Episode Summary: Reading Glasses - Ep 424: Honk Honk - Reading Really Long Books

Release Date: August 14, 2025
Hosts: Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara

Introduction

In Episode 424 of Reading Glasses, hosts Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara delve into the intriguing world of "Honkers"—a term they use to describe exceptionally long books. This episode not only explores the challenges and rewards of tackling hefty tomes but also offers insights into overcoming reading slumps, organizing reading lives, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of bookish events.

Current Reads: A Dive into Diverse Genres

Bria on John Scalzi's "When the Moon Hits Your Eye"

Bria shares her enthusiasm for John Scalzi's latest work, When the Moon Hits Your Eye. She humorously recounts the novel's whimsical premise where the moon inexplicably transforms into cheese, leading to global confusion and scientific upheaval.

“And one day the moon is suddenly very bright in the sky, and everyone's like, what is going on? And it turns out that suddenly it is made of cheese. That's what the book is about.”
— Bria Grant [00:46]

She praises Scalzi's ability to blend humor with a serious premise, highlighting the diverse perspectives within the story—from a Sunday school teacher grappling with the surreal change to astronauts dealing with mission disruptions.

Mallory on Megan Abbott's "El Dorado Drive"

Mallory eagerly discusses El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott, emphasizing its gripping narrative centered on a financial crisis in Michigan. The story follows a woman navigating her sister's messy divorce and entanglement in a high-pressure group called "The Wheel," which operates similarly to an MLM without selling products.

“It's about this woman, she moves back in with her sister... her sister is very excited to tell her that she joined this special little group called the Wheel.”
— Mallory O'Meara [02:30]

Mallory highlights the book's tension and intricate character dynamics, recommending it as an excellent starting point for those new to Abbott's work.

Listener Feedback: Navigating Library Book Signings

Mallory shares feedback from listener Sarah, who expresses concerns about authors signing library books without prior permission. Sarah raises valid points about the logistical challenges and potential issues of authenticity and endorsement that such uninvited signatures might entail.

“Would we have to update our internal systems? Would our very fastidious fiction librarian survive the shock and betrayal?”
— Sarah [05:05]

Bria and Mallory discuss their own experiences with signing books during organized events, agreeing that unsanctioned signings can create unnecessary complications for librarians.

“I have signed library books, but a lot of the times it happens, it's at the library... the librarian then knows.”
— Mallory O'Meara [06:04]

They emphasize the importance of communication and consent when involving authors in library activities to maintain smooth operations and positive relationships.

Overcoming Reading Slumps: Creative Solutions

Listener Mac shares a personal strategy for tackling a daunting TBR (To-Be-Read) list by involving her son in the selection process through the StoryGraph app. This method not only alleviates the pressure of choosing the "perfect" book but also fosters a shared reading experience.

“A fun way I found to help get over is by taking my son to our library and handing him StoryGraph on my phone to pick something for me.”
— Mac [07:32]

Brea and Mallory commend Mac's approach, noting its effectiveness in reducing decision fatigue and making book selection a collaborative and enjoyable activity.

The Honkers Challenge: Embracing the Lengthy Reads

The core of the episode revolves around the Honkers Challenge, encouraging listeners to read books exceeding 500 pages. The hosts discuss the benefits of engaging with longer narratives, such as deeper immersion and prolonged escape from everyday stressors.

Defining a Honker

A honker is defined as any book exceeding 500 pages across any format—hardcover, paperback, or audiobook. This includes diverse genres like fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, poetry collections, and epic narratives.

“We are defining a honker as any book that is over 500 pages... it can be fiction, non fiction, graphic novels, poetry collection, whatever you want, but it has to be really, really long.”
— Mallory O'Meara [12:17]

Impact on Reading Lives

Both hosts reflect on how the pandemic and societal stresses have led to reduced engagement with lengthy books. They recognize the intimidation factor but advocate for revisiting honkers as a means to enhance reading resilience and satisfaction.

“It's been knocking us all, pushing us to do it... I'm really glad that we're doing this. I'm really pushing myself to read these long books.”
— Mallory O'Meara [22:51]

Audiobooks vs. Traditional Reading

Bria finds audiobooks less intimidating despite their lengthy durations, as they can be consumed during activities like driving or hiking. In contrast, Mallory feels audiobooks add pressure due to the sheer number of hours required.

“The audio version is a little less intimidating and I'm glad I did it because I wanted to read that next one in. In fourth wing.”
— Bria Grant [19:24]

They discuss the pros and cons of both formats, acknowledging personal preferences and lifestyle compatibility.

Advice on Attending Bookish Events

Addressing a listener's dilemma about attending fantasy book events amidst recent disappointments, Bria and Mallory offer practical advice to ensure a positive experience.

Confirming Legitimacy

They recommend researching events thoroughly by checking past iterations, reading reviews, and viewing photos or videos to gauge the event's quality and reliability.

“Find pictures from last year. Because the Internet exists.”
— Bria Grant [27:10]

Choosing Established Events

The hosts suggest attending events with a proven track record to avoid disappointments associated with new or untested gatherings. They caution against hefty financial investments without adequate assurances of the event's value.

“Unless an event has run a few times or for a few years, I would skip it.”
— Mallory O'Meara [27:16]

Personal Recommendations

They highlight successful events like the Labyrinth Masquerade in Los Angeles and the Fantastique Ball in Northern California, praised by authors and attendees for their organization and atmosphere.

“They have been happening for a really long time... 27 years.”
— Bria Grant [28:27]

Book Recommendations: Tailored to Listener’s Wheelhouse

Responding to Melissa's request for book recommendations aligned with her diverse interests, Bria and Mallory suggest titles that encapsulate friendship, supernatural elements, and moral confrontations.

Bria’s Suggestion: “Starter Villain” by John Scalzi

Bria recommends Starter Villain for its character-driven narrative and themes of personal growth amidst villainy.

“It's a ragtag group. It's a literal villain origin story... people bringing out the best in each other, which I think is very nice.”
— Bria Grant [31:14]

Mallory’s Suggestion: “The Staircase in the Woods” by Chuck Wendig

Mallory suggests The Staircase in the Woods for its exploration of enduring friendships and mysterious disappearances, blending humor with dark themes.

“It is a perfect amalgamation of scary but also fun and fun friendship stuff... their dynamics are really funny and Chuck is very funny.”
— Mallory O'Meara [32:37]

Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

Bria and Mallory encourage listeners to engage with the podcast by submitting their thoughts, participating in challenges, and supporting the show through reviews and merchandise purchases.

“We're so close to 2,000 reviews on Apple Podcasts. Please take out your phones if you're an Apple podcast user. Also, it doesn't matter what you use if you're a Spotify person.”
— Brea Grant [34:36]

They express gratitude towards their community, highlighting the importance of listener support in the podcast's growth and success.

Conclusion

Episode 424 of Reading Glasses masterfully navigates the complexities of engaging with long-form literature while addressing community concerns and fostering a supportive reading environment. Brea Grant and Mallory O'Meara provide valuable insights and actionable advice, making this episode a must-listen for book lovers seeking to expand their reading horizons and overcome literary challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Bria Grant on When the Moon Hits Your Eye:
  “And one day the moon is suddenly very bright in the sky, and everyone's like, what is going on? And it turns out that suddenly it is made of cheese. That's what the book is about.”
  [00:46]

• Mallory O'Meara on El Dorado Drive:
  “It's about this woman, she moves back in with her sister... her sister is very excited to tell her that she joined this special little group called the Wheel.”
  [02:30]

• Sarah’s Feedback on Library Book Signings:
  “Would we have to update our internal systems? Would our very fastidious fiction librarian survive the shock and betrayal?”
  [05:05]

• Mac on Overcoming Reading Slumps:
  “A fun way I found to help get over is by taking my son to our library and handing him StoryGraph on my phone to pick something for me.”
  [07:32]

• Bria on Audiobooks Less Intimidating:
  “The audio version is a little less intimidating and I'm glad I did it because I wanted to read that next one in. In fourth wing.”
  [19:24]

• Bria on Event Legitimacy:
  “Find pictures from last year. Because the Internet exists.”
  [27:10]

Stay Connected:
For more book discussions, reader challenges, and literary tips, subscribe to Reading Glasses on your favorite podcast platform. Engage with the community by joining their Discord server and following them on Instagram. Support the show by leaving a five-star review and sharing your reading journeys.

Maximum Fun: A worker-owned network of artist-owned shows supported directly by you.