Books With Your Besties
Plug in, ignore real life for a bit and chat with your unhinged yet lovable besties Emily and Ashley.
In the words of Celisia Stanton “Dr. Reeder, a psychologist professor who teaches about the darkest corners of human behavior—like cults, serial killers, and the psychology of crime—delivers mind-blowing insights on every topic. Her best friend? She’s the lively, no-holds-barred storyteller who keeps things fun, real, and laugh-out-loud relatable.
Whether they’re breaking down a gripping thriller, exploring true crime cases, or tackling thought-provoking topics like justice and human nature, every episode blends depth, humor, and the kind of chemistry only 23 years of friendship can create.
If you love thrillers, true crime, and smart, entertaining discussions, Books with Your Bestie is your next favorite podcast”
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Books With Your Besties
The Quiet Librarian
In this conversation, Emily and Ashley discuss Alan Eskens' novel, The Quiet Librarian, exploring its themes of historical fiction, character development, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in times of war. They delve into the complexities of the Bosnian War, the portrayal of women in conflict, and the contemporary parallels to current social issues. The discussion highlights the emotional impact of the narrative and the author's insights into the writing process.
00:00 Introduction to The Quiet Librarian
02:40 Exploring Historical Context: The Bosnian War
05:17 Character Development and Dual Narratives
07:31 Themes of Revenge and Justice
09:54 Moral Dilemmas in War
12:45 Contemporary Parallels and Social Commentary
18:53 The Right to Protest and Higher Education
20:16T he Consequences of Justifying Actions
20:54 Understanding the Complexity of Violence
22:31 The Nature of Sympathy for Criminals
23:49 Moral Dilemmas in Justice
25:24 The Slippery Slope of Justice
27:06 Character Dynamics in Storytelling
28:34 Reflections on Historical Events
31:09 The Potential for Violence in Society
33:27 Learning from History and Current Events
Key Takeaways -
- The Quiet Librarian is a powerful blend of historical fiction and thriller.
- Alan Eskens' writing style masterfully interweaves different timelines.
- The characters' development reflects the complexities of war and trauma.
- The portrayal of women in the story challenges traditional narratives.
- Moral dilemmas in the book provoke deep reflection on justice and revenge.
- The historical context of the Bosnian War is crucial to understanding the characters' motivations.
- The conversation draws parallels between the book's themes and contemporary social issues.
- The importance of understanding history to prevent future atrocities is emphasized.
- The emotional weight of the narrative resonates with readers on multiple levels.
- Alan Eskens' journey as a writer showcases the transformative power of literature.
- https://hmh.org/library/research/genocide-in-bosnia-guide/
- https://www.irmct.org/specials/war-bosnia/
- https://www.ushmm.org/genocide-prevention/countries/bosnia-herzegovina/1992-1995
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Music is Ur Karma (Instrumental Version) by Craig Reever.
The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Emily and Ashley of The Creepy Book Club alone.
