Podcast

Episode 130 – Té Caliente y Picante

Jen

Happy Sunday(?) Clovers!

In this episode we are discussing Ch. 19-20 of The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness. There is tea aplenty. It is hot. It is also spicy. We are suddenly serving up some Bishop family secrets with a heavy dollop of trauma. But what else is new at the Bishop house? We are reeling, but so is Diana.

Download the episode here.

How did we get here? We don’t know, but we look forward to seeing what comes next and discussing it with all of you. Hypotheses abound.

As an FYI, episode 131 may be a little late. Cait and I both have some life stuff going on in the next couple of weeks. As always, we will get back to you as soon as we are able.

xoxo

Jen

Uncategorized

Episode 129 – Null Juju in the Aphrodisiac Forest

caitlintriall

Clovers,

Hi, hi. Happy 2025.

January is always a bit of an odd, dark time — we’re in a slow season and everything is a little… off. You know, like perhaps the forest behind your family homestead puts off hallucinogenic fumes that take you on a sensual journey full of insects.


We’re getting ahead of ourselves.

In this episode, we’re talking about Chapters 17-18 of The Black Bird Oracle and it’s a wild ride. There’s symbolism, some odd garment choices, sentient hedges, biting fairies that live in your ancestor’s hair, and some allusions to Alice in Wonderland that have us asking big questions like, “what drug lives in the Ravenswood?”

Download the episode here.

We hope you enjoy it,

Cait and Jen

Podcast

Episode 128 – Hot Dog?

Jen

Happy Sunday Clovers!

In this episode, we are discussing chapters 15&16 of The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness. Honestly, we are feeling a bit unmoored by the middle of this book. In the first chapter up for discussion we’re in a mystical battle, and in the next chapter we’re getting ready for a garden party. Does anyone else have whiplash?

You can download the episode here.

We’ve been speculating wildly about what might happen in the latter half of this book. Whatever comes, we will see you next time for Ch. 17&18 at some point in January (pending our holiday schedule). We both are and are not ready for what’s next.

xoxo

Jen

Podcast, Uncategorized

Episode 127 – It’s Giving Baba Yaga

Jen

Happy Sunday Clovers,

In this episode, Cait and Jen discuss Chapters 13 and 14 of The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness. We’ve quickly gotten over the romp in the woods. We get an official tour of the grounds. We gather ghosts. Matthew and Diana still aren’t on the same communication page. We might be having a potluck. Is anyone else worried about Tamsy the doll?

You can download the episode here.

As always, we look forward to chatting more with you all about this book. Next time we will be covering Ch. 15-16 of TBBO, which will bring us to the end of 2024!

Until next time,

xoxo

Jen

Podcast

Episode 126 – Dances With Ravens

Jen

Happy Sunday, Clovers!

In this episode, we are discussing Ch. 11 & 12 of The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness. At the top of the episode, we retread a discussion of retcons in fiction (because it has been a while!), characterization, main characters, pacing, and preliminary plot thoughts as we are approximately 1/2 way through the book. I know!

During our chapter discussion, we’re talking about conflict, surprises, climaxes (?), marital strife, and a very confusing night time adventure in the woods.

Download the episode here.

We look forward to talking with you next time, a point at which we also the hope that the book will have a more even keel.

xoxo

Jen