The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna
Episode: Hot Frosty, December Love & Spying on Neighbors
Release Date: December 2, 2024
Introduction to December's Picks
In this festive December episode of The Book Lisp, hosts Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna dive into their seasonal favorites, blending discussions about their chosen book, holiday traditions, and standout Christmas movies.
Sarah kicks off the conversation by introducing the month's book selection:
Sarah Colonna [00:23]: "This is the first week of December. So it's the first week of my pick, the Thriller... On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass."
She reassures listeners that spoilers will be avoided until the final week, maintaining an engaging experience for both new and returning audience members.
John’s Love for December: Decorations and Holiday Preparations
Jon, clearly enthusiastic about the holiday season, shares insights into his favorite time of year. The couple discusses their meticulous decoration process, emphasizing respect for their neighbors:
Jon Ryan [02:00]: "We have six Christmas trees. I don't like to decorate the outside until after Thanksgiving... to respect the neighbors."
Their commitment to creating a festive atmosphere without overwhelming their quiet street is evident. They recount organizing an expansive Christmas party, inviting both old and new neighbors to foster community spirit.
Sarah Colonna [03:22]: "We're only three blocks from where we used to live, so we still invited our old neighbors to our Christmas party."
Jon humorously admits to being slightly obsessive about knowing their neighbors' backgrounds, sharing a personal anecdote about a past business partnership gone awry due to a lack of background checks:
Jon Ryan [13:11]: "I have to ask because... we only have one party a year... otherwise, we're very quiet."
Spying on Neighbors: Themes from On a Quiet Street
The conversation seamlessly ties into their current book, On a Quiet Street. They explore the intriguing aspects of neighborly relationships portrayed in the novel, highlighting the theme of curiosity and the unknown facets of those living next door.
Sarah Colonna [07:21]: "People don't know what's going on in that house."
Jon shares his skepticism and cautious nature when it comes to new neighbors, blending humor with genuine concern:
Jon Ryan [10:03]: "I want to know his net worth. I want to know what he did for a living."
Their banter underscores the psychological thriller's tension, making the listeners eager to delve into the book by the fourth week of December.
Review of Hot Frosty: A Netflix Sensation
Transitioning to movie discussions, Sarah and Jon review the trending Netflix film Hot Frosty. They commend Lacey Chabert's performance and analyze the film's blend of Hallmark-style storytelling with a modern twist.
Sarah Colonna [15:10]: "We did watch it last night and thoroughly enjoyed every second of it."
Jon compares Netflix's approach to traditional networks, noting the platform's versatility:
Jon Ryan [15:33]: "This is like a straight up stealing Lifetime type."
They highlight the film's humorous elements, particularly the portrayal of quirky characters that add depth to the festive narrative. The hosts appreciate the movie's ability to parody and honor classic Hallmark tropes simultaneously.
Favorite Christmas Movies: A Christmas Story vs. Bad Santa
The duo delves into their personal favorite Christmas movies, sharing laughs and nostalgic memories.
John enthusiastically endorses A Christmas Story:
John Ryan [23:32]: "With like. My cat's name is Ralphie because of A Christmas Story."
Sarah counters with her top pick, Bad Santa, praising its comedic brilliance:
Sarah Colonna [25:05]: "Yeah. It's one of the funniest movies ever. I can watch it three days in a row. No problem."
They discuss memorable scenes and characters, reflecting on the timeless appeal and varied genres within holiday cinema. Their differing tastes illustrate the rich diversity of Christmas film traditions.
Stepdad’s Book Recommendations: Michael Connelly and More
Sarah introduces her stepdad's reading interests, focusing on detective novels by Michael Connelly. She shares a humorous incident involving a mistakenly named order on her business website:
Sarah Colonna [28:33]: "Someone ordered a clutch named Tom Clancy... but he's been dead for like 20 years."
Jon and Sarah encourage listeners to engage with stepdad's recommendations, fostering a community of avid readers within their audience.
John Ryan [30:35]: "I've read a few of his books. To Die For... it's got a pretty exciting."
Upcoming Giveaways and Future Episodes
Looking ahead, Jon and Sarah reveal exciting plans for giveaways, including signed copies of their current book and unique experiences for listeners. They hint at engaging future topics and book selections, keeping the audience anticipation high.
Sarah Colonna [34:12]: "If I do get them back, we'll have some kind of giveaway for you guys."
They also tease next month's book, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, sparking interest among listeners to either read along or join the discussion regardless of their familiarity with the book.
Jon Ryan [35:21]: "It's really good. Really interesting. It goes one way and it goes the other way and then it's really good."
Conclusion: Embracing Community and Literature
Wrapping up the episode, Jon and Sarah emphasize the importance of community through their holiday festivities and shared love for literature. They invite listeners to join their social platforms, engage in discussions, and participate in upcoming events, fostering a tight-knit book-loving community.
Sarah Colonna [37:38]: "So buckle up, buttercup."
Their warm interaction and mutual support highlight the essence of The Book Lisp—a blend of humor, insightful discussions, and heartfelt camaraderie centered around books and life's festive moments.
Notable Quotes:
- Sarah Colonna [00:23]: "This is the first week of December. So it's the first week of my pick, the Thriller... On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass."
- Jon Ryan [02:00]: "We have six Christmas trees. I don't like to decorate the outside until after Thanksgiving... to respect the neighbors."
- Sarah Colonna [07:21]: "People don't know what's going on in that house."
- John Ryan [15:33]: "This is like a straight up stealing Lifetime type."
- Sarah Colonna [25:05]: "Yeah. It's one of the funniest movies ever. I can watch it three days in a row. No problem."
For more engaging discussions, listener interactions, and updates on giveaways, follow The Book Lisp on Instagram and join their Facebook group, Book Listeners. Support their endeavors by subscribing and leaving reviews to help spread the word.