Kindred Spirits Book Club

Episode 29: Anne’s Meddling Era: Anne of Windy Poplars Recap

Ragon and Kelly boldly go where few podcasters have gone before – deep into Anne of Windy Poplars! Join us as we recap the 4th book in the Anne series--you probably missed this book or have forgotten it so let us help you find the humor and tragedy hidden in the pages.   Listeners, be sure to count how many grumps Anne has to win over while presiding over Sunnyside High School.  Also, back-to-school vibes, Anne's meddling era and enough people with dysfunctional families to keep a whole practice of therapists busy for years.
Inspired by:
Inspired By:
Ragon is inspired by the 2001 movie Amelie.
Kelly is inspired by Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.
 
 

Episode 28: One Year Anniversary Party!

Happy Anniversary to US! To celebrate, Kelly and Ragon are throwing a podcast party, with special guests, games, trivia, and best of all, prizes. You’re invited to the Anne of Green Gables themed party of the year! 
If you want to get a free logo sticker from us, either leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or share your love for the pod on social media!  Send us a photo of your share or review at either our email: kindredspirits.bookclub@gmail.com or on our KindredSpirits.BookClub Instagram. 

Episode 27: Anne, The College Years: The One About The Boy

After everything Gilbert has been through over the past three books, we knew he needed his own episode! Ragon and Kelly discuss the making of a classic romance hero, from the infamous “carrots” scene to the swoon-worthy final proposal. We round out the conversation with stories from our weddings and an exploration of Victorian courtship rituals.  
Inspired by:  
Ragon is inspired by the songs: Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Feels Like Home by Randy Newman and Heads Carolina, Tails California by JoDee Messina.
Kelly is inspired by the songs: Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show and I'll Follow You Into The Dark by DeathCab for Cutie
Additionally, Kelly recommends the books Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld and Big Gay Wedding by Byron Lane.

Episode 26: Anne, The College Years: The One With All The Proposals

Anne’s childhood wish to become “divinely beautiful” is coming true - at least in the eyes of one particular gentleman. We love the romance in Anne of the Island, not just for Anne but for her friends Diana and Phillippa as well. Ragon and Kelly chat about all of Anne’s would-be beaux, and unpack why she doesn’t seem ready for any of them yet. We also compare this book to one of our other all time favorite classics: Pride and Prejudice.
Inspired by:
Kelly is inspired by The New York Public Library Shop for bookish goodies.
Ragon is inspired by the movie  Roxanne (1987)  for some more fun romance.

Episode 25: Anne, the College Years: The One With The Baking Soda Company

It might be summer where you are, but in Anne of the Island, it’s always September, and we are headed back to school with Anne. In this episode, Ragon and Kelly explore Anne’s ambitions as a writer and a scholar – including, of course, her embarrassing first experience as a published author! Kelly and Ragon also share stories from their own college years and talk about the history of women in higher education. 
Inspired by:
Kelly is inspired by the pretty stationary of Felix Doolittle | Stationery & Gifts | Shop and Open Sea Design Co.
Ragon is inspired by the Big Dipper and Little Dipper rings at Bryan Anthonys.  
 

Episode 24: Anne, The College Years: The One With All The Roommates

Join us at Patty's Place, where Anne and her friends have "all the fun of homemaking and none of the bother of a husband." Kelly and Ragon discuss female-centered communities and spaces that make way for young women to become themselves, from Anne and her Redmond College chums to New York's famous Barbizon Hotel. We also share stories of our own college roommate days and some of our favorite bon mots from Aunt Jamesina. 
 
Inspired By:
Ragon recommends: The movie  Pitch Perfect and the book Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell.
Kelly recommends:  The movie Legally Blonde and the book Check Please by Ngozi Ukazu

Episode 23: Anne: The College Years, The One About Anne Of The Island

Anne of the Island – or Anne, the College Years – is one of our very favorite books. With its stately collegiate setting, delightful celebration of female friendships, and deliciously slow burn romance, who can blame us? Join us as we recap Anne's four years at Redmond College, complete with baking soda company shenanigans, tomcat tomfoolery, and a happily ever after ending.
Inspired by:
Kelly recommends:  People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry
Ragon recommends:  Smitten Kitchen's Strawberry Summer Cake
 

Episode 22: Anne of Avonlea Is A Romantic (but not ready for romance herself, thank you)

Whether it’s a fairy picnic or a fairytale prince, Anne sees romance everywhere she looks – except, of course, in her own life! Kelly and Ragon explore the romantic side of Anne of Avonlea, from Hester Grey’s garden to Miss Lavendar’s wedding, and they also discuss those rare coming of age books for girls that don’t include romance. 
Inspired by:
Kelly recommends:  Seven Days In June by Tia Williams and Not Quite A Husband by Sherry Thomas.
Ragon recommends: The art of Karen Hallion

Episode 21: Anne of Avonlea is Dazzlingly Clever

School may be out in your neighborhood, but it’s back in session in Avonlea with Anne at the front of the classroom. Anne continues on her path to becoming “dazzlingly clever” by embarking on her career as a teacher, and today’s discussion ranges from our own career aspirations to Avonlea school stories to the ambitious heroines of Little Women. 
Inspired by:
Ragon is inspired by:  the movie Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret
Kelly is inspired by celebrity memoirs written by women including:  We're Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union,  You Got Anything Stronger? By Gabrielle Union,  Just Kids by Patti Smith, Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein, Open Book by Jessica Simpson, and Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton.
 

Episode 20: Anne of Avonlea is Angelically Good

Avonlea itself, full of big personalities and hilarious happenings, is practically a character in the Anne books. In this episode, we explore how Anne grows into becoming an active member of her community and all the different ways "goodness" looks in a small town. Topics include the Avonlea Village Improvement Society, Davy and Dora Keith, and how Anne of Avonlea fits into the North American regionalist literary tradition. 
Inspired By:
Kelly is inspired by local activities, like farmer’s markets so check out what’s happening in your neighborhood!  If you’re in the U.S. you can use National Farmers Market Directory to find a local one near you!
Ragon is inspired by the book Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree for a cozy fantasy read!