Just Plane Books Podcast

Just Plane Books Podcast

Just Plane Books with LaDonna and Jolene is a casual, weekly book review podcast. The two adventure-driven working moms broadcast from LaDonna's Cessna 172 in a hangar in North Idaho, though the books are not typically aviation related. The pair discuss, analyze and rate one book each week, state major themes, give recommendations and critique voice actors and narrators. A perfect place to go when looking for your next great book!

Episodes

August 2, 2026 26 mins

Imagine being among the first women in the country to go to space! That is where the main character of Atmosphere finds herself, right along with the love of her life.  Join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss their favorite - and not so favorite - parts of this book of historical fiction by Taylor Jenkins Reid.  Whether you've already read the book or are considering it...you won't want to miss this episode! 

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Don't you just love a good road trip story?  Join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss the beauty and sweetness of Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett.  This unlikely novel - as well as the performance by narrator Mark Bramhall - landed just right for both hosts.  You'll want to listen to the podcast, and you'll want to listen to the book! 

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July 19, 2026 22 mins

Imagine being deserted on a remote Canadian island with only primitive provisions. How long might you survive?   Join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss Marguerite de la Rocque and the incredible true story of her two-year banishment under just such circumstances.  The tale of her strength is beautifully told in Isola, the latest historical novel by Allegra Goodman.  You'll love the story and you'll love the pod...

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July 12, 2026 25 mins

Do you like a good plot twist?  How about two?  Join LaDonna and Jolene as they fall in love with the title character of this delightfully touching novel and discuss the merits of the surprising turns in the story.  One of your hosts is here for them... the other, not as much.  You won't want to miss this book, and you won't want to miss this episode! 

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Would you ever consider raising your family on a remote, untamed, Antarctic - sinking - island?  Join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss the Salt family's harrowing adventures in just such a place.  Mysteries are solved as the story unfolds in this dramatic, sometimes difficult novel by Australian author Charlotte McConaghy.  Don't miss the discussion! 

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June 28, 2026 20 mins

Join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss Yesteryear, a 2026 novel by political podcaster Caro Claire Burke.  What does this satire say to you about the role of social media and influencers on our society? Tradwife or Girl Boss? Maybe you can help us find clarity.  Enjoy the discussion! 

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Just Plane Books, on a Wednesday? You got it!  You will not want to miss this rapid-fire list of books you really should add to your TBR pile!  LaDonna and Jolene each suggest 5 books that they found particularly interesting, entertaining, moving or just PLANE well-written.  If you need some new ideas, you need this episode!

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Join LaDonna and Jolene as they discuss this successful 2022 novel-turned-movie by Shelby Van Pelt.  Your hosts are on the same page regarding this delightful book and recommend that you experience this story one way or another!  Don't miss this fun episode!  

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LaDonna and Jolene have never seen a book quite so differently as I Who Have Never Known Men.  For one, it's a favorite, for the other...quite the opposite.  If you like the idea of the Gen Z "Handmaid's Tale"; if you favor Sci-Fi and Speculative Fiction; if you don't have to have all the answers; this book might just be for you!  Either way, we are sure this episode will get you thinking!  You won't want to mis...

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June 6, 2026 26 mins

You won't want to miss this week's episode as LaDonna and Jolene discuss this hilariously entertaining story.  Phoebe Stone finds little to live for as we join her at the Cornwall Inn.  She checks in to find she is the only guest at the hotel who is NOT a guest at the very elaborate, week-long wedding taking place there.  The story leads Phoebe - and the bride - to examine their lives and face some difficult, sometim...

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May 31, 2026 28 mins

Do you find yourself in caught between your young adult children and your aging parents?  You might just be a member of the Sandwich Generation...and you might just love this book!  LaDonna and Jolene can certainly relate to author Catherine Newman, and her main character, Rocky, as she navigates the wonderful and emotional world of a woman in her 50s. You won't want to miss this week's discussion as our hosts find ways i...

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May 23, 2026 30 mins

Get ready for a tough conversation as LaDonna and Jolene dig into this unusual and celebrated novel set in World War I. While Angel Down, a Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction, is not everyone's cup of tea, it provides plenty of material to talk about.  Join us for the discussion and let us know what YOU think!  Drop us a line at justplanebooks@gmail.com!

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May 17, 2026 25 mins

LaDonna and Jolene bring a few surprises to you this week, as they review Patrick Ryan's multigenerational novel Buckeye.  This book tells the moving story of two midwestern families who are inextricably intertwined after a brief indiscretion.  One of our hosts is brought to tears during the discussion, the other awards the book a perfect five stars! We suggest you pick up this bestselling tome and join the discussion!&nb...

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May 10, 2026 24 mins

Our hosts have similar thoughts about this new - and somewhat controversial - novel by Woody Brown.  Set in an adult daycare called Upward Bound, this story sparks emotions on every level.  You won't want to miss this episode.  But be warned!  After listening, you will want to visit your local bookstore to grab this one for yourself!  

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May 3, 2026 28 mins

Have you ever wanted a Do-Over?  Alfie, the main character in Twice has the power to do exactly that.  This week, LaDonna and Jolene discuss the advantages and heartbreak of using this gift, especially when it comes to love.  Our hosts are both Mitch Albom fans, and after you join this week's discussion, you will likely be too!  

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Join LaDonna and Jolene this week as they learn about orphans in post-World War II Germany.  Keeper of Lost Children explores the challenge of mixed-race babies in the 1940s and 50s, telling the complicated and emotional stories of three people whose lives were defined by it. Our hosts are - for the most part - on the same page on this one.  Don't miss it! 

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April 19, 2026 24 mins

Did you ever consider visiting the Panama Canal? This week, LaDonna and Jolene discuss this rich novel of historical fiction set in the early 20th century.  The creation of this Wonder of the Modern World serves as the backdrop for this story, and our hosts are here for it!  You won't want to miss the discussion, and you won't want to miss the book!  

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April 12, 2026 23 mins

Join LaDonna and Jolene this week as they discuss their first mystery thriller novel on the podcast!  John Grisham's latest bestseller is the topic of conversation today, and while they come to a similar rating, they have very different opinions about the characters in the book.  What do you think?  Let us know anytime, here at Podbean, or drop us a note at Justplanebooks@gmail.com!  We want to hear from you!

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April 5, 2026 27 mins

Imagine if Cinderella's evil stepmother wasn't so evil after all!  This week, LaDonna and Jolene discuss the entertainment quality and themes in Rachel Hochhauser's debut novel Lady Tremaine, which tells the iconic fairy tale from a different and creative perspective.  You will want to join the ladies in the airplane to find out how they feel about this fresh take on a very old story!

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March 29, 2026 22 mins

LaDonna and Jolene are mostly on the same page this week as they discuss the merits and challenges of this celebrated Sci-Fi novel by Andy Weir.  They explore the themes represented in the book and highlight the performance by narrator Ray Porter.  If you are on the fence about picking up this book, this week's episode might just settle things for you!  You won't want to miss today's flight! 

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