Podcast Summary: The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna
Episode: Elin Takes Us Through The Years and Jon Reminds Sarah of Their Age Difference
Release Date: November 11, 2024
1. Introduction to Episode and Podcast Format
In the second episode of The Book Lisp, hosts Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna welcome listeners back to their weekly Book Club podcast. They provide an overview of their monthly reading schedule, alternating between Jon’s selection from his romance library and Sarah’s choice from her psychological thrillers shelf. The duo emphasizes their casual, chapter-free discussion style, aiming to keep conversations engaging and fun.
Notable Quote:
Sarah: “We're just having a lot of fun with it.” [00:20]
2. Reading Habits: Audible vs. Physical Books
Jon and Sarah delve into their personal preferences regarding audiobook consumption. Jon admits to being an "Audible overachiever," often listening to books multiple times to take deeper notes, as he did during their previous podcast reviews. In contrast, Sarah expresses her preference for physical books, citing better focus and less mental wandering compared to listening.
Notable Quotes:
Jon: “It's not the same experience.” [02:26]
Sarah: “I don’t like a cheater. I don't like hearing about it.” [05:29]
3. Deep Dive into "28 Summers" by Ellen Hildebrand
The heart of the episode centers around their current read, "28 Summers" by Ellen Hildebrand. The book follows a couple who adhere to a "same time next year" agreement, meeting once a year on Labor Day weekend over 28 summers. Jon expresses initial frustration with the protagonists' hesitance to commit, comparing it to his own successful relationship despite geographic distance.
Notable Quotes:
Sarah: “I got annoyed with both of the characters early on for not just being together.” [05:49]
Jon: “If you meet the right person, distance, I don't think it means anything.” [06:33]
4. Connecting "28 Summers" to Early 90s Events
Ellen Hildebrand intricately weaves historical events from the early 1990s into the narrative of "28 Summers." The hosts discuss significant occurrences like the Lorena Bobbitt incident ([07:00]) and the Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl losses ([08:35]), reflecting on their personal memories and the cultural impact of these events.
Notable Quotes:
Sarah: “They lost three Super Bowls in a row. That's crazy.” [08:35]
Jon: “She’s like twinsies.” [13:23] – Referring to the O.J. Simpson Bronco chase.
5. Personal Anecdotes and Nostalgia
Jon and Sarah share nostalgic memories tied to the 1990s, including Jon’s brief stint with the Buffalo Bills and Sarah’s recollections of the O.J. Simpson car chase. These stories not only highlight their personal connections to the era but also enhance their discussion of the book’s setting.
Notable Quotes:
Jon: “I was sent to another classroom to report the verdict.” [28:10]
Sarah: “I was sitting at a bar with my dad.” [12:12]
6. Discussing the Hosts' Age Difference
A humorous segment arises when Jon playfully reminds Sarah of their seven-year age difference. They navigate this topic with light-hearted banter, reflecting on how age gaps are perceived differently over time and within their relationship.
Notable Quotes:
Jon: “I was in eighth grade when you were in kindergarten.” [26:27]
Sarah: “I'm 49. And you're 42. It is not weird.” [26:15]
7. Ellen Hildebrand’s Fan Engagement and Merchandise
The conversation shifts to Ellen Hildebrand’s engagement with her fan base. Sarah reveals exclusive perks such as meetups with dress codes, likening them to Freemason-style gatherings. They also discuss Hildebrand’s unique merchandise, including Christmas ornaments inspired by her books.
Notable Quotes:
Sarah: “They have a different dress for their fans.” [44:45]
Jon: “He was just excited.” [22:48] – Referring to a social media post by Ken Jong.
8. Upcoming Discussions and Episode Wrap-Up
As the episode concludes, Jon and Sarah outline their plans for the remaining weeks of the month. They tease an upcoming full review and discussion of "28 Summers" in the final week and introduce February’s book selection, "On a Quiet Street" by Seraphina Nova Glass. They also encourage listeners to join their Patreon for video content and engage with their Facebook group for The Book Lisp community.
Notable Quotes:
Sarah: “Your book for December is On a Quiet street by Sarah Finanova Glass.” [47:25]
Jon: “The book lisp.” [47:33]
Key Takeaways and Insights
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Engagement with History: "28 Summers" effectively integrates real historical events, enriching the narrative and providing listeners with a sense of nostalgia.
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Character Dynamics: The protagonists' reluctance to commit serves as a catalyst for exploring themes of love, commitment, and personal growth over time.
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Hosts' Chemistry: Jon and Sarah’s playful interactions and personal anecdotes create an entertaining and relatable atmosphere for listeners.
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Author-Fan Connection: Ellen Hildebrand’s active engagement with her readers through meetups and exclusive merchandise fosters a strong community around her work.
Conclusion
In this episode of The Book Lisp, Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna offer a thoughtful and amusing exploration of Ellen Hildebrand’s "28 Summers", intertwining personal stories with literary analysis. Their dynamic conversation not only delves into the book’s themes and characters but also provides insights into their own lives and relationship, making it a compelling listen for both dedicated followers and new audiences alike.
Join the Discussion:
- Video Version Available on Patreon
- Join the Facebook Group: The Book Lisp
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