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It’s another round of Very Novel — and Ryan and Callum are snapping into the spines of some fresh book chat.   This week, we revel in the joy of a thriving independent bookshop scene, and contemplate the pitfalls of online reading challenges and book tracking. We pay our respects to Martin Amis — a dude we know virtually nothing about — while the Bradford Literature Festival is washing its hands clean of their AI artwork controversy. And did Ryan finish the 'Count of Monte Cristo?' Did Callum finish 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow?' You can only go and find out today.

Your boys are back with a fresh take at what’s going on in the world of books. This week, a storm in a teacup involving Bradford Literature Festival and Midjourney has us anticipating the wider implications of AI in literature, we ponder the point of displaying fake books in your gaff, and what the hell are revered writers like Neil Gaiman getting up to in their spare time? (Spoiler: it’s writing other things, mostly). We also check in on our latest reads — Callum’s got a new fantasy series on the go and Ryan’s embracing the slog with The Count of Monte Cristo.

Hello, what’s this? It’s only a new flippin’ topical book series, right here on the feed, featuring your two favourite book boys. Every fortnight we cover the latest book news, opinions and titbits, all the while going, erm, nose deep in our current reads. What’s not to love? In our debut episode, we talk recent censorship woes, Matthew Perry’s latest desperate attempt to sell his book, and the reasons people get so wound up over their favourite book getting the big screen adaptation treatment.

Uh oh. UH OH. It's our yearly update on our favorite books, but... it's almost a year late. Look, we can't be perfect all the time, so you're just gonna have to accept this wonderful content whenever it rolls around. So... what were the best novels we read in 2021? Well, those were: Moby Dick, by Herman Melville Homegoing, by Yaa Gyasi The Song Of Achilles, by Madeline Miller Middlemarch, by George Eliot Nickel Boys, by Colson Whitehead Calypso, by David Sedaris So, sit back and enjoy those lovely Smug Book Club boys talk through why these were their most-enjoyed books of 2021. Until next time, friends!

Okay, yeah, we may actually be closer to 2022 than 2020, but when do the Smug Book Club boys let tradition stand in the way of a good time? No, that's not a rhetorical question: WHEN? ANSWER US, WHEN?!?! (Spoiler: never). At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter when we released this episode, because books are nearly always good. And damn, do we have some good recommendations for you. So, in no particular order, here's a list of the 6 best books we read in 2020: Moonglow, by Michael Chabon The Living Mountain, by Nan Shepherd Pond, by Claire Louise-Bennet Salt Slow, by Julia Armfield Blood Meridian, by Cormac McCarthy At Night All Blood Is Black, by David Diop, translated by Anna Moschovakis We tried to keep all mentions of the books spoiler-free, but of course some little tidbits may have snuck out. What can you do?!?! Anyway, enjoy the episode — and we'll catch you all soon.

OH MY SANDWORM WE DID AN EPISODE ON DUNE?!? But... this isn't that episode. This is an episode where we summarise everything that happened in the book. Why? WHY?! Easy — it's to refresh you on everything that happened in the magnificent novel, saving you all that reading (or re-reading) time. Anyway, enjoy our synopsis of Frank Herbert's 'Dune.'  ONWARD, IN THE NAME OF HOUSE ATREIDES. 

WATCH OUT, WOOOOOOORMS! That's right, the Smug Book Club boys are back and talking about one of their all time favourite novels: 'Dune,' by Frank Herbert. In this bumper-length episode (that just means we talked a whole load of nonsense for ages), we cover a veritable smorgasbord of topics. This includes: Our experience with Dune FRANK HERBERT FACTS What happened in 1964 (well, two things) How the story holds up today Whether Dune's gender politics are out of date Working out which character is the ABSOLUTE BOY Considering the environmental, ecological, and religious themes of the novel Dune cover art The movie adaptions  And that's just the summary of what we spoke. Lord, you are going to LOVE IT. Anyway, buckle up on a Maker, snort some spice, and let's hit up Arrakis together.

HEY THERE! Never read 'Twilight?' Or has it been a long time since you have? Or maybe you just fancy a refresher on Stephanie Meyer's famous novel? Well, you're in the right place, friend. Why? Because this is a SYNOPSIS episode where we break down all the pertinent plot points from the sparkly vampire novel, meaning you can listen to the main episode, peaceful in the knowledge that you know what the hell we're talking about. So, strap in, and get ready for some Bella and Edward content in your ears.

Whip out your white party make-up and glitter, it's 'Twilight' time! Yes, you read that right, the Smug Book Club boys (or are we now men?) have focused their laser sharp wits on Stephenie Meyer's classic vampire novel. This work of Young Adult (YA) fiction is one of the most famous books of the last 20 years — and, potentially, ever — so the time was nigh to finally give it a read. Oh, and the fact Meyer also recently released another novel, 'Midnight Sun.' But we don't really cover that, so don't worry about it, okay? Anyhow... this wasn't the best novel the Smug Book Club manboys have ever read, but what do you expect? It is 'Twilight' after all. What it lacks in outright quality though, it makes up with discussion points. So, friend, join us on a magical journey where we look at important topics like: What happened in 2005 when the book was released Stephanie Meyer's influences Whether or not 'Twilight' is actually dangerous (and not in a cool way) Chuckling And much, much more See you on the other side, sparkly vampires.

Well, well, well, you've stumbled upon the plot summary for the Smug Book Club episode on Robert Louis Stevenson's 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.' Listen to this and be reminded of all the salient plot details, so you don't have to re-read the book. Once that's done, head over and check out the full episode. You won't regret it. Obviously, there are gonna be a lot of spoilers.

The boys are back! This time they're throwing their eyes over Robert Louis Stevenson's classic, 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.' Is the book itself a friendly Jekyll? Or a nasty Hyde? Has it aged like a lovely Jekyll? Or a shrivelling Hyde? And does everything have to be a duality? Join them on their journey, but beware: strong language and spoilers within.

The Smug Book Club boys are back! Well, kinda.  This short episode is introducing our next podcast, which will be on Robert Louis Stevenson's 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde!' The full thing will be out in a week or two, giving you time to pick up the book if you'd like to read it before we talk all kinds of crap about it. Catch you soon!

Yes, after a long hiatus, the Smug Book Club boys are back! But rather than our normal approach where we review and analyse a book, we're doing something a little different. So, strap yourself in and get ready for a breakdown of our 6 favourite books we read in 2019. That means 3 from Callum, and 3 from Ryan. Because, you know, fairness. So, what are these 6 glorious novels? Well, in no real order (I can't remember what sequence we recorded the episode in, okay?) here they are: 'Lonesome Dove,' by Larry McMurtry 'The Fifth Season,' by N. K. Jemisin 'Station Eleven,' by Emily St. John Mandel 'The Blue Fox,' by Sjón 'Flights,' by Olga Tokarczuk 'The Brief And Frightening Reign Of Phil,' by George Saunders Mmmm, each one of them is a tasty treat you're sure to love devouring. Enjoy the podcast! (Also, massive thanks to Daniel Staley for doing the edit!)

Yes, you're reading this right, Bill Clinton wrote a thriller. With James Patterson. And yes, it's as bad as you think it's going to be. This is why we've done the hard work and read it for you. In this synopsis, we give you a breakdown of the plot, so you can enjoy our full episode without having to sully your brain by, you know, actually reading the damn thing. Enjoy!

Have you been wondering what Bill Clinton has been up to? He’s been writing thriller novels! And have you been wondering what those loveable scamps at Smug Book Club have been up to? Why, trying to get their heads around this abject mess that Clinton has produced, of course! It’s taken a few months, though. And with such a dismantling due, they’ve resorted to the tried and tested method that only they know best: The Dirty Dozen. Which is a typical Thursday in Bill Clinton’s world. Join them as they discuss hamfisted political drama, poorly thought-out female characters, and a story so implausible it makes you question how Clinton was once an actual President. Also, James Patterson. No thank you, sir.

Want to listen to our 'The Catcher In The Rye' episode? But don't know what happens in the book? Or need a refresher? Well, gentle listener, you've come to the right place. In this short podcast, we give you an overview of the plot and main characters from J. D. Salinger's famous American classic. Spoilers, of course, and swearing lie within.

If there’s a phony podcast shaped hole in your life then you’ve come to the right place! Lose yourself in J.D. Salinger’s Russian epic The Catcher in the Rye, which is actually not Russian at all and is, rather crucially, American. Perhaps the most famous of the American books? Come on. You’re killing me, here! Ryan and Callum will shoot the breeze and take you through their series of spicy takes, with discussions on adolescence, innocence, naughty men, and the man of the hour himself, Holden Caulfield. Put on your red duck hunting hat and strap yourself in, and if you don’t have a red duck hunting hat then you’re just a PHONY and a MESS and a DOPEY and you should leave this podcast forever. (...except don’t leave this podcast forever, we need the numbers)

Instead of cluttering up our full episodes with a plot breakdown, we've decided to split it into a separate episode. Happy with your knowledge of the plot of Stephen King's 'Carrie'? Then no need to listen! If, on the other hand, you've never read the book or would like a refresher, this episode is for you. As you'd expect, there are spoilers within.

Your favourite book nerds are back after an extended period away from the pod mic. Where have they been? Undergoing counselling for bedwetting is where! That’s what you get when you read the master of horror, the sensei of sinister, the captain of making others defecate themselves through the power of prose... Stephen King! Callum and Ryan take on the mercilessly short, but by no means run-of-the-mill Carrie – King’s debut novel and a prototype of his iconic style. They discuss the themes, characters and nuances of the novel, and also take a look at the horror genre as a whole by assessing King’s colossal contribution to it. It’s a rip roaring horror spookfest sure to leave your underpants moist, AND NOT IN THE WAY YOU LIKE THEM TO BE. You know spoilers and swearing lurks within.

“Hello podcasting my old friend, we’re here to lock some wives in our attics again.” In this episode, we’re going all Mr. Rochester. Your attention is Bertha. The podcast is the room she’s locked in. And the feeling you get after jumping from the roof or receiving horrible burns? That’s the aftermath of listening. And yes, you’re right – in the first episode from the newly re-branded Smug Book Club we’re covering Chärlöttë Bröntë’s Jänë Ëyrë. Come on an adventure with us as we attempt to take the book places it has never been before. The gutter. Spoilers and swearing throughout.