Book Talk, etc. – Episode Summary: Celebrating Independent Bookstore Week!

Release Date: April 22, 2025
Hosts: Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks)
Podcast Description: A book recommendation podcast that's bound to grow your TBR!

1. Introduction to Independent Bookstore Week

In this special episode, Tina and Hannah delve into the vibrant world of independent bookstores, celebrating Independent Bookstore Week. They share personal anecdotes, favorite local shops, and the significance of supporting these literary havens.

Notable Quote:
Hannah [01:36]: "Indie Bookstore Day is just my favorite time of the year. It's like a holiday every time."

2. Hosts' Plans for Celebrating

Both hosts express their excitement about the upcoming Independent Bookstore Day, discussing their plans to visit local stores and engage in bookstore crawls.

Notable Quotes:
Tina [01:20]: "I got in a real rabbit hole this morning when prepping for this episode... it was a lot of fun reminiscing about different indies I've been to."

Hannah [03:26]: "Me and my friend Alyssa already made plans to do a bookstore crawl. It's going to be a fun little trip."

3. Exploring Favorite Independent Bookstores

Tina and Hannah share a curated list of their favorite independent bookstores across the country, highlighting what makes each unique—from stunning interiors to curated selections and inclusive environments.

Highlights Include:

• Exile Bookville (Chicago): Housed in the historic Fine Arts Building, known for its beautiful marble stairs and the last manual elevator in Chicago.
  Tina [26:22]: "It's gorgeous and I probably visit it more than any other bookstore."

• Quail Ridge Books (Raleigh): Renowned for its curated book selection and vibrant kids' section.
  Hannah [27:03]: "They also have a used bookstore section, which I love."

• Novalette (East Nashville): An LGBTQ-owned bookstore with a diverse selection and a welcoming atmosphere.
  Tina [28:37]: "It's vibey with pink shelves and inclusive space."

Notable Quote:
Tina [24:22]: "I've visited 39 independent bookstores throughout my life. Each has its own charm and community."

4. Book Recommendations

The hosts present a series of book recommendations, spanning various genres and age groups, all sourced from independent bookstores or recommended by local staff.

A. Fiction

• "Famous Last Words" by Gillian McAllister
  A domestic suspense novel that intertwines the perspectives of a wife and a hostage negotiator during a critical hostage situation.
  Tina [05:50]: "If you liked 'The Last Thing He Told Me' by Laura Dave, this one will definitely be in your wheelhouse."

• "Gothic Town" by Emily Carpenter
  A Southern gothic tale set in Juliana, Georgia, with a blend of history and light horror elements.
  Tina [45:50]: "It's a three-star read for me. Interesting history but middling middle sections."

• "Last Night at the Telegraph Club" by Melinda Lo
  Set in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the Red Scare, this novel explores a forbidden love story between two women.
  Tina [53:17]: "Expect to hear a review from me on it pretty soon."

B. Nonfiction

• "Everything Is Tuberculosis" by John Green
  An exploration of tuberculosis, blending personal narratives with historical and scientific insights.
  Hannah [35:34]: "I picked it up because John Green can make you care about anything."

• "Medicine River: A Story of Survival and Legacy of Indian Boarding Schools" by Mary Annette Pember
  Delving into the traumatic legacy of Native American boarding schools and their impact on communities.
  Hannah [54:25]: "This book offers hope and love amidst heavy historical truths."

C. Middle Grade

• "The War That Saved My Life" by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  A historical fiction novel about a young girl escaping her abusive mother during World War II and finding a new life in the countryside.
  Hannah [49:00]: "A beautifully told story on found family and healing."

D. Friendship and Relationships

• "Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close" by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman
  A nonfiction exploration of maintaining deep and lasting friendships, drawing from the authors' own experiences and interviews.
  Hannah [47:09]: "They introduce the concept of 'big friendship,' emphasizing intentionality in relationships."

Notable Quote:
Hannah [50:52]: "Friendship has always been something that's been really important to me. It's a core value of mine."

5. Supporting Independent Bookstores

The hosts emphasize various ways listeners can support independent bookstores, whether by visiting in person, participating in bookstore crawls, or making purchases through platforms like Libro.fm.

Notable Quotes:
Tina [22:20]: "You can even curate your own bookstore crawl day as a way to celebrate and shop locally."

Hannah [22:59]: "If you don't have a local bookstore, you can support one by selecting a recommended indie when purchasing online."

6. Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Tina and Hannah wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to share their Independent Bookstore Day experiences, support their favorite local shops, and continue exploring diverse and enriching books.

Notable Quote:
Hannah [31:02]: "It's really fun to reminisce about the stores we've been to. It's making me want to get out and shop."

Conclusion

In this heartfelt episode, Tina and Hannah not only celebrate the charm and importance of independent bookstores but also provide a wealth of book recommendations that cater to diverse interests. Their enthusiasm underscores the vital role indie bookstores play in fostering literary communities and enriching readers' lives.

For more information and to find participating bookstores, visit the links provided in the show notes.