Book Talk, etc.

Once Upon A First Sentence


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Can a single sentence make or break a book? In Episode 191 of Book Talk, Etc., Tina and Hannah put first lines to the test—reading books based solely on their opening sentences and discussing what makes an introduction instantly gripping. Join us as we explore the power of a strong start and see which books reel us in from page one.

If you enjoy our commercial-free podcast, please consider supporting us on Patreon! Your membership will give you access to our exclusive bonus episodes, including Niche Novels, Books We DNFed, and What's in the Mailbag! Plus, you’ll receive invites to monthly events like Mood Reader Happy Hour and Bookstore Browsing, and a private Facebook group and Discord server where you can interact with other fans of the show... all for just $5 a month!

Book Talk, Etc on Youtube


Loving Lately

Kale Caesar Salad from Love and Lemons (T)

Artsy Legacy on Etsy (H)


Community Read

Good Dirt | Charmaine Wilkerson (T+H)


Judging Books by Their Opening Lines

Mostly Dead Things | Kristen Arnett (T)

Perfume and Pain | Anna Dorn (H)

The Lamb | Lucy Rose (T)

The Haunting of Hill House | Shirley Jackson (H)


Shelf Addition:

The Frequency of Living Things | Nick Fuller Googins (T)

Run for the Hills | Kevin Wilson (H)


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Let's Connect...

Email us at booktalketc@gmail
BTE on Youtube
Tina's TikTok , IG @tbretc YT @tbretc
Hannah's TikTok , IG @hanpickedbooks
Jonathan IG @infiltrate_jay
Podcast IG @booktalketc
Renee's Substack Newsletter , IG@Itsbooktalk




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Book Talk, etc.By Tina @tbretc and Hannah @hanpickedbooks

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