Reading Glasses

Alma Katsu, acclaimed horror novelist and author of the chilling book FIEND, joins the conversation. She delves into the complex dynamics of family power struggles and the uncanny blend of real-world violence and human evil that make her characters terrifying. Alma also shares her experience of writing contemporary horror, revealing how it differs from her historical work. The hosts recommend spooky reads featuring human monsters, like slashers and mad scientists, perfect for the Halloween season!

Discover how writing styles can resonate differently with readers' brains. The hosts break down the importance of cadence and even explore the phenomenon of 'book pH'—finding the right rhythm for reading. They tackle a listener's public reading dilemma with practical noise solutions. Plus, dive into recommendations for novels about banned books, including *Upright Women Wanted* and *The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks*. Tune in for insights on making reading more enjoyable!

Brea and Mallory dive into the world of epistolary novels, exploring how these letter-based stories can enhance focus and revive reading enthusiasm. They share their favorite epistolary picks and discuss the latest changes to Libby's suspend hold system, sparking a lively debate on its pros and cons. Additionally, they tackle a listener's concern about balancing big books and wrist pain, offering practical advice for e-readers and preserving beloved physical copies. Tune in for laughs and insights on the reading journey!

Adam Sokol, a debut author and longtime friend of the hosts, shares insights on his novel, *The Ballad of Bonaventure Palmier*, which intertwines magical realism and themes of found family. He opens up about the challenges of writing while parenting, emphasizing the shift to audiobooks and fitting reading time into small pockets amidst the chaos. Adam also discusses his decision to self-publish after traditional rejections, alongside his favorite genres like YA horror and gothic fiction, making for a captivating conversation about creativity and parenthood.

Brea and Mallory discuss a new way to sort out your dumped books, give advice for reluctant book dumpers, and recommend sister books. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreThe Reading Glasses Book!Sponsors -GreenChefwww.greenchef.com/50GLASSESCODE: 50GLASSESLinks -Reading Glasses Facebook GroupReading Glasses Goodreads GroupWish ListNewsletterLibro.fmTo join our Discord channel, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership!www.maximumfun.org/joinSci Fi Rex for Dads and HusbandsBooks Mentioned -Best of All Worlds by Kenneth OppelFiend by Alma KatsuOnce There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghyThe Girls at the Kingfisher Club by Genevieve Valentine

Brea and Mallory tick off another box on the 2025 Reading Glasses Challenge: read a book with a two person book club! Plus, they solve a problem about putting damaged books in a Little Free Library, and recommend books set in Scotland but NOT Edinburgh. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsor -Factorwww.factormeals.com/GLASSES50OFFCODE: GLASSES50OFFLinks -Reading Glasses Facebook GroupReading Glasses Goodreads GroupEtsy Wish ListNewsletterLibro.fmGlasser Book Club - October 10, 5pm PTTo join, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership!www.maximumfun.org/joinBooks Mentioned -We’re Taking Everyone Down with Us by Matthew Rosenberg, Stefano Landini, and Jason WordieActress of a Certain Age by Jeff HillerLast Hour Between Worlds by Melissa CarusoSister, Sinner by Claire HoffmanThree Eight One by Aliya WhiteleyThe Wild Hunt by Emma SeckelThe Bass Rock by Evie Wyld 

Brea and Mallory talk about how to age up your reading tastes from YA to adult (and if you should bother!). Plus, they have Becky Spratford on to discuss her new book WHY I LOVE HORROR, and they recommend fantasy books with NO spice. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -ZocDocwww.zocdoc.com/GLASSESGreenChefwww.greenchef.com/50GLASSESCODE: 50GLASSESLinks -Reading Glasses Facebook GroupReading Glasses Goodreads GroupEtsy Wish ListNewsletterLibro.fmTo join our Discord channel, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership!www.maximumfun.org/joinRA for AllRA for All: HorrorBecky's TourWhy I Love HorrorBooks Mentioned -Wearing the Lion by John WiswellA Resistance of Witches by Morgan RyanAn Academy for Liars by Alexis HendersonNinth House by Leigh BardugoKiller VHS SeriesHailey Piper BooksThe Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham JonesWhere the Sidewalk Ends by Shel SilversteinThe Country Under Heaven by Frederic D. DurbinCursed Daughters by Oyinkan BraithwaiteEmily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather FawcettThe Magician’s Daughter by H.G. Parry

Brea and Mallory talk about reading signed books and debate how precious you need to be with them. Plus, they review Book Beau book covers and discuss how much protection books really need. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreLinks -Reading Glasses Facebook GroupReading Glasses Goodreads GroupAmazon Wish ListNewsletterLibro.fmTo join our Discord channel, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership!www.maximumfun.org/joinForest of ReadingBook BeauReadathon - 9/13Glasser Book Club Pick - The BewitchingBooks Mentioned -Esperance by Adam OyebanjiForest Euphoria by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian

Dive into the most exciting upcoming reads for September and October! From chilling horror highlights to a captivating sequel by Mona Awad, there's something for every book lover. Discover quirky tales like Mary Roach's exploration of 3D printed organs, and thrilling mysteries such as Nicholas Benj's time-travel detective story. Plus, get ready for romantic adventures and unique queer narratives. With so many anticipated titles, the fall reading season promises to be exhilarating for all!

Brea and Mallory talk about 2025 books they think are underrated! Plus, they talk about what to do if you don’t like an audiobook narrator, and recommend reluctant love stories. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreLinks -Reading Glasses Facebook GroupReading Glasses Goodreads GroupAmazon Wish ListNewsletterLibro.fmTo join our Discord channel, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership!www.maximumfun.org/joinReadathon - 9/13Glasser Book Club Pick - The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-GarciaBooks Mentioned -Sweet Berries by C.M. NacostaPredatory Natures by Amy GoldsmithIt Rhymes with Takei by George Takei, illustrations by Harmony BeckerOld Soul by Susan BarkerHarriet Tubman: Live in Concert by Bob the Drag QueenBest of All Worlds by Kenneth OppelShark Heart by Emily HabeckHazardous Spirits by Anbara SalamThe Extinction of Experience by Christine RosenThis Town Sleeps by Dennis E. StaplesThe Pairing by Casey McQuistonThe Darkness Outside Us by Eliot SchreferHouse on the Cerulean Sea by TJ KluneEvvie Drake Starts Over by Linda HolmesFlying Solo by Linda Holmes