Books With Your Besties: The 2024 Wrap Up Episode Summary
Date Released: January 3, 2025
In the season finale of 2024, hosts Emily and Ashley come together to reflect on the past year, sharing their favorite reads, media picks, and setting goals for the upcoming year. This detailed summary captures the essence of their lively and candid discussion, enriched with notable quotes and insights from the episode.
1. Introduction to the 2024 Wrap Up
The episode kicks off with Emily and Ashley expressing their excitement to review the year's highlights. Emily shares her enthusiasm about comparing their book lists, eager to discover overlapping favorites.
Emily [00:45]: "I'm so excited. I don't know why. I don't know why I'm so excited to talk about this. I made my list and I can't wait to see if we have any that are the same."
Ashley adds a touch of humor before diving into the main content, highlighting her readiness to proceed despite the chilly weather analogy.
Ashley [00:31]: "I think that is fine. I am going to freeze to death sitting here talking to you. So I better go get a blanket or turn my heat up. Okay, so let's do a 2024 wrap up year in Review."
2. Top Five Books of 2024
Emily and Ashley delve into their top five books of the year, offering in-depth reviews and personal reflections on each selection.
a. Not a Sound by Heather Gutenkopf
Ashley introduces Not a Sound, praising its unique perspective by featuring a deaf protagonist in a thriller setting. She emphasizes the novel’s exploration of accessibility in high-stakes situations.
Ashley [01:08]: "This was a read with us over on Patreon. I just thought it was so unique because she used a deaf woman as the main character and the considerations around what life would be like as a deaf person in a thriller."
Emily echoes Ashley’s sentiments, reflecting on her own realizations about taking her hearing for granted.
Emily [01:58]: "And it made me think about how much I take my hearing for granted."
b. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Emily ranks this book among her top ten of all time, highlighting its depth beyond typical thriller conventions.
Emily [02:19]: "It's just this beautiful story of the way that this boy's life unfolded. It's one of the most beautiful books I've ever written."
Ashley admits she hasn't read it yet but acknowledges its place on her must-read list for 2025.
Ashley [02:55]: "I haven't read it yet, and it's on the top of my list. It's like one of the few books that I skipped... So it's on my 2025 list of must reads."
c. The Life We Bury by Alan Eskins
Ashley praises The Life We Bury for its blend of historical fiction and thriller elements, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. She lauds Eskins' upcoming releases and her anticipation for his new work.
Ashley [03:45]: "I just think her books are fun. They're clever and fun."
Emily [04:21]: "It's a must read."
d. What Have You Done by Sherry LaBina
Emily and Ashley discuss the morally complex characters in What Have You Done, appreciating the absence of typical rooting interests and the book's ability to engage without cheering for any side.
Emily [05:09]: "There are so many off putting horrible people in this book... It was just a must read if you like a fun cat and mouse who done it."
Ashley [06:02]: "I didn't hate all the characters... it kept me engaged."
e. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
Both hosts share their admiration for Gillian Flynn's works, with Emily declaring it her favorite among Flynn's novels.
Emily [06:40]: "I love anything she writes. But I wanna say that that is my favorite book that she's written."
Ashley [07:00]: "They are smart. And I just, I really enjoyed that one."
3. Favorite Shows and Podcasts of 2024
Beyond books, Emily and Ashley discuss their top picks in television and podcasts, recommending engaging content to their listeners.
a. Television Picks
Emily recommends Professor Emily Reader and the gripping two-part series Presumed Innocent starring Jake Gyllenhaal, highlighting its true mystery thriller elements.
Emily [13:27]: "It's like a true mystery thriller show. That's really smart."
She also praises the documentary Will and Harper on Netflix for its raw and beautiful portrayal of personal relationships.
Emily [15:29]: "It's just an unbelievably beautiful, raw documentary."
b. Podcast Recommendations
Emily enthusiastically recommends Scamanda, expressing excitement over its potential adaptation into a documentary.
Emily [15:34]: "You listened to Scamanda? Yes. Loved it."
Additionally, she highlights an episode from Armchair Expert featuring a sociopath, recommending it as a must-listen for its eye-opening content.
Emily [16:00]: "If you're going to listen to only one episode of one podcast this year, listen to that one."
4. Reading Goals for 2025
The discussion shifts to setting personal and collective reading objectives for the new year. Ashley ambitiously aims to read 52 books, one per week, while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining such a pace.
Ashley [23:02]: "I listen to lots of books. I will continue to listen to books, but I want to read with my eyeballs at least 52 books. One book a week."
Emily shares her goal of discovering more indie and lesser-known authors, emphasizing her desire to spotlight deserving voices through platforms like TikTok.
Emily [25:28]: "I need to figure out a better way of discovering more indie and lesser known authors."
5. Book-to-Movie Adaptations
The hosts express excitement over their favorite books being adapted into films, anticipating the visual renditions of beloved stories.
Ashley [28:19]: "I love that so many of these books are being made into movies... I saw that The Housemaid comes out in 2025 on Christmas."
Emily [28:35]: "I love a good book made into a movie."
They specifically mention upcoming adaptations like Freda McFadden's Housemaid and Verity, underscoring their enthusiasm for seeing literary works come to life on screen.
6. Conclusion and Social Engagement
Emily and Ashley wrap up the episode by inviting listeners to join their book community through Patreon and their website, The Creepy Book Club. They emphasize the value of engaging with authors and accessing exclusive content.
Emily [29:07]: "Head over to the creepybookclub.com so you can join our book of the Month club so that you are reading with us."
Ashley [29:52]: "For more content, find us on Patreon at the Creepy Book Club."
The episode concludes with heartfelt wishes for the new year, reinforcing their bond with their audience.
Emily [29:59]: "Happy reading."
Key Takeaways
- Diverse Book Recommendations: Emily and Ashley offer a curated selection of thrillers and historical fiction, highlighting both popular and indie authors.
- Engagement with Media: Beyond books, their recommendations extend to compelling television series and thought-provoking podcasts.
- Personal Growth Goals: Both hosts set ambitious reading goals, reflecting their commitment to continuous learning and exploration.
- Community Building: Emphasizing the importance of their listener community, they encourage active participation through Patreon and their website.
This episode serves as a comprehensive reflection of Emily and Ashley’s literary journey in 2024, providing listeners with insightful recommendations and inspiring goals for 2025.