Lovett or Leave It
Book Recommendations

Lovett or Leave It

Former Obama speechwriter, self-described comedian and Pod Save America co-host Jon Lovett takes the stage for a new season of the hit show that dared guests from Danny DeVito to Amy Klobuchar to ask “What is this?” and “Where am I?” Each week, Jon breaks down the biggest and dumbest stories in po...

Episodes 526
Books 412

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I Exaggerate: My Brushes with Fame cover

I Exaggerate

Kevin Nealon

Mentioned 5 months ago

Greenland New Deal

Kevin Nealon said he had released a paperback titled I Exaggerate, a collection of his caricature drawings, and recounted how an agent blocked the use of a celebrity's image to promote it.

I have a book out. It's called I Exaggerate and it's a book of all my caricature drawings.

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Red, White & Royal Blue: Collector's Edition: A Novel cover

Red, White & Royal Blue

Casey McQuiston

Mentioned 6 months ago

Don't Believe Your Lying Eyes

The hosts described the novel as a fantasy about a gay prince and an American politician's son, noting it was written by a woman. They mentioned it while comparing it to other media they discussed.

Red, White, and Royal Blue, which is about- It's a fantasy about like if the prince were gay and fucking an American politician's son. And that was also written by a woman.

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Shitlist notebook: convenient |6x9| Notebook with College Ruled Lines. 100 Pages cover

Shitlist notebook

ADZ Books

Mentioned 7 months ago

What a Year

The host listed Shitlist as another product from Cards Against Humanity, implying it is a book.

Cards Against Humanity ... consider buying one of their new games like Cards Against Humanity Tales, a book of fillintheblank stories for horrible people, or Shitlist.

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The Girls Next Door cover

The Girls Next Door

Paul Ruditis

Mentioned 7 months ago

Lovett or Leave It Presents: Bravo, America! (with Holly Madison)

She flipped through the coffeetable book produced from the series, saw herself posing with a fake smile, and realized how miserable she had been during those years.

And I don't think anybody else would be able to tell by looking at the photos, but I can tell because it's me. I was like, holy shit, I'm like fake smiling in all of these. And I'm so miserable.

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The Uncool: A Memoir cover

The Uncool

Cameron Crowe

Mentioned 7 months ago

Nothin' But Netflix

The hosts discussed Crowe's memoir, noting how reading it reminded them of the warmth and backstage moments they experienced while watching Almost Famous.

So are you the uncool? Yes, of course. That comes across in the text. So there's such a warmth rating off of you. I felt it the second I was backstage, because I'll tell you something when I was reading the book and I felt the same way when I watched Almost Famous.

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The Last Picture Show cover

The Last Picture Show

Larry McMurtry

Mentioned 7 months ago

Nothin' But Netflix

During the conversation, a guest mentioned that the musician referenced "The Last Picture Show" among other books while recalling his youth.

He started referencing books and Kurt Vonnegut and The Last Picture Show, film that was, you know, in great regard then.

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U.S. Citizenship For Dummies cover

U.S. Citizenship For Dummies

Jennifer Gagliardi

Mentioned 7 months ago

Lovett or Leave It Presents: Bravo, America! (with Bronwyn Newport)

Bronwyn said she studied 45 minutes a day for a few weeks, used flashcards and a copy of the book from Amazon to prepare for the citizenship test and felt the questions were ones she already knew.

I studied 45 minutes a day for like three or four weeks. I made flashcards. I got the U.S. citizenship for dummies from Amazon. The questions were ones that I already knew.

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Benjamin Franklin: An American Life cover

Benjamin Franklin

Walter Isaacson

Mentioned 7 months ago

More Like Pete Hague-seth

The hosts referenced a new series of children's books about the turtle Franklin, describing storylines where he receives a presidential pardon, goes out for drinks, and wrestles with doubts, and they also noted an AIgenerated cover that billed Franklin as targeting narcoterrorists.

He posted this sweet turtle, Franklin, in an AI cover that said, Franklin targets narco terrorists.

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The Snowman: A Classic Children's Book cover

The Snowman

Raymond Briggs

Mentioned 7 months ago

More Like Pete Hague-seth

The panel mentioned the classic picture book The Snowman by Raymond Briggs while discussing holiday characters, noting it as a wellknown children's story.

the snowman from the classic Raymond Briggs children's book, The Snowman.

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Niagara Falls, or Does It? (Hank Zipzer, the World's Greatest Underachiever, 1) cover

Niagara Falls, or Does It? (Hank Zipzer, the World's Greatest Underachiever, 1)

Henry Winkler

Mentioned 8 months ago

But Epstein's Emails

Winkler referenced his longrunning Hank Zipzer series of children's novels about a dyslexic boy.

But didn't you write, Hank Zipzer. Hank Zipzer, 28 novels about a little boy, uh, me.

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Detective Duck: The Mystery at Emerald Pond (Detective Duck #3) cover

Detective Duck

Henry Winkler

Mentioned 8 months ago

But Epstein's Emails

The hosts highlighted Henry Winkler's children's book, noting its quirky premise about solving Epstein's death mystery.

you can watch Henry's show Hazardous History on the History Channel and pick up Henry's book Detective Duck The Mystery at Emerald Pond it turns out that the mystery is how did Epstein kill himself it's a children's book for God's sakes

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A Tale of Two Cities cover

A Tale of Two Cities

Charles Dickens

Mentioned 8 months ago

But Epstein's Emails

A host mentioned briefly reading Charles Dickens's classic, noting they only got as far as the cover.

I read The Tale of Two Cities. Well, I didn't. I read the cover.

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Most Recommended

Cloud Atlas: A Novel (Modern Library (Hardcover)) Cover

David Mitchell

Cloud Atlas

A Novel (Modern Library (Hardcover))

The title was brought up when John Lovett expressed his personal liking for it, though other participants did not share his enthusiasm. In a later episode, a panelist noted that the movie adaptation had been panned despite being good, and mentioned having read the book themselves. Overall, the book was referenced more as a point of personal taste rather than a strong recommendation.

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Episode: Lovett in Wonderland

It was mentioned as a book John Lovett liked, although it wasn't well-received by others present in the scene.

"

And I also like Cloud Atlas.

No one liked Cloud Atlas.

Episode: Instagram Your Corruption

It was mentioned as a movie that was good, but not popular and panned when released, but one person on the panel had read the book.

"

Cloud Atlas. Popular. Good. Nobody saw that and it was panned, but it's good. I read the book.

Secrets and Lies: Digital Security in a Networked World Cover

Bruce Schneier

Secrets and Lies

Digital Security in a Networked World

It was described as extremely underrated and rewarding, with no prior knowledge needed before watching it.

"

Mary Ann Jean-Baptiste and one of my favorite movies ever, Secrets and Lies by Mike Lee, which is extremely underrated and so rewarding.

— Episode: The Quarantine Choice Awards

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Episode: The Quarantine Choice Awards

It was described as extremely underrated and rewarding, with no prior knowledge needed before watching it.

"

Mary Ann Jean-Baptiste and one of my favorite movies ever, Secrets and Lies by Mike Lee, which is extremely underrated and so rewarding.

Episode: Protect Stacey Abrams!

It was one of several romance novels written by Stacey Abrams under her pen name that was mentioned as an example of the types of books she has written.

"

You have written multiple novels under your nom de plume Selena Montgomery. Yes, I have what a name Here are some of the titles never tell hidden sins Secrets and Lies

Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest Cover

Zeynep Tufekci

Twitter and Tear Gas

The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest

The book was mentioned by name in the introduction of Zeynep Tufekci as she was being introduced to the audience. It was also mentioned that her work had been highlighted previously regarding the spread of mass shootings online.

"

She is a writer for The Atlantic and the New York Times, a professor at the University of North Carolina and author of the book Twitter and Tear Gas.

— Episode: No More Mr. Nice Goya

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Episode: No More Mr. Nice Goya

The book was mentioned by name in the introduction of Zeynep Tufekci as she was being introduced to the audience. It was also mentioned that her work had been highlighted previously regarding the spread of mass shootings online.

"

She is a writer for The Atlantic and the New York Times, a professor at the University of North Carolina and author of the book Twitter and Tear Gas.

Obviously: Stories from My Timeline Cover

Akilah Hughes

Obviously

Stories from My Timeline

Akilah Hughes' book, 'Obviously', was mentioned during the introduction, where she was also introduced as a comedian and co-host of the Crooked Media podcast 'What A Day'.

"

She's a comedian, author of the book Obviously and co-host of Crooked's daily news pod What A Day.

— Episode: Soup d'Etat

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Episode: Soup d'Etat

Akilah Hughes' book, 'Obviously', was mentioned during the introduction, where she was also introduced as a comedian and co-host of the Crooked Media podcast 'What A Day'.

"

She's a comedian, author of the book Obviously and co-host of Crooked's daily news pod What A Day.

Episode: Impeachment FOMO

Akilah Hughes' new book was mentioned, and she was a guest on the podcast episode, discussing her work and her new podcast.

"

She has a new book out called, Obviously, Stories From My Timeline.

Basketball (and Other Things): A Collection of Questions Asked, Answered, Illustrated Cover

Shea Serrano

Basketball (and Other Things)

A Collection of Questions Asked, Answered, Illustrated

Shea Serrano's book 'Basketball and Other Things' was mentioned, and his new book 'Movies and Other Things' was released the same week as the podcast.

"

He's known for his work at The Ringer as well as his book Basketball and Other Things. And his new book Movies and Other Things came out this week and everybody should pick it up.

— Episode: Catch Me If Ukraine

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Episode: Catch Me If Ukraine

Shea Serrano's book 'Basketball and Other Things' was mentioned, and his new book 'Movies and Other Things' was released the same week as the podcast.

"

He's known for his work at The Ringer as well as his book Basketball and Other Things. And his new book Movies and Other Things came out this week and everybody should pick it up.

Episode: BBQ, Bombs, and de Blasio (LIVE from Austin)

Shea Serrano's book 'Basketball and Other Things' was mentioned, and a new book titled 'Movies and Other Things' by the same author was promoted for preorder.

"

He's known for his work with The Ringer as well as his book Basketball and Other Things. You can pre-order his new book Movies and Other Things now.

Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain Cover

Oliver Sacks

Musicophilia

Tales of Music and the Brain

Zachary Quinto referenced this book by Oliver Sacks, which details a case study of a conductor who lost his memory but could recall his wife through music.

"

He was a conductor who recalled his wife in music but could not form new memories after contracting encephalitis.

— Episode: Jane Fonda and Friends

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Episode: Jane Fonda and Friends

Zachary Quinto referenced this book by Oliver Sacks, which details a case study of a conductor who lost his memory but could recall his wife through music.

"

He was a conductor who recalled his wife in music but could not form new memories after contracting encephalitis.

He wrote about the poor bastard in his 2007 book Musicophilia.

Episode: Jane Fonda and Friends

The hosts praised Oliver Sacks's 2007 book "Musicophilia," calling it a "really good one" and noting its relevance to a discussed case study.

"

He wrote about the poor bastard in his 2007 book Musicophilia.

Musicophilia is a really good one.

The River of Consciousness Cover

Oliver Sacks

The River of Consciousness

Zachary Quinto discussed this book by Oliver Sacks, describing it as an examination of those who've attempted to understand the brain and consciousness.

"

And he wrote an incredible book called On The River of Consciousness which is really examining all of the people in history who tried to understand the brain and tried to understand c...

— Episode: Jane Fonda and Friends

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Episode: Jane Fonda and Friends

Zachary Quinto discussed this book by Oliver Sacks, describing it as an examination of those who've attempted to understand the brain and consciousness.

"

And he wrote an incredible book called On The River of Consciousness which is really examining all of the people in history who tried to understand the brain and tried to understand consciousness.

Episode: Jane Fonda and Friends

The hosts mentioned Sacks's work "The River of Consciousness," noting it examined historical attempts to understand the brain and consciousness.

"

He wrote an incredible book called On The River of Consciousness which is really examining all of the people in history who tried to understand the brain and tried to understand consciousness.

Nice Girls Don't Win: How I Burned It All Down to Claim My Power Cover

Parvati Shallow

Nice Girls Don't Win

How I Burned It All Down to Claim My Power

Parvati Shallow promoted her memoir, Nice Girls Don't Win, which details her journey from a hippie commune to Survivor fame and how she reclaimed her power.

"

Her book, Nice Girls Don't Win, How I Burned It All Down to Claim My Power is out right now.

— Episode: Lovett or Leave It Presents: Bravo, Amer...

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Episode: Lovett or Leave It Presents: Bravo, America! (with...

Parvati Shallow promoted her memoir, Nice Girls Don't Win, which details her journey from a hippie commune to Survivor fame and how she reclaimed her power.

"

Her book, Nice Girls Don't Win, How I Burned It All Down to Claim My Power is out right now.

I wrote this casting story in my book and it's one of the most fun stories in there.

I'm promoting my book and doing these drag shows.

Episode: Tanks for the Memories

Parvati Shallow announced that she had written a memoir covering her upbringing in a Hindu commune, her move to Los Angeles, and her experiences on Survivor, and she urged listeners to purchase and read it.

"

Carbity, you have a book. What's it called? Nice Girls Don't Win, How I Burned It All Down to Claim My Power.

I've written a memoir. It starts at my childhood. I grew up in a commune, a Hindu spiritual commune run by a very charismatic, very controlling guru. It goes through my whole life story--moving to LA, getting cast on Survivor, playing Survivor multiple times.

I want people to take away from my story something that helps you in your life. I deep, deep, deep excavated my soul for this book. So I really hope you'll buy it, read it, and enjoy it.

Everybody get Parvati's book.

Breaking Free From Broke: The Ultimate Guide to More Money and Less Stress Cover

George Kamel

Breaking Free From Broke

The Ultimate Guide to More Money and Less Stress

It was said that a new book revealed that Donald Trump brutally mocked Rudy Giuliani on a plane, due to a terrible smell after Giuliani used the bathroom.

"

Breaking new book reveals Donald Trump brutally mocked Rudy Giuliani as "fucking disgusting." On a plane because the odor after Giuliani used the bathroom was so disgusting that Trump decided to loudl...

— Episode: The Eyes Were Made For Crying (Live from...

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Episode: The Eyes Were Made For Crying (Live from Pittsburg...

It was said that a new book revealed that Donald Trump brutally mocked Rudy Giuliani on a plane, due to a terrible smell after Giuliani used the bathroom.

"

Breaking new book reveals Donald Trump brutally mocked Rudy Giuliani as "fucking disgusting." On a plane because the odor after Giuliani used the bathroom was so disgusting that Trump decided to loudly complain, RT if you're glad you weren't there to experience it.

Bismarck & Mussolini. Cover

SHERRILL Charles H. -

Bismarck & Mussolini.

Paula Poundstone mentioned having recently listened to a book about Benito Mussolini, discussing his death and how his body was treated after.

"

So he was killed in the end by the partisans, I believe turned on him or something. He was held captive in a hotel for a little while, and then they put him in a truck one day with I think three other...

— Episode: Arraign-y Season

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Episode: Arraign-y Season

Paula Poundstone mentioned having recently listened to a book about Benito Mussolini, discussing his death and how his body was treated after.

"

So he was killed in the end by the partisans, I believe turned on him or something. He was held captive in a hotel for a little while, and then they put him in a truck one day with I think three other captives, and they drove him to the top of a hill and they shot them. And then they took Mussolini back down to the town square and they hung his dead body.

And the people were so angry with him that they beat the dead body with sticks and they put a dead mouse in his mouth. I just thought that was an interesting detail.

Okay, here's the other thing it said in the book. I have never heard anybody else say this, but I have not really talked about Mussolini to anybody but you. And I'm glad that you feel safe enough to share. Thank you for sharing this with me.

And apparently the Americans, I believe it was, somehow a little sliver of his brain came to America because they were looking at a sliver of his brain on a microscope slide, which I just think is funny. What are you looking for? What are you looking for?

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Other Stories (Leather-bound Classics) Cover

Lewis Carroll

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Other Stories (Leather-bound Classics)

It was referenced several times throughout the episode, in the context of the bizarre situations that John Lovett experienced, suggesting that the episode was an allegory for the book.

"

This has been like Alice in Wonderland. I'm just getting that. I'm so stupid. I gotta read more.

— Episode: Lovett in Wonderland

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Episode: Lovett in Wonderland

It was referenced several times throughout the episode, in the context of the bizarre situations that John Lovett experienced, suggesting that the episode was an allegory for the book.

"

This has been like Alice in Wonderland. I'm just getting that. I'm so stupid. I gotta read more.

Great. Now you probably wanna cancel Lewis Carroll just because he took dozens of nude photos of children and famously dated teen girls?

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany Cover

William L. Shirer

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich

A History of Nazi Germany

The book was written in the 50s or 60s and was considered a classic before being replaced by Sir Richard Evans's trilogy.

"

It's this trilogy that I believe people view as the replacement for The Rise and Fall, that one from the 50s or 60s, whatever it is, because this one is, I think, willing to describe the complicity of...

— Episode: What a Weekday: Other Than That, Mr. Tru...

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Episode: What a Weekday: Other Than That, Mr. Trump, How Wa...

The book was written in the 50s or 60s and was considered a classic before being replaced by Sir Richard Evans's trilogy.

"

It's this trilogy that I believe people view as the replacement for The Rise and Fall, that one from the 50s or 60s, whatever it is, because this one is, I think, willing to describe the complicity of everyday Germans.

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War Cover

Max Brooks

World War Z

An Oral History of the Zombie War

World War Z was discussed favorably, particularly regarding its successful reshoots and the desire for a sequel. The discussion included preferences for fast versus slow zombies and the strategic implications of zombie speed in a survival scenario.

"

I love World War Z.

— Episode: Donald Trump, Time Bandit

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Episode: Donald Trump, Time Bandit

World War Z was discussed favorably, particularly regarding its successful reshoots and the desire for a sequel. The discussion included preferences for fast versus slow zombies and the strategic implications of zombie speed in a survival scenario.

"

I love World War Z.

It's a rare success for the reshoots.

I would love to see another World War Z.

I want to see what happens. I want to be in the world more.

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America Cover

Erik Larson

The Devil in the White City

Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America

The book follows the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago and the crimes of serial killer H.H. Holmes.

"

So many H's.

— Episode: Fetterman Gets Dressed Down (Live from C...

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Episode: Fetterman Gets Dressed Down (Live from Chicago!)

The book follows the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago and the crimes of serial killer H.H. Holmes.

"

So many H's.

HHH Holmes. HHH.

The Jungle Cover

Upton Sinclair

The Jungle

A speaker compared a recent experience to the novel "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair, invoking the book as a metaphor.

"

It makes me think the book of The Jungle by Upton Sinclair because I just found a coffee inside the cavity of my Costco chicken.

— Episode: The Grim Veeper

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Episode: The Grim Veeper

A speaker compared a recent experience to the novel "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair, invoking the book as a metaphor.

"

It makes me think the book of The Jungle by Upton Sinclair because I just found a coffee inside the cavity of my Costco chicken.

The Canterbury Tales (Penguin Clothbound Classics) Cover

Geoffrey Chaucer

The Canterbury Tales (Penguin Clothbound Classics)

A dramatic reading of the prologue was performed by Tom Morello, which was chosen over a reading from W.B. Yeats.

"

This is the prologue to The Canterbury Tales.

— Episode: Prophets of Rage

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Episode: Prophets of Rage

A dramatic reading of the prologue was performed by Tom Morello, which was chosen over a reading from W.B. Yeats.

"

This is the prologue to The Canterbury Tales.

When that April with his shoures soote The droghte of March hath perced to the roote, And bathed every veine in swich licour Of which vertu engendred is the flour;

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.