Podcast Summary: Reading Glasses - Episode 402: "The Oldest Book on Your TBR + Rex for Grandmas!"
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Hosts: Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara
Introduction to the 2025 Reading Glasses Challenge
In Episode 402, Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara kick off their 2025 Reading Glasses Challenge by focusing on tackling the oldest book in their To-Be-Read (TBR) lists. This segment is designed to encourage listeners to prioritize lingering reads that have been on hold for an extended period.
Notable Quote:
Mallory: "We're doing some troubleshooting here, and we..." [00:28]
Current Reads and Recommendations
Priests by Sierra Simone
Both hosts are delving into "Priests" by Sierra Simone, an erotica novel that has garnered significant attention with over 200,000 Goodreads ratings. While primarily classified as erotica, Brea and Mallory acknowledge the presence of a plot, albeit light.
Notable Quotes:
Bria: "It's an erotica book... it's 90% erotica." [00:44]
Mallory: "It's like four chilies. It's not pure filth, but it is pretty close." [01:04]
Vantage Point by Sarah Sligar
Mallory shares her enthusiasm for "Vantage Point" by Sarah Sligar, describing it as a blend between Megan Abbott's "Succession" and Shirley Jackson's haunting narratives. The novel revolves around a wealthy Maine family plagued by mysterious deaths every April, blending family drama with enigmatic occurrences that blur the lines between curse and reality.
Notable Quote:
Mallory: "It's Shirley Jackson-esque because it has that tense, cloistered feel..." [04:02]
Listener Feedback and Community Engagement
The hosts take time to read and respond to listener feedback, highlighting personal stories and offering practical advice.
Amanda's TBR Experience
Amanda shares her journey of refining her TBR list. Initially dissatisfied with previous recommendations, she discovered new genres and realized her true reading preferences, leading to greater success in finding books she enjoys.
Notable Quote:
Mallory: "You have a totally different wheelhouse." [06:18]
Kelsey's Gratitude and Book Guilt
Kelsey expresses gratitude for the podcast's role in helping her overcome shame associated with reading romance novels. This newfound confidence has led her to engage in book discussions and shared reading experiences with her husband.
Notable Quote:
Mallory: "This is so sweet." [07:36]
Emily's Library Tips
Emily, a librarian, offers valuable advice for listeners seeking alternatives to crinkly plastic dust jackets on hardcover books. She suggests requesting trade paperbacks or large print editions and highlights the benefits of ebooks and audiobooks.
Notable Quote:
Mallory: "This is a super hot tip." [08:50]
Bria: "This is the kind of stuff we're here for." [08:19]
Upcoming Events and Support Initiatives
Daughter of Daring Event
Mallory announces her participation in the Daughter of Daring event at the West Valley Regional Library in Reseda. She will be screening one of Helen's serials and handing out copies of a featured book, encouraging local listeners to attend.
Notable Quote:
Mallory: "I'm really, really pumped about it." [09:04]
Maximum Fun Drive 2025
The hosts promote the Maximum Fun Drive, detailing how listeners can support the show by becoming members of the Maximum Fun Podcast Network. They highlight exclusive events, gifts, and personalized book recommendations available to supporters.
Notable Quote:
Bria: "We have decided we are going to bring back book recommendations." [10:21]
Solving Reader's TBR Challenges
Callie's Dilemma: Choosing the Right Book
Listener Callie faces a dilemma: her oldest TBR book no longer resonates with her, and subsequent entries lack appeal. The hosts advise her to cleanse her TBR list by removing books that no longer interest her, emphasizing that the TBR should reflect books she genuinely wants to read.
Notable Quote:
Bria: "Time to delete. Time to throw away." [25:33]
Mallory: "The whole point of a TBR is a list of books you want to read." [26:38]
Book Recommendations for Grandmas
Recommendations for Jamie's Grandmother-in-Law
Jamie seeks recommendations for her 93-year-old grandmother-in-law who feels bored with her current reading. Brea and Mallory suggest cozy mysteries and light-hearted romance novels with strong female protagonists, avoiding excessive violence or sexual content.
Recommended Titles:
- How to Age Disgracefully by Claire Pooley
- Dial A for Andes series by Jesse Q. Satato
Notable Quotes:
Mallory: "She has mentioned to me on multiple occasions she's bored with all her books these days." [28:41]
Bria: "They are light hearted, they're cozy." [29:30]
Conclusion and Community Engagement
The episode wraps up with a reminder for listeners to rate and review the podcast, support through merchandise purchases, and engage with the community via social media and email.
Notable Quote:
Bria: "If you like the show, please rate and review us on the podcast listening app of your choice." [30:44]
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize Long-Standing TBR Books: Tackling the oldest entries can declutter your reading list and provide a sense of accomplishment.
- Tailor Recommendations to Personal Preferences: Understanding your true reading wheelhouse enhances enjoyment and reduces frustration.
- Engage with the Reading Community: Sharing experiences and seeking advice can enrich your literary journey.
- Support and Participate in Events: Joining podcast events and support drives fosters a stronger connection with fellow readers and the hosts.
For more personalized book recommendations or to solve your own reading challenges, listeners are encouraged to reach out via email at readingglassespodcast@gmail.com.