Podcast Summary: "Books With Your Besties"
Episode: The Top 10 Questions We Get
Release Date: November 8, 2024

Hosted by Emily and Ashley

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "Books With Your Besties," hosts Emily and Ashley delve into the top 10 questions they frequently receive from their listeners. The dynamic duo shares their insights on favorite thriller tropes, book recommendations across various categories, author controversies, and their personal reading philosophies. With a blend of humor and candidness, Emily and Ashley offer a comprehensive guide for both new and seasoned thriller enthusiasts.

1. Favorite and Least Favorite Thriller Tropes

Timestamp: [00:29]

Emily and Ashley kick off the episode by discussing their favorite and least favorite thriller tropes. Emily expresses her love for the classic "locked door mystery in the snow" scenario, highlighting the irresistible allure it holds for thriller fans. She humorously notes, "Anytime there is a locked door mystery in the snow... that's my favorite" ([00:57] Emily).

Ashley shares her fascination with thrillers that feature ambiguous child characters, stating, "I have really realized I love thrillers where you don't know if a kid is problematic or not" ([02:00] Ashley). Both agree on their disdain for excessive gore, emphasizing their preference for psychological over horror elements.

2. Recommended Thrillers for Beginners

Timestamp: [10:25]

When asked for thriller recommendations for newcomers to the genre, Ashley suggests "The Guest House" by Robin Morgan Bentley, praising its smart writing and engaging twists without relying on overt scariness ([10:35] Ashley). Emily counters with "None of This is True" by Lisa Jewell, lauding its brilliant writing and meaningful character development, despite its less intense nature ([11:04] Emily).

3. Top Thrillers for Avid Fans

Timestamp: [12:05]

For seasoned thriller lovers, Ashley recommends Gillian Flynn's "Sharp Objects," describing it as "absolutely outstanding" with a compelling miniseries adaptation ([12:18] Ashley). Emily adds "Look Closer" by David Ellis to her list, appreciating its Halloween-themed spookiness and intricate twists ([12:26] Emily).

4. Thrillers Suitable for the Easily Frightened

Timestamp: [13:32]

Emily recommends "Everyone Here is Lying" by Sherry Lapena for listeners who are easily scared, noting that while the book isn't traditionally frightening, it delves into complex, unsettling relationships ([13:35] Emily). Ashley echoes this sentiment with "Leave the World Behind" by Rumaan Alam, highlighting its realistic apocalyptic scenario that induces a deep sense of unease without relying on typical horror tropes ([16:01] Ashley).

5. The Scariest Thrillers They've Read

Timestamp: [15:06]

Emily lists three particularly scary thrillers:

• "Appetite for Innocence" by Lucinda Berry
• "The New House" by Tess Stimson
• "Leave the World Behind" by Rumaan Alam

Ashley complements Emily's list with:

• "Home Before Dark" by Riley Sager
• "Butcher and the Wren" by Elena Urquhart
• "The Butterfly Garden" (title withheld to avoid spoilers)

Both hosts emphasize the psychological depth and chilling premises that make these books standout in the horror-thriller spectrum.

6. Essential Non-Thriller Reads

Timestamp: [18:18]

Shifting gears to non-thriller genres, Emily advocates for "American Dirt" by Jeanine Cummins, praising its heartfelt portrayal of a family's perilous journey from Mexico to the United States ([18:22] Emily). Ashley recommends:

• "Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah
• "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
• "The Red Tent" by Anita Diamant

These selections are lauded for their historical significance, emotional depth, and exploration of complex relationships.

7. Underrated and Underrated Thrillers

Timestamp: [20:19]

Emily highlights two underrated thrillers:

• "The Change" by Kristen Miller: A humorous yet thrilling narrative about menopausal women channeling their energy into unexpected ventures.
• "The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pierce: Praised for its snowy setting and strong character development ([21:27] Emily).

Ashley adds "Good Night Beautiful" by Amy Moloy to her list, noting its mind-blowing twists and engaging plot without revealing spoilers ([21:41] Ashley).

8. Authors You Should Never Skip

Timestamp: [22:19]

Emily and Ashley share their favorite authors whose works they never miss:

• Emily's Picks:

  • Lisa Jewell
  • Lucinda Berry
  • Art Tor

• Ashley's Picks:

  • Stacey Willingham: Known for "Flicker in the Dark," "All the Dangerous Things," and "Only If You're Lucky."
  • Heidi Gudenkopf: Celebrated for her tasteful depiction of violence and deep character exploration.

Both hosts emphasize the importance of respecting authors' crafts and the profound impact their storytelling has on readers.

9. Book Controversies

Timestamp: [25:05]

Emily and Ashley delve into the polarizing reactions surrounding certain books and authors:

• "Verity" by Colleen Hoover: Described as highly polarizing, with some readers obsessively loving or hating it. Emily notes, "most people loved it," despite the loud dissent from a vocal minority ([25:17] Emily).

• Freda McFadden: Controversial due to allegations of borrowing storylines and inconsistent character portrayals. Emily criticizes her portrayal of female characters as "dumb as a box of rocks," while Ashley points out the rapid pacing of her thrillers ([26:29] Ashley; [27:55] Emily).

Additionally, they discuss controversies within the BookTok community, such as influencers being paid for content without delivering promised services, emphasizing their commitment to authentic and honest reviews ([28:18] Ashley).

10. Final Thoughts on Reading

Timestamp: [31:57]

Emily and Ashley conclude the episode by sharing their unique approach to selecting books for their club. They emphasize reading books alongside their community without prior knowledge to ensure authentic discussions. Emily mentions, "This is an authentic book club... let's read this together and see what we all think" ([32:29] Emily).

They also highlight the importance of diverse reading methods, welcoming listeners who prefer reading visually, audibly, or even through Braille. The hosts encourage emotional engagement with the material, stating, "as long as you can be mad about it or sad about it with us, that's all that matters" ([34:41] Ashley).

Notable Quotes

• "Anytime there is a locked door mystery in the snow... that's my favorite." — Emily ([00:57])
• "I love thrillers where you don't know if a kid is problematic or not." — Ashley ([02:16])
• "It's just horrifying. This would be called the Horrifying Book Club if we liked that." — Emily ([06:20])
• "They are just like the most gorgeous woman, but they're dumb as a box of rocks." — Emily ([27:55])
• "We don't make content about books we don't like." — Ashley ([30:33])

Conclusion

Emily and Ashley's candid discussion offers valuable insights into the thriller genre, providing listeners with a curated list of must-read books and a deeper understanding of their personal preferences and philosophies. Whether you're a thriller novice or a seasoned reader, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities and controversies of contemporary thrillers.

For more content, exclusive discussions, and behind-the-scenes footage, support Emily and Ashley on Patreon at thecreepybookclub.com.

Connect with "Books With Your Besties":

• Patreon: thecreepybookclub.com
• Instagram: @creepybookclub
• Book Club Website: creepybookclub.com

Happy Reading! 📚