Reading Glasses Podcast Episode 420 Summary Title: Digesting Books Forrest Gump Style - Reading Slowly!
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Hosts: Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara

Introduction

In Episode 420 of Reading Glasses, hosts Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara delve into the Reading Slowly challenge, exploring how taking time with a book can enrich the reading experience. They also share listener feedback, test out a stretchy bookmark, and provide tailored book recommendations for a listener seeking horror without excessive body horror.

Current Reads and Book Swap

Bria’s Pick: Spirit Collection of Thorn Hall by J. Ann Thomas

Bria introduces Spirit Collection of Thorn Hall, a novel set in the 1800s featuring a large, opulent manor and the popular spiritualism of the era. She describes the plot as following a hired individual who oversees a seance that spirals out of control, releasing spirits that the young protagonist, Elegy, must manage. Bria shares her initial impressions, highlighting the book's blend of humor and historical elements.

Bria Grant [00:38]: "So far, it's a little bit funny and clever. It's funnier than I thought it was going to be."

Mallory’s Pick: Murder at Gull's Nest by Jess Kidd

Mallory discusses her enjoyment of Murder at Gull's Nest, a cozy mystery set in 1950s Kent, England. The story revolves around a nun who leaves her convent to investigate the disappearance of a younger friend, staying at a quirky bed and breakfast. Mallory praises the book's engaging characters and intricate small-town secrets.

Mallory O'Meara [03:00]: "It is so great. Like, if you like small town secrets, you like an older protagonist... it's really fun."

She also addresses a common misconception about the term "cozy," emphasizing that while the book fits the cozy mystery genre by lacking on-page violence or sex, it delves into darker themes, challenging the blanket association of "cozy" with "feel-good."

Mallory O'Meara [05:02]: "Cozy is just... there's no on page violence or on page sex. So we need to come up with a new term."

Listener Feedback

Sarah’s Tip on DRM-Free eBooks

Sarah provides a valuable tip regarding DRM-free eBooks available on Bookshop.org, explaining how to identify and utilize them across various devices.

Mallory O'Meara [07:16]: "Whether or not an ebook has DRM on it in their store depends on the publisher's policies... these books can be... freely downloaded."

Abby’s Advice on Handling Triggers

Abby shares strategies for managing reading triggers, particularly around sensitive topics like sexual assault. She recommends using tools like StoryGraph and community groups to identify and navigate potential triggers.

Abby [07:59]: "Whenever they are ready to jump back in, I recommending using tools like Storygraph to check for specific Triggers in books."

Kerm’s Recommendation on Calibre

Kerm highlights the benefits of using Calibre, a free ebook management program, to remove DRM and gain more control over eBook libraries, though noting some compatibility issues with Chromebooks.

Kerm [09:16]: "Libre is a free ebook management program that lets you completely customize your library..."

Reading Slowly Challenge

The main focus of the episode is the Reading Slowly component of the 2025 Reading Glasses Challenge. Mallory and Bria discuss the benefits of slowing down their reading pace to enhance comprehension and enjoyment.

Rules and Guidelines

• Pace: Read significantly slower than usual, whether it takes days, weeks, or even months.
• Consistency: Maintain a regular reading schedule without excessively long gaps.
• Flexibility: It's acceptable to drop a book if it doesn't engage, allowing for a switch to a more enjoyable read.

Benefits Discussed

• Enhanced Enjoyment: Savoring each page leads to a more immersive experience.
• Better Retention: Slower reading aids in absorbing and remembering information, especially in non-fiction.
• Mindful Engagement: Encourages readers to fully engage with the material rather than rushing through.

Notable Insights:

Mallory O'Meara [16:25]: "You're savoring it, which is something that I really struggle with... it really becomes about the enjoyment and the experience."

Bria shares her successful experience with Dracula Daily, a structured reading approach where chapters are read incrementally. Both hosts express enthusiasm for this method, noting how it transformed their challenge experience from struggle to enjoyment.

Bria Grant [23:10]: "This is the book that you were like, I want to, I want to turn it into a musical."

Book Tech: Stretchy Bookmark Review

The hosts review the Last Word Bookmark, a stretchy elastic bookmark designed to loop around book pages with a metal arrow indicator.

Features Evaluated:

• Durability: Made of thin elastic with a metal arrow, it withstands regular use without falling out.
• Practicality: Effective as a purse bookmark, keeping track of reading progress during on-the-go scenarios.
• Design: The minimalist design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, though the metal arrow may pose minor inconveniences.

Pros:

• Affordability: Priced at $6, it's a budget-friendly accessory.
• Versatility: Can be used as a headband in a pinch, showcasing its stretchiness.

Cons:

• Limited Functionality at Home: The loop can be cumbersome to place on books compared to traditional bookmarks.
• Potential Hair Snagging: The metal arrow might get caught in hair when used as a headband.

Overall Rating: Bria rates it 4 out of 5 for general use and 5 out of 5 as a purse bookmark, while Mallory suggests a slightly lower score for home use.

Bria Grant [27:39]: "I’m gonna say this is a good four out of five."

Book Recommendations

For Anonymous Listener Seeking Non-Body Horror:

Recommended Books:

1. Universal Harvester by John Darnell

   • Description: A psychological and surreal narrative about a video store clerk encountering mysterious robed figures in movie tapes. This book offers a creepy atmosphere without graphic body horror.

2. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

   • Description: A classic gothic novel with a spooky, atmospheric vibe. It involves house horror elements rather than body horror, maintaining a creepy ambiance without excessive gore.

3. Ian Reed's Works

   • Description: Known for his psychological and unsettling storytelling that aligns with the desired horror vibes without delving into body horror.

Mallory O'Meara [34:24]: "This book is not a traditional horror novel... it's very psychological, very surreal."

Closing Notes

The hosts encourage listeners to participate in the Glasser Voted Book Club by submitting suggestions and joining their community. They promote their Discord server and merchandise store, urging listeners to leave reviews on Apple Podcasts to help the show reach its milestone of 2,000 reviews.

Commendation [37:07]: "We're trying so hard to get to 2,000 reviews on Apple Podcasts. If you are an Apple podcast user, please take 30 seconds... give us a five-star rating."

Key Takeaways:

• Slowing Down Enhances Reading: Taking time with a book can deepen understanding and enjoyment.
• Community Engagement: Listener feedback and community tools like StoryGraph enrich the reading experience.
• Practical Book Accessories: Innovative bookmarks like the Last Word Bookmark offer functional alternatives to traditional options.
• Tailored Recommendations: Thoughtfully selected book suggestions cater to specific reader preferences, such as avoiding body horror.

Notable Quotes:

• "Cozy is just... there's no on page violence or on page sex. So we need to come up with a new term." — Mallory O'Meara [05:02]
• "It's so funny to have her run around with these [spirits]." — Bria Grant [02:15]
• "You're savoring it, which is something that I really struggle with." — Mallory O'Meara [16:25]

For more insights and to join the Reading Glasses community, visit Maximum Fun and follow the podcast on Instagram.