

Overdue
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Overdue is a podcast about the books you've been meaning to read. Join Andrew and Craig each week as they tackle a new title from their backlog. Classic literature, obscure plays, goofy childen’s books: they'll read it all, one overdue book at a time.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ep 735 - American Girl: Meet Samantha, by Susan S. Adler & Meet Addy, by Connie Porter
Discover the fascinating world of American Girl dolls, focusing on Samantha and Addy. Their contrasting stories highlight themes of privilege and resilience. Learn about Pleasant Rowland's vision to combine history with play, and the cultural significance of Addy as the first Black doll. Key discussions reveal the behind-the-scenes processes that shaped their stories, including input from historians. Explore the brand's evolution, the extensive accessory market, and the educational value of the books in a delightful blend of nostalgia and insight.

Dec 26, 2025 • 54min
Sit Me Baby One More Time Ep 06 - Hello, Mallory (The Baby-sitters Club #14)
Dive into the ups and downs of Mallory, the aspiring Babysitters Club member facing tough luck and unrealistic expectations. Discover Jessi’s introduction and the subtle exploration of racism in their predominantly white town. The hosts discuss the quirky entrance test that Mallory must navigate, leading to club rivalries and an eventual resolution. Enjoy a blend of nostalgia, societal themes, and how these characters strive for acceptance while running their babysitting co-op!

Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 24min
Ep 734 - Kidnapped by the Krampus, by Emily Shore
Happy Hornydays everyone! This extremely explicit dark holiday romantasy is sure to land someone on the naughty list. Please note that this story about Twyla and her adventure into the world of Krampus is very much Not For Kids. But does it give adults everything they want for Christmas?Our theme music was composed by Nick Lerangis.Follow @overduepod on Instagram and BlueskyAdvertise on OverdueSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 7min
Ep 733 - The Bookshop, by Penelope Fitzgerald
Knowing absolutely nothing else about it, you might guess that a story called "The Bookshop" would a light and cozy novella about how books are magical and that the places where they are sold are sacred spaces. There are lots of books that are like that! But this most certainly is not one of them. This episode is sponsored by Squarespace. Go to squarespace.com/overdue for 10% of your first purchase of a website or domain.Our theme music was composed by Nick Lerangis.Follow @overduepod on Instagram and BlueskyAdvertise on OverdueSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 3min
Ep 732 - Johnny Got His Gun, by Dalton Trumbo
Explore the harrowing depths of war with a classic anti-war novel that inspired Metallica's iconic song. Discover Dalton Trumbo's rich biography and the historical context of the book’s 1939 publication. Delve into the emotional journey of the protagonist, Joe Bonham, as he navigates deafness, isolation, and the brutal reality of his injuries. The discussion highlights the novel's unique perspective and its poignant political messages, ensuring it resonates powerfully in both literature and popular culture.

Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 21min
Ep 731 - Still Life (Inspector Gamache #1), by Louise Penny
Dive into a cozy yet dangerous murder mystery set in a quaint Quebec village. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache brings warmth and optimism as he navigates friendships and suspects. Discover Louise Penny's inspiring journey from journalism to fiction. The hosts explore the series' deep themes, memorable characters, and a chilling twist involving art as evidence. As tensions rise, uncover the motivations of residents and the poignant aftermath of the crime. It's a blend of intrigue, community, and personal growth that keeps listeners hooked!

Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 12min
Ep 730 - An American Marriage, by Tayari Jones
What starts as a dismaying story about a wrongful conviction turns into a deep meditation on loyalty, marriage, and independence. Given the subject matter, you might expect a mystery or a courtroom drama. Instead, Jones offers up a moving account of a couple just trying to find a future that will have them.Our theme music was composed by Nick Lerangis.Follow @overduepod on Instagram and BlueskyAdvertise on OverdueSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 22, 2025 • 54min
Sit Me Baby One More Time Ep 05 - Dawn and the Impossible Three (The Baby-Sitters Club #5)
Dawn faces a whirlwind of challenges as she debuts in the series, balancing her mother's new romance and a job babysitting three chaotic kids. The hosts delve into the complexities of family dynamics and the theme of divorce, highlighting how Dawn's emotional maturity sets her apart. They also critique the portrayal of adult incompetence, the quirky dynamics within the Baby-Sitters Club, and even share humorous takes on the book's translations. The discussion culminates in a deeper reflection on childhood responsibilities and modern sensibilities.

Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 14min
Ep 729 - I Who Have Never Known Men, by Jacqueline Harpman
Dive into a gripping tale of a young woman and 39 others trapped underground, where human resilience shines amid bleak circumstances. Discover how the novel wove its way back into popularity through UK reprints and BookTok buzz. The protagonists create their own timekeeping rituals, showcasing small acts of rebellion against confinement. Their eerie discovery of a deserted bus raises unsettling questions about freedom. Themes of humanity and adaptation emerge, highlighting the book's profound, yet ambiguous, insights into survival.

Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 16min
Ep 728 - Bel Canto, by Ann Patchett
Dive into the captivating world of Ann Patchett's *Bel Canto*, where a group of hostages explores their inner lives during a high-stakes standoff. Discover the real-life inspiration behind the story, rooted in the 1996 Lima Hostage Crisis. The hosts discuss the unique choice of an opera singer as the protagonist, examining how music transforms relationships in captivity. Themes of art, regret, and personal growth unfold as characters navigate the complexities of their unusual circumstances, prompting reflection on life's missed opportunities.


