quite confused, but he luckily has Asia there to guide him...

Episode 58 - Insurgent: Chapters 1-24

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Diving into the second book of the series, the war effort continues, and the reader's confusion starts to grow. As the romance struggles, so does our ...

Episode 57 - Divergent: Chapters 21-39

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We go 0 to 100 real quick as we wrap up Dauntless initiation and immediately get into the overarching of the series, the Erudite-initiated war. Tris a...

Episode 56 - Divergent: Chapters 1-20

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we are choosing our factions as we start the Divergent Trilogy! We are entering the world of Tris Prior as she makes the monumental decision...

Episode 55 - Son: Chapters 23-45

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As we wrap up the series, we end up feeling more and more like Messenger and less and less like The Giver. We continue Claire’s story as she reclaim...

Episode 54 - Son: Chapters 1-22

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for the final book of The Giver Quartet. This final book is called Son, and we return to Jonas’ original community. We are following Gab...

Episode 53 - Messenger: Chapters 12-21

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In an excoriation of an episode, we wrap up Messenger. Make sure you listen to hear how we respond to all of the suspense built up in the first half o...

Episode 52 - Messenger: Chapters 1-11

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After divisive episodes on Gathering Blue, we are back this week with renewed hopes for book number three, Messenger. This community connects our firs...

Episode 51 - Gathering Blue: Chapters 13-23

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week Charles and Asia continue the discussion of Gathering Blue. This time both hosts agree on their feelings on the ending unlike last week. All...

Episode 50 - Gathering Blue: Chapters 1-12

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time for Gathering Blue, the second book of The Giver Quartet. Possibly for the first time, we have a real disagreement between the hosts. One ...

Episode 49 - The Giver: Chapters 13-23

20 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We wrap up The Giver this week as we watch Jonas discover more secrets of the community. He learns more about pain, humanity, and the procedure called...

Episode 48 - The Giver: Chapters 1-12

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We continue our unit on dystopian society as we explore “the community” where Jonas turns 12 and his world is turned upside down when he becomes t...

Episode 47 - The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: Chapters 17-30

06 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wrapping up The Hunger Games prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, we see Coriolanus Snow’s final and complete descent into evil. After being...

Episode 46 - The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: Chapters 1-16

30 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Charles and Asia dive into The Hunger Games prequel novel this week, and they follow a young Coriolanus Snow on his journey as a mentor in the 10th an...

Episode 45 - Mockingjay: Chapters 15-27

23 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we wrap up the Katniss Everdeen story, as she, Gale, and Peeta fight through the Capitol. We discuss the conflict between Katniss and Coin,...

Episode 44 - Mockingjay: Chapters 1-14

16 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We enter the final book of the trilogy this week, Mockingjay. This episode we get to explore the Gale and Katniss dynamic as we haven’t actually got...

Episode 43 - Catching Fire: Chapters 15-27

09 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode wraps up Catching Fire, so we follow the plot from the prep time in the Capitol, through the arena, and into the final explosion. Charles...

Episode 42 - Catching Fire: Chapters 1-14

02 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We start the best of the books in the The Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire. In this episode, we unpack the six months from Katniss and Peeta’s vi...

Episode 41 - The Hunger Games: Chapters 15-27

26 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this section, we get the second half of the Hunger Games including Katniss’ alliance with Rue and her final alliance with Peeta. We discuss the f...