Reading Glasses

Brea and Mallory discuss problems with book marketing, plus they solve a book tech question about letting your friends borrow books, and recommend books about moms on adventures. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -GreenChefwww.greenchef.com/50GLASSESCODE: 50GLASSESLinks -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/joinLibraryThingNo Pressure Book Journal!Books Mentioned -Murder on Sex Island by Jo FirestoneStop Me If You’ve Heard This One by Kristen ArnettMonsters: A Fans Dilemma by Claire DedererAll Fours by Miranda JulyThe Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty

Brea and Mallory tick off another box on the 2025 Reading Glasses Challenge: read a book slowly! Plus, they test out a stretchy bookmark and recommend scary books with no body horror. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsor -Pair Eyewearwww.paireyewear.comCODE: GLASSESLinks -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/joinLast Word BookmarkDracula DailyBooks Mentioned -The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall by J. Ann ThomasMurder at Gulls Nest by Jess KiddEthan of Athos by Lois McMaster BujoldRebecca by Daphne du MaurierUniversal Harvester by John Darnielle

Brea and Mallory do a mid-year reading goals check in, plus an extra special interview with G from Book Roast, the creator of CAWPILE! Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -ZocDocwww.zocdoc.com/GLASSESLinks -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/joinBook RoastBooks Mentioned -Audition by Katie KitamuraBest of all Worlds by Kenneth OppelThe Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Brea and Mallory pick their favorite books of the year…so far. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -Teasperiencewww.teasperience.comCODE: GLASSESLinks -Reading Glasses Facebook GroupReading Glasses Goodreads GroupAmazon Wish ListNewsletterLibro.fmTo join our Slack channel, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership!Books Mentioned - Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidBull Moon Rising by Ruby DixonThe Road to Tender Hearts by Annie HarnettDaughter of Daring by Mallory O’MearaOld Soul by Susan BarkerWake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod ChapmanA Letter from the Lonesome Shore by Sylvie CathrallSky Daddy by Kate FolkBlob by Maggie SuWild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghyRaising Hare by Chloe DaltonVera Wong’s Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man by Jesse Q. SutantoSick Houses by Leila TaylorThe Strange Case of Jane O by Karen Thompson WalkerVantage Point by Sara Sligar 

Brea and Mallory go through their most anticipated books for July and August. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsor -GreenChefwww.greenchef.com/50GLASSESCODE: 50GLASSESLinks -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/joinBooks Mentioned -It Rhymes with Takei by George Takei and Harmony BeckerThe Lilac People by Milo ToddJulyFinding Grace by Loretta RothschildLiterary fiction, family drama, dual timelines, moral dilemmaThe Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth WareSequel to The Woman in Cabin 10Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly JacksonThriller, mystery, woman trying to solve her own murder before she diesA Resistance of Witches by Morgan RyanHistorical fantasy, WWII, British witches, magic book, magical espionage, FranceVolatile Memory by Seth HaddonSci fi, queer love story, adventure, novella, tech, AIThe Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-GarciaHorror, witches, 19th century Mexico, 1990s Massachusetts, dual timelinesAngel Down by Daniel KrausHistorical horror/fantasy, WWI, angels, soldiersTotally and Completely Fine by Elissa SussmanRomance, dual timelines, widowed single mom, normal person/celebrity, small town MontanaRose in Chains by Julie SotoRomantasy, first in trilogy, princess imprisoned in castle auctioned off to rivalsThe Irresistible Urge to Fall in Love with Your Enemy by Brigette KnightleyRomantasy, Dramoine, sick assassin falling in love with enemy healer, first in duology, slow burn enemies to lovers, rival magician ordersA Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu MandannaRomantasy, cozy, witch and magical historian at an enchanted inn, talking foxTenderly, I Am Devoured by Lyndall ClipstoneYA, gothic, horromance, queer, folklore, love triangle, rituals, godsGlorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn BarnesYA, Inheritance Games saga, competition, puzzles, secretsImmortal Consequences by I.V. MarieYA, romantasy, dark academia, boarding school, competitionNo Sense in Wishing by Lawrence BurneyEssay collection, critical moments with art that transformed the author, Black diasporaA Marriage at Sea by Sophie ElmhirstNonfiction, married couple who sells everything to live on a sailboatI Want to Burn This Place Down by Maris KreizmanEssay collection, funny, living in AmericaKilling Stella by Marlen Haushofer, translated by Shaun WhitesideNovella, literary fiction, confession from housewife of crimeThe Age of Video Games: A Graphic History of Gaming from Pong to VR and Beyond by Jean Zeid, illustrated by Émilie Rouge, translated by Jen VaughnNonfiction, graphic historyThe Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne by Chris SweeneyNonfiction, forensic ornithologyNecessary Fiction by Eloghosa OsundeQueer literary fiction, multiple POV, Lagos, navigating identitiesBeasts of Carnaval: A Caribbean Historical Fantasy Tale of Mystery and Magic at El Carnaval De Bestias by Rosália RodrigoYA historical fantasy, Caribbean islands, Black diaspora, decadent carnivalHot Girls With Balls by Benedict NguyễnLiterary fiction, satire, queer, competitive volleyball, social media, trans volleyball players, romanceThe Convenience Store by the Sea by Sonoko Machida translated by Bruno NavaskyMagical realism, Japanese convenience store, three interconnected storiesSimplicity by Mattie LubchanskySurreal graphic novel, near future sci fi, trans protagonist, isolated communityThe Dance and the Fire by Daniel Saldaña París, translated by Christina MacSweeneyCli fi, love triangle, dancing, three friends returning to hometown, Mexico, surrealArchive of Unknown Universes by Ruben Reyes Jr.Literary fiction, dual timelines, Salvadoran civil war, loveThe Payback by Kashana CauleyLiterary fiction, three co-workers turned friends launch a heist to wipe out student debtPan by Michael CluneLiterary fiction, teen having panic attacks and thinks the god Pan is trapped inside of himLonely Crowds by Stephanie WambuguLiterary fiction, 1990s New England college campus, coming of age, Catholic guilt, art worldThe Original by Nell StevensQueer historical fiction, 1899 English country house, aspiring art forger must figure out if her long-lost cousin is an impostorHuman Rites by Juno DawsonBook 3 in Her Majesty’s Royal CovenCall Your Boyfriend by Olivia A. Cole and Ashley WoodfolkYA sapphic rom com, two teen girls want revenge on the popular girl they’re in love withMoon Rising by Claire BarnerQueer near future romantisci, lunar colony, battling eco terroristsThe Gryphon King by Sara OmerQueer Southwest Asian inspired epic fantasy, monsters, dynastic politics, slow burn romanceTaste the love by Karelia and Fay Stetz-WatersSapphic romance with rival chefsNo Body No Crime by Tess SharpeQueer thriller, romance, secrets, two girls killing a shitty guyHouse of Beth by Kerry CullenQueer literary fiction, unhinged women, OCD, family secretsWayward Girls by Susan WiggsQueer historical fiction, 1960s Buffalo, six girls in a Catholic reform schoolThe Lighthouse at the Edge of the World by J.R. DawsonQueer fantasy, waystation for the dead, ghostsThe Elysium Heist by Y. M. ResnikQueer sci fi, heist in a space casino with six women, intergalactic card tournamentThe Haunting of Bellington Cottage by Laura ParnumMiddle grade horror, two girls trying to see if they’re still friends in a haunted vacation houseAnother by Paul TremblayPaul’s middle grade horror debut!!!!!The Library at Hellebore by Cassandra KhawHorror, wicked dark academia, dark magic academy for the dangerously powerfulGirl in the Creek by Wendy M. WagnerHorror, Pacific Northwest, missing hiker, body horror, eco-horror, sporrorOddbody by Rose KeatingHorror short stories, “weird girl fiction”Never the Roses by Jennifer K. LambertRomantasy, epic fantasy, Circle meets The Witch’s HeartThe Frozen People by Elly GriffithsSci fi thriller, time traveling cold case teamHow to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory ArnoldFantasy thriller, famous horror author dies & invites writers to his manor to play a game, locked room mysteryThe Secret Market of the Dead by Giovanni De FeoFantasy, Italian inspired, historical, gothic, magic competition, “young woman who finds her power in the nocturnal realm that lurks beneath her town.”The Art of Vanishing by Morgan PagerSci fi, love story between a museum employee and a man in a paintingThe Alchemy of Flowers by Laura ResauModern fantasy take on The Secret GardenArcana Academy by Elise KovaRomantasy, woman who wield magic tarot cards in a fake relationship with the headmaster of a mysterious academy, first in seriesHit Me with Your Best Charm by Lillie ValeYA fantasy, small magic town, autumn festival, secrets, magic forest, missing kidSoulgazer by Maggie RapierPirate romantasy, lost mystical isleAugustThe Hounding by Xenobe PurvisHistorical horror, mystery, small town, girls transforming into houndsThe Locked Ward by Sarah PekkanenPsychological thriller, psychiatric institution, solving a murder, shady rich familyToo Old for This by Samantha DowningFunny thriller, elderly female serial killer, small town OregonForget Me Not by Stacy WillinghamMystery, new series, journalist solving case, old diary, vineyard, SouthernHouse of the Beast by Michelle WongDark fantasy, fairy tales, pact with a magical entity, revenge on rich familyThe Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis SacharAdult cozy fantasy, princess escaping arranged marriage with quirky found familyThe Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth BrownFantasy, secret society protecting world from powerful magical objects, LondonHemlock and Silver by T. KingfisherFantasy, Snow White retelling, herbal healing, potions, magic mirrorsKatabasis by R.F. KuangFantasy, two PhD students go to hell to rescue their crappy advisorThese Memories Do Not Belong to Us by Yiming MaSci fi, memory, thriller, memory-monitoring tech, memory capitalismBlack Flame by Gretchen Felker-MartinHorror, queer, sexual repression, film archives, exploitation films, lost filmLucky Day by Chuck TingleHorror, cosmic horror, Vegas casino, statistics, mysterious federal agentWhat Hunger by Catherine DangHorror, coming of age, teen angst, generational trauma, female rageThe End of the World as We Know It edited by Christopher Golden and Brian KeeneHorror anthology inspired by The StandThe Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel CañasHorror, historical, 1700s northern Mexico, demon, gothicWell, Actually by Mazey EddingsRomance, second chances with publicly documented datesLove Arranged by Lauren AsherRomance, Lakefront Billionaires series, fake relationshipMistress of Bones by Maria Z. MedinaYA debut fantasy, multiple POV, necromancer who wants to bring her sister back from the dead, romance, floating continents, rapier fightsBaldwin: A Love Story by Nicholas BoggsBiography of James Baldwin, queer history Vulture by Phoebe Greenwood Literary fiction, Gaza war correspondent protagonist, dark comedy A New New Me by Helen Oyeyemi Surreal literary sci fi, protagonist with multiple personalities Extinction Capital of the World by Mariah Rigg Short stories, cli fi, Hawaii, love and regret The Re-Write by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn Romance, rom-com, lovers to enemies to lovers, her ex goes on a reality dating show while she’s hired to ghost write his memoir Lessons in Magic and Disaster by Charlie Jane Anders Cozy fantasy in autumn in New England!!!, witch trying to reconnect with her mother, spellsThe Midnight Shift by Seon-Ran Cheon, translated by Gene PngQueer vampire murder mystery in KoreaToni and Addie Go Viral by Melissa MarrSapphic romance, fake relationship, Victorian historian and actress

Brea and Mallory talk about their favorite - and most hated - book tropes. Plus, they discuss the origin of the word paperback, and recommend books for moms. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -Teasperiencewww.teasperience.comCODE: GLASSESLinks -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/joinBooks Mentioned -Mood Machine by Liz PellyCosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon by Annie MareEverything is Tuberculosis by John GreenThe Turner House by Angela Flournoy

Brea and Mallory recommend books about journeys! Plus they interview Madeleine Roux and solve a reader problem about getting triggered by books. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -Pair Eyewearwww.paireyewear.comCODE: GLASSESAura Frameswww.auraframes.comCODE: GLASSESLinks -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/joinMadeleine RouxA Girl Walks into the Forest Books Mentioned -Clean by Alia Trabucco Zeran, translated by Sophie HughesA Letter from the Lonesome Shore by Sylvie CathrallMigrations by Charlotte McConaghyThe Marrow Thieves by Cherie DimalineThe Pairing by Casey McQuistonThe Cautious Traveler’s Guide to the Wastelands by Sarah BrooksI’m Starting to Worry about This Black Box of Doom by Jason ParginThe Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel JoyceSurvivor Song by Paul TremblayPeaces by Helen OyeyemiJames by Percival EverettStation Eleven by Emily St. John MandelThe Memory Police by Yoko OgawaThe Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter

Brea and Mallory discuss how book buying and book reading are different hobbies. Plus, they try a reader color quiz, and recommend queer romantasy. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com. Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -ZocDocwww.zocdoc.com/GLASSESStoryWorthwww.storyworth.com/GLASSESLinks -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/joinJailbreaking Kindle VideoRead Your Color QuizBooks Mentioned - Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghySick Houses by Leila TaylorOne Last Stop by Casey McQuistonThe Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean

Brea and Mallory tick off another box on the 2025 Reading Glasses Challenge - read an award winning book by an author of color! Plus, they test out a book cart and give tips on reading beaten up paperbacks. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -Ancient Nutritionwww.ancientnutrition.com/GLASSESTeasperiencewww.teasperience.comCODE: GLASSESLinks -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/joinMallory in NY in August!Book CartBooks Mentioned - Sky Daddy by Kate FolkWhy We Love and Hate Twilight by Sarah Elizabeth GallagherNatural Beauty by Ling Ling HuangThe Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

Brea and Mallory give tips on making a TBR list. Plus, they solve a book tech problem about an ex having access to your Libby account, and recommend sapphic romances with trans protagonists. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -GreenChefwww.greenchef.com/50GLASSESCODE: 50GLASSESAncient Nutritionwww.ancientnutrition.com/GLASSESLinks -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/joinMallory’s Kansas City EventBooks Mentioned - The Strange Case of Jane O by Karen Thompson WalkerThe Antidote by Karen RussellRoller Girl by Vanessa NorthFake It by Lilly Seabrook

Brea and Mallory give tips on interacting with authors in person, test out a bookish candle, and recommend plot driven books to keep your attention. 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/joinDracula DailyManderly CandleBooks Mentioned -Dog Flowers by Danielle GellerThe Night Guest by Hildur Knuttsdotir, translated by Mary Robinette KowalEveryone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson

Brea and Mallory tick off another box on the 2025 Reading Glasses Challenge - read a science book! Plus, they solve a problem about getting a library book signed, and recommend YA books that deal with social justice. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -Aura Frameswww.auraframes.comCODE: GLASSESZocDocwww.zocdoc.com/GLASSESLinks -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/joinSpring ReadathonSunday May 18thBooks Mentioned - The Centre by Ayesha Manazir SiddiqiThe Fair Botanists by Sara SheridanEverything is Tuberculosis by John GreenThe Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha MukherjeeThe Hate U Give by Angie ThomasThe Attack of the Black Rectangles by A.S. King

Brea and Mallory talk about their most anticipated books for May and June! Plus, they give out book hangover cures. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -Clarion West Steamy in Seattlewww.clarionwest.orgAncient Nutritionwww.ancientnutrition.com/GLASSESLinks -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/joinStack the ShelvesSpring ReadathonMay 18th!Books Mentioned - The Day the World Stopped Shopping by J.B. MacKinnonWhy I Love Horror edited by Becky SpratfordMayDecolonizing Language by Ngugi W. Thiong’oNonfiction, modern African literature, post colonial literary criticismAnd the Trees Stare Back by Gigi GriffisYA horror, Soviet Russia, historical, “came back wrong”Eliza, from Scratch by Sophia Lee - YA rom-com, cooking, high school, Korean foodThe Lost Queen by Aimee Phan - YA fantasy, magic, sisters, Vietnamese lore, past livesTitan of the Stars by E.K. Johnson - YA sci fi horror, space, aliens, Mars, trapped on a spaceshipDeath in the Cards by Mia P. Manansala - YA mystery, tarot, teen detective, vanished girlYou and Me on Repeat by Mary Shyne - YA rom-com graphic novel, time loop, friendshipHome Has No Borders by Sona Charaipotra and Samira Ahmed - Short story collection, YA, South Asian writersThe Original Daughter by Jemimah Wei - Historical fiction, Singapore, family saga, sistersMy Name is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende - Historical fiction, 19 century, Chile, San Francisco, female writer sent to cover civil warThe Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong - Literary fiction, chosen family, friendship between elderly woman and the young man she savesMy Friends by Fredrick Backman - Literary fiction, 25 year saga about four friends in a seaside townThe Tenant by Freida McFadden - Thriller, man rents a room to a woman who is not what she seemsThe Man Made of Smoke by Alex North - Thriller, serial killer, criminal profiler solving case he survived as a childThe Incandescent by Emily Tesh - Fantasy, dark academia, sapphic romanceAftertaste by Daria Lavelle - Urban fantasy, NYC, chef who can taste ghostsAwake in the Floating City by Susanna KwanSci fi, eco-fiction, flooding, artist bonding with elderly woman who remembers the city’s historyThe Memory Collectors by Dete Meserve - Sci fi, mystery, technology that lets you visit the most pivotal moment of your life for one hourThe Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling - Historical horror, sapphic erotica, cannibals, medieval, surrealNever Flinch by Stephen King - Horror, next Holly bookCan’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan - Third in Skyland seriesThe Love Haters by Katherine CenterContemporary romance, swimming, cynicism, Key WestThe Knight and the Moth by Rachel GilligRomantasy, divination magic, gothic, hot knightA Fate Forged in Fire by Hazel McBrideRomantasy, Celtic inspired, magic, dragon riding, hot princeBad Friend: How Women Revolutionized Modern Friendship by Tiffany Watt SmithNonfictionMark Twain by Ron ChernowNonfictionImmaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang - Literary horror, friendship, technology that enhances empathyForest Euphoria by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian - Nonfiction, queerness in wildlife and natureFake Work: How I Began to Suspect Capitalism is a Joke by Leigh Claire la Berge - NonfictionSo Many Stars: an Oral History of Trans, Nonbinary, Genderqueer, and Two-Spirit People of Color by Caro de RobertisNonfictionDisappoint Me by Nicola DinanLiterary fiction, trans protagonist, love, betrayal, “allure of bougie domesticity”And They Were Roommates by Page Powars - Queer YA romance, trans protagonist, boarding schoolGay the Pray Away by Natalie NaudusQueer YA romance, cult, small town, secret loveSummertime by Yigit Karaahmet, translated by Nicholas GlastonburyQueer thriller, Turkey, “the Birdcage but by Patricia Highsmith”When Devils Sing by Xan KaurYA horror, Southern gothic, small town, vanished teenOf Earthly Delights by Goldy MoldavskyYA horroromance, contemporary gothic, family secrets, mysterious gardenRun for the Hills by Kevin Wilson - Literary fiction, funny, family road tripGingko Season by Naomi Xu Elegant - Literary fiction, finding yourself after a heartbreak, friendshipThe South by Tash AwGay literary fiction, family, summer, small town, secret loveThe Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association by Caitlin Rozakis - Cozy fantasy, magic school in New England, werewolf protagonistJuneThe Mercy Makers by Tessa Gratton - Romantasy, forbidden love, forbidden magic, political intrigueA Far Better Thing by H.G. Parry - Fantasy, fairy revenge, historical, French revolutionA Treachery of Swans by A.B. Poranek - Queer YA fantasy, sapphic Swan Lake retellingA Magic Deep and Drowning by Hester Fox - Historical romantasy, Dutch Golden Age, Little Mermaid retellingBury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab - Queer spec fic, immortality, romanceWearing the Lion by John Wiswell - Historical fantasy, Hercules retelling, funny and sweetI Think I’m in Love with an Alien by Ann Aguirre - Romantiscifi, space, rom-comThe Ghosts of Gwendolyn Montgomery by Clarence A. Haynes - Queer fantasy, ghosts, funny, magical pastThe Lady, The Tiger, and the Girl Who Loved Death by Helen Marshall - Fantasy, circus, mystery, dark magic, revengeThe Palace of Illusions by Rowena Miller - Historical fantasy, Paris, 1900s World’s Fair, magical clockmakerThe Potency of Ungovernable Impulses by Malka Older - Sapphic cozy space mystery, third in seriesA Girl Walks into the Forest by Madeleine Roux - Fantasy, journey through evil forest, monstersThe Beautiful Maddening by Shea Ernshaw - YA contemporary romantasy, family love curse, magic tulipsThe Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King - Queer fantasy, magic, memories contained in pencils, lost connections across time and spaceCosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon by Annie MareQueer romantiscifi, sapphic, two women in different worlds trying to find the right timeline to be togetherMeet Me at the Crossroads by Megan Giddings - Sci fi, mysterious doors to new worlds, sistersBest of all Worlds by Kenneth OppelYA spec fi thriller, survival storyThe Two Lives of Faven Sythe by Megan O’Keefe - Sci fi, missing person search uncovers galaxy-wide conspiracy, space operaPearly Gates by Bonnie Solomon - Queer cozy funny fantasy, drag queen protagonist in after life, found familyEcstasy by Ivy Pochoda - Horror, Greek tragedy retelling, female empowermentStrange Houses by Uketsu, translated by Jim RionJapanese mystery horror, disturbing architectureThis Princess Kills Monsters by Ry Herman - Queer fantasy, high fantasy, magic princess on a quest, fairytale satireWork Nights by Erica Peplin - Queer literary fiction, young woman in love triangle, NYCGirls Girls Girls by Shoshana von BlanckenseeQueer Jewish new adult literary fiction, 1990s road trip from NYC to San FranciscoThese Heathens by Mia McKenzieQueer new adult historical fiction, 1960s Atlanta, queer Black community, civil rights movementIf I Told You I’d Have to Kiss You by Mae Marvel - Sapphic romance, if Mr. and Ms. Smith was gayOrdinary Love by Marie Rutkoski - Queer literary fiction, bisexual protagonist, woman risking it all for a second chance at first loveA Rare Find by Joanna Lowell - Sapphic historical romance, archaeologist teaming up with childhood enemyReady to Score by Jodie Slaughter - Sapphic contemporary romance, spicy, small town, Texas footballIt’s Not the End of the World by Jonathan Parks-RamageCli-fi thriller, queer, family saga, near future sci fiWhat is Queer Food? How We Served a Revolution by John BirdsallNonfictionEl Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott - Thriller, all woman pyramid scheme, Detroit, crime, female friendship, powerThe Dark Library by Mary Anna EvansGothic historical thriller, family secrets, dark academiaThe Farmhouse by Chelsea Conradt - Horror, family moves to a creepy house in the middle of nowhere, corn!!!!!Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto - Mulan reimagined as a contemporary romanceSomeone Knows by Vi Keeland - Thriller, sexy, English professor has a dark past come back to haunt her, murder, affairThe Compound by Aisling Rawle - Dystopian thriller, Lord of the Flies meets Love Island, reality TVBattle of the Bookstores by Ali BradyContemporary romance, rivalry between two managers at the same bookstoreMurder Takes a Vacation by Laura LippmanCozy mystery, murder on a Parisian river cruiseThe Poppy Fields by Nikki ErlickSpec fic, what if there was a scientific cure for heartbreakKing of Ashes by S.A. CosbyCrime thriller, family drama, Southern, inspired by The GodfatherThe Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater - Historical romantasy, 1940s Appalachia, luxury hotel, magicWith a Vengeance by Riley SagerHistorical horror, trains, murder, 1940s midwest AmericaThe Primal of Blood and Bone by Jennifer L. ArmentroutSixth in the Blood and Ash seriesAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid - Historical romance, 1980s, NASA, astronautsThe Dry Season by Melissa Febos - Celibacy memoir

Brea and Mallory discuss self imposed book rules, test out a romance rating website, and solve a problem about tracking a book with two authors. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -Storyworthwww.storyworth.com/GLASSESGreenChefwww.greenchef.com/50GLASSESCODE: 50GLASSESLinks -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/joinRomance.ioBooks Mentioned - Butter by Asako Yuzuki, translated by Polly BartonDarkly by Marisha Pessl

Brea and Mallory talk about what you can do to protect libraries! Plus, they discuss Bookshop ebooks and recommend books about being in love with your best friend. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreSponsors -Steamy in Seattle by Clarion WestLinks -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/joinMallory at the LA Times Festival of Books!https://www.imls.gov/Five CallsHi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP]. I’m calling to urge [REP/SEN NAME] to work to protect federal funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Libraries and museums are vital parts of our communities and provide so many essential services. Please show up for our libraries and urge the White House to hold back its attack on their funding. Thank you for your time and consideration.IF LEAVING VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is talliedhttps://action.everylibrary.org/saveimls2025Books Mentioned -Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne CollinsThe Secret History of the Rape Kit by Pagan KennedyAll About Love by bell hooksThe Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann