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Tarkin's Top Shelf

A Star Wars literary podcast that strives to deliver an educational and yet, entertaining analysis and outlook, pertaining to the new canonical novels/YA books from the galaxy far, far away. In other words, Becca and Mark are your guardians to the Whills and your librarians to the long-lost Jedi Archives.
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Tarkin's Top Shelf
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All Episodes
Archives
Now displaying: 2019
Dec 24, 2019
Tarkin's Top Shelf and Idiot's Array Podcast form a Force Bond via Skype for a Roundtable Breakdown of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker! In this episode, Mark, Becca, Alan, and Ryder lightspeed skip through keypoints, mythos, character arcs, and more as they discuss all things Star Wars and The Rise of Skywalker. So, get out your Jedi Compass, and don't get lost in the Rammahgon or you may have to hunt down a Sith Wayfinder to hear this episode.
 
Dec 19, 2019

In Review: "I Am C-3PO" by Anthony Daniels and DK Publishing. In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Becca Benjamin welcomes Dennis Keithly from Podcast Stardust to the show to help fill-in while Mark Sutter is under the weather. Becca and Dennis take a close look at Anthony Daniel's memoir as it spans over 42 years of Star Wars and generations of Skywalkers and passionate fans. They also use this review as a gear-up for the final hours before the culmination of the Skywalker Saga, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

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Dec 11, 2019
Tarkin's Top Shelf welcomes the mastermind and Pop-Up creative behind Star Wars: The Ultimate Pop-Up Galaxy, Matthew Reinhart! In this episode, Mark and Becca sit down with Matt and pick his brain on inspirations, dream projects, and the process behind all things Pop-Up in a galaxy far, far away. 
 
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Dec 3, 2019
In this episode, "Tarkin's Top Shelf" welcomes Emmy Award-Winning author, Kevin Shinick to the show to discuss his latest endeavor, Star Wars: Force Collector! Mark and Becca invite Kevin to talk Star Wars, the concept, plot, settings, and of course, the Force that encompasses the story of Star Wars: Force Collector. So please, pull up a chair and grab hold of your favorite Star Wars possession and enjoy the discussion.
Nov 21, 2019

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark, and Becca welcome Matthew Bortolin, author of "The Zen of R2-D2" to the show! Matthew is also the author of "The Dharma of Star Wars," and has talked about the links between Star Wars and Zen with CNN, Newsweek, USA Today, Good Morning America, and several online magazines and fan websites. Please join your hosts as they welcome Matthew to the show to discuss his book, the links between Star Wars and Zen, and how the fandom can benefit from all of it, and be better like R2-D2. 

 

 

 

Nov 15, 2019

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark and Becca review "Star Wars: Resistance Reborn" by Rebecca Roanhorse and Del Rey Publishing. "Star Wars: Resistance Reborn" is the prequel story to the upcoming film, "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker," the final chapter to the Skywalker Saga. But first, your hosts introduce a new segment to their show format: The Mando Files—a quick roundup of thoughts from "The Mandalorian," only on Disney +

 

Nov 8, 2019

In this episode of “Tarkin's Top Shelf,” Mark and Becca continue their discussion on The Aftermath Trilogy IN Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Your hosts dive deep and tackle some intriguing concepts that may or may not be coincidences. In essence, nothing is off the table as they take a closer look at dreams, Genie scenarios, and old relics. Yes, everything, from books to on-screen, and everything else in-between. So, go ahead, grab a steaming mug of galactic caf or tea and hold on to your butts!

 

Nov 1, 2019

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark and Becca go back into the Star Wars Archives and revisit the Star Wars: Aftermath Trilogy by Chuck Wendig. Your hosts take a deep dive into what appears to be the foundations of the sequel trilogy and the catalyst for the closing act of the Skywalker Saga, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. But first, Mark and Becca go over the latest happenings in Star Wars News.

Oct 26, 2019

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark and Becca are joined by the creative mind behind "Star Wars: How NOT to Eaten Get by Ewoks," and the "Be More" books, Christian Blauvelt! As always, your hosts go-over your favorite (and, maybe, your least favorite) Star Wars books, and this show showcases Christian's handbook on Galactic Survival Skills and how to avoid the dangers of traveling in a galaxy far, far away.

Oct 17, 2019

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark, and Becca review Star Wars: Spark of the Resistance by Justina Ireland and Disney Books. This book is the first of the "Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" series and sets the stage for the upcoming final film of the Skywalker Saga. Your hosts cover character growth, plot development, and world-building heading into "The Rise of Skywalker," but first, they recap the latest book announcements from New York City Comic-Con.

Oct 2, 2019

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark and Becca review "How Not To Get Eaten by Ewoks," "Smuggler's Guide," "Be More Lando and Be More Leia," and then top it off with the finale of all finales, "The Skywalker Saga" by Delilah S. Dawson! But first, your hosts go over the latest in Star Wars Book News, Empire Magazine Cover Reveals, and more. Oh! "Tarkin's Top Shelf" has a little announcement of their own, too. So, get comfy in your favorite lounging chair, pilot seat, or whatever the case might be, and enjoy some Star Wars literature. And try not to get trapped on an exploding Death Star.

 

 

Sep 17, 2019

"Tarkin's Top Shelf" welcomes Jeffrey Brown to the show to talk about Star Wars: Rey and Pals. In this episode, Mark and Becca take a break from the seriousness of fandom and get back in touch with their inner-child by chatting with New York Times Best Selling Cartoonist and Author, Jeffrey Brown. As they recount scenarios from Star Wars: Rey and Pals, they unleash the fun side of Star Wars and reconnect with what lured them to the galaxy far, far away in the first place.

Sep 8, 2019

"Tarkin's Top Shelf" heads to Batuu as they review Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire by Delilah S. Dawson. In this episode, Mark and Becca journey to Galaxy's Edge, figuratively, of course, and delve into Dawson's all-immersive literary adventure located at Black Spire Outpost, and follow General Organa's top Resistance Spy, Vi Moradi on her mission to recruit and build a new base for the recovering Resistance. But first, your hosts go over some recent Star Wars News and upcoming book announcements.

Aug 17, 2019

"Tarkin's Top Shelf" reviews a bit of Batuu with Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: A Crash of Fate and Star Wars: Myths & Fables by Disney Books and Lucasfilm Press. In this episode, Mark and Becca discuss the fundamentals of writing styles between both books, genre, and pictorial skills as well. But first, your hosts go over the latest in Star Wars News and possible "Negotiations."

Aug 1, 2019

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark, and Becca review Star Wars Thrawn: Treason by Timothy Zahn and Del Rey Publishing. Thrawn Treason is the third installment of Zahn's Thrawn series. Additionally, they go-over the plot, subplots, and characters for a thorough review of what may be the last we see of Thrawn from a literature lens. But first, Mark and Becca discuss some of the recent Star Wars news and announce the name of their winner for the Thrawn Treason Giveaway.

 

Jul 11, 2019

"Tarkin's Top Shelf" welcomes a special guest to the show. Actually, in a way, you could say she's royalty. Please join Mark and Becca as they welcome the "Heart of the Galaxy" and the first Rebel of the Alliance, the voice of Padmé Amidala from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Cat Taber!

In this episode, Cat Taber joins the hosts of "Tarkin's Top Shelf" to talk all things Padme' Amidala, and yes, they even discuss some Star Wars books too. So snuggle up to your favorite Nexu plushie and enjoy this heart-to-heart with Senator Amidala, Cat Taber.

Jul 1, 2019

Is the Skywalker Saber equivalent to the Elder Wand?  Well, in this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark and Becca discuss the similarities and possibilities between these two franchises that make this idea plausible. Your hosts will dovetail back between books, comics, and of course, on-screen materials to support their point of view and notions. But first, they go over the latest in Star Wars news, Star Wars Celebration Anaheim, and upcoming Thrawn novel, Star Wars Thrawn: Treason.

Jun 14, 2019

Alphabet Squadron, suit up! In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark and Becca review the first part of a new trilogy, Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron by Alexander Freed and Del Rey Publishing. They dive-in on the characters and their backstories, and what makes them tick. Also, they touch on setting the stage for what's to come in the next two parts of this crossover event. But first, Mark and Becca talk about some "Breaking News" that spans from Galaxy's Edge to a fan event in a galaxy not so far, far away.

Jun 11, 2019
"Bright Suns to you!"  Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, where Books meet World. Or, Galaxy? In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark and Becca discuss the current bridging of literature with the tangible in the galaxy far, far away. Only, that galaxy isn't so far away after all. That said, you could say, Star Wars, itself, is "On Planet." For those that don't know, "On Planet" is the Batuu phrase for "in the land," and a lot of what we've only read about has now become a palpable reality at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Books like Star Wars: TIE FIGHTER Owner's Manual, Star Wars: Millennium Falcon Owner's Manual, Star Wars: Alien Archive, and many more. So, hop aboard the closest YT-1300 freighter and "May the Spires Keep You!"
May 24, 2019
In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark, and Becca take the time to reminisce about Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace. They talk about their initial thoughts from 20 years ago, how the story has evolved or changed over the past two decades, and the comparison of Terry Brook's novel adaptation to the actual film. But first, Mark and Becca discuss the latest in Star Wars News, the Vanity Fair coverage from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker!

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May 13, 2019

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark, and Becca review "Dooku: Jedi Lost" an audio drama by Cavan Scott. Unlike their past reviews, this one is the first of its kind. Instead of covering cover to cover or page by page, Mark and Becca are evaluating an all-new format which includes a whole cast of voice actors telling the story through narration and character interaction. But, before they dive into Dooku's past, they take a few moments to go over the latest Star Wars News.

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Apr 30, 2019

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark and Becca recap the Lucasfilm Publishing Panel from Star Wars Celebration Chicago. They go over the impending Star Wars books from Del Rey, Disney Press, DK Publishing, Insight Editions, Abrams Books, and more! In addition to that, Mark and Becca take a closer look behind the authors and the mysterious works known as "Project Luminous." But first, they discuss a little Star Wars News and Mark's debut on The Star Wars Show.

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Apr 19, 2019

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark, and Becca are thrilled to finally discuss, Star Wars: Master & Apprentice by Claudia Gray. Your Hosts are just getting back from Star Wars Celebration Chicago, but they're ready to get back down to business. Jedi business that is. This review covers the core characters and focuses primarily on character backstory and plot. Also, in addition to the book review, there is an exclusive interview with the author herself, Claudia Gray, on-site from Star Wars Celebration Chicago!

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Apr 16, 2019
Tarkin's Top Shelf is LIVE from Star Wars Celebration Podcast Stage! Join your hosts Mark and Becca as they take to the Star Wars Celebration Podcast Stage and take you on a literary journey across the stars in a galaxy far, far away. This discussion covers every parsec of story possibilities from the books, on-screen, and everything in-between. Joining them on this bookish adventure are their honorary guest hosts: Devon Meyers from Kanata's Castle and Ryder Waldron from Idiot's Array Podcast.
 
Apr 12, 2019
Welcome to the Tarkin's Top Shelf Roundtable at Star Wars Celebration Chicago! In this episode, Tarkin's Top Shelf welcomes The Cantina Podcast and Kanata's Castle to the show. All three podcasts sit down and discuss the upcoming Episode IX Panel and what they expect the fans will see. From fan theories to canonical theoretical thinking-it's one helluva discussion! So, don't miss out! Sit back and fly casual and let the speculation begin
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