Podcast Episode Summary: Reading Glasses Ep 396 - Most Anticipated Books for the Start of 2025 + Clay McLeod Chapman!

Release Date: January 30, 2025

Hosts:

• Mallory O'Meara: Author and avid reader
• Bria Grant: Filmmaker and e-reader

1. Introduction

In Episode 396 of Reading Glasses, hosts Mallory O'Meara and Bria Grant delve into their most anticipated book releases for the early months of 2025. Despite the episode being released in January, the hosts enthusiastically cover readings for January, February, and March. The episode promises insightful discussions, book recommendations, and a special appearance by renowned author Clay McLeod Chapman to talk about his new book, Wake Up and Open Your Eyes.

Bria Grant opens with excitement:
"[00:13] Bria Grant: This episode, we're talking about our most anticipated books for the start of 2025. Yes, we're already in January, but we're doing January, too. January, February, March. Here we are. Plus, we got some big news."

2. Listener Feedback

Before diving into book discussions, the hosts share heartfelt listener feedback, highlighting the community's supportive nature.

Bria shares Beth's story:
"[04:37] Bria Grant: Beth wrote in to say... she couldn't bring her Kindle to serving jury duty and instead shared her beloved book, Galaxy and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers, with a fellow juror who adored science fiction. Beth's heartfelt gesture not only brightened her day but also contributed to the reading community."

Mallory reflects on Beth's contribution:
"[04:38] Mallory O'Meara: Beth, thank you... it's such a sweet thing."

They express gratitude:
"[05:34] Bria Grant: You know what? Happy New Year. Yeah, it is a happy new year."
"[05:37] Mallory O'Meara: It's a happy New Year because Beth personally is making sure they are making it happy for other people."

3. New Podcast Announcement: Reading Smut

Exciting news unfolds as Bria and Mallory announce their new podcast, Reading Smut, focusing on erotica and "smut" literature. This addition aims to explore the culture surrounding erotica reading and smut books, providing a space for open discussion without judgment.

Bria introduces the podcast enthusiastically:
"[08:04] Bria Grant: Get out your slide whistles, kids... we're launching a new podcast. It is called Reading Smut..."

Mallory clarifies its relationship with Reading Glasses:
"[08:16] Mallory O'Meara: Nothing is changing with Reading Glasses... Reading Smut is coming out every other Friday."

Details on the podcast's format and first book:
"[08:35] Bria Grant: A book club for smut. Our first book is Unhinged by Vera Valentine."

4. Most Anticipated Books for January 2025

The core of the episode revolves around the hosts' book recommendations for the first quarter of 2025. They categorize their picks into shared selections and individual choices, covering various genres from horror to literary fiction.

Shared Picks:

Horror Selections:

1. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

   • Bria's Review: "It's basically about a bunch of young girls who get pregnant out of wedlock and discover a book about witchcraft while hidden away."
   • Timestamp: [13:53]

2. Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman

   • Mallory's Excitement: "Clay is one of the most important horror authors... it's a powerful piece of social horror."
   • Timestamp: [14:13]

Solo Picks:

Bria's January Picks:

1. Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear by Seanan McGuire

   • Description: A portal fantasy about a disabled Russian orphan who discovers a world of rivers and giant turtles.
   • Timestamp: [15:38]

2. Cold Storage by Michael C. Grummaly

   • Description: A near-future thriller about a man thawed after being frozen, holding secrets a clandestine organization wants to suppress.
   • Timestamp: [17:10]

3. Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor

   • Description: A literary fiction piece about a woman whose self-written book alters humanity's course.
   • Timestamp: [18:27]

Mallory's January Picks:

1. Old Soul by Susan Barker

   • Description: Two strangers in a Japanese airport bond over the mysterious woman seen by their loved ones before death.
   • Timestamp: [16:42]

2. Blob by Maggie Sue

   • Description: A woman in NYC finds a sentient blob, shaping it into her ideal boyfriend.
   • Timestamp: [17:10]

3. Vantage Point by Sarah Sigler

   • Description: A high-powered family in New England faces a digital haunting amidst a family curse.
   • Timestamp: [19:21]

5. February 2025 Anticipated Books

Moving into February, Mallory and Bria continue their exploration of exciting new releases, blending personal recommendations with broader literary trends such as climate fiction (Cli-Fi) and queer horror.

Shared Picks:

1. Daughter of Daring by Mallory O'Meara

   • Description: A love letter to Los Angeles, exploring Hollywood history and the city's unique cultural landscape.
   • Timestamp: [20:13]

2. Emily Wilde Series: Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett

   • Description: Fairy folklorist Emily Wilde embarks on adventures in fairyland.
   • Timestamp: [20:37]

Solo Picks:

Bria's February Picks:

1. One Message Remains by Premier Mohammed

   • Description: A collection of sci-fi dystopian short stories dealing with themes like bone gallows for prisoners of war.
   • Timestamp: [20:25]

2. The Poorly Made and Other Things

   • Description: Short horror stories set in Renfield County, exploring characters losing their minds.
   • Timestamp: [21:36]

Mallory's February Picks:

1. Echoes by Evie Wild

   • Description: A male protagonist grapples with grief while haunting his former partner to understand her.
   • Timestamp: [21:54]

2. The Lamb by Lucy Rose

   • Description: Queer horror exploring family decay, with a mother and daughter facing supernatural disturbances.
   • Timestamp: [23:38]

6. March 2025 Anticipated Books

As they transition to March, the hosts present a mix of historical fiction, dystopian narratives, and queer literary works, ensuring a diverse range of genres for their listeners.

Shared Picks:

1. The Buffalo Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones

   • Description: Historical Western vampires interwoven with Jones's signature storytelling.
   • Timestamp: [27:29]

2. Nowhere by Allison Gunn

   • Description: A terrifying tale set in a fundamentalist small town facing mysterious disappearances.
   • Timestamp: [27:47]

Solo Picks:

Bria's March Picks:

1. The Dream Hotel by Layla Lalami

   • Description: A woman’s dreams predict her potential to harm her loved ones, forcing her under surveillance.
   • Timestamp: [28:33]

2. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

   • Description: The latest installment in The Hunger Games series, introducing twice as many tributes from their homes.
   • Timestamp: [30:36]

3. Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green

   • Description: A micro history of tuberculosis intertwined with personal narratives and advocacy.
   • Timestamp: [31:15]

Mallory's March Picks:

1. The Antidote by Karen Russell

   • Description: Set in a fictional Nebraskan town ravaged by a dust storm, exploring various characters' interwoven fates.
   • Timestamp: [32:00]

2. The River Has Roots by Amal El-Matary

   • Description: A reimagined 17th-century murder ballad brought to life with illustrations.
   • Timestamp: [32:44]

3. The Haunting of Room 904 by Erica T. Worth

   • Description: A psychic is hired to investigate recurring deaths in a specific hotel room.
   • Timestamp: [33:21]

7. Interview with Clay McLeod Chapman

A standout segment of this episode is the interview with fellow author Clay McLeod Chapman, who discusses his latest work, Wake Up and Open Your Eyes. Chapman explores themes of social horror, demonic possession, and the pervasive spread of hate and misinformation in contemporary society.

Interview Highlights:

• Introduction and Current Readings:
  Clay shares his current reads, including The Burial Tide by Neil Sharpton and Feast While You Can by Michaela Clements and Anjuli Datta.

  • Timestamp: [36:32]

• Discussion of Wake Up and Open Your Eyes:
  Chapman explains his novel’s premise, questioning what if half the country were possessed by demons—a metaphor for societal issues like hate and misinformation.

  • Timestamp: [38:43]

• Inspirations and Influences:
  Chapman cites inspirations like Colson Whitehead's Zone One and the Pontypool series, emphasizing the influence of social horror in his writing.

  • Timestamp: [41:03]

• Reflection on Current Fears:
  The conversation delves into how contemporary fears—especially those surrounding hate and misinformation—are encapsulated in social horror genres.

  • Timestamp: [44:22]

• Recommendations and Upcoming Releases:
  Chapman mentions forthcoming books like Blob by Maggie Sue and The Night that Finds Us by John Horner Jacobs, highlighting their unique contributions to the horror and weird fiction genres.

  • Timestamp: [52:01]

• Tour and Availability:
  Clay discusses his current tour schedule and where listeners can purchase his book.

  • Timestamp: [53:42]

Notable Quote:
"[39:37] Clay McLeod Chapman: There is no solution to it other than... just kind of the utter collapse... it's the breaking down of social norms... delivered by hate and misinformation."

8. Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Mallory and Bria express gratitude towards their listeners and encourage them to engage with the Reading Glasses community through various platforms. They also promote their merchandise store, emphasizing support for their ventures and charitable causes.

Mallory concludes with enthusiasm:
"[55:07] Mallory O'Meara: If you like the show, please rate and review us on the podcast listening app of your choice. It's so so great for us and helps us reach more readers. ... Thanks for listening and thanks for reading."

9. Key Takeaways

• Diverse Recommendations: The hosts offer a wide range of book recommendations spanning genres like horror, literary fiction, dystopian thrillers, and queer narratives, catering to a broad audience of book lovers.

• Community Engagement: Listener stories and feedback play a significant role in the episode, highlighting the supportive and interactive nature of the Reading Glasses community.

• Expansion into Erotica Discussion: The announcement of Reading Smut marks a strategic expansion, addressing a niche yet vibrant segment of the literary world.

• Timeliness and Relevance: The discussion with Clay McLeod Chapman underscores the importance of literature mirroring societal fears and challenges, particularly through the lens of social horror.

• Support and Accessibility: The hosts emphasize the importance of listener support, both through ratings and merchandise, ensuring the sustainability of their content and community-driven initiatives.

Conclusion

Episode 396 of Reading Glasses serves as a comprehensive guide to the most anticipated literary releases in early 2025, enriched by personal anecdotes, community stories, and expert insights from guest author Clay McLeod Chapman. Whether you're seeking your next horror fix, a thought-provoking dystopian narrative, or exploring queer literary fiction, Mallory and Bria's curated selections promise something for every reader. Additionally, the launch of Reading Smut signals the hosts' commitment to diversifying their content and fostering deeper discussions within the literary community.

For more details on the discussed books, events, and to engage with the hosts, listeners are encouraged to visit the show notes or contact them directly at readingglassespodcast@gmail.com.