Episode 5: Area X, Where Lots of Things Suck (Buddy Read #1)
Rian and Kris cross the border to the mysterious Area X for their very first buddy read. The duo discuss Jeff VanderMeer’s Southern Reach trilogy in-depth, and walk away forever changed.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:58 Kick-off with a quote
06:33 Non-spoiler intro to the trilogy
08:52 Structure of the discussion
10:16 Plot and characters in Annihilation (Book 1)
24:01 Exploration of themes
30:46 Exploration of Authority (Book 2)
40:07 Acceptance (Book 3), more themes, WTF moments
58:43 Favourite WTF moments
01:03:50 Rian’s final points
01:07:31 Author intentions
01:09:38 Thoughts on our first buddy read
01:12:29 How to support the podcast
01:14:18 Links, socials, and intro to the next episode
Show Notes:
Annihilation - Jeff Vandermeer
Authority - Jeff Vandermeer
Acceptance - Jeff Vandermeer
Movie: Brick (2005) written & directed by Rian Johnson
An explanation (Jeff VanderMeer article): https://commforum.mit.edu/the-spooky-science-of-the-southern-reach-an-evening-with-jeff-vandermeer-3f2faaf0dbb6