Podcast Summary: "Easily Distracted By New Releases + Book Aesthetics We Love and Loathe"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Book Talk, etc.
• Hosts: Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks)
• Description: A book recommendation podcast that's bound to grow your TBR!
• Episode: Easily Distracted By New Releases + Book Aesthetics We Love and Loathe
• Release Date: April 15, 2025

1. Welcoming Remarks and Personal Updates

The episode kicks off with Tina and Hannah sharing light-hearted personal anecdotes, setting a relaxed and conversational tone.

• Early Morning Recording: Hannah mentions enjoying the warmer weather and adapting to recording on a Saturday morning.

  • Hannah [00:59]: "We're recording on a Saturday morning, which is new for us, but I kind of like it."

• Breakfast Banter: The hosts humorously discuss their non-traditional breakfast habits, revealing personal quirks.

  • Tina [01:10]: "Breakfast with Tina and Hannah. Now, neither one of us eat breakfast though, to be clear."
  • Hannah [02:02]: "I feel like [having lunch for breakfast] is the acceptable hour at which I could eat lunch food for breakfast."

2. Shout-Out to Supporters

Tina expresses heartfelt gratitude towards one of their patrons, Dani, for creating an extensive spreadsheet cataloging all books mentioned across the podcast.

• Acknowledging Dani's Effort:
  • Tina [02:44]: "There is a spreadsheet for our patrons that has every book we have mentioned... it's such a great resource."
  • Hannah [04:05]: "I was so impressed and shocked when you were telling me about it... I'm just in awe of Dani."

This segment highlights the community-driven aspect of the podcast and encourages listeners to become patrons for exclusive content.

3. Personal Recommendations: Coffee and Comfort

The hosts transition to sharing personal favorites and daily comforts, providing a glimpse into their lives beyond books.

• Tina's Iced Coffee Recipe:

  • Tina [04:26]: "Cafe Bastello espresso style dark roast instant coffee... add hot water and a little bit of sugar-free caramel syrup."
  • She discusses switching from store-bought iced coffee to a more economical and customizable homemade version.

• Hannah's Heating Pad Choice:

  • Hannah [08:39]: "My current heating pad gets really hot, is soft, and comes in various animal prints, making it aesthetically pleasing."
  • She emphasizes the importance of comfort items in managing back pain, recommending a specific electric heating pad available for purchase.

4. Book Discussions: Current Reads

a. "Tell Me What You Did" by Carter Wilson

Tina delves deep into her latest read, providing an enthusiastic and detailed review.

• Plot Overview:

  • Tina [10:31]: "It's about PO Wilson, a true crime podcaster who invites anonymous confessions of crimes on her show... one day, a man claiming to be her mother's murderer appears."

• Unique Storytelling:

  • Tina [12:10]: "The book includes hyperlinks to an actress portraying PO Wilson, creating an immersive mixed-media experience."

• Engagement and Emotional Impact:

  • Tina [15:54]: "I could not put this down. It's one of those books where I was staying up late trying to read it, even sweating at certain points."

• Recommendation:

  • She highly recommends the book for its compelling narrative and complex characters, awarding it a five-star rating.

b. "The Names" by Florence Knapp

Hannah shares her profound appreciation for this historical fiction novel, highlighting its emotional depth and unique structure.

• Plot Overview:

  • Hannah [19:10]: "Cora's hesitation in naming her newborn son triggers three alternate timelines spanning 35 years, exploring the consequences of domestic abuse."

• Literary Merit:

  • Hannah [23:06]: "It is one of the most unique and original stories I have ever read... deeply explores themes of domestic violence and self-determination."

• Personal Connection:

  • Hannah [24:04]: "This book feels like a favorite of my life... it's immersive and unsettling in the best way."

• Recommendation:

  • She highly recommends it for readers interested in layered characters and profound emotional narratives.

5. Book Aesthetics: Likes and Dislikes

The hosts transition into an engaging discussion about book aesthetics, exploring various design elements that appeal to them and those they find off-putting.

a. Aesthetics They Love

• Deckled Edges:

  • Hannah [26:51]: "I love deckled edges. They add a beautiful, tactile element to the book."
  • Tina [27:18]: "I like to feel the pages there. Deckled edges have a really nice feel in your hand."

• Arcs:

  • Tina [27:50]: "I'm an arc collector. I love how floppy an arc is—it’s pleasing to hold more than a regular paperback."

b. Aesthetics They Loathe

• Mass Market Paperbacks:

  • Tina [32:10]: "I hate mass market paperbacks. They feel more daunting and squatter compared to other formats."
  • Hannah [31:22]: "I won't buy a book with inside blurbs... I hate it."

• Cover Elements:

  • Hannah [37:41]: "Water Moon by Samantha Soto has a beautiful cover, but some borders feel awkward to me."
  • Tina [35:07]: "I hate the COVID book's price tag sticker. Remove it immediately."

• Fonts and Layouts:

  • Hannah [36:55]: "Words written vertically can be confusing and break the reading flow."
  • Tina [36:45]: "I love all-caps, non-serif fonts for titles—they're fun and stand out."

6. Additional Book Reviews

a. "Hot Air" by Marcy Durmanski

Hannah presents her thoughts on this complex and polarizing novel.

• Plot Overview:

  • Hannah [43:10]: "A billionaire crashes his hot air balloon into a first date, leading to a tangled web of money, marriage, and revenge."

• Literary Style and Themes:

  • Hannah [43:59]: "The story navigates lust, ambition, and unexpected desires, unraveling in a chaotic and compelling manner."

• Personal Reflection:

  • Hannah [43:10]: "Every time I finish a Marcy Durmanski book, I have to sit and reflect because of her skillful yet infuriating storytelling."

• Recommendation:

  • Despite mixed feelings, Hannah recommends the book for its unique exploration of money's impact on relationships and its engaging narrative.

b. "The Quiet Librarian" by Alan Eskins Atkins

Tina shares her enthusiastic review of this mystery novel that intertwines dual timelines.

• Plot Overview:

  • Tina [42:31]: "Hannah Bevitch, a quiet librarian in Minnesota with a traumatic past in Bosnia, must protect her grandson while uncovering her best friend's murder."

• Storytelling Technique:

  • Tina [43:21]: "The dual timelines—past in Bosnia and present in Minnesota—are gripping and seamlessly integrated."

• Emotional Depth:

  • Tina [43:21]: "The book delivers strong emotional narratives and a satisfying ending that elevates it beyond a typical thriller."

• Recommendation:

  • Tina highly recommends it for fans of mystery, suspense, and historical fiction with deep emotional layers, praising its layered characters and compelling plot.

7. Upcoming Releases

a. "The Missing Half" by Ashley Flowers with Alex Kyster

Tina introduces this pre-release thriller co-authored by the popular podcast host of Crime Junkie.

• Plot Overview:

  • Tina [48:24]: "Nicole Monroe investigates the disappearance of her sister Casey and another missing woman, forming a bond with Jules's sister Jenna to uncover the truth."

• Narrative Tone:

  • Tina [52:37]: "The audiobook, narrated by Saskia Marlevelde, sets a haunted and intense tone that enhances the thriller aspect."

• Personal Insight:

  • Tina [54:57]: "Despite mixed reviews of the author's previous work, this book felt original and engaging."

• Recommendation:

  • Tina recommends it for readers who enjoy dark mysteries with complex relationships and satisfying conclusions.

b. "Big Beautiful Life" by Emily Henry

Hannah previews this upcoming romantic novel, discussing its blend of mystery and romance.

• Plot Overview:

  • Hannah [63:29]: "Two authors compete to write the biography of a reclusive figure, leading to a romantic and mysterious entanglement as they uncover pieces of her story."

• Comparison to Previous Works:

  • Hannah [55:17]: "It combines elements from her popular books like 'Book Lovers' and adds a new mystery dimension reminiscent of Taylor Jenkins Reid."

• Personal Reflection:

  • Hannah [55:21]: "While not her favorite, it's an enjoyable addition for fans who appreciate Emily Henry's exploration of romance intertwined with intriguing plot elements."

• Recommendation:

  • She suggests it for readers who enjoy romantic novels with added layers of mystery and character development.

c. "The Storm" by Rachel Hawkins

Tina discusses this forthcoming gothic suspense novel set against a backdrop of natural disasters and historical mysteries.

• Plot Overview:

  • Tina [60:16]: "Geneva, owner of the Rosalie Inn, collaborates with a writer researching past murders during hurricanes, only to have Lo Bailey—the accused murderer—return to clear her name amidst another impending storm."

• Setting and Themes:

  • Tina [60:19]: "Set in St. Medard's Bay, Alabama, it combines elements of gothic suspense with the ever-present threat of hurricanes."

• Personal Insight:

  • Tina [60:33]: "Though concerned due to her previous experience with the author, she remains intrigued by the setting and premise."

• Recommendation:

  • Tina expresses interest but remains cautious, indicating she will approach the book with an open mind despite past reservations.

d. "The Lilac People" by Milo Todd

Hannah introduces this new historical fiction novel focusing on transgender history during World War II.

• Plot Overview:

  • Hannah [62:05]: "Set in 1932 Berlin, it follows Bertie, a trans man, and his girlfriend Sophie as they flee Nazi oppression, adopt new identities, and shelter a young trans survivor."

• Historical Significance:

  • Hannah [62:02]: "Inspired by true events, it sheds light on a largely unknown chapter of World War II and transgender history."

• Personal Motivation:

  • Hannah [62:07]: "Excited to explore more of transgender history and contribute to telling these important stories."

• Recommendation:

  • She highly recommends it for readers interested in historical fiction that highlights marginalized communities and untold histories.

8. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating their appreciation for their listeners and encouraging engagement through social media and Patreon.

• Final Thoughts:
  • Tina [65:19]: "Thank you for spending a part of your day with us... everything's better with books."
  • Hannah [65:58]: "Shared stories are better when shared."

They remind listeners to access show notes for links to mentioned books and invite them to join their Patreon for exclusive content, fostering a sense of community and ongoing engagement.

Notable Quotes:

• Tina [15:54]: "I could not put this down. It's one of those books where I was staying up late trying to read it, even sweating at certain points."
• Hannah [23:06]: "It is one of the most unique and original stories I have ever read... deeply explores themes of domestic violence and self-determination."
• Tina [43:21]: "Both timelines were gripping, and the ending was fantastic."
• Hannah [36:55]: "Words written vertically can be confusing and break the reading flow."

This episode of "Book Talk, etc." seamlessly blends personal anecdotes with in-depth book reviews and lively discussions on book aesthetics. Tina and Hannah provide their listeners with thoughtful recommendations, engaging analyses, and a sense of camaraderie that makes "Book Talk, etc." a must-listen for avid book lovers looking to expand their TBR and engage in meaningful literary conversations.