This week on Facts and Fictions we are diving into The Ten Year Affair by Erin Somers. We discuss first impressions, the characters and all of their quirks, and the slippery slope of emotional infidelity that led to a decade long affair.

We explored the moral gray area of when did Cora and Elliot's friendship cross the line? Did Cora go out seeking an affair or did she stumble into it?

Please note: we record under the assumption that listeners have already read the book - there are spoilers in the episode, so save listening for later if The Ten Year affair is still on your TBR.

Want to reach out with questions, comments, or book suggestions for future episodes? Find us at factsandfictionspod@gmail.com

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In this Brief Encounters episode of Facts & Fictions, we’re diving into a few thought-provoking pieces on the state of reading today — from declining literacy rates to the rise of bibliotherapy and the growing role of AI in how we consume and create stories.

What does it mean to be a reader in 2026? Are attention spans really shrinking? Can books still change us? And where does artificial intelligence fit into all of it?

In this conversation, we reflect on the cultural moment around reading — what’s shifting, what concerns us, and what gives us hope.

Brief Encounters is our short-form series where we unpack essays, articles, and big ideas shaping the literary world.

If you care about reading culture, the future of books, and the evolving role of storytelling, this one’s for you.

✨ New episodes every other Sunday

📚 Book Discussions + Brief Encounters + Overdue for a Chat

Reading is better when you talk about it.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments — is reading in crisis, or just changing?

Mentioned articles:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/12/us/high-school-english-teachers-assigning-books.html

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/open-questions/whats-happening-to-reading

https://psyche.co/ideas/reading-books-is-not-just-a-pleasure-it-helps-our-minds-to-heal

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What if you could live every version of your life?📚✨

In this episode of Facts & Fictions, we dive into The Midnight Library by Matt Haig — a genre-bending novel that blends literary fiction, speculative fantasy, and mental health exploration. We discuss Nora Seed’s journey through infinite alternate lives, how the book handles themes like regret, choice, and depression, and whether it lives up to the hype.

Join us for thoughtful conversation, personal reflections, and our honest take on one of the most talked-about books of the last few years.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.