Podcast Title: Book Talk, Etc.
Episode: Reading our Feelings and Navigating the Chaos of Mood Reading
Release Date: October 22, 2024
Hosts: Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks)

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Book Talk, Etc., hosts Tina and Hannah delve deep into the intricate world of mood reading, exploring its nuances, challenges, and benefits. As two Midwest-based book enthusiasts, they share personal experiences, discuss their latest reads, and offer insightful strategies for fellow book lovers navigating their ever-growing TBR (To Be Read) lists.

Personal Updates

Tina begins the conversation with a personal update, sharing her recent health improvement:

“[00:46] Tina: ...I just got a clean bill of health and my doctor's visit has inspired my loving lately.”

Hannah echoes her enthusiasm, recounting her return to the reading groove after a challenging period:

“[01:13] Hannah: ...I'm back. I'm feeling super like happy about everything that I'm reading and it has definitely been a comfort to me.”

They both highlight the importance of reading as a sanctuary amid their busy lives, especially with increased work demands and family responsibilities.

Understanding Mood Reading

The core of the episode revolves around mood reading—a flexible and intuitive approach to selecting books based on one's current emotional and mental state rather than adhering to a strict TBR list.

Tina introduces the topic by expressing skepticism about her own classification:

“[20:24] Tina: ...I disagreeed with almost every point this author made.”

They reference an article from Book Riot that attempts to define mood reading, but Tina and Hannah find several points unaligned with their personal experiences. For instance, the article suggests that mood readers often have many unfinished books and a sporadic reading schedule. Both hosts challenge this notion, emphasizing their consistent reading habits and selective completion of books.

Hannah adds her perspective:

“[28:28] Hannah: ...the freedom and agency to change my mind, and also knowing that what I'm in the mood for can change.”

They discuss the distinction between mood reading and TBR readers, highlighting that mood reading offers flexibility and personal agency, allowing readers to pivot based on their current interests and feelings.

Strategies to Combat Decision Fatigue

Decision fatigue can overwhelm even the most avid readers. Tina and Hannah share practical tips to manage this challenge:

1. TBR Shortlists:
   Tina explains her method of maintaining a "TBR shortlist"—a curated list of around 30 books that she's excited about:

   “[27:34] Tina: ...the best way to combat decision fatigue is to have a manageable shortlist where you can easily pick your next read.”

2. Sampling and Tagging:
   Both hosts utilize sampling techniques, reading a few lines or tags to decide whether to proceed with a book.
   Hannah introduces a fun approach:

   “[34:28] Hannah: ...I phone a friend and we'll say, like, hey, can you help me pick my next read?... Based off of the first sentence, what's your pick?”

3. Embracing Community Help:
   Engaging friends in the selection process can add an element of fun and reduce the burden of choice, making the reading experience more communal.

Book Discussions

The heart of the episode features detailed discussions of various books that have influenced Tina and Hannah's reading journeys.

1. If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English by Noor Naga

Tina presents a comprehensive overview of this literary fiction piece, highlighting its experimental structure and deep themes:

“[12:00] Tina: ...it was set in Egypt in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, following the relationship between an Egyptian American woman and a local man.”

She praises the book's exploration of identity, gender, and the fetishization of homeland, despite noting its dark and gritty undertones. Tina commends the alternating perspectives and the author's intentional experimentation, ultimately rating it four stars.

2. What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci

Hannah shares her experience with Tucci's journal-style foodie memoir, appreciating its nostalgic value and personal anecdotes:

“[16:00] Hannah: ...it's a fun, easy read that combines food with celebrity memoir, sprinkled with some spicy opinions.”

She notes Tucci's endearing yet pretentious tone, finding his name drops entertaining and his gore-free narrative suitable for casual reading.

3. So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison

Moving into the horror genre, Tina reviews Rachel Harrison's vampire novel:

“[35:01] Tina: ...it explores the dynamics between two best friends who accidentally become vampires, delving into themes of friendship and transformation.”

While appreciating the complex female friendship and eerie settings, Tina criticizes the book's over-the-top elements and lack of depth, comparing it unfavorably to Harrison's previous work, "Cackle."

4. The Night Guest by Hilder Knutzteer

Hannah enthusiastically discusses this short horror novel, praising its unique approach to grief and horror:

“[39:01] Hannah: ...it explores grief through a suspenseful narrative about a woman experiencing mysterious occurrences during her sleep.”

She recommends it to fans of grief horror and those seeking a thought-provoking, yet accessible read.

5. How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendricks

Tina introduces this horror novel, highlighting its grief-driven narrative and haunted house elements:

“[42:05] Tina: ...it balances character development with a deeply unsettling story, making it a great pick for both horror enthusiasts and newcomers.”

She commends the book's complicated sibling relationships and effective reveals, despite its length and some pacing issues.

6. A Better World by Sarah Langan

Hannah provides a mixed review of this dystopian novel:

“[45:23] Hannah: ...while the premise is strong, the execution felt empty and the characters underdeveloped.”

She expresses disappointment with the book's lack of depth and unconvincing plot twists, contrasting it with Kevin Wilson's "A Perfect World," which she found more satisfying.

7. Like Mother by Susan Rieger

Tina shares excitement about this upcoming multi-generational novel:

“[50:31] Tina: ...it's a gripping story about three generations of women dealing with family secrets, set against the backdrop of Detroit starting in the 1960s.”

She emphasizes themes of motherhood, identity, and family legacy, anticipating its release on October 29th.

8. Fang Fiction by Kate Stamen London

Wrapping up the book discussions, Hannah introduces this vampire fantasy novel:

“[52:19] Hannah: ...it offers a meta take on vampire lore, blending romance with supernatural elements for a fun and engaging read.”

Both hosts express enthusiasm for its unique twist and romantic elements, positioning it as a light-hearted addition to their reading lists.

Shelf Highlights

Before concluding, Tina recommends "Fang Fiction" by Kate Stamen London, emphasizing its meta-narrative and romantic subplot, perfect for those seeking a refreshing take on vampire fiction.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Tina and Hannah reiterate the importance of flexibility and personal agency in reading choices. They encourage listeners to embrace their unique reading styles, whether it aligns more with mood reading or traditional TBR lists. By sharing their strategies and experiences, they aim to empower fellow book lovers to navigate their reading journeys with confidence and joy.

Notable Quotes:

• Tina [22:31]: “Mood reading, I think, can be defined in lots of different ways.”

• Hannah [34:28]: “When I have a group of books that I can't decide between from my immediate TBR, I'll phone a friend and we'll decide together.”

• Tina [45:52]: “Yes, a lot of Readers connect by genre or theme, making it easier to choose their next read.”

For more insights and book recommendations, follow Book Talk, Etc. on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. Connect with Tina and Hannah on Instagram @tbretc and @hanpickedbooks, respectively. Remember, as Hannah aptly puts it, “Everything's better with books.”