Bad on Paper Podcast: 2025 Reading Preview Episode Summary

Episode Information

• Title: Bad on Paper
• Hosts: Becca Freeman & Olivia Muenter
• Episode: 2025 Reading Preview
• Release Date: January 22, 2025

Introduction

In this special episode of the Bad on Paper podcast, hosts Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter delve into their reading plans for 2025, featuring insights and recommendations from five distinguished guests. The episode offers a comprehensive preview of exciting book releases anticipated in the first half of the year, encompassing a diverse range of genres including literary romance, fantastical narratives, and thought-provoking thrillers.

Hosts' Highs and Lows

Becca Freeman:

• High: "I'm feeling refreshed." (02:58)

  • After a gentle start to the year involving newsletter and podcast activities, Becca feels revitalized and optimistic about receiving feedback on her latest novel draft.

• Low: “The sequel is not quite as bad as the original.” (03:52)

  • Becca expresses anxiety over her apartment building being back on the market, referencing a stressful experience from 2022. However, having a renewed lease provides some peace of mind.

Olivia Muenter:

• High: "I feel reborn." (01:23)

  • Olivia celebrates getting a new laptop, which marks the end of sharing with a friend since the 2023 water spill incident. The fresh setup enhances her productivity and satisfaction.

• Low: Olivia did not specifically mention a low, stating, "I don't really have a low. I've had a really, really nice week." (06:13)

Guest Interviews and Book Recommendations

1. Alyssa Morris – Romancing the Phone

Background: Alyssa Morris, a freelance literary scout and former Kindle Romance editor at Amazon, brings her expertise from her newsletter Romancing the Phone.

Recommendations:

• Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (08:23)

  • A literary romance set at Berkeley, exploring an untraditional relationship between two college students bonded by their love for music. Spanning seven years, the novel evokes strong nostalgia for the early 2000s indie music scene.

  “It really reminded me of 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow' with this best friends to will they or won't they lovers.” (10:39)

• The Art of Vanishing by Morgan Pager (11:20)

  • An Audible original featuring dual POVs: a night janitor at a museum and a man inside a Matisse painting. This magical love story draws comparisons to The Night Circus for its enchanting premise.

Alyssa Morris's Insights: Alyssa highlights Rachel Gillig's foray into adult romantasy with The Night and the Moth, emphasizing its unique magic system based on tarot cards and its mature themes.

2. Tao Tai

Background: Tao Tai, author of Banyan Moon and romance writer under the pen name Nora Wynn, shares her literary picks.

Recommendations:

• Slanting Towards the Sea by Lydia Hilja (20:41)

  • A debut literary romance set on the Croatian coastline, featuring a passionate love triangle among three friends. The novel is lauded for its lush descriptions and deep emotional resonance.

  “The interiority is so rich and expansive. I felt like I was there with the characters.” (22:28)

• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaughey (24:07)

  • Set on a remote island near Antarctica, this novel follows Dominic and his children as they encounter a mysterious woman, Rowan, during a storm. The story blends survival elements with a touch of mystery and hope.

Tao Tai's Reflections: Tao appreciates the immersive and moody atmospheres in Charlotte McConaughey's works, noting their ability to transport readers into deeply reflective environments.

3. Josh Laura

Background: Josh Laura, a researcher and writer focused on cultural trends, discusses darker literary themes influenced by societal shifts.

Recommendations:

• Nothing Serious by Emily J. Smith (32:22)

  • A literary thriller centered on a 35-year-old woman navigating the treacherous waters of dating apps. The novel critiques modern loneliness and the complexities of relationships in the digital age.

  “It's being marketed as a sort of literary thriller, but I'm very, very excited.” (34:07)

• Universality by Natasha Brown (35:04)

  • This concise novel follows a young black journalist investigating a murder linked to a single clue—a gold bar. The story delves into themes of class, anarchy, and the intricacies of British society.

Josh Laura's Perspective: Josh emphasizes the cultural commentary embedded within these thrillers, highlighting their exploration of contemporary issues through engaging narratives.

4. Michelle Martin

Background: Michelle Martin, a wedding photographer and author of the newsletter Literary Leanings, offers her book selections with a blend of literary depth and captivating storytelling.

Recommendations:

• The Colony by Annika Norlin (38:40)

  • A Swedish bestseller being adapted for TV, this novel examines the dynamics of a cult-like group led by an enigmatic woman. The protagonist's journey from burnout to uncovering the truth offers a compelling mix of literary fiction and mystery.

  “It's about cults and I love reading about cults.” (39:06)

• The Antidote by Karen Russell (40:52)

  • Set during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, this historical fiction novel narrates the lives of five characters through poetic and enchanting prose. Notably, one perspective is from a scarecrow, adding a unique literary twist.

Michelle Martin's Insights: Michelle praises Annika Norlin's intricate portrayal of societal structures within cults and Karen Russell's innovative narrative techniques that explore historical and environmental themes.

5. Jordan Bojejian

Background: Jordan Bojejian, a content creator specializing in consumer culture and beauty standards, shares her picks from the darker corners of the literary world.

Recommendations:

• Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang (45:55)

  • A forthcoming novel set in an art school environment, exploring themes of AI, technology, and originality. The story features a dual timeline following two women grappling with personal traumas and the commodification of empathy through advanced technology.

  “It explores bodily autonomy and like envy and obsession.” (48:58)

• Old Soul by Susan Barker (50:10)

  • Scheduled for release soon, this literary thriller combines elements of horror and western genres. It follows two strangers who meet in Osaka airport, uncovering a supernatural mystery involving an immortal woman and inexplicable deaths marked by reversed organs.

Jordan Bojejian's Commentary: Jordan highlights the social commentary present in these novels, particularly their engagement with contemporary issues like the influence of technology on art and the allure of the supernatural in unsettling societal contexts.

Olivia Muenter’s Book Recommendations

Recommendations:

• Isola by Allegra Goodman (55:00)

  • A historical fiction novel about a young woman and her lover stranded on an island, blending themes of resilience and survival. Praised for its beautiful prose, it’s ideal for cozy winter reading.

  “It's the perfect book to read by a roaring fire.” (56:38)

• Heartwood by Amity Gage (55:37)

  • This novel tells the story of a woman hiking the Appalachian Trail who becomes lost. Told through journal excerpts, it combines literary suspense with a poignant exploration of isolation and self-discovery.

Olivia’s Reflections: Olivia expresses enthusiasm for these immersive and emotionally charged narratives, emphasizing their suitability for deep, reflective reading experiences.

Conclusion

The Bad on Paper 2025 Reading Preview episode offers a rich tapestry of book recommendations from diverse genres, each brought to life through insightful discussions with expert guests. From literary romances that evoke nostalgia to dark thrillers that mirror societal anxieties, this episode serves as a valuable guide for readers eager to explore the literary landscape of 2025.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast’s vibrant community through their Facebook group and Instagram handles, ensuring they stay updated with the latest book recommendations and literary insights.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Becca Freeman: "I'm feeling refreshed." (02:58)
• Olivia Muenter: "I feel reborn." (01:23)
• Alyssa Morris: "It really reminded me of 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow' with this best friends to will they or won't they lovers." (10:39)
• Tao Tai: "The interiority is so rich and expansive. I felt like I was there with the characters." (22:28)
• Josh Laura: "It's being marketed as a sort of literary thriller, but I'm very, very excited." (34:07)
• Michelle Martin: "It's about cults and I love reading about cults." (39:06)
• Jordan Bojejian: "It explores bodily autonomy and like envy and obsession." (48:58)
• Olivia Muenter: "It's the perfect book to read by a roaring fire." (56:38)

Note: Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content banter have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the core discussions and book recommendations.