Your Next Five Star Read is a podcast for book lovers on the hunt for their next it book. Each episode, friends Christie and Molly dive into the buzziest new reads—breaking down what’s working, what’s not, and ultimately answering the question we all care about: is this our next five-star read? Along the way, they dish on publishing trends, industry buzz, and what’s shaping the literary conversation right now. Come for the book talk, stay for the honest reviews.
Molly and Christie share each of their top 5 reads of the year — What books can we not stop thinking about? Did any of the same books make both of our lists?
Spoiler free, as always :)
16 Aug 2026
Kin — Is This Our Next Five-Star Read?
We're getting emotional talking Kin by Tayari Jones, a moving exploration of friendship, chosen family and how loss and longing shape our lives.
Spoiler free as always :)
13 Jul 2026
Lady X: Molly Fader on Writing About Power, Female Rage and Friendship in 1970s New York City
The search for a notorious vigilante exposes the secrets among three generations of women, from contemporary L.A. to gritty 1970s New York, in this propulsive novel hailed as “an unputdownable paean to female rage and retribution” by #1 bestselling author Jodi Picoult.
Los Angeles, 2024. After learning that her A-list actor husband sent explicit photos to multiple girls on social media, Margot Cooper runs away from the world—and the paparazzi—by fleeing to her childhood home with her teenage daughter in tow.
But home isn’t the sanctuary Margot was hoping for. In a cardboard box in the corner of the attic, she finds damning evidence of an infamous urban legend, the mysterious vigilante “Lady X”—including a blurry newspaper photo of a woman who looks an awful lot like Margot’s mother.
New York City, 1977. In the midst of an infamous summer, Ginger Daughtry and her two beloved roommates are able to shield one another from the chaos—until one of them is assaulted. Astounded by the lack of response from police, the young women decide to engage in some light payback, signing their handiwork as “Lady X.”
Join us for a fascinating conversation with the amazing Molly Fader!
7 Jul 2026
Last Night Was Killer: Mary Pauline Lowry on Writing About Comedy, Grief, Pole Dancing and Community
“I have never had so much fun watching a fictional character try to figure out if she killed someone or not. Wild, outrageous, silly, smart, Tilly is a heroine for the ages and Mary Lowry writes like no one else. A damn delight.” —Rufi Thorpe, Author of Margo’s Got Money Troubles
A suspenseful, bighearted, and laugh-out-loud story of a single mom trying to do it all—including solve a murder she may or may not have committed…
Join us for a funny, insightful and warm conversation with the brilliant Mary Lowry!
14 Jun 2026
Yesteryear — Is This Our Next Five-Star Read?
Episode 5 is here and we’re diving into Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke — a book that we're still processing.
We discuss what worked, what didn’t, and whether it earned five stars.
Spoiler free, as always :)
24 May 2026
Into the Blue — Is This Our Next Five-Star Read?
Episode 6 is here and we're diving Into the Blue, a book by Emma Brodie that left Molly "feral."
We discuss what sets this book apart, how it made us feel, and whether it earned five stars.
Spoiler free, as always :)
3 May 2026
Strangers — Is This Our Next Five-Star Read?
Episode 5 is here and we’re diving into Strangers by Belle Burden — a book that left our jaws on the floor.
We discuss the genre, what worked, what didn’t, and whether it earned five stars.
Spoiler free, as always :)
20 Apr 2026
Best Offer Wins — Is This Our Next Five-Star Read?
Episode 4 is here and we’re diving into Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino — a book that had us with a lot of feelings.
We discuss the genre, what worked, what didn’t, and whether it earned five stars.
Spoiler free, as always :)
5 Apr 2026
Lake Effect — Is This Our Next Five-Star Read?
In Episode 3 of Your Next Five Star Read, we’re talking about Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney.
We talk about the writing, the overall vibe, and our honest reactions as readers — including whether it earned five stars from us and if it feels like an it book moment or something a little more understated.
As always, no spoilers :)
22 Mar 2026
Vigil — Is This Our Next Five-Star Read?
Episode 2 is all about Vigil by George Saunders. We love reading buzzy books and then yapping about them, and this one definitely gave us a lot to discuss. In this episode, we share our honest thoughts, our ratings, and whether this felt like a five-star read — or just not our kind of book. Plus, does this have it book energy… or not?
14 Mar 2026
Half His Age — Is This Our Next Five-Star Read?
In our very first episode of Your Next Five Star Read, we’re diving into one of the most talked-about books of the moment, Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy.
We break down the hype, our honest reactions, and whether this buzzy release lives up to expectations. Did it give five-star energy, or did it fall short?
Join us as we start our journey to find the next it book.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
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