Podcast Summary: Book Talk, Etc. – "Strangely Endearing Heroines + Reading Weird Girl Books"
Episode Information
- Title: Strangely Endearing Heroines + Reading Weird Girl Books
- Hosts: Tina (@tbretc) and Hannah (@hanpickedbooks)
- Release Date: July 8, 2025
- Description: A book recommendation podcast that's bound to grow your TBR!
1. Embracing New Hobbies: Junk Journaling
Tina shares her newfound passion for junk journaling, describing it as a blend of scrapbooking and creative expression using everyday items. She illustrates her enthusiasm by showcasing her own journal filled with mementos like keys, napkins from Lily's birthday, and maps from family trips.
Tina [04:13]: "Junk journaling is just grabbing things from your everyday and putting it together in your journal. It's finding things that might look like junk, but speak to you."
Hannah echoes the sentiment, appreciating how junk journaling helps in staying present and preserving memories from outings like visits to the zoo.
Hannah [07:24]: "It's a great way to remember and be present with a busy life."
The hosts discuss incorporating their children into the hobby, making it a family activity that fosters creativity and shared experiences.
2. Staying Hydrated with Prime Coconut Water Drinks
Hannah introduces Prime coconut water drinks, highlighting their hydrating benefits and appealing flavors. She emphasizes their low sugar content and added electrolytes and BCAAs, making them a healthier alternative to traditional sports drinks.
Hannah [10:14]: "They are really hydrating. They have electrolytes, B vitamins, and 250mg of BCAAs. They only have two grams of sugar."
Tina expresses curiosity about these beverages, noting their affordability and availability in various stores, including Dollar Tree and Amazon.
Tina [12:35]: "I got a bunch at the Dollar Tree the other day for $1.25 a piece."
They discuss favorite flavors like Cherry Freeze and Glowberry, with Hannah highly recommending the Collection Series despite its limited availability.
Hannah [12:35]: "They're really sweet. A couple of the flavors are too sweet for me, but Glowberry is really yummy."
3. Exploring Latest Reads
a. "What Kind of Paradise" by Janelle Brown (Tina)
Tina enthusiastically reviews her favorite June read, praising its literary suspense and deep character development. The novel follows a teenage girl in rural Montana who uncovers unsettling truths about her isolated upbringing.
Tina [15:03]: "It's a literary suspense where you're following a girl as she comes of age and discovers her father's lies."
She appreciates the book's nostalgic elements, reminiscent of the 1990s internet era, and commends the author for incorporating timely themes like AI.
Tina [19:45]: "It was one of my most highly anticipated books for the year, and I gave it five stars."
b. "Heartwood" by Amity Gage (Hannah)
Hannah discusses "Heartwood," a mystery set in the Appalachian wilderness. The story intertwines the perspectives of a missing hiker, a dedicated game warden, and an avid bird watcher who becomes an amateur sleuth.
Hannah [20:14]: "It's marketed as a thriller, but it's more of a mystery with endearing characters and an engaging plot."
She praises the audiobook's full-cast narration and recommends it as a perfect summer read despite its commercial tilt.
Hannah [22:56]: "It's the perfect Summer read. It was easy to follow, propulsive, and engaging."
c. "Immaculate Conception" by Ling Ling Huang (Tina)
Tina reviews "Immaculate Conception," highlighting its exploration of toxic friendships and the intrusive role of AI in the art world. The novel examines the relationship between Inka and Mathilde, two art students entangled in codependency.
Tina [30:12]: "It's a well-written book with clever twists, though it felt like it went down a little bit by the end."
She appreciates the book's high-quality storytelling and recommends it for fans of the author's previous work, "Natural Beauty."
Tina [37:06]: "I enjoyed reading it and gave it four stars. If you liked Natural Beauty, you'll like this one."
d. "Deadly Animals" by Marie Tierney (Hannah)
Hannah shares her excitement for "Deadly Animals," a debut novel long-listed for multiple awards. The book follows Ava, a 14-year-old with a morbid fascination for decaying animals, who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery.
Hannah [51:10]: "Ava is such a special girl. She's compassionate and really cares about people and animals."
She commends the book's smart clues and rich character development, comparing its vibe to Tana French and the first season of "True Detective."
Hannah [56:08]: "It's a strangely endearing murder mystery that I ended up really loving way more than I expected."
e. "Sky Daddy" by Kate Folk (Tina)
Tina presents "Sky Daddy," a quirky and humorous tale about Linda, a woman with a unique obsession with airplanes. Linda believes her destiny is to marry a plane, leading her to participate in vision board brunches that challenge her secretive nature.
Tina [45:38]: "Linda is hilarious. She makes me laugh with her observations."
She praises the book's creativity and the author's ability to blend humor with deeper themes of belonging and identity.
Tina [51:29]: "If you can get past the absurdity, this can have wide appeal."
f. "August Lane" by Regina Black (Hannah)
Hannah discusses "August Lane," a love story set in the country music scene. The narrative follows Luke Randall, a former heartthrob grappling with his past and the repercussions of stealing a song from JoJo Lane, the first black woman inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Hannah [63:17]: "It sounds like a fun, romantic, tense book about music that also has some depth."
She highlights the book's exploration of themes like redemption and facing one's past, making it a compelling read for romance enthusiasts.
Hannah [64:07]: "It's a love story that also delves into deep emotional territories."
g. "The Widow" by John Grisham (Tina)
Tina introduces her shelf edition, "The Widow" by John Grisham, marking his first whodunit novel. The story centers on Simon Latch, a lawyer accused of murder, who must uncover the real killer to prove his innocence.
Tina [60:12]: "It's John Grisham's first whodunit, which is supposed to be even more suspenseful than his courtroom dramas."
She expresses excitement about Grisham's foray into the mystery genre and anticipates an engaging read.
Tina [61:21]: "I am pumped for this."
4. Defining "Weird Books" vs. "Weird Girl Books"
The hosts delve into the distinction between "weird books" and "weird girl books," exploring how each category offers unique narrative elements.
Weird Books:
- Focus on atmosphere and unique premises.
- Often include elements of magical realism, speculative fiction, or dystopian themes.
- Emphasize character studies over plot-driven stories.
Tina [28:37]: "Weird books might have something out of the ordinary, like a sentient crow or a mysterious illness."
Weird Girl Books:
- Center around female protagonists with unconventional inner monologues or behaviors.
- Highlight characters who may seem unlikable or misunderstood yet possess endearing qualities.
- Allow exploration of deep, often hidden, human experiences.
Hannah [30:38]: "These characters can often be unlikable or even bad people, but also have endearing and wonderful traits."
The discussion emphasizes that "weird" is a positive trait, celebrating uniqueness and individuality in characters and storytelling.
Tina [28:37]: "Weird is a compliment. I think everyone's a little weird, so weird is a good thing."
5. Spotlight on Aardvark Books vs. Book of the Month
Tina and Hannah compare Aardvark Books to the traditional Book of the Month club, praising Aardvark for its high-quality selections and unique branding.
Hannah [38:35]: "They give you books you might not have picked up otherwise, which is what publishing is supposed to do."
Tina highlights the superior quality and aesthetic of Aardvark books, noting their soft covers and integrated logos.
Tina [38:03]: "The quality of Aardvark feels like what you get from a bookstore, maybe even better."
They express appreciation for Aardvark's ability to introduce readers to hidden gems beyond mainstream selections.
6. Upcoming Reads and Recommendations
Tina's Shelf Edition: "The Widow" by John Grisham
- A departure from Grisham's legal thrillers into the mystery genre.
- Follows a lawyer accused of murder who must find the real killer to clear his name.
Hannah's Shelf Edition: "August Lane" by Regina Black
- A romantic drama set in the country music industry.
- Explores themes of redemption, identity, and the complexities of love intertwined with professional rivalry.
7. Closing Remarks
The hosts conclude by encouraging listeners to check out the books discussed, follow them on social media, and engage with their community for more exclusive content.
Hannah [69:04]: "Remember, everything's better with books."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Tina [04:13]: "Junk journaling is just grabbing things from your everyday and putting it together in your journal."
- Hannah [10:14]: "They are really hydrating. They have electrolytes, B vitamins, and 250mg of BCAAs."
- Tina [15:03]: "It's a literary suspense where you're following a girl as she comes of age and discovers her father's lies."
- Hannah [20:14]: "It's marketed as a thriller, but it's more of a mystery with endearing characters and an engaging plot."
- Tina [28:37]: "Weird books might have something out of the ordinary, like a sentient crow or a mysterious illness."
- Hannah [30:38]: "These characters can often be unlikable or even bad people, but also have endearing and wonderful traits."
- Hannah [38:35]: "They give you books you might not have picked up otherwise, which is what publishing is supposed to do."
This episode of Book Talk, Etc. offers a rich exploration of unique literary selections and personal hobbies, providing listeners with in-depth reviews and engaging conversations that cater to diverse reading interests. Whether you're intrigued by weird narratives, endearing protagonists, or innovative book selections, Tina and Hannah's discussions serve as a valuable guide to expanding your TBR list.