What Should I Read Next? Ep 516: Don't overthink your buddy reads
Mar 3, 2026
Ruth Werwai is a Vancouver-born reader living in Germany who co-runs a two-person buddy-read club with her sister. They talk about staying close across distance, which sister-focused novels and memoirs have worked for them, and the books that flopped. The conversation centers on emotional resonance, sister stories, and picks that spark good conversation.
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Sister Buddy Reads Began With Shared Audiobook Laughter
- Ruth and her sister started low-stakes buddy reads after listening together to Yearbook by Seth Rogen and found shared laughter deepened their connection despite long distance.
- They sometimes read asynchronously, borrow from local libraries, and use audiobooks to recreate shared moments across countries.
Overthinking Creates Pressure In Joint Picks
- Ruth overthinks picking books for joint reading, researching themes and styles, while her sister picks impulsively from the library.
- That mismatch—one analytic, one spontaneous—creates pressure Ruth wants to reduce so picks feel lower-stakes.
Memoirs With Shared Generational Humor Land Well
- Memoir and humor strongly resonate for both sisters, especially Dolly Alderton's Everything I Know About Love read on audio.
- Shared generational references (MSN Messenger, university era) amplified relatability and joint enjoyment.
