Podcast Summary: Book Talk, etc.
Episode: Netgalley November, Kindle Tips and Tricks, and All Things Digital Reading
Release Date: November 26, 2024
Hosts: Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks)
Description: A book recommendation podcast that's bound to grow your TBR!
1. Welcome and Personal Updates
The episode kicks off with Tina and Hannah sharing their personal Thanksgiving plans and holiday excitement. Tina expresses her enthusiasm for the upcoming Chris Kindle Market in Chicago, highlighting the diversity of vendors and authentic German imports awaiting attendees ([02:13]). In contrast, Hannah mentions her work-from-couch setup during the holidays, finding solace in remote work despite missing out on festive feasts ([02:23]).
Tina ([02:13]): "Happy Thanksgiving week to those listeners, to those people that are in the US that celebrate Thanksgiving."
2. Embracing Digital Reading and Commonplace Journals
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around enhancing digital reading experiences through commonplace journals. Tina introduces the concept, explaining how it serves as a repository of thoughts and ideas gathered from various sources, inspired by a TikTok trend ([04:04]).
Tina ([07:18]): "This is a commonplace journal. ... it’s a very good way for me to remember those little things that are fleeting throughout the day that are important to me."
Hannah complements this by sharing her struggle with maintaining hyper-organized journals and how a simple, unstressed approach resonates more with her lifestyle.
Hannah ([07:20]): "I don't want to forget this conversation that we had because it was such a in passing moment."
The hosts emphasize the flexibility and sustainability of commonplace journals over more structured systems, encouraging listeners to adopt a method that aligns with their personal rhythms.
3. Navigating the NetGalley November Challenge
Transitioning to NetGalley, Tina outlines her November challenge:
- Read only NetGalley books for the month.
- Refrain from requesting new titles, unless they’re part of her existing backlog.
- Provide feedback on the books she reads.
Despite encountering temptations, Tina proudly shares her progress, achieving a 60% review rate and acknowledging her minor deviations ([25:14]-[26:35]).
Tina ([31:08]): "I love new releases. I love finding out what's coming out."
Hannah elaborates on the benefits of NetGalley, describing it as an "addictive" platform that offers early access to a vast array of genres and fosters connections between readers, authors, and publishers ([28:09]).
4. Mastering Kindle Organization: Tips and Tricks
Both hosts delve into organizing their Kindle libraries using collections to manage their expansive palettes of books:
- Hannah shares her method of creating specific collections for NetGalley and Kindle Unlimited books, which helps declutter her reading list and prioritize her TBR ([11:08]-[14:21]).
Hannah ([15:07]): "That is so satisfying for me to see because I have a folder of books I've read and I love seeing that number tick up."
- Tina echoes the sentiment, discussing her initial enthusiasm and subsequent challenges with maintaining collections but appreciates the functionality they provide ([14:21]-[15:05]).
They also touch upon personalizing their Kindles with accessories like straps and stickers, enhancing both aesthetics and usability.
Tina ([37:01]): "I have a holder on mine that comes with this little strap on the side so that I can hold onto it and read one handed, which is very helpful."
5. In-Depth Book Reviews and Recommendations
The heart of the episode lies in the detailed reviews of various books, showcasing the hosts' diverse reading interests:
-
"She's Not Sorry" by Mary Kubica
- Tina provides a comprehensive analysis, appreciating the gripping start but critiquing inconsistent plot details and over-the-top twists.
- Notable Quote:
Tina ([03:58]): "I thought it was a little bit slow, too. It's like about 330 pages. And I found it to be a little bit of a slog for a book that's so short and for a book that's in the popcorn thriller space."
-
"Check and Mate" by Ali Hazelwood
- Hannah praises the integration of chess into a young adult romance, highlighting the book's depth and relatability even for non-chess enthusiasts.
- Notable Quote:
Hannah ([21:38]): "Ali Hazelwood in general is actually a good example of what we were just talking about where very hit or miss, but there are those intermittent wins that keep me crawling back."
-
"Stealing" by Margaret Vebolt
- Hannah discusses the historical fiction narrative, emphasizing its sensitive portrayal of trauma and cultural assimilation.
- Notable Quote:
Hannah ([44:05]): "It was very clear just how convoluted and confusing religious messaging is, especially to children."
-
"My Darlings" by Marie Still
- Tina explores this serial killer thriller, commending the audiobook narration and the chilling portrayal of a psychopath's psyche.
- Notable Quote:
Tina ([50:22]): "It was a little bit irreverent and very dark, but it gave me a giggle. Like, this woman is truly unhinged."
-
"56 Days" by Katherine Ryan Howard
- Hannah shares her enthusiasm for this psychological thriller, noting the complexity of its timelines and engaging plot.
- Notable Quote:
Hannah ([53:38]): "I was so interested in all of the moving pieces happening to this one that towards the end I was like, I don't really care what happened."
-
"The Poppy Fields" by Nikki Ehrlich
- Tina introduces her upcoming read, excited about its high-concept storyline that blends heartache, hope, and human resilience.
- Notable Quote:
Tina ([61:49]): "I'm willing to break my ban. I know, right? Rule breaker, rule breaker. This book is The Poppy Fields by Nikki Ehrlich."
-
"So Late in the Day" by Claire Keegan
- Hannah recommends this story collection, lauding its emotional depth and masterful storytelling.
- Notable Quote:
Hannah ([62:00]): "I love that concept. So I am very excited to read this one."
6. Overcoming Reading Challenges and Embracing Flexibility
Throughout their conversation, Tina and Hannah candidly discuss the challenges of maintaining organized reading habits and the importance of flexibility. Tina admits to breaking her NetGalley rules to read specific books for the podcast, emphasizing that strict adherence isn't always feasible.
Tina ([26:35]): "I'm sick of just limiting myself to NetGalley Books."
Hannah reflects on balancing audiobook consumption with active reading, especially when multitasking with family responsibilities.
Hannah ([57:07]): "I definitely sent Tina some texts of send help because I, you know, my kids won't leave me alone while I'm trying to listen to audiobooks."
7. Engaging the Community and Future Endeavors
As the episode concludes, Tina and Hannah encourage listeners to engage with their content through email, social media, and Patreon for exclusive content and community access. They reinforce the value of shared reading experiences and the joy that books bring to their lives.
Hannah ([64:55]): "Everything's better with books, you know."
Key Takeaways:
- Digital Organization: Utilizing collections and commonplace journals can enhance digital reading experiences.
- NetGalley: An invaluable resource for connecting with early releases and providing valuable feedback to authors.
- Diverse Reading: Exploring various genres and formats enriches one's TBR and broadens literary horizons.
- Flexibility: Adapting reading strategies to fit personal lifestyles ensures sustained engagement and enjoyment.
Notable Quotes:
- Tina on Commonplace Journals: "This is a very good way for me to remember those little things that are fleeting throughout the day that are important to me." ([07:18])
- Hannah on NetGalley Addiction: "It's addictive. Like who doesn't want to have early access to books?" ([28:09])
- Tina on Breaking Rules: "I'm willing to break my ban. I know, right? Rule breaker, rule breaker." ([61:49])
For more insights and book recommendations, follow Tina and Hannah on their respective social media handles and consider joining their Patreon community for exclusive content.