Episode Summary: "Guessing Books From ONE STAR REVIEWS"

In this engaging episode of "I'll Read What She's Reading," hosts Kennedy, Mikayla, and Reggie dive into a listener-favorite segment where they guess books based solely on their one-star reviews. Balancing humor with insightful book discussions, the trio creates an entertaining atmosphere for both casual readers and dedicated book enthusiasts.

1. Episode Introduction and Setting the Tone

Kennedy opens the episode warmly, inviting listeners into a "cuddly" session centered around the guessing game inspired by one-star reviews.

• Kennedy (00:45): "Today we are doing a listener favorite episode which is guessing books based on their one star reviews. This is always really fun for us to do and I feel like we have to preface this episode by saying these are books, honestly, we like."

The hosts emphasize that this segment is all in good fun, acknowledging that while the reviews are negative, they enjoy the books themselves.

• Mikayla (01:13): "All in jest."

2. Book Club Updates

Before delving into the game, the hosts update each other and listeners on their current readings, sharing personal experiences and challenges.

• Reggie (02:00) shares her journey of re-reading "Throne of Glass" to support her sister-in-law, expressing excitement about rediscovering the series.

  • Reggie (02:00): "I'm just rereading Throne of Glass... I think that reading it the second time I'm going to enjoy a lot more than the first time around."

• Kennedy (04:16) and Mikayla (05:25) discuss a collective reading slump, with Mikayla mentioning her enjoyment of the "Murderbot Diaries."

  • Mikayla (05:28): "I read literally so many books, and I decided to start reading the Murderbot Diaries, and I actually really enjoyed them."

• The conversation also touches on "Ghosted" and "Pestilence" by Mikayla, highlighting both her appreciation and critical thoughts on the narratives and themes.

  • Mikayla (08:26): "I have like this love hate relationship with it. I ate it up. Like, I was excited to read it, but it was just very interesting."

3. The Guessing Game: One-Star Reviews Edition

The core of the episode revolves around the hosts' attempts to identify books based on their hilariously negative one-star reviews. This segment showcases their camaraderie and deep familiarity with various literary works.

First Round:

• Reggie (17:15) presents the first review: "She swallowed an AirPod." The group debates and finally identifies the book as "Irony of 'Say You'll Remember Me'".

  • Reggie (17:15): "She swallowed an airpod."

• Notable Quote:

  • Kennedy (17:35): "I don't remember what happened."

Second Round:

• The review "A menstrual cup would be a game changer for her" leads to the identification of "Heartless Hunter."

  • Kennedy (19:17): "All of mine are pretty easy. Honestly, a menstrual cup would be a game changer for her."

• Notable Quote:

  • Mikayla (25:49): "Please do not believe the reviews when it is listed as a bully romance. There is literally not a shred of romance in this book."

Third Round:

• The cryptic review "This word pretend was used 50 times..." points to "Red Rising."

  • Reggie (27:07): "The word pretend was used 50 times."

• Notable Quote:

  • Kennedy (28:57): "He smelt like wormwood."

Fourth Round:

• A humorous take on scent descriptions leads the hosts to "Crescent City."

  • Kennedy (32:07): "She smells like wormwood."

• Notable Quote:

  • Reggie (32:17): "He smells like sweet... like basil."

Fifth Round:

• The review mentioning chemistry with "fallen hairs behind the couch" is deciphered as "Onyx Storm."

  • Kennedy (33:00): "Okay. Reggie, you have two more."

• Notable Quote:

  • Mikayla (33:10): "He frosted under heavy guard. That's right. A character frosts a cake under heavy guard. He's a dangerous cake froster."

Final Round:

• The review "A ten-year-old girl who manipulated every adult..." is linked to a specific title, wrapping up the game with laughter and shared amusement.

  • Reggie (39:18): "A ten year old girl who manipulated every adult in this book just wanted to take ballet classes."

4. Reflections on One-Star Reviews

Post-game, the hosts reflect on the nature of one-star reviews, discussing their validity and the impact of negative feedback on beloved books.

• Kennedy (40:47): "Do you know, even though I love certain books, some people hate them. And do you guys ever actually go back and read some of the one star reviews of your favorite books and you're like, you know what? It's kind of valid."

• Reggie (41:23): "There can be things I don't like about a book, but it must really bother some people if they feel passionate about these tiny little things."

This segment underscores the diverse perspectives within the reading community, acknowledging that while the hosts cherish their favorite books, others may have valid reasons for their criticisms.

5. Episode Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to share their own funny one-star reviews and promote their social media channels for more content.

• Mikayla (40:38): "If you find any one star reviews that are just kind of funny, send them. Send them our way, please."

• Kennedy (41:37): "It's all right. It's okay. It's all good. It's all fun. I could never be an author. Let's just be honest."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Kennedy (00:45): "Today we are doing a listener favorite episode which is guessing books based on their one star reviews."
• Mikayla (05:28): "I decided to start reading the Murderbot Diaries, and I actually really enjoyed them."
• Reggie (17:15): "She swallowed an airpod."
• Mikayla (25:49): "Please do not believe the reviews when it is listed as a bully romance."
• Reggie (32:17): "He smells like sweet... like basil."

This episode masterfully blends humor with literature, offering listeners both laughter and insightful discussions. By turning negative reviews into a game, Kennedy, Mikayla, and Reggie create a relatable and entertaining experience that celebrates the diverse opinions within the book-loving community.