Touched for the Very First Time: Soman Chainani on Books That Turn Scrollers into Readers

“I tell kids that books are not there to torment you. The author has to get you in the first ten pages. If they do not, they fail, because a book is like a lawnmower—you pull it, and either it starts or it doesn't start.” –Soman Chainai

Soman Chainani wants reading to feel irresistible. The bestselling author of "The School for Good and Evil," series and the recently released graphic novel, "Coven," shares how his own reading life began—powered by Anne Rice, Michael Crichton, and a complete lack of adult supervision—and how those early obsessions shaped his belief that stories should be bold, boundary-pushing, and personal.

In this episode, Soman explains why middle grade books can (and should) feel dangerous, how his grandmother’s glamorous storytelling shaped his imagination, and what a book needs to do in its first ten pages to hook a reader. He also unpacks the “moral grayness” that defines his favorite novels and his own writing, and makes a compelling case for why kids need more honesty, not less, in the stories we give them.

Tune in for a fast-paced episode that includes Madonna, hot takes, and tips for breaking (all) the rules. 

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Soman’s reading challenge, Immersive, is all about getting lost in a story. The books he curated blur the line between fiction and reality, pulling the reader in so completely you forget the world around you. 

Learn more and download Soman’s recommended reading list at threadingculturepod.com/soman-chainani

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This week’s featured librarian is Jasmine Haverly from Aldine Independent School District in Texas. Jasmine shares how competitions and “book tastings” are growing the reading culture in her library.

Show Chapters

Chapter 1 - Florida Man 

Chapter 2 - Well, That Escalated Quickly 

Chapter 3 - The Picture of Dorian Gray

Chapter 4 - The Rules Are Made Up

Chapter 5 - Main Character Energy 

Chapter 6 - Use Your Imagination

Chapter 7 - Express Yourself

Chapter 8 - Reading Challenge

Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian

Links

• The Reading Culture
• The Reading Culture Newsletter Signup
• Soman Chainai
• Soman Chainani Substack
• Soman Chainani Instagram
• “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde
• Follow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)
• Beanstack resources to build your community’s reading culture
• Jordan Lloyd Bookey

Host and Production Credits

Host: Jordan Lloyd Bookey
Producers: Mel Webb and Lower Street Media
Script Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Mel Webb, Jordan Lloyd Bookey