Podcast Summary: Book Talk, etc. Episode: Easily Distracted by New Releases and Defending Our Book Collections
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Hosts: Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks)

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Book Talk, etc., hosts Tina and Hannah delve into their passion for new book releases and the challenges of maintaining extensive book collections. Skipping the initial casual chatter, the conversation swiftly transitions into meaningful discussions about their latest reads, resources for TV show enthusiasts, and the societal pressures surrounding book ownership.

Loving Lately: TV Show Recommendations

Timestamp: [04:00] – [06:05]

Tina introduces Jock from Jock's Watch List, a multifaceted creator active on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Jock offers deep dives into under-the-radar TV shows, akin to "bookstagram" but dedicated to television. Tina praises Jock's ability to recommend shows based on viewers' preferences, highlighting her weekly updates on new TV releases.

Tina: "She does the same thing as new release Tuesday videos with books but for television." [04:55]

Hannah shares her enthusiasm for finding television discussions through her obsession with the show Severance, expressing her intent to explore Jock's content further.

Hannah: "I'm going to be searching that when we're off of here to see if they have anything to say about the shows that I'm watching right now." [05:40]

Loving Lately: Recipe Hub - Brock Your Body

Timestamp: [07:16] – [10:40]

Hannah recommends Brock Your Body, a comprehensive recipe hub she discovered while seeking new meal ideas. The website stands out with its user-friendly design and specific Trader Joe's recipes, catering to fans of the store's unique ingredients.

Hannah: "I love a good recipe website. That's not me too. You know what I mean?" [08:22]

Tina echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of accessible and aesthetically pleasing recipe resources.

Tina: "I love Brock your Body, which I quite like as a title." [10:19]

Both hosts appreciate the simplicity and creativity of the recipes, noting their alignment with their shopping preferences at Trader Joe's and Aldi.

Defending Our Book Collections

Timestamp: [23:07] – [27:49]

Tina addresses the backlash against large book collections, advocating for the value of owning books and dismissing the notion that having many books is inherently negative.

Tina: "There are way worse things to spend your money on than books." [24:09]

Hannah shares her practical approach to managing her collection, emphasizing the importance of owning books she loves and frequently references through her podcast.

Hannah: "I do have some stress right now with the amount of books that I have, but not because of books that I have on my shelves that are unread." [26:09]

The conversation emphasizes that owning a substantial book collection is a personal choice and not a measure of one's reading habits.

Where They Buy Books

Timestamp: [29:55] – [36:45]

Hannah discusses her preferred bookstores, including Barnes and Noble and local independent stores, highlighting the unique setup of her local indie bookstore that combines separate buildings for children’s and adult books.

Hannah: "I love shopping there... it's adorable." [30:47]

Tina complements this by sharing her reliance on secondhand markets and local bookstores, expressing decision fatigue when selecting new books but finding satisfaction in discovering titles she enjoys.

Tina: "I have the worst decision fatigue when I enter a bookstore." [31:25]

Both hosts emphasize the joy of owning physical books and the challenges of balancing collection size with available space.

Book Reviews

1. Back after this by Linda Holmes

Timestamp: [12:30] – [17:11]

Tina reviews her latest read, Back after this by Linda Holmes, praising its authentic characters and relatable workplace dynamics centered around podcast production.

Tina: "She's sharp, very funny, and a little bit work obsessed, which I found very relatable." [13:07]

Hannah appreciates the audiobook narration by Linda Holmes, noting that it enhanced her listening experience.

Hannah: "I loved Evie Drake Starts Over." [16:58]

2. The Empusium by Olga Takarczyk

Timestamp: [17:11] – [22:44]

Hannah provides a thoughtful critique of The Empusium, highlighting its slow-building suspense and exploration of women's mental health within a historical context.

Hannah: "This is one of the slowest, but not in a bad way, but one of the like slowest and most thoughtful books I've ever read." [17:42]

Tina relates to Hannah’s experience, sharing her own uncertainties regarding the author's intentions.

Tina: "Do I stick it out? I think it's fine." [22:09]

3. Tilt by Emma Petit

Timestamp: [37:21] – [41:35]

Tina discusses Tilt, a debut novel centered around Annie, a pregnant woman navigating the chaos of a massive earthquake in Portland. She praises the book's introspective elements but expresses disappointment with its fulfillment as a thriller.

Tina: "It did a great job making you pause and think about what would I do in this situation." [39:12]

Hannah acknowledges mixed reviews but commends Tina for providing a balanced perspective.

Hannah: "I think you did a really good job setting that up." [41:12]

4. We Rip the World Apart by Charlene Carr

Timestamp: [41:35] – [45:12]

Hannah reviews We Rip the World Apart, a multi-generational story exploring motherhood, race, and family secrets. She appreciates the book's distinct character timelines but finds it overshadowed by similar works.

Hannah: "I think it's because I loved Good Dirt so much. And this one just got really blurry to me." [45:12]

Tina reflects on how similar thematic elements between books can impact the reading experience.

Tina: "A book that isn't standing out for you. And it's nothing necessarily, it's just sort of blurry." [46:38]

5. Broken Country by Claire Leslie Hall

Timestamp: [46:44] – [50:19]

Tina enthusiastically endorses Broken Country, a Reese’s Book Club pick, for its immersive storytelling and emotional depth. She highlights the book's ability to intertwine past and present narratives seamlessly.

Tina: "This book was emotional and the stakes were high. I don't think there was, like, a dry moment in this entire book." [48:18]

Hannah expresses excitement about reading and discussing the book's engaging plot.

Hannah: "Oh, I love when a book has, like, a love triangle or, like, there's multiple love interests and you can't choose." [50:19]

6. Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone

Timestamp: [50:37] – [54:25]

Hannah explores Promise Me Sunshine, a slow-burn romance about Lenny, who is grieving the loss of her best friend while navigating a new relationship. She praises the book's emotional depth and character development.

Hannah: "It's a very slow burn and I think it would definitely be skippable easier for this one than, you know, some of the other romance books that I have read." [54:25]

Tina appreciates Hannah's detailed analysis, reinforcing the book's strengths.

Tina: "Love this book. You would love this book. I think I would really eat it up." [50:36]

7. Liquid A Love Story by Mariam Rahmani

Timestamp: [54:43] – [56:59]

Tina reviews Liquid A Love Story, critiquing its classification as a romantic comedy due to its heavy plot involving a family tragedy that compels the protagonist to confront personal issues.

Tina: "I think it sounds great. I also love somebody that tries to like man manufacturer this perfect dating scenario." [56:35]

Hannah finds the premise intriguing, suggesting a diverse reading experience.

Hannah: "That one sounds really interesting to me." [56:37]

8. Buffalo Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones

Timestamp: [57:12] – [58:37]

Hannah introduces Buffalo Hunter, a horror novel focusing on a Lutheran pastor uncovering a diary from 1912 that reveals a massacre. She praises Stephen Graham Jones for his masterful storytelling and immersive horror elements.

Hannah: "Although I don't always love religious stuff in books, I do love mixed media. And I do trust this author." [57:30]

Tina echoes the excitement, expressing her eagerness to read the vengeance-driven narrative.

Tina: "I want this book so bad. I want it so much." [57:17]

Conclusion

Timestamp: [58:37] – End

As the episode wraps up, Tina and Hannah reflect on the balance of their book discussions, acknowledging the mix of positive and critical reviews they've shared. They encourage listeners to explore the books mentioned and engage with their content across various platforms.

Tina: "If you enjoyed today's episode, you can help us by following wherever you listen and by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts." [59:06]

Hannah: "Remember, everything's better with books." [59:06]

Listeners are invited to connect with the hosts via email and social media, and to access exclusive content through their Patreon page.

Notable Quotes:

• Tina on Book Collections: "There are way worse things to spend your money on than books." [24:09]

• Hannah on Book Collections: "I'm starting to run into a problem where the books that I want to have a place on my shelves, I'm like, I'm going to need a couple of new bookshelves." [26:09]

• Tina on "Back after this": "She's sharp, very funny, and a little bit work obsessed, which I found very relatable." [13:07]

• Hannah on "The Empusium": "This is one of the slowest, but not in a bad way, but one of the like slowest and most thoughtful books I've ever read." [17:42]

• Tina on "Broken Country": "This book was emotional and the stakes were high. I don't think there was, like, a dry moment in this entire book." [48:18]

For more detailed discussions and to listen to the full episode, visit Book Talk, etc. on your preferred podcast platform.