Book Talk, Etc. Episode Summary: "Book Talk Etc. Does Celebrity Book Club!"

Release Date: December 10, 2024

In this engaging episode of Book Talk, Etc., hosts Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks) delve into the world of celebrity book clubs, share valuable recommendations, and discuss their latest reads. The conversation is enriched with personal anecdotes, insightful critiques, and a touch of humor, making it a must-listen for book enthusiasts looking to expand their TBR (To Be Read) list.

1. Opening Conversation: Taking a Mental Break

The episode kicks off with Tina and Hannah discussing their need for a mental break, especially pertinent given their busy schedules and the corporate grind.

• Tina shares her feelings post-Thanksgiving:

  "I'm done teaching for the semester. It's time to wrap the presents and unwind." (01:04)

• Hannah echoes this sentiment, mentioning the impact of the recent snowstorm:

  "We got a big snowstorm last night, which makes it like, I don't. I just want to read and make hot chocolate and watch Home Alone." (01:49)

Their mutual desire to relax sets a relatable tone for listeners, especially those navigating similar seasonal transitions.

2. Budget-Friendly Cooking Inspiration: Dollar Tree Dinners

Tina introduces a TikTok creator, Dollar Tree Dinners, who has revolutionized affordable home cooking.

• Tina explains the essence of the account:

  "What she does is makes home cooked dinners from items that you can get at Dollar Tree... she makes these homemade meals using these ingredients." (02:15)

• Hannah adds her personal experience:

  "We made the little muffin tin chicken pot pie things. It's all ingredients you can get at the dollar store." (03:54)

The hosts highlight the practicality and creativity behind these recipes, emphasizing how they provide nutritious and cost-effective meal options. Notable recipes discussed include:

• Cheese Ravioli Lasagna:

  "I recently just made her cheese ravioli lasagna, and it was delicious. So highly recommend." (02:20)

• Muffin Tin Chicken Pot Pieces:

  "It's like these little chicken pot pieces... ingredients like biscuits, cream of chicken, and peas and carrots." (04:12)

This segment is particularly beneficial for listeners seeking budget-friendly culinary inspirations without compromising on taste and quality.

3. Smart Shopping: Amazon Essentials Winter Gear

Hannah shares her experiences with Amazon Essentials, focusing on winter gear for children—a boon for parents navigating the fast-paced growth of kids.

• Hannah highlights specific products:

  "They have their Amazon Essentials heavyweight hooded puffer jacket... it's a really nice coat." (05:26)

  "Their girls and toddler Sherpa fleece full zip jacket... a really nice soft lining." (05:26)

• Tina praises Hannah’s strategic approach:

  "I would never have thought to look for a specific like I usually just type in like kids puffer jacket... that's such a smart way to do it." (07:53)

The discussion covers various affordable and high-quality winter essentials that cater to sensory-sensitive children, emphasizing durability and comfort. Products mentioned include:

• Heavyweight Hooded Puffer Jacket: $33-$35
• Sherpa Fleece Full Zip Jacket: $20-$22
• Waffle Snug Fit Pajama Set: ~$20

The segment underscores the value of investing in versatile, long-lasting items that offer both functionality and comfort for children.

4. Exploring Celebrity Book Clubs

Tina and Hannah embark on an insightful exploration of various celebrity book clubs, analyzing their impact and the types of books they curate.

a. Jenna's Book Club

• Hannah expresses her loyalty:

  "I have a spot for those on my shelf because those are ones that I just typically align with." (20:28)

• Tina agrees:

  "Jenna's is my favorite pretty consistently because of all the reasons you described you." (20:29)

Jenna’s Book Club is praised for consistently selecting emotionally resonant books that align with Hannah's preferences, maintaining a high average rating of 4.2 stars.

b. Reese’s Book Club

• Hannah discusses the mixed ratings:

  "I have a really mixed rating with her books. Like some of them will be like two star... every once in a while I'll find... a five star banger." (20:28)

• Tina comments on its ubiquity:

  "If you're online at all, it's sort of hard to avoid, especially in Reese's." (20:29)

Reese’s Book Club is noted for its diverse genre selections, from thrillers to historical fiction, catering to a broad audience but resulting in varying personal preferences.

c. Oprah’s Book Club

• Hannah shares her engagement:

  "I read Long Island by Colm Tobin specifically because it was an Oprah pick." (24:12)

• Tina adds:

  "I loved reading this. It's so moving." (37:37)

Oprah’s Book Club is celebrated for its literary finesse and wide appeal, often featuring backlist titles that resonate deeply with readers.

d. GMA’s Book Club

• Tina acknowledges its varied picks:

  "They don't have a set panel of individuals... their panel changes depending on the book." (24:08)

• Hannah notes the diversity:

  "They have such a wide variety... romance, commercial fiction, mystery." (26:00)

GMA’s Book Club is recognized for its eclectic selections, making it a wild card among celebrity book clubs with its rotating panel of authors and experts.

e. Other Notable Celebrity Book Clubs

• Mindy's Book Studio: Founded by Mindy Kaling to promote diversity in publishing.

• Roxane Gay's Audacious Book Club: Celebrated for its solid picks.

• Emma Roberts' Belletrist: Co-hosted with Kara Priest, focusing on a range of genres.

• Dakota Johnson's Tea Time Book Club & Dua Lipa's Book Club: Expanding the list of celebrity-endorsed reading groups.

The hosts emphasize the fun and diversity these book clubs bring to the literary community, each with its unique flavor and selection criteria.

5. Featured Book Recommendations

a. "The Butcher" by Jennifer Hillier (Reviewed by Tina)

• Overview: A gripping serial killer narrative set in Seattle, focusing on Police Chief Edward Schenck and his grandson Matt, who uncover dark secrets in a Victorian house.

• Tina’s Insights:

  "Hillier is the queen of giving you a jump scare in the last five words of a chapter." (11:00)

  "This is my favorite Hillier I've read so far." (13:24)

• Highlights: Multi-perspective storytelling, engaging plot twists, and well-fleshed-out characters. Tina praises the audiobook version, noting the dual narration by Julia Roberts and Riley Keough.

b. "Knock Knock, Open Wide" by Neil Sharpson (Reviewed by Hannah)

• Overview: A complex narrative intertwining Irish folklore with true crime, following Betty and her mysterious girlfriend Aisling.

• Hannah’s Critique:

  "The pacing of this one just felt really off." (18:12)

  "It's hard because I feel like it was like several different books in one mashed together." (18:37)

• Highlights: Themes of generational trauma, folklore, and psychological depth. Despite pacing issues, Hannah appreciates the book’s ambitious scope and character complexity.

c. "From Here to the Great Unknown" by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough (Reviewed by Tina)

• Overview: A raw and riveting memoir exploring Lisa Marie Presley’s life, completed by her daughter Riley Keough after Lisa’s passing.

• Tina’s Reflections:

  "It's one of my favorite celebrity memoirs that I have read in recent history." (34:26)

  "There is such trauma that she went through." (37:37)

• Highlights: Emotional depth, personal anecdotes, and reflections on fame and motherhood. The dual narration by Julia Roberts and Riley Keough adds a unique dimension to the storytelling.

d. "The Mighty Red" by Louise Erdrich (Reviewed by Hannah)

• Overview: Set in Argus, North Dakota, the novel explores intertwined lives centered around a wedding amidst environmental and personal struggles.

• Hannah’s Praise:

  "This book really explores love and tragedy and grief... a really beautiful book." (43:41)

  "It never felt overdrawn or overwrought." (43:41)

• Highlights: Strong character development, vivid geographical setting, and thematic exploration of human connections and environmental decay.

e. "The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller (Reviewed by Tina)

• Overview: A polarizing Reese’s Book Club pick that delves into Elle’s tumultuous decision between her husband and her old friend Jonas over a single day.

• Tina’s Take:

  "I loved it. What a great reading experience." (44:26)

  "It's the Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller." (48:32)

• Highlights: Complex character dynamics, evocative summer setting, and intense emotional conflicts. While noting its heavy themes and challenging content, Tina found it compelling and emotionally resonant.

f. "Circle" by Maggie Shipstead (Reviewed by Hannah)

• Overview: A historical fiction novel spanning the Prohibition era and modern-day LA, following aviator Marion Graves and actress Hadley Baxter.

• Hannah’s Enthusiasm:

  "This was another winner for me that really resonated with me as a reader." (53:21)

  "I love historical fiction and this was another great reminder of why I love this genre." (55:51)

• Highlights: Dual timelines, intricate plotting, and rich historical detail. The characters' interconnected stories emphasize themes of freedom and legacy.

6. Community Engagement: Shelf Edition and Patreon

Tina and Hannah promote their Patreon Community Read, inviting listeners to join their monthly book discussions on Discord. This segment encourages community interaction and deeper engagement with selected reads.

• Tina’s Invitation:

  "If you're not a patron and want to chat and do a little... group book club with your favorite podcasters. Feel free to join us." (32:35)

• Hannah’s Experience:

  "It's really fun and I do love that it's text based... have a richer experience after talking to all of you." (33:50)

Additionally, they introduce their Shelf Edition picks:

• Tina recommends:

  "Motherless Land by Nikki May... It’s about family history and finding your own path." (54:12)

• Hannah shares:

  "Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter... a charming holiday rivals-to-lovers mystery." (57:40)

These selections cater to diverse reading preferences, from reimagined classics to cozy holiday mysteries.

7. Closing Remarks

Without delving into the podcast’s customary sign-offs, the hosts emphasize the importance of connecting with their listeners through reviews, social media, and Patreon support. They encourage listeners to engage with the books discussed and participate in the broader Book Talk, Etc. community.

Notable Quotes:

• Tina on Shedding the Semester Stress:

  "It's time to be done. Let's wrap the presents and unwind." (01:04)

• Hannah on Amazon Essentials' Quality:

  "They're washable, they have all different colors and it has a really nice soft lining." (05:26)

• Tina on Dollar Tree Dinners' Impact:

  "She's just a comfort creator, and I really in the market for more of those." (03:49)

• Hannah on Knock Knock, Open Wide:

  "This book just felt like 500 pages and it's only like a 300 page book." (19:02)

• Tina on "From Here to the Great Unknown":

  "I really loved it. It's one of my favorite celebrity memoirs that I have read in recent history." (34:26)

This episode of Book Talk, Etc. offers a rich tapestry of book recommendations, insightful discussions on celebrity book clubs, and practical advice on budget-friendly living. Tina and Hannah’s dynamic conversation not only highlights their passion for reading but also fosters a sense of community among listeners, encouraging them to explore new genres and engage with fellow book lovers.

For more details and links to all the books mentioned, refer to the show notes. To support the podcast and gain access to exclusive content, consider joining their Patreon community patreon.com/booktalketc.

Remember, everything's better with books!