Book Talk, etc. - Episode Summary: Celebrating Independent Publishers!
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Hosts: Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks)
Podcast Description: A book recommendation podcast that's bound to grow your TBR!
Introduction
In the episode titled "Celebrating Independent Publishers!", hosts Tina and Hannah delve into the world of indie presses, exploring their significance, spotlighting standout titles, and sharing personal insights into their reading journeys. The conversation is enriched with engaging anecdotes, thoughtful book reviews, and practical recommendations tailored for both adult readers and children.
Personal Updates and Reading Habits
Tina and Hannah kick off the episode by sharing snippets of their personal lives, setting a relatable tone for listeners.
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Tina mentions her upcoming weekend of planting trees in her backyard:
"Of course I say downtime. And Jonathan has ordered trees for our backyard that should be delivered today." [01:02]
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Hannah celebrates her son's fourth birthday plans:
"We're actually gonna do his event party. It's going to be super low key next weekend, but this weekend we're probably going to do something with him." [01:35]
The hosts reflect on overcoming reading slumps, emphasizing the joy of immersing themselves in books after periods of low engagement.
Planning and Productivity: Tina’s Paper Planner
Transitioning from their personal updates, Tina shares her recent switch back to a paper planner, detailing its features and benefits:
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Tina describes the hybrid nature of her new planner:
"The top part here is blank, where you can write your to-do list... the bottom part is an hour by hour schedule. It's a hybrid of a paper planner and journal." [03:07]
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She highlights practical aspects such as its durability and design:
"It's got a clear cover where you can put stickers on it and they stay protected." [05:18]
Hannah appreciates Tina's balanced approach to digital and physical planning tools, noting her own use of Notion alongside her physical planner:
"I like to have one that I can access from my computer and one that I can access like with my hands in." [07:01]
Summer Reading for Kids: Hannah’s Recommendations
Hannah takes the spotlight to discuss her children's summer reading, recommending a diverse array of books that encourage imagination and learning:
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"How to Spot a Fairy" - An illustrated field guide fostering imaginary play and creativity:
"It has provided a lot of inspiration for imaginary play for my kids." [10:08]
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"Weird but True" National Geographic Series - Engaging non-fiction books that combine visuals with intriguing facts:
"It's a way to encourage them to read and get into a book without having to follow a story." [10:45]
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"The Fearless Felines: 30 True Tales of Courageous Cats" - Introducing nonfiction through captivating stories about animals:
"This has gotten her really interested in some historical events because there was a cool cat attached to the story." [10:45]
Hannah emphasizes the importance of selecting books that resonate with her children’s interests, making reading a fun and integral part of their summer activities.
Book Reviews
1. "It's Not the End of the World" by Jonathan Parks Raimage
Tina provides an in-depth review of this speculative fiction novel, which she initially expected to be a straightforward thriller but found to be more layered and thought-provoking:
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Plot Overview:
"Mason Daunt and his husband live a sheltered life amid a collapsing America in 2024... their party gets interrupted by a catastrophic event." [11:11]
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Themes and Impressions:
"This book gave me anxiety and it takes a lot to ruffle my feathers, but I'm reading this as things are happening in our world and I'm like, is he predicting?" [15:01]
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Final Verdict:
"I'm landing at 3.75 stars... it's well written but made me uncomfortable." [17:04]
2. "The River Is Waiting" by Wally Lamb
Hannah discusses her experiences with this emotionally charged novel, highlighting both its strengths and areas where it fell short:
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Plot and Themes:
"Corby Ledbetter... suffers a tragic accident that leads to a lifetime prison sentence, exploring themes of acceptance and self-forgiveness." [17:19]
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Criticisms:
"I thought more could be done to make the book feel not so redundant because it is set in prison for the majority of the book." [28:00]
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Recommendation:
"It's one of those books that I'm actually not regretful that I read... but I have some serious criticisms." [21:09]
Understanding Independent Publishers
In a pivotal segment, Hannah elucidates the concept of independent publishers, distinguishing them from the major publishing conglomerates:
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Definition and Characteristics:
"Independent publishers, often called indie presses, are publishing houses that operate outside of the major publishing conglomerates... they have a niche subject or type of book that they are looking for." [22:40]
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Examples and Focus Areas:
"Europa Editions do all translated literature. Gray Wolf Press publishes poetry, nonfiction, and works in translation with a focus on visionary writers." [24:07]
Tina adds to the conversation by acknowledging the challenges of tracking big publishers and the benefits of supporting indie presses:
- Support and Discovery:
"Supporting smaller authors... is not a mark of quality for the book necessarily, but it's about giving a chance to books that aren't as buzzed." [28:46]
Further Book Reviews
3. "After the Ocean" by Lauren E. Rico (Published by Kensington)
Tina explores this novel's intricate narrative and cultural depth:
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Synopsis:
"A couple on their honeymoon experiences Paul’s mysterious disappearance... years later, his daughter Gracie seeks answers in Puerto Rico." [30:24]
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Critical Insights:
"It was a slow burn with a mystery driving it, but not a traditional thriller." [34:58]
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Rating:
"Three stars out of five. Not the most well-written, but appreciated the resolution and cultural elements." [36:06]
4. "Shield of Sparrows" by Deveny Perry (Published by Red Tower Books)
Hannah reviews this high-stakes Romantasy novel that has gained popularity on TikTok:
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Plot Outline:
"Odessa, a princess, is claimed by a monster hunter and must navigate treacherous lands and complex relationships." [29:39]
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Strengths and Criticisms:
"I enjoyed the story and the romance, but found Odessa's inner dialogue grating." [40:54]
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Overall Impression:
"A fun read with engaging twists, though unsure about continuing the series." [42:08]
5. "Don't Believe Her" by Nicola Sanders
Tina recommends this psychological thriller for those seeking a "popcorn" read:
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Storyline:
"Allie faces the return of her former best friend Carla after 17 years, leading to suspense and unexpected twists." [43:07]
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Highlights:
"Pure entertainment with numerous twists and engaging character dynamics." [46:45]
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Recommendation:
"Highly recommend for fans of twisty, dramatic psychological thrillers." [46:38]
6. "Foster" by Claire Keegan (Published by Grove Press)
Hannah shares her appreciation for this poignant novella:
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Synopsis:
"A child spends a summer with relatives in rural Ireland, discovering affection and warmth." [47:00]
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Emotional Impact:
"Claire Keegan's writing evokes deep emotions in just 100 pages. A perfect palette cleanser." [48:52]
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Recommendation:
"Highly recommend as a heartwarming, meaningful read that doesn't demand a lengthy commitment." [48:57]
7. "The Midnight Knock" by John Fram
Tina previews this upcoming thriller, setting listener expectations appropriately:
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Premise:
"Seven travelers converge at a lonely motel, each with secrets, as they confront supernatural horrors lurking nearby." [50:00]
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Genre and Expectations:
"Blends psychological tension, supernatural horror, and intricate storytelling. Properly warns about supernatural elements upfront." [51:04]
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Final Thoughts:
"Sounds promising for fans of locked-room mysteries with a supernatural twist." [51:25]
8. "Scream With Me Horror Films and the Rise of American Feminism 1968-1980" by Eleanor Johnson
Hannah introduces this forthcoming non-fiction work exploring the intersection of horror cinema and feminism:
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Overview:
"Examines how horror films like 'Rosemary's Baby' and 'The Exorcist' reflect and critique issues of reproductive control and patriarchal oppression." [52:00]
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Significance:
"Highlights that true horror often lies in familiar domestic spaces, aligning with the struggles of women's rights." [53:53]
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Anticipation:
"A timely and insightful recognition of horror's role in shaping cultural dialogues about gender and power." [54:03]
Conclusion
Tina and Hannah wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of independent publishers in bringing diverse and unique voices to the literary world. They encourage listeners to explore the recommended titles, support indie presses, and continue nurturing a love for reading across all ages.
- Closing Remarks:
"If you enjoyed today's episode, you can help us by following wherever you listen and by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts... remember, everything's better with books." [54:03]
Listeners are directed to find links to all mentioned books in the show notes and are invited to connect with the hosts on social media and through their Patreon for exclusive content.
Notable Quotes
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Tina on Planning:
"It's sort of, like I said, a hybrid of a paper planner and journal." [05:18]
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Hannah on Independent Publishers:
"Independent publishers... have a niche subject or type of book that they are looking for in the things that they publish." [24:07]
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Tina on "It's Not the End of the World":
"What I have been loving lately... I have a relatively low key weekend coming up, which is nice." [03:02]
Final Thoughts
This episode serves as an insightful exploration into the realm of independent publishing, offering listeners a curated selection of books that might otherwise remain under the radar. Through candid discussions and thoughtful reviews, Tina and Hannah celebrate the diversity and creativity that indie presses bring to the literary landscape.
For more information and to listen to the full episode, visit Book Talk, etc. on your favorite podcast platform.