Episode Fourteen: Bill Bryson

Episode 18: What We've Been Reading in 2016

This episode, Emily and Kyle catch up on what they've been reading so far in 2016 – including a long-overdue discussion of Scott Hawkins'The Library of Mt Char. They also discuss several new fantasy novels, Kyle's cookbook addiction, Helen Ellis' hilarious new book of short stories, and the inspiration behind the Pringles potato chip guy. Episode Breakdown: * 0:00 – 08:00:Smoke by Dan Vyleta * 08:00 – 15:00:Shadow and Claw by Gene Wolfe * 15:00 – 23:00:American Housewife by Helen Ellis * 23:00 – 36:00:The Library at Mt. Char by Scott Hawkins * 36:00 – 40:00:A Darker Shade of Magicby V.E. Schwab * 40:00 – 47:00:Simple French Foodby Richard Olney * 47:00 – 55:00:Sunny's Nights: Lost and Found at a Bar on the Edge of the Worldby Tim Sultan What have you been reading so far in 2016? Email the show at portablemagicpodcast@gmail.com or tweet us @PortableMagicPC!

Episode 17: Finding the Motivation to Read (& Gift Recs!)

This episode, Emily and Kyle discuss how they find the time and motivation to read, even amongst all the other distractions of modern life. Plus, for the second year in a row, they provide a comprehensive gift list for all the last-second holiday shoppers out there. Episode Breakdown: * 0:00 – 10:00: What We're Reading * 10:00 – 40:00: Finding the Motivation to Read * 40:00 – 1:00:00: Gift Recommendations! What Emily's Reading: * The Road to Little Dribblingby Bill Bryson What Kyle's Reading: * Slade Houseby David Mitchell * 2666by Roberto Bolaño * The Last Wishby Andrzej Sapkowski How do you find the time to read? Did you Email the show at portablemagicpodcast@gmail.com or tweet us @PortableMagicPC!

Episode 16: Which Books Will Become Classics?

This episode, Emily and Kyle discuss which contemporary books will become classics. Along the way, they touch onInfinite Jest,Harry Potter, and many, many more. Plus, Kyle's been spending some time withWelcome to Night Vale and the newest encyclical from the Pope, while Emily's been immersed in Peter Clines'The Fold. Episode Breakdown: * 0:00 – 16:00: What We're Reading * 16:00 – 1:00:00: Contemporary books that will become classics What Emily's Reading: * Twelve Kings in Sharakhai by Bradley Beaulieu * Binti by Nnedi Okorafor * The Fold by Peter Clines What Kyle's Reading: * Welcome to Night Valeby Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor Which books do you think will stand the test of time? Email the show at portablemagicpodcast@gmail.com or tweet us @PortableMagicPC!

Episode 15: Books We Read in High School

This episode, we take a trip back to our awkward high-school years to discuss what we read, what we didn't, and what stuck with us. Plus, quick thoughts on Kim Stanley Robinson'sAuroraand Nicole Kornher-Stace'sArchivist Wasp. Episode Breakdown: * 0:00 – 16:00: What We're Reading * 16:00 – 1:20:00: Books We Read in High School What Emily's Reading: * Archivist Waspby Nicole Kornher-Stace * Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire * Faiths and Furies by Lauren Groff What Kyle's Reading: * Aurora by Kim Stanley Robinson * Out on the Wire by Jessica Abel We also discussed classic books that were probably on your high-school reading list. What did you read in high school? What books or teachers did you love or loathe? Email the show at portablemagicpodcast@gmail.com or tweet us @PortableMagicPC.

Episode Fourteen: Bill Bryson

This episode, we take a closer look at the bibliography of the amiable travel, science, and memoir writer Bill Bryson. Plus, our quick thoughts on China Mieville, The Devil in the White City, and pop history vs. scholarly history. Episode Breakdown: * 0:00 – 10:00: What We're Reading * 10:00 – 53:00: Bill Bryson What Emily's Reading: * Three Moments of an Explosionby China Mieville * The Devil and the White City by Eric Larsen What Kyle's Reading: * Cuba in Revolution: A History Since the 50s by Antonin Kapscia Bill Bryson Books We Discuss: * The Lost Continent * Notes from a Small Island * In a Sunburned Country * A Walk in the Woods * I'm A Stranger Here Myself * A Short History of Nearly Everything * At Home: A Short History of Private Life * One Summer: America 1927 Other Works Mentioned: * The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell * Gulp by Mary Roach * The Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams We love hearing from readers! Email the show at portablemagicpodcast@gmail.com or tweet us @PortableMagicPC.