Podcast Summary: Ep 467: I Love Literary Fiction... Don't I?

Host: Anne Bogel
Guest: Phoebe Mellinger
Release Date: February 25, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 467 of "What Should I Read Next?", host Anne Bogel welcomes Phoebe Mellinger, a 31-year-old avid reader from South Philadelphia. Phoebe, an avid book thrifter with a personal library of nearly 200 books, shares her evolving relationship with literature, exploring how her reading tastes have transformed over the past year. This episode delves into Phoebe's journey from consistent genre preferences to a more eclectic and exploratory reading habit, seeking guidance to navigate her extensive TBR (to-be-read) pile.

Phoebe's Reading Journey and Personal Background

Phoebe Mellinger opens up about her life in South Philadelphia, balancing a remote tech job based in California with teaching ballet barre classes locally. She humorously notes her recent foray into sourdough baking, saying:

"[...] and you're glad about that. It's a good thing for your reading life."
[00:07] Anne Bogel

Phoebe highlights her lifelong passion for reading, which began in childhood under her mother's influence, indulging in classics like "Lord of the Rings" and "Gone with the Wind." However, during her graduate studies and the subsequent pandemic, her reading tempo slowed, prompting a significant shift in her literary preferences.

Evolving Reading Tastes and Exploration

Phoebe describes a pivotal moment last year when her usual genres—historical fiction and thrillers—left her feeling burnt out and uninspired. Seeking revitalization, she ventured into new territories:

• Weird Girl Books: Introducing her to unconventional narratives, such as "Bunny" by Mona Awad, which offered an immersive escape into the surreal.

  "[...] it's nice to be so immersed in something that is so unrealistic or kind of crazy sometimes."
  [06:30] Phoebe Mellinger

• Speculative and Horror Novels: Despite being a self-professed "scaredy cat," Phoebe found herself drawn to the emotional depth and haunting elements in horror literature.

• Literary Fiction: A newfound appreciation for character-driven stories that delve into the human condition and emotional complexities.

Phoebe reflects on her struggle to discern genuine interest from the allure of enthusiastic recommendations:

"[...] I feel it's become hard to discern the difference between what sounds good and what may actually be a good fit for me."
[06:15] Phoebe Mellinger

Favorite and Least Favorite Books

Favorite Books Discussed:

1. "The God of the Woods" by Liz Moore
   Phoebe praises this literary mystery set in the 1970s for its compelling narrative and deep exploration of personal demons and family dynamics.

   "Everyone has their own journey. What is it like to lose a child or to lose a sibling to have a lot of like, pressure placed on you?"
   [12:10] Phoebe Mellinger

2. "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt
   This novel, featuring a talking octopus named Marcellus, resonated deeply with Phoebe for its magical realism and heartfelt portrayal of self-discovery and interconnectedness.

   "[...] Marcellus was like a cute talking octopus, but I just thought it was really well done and really unique."
   [13:50] Phoebe Mellinger

3. "Milk Fed" by Melissa Broder
   Phoebe commends Broder's ability to articulate complex, often taboo emotions with creative precision, making the protagonist's struggles both relatable and profoundly moving.

   "Melissa Broder is exceptional at writing about kind of the weird, maybe like squidgy feelings that we all have about ourselves."
   [15:30] Phoebe Mellinger

Least Favorite Book:

• "Tress of the Emerald Sea"
  Despite positive recommendations from friends, Phoebe found this historical fiction novel too light and lacking the emotional depth she seeks, leading her to stop reading it midway.

  "[...] it just felt a little bit immature to me."
  [23:50] Phoebe Mellinger

Current Reading Endeavors and Challenges

Phoebe shares her recent reads, including:

• "Is How You Lose the Time War"
  Discovering this book through Anne's recommendation, Phoebe was captivated by its poetic portrayal of love between two time-traveling operatives.

  "[...] the descriptions and the way that it was written, the way it describes love [...] really spectacular."
  [24:50] Phoebe Mellinger

She discusses her ongoing challenge of managing an ever-growing collection of unread books, emphasizing her desire to prioritize meaningful reads over impulsive purchases influenced by others' enthusiasm.

"[...] I'm just kind of looking for where to dig in so I can make a dent in this large library of mine."
[34:47] Phoebe Mellinger

Navigating Descriptions and Self-Doubt in Literary Discussions

Phoebe expresses uncertainty about articulating her reading experiences without relying on literary jargon, fearing it might come across as unsophisticated. Anne encourages her to speak from personal experience rather than conform to academic terminology.

"[...] I just think that those are things that I like in a book, if I'm using those phrases correctly."
[26:06] Phoebe Mellinger

Anne reassures her, emphasizing the value of genuine expression over complex vocabulary, fostering a more authentic connection with fellow readers.

Anne's Recommendations Tailored to Phoebe's Tastes

Anne delves into Phoebe's extensive list of 200 unread books, offering personalized recommendations based on her expressed preferences:

1. "Silver Nitrate" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
   A darkly humorous thriller set in 1990s Mexico City, blending historical elements with supernatural horror—a perfect match for Phoebe's interest in horror and literary depth.

2. "Piglet" by Lottie Hazel
   Although Phoebe hasn't read it yet, Anne suggests it for its profound exploration of human emotions and complex character dynamics, aligning with Phoebe's appreciation for nuanced storytelling.

3. "Burnham Wood" by Eleanor Catton
   A literary mystery that intertwines Shakespearean tragedy with a unique setting in New Zealand, offering the intellectual stimulation Phoebe seeks.

4. "Babel" by R.F. Kuang
   Combining dark academia with magical realism, this novel explores linguistic power and colonialism, presenting the cerebral engagement Phoebe desires.

5. "Come and Get It" by Kylie Reid
   A dark campus comedy addressing complex themes like race and privilege, providing a multifaceted narrative that Phoebe might find both challenging and rewarding.

Phoebe resonates with Anne's suggestions, particularly appreciating how they intersect with her love for unique hooks, emotional depth, and explorative narratives.

"I do need to just kind of dive in because it is kind of like the quintessential or one of the quintessential dark academia."
[62:28] Phoebe Mellinger

Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

As the episode wraps up, Phoebe feels validated and excited about her reading choices, embracing the confidence to explore her diverse interests without self-imposed constraints. Anne reinforces the importance of discovering one's genuine preferences and encourages Phoebe to continue her literary exploration with newfound assurance.

"Thank you so much, Anne."
[64:12] Phoebe Mellinger

Anne concludes by inviting listeners to engage with the podcast community, share their thoughts, and continue supporting the show through various platforms.

Conclusion

Episode 467 offers an insightful look into the fluid nature of reading preferences, illustrating how personal growth and external influences can reshape one's literary landscape. Phoebe Mellinger's candid discussions highlight the joys and challenges of navigating an expansive book collection, underscoring the value of intentional reading choices. Anne Bogel's thoughtful recommendations serve as a beacon for readers seeking to redefine their next literary adventure.

For more information or to apply to be a guest on the show, visit whatshouldireadnextpodcast.com.