What's The Beef With YA?

Who We Thought We Were

Alex Hoeft, author of Who We Thought We Were, joins Charles and Hadley to talk about her debut novel, share insights into her writing process, and discuss the ins and out, ups and downs of the indy publishing process.

Let Freedom Read

From enslaved people risking punishment to learn to read, to modern readers discovering themselves in stories that finally reflect their lives, literature and literacy have always been tied to freedom.  For generations, books have been gateways to liberation—sometimes literally. As Frederick Douglass put it, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” This episode of the HBC Pod focuses on books that liberate—politically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually—and why reading itself is an act of freedom.

What's The Beef With YA?

Getting older is part of the human experience. And as we age, it’s natural for our interests to evolve. But there’s a trend amongst older readers to shy away from certain books because they’re older than the ‘target audience.” If a book seems interesting why should it's "target audience" keep a reader of any age from picking it up? More critically, if a book helps someone understand themselves, survive something difficult, or feel less alone…why should it’s “target audience” stop it counting as ‘real literature’? This week on the HBC POD we’re talking about Young Adult fiction and the ways older readers sell the genre short. Whether you’re young or young at heart it’s a lively conversation worth a listen!

Last Night In Brooklyn

Hadley and Charles dive deep on one of their favorite reads of the season—Xochitl Gonzales’ Last Night In Brooklyn. Listen in as these two book lovers come together for an intimate talk through this instant bestseller that captures the beauty, blunder, excitement and sadness inherent to coming of age in the greatest city in the world.

BookCon Breakdown

The HBC Crew recently attended NYC's biggest bookish bash and this week they're spilling the tea on the good, the bad and the ugly of their experience at BookCon 2026.