Podcast Summary: "Best Books of 2024"
Bad On Paper - Hosted by Becca Freeman & Olivia Muenter
Release Date: December 11, 2024

Introduction

In this special episode of "Bad On Paper," hosts Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter celebrate their annual “Best Books of the Year” segment. This episode not only highlights their personal favorites but also showcases an array of recommendations from their listeners, encompassing a wide range of genres and themes.

Personal Highlights

Before diving into the book recommendations, Becca and Olivia share their personal highs and lows of the year, setting the stage for a relatable and engaging discussion.

Becca Freeman [01:27]:

"I am currently six working days out from my book deadline, and I'm in really deep work mode."
(01:27)

Becca discusses her intense focus on finishing her book draft, revealing the pressures and self-reflection involved in the writing process. She emphasizes the importance of self-care through simple actions like taking a walk, which led to a much-needed attitude adjustment.

Olivia Muenter [05:22]:

"I need to be propped up by the power of hip hop and just do it."
(06:25)

Olivia shares her excitement and anxiety about an upcoming Caribbean vacation, particularly her concerns about wearing a bathing suit. This candid conversation highlights the personal challenges and growth both hosts experience alongside their professional endeavors.

Top Book Recommendations

Olivia’s Top Picks

1. Shark Heart by Emily Habeck

"It is very bizarre, but it's unlike anything I have ever read."
(13:37)

Olivia kicks off her list with Shark Heart, a literary romance that defies convention with its unique premise of a husband transforming into a great white shark. She praises its moving narrative and distinctiveness.

2. Night Watching by Tracy Sierra

"I have rarely been so scared by a book."
(15:06)

Her favorite thriller of the year, Night Watching, captivates Olivia with its suspenseful story of a woman and her children facing an intruder in their home. The intense emotions and well-crafted tension leave a lasting impression.

3. Long Bright River & The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Olivia appreciates Liz Moore's ability to blend suspense with societal issues, making both books standout entries in her list.

4. Good Material by Dolly Alderton

"It was really charming and the end just got me."
(19:57)

Olivia commends Good Material for its delightful perspective on breakup told from a man's viewpoint. She enjoys its humor and cultural commentary, highlighting Alderton's multifaceted writing style.

Becca’s Top Picks

1. The Wedding People by Alison Aspach

"It really defies classification for me because it's a little bit of everything."
(27:00)

Becca’s top pick, The Wedding People, is lauded for its intricate blend of friendship, romance, career drama, and family secrets. The fleshed-out characters and the author's talent in creating a multi-dimensional narrative make it a standout choice.

2. Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

"The relationships were so heartwarming. I was rooting for every person in this book."
(28:17)

Chosen for its unique storyline and heartwarming relationships, Becca praises this book for its originality and profound character development.

3. One Star Romance by Laura Henkin
Becca appreciates the dual focus on romance and female friendship, exploring themes of personal growth and evolving relationships amidst life milestones.

4. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Described as her "platonic ideal thriller," Becca highlights this book for its gripping twists and non-scary suspense that keeps readers hooked.

5. How Nora Ephron's Three Iconic Films Saved the Romantic Comedy by Aaron Carlson
This non-fiction work fascinates Becca for its deep dive into Nora Ephron’s influence on the romantic comedy genre, filled with behind-the-scenes insights and comprehensive research.

Listener Voicemails

The episode features enthusiastic book recommendations from listeners, adding a personal touch and diverse perspectives to the discussion.

Helen from [17:02]:

"My favorite book of the year is God of the Woods by Liz Moore. I loved the small town setting, the family drama, the secrets..."
(17:14)

Megan from Kentucky [21:31]:

"My best book of 2024 was Life Impossible by Matt Haig... it was written just for me."
(21:31)

Stacy from Pittsburgh [23:19]:

"The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye is beautiful and funny and sexy and sad."
(23:19)

Andrea from Pennsylvania [24:05]:

"First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly is serious without being too heavy and hopeful without being cloying."
(24:05)

Brittany from Chicago [43:20]:

"My favorite book of the year was Blue Sisters by Coco Melors... I laughed, I cried, and I immediately ordered her other book."
(43:20)

Additional Book Highlights

Becca’s Further Recommendations

6. Stolen Focus by Johann Hari
A compelling blend of research and personal narrative on social media addiction, chosen for the January book club.

7. All Fours by Miranda July
Praised for its unique portrayal of a midlife crisis and perimenopause, offering both zaniness and depth.

8. Another Nonfiction Pick: "Say Nothing" by Patrick Gradden Keefe
A gripping account of Northern Ireland's troubles, lauded for its page-turning thriller-like narrative.

9. Such a Bad Influence by Olivia Muenter
Olivia’s own book is celebrated for its insightful take on the influencer world and the relationships within it.

10. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Becca admires its magical love story and the dual timelines, offering a transportive and wise narrative.

Final Recommendations from Listeners

Katherine from New York [33:21]:

"Summer Fridays by Suzanne Rendell... set in the late 90s, early 2000s with New York as a character."
(33:21)

Jill from South Portland, Maine [33:24]:

"My favorite book of the year was Any Trope But You by Victoria Levine... it's clever, witty, funny, and oh so spicy."
(33:24)

Courtney from the Bay Area [35:49]:

"Family Family by Laurie Frankel is about adoption and redefines family tropes with humor and wisdom."
(35:49)

Madeline from Minneapolis [36:30]:

"The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo beautifully depicts the complexities of family and sisterhood."
(36:30)

Rebecca from New York City [47:30]:

"Say Nothing by Patrick Gradden Keefe is gripping nonfiction about Northern Ireland, reading like a thriller."
(47:30)

Dotsy from the South/New York [48:08]:

"The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a thrilling series about teenagers solving FBI cold cases."
(48:08)

Obsessions and Final Thoughts

In the final segment, Becca and Olivia share their current obsessions outside of reading:

Becca Freeman [59:40]:

"I've become obsessed with this chic tissue box cover from Amazon. It's so cute and functional."
(59:40)

Olivia Muenter [60:36]:

"I'm obsessed with the second season of Shrinking on Apple TV. It's warm and insightful without being cheesy."
(60:36)

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Becca and Olivia express their gratitude to listeners for their engagement and participation throughout the year. They encourage continued interaction through social media and invite listeners to join their Telegram group, Facebook group, and Instagram channels. The hosts look forward to returning in January 2025 with more book discussions and recommendations, wishing everyone happy holidays and a Happy New Year.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Becca Freeman [01:27]:

  "I am currently six working days out from my book deadline, and I'm in really deep work mode."

• Olivia Muenter [13:37]:

  "It is very bizarre, but it's unlike anything I have ever read."

• Olivia Muenter [15:06]:

  "I have rarely been so scared by a book."

• Olivia Muenter [19:57]:

  "It was really charming and the end just got me."

• Becca Freeman [27:00]:

  "It really defies classification for me because it's a little bit of everything."

• Becca Freeman [28:17]:

  "The relationships were so heartwarming. I was rooting for every person in this book."

• Olivia Muenter [43:20]:

  "I laughed, I cried, and I immediately ordered her other book."

• Becca Freeman [54:53]:

  "I find this dealt with it in a way that I found really educational, frankly."

• Olivia Muenter [59:40]:

  "I'm obsessed with the second season of Shrinking on Apple TV."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the "Best Books of 2024" episode, highlighting key discussions, personal insights, and a rich array of book recommendations from both the hosts and their listeners. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the podcast, this episode offers a wealth of literary inspiration to explore.