Better the Bookshelf Podcast Ryan Kuether & Richard Daly

Well-made podcast with interesting book selections and even better commentary. Great for finding new books material outside of what I normally read, and listening to Ryan and Jacob feels like discussing a new book with best friends. Highly recommend for anyone looking to read more!

Normally I wouldn’t critique a podcast unless I had something nice to say, but in this case I think it is warranted given the uninformed criticism they heaped on Belano’s The Savage Detectives. It was uninformed in that neither host actually read more than 30% of the book. Neither had anything interesting to say about the book, but how could they give that they did not read it, much less devote thought of any depth to the work. Belano is a complex writer who explores existential realities and the void within existence with a subtlety that deserves the time for contemplation. If you don’t read the book don’t review it!

I’m not really interested in hearing two guys I know nothing about comment on a book. While they may consider this suggestion beneath them, they’d do a lot more good just reading the book on the podcast. That might be boring for them and less of an ego-feeding venture, but I’d wager they’d then accrue a willing audience (and a higher rating).