Bubbles and Books

Poppin' Off with Tessa Yang

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Today we are joined by author Tessa Yang whose debut published novel The Jellyfish Problem instantly captivated Ellyn and Amanda. Most you know if it's got a touch of monster and magical realism it's likely to have that special sauce and become a Dog-Eared favorite.

For as long as she can remember, two things have been fundamentally true about Jo Ness: she is fascinated by jellyfish, and she is misunderstood by most people. The Jellyfish Problem is a story about coming to terms with grief, about trusting others and finding community, and about the interconnectedness of us all. Ellyn and Amanda adore it.

Order The Jellyfish Problem by Tessa Yang HERE

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Poppin' Off With Emily Jane

Tue, 26 May 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Emily Jane is not only one of our favorite authors, but also a friend of Dog-Eared Books. Emily has one of the most unique voices in literature, and her delightfully weird and entertaining novels are always instant favorites. We are thrilled to have her back on the podcast chatting about her upcoming novel Mr. Yay. Emily Jane has the Bubbles & Books special sauce, and you're going to want to pick this one up as soon as it's out on June 2nd.

Order Mr. Yay by Emily Jane HERE

Follow Emily Jane on Instagram HERE

Amanda mentioned in today's episode that Emily's next book Give the People What They Want is available for pre-order, but unfortunately not quite yet. Stay tuned to the podcast and we'll let you know when it's available!

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Poppin' Off with Paige Lewis

Tue, 19 May 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Today we are joined by the incredible Paige Lewis, author of the debut novel Canon. An instant Dog-Eared favorite, Amanda and Ellyn were so excited to choose it as a subscription pick and to have Paige on the podcast.

We are also joined today by Bookseller Mariah who describes Canon as a story with a playfulness that is undeniably modern and a weightier sensibility reminiscent of any classic, Lewis's debut novel was stunning and delightful. .

Full of strange and unexpected parts, readers might feel melancholic and hopeful in near equal measure. But the storm does always break and the dawn does always come and Lewis ultimately invites the reader to celebrate a future than we can (and must!) imagine together.

Order your copy of Canon HERE

Follow Paige Lewis on Instagram HERE

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Book Shop Talk: Pocket Books Shop

Tue, 12 May 2026 16:32:13 -0600

This week, we’re kicking off a new Bubbles & Books podcast series Book Shop Talk! In this series, we’ll introduce you to the incredible booksellers across the country whom we consider invaluable peers.

For our very first episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Austin, one-third of the badass trio behind Pocket Books Shop in Lancaster, PA. Pocket Books connected with us early in their journey, and since then, they’ve become lifelong bookstore friends.

Follow the Pocket Books Shop on Instagram HERE

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Ellyn, Amanda, and Their Moms

Tue, 05 May 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Today’s special episode celebrates Mother’s Day, as Amanda and Ellyn each welcome their moms to the Bubbles & Books podcast for the very first time. Together, they chat about Amanda and Ellyn’s journey opening Dog-Eared, reflect on parenting, share when their love of reading, and discuss how they passed the reading bug onto their daughters.

MOTHER’S DAY RECS:

These are recs that we feel speak to what it is to be and have a mom- the good and the hard:

Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives by Mary Laura Philpott
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Heartwood by Amity Gaige
Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis
The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J Ryan Stradal
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
All About Love by bell hooks

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Good Books Bad Reviews

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Ellery Adams. This one is for you. Today, Ellyn brings back one of our favorite games, Good Books Bad Reviews. She has scoured Goodreads for some of the most outrageous reviews left on some iconic and favorite books. See if you can guess along with Amanda.

Books featured in today's episode aka books we loved and books people wrote bad reviews about.

Dear Monica Lewinsky by Julia Langbein

Invasive Species by Ellery Adams

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

1984 by George Orwell

Martyr by Kaveh Akbar

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

Murder Bimbo by Rebecca Novack

Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green

Bog Queen by Anna North

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Shop Dog-Eared Books and pick up your books in store or have shipped HERE.

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Get Ready for Indie Bookstore Day 2026

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0600

The biggest day of the year is coming up and we can't wait! We are celebrating with all of our Central Iowa Indie Bookstore friends and bringing back the Indie Bookstore Day passport! Listen along, and hear about all the fun things we have going on, and from the bookstores participating in the passport.

Order your Readers For Liberty T-shirt HERE

Central Iowa Indie Bookstore Day Passport Stores:

Bonus bookstore: The Book Shoppe

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Shop Dog-Eared Books and pick up your books in store or have shipped HERE.

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin' Off with Ellery Adams

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Ellyn has spent many a Bubbles & Books episode talking about one of her favorite reads Invasive Species, and today we are thrilled to have the author Ellery Adams join us! We're all about weird books and monsters, and Invasive Species is right in that wheelhouse. Listen and enjoy and make sure to follow Ellery on Instagram and grab her latest novel Invasive Species today!

Order your copy of Invasive Species HERE

Follow Ellery Adams on Instagram HERE

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Shop Dog-Eared Books and pick up your books in store or have shipped HERE.

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin' Off with Julia Langbein

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Dear Julia Langbein, we are honored to have you grace us with your presence on the Bubbles & Books podcast. We are not worthy of such greatness, but are incredibly glad to be discussing your new novel Dear Monica Lewinsky. Your masterful storytelling has once again brought a top-tier book to our shelves.

Truly, we are so excited to have one of our favorite authors Julia Langbein back on Bubbles & Books. We first fell in love with her book American Mermaid and couldn't wait for what she wrote next. We hope you love Julia and her stories as much as we do.

Order your copy of Dear Monica Lewinksy HERE

Follow Julia Langbein on Instagram HERE

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

2026 Spring Silliness Book Bracket

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0600

Want a chance to win a $1,000 dollar gift card to Dog-Eared Books?
Yes. One. Thousand. Dollars.

Download our 2026 Dog-Eared Books Spring Silliness Books Bracket, and submit your picks online by 8 AM on March 19th for a chance to win.

Click HERE to download a bracket and to submit your 2026 Spring Silliness book bracket.

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Five Years of Dog-Eared Books

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:51:48 -0600

Today we are heading down memory lane and looking back at the last five years and all the funny moments, best books, and favorite memories we've experienced. As we approach out fifth birthday, we are forever grateful to every person who has supported us. Without you, we couldn't do what we love. Thank you and here's to many more five years of bookselling!

Ellyn's Currently Reading | The Keeper by Tana French

Amanda's Currently Reading | Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict

SHOW NOTES:

The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

The Great Blue Hole

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Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Everything is Tubular

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:32:52 -0600

This episode is a lot of laughs and a lot of fun. Mariah and Rachel join Ellyn and Amanda to participate in Ellyn's totally tubular game. The premise of the game? Ellyn has changed one word in the top ten Dog-Eared best-sellers and Amanda, Rachel and Mariah have less than two minutes to write a synopsis of a fictional book based on the new title. Ellyn's judges whose story she would read and whose she wouldn't. It's one of our most-fun and chaotic episodes yet.

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Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Shop Dog-Eared Books and pick up your books in store or have shipped HERE.

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin' Off with Rebecca Novack

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:33:42 -0600

Buckle up. Today we have debut author Rebecca Novack on the podcast, and her book Murder Bimbo (out today!) is going to take you for a wild ride. Amanda and Ellyn chose her book as their Dog-Eared February subscription pick, and just knew this was going to be one of their favorite books. Buy your copy of Murder Bimbo by Rebecca Novack HERE Follow Rebecca on Instagram HERE Check out Rebecca's tour dates HERE Sign up for Rebecca's Substack HERE

Show Notes:

11/22/63 by Stephen King

The Boys From Brazil by Ira Levin

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

BetterMENt

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Today, Ellyn and Amanda are joined by our newest book club host Alex Kretzinger. We're so excited to learn more about Alex's new book club and hear which books he's recommending.

Cultural expectations around masculinity pose many challenges for boys and men as they struggle to find belonging and healthy connections in relationships, family roles, education, and the workforce. The BetterMENt Book Club aims to explore those challenges through works of nonfiction and fiction, creating a community for participants to discuss how boys and men can better connect in their relationships and their communities and find the motivation to become forces for good in the world.

Check out what the BetterMENt book club is reading HERE

Ellyn's Currently Reading | One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

Amanda's Currently Reading | Country People by Daniel Mason

Alex's Currently Reading | There's Nothing Like This by Kevin Evers

Show Notes:

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Shop Dog-Eared Books and pick up your books in store or have shipped HERE.

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Anti Fascist Reading Lists Explored

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Please note: This episode was recorded on Friday, January 23 2026.

Recently, Dog-Eared Books shared a reading list designed to help deepen our understanding of fascism, full of titles we believe are essential for thoughtful learning. We paired that list with a quote from George Orwell's 1984 as part of a window display at the store, and the response was overwhelming. Comments poured in from across the country and around the world. Today, we're taking a closer look at that reading list of both fiction and nonfiction books, and reflecting on why their ideas remain so urgent and important.

Ellyn's Currently Reading | The Typewriter and the Guillotine by Mark Braude

Amanda's Currently Reading | Abby Offsides by Anna McCallie & We the Women by Norah O'Donnell

Where to Donate to Support Minnesota:

Community Aid Network MN to provide food, diapers and essential supplies. @communityaidnetworkmn or @CANMN on Venmo.

MIRAC – MN Immigrant Rights Action Committee, responding to ICE threats and providing resources to immigrants. Miracmn.com.

Immigrant law center of Minnesota – free immigration legal representation

Books for Learning About Fascism:

How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them by Jason Stanley

The Project by David A. Graham

Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future by Jason Stanley

Fiction as Windows and Mirrors:

1984 by George Orwell

Prophet Song by Paul Lynch

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

Books About What to Do:

On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder

Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During this Crisis (and the Next) by Dean Spade

Giving Up Is Unforgivable by Joyce Vance

How to Stand Up to a Dictator by Maria Ressa

The Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang

Reading for Joy in Challenging Times:

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.” -George Orwell, 1984

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Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Winter/Spring Books We Can’t Wait to Read

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:17:18 -0600

We've turned the page into a new year, and we're looking ahead to a few books we are excited about this year. This list is unbeatable in our opinions. Discussing books that are coming out between now and June of this year. Listen along, and don't forget if you pre-order with us you'll receive 10% off your order.

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Why Fascists Fear Teachers by Randi Weingarten, The Typewriter and the Guillotine by Mark Braude & Night Theater by Vikram Paralkar

Amanda's Currently Reading | Rainbow Valley by L.M. Montgomery, Beth is Dead by Katie Bernet, & We the Women by Norah O'Donnell

Show Notes:

Sorry, Rachel couldn't find the margarita recipe.

Books Amanda and Ellyn are looking forward to:

Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy - Jan. 20

Whidbey by T Kira Madden - Mar. 10

Everyone in this Bank is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson - Mar. 17

The Keeper by Tana French - Mar. 31

American Fantasy by Emma Straub - April 7

Dear Monica Lewinsky by Julia Langbein - April 14

Go Gentle by Maria Semple - April 14

How to Cheat Your Own Death by Kristen Perrin- April 28

Canon by Paige Lewis - May 19

Whistler by Ann Patchett – June 2

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Walking Crotch Forward with Denise Williams, Julie Murphy, and Sierra Simone

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

We're joined today by romance favorites Denise Williams, Julie Murphy, and Sierra Simone! We're talking about their upcoming romance novels, the strength of the romance community, how romance authors show up for fellow romance authors, and so much more. Listen, enjoy, and don't forget to pre-order The Re-Do List by Denise Williams and The Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone.

Don't miss seeing Denise, Julie, and Sierra in person at Prairie Moon Winery on Tuesday, January 27, at 7 PM to celebrate the release of The Re-Do List by Denise Williams! Tickets available now. Get yours HERE

Ellyn's Currently Reading | The Cove by LJ Ross

Katie's Currently Reading | Rein Me In by Kayla Grosse & The Long Game by Rachel Reid

Denise Williams' Currently Reading | The Fundamentals of Being a Good Girl by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone, Love and Sportsball by Meka James, Only on Gameday by Kristen Callihan & The Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan

Sierra Simone's Currently Reading | Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi

Julie Murphy's Currently Reading | The Long Game by Rachel Reid

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Reading Goals

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

2025 is coming to a close, and we're reflecting on our reading goals for the year. We're looking at what we set out to accomplish, what we actually achieved, and how we each approach goal-setting in our reading lives. Members of the Dog-Eared team shared what goal-setting looks like for them, how they measure their reading successes, and what matters most when it comes to making reading a meaningful part of their year.

Ellyn's Currently Reading | American Werewolves by Emily Jane & Evil Genius by Claire Oshetsky

Amanda's Currently Reading | Anne of Green Gables by L M Montgomery & Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Bookstore Wrapped 2025

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

By now, many of us have seen our Spotify Wrapped... but now it's time for the bookish edition. In today's episode, we're diving into a year's work of bookstore data to reveal our most-read genres, best-sellers, biggest surprises, and interesting trends. It's our official Bookstore Wrapped. Listen along, and let us know if anything of these stats surprised you!

Plus, listen to see what our #1 selling book of 2025 is. Hint: This author has an event with us in January 2026!

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Imposter by LJ Ross

Amanda's Currently Reading | Invasive Species by Ellery Adams

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Poppin' Off with Gareth & Louise Ward

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

When Amanda traveled to Australia earlier this year, she was introduced to her new favorite mystery series. As soon as she came home she handed her copy to Ellyn and said that we had to carry "The Bookshop Detectives" at Dog-Eared Books. We are so lucky to be joined on today's episode of Bubbles & Books by the authors and fellow indie bookstore owners Gareth and Louise Ward. Trust us, you're going to want to start on this delightful new series.

SHOW NOTES:

Follow Wardini Books on Instagram: @wardinibooks

Order The Bookshop Detectives Dead Girl Gone from Dog-Eared Books: HERE

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin' Off with Lovell Holder

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Today’s Poppin' Off episode of Bubbles & Books is an absolute delight and reminds us why we love what we do. We are beyond thrilled to welcome debut author Lovell Holder, who joins us to chat about his thoroughly entertaining new novel, The Book of Luke.

Whether you're a reality TV addict or not, you're going to be swept away by this bingeworthy book and its main character, Luke. And after listening to this podcast, we think you're going to love the author as much as we do. This episode if full of the best reality TV gossip, Iowa connections, and a discussion that reminds you how magical it is to discover a really good book.

Lovell Holder is an accomplished filmmaker and producer and we're sure a soon-to-be best-selling author. We also hope he's our new best friend. The Book of Luke releases today, and you can snag a signed edition at Dog-Eared Books online or in-store, or you can listen to the audiobook on Libro.fm!

SHOW NOTES:

Follow Lovell on Instagram: @lovell.holder

Order The Book of Luke from Dog-Eared Books: HERE

Listen to The Book of Luke on Libro.FM: HERE

Read the e-book of The Book of Luke on Bookshop.org: HERE

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Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

We're Excited For Small Business Saturday

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Small Business Saturday is the perfect time to show love to our local businesses on Main Street and in our community. In today's episode we're highlighting a few new and familiar voices from Downtown Ames. We hope you'll stop by and shop all of these wonderful stores, as well as the many others that make Downtown Ames such a special place to visit, this holiday season.

SHOW NOTES:

Browse the Dog-Eared Books 2025 Holiday Gift Guide HERE.

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Shop Dog-Eared Books and pick up your books in store or have shipped HERE.

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Bookseller 2025 Favorites

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:57:46 -0600

We recently launched our holiday gift guide, and we're going through the books our booksellers submitted as their favorite reads of 2025. Each bookseller sent in a short clip about why they loved their pick, and the mix of genres amongst everyone is fantastic. We know there is something for everyone, and we hope you enjoy listening.

Don't forget to browse our Holiday Gift Guide and find something perfect for yourself or someone in your life.

SHOW NOTES:

Browse the Dog-Eared Books 2025 Holiday Gift Guide HERE.

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Clued In with the NYT Crossword

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:05:00 -0600

When a familiar name of a longtime customer popped up in the Dog-Eared email asking about an event for a new book, we couldn't believe a celebrity had been walking amongst us!
Christina Iverson is an editor with the New York Times Games department, and of course we couldn't wait to collaborate on all things games and puzzles. The Dog-Eared staff is a big consumer of the NYT Games, and we're not ashamed to admit we solve while working.

We're excited to welcome Christina, who began her crossword journey about seven years ago, on this week's episode. We hope you listen along and check out Puzzle Mania! Puzzle Mania is a new book that combines all your favorite brain games from The New York Times and some you have yet to discover, and has prompted the inception of a great event that we're planning for January. Plus, the book makes a great gift for the holidays.

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Darkrooms by Rebecca Hannigan

Amanda's Currently Reading | The Black Wolf by Louise Penny

Christina's Currently Reading | Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino & The World Within a Song by Jeff Tweedy

SHOW NOTES:

Follow Christina on Instagram: @christina.m.iverson

Read the Vanity Fair Article about the NYT games editors: Inside The New York Times' Big Bet on Games

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Shop Dog-Eared Books and pick up your books in store or have shipped HERE.

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Witchiness and The Woo Woo

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Today, we're getting into the witchy and the woo-woo. We're joined by Megan Lane, who owns her own small business, Violet Lane Florals, and also happens to be a Dog-Eared Books bookseller. Megan often reads Tarot at Dog-Eared events or helps people craft bouquets. Megan also helps to curate our Mind, Body, Spirit section. For Megan, Tarot has been a powerful tool for self-reflection, and she has found that readings with others result in both people leaving uplifted by the exchange. She enjoys helping people on their journey to discovering a more authentic expression of their life.

Ellyn's Currently Reading | We Survived the Night by Julian Noise Bravecat & A Guardian and a Thief by Megha Majumdar

Amanda's Currently Reading | The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

Megan's Currently Reading | Word Witch by Kate Belew

Books coming out this week | Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai & Good Spirits by B.L. Borison

SHOW NOTES:

Follow Megan on Instagram @violetlaneflorals

Visit Violet Lane Florals' Website HERE

Check out The Witch Wave Podcast HERE

Check out the Magick and Alchemy Podcast HERE

Waking the Witch by Pam Grossman
Magic Maker by Pam Grossman
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
I Don't Believe in Astrology by Debra Silverman

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Shop Dog-Eared Books and pick up your books in store or have shipped HERE.

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Indigenous Lit You Should Be Reading

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Today, Amanda and Ellyn are highlighting Indigenous authors and stories in celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day. The history of replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous People’s Day goes back to the 1970's! In 1977, the International Conference on Discrimination Against Indigenous Populations in the Americas, sponsored by the United Nations, first began discussing this change. It is a challenge to the notion that Christopher Columbus “discovered” a land that had actually been populated for tens of thousands of years. Dog-Eared Books is on the ancestral homelands of the Meskwaki Nation and Baxoje ich’e - also known as the Ioway (from which we take our state name) - peoples.

Amanda and Ellyn have put together a list of some of their favorite Indigenous authors to share with you. We hope you listen and pick up Indigenous Stories year round.

Ellyn's Currently Reading | The Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang

Amanda's Currently Reading | The Optimists by Brian Platzer & The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

Books coming out this week | We Survived the Night by Julian Brave NoiseCat & Bog Queen by Anna North

SHOW NOTES:

Rethinking How We Celebrate American History - Indigenous Peoples Day

Learn About and Donate to the Meskwaki Nation

Learn More About the Baxoje

Learn About and Donate to the First Nations

Birchbark Books

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Indigenous Authors you NEED to be Reading:

Louise Erdrich - member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (ND)

- - “The Round House”
  - “The Night Watchman”
  - “The Sentence”

Tommy Orange - member of Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes (OK)

- - “There There”
  - “Wandering Stars”

Stephen Graham Jones - member of the Blackfeet Nation (MT)

- - Mongrels
  - My Heart is a Chainsaw
  - I Was a Teenage Slasher

Joy Harjo - member of the Muscogee Creek Nation (OK)

- - An American Sunrise
  - Poet Warrior
  - Washing My Mother’s Body

Cherie Dimaline - member of the Metis Nation of Ontario

- - Venco
  - The Marrow Thieves
  - Funeral Songs for Dying Girls

Robin Wall Kimmerer - member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation (OK)

- Braiding Sweetgrass

Recent Reads by Indigenous Authors You Need to Check Out:

“The Mighty Red” by Louise Erdrich
“The Only Good Indians” by Stephen Graham Jones
“The Serviceberry” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
“Shutter” by Ramona Emerson (Dine aka Navajo Nation of the SW United States)
“The Berry Pickers” by Amanda Peters (Mi’kmaq from the Glooscap First Nation in the Canadian Atlantic provinces)
“Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan)

Brand New/Upcoming Reads:

“To the Moon and Back” by Eliana Ramage (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma)
“The Devil is a Southpaw” by Brandon Hobson (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma)
“The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” by Stephen Graham Jones
“Girl Warrior” by Joy Harjo

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Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

It's Brandi B*tch

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:38:11 -0600

Welcome to the "Bramily!" Today’s Bubbles & Books Podcast episode is a celebration of the one and only Brandi Carlile. Inspired by Ellyn's request to pop a bottle of Brandi’s own XOBC Cellars Sparkling Wine. Brandi isn’t just a once-in-a-generation talent, she’s also one of the truly good ones, and always has been.

Right now we could all use a little more light and inspiration, so we’re diving into the essential Brandi Carlile — pairing her songs with books Ellyn thinks match their spirit and soul. Let’s raise a glass and get into it.

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett & One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

Amanda's Currently Reading | Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo

Books coming out this week | Mate by Ali Hazelwood & The Intruder by Freida McFadden

Listen to Ellyn’s Essential Brandi Fucking Carlile Playlist

Brandi Songs and Ellyn's Book Pairing:

Song: The Eye from the album The Firewatcher’s Daughter
Book: Run For the Hills by Kevin Wilson

Song: Party of One from the album By the Way, I Forgive You
Book: Same as it Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

Song: Wherever is Your Heart from the album The Firewatcher’s Daughter
Book: Here Beside the Rising Tide by Emily Jane

Song: Broken Horses from the album In These Silent Days
Book: Anita De Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez

Song: The Joke from the album By the Way, I Forgive You
Book: The Safekeep by Yael Van der Wouden

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

A Very Unhinged and Sticky Episode

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Okay, hear us out... this episode of the Bubbles & Books podcast might sound slightly ridiculous (or completely unhinged), but it dives into some truly wild and weird bookish territory. We’re talking attractive cryptids, romances with sentient objects, and just how far the romance genre is willing to go in the name of pure, chaotic entertainment.

So now we’re asking you, If you had to pick a sentient object, cryptid, or other characters to feature in a romance, who or what would it be? Share it with us! No judgment. Probably.

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Caraval by Stephanie Garber & Legendary by Stephanie Garber

Amanda's Currently Reading | The Reservation by Rebecca Kaufman

Mariah's Currently Reading | Hot Wax by M.L. Rio & Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson

Books coming out this week | Twilight by Stephenie Meyer Deluxe Hardcover Boxset, The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osmon, and Soul Searching by Lyla Sage

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Shop Dog-Eared Books and pick up your books in store or have shipped HERE.

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Hoa Hoa Hoa

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Today, we’re singing our hoa hoa's and driving up the 101 of the Pacific Northwest to the iconic town of Forks, Washington. Why, you ask? Because it’s almost the 20th anniversary of Twilight, and we’re celebrating like it’s 2005!

Dog-Eared Books is throwing a Twilight-themed Prom, and we’re embracing all the sparkly vampire vibes. In this episode, we’re joined by bookseller (and resident Twilight expert) Bailey to give us all the fun facts about the series that stole our hearts.

We’re talking, the cultural impact of Twilight, everything cringey, what holds up... and what doesn't, and of course what to expect at our Twilight Prom.

Whether you are Team Edward, Team Jacob, this episode is a fun discussion on the series that made us all believe in sparkly eternal love.

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You're Invited: Come to Dog-Eared's Twilight Prom on Friday, October 10. Get your ticket HERE.

Order the Twilight 20th anniversary boxed set from Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Order the 20th anniversary special edition from Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Shop Dog-Eared Books and pick up your books in store or have shipped HERE.

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Good Books Bad Reviews

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:54:21 -0600

We're bringing back one of our favorite games, reading hilariously bad reviews of some truly great books! This time, Amanda has picked out books that Ellyn read and loved this year. She’ll be reading one-star reviews to Ellyn, who has to guess which book they’re roasting. Listen along and see if you can figure it out before she does!

Books coming out this week | American Werewolves by Emily Jane, Replaceable You by Mary Roach, & Good Things by Samin Nosrat

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Shop Dog-Eared Books and pick up your books in store or have shipped HERE.

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin' Off with Annie B. Jones

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Today we welcome Annie B. Jones, bookstore owner, author, and podcast host to today's Bubbles & Books episode! Annie is the owner of the indie bookstore The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia, and the voice behind the popular podcast From the Front Porch. We’re convinced she belongs on the (imaginary but totally necessary) Bookstore Owners Walk of Fame. In this episode, we dive into the joys and challenges of bookstore ownership and the experience of publishing her first book Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put.

Follow Annie B. Jones on Instagram HERE

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Books You CAN'T Miss

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600

As you know, this podcast is called Bubbles and Books, so naturally, every episode comes with a good read and a glass of bubbly in hand. But with so many books on our shelves, we can't talk about them all. So in this episode, we're hitting pause and spotlighting the ones we just can’t let slip by. These are the books we would be remiss to miss sharing with you.

Books mentioned in this episode:

Ellyn:

Amanda:

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Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Shop Dog-Eared Books and pick up your books in store or have shipped HERE.

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Interested in e-books? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Birding with Dog-Eared

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Everyone could use a little birding in their life! That’s why we’re so excited to welcome Brenda, host of Dog-Eared’s Better Birding book club, along with bookseller Eloise, who’s just getting started with birding and already loving the journey. Birding is taking off among both adults and younger generations, so today we’re diving into the joys of birdwatching, the best apps for identifying birds, some of our favorite bird-themed books, and gorgeous covers that feature our feathered friends.

*Please note: Unfortunately a setting was on during the recording of this episode. We apologize for the background sounds, but hope you enjoy this episode.

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Currently Reading with Kaytee and Meredith

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Get ready, book lovers, on today's episode of Bubbles & Books Ellyn and Amanda are joined by none other than Kaytee Cobb and Meredith Monday Schwartz, the dynamic duo behind the wildly popular Currently Reading podcast.

These two are bookish podcast legends, and we were thrilled to sit down with them to chat about what they’re currently reading (of course!), how Currently Reading got its start, and Kaytee and Meredith’s amazing friendship. These two have built one of the most passionate, thoughtful, and engaged bookish communities out there, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome them to the Bubbles & Books podcast.

Visit the Currently Reading Podcast website HERE

Follow The Currently Reading Podcast HERE

Follow Kaytee on Instagram HERE

Follow Meredith on Instagram HERE

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Red Flag Fictional Characters

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Ellyn is joined by Bailey and Rachel for a chaotic deep-dive into some of fiction’s most iconic characters from Peeta and Gale in The Hunger Games, to the Roomba in Margo's Got Money Troubles. We’re dishing out red, beige, and green flags to everyone from the Dung Beetle in I Eat Poop, to Edward Cullen, Odo from O Sinners!, characters from Fourth Wing, and plenty more.

Listen to hear which characters pass the vibe check, and which ones definitely don't. And don’t forget to tell us which fictional characters you would give a red, beige, or green flag to!

Ellyn's Currently Reading | All Fours by Miranda July

Rachel's Currently Reading | The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Bailey's Currently Reading | Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

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Poppin' Off with Shobha Rao

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Today on Bubbles & Books, Amanda and Ellyn are joined by author Shoba Rao! Her upcoming novel Indian Country first caught their eye with its stunning cover, and completely captivated them with its brilliant opening. A conversation not to be missed, and be sure to grab your copy of Indian Country when it hits shelves on Tuesday, August 5!

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Poppin' Off With Helen Chandler-Wilde

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0600

What would you do if you lost nearly everything you own?

That’s exactly what happened to Dog-Eared’s co-owner Amanda Lepper and author Helen Chandler-Wilde after devastating fires changed their lives forever. Instead of rushing to replace it all, they started asking bigger questions. What really matters? What’s worth keeping? Can we live with less?

In this episode, they open up about loss, letting go, and learning to live more intentionally. Plus, our favorite minimalist and bookseller, Amy, joins us to share her refreshing take on living with less.

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Poppin' Off with Giano Cromley

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Are you ready to trek out into the woods and look for Big Foot? Amanda and Ellyn have author Giano Cromley whose book "American Mythology" is a slightly creepy adventure about two friends Virgil and Jute who just so happen to be the only two members of the Basic Bigfoot Society. Giano's story centers friendship and the question of what is and isn't real.

We are so excited to welcome Giano and hope you pick up his book "American Mythology" today!

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Reading Down Under

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0600

G’day, mates! This week on the Bubbles & Books podcast, we’re heading down under! Amanda and Ellyn are joined by Amanda’s daughter Charlotte to recap their unforgettable bookstore adventures across Australia.

From the scenic mountain ranges to the sunny Gold Coast, Amanda and Charlotte explored nine incredible bookstores, each with its own charm and story. Get ready for stories about cute animals, books you're going to want to read, and a whole lot of wanderlust. After this episode, you’ll be packing your bags for an Aussie book tour of your own!

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood & The Devil Reached Toward the Sky by Garrett M. Graff

Amanda's Currently Reading | A Marriage At Sea by Sophie Elmhirst

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Best Books of the Year... So Far

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0600

We are officially halfway through 2025. Amanda and Ellyn are looking back on the last six months of reading and are sharing the best books they've read this year... so far. They also have sourced recommendations from the Dog-Eared booksellers. Listen along and let us know if you agree or share what you think your best book of 2025 is!

Ellyn's Currently Reading | The Devil Reached Toward the Sky by Garrett Graff, Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers by Caroline Fraser, & Culpability by Bruce Holsinge

Amanda's Currently Reading | Heart the Lover by Lily King

Best Books of the year... so far:

Here Beside the Rising Tide by Emily Jane
So Far Gone by Jess Walter
O, Sinners! by Nicole Cuffy
Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson
Sky Daddy by Kate Folk
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng -
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett
Heartwood by Amity Gaige

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

A Challenge for the Youths

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Ellyn’s daughter Jay is in the hot seat this week—and it’s all about her serious lack of reading. To fix the situation, Ellyn went straight to Dog-Eared Books booksellers and came back with a mission (and a bag full of recommendations). Now, Jay’s been officially challenged to a summer of reading. Will she rise to the occasion or fake her way through the pages? Tune in to find out what’s on her reading list and how she really feels about it.

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston & Buckeye by Patrick Ryan

Rachel's Currently Reading | The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong

Jay's Currently Reading | Nothing.

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Bookseller Rec Competition

- Katie - Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Mariah - Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
- Caleb - The Martian by Andy Weir
- Megan - They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran
- Jess - True Grit by Charles Portis
- Amy - The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
- Roxy - Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore
- Nayeli - Vicious by VE Schwab
- Rachel - Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- Ellyn - How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

It's a B*tchmance

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Today's episode is all about these two bitches talking about their bitchmance. Inspired by Dolls on the Brain, Amanda and Ellyn go through all the types of bitchmancery in the bitchdom and real and fictional bitchmances they admire.

Ellyn's Currently Reading | The Perry Pickers by Amanda Peters & Indian Country by Shobha Rao

Amanda's Currently Reading | Perfect Little World by Kevin Wilson & My Friends by Fredrik Backman

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

The F Man Himself

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 08:30:02 -0600

Today, Ellyn is joined by Dog-Eared's Roxy Strike and Nick Narigon—writer, indie press founder, and former Iowa County resident. They chat about everything from favorite ‘90s angst anthems to what it’s really like starting a small press. It’s a fun, honest conversation full of hometown memories and creative inspiration. Be sure to check out Nick’s Hayseed Press to see what he’s been working on!

Nick who is joining us from Singapore, has 20+ years of writing and editing experience in America, Tokyo, and Singapore. His writing has appeared in Kinfolk magazine, Scouting magazine, Wall Street Journal-Asia, Time Out Tokyo, etc. Most recently he was editor-in-chief of Tokyo Weekender magazine, Japan’s number one English-language lifestyle magazine.

Learn more about The F Man Himself by Nick Narigon HERE

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin' Off with Jess Walter

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0600

On this week’s Bubbles & Books, Ellyn and Amanda are joined by bestselling author Jess Walter to talk about his upcoming novel So Far Gone.

Expect laughs, insights, and thoughtful discussion as Jess shares how this novel took shape, what it says about the world today, and why he chose to leave social media. And we're so excited to share that Jess will be coming to Dog-Eared Books for a Cocktails & Convos event on Friday, September 12, at 7 PM.

Pop open your favorite bubbly or pour yourself a spiked coffee, and be prepared to become obsessed with Jess Walter if you're not already — you don’t want to miss this one!

Pre-Order So Far Gone by Jess Walter HERE

Rhys Kinnick is an aging former journalist who’s secluded himself in the woods of Washington after a family blow-up and his increasing disenchantment with the way the world is changing around him. Like Rhys, our human tendency is to withdraw when the world seems to be falling apart, but Jess Walter’s novel shows us why it’s important to hold onto connections with the people we love, even when those connections are sometimes fraught. The book is filled with a colorful cast of fully-developed characters – all multi-facetted people with nuanced storylines. It’s both hilarious and heart-rending, while offering astute and timely social commentary.

Follow Jess Walter on Instagram HERE

Visit Jess Walter's website HERE

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

AE (Not AI) Generated Summer Reading

Tue, 27 May 2025 21:09:09 -0600

We are heading into summer and all the reading lists are coming out. Some are thoughtfully curated, and others… sloppily slapped together by AI. But today, we present you with an “AE” (Amanda & Ellyn) generated summer reading list—and trust us, it's way better than whatever the bots cooked up. Whether you're into breezy rom-coms, twisty thrillers, or something a little more unexpected, they've got you covered.

Check out the Book Riot summer reading list HERE.

Please enjoy our "AE" generated summer reading list, and let us know which ones you pick up!

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Run For the Hills by Kevin Wilson & Indian Country by Shobha Rao

Amanda's Currently Reading | Endling by Maria Reva

Books coming out this week | Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood & Never Flinch by Stephen King

Catch up on these books that everyone’s been talking about that you haven’t gotten to you.

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

James by Percival Everett

I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

The Names by Florence Knapp

Heartwood by Amity Gage

Beach Reads

One golden Summer by Carley Fortune

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston (out June 17)

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood (out this week)

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Remarkable Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Here Beside the Rising Tide by Emily Jane

Road trip books

Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson

The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett

If You Love Us, you’ll make sure you read:

So Far Gone by Jess Walter (out June 10)

O Sinners! by Nicole Cuffy

For fuck’s sake, if you haven’t read American Mermaid by Julia Langbein yet, do it. You won’t regret it

Read Only One Book This Summer

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurty

Hot Titles Coming Out This Summer

Bury the Bones in the Midnight Soil by VE Schwab (out June 10)

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (out June 3)

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson (out July 22)

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Poppin' Off With Kristen Perrin

Tue, 06 May 2025 05:00:00 -0600

We are excited to welcome Dog-Eared Books' best-selling author to the Bubbles & Books podcast! Amanda & Ellyn have popped the bubbles and are chatting all about Kristen's adult cozy mystery How to Solve Your Own Murder and its sequel How to Seal Your Own Fate.

Her books are full of twisty plots and eclectic characters, and she's sharing how she crafts a mystery that's both page-turning and comforting. We chat about the appeal of the cozy crime genre, what it's like writing in an English village setting from abroad, and a few hints about what’s next in her literary world.

Books recommended by Kristen Perrin:

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

Voyage of the Damned by Frances White

All the Colors of the Dark by Christ Whitaker

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Kristen will be at Boucher Con! Learn more about it HERE

Order your copy of How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin HERE

Order your copy of How to Seal Your Own Fate by Kristen Perrin HERE

Discover other books by Kristen Perrin HERE

Follow Kristen Perrin on Instagram HERE

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Indie Bookstore Day 2025 By the Numbers

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In today's episode Amanda & Ellyn are breaking down the data from Indie Bookstore Day and giving you the best-sellers, how many passports we gave out, and special anecdotes we noticed throughout the day. Thank you to our listeners who came out to Dog-Eared Books and those who also participated in the Central Iowa Indie Bookstore Day passport. And especially to those who said "Chambong me b*tch." We love you.

As hear on the podcast:

Follow Annie B. Jones on Instagram

Listen to From the Front Porch Podcast

What we're drinking | French Blue Rose Brut

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Mystery Royale by Kaitlyn Cavalancia, Ordinary Times by Annie B. Jones, & Murder in the Dollhouse by Rich Cohen

Amanda's Currently Reading | The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson & The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett

Books coming out this week | Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (now in paperback) & The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

The People Asked, We Answered

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:15:00 -0600

We put it out there and asked everyone who follows us on social media to ask us anything. From bookish to random, Ellyn and Amanda are sharing everything.

This Saturday, April 26, 2025 spend your day visiting Indie Bookstores for Indie Bookstore Day! The Central Iowa Indie Bookstores have brought back the passport challenge. Visit all the indies in two days to win a grand prize!

What we're drinking | Cocktails from Della Viti

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry & The Greatest Possible Good by Ben Brooks

Amanda's Currently Reading | How to Seal Your Own Fate by Kristen Perrin & The Island of Last Things by Emma Sloley

Rachel's Currently Reading | The Underground Girls of Kabul by Jenny Nordberg

Books coming out this week | Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Ellyn Has A Game

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Ellyn has a game for Amanda & Rachel... and they're not very good at it. This episode is a fun one of chatting current reads and testing our bookish knowledge.

Get tickets for Kevin Wilson at Dog-Eared Books HERE

What we're drinking | Cocktails from Della Viti

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart & Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

Amanda's Currently Reading | Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry & The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson

Rachel's Currently Reading | The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar & The Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei

Books coming out this week | Wild and Wrangle by Lyla Sage

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Storyhouse Book Pub & Indie Bookstore Day

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0600

It's a very exciting episode, because Amanda and Ellyn are joined by fellow indie bookstore owner Abbey Paxton. Abbey owns Storyhouse Bookpub, located in the East Village of Des Moines. Today Amanda, Ellyn, and Abbey chat about the indie bookstore industry, the good and bad parts of owning a indie bookstore, and the exciting things we have coming up for Indie Bookstore Day 2025.

Mark you calendars for the last weekend in April because the Central Iowa Indie Bookstore Day Passport is back! Visit all nine indie bookstores on the passport to celebrate and have the chance to win a $100 gift card to the last bookstore you visit.

Order a Raygun t-shirt to wear on Indie Bookstore Day and to support Annie's Foundation: ORDER HERE

Follow Storyhouse Bookpub on Instagram: FOLLOW HERE

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green, Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez & Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Amanda's Currently Reading | The Greatest Possible Good by Ben Brooks & Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Abbey's Currently Reading | The Mushroom at the End of the World by Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin' Off with Kate Folk

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:41:24 -0600

If you listen to Bubbles & Books, you should know how excited we are about today's guest's upcoming book, "Sky Daddy." Iowa Native Kate Folk joins us to chat about how she came up with the genius novel about a woman who is attracted to planes and hopes to one day be wed to an actual plane in a very tragic way.

What may seem like a ridiculous and hilarious novel is a beautiful one about friendship and what it means to be human. We can't wait to see "Sky Daddy" hit shelves on April 8, but in the meantime, listen to this great Bubbles & Books episode with Kate. As Ellyn says, "Sky Daddy" has the secret sauce to a great book.

Order your copy of "Sky Daddy" by Kate Folk HERE

Follow Kate Folk on Instagram HERE

Follow Sky Daddy Linda on Instagram HERE

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin' Off with Denise Williams

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0600

We have indie bookstore supporter, our friend, and Dog-Eared best-selling author Denise Williams on today's episode of Bubbles & Books. She joins Ellyn and Amanda to chat all about her upcoming book Just Our Luck, the romance genre, and donuts (duh.) Denise has published nine novels including Technically Yours and her debut novel How to Fail at Flirting which just so happens to be the first book to ever grace the shelves of Dog-Eared Books.

Her next book Just Our Luck comes out March 25, and we can't wait to host Denise on pub day in conversation with author Ali Hazelwood. Get your tickets today!

Follow Denise on Instagram HERE

Ellyn's Currently Reading | So Far Gone by Jess Walter & Tilt by Emma Pattee

Amanda's Currently Reading | Just Our Luck by Denise Williams, Deep End by Ali Hazelwood, & So Far Gone by Jess Walter

Denise's Currently Reading | In A Jam by Kate Canterbary, Unead and Unwed by Sam Tschida, & When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin' Off with Nicole Cuffy

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0600

We have THE Nicole Cuffy on today's episode. Her upcoming novel O Sinners!, our March 18, 2025 needs to be on your TBR asap. In O Sinners! a young journalist, reeling from loss, investigates a mysterious cult in the California redwoods, only to be drawn in by its charismatic leader—an addictive novel that asks why people give up control and what it takes, ultimately, to find your place in the world.

Cuffy is the author of Dances, longlisted for the Carol Shields prize for fiction and the Pen/Hemingway award. Cuffy has a MFA from The New School. She is a lecturer at the University of Maryland and American University. Her work can be found in Mason’s Road, The Master’s Review Volume VI (curated by Roxane Gay), Chautauqua, and Blue Mesa Review, and her chapbook, Atlas of the Body, won the Chautauqua Janus Prize and was a finalist for the Black River Chapbook Competition.

Follow Nicole on instagram: @nikk2cole

Songs recommended by Nicole when working on O Sinners!

Fortunate Son by Credence Clearwater Revival

Marvin Gaye

A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke

Blowin' in the Wind by Bob Dylan

Watch on Netflix: Wild Wild Country

Books Nicole recommends:

Lone Women by Victor Lavalle

Model Home by River Solomon

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

We're Yapping

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:00:21 -0600

Amanda & Ellyn are yapping. And as much as they like to think they're in the know with the youths, they sometimes are a little behind on the times. Hence, teaching them all about yapping. Rachel gave them a list of different topics and yap they did.

Ellyn's Currently Reading | American Mythology by Gino Cromely

Amanda's Currently Reading | The Favorites by Layne Fargo

Books coming out this week | Deep End by Ali Hazelwood & The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Don't Get Discouraged

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:03:41 -0600

What is happening in our country feels very scary and very dark. But if there's one thing Timothy Snyder taught us, it's "Don't obey in advance." We hope today's episode can offer you a bright moment in these chaotic times.

Books on authoritarian governments |

Autocracy, Inc by Anne Applebaum

The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon

Prophet Song by Paul Lynch

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

As Mentioned in the podcast |

1. Des Moines Register Data Base on Banned Books in Iowa School

2. Follow Bess Kalb

Ellyn's Currently Reading | The Women by Kristin Hannah & The Secret History of the Rape Kit by Pagan Kennedy

Amanda's Currently Reading | The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan

Books coming out this week | Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson, Tartufo by Kira Jane Buxton, & The Crash by Freida McFadden

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin' Off with Emily Jane

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:34:01 -0600

Emily Jane author of On Earth As It Is On Television and soon-to-be-released novel Here Beside the Rising Tide, out January 28, joins Amanda and Ellyn on today's Bubbles & Books episode. After reading her first published novel in 2023, and choosing it for the Dog Pack subscription, Amanda & Ellyn knew anything Emily Jane wrote next would deliver. AND. IT. DID. Listen to learn more about Jane's writing, plus you won't want to miss Emily revealing a very exciting secret.

Pre-order your copy of Here Beside the Rising Tide HERE

Order On Earth As It Is On Television HERE

Follow Emily Jane on Instagram HERE

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Most Anticipated Reads Winter/Spring 2025

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Get your notes app ready because you're going to want to write down the books we're excited for for the first half of 2025. Amanda & Ellyn are breaking down all of the big hitters to be on the lookout for in publishing. Listen and tell us what you're looking forward to!

Ellyn's Currently Reading | The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan

Amanda's Currently Reading | Private Rites by Julia Armfield

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Vision Boards for 2025

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0600

We're back baby, it's 2025, and we're coming at you with an episode all about what we're taking into 2025 with us and what we're leaving behind in 2024. Vision boards were even made with glue sticks, cutouts, and digital scrapbooking. Amanda & Ellyn are excited to share what they're hoping the new year brings.

What we're drinking | Piattelli Vineyard Methode Champenoise

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Havoc by Christopher Bollen, How to Seal Your Own Fate by Kristen Perrin, Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy, & Here Beside the Rising Tide by Emily Jane

Amanda's Currently Reading | Run For the Hills by Kevin Wilson, Lost & Found by Helen Chandler-Wilde, & Waiting for Electricity by Christina Nichol

Books coming out this week: Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams, A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson, & The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Dog-Eared Wrapped 2024

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0600

RECEIPTS👏PROOF👏TIMELINE👏SCREENSHOTS👏EVERYTHING!

It's the end of the year and we're looking back at the data from 2024. We're sharing our most popular genres, what book we sold the most, and the surprising item that beat everything! We love breaking down the past year to discuss the surprises and expectations of a year at Dog-Eared Books.

We'll be back in the new year, see you then!

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Small Business Saturday 2024

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Today we welcome Main Street Executive Director Travis Toliver to Bubbles & Books. We're chatting all about Small Business Weekend, and what you can experience in Downtown Ames.

Check out our holiday gift guide HERE.

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

A Bunch of Ho Ho Ho's

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0600

October is officially over and we're ready for some holiday romance. In this episode you'll hear about some of our favorite classic holiday romance storylines, books to look out for this season, a possible true love romance in the making, and Rachel & Amanda narrowly avoid parking tickets. This is a classic wild episode of Bubbles & Books you won't want to miss.

Holiday Romances mentioned:

Christmas Is All Around by Martha Waters

The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch

Love You A Latke by Amanda Elliott

I’ll Be Gone For Christmas by Georgia K. Boone

The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Lost & Lassoed by Lyla Sage & A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young

Amanda's Currently Reading | Tartufo by Kira Jane Buxton & Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret by Benjamin Stevenson

Rachel's Currently Reading | Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi

Don't miss authors Mac Barnett & Shawn Harris at Dog-Eared Books Saturday, November 9, at 3 PM! Get your tickets HERE!

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin' Off with Jess Hannigan

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Welcome back to another week of Bubbles & Books. This week, we're so excited to welcome children's picture book author & illustrator Jess Hannigan to the podcast. Jess is the mind behind one of our favorite books this year Spider in the Well. Her clever story has brought us so much joy this year, and we loved having the opportunity to chat about how she got started and what we can expect next.

Ellyn's Currently Reading | The Barn by Wright Thompson & O Sinners! by Nicole Cuffy

Amanda's Currently Reading | Tartufo by Kira Jane Buxton & Inciting Joy by Ross Gay

Books coming out this week: The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny & The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

The Sweet Smell of the Book Fair

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0600

The leaves are falling, and that's a sure sign of the book fair rolling into your schools. And if you're lucky, a local bookstore is giving you a taste of the book fair you remember fondly from your youth, but making it fun for your adult self. This week we're reminiscing about the book fair, talking facts about the beginning of the Scholastic Book Fair, and of course sharing all about our upcoming public school book fairs and our adult Boozy Book Fair! We've got bookseller Bailey on the podcast to talk about everything she has prepped and it's a fun one full of nostalgia.

Note: In the episode Amanda begins discussing the story of the Minotaur, Ariadne, and who unalives who... You can read about the myth here.

Ellyn's Currently Reading | The Last Murder At the End of the World by Stuart Turton & Imminent: Inside the Pentagon's Hunt for UFOs by Luis Elizondo

Amanda's Currently Reading | What I Ate In One Year by Stanley Tucci & Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson

Bailey's Currently Reading | Lady Audley's Secret by M.E. Braddon

Books coming out this week: Hot Mess: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, Patriot by Alexei Navalny, & Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret: A Festive Mystery by Benjamin Stevenson

Don't miss author Neal Stephenson at Dog-Eared Books on Sunday, October 27, at 6 PM. Get your tickets HERE.

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin' Off with Derick Wilder

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0600

We'll tell you now, you're going to want to grab the tissues for this episode. Recently we shared some sad news about our incredible shop dog Lovie getting a cancer diagnosis. While we're confident in the lovely medical team at Iowa State University's Vet Med. But with a tough diagnosis comes tough conversations. Today we are joined by picture book author Derick Wilder. His story "The Longest Letsgoboy," will bring tears to your eyes but offer comfort to the difficult moments in life that are eventual with family and pets. We're honored to have Derick with us on today's episode and we hope that his story might find you when the time comes.

What we're drinking | Definitely bubbles

Ellyn's Currently Reading | The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

Amanda's Currently Reading | What I Ate In One Year by Stanley Tucci

Books coming out this week: Poloston by Neal Stephenson & What I Ate In One Year by Stanley Tucci

Don't miss author Neal Stephenson at Dog-Eared Books on Sunday, October 27, at 6 PM. Get your tickets HERE.

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Perfect Pairings

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 14:48:49 -0600

In honor of tonight’s vice presidential debate - book pairings! Ellyn has combined some of your favorite reads with the perfect pairing. One might call her a book sommelier!

What we're drinking | Bubbles of course!

Ellyn's Currently Reading | We Do Not Part by Han Kang & The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Amanda's Currently Reading | Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery

Books coming out this week: The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich & Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Tangential Conversations

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0600

We're back! Amanda & Ellyn are our queens of a random tangent, so today Producer Rachel has asked the people to ask Amanda & Ellyn random questions, book recommendations, and anything they might want to know.

What we're drinking | Forgot to look at the name, but listener Dace brought it from the country of Georgia!

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Colored Television by Danzy Senna

Amanda's Currently Reading | Anne of Windy Poplars by L.M. Montgomery

Books coming out this week: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney & Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Wrath of the Triple Goddess by Rick Riordan

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Behind the Counter with Dog-Eared

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Today we're bringing you an episode of all the things we've been chatting about behind the counter at Dog-Eared Books. There's cannibalism. There's sea monsters. We're talking about menopause. And so many more random, yet entertaining topics. And please make sure to let us know if you think Ellyn and Rachel would be perfect on the Amazing Race.

What we're drinking | I can't remember but it's French and is bubbly!

Ellyn's Currently Reading | The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse & The Life Impossible by Matt Haig

Amanda's Currently Reading | Burn by Peter Heller & The Mystics Would Like A Word by Shannon K. Evans

Rachel's Currently Reading | Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel & Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

Mariah's Currently Reading | A Sign of Affection by Suu Morishita, Slewfoot by Brom, & Beautyland by Marie Helene-Bertino

Books coming out this week: The Mystics Would Like A Word by Shannon K. Evans & Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Around the World in Bookstores

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Did you know we're an INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION?!? Yes it's true, and we're so honored to have met our friend Dace who traveled all the way from the county of Georgia to visit us in little old Iowa. So in Dace's honor, we are talking about bookstores we would love to visit around the world.

Bookstores we want to visit around the world:

Propsero’s Books
Hay-on-Wye (Hi on Wye)
Shakespeare and Company
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Boekhandel Selexyz Dominicanen
Chongqing Zhongshuge Bookstore
Livraria Lello
Brome Lake Books - Livres Lac-Brome

As heard in the episode: "This is a Megan Follows Bar"

What we're drinking | Marani Sparkling Wine Brut (from the country of Georgia and gifted to us by Dace!)

Ellyn's Currently Reading | A Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Amanda's Currently Reading | The Gray Wolf by Louise Penny

Books coming out this week: Daydream by Hannah Grace

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Bad Review of Good Books

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Today is another round of good books bad reviews. The game where Ellyn reads a terrible review of one of her and Amanda's favorite books! But this time, Rachel is roped in to play the game too. Listen along and see if you can guess the book from a bad review.

What we're drinking | Water sadly

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty & Private Rites by Julia Armfield

Amanda's Currently Reading | Lazarus Man by Richard Price

Rachel's Currently Reading | My Mother Cursed My Name by Anamely Salgado Reyes

Books coming out this week: By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult & There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin' Off with Kaliane Bradley

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 10:20:06 -0600

Kaliane Bradley, author of The Ministry of Time, graciously joined us for a Poppin' Off episode of Bubbles & Books Podcast. The book, which was an instant bestseller at Dog-Eared Books, was recently named to former president Barack Obama's summer reading list. It's a fascinating story of time travel, love, and identity, and you won't want to put it down. In today's episode, Kaliane shares the details of the real-life inspiration for the book, what's happening with the TV adaptation, and what we can expect from her next.

It's a wonderful episode, and we hope you love it as much as we did!

Order your copy of The Ministry of Time HERE.

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A Visit From the Green Fairy

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 10:18:23 -0600

Today's episode is a special one. We've invited bookseller Bailey, mixologist extraordinaire Darian Everding from London Underground, and author of Absinthe: The Exquisite Elixir, Ted Breaux. Ted is considered to be the godfather of Absinthe, having helped revive its popularity and study it under a modern lens. We're lucky to have Ted and Darian join us on today's podcast and share their knowledge behind this unique and storied liqueur.

We're drinking a few Death in the Afternoons, understanding more about Absinthe and chatting about our pub fiction book The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton.

What we're drinking | Jade Liqueurs

Books coming out this week: Burn by Peter Hellers & Hera by Jennifer Saint

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Call Me Good Girl

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 08:27:54 -0600

Today, we have booksellers Katie and Nayeli joining Ellyn on the podcast. We're chatting about Steamy Lit Con, romance books we're loving, and we ask the questions about cryptid sexiness.

Most importantly, we discuss Bookstore Romance Day which takes place on Saturday, August 17! Dog-Eared Books will be celebrating with all kinds of fun pop-ups.

Throughout the course of the day, if you come in and sign up for the Love Unleashed Romance subscription, you will receive a $10 gift card. While we will have our drink special and subscription sign-up special all day.

The party is taking place from 4 - 6 PM featuring:

+ Bloom Bar from Violet Lane Florals

+ Free Chair Massages from Whitney Judas, LMC.

+ Book displays by your favorite romance readers Katie & Nayeli!

+ Romance Games

+ Blind Dates with a Book

What we're drinking | We had drink pre-pod... oops!

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Coming Home by Brittney Griner & The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry

Katie's Currently Reading | Zoe Brennan, First Crush by Laura Piper Lee

Nayeli's Currently Reading | What Hurts Us by Maggie Gates & The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean

Rachel's Currently Reading | My Mother Cursed My Name by Anamely Salgado Reyes

Books coming out this week: The Fiancé Dilemma by Elena Armas

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Iowa Indie Bookshop Tour

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 13:14:57 -0600

This week we're hosting Cori Theroux on Bubbles & Books! Cori is not only the owner of The Green Dragon Bookstore, but also is the brain behind the Iowa Indie Bookshop Tour currently happening in Iowa! The Iowa Indie Bookshop tour is a summer long challenge to visit 36 of Iowa's indie bookstores!

There are so many great bookshops to visit you won't want to miss. Plus, if you visit all 36 bookstores on the tour you will be entered to win a $300 gift card to the Iowa indie bookstore of your choice! Hear all about how Cori started this trip, what you can expect on the journey, and what she hopes the future holds for the bookshop tour. We're so excited to be part of the tour and to visit as many indie bookstores in Iowa as possible!

Check out the Iowa Indie Bookshop Tour HERE!

What we're drinking | Chandon Brut Sparkling Wine

Ellyn's Currently Reading | The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins & Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Amanda's Currently Reading | Coming Home by Brittney Griner & The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich

Cori's Currently Reading | We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

Books coming out this week: The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Miéville & Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

2024 BEST of the Year... So Far

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0600

We are halfway through 2024 and the books have been so so GOOD. Amanda & Ellyn are breaking down their top books of the year so far and this list is one you'll want to pay attention to.

Best of the Year So Far List:

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzales

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

Martyr! By Kaveh Akbar

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

Absolution by Alice McDermott

Bear by Julia Philllips

Headshot by Rita Bullwinkle

What we're drinking | Veuve Clicquot

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross & Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Amanda's Currently Reading | Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo & Playground by Richard Powers

Books coming out this week: I Was A Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones & Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Birthday Wishes

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 08:36:42 -0600

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELMANDA! Today's episode is all about celebrating Amanda and Ellyn's birthdays. These two born one year and one day apart were meant to have a friendship that blossomed into the beautiful partnership of Dog-Eared Books. In this episode They're sharing their birthday wishes and what they would like this year. It's fun, outrageous, and there's cake!

What we're drinking | Albert Bichot

Ellyn's Currently Reading | All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

Amanda's Currently Reading | Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo & Playground by Richard Powers

Books coming out this week: All This and More by Peng Shepard & The Briar Club by Kate Quinn

Fun Things Happening | Get your ticket for Claire Lombardo at Dog-Eared Books: HERE

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin' Off with Rufi Thorpe

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Welcome to Poppin' Off! In this episode we welcome Rufi Thorpe, author of Margo's Got Money Troubles & The Knockout Queen, to the Bubbles & Books podcast! Thorpe is an author both Amanda & Ellyn talk about often after they bonded over their love of The Knockout Queen. Most recently Amanda has been working through some of Rufi's other backlist books. When Margo was announced as a forthcoming novel, both Amanda and Ellyn knew without question they were going to get a favorite book of the year.

Rufi Thorpe received her MFA from the University of Virginia in 2009. She is the author of three other novels, The Girls from Corona Del Mar, Dear Fang, With Love, The Knockout Queen, which was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner award.

It was a joy to have Rufi join us and we can't wait to see what she writes next!

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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These Books Are OLD

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:25:52 -0600

Ellyn is joined by Bailey and Rachel this week, and they're talking about OLD books. Specifically OLD Book Club–obscure, lesser-known, and, hopefully, divine–aims to explore the diverse array of books we call “classic” and to discuss the malleable bounds of the category while also making an often intimidating genre feel both more accessible and more fun. The selection of books intentionally covers a broad range of nationalities, experiences, cultures, and time-periods to broaden the traditionally narrow parameters of classic literature. Most importantly, we’re here to have a good time.

Check out what OLD Book Club is reading for the next six month HERE.

What we're drinking | Coffee (unfortunately)

Ellyn's Currently Reading | Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

Bailey's Currently Reading | In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez & Private Rites by Julia Armfield

Rachel's Currently Reading | The Cottage Around the Corner by D.L. Soria

Books coming out this week:

Bear by Julia Phillips

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

Fun Things Happening | Get your ticket for Claire Lombardo at Dog-Eared Books: HERE

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Super Sleuths

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 07:45:22 -0600

Sharks. Sleuthing. Stories. OH MY! Ellyn brought Rachel on this episode to play a game of riddles. The two see who are super sleuths and ask each other riddles to solve. Listen along to see if you can figure out the answer for yourself. Plus, you won't want to miss Ellyn sharing all about shark movies. She's made it a mission of hers to watch as many shark movies as possible this summer, starting with Sharks Under Paris. A movie she claims is a "must-watch."

There are so many great books coming out this week, including Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo, who will be joining us for Cocktails and Convos on Thursday, July 11, at 7 PM.

What we're drinking | Cocktails from Della Viti!

Ellyn's Currently Reading:

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Rachel's Currently Reading:

The Frame-Up by Gwenda Bond

Books coming out this week:

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley

Middle of the Night by Riley Sager

The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson

Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

Fun Things Happening:

Get your ticket for Chloe Angyal at Dog-Eared Books: HERE

Get your ticket for Claire Lombardo at Dog-Eared Books: HERE

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Most Anticipated Books of Summer

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Ah summer, one of our most favorite seasons of reading. We say that as though we know every season is a favorite reading season. But in summer, there's a level of relaxation that we experience and sometimes our reading habits change a bit too. So in this episode Amanda and Rachel go through some of the notable books coming out this summer you won't want to miss.

What we're drinking | Coffee and Pop

Amanda's Currently Reading:

Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet

Rachel's Currently Reading:

God Of The Woods by Liz Moore

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett

Books coming out this week:

Fire Exit by Morgan Talty

Most anticipated Books of Summer

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley

Middle of the Night by Riley Sager

Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

God Of The Woods by Liz Moore

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
I Was A Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Summer Reading Challenges 2024

Tue, 21 May 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Summer is fast upon us and at Dog-Eared we're gearing up for our summer reading challenges. We of course are doing our classic kids Cheesy Reading Challenge, in which kids can read towards a goal of earning a free small one-topping pizza from Great Plains Sauce & Dough. But we are also bringing back our adult summer reading BINGO card! With a few fun changes, we have Mariah on the podcast to share all about how she put this years BINGO card together. Both challenges begin on May 25th, and you can stop in that day or any day after throughout the summer to pick up your reading challenge.

What we're drinking | French Blue

Rachel's Currently Reading:

God Of The Woods by Liz Moore

The Manicurist's Daughter by Susan Lieu

The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane

Ellyn's Currently Reading:

Help Wanted by Adelle Waldman

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Mariah's Currently Reading

Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine by Uché Blackstock

The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands by Sarah Brooks

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

Books coming out this week:

The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton

You Like It Darker: Stories by Stephen King

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

It's XXX

Tue, 14 May 2024 05:00:00 -0600

This episode is definitely rated XXX. On this episode, we welcome one of our good friends, and host of Dog-Eared's Between the Covers rom-com book club, DeAnn Malone! DeAnn is extremely well read when it comes to romance novels which makes her the perfect guest for Ellyn's game she put together. In this episode Ellyn reads off the chili pepper scenes from some of the best romances and DeAnn has to guess the book, and if she gets the author name and character names she gets bonus points. What does she win? Well... bragging rights of course! This is a silly, weird, fun episode that will definitely have you laughing. We recommend headphones in when listening.

What we're drinking | Albert Bichot

Amanda's Currently Reading:

The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave

God Of The Woods by Liz Moore

Ellyn's Currently Reading:

Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes

Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage

DeAnn's Currently Reading

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Bridesmaid For Hire by Meghan Quinn

The Vanished by Cara Putman

Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Books coming out this week:

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

All Fours by Miranda July

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

We're Homegrown

Tue, 07 May 2024 05:00:00 -0600

We are fresh off of Small Business Week, and Amanda & Ellyn have fellow Main Street small business owner Jenny Pollard on the podcast. Jenny has not only one business on Main Street but two! You may know her incredible store Life Distilled, but she will soon be opening her second project Homegrown Iowa! Homegrown Iowa, is located at 218 Main Street (right across from Dog-Eared Books), and will be opening on Wednesday, May 15!

When you visit Homegrown, you will find items that highlight Iowa's unique culture and fresh talents with an exclusive selection of trendy, high-quality, locally-made gifts and apparel.

We're of course sharing what we're reading, what's coming out, and everything poppin' at the store.

What we're drinking | Oops forgot to look at the label, but it was pink.

Amanda's Currently Reading:

Dear Fang, with Love by Rufi Thorpe

The Girls From Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe

A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Slyvie Cathrall

The Hypocrite by Jo Hamya

Ellyn's Currently Reading:

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

Books coming out this week:

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Indie Bookstore Day 2024 Recap

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0600

What. A. Weekend. We survived Indie Bookstore Day 2024 and we're here to recap all that went down. We've got the data, we got audio clips live from the store, we've got everything you might want to hear about when it comes to the most exciting day of the year. Once again thank you to Fireside Winery for gifting us a bottle of their sparkling Noir de Brickyard to drink on today's episode.

What we're drinking | Noir de Brickyard

Amanda's Currently Reading:

A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Slyvie Cathrall

The Hypocrite by Jo Hamya

Mr. And Mrs. American Pie by Juliet McDaniel

Ellyn's Currently Reading:

Murder Your Employer: The McMaster's Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes

Books coming out this week:

The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson

Real Americans by Rachel Khong

Paperback Release:

Murder Your Employer: The McMaster's Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

A Litany of Grievances

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0600

We officially have a sponsored episode for bubbles! Many thanks to Cassie and Fireside Winery, located in Marengo, Iowa, for sending us a bottle of their sparkling white Blanc de Brickyard!

Today's episode is all about the beef. A litany of grievance if you will. Amanda & Ellyn are joined by bookseller Mariah, because she is the queen of beef, to chat about all the ridiculous things they have beef with and what they find underrated.

Thank you Fireside Winery for our bubbles, it was delish!

What we're drinking | Fireside Winery Blanc de Brickyard

Amanda's Currently Reading:

A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvie Cathrall

Ellyn's Currently Reading:

Poverty By America by Matthew Desmond

Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet

Mariah's Currently Reading:

Knife by Salman Rushdie

Say You'll Be Mine by Naina Kumar

Boulder by Eva Baltasar

The Hemlock Queen by Hannah Whitten

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

Books coming out this week:

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Lucky by Jane Smiley

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Catch Up With Dog-Eared Books

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:59:21 -0600

A lot has been happening at Dog-Eared Books and with Amanda and Ellyn, so this episode is all about catching up with each of them, the fun things happening at Dog-Eared Books and of course books that have caught their attention recently.

What we're drinking | Sunny With a Chance of Flowers

Amanda's Currently Reading:

I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

Ellyn's Currently Reading:

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

Unlikely Animals by Annie Harnett

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

Books coming out this week:

Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie

Paperback Release:

Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by Ryan J. Stradal

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Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Indie Bookstore Day 2024

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0600

The best day of the year is coming up soon, and that's Indie Bookstore Day! Held on the last Saturday of every April every year. It is a day to celebrate Indie Bookstores across the country. Each store has a unique fun take on the day, and this year will be better than ever! On this episode Ellyn, Amanda, and Rachel talk about all the exclusives and special things happening at Dog-Eared Books this year. As well talking about how we are once again participating in the Central Iowa Indie Bookstore Day Passport! Don't miss out, and make sure to plan your Indie Bookstore Day!

All the bookstores participating in the Indie Bookstore Day Passport:

Beaverdale Books | Des Moines
Sat: 10 AM - 5 PM Sun: 12 PM - 4 PM Dog-Eared Books | Ames
Sat:8 AM - 8 PM Sun: 9 AM - 6 PM Dungeon's Gate | Ankeny
Sat: 10 AM - 10 PM Sun: 12 PM - 10 PM The Little Book | Des Moines
Sat: 10 AM - 8 PM Sun: 10 AM - 4 PM Pageturners Books | Indianola
Sat: 10 AM - 4 PM Sun: 10 AM - 4 PM Raccoon River Press | Ankeny
Popping up at Uptown Garage | 305 SW Walnut St., Ankeny
Sat: 10 AM - 7 PM Sun: 1 PM - 6 PM Reading in Public | West Des Moines
Sat: 9 AM - 8 PM Sun: 10 AM - 4 PM Storyhouse Book Pub | Des Moines
Sat: 9 AM - 7 PM Sun: 10 AM - 4 PM

Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Your Best Self

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0600

At Dog-Eared Books we love hosting book clubs. We have so many excellent options including our newest one, the Your Best Self book club. Amanda & Ellyn are joined by book club host Christi Hegstad, a professional Certified Coach (PCC) in personal growth and professional development. Your Best Self book club discusses nonfiction books geared toward living and working to our highest potential!

Christi mentions a blog with 12 of her favorite nonfiction books: READ HERE

Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

March Fiction Madness

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 15:02:23 -0600

In the spirit of March Madness, we’ve built our own March Fiction Madness Bracket, drawing from the best titles of 2023 that are finishing out “the season” with great sales in March. Listen to our podcast, Bubbles & Books to find out who made the bracket and why, then vote in our social media stories in the coming weeks to help your favorite books advance to the Big Dance.

We’re starting with a round of 32 current fiction bestsellers. Fill our your bracket now and vote in our stories tomorrow (Saturday, March 23rd) to help your favorite books advance to the Sweet Sixteen. Watch our social media to see results from the first-round head-to-head matchups, and keep playing in the week ahead to find out who will clinch the March Fiction Madness title.

Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Playlist to Plot

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Ellyn claims she has created a perfect playlist “Ellyn Middle School Vibes” on Spotify. From this selection of songs, she's using as inspiration for today's episode. Ellyn is going to name a song, share a part of the lyric and then her, Amanda and Rachel are going to build the plot of a story!

Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Hello Cincinnati!

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 11:57:47 -0600

Amanda & Ellyn are recapping their experience from the bookselling industry's biggest conference of the year, Winter Institute. They share all about the bookstores they visited, authors they met, and other shenanigans they got up to while in Cincinnati. Listen today!

Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Books to Break Your Heart

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:12:08 -0600

Happy almost Valentine's Day! With the day of love upon us, today's episode is dedicated to books that will break your heart. How romantic, right? Sometimes, a heartbreak book might be just what you need! We had our booksellers help us collaborate on a list of books we think will guarantee a few cracks and tears. Plus, you will want to listen to Ellyn serenade with a Jewel song.

Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Good Books Bad Reviews

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 14:38:23 -0600

Ellyn has created a game for Amanda...and sort of Rachel. She did the research and discovered the WORST reviews of some of the best books. This is hilarious and fun, and Amanda & Ellyn have some thoughts on some of these reviews.

Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

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Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

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A HORROR-ful Podcast

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0600

Today's episode is all about the horror genre, specifically our book club dedicated to horror: BOO*-k Club! Booksellers Bailey and Mariah join Amanda and Ellyn to discuss the first six books they've chosen for the year and what participants can expect!

Dog-Eared Books has lots of book clubs of all varieties and we encourage you to participate in one or many of them! You can view our whole list of book clubs by visiting the Dog-Eared Books website.

Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

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Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Dog-Eared Presents The Lovie Awards

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 09:29:38 -0600

It is full-swing into awards season, and we thought we should create our own awards show of our own. So we present to you The Lovie Awards *applause*. For our awards, we took the categories from the Golden Globes and created our bookish versions of them. Listen along to see what our academy has chosen as nominees and winners. Enjoy!

Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Reading Goals for 2024

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 10:04:02 -0600

We are back and we are jumping right into 2024 by talking about what our reading goals for the year are. We've collected responses from our social media followers, booksellers and of course ourselves to share with you. Maybe these will give you inspiration towards your reading year! Have something different for your 2024 goals? Share it with us on social media, we'd love to hear it!

Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

What We’re Looking Forward to in 2024

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 08:33:53 -0600

Amanda and Ellyn have talked all about the books they're currently reading or have read this year. But what books are they excited about for next year? Listen to find out about the books they can't wait to get their hands on and ones you might want to add to your lists as well.

Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Our Remaining TBR

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0600

We may have read a lot this year, but there are still books we haven't read that are in our "to-be-read" lists. Amanda & Ellyn are sharing the books they're going to try and squeeze in before the end of the year and what might roll over into the next year.

Make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Dog-Eared Wrapped

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 10:22:22 -0600

Inspired by all the data Spotify throws at us for our Spotify wrapped, we're breaking down all the data from 2023 at Dog-Eared Books! We sharing the best-selling books, items and more. All the statistics you're interested to know, we're sharing.

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin’ Off: Author Julia Langbein

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:12:20 -0600

She wrote Amanda & Ellyn's favorite book of 2023, she takes her book on walks around Paris, listens to Bubbles & Books, AND NOW is joining us on this episode of Poppin' Off. If we had created a manifest list at the beginning of 2023, podcasting with Julia Langbein, author of American Mermaid, would be at the top.

If you haven't read American Mermaid, get your copy today.

Buy American Mermaid for in-store pickup HERE

Buy American Mermaid to have shipped directly to your home HERE

Buy American Mermaid to listen on audio HERE

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Looking for the perfect book to gift or ask for this season? We've got you covered. In this episode we're deep diving into the books we're recommending for every type of reader. We want to make shopping for the holidays easy for you, and we love giving book recommendations. Let us know if you need more book gifting ideas!

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Learn more about a Dog-Eared Books book subscription HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

We’re SO Grateful

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 12:36:44 -0600

We're just a few days past Thanksgiving and we wanted to share all of the things we're grateful for. From everything bookstore related to the silly things.

To our listeners, we thank you.

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

What’s Your Type?

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Ellyn is giving us a lesson in personality types. She recently introduced the concept of the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator to several of our booksellers which prompted the question of readers and their types. Listen to find out if you think they match the type the results concluded.

Please note. We are not MBTI professionals and this was all for fun. If you would like to take the same test we did, you can do so HERE.

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin’ Off: Esme Symes-Smith

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 12:25:14 -0600

In this episode of Bubbles & Books Poppin' Off, Amanda is joined by the author of Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston, Esme Symes-Smith, and Good Books Young Troublemakers book club founder Tanvi Rastogi. We're also joined by Good Books Young Troublemakers board members Ben Schrag. In the episode Esme shares about the next book in the Sir Callie series, Sir Callie and the Dragon's Roost, and what we have to look forward to with their visit this month. We also talk about how our youth book club enjoyed Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston and the discussions that came from reading the book.

Meet Esme in person, and join us at the Ames Public Library on Wednesday, November 15, at 6 PM. Esme will give a quick reading, talk about the book, and answer audience questions before signing books. It’s a great opportunity to get a look behind the scenes of a middle grade book series they’re sure to love.

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Ask Us Anything!

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 09:24:43 -0600

We asked and you delivered. We wanted to know all your burning questions about the indie bookstore world, Dog-Eared Books and more. Amanda & Ellyn go through and answer some of the questions that were sent our way. We loved doing this with you all, and will definitely be doing it again!

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin’ Off: Claire Lombardo

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 08:15:02 -0600

Amanda is fangirling hard, Ellyn is excited, and we are so happy for this episode of Poppin' Off. Today we have author Claire Lombardo who's debut book The Most Fun We Ever Had became an instant favorite of both our store owners and many others.

Claire, who currently lives in Iowa City, made the drive to join us in the Dog House for Poppin' Off. Listen in to learn more about her debut novel, inspiration to her writing process, books she's enjoying and recommends, and what's next for her.

Purchase a copy of The Most Fun We Ever Had HERE

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Read the Book First, DUH!

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:09:05 -0600

How do you feel when a book you love is adapted for TV or Film? Sometimes it's a win, and sometimes a total flop. This week Amanda & Ellyn are discussing recent and upcoming book to film or tv adaptations. Let us know what some of your favorite adaptations have been!

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin’ Off: Pedro Ramirez

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0600

We're heading back to our time in New York, and bringing you an episode of Poppin' Off with New York City bookseller, Dog Pack subscriber, friend of Rachel, the incredible Pedro Ramirez. Pedro brings wonderful insight to the book world of New York and offers fantastic reading recommendations. Bubbles were popped, and laughs were had. Thank you to Pedro and Lindsay for joining us on this special Bubbles & Books episode.

In this episode, Pedro mentions a poem called "Sporting Life" from Adrian Matejka's poetry collection, "The Big Smoke". You can find the poem online here. Check out what Pedro had to say about this book as one of his staff picks at McNally Jackson here.

You can find Pedro on Instagram at @prettymuchbooks

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

New York Bookstore Recap

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0600

Ellyn, Amanda and Rachel recently visited 13 bookstores in New York. This episode is all about the experiences, bookstores they visited, cocktails and more. One of the best things is when indie support indies, and that's what this New York Trip was all about. Tell us what region we should go explore bookstores next!

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Poppin’ Off: Freedom to Read Foundation

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 06:35:28 -0600

In honor of Banned Books Week 2023 we're coming to you with an episode of Poppin' Off with Joyce McIntosh of the Freedom to Read Foundation. We are also joined by Dog-Eared's Tanvi Rastogi, a former youth librarian, who faced book banning challenges during her career. The episode focuses on the fight against book banning, what that means in our community and the problematic and dangerous nature of book banning.

The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) is a non-profit legal and educational organization affiliated with the American Library Association. FTRF protects and defends the First Amendment to the Constitution and supports the right of libraries to collect - and individuals to access - information.

https://www.ftrf.org/? (the Freedom to Read Foundation)

https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/oif (the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom and challenge support)

merrittfund.org (a fund supporting librarians who are facing discrimination in the workplace or whose job is being threatened due to their defense of intellectual freedom)

Horror, Retellings, Short Stories OH MY

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 10:23:53 -0600

It's been an exciting past week since we added another shelving unit on the floor, expanded some much loved sections, AND added new sections for customers to browse! Hear all about the new shelf changes happening and from Bookseller Bailey and Event Coordinator Emily on why they're excited for these changes.

Order a copy of Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and help us try and bring her to Dog-Eared Books! email rachel@dogearedbooksames.com to place and order.

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

This Episode is Bangin’

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0600

This episode is inspired by Emily and her fresh new bangs. Ellyn and Amanda discuss everything that is currently bangin'. From books (duh), to movies and they even share what's not bangin'. *cough* book banning *cough*. With this chaotic episode we also get our event coordinator Emily on the episode! It's a fun mix of all things bookish and what we're loving.

Listeners of today's podcast will also hear about an exclusive offer Bookshop.org has given us.

Order a copy of Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and help us try and bring her to Dog-Eared Books! email rachel@dogearedbooksames.com to place and order.

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Shop the books mentioned in today's podcast with Bookshop.org HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Bookish Rivalries

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0600

This past weekend, we had one of the great rivalries happen, Iowa State vs. Iowa football game. So in honor of the CyHawk game Ellyn brought bookseller Mariah onto today's episode to discuss some of the great bookish rivalries. Let us know if we missed any!

Listeners of today's podcast will also hear about an exclusive offer Bookshop has given us.

Order a copy of Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and help us try and bring her to Dog-Eared Books! email rachel@dogearedbooksames.com to place and order.

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Shop the books mentioned in today's podcast with Bookshop.org HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

The Literature Map

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 11:31:26 -0600

The Literature Map. A phenomenon discovered by Bookseller Amy to help guide readers towards finding the perfect book. But is this odd little website accurate for suggesting authors similar to authors you already love? Amanda & Ellyn test the system out and discuss the accurate and strange recommendations from the Literature Map.

Try the Literature Map for yourself today here!

Listeners of today's podcast will also hear about an exclusive offer Bookshop has given us.

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Shop the books mentioned in today's podcast with Bookshop.org HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Bookshop.org’s Sarah High

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0600

This is a really exciting episode for Bubbles & Books because we have Bookshop.org 's Senior Partnerships Manager Sarah High on as today's guest. We first met Sarah at Winter Institute and again at the Midwest Booksellers Spring Road Trip and are continually grateful for her work she does with indie bookstores. Bookshop.org is a great way to support your local indie bookstore even if you don't live near one. Many booksellers credit this company to keeping them afloat during the pandemic. Sarah is joining us to tell us about Bookshop, how it was founded and future plans the company has.

Listeners of today's podcast will also hear about an exclusive offer Bookshop has given us and learn more about the company and how wonderful it is.

Please make sure to subscribe and rate the Bubbles & Books Podcast. And don't forget to share it with your friends.

Shop the books mentioned in today's podcast with Bookshop.org HERE.

Follow Dog-Eared Books on Instagram: @dogearedbooksames

Interested in audiobooks? Listen while supporting Dog-Eared Books HERE.

Visit us! www.dogearedbooksames.com

Love Unleashed

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 09:00:09 -0600

Are you ready for Love Unleashed? This week we have Bookseller Katie on the podcast and she's sharing with us all about our newest subscription offering Love Unleashed. This subscription will feature spicy love stories featuring different genres, time periods, tropes, and identities delivered to its readers in a monthly paperback book. The books selected may be a much anticipated new release or an author that has been largely under-the-radar of most readers whom the staff at Dog-Eared Books thinks you might enjoy. We also chat about our love stories and what tropes they might fit into.

Learn more about our subscription Love Unleashed HERE.

Want to map out your literature map? You can do that HERE.

Check out Good Books Young Troublemakers HERE.

Dog-Eared’s Middle Readers

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 09:14:06 -0600

Introducing the two middle-est readers, the "Jans" if you will, the glue that holds the sandwich together, the middle children of Dog-Eared Book's co-owners, Flora and Atticus.

These two bring not only hilarity to today's episode, but we are blessed with the musical stylings of Atticus, Flora's great bookish questions, as well as a cameo from her dog Posy. They share with us some of their favorite books they remember as well as what they're currently reading.

The Venn Diagram of Amanda & Ellyn

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0600

The foundation of Dog-Eared Books was built on Amanda and Ellyn and their reading tastes. But what are the books they absolutely agree on and the books one loved and the other didn't. Amanda & Ellyn take a dive into their list of finished books and see where the venn diagram comes together and where it doesn't.

Dog-Eared’s Littlest Readers

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0600

We have the mini versions of Ellyn and Amanda are on the podcast. Holden and Margot, both 7 years old, are joining Bubbles & Books for the first time. They ask each other questions about books, movies and hot dogs. Then all four together write a story live on the podcast!!

It's a crazy week with RAGBRAI coming through and we'll have author Genevieve Gornichec in the store for Cocktails & Convos. Make sure to share and let us know what you think of this week's episode.

Poppin’ Off: THE Yonas Michael

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 08:18:57 -0600

In this episode of Poppin' Off Amanda and Ellyn are joined by former Ames Middle School Principal Yonas Michael. Yonas not only was Ellyn's boss at one time, but is also an advocate for education, creating change, and doing work towards eliminating barriers that educators face every day.

He shares insight into his article Course Correction: Teaching Critical Consciousness in an Anti-CRT State.

If you would like to read Yonas' article, Course Correction: Teaching Critical Consciousness in an Anti-CRT State, by Yonas Michael, Nicolas Tanchuk, and Sara O'Brien, as mentioned in the podcast, you can do so HERE.

Is it Romance or a Thriller?

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0600

Ellyn has brought back the fun game of quizzing Amanda on whether the title of a book is a romance or a thriller. It may seem like it's an easy game, but don't be so sure! Listen and play along, and share with us a title we should guess if it's romance or thriller!

Don't miss finding out about the poppin' new releases coming out this week, there are so many good ones your tbr list is going to be overflowing!

Poppin’ Off: Meet Author Joe Milan

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 14:05:49 -0600

In today's poppin' off episode we have author Joe Milan Jr. on the podcast. We first met Joe in St. Louis at Heartland Fall Forum, an industry conference. Joe happened to land at our table during the moveable feast where we quickly learned not only that he lives in Forrest City, IA but we learned all about his debut book "The All-American". We are drinking Somaeks, a drink that mixes soju and beer, as recommended by the author and chatting all about "The All-American" as well as the next book Joe is working on.

We will have Joe Milan Jr. at Dog-Eared Books on Thursday, August 31, at 7 PM for Cocktails & Convos. Buy your ticket for the event (which includes a copy of "The All-American") or if you can't make it, order a copy to have signed and personalized. https://dogearedbooksames.com/cocktails-conversation-joe-milan/

Cheers!

Four Decades of Amanda & Ellyn

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 17:29:20 -0600

Happy birthday to both Amanda and Ellyn. To celebrate they are sharing 41 collective book and book-adjacent wishes. This episode is a fun one full of all the biggest book dreams we could ask for. Find out what they are, and let us know what you biggest book wish would be!

Volunteer for the Downtown Ames RAGBRAI festivities here! https://discoverames.com/ragbrai/ragbrai-volunteers/

Ellyn VS. Amanda

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 08:47:36 -0600

It's been crazy town over here at Dog-Eared Books, and Ellyn decided to play a game that unfortunately involved Rachel. Amanda and Ellyn battled it out to see which of them knows Rachel better, or as they like to put it, which of them is the favorite parent. The game quickly dissolved into a game of Amanda or Ellyn while being asked specific questions. This fun episode is the perfect way to get the rest of your week going and don't miss hearing about the great new releases that are out this week.

In the episode Amanda mentions her sister Lindsay. If you would like to view Lindsay's art you can do so here.

Want to see author Genevieve Gornichec in person!? Get your tickets today! Can't make the event and still want a signed copy? Click here to order.

Poppin’ Off: Fully Literate with Raygun

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 09:15:15 -0600

Poppin' Off is a bonus episode of Bubbles & Books! This episode is featuring Raygun's (THE GREATEST STORE IN THE UNIVERSE) owner Mike Draper. He may not capitalize his letters when he sends an email, but he has capitalized on brining his fantastic store to Main Street Ames. We are so excited to welcome Raygun to the neighborhood, and couldn't wait to bring Mike on the podcast to chat about Raygun, books, dogs, origin stories and more.

We hope you enjoy this interview, and don't miss out on visiting Raygun at any of their locations!

When You Travel Visit Bookstores

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 09:50:38 -0600

Poor Amanda, she was without Ellyn and Rachel for a week while they were on vacation. However, she now gets to hear all about the incredible indie bookstores each of them visited. Ellyn was visiting the Apostle Islands and stopped at many bookstores along the way. Rachel visited Washington and Oregon and made time to check out Elliott Bay Book Co. as recommended by Amanda and Ellyn.

Subscribe and share to let everyone know how much you love the Bubbles & Books podcast!

Join the Dog Pack! The book subscription that has been curated to give you the best book each month. Available as: adult fiction, middle grade fiction, and children's picture book. Check them out here!

Reading With Strangers

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 09:38:48 -0600

Today we take to the streets and are asking strangers what they're reading. Amanda, along with the help of Rachel and Lovie, head up and down Main Street in Ames to discover what the people are reading. This is a fun episode, and we hope you enjoy it.

If you want to purchase a ticket for Cocktails & Convos with Paul Kix or buy a signed copy of his book, you can do that here.

If you want to purchase a ticket for Cocktails & Convos with J.R. Dawson or buy a signed copy of their book, you can do that here.

Don't forget to share the podcast with everyone you know! Keep the Champagne flowing and the books going!

Cocktails & Convos

Tue, 30 May 2023 10:34:33 -0600

Fresh off of one of our biggest author events, we are so excited to share all about the authors that will be visiting Dog-Eared Books.

Grab an inside look at upcoming or recent books and the authors who wrote them! The Cocktails & Conversations Author Series is Dog-Eared Book’s primary way of introducing readers to authors, whether that’s beloved scribes or new ones. Each Cocktails & Conversation will include an author reading, Q&A with time for audience questions as the end, and a book signing. To add to the fun, we’ll create signature a cocktail for each book. Attendees can purchase one to celebrate the book of the evening.

To attend a Cocktails & Conversations, you’ll need to purchase a ticket for the event. The ticket price will include not only a signed book but also an evening of interaction with the author. https://dogearedbooksames.com/author-series-cocktails-convos/

Bubbles With Judg-y Wench

Tue, 23 May 2023 09:11:07 -0600

We have the judg-y wench Mariah on the podcast, her name according to Ellyn. She's joining us to share all about the Adult Bingo Summer Reading Challenge she's put together for Dog-Eared Books. Stop in the store to participate!

You also get to hear about the excitement of the Hanson concert they are attending and find out which Hanson brother Mariah is most like. There are tons of exciting things happening at the store right now so listen to hear what's poppin'.

Interested in attending a cocktails and convos event or want a signed and personalized copy by an author? Follow this link! https://dogearedbooksames.com/author-series-cocktails-convos/

If You Read Books Pizza Will Come

Tue, 16 May 2023 11:13:24 -0600

This is a very cheesy episode. We have the lovely Joan, co-owner of Great Plains Pizza Sauce & Dough Co., on today's episode of Bubbles & Books. We are so excited to have her as our first Main Street guest. The best part is Dog-Eared Books and Great Plains are teaming up again for the kids Cheesy Reading Challenge. The challenge begins Saturday, May 27. Stop in, purchase a book to receive your challenge and start reading!

There's lots happening right now at Dog-Eared Books, so you won't want to miss what's poppin' at the store this week!

Banned Books and Sh*t

Tue, 09 May 2023 09:51:24 -0600

We're getting more nuanced into the discussion of banned books. While we've talked about banned books many times before, this time we're going a bit deeper. We can keep saying we read banned books and sell banned books, but let's really chat about the books that are in the conversation right now and the voices that banning books are trying to silence.

As heard in the podcast: Want to sponsor a youth book club? Click here to choose which month you'd like to support!

Chaos with Jess and Tanvi

Tue, 02 May 2023 16:51:06 -0600

We have bookseller Jess and youth book club host and receiving manager Tanvi on the podcast! These two are putting their reading power together to curate the books for our newest subscription offering "The Dog Pack Middle Grade".

There's lots of chaos, lots of bubbles (some spilled), and two chambongs happened. It's one you won't want to miss because it's pure fun.

Learn more about Dog-Eared's Book Subscription service here! https://dogearedbooksames.com/subscriptions/

IT’S ALMOST INDIE BOOKSTORE DAY

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 08:34:48 -0600

It's a two bottle day for Amanda & Ellyn and they're talking all about Indie Bookstore Day and our Bookstore Passport!!

Don't miss all the excitement of celebrating your local indie on Saturday, April 29. We will have many Dog-Eared Books Exclusives, activities and more! But Indie Bookstore Day isn't all that's happening this week. Listen to find out what else is happening at Dog-Eared Books.

P.S. We hope you come on Saturday and do a chambong with us!

Drowning Our Iowa Government Sorrows in Champagne

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 10:49:27 -0600

Last week was all fun and games. This week, Ellyn and Amanda are getting real. They're talking about the B.S. coming from Iowa's government and Kim "Diva Bullshit" Reynolds. They are going through some of the harmful laws that are on the table and potentially being signed into law. This is not the Iowa that Amanda and Ellyn want.

Help us support our Trans and Gender Non-conforming individuals in Iowa and bid on a basket or give a donation to support the Trans Mutual Aid Fund.

Things Are Hard

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 09:55:57 -0600

Things have been hard with our state passing harmful laws, innocent lives being taken and the sadness we're all feeling each day. So in this episode Amanda & Ellyn want to bring a little bit of lightness and humor to your day.

We hope that you can find a moment of escape in this episode.

It’s Middle School B*tch

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 10:27:38 -0600

It's middle school bitches, the more things change, the more they stay the same... According to Ellyn that is.

In this episode we take you back to 1997 when Amanda and Ellyn were two young middle schoolers who mostly likely never spoke to each other. They go through the memories of growing up in the 90's.

Don't miss the exciting new releases and find out what fun things are happening at Dog-Eared Books this week!

We’re Chambongin’

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:57:16 -0600

Amanda & Ellyn have now returned from the PNW after attending a professional development conference where they learned all the best practices, met amazing authors and of course met with fellow booksellers!

Hear about their adventures of bookstore visits, the chambong, and how an author ended up buying bookseller Amy her book!

There are also so many great new releases out today that you won't want to miss. Join us for this fun episode and share with us which new book you're most excited for.

*In the episode Ellyn mentions a cool intersectional feminist queer bookstore in the New England area. The bookstore she is referencing is All She Wrote in Somerville, Massachusetts.

When the Bosses Are Away…A Dog-Eared Tell ALL!

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 10:21:47 -0600

Ellyn & Amanda are away at a really cool conference in Seattle, which means it's a free for all for the employees of Dog-Eared Books! And just because they're, doesn't mean the podcast won't go on this week.

Today you have Emily playing the part of Ellyn, and Rachel takes on the role of Amanda. The two do all the fun things you love about the Bubbles & Books podcast (like drinking and talking books), but today are sharing with you some secrets of Dog-Eared Books.

It's the BOOKSELLERS TELL ALL!! Sort of like the Tell All episodes of bachelor/bachelorette show, but SO MUCH MORE DRAMATIC.

Listen in, and tell us if you're a pole person or table person. This is a serious question, so we look forward to hearing from you!

If You Like This Book Read This

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 16:19:59 -0600

Amanda is away, which means Ellyn is being mean to Rachel and forced her to be part of today's podcast episode. However, Britt our School Sales & Support Manager also joined the episode with a cameo from our Event Coordinator Emily.

The three discuss popular books that many know and love and the perfect book comparison we think you should also read. Get your notepads out and be ready to write down all of these excellent titles!

Curating Our Store For 2023

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 15:52:21 -0600

Amanda and Ellyn have been tirelessly scrolling through all the publisher catalogs to pick out the best books to bring into our store this year. They share how the process works, books they're extra excited about and some other fun facts about the curation of a bookstore.

We have several events to look forward to such as Blind Date With A Book, Postcard writing event and of course some book clubs!

Don't forget to tell us what books you would bring into the store if you were a bookseller.

Chaos Without Ellyn

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 11:42:05 -0600

Ellyn is away which means Amanda and Rachel take on Bubbles & Books and craziness ensues. In this episode the two discuss romance books, the romance genre and what to expect on Valentine's Day at Dog-Eared Books this year.

With special appearances by our Events Coordinator Emily, you'll hear about some fun things happening at the store this month. This is an episode you won't want to miss.

But don't worry, for those of you that love Ellyn, she will be back in the next episode of Bubbles & Books.

Vacation Reading Philosophy

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 11:51:27 -0600

Ellyn is leaving us for a much-deserved vacation. But before she does, the podcast duo share what they pack when heading on vacation, and how they plan our their reads.

We read the winning story from last week's episode story prompt! Shout out to Abby and her book bag.

Really great events are happening this week including a signing with author Rabia Chaudry. Want a signed and personalized copy of Rabia's book? Follow the link to get yours. https://store.dogearedbooksames.com/product/-fatty-fatty-boom-boom-by-rabia-chaudry/155?cs=true&cst=custom

Tell us in the comments. When you go on vacation, how to you read your books? Audio, e-read or physical? And Amanda must know, if you take a physical book how many are you taking AND HOW DO YOU GET THEM TO YOUR DESTINATION!?!? What is your book packing method for vacation?

Write a Story With Us

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 15:45:23 -0600

Ellyn is back with another game for Amanda, and Rachel gets to join in too! And don't forget, when you listen to the podcast, make sure you listen to the story prompts we share, and then tell us your 2 minute story!

Also, it's Rachel's birthday so tell her how amazing she is and that Ellyn stinks.

Want to play the roll the dice game to write your story? Here's the link! https://davebirss.com/storydice/

Wolf Sounds and Weird Kinks

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 17:24:56 -0600

This is a fun episode because we have the wonder Emily on the podcast! Emily is our Events Coordinator extraordinaire, and we wanted her to share with you all the fun events we have coming up in the first part of the new year!

As always we also share exciting new releases, and Amanda & Ellyn discuss their current reads as well.

Emily wants to share that if you have any event requests or feedback she wants to hear from you! Send us a DM or email hello@dogearedbooksames.com and we will get your message to her!

If you want to subscribe to the Dog Pack follow this link! https://dogearedbooksames.com/subscriptions/

Stay in the know and don't miss any of our fun events this year! https://dogearedbooksames.com/events/

There’s No Pop Today

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 10:17:41 -0600

The chilled bubbles were forgotten at the Dog House, and since we're recording at the store for this episode we made do with the bubbles out of our beverage fridge. Which means, no pop of bubbles, but not to worry because we are drinking them!

Today we are talking about reading resolutions. Do you set reading goals for yourself every year? Do you follow along with goals set by someone else? Find out what Amanda & Ellyn do every year and let us know what your reading resolutions are!

Check out the reading resolutions for yourself!

PopSugar

BookRiot

BookList Queen

Beyond the Bookends Reading Challenge

The Best of the Year According to Dog-Eared Books

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 11:03:32 -0600

In our last episode we shared the lists of other peoples "best of the year" books. This week we're telling you what the Dog-Eared team has deemed the "best of the year". Yes we know 2022 isn't quite over yet, but we're just so excited about these books that we must share them with you now.

Please share this episode with everyone, and spread the word about the Bubbles & Books Podcast so that others can know about these great reads as well.

The Best of the Year According to Others

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 19:25:52 -0600

The "Best of the Year" lists have been rolling in. And we have some thoughts. Amanda & Ellyn go through four different best of the year lists and see how they compare to books we've sold this year. Let us know if you find any of these top books surprising, or share what books you think are missing.

Don't miss next week's episode where we will be sharing OUR best books of the year.

Want to read through the lists yourself? Here they are!

Evaluating others’ Best of the Year:

Goodreads - nominees are chosen by Goodreads and voted upon by readers!
The Guardian - chosen by critics
The New York Times - chosen by critics
USA Today - chosen by critics

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE STORE:

Wednesday, December 14 - Storytime @ 10am
Thursday, December 15 - Official Book Club @ 10am discussing “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver
Friday, December 16 - Found in Translation Book Club @ 7:00pm discussing “A Winter’s Promise” by Christelle Dabos
Saturday December 17 @ 7:00 - Between the Covers Book Club discussing “A Very Merry Bromance” by Lyssa Kay Adams
Monday, December 19 @ 5:00 - Women from Other Worlds Book Club discussing “A Half-Built Garden” by Ruthanna Emrys

Gifting a Great Book This Holiday Season

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 20:36:41 -0600

Finding the perfect gift for someone else, and occasionally yourself, can be difficult. In this week's episode Amanda & Ellyn share how they help shoppers discover the perfect book to gift.

Share with us what books you plan to give this season, or what books you're hoping to receive!

The Grateful Episode

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 12:51:39 -0600

With the talk of thankfulness that always happens this season, we can't help but reflect on all the things we at Dog-Eared Books are grateful for. The books that bring us joy, those we work with and especially our customers! It's so special we get to have a space to share with readers.

This coming Saturday is Small Business Saturday. We hope you shop small and shop local this holiday season. And Amanda says if you don't Lovie will cry.

Go Vote!!! Seriously.

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 13:22:18 -0600

It is midterm election day!! We want you to go out and vote. Make your voice heard. Want to be more informed? Do the research! Talk to other voters, and learn more about what and WHO is on your ballot.

This week is also the first we are sending out our Dog Pack subscription boxes! Woo! We wrapped them up with lots of love and can't wait to get them into your hands.

Happy listening and happy reading, thanks for subscribing to Bubbles & Books.

Booksellers Vs. Buzzfeed

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 09:16:43 -0600

Ellyn has Amanda take the Buzzfeed quiz which claims it will give the PERFECT book recommendation. But is it as good of a recommendation that a bookseller could give you?

Today is a huge release day for amazing new books, so stay tuned to listen to all the one's we're excited about here at Dog-Eared Books.

The Books of Fall

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 08:14:40 -0600

Fall is what we at Dog-Eared like to refer to as the time for Fall's Big Dogs, aka the hot new books hitting shelves this season that you won't want to miss!

Amanda & Ellyn are sharing all the book they're excited about and what you should be too! Trust us when we say your TBR is going to be groaning with the weight of all the new books you'll be adding.

Happy reading, and please share and subscribe to the Bubbles & Books podcast so you don't miss an episode!

Welcome to the Dog Pack

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 09:23:04 -0600

And we're back with an all new episode of Bubbles & Books! This episode is really special, because we get to tell you all about our new project! We are launching your new favorite subscription book service! With two options available, choose from the Dog Pack for the best hardcover book in new adult fiction, or the Puppy Pack and receive a hardcover picture book that is going to be loved by the little in your life.

Learn more or sign up for a subscription here! https://dogearedbooksames.com/subscriptions/

Those who subscribe by December 20, 2022 will receive a founding member special gift!

Off the Leash

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 10:33:16 -0600

This week we're going off the leash! We are so excited to announce our blog Off the Leash. We are joined by bookseller Mariah, who is 1/2 of the team that pioneered, and worked hard to create our blog.

Off the Leash is our way of welcoming you into the fold of our behind-the-counter chats. And not just “what are you reading,” but also, “what did you think about it,” and “did you hear that….” or “I can’t wait for…” Like a dog let off the leash, this blog is going to dig into all manner of literary topics – broader trends in reading and publishing, in-depth reviews of books we love, curated lists of books and topics we think you’d like to pay attention to, and what’s going on behind the counter at Dog-Eared Books.

There are already so many great posts to read, and get you started of "off the leash". Share, comment and let us know what you think.

Don't miss Cocktails and Convos with poet Zoë Fay-Stindt Wednesday, October 5 at 7 PM. And be sure to sign your dog up for our Dog Costume Contest, Saturday, October 8, at 10 AM. All proceeds will be donated to the Ames Animal Shelter.

Book Club Sluts

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 11:46:03 -0600

Are you in a book club? If so... how many? Are you like Amanda & Ellyn who are in multiple book clubs reading different books all the time? This week we're sharing everything we love about our book clubs, and how because of a book club Dog-Eared Books exists.

There are so many good events coming up at Dog-Eeared you won't want to miss! Sign-up for our newsletter that comes once a week to make sure you stay in the know.

Banned Books Week 2022

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 08:40:14 -0600

It's Banned Books Week, and we have exciting things in the works. Everyone deserves to see themselves in a story. Amanda and Ellyn share the importance of reading stories that share different experiences from your own, and why you should read those stories.

We have a special Banned Books Trivia Bash this Friday, so register today because you won't want to miss out!

Blind Date with Book

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 09:06:03 -0600

This time Amanda has created a game for Ellyn. Do you think Ellyn's post-Covid brain can win? Listen to find out if she can guess the book she "already had a date with" aka already read with just a few clues.

There are tons of great new reads coming up, and fun events happening at Dog-Eared you won't want to miss.

And let us know if you know why raccoons are popular right now.

Authors We Want to Have Dinner With

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 10:46:31 -0600

If you could choose any five authors to sit down for dinner with, who would you choose? That's exactly what Amanda & Ellyn are discussing in this week's Bubbles & Books episode. Do you think you can guess which authors they would invite to dinner?

We have a packed fun episode, so don't miss hearing about the exciting events happening at Dog-Eared this week, especially the educators only one! Plus, there are so many good books out today, that it might be hard to choose which one we're most excited for.

Share with us in your stories or in the comments who would be your top five authors to invite to dinner!

Ellyn Loves Taylor Hanson

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 08:35:47 -0600

Ellyn has created another game for Amanda. This time she reads the first sentence of a book she knows Amanda has loved to see if she can figure out which book it is. Ultimately this game poses the question - do you think a first line of a book affects the overall value?

Rachel makes Ellyn play "Roll the Dice on Love" to have her write her own love story. And they both share about their visit to three indie bookstores in Omaha.

We have children's author Becky Scharnhorst visiting the store this Saturday, August 27, at 1 PM. Stop by, get a book signed and enjoy a fun event!

Indies Love Indies

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 07:18:24 -0600

There is nothing better than an Independent Bookstore supporting another Independent Bookstore. We love watching those in our industry thrive, and we enjoy visiting as many as we can.

What's even great about the indie bookstore industry, is that indies are willing to help, offer advice and provide friendship to someone who is looking to open their own bookstore.

This week we have Kara, owner of The Slow Down Coffee Co. chatting with Amanda & Ellyn today on Bubbles & Books. Kara's coffee shop is in the historic (and first Des Moines Suburb) Highland Park. She is working towards her goal of opening up a bookstore in her neighborhood.

Don't forget we are still collecting books for Stories for Story County! You can help us make sure that diverse stories and experiences are getting into the hands of school children. Most books are either 20% - 40% off!

Tanvi Says

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 09:55:27 -0600

For Bubbles & Books, Amanda is joined by Rachel & the lovely Tanvi! Tanvi is the force behind Stories for Story County at Dog-Eared Books. You'll also hear about all the exciting things happening at Dog-Eared Books this month, and what new releases to keep an eye out for.

There are many underrepresented communities! A library which includes titles that feature disabled characters, for example, should include stories that center a wide range of disabilities rather than those we believe are the most common or with which we are the most familiar.

It’s vital that the students in one’s classroom have access to representative literature. Remembering that many identities and experiences are “invisible” is helpful to avoid creating collections based on what we believe we know about the people we are serving.

If you would like to support Stories for Story County, but don't live locally! Follow this link to purchase book bundles for us to give to teachers and librarians. https://store.dogearedbooksames.com/stories-for-story-county

Meet Britt!

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 13:56:59 -0600

Ellyn is joined by Rachel and Britt. Britt is our School Sales & Support Coordinator. Britt shares all about her role, and an exciting event we have at the end of August.

Learn about our De-stress with Dog-Eared Books night, and what it means for educators!

BONUS: Summer Reads

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 18:28:24 -0600

Rachel messed up! This episode was supposed to air last week, so enjoy this lovely discussion of Amanda & Ellyn chatting about summer reads!

Enjoy this fun extra episode and we can't wait till next Tuesday for an all new episode!

Meet Emily!!

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 08:52:31 -0600

We are back and ready to go with a new episode of Bubbles & Books! Amanda is away, and we have our new events coordinator joining us, Emily!

Emily shares about lovely hobbit self, exciting events she has in the works for Dog-Eared Books and tells us about two exciting events with authors coming up soon!

Don't miss all the latest exciting books that are being released this week, and find out what's poppin' at the store!

Also, Rachel messed up, and so tune in this week for another bonus episode that was supposed to go out last week.

If you would like to order signed copies of Derek Anderson's books, click here.

If you would like to order signed copies of Becky Scharnhorst's book, click here.

We Are Here For You

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 08:16:49 -0600

Back with another episode of Bubbles & Books and we can't just talk about books in this episode. Amanda & Rachel discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling to overturn Roe vs. Wade, and books to help guide you.

At one point Amanda mentions Rachel's "Covid avoiding tactics", here's the video to watch it in action. Yes, it's okay to laugh at it. https://bit.ly/3y2xNPc

Thank you for listening, please, subscribe and share and let us know what you think about today's episode! Cheers.

Hannibal Didn’t Have Good Values

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 09:27:17 -0600

This week we're getting freaky with our favorite thriller-loving bookseller Amy! Her love of The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker has made it a best-seller at Dog-Eared Books, and we're excited to hear why the sweetest human likes the creepiest books! Join us today and share with us if bookseller Amy has influenced your reading choices!

Pen Name or Real Name

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 09:24:15 -0600

Amanda has created another bookish game to challenge Ellyn on her smarts. Pen Name or Real Name, where Amanda reads a name and Ellyn has to guess if that's the authors given name, or one made up to publish under. Can you guess them all correctly? Find out by listening to this week's episode of Bubbles & Books! Cheers!

We Can Do Things

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 09:29:38 -0600

Back again with a new episode of Bubbles & Books! Your favorite poppin' podcast. Amanda & Ellyn share books that made them readers as children, as well as discuss out Cheesy Summer Reading Challenge! There are lots of great books coming out this week, and we've got the list to get you started.

Last week our community faced a tragedy due to gun violence. We continue to implore you to call your representatives and ask for change to be made.

Our Bookish Trip to the Twin Cities

Tue, 31 May 2022 08:24:48 -0600

Amanda, Ellyn & Rachel headed to the Twin Cities and visited 10 bookstores. They met with store owners and booksellers, explored the beautiful indies that the area has to offer and of course bought many books along the way.

Due to last week's tragedy at Uvalde, we did not release a new episode. We encourage everyone who listen's to this podcast and lives in the United States, to join us in contacting your representatives at the local, state, and federal levels, to call for common sense laws that are proven to reduce gun violence in all its forms.

Here’s a list to get you started President Joe Biden - 202-456-1111 Senator Chuck Grassley - 202-224-3744 Senator Joni Ernst - 202-224-3254 Representative Marianette Miller-Meeks - 202-225-6576 Representative Cindy Axne - (202) 225-5476 Representative Ashley Hinson - (202) 225-2911 Representative Randy Feenstra - (202) 225-4426 State Governor Kim Reynolds - 515-281-5211 Chapman (Senate President) - 515.650.3942 Zach Wahls (Senate Democratic Leader) - 515.281.3901 Pat Grassley (Speaker of the House) - 319.214.0351 Matt Windschitl (House Majority Leader) - 712.642.4334 Jennifer Konfrst (House Minority Leader) - (515) 281-3221 Brad Zaun (Head of the Senate Judiciary Committee) - 515.276.2025 To learn more about what you can do to prevent gun violence, explore https://www.everytown.org/ and https://momsdemandaction.org/

Found In Translation

Tue, 17 May 2022 09:55:29 -0600

An exciting episode featuring two of our booksellers Mariah and Sarah, who are also now Dog-Eared book club hosts! Amanda & Ellyn chat with the duo about their new book club Found in Translation.

The Found in Translation book club tours the globe by reading translated works of world literature! Through incredible books from authors and translators abroad, we’ll explore distant countries, cultures, communities, and landscapes as we broaden our horizons and become better global citizens. You can find the list of books they plan to read this year by following this link!

Make sure to subscribe, rate and review!! Happy reading and cheers to another good week!

Reading Makes Us Better Humans

Tue, 10 May 2022 07:46:43 -0600

The Power of Storytelling is real. And we encourage you to seek out stories from different perspectives.

Storytelling allows all experiences to be shared and consumed by readers who many need those stories, or to help people better understand someone else's experience from our own. We stand by those with uteruses making decisions for themselves.

Shelf Organization

Tue, 03 May 2022 05:00:00 -0600

How do you organize your bookshelves? Is it by alphabetical order, color coordinated, height or maybe something else? This week Ellyn & Amanda share their shelf (or lack of) organization. They'll chat about all the ways in which they like to store books, if they're someone who collects multiple copies or what they think of certain methods of organization. Hear about all the exciting new releases coming out and what's poppin' at the store this week.

Let’s Play a Game

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 07:30:38 -0600

We have a busy few weeks coming up at the store, so Ellyn decided that for today's episode to play a game with Amanda called "Thriller or Romance". For this game Ellyn searched the interwebs to find the most ridiculous thriller book and romance book titles so she could dramatically read the to Amanda and have her guess what type of book it is. And it's not as easy as it may sound.

We are collaborating with five other indie bookstores in central Iowa for Indie Bookstore Day! We would love for you to participate not only in the joy and fun of Indie Bookstore Day, but the Central Iowa Independent Bookstore Crawl on Saturday, April 30, and all through the month of May. At your first stop, pick up your "bookstore passport" to have stamped at all six bookstores to be entered to win the GRAND Prize! Adventure to all these bookstores on a solo trip, or with all the bookish people in your life. Passports are only available on Saturday, April 30, at any of these six indie bookstore locations. Complete your passport throughout the month of May, and turn it in to your last bookstore stop, to be entered for the grand prize as pictured. When you've received two stamps, you will start earning a 15% discount to use on future purchases at any location, beginning Sunday, May 1.

Auto-Buy Authors

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 07:21:09 -0600

What author(s), no matter what they write, do you buy their books? This week's topic of conversation was inspired by bookstagrammer Megan, @The_Spines. She recently did a reel of authors she will always buy their work. Ellyn & Amanda discuss which authors are on their list. Share with us who your auto-buy authors are!

This or That

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0600

It's time for another episode of your favorite podcast!

Play This or That with Amanda & Ellyn. Amanda leads the game going over the preferences for how they like their books. Want to play too? Check our Instagram stories to participate!

There are a lot of fun things happening at the store this week like trivia and story time. And we will be open this Sunday on Easter!

Hey Jessayyy!

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:20:02 -0600

This week is a HUGE WEEK for new releases in hardcover, paperback and even audio! Ellen is gone, so Amanda has invited Bookseller Jess to help with talking about the many new books hitting shelves this week. You'll as always hear about the current reads, and what's poppin' at Dog-Eared Books in Ames.

Buy Denise Williams' new audiobook The Love Connection and support us by purchasing it from Libro.fm, https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780593631171-the-love-connection. Make sure you choose Dog-Eared Books Ames as your local indie bookstore to support!

Don't miss author Tirzah Price at Dog-Eared Books on April 11 at 6 PM to get a copy of her book signed!

How We Rate Books

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 10:16:08 -0600

How do you keep track of the books you read, want to read and are currently reading? Do you attach a rating system to your reviews? This week's episode Amanda and Ellyn share their process once they've finished a book. You'll also hear about the new releases and everything fun happening at Dog-Eared Books. And once again we get a special treat of Ellyn singing.

What’s Your Favorite Book?

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 09:36:38 -0600

Amanda is gone this week, so Ellyn has invited Tanvi & Rachel join her this week on Bubbles & Books. They're chatting the usual topics of what they're reading, what's happening at the store and upcoming releases. The three discuss books that impacted them as readers, and Tanvi shares about the MANY book clubs she hosts at Dog-Eared Books. This is an episode you won't want to miss.

Deidre DeJear

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode Amanda & Ellyn chat with gubernatorial candidate Deidre Dejear. She shares parts of her platform on education, medical care and what she hopes to do for Iowa if elected as Governor.

Ellyn & Amanda also share new releases, their current reads and everything happening at the store.

It’s Our Birthday!

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 09:26:59 -0600

It's our birthday and we're celebrating!! Amanda & Ellyn share what it was like opening Dog-Eared Books one year ago, their current reads, new releases and what's happening at the store this week.

Thank you to our listeners and readers for one fabulous year!

We Don’t Futz Around

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 09:54:11 -0600

What is "futzing"? Just one of the many questions that plague Amanda & Ellyn in their daily life. This week hear what it takes to be a bookseller at Dog-Eared Books as we debunk some alleged rumors. We chat upcoming releases and all things happening at the store. And if you hang around to the end of the podcast you'll hear the musical stylings of Amanda and Ellyn. Thanks for listening!

Dead Rabbit We’re Coming For You

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 08:24:14 -0600

We're poppin' a bottle of Prince Alexandre champagne for this week's episode. Amanda & Ellyn chat about their current reads, upcoming releases and as always what's happening at Dog-Eared Books, your favorite local indie bookstore in Ames, IA.

Cheers to the”No-Mosa”

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 08:41:05 -0600

Ellyn & Amanda talk about their current reads of a coffee table book to inspire you to create your own indoor jungle, and "Devil House" by John Darnielle. As well as what's coming out this week in new-releases and paperback. And they do this all while drinking Champagne!!!

Welcome to Bubbles & Books 2.0

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 09:32:27 -0600

We're bringing back our bookish loving podcast this year and talking what's poppin', new releases, books we're currently reading, what's happening in the lit world and everything going on at Dog-Eared Books in Ames, IA.

Episode 1: F*@k Off 2020, But We Liked Your Books

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 08:55:10 -0600

Ellyn and Amanda, co-owners of Dog·Eared Books in Ames, Iowa, discuss their favorite reads of 2020 while drinking champagne.