The Mookse and the Gripes Podcast
1) Episode 117: Losing the Plot: On Reading Slumps and How We Find Our Way Back
We’ve all been there: the books are piled high, but nothing calls out. In this episode, Trevor and Paul talk about reading slumps—what they look like, what brings them on, and how to find the spark ag...Show More
2) Episode 116: A World Brimming Over: Abundant Literature and The Portrait of a Lady
Some books are long, some are short, but certain works feel abundant—overflowing with rhythm, atmosphere, and depth that can’t be exhausted in a single reading. In this episode we are joined by Lori F...Show More
3) Episode 115: Kazuo Ishiguro
In this episode, Trevor and Paul turn their attention to Nobel Prize–winner Kazuo Ishiguro, whose eight novels over the past forty years have earned both admiration and debate. Together, we trace Ishi...Show More
4) Episode 114: Through a Glass, Darkly: Entering Schattenfroh and Other Books that Refuse to Yield at Once
This week we are joined by translator Max Lawton to celebrate the release of Michael Lenz’s Schattenfroh from Deep Vellum. But rather than focus only on this one book, we open the conversation to a wi...Show More
5) Episode 113: Starter Libraries: A Shelf Full of Promises
What does it take to build the perfect first shelf? This week we tackle the joyful—and surprisingly stressful—task of creating a starter library. We’re joined by John Williams, book editor at The Wash...Show More
6) Episode 112: In Her Words: Women in Translation 2025
We’re back for another round of Women in Translation Month! Each August, readers around the world celebrate books written by women and translated into English, spotlighting voices the too often go unh...Show More
7) Episode 111: Two Friends Walk into a Bookstore: A Day Out with Trevor and Paul
This week’s episode comes with poor sound quality and excellent vibes. For the first time ever, Paul and Trevor met in person! Join us as we take the show on the road—through bookstores, libraries, an...Show More
8) Episode 110: The End: Last Lines That Stick the Landing
How do you wrap up a great book? in this episode, Paul and Trevor dive into the final sentences that left them stunned, satisfied, or haunted. From quiet farewells to explosive conclusions, we’re cele...Show More
9) Episode 109: The Lighter Side of the Stacks: Funny Books
In this episode, Paul and Trevor are joined by Kate from The Book Club Review Podcast for a lively discussion about funny books. From dry wit to outright absurdity, we explore the kinds of humor that ...Show More
10) Episode 108: From Our Shelves with Pride: LGBTQIA+ Reads We Love
Happy Pride Month! In this episode Trevor and Paul share some of our favorite works of LGBTQIA+ literature (and films)—works that have moved us, challenged us, and expanded our sense of the world. We ...Show More