Book Talk, etc. – Episode: "Once Upon A First Sentence"
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Hosts: Tina (@tbretc) & Hannah (@hanpickedbooks)

Introduction and Podcast Expansion
00:03 – 02:44

Tina and Hannah kick off the episode with their trademark humor, playfully referencing content restrictions on television. They warmly welcome listeners to Book Talk, etc., emphasizing its mission to expand your "To Be Read" (TBR) list.

Tina [00:31]: "Welcome to Book Talk Etc, a podcast bound to grow your tbr."
Hannah [00:37]: "And I'm Hannah from Hand Picked Books."

The hosts announce the launch of their YouTube channel, inviting listeners to engage with their visual content showcasing makeup tutorials and adorable mugs. This expansion aims to bridge their audio experiences with visual elements, enhancing listener engagement.

Tina [01:18]: "We have a YouTube channel and this podcast also has a video component."

Community Read Feature: "Good Dirt" by Charmaine Wilkerson
02:44 – 16:22

The spotlight shifts to their community read for February, "Good Dirt" by Charmaine Wilkerson. Tina provides a comprehensive synopsis, detailing Abby Freeman's traumatic childhood event and its lingering effects on her life and family dynamics.

Tina [09:56]: "This is a really good one. This is a really good one. It is Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson."

Both hosts express profound admiration for the novel, lauding its intricate weaving of contemporary narratives with historical themes of slavery and personal reckonings. Hannah highlights the book's emotional depth and structural brilliance.

Hannah [12:56]: "I think it was very reminiscent of, like, even some of the structural things that she did with points of view and like, historical context, like, just juxtaposed with the mystery."

Tina echoes these sentiments, praising the book's multifaceted storytelling and nuanced character development. She anticipates vibrant discussions among their patrons, predicting "Good Dirt" will ignite passionate conversations within their book club community.

Reading Experiment: Choosing Books by First Sentence
16:22 – 25:05

In an innovative twist, the hosts reveal that they've selected their books for this episode based solely on their opening sentences. Tina elaborates on her criteria for a compelling first sentence—surprise elements, immediate questions, and strong narrative voice.

Tina [18:03]: "I like when the opening sentence surprises me where I'm like, oh, okay."

Hannah shares her methodical approach, meticulously scanning through her TBR shelf to identify standout first sentences that prompt her to explore further. Both hosts agree that a powerful opening can effectively convey the book's tone and narrative style.

Book Reviews

1. "Mostly Dead Things" by Kristin Arnett
   25:05 – 29:50

   Tina introduces "Mostly Dead Things," a darkly satirical novel set in a taxidermy shop. The story delves into Jessa Lynn's life grappling with her father's suicide and the ensuing family turmoil.

   Tina [27:10]: "It’s like, if you don’t like weird books, probably don’t read this."

   Despite initial hesitations due to the book's macabre themes, Tina commends Arnett's ability to balance visceral horror with deep family dynamics. She appreciates the nuanced portrayal of characters, avoiding one-dimensional villainy.

   Tina [28:49]: "I really liked that this book sort of made me look at how family dynamics shift depending on, you know, different stages of life."

   Hannah concurs, emphasizing the author's skill in intertwining character development with unsettling plot elements. Both hosts highlight the novel's capacity to provoke thought on family relationships amidst chaos.

2. "Perfume and Pain" by Anna Dorn
   29:50 – 36:18

   Hannah presents "Perfume and Pain," a queer novel infused with dark satire and Hollywood drama. The narrative follows Astrid, a controversial author striving to reclaim her career and love life amidst personal and professional turmoil.

   Hannah [36:18]: "This book is just feral and hilarious."

   The story's opening sentence, albeit not the sole focus, sets an engaging tone that blends humor with raw emotion. Hannah appreciates the book's unabashed portrayal of messy relationships and character growth, making it a compelling read for those seeking both entertainment and depth.

3. "The Lamb" by Lucy Rose
   36:18 – 41:21

   Tina reviews "The Lamb," a gothic coming-of-age horror novel centered on Margot and her cannibalistic mother. The chilling narrative explores themes of motherhood, survival, and identity within a macabre setting.

   Tina [37:09]: "It's a gothic coming of age tale. And the author explores how women swallow their anger, desires and animal instincts."

   Despite the gruesome content, Tina praises the author's ability to craft a haunting and emotionally resonant story. Hannah adds that the book's strong side characters enhance the depth and emotional impact, making it a standout in the horror genre.

4. "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson
   41:21 – 47:50

   Hannah delves into the classic horror novel "The Haunting of Hill House," renowned for its psychologically rich narrative. The story follows four seekers at the enigmatic Hill House, exploring themes of sanity and the supernatural.

   Hannah [44:27]: "The first sentence is a bit long, but it is so good. It captures what this entire book is about."

   Tina shares a personal anecdote about how the book's eerie atmosphere continues to haunt her, despite her initial reservations about haunted house stories. Hannah commends Jackson's masterful exploration of psychological horror, making it accessible yet profoundly unsettling.

Upcoming Releases

1. "The Frequency of Living Things" by Nick Fuller Googins
   47:50 – 51:01

   Tina highlights "The Frequency of Living Things," a family saga about three sisters confronting deep-seated tensions when one lands in jail. The novel delves into themes of sisterhood, sacrifice, and familial bonds.

   Tina [48:49]: "It's an exploration of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the unbreakable ties of family."

   The departure from Googins' previous climate fiction works showcases his versatility in handling intricate family dynamics, piquing both hosts' interest.

2. "Run for the Hills" by Kevin Wilson
   51:01 – 51:45

   Hannah introduces "Run for the Hills," an upcoming road trip novel by Kevin Wilson. The story revolves around Madeline and her unexpected half-sibling, Reuben, embarking on a quest to find their estranged father and other half-siblings.

   Hannah [51:01]: "It sounds so quirky, so fun. It sounds exactly like something Kevin Wilson would write."

   Both hosts express excitement for Wilson's timely exploration of family reunions and personal growth, anticipating its release in May.

Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement
51:45 – End

Tina and Hannah conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to support their podcast through various platforms, including Patreon for exclusive content. They reiterate the importance of community in the reading experience and express gratitude for their audience's engagement.

Hannah [52:07]: "Remember everything's better with books."

Notable Quotes:

• Tina [00:31]: "Welcome to Book Talk Etc, a podcast bound to grow your tbr."
• Hannah [16:03]: "Books like this are great though, when it comes to like universally bringing book people together."
• Hannah [44:27]: "The first sentence is a bit long, but it is so good."

Key Takeaways:

• Book Selection by First Sentence: An innovative approach to choosing books, focusing on the power of the opening line to set the tone and intrigue.
• Diverse Genres Explored: From dark satire and queer narratives to psychological and gothic horror, the episode covers a broad spectrum of literary genres.
• Emphasis on Character Development: Both hosts prioritize books that offer deep, nuanced characters and complex relationships.
• Community Engagement: Active participation through Patreon and upcoming discussions ensures a vibrant and interactive listener base.

Recommended For:

• Avid readers seeking diverse and thought-provoking books.
• Fans of in-depth book discussions and character-driven narratives.
• Listeners interested in innovative podcast formats and community-driven content.

Connect with Tina and Hannah:

• Instagram:
  • Tina: @tbretc
  • Hannah: @hanpickedbooks
• Email: us@booktalketc.mail.com
• Patreon: patreon.com/booktalketc

Remember, everything's better with books!