Podcast Summary: Book Talk, etc. – "Our Under, Over, and Appropriately Hyped Books of 2024"

Release Date: December 17, 2024

In the lively episode of Book Talk, etc., hosts Tina (@tbreetc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks) delve into their curated lists of the most overhyped, underhyped, and appropriately hyped books of 2024. This engaging discussion not only highlights standout titles but also provides insightful critiques, making it a must-listen for avid readers seeking their next great read.

Introduction and Current Obsessions

The episode kicks off with Tina and Hannah sharing personal anecdotes about their current favorites outside of books. Tina introduces her "loving lately" obsession—a bespoke laundry recipe that combines Gain Moonlight Breeze detergent with scent beads and Downy rinse and refresh products. She enthusiastically explains:

“It's nothing fancy. It just smells so, so good.” ([04:09])

Hannah counters with her own "loving lately" favorite: Aquaphor Healing Ointment. She details how it has become indispensable for her dry skin, especially during harsh winter months:

“This has been my saving grace. It's the only thing that will actually keep me from scratching at my dry skin.” ([07:34])

Overhyped Books of 2024

Hannah's Choices:

1. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston ([24:31])

   • A con woman thriller that Hannah felt sucked her into the hype despite not being her favorite.
   • Quote: “It's con stories, which I typically don't like, but I still picked this up.”

2. Bride by Ali Hazelwood ([28:06])

   • A fantasy romance involving werewolves that deviated from Hazelwood’s usual STEM romances.
   • Quote: “I did not like this one. I’ll stick to contemporary romances moving forward.”

3. How to End a Love Story by Yu Lynn Kuang ([30:18])

   • An enemies-to-lovers story that won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Debut but didn’t resonate deeply with Hannah.
   • Quote: “It was all right. There are some good scenes, but it wasn’t my favorite debut.”

4. Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors ([31:31])

   • A family drama about grief and sisterhood that felt emotionally shallow to Hannah.
   • Quote: “It felt like it rode on the surface of emotional depth.”

5. Quicksilver by Callie Hart ([37:32])

   • A fantasy romance that started strong but lost momentum, leaving Hannah feeling cheated by the hype.
   • Quote: “The main character started lacking development, and the fairy lord was just so mean.”

Tina's Choices:

1. The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave ([25:41])

   • A mystery-thriller nomination that fell flat for Tina, lacking the suspense she expected.
   • Quote: “There was nothing mysterious nor thrilling really about this book for me.”

2. Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker ([42:27])

   • A literary suspense novel that Tina struggled to connect with, despite its popularity.
   • Quote: “I never connected with this one, even tried multiple formats.”

Underhyped Books of 2024

Hannah's Choices:

1. The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters ([44:35])

   • An indigenous family grappling with a missing child, praised for its emotional depth and social issues.
   • Quote: “This is a really, really good book. I think if you like authors like Louise Erdrich, you should pick this up.”

2. Knife River by Justine Champagne ([46:43])

   • A literary suspense debut about sisters uncovering their mother's disappearance, lauded for its compelling mystery and character development.
   • Quote: “Good writing, relationships, the small town stuff... everything worked well.”

3. Last House by Jessica Shattuck ([53:00])

   • A literary fiction story exploring family dynamics across different timelines, appreciated for its beautiful handling of familial differences.
   • Quote: “The family dynamics were beautifully done.”

Tina's Choices:

1. Jaded by Ella Lee ([46:37])

   • A young lawyer dealing with amnesia and career pressure, recognized for its emotional complexity.
   • Quote: “It has great reflections on identity and belonging.”

2. Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp ([49:30])

   • A historical mystery intertwining true events and fiction, noted for its dark, compelling narrative.
   • Quote: “It's dark, shocking, but so compelling and really well done.”

3. Hum by Helen Phillips ([54:03])

   • A science fiction family story tackling AI, commended for its unique ideas and thought-provoking content.
   • Quote: “She brought some really unique things to think about regarding AI.”

4. A Secret Worth Keeping by Drew Strickland ([55:40])

   • A popcorn thriller about a couple finding a dead woman near their cabin, praised for its entertainment value.
   • Quote: “Highly recommend for lovers of popcorn thrillers.”

5. How Does That Make You Feel? Magda Eklund by Anna Montague ([59:50])

   • A touching story about friendship and self-discovery in old age, seen as an underrated gem despite low ratings.
   • Quote: “This story is so well crafted, set in New York City, with a messed-up yet lovable protagonist.”

Appropriately Hyped Books of 2024

Hannah's Choices:

1. The Women by Kristin Hannah ([60:12])

   • An emotionally charged narrative that resonates despite some critiques of manipulative sentimentality.
   • Quote: “This one ticked the reader boxes for me.”

2. Funny Story by Emily Henry ([62:47])

   • A highly praised romance that stands out among Emily Henry’s works, celebrated for its wit and heartwarming moments.
   • Quote: “It ticked my reader boxes. It worked.”

3. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez ([67:53])

   • A nostalgic, themed romance set on Prince Edward Island, admired for its charming narrative and relatable characters.
   • Quote: “It was really funny and heartwarming.”

Tina's Choices:

1. Wedding People by Alison S. Pack ([61:33])

   • A propulsive novel about unexpected wedding guests, loved for its humor and depth.
   • Quote: “It's funny, darker than expected, and has a great cast of characters.”

2. Safekeep by Yael van der Wooten ([62:54])

   • A Booker Prize-shortlisted historical fiction with a gothic twist, praised for its compelling narrative and rich character development.
   • Quote: “It is very vibey and excellent.”

3. God of the Woods by Liz Moore ([65:53])

   • A literary mystery that engages with its multiple perspectives and deep character exploration.
   • Quote: “It was super engaging with characters that I wanted to read entire books about.”

4. We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kluwer ([66:40])

   • A creepy, winter-themed mystery about homeowners haunted by past residents, highly recommended for its unique twist.
   • Quote: “It's so singular to me. I loved it.”

Backlist Hyped Recommendations

Both hosts emphasize the value of backlist books that continue to garner praise and recommendation years after their release.

Hannah's Picks:

• Secret History by Donna Tartt
  • Praised as a modern classic with enduring appeal.
  • Quote: “It's one of the fun parts about being in this community to see what has staying power.”

Tina's Picks:

• Defending Jacob by William Landay
  • A gripping legal thriller that remained a favorite despite its earlier release.
  • Quote: “I loved that book so much, and I'm so glad I read it.”

Upcoming Hyped Books for 2025

The hosts conclude by teasing highly anticipated releases for the next year:

• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

  • Set against the 1980s space shuttle program, blending historical fiction with personal narratives.
  • Quote: “This is gonna be like one of our community reads.” ([73:54])

• Challenger by Tracy

  • Expected to complement Reid’s upcoming release with its own unique narrative.

Closing Remarks

Tina and Hannah wrap up the episode by expressing their excitement for future reads and encouraging listeners to engage with their recommendations. They remind their audience to follow them on their respective Instagram accounts and join their Patreon for exclusive content.

“Remember everything's better with books.” ([75:25])

Notable Quotes

• "Everything's spooky. But every time I come down in my basement these days, I think of the scene in Home Alone..." – Tina ([02:11])

• "Just put it down, go on to something else, sister." – Hannah ([27:30])

• "Good reading, relationships, the small-town stuff... everything worked well." – Hannah on Knife River ([47:56])

• "It was so singular to me. I loved it." – Tina on We Used to Live Here ([66:40])

This episode of Book Talk, etc. serves as a comprehensive guide for readers navigating the literary landscape of 2024, offering a balanced mix of critiques and commendations across genres. Whether you're seeking to discover hidden gems or steer clear of the overhyped, Tina and Hannah provide thoughtful insights to enhance your TBR (To Be Read) list.