A podcast about the books you loved.
To All the YA I’ve Loved Before was a podcast about Young Adult Fiction of the 80s, 90s, 00s, and today. Although we no longer produce new episodes, you can still enjoy the back catalogue from hosts/bffs Kaycee and Ashley. All episodes are available through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and wherever else you enjoy podcasts. You can also check out our new show, Nostalgic Nightcap out soon!
To All the YA I’ve Loved Before
Hosts
Kaycee Racer
Ashley Spicer
To All the YA Interviews: Maureen Johnson (Best-Selling Author of Truly Devious) Discusses Her Latest Release, Death at Morning House
In this episode, we sit down for an interview with Maureen Johnson, the mastermind behind the best-selling Truly Devious series. We explore her latest YA mystery, Death at Morning House, set in the picturesque Thousand Islands of upstate New York. Maureen's signature wit and complex storytelling shine through in this novel, especially with Marlowe Wexler, the protagonist who has quickly won our hearts. We dive into Marlowe’s endearing awkwardness, her romantic mishaps, and the intriguing blend of history and mystery that ties together the chilling secrets of Morning House. Plus, we discuss Maureen’s passionate advocacy against book banning and why it’s more important than ever.
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The Tortured YA Lit Department Track 05: Darling (K. Ancrum) + “Peter”
We adore retellings of classic stories, and Darling by K. Ancrum, published in 2021, instantly captivated our hearts. This dark, modern reimagining of Peter Pan unfolds in the vibrant cityscape of Chicago, seen through the eyes of 17-year-old Wendy Darling. On her very first night in her new home, Wendy encounters a mysterious boy named Peter who whisks her away on an adventure beyond her wildest dreams. But as the night unravels, it becomes clear that Peter is far more dangerous than he appears.
In this episode, we dive into the complexities of motherly roles, the representation of asexuality in YA literature, and the unsettling, darker themes woven into this novel. We also open up about our own experiences with relationships, drawing connections to track 28 of Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department, aptly titled “Peter.” As a special tribute, we celebrate Francine Pascal, the brilliant mind behind Sweet Valley High, reflecting on her lasting influence on the YA genre and our own lives.
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The Tortured YA Lit Department Track 04: Albatross v. “The Albatross”
The year was 2010, and emo boys were wreaking havoc on the girls in Josie Bloss’s Albatross (and perhaps in our own lives too). Tess is new in town and finds herself irresistibly drawn to Micah Richter, the brooding, “brilliant”, and emotionally erratic emo kid that everyone warns her about. As Tess navigates her first real connection at her new school, she quickly finds herself entangled in a web of jealousy, co-dependence, and emotional manipulation. Can Tess break free and rediscover herself amidst the chaos?
In this episode, we talk about how much we related to Tess as young adults and explore "The Cool Girl Trap," as well as the ongoing challenge of unpacking the internalized misogyny it left with us. We also reminisce about AOL Instant Messenger and passive-aggressive away messages. Plus, we update our Crush Scale and share some complex thoughts on where to rank Micah — spoiler alert, he ends up near the bottom.
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Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Music • Pocket Cast