Reading Glasses Podcast Episode 400 Summary

Episode Title: Ep 400 - Our Favorite Books of ALL TIME + AMA to Celebrate 400 Episodes!

Release Date: February 27, 2025

Hosts: Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara

1. Celebrating 400 Episodes

The episode kicks off with hosts Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara expressing their disbelief and excitement over reaching the monumental milestone of 400 episodes. Brea remarks at [00:17] how unfeasible it seemed to achieve such longevity, while Mallory acknowledges the incredible journey they've embarked on together.

Bria Grant [00:17]: "Wow. This is our... We don't even want to say it. It's our 400th episode."

2. Current Reads and Book Club Picks

Brea shares her current read, Ira Levin's "A Kiss Before Dying", which she's exploring for her book club. She provides a brief synopsis, highlighting the suspense and murder mystery elements that have captivated her.

Bria Grant [01:00]: "It's a suspense murder mystery kind of book. But you do know who did the murdering."

Mallory discusses her excitement for "Blob" by Maggie Sue, detailing its surreal narrative about a young woman encountering a sentient blob and exploring themes of identity and desire.

Mallory O'Meara [02:45]: "It's all about identity and finding yourself and desire and it's very surreal."

3. Listener Feedback and Community Engagement

The hosts take a moment to acknowledge listener Melinda, who praises their enthusiasm and the positive impact of the podcast on her life. They also share experiences from a recent episode, "Sleeping With Celebrities with John Mo," emphasizing the dynamic nature of their interviews.

Mallory O'Meara [05:00]: "Thank you for all your hard work and creating this podcast. It will be one of the major things keeping me sane during the next four years."

4. Favorite Books of All Time

In celebration of their 400th episode, Brea and Mallory each share seven of their all-time favorite books, providing personal insights and reasons for their selections.

Brea Grant’s Favorites:

1. "Parable of the Sower" by Octavia Butler ([11:45])

   • Influential in sparking her interest in sci-fi and dystopian fiction.
   • Bria [12:00]: "The only static thing is change."

2. "Roadside Picnic" by Boris and Arkady Strugatsky ([12:32])

   • A Russian sci-fi novel exploring humanity's insignificant role in the universe.

3. "Every Heart a Doorway" by Seanan McGuire ([22:15])

   • A dark novella about children who have traversed magical worlds and struggle to reintegrate into their own.

4. "X Factor" (Marvel series by Peter David) ([18:07])

   • Appreciates the investigative aspects and character depth.

5. "God Country" by Donny Cates ([20:28])

   • A deeply moving comic about a family dealing with dementia and interdimensional threats.

6. "No.8" by Paul Tremblay ([24:03])

   • A compelling horror novel that captivated her attention instantly.

7. "Sourdough" by Robin Sloan ([32:19])

   • Unexpected favorite outside her typical wheelhouse, blending magical realism with unique storytelling.

Mallory O’Meara’s Favorites:

1. "Priest Daddy" by Patricia Lockwood ([12:29])

   • A humorous memoir about growing up with a priest as a father.

2. "We've Always Lived in the Castle" by Shirley Jackson ([14:32])

   • A haunting novel that resonated with her personal experiences with anxiety.

3. "Pieces" by Helen Oyeyemi ([16:48])

   • A surreal exploration of a couple's breakup during a train trip.

4. "Wild at Heart" by Barry Gifford ([19:01])

   • Combines her love for Barry Gifford and David Lynch, featuring a compelling road trip narrative.

5. "Head Full of Ghosts" by Paul Tremblay ([21:07])

   • A perfect blend of horror and compelling storytelling.

6. "Abandoned Me" by Melissa Febos ([22:46])

   • A deeply emotional memoir exploring abandonment and personal struggles.

7. "How to Sell a Haunted House" by Gracie Hayburg ([24:28])

   • A terrifying haunted house story intertwined with grief and family secrets.

5. AMA Segment: Listener Questions

The hosts engage with their audience through an AMA, addressing various questions submitted by listeners.

• Favorite Book to Never Part With ([26:57]):

  • Mallory: The "Golden Compass" series by Philip Pullman, gifted by her late grandfather.
  • Brea: Keeps her father’s published plays, valuing their rarity and personal significance.

• Surprising Additions to Their Reading Lists ([28:20]):

  • Mallory: Grief books, which delve into complex emotions and surreal narratives.
  • Brea: Increased interest in science books and casual Hollywood memoirs due to their informative and engaging nature.

• Desired Guests for the Show ([29:18]):

  • Both wish to have Samantha Irby on the show, admiring her humor and literary insights.

• Favorite Childhood Books ([30:22]):

  • Brea: "The Eleventh Hour" and "Bunicula," which fostered her early love for mystery and storytelling.
  • Mallory: "Boxcar Kids" series, which inspired her passion for reading and adventure.

• Adaptation Preferences ([31:35]):

  • Both express interest in adapting "I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon" due to its smutty and engaging narrative.

• Books Outside Their Wheelhouses ([32:19]):

  • Brea: "Sourdough" by Robin Sloan stands out as a favorite despite not fitting her usual genres.
  • Mallory: "Wild at Heart" by Barry Gifford, appreciating it for its literary merit despite it being outside her typical reading preferences.

• Cherished Books Not to Revisit ([33:13]):

  • Mallory: "The Silmarillion" by J.R.R. Tolkien, a treasured but seldom-revisited book.

• Favorite Traits About Each Other ([33:50]):

  • Mallory: Admires Brea’s vibrant and adventurous spirit.
  • Brea: Values Mallory’s adaptability and authentic presence in any situation.

• Maintaining Motivation ([35:02]):

  • Both credit their dedicated community of listeners, the Glassers, for their continued enthusiasm and motivation.

• Podcast Format Decisions ([35:46]):

  • They discuss evolving the podcast format based on listener feedback, focusing less on high-profile interviews and more on engaging, community-driven content.

6. Closing Remarks and Thank Yous

Brea and Mallory extend heartfelt thanks to their listeners, the Maximum Fun network, their editor Brit, and all contributors who have supported the podcast over the years. They encourage listeners to leave reviews, visit their merchandise store, and continue engaging with the Reading Glasses community.

Mallory O'Meara [37:51]: "We love you folks. You can email us at readingglasses@podcastmail.com..."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Bria Grant [12:00]: "The only static thing is change."
• Mallory O'Meara [14:32]: "Shirley Jackson's the queen of my world."
• Bria Grant [22:15]: "It's so good... I own all of her books."
• Mallory O'Meara [35:12]: "Because we sort of alluded to this, but something that I really love is that Reading Glasses kind of started out..."

Conclusion

Episode 400 of Reading Glasses is a heartfelt celebration where Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara reflect on their journey, share their favorite books that have shaped their lives, and engage deeply with their listeners through an AMA. The episode not only highlights their personal literary loves but also underscores the strong community bond that has sustained the podcast for 400 episodes. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the show, this episode offers a rich tapestry of book recommendations, personal stories, and genuine appreciation for the reading community.