S&L Podcast - #502 - Rhubarb Abercrumble

We kick off our January read, wrap up Akata Witch, and welcome in new public domain characters. There's a new Lord of the Rings movie this year. Yay! Plus, Veronica had a rhubarb cider, and Joe Abercrombie looks great for 50!

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WHAT ARE WE NOMMING?

Tom: Paik's Lager and Gochujang Cabbage
Veronica: Rhubarb Cider

QUICK BURNS

New Quick Burns thread:
Goodreads Quick Burns

Survey results from Rob:
View Survey Results

Mark: Joe Abercrombie posted his 2024 review, highlighting marketing plans (limited editions, sprayed edges, etc.) for his new book, The Devils, coming May 2025. Also, Abercrombie turns 50 and shared a new author photo for Veronica.
Joe Abercrombie's 2024 Review

hapahappiness: The Libby Instagram account shared a reading bingo board. Think you're a voracious reader? Check it out!
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Tamahome: Warner Bros. will release its first new Lord of the Rings movie in 2026. Andy Serkis will direct The Hunt for Gollum, with Peter Jackson producing.
Variety Article

Trike: The 2025 Public Domain list includes:

  • Characters: Popeye and Tintin (US only; Tintin remains under EU copyright until 2054).

  • Songs: Singin’ In The Rain, Rhapsody in Blue, Stardust (Nat King Cole's version: YouTube), and Ain’t Misbehavin’.

  • Films: Frau im Mond (Woman in the Moon) by Fritz Lang.

  • Books: The Maltese Falcon, The Magic Island (first zombie literature), and Tarzan and the Lost Empire.

BARE YOUR SWORD

Tassie Dave: We read 1Q84 and Elantris simultaneously back in 2011. It took 46 days with no one-month time limit back then!

Ruth: Wondering about the UK publisher’s decision to rename Akata Witch? Here's some insight into its context within Nigerian editions.

Scott: Nnedi Okorafor explained her publishing decisions for Who Fears Death and Akata Witch. Learn more about the differences in the Nigerian and UK editions.

Chris G:
Subject: Discord?
Message: Hello, just started listening and heard the Discord mentioned on the show. You all seem like fun people! Is it patron-only?

BOOK OF THE MONTH DISCUSSION

Kickoff:
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
Amazon Link
Bookshop Link

Wrap-Up:
Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
Bookshop Link
Amazon Link

Discussion Highlights:

  • The setting in Akata Witch felt authentic and integral.

  • Magic in the story rewarded learning—a unique concept.

  • Comparisons to Harry Potter: More contrasts than similarities.

  • Some felt the pacing was inconsistent or the ending rushed.

  • Overall, many enjoyed the book and plan to continue the series.

ADDENDUMS

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