Reading Glasses, Ep 447: Queernorm Books and How to Schedule Library Holds!

Hosts: Mallory O’Meara & Brea Grant
Release Date: January 29, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Brea and Mallory launch the 2026 Reading Glasses Challenge by introducing the “Queernorm Book” category. They clarify what defines a “queernorm” book, share strategies for finding them, and offer challenge book selections. The hosts also tackle a common reader problem: how to manage library holds without neglecting purchased books, and close out with a highly anticipated deep dive into recommendations for queer (especially sapphic) hockey romances.

What We’re Reading

[00:38–03:21]

• Brea:

  • Sick Houses: H. H. Holmes and the Architecture of Dread by Layla Taylor
    • A nonfiction exploration of haunted houses, architecture, and how we view fear and otherness. Highlights include alternative perspectives on classic haunted spaces like the Winchester Mystery House.
    • “I feel like I'm learning so much by reading it.” (Brea, 01:36)

• Mallory:

  • The End of the World is a Cul de Sac by Louise Kennedy
    • A deeply introspective, often sad collection of short stories focusing on the interior lives of women.
    • “But Bria, this book is so depressing...But it's so beautifully written.” (Mallory, 02:11)

Listener Feedback

[03:28–07:15]

• Amanda:

  • Shares a whimsical vision of the Void Merch Store purchases feeding the hosts’ cats and discusses listening to Mallory’s audiobook at a higher speed to match her podcast rhythm.
  • On enjoying the Reading Glasses Challenge without pressure:
    • “I don't like the pressure of having to complete a list of tasks for something recreational, but I still love the challenge so much and participate in my own way as it has enriched my reading life so much.”

• Megan:

  • Explains her unique, non-visual, non-subvocalizing reading style and how that impacts her audiobook experience.
    • “It's almost like remembering something that happened a while ago.” (Megan, 05:54)

Deep Dive: The Queernorm Book Challenge

[10:34–17:41]

What Is a Queernorm Book?

[11:51–13:21]

• Definition:

  • Any genre (romance, sci-fi, horror, fantasy, literary, etc.) where LGBTQIA characters exist as a normal, unremarkable part of the world.
  • No focus on homophobia or marginalization; queerness isn’t treated as a conflict, just a feature.
    • “...queer people, LGBTQIA folks ... have to be normal in this world, not marginalized. ...whatever the conflict of the story is, it doesn't have to do with queerness.” (Brea, 12:11)

• Purpose:

  • A comfort and escape from real-world pressures, without the weight of societal discrimination.
    • “It's okay to temporarily escape to a world where the problems are werewolves or evil aliens, but not bigots.” (Mallory, 13:35)

• Advocacy:

  • Mallory highlights the rising challenge for queer YA and middle grade authors due to book bans, encouraging listeners to buy such books.
    • “Now is a real ... wicked good time [to buy queer middle grade and YA books].” (Mallory, 14:36)

Finding Queernorm Books

[14:40–15:42]

• Search Strategies:

  • Search “queernorm” or “queernormative” on library catalogs, Book Riot, Goodreads, Booktube/BookTok.
  • Book Riot has recent curated lists and the category is increasingly recognized.
    • Tip: Community vetting is key; recommendations often note if a book is “queernorm.”

• Important Distinction:

  • “Just because a book is queer does not mean that it is queer norm.” (Mallory, 15:41)
  • Search specifically for “queernorm,” not just general queer genres.

Hosts’ Challenge Picks

[15:58–16:44]

• Brea:

  • The Library of the Unwritten (recommended via Book Riot’s queernorm lists)

• Mallory:

  • Paladin’s Grace by T. Kingfisher (“Queernorm fantasy, that’s funny, and there’s romance and gods.”)

BOOK TECH: How To Schedule Library Holds

[18:30–24:13]

Listener Problem:

• With library holds always expiring soon, the listener prioritizes those over purchased books, leading to shelf sitters.

Solutions

• Brea:

  • Limit the number of books checked out to avoid feeling overwhelmed by due dates and leave intentional space for purchased books.
    • “I think what you have to do is get less books from the library...so if I don't have a due date, I don't have to worry about it.” (Brea, 19:39)

• Mallory:

  • Only place holds for books you’re truly excited about; keep a side list (in an app or on paper) for books you’re interested in but not ready to commit.
    • “Only put books that you are wicked pumped about on hold...It's so easy to go buck wild, and then you get overwhelmed.” (Mallory, 23:01)

RECS: Queer Women’s Hockey Romance Books

[24:48–31:28]

Context

• A listener wants more sapphic hockey romances after reading the Check Please webcomic and finds that “hockey books for women/queer women” are rare; Mallory is instantly thrilled.

The Phenomenon: Heated Rivalry

• Heated Rivalry—the standard for queer hockey romance, but it's male/male.
  • “It’s so romantic. And obviously they made a hit show about it that’s on Max right now.” (Brea, 27:10)
  • “Heated Rivalry is the real deal. It is truly—We love the book. We love the show. From a deep, deep hockey nerd—the hockey checks out.” (Mallory, 27:54)

Mallory’s Sapphic Hockey TBR

[28:35–30:51]

1. Wake Up, Nat and Darcy by Kate Cochran

   • Two retired pro hockey rivals turned lovers (and back again), now sports commentators reuniting during the US Winter Games.

2. Like a Power Play by Ellie Sprinkle

   • College sapphic hockey romance: team captain and the new student coach.

3. Love Pucked by Emily Silver

   • Pro hockey: secret romance between a player and a coach.

• All selections were chosen for their queer norm vibes and/or promising hockey content.
  • “I'm really excited for these.” (Mallory, 30:41)

Commentary

• Mallory’s “hockey nerd” approach ensures the on-ice action in recs is plausible.
• The growing popularity of sapphic hockey romance thrills the hosts.
  • “So many people are getting into hockey. So many people are going into hockey games. So many people are checking out hockey romances.” (Mallory, 31:04)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Mallory on Escape in Reading:

  • “You do not have to stand in front of the fire hose of diarrhea that our society, at least here in America is right now.” (13:10)
  • Brea: “That’s the grossest image.”
  • Mallory: “Okay, I will never say it again.” (13:34)

• On Community-Curated Queernorm Books:

  • “Someone has to read it first...We're kind of relying on community, like, hey, there's no homophobia in this one.” (Brea, 15:20)

Key Timestamps

• 00:38: What We're Reading segment starts
• 10:34: Launch of the 2026 Reading Glasses Challenge—Queernorm books
• 12:11: Defining ‘queernorm’ for the challenge
• 14:40: How to find and search for queernorm books
• 15:58: Hosts share which books they’ll read for the challenge
• 18:30: Library holds reader problem—how to juggle holds with owned books
• 24:48: Queer women’s hockey romance recommendations

Episode Tone & Style

The hosts maintain their signature witty, irreverent, and encouraging tone, filled with friendly banter, pop culture digressions, and frank talk about the realities of queer book access and escapism.

Summary

In a packed episode, Mallory and Brea break down what defines a “queernorm” book and why seeking these out is as meaningful as it is refreshing. They help listeners track down suitable books for the challenge, share their own picks, and offer actionable advice for juggling library books and one’s own TBR. The episode closes with a passionate, hockey-nerd–approved rundown of sapphic hockey romance novels—proof positive of Reading Glasses’ pulse on the podcasting and literary zeitgeist.