Summary of "Single and Ready (Not) to Mingle" on The Book Lisp

Podcast: The Book Lisp with Jon Ryan & Sarah Colonna
Episode: Single and Ready (Not) to Mingle
Release Date: February 3, 2025

Introduction and Podcast Milestone

In this milestone episode, hosts Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna celebrate the fourth month of "The Book Lisp." They reflect on their journey since November, discussing the evolution of their podcast setup and expressing excitement about future recordings.

Sarah Colonna [00:27]: "This is our fourth month. That's exciting."

John Ryan [00:56]: "Those of you that are watching, you can sign. See Sarah's sign behind her. Her neon sign says, 'Are You My Podcast,' which is her other podcast."

Book Discussion: The New Wife by Sue Watson

The central focus of the episode is their review of Sue Watson's The New Wife. Both hosts share their initial impressions, highlighting the book's unpredictable twists and deep character development. While the book has received mixed feedback from their audience, Sarah emphasizes her enjoyment and appreciation for its complexity.

Sarah Colonna [02:03]: "I liked it. It's my first time reading her... it's a good book. It's just a mixed bag."

John Ryan [02:55]: "It's twisty, a lot of twists and turns."

They discuss specific elements that captivated them, such as the protagonist Georgia's multifaceted relationships and the seamless integration of personal anecdotes within the narrative.

Personal Reflections on Singleness and Relationships

Jon and Sarah delve into their personal experiences regarding singleness and marriage, drawing parallels with the book's themes. They explore societal expectations, familial pressures, and the emotional nuances of being the single friend amidst a sea of coupled individuals.

Sarah Colonna [16:21]: "I never found anybody that I wanted to marry until John."

John Ryan [16:19]: "Being single on the front side is sadder than being single on the backside."

Sarah shares heartfelt stories about her late father and supportive mother, illustrating the complexities of blending traditional values with modern relationship dynamics.

Navigating Social Situations as the Single Friend

The conversation shifts to the challenges of attending social gatherings where everyone else is paired up. Sarah references her character Georgia from The New Wife, who often finds herself navigating events alone, highlighting both the emotional and social implications.

Sarah Colonna [25:48]: "Being the single person at a wedding... Georgie is always included."

John Ryan [32:27]: "99% of the time. It's not sad for anybody. So leave that part out."

They discuss strategies for inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of genuine invitations and understanding the emotional state of single individuals attending events.

Balancing Alone Time and Social Life

Jon and Sarah share their vacation preferences, emphasizing the value they place on alone time and reading, contrasting with more active or adventure-based trips. This segment underscores the importance of personal space within relationships and how it contributes to their bond.

Sarah Colonna [40:13]: "We both really like to read on vacation. I will blow through a book a day."

John Ryan [37:19]: "Don't mess with me and Sarah... We are not activity people."

They humorously discuss their synergistic vacation habits, balancing relaxation with mutual respect for each other's need for solitude.

Reflections on Grief and Inclusion

The hosts touch on the sensitive topic of grief and how it affects social invitations. Sarah recounts an incident involving her stepmom being denied a single occupancy rate for a cruise, highlighting societal insensitivity towards widowed individuals.

Sarah Colonna [44:05]: "She has to pay for two people."

John Ryan [44:46]: "They have to pay for double occupancy... there should be something where you may have to pay a little more for a room by yourself, but you should have paid double."

This segment underscores the emotional challenges faced by widowed individuals and the importance of thoughtful inclusivity from friends and service providers alike.

Upcoming Content and March Book Announcement

Concluding the episode, Jon and Sarah announce their upcoming March book, What Alice Forgot by Leanne Moriarty. They also promote their Patreon page, offering exclusive bonus content for subscribers, including additional discussions and short story reviews.

Sarah Colonna [46:08]: "Our March book is 'What Alice Forgot' by Leanne Moriarty."

John Ryan [46:27]: "That's probably Leanne, right?"

They encourage listeners to join their Patreon community for enriched content and continued engagement with their Book List Spinners group.

Conclusion

Jon and Sarah wrap up the episode by reiterating their commitment to providing insightful and relatable content. They share their appreciation for their listeners and express enthusiasm for future episodes and book discussions.

Sarah Colonna [47:23]: "Join us on Patreon if you'd like... The Book Lisp."

John Ryan [47:28]: "The Book Lisp."

This episode offers a blend of book analysis and personal anecdotes, providing listeners with both literary insights and relatable life experiences. Through candid conversations, Jon Ryan and Sarah Colonna explore the multifaceted nature of relationships, singleness, and the journey of finding the right partner, all while fostering a supportive community through their podcast.