Reading Glasses Podcast Summary
Episode 397: How To Write a Book Review
Release Date: February 6, 2025

Hosts: Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara

Introduction

In this episode of Reading Glasses, hosts Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara delve into the art of writing effective book reviews. They explore the challenges reviewers face, share actionable tips, and engage with listener feedback. Additionally, they review a futuristic ebook projector and offer tailored book recommendations that align with unique reader preferences.

Current Reads

Bria Grant and Mallory O'Meara kick off the episode by discussing their current book selections, providing listeners with a glimpse into their literary interests.

• Bria's Pick: Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (00:35):

  Bria shares her enthusiasm for Death of the Author, highlighting its epistolary style and the intertwining narratives of the protagonist and her family. She notes, “…the protagonist is disabled and Nigerian, and her family is judgmental…she goes and writes this book. And it's interesting to see what happens because…her whole family's being interviewed about it” (02:00).

• Mallory's Pick: The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (02:05):

  Mallory recommends Chuck Wendig’s latest work, drawing parallels to House of Leaves with its dual timelines and haunting mysteries. She emphasizes its compelling nature, admitting, “I almost missed a goal in my hockey game last night because I was reading” (02:32).

Listener Feedback

The hosts take time to acknowledge and appreciate listener interactions, showcasing the community aspect of the podcast.

• BDL’s Book Nook Initiative (04:19):

  A listener named BDL shares their workplace's creation of a "book nook" — a collaborative space akin to a mini-library. Mallory expresses admiration, saying, “It is truly a brilliant idea… a magical place to spend time” (05:11).

• Sweet Jean’s Inquiry About Harmful Content (05:11):

  Sweet Jean raises concerns about a book containing a harmful baby formula recipe. Bria, leveraging her librarian expertise, explains the "musty method" for weeding out such content, ensuring listeners understand the importance of accuracy and relevance in library collections (05:27).

• Finley’s Enthusiasm for the "Honker" Concept (06:20):

  Finley expresses joy over the podcast’s use of the term "honker," highlighting how it has inspired her reading habits. Mallory remarks, “It cracks me up” (06:43).

Main Discussion: How To Write a Book Review

The core of the episode centers on providing strategies for crafting meaningful book reviews, inspired by a listener named Julia who struggles with balancing personal impressions and critical analysis.

Julia's Conundrum (12:44)

Julia, a librarian with a degree in English, admits difficulty in writing balanced reviews, especially for books she feels neutral about. She often rants when disliking a book but is blank when trying to articulate positive or indifferent feelings. She seeks advice on transforming her intuitive reactions into coherent, critical evaluations.

Tips for Writing Private Reviews (14:05)

Bria and Mallory discuss approaches for those writing reviews for personal use, such as journals or reading logs.

• Focus on Personal Impressions (15:04):

  Mallory advises, “Think about the things that did occur to you while you were reading… I love the surprise, or I love the twist” (15:04). Emphasizing that personal experiences are valid foundations for a review.

• Utilize External Resources:

  Bria suggests reading interviews or author discussions to recall why a book resonated, helping solidify thoughts that might have faded. She shares, “I was thinking about, like, why did I like that book?… It reminds me of all the reasons that I actually really enjoyed” (15:56).

• Record Emotional Responses (16:48):

  Mallory recommends noting how a book made you feel post-reading, such as feeling hopeful or happy. This method captures immediate emotional reactions without overcomplicating the review process.

Tips for Writing Public Reviews (17:34)

When crafting reviews intended for a broader audience, considering the reader's perspective becomes paramount.

• Content Warnings and Specific Details (17:35):

  Bria emphasizes the importance of informing potential readers about content that might affect their decision, such as themes of violence or slow pacing.

• Cawpile System (20:27):

  Introduced by Bria, the Cawpile system breaks down reviews into categories: Characters, Atmosphere, Writing, Plot, Intrigue, Logic, and Enjoyment. This structured approach helps reviewers articulate specific elements that stood out, enhancing the clarity and usefulness of the review.

• Cultural Relevance and Audience Targeting (19:06):

  Mallory highlights the significance of situating the book within current cultural contexts, helping potential readers understand its relevance. She notes, “It's like, why would someone like this… where it falls into the cultural zeitgeist” (19:19).

Encouraging Authenticity in Reviews (21:06)

Both hosts stress the importance of staying true to one's reading experience without forcing analytical frameworks that don't resonate personally. "Don't make it so hard on yourself," Mallory advises, encouraging reviewers to focus on what genuinely engages them about a book (21:07).

Book Tech Review: Akio A KIYO WiFi Mini LED Projector

Transitioning from reviews, the hosts examine a futuristic gadget designed to enhance the reading experience.

• Product Overview (23:20):

  The Akio A KIYO WiFi Mini LED Projector is introduced as a compact device priced at $56 on Amazon. Bria showcases its ease of use, highlighting features like wireless connectivity and simple focus adjustments.

• User Experience (23:32 – 27:00):

  Both hosts share their attempts to set up and use the projector. Bria praises its functionality, stating, “You could literally do this in your bed, project it on your wall” (24:05). Mallory, however, encounters some setup challenges, humorously attributing the difficulties to her own tech-savviness rather than the device itself.

• Practical Applications:

  The projector is lauded for its versatility, suitable for reading, watching movies, and even projecting onto unconventional surfaces like ceilings. Mallory muses, “If you’re a person who… you don't have a pig TV, this might be a really good solution” (26:59).

• Final Verdict:

  Despite minor frustrations, both hosts agree that the projector is a valuable tool for enhancing the reading and viewing experience, awarding it a “five out of five pages” (25:36).

Book Recommendations

Addressing a listener named Mary’s request, the hosts provide tailored book suggestions that align with her specific interests in protagonists belonging to unconventional subcultures.

• Bria's Recommendation: Future of Another Timeline by Annalee Newitz (29:26):

  Bria recommends this sci-fi novel about time-traveling groups aiming to alter a dystopian future. She highlights its exploration of hidden subcultures, stating, “It has two subcultures that are hidden” (29:51).

• Mallory's Recommendation: Whip Smart by Melissa Febos (30:12):

  Mallory suggests this non-fiction memoir detailing her experiences as a dominatrix, providing an intimate look into a clandestine subculture. She praises Febos’ writing, mentioning, “It is wicked smart, wicked entertaining, wicked compelling” (30:20).

Closing Remarks

Before wrapping up, the hosts remind listeners to support the podcast by subscribing and leaving reviews. They also promote their merchandise and upcoming events, fostering a sense of community and continued engagement.

• Support and Engagement (31:17):

  Mallory and Bria encourage listeners to rate and review the podcast, emphasizing its impact on reaching more readers and sustaining the show’s operations.

Notable Quotes

• Bria Grant at [05:11]:
  “I pray that is never taken away.”

• Mallory O'Meara at [17:34]:
  “Did this book make me feel hopeful? Did this book like, was this book depressing as fuck?”

• Bria Grant at [15:56]:
  “If I was going to write notes about this to myself, I'd write unnamed narrator… sci-fi, romance.”

• Mallory O'Meara at [16:48]:
  “Did this book make me feel hopeful? Did this book like, was this book depressing as fuck?”

Conclusion

Episode 397 of Reading Glasses offers a comprehensive exploration of writing book reviews, blending practical advice with personal anecdotes and interactive listener engagement. Bria and Mallory's insightful discussion equips listeners with the tools to articulate their reading experiences more effectively, whether for personal reflection or public sharing. The episode's blend of literary analysis, technology review, and community interaction underscores the hosts' commitment to enriching their audience's reading lives.

Connect with Reading Glasses Podcast:

• Email: readingglassespodcast@gmail.com
• Instagram: @ReadingGlassesPodcast
• Merchandise: Available at the Void Merch store [link in show notes]

Thank you for reading!
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