Podcast Summary: "I'll Read What She's Reading" – Episode: OUR WINTER TBR
Release Date: November 20, 2024
In the episode titled "OUR WINTER TBR," hosts Reggie, Mikayla, and Kennedy delve into their winter reading lists, reflecting on their fall book selections and sharing insights into upcoming reads. The conversation is rich with personal anecdotes, book recommendations, and candid discussions about their reading habits and challenges.
1. Introduction to Winter TBR
The episode kicks off with Reggie introducing the theme for the week:
Reggie (00:16): "And it's winter TBR time, so we're going to be sharing our winter reads that are on our tbr. And what perfect timing to talk about our winter TBR because it's already snowing, so tis the season."
Kennedy and Mikayla confirm the winter timing, setting the stage for a seasonal reading discussion.
2. Reflecting on Fall TBR
Before diving into their winter lists, the hosts briefly touch upon their fall reading journey:
Kennedy (01:15): "Well, you had a really ambitious fall tbr, which is a great segue into talking about our fall TBRs."
Mikayla admits to not finishing her fall TBR, expressing mild frustration:
Mikayla (01:32): "Oh, I didn't finish and I'm really mad at myself..."
Despite some setbacks, the hosts maintain a positive outlook, praising Mikayla's ambitious reading goals and encouraging her progress.
3. Sharing the Winter TBR Lists
The core of the episode centers around each host presenting their winter reading list. Mikayla begins by outlining her selections:
Mikayla's Winter TBR:
- Fable Series by Adrian Young: Including Fable, Namesake, and Saint.
- Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown: Completed the original trilogy and partially through the sequel series.
- Lost in Lassoed: Newly released, pending completion.
- From a Blood and Ash: Considering the extensive series depth and mixed reviews.
Mikayla highlights her enthusiasm for Adrian Young's work, noting the fresh pirate-themed narratives:
Mikayla (02:00): "I really, really liked them. They are kind of a breath of fresh air for me... gives Pirates of the Caribbean vibes."
Kennedy discusses her tentative plans with Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn series, expressing both excitement and intimidation:
Kennedy (18:16): "I think realistically, by the end of the two weeks from now, I will have finished Lost in Lasso and all of Daughter of no Worlds."
Reggie shares her winter picks, focusing on substantial reads to balance her workload:
Reggie's Winter TBR:
- Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros: Third book in the Empyrean series, requiring a reread of Iron Flame for context.
- Iron Gold by Pierce Brown: Continuing the Red Rising saga.
Reggie underscores her commitment to tackling these substantial titles despite feeling daunted:
Reggie (20:10): "I just feel like I need to... I just have a lot on my plate."
4. In-Depth Book Discussions
The hosts engage in detailed conversations about specific books and series, sharing personal opinions and critiques.
Red Rising Series:
Mikayla expresses frustration with the continuation beyond the original trilogy:
Mikayla (03:30): "I think it's so dumb that he continued, but I'm gonna keep my mouth shut."
Reggie defends Pierce Brown's expansion of the series, highlighting her favorite installment:
Reggie (04:01): "Morningstar's one of my favorite books of all time."
Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere:
Kennedy reveals her plan to tackle Sanderson's interconnected universe, acknowledging its complexity:
Kennedy (16:36): "I also don't know how I feel about how he's addressing, like, the magic system in the world building."
The hosts discuss the challenge of engaging with dense, interconnected narratives, emphasizing their dedication to completing the series.
Other Notable Books:
- Caraval by Stephanie Garber: Reggie shares a love-hate relationship with the series, enjoying the world-building but feeling disconnected from the plot.
- Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez: Reggie praises the heartfelt narrative, eagerly anticipating the sequel.
- Flawless by Elsie Silver: Reggie is drawn to the engaging characters and promises a review after reading.
5. Reading Habits and Challenges
The conversation shifts to personal reading habits, time management, and the pressures of maintaining ambitious TBR lists.
Reggie (45:40): "I know I can't compare myself to other people because I live a very different life since I have two children than these two."
Kennedy and Mikayla offer support and understanding, discussing strategies to balance reading with other life commitments. They emphasize the importance of enjoying the reading journey without undue pressure:
Kennedy (46:00): "Reading goals really don't. They don't matter."
The hosts also reflect on their reading goals for the year, expressing a mix of determination and realism about their progress.
6. Final Recommendations and Wrap-Up
Before concluding, the hosts share additional book recommendations and discuss upcoming reads. Mikayla introduces her choice of a rom-com:
Mikayla (33:30): "It's called the Rom Commerce by Katherine Center."
Kennedy adds her selection from Christina Lauren's holiday-themed romance, balancing her anticipation with cautious optimism:
Kennedy (43:17): "It's a rom com by Katherine Center... sounds cute."
As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listeners to embrace their reading journeys, highlighting the joy and companionship found in shared literary adventures.
Reggie (47:22): "I have a lot of thoughts. Okay. Anyways, that's mine. Okay."
Notable Quotes
- Reggie (00:16): "And it's winter TBR time, so we're going to be sharing our winter reads..."
- Mikayla (02:00): "They are kind of a breath of fresh air for me... gives Pirates of the Caribbean vibes."
- Kennedy (18:16): "I think realistically, by the end of the two weeks from now, I will have finished Lost in Lasso and all of Daughter of no Worlds."
- Reggie (04:01): "Morningstar's one of my favorite books of all time."
- Reggie (45:40): "I know I can't compare myself to other people because I live a very different life since I have two children than these two."
Conclusion
In "OUR WINTER TBR," "I'll Read What She's Reading" offers a heartfelt and insightful discussion on seasonal reading plans. The hosts' candid conversations about their book choices, reading habits, and the challenges of maintaining a TBR list provide listeners with relatable content and inspiring literary recommendations. Whether you're seeking new titles to add to your own winter list or simply enjoy the camaraderie of fellow book lovers, this episode delivers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of winter reading.