216 – CJ Leede & The Shame of the Human Animal

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Things get disinhibited on Talking Scared this week, when CJ Leede joins us for a conversation about her new novel, American Rapture.

The novel plunges middle America into a torrid apocalypse, as a sexual plague spreads across the nation, creating “lust hell on earth.” In this framework, C.J crafts a story of sexual awakening, sacrifice, found family, hypocrisy and cruelty.  It’s a book that is both extreme and comforting in equal measure.

We talk about that crazy balancing act, about the threat of fundamentalist thought, the terror of demons, the delights of Americana, and the cathartic power of killing your characters. 

Oh…and gear up for some very forthright opinions on religion. 

Enjoy.

Other books mentioned:

• Maeve Fly (2023), by C.J. Leede
• American Gods (2001), by Neil Gaiman
• Bury Your Gays (2024), by Chuck Tingle
• Camp Damascus (2023), by Chuck Tingle

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