Episode · SmartLess · 2025-09-15
Kate McKinnon on SmartLess: every book mentioned
Folks are doing carpentry— it’s the dulcet tones of Kate McKinnon! ASMR, traffic, chicken juice, and Natalie’s mother’s costume jewelry.
Kate McKinnon discussed Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling. Jason Bateman recommended Freedom by Jonathan Franzen. Sean Hayes recommended Secrets of the Purple Pearl by Kate McKinnon.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K.
Discussed“Harry Potter is a middle-grade novel. Heard of it.”
Where to get it
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Freedom
Freedom by Jonathan Franzen is a sweeping contemporary novel that examines the complex dynamics of a modern American family alongside broader themes of political and environmental disillusionment.
Recommended“And then I read Freedom by Jonathan Fronen. That was really good.”
Where to get it
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Secrets of the Purple Pearl
Secrets of the Purple Pearl by Kate McKinnon is an imaginative book written by the talented comedian, actress, and author.
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
Plugged Secrets of the Purple Pearl
“The book is the second in a it's the second book in a series of books called the Millisent Quib School of Etiquette for young ladies of mad science.”