Reading Glasses Podcast Summary: Ep 385 - Picking a Book Based on the Cover + Bookish Candles!

Release Date: November 14, 2024

Hosts Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara dive deep into the nuances of selecting books based on their covers, explore the world of bookish candles, and engage with their passionate community of listeners. This episode is a treasure trove for book enthusiasts looking to enhance their reading experiences.

1. Current Reads: Exploring "Modern Home" and "The N"

The episode kicks off with Bria Graham and Mallory O'Meara discussing their current literary adventures. Bria shares her enthusiasm for "Modern Home" by River Solomon, emphasizing its unexpected depth beyond typical haunted house narratives.

Bria Graham [00:37]: "I loved this book. I could not stop thinking about this book."

She clarifies that while marketed as a haunted house story, "Modern Home" is a literary fiction novel that intricately weaves themes of family secrets, racism, and personal identity. Bria praises the beautiful prose and the portrayal of a queer, autistic main character, making it a standout addition to her year-end favorites.

Mallory introduces her current read, "The N" by Jedediah Berry, described as a literary fantasy set in a world where words have vanished, leading to a societal collapse filled with monsters and ghosts. She highlights the novel's unique premise and immersive storytelling, comparing its literary fantasy elements to the works of Miyazaki and Guillermo del Toro.

Mallory O’Meara [03:11]: "It's really unique. It's really immersive and really beautiful, and I love it."

2. Listener Feedback: Shady Hollow Holiday Stories

Suzanne reaches out to share her love for the Shady Hollow holiday stories, namely "Phantom Pond" (Halloween) and "Evergreen Chase" (Christmas). Both tales are praised for their cozy, festive charm.

Suzanne [05:31]: "Phantom Pond is a perfect spooky tale, and I'm saving Evergreen Chase for the winter season."

Bria and Mallory express their fondness for the series, with Mallory mentioning how she read "Phantom Pond" aloud for her grandchildren, further cementing its place in their holiday reading lists.

3. Expert Advice: Book Recommendations from Librarian Aaron Odin

Aaron Odin, a current librarian and former bookseller, shares invaluable tips for those struggling to recommend books they haven't read:

• Leverage Coworkers' Expertise: If you're unfamiliar with a genre, consult colleagues who are passionate about it.
• Engage with Patrons: Regular library visitors can offer personalized recommendations based on their interests.
• Utilize Databases: Tools like Novelist help match books based on specific criteria like lyrical prose or dark atmospheres.
• Access Book Journals: These provide summaries and insights into upcoming or popular titles, aiding in informed recommendations.

Aaron Odin [07:04]: "If you have a large portion of your patron base that looks a certain way in books, look out for those titles and make a cheat sheet for yourself."

Bria and Mallory applaud Aaron's insights, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with patrons to foster a vibrant reading community.

4. Personal Anecdotes: The Intersection of Reading and Dating

The hosts delve into personal stories highlighting how book preferences can influence romantic connections:

• Mallory's Experience: She recounts matching with someone who dismissed audiobooks, leading to an immediate disconnect.

  Mallory [10:08]: "If a guy doesn't name any female authors, I'm like, one gun."

• Bria's Encounter: Discusses dating someone who belittled her love for fairy-themed books, underscoring the significance of shared literary interests.

  Bria [11:03]: "If you talk disparagingly about fairy smut, we're probably not going to get along."

These anecdotes reinforce the podcast's theme that shared reading interests can be pivotal in forming meaningful relationships.

5. Horny Fairy Book Club: A Community Gathering

Bria and Mallory announce the launch of the Horny Fairy Book Club, centered around the popular "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas. Members are invited to join a members-only Zoom discussion scheduled for early December.

Mallory [12:00]: "We're going to read the book this month and then in the first week of December, we're going to do a members-only Zoom."

Listeners are encouraged to join by visiting maximumfund.org and providing proof of membership to gain access to the exclusive Slack channel and Zoom party. The book club promises lively discussions and a space for readers to share their "hot and spicy takes."

6. Bookish Candle Review: Paddy Wax's Edgar Allan Poe Scent

Transitioning to book tech, the hosts review a bookish candle from Paddy Wax featuring the Edgar Allan Poe scent. They critically assess its fragrance profile and value:

• Scent Composition: Cardamom, absinthe, and sandalwood create a licorice-like aroma.
• Performance: Bria notes a pleasant smell without triggering migraines, though she mentions the candle lacks a strong "throw" (the ability to scent a room effectively).
• Value: Priced at $30 for six ounces, Mallory expresses reservations about its cost-effectiveness, suggesting more affordable alternatives from stores like Marshalls.

Mallory [27:55]: "I think any candle can be a bookish candle."

Both hosts agree that while the scent was enjoyable, the high price point and fragility (the candle glass broke during testing) diminish its appeal as a dedicated bookish accessory.

7. Recommendation Request: Graphic Novels and YA Books

Listener Maddie seeks recommendations for her sister, who enjoys "Heartstopper" Graphic Novels and "Phoebe's Diary" by Phoebe Wahl. The hosts provide thoughtful suggestions:

• Bria's Pick: "I Kiss Shara Wheeler" by Casey McQuiston - A cute, queer mystery involving a popular girl's sudden disappearance after kissing three different people, leading to unexpected friendships.

  Bria [33:27]: "It's very cute, and we just love Casey McQuiston, like great writer."

• Mallory's Pick: "Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me" by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero O'Connell - A YA graphic novel about a girl navigating a tumultuous relationship, emphasizing self-respect and personal growth.

  Mallory [34:05]: "It's very, it's very compelling like coming of age story."

Both recommendations cater to fans of graphic novels and YA genres, ensuring Maddie's sister remains engaged and excited about her reading journey.

8. Conclusion: Community Engagement and Upcoming Events

The episode wraps up with reminders for listeners to engage with the community:

• Merchandise: Availability of new cozy and horror-themed merch, including totes, stickers, and shirts.
• Ratings and Reviews: Encouragement to rate and review the podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify to support the show.
• Contact Information: Invitations to email recommendations and feedback to readingglasses@podcastmail.com and follow on Instagram at @ReadingGlassesPodcast.

Mallory [35:20]: "Thanks for listening and thanks Reading Maximum Fun."

Notable Quotes:

• Bria on "Modern Home":

  "The writing is fantastic. It's beautiful. The prose are so gorgeous, but it is a dark book."
  [00:37]

• Mallory on "The N":

  "It's a really unique, it's really immersive and really beautiful, and I love it."
  [03:11]

• Aaron Odin's Recommendation Tips:

  "If a patron liked a book because of the lyrical prose and dark atmosphere, you can look at other books that have lyrical prose and dark atmosphere."
  [07:04]

• Mallory on Random Book Picking:

  "I'm just gonna cut the line in front of all the other books that I have to read and just read a fun thing."
  [20:55]

• Bria on Candle Affordability:

  "I think you can get that same experience for $10 at Marshalls."
  [29:27]

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Reading Glasses masterfully balances book discussions, listener interactions, and community-building initiatives. Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara not only share their personal literary journeys but also provide practical advice and foster a sense of camaraderie among book lovers. Whether you're looking to diversify your reading list based on intriguing covers or seeking the perfect ambiance with bookish candles, this episode offers insightful perspectives and heartfelt recommendations to enrich your reading life.