Ep 401 - Hot Genre Alert - Queernorm Books! - Reading Glasses

Transcript

Bria Graham (0:00)

Foreign.

Mallory O'Meara (0:06)

You're listening to Reading Glasses, a show about book culture and literary life designed to help you read better. I'm author and book devourer, Mallory O'Meara.

Bria Graham (0:13)

And I'm Bria Graham, filmmaker and e reader. This episode we got a hot genre alert. Oh no. Wow. Mallory wasn't prepared. Where's the emergency? Emergency? Someone find the slide whistle. Okay. For our Queer Norm books, anytime we start to see a lot of one kind of book, we try to alert.

Mallory O'Meara (0:31)

You and you are alerted.

Bria Graham (0:33)

You're alerted. Plus we review a water bottle carrier which I have at my house and I forgot to bring for Mallory, but it's.

Mallory O'Meara (0:39)

I wasn't gonna get to use this anyways.

Bria Graham (0:40)

Great. And solve a problem about ordering books in the uk.

Mallory O'Meara (0:44)

But first, Bria, what are you reading?

Bria Graham (0:45)

I just did a lot of driving this week because I was shooting something very. It was like an hour away. And for some reason every book I've read in the last like two weeks or something, you'll, you'll notice or suggestions by you. But this I listened to. Wake up and open your eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman, read by Joe Hemple. It a full cast because there's part of it at the end where there's all these like youtubers and news people. And they did that part with a full cast, which is pretty cool. And the rest of it was read, I believe, by somebody named Joe Humble. It's kind of hard to tell on the Libro FM app, but we talked about it because he came on the show. You read it. It is one of the darker books I've read in a long time.

Mallory O'Meara (1:20)

It is incredibly violent. It's not a feel good read.

Bria Graham (1:23)

Like, and, and please check the content warnings because there are things in there that I was, I was gasping. I'm clutching my pearls, says the woman who also does a smut podcast. Basically this guy has hasn't heard from his parents in a few days and he goes home and they have turned into sort of demony versions of themselves because they've been watching a news channel called Fax News. Just the facts. And it has turned them into these demons. And then it has. So it has that whole beginning and then it goes into like his brother and his sister in law and like she gets really into these sort of like yoga mama world and they also are like demons. So it's, it's basically like social media news, all this stuff putting demons into people and then on this one specific day they all lose their minds and start killing people. It is very dark, very well written. Really enjoyed it. It is a little epistolary because it has this whole section where it's like a YouTuber talking. A news person talking could count over the reading glasses challenge. I think it's like, I would say, you know, a quarter epistolary or something. But it is fantastic book. Really enjoyed it. Might be my favorite of clays.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Reading Glasses – Episode 401: Hot Genre Alert - Queernorm Books!

Podcast Information:

Title: Reading Glasses
Hosts: Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara
Episode: Ep 401 - Hot Genre Alert - Queernorm Books!
Release Date: March 6, 2025

1. Introduction

In Episode 401 of Reading Glasses, hosts Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara delve into the burgeoning genre of Queernorm books. The episode kicks off with a playful exchange, setting an energetic tone for the discussions ahead.

Notable Quote:

Bria Graham [00:13]: "This episode we got a hot genre alert. Oh no. Wow. Mallory wasn't prepared. Where's the emergency?"

2. Current Reads and Recommendations

The hosts share their current reads, providing personal insights and recommendations for their listeners.

Bria's Read: Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman
- Description: A dark, violent narrative where the protagonist returns home to find his parents transformed into demonic versions of themselves due to consuming toxic media. The story evolves into a broader catastrophe involving family members and societal decay.
- Notable Quote:
  - Bria Graham [01:20]: "It is incredibly violent. It's not a feel-good read."
Mallory's Read: Old Soul by Suzanne Barker
- Description: Set in Osaka, this novel follows two individuals who miss their flight by seconds, leading to an unexpected connection. They embark on a global quest to uncover the mysterious deaths related to a particular woman, blending elements reminiscent of Historian and Under the Skin.
- Notable Quote:
  - Mallory O'Meara [03:43]: "It is so fucking good."

3. Listener Feedback

The episode features feedback from listeners, highlighting personal challenges and solutions related to reading habits.

Adria's Conundrum:
- Challenge: Struggling to maintain a reading routine during stressful times.
- Solutions Offered:
  1. Identify as a Mood Reader: Recognizing reading preferences based on mood.
  2. Rereading Favorites: Revisiting beloved books until ready for new reads.
  3. Explore New Genres: Including smut to diversify reading.
  4. Journaling: Documenting reading thoughts to understand preferences.
  5. Swapping Formats: Alternating between physical books and audiobooks.
  6. Library Renewals: Utilizing services like Libby and Kindle Unlimited.
  7. Backlog Exploration: Tackling existing unread books.
  8. Listening to Back Catalog: Re-engaging with past podcast episodes for inspiration.
- Notable Quote:
  - Adria [05:06]: "I never have to worry about embarrassing myself in front of Jerry O'Connell."
Jillian's Feedback:
- Issue: Navigating audiobooks without chapter markers, causing confusion in book club discussions.
- Solution: Utilizing Reddit forums to identify chapter progress in audiobooks.
- Notable Quote:
  - Bria Graham [07:00]: "I have a problem on set where I put something down and then it's gone."

4. Book Tech Review: Water Bottle Carrier

Bria and Mallory review a practical accessory—a water bottle carrier designed for hands-free hydration, ideal for audiobook listeners and active readers.

Features:
- Design: Sling-style holder with a zipper pocket for essentials like keys.
- Usage: Suitable for hikes, walks, or general mobility without the hassle of carrying a backpack.
- Pros:
  - Convenience: Keeps water bottles secure and accessible.
  - Functionality: Additional storage for small items.
- Cons:
  - Aesthetics: Received mockery for its appearance.
  - Maintenance: Cream color prone to dirt, requiring frequent cleaning.
- Notable Quote:
  - Bria Graham [25:49]: "I loved this thing. It's a little less than 20 bucks. Worth every penny to me."

5. Hot Genre Alert: Queernorm Books

The centerpiece of the episode is an in-depth exploration of Queernorm books—a genre where queer identities are normalized within the narrative, devoid of conflict related to queerness.

Definition:
- Queernorm/Queer Normative: Stories depict queer characters and identities as a natural and accepted part of everyday life, eliminating typical struggles like coming out or facing homophobia.
Current Popularity:
- Reasons for Buzz:
  - Cultural Shift: Increased acceptance and representation of queer identities in society.
  - Escapism: Readers seek comfort and escapist narratives amidst global turmoil.
  - Diversity in Genres: Predominantly found within sci-fi and fantasy, offering imaginative worlds where queerness is seamlessly integrated.
Recommended Queernorm Books:
1. House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
2. The Deep by Rivers Solomon
3. Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
4. Someone to Build a Nest In by John Wiswell
5. Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis
6. Legends and Lattes by Megan E. Freeman
7. What Moves the Dead by [Author Not Specified]
Notable Discussion Points:
- Market Demand: Growing reader desire for inclusive narratives without the burden of queer-centric struggles.
- Genre Trends: Heavy presence in speculative fiction due to inherent world-building elements that accommodate diverse identities.
- Cultural Reflection: Queernorm books mirror the evolving societal norms where queerness is seamlessly accepted.
Notable Quotes:
- Bria Graham [15:11]: "Queer norm or queer normative, describes stories where queer people and identities are... normal."
- Mallory O'Meara [17:06]: "Queer norm just gives you some escape and some comfort."

6. Announcements and Events

The hosts share updates on their personal projects and upcoming events, engaging with their community.

Mallory's Upcoming Engagements:
- WonderCon Panel: Discussing her book Daughter of Daring.
- Podcast Appearance: Scheduled to appear on Go Fact Yourself with Jerry O'Connell on March 9th.
- Book Launch Events: Including a movie theater launch and a free bookstore talk at Romans in Pasadena on March 13th.
Bria and Mallory's Reflections:
- Gratitude: Appreciation for listener support, especially during the challenging month of Ultra February.
- Merchandise: Promotion of their Void merch store, emphasizing the purchase benefits for their cats.

Notable Quote:

Mallory O'Meara [09:46]: "I am still doing more Daughter of Daring events."

7. Sponsor Segment

The episode includes brief mentions of sponsors, focusing on enhancing listeners' lifestyles.

Green Chef Promotion:
- Description: A Certified Organic meal kit service catering to various dietary needs—keto, paleo, vegan, gluten-free, and more.
- Offer: Use code glassesfree at greenchef.com/glassesfree for free salads for two months plus 50% off the first box.
- Notable Quote:
  - Bria Graham [12:28]: "Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef."

8. Closing Remarks

Bria and Mallory encourage listeners to engage with the podcast through reviews, social media, and merchandise purchases. They reiterate their gratitude and invite ongoing interaction via email and their Instagram page.

Notable Quote:

Bria Graham [33:00]: "If you like the show, please rate and review us on the podcast listening app of your choice."

Conclusion

Episode 401 of Reading Glasses offers a comprehensive exploration of Queernorm books, blending personal anecdotes, reader feedback, and practical reviews. Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara create an engaging narrative that not only highlights emerging literary trends but also fosters a sense of community among book lovers. Whether you're seeking your next read, navigating book-related challenges, or interested in inclusive storytelling, this episode provides valuable insights and recommendations.