Book Talk, etc. – April Books on the Radar (2025) Summary

Released on March 25, 2025

Introduction

In the April 2025 episode of Book Talk, etc., hosts Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks) dive into their curated list of upcoming book releases poised to enrich listeners' "To Be Read" (TBR) stacks. The conversational duo, alongside co-host Emma, engage in lively discussions about their latest reads, favorite apps, and, most importantly, the highly anticipated books for April. Their camaraderie and shared passion for literature create an engaging atmosphere, perfect for both regular listeners and newcomers.

Opening Conversations and Recommendations

The episode kicks off with the hosts sharing light-hearted banter about their financial quirks and daily routines, quickly transitioning into a discussion about their YouTube channel. Tina mentions the shift in recording angles to enhance their video presence, while Emma highlights the benefits of engaging with listeners through comments and real-time interactions.

Notable Quote:

• Hannah (00:00): "I mean, I'm basically rich now."

Healthy Habits: Stretching with the Bend App

Before delving into book discussions, the hosts recommend the Bend app, a wellness-focused tool designed to improve flexibility and mobility through guided stretching routines. Tina emphasizes the app's versatility, catering to both beginners and seasoned stretchers, and appreciates its streak feature that motivates consistent use.

Notable Quotes:

• Tina (04:02): "It's an app designed to help users improve flexibility and mobility through stretching routines and light exercises."
• Hannah (07:01): "It's nice to have in the back of your mind at least because now you're stretching. At least more than you would have been."

March's Community Read: "Wild Dark Shore" by Charlotte McConaughey

Hannah shares her experiences with the community read, "Wild Dark Shore" by Charlotte McConaughey. She praises the book for its emotional depth, beautiful writing, and compelling mystery tied to climate fiction. Tina echoes these sentiments, expressing her eagerness to revisit impactful sections of the novel.

Notable Quotes:

• Hannah (50:33): "It's a very similar to her other book that I've read by her, 'Migrations' – climate fiction with a mystery tied to it."
• Tina (51:15): "There’s no fading away in this book. It’s really, really good the whole way through."

April's Books on the Radar

The core of the episode revolves around the hosts' April book recommendations. Each selection is thoughtfully discussed, highlighting plot elements, themes, and personal impressions.

1. "I Leave It Up to You" by Jin Woo Chong

   • Synopsis: Follows Jack Jr., who wakes up from a two-year coma during the pandemic, navigating familial estrangements and the challenges of resuming life in his hometown's struggling sushi restaurant.
   • Discussion: Hosts appreciate the realistic portrayal of family dynamics and the author's detailed depiction of restaurant life.

   Notable Quotes:

   • Tina (13:19): "This is the one about the man who wakes up after having been in the coma for two years."
   • Emma (17:22): "This is a slice of life about a family."

2. "Don't Let the Forest In" by CG Drew

   • Synopsis: A debut young adult psychological horror that explores the bond between two friends facing monstrous manifestations from drawings, set against the backdrop of a boarding school.
   • Discussion: While not a personal favorite, Hannah commends its atmospheric writing and representation of asexual characters, despite some repetitive elements.

   Notable Quotes:

   • Hannah (16:13): "It has an asexual character, and this book has received really fantastic own voices reviews of people that are ace."

3. "The Sirens" by Amelia Hart

   • Synopsis: Dual timelines follow Lucy in 2019 dealing with vivid dreams and mysterious disappearances, and Mary and Eliza in 1800 Ireland, exploring a magical connection across centuries.
   • Discussion: Hosts are captivated by the intertwining timelines and the promise of uncovering deep familial bonds.

   Notable Quotes:

   • Hannah (30:46): "This sounds like a captivating story of two sisters separated by centuries but also bound by an unexplainable connection."

4. "Happyland" by Dolan Perkins Valdez

   • Synopsis: Nikki visits her estranged grandmother in North Carolina, uncovering a hidden kingdom and familial secrets tied to true historical events.
   • Discussion: Tina is intrigued by the blend of historical fiction and potential magical realism, appreciating the author's dedication to authenticity.

   Notable Quotes:

   • Tina (31:14): "It’s inspired by true events, and I'm curious to see how this is going to turn out."

5. "The Bright Years" by Sarah Damoff

   • Synopsis: Chronicles four generations of a Texas family dealing with secrets, addiction, and loss, emphasizing the power of love and grace.
   • Discussion: Hannah connects deeply with the family dynamics, finding resonance with her own family background.

   Notable Quotes:

   • Hannah (35:20): "It's a heartfelt novel that explores the lasting impact of family bonds and the power of love and grace."

6. "Bat Eater and Other Names" by Kylie Lee Baker

   • Synopsis: Horror novel featuring Cora Zhang, a crime scene cleaner grappling with trauma, hungry ghosts, and a serial killer amid the pandemic.
   • Discussion: The hosts acknowledge the book's intense and gory themes, suitable for fans of psychological horror.

   Notable Quotes:

   • Tina (36:10): "This one is very Gory. And I think I'm going to just sort of leave it there."

7. "Julie Chan Is Dead" by Leanne Zhang

   • Synopsis: A debut thriller where Julie Chan takes over her deceased twin's life as an influencer, uncovering dark truths about social media.
   • Discussion: Hannah is intrigued by the exploration of identity and the sinister aspects of social media fame.

   Notable Quotes:

   • Tina (40:57): "She steps into the life of her deceased twin who was an influencer, only to discover the dark side of social media."

8. "Polybius" by Colin Armstrong

   • Synopsis: High schooler Andy encounters a mysterious arcade game causing paranoia and violence during a coastal storm, blending elements reminiscent of Stranger Things and The Walking Dead.
   • Discussion: Hannah is particularly excited about this book, likening it to her favorite show and genre preferences.

   Notable Quotes:

   • Hannah (42:49): "This one might potentially be the one I am most excited about from all the books that I'm bringing."

9. "The Road to Tender Hearts" by Annie Hartnett

   • Synopsis: PJ, a 63-year-old lottery winner grapples with personal tragedies and embarks on a cross-country journey to rekindle old love, accompanied by his estranged family's grandchildren.
   • Discussion: The hosts appreciate the blend of dark comedy and heartwarming road trip elements, highlighting themes of redemption and second chances.

   Notable Quotes:

   • Tina (46:06): "This is basically PJ's second chance at love. I think Annie Hartnett just does these quirky, out of the ordinary, just compelling stories."

10. "Bad Nature" by Ariel Courage

    • Synopsis: Hester, armed with a terminal diagnosis, sets out to kill her estranged father, meeting environmental activist John along the way, leading to unexpected revelations.
    • Discussion: Hannah praises the book for its dark humor and the development of an unlikely bond between the protagonists, fitting perfectly within the road trip novel trope.

    Notable Quotes:

    • Hannah (48:29): "This is another road trip book, so the two of them are traversing five-star hotels, cultish compounds, and the heart of their unraveling country together."

Current Reads

The hosts briefly touch upon their ongoing reads:

• Tina: "The Quiet Librarian" by Alan Eskins – A dual-timeline historical fiction involving a librarian confronting her past tied to a friend's murder. Tina is enjoying the suspense and character development.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Tina (49:56): "I'm about 50 pages in, and I think it's really good and I'm excited to see where it goes."

• Hannah: "Wild Dark Shore" by Charlotte McConaughey – A climate fiction mystery series beloved by the community, with plans for a deeper discussion among patrons.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Hannah (50:33): "It has really beautiful, reflective, emotional writing and characters."

Conclusion

Tina and Hannah wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore the recommended books, engage with their YouTube content, and join their Patreon for exclusive material. They emphasize the joy of connecting through shared literary interests and the continuous journey of expanding one's TBR list.

Notable Quote:

• Hannah (52:00): "If you'd like to connect with us, you can email us@booktalketc.com. You can also connect with us both at Booktalk Etc. on Instagram."

Final Thoughts

April's lineup on Book Talk, etc. showcases a diverse range of genres, from psychological horror and thrillers to heartfelt family sagas and darkly comedic road trips. Tina and Hannah provide insightful perspectives, making their recommendations a valuable resource for avid readers seeking their next great read.

For more details and to listen to the full episode, visit Book Talk, etc. on YouTube or follow them on their Instagram handles.