In Ep. 212, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books start wrapping up 2025 with the first of the two year-end episodes: Best Books of 2025 Superlatives. In this episode, they share their picks for over 25 superlative categories, including Weirdest 5-Star Read of 2025, The Book That Made Us Furious, Most Underrated Gem, Too Dark Even for Me, and so much more!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights

Our best books of the year from over 25 categories, including:

My First 5-Star 2025 Release of the Year Weirdest 5-Star Read of 2025 The Book That Made Us Furious Most Underrated Gem Most Perplexing Book Best Book to Be Made into a Reality Series Too Dark Even for Me Most Crushingly Depressing Book I Loved Best Horror Book in the Victorian-Feminist-Gory Category The Crime Novel That Hit Me Hardest Emotionally 2025 Superlatives [7:32]

Sarah

Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:58] What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[12:38] Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025)| Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:22]  Maggie; a Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:43]  The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:25]  Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:22]  The Dinner Party by Viola Van de Sandt (2025)  | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:25]  Fox by Joyce Carol Oates (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:35] When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén (US release 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:37]  Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:30] What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:53] Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:52] Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:06] The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:38] Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:07]

Catherine

What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:58] The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:37] The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:31] Murderland by Caroline Fraser (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:53] Heart, Be At Peace by Donal Ryan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:07] The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:13] Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[38:31] The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:12] Sweet Fury by Sash Bischoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:45] Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer, 2) by Laini Taylor (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:40] Let's Call Her Barbie by Renée Rosen (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:39] Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:31] The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:18] Other Books Mentioned Defending Jacob by William Landay (2012) [8:59]  All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay (2023) [9:00] Pretty Things by Janelle Brown (2020) [10:40]  I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) [30:25]  The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan (2012) [33:08] Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (2025) [45:20]  The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange (2023) [45:39]  Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1934) [46:13] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021) [48:34] Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler (2013) [48:35]   Writers and Lovers by Lily King (2020) [51:32]

In Episode 211, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 14 new releases they shared in the Fall 2025 Book Preview, now that they've read them ? or at least tried to!  They share their reading stats and discuss which books worked and which didn't?and why.  

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights Catherine's success rate bounces back from summer. Sarah's fall reading felt kind of "meh" despite a higher success rate. They also share their combined 2025 Preview success rates. Their fall pick ratings were all over the place, with only one DNF, but books range from 2 to 4 stars, with Catherine boasting the sole 5-star book! A couple of books suffered from an identity crisis, while others were surprise successes.  Catherine's assignment for next season is to check the page count and look for authors following-up award-winning books. They name their best and worst books picks for fall! Books We Read Before the Preview [5:57]  SEPTEMBER

Sarah's Picks

The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (September 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[6:01] Fall 2025 Circle Back [7:23] AUGUST

Sarah's Picks

Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (August 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:29] We Loved to Run by Stephanie Reents (August 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[13:38]

Catherine's Pick

Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (August 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:59]

Other Books Mentioned

Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025) [9:28]  Inferno by Dante (c. 1321) [11:29]   Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) [13:16]  Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [13:25] The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (2018) [16:12] SEPTEMBER

Sarah's Picks

Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (September 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:51] Hot Desk by Laura Dickerman (September 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:30] Underspin by E. Y. Zhao (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:06]

Catherine's Picks

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:12]  Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent (US release: September 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:01]

Other Books Mentioned

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (2019) [28:07]  OCTOBER

Catherine's Picks

Workhorse by Caroline Palmer (October 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:24] The Wayfinder by Adam Johnson (October 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[34:49]

Other Books Mentioned

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger (2003) [32:43]  The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson (2012) [38:35]  The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai (2006) [39:03]  NOVEMBER

Sarah's Pick

Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:37]

Catherine's Pick

Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (November 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:48]

Other Books Mentioned

The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (2018) [44:43]  DECEMBER

Catherine's Pick

The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini (US release: December 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:49]

In Ep. 210, Laura McGrath, author of the popular Substack newsletter, textCrunch, joins Sarah to take a sharp look at the State of the Publishing Industry in 2025. This packed episode covers a high-level look at the top sales and book trends, as well as Laura's insights into the future of the book world for 2026. Also, Laura shares her favorite books of 2025!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights Laura McGrath's book Middlemen (publishing April 28, 2026) is available for pre-order here: Amazon | Bookshop.org  Fiction's performance in the sales charts since 2019. The trend seen in nonfiction over the past few years and where it may be headed. The continued debate about whether 2025 has a "Book of the Year." Surprising sales trends in religious books and imprints. How self-publishing still brings us successful authors. What Laura sees in her research that she thinks publishers should be paying attention to. A bit about the current outlook for mid-list and debut authors. Laura's predictions for 2026 book trends. State of the Publishing Industry in 2025 HIGH-LEVEL OVERVIEW [2:45]  Onyx Storm (Empyrean, 3) by Rebecca Yarros (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:49] Fourth Wing (series, 1) by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:58]  The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [9:21] James by Percival Everett (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [9:59] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:02] Flashlight by Susan Choi (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:25] The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:58] The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:04] A Guardian and a Thief by Leela Tapryal (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:31] The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:19] Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:57] The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:59] 2025 BOOK SALES & TRENDS [14:41]   The Martian by Andy Weir (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:03]  The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:38]   The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:40]   Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:42]  BIG BOOK STORIES OF 2025 [30:18]  Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (1961) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:30]  V by Thomas Pynchon (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:32]  Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth (1969) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:41]  The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead (1999) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:47]  The Mothers by Brit Bennett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:54]  2026 PUBLISHING PREDICTIONS [42:29]  Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:41] Pick a Color by Souvankham Thammavongsa (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:55]  Discipline by Larissa Pham (January 20, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:01]  Under Water by Tara Menon (March 17, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:07]  Laura's 3 Favorites Books of 2025 [45:31]  Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:17]  Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[47:59]  The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:38] Other Links The New York Times | The Dogged, Irrational Persistence of Literary Fictionby Gerald Howard The Walrus | Publishing Has a Gambling Problem by Tajja Isen Time | How Taylor Jenkins Reid Became a Publishing Powerhouse by Lucy Feldman Book Riot | How Much Does Genre Matter to Readers? (Podcast Episode) Public Books | Who Cares About Literary Prizes? by Alexander Manshel, Laura B. Mcgrath, & J. D. Porter

In Episode 209, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) join Sarah for the 5th annual Debuts Special! They're sharing their reading stats for debuts this year, along with their favorite debuts, new and backlist ? so far for 2025.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights How debuts from 2025 compare to those from previous years. A full breakdown of Sarah's, Catherine's, and Chrissie's 2025 debut-related stats. Featured debuts, split into two categories: Favorite Debuts of 2025 (so far) Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2025 Favorite Debuts of 2025 (so far) [9:20]

Sarah

Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:27] The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:54] Great Black Hope by Rob Franklin (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:12]

Catherine

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:04] The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:50] Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:30]

Chrissie

Homeseeking by Karissa Chen (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:39] Awake in the Floating City by Susanna Kwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[26:34] Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:53]

Other Books Mentioned

The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [10:09] The Compound by Aisling Rowle (2025) [10:11] Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (2025) [10:14] Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (2025) [10:17] Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (2025) [10:19] Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill (2014) [12:48]  You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith (2024) [12:56]  Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) [18:47]  Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger (1990) [20:49]  The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe (2020) [22:08]  All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall (2025) [28:58]  Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) [30:36]  The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe (1987) [34:15]  Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2025 [39:09]

Sarah

I Might Be In Trouble by Daniel Aleman (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:15] Out of Love by Hazel Hayes (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:26]

Catherine

In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:45] Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:47]

Chrissie

Fruiting Bodies by Kathryn Harlan (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:04] The Undertaking by Audrey Magee (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:31]

Other Books Mentioned

Music of the Ghosts by Vaddey Ratner (2017) [44:58]  Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield (2022) [46:14]  The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2022) [49:08]  The Colony by Audrey Magee (2022) [53:26]  Additional Books Mentioned Victim by Andrew Boryga (2024) [3:39]  Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (2004) [6:54] 

Ep. 208 brings the third installment of our "Best of?" series. Elizabeth Barnhill of Fabled Bookshop joined Sarah for the Best of Narrative Nonfiction, sharing her ALL-TIME TOP books in this genre. Plus, she brings a few popular nonfiction reads that didn't work for her.? This episode is chock-full of fantastic book recommendations to get you ready for Nonfiction November or just your next nonfiction pick.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights How Elizabeth got started with narrative nonfiction. How the pull of "real stories" has her returning to this category again and again. Her favorite sub-genres and what doesn't work for her. Elizabeth picks a book from her list that would be a good starter book for those new to the genre.

All books mentioned in this episode are linked through Fabled Bookshop or Libro.FM. If you decide to purchase, we'd love for you to use our Fabled links in the show notes ? if your budget allows.  As a bonus, use promo code SARAH at checkout on Fabled's website for 10% off your order! Prefer audio? You can find the titles on Libro.fm and select Fabled as the store you'd like to support. You can also find a list of Elizabeth's books from this episode on both Fabled's website.

Elizabeth's Favorite Narrative Nonfiction Sub-Genres [9:53]

NATURAL DISASTER STORIES

In the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides (2014) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [10:42] The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin (2004) | Fabled | Libro.FM [11:13] The Vortex by Scott Carney and Jason Miklian (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [11:29] The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown (2009) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [12:18] What Stands in a Storm by Kim Cross (2015) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [13:11] Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson (1999) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [13:33]

LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS

One Summer by Bill Bryson (2013) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [14:24] Pappyland by Wright Thompson (2020) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [15:05] The Facemaker by Lindsey Fitzharris (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [15:43]

POP SCIENCE

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport (2019) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [16:54] The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [17:50] Replaceable You by Mary Roach (2025) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [18:35]

HISTORY TOLD IN INTERESTING WAYS

Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [19:03] The Great Halifax Explosion by John U. Bacon (2017) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [20:21] The Big Rich by Bryan Burrough (2009) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [21:17] In Harm's Way by Doug Stanton (2001) | Fabled  [21:43] Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (2010) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [22:11]

ORDINARY PEOPLE MEMOIRS

Red Notice by Bill Browder (2015) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [22:32] Home Cooking by Laurie Colwin (1988) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [23:06]

GOTCHA / PEOPLE BEHAVING BADLY

Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [24:22] Bad City by Paul Pringle (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [24:24] Bully Market by Jamie Fiore Higgins (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [24:31] Elizabeth's All-Time Top Narrative Nonfiction [26:07] Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr. (2013) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [26:56] The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan (2006) | Fabled | Libro.FM [28:07] The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (2016) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [29:13] Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard (2011) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [30:57] The Deepest South of All by Richard Grant (2020) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [33:03] Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall (2019) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [35:01] All Over but the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg (1991) | Fabled | Libro.FM   [37:41] Sudden Sea by R. A. Scotti (2003) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [39:52] The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede (2002) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [43:09] High-Profile Narrative Nonfiction That She Didn't Love [47:37]  In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (1965) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [47:52] When the Sea Came Alive by Garrett M. Graff (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM [49:19] Challenger by Adam Higginbotham (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM [50:48] Other Books Mentioned Finding Flora by Elinor Florence (2025) [4:51] Undaunted Courage by Stephen E. Ambrose (1996) [5:21] The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (2013) [12:22] Patty Reed's Doll by Rachel K. Laurgaard (1956) [12:59]   In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross (2023) [13:15] The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (2024) [17:45] Grunt by Mary Roach (2016) [18:27] Family Happiness by Laurie Colwin (1984) [23:48] Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis (2018) [25:10] I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara (2018) [25:39] A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan (2023) [28:57] The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan (2016) [29:02] Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt (1994) [33:48] Natchez Burning (Natchez Burning, 1 and Penn Cage, 4) by Greg Iles (2014) [34:49] Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (2009) [35:21] My Southern Journey by Rick Bragg (2015) [39:03] Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce (2023) [41:45] A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams (2013) [42:33] The Only Place in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2019) [45:44] The Devil Reached Toward the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2025) [50:41] Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham (2019) [42:33]

In Episode 207, Sarah chats with author Regina Black about her newest novel, August Lane. A second-chance romance about two people healing from trauma, August Lane is set in Arcadia, Arkansas, with themes of family, generational scars, and a unique thread of Black country music. Regina also talks about how she got into writing Romance on top of her job as a law school administrator, how long she's been writing, and what spurred her on to seeking publication. Plus, Regina shares some of her top book recommendations!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights Books by Regina Black: The Art of Scandal and August Lane A brief, spoiler-free overview of August Lane.  How long Regina has been writing and what moved her to seeking publication. Her unique journey to finding an agent What exactly does it mean to have a likable character? The way Regina uses and leans into typical romance tropes. Her decision to step away from social media to write like "no one's watching." A bit about the novel she's working on. Regina talks about how a lot of writers become lawyers rather than the reverse. Regina's Book Recommendations [34:41]

Two OLD Books She Loves

The Space Between Worlds (The Space Between Worlds, 1) by Micaiah Johnson (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:57] Indigo by Beverly Jenkins (1996) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:54]  

Two NEW Books She Loves

The Princess and the P.I. by Nikki Payne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[38:59] Black in Blues:How a Color Tells the Story of My People by Imani Perry (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:03] Other Books Mentioned South to America by Imani Perry (2022) [41:14] 

One Book She DIDN'T Love

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:41] Other Books Mentioned Persuasion by Jane Austen (1817) [44:54] 

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

Where the Wild Flowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris (February 17, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:36] Books From the Discussion Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [7:34]

Please listen to the accompanying (less than 4 minute) episode for an important update about the Sarah's Bookshelves Live podcast.

Thank you,
Sarah

For Episode 206, fellow podcaster Jason Blitman, host of the Gays Reading podcast, joins Sarah to go behind the scenes of producing book festivals. They talk about how he came to reading later in his life and how his journey as a reader led him to his current role. Also, they discuss how he approaches author interviews. Plus, Jason shares his book recommendations. 

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights Jason's experience with becoming a "later in life reader" How Jason got his start in podcasting and started the Gays Reading podcast The method and madness behind choosing which authors to feature Jason turns the tables on Sarah and asks her an interview question With 2 different book festivals under his belt, Jason shares what producing these events entails How authors and special guests are chosen for book festivals Managing authors' expectations, difficulties, and comfort levels at these large events Plus, ALL of Jason's book recommendations are from LGBTQIA+ authors! Jason's Book Recommendations [39:38]

Two OLD Books He Loves

A Star is Bored by Byron Lane (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:00] Still Life by Sarah Winman (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:01] Other Books Mentioned Tin Man by Sarah Winman (2017) [43:32]  

Two NEW Books He Loves

Disappoint Me by Nicola Dinan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:02] The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:26]

One Book He DIDN'T Love

Blackouts by Justin Torres (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:48] Other Books Mentioned Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig (1976) [50:14] 

One NEW RELEASE He's Excited About

Lean Cat, Savage Cat by Lauren John Joseph (February 17, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:40] Books From the Discussion and Other Links The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) [1:01] Gays Reading | Season 4, Episode 36: Lucas Schaefer (The Slip) feat. Mike Curato, Guest Gay Reader [1:04]  We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (2021) [1:39]  Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) [1:48]  The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien (1937) [3:29]  To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) [4:03]  How I Paid for College by Marc Acito (2004) [5:10]  A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (2010) [6:11]  Find Me by André Aciman (2019) [7:31]  Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman (2007) [7:34]  The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han (2009) [8:09] The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (2018) [8:37]  The Nix by Nathan Hill (2016) [8:54]  Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) [8:57]  The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel (2021) [11:24]  Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau (2021) [11:50] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [12:55] The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) [14:48] Real Americans by Rachel Khong (2024) [37:20] Charlotte's Web by E. B. White (1952) [38:41] Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean (2008) [38:43]

Welcome to the Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  

Today, Catherine and Sarah share 14 of their most anticipated books releasing from mid-August through December.  

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Announcement One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights A lightning round of some big releases coming this fall that we're not featuring in today's preview. Odd fall pickings meant they both chose to feature 7 books each. Catherine's choices are a grab bag mix: academia, mysteries, a love story, and a snarky lighter read. Of Sarah's seven books, there are 3 debut authors and 1 repeat author ? and 2 sports books! Some of Sarah's picks slide her right from sad girl summer into sad girl fall.  Sarah has already read and rated one of her picks ? and it was a success! Plus, their #1 picks for fall. Big Fall Releases Wreck by Catherine Newman (October 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:15] King Sorrow by Joe Hill (October 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:22] Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:25] What We Can Know by Ian McEwan (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:29] Palaver by Bryan Washington (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:32] Replaceable You by Mary Roach (September 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:35] Circle of Days by Ken Follett (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:51] People Like Us by Jason Mott (August 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:14] The Black Wolf by Louise Penny (October 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:33]  All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert (September 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:38]  Queen Esther by John Irving (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:46]  Hot Wax by M. L. Rio (September 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:02]  Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:51]  Among the Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon (September 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:55] 

Other Books Mentioned

Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) [1:18]  The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (1989) [2:06]  Hell of a Book by Jason Mott (2021) [2:20]  If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio (2017) [3:06]  The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (2019) [4:04]  Fall 2025 Book Preview [7:26]

August

Sarah's Picks

Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (August 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:09] We Loved to Run by Stephanie Reents (August 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:09]

Catherine's Pick

Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (August 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:19]

Other Books Mentioned

God Spare the Girls by Kelsey McKinney (2021) [9:49] Search by Michelle Huneven (2022) [9:58]   The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (2020) [10:08] Olga Dies Dreaming by Xóchitl González (2022) [10:12]   Inferno by Dante (c. 1321) [11:36]   Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) [13:30]  Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [13:32] Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (2024) [14:57]  The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) [14:59]  Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) [15:53]  The Mothers by Brit Bennett (2016) [15:54]  Good For a Girl by Lauren Fleshman (2023) [16:20]  The Longest Race by Kara Goucher (2023) [16:22] 

September

Sarah's Picks

Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (September 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:17] Hot Desk by Laura Dickerman (September 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:31] The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (September 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:23] Underspin by E. Y. Zhao (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:14]

Catherine's Picks

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:08]  Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent (US release: September 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:07]

Other Books Mentioned

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [18:15]  Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (2023) [20:05]  Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (2025) [20:38]  The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (2019) [24:46]  Younger by Pamela Redmond Satran (2005) [26:10] (The book upon which the television series is based.) Writers & Lovers by Lily King (2020) [26:12]  The Turner House by Angela Flournoy (2015) [29:49]  Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (2024) [38:49] 

October

Catherine's Picks

Workhorse by Caroline Palmer (October 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:25] The Wayfinder by Adam Johnson (October 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:14]

November

Sarah's Pick

Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:31]

Catherine's Pick

Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (November 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[40:02]

Other Books Mentioned

The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (2018) [43:57] 

December

Catherine's Pick

The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini (US release: December 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:19]

Other Books Mentioned

The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini (2024) [47:22] 

In Episode 204, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Summer 2025 Book Preview, now that they've read them ? or at least tried to!  They share their reading stats, chat about what worked ? and discuss which books didn't work and why.   

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Announcement One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights After Catherine's 100% success rate this spring, she encountered a near-full reversal of fortune this summer. Sarah's summer reading improved dramatically over her spring selections. Between Sarah and Catherine, there are several DNFs, one 5-star book, one 3-star book, and a scattering of books in the 4-star range. Sarah's summer circle back theme seems to be "Why aren't more people reading these books?!" Meanwhile, someone please hand Catherine MORE in her books and with a heavy side of PLOT. They name the best and worst books picks for summer! Books Read Before the Preview [5:09] 

June

Sarah's Pick

The Compound by Aisling Rawle (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:14]

Other Books Mentioned

Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954) [7:03]  FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven (2016) [7:06] 

July

Sarah's Pick

Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [8:24]

Other Books Mentioned

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) [9:31]  Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler (2023) [9:34]  Summer 2025 Circle Back [10:59]

June

Catherine's Picks

The Catch by Yrsa Daley-Ward (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:08] King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:43] I'll Be Right Here by Amy Bloom (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:15]

Other Books Mentioned

Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (2021) [20:06]  All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby  (2023) [20:08] 

July

Sarah's Picks

Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[13:54] The Rabbit Club by Christopher J. Yates (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[25:07] Her Many Faces by Nicci Cloke (July 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:56] August Lane by Regina Black (July 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:14]

Catherine's Picks

The Satisfaction Café by Kathy Wang (July 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:27]  Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:50]

Other Books Mentioned

Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (2013) [25:12]  Grist Mill Road by Christopher J. Yates (2018) [25:18] Craigslist Confessional by Helena Dea Bala (2020) [33:52]  Imposter Syndrome by Kathy Wang (2021) [34:39]  Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) [37:39] The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon (2023) [40:02]  The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (2023) [44:01]  Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [46:47]  July Catherine's Pick The Frequency of Living Things by Nick Fuller Googins (August 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:10] 

In Episode 203, Gayle Weiswasser, co-founder of Wonderland Books, an independent bookstore in Bethesda, Maryland, returns to the podcast with Sarah for a one-year check-in on the shop's journey. From holiday-season chaos to surprising customer favorites, Gayle shares what worked, what didn't, and why she still handpicks every title on the shelves ? plus the biggest lessons (and mistakes) from year one. Plus, Gayle shares some great book recommendations.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights Gayle shares what it was like to open the bookstore right before the holiday season. How the store's first year compared to their original projections and expectations. The now-dispelled fears Gayle had before opening. Why she's glad they curated every book in their inventory themselves, and why they still do all the book buying in-house. The course correction Wonderland had to make in their romance section. The biggest mistake they made before opening their doors. Which genres and titles have become customer favorites and which don't seem to sell well. How they plan and host book events ? and why those events are such a key part of the store's community success. The books that taught them exactly how (and how not) to decide how many copies to order. The surprising punch poetry has packed with customers. Whether Gayle's own reading life has bounced back after the pre-opening stress and time crunch. Gayle's Book Recommendations [39:12]

Two OLD Books She Loves

One's Company by Ashley Hutson (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:25] Sam by Allegra Goodman (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:46] Other Books Mentioned The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe (2020) [44:40]  The Girls from Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe (2014) [44:42] 

Two NEW Books She Loves

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:01] What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[47:18] Other Books Mentioned The Wedding People by Alison Espach (2024) [46:56] Pretty Things by Janelle Brown (2020) [49:06]

One Book She DIDN'T Love

Back After This by Linda Holmes (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:55] Other Books Mentioned Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes (2019) [51:14]  Flying Solo by Linda Holmes (2022) [53:34] 

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

Wreck by Catherine Newman (October 28, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[53:57] Other Books Mentioned Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) [54:03] 

Last 5-Star Book Gayle Read

The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:34] Books from the Discussion Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) [16:30]  Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [25:41]  The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [26:39]  The Wedding People by Alison Espach (2024) [26:40] The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (2023) [26:42] James by Percival Everett (2024) [30:09] Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) [31:28] Mark Twain by Ron Chernow (2025) [31:38] Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green (2025) [31:55]   Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (2025) [32:00]  Cher: Part One: The Memoir by Cher (2024) [32:25]  Gwyneth: The Biography by Amy Odell (2025) [32:35]  Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields and Rachel Bertsche (2025) [33:07] Yoko Ono: A Biography by David Sheff (2025) [33:10]  My Friends by Fredrik Backman (2025) [38:29] 

In Episode 202, Susie (@NovelVisits) and Sarah explore some of their new favorite Micro Genres. Since starting the Micro Genres series, they've loved taking the opportunity each year to examine and define their tastes in these sub-sub-genres. This year, they have curated a list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with notable books for each category. With over 80 books mentioned, this is another year of niching down for some great book recommendations!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Books Told From the Perspective of the Person Left Behind (Sarah) [2:26]

Sarah

The Wanderers by Meg Howrey (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:39] Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:52] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:29] Miracle Creek by Angie Kim (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:31] Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:42] Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:52] Z by Therese Ann Fowler (2013) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:11] The Paris Wife by Paula McLain (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:19] An American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:26] The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:35] The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:59] A Mother's Reckoning by Sue Klebold (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:41]

Susie

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:07] Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:35] The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:37] Circe by Madeline Miller (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:52] We Begin at the End (Susie) [8:22]

Sarah

Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:46] Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:16] I'm That Girl by Jordan Chiles (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:20] 

Susie

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:20] What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:49]  Victim by Andrew Boryga (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:48] How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:21]  Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:28] 

Other Books Mentioned

We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (2021) [8:33]  A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst (2025)  [13:54]  Big Business Women (Sarah) [14:34]

Sarah

Anna Bright is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:29] The Boys' Club by Erica Katz (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:46]  Women Are the Fiercest Creatures by Andrea Dunlop (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:51]  Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:55] 

Susie

The Whisper Network by Chandler Baker (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[16:30] The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:55] 

Other Books Mentioned

Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018) [15:34]  Books By Irish Authors Telling Distinctly Irish Stories (Susie) [17:35]

Sarah

Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:30]  Northern Spy by Flynn Berry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:43]  The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:52]  56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:39] 

Susie

Nesting by Roisín O'Donnell (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:39] The Coast Road by Alan Murrin (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:07] The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[20:54]  Juno Loves Legs by Karl Geary (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:59] Home Stretch by Graham Norton (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:02]  Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:50]   Trespasses by Louise Kennedy (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:07] 

Other Books Mentioned

Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt (1996) [19:20]  Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) [23:16]  Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent (2023) [24:07]  Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent (2013) [24:09]  The Collective "We" Narration (Sarah) [24:33]

Sarah

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (1993) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[25:59]  We Wish You Luck by Caroline Zancan (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:16]  The Mothers by Britt Bennett (2016)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:31]  Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:56] 

Susie

The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:38] The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:58]  

Other Books Mentioned

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (2012) [25:09]  The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2025) [25:11]  The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (2020) [27:39]  Torn Between Two Lovers: The Women's Edition (Susie) [29:40]

Sarah

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:05]  Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding (1996) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:14]  Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:35]

Susie

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:18]  The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:38]  One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:18]  An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:44]  Fiction Modeled on Real-Life Serial Killers or Crimes (Sarah) [33:50]

Sarah

The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:33]  Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:39]  Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:42]   We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:52]  The Girls by Emma Cline (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:00] Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Ed Tarkington (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:05] When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:29]  Monday, Monday by Elizabeth Crook (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:39] 

Susie

Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:05]  Books with Characters Struggling with Mental Health (Susie) [36:57]

Sarah

Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:24]  Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:58]  Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:13]  Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:23]  When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:28] The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon (2003) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:36]  

Susie

Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:56]  More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:06]  Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:43]  My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward by Mark Lukach (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:13]  I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:58]

Other Books Mentioned

Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy (2023) [42:33]  Dude Thrillers (Sarah) [42:45]

Sarah

Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:34]  The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:40]  Departure 37 by Scott Carson (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:55]  The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:10]  Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:27] Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:28]  

Susie

The Holdout by Graham Moore (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:57]  The River by Peter Heller (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:24]  Burn by Peter Heller (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:25]  The Martian by Andy Weir (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:36] 

Other Books Mentioned

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [45:41]  All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby (2023) [45:33]  Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby (2020) [46:06]  Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (2021) [46:13]  Standalone Fantasy Set on Earth (Susie) [46:36]

Susie

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:36] Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:39] The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:07] Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:08] Weyward by Emilia Hart (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:28]  The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:32]  Circe by Madeline Miller (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:50]  The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:51] 

Other Books Mentioned

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015) [47:03]  Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (2013) [50:30] 

In Episode 201, author Lidija Hilje talks with Sarah about her debut novel, Slanting Towards the Sea. Spanning two decades and one transformative summer in Croatia, Slanting Towards the Sea is a love story that also delves into the profound journey of coming of age in a nation younger than you are. Lidija shares lots of details about how this book came to be and the inspiration for the story and its lush Croatian setting, which becomes a character of its own. They also discuss how the Croatian War of Independence influenced both her own childhood and the novel's narrative. Plus, Lidija shares some of her top book recommendations!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights A brief, spoiler-free overview of Slanting Towards the Sea.  Hilje's inspiration for Slanting Towards the Sea. How Croatia became its own character in the novel. The ways Slanting Towards the Sea developed and was impacted by Lidija's never-to-be-published first novel. The impact of the Croatian War of Independence (1991?1995) on Lidija's childhood and the events of the book. How Lidija shaped the ending of the novel over time. What inspired making "people pleasing" such a strong element of Ivona's character. The complete, upending change that forever shelved her first attempt at a novel. Lidija's Book Recommendations [35:58]

Two OLD Books She Loves

Gioavanni's Room by James Baldwin (1956) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:12] Euphoria by Lily King (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:10] Other Books Mentioned: Writers & Lovers by Lily King (2020) [41:10]  

Two NEW Books She Loves

Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:33] The Anthropologists by Ay?egül Sava? (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:55] Other Books Mentioned: Intimacies by Katie Kitamura (2021) [41:44]  Trust by Hernán Díaz (2023) [43:41]  Second Place by Rachel Cusk (2021) [43:43] 

One Book She DIDN'T Love

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:34]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

This Kind of Trouble by Tochi Eze (August 5, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[48:52]

Last 5-Star Book Lidija Read

We Were the Universe by Kimberly King Parsons (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:35] Books From the Discussion You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith (2023) [22:03]

Welcome to the 200th episode of Sarah's Bookshelves Live with a very special celebration with both co-hosts: Susie (@NovelVisits) and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books. Today, they are answering listener-submitted questions all about their reading journeys, their podcast journeys, and some about their pre-podcast blogging days!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights Their early reading lives. The most surprising things about their reading history. Susie's secret endeavor! How much they talk about books in their day-to-day lives. What their friends outside of the book world think about what they do. Would Susie or Catherine ever want to do an author interview? How their feelings about the podcast have changed over the years. Topic Highlights

Key Moments in Their Reading Lives [1:59] 
A few of the questions answered:

Have you always been a reader, and do you have a distinct memory of when you truly fell in love with reading? [2:11]  Was there a time in your life when you were not reading very much? [6:34]  What parts of your reading tastes have changed dramatically over the course of your reading life and what parts have stayed consistent? [10:56]  Currently, what is your reading "why"? What's the primary reason you read? [29:35]

Their Professional Reading Journeys [34:17] 
A few of the questions answered:

Why did you start your blogs? [34:26]  Is there anything you miss from the time when you only blogged? Anything you don't miss? [40:35]  What is your relationship like off mic? [44:49]  How has social media changed your reading life? [53:04] Anything you wish you had known about podcasting before you got involved? [1:03:13]  Books Mentioned Dick and Jane Reading Collection  [2:41] Ant and Bee and the ABC  (1950) [4:31]  The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene (1930) [4:59] Kristy's Great Idea (The Baby-Sitters Club, 1) by Ann M. Martin (1986) [5:02]  Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (1947) [5:29]  The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer (2013) [9:47]  Double Love (Sweet Valley High, 1) by Francine Pascal (1983)  [16:09]  Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (1861)  [16:49]  Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering (2018)  [17:42]  Normal People by Sally Rooney (2019)  [17:43]  Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (2025)  [17:44]  Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (1857) [18:46]  Middlemarch by George Eliot (1872) [18:54]  Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (1937) [19:17] 

In Ep. 199, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits), Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide), and Sarah are all back on the mic, ready to catch up on how their reading is shaping up for 2025 ? so far!  They talk about the current publishing landscape, what books are topping bestseller lists to date, and their personal reading as it stands halfway through the year. They share reading stats and talk about expectations and hopes for the remainder of the year. Plus, their TOP 5 books and their biggest disappointments so far.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

The Bookish Landscape [1:13]

Books Mentioned

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [3:28]  Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (2023) [4:08] Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (2023) [4:11] The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024) [4:22] Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (2025) [4:53]  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008) [4:59]  The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (2024) [5:02]  Dog Man: Big Jim Begins (Dog Man, #13) by Dav Pilkey (2024) [5:07] The Housemaid by Freida McFadden (2022) [5:13] The Crash by Freida McFadden (2025) [5:17] Atomic Habits by James Clear (2018) [5:24] A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015) [5:41] Next to Heaven by James Frey (2025) [9:44]  James by Percival Everett (2024) [11:20] Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar (2024) [11:22] Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) [12:31]  The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) [13:51]  A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (2015) [15:52]  The Wedding People by Alison Espach (2024) [17:03]  The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [17:22]  Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) [17:35]  Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (2025) [18:35]  The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison (2025) [19:10] The Garden by Nick Newman (2025) [19:16]   The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) [19:34]  Three Days in June by Anne Tyler (2025) [19:58]  Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [20:34] Tilt by Emma Pattee (2025) [20:38]   The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) [20:44]  Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) [20:49]  Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson (2025) [21:06] Hot Wax by M. L. Rio (September 9, 2025) [21:18]  Killer Potential by Hannah Deitch (2025) [21:39]  Personal Reading for 2025 (So Far) [22:49]

Books Mentioned

Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano (2020) [27:14]  The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (2023) [27:16]  Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (2025) [31:07] Top Five (So Far)  [31:27]

Susie

Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:49] Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:03] The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:07] Nesting by Roisín O'Donnell (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:11] The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:12]

Catherine

The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[33:45] This Is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:06] Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:28] Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[53:59] Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:03]

Sarah

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:00] The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:31] The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:03] The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:26] The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[54:55]

Other Books Mentioned

The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (2025) [40:25] Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2025) [40:40] Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (2024) [47:47] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe (2020) [48:22] I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin (2023) [52:54] Biggest Disappointments (So Far)  [57:46]

Susie

The Strange Case by Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:09] The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[58:13] Fulfillment by Lee Cole (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:18]

Catherine

The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:51] Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:56] The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:08] Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:45]

Sarah

Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:16] What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:28] Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:00:51] Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild (July 8, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[1:01:43]

Ep. 198 is the second episode of our brand-new "Best of?" series. Anderson McKean of Page & Palette Bookstore joined me for the Best of Thrillers, with her all-time TOP TEN favorite thriller novels?and, a couple buzzy thrillers that didn't work for her.? Also, Anderson talks about how she started reading thrillers, the wide variety available in the genre, and books from her list that would be perfect for those new to the genre!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights What draws her to the thriller genre. From domestic to psychological thrillers, Anderson talks about the variety of the genre. Her favorite sub-genres and what doesn't work for her. Anderson picks a few books from her list that would be good starter books for those new to the genre. Anderson's All-Time Top Ten Thrillers [10:33] Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:44] Room by Emma Donoghue (2010) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:57] It Girl by Ruth Ware (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:41] A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:16] Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:43] The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:38] Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [34:17] Red Queen by Juan Gómez-Jurado (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [37:48] When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:12] These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:37] High-Profile Thrillers That She Didn't Love [48:35]  The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:41] None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:01] Other Books Mentioned The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz (2021) [13:23] The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (2015) [16:06] The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins (2024) [16:13] Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (2021) [16:38] The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware (2016) [20:58] I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai (2023) [21:50] Zero Days by Ruth Ware (2023) [23:05] Vantage Point by Sara Sligar (2025) [23:11] One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware (2024) [23:54] The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2003) [24:51] Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong (2025) [27:35] What Have You Done by Shari Lepena (2024) [30:09] The Couple Next Door by Shari Lepena (2016) [30:24] Someone We Know by Shari Lepena (2019) [30:31] Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent (2023) [32:23] The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth (2019) [33:26] The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth (2022) [33:50] The Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth (2023) [33:53] Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister (2023) [36:36] The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (2005) [38:04] The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum (1980) [39:24] In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross (2023) [42:25] The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) [44:17] Our Endless Numbered Days by Claire Fuller (2015) [47:20] The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant (2024) [48:11] The Fury by Alex Michaelides (2024) [49:47] The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019) [49:53]

Welcome to the Summer 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  

Today, Catherine and Sarah share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing from June through mid-August.  

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Announcement One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights Catherine and Sarah share some big releases coming this summer (lightning-round style). Of Catherine's six book picks, 3 are about sisters and most are from repeat authors. Sarah's choices feature 3 debut authors, 2 repeat authors, and 1 new author. And, 5 of Sarah's six books are European novels. From literary picks to thrillers to romances, they've got a range of books for summer. Sarah has already read two of her picks ? and they're on the 2025 Summer Reading Guide (be sure to check out the full list) Plus, their #1 picks for summer. Big Summer Releases Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:12] With a Vengeance by Riley Sager (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:18] Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:32] The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick (June 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:36] A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:45] The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (July 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:57] The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:08] Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:13] A Most Puzzling Murder by Bianca Marais (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:17]  Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:27]  The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:29]  Don't Open Your Eyes by Liv Constantine (June 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:32]  The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen (August 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:36]  Summer 2025 Book Preview [4:07]

June

Sarah's Pick

The Compound by Aisling Rawle (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:19]

Catherine's Picks

The Catch by Yrsa Daley-Ward (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:40] King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:02] I'll Be Right Here by Amy Bloom (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:01]

Other Books Mentioned 

Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954) [10:01]  FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven (2016) [10:04]  The Godfather by Mario Puzo (1969) [20:29]  All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby  (2023) [20:55]  Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (2021) [21:00]  Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby (2020) [21:01]  White Houses by Amy Bloom (2018) [27:08]  This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (2017) [27:52]  The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (2019) [27:57]  The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden (2024) [28:28] 

July

Sarah's Picks

Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:36] Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:44] The Rabbit Club by Christopher J. Yates (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:48] Her Many Faces by Nicci Cloke (July 15*) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:38](Updated release date following the recording of this episode.) August Lane by Regina Black (July 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:44]

Catherine's Picks

The Satisfaction Café by Kathy Wang (July 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:37]  Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:32]

Other Books Mentioned

Shark Heart by Emily Habeck (2023) [18:12]  Writers and Lovers by Lily King (2020) [18:17]  The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) [25:06]  Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler (2023) [25:09]  Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (2013) [28:57]  The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer (2013) [31:13]  The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992) [31:15]  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008) [31:16]  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1865) []  If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio (2017) [32:37]  Imposter Syndrome by Kathy Wang (2021) [35:16]  Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (2023) [35:40]  Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) [35:42]  The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz (2022) [35:45]  Girl A by Abigail Dean (2021) [38:21]  The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) [38:24]  Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka (2022) [38:28]  The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon (2023) [40:16]  The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (2023) [41:58]  Colton Gentry's Third Act by Jeff Zentner (2024) [43:30]  Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [43:41]  The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton (2021) [43:46]  Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [45:01]  August Catherine's Pick The Frequency of Living Things by Nick Fuller Googins (August 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:15]

Other Books Mentioned

She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb (1992) [48:08]  Other Links Sarah's Bookshelves | The Possibility of a Black Chalk Sequel: Guest Post by Christopher J. Yates 

In Episode 196, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Spring 2025 Book Preview, now that they've read them. They share their reading stats, chat about what worked ? and hash out which books didn't work and why. 

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Our Printable Cheatsheet for the 2025 Summer Reading Guide is available to anyone who signs up for either a 7-Day FREE TRIAL of our Patreon Community (sign up here) OR a 30-day FREE TRIAL of our paid Substack Community (sign up here). We offer the same bonus content on both platforms for just $7 per month. Sign-ups for our Free Trials (and access to the Summer Reading Guide Cheatsheet) will close on Friday, May 23.

Get the Cheatsheet from Patreon

Get the Cheatsheet from Substack

Highlights Catherine is rocking a 100% success rate for spring! Sarah had another barbell season with two 5-star books and 3 DNFs with a 50% success rate. Catherine has a mix of darker and lighter books from spring, leaning into what is currently working. Now that Sarah doesn't have to balance reading for the 2025 Summer Reading Guide and the Spring Preview, Sarah hopes her summer reading will fare better. They name the best and worst books picks for spring! Books We Read Before the Preview [3:37]

April

Sarah's Picks

The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (Apr 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:04] Spring 2025 Circle Back [5:27]

April

Sarah's Picks

The Family Recipe by Carolyn Huynh (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:38] I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenney (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:40] The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (Apr 22) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:14] Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone (Apr 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:27]

Catherine's Picks

Cat's People by Tanya Guerrero (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:32] Heartwood by Amity Gaige (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:12]

Other Books Mentioned

The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh (2022) [8:48]  Talk to Me by John Kenney (2019) [15:58]   About a Boy by Nick Hornby (1998) [17:26] I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin (2023) [24:24] 

May

Sarah's Picks

Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle (May 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:57]

Catherine's Pick

Home of the American Circus by Allison Larkin (May 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:16] The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North (May 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:35]  Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (May 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:23] Storybook Ending by Moira Macdonald (May 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:02]

Other Books Mentioned

The Angel Maker by Alex North (2023) [26:44] Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (2016) [41:02]  Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [41:08]  Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (2020) [41:13]  Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune (2021) [41:19]  The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (2020) [41:23]  

 

In Ep. 195, Susie (@NovelVisits) and Sarah are back to share their favorite books that missed last year's Summer Reading Guide and our #1 picks for each category featured in my 2025 Summer Reading Guide. Plus, they begin by sharing how their summer reading habits have evolved over the years.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Once again, we are happy to offer a Printable Cheatsheet for this year's Guide:

Get the Cheatsheet from Patreon Get the Cheatsheet from Substack Summer Reading [7:42] The Evolution of Our Summer Reading Journeys [8:41]

Books Mentioned by Susie

London by Edward Rutherfurd (1997) [15:09] The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (2005) [16:09] The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008) [16:12] Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005) [16:15] Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (2009) [16:31] The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (2013) [16:32] 11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) [16:34]

Books Mentioned by Sarah

Jaws by Peter Benchley (1974) [17:57] The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand (1943) [21:02] Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (1957) [21:03] Fall of Giants by Ken Follett (2010) [21:06] Books That Missed Last Year's Summer Reading Guide [24:23]

Sarah

JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral Biography by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:27]  Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:08] Hunted by Abir Mukherjee (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:51]

Susie

The Most by Jessica Anthony (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:10]  The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:52] Blue Light Hours by Bruna Dantas Lobato (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:01]

Other Books Mentioned

The Measure by Nikki Erlick (2022) [30:13] Our #1 Summer Picks by Category  [40:37]

Something Light / Fun

Sarah: The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:23]  Susie: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:36]  Other Books Mentioned Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) [41:35]

Something Fast-Paced / Intense

Sarah: Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:27] 

Slow-Burn Suspense

Susie: The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:40] 

Something With a Bit More Substance

Sarah: Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:54]  Susie: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [58:46]  Other Books Mentioned Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) [1:00:00]

Something Different

Sarah: Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:01:33]  Susie: Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:03:47]  Other Books Mentioned Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld (2005) [1:02:59] Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [1:06:24]

In Ep. 194, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Sarah head back to the year 2017 in the book world with this second annual special retrospective episode!  They share big bookish highlights for that year, including book news, award winners, and what was going on in the world outside of reading. They also talk about how their own 2017 reading shook out, including their favorite 2017 releases.  Plus, a quick run-down of listener-submitted favorites!  This episode is overflowing with great backlist titles to add to your TBR!  

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights The big news that was going on outside the book world. The book stories and trends that dominated 2017. How similar 2017 and 2025 are. The 2017 books that have had staying power.? Was this as dismal a year in books as Sarah remembers? Sarah's and Catherine's personal 2017 reading stats.? Listener-submitted favorites from 2017.? Bookish Time Capsule (2017) [2:12] The World Beyond Books No books mentioned in this segment. The Book Industry Wonder by R. J. Palacio (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [9:59] Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:04] A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:40] The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:44] Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:08] My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:18] The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:03] If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:13] We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:23] Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:46] Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:48] The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:50] Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:57] Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:03] James by Percival Everett (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:04] Bookish Headlines and Trends Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:41] A Promised Land by Barack Obama (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:43] The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama (2006) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:48] My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:04] The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:31] Big Books and Award Winners of 2017 A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:01] Beartown by Fredrik Backman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:06] The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:21] Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:27] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:48] Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:09] The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:39] Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:23] Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:40] Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:31] Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:09] Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:51] Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:16] Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:41] Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:32] Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:38] Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:09] The Sellout by Paul Beatty (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:52] What Happened by Hillary Rodham Clinton (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:56] Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:21] The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:45] Before the Fall by Noah Hawley (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:04] The Stone Sky (The Broken Earth, 3) by N. K. Jemisin (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:30]  Our Top Books of 2017 The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:46] Beartown by Fredrik Backman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:20] Dead Letters by Caite Dolan-Leach (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:22] Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:02] If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:16] Quicksand by Malin Persson Giolitio (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:23] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:36] This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:38] Trophy Son by Douglas Brunt (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:48] White Fur by Jardine Libaire (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:05] Final Girls by Riley Sager (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:38] Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:44] Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:46] Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:49] The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:10] Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman (1995) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:15] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:19] The Heirs by Susan Rieger (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:34] The Takedown by Corrie Wang (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:53] Feast of Sorrow by Crystal King (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:01] Girl in Snow by Danya Kukafka (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:09] Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [48:17] Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:28] The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:33] Listeners' Top Books of 2017 Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:33] Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:51] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:03] The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[50:07] Beartown by Fredrik Backman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:13] Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:15] The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:18] The Alice Network by Kate Quinn (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:24] This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:25] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:27]

In Episode 193, author Clare Leslie Hall talks with Sarah about her US debut, Broken Country ? a breakout hit and a Reese's Book Club pick. A genre mash-up that is part love story and part murder trial, Clare talks about marketing Broken Country, how this came to be her first U.S. release, and the ways the novel evolved over time. Plus, Clare shares her book recommendations.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights Books by Clare Leslie Hall: Broken Country, Days You Were Mine (previously published as Mine), and Pictures of Him (previously published as Him). Clare gives a brief, spoiler-free overview of Broken Country.  Clare's inspiration for Broken Country. How the themes of love, guilt, and connection play roles in the novel. The ways Broken Country developed and changed over the course of her writing process. How Clare decided that this was no longer a contemporary novel and needed to be set in the 1950s and 1960s. The aspect of the book of which she's most proud. How Broken Country came to be her first book released in the U.S. What the marketing looked like for Broken Country compared to her first two novels. Anything Clare would change about Broken Country down the line should she have the opportunity (since she was able to change the ending of her second book for the U.S. release). A bit about what Clare has planned for her next book. Clare's Book Recommendations [35:30]

Two OLD Books She Loves

Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively (1987) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:43] All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy (1992) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:26] Other Books Mentioned: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (1985) [38:42]  

Two NEW Books She Loves

Nesting by Roisín O'Donnell (February 18, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[40:12] Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell (July 30, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:33] Other Books Mentioned: The Wedding People by Alison Espach (July 30, 2024) [43:48]  The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021) [44:04] 

One Book She DIDN'T Love

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1878) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:22]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

What the Deep Water Knows by Miranda Cowley Heller (July 1, 2025) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [48:40]

Last 5-Star Book Clare Read

Leaving by Roxana Robinson (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:19] Books From the Discussion Atonement by Ian McEwan (2001) [14:38] The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley (1953) [14:42] To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) [16:22] Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (2018) [54:02]  About Clare Leslie Hall

 Instagram | X

Clare Leslie Hall is a novelist and journalist who lives in the wilds of Dorset, England, with her family. She's the author of Broken Country, Pictures of Him, and Days You Were Mine.

Welcome to the Spring 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  

Today, Catherine and Sarah share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing in April and May.  

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Announcement Sarah's Bookshelves has joined Substack! Please note, we're not MOVING to Substack, we're simply adding Substack to the places we already put out content. On our FREE Substack feed, Sarah's Bookshelves is offering all the content you already find on the blog, my Instagram account, public podcast, On our PAID feed, we're offering all the content we also offer on Patreon. If you're interested in becoming a paying subscriber on Substack, visit sarahsbookshelveslive.substack.com for all the details and a full list of benefits. If you're already on Substack, please consider following the FREE feed and sharing with your reader friends to help support the show. One of the many benefits to joining as a paying member of either our Patreon or Substack Communities is gaining access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that were not shared in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all Superstar patrons here and all Substack paid subscribers here! Highlights Catherine and Sarah share some big releases coming this spring (lightning round style). With a theme this season of "change," Catherine focuses on lighter fiction and thrillers. Sarah's choices are evenly split between debut authors, new to her authors, and repeat authors. Food novels, rom-coms, thrillers (two with a mistaken identity element), and lighter reading are the picks for spring! Sarah has already read one of her picks ? and one of Catherine's! And, Catherine has already started reading one of hers. Plus, their #1 picks for the spring. Big Spring Releases [5:15]  The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong (May 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:43] The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb (May 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:47] Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:56] Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson (May 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:03] Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:18] The Maid's Secret by Nita Prose (Apr 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:26] Audition by Katie Kitamura (Apr 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:29] My Documents by Kevin Ngyuen (Apr 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:44]

Backlist Titles Mentioned

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb (2022) [5:51] Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb (2023) [5:53] Spring 2025 Book Preview [6:51]

April

Sarah's Picks

The Family Recipe by Carolyn Huynh (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:40] I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenney (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:49] The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (Apr 22) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:15] Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone (Apr 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:28] The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (Apr 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:42]

Catherine's Picks

Cat's People by Tanya Guerrero (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:46] Heartwood by Amity Gaige (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:23]

Other Books Mentioned

The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh (2022) [9:44]  Talk to Me by John Kenney (2019) [14:53]   About a Boy by Nick Hornby (1998) [16:48] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [18:30] The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean (2024) [18:32] Sea Wife by Amity Gaige (2020) [22:47]  Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (2024) [24:45]  The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall (2019) [26:18]  Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [26:20]  We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange (2021) [26:22]  The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (2019) [26:25]  Yours, Eventually by Nura Maznavi  (2025) [30:58]  Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) [33:47]  The Guncle by Steven Rowley (2021) [38:04] 

May

Sarah's Picks

Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle (May 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:16]

Catherine's Pick

Home of the American Circus by Allison Larkin (May 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:48] The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North (May 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:29]  Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (May 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:56] Storybook Ending by Moira Macdonald (May 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:36]

Other Books Mentioned

The People We Keep by Allison Larkin (2021) [28:23]  The Angel Maker by Alex North (2023) [31:39] Lost and Found in Paris by Lian Dolan (2022) [41:25]   Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain (2000) [43:42]   The Husbands by Holly Gramazio (2024) [43:54]  Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (2016) [44:36]  Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [44:40]  Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (2020) [44:42]  Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune (2021) [44:45]  The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (2020) [44:53]   Storybook Ending by Poppy Alexander (2024) [47:32] 

In Episode 191, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 16 new releases they shared in the Winter 2025 Book Preview. They share their reading stats, chat about what they liked, and what didn't work out. 

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights For the first time ever, Sarah's Preview selections resulted in a 100% success rate! Catherine's reading was also successful at 75%, with 2 DNFs. A total of three 5-star books from the Winter Preview! Sarah successfully revived her reading from that "sameness" she felt in December. Catherine's reading seems to revolve around "right time" and "wrong time" books even more than usual. They name the best and worst books from their winter picks. Books Read Before the Preview [1:46] 

January

Sarah's Picks

The Favorites by Layne Fargo (Jan 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:18] Penitence by Kristin Koval (Jan 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:05]

Other Books Mentioned

Defending Jacob by William Landay [5:12] All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay [5:13]   Winter 2025 Circle Back [7:42]

January

Sarah's Pick

Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (Jan 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[11:44]

Catherine's Picks

All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall (Jan 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[7:46] Those Fatal Flowers by Shannon Ives (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:14] Call Her Freedom by Tara Dorabji (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:59]  Too Soon by Betty Shamieh (Jan 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:53]

Other Books Mentioned

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [9:46]  

February

Sarah's Picks

Yours, Eventually by Nura Maznavi (Feb 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:29] Crush by Ada Calhoun (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:40] The Strange Case by Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:59] The Grand Scheme of Things by Warona Jay (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[43:10]

Catherine's Pick

This Is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer (Feb 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:44]

Other Books Mentioned

Persuasion by Jane Austen [22:35] Why We Can't Sleep by Ada Calhoun [32:09]   Wedding Toasts I'll Never Give by Ada Calhoun [32:11]  Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [43:56]  Victim by Andrew Boryga [44:04]  By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult [45:54] 

March

Sarah's Pick

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:33]

Catherine's Picks

The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:21] Kate & Frida by Kim Fay (Mar 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:56] Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh (Mar 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:25]

Other Books Mentioned

Love & Saffron by Kim Fay [49:07]  Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens [50:37]  The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [50:40] 

In Episode 190, author Georgia Hunter returns to the podcast to chat with Sarah about her sophomore novel, One Good Thing, and go behind-the-scenes of her experience adapting her first novel, We Were the Lucky Ones, for Hulu. Georgia talks about her role as executive producer, the difference in writing a novel that wasn't based on family history, and how the screenwriting process influenced her own writing. Plus, Georgia shares her book recommendations.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights Books by Georgia Hunter: We Were the Lucky Ones (2017) and One Good Thing (2025) A spoiler-free overview of One Good Thing. Georgia's inspiration for the characters, their story, and choosing Italy as the setting. The very different process for writing and editing her second book. How the steps for adapting We Were the Lucky Ones began and how long it took. Georgia's role in the writer's room for the screen adaptation and as a resource for the actors and writers.  How the six writers handled their episodes and wove together the different perspectives for a cohesive series. If Georgia would ever consider writing for a tv series. How screenwriting impacted Georgia writing her second novel. What her day on set looked like as executive producer. How Georgia handled filming on location and the timeframe from start to finish. Talk about an adaptation for One Good Thing ? and is it better suited for a feature-length film or another tv miniseries? Georgia's Book Recommendations [51:05]

Two OLD Books She Loves

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:39] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:38] Other Books Mentioned The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (1998) [54:00]   David Copperfield by Charles Dickens (1850) [54:17] 

Two NEW Books She Loves

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[56:29] The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:49] Other Books Mentioned We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (2021) [56:41] 

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

The Names by Florence Knapp (May 6, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:55]

Last 5-Star Book Georgia Read

Horse by Geraldine Brooks (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:52] About Georgia Hunter

Website | Instagram | Facebook

When Georgia Hunter was fifteen years old, she discovered that she came from a family of Holocaust survivors. Years later, she embarked on a journey of intensive research, determined to unearth and record her family's remarkable story. The result is the New York Times best seller, We Were the Lucky Ones, which has been published in over 20 languages and adapted for television by Hulu as a highly acclaimed limited series. One Good Thing is Georgia's second novel. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and their two sons.

In Episode 189, author Karen Thompson Walker talks with Sarah about her career to date and her newest novel, The Strange Case of Jane O. Karen discusses her writing journey, including each book's inspiration and research process. She also touches on the challenges of promoting her latest book without giving away too much and her current work in progress. Plus, Karen shares her book recommendations.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights Books by Karen Thompson Walker: The Age of Miracles (2012), The Dreamers (2019), and The Strange Case of Jane O. (2025) Karen talks about going from working as an editor to a being published author The genre Karen feels her books best fit in The real-life inspiration for The Age of Miracles  A peek into her research process and which book required the most work Karen's thoughts on writing about an epidemic (in The Dreamers) just before the real-life  COVID-19 pandemic A brief spoiler-free overview of The Strange Case of Jane O. and the inspiration behind it Some of Oliver Sacks' interesting case histories that inspired Karen The difficulty in trying to promote and talk about a book like The Strange Case of Jane O. without giving too much away How Karen sees the relationship between her three published books A bit about Karen's current work in progress Karen's Book Recommendations [36:20]

Two OLD Books She Loves

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (1993) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[37:22] The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:26] Other Books Mentioned: The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka (2023) [40:51]  

Two NEW Books She Loves

The Antidote by Karen Russell (March 11, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:20] The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:39]

One Book She DIDN'T Love

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:39]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

Audition by Katie Kitamura (April 8, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:22] Other Books Mentioned:  The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden (2024) [49:20]  A Separation by Katie Kitamura (2017) [49:35]  Intimacies by Katie Kitamura (2021) [49:39] 

Last 5-Star Book Karen Read

Trust by Hernan Diaz (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:14] Books From the Discussion Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan (2012) [22:54] Awakenings by Oliver Sacks (1973) [24:16]  

In Ep. 188, we are kicking off our new "Best of?" series with Sarah's Bookshelves Live team member, Chrissie, for the Best of Fantasy. Today, Chrissie brings you her all-time top ten favorite fantasy novels. Also, as a long-time reader and evangelizer of the genre, Chrissie talks about how she started reading fantasy, the wide scope of the genre, and ways those new to fantasy might jump in!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights How Chrissie got started reading fantasy. What draws her to the fantasy genre. From sci-fi fantasy to epic, high fantasy, Chrissie talks about the wide scope of the genre. Her favorite sub-genres and what doesn't work for her. Chrissie's All-Time Top Ten Fantasy Books [16:36] The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:44] A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[22:11] The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:24] The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (2007) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:10] A Murder in Time by Julie McElwain (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:36] Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (2004) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:35] Griffin & Sabine by Nick Bantock (1991) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [39:58] The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [42:15] Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (2001) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:16] The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:40] High-Profile Fantasy Books That She Didn't Love [48:39]  A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:52] Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:55] Other Books Mentioned Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (2023) [25:07] Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (2012) [25:43] Flowers in the Attic by V. C. Andrews (1979) [26:36] Heaven by V. C. Andrews (1985) [26:46] The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater (June 2025) [31:27] A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin (1996) [33:04] The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss (2011) [33:09] The Doors of Stone by Patrick Rothfuss (TBD) [33:15] A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton (1982) [37:16] Piranesi by Susanna Clarke (2020) [39:46] Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005) [50:03] The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness (2024) [50:28] Books from Our Discussion Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling (1997) [4:23]  Charlotte's Web by E. B. White (1952) [6:23]  Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien (1971) [6:26]   The Dream Book by Meg Wolitzer (1987) [6:37]  The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [11:15]  11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) [12:10]  The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis (1950) [12:30]  The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien (1954) [14:29] The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien (1937) [14:30]   The Neverending Story by Michael Ende (1979) [15:36] 

In Ep. 187, Kathleen Schmidt, author of the popular Substack newsletter, Publishing Confidential, joins Sarah to dissect and discuss the State of the Publishing Industry in 2024. Between a high-level look back, talk about the top sales and book trends, to what Kathleen sees on the horizon for 2025 in the book world, this episode is packed with info. Also, Kathleen shares her favorite books of 2024!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights 2024 bookish news and publishing trends overview. Kathleen grades last year's crop of books with an overall B+. How the middle-aged woman / menopause stories might shake out to be the next buzzy books. The ways the full book market is oversaturated. The impact TikTok still has on the book world. Kathleen breaks down the side-eye publishing attracts from other industries with its oddball business model.  Taylor Swift remains a hot topic in publishing with The Eras Tour Book. Did Spotify's entrance into audiobooks make a noticeable impact? The secret struggle of memoirs. Anticipating 2025's potential bookish trends. State of the Publishing Industry in 2024

High-Level Overview [2:02]

All Fours by Miranda July (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:12] Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:27] The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:58]  

2024 Book Sales and Trends [9:35] 

Leaving by Roxana Robinson (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:11]  Splinters by Leslie Jamison (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:14]  Liars by Sarah Manguso (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:16]  Crush by Ada Calhoun (Feb 25, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:17]  Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:39] Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (Jan 14, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[31:41] 

Big Book Stories of 2024 [34:18]

The Official Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book (Target Exclusive)(2024) [38:21] 

2025 Publishing Predictions [42:48]

Kathleen's 3 Favorites Books of 2024 [46:41] Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:01]  Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:23] Foster by Claire Keegan (2010) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:54]  Other Links Publishing Confidential ? Substack | What Book Publishing Needs to Consider in 2025

In Episode 186, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Sarah share the best backlist books they read in 2024. They discuss their top 5 backlist books from last year, highlight some underrated backlist gems, and review their backlist reading statistics. Devoting an entire episode to backlist reading is now an annual tradition at Sarah's Bookshelves Live ? a team and listener favorite! 

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Announcement 2024's Best of the Backlist Guide is available now! 25 of the Sarah's Bookshelves Live Patrons share the best backlist book they read last year in a beautiful PDF guide. To get the guide, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You'll also get access to a 3 bonus podcast episodes per month and my Rock Your Reading Tracker and our all-new Lite Reading Tracker. Highlights Sarah and Catherine share their full stats for backlist reading in 2024. Backlist reading quantity was down a bit again last year for Sarah, but backlist reading quality increased. Catherine had a slight decrease in the number of backlist books she read, but backlist reading remained incredibly successful for her. Sarah's backlist reading included several atypical choices for her, maybe shaping how she approaches 2025. Our Top 5 Backlist Books We Read in 2024 [6:27]

Catherine

Ghosts by Dolly Alderton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:33] Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:19] Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O'Farrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org[17:38] Tomorrow There Will Be Apricots by Jessica Soffer | Amazon | Bookshop.org[24:10] Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org[32:11]

Sarah

The Hop by Diana Clarke | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:38] The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:26] Water by John Boyne | Amazon [20:57] Starter Villain by John Scalzi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:32] Empire Falls by Richard Russo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:33]

Other Books Mentioned

Good Material by Dolly Alderton [8:54] The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore [14:37] The Holdout by Graham Moore [16:58] Earth by John Boyne [21:09] The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne [22:18] Fire by John Boyne [22:57]  This Is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer (coming Feb 4) [26:57]  Life After Life by Kate Atkinson [32:42] Case Histories by Kate Atkinson [32:54]  Underrated Backlist Gems [38:56]

Catherine

The Reformatory by Tananarive Due | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:00]  The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:36]

Sarah

Home Stretch by Graham Norton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:50]  The Hard Parts by Oksana Masters | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:01]

Other Books Mentioned

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead [41:33] Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro [43:51] Frankie by Graham Norton [45:12]

Welcome to the Winter 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  

Today, Catherine and Sarah share 16 of their most anticipated books releasing January through March.  

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Announcement One of the many benefits to joining the Patreon Community is gaining access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that were not shared in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all Superstar patrons and sign up here! Highlights Catherine and Sarah share some big releases coming this winter (lightning round style). Catherine's theme this season is "balance," with 4 debuts and 4 repeat authors. Sarah's choices seem to fall into some micro genres she loves, featuring 5 debuts. Again, Sarah brings in a few shorter books under 300 pages. Sarah has already read and rated two of her picks! Plus, their #1 picks for the winter. Big Winter Releases [1:51]  Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson (Jan 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:28] Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:37] Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:44] One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:51] We Do Not Part by Han Kang (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:14] Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:22] We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes (Feb 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:32] The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue (Mar 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:38] The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison (Jan 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:42] Three Days in June by Anne Tyler (Feb 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:00] The Antidote by Karen Russell (Mar 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:03] The Human Scale by Lawrence Wright (Mar 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:10] Back After This by Linda Holmes (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:20]

Backlist Titles Mentioned

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson [2:32] We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter [3:03] Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros [3:27] Room by Emma Donoghue [3:41] Swamplandia by Karen Russell [4:05] Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell [4:07] Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes [4:25] Winter 2025 Book Preview [4:32]

January

Sarah's Picks

The Favorites by Layne Fargo (Jan 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:06] Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (Jan 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:34]

Catherine's Picks

All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall (Jan 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[13:20] Those Fatal Flowers by Shannon Ives (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:22] Call Her Freedom by Tara Dorabji (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:19]  Too Soon by Betty Shamieh (Jan 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:19]

Other Books Mentioned

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë [9:22]  Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [14:38]   Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [17:46] Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [17:50] Babel by R. F. Kuang [17:51]

February

Sarah's Picks

Yours, Eventually by Nura Maznavi (Feb 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:16] Penitence by Kristin Koval (Feb 18 ? moved to 1/28 after recording) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[spp-timestamp time="25:56"] Crush by Ada Calhoun (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:39] The Strange Case by Jane O by Karen Thompson Walker (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:25] The Grand Scheme of Things by Warona Jay (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:04]

Catherine's Pick

This Is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer (Feb 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:34]

Other Books Mentioned

Persuasion by Jane Austen [23:21]  Defending Jacob by William Landay [27:49] All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay [27:51]   Why We Can't Sleep by Ada Calhoun [32:02]   Wedding Toasts I'll Never Give by Ada Calhoun [32:05]  Last Couple Standing by Matthew Norman [33:14]  The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker [36:55]  The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker [37:00]  By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult [42:04] 

March

Sarah's Pick

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:35]

Catherine's Picks

The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:35] Kate & Frida by Kim Fay (Mar 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:56] Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh (Mar 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:58]

Other Books Mentioned

The Moor's Account by Laila Lalami [38:45]  Love & Saffron by Kim Fay [45:08]  The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley [47:42]  The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [48:15]  Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh [50:49]  Kill For Me, Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh [52:56]  Other Links Instagram | Harper Voyager: Deluxe Limited Edition for Death of an Author by Nnedi Okorafor 

In Episode 184, Susie (@NovelVisits) and I close out the year with our Best Books of 2024 Genre Awards. We reveal our Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction) and our full breakdown by genre, including: Best Literary Fiction, Best Romance, Best Brain Candy, Best Genre Mash-Up, and more! Plus, we're sharing the winners for these same genres as chosen by the Sarah's Bookshelves Live Patreon community!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Announcements My 2025 Reading Tracker is out! Plus, this year we've added another option ? a LITE Tracker. Once again, the Tracker is ONLY available to Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Also, to avoid Apple's 30% fee, be sure to join directly from Patreon's site, mobile or desktop. Become a Superstars Patron here! Instructions for how to give an SBL Patreon membership as a gift. Highlights Podcast reflections from 2024 ? including top episodes based on download stats. A brief overview of Susie's and Sarah's 2024 year in reading. Our favorite books of the year: overall and by genre, including the SBL Patreon Community's picks. 2024 Genre Awards [16:45]

Sarah

Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:52] Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:21] Anna Bright is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:12] The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:42] The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:26] JFK Jr. by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:25] Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:42] How To End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:11] Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:46] Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [57:26] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [59:40] Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:04:24] Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:07:09] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:08:47]

Susie

Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:59] Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:05] Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:42] What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:43] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:41] The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:16] One Day I'll Grow Up and Be a Beautiful Woman by Abi Maxwell | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:47] Funny Story by Emily Henry | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:23] Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:54] The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [54:02] The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [58:18] Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:00:14] Perris, California by Rachel Stark | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:02:44] Liars by Sarah Manguso | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:05:18] Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:07:09]

Patrons

James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:55] Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:43] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:16] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:35] The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:10] Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten | Amazon | Bookshop.org[43:33] Funny Story by Emily Henry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:59] Annie Bot by Sierra Greer | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [53:28] The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [56;10] You Like It Darker by Stephen King | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [56:39] Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:58] Twenty-Four Seconds From Now by Jason Reynolds | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:54] Piglet by Lottie Hazzell | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:03:22] The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:06:16] Other Books Mentioned Mercury by Amy Jo Burns [20:10] Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout [20:13] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker [20:27] The Wedding People by Alison Espach [20:37] We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman [22:17] Bad Blood by John Carreyrou [24:27] She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey [24:40] Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford [28:10] A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey [28:23] Good Material by Dolly Alderton [28:27] The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [28:57] Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra [31:55] The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean [32:00] Worst Case Scenario by T. J. Newman [32:05] Falling by T. J. Newman [32:20] Drowning by T. J. Newman [32:21] The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali [36:03] Spare by Prince Harry [37:20] The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt [40:00] Challenger by Adam Higginbotham [40:28] The Wives by Simone Gorrindo [44:46] Sociopath by Patric Gagne, Ph.D. [45:09] Consent by Jill Ciment [45:15] The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop [45:21] Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley [45:31] One Way Back by Christine Blasey Ford [45:34] Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner [45:43] There's Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib [45:48] People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry [47:10] Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez [48:51] The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center [48:59] Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood [49:02] Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan [49:34] Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell [49:44] The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard [53:47] The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown [56:12] Bride by Ali Hazelwood [56:27] Diavola by Jennifer Thorne [57:06] We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer [57:11] Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller [59:17] Colored Television by Danzy Senna [59:22] I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue [59:27] We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay by Gary Janneti [59:35] There There by Tommy Orange [1:00:27] Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez [1:01:40] When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson [1:01:59] Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar [1:03:35] Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen [1:03:56] How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica [1:04:11] The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden [1:04:21] Bear by Julia Phillips [1:06:18] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley [1:06:25] The Fury by Alex Michaelides [1:06:51] The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [1:08:10] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [1:10:27] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [1:10:28] Top Podcast Episodes [4:40] Ep. 158: Best Books of 2023 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits) Ep. 160: The Best Backlist Books We Read in 2023 with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 159: Winter 2024 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 157: Best Books of 2023 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits) Ep. 164: Winter 2024 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 163: Classics & Retellings 101 with Sara Hildreth (@FictionMatters) Ep. 156: 2023 State of the Industry with Sarah Landis (Literary Agent) Ep. 162: BookTok 101 with Leigh Stein (Author & Journalist) Ep. 178: Behind the Scenes of Amazon's Best Books Lists with Al Woodworth, Senior Editor & Manager of Amazon Books Editorial Ep. 179: From Corporate America to Indie Bookstore Owner with Gayle Weiswasser (Co-Founder of Wonderland Books) Ep. 167: Circling Back to 2018 in Books with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

In this Bonus Podcast Episode, Al Woodworth, Senior Editor and Manager at Amazon Books Editorial, returns to the show to take listeners behind the scenes of Amazon's Best Books of 2024, as chosen by the Amazon Editors!  A fascinating glimpse into how the 2024 list was curated, how the rankings were determined, and what criteria guided the selections. 

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Announcements My 2025 Reading Tracker is out! Plus, this year we've added another option ? a LITE Tracker. Once again, the Tracker is ONLY available to Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Also, to avoid Apple's 30% fee, be sure to join directly from Patreon's site, mobile or desktop. Become a Superstars Patron here! Highlights The impact Amazon's #1 book of 2024 had on the editorial team The role of capturing "the present moment" in selecting the best books of the year How Amazon Editorial chose the top 5 books of 2024  Whether the mid-year top book or other outlets' year-end lists influenced Amazon's decisions Behind the scenes: 2024's "reading week" retreat and "war room" discussions  The importance of selecting books that appeal across genres and to a broad swath of readers The group dynamic of ranking each book on the list Al highlights some lesser-known titles from the list How 2024 stacks up for Al and Amazon's editorial team Books From Our Discussion The Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:03] The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:25]  Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:27]  Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:28] The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [9:54]  The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:37] James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:43] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:51]  The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:54] Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:59]   Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:18] Educated by Tara Westover | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:09]  The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:26]  We Solve Murders by Richard Osman | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:30]  The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:34]  The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:06]  Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:23] The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:27] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:35] We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:47] Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell  | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:21] When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:23] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:15] There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:51] John Lewis by David Greenberg  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:44] I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:00] The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:14] The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:06]  Other Links Amazon | Amazon Editors' Personal Favorite Books of 2024 About Al Woodworth

More about Amazon Book Review
Website | Instagram | X | Facebook

Al Woodworth is a Senior Editor on the Amazon Books Editorial team and has spent more than ten years in the book industry, championing authors and their work. She's never without a book or four in her bag and is happiest reading memoirs and literary fiction, especially sprawling stories that cross generations and countries. She lives in Brooklyn.

In Ep. 183, we're starting the wrap-up of 2024 with the first of our two year-end episodes: Best Books of 2024 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits). In this episode, we're sharing our top books of the year across over 25 Superlative categories, including Most Deserving of the Hype, Best Pairing, an "Eat My Words" book, Most Memorable Cast of Characters, and so much more!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Announcements My 2025 Reading Tracker is out! Plus, this year we've added another option ? a LITE Tracker. Once again, the Tracker is ONLY available to Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Also, to avoid Apple's 30% fee, be sure to join directly from Patreon's site, mobile or desktop. Become a Superstars Patron here! Highlights

Our best books of the year from over 25 categories, including:

Most Deserving of the Hype Most Memorable Cast of Characters Best Book Read Because of FOMO Darkest Book of the Year Best Underrated Gem Most Unpopular Opinion Most Surprising DNF Favorite Coming-of-Age Book Best Pairing "Eat My Words" Book Best and Worst Titles Best and Worst Covers 2024 Superlatives [3:42]

Susie

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:19] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:11] How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org[11:42] Grown Women by Sarai Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:44] Piglet by Lottie Hazell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:36] Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:08] Blessings by Chukwuebuka Ibeh  | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:52] Intermezzo by Sally Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:23] Entitlement by Rumaan Alam | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:25] Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:18] The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:56] Hera by Jennifer Saint | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:40] The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:23] Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:31] Annie Bot by Sierra Greer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:49]

Sarah

Mercury by Amy Jo Burns | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:17] River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:17] James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:04] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:45] Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:22] Earth by John Boyne | Amazon [26:23] The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt  | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:13] Intermezzo by Sally Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:54] A Reason to See You Again by Jami Attenberg | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:26] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:23] Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:16] The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:51] Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:33] Everest, Inc. by Will Cockrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:51] Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:59] The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:14] All The Worst Humans by Phil Elwood | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:16] Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:45] Other Books Mentioned Tom Lake by Ann Patchett [14:22]  Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan [16:10] Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez [16:17] The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen [16:27] Forgotten on Sunday by Valérie Perrin [18:16] Three by Valérie Perrin [18:18] Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin [18:18] The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah [20:23] The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah [20:30] The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah [20:33] ("The Dustbowl one") The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne [26:32] Water by John Boyne [26:53] Fire by John Boyne [27:37] Air by John Boyne (2025) [27:37] Perris, California by Rachel Stark [37:34] Normal People by Sally Rooney [38:31] Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney [38:32] Beautiful World, Where Are You? by Sally Rooney [38:44] Tell Me Everything by Minka Kelly [1:00:32] Tell Me Everything by Erika Krauss [1:00:37] My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout [1:00:54] About Susie Boutry

Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X

Susie has loved reading for as long as she can remember. Some of her fondest childhood memories involve long afternoons at the library and then reading late into the night. More than ten years ago, she began journaling about the books she read and turned that passion into writing about books. Her first forays were as a guest reviewer on a friend's blog, but she soon realized she wanted to be reviewing and talking about books on a blog of her own. From there, Novel Visits was born. That was in 2016 and, though the learning curve was steep, she loves being a part of the book community. Novel Visits focuses on new novel reviews (print and audio), previews of upcoming releases, and musings on all things bookish.

In Episode 182, author Chelsea Bieker discusss her new novel, Madwoman, with Sarah. Chelsea shares how her own childhood inspired the fictional characters in her book and what parts of the book differ from her own experience. They talk about the trajectory of this intense and personal novel that began as a "funny little book about motherhood" and morphed into a story about trauma and abuse.  Plus, Chelsea shares her book recommendations.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights Books by Chelsea Bieker: Madwoman (2024), Heartbroke (2022), and Godshot (2020) A spoiler-free overview of Madwoman. How this story transformed from a "funny little book about motherhood" to an intense story about trauma and abuse. The ways Chelsea's childhood experiences and memories shaped her story of Clove. The parts of Madwoman that were pulled directly from her own life and those that weren't. Exploring the publisher's statement that Madwoman would be Chelsea's breakout. Conversations with her mom and dad about the book's story. The relationship between Madwoman, Godshot, and Chelsea's current work in progress. Chelsea's Book Recommendations [46:01]

Two OLD Books She Loves

Animal by Lisa Taddeo (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:23] Hot Springs Drive by Lindsay Hunter (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:04]

Two NEW Books She Loves

We Were the Universe by Kimberly King Parsons (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:09] Solider Sailor by Claire Kilroy (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:09]

One Book She DIDN'T Love

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:48]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

The Motherload by Sarah Hoover (Jan 14, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[01:01:49]

Last 5-Star Book Chelsea Read

How to Love Your Daughter by Hila Blum (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[01:03:42] Other Books Mentioned: I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin (2023) [01:04:04] About Chelsea Bieker Website | Instagram | X | Facebook | Substack

Chelsea Bieker is the author of three books, most recently the nationally bestselling novel, Madwoman, a Book of the Month club pick the New York Times calls "brilliant in its depiction of the long shadows cast by domestic violence." Her first novel, Godshot, was long-listed for The Center For Fiction's First Novel Prize and named a Barnes & Noble Pick of the Month. Her story collection, Heartbroke, won the California Book Award and was a New York Times "Best California Book of 2022." Her writing has appeared in The Paris Review, Marie Claire UK, People, The Cut, Wall Street Journal, No Tokens, and others. She is the recipient of a Rona Jaffe Writers' Award, as well as residencies from MacDowell and Tin House. Raised in Hawai'i and California, she now lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two children.

In Episode 181, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 16 new releases they shared in the Fall 2024 Book Preview, now that they've read them. They share their reading stats, chat about what worked ? and hash out which books didn't work and why. Check out the episode for their full reviews on all their fall picks and get recommendations for your next book!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights Catherine describes her fall reading "trick or treat" ? mostly treats (her first 5-star preview book since February), but a few tricks (two DNFs). Sarah had a higher DNF count than usual, but still had a high(ish) success rate for this season. Since this is the last Circle Back of 2024, they look at their stats for the entire year of Previews. They name the best and worst books picks for fall! Books We Read Before the Preview [3:30]

Sarah's Picks

Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:58] The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:32]

Other Books Mentioned

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [5:35] Fall 2024 Circle Back [7:28]

Mid-August

Catherine's Picks

There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak (Aug 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[7:36]

September

Sarah's Picks

Guide Me Home by Attica Locke (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:23] The Siege by Ben Macintyre (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:41]  Entitlement by Rumaan Alam (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:36]  A Reason to See You Again by Jami Attenberg (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:51] Adam and Evie's Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:35]

Catherine's Picks

Dear Dickhead by Virginie Despentes (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:54] Bringer of Dust by J. M. Miro (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:07] 

Other Books Mentioned

Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke [10:44]  Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke [10:48] The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre [15:46]  Ordinary Monsters by J. M. Miro [20:12]  Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam [24:29]  Sandwich by Catherine Newman [25:03] All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg [30:09] Banyan Moon by Thao Tai [37:01] The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza [37:32] The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl [37:48] 

October

Sarah's Picks

Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:36] 

Catherine's Picks

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:00]  The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni (Oct 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:24] Libby Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth (Oct 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:47] Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:21] 

Other Books Mentioned

The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni [33:07] The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner [46:14] 

November

Catherine's Pick

The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson (Nov 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:23]  About Catherine Gilmore

Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X

Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Booksover 10 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle, WA.

Next Episode

In two weeks (November 13), Sarah will be back with Chelsea Bieker, author of Madwoman.

In Episode 180, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and Sarah return with the 4th annual Debuts Special! They're sharing their favorite debuts, new and backlist ? so far for 2024. Plus, their reading stats for debuts this year and the best sophomore novels of 2024.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights How debuts from 2024 compare to those from previous years. A full breakdown of Sarah's and Susie's 2024 debut-related stats. Featured debuts, divided into three categories: Favorite Debuts of 2024 (so far) Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2024 Best Sophomore Novels of 2024 Favorite Debuts of 2024 (so far) [7:13]

Sarah

Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [8:33] Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:50] Everest, Inc. by Will Cockrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:50] How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:30]

Susie

Grown Women by Sarai Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:18] How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:32] Perris, California by Rachel Stark | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:58] Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:29]

Other Books Mentioned

Victim by Andrew Boryga [7:54] Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen [8:04] River East, River West by Aub Rey Lescure [8:15] The Wives by Simone Gorrindo [8:23] The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin [8:43] Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen [14:59] Talking at Night by Claire Daverley [21:25] Groundskeeping by Lee Cole [21:29] People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry [29:38]  Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld [31:26]  No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister [34:55]  The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring [34:58]  Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2024 [36:02]

Sarah

The Flat Share by Beth O'Leary | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:09] Welcome to the O.C. by Alan Sepinwall, Josh Schwartz, and Stephanie Savage | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:20]

Susie

There There by Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:33] Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:13]

Other Books Mentioned

Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange [39:06]  Girl at War by Sara Novi? [45:18] The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway [45:20]   Best Sophomore Novels of 2024 [45:33]

Sarah

Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:39] A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:43]

Susie

Bear by Julia Phillips | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:07] Where the Forest Meets the River by Shannon Bowring | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:40]

Other Books Mentioned

Sandwich by Catherine Newman [47:52]  The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring [52:54]  Additional Books Mentioned I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid [6:08]  About Susie Boutry

Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X

Susie has loved reading for as long as she can remember. Some of her fondest childhood memories involve long afternoons at the library and then reading late into the night. More than ten years ago, she began journaling about the books she read and turned that passion into writing about books. Her first forays were as a guest reviewer on a friend's blog, but she soon realized she wanted to be reviewing and talking about books on a blog of her own. From there, Novel Visits was born. That was in 2016 and, though the learning curve was steep, she loves being a part of the book community. Novel Visits focuses on new novel reviews (print and audio), previews of upcoming releases, and musings on all things bookish.

Next Episode

In two weeks (October 30), Catherine and I will be back with our Fall 2024 Circle Back episode.

In Episode 179, Sarah is joined by Gayle Weiswasser, co-founder of Wonderland Books, an independent bookstore in Bethesda, MD opening in November 2024. Gayle candidly shares her journey from her initial idea to being on the verge of opening the store. This behind-the-scenes episode offers a deep dive into everything from training and book buying to raising capital (including crowdsourcing) and much more! Plus, Gayle wraps up the episode with some great book recommendations (and how many copies of each she's ordering for the store).

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights Gayle's nearly 20-year journey in the book world. How the first spark for this idea came from listening to a podcast. Some of the fears and challenges Gayle is currently facing. Bookstore bootcamp and the other ways Gayle prepared to become a bookstore owner. All about raising capital: fundraising, crowdsourcing, small business loans, and the perks of working with a partner. How Gayle balances her personal reading tastes with the community's expectations. The process of buying books and building the store's collection. Breaking down book margins and why publishers tend to stay quiet about them. How Wonderland Books plans to stand out from other local bookstores. How this whole process has affected Gayle's reading this year. Did Sarah just discover a new micro-genre? Plus, an impromptu request adds a fun twist to the book recommendations segment! Gayle's Book Recommendations [53:04]

Two OLD Books She Loves

The Art Thief by Michael Finkel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:15] Talking at Night by Claire Daverley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [55:55] Other Books Mentioned Normal People by Sally Rooney [57:55] 

Two NEW Books She Loves

The Caretaker by Ron Rash | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:39] Green Dot by Madeleine Gray | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:15] Other Books Mentioned The Risen by Ron Rash [59:03]  Serena by Ron Rash [59:07]

One Book She DIDN'T Love

Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:04:09] Other Books Mentioned The Girls from Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe [1:04:33]  The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [1:04:35] 

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler (February 4, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:08:29] Other Books Mentioned: Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler [1:08:40] Beneath the Bonfire by Nickolas Butler [1:09:12]  Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld (February 25, 2025) [1:09:25]  You Think It, I'll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld [1:09:36]  Leaving by Roxana Robinson [1:10:12]  Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf [1:10:49] 

Last 5-Star Book Gayle Read

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:42] Other Links The Bookshop Podcast with Mandy Jackson-Beverly The Bookstore Training Group About Gayle Weiswasser

Blog | Instagram | X | Facebook 

Gayle Weiswasser is the co-founder of Wonderland Books, a soon-to-open independent bookstore opening soon in Bethesda, MD. Gayle is also the founder of the blog, Everyday I Write the Book and the co-host of the podcast The Readerly Report. Prior to opening Wonderland Books, Gayle was a lawyer and communications executive.  She's a DC native and now lives in Chevy Chase, MD with her family.

Learn More about Wonderland Books:
Website | Instagram | Facebook

In Episode 178, Al Woodworth, Senior Editor and Manager at Amazon Books Editorial, goes behind the scenes of Amazon's editorial division, including the start-to-finish process of building the "Best Books" lists, what "best" might mean, and what helps a book make the list. Plus, Al shares some of her book recommendations! 

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights How Al fits reading into her busy weekly schedule The start to finish process of building the Amazon "Best of" lists How Amazon balances genre diversity in their "Best of" lists What "best" means to Amazon's editorial team Publication date criteria for the Best Books of the Month and Year lists How the team discusses, votes, and makes decisions for the lists Whether sales numbers influence the year-end list How Amazon's editorial team handles publisher influence What 2024 looks like so far for Al and the editorial team Al's Book Recommendations [38:26]

Two OLD Books She Loves

Horse by Geraldine Brooks | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:39] Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:20] Other Books Mentioned Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe [41:32] 

Two NEW Books She Loves

James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:05] There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:18]

One Book She DIDN'T Love

Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:21]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami (Nov 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:54] Other Books Mentioned: 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami [51:09]

Last 5-Star Book Al Read

There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:05] Other Books Mentioned: John Lewis: A Life by David Greenberg (Oct 8) [52:26] Books From Our Discussion All the Worst Humans by Phil Elwood [9:25] The Wedding People by Alison Espach [14:54] Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie [18:05] All the Broken Places by John Boyne [18:11] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker [19:38] James by Percival Everett [21:40] Educated by Tara Westover [22:07] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [24:09] Spare by Prince Harry [25:25] The Testaments by Margaret Atwood [31:13]  The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood [31:25] The 9/11 Commission Report by National Commission on Terrorist Attacks [31:34] About Al Woodworth

More about Amazon Book Review
Website | Instagram | X | Facebook

Al Woodworth is a Senior Editor on the Amazon Books Editorial team and has spent more than ten years in the book industry, championing authors and their work. She's never without a book or four in her bag and is happiest reading memoirs and literary fiction, especially sprawling stories that cross generations and countries. She lives in Brooklyn.

Welcome to the Fall 2024 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  

Today, Catherine and I share 16 of our most anticipated books releasing mid-August through December.  

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Announcement One of the many benefits to joining our Patreon Community is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all patrons (Stars and Superstars) and sign up here! Highlights Catherine and Sarah share some big releases coming this fall (lightning round style). Catherine's theme is "unpredictability" ? half her picks are repeat authors and the other half simply caught her eye. Sarah's choices feature 6 returning authors and overall are leaning more literary. A few shorter books from Sarah's picks: under 300 pages. Sarah has already read and rated two of her picks! Plus, their #1 picks for the fall. Big Fall Releases [1:29] 

Books Mentioned

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult (Aug 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:56] Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:00] The Life Impossible by Matt Haig (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:05] Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:11] The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:30] Framed by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey (Oct 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:36] The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:39] The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:45] The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami (Nov 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:51] It Starts with One: The Legend and Legacy of Linkin Park by Jason Lipshutz(Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:54] MC5: An Oral Biography of Rock's Most Revolutionary Band by Brad Tolinski, Jaan Uhelszki, and Ben Edmonds (Oct 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:55] Never Understood: The Jesus and Mary Chain by William Reid and Jim Reid(Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:56] Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton & Me by Bernie Taupin (2023 release ? in paperback Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:58] The Name of This Band Is R.E.M.: A Biography by Peter Ames Carlin (Nov 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:59]

Backlist Titles Mentioned

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig [2:08] The Measure by Nikki Erlick [2:27] The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins [2:45] 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami [3:02] What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami [3:25] Fall 2024 Book Preview [6:34]

Mid-August

Catherine's Pick

There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak (Aug 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:22]

Other Books Mentioned

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak [11:03]  10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak [11:12] 

September

Sarah's Picks

Guide Me Home by Attica Locke (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:11] Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:41] The Siege by Ben Macintyre (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:03]  Entitlement by Rumaan Alam (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:37]  A Reason to See You Again by Jami Attenberg (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:00] Adam and Evie's Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:45]

Catherine's Picks

Dear Dickhead by Virginie Despentes (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:37] Bringer of Dust by J. M. Miro (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:28] 

Other Books Mentioned

Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke [7:21]  Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke [7:24] The Cutting Season by Attica Locke [7:55] Godshot by Chelsea Bieker [15:08]  The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre [18:12]  Ordinary Monsters by J. M. Miro [20:41]  Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam [22:57]  Trust by Hernan Diaz [23:45]  Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid [23:48]  All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg [28:06] Saint Mazie by Jami Attenberg [28:09] The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg [28:10] Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow [29:39] Banyan Moon by Thao Tai [29:44] The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza [34:37] The Women by Kristin Hannah [35:44]

October

Sarah's Picks

The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:18] (To skip ahead, jump to [44:55] in your podcast player.) Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:44] 

Catherine's Picks

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:11]  The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni (Oct 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:59] Libby Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth (Oct 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[36:48] Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:56] 

Other Books Mentioned

The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni [31:07] A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin [38:43] The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [39:23] The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin [42:23]  Capote's Women by Laurence Leamer [42:27]  It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover [43:39]  The Heirs by Susan Rieger [45:04]  The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner [46:56]  Happiness Falls by Angie Kim [47:53] 

November

Catherine's Pick

The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson (Nov 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:53] 

In Episode 176, Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books and I catch up on the 12 new releases from the Summer 2024 Book Preview. We share our reading stats, chat about what we liked, and what didn't work out. Listen in as we share our reviews on these books and get some recommendations for your next read! 

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights Catherine says she had a "hummingbird" summer of flitting from book to book to book. Sarah's prediction of THE BOOK of summer definitely panned out! Despite some DNFs, Sarah and Catherine both ended up with a fairly successful summer. Catherine calls out one author as serving up wonderful "Jimmy Stewart fiction." Sarah had a weird reading experience with one book. Plus, two of Sarah's picks were 5 stars! They name the best and worst books from their summer picks! Books We Read Before the Preview [4:27]

Sarah's Picks

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore  (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:47]  Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (June 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[5:14]

Other Books Mentioned

The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [6:09] Summer 2024 Circle Back [7:36]

June

Sarah's Picks

Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:10] What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:39]

Catherine's Picks

Swift River by Essie Chambers (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:44] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:59] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:10] How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:04] 

Other Books Mentioned

Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty [11:35] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [15:09] All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris [20:55] Anywhere You Run by Wanda M. Morris [20:58] We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker [27:01]

July

Sarah's Picks

The World After Alice by Lauren Aliza Green (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:39] Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner  (July 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:42]

Catherine's Picks

The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[33:43] The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:28] 

Other Books Mentioned

Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead [33:01] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [33:04] Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane [33:09] A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella [36:53] Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [37:48] The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali [42:35]

In Episode 175, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I explore our favorite Micro Genres for 2024. Over the past year, we've continued to refine our reading tastes and identify specific themes and types of books that resonate deeply with us. This year, Susie and I have a curated list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with standout books from each category. It's another big episode with tons of great book recommendations!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Cold War Espionage (Sarah) [3:19]

Sarah

Red Widow by Alma Katsu | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:49] Red London by Alma Katsu | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:50] Our American Friend by Anna Pitoniak | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:10]  The Charm School by Nelson DeMille | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:20]   Red Notice by Bill Browder | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:47] The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:01]

Susie

The Sisterhood by Liz Mundy | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:26]  Angsty Motherhood (Susie) [7:21]

Sarah

Perfect Tunes by Emily Gould | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:00]

Susie

Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:38] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:04] Amazing Grace Adams by Fran Littlewood | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:37] When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:53]  Little Prisons by Ilona Bannister (currently unavailable in the US)  [10:54]  Landslide by Susan Conley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:57] The Push by Ashley Audrain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:00]  Memoirs About the Demise of a Marriage (Sarah) [12:18]

Sarah

How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:26] You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:52]  A Beautiful, Terrible Thing by Jen Waite | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:11]  Bankruptcy by Janet Lombardi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:14] 

Susie

Untamed by Glennon Doyle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:49] Pandemic Stories (Susie) [15:26]

NOT Based on the COVID-19 Pandemic & More Dystopian [15:49] 

Sarah

Wanderers by Chunk Wendig | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:43] 

Susie

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:06] The Dog Stars by Peter Heller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:20] The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:41]  Severance by Ling Ma | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:07] The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:20] 

With the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Background [18:28] 

Sarah

56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:37]  Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:40] 

Susie

Blue Ruin by Hari Kunzru | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:37]  Day by Michael Cunningham | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:17]  Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:47]  Pete and Alice in Maine by Caitlin Shetterly | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:49] 

Other Books Mentioned

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult [21:09]  Invisible Son by Kim Johnson [21:14]  This Is My America by Kim Johnson [21:19]  The Measure by Nikki Erlick [22:03]  Did She Actually Say That?! (Sarah) [23:03]

Sarah

Miracle Creek by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:18]  Happiness Falls by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:19]  The Push by Ashley Audrain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:55]  All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:14]  Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:42] 

Susie

The Change by Kirsten Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:15] On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:32]   Books Revolving Around Generational Trauma (Susie) [27:34]

Sarah

Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:24]  Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:28]  What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:52]  The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:54] What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry, MD PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:57]  

Susie

Grown Women by Sarai Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:08]  Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:58]  The Postcard by Anne Berest | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:27]  Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:50]  All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [30:53]  Swift River by Essie Chambers | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:56]  Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshanathan | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:59]  Co-Ed Friend Groups (Sarah) [32:18]

Sarah

The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:17]  Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:29]  The Ensemble by Aja Gabel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:39]   All Together Now by Matthew Norman | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:47]  Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:01] The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:14]

Susie

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:36]  Who We Are Now by Lauryn Chamberlain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:16]  Peace, Love, and Rock n' Roll / Books Set in the '60s & '70s (Susie) [36:58]

Susie

The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:09]  Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:31]  Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:57]  The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead | Amazon | Bookshop.org [spp-timestamp time="[39:11]?]  All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:39] Last House by Jessica Shattuck | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:53]  Surprisingly High-Quality Celebrity Memoirs (Sarah) [40:33]

Sarah

Open by Andre Agassi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:05]  Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:07]  Open Book by Jessica Simpson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:16]  Finding Me by Viola Davis | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:11]  Becoming by Michelle Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:15] Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:21]  

Susie

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:19] 

Other Books Mentioned

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears [41:45]  The Many Lives of Mama Love by Laura Love Hardin [43:33]  Look Backs (Susie) [44:38]

Sarah

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:11] Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:33]  Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:06] 

Susie

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:30] The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:03] Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:08] Absolution by Alice McDermott | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:30]

Other Books Mentioned

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim [47:47] 

For Ep. 174, due to an unexpected change in our episode schedule, we're bringing you an episode from our newest Patreon bonus series, Unscripted. This series is our sandbox for any bookish topic, whether it's publishing news, behind-the-scenes insights from the podcast and our reading lives, or patron-submitted discussions. Most Unscripted episodes feature both co-hosts, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide), along with me ? and this April episode was no exception. We dive into the topic of Auto-Buy Authors, submitted by patrons! Tune in for a candid chat about the authors we always buy, former favorites, and those we've learned to avoid.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Announcement (Podcast Survey) Hey Listeners! We value your feedback and want to ensure Sarah's Bookshelves Live continues to meet your needs. Please take a couple of minutes to complete our podcast survey. Your insights are crucial for us to keep improving the podcast. The results are completely anonymous, so feel free to be honest. You can access the survey here. Thank you for your support! Introduction [4:19]

Books Mentioned

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [5:12] Auto-Buy Authors [11:12]

Catherine

Elizabeth George The Great Deliverance (Inspector Lynley Mysteries, #1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:43] Anna Quindlen Paula McLain When the Stars Go Dark | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:49] Circling the Sun | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:56] Love and Ruin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:03] A Ticket to Ride | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:23] The Paris Wife | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:27] Alice Hoffman Practical Magic | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:02] The Rules of Magic | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:43] Thrity Umrigar Honor | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:30] Barbara Kingsolver Demon Copperhead | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:51] The Bean Trees | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:03] The Poisonwood Bible | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:25] Unsheltered | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:46] Prodigal Summer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:10] Pigs in Heaven | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:25] Natalie Haynes S. A. Cosby All the Sinners Bleed | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:01] Maggie O'Farrell I Am, I Am, I Am | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:03] The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:22] John Boyne Water | Amazon [43:48] The Heart's Invisible Furies | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:16] The Boy in the Striped Pajamas | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:23] All the Broken Places | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:25] A Traveler at the Gates of Wisdom | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:04] A Ladder to the Sky | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:18] Abbi Waxman Other People's Houses | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:12] The Bookish Life of Nina Hill | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:21] Percival Everett James | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:12] The Trees | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:13] Erasure | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:16] Jennifer Saint Elektra | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:59] Ariadne | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:00] Atalanta | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:02] Laini Taylor Strange the Dreamer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:39]

Susie

Claire Fuller Unsettled Ground | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:41] The Memory of Animals | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:42] Bitter Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:48] Our Endless Numbered Days | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:31] Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones & The Six | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:13] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:16] Malibu Rising | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:18] Sally Rooney Beautiful World, Where Are You | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:31] Intermezzo (September 24, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:06] Normal People | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:22] Madeline Miller The Song of Achilles | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:20] Circe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:21] David Joy The Line That Held Us | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:58] Those We Thought We Knew | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:32] Rebecca Makkai The Great Believers | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:43] The Hundred-Year House | Amazon [31:47] I Have Some Questions For You | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:27] Peter Heller The River | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:50] The Guide | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:56] The Last Ranger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:59] Burn | Amazon | Bookshop.org (August 13, 2024)[35:29] The Dog Stars | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:43] Celeste Ng Our Missing Hearts | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:41] Everything I Never Told You | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:59] Little Fires Everywhere | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:00] William Kent Krueger The River We Remember | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:26] Annie Hartnett Rabbit Cake | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:33] Unlikely Animals | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:34] Fredrik Backman Beartown | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:59] A Man Called Ove | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:02] Us Against You | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:16] The Winners | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:19] Anxious People | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:26] Lily Brooks-Dalton Good Morning, Midnight | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:32] The Light Pirate | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:34] Anna Pitoniak Necessary People | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:45] The Futures | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:58] The Helsinki Affair | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:10] Emma Straub This Time Tomorrow | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:44] All Adults Here | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:36]

Sarah

Ann Patchett Tom Lake | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:11] Bel Canto | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:14] These Precious Days | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:20] Run | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:33] Commonwealth | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:45] Rufi Thorpe The Girls from Corona del Mar | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:12] Dear Fang, With Love | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:21] The Knockout Queen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:39] Margo's Got Money Troubles | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:43] Garrett M. Graff The Only Plane in the Sky | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:57] Kevin Wilson Now Is Not the Time to Panic | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:10] Nothing to See Here | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:48] The Family Fang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:54] Amy Jo Burns Shiner | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:13] Mercury | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:14] Liz Nugent Unraveling Oliver | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:06] Strange Sally Diamond | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:14] Meg Wolitzer The Interestings | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:34] The Wife | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:39] The Female Persuasion | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:32] Tayari Jones An American Marriage | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:01] Silver Sparrow | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:07] Brit Bennett The Mothers | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:52] The Vanishing Half | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:00] Angie Kim Miracle Creek | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:13] Happiness Falls | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:14] Mary Laura Philpott I Miss You When I Blink | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:13] Bomb Shelter | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:14] Rachel Khong Goodbye, Vitamin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:44] Real Americans | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:46] Hanna Halperin I Could Live Here Forever | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:50] Something Wild | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:56] Gabrielle Zevin The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:04] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:06] Young Jane Young | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:08] Former Auto-Buy Authors [1:03:23]

Catherine

Mark Halperin Paul Auster John Irving Nelson DeMille Plum Island (A John Corey Novel, #1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:08:50] Colson Whitehead The Underground Railroad | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:14:03]  The Nickel Boys | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:14:05] 

Susie

Chris Bohjalian Skeletons at the Feast | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:37] The Sleepwalker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:55] The Flight Attendant | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:57] The Princess of Las Vegas | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:06:26] The Double Bind | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:06:57] Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:06] The Sandcastle Girls | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:17] Midwives | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:21] Sally Hepworth The Younger Wife | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:10:43]  Stephen King The Stand | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:12:14]  11/22/63 | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:12:17]  Holly | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:12:37]  Mr. Mercedes | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:12:45] 

Sarah

Anna Quindlen Alternate Side | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:52] After Annie | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:59] Beatriz Williams A Hundred Summers | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:53] Along the Infinite Sea | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:08:16] Michael Lewis Liar's Poker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:22]  Moneyball | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:22] The Big Short | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:23]   The Blind Side | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:24]  The Undoing Project | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:25]  Auto-Avoid Authors  [1:14:50]

Catherine

Paula Hawkins The Girl on the Train | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:17:11]  Colleen Hoover Verity | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:18:30]  Fredrik Backman Alix E. Harrow

Susie

Rachel Kapelke-Dale The Ballerinas | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:15:07]  The Ingenue | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:15:16]  The Fortune Seller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:15:20]  Elle Cosimano Finlay Donovan Is Killing It | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:16:11]  Annabel Monaghan  Benjamin Stevenson Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone | Amazon | Bookshop.org[1:17:46]  T. J. Newman Falling | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:19:11]  Drowning: The Rescue of Flight 1421 | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:19:23]  Emma Cline The Girls | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:20:45]  The Guest | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:21:02] 

Sarah

Riley Sager Final Girls | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:17:04]  Emily Henry Liane Moriarty The Husband's Secret | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:19:40] Big Little Lies | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:19:40]   What Alice Forgot | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:19:41]  Kristin Hannah The Nightingale | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:21:59]  The Great Alone | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:22:03]  The Women | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:22:06]  Emma Straub

Other Books Mentioned

Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano [1:23:44] Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano [1:23:47]  56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard [1:25:04] The Trap by Catherine Ryan Howard [1:25:16]  Writers & Lovers by Lily King [1:25:41]  Euphoria by Lily King [1:25:44] 

For Ep. 173, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) joins me as we circle back to one of our favorite topics ? niching down our reading into micro genres! In this special Circle Back, we revisit some previously shared micro genres from our two past Micro Genres We Love episodes and introduce two additional micro genres from a Patreon bonus episode not yet heard on the big show! We give examples that define each micro genre for us and share new books we've read that fit into these niches. Plus, we share books for that DIDN'T work for us. This episode is full of over 100 books for you to add to your TBR!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Romances That Deal With Fame [4:04]

Sarah's Additions

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:53] Colton Gentry's Third Act by Jeff Zentner | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:14]

Other Books Mentioned

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld [4:31] Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston [4:34] You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi [6:01] Let the Games Begin by Rufaro Faith Mazarura (July 9) [6:37] Frenzied but Favorable Family Dynamics [7:43]

Sarah's Additions

Mercury by Amy Jo Burns | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:21] Banyan Moon by Thao Thai | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:37] The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:44] Something Wild by Hanna Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:59]

Susie's Additions

Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:19] Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:46] Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [9:31] Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:40] The Things We Didn't Know by Elba Iris Pérez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:42] Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:50]

Other Books Mentioned

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [8:12] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim [10:35] The Bee Sting by Paul Murray [12:17] You Only Call When You're in Trouble by Stephen McCauley [12:35] Novels about the Dynamics of the Creative Process [12:53]

Sarah's Addition

Margo's Got Money Trouble by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:49]

Susie's Addition

The Art Thief by Michael Finkel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:24]

Other Books Mentioned

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [13:16] The Ensemble by Aja Gabel [13:23] Hell No! Women's Stories [15:16]

Susie's Additions

The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:05] Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:49] Margo's Got Money Trouble by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:10] Go As a River by Shelley Read | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:34] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:37] Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:51]

Other Books Mentioned

Circe by Madeline Miller [15:51] The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir [15:55] Intense, (Sometimes) F-ed Up Love Stories, that Most Definitely Are Not Romances [18:10]

Sarah's Additions

Talking at Night by Claire Daverley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:04] Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:17] Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:29]

Susie's Addition

How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:09]

Other Books Mentioned

Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering [18:52] Normal People by Sally Rooney [18:55] I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin [18:58] Time Travel Done Right [20:31]

Susie's Additions

The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:09] The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:33] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:03]

Other Books Mentioned

11/22/63 by Stephen King [20:58] Life After Life by Kate Atkinson [21:02] Books by Former or Current Attorneys [22:37]

Sarah's Additions

Gone But Not Forgotten by Phillip Margolin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:30] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:47] All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:52] Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:03]

Susie's Addition

What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:32]

Other Books Mentioned

The Damage by Caitlin Wahrer [22:54] Miracle Creek by Angie Kim [23:23] The Eddie Flynn Series by Steve Cavanagh [23:26] Faithful Friends / Ensembles [25:07]

Sarah's Addition

The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:39]

Susie's Additions

We Are the Light by Matthew Quick | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:53] Piglet by Lottie Hazell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:16] Good Material by Dolly Alderton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:36] The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:10]

Other Books Mentioned

The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer [25:37] The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall [25:41] The Ensemble by Aja Gabel [25:45] Come and Get It by Kiley Reid [27:28] Suspenseful Books That Are Not Truly Thrillers,
But That Publishers Market as Thrillers [28:20]

Sarah's Additions

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:26] All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:50]

Susie's Addition

Perfectly Nice Neighbors by Kia Abdullah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:21]

Other Books Mentioned

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb [29:08] My Sunshine Away by M. O. Walsh [29:11] The Cutting Season by Attica Locke [29:20] Literary Angst [30:52]

Sarah's Addition

Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:01]

Susie's Additions

Yellowface by R. F. Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:06] Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:30] I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:16]

Other Books Mentioned

Writers & Lovers by Lily King [31:26] Groundskeeping by Lee Cole [31:30] We Wish You Luck by Caroline Zancan [31:33] The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz [33:44] A Million Little Pieces by James Frey [34:22] Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James [34:24] Oral Histories [34:35]

Sarah's Additions

The Hop by Diana Clarke | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:18] Kill Show by Daniel Sweren-Becker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:38] Welcome to the O.C. by Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, and Alan Sepinwall | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:52]

Other Books Mentioned

The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [34:58] Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid [35:05] Retellings of Classics or Beloved Books [36:43]

Sarah's Addition

Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:53]

Susie's Additions

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:27] Bear by Julia Phillips | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:46]

Other Books Mentioned

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [37:03] Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor [37:08] Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes [37:13] The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood [37:17] Birnham Wood by Eleanor Catton [38:38] James by Percival Everett [39:05] Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen [39:55] Badass Female Athlete Fiction / Competition Novels [40:14]

Sarah's Addition

Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:42]

Other Books Mentioned

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid [40:35] Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley [40:38] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [41:02] Trust No One [41:33]

Susie's Additions

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:46] Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:07]

Other Books Mentioned

I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid [42:03] Foe by Iain Reid [42:04] Cover Story by Susan Rigetti [42:17] Sunburn by Laura Lippman [42:21] Everyone On This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson [43:45] The Fury by Alex Michaelides [44:19] Workplace Dramas or Thrillers [44:58]

Sarah's Additions

Exit Interview by Kristi Coulter | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:38] Private Equity by Carrie Sun | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:50] Bully Market by Jamie Fiore Higgins | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:05]

Susie's Additions

The Sisterhood by Liza Mundy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:48] Correspondents by Tim Murphy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:11]

Other Books Mentioned

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger [45:13] The Boys' Club by Erica Katz [45:17] All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris [45:19] Code Girls by Liza Mundy [47:04] Novels With a Focus on Found Family [47:28]

Sarah's Additions

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:47] The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:17]

Susie's Additions

Who We Are Now by Lauryn Chamberlain | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:25] The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:48] All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:23]

Other Books Mentioned

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara [48:04] We Are the Light by Matthew Quick [48:09] Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda [48:15] Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen [49:14] Family Family by Laurie Frankel [49:48]

In Ep. 172, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits), Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide), and I are together for the first time on the big show to catch up on our 2024 reading ? so far!  We talk about the current publishing landscape, what books are topping bestseller lists to date, and our personal reading as it stands halfway through the year. We share our stats and talk about expectations and hopes for the remainder of the year. Plus, we each share our TOP 5 books and our biggest disappointments so far.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

The Bookish Landscape [1:51]

Books Mentioned

James by Percival Everett [4:00] The Women by Kristin Hannah [4:14] Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder by Dav Pilkey [4:22] A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas [5:00] House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas [5:01] A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas [5:02] Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros [5:15] Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros [5:16] Atomic Habits by James Clear [5:17] Icebreaker by Hannah Grace [5:26] Our Personal Reading for 2024 (So Far) [6:59]

Books Mentioned

Medea by Eilish Quin [8:12] Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD [8:12] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley [8:13] River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure [8:15] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [11:53] In Memoriam by Alice Winn [13:33] The Measure by Nikki Erlick [16:03] Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett [16:04] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [16:05] Our Top Five (So Far)  [16:49]

Sarah

Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:18] Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:50] Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:05] Margo's Got Money Trouble by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:16] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (July 2, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[48:32]

Susie

How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org[20:44] Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:50] Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:46] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:28] Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski | Amazon | Bookshop.org[50:52]

Catherine

James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:43] Mercury by Amy Jo Burns | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:39] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:12] The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:31] I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:46]

Other Books Mentioned

Shiner by Amy Jo Burns  [30:13] Cinderland by Amy Jo Burns [31:23] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [33:14] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [44:16] Long Bright River by Liz Moore [48:59] The Hunter's Daughter by Nicola Solvinic [49:28] No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister [51:37] The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring [51:40] Virgil Wander by Leif Enger [54:59] The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton [55:15] The Iliad by Homer [55:36] Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [55:37] The Road by Cormac McCarthy [55:39] Our Biggest Disappointments (So Far)  [56:27]

Sarah

Everyone On This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:35] Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:45]

Susie

After Annie by Anna Quindlen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:01] The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:17]

Catherine

Family Family by Laurie Frankel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:01] Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:00]

Other Books Mentioned

Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson  [56:46] Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson (October 22, 2024) [57:17] We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman [59:51]

In Episode 171, Rufi Thorpe she joins me to discuss her latest novel, Margo's Got Money Troubles, and her career arc in general. Rufi talks about her inspiration for Margo and the quirky elements she uses to explore deeper topics like loneliness, motherhood, untraditional family dynamics, money, and art ? all with a great sense of humor. We also go behind-the-scenes of marketing the book, including cover design, titles, and comparison titles.  Plus, Rufi shares her book recommendations!

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights A spoiler-free overview of Margo's Got Money Troubles. Rufi talks about the inspiration for bringing together pro wrestling, OnlyFans, motherhood, a father-daughter story, and the challenges of making ends meet. How Wonder Woman (2017) played a role in creating Margo. Her thoughts on Margo's Got Money Troubles possibly being her breakout book. The challenges of marketing such a complex book, including designing the cover. Rufi's got title troubles: the working titles for a couple of her books! The big questions Rufi addresses in all her work. Some scenes that were cut from earlier versions book. A theme she's exploring in her next book is gossip (which also contains time-travel and thriller elements). The way Rufi and her publisher handles comps for her hard-to-pin-down books. What she learned from an unpublished book she wrote between Dear Fang, With Love and The Knockout Queen. Rufi's Book Recommendations [39:30]

Two OLD Books She Loves

Shadow Tag by Louise Erdrich | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:45] Ordinary Love and Good Will by Jane Smiley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:45]

Two NEW Books She Loves

Oye by Melissa Mogollon | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:35] Devil Makes Three by Ben Fountain | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:25] Other Books Mentioned: Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain [50:36]

One Book She DIDN'T Love

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:56]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker (Sept 3, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:09] Other Books Mentioned: Godshot by Chelsea Bieker [52:23]

Last 5-Star Book Rufi Read

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:07] Other Books Mentioned: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid [54:24] Other Books Mentioned Dear Fang, With Love by Rufi Thorpe [1:57] The Girls from Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe [2:12] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [13:49] The Cider House Rules by John Irving [19:53] A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara [30:32] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [30:48] The Pisces by Melissa Broder [31:36] Milk Fed by Melissa Broder [31:38] Victim by Andrew Boryga [38:36] About Rufi Thorpe

Website | Instagram | X | Facebook

Rufi Thorpe received her MFA from the University of Virginia in 2009. Rufi is the author of The Knockout Queen, a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award, Dear Fang, With Love, and her first novel, The Girls from Corona del Mar, which was long-listed for the 2014 International Dylan Thomas Prize and for the 2014 Flaherty-Dunnan First Novel Prize. A California native, she currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and sons.

Announcement One of the many benefits to joining our Patreon Community is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all patrons (Stars and Superstars) and sign up here!

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights Now that the 2024 Summer Reading Guide is set, Sarah welcomes heavier and more literary books. Catherine is leaning into several themes with books covering 4 decades. With a clean split of 3 new or debut authors and 3 repeat authors, Catherine is trying for more wins this season. Kick back with several summer picks that are 450+ pages. Sarah's choices feature a wide variety of topics with 2 debuts and 4 returning authors. Sarah has already read and rated two of her picks 5 stars! Plus, listen in to hear their #1 picks for the summer season. Summer 2024 Book Preview [2:49]

June

Sarah's Picks

Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:28] Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (June 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:05] What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:59]

Catherine's Picks

Swift River by Essie Chambers (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:44] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:34] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:17] How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:31] 

Other Books Mentioned

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters [3:33] Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty [3:52] Real Americans by Rachel Khong [9:31] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [9:41] Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett [12:10] Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett [12:11] The Hop by Diana Clarke [13:26] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [14:42] All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris [18:16] Anywhere You Run by Wanda M. Morris [18:21] We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker [22:38] Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra [23:10] At Home in the World by Joyce Maynard (memoir published in 1998) [32:29]

July

Sarah's Picks

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:12]  The World After Alice by Lauren Aliza Green (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:17] Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner (July 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:00]

Catherine's Picks

The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[35:28] The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:11] 

Other Books Mentioned

Long Bright River by Liz Moore [25:22] I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai [28:56] Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead [34:09] Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane [34:23] Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid [34:46] A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella [35:37] Marrying the Ketchups by Jennifer Close [36:26] Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal [36:29] The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane [36:45] Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [38:53] The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali [42:31]

In Episode 169, Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books and I catch up on the 12 new releases from the Spring 2024 Book Preview. We share our reading stats, chat about what we liked, and what didn't quite hit the mark. Tune in to hear our thoughts on these books and get some recommendations for your next read! 

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Access the 2024 Summer Reading Guide Cheatsheet and Free Trial on Patreon here.

Highlights Catherine describes spring as "disappointing and confusing" ? Is 2024 a slow year for standout reads? Catherine's spring reading trend dips over the past three years. On the flip side, spring seems to be Sarah's reading season! This spring brought Sarah two 4.5-star books. One of Catherine's auto-buy authors no longer makes the cut. Sarah's wildcard selection missed the mark this season as well. Both Catherine and Sarah's top picks from the Preview didn't quite deliver. They name the best and worst books from their spring picks.? Books We Read Before the Preview [6:20] Sarah's Picks The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza (April 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:27] Colton Gentry's Third Act by Jeff Zenter (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:19] Spring 2024 Book Preview [10:22]

April

Sarah's Pick

The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (April 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:09]

Catherine's Picks

Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:22] Honey by Victor Lodato (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:56] Real Americans by Rachel Khong (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:23]

Other Books Mentioned

Other People's Houses by Abbi Waxman [13:51] The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman [14:32] You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith [19:17] Maid by Stephanie Land [19:19] Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad [19:21] Know My Name by Chanel Miller [19:23] Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance [19:25] Educated by Tara Westover [19:26] Greenwood by Michael Christie [26:02]

May

Sarah's Picks

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley  (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[27:36]  The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:49] Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli  (May 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:11]

Catherine's Picks

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:58]  The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:28] Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:00] 

Other Books Mentioned

The Hunter's Daughter by Nicola Solvinic [33:17] The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore [39:26] The Guncle by Steven Rowley [39:37] Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli [42:25] Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan [47:05]

Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I share our favorite books that missed last year's Summer Reading Guide, some shorter books we think are great for summer reading, and our #1 picks for each category featured in my 2024 Summer Reading Guide.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Access the 2024 Summer Reading Guide Cheatsheet and Free Trial on Patreon here.

Summer Reading [9:19] Books That Missed Last Year's Summer Reading Guide [10:14]

Sarah

All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:21] Vera Wong's Unsolicited Guide for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:22] The Hop by Diana Clarke | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:22] 

Susie

Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:58] Perfectly Nice Neighbors by Kia Abdullah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:04]  The Last Ranger by Peter Heller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:24] 

Other Books Mentioned

Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby [11:08] Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby [11:10]  Dial 'A' for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto [16:26] Take It Back by Kia Abdullah [20:07] Shorter Books Great for Summer Reading [26:00]

Sarah

All Together Now by Matthew Norman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:13]  Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:48] Be spoiler ready: The murders and endings of The A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie, Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith, The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne, Malice Aforethought by Francis Iles, Double Indemnity by James M. Cain, The Drowner by John D. MacDonald, The Secret History by Donna Tartt, and Deathtrap by Ira Levin are discussed in detail as noted in the book.  But many readers have lamented that the endings and main plots were also spoiled for The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and And Then There Were None, both by Agatha Christie. FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:29]

Susie

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:09]  I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:52] One Woman Show by Christine Coulson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:06]

Other Books Mentioned

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle [28:49] One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle [28:51]  The Measure by Nikki Erlick [31:00] The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson [31:54] Our #1 Summer Picks by Category  [42:43]

Something Light / Fun

Sarah: The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:20]  Susie: Annie Bot by Sierra Greer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:13]  Other Books Mentioned: The Measure by Nikki Erlick [45:19] The One by John Marrs [45:23]

Slow-Burn Suspense

Sarah: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:37] 

Something Fast-Paced / Intense

Susie: What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan | Amazon | Bookshop.org[51:49] 

Something With a Bit More Substance

Sarah: Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:50]  Susie: Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:11]  Other Books Mentioned: Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [57:42]

Something Different

Sarah: The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:08]  Susie: Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:00]  Other Books Mentioned: We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter [1:03:55] Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin [1:05:50]