In this episode of Facts and Fictions, Desiree & Morgan are discussing Crux by Gabriel Tallent. Tallest describes the book as:

“It’s about two down and out kids, one of them is good at school “American golden child,” one of them is a mouthy burnout lesbian who everyone hates because she won’t stop talking about periods. At night they escape their houses and they run out into the desert to go climb shitty sandbag boulders in an obscure parking lot together spotting each other and lighting the climbs with flashlights and joking and talking about life. So it’s about having this passion, and something you want to pursue as a young person but being a little too down and out to really pursue it safely.”

We discuss the intense family dynamics, the eternal battles Dan & Tamma face, and our thoughts on the book as a whole.

If you've read Crux we would love to know your thoughts!

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This week on Facts and Fictions we are diving into The Ten Year Affair by Erin Somers. We discuss first impressions, the characters and all of their quirks, and the slippery slope of emotional infidelity that led to a decade long affair.

We explored the moral gray area of when did Cora and Elliot's friendship cross the line? Did Cora go out seeking an affair or did she stumble into it?

Please note: we record under the assumption that listeners have already read the book - there are spoilers in the episode, so save listening for later if The Ten Year affair is still on your TBR.

Want to reach out with questions, comments, or book suggestions for future episodes? Find us at factsandfictionspod@gmail.com

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In this Brief Encounters episode of Facts & Fictions, we’re diving into a few thought-provoking pieces on the state of reading today — from declining literacy rates to the rise of bibliotherapy and the growing role of AI in how we consume and create stories.

What does it mean to be a reader in 2026? Are attention spans really shrinking? Can books still change us? And where does artificial intelligence fit into all of it?

In this conversation, we reflect on the cultural moment around reading — what’s shifting, what concerns us, and what gives us hope.

Brief Encounters is our short-form series where we unpack essays, articles, and big ideas shaping the literary world.

If you care about reading culture, the future of books, and the evolving role of storytelling, this one’s for you.

✨ New episodes every other Sunday

📚 Book Discussions + Brief Encounters + Overdue for a Chat

Reading is better when you talk about it.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments — is reading in crisis, or just changing?

Mentioned articles:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/12/us/high-school-english-teachers-assigning-books.html

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/whats-happening-to-reading

https://psyche.co/ideas/reading-books-is-not-just-a-pleasure-it-helps-our-minds-to-heal

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What if you could live every version of your life?📚✨

In this episode of Facts & Fictions, we dive into The Midnight Library by Matt Haig — a genre-bending novel that blends literary fiction, speculative fantasy, and mental health exploration. We discuss Nora Seed’s journey through infinite alternate lives, how the book handles themes like regret, choice, and depression, and whether it lives up to the hype.

Join us for thoughtful conversation, personal reflections, and our honest take on one of the most talked-about books of the last few years.

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This week on Facts & Fictions, we’re talking about The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins.

After taking a break from self-help books, Morgan and Desiree are diving into this viral release that’s been making waves across social media.

Is “just let them” really the key to less stress and more peace—or just another catchy phrase?

💬 Let us know in the comments — have you read the book? Did the “Let Them” mindset shift anything for you?

📚 Books Mentioned:

• The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thoughtful book conversations every week.

#MelRobbins #LetThemTheory #SelfHelpBooks #FactsAndFictionsPodcast #BookReview #PersonalDevelopment

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🎙️ Facts & Fictions — Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

In this episode, Morgan and Desiree dive into Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt’s heartwarming debut novel about connection, grief, and one remarkably clever octopus. We unpack the story, discuss the themes of loneliness and healing, and share our thoughts on how Marcellus the octopus completely stole the show.

Join us for a cozy conversation filled with honest reflections, big feelings, and a little marine magic.

📚 Got thoughts on the book? Drop a comment — we’d love to hear what you think!

🔗 Subscribe for more bookish convos

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @factsandfictionspod

🎧 Listen on Spotify/Apple/etc

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Navigating Grief and Relationships in Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo

In this episode, Morgan and Desiree dive into Sally Rooney’s latest novel, Intermezzo—a poignant exploration of grief, family tension, and complicated love. The story follows brothers Peter and Ivan as they navigate life after their father’s death, confronting their strained relationship and romantic entanglements with Sylvia, Naomi, and Margaret.

Morgan and Desiree unpack the novel’s emotionally charged dynamics, reflect on their own experiences with loss, and share their thoughts on literary fiction as a genre. 📖✨ They also discuss Rooney’s signature style, the power of character-driven storytelling, and what Intermezzo reveals about love, sorrow, and human connection.

If you love literary fiction, book clubs, and lively discussions, this episode is for you! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts on Intermezzo!

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or on YouTube!

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📖 The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Book Club Podcast Discussion 💍✨

This week on the pod, Desiree & Morgan dive into The Wedding People by Alison Espach! 🎉 From its sharp humor to its heartfelt exploration of love, loneliness, and unexpected connections, we break down what makes this novel such a compelling read.

Join us as we discuss:

💍 The novel’s unique take on weddings & relationships

📖 Character deep dives & their emotional journeys

😂 The humor vs. heartbreak balance

🔥 Our favorite (and least favorite!) moments

If you love literary fiction, book clubs, and lively discussions, this episode is for you! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts on The Wedding People!

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or on YouTube!

#TheWeddingPeople #AlisonEspach #BookClub #Podcast #LiteraryFiction #Books #Bookish #ReadingCommunity #FictionLovers

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