Book Talk Etc. – August Books on the Radar (2025) Summary
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Hosts:
- Tina (@tbretc) from TBR Etc
- Hannah (@hanpickedbooks) from Hand Picked Books
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Book Talk Etc., hosts Tina and Hannah dive into their eagerly anticipated list of August book releases. Balancing personal anecdotes with in-depth book discussions, they offer listeners a comprehensive guide to their top picks for the month.
Current Reads and Personal Updates
Before delving into their August selections, Tina and Hannah share updates on their current reads and personal interests.
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Tina's Current Read: Slanting Towards the Sea by Lydia Hildjay
Tina praises this Croatian debut for its intricate storytelling and rich character development. She highlights the novel's exploration of love, loss, and the impact of Croatia's political landscape on personal relationships.
“This novel spans 20 years and one life-altering summer in Croatia. It's a love story that delves deep into the complexities of flawed characters making real-life decisions.” [16:11] -
Hannah's Current Read: The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill
Transitioning from middle-grade to adult literature, Hannah appreciates Barnhill's ability to balance whimsy with dark themes. She commends the book for its portrayal of a teenage girl's resilience amidst family turmoil and supernatural elements.
“The balance between darkness and the everyday was really well done and speaks to the reality that some teens face when they're experiencing a lot of hardship and trauma at home.” [20:00]
August Books on the Radar
1. People Like Us by Jason Mott
Release Date: August 5th
Tina introduces People Like Us as a deeply personal and dreamlike narrative that intertwines magic with the harsh realities of gun violence. The novel follows two Black writers seeking peace and belonging amidst chaos.
“This is supposed to be a wickedly funny and achingly sad book in one. And it is an utter triumph, bursting with larger than life characters who deliver a very real take on our world.”
– Tina [22:38]
2. The Sunflower Boys by Sam Watchman
Release Date: August 12th
Hannah describes this coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of contemporary Ukraine's war. It chronicles the journey of two brothers navigating identity, family loss, and resilience.
“It sounds like a powerful blend of identity, family loss, and resilience set against the backdrop of contemporary Ukraine amidst very real and ongoing war.”
– Hannah [26:25]
3. Too Old for This by Samantha Downing
Release Date: August 12th
A thrilling tale of Lottie Jones, a retired serial killer whose past catches up with her when an inquisitive journalist starts probing into her history.
“I love the sound of a retired serial killer. And the COVID of this one is so great. She's holding a hammer behind her back, which kudos to whoever designed this.”
– Tina [28:19]
4. Dogs by C. Mallon
Release Date: August 12th
Hannah introduces this intense narrative set in the small town of Carbon, following Hal as he confronts his haunted past and personal traumas over the course of a single, catastrophic night.
“What really pulled me in is the promise of that slow build through a catastrophic event. And I also love a book about friendship.”
– Hannah [30:14]
5. Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham
Release Date: August 26th
Tina discusses this missing sister thriller centered around Claire Campbell's quest to uncover the truth behind her sister Natalie's disappearance, intertwined with mysterious diary entries from a vineyard owner.
“If you have read this author before and liked some of their previous books, especially thrillers, you'll enjoy this one.”
– Tina [32:32]
6. Fonseca by Jessica Francis Kane
Release Date: August 12th
Hannah presents Fonseca as an autobiographical novel that fictionalizes the author's journey to northern Mexico, exploring themes of inheritance, creativity, and personal legacy.
“This sounds atmospheric and like a perfect summer beach book to sink into in these final months.”
– Hannah [33:43]
7. Lime Juice Money by Joe Mori
Release Date: August 12th
Tina highlights this debut novel about Layla Wilde, whose quest for a fresh start in Belize spirals into a survival drama filled with unreliable narration and sinister magic.
“It sounds like there is a little bit of an unreliable narration here. You have a woman that's not totally sure if she's hearing things or understanding things correctly.”
– Hannah [36:26]
8. The Island of Last Things by Emma Slowly
Release Date: August 12th
Tina shares her excitement for this novel set on Alcatraz Island, where two zookeepers navigate a dystopian world while contemplating a risky plan to smuggle animals to freedom.
“This is supposed to be propulsive and fiercely hopeful with a heart-stopping final twist. And I can't wait to read this.”
– Tina [42:05]
9. House of Monstrous Women by Daphne Fama
Release Date: August 12th
Hannah introduces this gothic horror novel set in 1986 Philippines, where Josephine faces supernatural challenges in a deadly game hosted by her rumored witch friend.
“This is giving kind of Mexican gothic vibes. If you know, you know. And to save herself, she will have to play to win.”
– Hannah [44:50]
10. Chloe by Connie Briscoe
Release Date: N/A
Tina briefly touches on this novel about a private chef on Martha's Vineyard who falls in love with a billionaire, only to be haunted by secrets and lies.
“I'm having a good time with this. So I don't get the low rating, but I will, of course, report back.”
– Tina [46:00]
11. The Color of Blood by Mona Cabani
Release Date: N/A
Hannah closes the segment with this novella delving into the mind of a serial killer, drawing comparisons to American Psycho for its deep psychological exploration.
“It's one of those books that is so quotable in a way that you just need other people to experience this with you.”
– Hannah [48:07]
Closing Thoughts
Tina and Hannah wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow them on various platforms and leave reviews to help grow the podcast's community. They also tease future content, including an upcoming discussion on The Color of Blood.
“Remember, everything's better with books.”
– Hannah [51:07]
Notable Quotes:
- “This is supposed to be a wickedly funny and achingly sad book in one. And it is an utter triumph.” – Tina discussing People Like Us [22:38]
- “The balance between darkness and the everyday was really well done.” – Hannah on The Crane Husband [20:13]
- “This is giving kind of Mexican gothic vibes.” – Hannah on House of Monstrous Women [44:50]
For detailed links to all the mentioned books, please refer to the show notes of the episode.
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- Tina: @tbretc
- Hannah: @hanpickedbooks
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- Book Talk Etc.
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- patreon.com/booktalketc for exclusive content and community access.
Remember, everything's better with books. Happy reading!