Episode 45: Monsters!

What is with the human family's fascination with MONSTERS and supernatural creatures? We try to unpack that perennial question and topic of interest in Episode 45 of America's favorite double-barreled books and reading podcast, The Book XChange. The Brothers Lovell reach deep back into the past with classics like "Frankenstein" and "Beowulf," but also mention some of our favorite modern-day contributions to the conversation. Along the way we talk about how monsters reflect darker parts of the human psyche, why the line between "man" and "monster" is sometimes blurry, and the astounding imagination/erudition of a 19-year-old girl. Though this topic may not be for everyone, those who appreciate a good monster tale will find a feast here that they can really sink their claws, tentacles, or teeth into. Thanks to all of our listeners, as always, for keeping this party rolling! -J & J

MUSIC BY YOUNG WOLF, VOIDZ PANDA

BOOKS DISCUSSED/MENTIONED/RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE:

What Jude is currently reading/plans to read next:

'Fine Just the Way It Is: Wyoming Stories 3,' Annie Proulx -

'Bird Cloud,' Annie Proulx; 'A Visit to the Goon Squad,' Jennifer Egan -

What John is currently reading/plans to read next:

'The Shipping News,' Annie Proulx -

'Akenfield: A Portrait of an English Village,' Ronald Blythe -

Books/Writers discussed in this episode:

'Pardon My Fangs,' Elizabeth Starr Hill -

'Frankenstein: Or, The Modern Prometheus,' Mary Shelley -

Various works of H. P. Lovecraft, including 'At the Mountains of Madness,' 'The Dunwich Horror' and 'The Shadow over Innsmouth'

'Beowulf,' Anonymous/'Grendel,' John Gardner -

'Blood Meridian' & 'No Country for Old Men,' Cormac McCarthy -

'Gargantua and Pantagruel,' Francois Rabelais -

'It,' Stephen King -

'Borne,' Jeff Van Der Meer -

'Railsea,' China Meiville -

'Jaws,' Peter Benchley -

'Obsidian,' Jude Joseph Lovell -

'Day of the Triffids,' John Wyndham -

'The Essex Serpent,' Sarah Perry -

Planned next episode of the Book XChange podcast:

Next time up, we'll take a deep dive into the work of Annie Proulx as one of our "Dealer's Choices" episodes. An incredible writer, you don't want to miss this one - or her books!