Podcast Summary: Book Talk, etc. – Episode: Easily Distracted by New Releases + Book Sampling

Release Date: May 13, 2025

Hosts:

• Tina (@tbreetc) from TBR Etc.
• Hannah (@hanpickedbooks) from Hand Picked Books

1. Introduction and Personal Updates

The episode begins with Tina and Hannah exchanging light-hearted remarks about their differing wardrobes suitable for varied climates, setting a friendly and relatable tone (00:02 – 01:09). They briefly discuss recent personal activities, such as birds they observed at a sanctuary and upcoming celebrations, including a birthday for Tina’s husband, Jonathan (02:01 – 02:35).

Notable Quote:

Tina [02:33]: "We are both easily distracted by new releases, so we're leaning into our love for them and sharing our thoughts."

2. Loving Lately: Current Favorites

Tina’s Favorite: Pact Clothing Tina shares her recent purchase from Pact, an ethical clothing company, highlighting their organic cotton products and sustainable practices. She praises their "soft spun tank midi dress" and efficient shipping and return policies (03:44 – 06:39). Tina appreciates the affordability compared to similar brands like Kinsey and Quince.

Hannah’s Favorite: EOS Shea Better Body Lotion Hannah discusses her love for EOS Shea Better Body Lotion, particularly the Vanilla Cashmere scent. She emphasizes the brand's sustainability efforts, including a partnership with TerraCycle for recycling containers (07:16 – 10:06). Both hosts agree on the lotion's pleasant scent and excellent texture.

Notable Quotes:

Tina [03:44]: "I got this cardigan here that I'm wearing. It is the softest thing I've ever worn. It is amazing."

Hannah [07:17]: "This lotion makes my legs stay and feel so soft and amazing, which is great for summer."

3. Book Reviews

A. Tina’s Review: We Are Watching by Alison Galen Tina discusses her experience with "We Are Watching," a thriller about a mother, Meg, who must protect her family from violent conspiracy theorists obsessed with her past work. She appreciated the intense plot but noted some miscommunication tropes and the need to suspend disbelief (10:33 – 16:01). Tina rates the book 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommends it for fans of conspiracy and cult-themed stories.

Tina [15:19]: "This book has some good elements, but I had to suspend my disbelief to enjoy it."

B. Hannah’s Review: The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden Hannah shares her thoughts on "The Warm Hands of Ghosts," a historical novel set during World War I. She was distracted by imagining the main characters as miniature people in a pillbox, which affected her connection with them. Despite appreciating the historical setting and medical details, she found the magical realism aspect lacking and the characters somewhat flat. She gives it a 3 out of 5 stars rating (16:01 – 21:26).

Hannah [19:07]: "The characters felt somewhat flat, more like observers than fully realized people."

4. Discussion on Book Sampling

Tina and Hannah delve into the concept of book sampling, sharing their personal experiences and the benefits of trying out a book before committing to reading it fully (21:56 – 32:25). They discuss how sampling can help in making informed decisions about which books to keep on their TBR (To Be Read) lists, especially in genres like literary fiction and historical fiction where writing style matters significantly.

Notable Insights:

• Tina: Initially hesitant to sample, Tina experimented and found it helpful in reducing her TBR clutter (22:09 – 27:00).
• Hannah: Encourages regular sampling to solidify book purchases and avoid unwanted additions to her collection (25:44 – 32:25).

Notable Quotes:

Hannah [23:33]: "Sampling can help you decide if there are any books that you're on the fence about."

Tina [24:09]: "Sampling is a really great way to pay attention to the books I'm most excited about."

5. Additional Book Reviews

A. Tina’s Review: Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay Tina reviews "Parents Weekend," a thriller centered around five families whose college-aged children mysteriously disappear during a Parents Weekend event. She found the book to have too many characters and felt the focus on parents rather than the missing students was lacking. Despite enjoying the FBI agent Sarah Keller character, she rates the book 3.75 out of 5 stars and notes the need to suspend disbelief (32:25 – 37:46).

Tina [36:52]: "The ending required a bit of suspension of disbelief, but overall, it was a good time."

B. Hannah’s Review: Isola by Allegra Goodman Hannah discusses "Isola," a historical fiction inspired by a 16th-century heroine. The novel follows Marguerite, who transforms from a privileged noblewoman to a resilient survivor on a small island. She praises the book's character development, research, and emotional depth, rating it 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommending it for fans of multi-generational family stories and historical perspectives (37:46 – 51:30).

Hannah [42:11]: "Isola is just not what I expected. It is delicate and slow and yet at times reads like a thriller."

6. Upcoming Releases and Recommendations

A. Tina’s Suggestion: Disco Witches of Fire Island by Blair Fell Tina introduces "Disco Witches of Fire Island," a novel blending 1980s queer witchcraft with a gay paradise setting. Scheduled for release on May 6th, the book follows Joe and Ronnie as they encounter a secret coven protecting the island (52:01 – 54:28).

B. Hannah’s Pick: The Red Knot by Monique Asher Set to release on August 26th, "The Red Knot" is a blend of occult mystery and small-town horror on an isolated Alaskan island. It follows Detective Audra investigating missing girls and a murdered therapist, uncovering dark island secrets (54:31 – 55:58).

Notable Quote:

Hannah [51:30]: "This is definitely an author that I'm going to return to, because so far both of her books have been five-star reads for me."

7. Conclusion

Tina and Hannah wrap up the episode by reminding listeners to follow them on various platforms, leave reviews, and consider joining their Patreon for exclusive content. They encourage book sampling as a strategy to enhance one's reading experience and manage TBR lists effectively (55:58 – 56:47).

Notable Quote:

Hannah [56:33]: "Remember, everything's better with books."

Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps:

• Tina [02:33]: "We are both easily distracted by new releases, so we're leaning into our love for them and sharing our thoughts."

• Tina [15:19]: "This book has some good elements, but I had to suspend my disbelief to enjoy it."

• Hannah [19:07]: "The characters felt somewhat flat, more like observers than fully realized people."

• Hannah [23:33]: "Sampling can help you decide if there are any books that you're on the fence about."

• Hannah [42:11]: "Isola is just not what I expected. It is delicate and slow and yet at times reads like a thriller."

• Hannah [51:30]: "This is definitely an author that I'm going to return to, because so far both of her books have been five-star reads for me."

Final Thoughts: This episode of Book Talk, etc. provides insightful discussions on recent book releases, the benefits of book sampling, and personal favorites from both hosts. Tina and Hannah offer honest reviews, blending their enthusiasm for new literature with practical advice for managing extensive TBR lists. Whether you’re a thriller aficionado or a historical fiction enthusiast, this episode delivers valuable recommendations and strategies to enhance your reading journey.