Digest

This episode of It's Been a Minute features authors Jean Chen Ho and Tia Williams discussing their latest books and recommending summer reads. Jean Chen Ho's latest book, "Fiona and Jane," is a linked story collection about two Taiwanese American women and their long friendship, while Tia Williams' new novel, "A Love Song for Ricky Wilde," follows the youngest daughter of an aristocratic Southern family who opens a flower shop in Harlem and falls in love with a mysterious musician. The episode delves into the reasons why readers are drawn to stories about relationships during the summer, with both authors agreeing that the slower pace of life allows for deeper exploration of emotional complexities. They also discuss the role of gossip and escapism in summer reading, emphasizing the desire to immerse oneself in other people's lives and dramas. The episode concludes with both authors offering tips for tackling summer reading lists, including the use of audiobooks and reading multiple books simultaneously.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Sponsor Message

This Chapter introduces the podcast, "It's Been a Minute," hosted by Brittany Loose, and features a sponsor message from Dignity Memorial, highlighting the benefits of pre-paid funeral arrangements.

00:00:17

Summer Books Guide with Jean Chen Ho and Tia Williams

This Chapter introduces the episode's theme of summer reading and welcomes authors Jean Chen Ho and Tia Williams as guests. Brittany Loose briefly introduces both authors and their latest books, "Fiona and Jane" by Jean Chen Ho and "A Love Song for Ricky Wilde" by Tia Williams. The conversation then explores the qualities of a good summer book, with the authors emphasizing escapism and immersion in other worlds.

00:05:40

Summer Book Recommendations

This Chapter features Tia Williams and Jean Chen Ho sharing their top summer book recommendations. Tia Williams recommends "The Guest" by Emma Cline, a fast-paced novel about an unreliable narrator who infiltrates Hamptons parties, and "Hip Hop is History" by Questlove, a cultural history of hip hop that reads like a conversation with a music-obsessed friend. Jean Chen Ho recommends "Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City" by Jane Wong, a memoir about a Chinese American family in New Jersey, and "Devil is Fine" by John Berger, a novel about a biracial man who inherits a former plantation and experiences a series of strange events.

00:14:23

Summer Reading Tips

This Chapter concludes the episode with the authors offering tips for tackling summer reading lists. Tia Williams recommends audiobooks as a convenient way to consume books while multitasking, while Jean Chen Ho suggests reading multiple books simultaneously, comparing it to dating multiple people at once.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the key qualities that make a book a good summer read?

  According to Jean Chen Ho and Tia Williams, a good summer read should offer escapism, immersing the reader in another world and allowing them to forget their own problems. It should also be engaging and enjoyable, providing a sense of delight and relaxation.

• Why are readers drawn to stories about relationships during the summer?

  The authors suggest that the slower pace of life during the summer allows for deeper exploration of emotional complexities and relationships. Summer is a time for reflection and introspection, making it a perfect time to delve into stories that examine the intricacies of human connection.

• What are some tips for tackling a summer reading list?

  Tia Williams recommends audiobooks as a convenient way to consume books while multitasking, while Jean Chen Ho suggests reading multiple books simultaneously, allowing for flexibility and variety.

• What are some of the summer book recommendations discussed in the episode?

  The authors recommend a variety of books, including "The Guest" by Emma Cline, "Hip Hop is History" by Questlove, "Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City" by Jane Wong, "Devil is Fine" by John Berger, and "Good Material" by Dolly Alderton.

Show Notes