After a brief hiatus we’re back to discuss our favorite books of 2026 so far. We also maybe gush a little too much about Dungeon Crawler Carl. Actually, if we’re being honest, most of this episode is about Dungeon Crawler Carl. Our producer warned we might alienate people who haven’t read it yet, but we prefer to think of it as recruiting.

Books and Authors mentioned in this episode:

Between Two Fires - Christopher Buehlman

No Country For Old Men - Cormac McCarthy

The Godfather - Mario Puzo

Battle Royale - Koushun Takami

Dungeon Crawler Carl - Matt Dinnamin

Whistler - Ann Patchett

London Falling - Patrick Radden Keefe

The Poisonwood Bible - Barbara Kingsolver

Kin - Tayari Jones

Violent Masterpiece - Jordan Harper

John of John - Douglas Stuart

Land - Maggie O’Farrell

Mare - Emily Haworth-Booth

Glyph - Ali Smith

Paradiso 17 - Hannah Lilith Assadi

Transcription - Ben Lerner

Vigil - George Saunders