Book Talk, etc. Episode Summary: "Secrets, Scholars, and the Dark Side of Academia"

Release Date: October 15, 2024
Hosts: Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks)
Podcast Description: A book recommendation podcast that's bound to grow your TBR!

Introduction

In this episode of Book Talk, etc., hosts Tina and Hannah delve into the intriguing world of academia, exploring both dark academia and campus novels. They share their recent reads, discuss personal experiences, and offer insightful recommendations for book lovers eager to expand their shelves.

Loving Lately: Current Recommendations

1. Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter (Netflix Documentary)

• Tina's Review:
  • Timestamp: [01:24]
  • Quote: "This is about a woman who learns 36 years after she gave birth to a baby girl and placed her up for adoption that she had disappeared."
  • Summary: Tina introduces "Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter," a gripping two-part documentary on Netflix that chronicles the disappearance of Andrea Bowman in 1989 and her mother's relentless search. She praises Kathy Bowman, the biological mother, for her unyielding spirit and meticulous investigation. Tina highlights the documentary's respectfulness and insightful portrayal of law enforcement processes, noting its suitability for true crime enthusiasts interested in deep human stories.

2. Tealish Tea Company

• Hannah's Review:

  • Timestamp: [05:20]
  • Quote: "Their version is called Toasty Almond. It is so good. It's priced really well, so for 50 grams, which makes 20 to 25 cups, it's only about $15."
  • Summary: Hannah shares her and her husband's quest to find the perfect almond cookie tea after their previous provider, Sips By, ceased operations. They discovered Tealish's "Toasty Almond," which not only matches their desired flavor profile but also brews bright pink due to beetroot. Hannah appreciates the variety offered by Tealish, including powder packets for iced teas, and commends the brand for its affordability and quality.

• Tina's Comment:

  • Timestamp: [07:36]
  • Quote: "I love almond. There's an almond wine I really enjoy from a local. Well, it's called Cooper's Hawk. It's not that, like, niche, but they have an almond sparkling wine. That's my favorite."
  • Summary: Tina expresses her enthusiasm for almond-flavored beverages, recommending Cooper's Hawk almond sparkling wine as a delightful complement to the teas discussed.

Book Discussions

3. Colored Television by Danzy Senna

• Timestamp: [08:16]

• Tina's Review:

  • Quote: "It's a dark comedy about second acts, creative appropriation, and the Racial identity, industrial complex."
  • Summary: Tina provides an in-depth review of "Colored Television" by Danzy Senna, highlighting its exploration of complex themes such as race, motherhood, and the challenges within the entertainment industry. She appreciates the protagonist Jane's nuanced character and the book's sharp commentary on societal issues. Tina notes the emotional depth and the author's personal connection, given her own experiences as a white mother to biracial children.

• Hannah's Comment:

  • Timestamp: [13:46]
  • Quote: "This one's for you, mom."
  • Summary: Hannah mentions that her mother is eager to hear about this book, underscoring its relevance and impact.

4. Blue Book of Nebo by Manon Stefan Roz

• Timestamp: [14:22]

• Hannah's Review:

  • Quote: "It really beautifully explores the resilience of the human spirit, the bond between a mother and her son, as well as the creation of a new history in a post apocalyptic world."
  • Summary: Hannah reviews "Blue Book of Nebo," a post-apocalyptic novella set in rural Wales. She praises its creative narrative structure, presented through journal entries, and the deep exploration of the mother-son relationship amidst societal collapse. Despite noting some translation errors and formatting issues in the US edition, Hannah commends the book for its engaging storytelling and unique perspective.

• Tina's Response:

  • Timestamp: [17:39]
  • Quote: "It's kind of like going through surgery and out of it."
  • Summary: Tina empathizes with Hannah's critique regarding translation inaccuracies, emphasizing the importance of polished translations for reader enjoyment.

5. Vladimir by Julia Mae Jonas

• Timestamp: [27:47]

• Tina's Review:

  • Quote: "It's very descriptive. It's also very insular. Your enjoyment of this is going to depend on how much you like stories that are quieter and very New England and very insular."
  • Summary: Tina discusses "Vladimir," a campus novel that delves into the complexities of personal and professional relationships within academia. She highlights the protagonist's moral ambiguities and the book's exploration of cancel culture and personal responsibility. Tina appreciates the book's depth but mentions moments that challenged her comfort, particularly regarding the narrator’s discussions on body image.

• Hannah's Response:

  • Timestamp: [30:19]
  • Quote: "So much drama."
  • Summary: Hannah acknowledges the intense emotional and moral drama presented in the book, recognizing Tina's balanced critique.

6. Ace of Spades by Farida Abike Mide

• Timestamp: [34:05]

• Hannah's Review:

  • Quote: "This was a well-written, compelling debut that tackles issues on race and identity with nuance and sensitivity."
  • Summary: Hannah introduces "Ace of Spades," a young adult dark academia novel blending elements of "Gossip Girl" and "Get Out." She praises the book for its intricate twists, rich character development, and thoughtful commentary on class and identity within a predominantly white, capitalist society. Despite noting a hurried final twist, Hannah commends the book's handling of sensitive themes and representation.

• Tina's Comment:

  • Timestamp: [37:39]
  • Quote: "Great vibes, great characters, a lot of awesome sort of social commentary."
  • Summary: Tina echoes Hannah's enthusiasm, highlighting the book's successful blend of social commentary and engaging narrative.

7. If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

• Timestamp: [38:48]

• Tina's Review:

  • Quote: "It gives the feeling of being in college where your friends are your entire life."
  • Summary: Tina shares her love for "If We Were Villains," a dark, atmospheric novel set in a Shakespearean college. She appreciates the book's suspenseful plot, distinct character archetypes, and its faithful capture of college life dynamics. Tina likens its immersive storytelling to "Secret History," praising its haunting and thrilling narrative that keeps readers engrossed until the end.

• Hannah's Response:

  • Timestamp: [42:55]
  • Quote: "I almost read the Secret History for this episode, but it's long and I really wanted to spend my time with it."
  • Summary: Hannah expresses her interest in reading "If We Were Villains," recognizing its appeal in capturing the essence of dark academia and complex friendships.

8. We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Cooper

• Timestamp: [44:20]

• Hannah's Review:

  • Quote: "It's a debut piece of investigative journalism that transcends the typical boundaries of true crime storytelling."
  • Summary: Hannah reviews "We Keep the Dead Close," an investigative true crime narrative that examines the murder of Jane Britton on Harvard's campus in the late 60s. She commends Cooper's meticulous research, elegant writing style, and the book's deep exploration of institutional complexities and societal issues such as misogyny and power dynamics within academia. Hannah highlights the book's dual focus on solving the case and introspective analysis of the author's motivations, making it a compelling read for a broad audience.

• Tina's Comment:

  • Timestamp: [49:19]
  • Quote: "It had all of the elements that I like in True crime as well."
  • Summary: Tina appreciates Hannah's detailed review, emphasizing the book's respectful portrayal of victims and its avoidance of sensationalism, aligning with her own preferences in true crime literature.

Main Discussion: Dark Academia vs. Campus Novels

Defining Dark Academia

• Timestamp: [20:21]
• Tina's Definition:
  • Quote: "I'm picturing dark classrooms, sort of that... big auditoriums, a lot of wood. I see ravens."
  • Summary: Tina describes dark academia as a visually rich genre characterized by gothic architectural elements, moody atmospheres, and thematic exploration of darker subjects. She associates it with elements like haunted houses, secret societies, and intense emotional narratives, often intertwined with coming-of-age themes.

Defining Campus Novels

• Timestamp: [20:48]
• Hannah's Definition:
  • Quote: "Campus novels are just general campus novels, take place at a university... could be from the perspective of students, staff, professors."
  • Summary: Hannah defines campus novels as narratives set within university environments, encompassing a broad range of perspectives—from students to faculty. Unlike dark academia, campus novels are not inherently dark or thematic but focus more on the academic setting and interpersonal relationships within it.

Key Differences and Overlaps

• Timestamp: [21:14]

• Hannah's Insight:

  • Quote: "All dark academia books are campus novels, but not all campus novels are dark academia."
  • Summary: The hosts agree that while all dark academia novels fall under the umbrella of campus novels due to their setting, the reverse is not true. Dark academia adds layers of gothic elements and complex themes, distinguishing it from more general campus-based narratives.

• Timestamp: [22:27]

• Tina's Additional Insights:

  • Quote: "Dark academia immediately, I'm also conflating it with gothic."
  • Summary: Tina elaborates on the interplay between dark academia and gothic genres, noting that while they share similarities, such as atmospheric settings and darker themes, they maintain distinct identities. Dark academia often leans more towards intellectual and psychological explorations, whereas gothic focuses on elements like curses and madness.

• Timestamp: [25:02]

• Hannah's Reflection:

  • Quote: "Pretty much dark academia is a subgenre worth adding to my buzzword."
  • Summary: Hannah acknowledges dark academia as a distinct and enticing subgenre, recognizing its unique appeal within their reading preferences.

• Timestamp: [25:52]

• Tina's Personal Connection:

  • Quote: "I do enjoy stories that are quieter and very New England and very insular."
  • Summary: Tina shares her personal affinity for insular academic settings, particularly those reminiscent of New England or European locales, enhancing her connection to dark academia narratives.

Upcoming Reads and Shelf Editions

9. The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig

• Timestamp: [51:06]
• Tina's Anticipation:
  • Quote: "It's about five high school friends who find a mysterious staircase to nowhere."
  • Summary: Tina introduces her upcoming read, "The Staircase in the Woods," a thrilling tale of friendship and supernatural mysteries reminiscent of "Stranger Things." She eagerly anticipates the character development and plot twists that Chuck Wendig is known for.

10. Resurrectionist by A. Ray Dunlap

• Timestamp: [52:55]
• Hannah's Preview:
  • Quote: "It's historical fiction, true crime, and dark academia set in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1828."
  • Summary: Hannah shares her excitement for the forthcoming release, "Resurrectionist," highlighting its blend of historical fiction and true crime within a dark academia framework. The novel explores the macabre origins of modern medicine, intertwining themes of murder and scientific pursuit.

Conclusion

Tina and Hannah wrap up the episode by reiterating their love for the books discussed and encouraging listeners to explore dark academia and campus novels. They emphasize the importance of thoughtful storytelling and nuanced character development, especially within academic settings. The hosts invite listeners to follow them on various platforms and join their Patreon community for exclusive content.

Notable Quotes:

• Tina at [20:21]: "I'm picturing dark classrooms, sort of that... big auditoriums, a lot of wood. I see ravens."
• Hannah at [25:37]: "I think that it is a genre that could end up being one that I kind of add to my buzzword."
• Tina at [27:47]: "Is it too close to home? Like, is this escapism, fiction, enjoyment that I'm getting?"
• Hannah at [33:41]: "I have a lot of theories, and I won't tell you if I was right or not."

Recommended Books from This Episode:

1. Colored Television by Danzy Senna
2. Blue Book of Nebo by Manon Stefan Roz
3. Vladimir by Julia Mae Jonas
4. Ace of Spades by Farida Abike Mide
5. If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
6. We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Cooper
7. The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (Upcoming)
8. Resurrectionist by A. Ray Dunlap (Upcoming)

For more details and links to the books mentioned, refer to the show notes. If you enjoyed this episode, consider following Book Talk, etc. on your preferred podcast platform and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Join their Patreon community for exclusive content at Patreon.com/booktetc.

Connect with the Hosts:

• Email: us@booktalketc.mail.com
• Instagram:
  • Tina: @tinabrec
  • Hannah: @hannahandpickedbooks

Remember, everything's better with a book!