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PODCAST

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book Review Podcast

Teaching my Cat to Read

"Teaching My Cat to Read" is a book podcast that adds a unique comedic twist to literary discussions - thinking what our cat would think of this book. Discover answers to questions like, "Who would emerge victorious in a fight between Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennett?" or "Who funded the grant money for Victor Frankenstein"s experiments?" And don"t forget, we never fail to ask the important question: "What rating would our cat give this book?"Tune in every other week for brand new episodes that

arts books

All Episodes

56:05

Q and A - Call and response with listener questions

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/09/07

We asked you to send in your burning questions - about books, cats, podcasting, and everything in between - and you delivered. From favourite reads and guilty pleasure genres to behind-the-scenes podcast stories (and a few chaotic tangents), we’re answering them all. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or you’re brand new to the show, this is a perfect chance to get to know us better and hear more about the books we love, the characters we can’t stop talking about, and what really happ...

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65:42

Carry on Jeeves - Our Favourite Married Couple

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/08/24

This week, we’re diving into Carry On, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse, a collection of short stories that perfectly captures the hilariously lopsided dynamic between the clueless Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet, Jeeves. If you’ve never read Wodehouse before, this is the perfect entry point-sharp, charming, and laugh-out-loud funny. In this episode, we talk about what makes the Jeeves and Wooster stories so enduring, from Wodehouse’s pitch-perfect dialogue to the delightful absurdity of upp...

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71:42

All systems Red - Local SecUnit Can’t Believe It...

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/08/10

This week, we’re talking about All Systems Red by Martha Wells, the first novella in the Murderbot Diaries series-and it’s safe to say we’re officially obsessed. With a title like Murderbot, you’d expect chaos (and there’s plenty), but what really caught us is the dry humor, the unexpected heart, and one of the most relatable AI narrators we’ve ever met. In this episode, we dive into Murderbot’s struggle with autonomy, its complicated relationship with humans, and how this quick-paced sci-fi ...

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64:42

Murder at the Vicarage -No One Expects the Village...

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/07/27

This week, we’re stepping into the quiet village of St. Mary Mead—where, naturally, a murder has just taken place. We're talking about Murder at the Vicarage, Agatha Christie’s first full length novel to feature the sharp-eyed, quietly brilliant Miss Marple. In this episode, we dig into what makes this book such a good introductory read to one of Christie’s most beloved detectives. We’ll talk red herrings, small-town secrets, and why this seemingly peaceful village is the perfect setting for ...

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17:44

Mini Ep - Death on the Nile

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/07/13

In this mini episode we re-cap the Agatha Christie Novel “Death on the Nile”. Note, we will spoil the plot of this book in this mini episode. The Back of the book: “The tranquility of a cruise along the Nile is shattered by the discovery that Linnet Ridgeway has been shot through the head. She was young, stylish and beautiful, a girl who had everything – until she lost her life. Hercule Poirot recalls an earlier outburst by a fellow passenger: ‘I’d like to put my dear little pistol ...

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70:39

Harrow the Ninth - It’s A Beautiful Day On The...

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/06/29

We’re back for part two of our deep dive into Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir—because let’s be honest, one episode wasn’t nearly enough. In this follow-up discussion, we’re untangling all the parts we didn't get to discuss in the first half - where things get even more mind-bending, the emotional stakes rise, and the mysteries lurking behind the Locked Tomb start to come into sharper (and stranger) focus. We’ll talk about the reveals that had us flipping back through chapters, the shifting id...

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71:38

Harrow the Ninth - Tragic Find-And-Replace Incident:...

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/06/15

We’re back in the world of necromancers and space palaces with *Harrow the Ninth* by Tamsyn Muir—and things are even weirder (and more brilliant) than before. If you caught our episode on *Gideon the Ninth*, you know we’re already obsessed with this series. Now, we’re diving headfirst into Harrow’s fractured mind, impossible timelines, and a story that refuses to play by the rules. In the next two episodes, we unpack the chaos, the heartbreak, and the genius of Muir’s writing. We’ll ta...

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17:53

Mini Ep - Gideon the Ninth

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/06/01

Before we read and discuss the second book in “The Locked Tomb” series, we thought we would revisit the first book, “Gideon the Ninth”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book. The Back of the Book: “The Emperor needs necromancers. The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman. Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead nonsense. Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skele...

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51:22

The Red Headed League - A Holmes, A Watson and a...

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/05/18

In this episode, we’re digging into *The Red-Headed League*, one of the most clever and entertaining short stories from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes collection. Join us as we follow Holmes and Watson through a bizarre case involving a mysterious job posting, a suspicious employer, and a scheme that’s far more serious than it first appears. We’ll talk about the charm of Holmes’s deductive genius, the humor woven into the story, and why this particular case has remained a f...

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62:36

The Hunger Games - Bread and circuses and child murder

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/05/04

In this episode, we’re talking all things The Hunger Games—the book that took the world by storm and redefined YA dystopian fiction. We’ll dive into what makes this story so gripping, from the intense survival stakes to the sharp social commentary woven into Panem’s brutal world. We’ll break down Katniss Everdeen as a protagonist, the tension of the Games, and the deeper themes of power, control, and rebellion that still feel just as relevant today. Plus, we’ll share our favorite moments, big...

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73:36

Jane Eyre - Even The Weather Thinks This Is A Bad Idea

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/04/20

Join us for an in-depth conversation as we explore Charlotte Brontë’s classic, Jane Eyre. In this episode, we chat about the unforgettable journey of Jane—from her early struggles as an orphan to her quest for independence and love. We dive into the many layers of social commentary, Gothic atmosphere, and the fierce resilience that makes this novel a timeless favorite. We’ll share our insights on the themes of class, gender, and personal freedom, and explore how Brontë’s storytelling continue...

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22:20

Mini Ep - Much Ado about Nothing

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/04/06

In this Mini episode, we’re back to the world of Shakespeare with “Much Ado About Nothing”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book. The Back of the Book: “The primary plot of Much Ado About Nothing turns on the courtship and scandal involving young Hero and her suitor, Claudio, but the witty war of words between Claudio's friend Benedick and Hero's cousin Beatrice often takes center stage. Set in Messina, the play begins as Do...

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55:18

Throne of Jade (Temeraire) - it's my book they will...

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/03/23

Join us for a chat as we dive into Naomi Novik’s Throne of Jade, the second installment in the Temeraire (His Majesty’s Dragon) series. In this episode, we discuss about the epic blend of historical intrigue, vibrant dragon lore, and complex characters that bring this story to life. We’ll share our thoughts on the rich worldbuilding and the unforgettable bond between captain and dragon, explore the challenges of navigating ancient political landscapes, and highlight our favorite moments from ...

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62:54

Mansfield Park - Mansplain Park

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/03/09

In our final Austen discussion, we turn our attention to Mansfield Park. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about Jane Austen’s classic as we explore its characters, intricate plot, and enduring social commentary. Throughout the episode, we examine Austen’s narrative and have a think if our pet cat would approve of this novel. If you appreciate “in-depth” (with Wikipedia) literary discussions with a friendly tone, this episode is for you. Content Warnings NA Support the show Recomme...

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61:09

A Closed and Common Orbit - What does it mean to be a...

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/02/23

In this episode of Teaching My Cat to Read, we’re diving into the heartwarming and deeply thought provoking sci-fi novel A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers. We have a chat about the book’s big themes: identity, belonging, the meaning of family, and what it means to build a life—whether you’re human, an AI, or something in between. With its dual storyline, we’ll follow Lovelace, an AI struggling to adapt to her new humanoid body, and Pepper, a mechanic with a moving backstory. Both t...

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14:41

Mini Ep - Long way to an Angry Planet

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/02/09

Please note: this episode contains MAJOR PLOT SPOILERS for the book if you haven’t read it yet from the start In this Mini episode, we return to the world of the Wayfarer with “The Long Way to a Small, Angry, Planet”, and ask questions we hadn’t asked before. Note, this episode features spoilers for the book. The Back of the Book: “Follow a motley crew on an exciting journey through space-and one adventurous young explorer who discovers the meaning of family in the far reaches...

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64:38

The Scottish Play - Just One More Murder, Bro, I Swear

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/01/26

In this week’s episode of Teaching My Cat to Read, we’re entering into the world of Macbeth—a play packed with witches, ambition, and one very messy quest for power. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or just curious about all the drama, this episode is for you!We’ll chat about those three witches and their prophecies, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth’s wild journey from power couple to full-blown chaos executors, and why this tale still grips us in the modern day. So, grab a cuppa, cuddle up w...

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74:18

Wyrd Sisters - And I Would Have Gotten Away With It...

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2025/01/12

In this episode, we go back to the Discworld to discuss the book “Wyrd Sisters”, by Terry Pratchett. The second book in the Witches series, “Wyrd Sisters” parodies and satires “Macbeth, by William Shakespeare” (which we discuss in the episode after this one). We discuss which character would be the only human in the muppets adaptation, critique on theatre, as well as discussing our favourite metaphor of the book (feat. “the fool jingled miserably across the floor”) If you’re a fan o...

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70:52

The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe - I’d Sell You To...

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2024/12/26

In this special Christmas Episode of “Teaching My Cat to Read”, we discuss the classic children’s novel “The lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” By CS Lewis. We discuss, Christian Allegory, the enchanted Turkish Delights, character arcs and how not to die in a Wardrobe. What rating do we think our cat will give this book? Listen to find out!Content WarningsMild SwearingSupport the showRecommend us a Book!If there’s a book you want to recommend to us to read, just send us a message/email a...

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66:52

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: You Won’t Like Me When I’ve...

Teaching My Cat To Read: The “very serious” Book... ·

2024/10/31

Happy Halloween! For today’s spooky special episode, we welcome back friend of the pod and Jekyll and Hyde aficionado Charlotte to discuss Secret Crimes, queer readings and cat ratings. Featuring in-depth Utterson discussion, trans woman Hyde, the politics of disgust and unexpected time cops. Content WarningsSwearingPlease note, as of this episode, we are no longer bleeping swear words on this podcast. Support the showRecommend us a Book!If there’s a book you want to recommend to us...

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