Book Talk, etc.
Episode: Easily Distracted by New Releases + How Expectations Impact Reading Experience
Date: March 17, 2026
Hosts: Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks)
Episode Overview
In this engaging episode of Book Talk, etc., Tina and Hannah dive into how the hype and their own expectations shape their reading experiences, especially when it comes to buzzy new releases. The hosts reflect on how being mood readers and content creators influences the way they approach hyped books, offering thoughtful discussion about the pressures and joys of staying current in the book world. Along the way, they recommend a mix of popular, underrated, and just-for-fun reads—plus share candid personal stories, a few dog tributes, and their recent obsessions.
Key Segments and Themes
Loving Lately
Timestamps: 02:29—10:21
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Tina’s Pick: Stacked Water
- What is it? Water with “boosters” like collagen, probiotics, electrolytes, lemon juice, etc., inspired by Jeffrey’s House on social media.
- Why she loves it: Fun, hydrating, and a way to avoid energy drinks.
- “It just makes me feel special…Jonathan’s been making these for me.” (03:16, Tina)
- Pro tip: Use a powerful rechargeable mixer to avoid ‘chunks’ in your drink! (06:06)
- Useful Links: Hosts mention linking recipes and recommended mixers in the show notes.
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Hannah’s Pick: Kindle Page-Turner Clicker
- What is it? A Bluetooth-powered remote that lets you turn pages hands-free on your Kindle.
- Why she loves it: Especially great for reading in bed or curled up “blind as a bat” with her Kindle close and font large.
- “This is a luxury that is necessary. I do not know why I waited so long to get it.” (09:36, Hannah)
- Real-life use: Makes late-night reading and reading with glasses off much easier.
- Pro tip: Pair with a gooseneck Kindle holder for even more comfort.
Latest Reads & Reviews
Timestamps: 11:16—21:28; 33:52—55:30
Tina’s Reads
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What Happens in the Dark by Kia Abdullah
(11:16)- Legal thriller with social justice themes and twisty, morally gray characters.
- Follows estranged best friends Safa (journalist) and Lily (TV presenter) whose lives collide after a murder and a serial killer storyline.
- What stood out: Two rich storylines, focus on East Asian women, open-ended but satisfying.
- “Kia Abdullah is always going to give you a social justice tie-in, a gray area that’s really going to challenge you, and a twist or two.” (14:06, Tina)
- Rating: High—second favorite from Abdullah.
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Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams
(33:53)- Claustrophobic, twisty thriller about two friends trapped in a cave with an ominous stranger.
- Personal expectations: Tina loved No Exit but hated Hairpin Bridge, came in wary but open.
- “I think that the casual thriller reader will love this…It had great elements of caving…I just didn’t buy everything hook, line and sinker.” (35:41, Tina)
- Critique: Struggles with male authors writing female protagonists authentically.
- Rating: 3.75 stars; expects it to make the Goodreads Choice Awards list but “lukewarm recommendation.”
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Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hawkhouser
(42:20)- Cinderella reimagining from the stepmother’s point of view—NOT a typical retelling.
- “This book is flawless to the point where I’m not even holding it because I’ve already lent my copy out. It is Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hawkhouser. This book is everything.” (45:12, Tina)
- Themes: Motherhood, societal pressures, and the complexities of being a woman.
- Warning/joke: “If you do not like this book, do not tell me. I don’t want to hear it.” (42:22, Tina)
- Status: Favorite book of the year so far.
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Shelf Addition: Little Wild by Laura Evans
(55:32)- Described as a feminist fairy tale; set in 1937 Suffolk, features forbidden love and hints of dark, magical transformation.
- Tina is intrigued by the cover and premise: “Maybe that’s my brand of fantasy—feminist fairy tale.” (55:40, Tina)
- Release: June; unsure genre blend—historical/fantasy/fairy tale.
Hannah’s Reads
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The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
(16:24)- Epic fantasy, dark academia, political intrigue, and murder mystery in a lush empire setting.
- Long and immersive: “This took me all of February to read…almost a five star read for me. Maybe 4.5.” (17:00, Hannah)
- Best parts: Political intrigue and beautiful writing.
- Slight letdown: The romance felt forced.
- Series info: First in a trilogy; book two not yet announced.
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The Swamps by Seraphina Nova Glass
(38:23)- Paranormal-tinged thriller set in the Louisiana bayou; think Ghost Hunters meets missing persons YouTube sleuthing.
- Strengths: Vivid, atmospheric swampy setting; creepy comedic side characters (landlord and handyman).
- “The atmosphere in general was just…I think this book’s biggest strength.” (41:01, Hannah)
- Downside: “The twist almost ruined the entire book for me…it just felt cliche and cheap.” (41:27, Hannah)
- Summary: A ‘cheap thrill’—fun and fast, but not a top recommendation.
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The Best Dog in the World: Essays on Love, edited by Alice Hoffman
(48:29)- Nonfiction essay collection featuring famous authors (Emily Henry, Jodi Picoult, Roxane Gay, Bonnie Garmus, etc.) and their soul dogs.
- Touching and relatable for dog lovers:
- “[It’s] a heartwarming and tender collection of people sharing their experiences with their dogs…if you’ve loved a dog, then this would be a good balm for your soul.” (52:19, Hannah)
- Favorite anecdote: Emily Henry on “anatomically improbable” dogs, Bonnie Garmus naming her dog after a number.
- Both hosts share sweet stories of their own soul dogs, Maddox (Tina) and Punkin/Victor (Hannah). (53:12–55:22)
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Shelf Addition: In Her Defense by Philippa Malika
(58:15)- Rhys’s Book Club pick; twisty legal/domestic thriller about a therapist on trial, disputed memories, and who controls a family’s truth.
- Appeal: Praised debuts and the promise of “compulsively readable, but not too heavy” themes.
Discussion: How Expectations and Hype Impact Reading Experiences
Timestamps: 21:28—33:52
- Both hosts explore how the hype around new releases affects reader enjoyment and engagement as public-facing reviewers.
- Hannah: Hype can feel intimidating—sometimes pulls away from buzzy titles, especially if worried about not liking them.
- “I felt like something was wrong with me because I didn’t adore [Fourth Wing].” (24:10, Hannah)
- Tina: Tends to read ARCs/early copies, so sometimes misses both the pressure and the thrill of the hype wave. Finds herself less motivated to read super-popular books after the fact.
- Both agree: Early reading allows for genuine, uninfluenced impressions. Hype can make readers overly critical or force them into contrarian roles.
- “Do you believe…people are pickier with books that are hyped and…looking for flaws?” (27:07, Tina)
- “Yes, I think so.” (27:19, Hannah)
- Reviewer responsibility: Being balanced—share what you loved but also forewarn who may not love it and why.
- “I always try and say I loved it because I love her writing…But you might not like it if you don’t like X, Y and Z.” (29:26, Tina)
- Advice for readers: Track your own patterns with buzz versus off-the-radar books; consider genre preferences and reflect on what truly excites you.
Memorable Quotes
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“The hype is real. And just do me a favor, listeners, and sort of go in with an open mind. And if it’s overhyped for you, don’t tell me.”
—Tina on Lady Tremaine (45:40) -
“This is a luxury that is necessary. I do not know why I waited so long to get [the Kindle clicker].”
—Hannah (09:36) -
“When a book is really, really, really hyped…sometimes I am like, oh, I want to take a step back and maybe give it a minute.”
—Hannah (23:32) -
“I think it can make a mid book…make you feel bad, when in reality it was just good. But because it was so hyped, you’re like, ‘I didn’t like this!’ You can be harder on it.”
—Hannah (27:23) -
“I do think there are people…that are like, great, this is a popular book, I’m gonna find all the flaws.”
—Tina (28:19) -
“If you’ve had the chance to have a dog like that, it just like really changes you, positively.”
—Hannah (54:12)
Notable & Fun Moments
- Banter about bangs and beauty routines (01:13)
- Hilarious struggle pronouncing “spoon” and “Scooters”—Chicago accent in full force (61:21—62:13)
- Both share emotional stories about their soul dogs, blending book talk with heartfelt reminiscence.
- Reflections on the drama/fandom around Wuthering Heights adaptations and the fun of book community discourse (33:10)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 02:29 — Tina’s “stacked water” loving lately
- 07:03 — Hannah’s Kindle clicker rave
- 11:16 — Tina’s review: What Happens in the Dark by Kia Abdullah
- 16:24 — Hannah’s review: The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
- 21:28 — Deep dive: How expectation & hype impact reading
- 33:53 — Tina’s review: Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams
- 38:23 — Hannah’s review: The Swamps by Seraphina Nova Glass
- 42:20 — Tina’s rave: Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hawkhouser
- 48:29 — Hannah’s “Best Dog in the World” essay collection
- 55:32 — Shelf additions: Little Wild by Laura Evans; In Her Defense by Philippa Malika
- 61:21–62:13 — Chicago accent, “Spoon” and “Scooters” banter
Final Thoughts
This episode captures the nuanced pleasures and pitfalls of reading deeply within book community culture, with a perfect mix of buzzy releases and under-the-radar gems. Tina and Hannah’s chemistry, warmth, and honest insights are especially valuable for readers trying to find their place amid the ceaseless “hype cycle”—and for anyone who just loves books (and dogs).
Further Information
- Full list of recommended and discussed books available in the show notes
- Connect with the hosts:
- Instagram & YouTube: @booktoketc
- Tina: @tbr.etc
- Hannah: @handpickedbooks
“Everything’s better with books.” (Hannah, 60:36)