Smug Book Club

Tired of the same-old serious book analysis in podcasts? Well, we were. To solve this, Ryan and Callum started Smug Book Club. A podcast that gets literature 'lit' and puts the 'ok' firmly into books. Expect foul-language and spoilers. Follow us on Twitter: @SmugBookClub

The 6 best books we read in 2022 08/05/2023

The 6 best books we read in 2022 2022 was a long time ago, but that’s not stopping the Smug Book Club boys from reflecting on the best books they read in that year! And trust ‘em, there are some absolute belters on this go-around. The Buddha in the Attic — Julie Otsuka Persepolis — Marjane Satrapi One Hundred Years of Solitude — Gabriel García Márquez Death With Interruptions — José Saramago Story of Your Life and Others — Ted Chiang They — Kay Dick Make sure to follow the squad on (or X, I guess) and , just search @SmugBookClub. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/27667224

Very Novel 007: Manga, book signings, and Milan Kundera 07/21/2023

Very Novel 007: Manga, book signings, and Milan Kundera Manga, eh? Anime, yeah? Why is it when the ‘Murricans get their grubby hands on it to adapt for their screens, they always seem to balls it up? Do they even know what they’re doing with it? Is it all just a culture clash? Or is there a slither of merit in what they’re creating? Callum and Ryan (somewhat) answer these questions, alongside their standard literature chit chat. Another author has stepped off this mortal coil, a different author earned their due in a most unexpected way, and a world-renowned postmodern author isn’t impressing one member of the parish. Get stuck in! /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/27527544

Very Novel 006: Celeb poets, BookTok, and more AI 07/07/2023

Very Novel 006: Celeb poets, BookTok, and more AI Callum and Ryan are back again! In the spirit of chatting about more ai and some dodgy poetry, they thought they'd just let ChatGPT sort out this week’s episode description. Enjoy! In the realm of words and stories, a tale unfolds, Where Very Novel's hosts bring insights untold. Callum and Ryan, their voices intertwined, Unveiling the podcast's latest episode in kind. They ventured into a literary terrain, Where politics and music's poets reign. Jeremy Corbyn and Drake, a curious pair, As they released their collections with scholarly flair. In the realm of AI, an intriguing sight, Generative books flooded Amazon's charted heights. Words birthed by algorithms, a digital dance, Weaving tales with a touch of artificial romance. But amidst the surge, a concern took hold, For TikTok's BookTok community, a tale untold. A publishing arm born, a worrisome sight, Where trends and algorithms might steer the write. Yet through it all, the hosts shed light, Discussing, dissecting, opinions taking flight. Very Novel's episode, a journey to explore, In the land where literature's tales do soar. So listen closely, dear friends, at the podcast’s start, Where Callum and Ryan impart wisdom from the heart. A glimpse into a world where creativity thrives, Where spoken words weave tales that come alive. Produced by: Callum Booth and Ryan Jay Edited by: Ryan Jay and Daniel Staley Music by: Daniel Staley /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/27397971

Very Novel 005: Cormac McCarthy, encyclopaedias, and review bombing 06/20/2023

Very Novel 005: Cormac McCarthy, encyclopaedias, and review bombing No podcast for sad men? Well, there’s always this one. Cormac McCarthy died, and Ryan and Callum are bummed. But it’s okay – they have each other to talk about the man’s legacy and what made him so darn special. There’s also some encyclopaedia chat, as well as an honest assessment of some kneejerk review bombing following Elizabeth Gilbert’s decision to pull her upcoming Russia based book from publication. You can also expect the usual natter on what they’re reading. Produced by Callum Booth and Ryan Jay Edited by Daniel Staley Music by Daniel Staley /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/27203694

Very Novel 004: Bible banning, girl protagonists, and Ulysses 06/10/2023

Very Novel 004: Bible banning, girl protagonists, and Ulysses Yee-haw! It’s time to saddle up for another Very Novel. Down at the ranch Callum and Ryan are rounding up the latest book stories for y’all. Like why are they banning the ol’ bible in schools across the pond? Why are young fellas not getting the diverse reading they need? Why is Ulysses such a pain in the chaps to get through? And why did we make this episode description cowboy themed? Only one of those questions doesn’t get answered. We also check in on our reading, and get embroiled in a book challenge despite swearing off them last episode. Produced by: Callum Booth and Ryan Jay Edited by: Ryan Jay and Daniel Staley Music by: Daniel Staley /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/27098901

Very Novel 003: Indie bookshops, reading challenges, and Martin Amis 05/24/2023

Very Novel 003: Indie bookshops, reading challenges, and Martin Amis 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. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/26935734

Very Novel 002: AI woes, fake books, and authors' hobbies 05/10/2023

Very Novel 002: AI woes, fake books, and authors' hobbies 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. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/26799036

Very Novel 001: Censorship, adaptations, and Matthew Perry 05/01/2023

Very Novel 001: Censorship, adaptations, and Matthew Perry 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. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/26707485

The 6 best books we read in 2021 10/06/2022

The 6 best books we read in 2021 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! /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/24591726

The 6 best books we read in 2020 07/28/2021

The 6 best books we read in 2020 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. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/19944149

SYNOPSIS: 'Dune' — Frank Herbert 03/23/2021

SYNOPSIS: 'Dune' — Frank Herbert 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. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/18424655

'Dune' — Frank Herbert 03/23/2021

'Dune' — Frank Herbert 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. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/18424346

SYNOPSIS: 'Twilight' — Stephenie Meyer 10/14/2020

SYNOPSIS: 'Twilight' — Stephenie Meyer 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? /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/16384346

'Twilight' — Stephenie Meyer 10/14/2020

'Twilight' — Stephenie Meyer 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. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/16384052

SYNOPSIS: 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' — Robert Louis Stevenson 06/23/2020

SYNOPSIS: 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' — Robert Louis Stevenson 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.' /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/14933084

'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' — Robert Louis Stevenson 06/23/2020

'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' — Robert Louis Stevenson 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.' /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/14898419

NEXT UP: 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,' Robert Louis Stevenson 05/11/2020

NEXT UP: 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,' Robert Louis Stevenson The Smug Book Club boys are back! Well, kinda. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/14359655

The 6 best books we read in 2019 01/14/2020

The 6 best books we read in 2019 Yes, after a long hiatus, the Smug Book Club boys are back! /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/12736538

SYNOPSIS: 'The President Is Missing,' Bill Clinton & James Patterson 10/02/2018

SYNOPSIS: 'The President Is Missing,' Bill Clinton & James Patterson Yes, you're reading this right, Bill Clinton wrote a thriller. With James Patterson. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/7114933

'The President Is Missing,' Bill Clinton & James Patterson 10/02/2018

'The President Is Missing,' Bill Clinton & James Patterson Been wondering what Bill Clinton has been up to? He’s been writing thriller novels! /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/7114897

SYNOPSIS: The Catcher In The Rye', J. D. Salinger 12/14/2017

SYNOPSIS: The Catcher In The Rye', J. D. Salinger 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. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/6040841

'The Catcher In The Rye', J. D. Salinger 12/14/2017

'The Catcher In The Rye', J. D. Salinger The Smug Book Club boys look at J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher In The Rye'. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/6040836

SYNOPSIS: 'Carrie', Stephen King 10/12/2017

SYNOPSIS: 'Carrie', Stephen King 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. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/5830950

'Carrie', Stephen King 10/12/2017

'Carrie', Stephen King 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. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/5830905

'Jane Eyre', Charlotte Brontë 06/30/2017

'Jane Eyre', Charlotte Brontë “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. /episode/index/show/thugbookclub/id/5495227

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