Podcast Summary: I'll Read What She's Reading – Spring TBR 2025
Episode Title: Spring TBR 2025
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Hosts: Kennedy, Reggie, & Mikayla
1. Winter TBR Recap
In the opening segment, the hosts reflect on their Winter To Be Read (TBR) lists, sharing successes and challenges faced during the season.
Kennedy’s Winter TBR: Kennedy admits she didn’t complete her entire Winter TBR, primarily forgetting to include Belladonna by Adeline Grace. Despite this, she praises Lightbringer by Pierce Brown as one of her favorite books of all time, though she found most of her other selections "very mid."
“But I did read everything else and honestly they were very mid. Two of them were good, one was no one was good, one was great, the rest were mid.” (00:35)
Reggie’s Winter TBR: Reggie discusses her Winter TBR, noting she skipped The Blighted Stars by Megan E. Okife, opting instead to immerse herself in the Red Rising series and the Chestnut Springs series. She enjoyed the romantic and tender elements of the latter, despite some tear-jerking moments.
“They were really fun, really spicy. Really, I got some of them were a bit of a tear jerker at times. They were sweet, tender, spicy.” (04:19)
Mikayla’s Winter TBR: Mikayla shares that she had six books on her Winter TBR but only missed Nightbane by Alex Starr and Light Lark. She successfully completed titles like Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson and multiple entries in the Scarlet Princess series.
“I feel pretty good about my winter TBR. Just missed one.” (07:17)
2. Transition to Spring TBR
The conversation shifts to planning their Spring TBR. They decide to exclude obvious new releases from authors like Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry to diversify their reading selections.
“So obviously we're going to read all the new releases... We're doing you guys a favor in not putting those on there, because those are kind of a given.” (07:52)
3. Spring TBR Selections
Each host unveils their Spring TBR picks, discussing their motivations and what they hope to gain from each selection.
Kennedy’s Spring TBR:
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Beartown by Fredrik Bachman
A highly anticipated three-book series about a small town, aiming to evoke strong emotions similar to Anxious People.“I want to feel something. I want to cry while reading. So I'm hoping I'll feel some type of way.” (08:35)
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Bloodmarked by Tracy Dion
Kennedy plans to revisit this sequel to enhance her reading experience after a less-than-ideal start. -
Sword of Kaigen by ML Wang
A standalone fantasy praised for its unique plot twists and fresh writing style.“It's a standalone fantasy, and I'm excited to see what it's all about.” (36:00)
Reggie’s Spring TBR:
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Beartown by Fredrik Bachman
Reggie echoes Kennedy’s enthusiasm, having delayed reading it for personal reasons.“I was thinking about this book for so long and it's been available on my Libby forever.” (10:26)
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Golden Summer by Carly Fortune
A summer-themed romance featuring a photographer, aligning with Reggie's personal interests.“She's a photographer... sounds fun.” (15:02)
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Night and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
A concise Romantasy novel suitable for Reggie's busy schedule. -
The Blighted Stars by Megan E. Okife
A space romance trilogy that garnered Reggie's interest through a compelling TikTok recommendation.“This sounds so cool.” (32:23)
Mikayla’s Spring TBR:
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Beg, Borrow, and Steal by Sarah Adams
The third installment in an interconnected series, praised for its engaging banter.“I really like her. Her banter is always pretty good.” (17:30)
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Rebel Witch by Kristen Cicciorelli
Following the well-received first book, Mikayla is eager to dive into the sequel. -
The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
Anticipated to be an emotional read that might bring her to tears. -
Jessa Hastings’ Latest Release
A Peter Pan-esque retelling that intriguingly "screams spring," encouraging Mikayla to overcome hesitations based on mixed reviews.“I really adored Jessa's writing, so I feel like I have to, you know.” (42:49)
4. In-Depth Book Discussions
Beartown by Fredrik Bachman: Both Kennedy and Reggie express excitement about Beartown, a series known for its emotional depth and portrayal of small-town dynamics. Reggie mentions having read Anxious People by the same author, which resonated deeply with her.
“I've been seeing so many creators read it and say they cry.” (08:35)
Bloodmarked by Tracy Dion: Kennedy discusses taking a second chance at Bloodmarked, acknowledging her initial struggles were due to external stressors rather than the book itself.
“It's a really cool, unique magic system... I'm gonna have a better attitude with the second book.” (14:30)
Golden Summer by Carly Fortune: Reggie is drawn to Golden Summer for its protagonist's photography passion, hoping it will complement her own forays into photography.
“It's about a photographer because I feel like I don't know if I've read a romance book about a photographer.” (15:30)
The Blighted Stars by Megan E. Okife: Reggie was captivated by a TikTok recommendation, highlighting the trilogy's space romance elements that align with her interest in diversifying her reading.
“This sounds so cool.” (33:52)
Rebel Witch by Kristen Cicciorelli: Having nearly finished the first book, Reggie is enthusiastic about the sequel, anticipating more of the same engaging storytelling.
“I think you'll really, really enjoy this next one.” (35:08)
5. Personal Anecdotes and Challenges
Mikayla’s Wisdom Teeth Extraction: Mikayla shares a brief personal update about having her wisdom teeth removed, showcasing her resilience as she continues to engage with the podcast despite discomfort.
“I got my wisdom teeth out a few days ago. So that's why it may seem like I'm on drugs. Cuz I am indeed on drugs.” (11:47)
6. Technology and Reading Apps
The hosts discuss their experiences with reading apps, particularly the transition from Goodreads to Fable. They express a sense of loyalty to Goodreads despite its shortcomings and contemplate potential switches to enhance their reading tracking and community engagement.
“Math is not our strong suit... it was like a toxic relationship.” (40:07)
7. Accountability and Community Engagement
Emphasizing the importance of accountability, the hosts highlight how their seasonal TBR lists help them stay committed to their reading goals. They encourage listeners to share their own Spring TBR lists on social media platforms, fostering a supportive reading community.
“Holding me accountable. That's for sure.” (44:38)
8. Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with the hosts expressing excitement for each other's Spring TBR journeys and inviting listeners to join their book club. They reiterate the value of diverse reading selections and the joy of sharing book experiences within a community.
“If you guys have a spring TBR, post it. Post it on TikTok Instagram. Tag us.” (46:22)
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Kennedy on Her Winter TBR Performance:
“But I did read everything else and honestly they were very mid. Two of them were good, one was no one was good, one was great, the rest were mid.” (00:35) -
Reggie on Enjoying the Chestnut Springs Series:
“They were sweet, tender, spicy.” (04:19) -
Mikayla on Completing Her Winter TBR:
“I feel pretty good about my winter TBR. Just missed one.” (07:17) -
Kennedy on Selecting Beartown:
“I want to feel something. I want to cry while reading. So I'm hoping I'll feel some type of way.” (08:35) -
Reggie on Adding The Blighted Stars:
“This sounds so cool.” (33:52) -
Mikayla on Overcoming Hesitations to Read Jessa Hastings:
“I really adored Jessa's writing, so I feel like I have to, you know.” (42:49)
Final Thoughts
"Spring TBR 2025" offers a comprehensive look into the hosts' reading journeys, blending personal insights with enthusiastic discussions about upcoming books. Their candid reflections on past reading habits and future selections provide valuable inspiration for listeners seeking their next great read. The emphasis on community engagement and accountability underscores the podcast's commitment to fostering a vibrant, supportive literary community.