Podcast Summary: Book Talk, Etc. – "Easily Distracted by New Releases (July 2025) + Chatting About Our Library Habits"
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 Title: Easily Distracted by New Releases (July 2025) + Chatting About Our Library Habits
- Release Date: July 15, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Book Talk, Etc., hosts Tina and Hannah dive into the whirlwind world of new book releases while also sharing their personal library habits. The conversation seamlessly blends book recommendations with practical tips on utilizing library resources, making it a delightful listen for avid readers and library enthusiasts alike.
Community Engagement and Library Involvement
[00:53] Tina and Hannah kick off the episode by highlighting their recent activities with their Patreon community. Tina shares a memorable experience from a "reading et cetera" creativity sprint designed to boost patron engagement:
"We sort of did it in like a pomodoro style when we would work for 20 minutes and then we would chat a little bit. I had so much fun with that." – Tina [02:27]
Hannah echoes the success of this initiative, emphasizing the community's positive response:
"It was such a good opportunity to connect as readers, but also as people outside of our reading lives too." – Hannah [02:27]
They discuss upcoming plans to continue fostering this interactive environment, enhancing both their content and community bonds.
Exploring New Book Releases
1. "You Killed Me First" by John Marrs
[12:46] Tina reviews this gripping domestic suspense novel, noting its rapid pace and intense storytelling:
"The chapters were very short, flying through them... it's a really, really solid mystery and thriller." – Tina [02:27]
She appreciates the book's ability to maintain suspense despite minor narrative hiccups, making it an entertaining yet flawed read.
Hannah adds her thoughts, describing it as a quintessential John Marrs novel that balances dark themes with pulpy enjoyment:
"His books really are just like that. Perfect blend of dark and gritty, but also kind of pulpy and fun." – Hannah [14:29]
2. "Lovely War" by Julie Berry
[15:09] Hannah introduces this young adult historical fiction, praising its unique retelling set against World War I:
"The story that is created here is so distinctive and unique. I loved using this retelling format to tell the story." – Hannah [15:40]
She highlights the book’s balance of hope and hardship, as well as its respectful depiction of black American history during the war, making it a heartfelt and educational read.
Tina concurs, recalling her own experience with similar reread challenges and the joy of revisiting beloved stories:
"I feel like I am seeing show up a lot in the very current market... something like a train or a car or a chase across America." – Tina [59:11]
3. "My Friends" by Fredrik Backman
[19:41] Hannah shares her enthusiasm for Backman's latest work, emphasizing its exploration of friendship and interconnected lives:
"It's about friendship and connection through conversation, storytelling, listening and asking curious questions." – Hannah [22:33]
She praises the novel's ability to weave past and present narratives, showcasing the profound impact of teenage friendships on a stranger’s life.
Tina adds her excitement, noting plans to read and discuss the book further:
"I'm so glad it worked for you. I will still be reading that myself." – Tina [44:28]
4. "When the Wolf Comes Home" by Nat Cassidy
[25:18] Tina introduces this surreal thriller, detailing its complex narrative and unique storytelling techniques:
"It's very weird... but you get a very satisfying explanation." – Tina [26:26]
She commends the author’s ability to surprise readers and explores themes of identity and survival, making it a standout addition to her top ten books of the year.
Hannah echoes Tina’s sentiments, appreciating Cassidy’s distinctive voice and the book’s immersive quality:
"It feels like old school horror, but it's not like Stephen King." – Hannah [50:21]
5. "So Far Gone" by Jess Walter
[52:00] Hannah discusses this high-stakes adventure novel, praising its blend of humor, emotion, and socio-political commentary:
"It really showed the flaws in all types of extremist thinking... it made the reader think about their own biases." – Hannah [54:32]
The book’s road trip narrative across a fragmented America provides both thrill and introspection, making it a perfect summer read.
Tina adds her support, noting the book's creative premise and the effective portrayal of contemporary issues:
"I think that was one of those where it's like in the synopsis... it sounds like they did it really well." – Tina [54:45]
Supporting Libraries: Tips and Resources
[20:22] The hosts emphasize the importance of supporting libraries, introducing valuable resources such as Kelly Jensen's initiative through Book Riot and Carmen from Tomes and Textiles' funding guidance:
"If you're a library lover, it's really quick. I was doing it right before we started recording and just sort of sending my emails." – Tina [22:33]
They encourage listeners to take actionable steps to aid library funding, highlighting the critical role libraries play beyond just lending books.
Personal Library Habits
[23:00] Hannah shares her family’s involvement in the Beanstalk summer reading program:
"My oldest, who is 7, is really excited about the reading program this year. Last year she took part in it, but this is the first year that she is able to read the challenges herself." – Hannah [23:00]
Tina discusses her extensive use of the Libby app for managing multiple book copies and staying immersed in her reading:
"I am always putting holds on both [audiobooks and E copies]... It’s not all about getting through books quickly." – Tina [25:18]
Hannah complements Tina’s methods by detailing her selective audiobook holds and the joy of "bookshopping" through the library’s digital offerings:
"It's a fun way for me personally to see what is coming out and a fun way to bookshop without buying." – Hannah [26:26]
Shelf Additions: Unboxing New Reads
[55:15] The hosts transition to their favorite segment of the episode—unboxing their latest shelf additions. Tina presents her new book, "Our Last Resort" by Clemence Michelin:
"It alternates between past and present and uncovers the fate of the murdered guest... how well do we ever really know those we love?" – Tina [56:00]
Hannah introduces "Runner 13" by Amy McCullough, a high-stakes thriller set in the Sahara desert:
"This is a high-stakes thriller... it sounds just like the perfect summer thriller." – Hannah [57:56]
Both hosts express their excitement about these upcoming reads, setting the stage for future in-depth discussions.
Conclusion
Tina and Hannah wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to visit their show notes for all book links and to support the podcast by following and reviewing on Apple Podcasts. They invite listeners to join their Patreon community for exclusive content and remind everyone of the enriching experience books bring to our lives:
"Remember, everything's better with books." – Hannah [60:34]
Final Quote:
"Everything's better with books." – Hannah [60:34]
Notable Quotes
- Tina [02:27]: "I annotated 100 pages of the book I was reading and now I sort of have kept that going."
- Hannah [14:29]: "His books really are just like that. Perfect blend of dark and gritty, but also kind of pulpy and fun."
- Hannah [22:33]: "So libraries are the best, you guys."
- Hannah [50:21]: "It feels like old school horror, but it's not like Stephen King."
Key Takeaways
- New Releases: Both hosts provided thoughtful reviews of recent book releases across various genres, offering listeners a diverse range of recommendations.
- Library Support: Emphasized the vital role libraries play in communities and shared actionable resources to aid in their support.
- Personal Habits: Shared personal strategies for maximizing library use and maintaining an active reading life.
- Community Engagement: Highlighted the success of their Patreon initiatives in fostering a connected and interactive reader community.
- Upcoming Reads: Teased exciting new books in their personal collections, promising future in-depth discussions.
Visit Book Talk, Etc. to catch the full episode and explore more bookish conversations!