Summary of The Lazy Genius Podcast Episode #424 - My Favorite Books of the Year So Far
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Lazy Genius Podcast
- Host: Kendra Adachi, The Lazy Genius
- Episode: #424 - My Favorite Books of the Year So Far
- Release Date: June 30, 2025
Introduction
In episode #424 of The Lazy Genius Podcast, Kendra Adachi delves into her passion for reading by sharing her top seven favorite books of the year so far. With a vibrant enthusiasm for literature, Kendra provides listeners with insightful reviews, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful reflections on each selected work. This episode is a treasure trove for book lovers seeking new recommendations and understanding the curated process behind Kendra's favorites.
Kendra's Reading Habits and Preferences
Kendra begins by outlining her extensive reading habits for 2025, boasting a total of 71 books read, comprising:
- 20 Physical Books
- 24 Ebooks
- 27 Audiobooks
She explains her preferences for different formats based on her daily activities:
- Physical Books: Preferred during quiet, relaxed times like evenings or poolside lounging.
- Audiobooks: Ideal for multitasking during various activities.
- Ebooks: Convenient for on-the-go reading or quick access on digital devices.
Kendra shares a practical tip: "A couple of years ago, Jamie Golden got me this remote control that turns the pages of my Kindle without having to tap the screen. It's amazing." ([13:45])
She emphasizes reading multiple books simultaneously, typically managing three to four, ensuring varied genres to prevent plot or trope overlap:
"I try and make the three fiction books that I'm reading different from one another enough so that they're not like overlapping in plot or tropes or something." ([09:30])
Selecting Books: Kendra's Criteria and Sources
Kendra discusses her method for selecting new reads, which includes:
- Recommendations from Friends and Family: Leveraging trusted sources who understand her literary tastes.
- Reading Clubs: Sharing and discovering books within her community.
- Book Reviews and Author Roundups: Staying informed about upcoming releases and critical favorites.
She introduces the concept of "book words," specific descriptive terms that resonate with her preferences, aiding in confident selection:
"I know my book words, I know the words that describe the books that I love the most. I know what those are. When I see those words, I feel really confident that what I choose is going to be up my alley because it's got my book words in it." ([16:20])
Acquiring New Titles:
- Book Subscriptions: Book of the Month and Aardvark.
- Libby App: Utilizing notifications for newly released books.
Kendra recounts a recent experience: "Last week I got nine pings at once... I ended up checking out six of them." ([18:50])
Additionally, she frequents book sales and independent bookstores to expand her collection.
Top Seven Favorite Books of 2025
Kendra presents her top seven books of the year so far, ranked from seven to one, detailing her personal impressions and the unique qualities that elevated these works to her favorites.
7. The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison
Overview: An extraordinary novel chronicling a married couple, Abe and Ruth, navigating the ups and downs of their long-term relationship.
Plot & Themes:
- Explores the deep bond formed over decades.
- Highlights the challenges and choices in maintaining a lasting marriage.
Kendra's Insights: "Abe is so cantankerous with a heart of gold... Ruth is nurturing and calm and confident." ([25:10])
She praises the character development and the authentic portrayal of enduring love, making the couple's journey relatable and heartfelt.
6. Greenglass House by Kate Milford
Overview: A charming winter tale set in the Greenglass House inn, where unexpected guests bring forth secrets and mysteries.
Plot & Themes:
- Features 12-year-old Milo and his adventures during the holiday season.
- Combines elements of mystery, adventure, and family dynamics.
Kendra's Insights: "The characters that come through Greenglass House... they're just all, like, full of personality." ([30:45])
She highlights the book's ability to blend uplifting storytelling with engaging mysteries, making it suitable for family read-alouds.
5. Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Overview: A touching romance between Xavier, a veterinarian, and Samantha, a social media manager, navigating long-distance challenges.
Plot & Themes:
- Focuses on authentic relationship dynamics beyond typical romance tropes.
- Addresses themes of vulnerability, communication, and personal growth.
Kendra's Insights: "Abby does not write romances like that. Her novels more closely resemble regular life." ([38:00])
She commends Abby Jimenez for creating relatable characters and emotionally resonant narratives without falling into formulaic traps.
4. The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North
Overview: A slow-burn thriller following profiler Dan as he confronts a past tragedy linked to a serial killer.
Plot & Themes:
- Delves into psychological profiling and the impact of childhood experiences on adulthood.
- Maintains a moody and suspenseful atmosphere throughout.
Kendra's Insights: "It's moody, it's dark, it's cinematic... it is so good." ([45:30])
She praises Alex North's masterful storytelling and the book's ability to maintain suspense without resorting to conventional thriller clichés.
3. Plum Like the Fruit by Andy Anderegg
Overview: A deeply emotional narrative told in the second person, exploring the life of a young girl facing abusive family dynamics.
Plot & Themes:
- Addresses heavy themes such as neglect, abuse, and resilience.
- Utilizes an unconventional narrative style to evoke deep empathy.
Kendra's Insights: "The writing is masterful... it's incredibly special." ([51:20])
Despite its somber content, Kendra finds the book's emotional depth and literary quality to be profoundly moving and powerful.
2. Worst Case Scenario by TJ Newman
Overview: A high-stakes thriller centered around a plane crash into a nuclear power plant and its catastrophic consequences.
Plot & Themes:
- Combines action-packed scenarios with deep emotional narratives.
- Focuses on human resilience and the complexities of crisis management.
Kendra's Insights: "It's an emotional marathon you did not know you wanted to sign up for." ([57:05])
She lauds TJ Newman's ability to intertwine intense plotlines with heartfelt character development, making the story both thrilling and emotionally engaging.
1. Disillusion by Nicholas Binge
Overview: A science fiction masterpiece where Maggie Webb delves into her husband Stanley's memories to uncover a hidden truth.
Plot & Themes:
- Explores memory manipulation and its ethical implications.
- Combines suspense with tender moments, creating a multifaceted narrative.
Kendra's Insights: "This is without question the best sci-fi book I've ever read." ([1:03:15])
She praises the book's intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and the seamless blend of suspense with emotional depth, making it her standout favorite of the year.
Additional Highlights
Newsletter and Community Engagement
Kendra invites listeners to subscribe to her monthly newsletter, which offers:
- Personal Essays: Insights into her life not shared publicly.
- Book Reviews: Detailed analyses of the books she reads each month, usually totaling around ten titles.
"You just need to sign up for my newsletter... you can go to thelazygeniuscollective.com/join." ([1:07:00])
Lazy Genius of the Week
This episode celebrates Sarah Forsyth as the Lazy Genius of the Week. Sarah shares her daily self-care routine of "reading rest time" with her children, emphasizing the importance of personal relaxation and establishing healthy boundaries.
"When I also participate in reading rest time, I get up with more energy and a better attitude for the rest of the day." – Sarah Forsyth ([1:09:45])
Kendra underscores the value of such practices in maintaining mental well-being and productivity.
Conclusion
Episode #424 of The Lazy Genius Podcast offers a heartfelt exploration of Kendra Adachi's literary journey through the first half of 2025. By sharing her top seven favorite books, Kendra not only provides valuable recommendations but also offers insights into her thoughtful and intentional approach to reading. Her emphasis on personal growth, emotional connection, and diverse genres makes this episode a must-listen for avid readers seeking meaningful and enriching literary experiences.
Notable Quotes:
- "Abe is so cantankerous with a heart of gold." – Kendra Adachi ([25:10])
- "The characters that come through Greenglass House... they're just all, like, full of personality." – Kendra Adachi ([30:45])
- "I know my book words... It has my book words in it." – Kendra Adachi ([16:20])
- "It's moody, it's dark, it's cinematic... it is so good." – Kendra Adachi ([45:30])
- "This is without question the best sci-fi book I've ever read." – Kendra Adachi ([1:03:15])
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of The Lazy Genius Podcast episode #424, offering an engaging and informative overview for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.