Podcast Summary: Book Talk, etc. – "Celebrating Pride with Queer Genre-Fiction"

Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host/Authors: Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks)
Description: A book recommendation podcast that's bound to grow your TBR!

Introduction and Personal Banter

The episode opens with Tina and Hannah engaging in light-hearted banter, playfully mispronouncing words like "Spruce" and "Spiff," setting a relaxed and friendly tone for the discussion.

Notable Quote:

• Hannah [00:00]: "Obviously we can like Spur Spurf. I don't know what the hell that word is."

Patreon Promotion

Tina introduces their Patreon platform, highlighting the benefits for supporters, including access to exclusive bonus content, a supportive community, and special events like their monthly community read.

Notable Quote:

• Tina [00:29]: "Patreon is an online membership platform that gives you a way to financially support our podcast and for $5 a month you get access to all of our bonus content."

Personal Updates and Activities

Tina shares her enthusiasm for bird watching, detailing the variety of birds they’ve been observing and recommending the Merlin app for bird identification.

Notable Quotes:

• Tina [03:41]: "We got a lot of bird feeders in the backyard, a bird bath back there. When I tell you it is a full Animal Planet."
• Hannah [04:55]: "I go, did I turn you onto it? She's like, no, I don't think so."

Exploring Queer Genre-Fiction

The core of the episode focuses on celebrating Pride through the lens of queer genre-fiction. Tina and Hannah discuss their intentional selection of books featuring queer characters who are confidently living their identities rather than exploring the coming-out process. They deliberate on the categorization of LGBTQ+ literature, agreeing that queerness should be an integral aspect of various genres rather than a standalone genre.

Notable Quotes:

• Hannah [23:21]: "I think LGBTQ books can subvert traditional genres and tropes... but I wouldn't consider it a genre in and of itself."
• Tina [25:08]: "It sort of makes it too narrow."

Book Reviews and Recommendations

1. "Staircase in the Woods" by Chuck Wendig

A horror novel about friends revisiting a mysterious staircase in the forest twenty years after one of them disappeared.

Discussion Highlights:

• Both hosts rated the book highly, appreciating its character development and horror elements.
• Tina praised the audiobook narration by Exy Sands for enhancing the experience.
• Hannah noted the book’s self-awareness and creative plot twists.

Notable Quotes:

• Hannah [14:21]: "This was definitely a five plus star for me."
• Tina [15:40]: "It’s a horror trope that I really, really like."

2. "A Gentleman’s Gentleman" by T.J. Alexander

A historical Regency romance featuring a trans protagonist navigating societal expectations and personal identity.

Discussion Highlights:

• Tina admired the wit and character depth, comparing it to "Bridgerton" but with a deeper exploration of identity.
• The narrative’s slow burn and authentic relationships were highlighted as strengths.

Notable Quotes:

• Tina [30:03]: "It really is Bridgerton-esque... nothing I like more than old timey burn."
• Hannah [31:22]: "It would be a good comp if you enjoyed Bridgerton or books like that."

3. "Rainbow Black" by Maggie Thrash

A contemporary mystery set against the backdrop of the Satanic Panic of the 1990s, focusing on a queer protagonist fighting against mass hysteria and personal trauma.

Discussion Highlights:

• Hannah praised its rich character study and historical setting.
• The book’s exploration of sisterhood, queerness, and legal drama resonated strongly with both hosts.

Notable Quotes:

• Hannah [36:49]: "I have found my brand. This is an easy five stars from me."
• Tina [44:06]: "I really love that we brought these books that we love."

4. "Disappoint Me" by Nicola Dinan

A contemporary exploration of heteronormativity through the eyes of a trans woman in her early 30s, grappling with identity and societal expectations.

Discussion Highlights:

• Tina lauded the book for its deep character exploration and relatable struggles.
• The dual narrative perspective added depth to the storytelling.

Notable Quotes:

• Tina [40:41]: "This book is fabulous. It is fantastic."
• Hannah [43:08]: "Max's biggest fear is staying too long at the party."

5. "Girl Serpent Thorn" by Melissa Bashardoust

A young adult standalone fantasy inspired by Persian folklore, featuring a cursed princess seeking freedom from her fate.

Discussion Highlights:

• Hannah found the pacing and character development flawless.
• The love triangle and themes of family, belonging, and identity were well-received, though some wished for a more pronounced romance.

Notable Quotes:

• Hannah [47:07]: "It was just so fun and engaging and had so many surprises."
• Tina [48:33]: "It’s a YA book, so... it forms a good blend."

6. "The Salvage" by Anbara Salaam

Set in 1962 Scotland, this ghostly mystery follows a marine archaeologist uncovering artifacts from a Victorian shipwreck while encountering supernatural phenomena.

Discussion Highlights:

• Tina was excited by the blend of ghosts, winter storms, and maritime mystery.
• The book's setting in Scotland added a unique atmospheric element.

Notable Quotes:

• Tina [48:13]: "You have ghosts, you got a winter storm, you got spooky under the water stuff."
• Hannah [50:19]: "I like that title, the Salvage."

7. "Kind of Trouble" by Tochi Ezzi

A powerful debut that delves into forbidden love, family legacy, and mental health across generations in Nigeria and Atlanta.

Discussion Highlights:

• Hannah appreciated its exploration of generational trauma and mental health.
• The multi-generational narrative and rich character arcs were highlighted as strengths.

Notable Quotes:

• Hannah [51:47]: "It's a powerful debut about forbidden love, family legacy, and the search for healing in a changing world."

Conclusion and Closing Remarks

Tina and Hannah wrap up the episode by reiterating their book selections and expressing their enthusiasm for the stories they’ve discussed. They encourage listeners to follow them on various platforms, leave reviews, and support their Patreon for exclusive content.

Notable Quotes:

• Tina [52:07]: "All right, well, that's it for today. We thank you for spending a part of your day with us."
• Hannah [53:08]: "Talk to you next week. And in the meantime, remember, everything's better with book."

This episode of Book Talk, etc. offers a rich exploration of queer genre-fiction, celebrating diverse narratives that highlight characters confidently living their identities across various genres. With thoughtful reviews and insightful discussions, Tina and Hannah provide listeners with engaging recommendations perfect for Pride celebrations and beyond.