February 27, 2025

Ep 258: Best Books Lately

February 27, 2025/ Laura Tremaine

This is a very special episode of Best Books Lately. Special because it's been awhile since we've had one, special because it's with my longtime internet friend and book twin Liz Hein, and special because we're weaving together some of the most important themes of 10 Things To Tell You: sharing your stuff, connection, and, of course, BOOKS.

In this conversation, Liz and I are not only talking about the best books we've read lately (and we've both read some great things!), Liz is also sharing about the life of her father, legendary Chicago photographer Rich Hein, who passed away unexpectedly last month. Liz's book selections are inspired by her dad, and I love that we could honor his memory in this way.

Follow Liz Hein @lizisreading_ on Instagram

Rich Hein's obituary was on the front page of the Chicago Sun-Times

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LAURA'S BOOKS:

Beautyland by Marie Helene Bertino

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

Cue the Sun! by Emily Nussbaum

Liars by Sarah Manguso

We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

LIZ'S BOOKS:

A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza

Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

There's Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib

ALSO MENTIONED:

Bob Dylan Goes Electric by Elijah Wald

How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu

How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult

The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

All Fours by Miranda July

Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy

EPISODES MENTIONED:

Ep. 250 Best Books of the Year 2024

Ep. 252 Most Anticipated Books of 2025 with Traci Thomas of The Stacks podcast

Ep. 195 Why do smart people love dumb tv?

Ep 239 Horror for Beginners with Meredith Monday Schwartz

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BUY THE BOOK: The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs by Laura Tremaine

10 Things To Tell You.

Laura Tremaine has 10 Things to Tell You.

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I'm Laura Tremaine.

I live in Los Angeles. I'm a reader, a podcaster, a wife, and a mom.

At all times, I have (at least) 10 Things To Tell You. And I know that YOU have 10 Things To Tell.

This place is about connection, with each other and with ourselves. We can only do this by opening our eyes and seeing others and (even harder) by letting ourselves be seen.

Let’s tell our stories.

Let’s share our stuff.

I’ll go first.

My Books:

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Really think about what you want next. More fun, more hustle, more reading, this prompt can be answered either tangibly or metaphorically.

Naming it now will subconsciously lead you towards that goal, that need, that want.

For things to happen, we

Don’t white knuckle your way through this season so that is enjoyable for everyone else.

What will help YOU enjoy this season?

Of course we have our duties as a partner, a parent, a family member. But let’s not let ourselves drop to the

There is a lot of stress in decisions that are not yet made.

That is what this prompt is about. Perhaps it is time to address that issue that is giving you anxiety and weighing on you.

Take some steps to decide on this before the end of the year! T

Listen - you might not want a uniform! If you find joy in finding a new outfit every day, that’s great.

But this is one of those questions that might really serve you during this busy season - pick one outfit for work events, for holiday part

Happy Thanksgiving, my friends! ❤️ This is my life philosophy every day, but especially through the holiday season.

Thankful for you, always.

🎨 = @lisacongdon

Our time is valuable, friends. And this doesn’t have to be a negative prompt. Sometimes taking space from something opens up room for something else, in a positive way.

Empty kitchen, outfit with pockets, and a bigger bowl than needed - the keys to a happy Thanksgiving.

Memes via:
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#memewednesday #thanksgivingmemes

Use those five senses for this one. Your space matters, and there is always someone that has to set the tone. Why not you?

Light that candle, put up the tree, DON’T put up the tree, these are all choices you can make now. Think about what you

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