Smug Book Club

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. Make sure to follow the squad on Twitter (or X, I guess) and Instagram, just search @SmugBookClub.

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!

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

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

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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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.