We’re diving into a YA classic, this week! Mary takes Renee through the rollercoaster that is the novel version of The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot, which bears minimal resemblance to its movie adaption. Key differences include: New York City, provoking foot fetishist stalkers, tattooed eyeliner, casual references to violence, a racially-motivated campaign against a family business, and a devastating lack of Joe. Join us for other highlights such as trying to figure out how principalities work, struggling to answer basic econ questions (despite having 2 economics degrees between the both of us), and singing that one song from Death Note the Musical.

Episode Source Material: The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

It's that time of year when students rush to do their summer reading, so we are bringing y'all Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (yes, that book you read in 5th grade). Renee explains the disappointing plot of this book and along the way create fanfiction about the creation of Plenty of Fish. Mary teaches Renee that a billfold is not a money clip and Renee reveals how quickly she would die in the woods. If your type is a sad 30-something in the suburbs, this is the episode for you.

Episode Material:

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Mary finally reads a book, but at what cost? This week’s book is Fairest by Gail Carson Levine, aka the Snow White AU nobody asked for and another contender for worst book on the podcast. Not only does the story make no sense and filled with weak world-building that basically amounts to just giving things weird names, it’s also filled with terrible messages about body image and self esteem. Truly it’s a miracle if you made it out of this book without a whole new set of insecurities. Highlights of the book include centaurs that are basically just horses, random singing (from us and the characters), and everything having a weird-ass name for no reason. Honestly, just go watch Shrek 2 instead.

Episode Source Material:

Fairest by Gail Carson Levine