Book Talk, etc. Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: Easily Distracted by New Releases (Nov. & Dec. 2024) + End of Year Reading Plans
Hosts: Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks)
Release Date: November 12, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Book Talk, etc., hosts Tina and Hannah delve into their recent literary adventures, focusing on new releases they've been exploring in November and December 2024. The conversation intertwines personal reflections, book recommendations, and strategic end-of-year reading plans, providing listeners with a comprehensive guide to expanding their TBR (To Be Read) lists.

Lately Loving

1. J Buck's Retro Rewind (YouTube Channel)

Timestamp: [01:53] – [03:47]
Tina introduces a nostalgic YouTube channel, J Buck's Retro Rewind, recommended by her husband. The channel curates content from the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s, featuring old cartoons, commercials, and forgotten gems. Tina shares her delightful experience watching shows like Rugrats and Rocko's Modern Life with her family, highlighting the channel's ability to evoke "core memories" with authentic commercials that add to the nostalgic feeling.

Tina: "You get the old McDonald's commercials. It was so fun to reminisce with my husband... it's not just Nickelodeon."

Hannah reflects on the emotional connection, emphasizing the importance of remembering good times.

Hannah: "It is just sometimes good to remember good things."

2. Everything Happens Podcast by Kate Bowler

Timestamp: [04:29] – [08:33]
Hannah shifts the focus to the Everything Happens podcast hosted by Kate Bowler, a historian who discusses grief, hope, and moving forward during challenging times. She praises Bowler's ability to connect with guests, such as Rainn Wilson and a New York Times journalist, and appreciates the podcast's balance between exploring deep emotions and providing actionable steps for personal growth.

Hannah: "She's a really, really good interviewer... this podcast has definitely been a comfort to me recently."

Tina expresses immediate interest in following Bowler on Instagram, reiterating the podcast's meaningful impact.

Tina: "I like that it's not everything happens for a reason. It's not this toxic positivity."

Hannah adds context about Bowler's personal journey battling stage four colon cancer, which inspired her book Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies.

Hannah: "She battled, I think, stage four colon cancer... her book really kind of empowered her."

End of Year Reading Plans

Timestamp: [18:31] – [28:38]
Tina and Hannah discuss their strategies for managing their TBR lists as the year winds down. They reflect on books they regret not reading and those they plan to prioritize in the remaining months. Both emphasize the importance of reading books published within the year to stay current, while also acknowledging the challenge of balancing ongoing releases with their existing lists.

Tina: "I feel like we've shared it on book talk, etc., and I don't want to continuously be like, oh, Hannah brought it."

Hannah mentions The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden as a standout title she's eager to read before year-end.

Hannah: "I can't even tell you right now what this book is about, but I keep coming back to it."

They also touch upon the dilemma of reading ahead into the next year's publications, agreeing it's a minor issue but noteworthy.

Tina: "Picadillo pie, I gotta tell you... it's kind of correct. It's kind of a trifling fault of mine..."

Book Recommendations

Tina’s Recommendations

1. Clean by Aaliyah Trabucco Zayran
   Timestamp: [08:33] – [13:49]
   Clean is a slow-burning narrative set in Chile, following Estella, a maid who uncovers family secrets while working for a household. Tina appreciates the unique storytelling method, where Estella is interviewed, blending direct addresses to the reader with introspective moments. Despite her overall lukewarm reaction—citing a lack of plot drive—she acknowledges the book’s insightful exploration of power dynamics and domestic work.

Tina: "This book has buried some secrets... it’s a very quiet read, but it was a really smart book."

2. How Does That Make You Feel? by Anna Montague
   Timestamp: [36:24] – [43:08]
   An emotionally charged story about Magda, a psychiatrist grappling with grief and aging, How Does That Make You Feel? resonated deeply with Tina. She highlights the book’s exploration of friendship grief, personal growth, and existential questions, complimenting its character-driven plot and thoughtful themes.

Tina: "This book had me crying within the first... it's about birthdays... reflecting on all of the things that happen when one ages."

Hannah’s Recommendations

1. This Is Where We Talk Things Out by Caitlin Marceau
   Timestamp: [13:58] – [16:54]
   A horror novella blending psychological tension with family trauma, Hannah describes This Is Where We Talk Things Out as a quick, chilling read ideal for snowy nights. While she notes editing and grammar issues, the story’s engagement and exploration of generational trauma make it worthwhile.

Hannah: "I was never bored. I went through it really quickly and I appreciated how it explored generational trauma."

2. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
   Timestamp: [43:08] – [46:50]
   Hannah discusses Intermezzo, the sequel to Sally Rooney's Normal People. Despite Sally Rooney's reputation, Hannah found Intermezzo challenging, struggling to connect with the protagonists Ivan and Peter. She praises Rooney's storytelling talent but ultimately did not enjoy this installment, questioning whether to continue reading her work.

Hannah: "It wasn't because it was slow... I really didn't like them. I don't care about their complicated and weird relationships."

Shelf Editions

Tina’s Shelf Edition: Mutual Interest by Olivia Wolfgang Smith

Timestamp: [48:30] – [49:16]
Scheduled for release on February 4, 2025, Mutual Interest is a historical fiction novel exploring themes of marriage, ambition, sexuality, and secrecy at the turn of the 20th century. Tina is enthusiastic about the book's portrayal of Vivian, Oscar, and Squire, highlighting its intricate dynamics and the true cost of building an empire.

Tina: "Excuse me. I am so excited about this one. It's a pink book too."

Hannah’s Shelf Edition: Princess Kills the Misadventures of a Fairy Tale Stepsister by Ry Herman

Timestamp: [49:16] – [51:09]
Set for release on June 17, 2025, this LGBTQ Sci-Fi Fantasy novel by Ry Herman is an affectionate satire of classic fairy tales. Hannah is thrilled about its whimsical plot featuring Princess Meliot navigating monsters, masked heroes, and a love triangle, aiming to incorporate more fantasy and sci-fi into her reading repertoire.

Hannah: "I'm determined to make sci-fi and fantasy more a part of my reading life next year. This one just sounds really fun."

Conclusion

Tina and Hannah wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to follow their recommendations and share their reading experiences. They promote their online presence, including Instagram handles and Patreon for exclusive content. The hosts express gratitude for their audience's support and leave listeners with the uplifting sentiment that everything is better with books.

Hannah: "Remember, everything's better with books."
Tina: "We gotta have it be better."

Notable Quotes

• Tina [01:42]: "I can be in any kind of mood. Up, down, otherwise. And sitting down in front of the mic to talk about books always puts me in a better headspace."

• Hannah [04:37]: "Her book really kind of empowered her to continue going on this journey with us."

• Tina [07:27]: "It's sort of like, yes, bad things happen. Let's talk through it. Because you have to."

• Hannah [16:54]: "This is worth picking up if you are in the mood for a short, unsettling story that has some emotional depth."

• Tina [25:35]: "I really love everything that this book did. I think it's one of the most perfect books."

Connect with the Hosts:

• Instagram:

  • Tina: @tbretc
  • Hannah: @hanpickedbooks

• Email: us@booktalketc.com

• Patreon: patreon.com/booktalketc

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