On this episode, the Buddies return to their YA roots with Marie Lu's 2011 dystopian novel "Legend". This one had all the elements of a classic YA novel, enemies to lovers, some love triangles, and of course a story that focuses on 15-year-olds that are the smartest people alive, Olympic-level athletes, AND models. The Buddies got to chatting about the difference between sociopath/psychopath/masochist, ChatGPT writing books, and the importance of not wearing jewelry/accessories. So, leave your neckless at home, but practice your Spider-Man climbing skills, and join the other Legends that listen to this pod, better known as Buddies.

Intro/Book Report (0:00-3:01)

Stock Up/Down (3:02-33:21)

Favorite Scene/Character (33:22-38:12)

Love/Hate (38:13-48:11)

Conclusion/Casting (48:12-52:07)

NEXT BOOK: Executive Power by Vince Flynn

The Buddies return with Fredrik Backman's 2025 novel "My Friends," their second dive into Backman's work after "Anxious People." They get to chatting about art snobs, nicknames, train conductor, and how this books first draft was originally was way more depressing. The Buddies try to bring some levity to this one (and some much-needed revenge on specific parents). Like the book this one is filled with a bunch of ups and downs. So, fill out your postcards, imagine you are 14 again (you’ll need it for our sense of humor), and join us along with all of our other Buddies, or as we like to call them “My Friends”.

Intro (0:00-4:11)

Stock Up/Down (4:12-38:32)

Favorite Scene/Character (38:33-42:11)

Love/Hate/Lingering Questions (42:12-53:08)

Conclusion/Casting (53:08-57:26)

NEXT BOOK: Legend by Marie Lu

The Buddies are back for their sixth rodeo with Pierce Brown's "Light Bringer," the final book in the second Red Rising trilogy (before the 7th book). The Buddies needed some cliff notes to remember what happened in this one (it was a lot). The gang discusses Mission Impossible/Scooby-Doo mask reveals, and how Atlas has been playing 4D chess while everyone else was playing checkers. There's also talk of self-help books, Darrow having an identity crisis, and Virginia actually getting to do cool Mustang things instead of just being stuck in meetings. So grab your 35-hour audiobook stamina, practice remembering approximately 847 character names, and join the Buddies as we contemplate life until Red God comes out.

Intro/Book Summary (0:00-5:37)

Stock Up/Down (5:38-32:12)

Favorite Scene/Character (32:13-36:25)

Love/Hate (36:26-50:45)

Conclusion (50:46-55:36)

NEXT BOOK: My Friends by Fredrik Backman