

Overdue
Headgum
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

Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 36min
Ep 696 - Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games #0.5), by Suzanne Collins
Dive into the gritty world of 'The Hunger Games' prequel, where the young Haymitch faces the oppressive forces of his society. Explore themes of mentorship, rebellion, and authoritarianism woven throughout Suzanne Collins' narrative. Enjoy a humorous look at character naming and the commercialization of the series, while reflecting on the complexities of survival in a brutal environment. The hosts engage with contemporary issues relevant to the story, providing a rich analysis of character dynamics and societal commentary.

Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 8min
Ep 695 - Orbital, by Samantha Harvey
We're up on the International Space Station this week, floating around with our coworkers/friends, looking at the earth as it speeds by multiple times a day. We're not really "doing" anything in like, a "narrative" sense. But it's a vibe, man. 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.

Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 32min
Ep 694 - Supercomputer (Choose Your Own Adventure), by Edward Packard
GREETINGS LISTENER. HOW ARE YOU FEELING TODAY? IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME. CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE BOOK SUPERCOMPUTER BY EDWARD PACKARD? Sometimes people make mistak. YES THEY DO. SHALL WE PLAY A GAME(BOOK)?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.

Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 7min
Ep 693 - Piranesi, by Susanna Clarke
Welcome to the infinite halls of Piranesi’s House. Don’t mind the flooded basement, or the cloudy attic, or the fact that staying here more than a day starts to really take a toll on your memory. Piranesi’s got it all written down, so he knows everything there is to know about the House. Or does he?This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/overdue and get on your way to being your best self.Complete our listener survey at gum.fm/overdue.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.

Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 14min
Ep 692 - The Princess Bride, by William Goldman
Dive into the whimsical world of 'The Princess Bride' as the hosts humorously examine the quirks of its storytelling. They discuss the relationship between the beloved book and its film adaptation, revealing behind-the-scenes insights and Goldman's unique inspiration. Explore the captivating Roritanian romance and the intricacies of character dynamics, from Buttercup and Wesley to the legendary duel of Inigo Montoya. With reflections on adaptation challenges and the playful interplay of fiction and reality, it's a delightful journey through a classic tale.

Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 48min
Ep 691 - The Invasion (Animorphs #1), by K.A. Applegate
Dive into the captivating world of Animorphs as the hosts hilariously dissect transformation scenes and share personal nostalgia. Explore the intriguing character dynamics and the complexities of adolescent struggles through Jake, Marco, and Tobias. Reflect on the adaptations of this iconic series, including the challenges faced by fans and missed opportunities in visual media. Delve into themes of identity and representation, particularly through Tobias's journey. Expect laughs, insightful discussions, and a charming trip down memory lane!

Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 8min
Ep 690 - The Vanishing Half, by Brit Bennett
How does one construct an identity? And what must you sacrifice to forge one all your own (and who is most impacted by your choices)? Bennett's acclaimed novel The Vanishing Half meditates on these questions and more in a story about passing, sister/motherhood, and acting.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.

Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 7min
Ep 689 - In the Midst of Winter, by Isabel Allende
The hosts delve into Isabel Allende's 'In the Midst of Winter,' balancing serious social themes with a quirky corpse heist. Personal anecdotes highlight the vibrant culture of Philadelphia sports fans, blending humor with community identity. They explore Allende's resilience in storytelling, contrasting urban landscapes and character dynamics during a snowstorm. The discussion also touches on recognizing 'green flags' in relationships amid winter's challenges, while examining deeper societal narratives reflected in the characters' journeys.

Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 8min
Ep 688 - The Nickel Boys, by Colson Whitehead
Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer-winning novel The Nickel Boys tells a haunting story of two young men whose identities are forever changed by their experiences at a brutal institute for boys in 1960s Florida. It's not easy subject matter, but Whitehead's wonderfully economic prose keeps it engaging all the way to the downright surprising end.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.

Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 7min
Ep 687 - The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair
Discussing Upton Sinclair's 'The Jungle', the hosts delve into its powerful themes of food safety and social reform. They explore the book's historical impact on legislation and its chilling portrayal of labor exploitation. With personal anecdotes and humorous insights, they highlight how literature can inspire social change. The conversation also reflects on Sinclair's legacy and the ongoing relevance of his critiques in today’s socio-political landscape, revealing the connection between past and present struggles.