The podcast itself is Book Squad Goals. This Othersode is Book Squad Goals’ Monster. Anyway, we’re talking about Guillermo del Toro’s beautiful new Frankenstein adaptation featuring more than one of BSG’s Favorite Actors™ – and we’re joined by husband of the pod, Todd! The Squad discusses some greatest hits of the people-playing-god genre, why this story is adapted so frequently, what makes this adaptation special (ahem, it’s Oscar Isaac), the costumes and performances, and of course, narcissistic parents. We also discover that while Todd teaches this novel, he doesn’t know which edition he teaches, and his main point of reference for this story is Young Frankenstein. Good for you, Todd. Up next on our December 23rd Bookpisode, it’s Crafting for Sinners by Jenny Kiefer. And then join us on January 6th for our annual Best of the Year Othersode where we talk about our favorite things from 2025! Wanna get us a Christmas/Hanukkah/Cold Weather present? Write us a review on Apple Podcasts! That’s the only thing on our list!

TOC
3:05 - It’s Giving Tuesday (kind of) — Our cats as Christmas ghosts
6:00 - We cast Muppet Frankenstein
7:30 - Intro question: What is your favorite piece of media about how only monsters play God?
12:25 - Did we need another Frankenstein adaptation?
28:50 - Frankenstein as an artist
31:01 - The book vs. the movie
43:43 - Narcissistic parents
51:28 - The optimism of the adaptation
53:00 - Did Elizabeth want to bang the monster? (yes)
1:00:28 - This adaptation is from a Mexican POV
1:05:52 - The performances (Wow Jacob Elordi did that)
1:18:50 - Is subtlety dead?
1:36:20 - Listener feedback
1:41:31 - What’s next on the pod?