Episode Summary: Reading Glasses Ep 405 - Spring Book Rex + Book Tattoos from Trash Baby Authors

In Episode 405 of Reading Glasses, hosts Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara delve into the vibrant world of spring-themed literature, share insights on innovative book technology, and tackle a unique bookish dilemma involving tattoos. Released on April 3, 2025, this episode is a treasure trove for avid readers looking to rejuvenate their reading lists for the warmer months.

Spring Book Recommendations

Brea's Picks:

• "Migrations" by Charlotte McConaughey (00:33)
  Brea shares her enthusiasm for Migrations, a near-future climate fiction (clifi) novel that intertwines environmental themes with personal journeys. She highlights the protagonist, Franny, who ventures to Greenland to follow migratory terns amidst global ecological decline. Brea praises the book for its emotional depth and thrilling plot twists, mentioning, “...it’s just such a great personal story and I was riveted and it was just very emotional” (02:38).

• "The Sun and Her Flowers" by Rupi Kaur (13:41)
  Expanding beyond traditional novels, Brea recommends Rupi Kaur’s poetry collection for its accessible and modern verses, complemented by delicate floral illustrations. She appreciates the book’s structure and relatable themes, noting the final section aptly titled "Blooming" captures the essence of spring.

• "A Psalm for the Wild-Built" by Becky Chambers (15:39)
  Brea advocates for this novella, describing it as “the most spring book ever” due to its themes of nature, new beginnings, and warm, heartfelt storytelling. The narrative explores harmonious relationships between humans and robots, embodying renewal and growth.

• "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" by Casey McQuiston (22:42)
  A romance-mystery hybrid set around graduation and prom, this book centers on Shara Wheeler’s intriguing disappearance after multiple characters develop feelings for her. Brea emphasizes its quintessential spring setting, full of youthful energy and blossoming relationships.

Mallory's Selections:

• "All Creatures Great and Small" by James Herriot (14:25)
  Mallory recommends this memoir for its heartwarming portrayal of a country vet's life in 1940s rural England. She lauds its sweet narratives of animal care and community interactions, making it a perfect read for spring.

• "The Fair Botanist" by Sarah Sheridan (19:35)
  Set in Edinburgh’s botanical gardens of 1822, this historical fiction explores flowers, botany, and perfume creation. Mallory highlights the protagonist’s journey and the enchanting depiction of nature magic, aligning perfectly with spring’s essence.

• "Twilight Falls" by Juno Black (16:02)
  The fourth installment in the cozy romance series featuring Vera Vixen, a fox journalist solving mysteries in a forest town. Mallory praises its vivid springtime descriptions and charming romantic elements.

• "Stardust" by Ishiguro Kazuo (20:26)
  Although Mallory hasn’t read it yet, she introduces Stardust as an upcoming spring recommendation, highlighting its poignant narrative from a robot’s perspective, intertwined with nature and sunlight themes.

Listener Feedback and Community Highlights

The hosts take a moment to acknowledge listener MacKenzie’s success story with the Slack Channel during the Max Fund drive. MacKenzie shared how community support facilitated her early access to Stephen Graham Jones’s The Buffalo Hunter, demonstrating the podcast’s strong and supportive listener base.

Notable Quote:

"I'm so excited about this book and if nothing else comes from my actions, at least my library now has a purchase request for me for the book in the audiobook format." – Mallory O’Meara (05:04)

Book Tech: Cork Bookmark Review

Mallory and Brea test out cork bookmarks received from a listener named Crystal, evaluating their durability, aesthetics, and functionality.

Features Discussed:

• Design: Available in varying lengths with intricate patterns like art deco designs and nature-inspired motifs.
• Material: Crafted from thin cork that mimics cork leather, providing a balance between rigidity and flexibility.
• Performance: The shorter bookmarks excel in staying within books without damaging the spine, while longer ones are deemed too thick for standard books.

Notable Quotes:

"They're very cute... If it was just cork with no print, it would be a little drab." – Mallory O’Meara (29:46)
"These are durable little boys. I don't know why the bookmarks are boys." – Brea Grant (29:24)

Both hosts rate the shorter cork bookmarks highly for their practicality and aesthetic appeal, recommending them as excellent bookish gifts.

Solving a Bookish Problem: Tattoos from Controversial Authors

Listener Dustin reaches out with a dilemma: a sizeable tattoo of Neil Gaiman’s character Death has become problematic due to recent revelations about the author’s behavior.

Hosts’ Advice:

• Mallory: Emphasizes personal feelings as the priority. If the tattoo causes distress, covering it up or removing it is valid. “Tattoos are not benefiting the author in any way... it's a personal choice” (32:01).
• Brea: Supports maintaining meaningful personal connections with the artwork, regardless of the author's shortcomings. “If the book means something to you, you... do what you do” (39:45).

Notable Quotes:

"Do not suffer for no reason." – Mallory O’Meara (34:00)
"You cannot live your life like being afraid that people are going to be garbage people." – Mallory O’Meara (39:10)
“But it's a personal choice... keeping it or covering up is valid if it supports how you feel.” – Mallory O’Meara (38:44)

The discussion underscores the importance of personal agency in deciding how to handle body art connected to beloved yet controversial figures.

Conclusion and Community Engagement

Brea and Mallory wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to share their favorite spring books via email and stay connected through social media. They also promote their Reading Glasses merch store, which supports their feline companions, Sailor and Lula. Moreover, they remind listeners to rate and review the podcast to help expand their reach and continue providing valuable content.

Final Encouragement:

"If a book means something to you, you... do what you do." – Mallory O’Meara (40:46)
"You only get one life. And if your one life is you want to get a bunch of book tattoos, hell yeah, brother." – Brea Grant (40:46)

Notable Timestamps:

• [00:33] Bria discusses her current read, Migrations.
• [05:02] Manaoll shares listener MacKenzie’s feedback.
• [13:41] Introduction of Rupi Kaur’s The Sun and Her Flowers.
• [25:08] Transition to book tech segment.
• [31:28] Solving Dustin’s tattoo problem starts.
• [39:37] Final thoughts on handling controversial author tattoos.

Reading Glasses continues to be a beacon for book enthusiasts, offering insightful recommendations, practical bookish tips, and a supportive community for navigating the ever-evolving literary landscape. Whether you’re seeking your next spring read or grappling with personal book-related challenges, Brea and Mallory provide thoughtful guidance and engaging discussions each week.

Connect with Reading Glasses:

• Email: readingglasses@podcastmail.com
• Instagram: Reading Glasses Podcast
• Merch Store: Reading Glasses Void Merch

Support the show by rating and reviewing on your preferred podcast platform!

Jump to Sections:

• Introduction
• Spring Book Recommendations
• Listener Feedback
• Book Tech: Cork Bookmark Review
• Solving a Bookish Problem
• Conclusion and Community Engagement

Note: The timestamps correspond to segments within the podcast transcript, providing easy navigation to specific discussions.