BOTNS Books Podcast #51: It's All the Rage

Nov 04

BOTNS Books Podcast #51: It's All the Rage

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Books on the Nightstand, Episode 51 (22:49)

In this episode, we take a look at “literary fads” — you know, like when every new book in the bookstore seems to be about the same thing, or uses the same type of jacket image. The current “fad” seems to be books inspired by Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. Not all “fads” are deliberate, however, and coincidence plays a large part.

In segment two, we bring one of these literary fads back to life by discussing it to death. (Sorry, but how else do you introduce a segment about zombies?). Yes, Zombies. As evidenced by books like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, these undead creatures are taking the bookstores by storm. Michael talks about several zombie books including Star Wars Death Trooper by Joe Schrieber and three books by Max Brooks: World War Z, The Zombie Survival Guide, and Zombie Survival Guide Recorded Attacks, a graphic novel that looks at zombie attacks throughout history. And Michael wants to read The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman, a comic series that has been collected in book form and is being turned into a TV series.

Ann has, somewhat accidentally, read and enjoyed a young adult novel called The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, which also features zombies, but this time the zombies are in a dystopic landscape.

In segment 3, Ann discusses Nightlight: A Parody by The Harvard Lampoon. Based on the Twilight series, this is a satire in the very best way, and will appeal to anyone who has read Twilight but doesn’t really believe themselves to be in love with a sparkly vampire. It’s funny and right on target, further enhancing Ann’s reading of Twilight for her mother-daughter book club.

Michael prepares for his reading of The Art Student’s War by telling us about one of author Brad Leithauser’s older books. The Art Student’s War iis a novel is set in 1943 Detroit, and is about one art student’s experience with World War II when she is asked to sketch wounded soldiers who have returned from the war. Michael loved Leithauser’s earlier book, A Few Corrections. That book leads off with one man’s obituary, which you soon learn is riddled with errors. In each chapter, the obituary is slightly corrected, a unique way to tell the story of one man’s life.

(You can listen by using the player above. If you’re using Internet Explorer, click twice to listen. If your browser does not support javascript, you won’t see the player; click the link below the player to listen, or right-click to download the episode. If you are receiving this post by email and cannot see the player at the bottom of the message, please visit http://www.booksonthenightstand.com to listen)

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We encourage you to write down or print out the title information and shop at your local bookstore. Titles link to LibraryThing, a social networking site that allows you to catalog your home library. LibraryThing also links to various online purchasing options. Here are the books from this post:

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, Megan Tingley Books trade paperback
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith, Quirk Books trade paperback
Star Wars Death Trooper by Joe Schrieber, Lucas Books hardcover
World War Z by Max Brooks, Three Rivers Press trade paperback
The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks, Three Rivers Press trade paperback
The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks by Max Brooks, Three Rivers Press
The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman, Image Comics
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, Delacorte Press hardcover
Nightlight: A Parody by The Harvard Lampoon, Vintage trade paperback
The Art Student’s War by Brad Leithauser, Knopf hardcover
A Few Corrections by Brad Leithauser, Vintage trade paperback

(all information is for the U.S. editions).

http://www.mzserena.com Margaret Kerr

Itunes says the podcast has an invalid url for you guys. You might want to look into that.
http://www.mzserena.com Margaret Kerr

Itunes says the podcast has an invalid url for you guys. You might want to look into that.
Melissa W.

For those that are having problems downloading this podcast episode, you can manually download the episode through their iTunes page.
Melissa W.

For those that are having problems downloading this podcast episode, you can manually download the episode through their iTunes page.
Melissa W.

About literary fads, they come and go. For as long as their has been literature, there have probably been literary fads. I am not usually drawn into literary fads, as they are usually something that will eventually fade with time and the ones that started the fad will likely stick around.

Its not that I think they are bad; they are probably good, as they encourage reading of a variety of materials in that genre and hopefully will encourage individuals to read different types of literature. At least the librarian in me hopes that is the case.
Melissa W.

About literary fads, they come and go. For as long as their has been literature, there have probably been literary fads. I am not usually drawn into literary fads, as they are usually something that will eventually fade with time and the ones that started the fad will likely stick around.

Its not that I think they are bad; they are probably good, as they encourage reading of a variety of materials in that genre and hopefully will encourage individuals to read different types of literature. At least the librarian in me hopes that is the case.
http://www.booksonthenightstand.com Ann Kingman

Thanks to Margaret for the heads-up on the itunes problem, and for Melissa for her great suggestion.

I think all has been fixed now.

Thanks!
http://www.booksonthenightstand.com Ann Kingman

Thanks to Margaret for the heads-up on the itunes problem, and for Melissa for her great suggestion.

I think all has been fixed now.

Thanks!
http://butterflyconfidential.com Kalanna

literary fads are hard for me to jump into. feel like i’m always playing catch-up with what i want to read… so many classics and recommendations from you guys and other friends. can you guys add hours to my day? lol
http://butterflyconfidential.com Kalanna

literary fads are hard for me to jump into. feel like i’m always playing catch-up with what i want to read… so many classics and recommendations from you guys and other friends. can you guys add hours to my day? lol
http://www.bookswim.com Nick Ruffilo

Fads are great for the masses.

Hardcore readers will always read books and will consume classics as well as contemporaries.

When it comes to fads, it brings interest in new books and extends that reach. You spoke about a re-release of Wuthering Heights. Many people who may have never been open to reading such a book will now read it and that is exciting.

Humans love fads and trends and that is what causes people to innovate then beat a dead horse until it is unrecognizable. But, this is good because sooner or later a trend will come along that will attract a new group of readers and bring them in.

So – while I may not like a specific fad, I love fads and what they do for reading.

-Nick
http://www.bookswim.com Nick Ruffilo

Fads are great for the masses.

Hardcore readers will always read books and will consume classics as well as contemporaries.

When it comes to fads, it brings interest in new books and extends that reach. You spoke about a re-release of Wuthering Heights. Many people who may have never been open to reading such a book will now read it and that is exciting.

Humans love fads and trends and that is what causes people to innovate then beat a dead horse until it is unrecognizable. But, this is good because sooner or later a trend will come along that will attract a new group of readers and bring them in.

So – while I may not like a specific fad, I love fads and what they do for reading.

-Nick
http://www.booksonthenightstand.com Ann Kingman

Nick – well said! I agree completely. Thanks, and thanks for listening.
http://www.booksonthenightstand.com Ann Kingman

Nick – well said! I agree completely. Thanks, and thanks for listening.
http://www.dr-blondie.blogspot.com Rebecca

I have to admit that I am a bit of a sucker for literary fads, although I usually protest for months before I finally give in. I didn’t read the Harry Potter books until at least four or five books were published. I just read the Twilight Saga this summer. With both of those series, the subject matter didn’t appeal to me at first. But after enough people raved about the books, I decided that they were worth a try, and predictably, I became a crazy fan of both series and now tell everyone I know about them!

I enjoy your blog and podcasts!
http://www.dr-blondie.blogspot.com Rebecca

I have to admit that I am a bit of a sucker for literary fads, although I usually protest for months before I finally give in. I didn’t read the Harry Potter books until at least four or five books were published. I just read the Twilight Saga this summer. With both of those series, the subject matter didn’t appeal to me at first. But after enough people raved about the books, I decided that they were worth a try, and predictably, I became a crazy fan of both series and now tell everyone I know about them!

I enjoy your blog and podcasts!
http://www.booksonthenightstand.com Ann Kingman

Kalanna, send us your mailing address and we’ll ship you some of our extra hours … oh, wait… Sorry, you’re on your own for time management, but I do thank you for your comment

Rebecca — thank you! We’re honored that we’re on your list of blogs and podcasts.
http://www.booksonthenightstand.com Ann Kingman

Kalanna, send us your mailing address and we’ll ship you some of our extra hours … oh, wait… Sorry, you’re on your own for time management, but I do thank you for your comment

Rebecca — thank you! We’re honored that we’re on your list of blogs and podcasts.
http://twitter.com/dianapassy Diana

I found out about your podcast about a month ago and it’s my favorite! Too bad that since I live in Brazil I have to wait 2 months for each book to arrive in the mail. Oh well at least I’ll have a lot to read on my vacation (and Ill be able to catch up on the previous episodes while I wait).

I’d just like to add that Wuthering Heights is indeed mentioned by Bella as her favorite book. One classic title is mentioned in each of the Twilight books, usually because they have something to do with the plot. In the first they mention Jane Austen, in New Moon it’s Wuthering Heights. I don’t remember which one is mentioned in Eclipse, but in Breaking Dawn it’s The Merchant of Venice.

And while I’ve heard of Twilight fans that picked up those books after reading the series, the opinions I’ve read so far about redesigning a book and stamping it with a recommendation by people that don’t exist are unanimous: it’s pathetic. And if I were to buy Wuthering Heights, even if it’s because Bella likes it, I’d probably look for another edition that doesn’t scream “shameless plug!”
http://twitter.com/dianapassy Diana

I found out about your podcast about a month ago and it’s my favorite! Too bad that since I live in Brazil I have to wait 2 months for each book to arrive in the mail. Oh well at least I’ll have a lot to read on my vacation (and Ill be able to catch up on the previous episodes while I wait).

I’d just like to add that Wuthering Heights is indeed mentioned by Bella as her favorite book. One classic title is mentioned in each of the Twilight books, usually because they have something to do with the plot. In the first they mention Jane Austen, in New Moon it’s Wuthering Heights. I don’t remember which one is mentioned in Eclipse, but in Breaking Dawn it’s The Merchant of Venice.

And while I’ve heard of Twilight fans that picked up those books after reading the series, the opinions I’ve read so far about redesigning a book and stamping it with a recommendation by people that don’t exist are unanimous: it’s pathetic. And if I were to buy Wuthering Heights, even if it’s because Bella likes it, I’d probably look for another edition that doesn’t scream “shameless plug!”
http://www.plantingwords.com Fiona Robyn

Hello Im an author and a fellow member of the Bookblogs site, and I wanted to invite you (and your readers) to join in my Blogsplash theres more information at http://www.fionarobyn.com/thawblogsplash.htm. Thanks for listening!
http://www.plantingwords.com Fiona Robyn

Hello Im an author and a fellow member of the Bookblogs site, and I wanted to invite you (and your readers) to join in my Blogsplash theres more information at http://www.fionarobyn.com/thawblogsplash.htm. Thanks for listening!
http://butterflyconfidential.com Kalanna

Time management as a bibliophile is tough. I’m mostly always thinking… I wish I could be reading!

Something else I can’t stop thinking about… this thread. While I said that I’m not into literary fads now, and that’s true, I’ve thinking back to where my love of reading started. There you’ll find a very long line-up of Nancy Drew hardcovers. I read every one that my smalltown library owned. At some point I moved on into Dean Koontz and Anne Rice, and yet I’ve evolved. Just today I finished Margaret Atwood’s A Handmaid’s Tale. Adored it, can’t wait to write my review and blog it. So I told my 9 year old as she drooled over the Twilight books on our last trip to the library that I’ll read them with her when she’s old enough. You should have heard her giggle.
http://butterflyconfidential.com Kalanna

Time management as a bibliophile is tough. I’m mostly always thinking… I wish I could be reading!

Something else I can’t stop thinking about… this thread. While I said that I’m not into literary fads now, and that’s true, I’ve thinking back to where my love of reading started. There you’ll find a very long line-up of Nancy Drew hardcovers. I read every one that my smalltown library owned. At some point I moved on into Dean Koontz and Anne Rice, and yet I’ve evolved. Just today I finished Margaret Atwood’s A Handmaid’s Tale. Adored it, can’t wait to write my review and blog it. So I told my 9 year old as she drooled over the Twilight books on our last trip to the library that I’ll read them with her when she’s old enough. You should have heard her giggle.
http://kathmeista.blogspot.com Kathryn

I’m not big on literary fads personally as I have far to big a pile of “To be read” books that by the time I got to the fad book, everyone would have moved on.
Having said that, I like that fads get people reading large scale. I’m very big on encouraging others to read and fads like Harry Potter and Twilight have done this very well for the younger generations.
http://kathmeista.blogspot.com Kathryn

I’m not big on literary fads personally as I have far to big a pile of “To be read” books that by the time I got to the fad book, everyone would have moved on.
Having said that, I like that fads get people reading large scale. I’m very big on encouraging others to read and fads like Harry Potter and Twilight have done this very well for the younger generations.
Tanya

I’m ambivalent about literary fads. Personally, I shy away from them, usually only reading them after they’ve fallen off the public’s radar. This not only applies to vampire and wizard an symbologist books, but to Oprah selections as well. I also wonder if the fads are really generating more readers. Are the kids and YAs actually moving on beyond the series (i.e. Harry Potter and Twilight respectively) or, are they re-reading the same material or, failing to move on to more complex material? I’ve read articles to that effect, but more than that is an experience I’ve had repeatedly when I go to the library. I check out books from the children’s and YA sections and often find that, even though the book may be ten years old, I will have been the first person to crack its spine or check it out.
Tanya

I’m ambivalent about literary fads. Personally, I shy away from them, usually only reading them after they’ve fallen off the public’s radar. This not only applies to vampire and wizard an symbologist books, but to Oprah selections as well. I also wonder if the fads are really generating more readers. Are the kids and YAs actually moving on beyond the series (i.e. Harry Potter and Twilight respectively) or, are they re-reading the same material or, failing to move on to more complex material? I’ve read articles to that effect, but more than that is an experience I’ve had repeatedly when I go to the library. I check out books from the children’s and YA sections and often find that, even though the book may be ten years old, I will have been the first person to crack its spine or check it out.
Vanessa

I agree with Kalanna–frequently I am fantasizing about what to read next or what I could be reading.

As for fads, I sometimes eschew them and if one book gets too much press I lose interest. I doubt I’ll read “Eat, Pray, Love” for the forseeable future. I am glad I broke my rule for “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” tho.

As for zombie books Ann, I second Michael’s recommend. I loved “World War Z.” It’s a surprisingly serious study on how different countries would handle a zombie attack. I love zombies so I’m biased but it’s not like reading the literary equivalent of 28 Days Later.
Vanessa

I agree with Kalanna–frequently I am fantasizing about what to read next or what I could be reading.

As for fads, I sometimes eschew them and if one book gets too much press I lose interest. I doubt I’ll read “Eat, Pray, Love” for the forseeable future. I am glad I broke my rule for “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” tho.

As for zombie books Ann, I second Michael’s recommend. I loved “World War Z.” It’s a surprisingly serious study on how different countries would handle a zombie attack. I love zombies so I’m biased but it’s not like reading the literary equivalent of 28 Days Later.
http://longleggedfly.squarespace.com taueret

I had no interest in ‘Twilight’ til now! Back in the days when I did not know a single other person who had read ‘Lord of the Rings’, I remember being nearly killed by laughing so hard at Lampoon’s parody “Bored of the Rings”. It would almost be worth enduring Twilight to experience that parodic rapture one more time!
http://longleggedfly.squarespace.com taueret

I had no interest in ‘Twilight’ til now! Back in the days when I did not know a single other person who had read ‘Lord of the Rings’, I remember being nearly killed by laughing so hard at Lampoon’s parody “Bored of the Rings”. It would almost be worth enduring Twilight to experience that parodic rapture one more time!
http://www.zombie-space.com/2010/01/05/botns-books-podcast-51-its-all-the-rage/ Welcome to ZombieSpace – Prepare to be Eaten

[...] Botns Books Podcast #51: It's All The Rage [...]
Susan R

I’m working my way through your blog and podcasts (in a completely non-chronological way) and when I came across this post, I wanted to share a review/satire about the Twilight series- Dan Bergstein is Blogging Twilight at SparkNotes ( a wonderful resource for students, teachers, and home educators). I’ve been laughing myself sick reading his posts. http://community.sparknotes.com/index.php/2009/07/16/blogging-twilight-index-page/
Susan R

I’m working my way through your blog and podcasts (in a completely non-chronological way) and when I came across this post, I wanted to share a review/satire about the Twilight series- Dan Bergstein is Blogging Twilight at SparkNotes ( a wonderful resource for students, teachers, and home educators). I’ve been laughing myself sick reading his posts. http://community.sparknotes.com/index.php/2009/07/16/blogging-twilight-index-page/