Podcast Summary: Book Talk, etc. – "Easily Distracted By New Releases" (June 2025)

Episode Overview

In the June 10, 2025 episode of Book Talk, etc., hosts Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks) delve into the whirlwind world of new book releases. True to their podcast description, they navigate through their “To Be Read” (TBR) lists, share organizational tips, and provide in-depth reviews of the latest novels and documentaries capturing the literary scene. This episode is a treasure trove for book enthusiasts looking to expand their reading horizons and optimize their book tracking systems.

Personal Updates and Podcast Dynamics

The episode kicks off with Tina and Hannah sharing personal updates about their lives, particularly the adjustment to having their children at home after the school year ends.

• Hannah: “[00:00] Oh, it always looks so close up when we're recording. And then, like, when you watch the YouTube video, it's not close up.”
• Tina: “[00:07] I know you'll be able to see my nonsense piles next to me, but that's all right.”

Their conversation quickly transitions to the logistics of hosting children during podcast recordings, setting a relatable and warm tone for the episode.

Organizing Book Releases with 'Arc Calendar'

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around effective strategies for tracking new book releases. Tina introduces the Arc Calendar, a Google Sheets-based tool created by bookstagrammer Michaela (@michaelabooks_) that has revolutionized her ARC (Advance Reader Copies) management.

• Tina: “[02:23] ...there is a beautiful arc calendar that's all book covers. And on this sheet, all it says is, received June 3rd book cover. And it's incredible because I'm such a visual person.”

The Arc Calendar features two main tabs: the ARC List and the ARC Calendar, allowing for visual tracking of received books, their statuses, and pertinent notes. Tina emphasizes its visual appeal and functionality, making it an indispensable tool for visual learners and organizers.

Enhancing Email Organization for Book Tracking

Tina shares additional methods to streamline book-related communications, specifically managing ARC-related emails through strategic filtering.

• Tina: “[06:17] ...Before I would just have my Tina TBR etc email address and it was just a hot mess. Everything was in my inbox...”

By implementing filters such as “PR Completed,” “PR In Progress,” and “PR Not Doing,” she efficiently categorizes her emails, reducing clutter and enhancing productivity.

Reading Tracking Methods: Apps vs. Spreadsheets

The hosts explore various reading tracking tools, comparing the benefits of digital apps against traditional spreadsheets.

• Tina: “[30:04] ...and what is it, just a couple of clicks.”

Tina advocates for Book Mori, an intuitive, non-social media-linked app that provides a visual calendar and star rating system. In contrast, Hannah discusses her past use of extensive spreadsheets but acknowledges the limitations of time and energy required to maintain them consistently.

• Hannah: “[31:14] ...I have found myself falling so behind on it that I don't know.”

Their dialogue highlights the importance of choosing a tracking method that aligns with one’s lifestyle and preferences, ensuring sustainability and effectiveness.

Book Recommendations and Reviews

The heart of the episode lies in the comprehensive reviews of several new releases across various genres. Below are the detailed insights shared by Tina and Hannah on each recommended book:

1. They Call Him Mostly Harmless (Documentary)

• Overview: A true crime documentary on HBO Max that investigates the mysterious death of a man known by the trail names Mostly Harmless Denham and Ben Billamy along the Appalachian Trail.
• Discussion Points:
  • The insular hiking community’s role in solving the mystery.
  • The impact of social media groups and traditional media in the investigation.
  • Hannah: “[06:17] …it was a really fascinating case.”
• Notable Insights: Tina connects this documentary to the fictional work “Heartwood” by Amity Gage, suggesting thematic similarities between true crime and meticulously crafted fiction.

2. Heartwood by Amity Gage

• Overview: A fiction novel mirroring the documentary’s theme, focusing on a missing person along a trail and the ensuing mystery.
• Discussion Points:
  • The novel’s intricate timeline and psychological depth.
  • Comparison with the documentary’s exploration of identity and disappearance.
  • Tina: “[12:21] …I did not get very far because I decided that I wanted the print copy if I was going to try it.”

3. Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

• Overview: A psychological thriller about Grady Green, an author grappling with personal loss and uncovering dark secrets at a remote cabin in Scotland.
• Discussion Points:
  • The atmospheric setting and unreliable narration.
  • Feeney’s ability to create a claustrophobic and twist-filled narrative.
  • Hannah: “[17:49] …Alice Feeney, if anything, will definitely get you at some point.”
• Conclusion: Despite some ambiguity in the ending, the book is highly recommended for its engaging suspense and character depth.

4. The Manicurist's Daughter by Susan Liu

• Overview: A memoir detailing Susan Liu’s journey through her mother’s tragic death and her quest to uncover family secrets tied to beauty standards and mental health.
• Discussion Points:
  • The emotional weight of addiction and grief portrayed in the memoir.
  • Liu’s open discussion of her bipolar diagnosis and its impact on her life.
  • Hannah: “[21:38] …this is a memoir very worth reading.”
• Conclusion: Praised for its emotional resonance and insightful exploration of identity and mental health.

5. With Vengeance by Riley Sager

• Overview: A revenge thriller set in 1956 where Anna Matheson targets six individuals responsible for her family’s downfall aboard a luxury train.
• Discussion Points:
  • The book’s high-stakes, Clue-like mystery and cinematic qualities.
  • Sager’s use of red herrings and plot twists.
  • Tina: “[34:55] …it felt like a high stakes game of Clue on a moving train.”
• Conclusion: Recommended for fans of summer thrillers and locked-room mysteries, despite some predictable elements.

6. Count My Lies by Sophie Stava

• Overview: Centers on Sloane Caraway, a compulsive liar who becomes a nanny for the seemingly perfect Lockhart family, only to uncover darker secrets.
• Discussion Points:
  • The protagonist’s unreliable narration and the book’s fast-paced plot.
  • Comparisons to other popular thrillers like The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden.
  • Hannah: “[43:09] …it entertained me for a day.”
• Conclusion: While not groundbreaking, it serves as a quick and engaging read for those seeking a light thriller.

7. The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark

• Overview: A literary suspense novel following Olivia Dumont, who discovers she’s being asked to ghostwrite a memoir about her brother Vincent Taylor’s mysterious past.
• Discussion Points:
  • The novel’s structure, blending present-day investigation with poignant flashbacks.
  • Themes of family secrets, trauma, and the writing process.
  • Tina: “[43:57] …you are in good hands. The voice is strong.”
• Conclusion: Highly recommended for mystery lovers and those interested in the intricacies of memoir writing, praised for its depth and atmospheric storytelling.

8. The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff

• Overview: An emotional family saga exploring the lives of Ryan and Lillian Bright, their daughter Georgette, and the secrets that threaten their familial bonds.
• Discussion Points:
  • The portrayal of addiction, forgiveness, and the impact of family secrets.
  • The author’s ability to evoke deep emotional connections through storytelling.
  • Hannah: “[53:42] …this book made me cry.”
• Conclusion: Despite minor critiques on pacing and editing, it is lauded for its heartfelt narrative and relatable themes, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction.

9. Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jawad

• Overview: A creative practice guide encouraging journaling, featuring essays and writing prompts from 100 writers, artists, and thinkers.
• Discussion Points:
  • The book’s structure, dividing themes such as fear, love, and seeing into manageable sections.
  • The inclusion of diverse voices offering structured prompts to inspire creativity.
  • Tina: “[57:12] …this would be really good. Not to be too cliche or cheesy, but I am a child of the 90s.”
• Conclusion: Recommended for those seeking structured journaling ideas and creative inspiration, praised for its thoughtful design and practical prompts.

10. Sword Heart by T. Kingfisher

• Overview: A standalone romantasy featuring Hala, a housekeeper who inherits her great uncle’s estate, unleashing Sarkis, an immortal swordsman trapped in enchanted steel.
• Discussion Points:
  • The book’s enchanting cover art and magical themes.
  • Kingfisher’s successful blend of fantasy and romance elements.
  • Hannah: “[60:35] …sounds so good. I’m excited to pick it up.”
• Conclusion: Anticipated as a standout in the romantasy genre, celebrated for its imaginative plot and captivating cover, making it a highly recommended read.

Reading Habits and Tracking Insights

Beyond book reviews, Tina and Hannah engage in a candid discussion about their reading habits, sharing personal strategies to stay consistent and manage decision fatigue amidst the flood of new releases.

• Hannah: “[23:13] …I think that that has helped with decision fatigue because I do think that that is a really big deal.”
• Tina: “[24:58] …I use Book Mori. It is an app.”

They emphasize the importance of balancing structured TBR lists with the flexibility to pursue spontaneous reading interests, ensuring a harmonious and enjoyable reading experience.

Conclusion and Community Engagement

As the episode wraps up, Tina and Hannah encourage listeners to connect through various platforms, share feedback, and engage with their growing community of book lovers. They reiterate the value of staying organized yet flexible in their reading pursuits, prompting listeners to find personalized methods that enhance their literary journeys.

• Tina: “[61:01] …everything's better with books.”

The hosts sign off with enthusiasm for future episodes, promising more insightful discussions and book recommendations to keep their audience’s TBR lists thriving.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Book Talk, etc. serves as both a guide and inspiration for book enthusiasts navigating the ever-expanding world of new releases. Tina and Hannah’s blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and passionate book discussions creates an engaging and informative listening experience. Whether you're seeking organizational tools, diverse book recommendations, or simply a community of fellow readers, this episode delivers valuable content to enrich your literary pursuits.