Podcast Summary: Bad On Paper – The Great Read-Alike Roundup

Podcast Information:

• Title: Bad On Paper
• Hosts: Becca Freeman & Olivia Muenter
• Episode: The Great Read-Alike Roundup
• Release Date: October 16, 2024
• Description: Join Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter every Wednesday for a dose of books and banter, along with interviews with women who inspire us.

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Bad On Paper, hosts Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter dive into their much-anticipated segment, "The Great Read-Alike Roundup." Olivia introduces the concept, explaining that they'll be recommending books similar to ones their listeners have adored, covering a mix of backlist treasures and fresh releases suitable for the fall season.

Notable Quote:

"[Olivia] I thought it would be fun to do an episode that was essentially, if you loved this book, then we suggest you read this other book."
— Olivia Muenter [00:29]

Highs & Lows

Before delving into book recommendations, the duo shares personal highs and lows, adding a relatable touch to the episode.

• Olivia’s High: Olivia revels in the crisp fall weather, picturesque leaf changes, and the simple joys of autumn, including a delightful visit to the library adorned with pumpkins.

  Quote:

  "It's really crispy out there. And the leaves are really changing quickly now. So, yeah, there's just been a lot of really cute fall moments."
  — Olivia Muenter [00:55]

• Becca’s Low: Becca candidly discusses her struggle with insomnia, attributing it to constant thoughts about her ongoing book project. This creative unrest leads her to jot down ideas late into the night, disrupting her sleep.

  Quote:

  "I've been having some insomnia somewhat the past two weeks, but especially the past week... every time I lay down, I keep having all these thoughts about my book that I'm working on."
  — Becca Freeman [02:39]

• Olivia’s Low: Olivia recounts a harrowing experience with stubborn San Marzano tomato cans, culminating in a broken knife incident. Her humorous yet intense storytelling highlights the everyday frustrations that can escalate unexpectedly.

  Quote:

  "I just assumed I had been impaled by the knife. It was terrifying."
  — Olivia Muenter [08:55]

Book Recommendations by Genre

Romance

The hosts explore books that resonate with readers of romance novels, particularly those akin to The Idea of You.

• Olivia’s Top Picks:

  1. "Big Fan" by Alexandra Romanoff
     A retired boy band member seeks the help of a woman who once managed his fan network, blending romance with the intricacies of the music world.

  2. "Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams
     A steamy, second-chance romance between two authors reuniting after years apart, set against the backdrop of literary events.

  3. "On the Island" by Tracy Garbis Graves
     Though featuring an age-gap romance similar to The Idea of You, this book ventures into unsettling territory, drawing comparisons to classic controversial narratives.

• Becca’s Top Picks:

  1. "Vari McFarlane’s Series"
     British contemporary romance with sharp dialogue and humor, akin to Emily Henry’s style.

  2. "You Should Ask" by Alyssa Sussman
     A playful take on the real person-famous person trope, inspired by celebrity interactions.

  3. "Who’s That Girl?" by Holly Grimasio
     *Explores the dynamics of wealth and friendship in romantic settings, perfect for fans of The Royal We.

Notable Quote:

"If you haven't read it yet, here's your reminder. Read, read this."
— Olivia Muenter [16:11]

Thrillers and Mysteries

For listeners who crave suspense and intricate plotlines, Becca and Olivia offer compelling recommendations.

• Olivia’s Top Picks:

  1. "Night Watching" by Tracy Sierra
     A fast-paced mystery about a mother suspecting an intruder in her home, blending suspense with themes of motherhood.

  2. "Mad Woman" by Chelsea Beaker
     Delves into the pressures faced by mothers, intertwining personal struggles with gripping mystery elements.

  3. "My Dark Vanessa" by Kate Elizabeth Russell
     An intense exploration of a predator-prey relationship, examining the long-term effects of abuse.

  4. "The Plot" by Gene Hob Korolitz
     A literary mystery set within the world of publishing, focusing on intellectual property theft and moral dilemmas.

• Becca’s Top Picks:

  1. "Happiness Falls" by Angie Kim
     A unique mystery featuring a non-verbal son with Angelman syndrome, emphasizing themes of communication and stigma.

Notable Quote:

"What I can say is, it’s very intense. So check the trigger warnings for sure."
— Olivia Muenter [31:14]

Literary Fiction

Exploring deeper, character-driven narratives, the hosts suggest books that intertwine humor with heavy themes.

• Olivia’s Top Picks:

  1. "Fellowship Point" by Alice Elliot Darke
     An epic saga of two wealthy women navigating friendship and land ownership, echoing the thematic depth of Demon Copperhead.

• Becca’s Top Picks:

  1. "I Hope This Finds You Well" by Natalie Sue
     A workplace comedy featuring an Iranian Canadian woman uncovering deeper connections and personal growth.

  2. "Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett
     A crowd-pleasing novel set during a hostage situation at a birthday party, praised for its universal appeal and character development.

Notable Quote:

"It's very hard to describe, but something tells me you would like it in the other as well."
— Olivia Muenter [55:56]

Popular Book Comparisons

The hosts tackle widely-read books, providing alternatives that capture similar essences.

• "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Morgan Matson:
  Olivia likens it to "All the Colors of the Dark" by Chris Whitaker, noting the blend of mystery and heartfelt friendship.

• "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig:
  Becca recommends "The Husbands" by Holly Grimasio and "Time Tomorrow" by Emma Straub, which explore alternate lives and personal transformations.

Notable Quote:

"If you liked either of those, like, this is the book that would be in the... every book club for women who are between 40 and 80."
— Olivia Muenter [66:13]

End Matter: Obsessions and Book Club Picks

The episode concludes with the hosts sharing their current obsessions and highlighting their upcoming book club selections.

• Becca’s Obsession:
  Micro Stitch Tool from Amazon – a handy gadget for quick wardrobe fixes, though she warns of a confusing setup process.

  Quote:

  "This solves so many wardrobe situations."
  — Becca Freeman [60:05]

• Olivia’s Obsession:
  "Burnt Toast" Substack by Virginia Sol Smith – a collection of insightful writings on diet culture and personal narratives.

  Quote:

  "I've been enjoying every single piece of her writing. And I feel just so excited to read more."
  — Olivia Muenter [64:02]

• Upcoming Book Club Pick:
  "Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett – a universally acclaimed novel revolving around a hostage situation, fostering unexpected alliances and love stories.

Notable Quote:

"I'm so excited to check this out with all of you. I've seen a lot of people... say that this is one of their all-time favorite books which makes me even more excited."
— Becca Freeman [64:33]

Conclusion

Becca and Olivia wrap up the episode by inviting listeners to engage with them on their Facebook and Geneva groups, as well as following them on Instagram. They encourage audience participation and look forward to discussing their book club picks in future episodes.

Notable Quote:

"If you want to talk about any of this with us, you can join us in the Facebook group or the Geneva group."
— Olivia Muenter [70:52]

This comprehensive roundup offers a treasure trove of book recommendations across various genres, enriched by the hosts' personal anecdotes and insightful commentary. Whether you're seeking a steamy romance, a gripping thriller, or thoughtful literary fiction, Bad On Paper provides curated choices to enhance your reading journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Personal highs and lows can influence book preferences and recommendations.
• Diverse genres require tailored recommendations to match specific reader interests.
• Engaging with a community, whether through book clubs or social media, enhances the reading experience.

Final Highlight:

"You should start it tonight. You should start it now."
— Becca Freeman [45:22]

Stay Connected:

• Becca Freeman: Substack
• Olivia Muenter: Follow on Instagram at @oliviamenter
• Join the Discussion: Facebook and Geneva groups under Batonpaper Podcast

This summary encapsulates the essence of "The Great Read-Alike Roundup" episode, providing listeners with a clear and detailed overview of the discussions, insights, and book recommendations shared by Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter.