In the series' finale of Why You’re Reading, Ellen and Ellie dive headfirst into the world of Bridgerton — from Julia Quinn’s beloved novels to Shonda Rhimes’ game-changing Netflix adaptation. They unpack what made Bridgerton a global obsession: the romance, the scandal, the stunning representation, and the perfect dose of escapism. Is it just a guilty pleasure, or is there something more powerful happening under the surface? Ellen and Ellie explore the show’s take on race, gender, sexuality, power dynamics — and why it hit so hard during the pandemic. Plus, they dish on favourite characters, hottest controversies, and what’s next for the Bridgerton universe. As always, they wrap it all up by asking: Shelf it, Share it, or Shred it?
--------
32:47
ATOMIC HABITS: GAMECHANGER OR GLORIFIED TO-DO LIST?
In this episode of Why You’re Reading, Ellen and Ellie take on Atomic Habits by James Clear, the wildly popular self-help book promising life-changing results through tiny behavioural shifts. They explore the book’s central ideas around habit formation, share their personal responses to the methods, and question how much of the advice holds up under scrutiny. The conversation digs into the simplicity of Clear’s framework, the absence of robust scientific support and go beyond the surface to discuss addiction, mental health, and the broader societal pressures around productivity, health, and optimisation. They unpack how books like Atomic Habits often overlook systemic barriers, ignore gendered and class-based experiences, and lean on anecdote more than evidence. And they ask: when self-help doesn’t acknowledge complexity, who does it really help? Finally, the verdict: shelf it, share it, or shred it?
--------
27:05
YELLOWFACE: SOCIAL SATIRE OR PUBLISHING EXPOSÉ?
In this episode of Why You’re Reading, Ellie and Ellen dive into Yellowface—R.F. Kuang’s sharp, twisty take on the publishing world, identity, and who gets to tell which stories. They get into the messy, compulsively readable plot, the chaos of June Hayward’s downward spiral, and how Kuang blends satire, thriller, and social commentary.They talk about Kuang’s genre jump from fantasy to literary fiction, the not-so-subtle takedown of the industry, and how social media plays its own role in the story. There’s also a look at the real-life stats behind publishing’s diversity problem, the impact of microaggressions, and the weird line between admiration and appropriation.Plus, does this book age well with all those Twitter references? Will it still hit five years from now? And of course, the final call: shelf it, share it, or shred it?
--------
26:16
SUNRISE ON THE REAPING: THE BUZZ WORTHY RETURN TO THE ARENA
In this episode of Why You’re Reading, Ellie and Ellen - without spoilers - discuss Sunrise on the Reaping—Suzanne Collins’ long-awaited return to the world of Panem. They explore what this new entry means for the franchise, why the world of the Games still resonates, and how our relationship to the series shifts when reading it as adults. From Capitol politics to teenage rebellion, they unpack the cultural legacy of Collins’ dystopia, its influence on YA, and what it means to return to a story that shaped a generation. Plus, the big question: shelf it, share it, shred it.
--------
27:31
THE BOOK THAT HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES
In this episode of Why You’re Reading, Ellie and Ellen dive into Daisy Jones & The Six—Taylor Jenkins Reid’s exploration of fame, music, and heartbreak. They unpack the novel’s complex character dynamics, the portrayal of addiction, and how the narrative structure mirrors the chaotic glamour of 70s rock ’n’ roll. From the book’s striking parallels to Fleetwood Mac to its innovative audiobook format, they discuss why this story hits differently. Plus, they explore Reid’s recurring themes of fame across her works, the impact of BookTok on its success. And, of course, the big question: shelf it, share it, shred it.
Why You’re Reading dives into the biggest books on socials, from BookTok obsessions to Booker prize winners. Ellen, a Youtuber who talks all things pop culture, and Ellie, the publishing insider, unpack the hype, debate the wider impact, and of course, share their own unfiltered opinions.
Polska