Touched for the Very First Time: Soman Chainani on Books That Turn Scrollers into Readers

“I tell kids that books are not there to torment you. The author has to get you in the first ten pages. If they do not, they fail, because a book is like a lawnmower—you pull it, and either it starts or it doesn't start.” –Soman Chainai Soman Chainani wants reading to feel irresistible. The bestselling author of "The School for Good and Evil," series and the recently released graphic novel, "Coven," shares how his own reading life began—powered by Anne Rice, Michael Crichton, and a complete lack of adult supervision—and how those early obsessions shaped his belief that stories should be bold, boundary-pushing, and personal. In this episode, Soman explains why middle grade books can (and should) feel dangerous, how his grandmother’s glamorous storytelling shaped his imagination, and what a book needs to do in its first ten pages to hook a reader. He also unpacks the “moral grayness” that defines his favorite novels and his own writing, and makes a compelling case for why kids need more honesty, not less, in the stories we give them. Tune in for a fast-paced episode that includes Madonna, hot takes, and tips for breaking (all) the rules.  *** Soman’s reading challenge, Immersive, is all about getting lost in a story. The books he curated blur the line between fiction and reality, pulling the reader in so completely you forget the world around you.  Learn more and download Soman’s recommended reading list at threadingculturepod.com/soman-chainani *** This week’s featured librarian is Jasmine Haverly from Aldine Independent School District in Texas. Jasmine shares how competitions and “book tastings” are growing the reading culture in her library. Show Chapters Chapter 1 - Florida Man  Chapter 2 - Well, That Escalated Quickly  Chapter 3 - The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 4 - The Rules Are Made Up Chapter 5 - Main Character Energy  Chapter 6 - Use Your Imagination Chapter 7 - Express Yourself Chapter 8 - Reading Challenge Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupSoman ChainaiSoman Chainani SubstackSoman Chainani Instagram“The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar WildeFollow The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community’s reading cultureJordan Lloyd Bookey Host and Production Credits Host: Jordan Lloyd Bookey Producers: Mel Webb and Lower Street Media Script Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Mel Webb, Jordan Lloyd Bookey