The Buddies dove into Ashley Elston's 2024 thriller First Lie Wins, and let's just say they weren't thrilled. The Buddies found the book lacking in both thrills and twists, so they tried to provide some in this podcast. They got to talking about group chats, guardian angels, bathroom etiquette at parties, and a clever use of a zip lock bag. So join us (or maybe skip if you’re a fan of this book), as we tell no lies in our review of First Lie Wins!

Intro/Book Report (0:00-4:07)

Stock Up/Down (4:08-25:10)

Favorite Scene/Character (25:11-32:45)

Love/Hate (32:46-37:18)

Casting the Movie/Lingering Questions (37:19-40:33)

Conclusion (40:34-44:59)

NEXT BOOK: Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman

The Buddies ventured into Matt Dinniman’s Dungeon Crawler Carl, a lit-RPG novel. A lit-RPG novel, for those of you that don’t know, is basically a story told more like a video game RPG (we’re guessing, as this is our first time ever reading one). This book had the Buddies chatting about Cats, Nick Arcade, and the merits of Public Urination. Looking for a light-hearted, good time, with your pals Princess Donut and Carl? Well pick up this book and join us as we venture through Book 1 of Dungeon Crawler Carl.

Intro/Book Report (0:00-2:58)

Stock Up/Down (2:59-22:17)

Favorite Scene/Character (22:18-29:41)

Love/Hate/Listener Mail (29:42-35:59)

Casting the Movie/TV Show (36:00-38:20)

Conclusion (38:21-41:53)

NEXT BOOK: First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

The Buddies popped open a bottle of Appalachian moonshine and dove into Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. If you enjoy listening to a light-hearted comedic book podcast navigate a relentless parade of poverty, addiction, and child abuse while desperately trying to keep things light, this episode is for you! The Buddies got to discussing the benefits of rural living, stereotypes, and what Sarah McLachlan, Nas, and Kendrick Lamar have in common with this book. So join us for the most uncomfortable ‘funny’ book club discussion this side of Appalachia!

Intro/Book Report (0:00-3:11)

Stock Up/Down (3:12-40:22)

Favorite Scene/Character (40:23-43:53)

Love/Hate (43:54-51:00)

Conclusion (51:01-54:30)

NEXT BOOK: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman