Here’s what we suggest instead of/in addition to reading The Christmas Caramel Murder by Joanne Fluke. Listen to the podcast to hear us talk about some of these titles in more depth!
Author Archives: renata
Episode 86 – The Amorous Intrigues and Adventures of Aaron Burr
Since Alex & Eliza left us unsatisfied, we decided to read some anonymously-written 19th century erotica. And who better to accompany us for The Amorous Intrigues and Adventures of Aaron Burr than Mackenzi Lee, author of The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue and Bygone Badass Broads? This is not the most erotic book we’ve ever read for the podcast, but it is definitely the oldest and possibly the most fat-positive. Join us as we learn about exactly how reliable with the ladies Aaron Burr was.
Readers advisory: Here.
Footnotes: Barnes & Noble edition (NSFW cover art)
Smart Bitches Trashy Books – Amorous Intrigues and Adventures of Aaron Burr
Key & Peele – Substitute Teacher
Episode 33 – The President Did Me From Behind And I Liked It
Candy pairing: Kait says Smarties, Mackenzi says Sour Patch Kids, Renata says poison licorice.
Coming up next: The Christmas Caramel Murder by Joanne Fluke.
* Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)
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Readers Advisory: Episode 86 – The Amorous Intrigues and Adventures of Aaron Burr
Here’s what we suggest instead of/in addition to reading The Amorous Intrigues and Adventures of Aaron Burr. Listen to the podcast to hear us talk about some of these titles in more depth!
Filed under Readers Advisory
Episode 85 – Alex & Eliza
We’re helpless for the Schuyler Sisters (you know, Angelica, Eliza…and Peggy), so we read Alex & Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz with Andrea. Unfortunately, the author threw away her shot at writing something we didn’t want to burn. Make sure your vaccines are up-to-date before you listen to us discuss some Hamilton fanfiction that has a lot more smallpox and a lot less love than we were hoping for.
Readers advisory: Here.
Footnotes: Episode 38 – Hamilton
Melissa de la Cruz’s Alex & Eliza: Hamilton-inspired YA novel retells a love story
Queer as a Five Dollar Bill by Lee Wind
U.S. Army Medical Department: John Cochran
George Washington and the First Mass Military Inoculation
Candy pairing: Andrea says peppermint coconut, Kait says a picked-over Russell Stover sampler, Renata says a chocolate orange.
Coming up next: The Amorous Adventures and Intrigues of Aaron Burr by Anonymous.
* Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Filed under Podcasts
Readers Advisory: Episode 85 – Alex & Eliza
Here’s what we suggest instead of/in addition to reading Alex & Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz. Listen to the podcast to hear us talk about some of these titles in more depth!
Filed under Readers Advisory
Episode 84 – Lizzie Borden

We heard you like true crime podcasts, so we read Lizzie Borden by Elizabeth Engstrom and hit the road for a visit to Fall River to investigate the shocking Borden murders, joined by our editor Becca and Renata’s roommate Lindsay. But mostly we want to talk about this historical fiction novel that posits that Lizzie a) murdered her parents because she and her father were having an affair with the same woman and b) got away with the crime because technically Lizzie committed the crime via astrally projecting her murderous spirit. At least, we’re pretty sure that’s what happened? Next time we’ll get Serial on the case, but for now, enjoy our efforts (and our sexy dramatic readings)!
Readers advisory: Here.
Footnotes: Bed & Breakfast & Borden Murder, Renata’s blog post about the trip
11 “Facts” About Lizzie Borden Debunked by Sarah Miller
Candy pairing: Becca says candy corn, Kait says banana saltwater taffy, Lindsay says Warheads, Renata says Swedish fish.
Coming up next: Alex & Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz.
* Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Filed under Podcasts
Readers Advisory: Episode 84 – Lizzie Borden
Here’s what we suggest instead of/in addition to reading Lizzie Borden by Elizabeth Engstrom. Listen to the podcast to hear us talk about some of these titles in more depth!
Filed under Readers Advisory
Episode 83 – Handbook for Mortals

Kelly Jensen (Book Riot editor, co-host of Book Riot’s Hey YA podcast, & editor of Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World) joined us for the 23-hour bestseller, Handbook for Mortals by Lani Sarem. We’re so glad that CSI: YA solved this case and brought the book off the bestseller list, because, wow, it is not good. Join us for a story about a girl who’s pretty, but not, like, too pretty? But pretty enough that her magick (with a k) brings all the boys to the yard, including Wayne Newton and Carrot Top. For real: Carrot Top is in the yard. Enjoy!
Readers advisory: Here.
Special note: If you’re reading this the day it comes out, 10/9/17, it’s the last day to enter our raffle to benefit hurricane relief for Puerto Rico! (If you’re reading this in the future: greetings. Sorry you missed our raffle.)
Footnotes: Did This Book Buy Its Way Onto The New York Times Bestseller List?
The Story of Lani Sarem & Her Handbook for Mortals Is Peak White Entitlement
The Making (and Unmaking) of a 23-Hour New York Times Best Seller
Author Removed From New York Times Best-Seller List Fires Back at Critics
The Story Of “My Immortal” Is More Wild And Heartbreaking Than You Imagined
My Immortal memoir canceled: Author says she’s been ‘branded a liar’
Candy pairing: Kait says Raven’s Revenge, Kelly says Fun Dip, Renata says a stolen maraschino cherry.
Coming up next: Lizzie Borden by Elizabeth Engstrom.
* Worst Bestsellers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
(But no pressure, we’re also happy if you get these items from your local library or independent bookstore.)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Filed under Podcasts
Readers Advisory: Episode 83 – Handbook for Mortals
Here’s what we suggest instead of/in addition to reading Handbook for Mortals by Lani Sarem. Listen to the podcast to hear us talk about some of these titles in more depth!
Filed under Readers Advisory
Worst Disaster Relief
As you’re no doubt aware, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico and the need for aid is dire. Every little bit we can give helps. Team Worst Bestsellers (Renata, Kait, and Becca) gave all of October’s Patreon earnings ($266.22) to the Hispanic Foundation’s Unidos Hurricane Relief Fund. Thanks to our Patreon patrons for making this possible!
We know many of our listeners have already donated too, or are planning to when they can. So, inspired by works like the Pub for PR auction, we’d like to give back to you all as well.
If you’ve donated any amount to any kind of hurricane relief effort (if you’re not sure where to donate, we recommend Celeste Pewter’s list of organizations), email proof (screencap, forwarded receipt, or whatever) to worstbestsellers at gmail dot com with the subject line “Hurricane Relief”, and we’ll enter you in a raffle (powered by Random Picker) to win a Worst Bestsellers prize package inspired by our upcoming episode about Lizzie Borden by Elizabeth Engstrom including:
- an “I Slept at the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast” magnet
- a Lizzie Borden postcard of your choice from Kait & Renata
- a candy pairing of your choice
- a $20 Amazon gift certificate (so you can buy yourself a copy of Lizzie Borden…or any other book of your choice)
We’ll also send Lizzie Borden postcards to 5 runners up. This offer is open to international listeners. American listeners can get 2 entries if they also call an elected official to request federal aid for Puerto Rico (we recommend Celeste Pewter’s scripts) and mention that in their email to us.
We’ll accept entries from Monday October 2nd-Monday October 9th, 2017, and will announce our winners on Tuesday, October 10th. (Donations may have been made prior to October 2nd to be eligible for our raffle, but should be after September 20th.)
Our thoughts are with Puerto Rico, as well as everyone else affected by the recent natural disasters. We’re proud to be part of a community that gives back.
Update 10/10/17: We’ve drawn our winners! Thanks so much to everyone who contributed, and congratulations to:
| Prize | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1: Lizzie Borden prize pack | Alan Y. |
| 2: Lizzie Borden postcard | Ben S. |
| 2: Lizzie Borden postcard | Devin M. |
| 2: Lizzie Borden postcard | Melinda B. |
| 2: Lizzie Borden postcard | Trina M. |
| 2: Lizzie Borden postcard | Danielle W. |
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