Reading Glasses Podcast Summary: Episode 412 - Do You Need a TBR? TBR Tips!
Episode Information:
- Title: Reading Glasses
- Hosts: Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara
- Episode: Ep 412 - Do You Need a TBR? TBR Tips!
- Release Date: May 22, 2025
Introduction and Episode Overview
In Episode 412 of Reading Glasses, hosts Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara delve into the art of creating and managing a To-Be-Read (TBR) list. The episode caters to both novices looking to establish their first TBR and seasoned readers seeking innovative tips to refine their reading strategies. Additionally, the hosts tackle a listener-submitted book tech problem involving Libby account privacy and offer recommendations for Sapphic romances featuring trans femme protagonists.
Current Reads: Sharing Favorites
Bria's Spotlight: Bria opens the discussion by sharing her enthusiasm for The Strange Case of Jane O by Karen Thompson Walker. She describes it as a captivating epistolary novel blending mystery and psychological depth.
Bria Grant [00:37]: “It's epistolary. It's told from the point of view of a theory therapist who starts seeing this woman who's having these strange episodes...”
Bria praises Walker’s ability to create a world that feels both familiar and intriguingly surreal, highlighting the book's blend of mystery and beautifully written prose.
Mallory's Picks: Mallory counters with her current read, The Antidote by Karen Russell, expressing her admiration for Russell’s unique genre-bending storytelling.
Mallory O'Meara [02:37]: “This is historical magical realism. It takes place in the 1930s in Nebraska... the Antidote has no idea what is in the vaults of her mind...”
She lauds the novel’s intricate character development and seamless integration of historical elements with magical realism, making it a standout in her year.
Listener Feedback and Tips
Vee's Book Budget System: Listener Vee shares an innovative approach to managing her TBR by allocating a budget based on completed or abandoned books, effectively reducing her unread pile.
Vee [05:00]: “For every book I own that I finish or DNF, I give myself a $5 book buying budget credit...”
Brea and Mallory express their enthusiasm for Vee’s method, acknowledging its potential to inspire others to streamline their reading lists without feeling overwhelmed.
Heather's Support for Libraries: Heather, a children’s librarian, emphasizes the importance of personal appreciation for librarians amidst broader support efforts.
Bria Grant [06:59]: “Tell a librarian you appreciate what they do... It has made Terrible Days infinitely better...”
Mallory concurs, recognizing the invaluable role librarians play in the community and encouraging listeners to express gratitude directly.
Sponsored Segments
Green Chef: Refresh Your Meal Routine In collaboration with Green Chef, the hosts discuss the benefits of their meal kits featuring dietitian-approved recipes and fresh, organic produce. They highlight the convenience and variety offered, catering to diverse dietary needs.
Mallory O'Meara [11:06]: “Maybe you're assessing your routine... Green Chef makes it so easy to spend less time in the kitchen and more time out in that spring air.”
Listeners are encouraged to visit greenchef.com/50glasses for a special discount.
Ancient Nutrition: Modern Supplements with Ancient Wisdom Another sponsor, Ancient Nutrition, is featured with an overview of their high-quality supplements that merge ancient traditions with modern science, aimed at enhancing overall well-being.
Bria Grant [24:34]: “She loves it for her hair... I love supplements... They make cooking so easy.”
A promo code at ancientnutrition.com/glasses offers listeners a 25% discount on their first order.
Member Spotlight
Sam, Maximum Fun's Member of the Month: The podcast acknowledges Sam as Maximum Fun’s Member of the Month, rewarding them with a $25 gift card and special perks. Sam shares his appreciation for Maximum Fun’s network and how it enriches his listening experience.
Sam [13:05]: “I love being a member. I enjoy all the shows that I listen to...”
Bria and Mallory extend their gratitude, highlighting the vibrant community that supports the podcast.
Book Tech Problem: Libby Account Privacy
Layla’s Concern: Listener Layla reaches out with a distressing issue: her ex-partner has access to her Libby account, raising privacy and security concerns post-breakup.
Layla [26:00]: “I realized something terrible last night that my ex has access to my Libby account... I already reset the password, but that doesn't seem to affect devices that are already signed in.”
Hosts’ Response: Bria and Mallory empathize with Layla, sharing personal anecdotes about similar breaches of privacy. They suggest practical solutions, such as resetting PINs and contacting the library to issue a new library card, effectively severing the ex’s access.
Mallory O'Meara [30:10]: “Libby uses library cards for signing in... If the unexpected card activity continues, ask your library to issue a new library card...”
Brea adds reassurance, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding personal reading habits and offering support through their shared experiences.
Recommendations: Sapphic Romances with Trans Femme Protagonists
Luca’s Request: Luca seeks Sapphic romance novels featuring trans femme main characters to better resonate with his long-distance relationship.
Luca [33:00]: “I am frantically looking for Sapphic romances with trans femme main characters... I just want to read smut I can relate to.”
Hosts’ Suggestions: Bria and Mallory recommend Roller Girl by Vanessa North and Fake It by Lily Seabrook, both indie titles known for their spicy Sapphic romance elements and inclusive representation.
Bria Grant [34:04]: “Roller Girl by Vanessa North, which is a spicy contemporary between a personal trainer and a plumber who are on the same roller derby team.”
They acknowledge the scarcity of mainstream options and encourage listeners to share additional recommendations, fostering an inclusive literary community.
Conclusion and Calls to Action
As the episode wraps up, Brea and Mallory urge listeners to support the podcast by leaving five-star ratings and reviews on their preferred podcast platforms. They also promote their merchandise available at the Void Merch store and remind listeners to join their community on social media for updates and interactions.
Mallory O'Meara [36:01]: “Pretend that I am there with you and give us a five-star rating... It really helps the show.”
The hosts conclude with heartfelt thanks, reinforcing their commitment to enriching the reading lives of all book lovers.
Notable Quotes:
- Brea Grant [16:01]: “I think there's a default TBR that a lot of readers have, and that's the books that they bought.”
- Mallory O'Meara [22:03]: “Make a list of authors you want to check out... It can be a giant unorganized list or very short.”
- Bria Grant [35:06]: “I was looking for a long time... I just don’t have like the background for it.”
This episode of Reading Glasses offers a blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and community engagement, making it a valuable resource for readers looking to optimize their reading habits and navigate book-related challenges.