The October Surprise

The October Surprise Is We Forgot to Write Our October Wrap-up Until Now

What a boring October we’ve had in terms of our lives, our work schedules, and the news cycle running up to the election. Ho-hum, nothing to see here.

(No one’s so new here that we have to mention this was sarcasm, right?)

Anyway, we’re delighted to present you with our monthly recap! And if you’ve been feeling election stress, please listen to our podcast that we’re dropping Tuesday where we’re discussing nothing political for once (not sarcasm) and Karyn has pledged to read sex scenes aloud to Jen. Let’s say that again louder for people in the back:

Karyn has pledged to read sex scenes aloud to Jen on the Tuesday, November 5th podcast.

It’s a shame Jen just got fresh fillers so she’ll be cringing in her heart, rather than on her face.

Let’s do this.

What We’re Reading

Jen: I started the month with Maureen Kilmer’s Nightmare of a Trip. It’s kind of a new genre for me to read, as it’s comedic horror and it just works. The whole time I was reading it, I kept thinking, “Do people know how good she is at this?” And I remembered that Judd Apatow optioned her last book, so I’m guessing yes, the word is out.

I also read Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend by MJ Wassner, which is ironic because I’d give it five stars and would recommend. It’s about a post-apocalyptic, all-inclusive vacation where the sun explodes. My description doesn’t do it justice, but if you love the funny, surreal worlds John Scalzi creates, I suspect you’ll dig this as well.

I’m still working my way through Bob Woodward’s War, as I’ve been mentioning on the podcast, so I won’t repeat what I’ve said there. However, I will say it’s not an accident that he’s won TWO Pulitzers. Also, he dedicated it to Carl Bernstein, which gave me all the feels.

Karyn: Nightmare of a Trip sounds interesting! “Comedic horror” gives me serious Shaun of the Dead vibes. I’m listening to From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough right now. Riley’s narrating alongside Julia freaking Roberts, and it’s pure gold. I love me a celeb memoir audiobook.

What We’re Watching