Sarah's Bookshelves Live: Recent Episodes

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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.

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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.

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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 Nović [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.

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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

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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.

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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]

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In Episode 176, Catherine of  and I catch up on the 12 new releases from the . 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...

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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]

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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]

View Details

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,...

View Details

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]

View Details

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]

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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]

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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

• Mad Woman by Chelsea Bieker (Sept 3, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:09]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • God Shot 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.

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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]

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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]

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Susie Boutry () 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 . This post contains affiliate links...

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In Ep. 167, Catherine () and I are circling back to 2018 in the book world with a special retrospective episode!  We share big bookish highlights for that year, including book news, award winners, and what was going on in the world outside of...

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In Ep. 167, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I are circling back to 2018 in the book world with a special retrospective episode! We share big bookish highlights for that year, including book news, award winners, and what was going on in the world outside of reading. We also talk about our own 2018 reading and our favorite 2018 releases. Plus, you’ll hear 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 going on outside the book world. * Book stories and trends that dominated 2018. * Looking back at 2018, we couldn’t help but say, “If only we knew what was coming!” * The books that have had staying power.⁠ * Titles that now are comps for SO MANY books!⁠ * We explore the early days of this new wave of celebrity book clubs. * Our personal 2018 reading stats.⁠ * Listener-submitted favorites from 2018.⁠

Circling Back to 2018 in Books [2:05] The World Beyond Books * Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:12] * A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1) by George R. R. Martin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:45] * The Walking Dead (Compendium One) by writer Robert Kirkman and artist Tony Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:54]

The Book Industry * Becoming by Michelle Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:55] * Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:46] * The Meltdown (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 13) by Jeff Kinney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:50] * Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:54] * Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:56] * Wonder by R. J. Palacio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:12] * Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:16] * The President Is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:42]

Book Trends * Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:30] * Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:34] * Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:36] * Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:38] * Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:27] * Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:34] * You Are a Badass® by Jen Sincero | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:59] * 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:08] * The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson | Amazon | Bookshop.org[18:14]

Big Books of 2018 * Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:46] * The Reckoning by John Grisham | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:58] * The President Is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:05] * Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:56] * There There by Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:25] * The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:27] * Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:16] * Normal People by Sally Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:20] * Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:21] * Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:33] * Verity by Colleen Hoover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:30] * Circe by Madeline Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:08] * The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:32] * The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:36] * The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:07] * I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:19] * Becoming by Michelle Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:36] * Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:11] * Educated by Tara Westover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:31] * Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:18] * Atomic Habits by James Clear | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:11] * I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara | Amazon | Bookshop.org[31:51] * Wandering Stars Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:53] * The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:12] * The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:37] * Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (expected publication: August 15, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:50] * Less by Andrew Sean Greer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:54] * The Friend by Sigrid Nunez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:02] * Milkman by Anna Burns | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:09] * Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:22] * The Stone Sky (The Broken Earth Book 3) by N. K. Jemisin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:04]

Our Top Books of 2018 * Circe by Madeline Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:46] * An American Marriage by Tayari Jones | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:55] * The Line that Held Us by David Joy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:30] * The Pasha of Cuisine by Saygin Ersin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:55] * Only Child by Rhiannon Navin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:32] * Anatomy of a Miracle by Jonathan Miles | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:54] * Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmin Darznik | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:00] * There There by Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:04] * She Would Be King by Wayétu Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:06] * Tin Man by Sarah Winman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:09] * Waiting for Eden by Elliot Ackerman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:42] * A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:33] * I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:46] * Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:23] * The Ensemble by Aja Gabel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:36] * The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:46] * The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:55] * Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:00] * You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:31]

Listeners’ Top Books of 2018 * The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:09] * A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:29] * Educated by Tara Westover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:46] * The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:54] * An American Marriage by Tayari Jones | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:58] * Circe by Madeline Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:01] * The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:04] * Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:26]

Other Links * Time Magazine | What to Know About the Controversy Surrounding Where the Crawdads Sing by Annabel Gutterman, July 2022

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In episode 166, author Andrew Boryga joins me to discuss his debut novel, Victim, a funny and gripping satire about success and identity. Through the adventures of Javier, Victim explores what “diversity” means, why society loves a victim narrative, and the pitfalls of chasing fame online. Boryga combines humor with biting social commentary without sacrificing heart. This is a juicy and highly discussable story! In our chat, Andrew shares his inspiration behind the book, his decade long road to publication, and what he finds most effective in a satirical novel. Plus, Andrew shares some fantastic 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 Victim. * Andrew shares the inspiration and decade-long development of the story. * How his journalism background is reflected in his book. * Why Andrew decided to craft Javier’s story as a memoir. * Andrew’s journey to finding an agent and getting published. * Why Andrew followed his dream of writing fiction, rather than publishing an essay collection like many publishing insiders were advising him. * The way his story drafts and characters evolved over time. * How his MFA workshop helped shaped the story. * Riding that fine line for a balanced satire: focusing on the social commentary without going over the top. * The themes Andrew is exploring in his next book!

Andrew’s Book Recommendations [34:19] Two OLD Books He Loves

• Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quiñonez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:30]
• Loving Day by Mat Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:11]
• Other Book Mentioned:
  • Pym by Mat Johnson [37:56]

Two NEW Books He Loves

• The Birthparents by Frank Santo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:09]
• Blackouts by Justin Torres | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:38]
• Other Book Mentioned:
  • We the Animals by Justin Torres [40:57]

One Book He DIDN’T Love

• Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:13]
• Other Book Mentioned:
  • The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz [43:21]

One NEW RELEASE He’s Excited About

• Oye by Melissa Mogollon (May 14, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:14]

Last 5-Star Book Andrew Read

• Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:37]

Other Books Mentioned * Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [27:31] * The Sellout by Paul Beatty [31:14]

About Andrew Boryga Website | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)

Andrew Boryga is a writer, editor, and author from the Bronx, New York, currently residing in Miami, Florida with his wife and two children. Victim is his debut novel.

Boryga began his career writing for a local newspaper in the Bronx at age 16, eventually securing an internship with The New York Timesby age 18. His nonfiction writing has since been featured in prominent publications such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Paris Review, and The Daily Beast, among others. Boryga’s contributions to writing education extend beyond his own work, encompassing teaching roles for elementary school students, college students, and incarcerated individuals in Florida. He has also shared his insights on writing and the writing life through lectures at various academic institutions. Throughout his career, Boryga has been awarded prizes by Cornell University, The University of Miami, The Susquehanna Review, and The Michener Foundation.

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

In this episode, Catherine and I share 12 of our 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 * 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 is fully embracing spring with some lighter, fun reading. * Sarah is joining the fun with lighter reads as she preps for the Summer Reading Guide. * Among weddings, homecomings, and books set in Washington State, Catherine is bringing 5 out of 6 familiar authors. * With some atypical stories, Sarah has some with historical fiction elements and a nonfiction book. * Sarah’s choices feature 2 debuts and 3 returning authors. * Hopefully going for a tamer wildcard pick will work out for Sarah this season. * Sarah has read and liked 2 of her chosen books, and has also started one of Catherine’s picks! * And don’t forget to catch their top #1 picks for the spring season!

Spring 2024 Book Preview [3:52] April

Sarah’s Picks

• The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (April 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:54]
• The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza (April 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:10]
• Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zenter (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[19:51]

Catherine’s Picks

• Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:54]
• Honey by Victor Lodato (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:08]
• Real Americans by Rachel Khong (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:45]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Wanderers by Meg Howrey [7:16]
• You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith [8:10]
• Maid by Stephanie Land [8:13]
• Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad [8:17]
• Know My Name by Chanel Miller [8:20]
• Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance [8:22]
• Educated by Tara Westover [8:24]
• Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman [10:37]
• We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza [13:53]
• Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza [14:01]
• Edgar and Lucy by Victor Lodato [17:17]
• All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg [19:14]
• The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner [20:16]
• Normal People by Sally Rooney [22:36]
• Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [24:55]

May

Sarah’s Picks

• The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:20]
• The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:13]
• Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli (May 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:05]

Catherine’s Picks

• The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[33:00]
• The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:12]
• Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:31]

Other Books Mentioned

• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon [32:03]
• The Holdout by Graham Moore [36:22]
• The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin [36:59]
• The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore [37:39]
• The Guncle by Steven Rowley [39:36]
• The Editor by Steven Rowley [41:45]
• Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli [42:12]
• The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton [46:28]

Other Books Mentioned * Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet [3:39]

About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)

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.

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In today’s episode, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I circle back to the 16 books we featured in the Winter 2024 Book Preview. We’ll be sharing our reading stats and thoughts on the books we’ve read (or attempted), to help you decide which ones to add to your reading list and which ones to skip.

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 and Sarah share their Winter 2024 reading stats and success rates. * Despite some trouble in her reading early on, Catherine ended up with a successful winter. * Sarah’s reading had a mix of fiction and nonfiction with several debuts. * We’ve got a total of 3 five-star books! * Does a mythology retelling always work for Catherine? * Was Sarah’s wildcard pick a little too out there for her? * Plus, don’t miss their #1 picks for winter.

Books We Read Before the Preview [3:44] Sarah’s Picks

• Mercury by Amy Jo Burns (January 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:49]
• The Fortune Seller by Rachel Kapelke-Dale (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:30]

Other Books Mentioned

• Shiner by Amy Jo Burns [3:54]
• Cinderland by Amy Jo Burns [5:30]
• The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [8:34]
• The Ingenue by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [8:35]

Winter 2024 Circle Back [9:14] January

Sarah’s Picks

• River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure (January 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:00]
• Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson (January 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:52]

Catherine’s Picks

• The Fury by Alex Michaelides (January 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:23]
• Family Family by Laurie Frankel (January 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:35]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides [11:32]
• This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel [22:42]
• One Two Three by Laurie Frankel [22:43]
• Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson [22:57]
• Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie [23:14]

February

Sarah’s Picks

• Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:04]
• Leaving by Roxana Robinson (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:06]

Catherine’s Picks

• The Things We Didn’t Know by Elba Iris Pérez (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:06]
• Medea by Eilish Quin (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:17]
• Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:29]
• Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:49]
• After Annie by Anna Quindlen (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:20]

Other Books Mentioned

• Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer [33:13]
• There There by Tommy Orange [41:02]

March

Sarah’s Picks

• Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet (March 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:23]
• Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (March 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:55]

Catherine’s Pick

• James by Percival Everett (March 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:13]

Other Books Mentioned

• My Time Among the Whites by Jennine Capó Crucet [45:10]
• The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [48:26]
• Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman [49:52]
• Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain [50:29]

Other Links * Sara Hildreth (FictionMatters) on Substack | Reading in Public No. 32: Six things to know about Huck Finn before you read James

About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)

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

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In Episode 163, Sara Hildreth, from @FictionMatters and co-host of the podcast Novel Pairings, returns for her third appearance on our show as our expert for Classics & Retellings 101. Sara guides us through the sometimes intimidating world of timeless reads in an accessible way. She busted some myths about classics and changed my mind about some elements of the classics. And, she has a great approach to find the perfect retelling of your favorite classics 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 * Sara explores the definitions of a classic and a modern classic book. * We talk about separating the American literature canon from the idea of a classic. * Sara talks about being free to define classics on personal terms. * The idea of a book being labeled a “future classic.” * Now-famous books that went unnoticed initially when they were released. * Sara’s personal reading motivations. * Common issues people have when trying to tackle classic books. * Notable quirks of many classics that were first published as serials. * Tips and advice for approaching older books. * Addressing the pressure surrounding reading or revisiting classics. * Examples of nonfiction classics. * Legal considerations for all those retellings. * The rise of retellings as a trend with today’s audience. * The difference between retellings and fan fiction. * Sara’s recommendations for accessible classic literature. * A different approach to finding the right retelling for your reading.

Please note: Sara mistakenly mentions during the discussion that The Great Gatsbydid not come into popularity until its distribution to soldiers during World War I, when this actually occurred during World War II.

Sara’s Book Recommendations [49:02] Two OLD Books She Loves — Classics

• The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:43]
• Passing by Nella Larson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:12]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton [50:58]
  • The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton [50:59]
  • Roman Fever and Other Stories by Edith Wharton [51:03]
  • The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett [55:44]

Two NEW Books She Loves — Retellings

• Anna K by Jenny Lee | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:35]
• The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vho | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:28]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy [59:01]
  • Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar [59:53]
  • Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan [59:58]

One Book She DIDN’T Love — Classic

• Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain | Amazon | Bookshop.org[1:03:25]

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About — Retelling and Classic Pairing

• The Garden by Claire Beams (April 9, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:12]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Illness Lesson by Claire Beams [1:05:37]
  • Little Women by Louisa May Alcott [1:05:41]
  • The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett [1:06:21]

Last 5-Star Book Sara Read

• James by Percival Everett (March 19, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:47]

Books Mentioned During the Classics Discussion * The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe [3:44] * Beloved by Toni Morrison [10:46] * Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [12:05] * David Copperfield by Charles Dickens [12:19] * James by Percival Everett (March 19, 2024) [13:29] * Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain [13:34] * Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys [13:51] * Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë [14:02] * The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald [14:45] * Frankenstein by Mary Shelley [15:09] * Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn [15:20] * Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë [24:27] * A Model of Christian Charity: A City on a Hill by John Winthrop [26:35] * A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft [26:47] * Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass [26:54] * The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank [26:59] * A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf [27:02] * In Cold Blood by Truman Capote [27:14] * The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith [29:13] * The Time Machine by H. G. Wells [29:20] * The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson [29:23] * Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier [29:30] * The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood [29:36] * The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor [29:45] * The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell [30:17] * The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman [30:20] * The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson [30:23] * The Minority Report and Other Classic Stories by Philip K. Dick [30:26] * Going to Meet the Man: Stories (with Sonny’s Blues) by James Baldwin [30:37] * Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick: Stories from the Harlem Renaissance (with The Gilded Six-Bits) by Zora Neale Hurston [30:42] * Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston [30:54] * Kindred by Octavia E. Butler [31:00] * Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler [31:08]

Books Mentioned During the Retellings Discussion * Julia by Sandra Newman [33:38] * 1984 by George Orwell [33:40] * Hamlet by William Shakespeare [34:10] * Emma by Jane Austen [34:24] * The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare [34:28] * The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson [34:45] * Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith [34:51] * Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson [35:04] * And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie [35:08] * The Winters by Lisa Gabriele [35:35] * The Odyssey by Homer [36:38] * The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller [37:00] * Circe by Madeline Miller [37:01] * Hogarth Shakespeare series by various authors [37:53] * Canongate Myth Series by various authors [37:57] * The Austen Project series by various authors [38:00] * Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld [38:03] * Naamah by Sarah Blake [38:56] * Anna K by Jenny Li [40:10] * Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy [40:20] * Tom Lake by Ann Patchett [40:41] * Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor [42:36] * Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes [44:14] * Marmee by Sarah Miller [44:17] * Little Women by Louisa May Alcott [44:22] * Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell [44:38] * Ruth’s Journey: A Novel of Mammy from Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind by Donald McCaig [44:40] * Pride by Ibi Zoboi [45:19]

Other Links * The Atlantic | Italo Calvino’s 14 Definitions of What Makes a Classic by Maria Popova (July 7, 2012) * Novel Pairings | The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton (February 27, 2024)

About Sara Hildreth Website | Instagram | Facebook

Sara Hildreth is the creator behind FictionMatters, a literary Instagram account, newsletter, and book club focused on putting thought-provoking books into the hands of adventurous readers. She also co-hosts Novel Pairings, a podcast dedicated to making the classics readable, relevant, and fun.

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In Episode 162, Leigh Stein (author and journalist) joins me to jump into the world of BookTok, the bookish corner of TikTok. We talk about what early elements started this sensation, how creators and their content are different on this platform, and the main audience engaging with the app’s evolving algorithm. We also discuss the continuing gap in marketing and authentic social media content, and how we think publishers could address this issue. (Did we solve it?!) Plus, Leigh 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 * Leigh kicks off our discussion by defining BookTok and tracing its rapid rise to phenomenon status. * We talk about BookTok’s current and future trajectory. * Leigh brings in some sales stats for the top BookTok authors. * We talk about the way younger and younger readers are being drawn to the bookshelves. * The appeal of BookTok versus Bookstagram as recommendation media versus social media. * The percentage of Gen Z and Millennials that find their next book on BookTok. * Addressing the bigger criticisms of TikTok. * How the type of content on BookTok differs from the type of content on Bookstagram. * The genres that perform the best on BookTok. * We talk about the profound impact of BookTok on the publishing industry and how it’s reshaping traditional media coverage. * The marketing risk of trying to find the balance between authenticity and effective promotion on BookTok. * Leigh shares some awesome tips for authors trying to engage with the BookTok community.

Leigh’s Book Recommendations [39:59] Two OLD Books She Loves

• Verity by Colleen Hoover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:19]
• Vladimir by Julia May Jonas | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:51]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover [40:36]
  • Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov [42:33]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Y / N by Esther Yi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:59]
• Big Swiss by Jen Beagin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:10]

One Book She DIDN’T Love

• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:41]

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• Victim by Andrew Boryga (March 12, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:54]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [50:09]
  • Self Care by Leigh Stein [50:45]

Last 5-Star Book Leigh Read

• Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:10]

Other Books Mentioned * The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller [4:49] * The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan [5:02] * Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh [21:54] * Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [23:26] * Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner [23:36] * Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry [23:54] * A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers [24:50] * City on Fire by Don Winslow [29:14] * Diary of a Void by Emi Yagi [30:55] * Emotional Labor by Rose Hackman [37:57] * My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh [38:39]

Other Links * LitHub | BookTok is Good, Actually: On the Undersung Joys of a Vast and Multifarious Platform by Leigh Stein * YouTube | Simon & Schuster: How 2022’s Hottest Cover Was Created

About Leigh Stein Website | Instagram | Substack | TikTok

Leigh Stein is a writer interested in what the internet is doing to our identities, relationships, and politics. She is the author of five books, including the critically acclaimed satirical novel Self Care and the poetry collection What to Miss When. Her nonfiction writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New Yorker online, and more. She was co-founder and executive director of Out of the Binders/BinderCon, a feminist literary nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the careers of women and gender variant writers.

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In Episode 161, author Amanda Peters joins me to discuss her surprise hit novel, The Berry Pickers. This debut novel (which was the 2023 Barnes & Noble Discover Pick) seamlessly blends sadness and heartwarming moments. In our chat, Amanda shares what (or who) started her on this journey, the road to publication, and what she hopes readers take away from her first novel. Plus, Amanda 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 * A brief, spoiler-free overview of The Berry Pickers. * How Amanda’s family history shaped the story. * Amanda’s journey from book concept to securing an agent and getting published. * Recognition as a Barnes & Noble Discover Pick for both November and 2023 overall. * How Amanda’s life has changed in the wake of the book’s runaway success. * What it’s like to be an introverted author on tour. * Amanda’s decision to focus on character journeys rather than presenting the book as a typical mystery. * Examining the topic of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. * The recurring theme of the unconscious mind’s ability to remember trauma. * The role of self-forgiveness and how difficult that can be. * A glimpse into what’s next for Amanda, including a collection of short stories and a new manuscript.

Amanda’s Book Recommendations [25:28] Two OLD Books She Loves

• A Burning by Megha Majumdar | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:12]
• The Underpainter by Jane Urquhart | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:55]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Truth Telling by Michelle Good | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:28]
• We Rip the World Apart by Charlene Carr (expected US release October 8, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:24]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Five Little Indians by Michelle Good [42:08]
  • Hold My Girl by Charlene Carr [30:42]

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (June 4, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:29]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty [32:40]

Last 5-Star Book Amanda Read

• Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:32]

Other Books Mentioned * A Burning by Megha Majumdar [5:16] * Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah [10:06] * The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. [21:19] * Waiting for the Long Night Moon: Stories by Amanda Peters (expected publication August 13, 2024) [24:11]

About Amanda Peters Website | Instagram

Amanda Peters is a writer of Mi’kmaq and settler ancestry. Her debut novel, The Berry Pickers is the Winner of the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Excellence in Fiction, the 2023 Barnes & Noble Discovery Prize Winner, and was shortlisted for the Barnes & Noble Book of the Year and the Atwood Gibson Fiction Award from the Writers Trust of Canada. Her work has also appeared in the Antigonish Review, Grain Magazine, the Alaska Quarterly Review, the Dalhousie Review and Filling Station Magazine. She is the winner of the 2021 Indigenous Voices Award for Unpublished Prose and a participant in the 2021 Writers’ Trust Rising Stars program. Amanda is a graduate of the Master of Fine Arts Program at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and has a Certificate in Creative Writing from the University of Toronto.

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In Episode 160, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I share the best backlist books we read in 2023. We each discuss our top 5 backlist books from last year, highlight some underrated backlist gems, and review our backlist reading statistics. Devoting an entire episode to backlist reading is something we love doing and we've heard from you that you love it too!

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 * Available Now! To get the backlist reading guide, The Best of the Backlist, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You’ll also get access to a monthly bonus podcast series called Double Booked (where Catherine or Susie and I share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show) and my Rock Your Reading Tracker.

Highlights * Catherine had a small uptick in her backlist reading — her most successful segment of books in 2023! * Sarah's backlist reading was slightly less successful than last year — maybe marking an unfortunate trend. * How Sarah's decreased DNFs for last year impacted her Backlist stats. * While Catherine has already read many of Sarah's picks, Sarah has already purchased (but not yet read) many of Catherine's choices!

Our Top 5 Backlist Books We Read in 2023 [7:37] Catherine

• Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:44]
• True Biz by Sara Nović | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:12]
• All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:52]
• The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:58]
• Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:31]

Sarah

• Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:24]
• What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:36]
• Search by Michelle Huneven | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:41]
• Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:04]
• The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:55]

Other Books Mentioned

• Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent [10:38]
• Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent [11:10]
• The Ensemble by Aja Gabel [23:19]
• Untamed by Glennon Doyle [31:14]
• An American Marriage by Tayari Jones [33:22]
• Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones [36:31]

Underrated Backlist Gems [39:54] Catherine

• Too Bright to Hear Too Loud to See by Juliann Garey | Amazon | Bookshop.org[40:07]
• A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:06]

Sarah

• Something Wild by Hanna Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:12]
• The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:01]

Other Books Mentioned

• I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin [45:21]
• Red Widow by Alma Katsu [54:02]
• Red London by Alma Katsu [54:03]

Other Links * Vogue | In Finishing My Book… by Lauren McBrayer

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

In this episode, Catherine and I share 16 of our 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 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 * While Sarah and Catherine had some trouble with fall, winter is overflowing with potential winners. * Sarah brings 2 sports fiction titles. * Both Catherine and Sarah explore a mix of familiar authors and exciting debuts. * It’s time for another mythology retelling for Catherine! * Sarah shares a 5-star book she’s already read and loved. * Sarah’s wildcard pick might be a little out there — and hopefully, it pays off. * Plus, don’t miss their #1 picks for winter.

Winter 2024 Book Preview [3:32] January

Sarah’s Picks

• Mercury by Amy Jo Burns (January 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:47]
• River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure (January 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:24]
• Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson (January 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:38]

Catherine’s Picks

• The Fury by Alex Michaelides (January 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:39]
• Family Family by Laurie Frankel (January 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:15]

Other Books Mentioned

• Shiner by Amy Jo Burns [3:57]
• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides [7:59]
• The Maidens by Alex Michaelides [8:05]
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald [9:30]
• This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel [14:21]
• Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson [16:53]
• And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie [17:21]
• Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie [17:27]

February

Sarah’s Picks

• Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[23:08]
• Leaving by Roxana Robinson (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:35]
• The Fortune Seller by Rachel Kapelke-Dale (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:56]

Catherine’s Picks

• The Things We Didn’t Know by Elba Iris Pérez (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:40]
• Medea by Eilish Quin (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:57]
• Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:04]
• Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:37]
• After Annie by Anna Quindlen (February 27*) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:45]

Other Books Mentioned

• Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer [24:05]
• Breathless by Amy McCulloch [24:13]
• Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes [26:30]
• The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [30:21]
• Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [30:45]
• The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [30:49]
• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin [31:25]
• The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [34:17]
• The Ingenue by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [34:20]
• Girls and Their Horses by Eliza Jane Brazier [39:08]
• There There by Tommy Orange [39:44]
• Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen [48:37]

March

Sarah’s Picks

• Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet (March 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:21]
• Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (March 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:03]

Catherine’s Pick

• James by Percival Everett (March 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:15]

Other Books Mentioned

• Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville [44:37]
• My Time Among the Whites by Jennine Capó Crucet [45:03]
• Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain [51:35]
• The Trees by Percival Everett [52:40]

Other Links * Golden Age of Detective Fiction | Knox’s 10 Commandments

*The book’s publication date has been changed.

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In Episode 158, we wrap up the year with our Best Books of 2023 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits). We reveal our Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction), and we have a 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 2024 Reading Tracker is out! Once again, the Tracker is ONLY available to $7/month Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Become a Superstars Patron here!

Highlights * Podcast reflections from 2023 — including top episodes based on download stats. * Overview of Susie’s and Sarah’s 2023 year in reading — including trends and stats. * Favorite books of the year: overall and by genre, including the SBL Patreon Community’s picks.

2023 Genre Awards [19:14] Susie

• The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:19]
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:41]
• No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:00]
• The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:22]
• In Memoriam by Alice Winn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:16]
• The Art Thief by Michael Finkel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:24]
• You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:32]
• The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:02]
• The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:39]
• Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:59]
• Go As a River by Shelley Read | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:30]
• Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:58]

Sarah

• Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:51]
• Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:27]
• Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:00]
• All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay | Amazon | Bookshop.org[34:08]
• Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:06]
• Generations by Jean M. Twenge PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:04]
• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:43]
• Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:21]
• My Murder by Katie Williams | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:53]
• Yellowface by R. F. Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:05]
• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:30]
• Talking at Night by Claire Daverley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:38]

Patrons

• Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:45]
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:00]
• Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:14]
• All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay | Amazon | Bookshop.org[35:58]
• All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:29]
• In Memoriam by Alice Winn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:41]
• We Were Once a Family by Roxanna Asgarian | Amazon | Bookshop.org[44:09]
• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin | Amazon | Bookshop.org[46:13]
• Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:50]
• Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah | Amazon | Bookshop.org[52:49]
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:45]
• Starling House by Alix E. Harrow | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:30]
• Congratulations, the Best Is Over! by R. Eric Thomas | Amazon | Bookshop.org[57:18]
• I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org[58:59]
• Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:02]
• Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:31]

Other Books Mentioned * Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce [4:19] * Atomic Family by Ciera Horton McElroy [13:57] * The Caretaker by Ron Rash [14:02] * All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher [14:03] * One Woman Show by Christine Coulson [14:18] * Big Swiss by Jen Beagin [14:19] * Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano [21:00] * The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne [21:26] * The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue [22:16] * Wellness by Nathan Hill [22:19] * The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese [22:22] * Ghost by Dolly Alderton [26:27] * Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering [26:29] * Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutano [31:00] * Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum [31:30] * The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand [31:33] * The Sweet Spot by Amy Poeppel [31:39] * Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane [36:44] * Drowning by T. J. Newman [36:48] * Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent [37:00] * Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash [39:54] * The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland [40:05] * The Postcard by Anne Berest [40:09] * The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel [41:38] * In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross [42:18] * A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan [43:49] * Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond [44:00] * The Woman in Me by Britney Spears [46:22] * All My Knotted Up Life by Beth Moore [46:29] * How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key [46:38] * Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane [47:28] * Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [49:06] * Happy Place by Emily Henry [49:45] * Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez [50:00] * The Great Transition by Nick Fuller Googins [52:43] * Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling [52:45] * The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton [53:06] * Starter Villain by John Scalzi [53:21] * Holly by Stephen King [54:20] * Lone Women by Victor LaValle [54:48] * How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix [54:52] * Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley [59:34] * Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross [59:44] * Normal People by Sally Rooney [1:00:56] * Maame by Jessica George [1:01:39]

Top Podcast Episodes for 2023 [8:42] * Ep. 129: Best Books of 2022 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits) * Ep. 150: Fall 2023 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) * Ep. 140: 2023 Summer Reading Special with Susie (@NovelVisits) * Ep. 131: The Best Backlist Books We Read in 2022 with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) * Ep. 128: Best Books of 2022 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits) * Ep. 151: Angie Kim (Author of Happiness Falls) * Ep. 133: Speculative Fiction / Fantasy 101 with Sarah Landis (Literary Agent) * Ep. 143: Behind the Scenes of Book Coaching with Abigail K. Perry (of Lit Match Podcast) * Ep. 138: Rebecca Makkai (Author of I Have Some Questions for You) * Ep. 132: Katie Gutierrez (Author of More Than You’ll Ever Know) * Ep. 156: 2023 State of the Industry with Sarah Landis (Literary Agent) * Ep. 147: Lara Love Hardin (Author of The Many Lives of Mama Love) * Ep. 144: John Marrs (Author of The One, The Passengers, and The Marriage Act) * Ep. 152: Liz Nugent (Author of Strange Sally Diamond)

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We’re gearing up to close out our year of reading with today’s podcast episode, featuring the Best Books of 2023 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits). Our wrap-up is split into two episodes: today’s Superlatives and next week’s Genre Awards. Today, we’re diving into more than 25 Superlative categories, including Most Deserving of the Hype, Biggest Surprise, the Darkest Book of the Year, and many others!

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 2024 Reading Tracker is out! Once again, the Tracker will ONLY be available to $7/month Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Become a Superstars Patron here!

Highlights * Our best books of the year from over 25 categories, including: + Most Deserving of the Hype + FOMO-Worthy Book + Third Time’s the Charm + Darkest Book of the Year + Top Underrated Gem + Biggest Surprise + The Book You Flew Through + Most Polarizing Favorite + Most Heartbreaking

2023 Superlatives [6:52] Susie

• Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:03] & [24:25]
• I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org[11:37]
• Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:07]
• Juno Loves Legs by Karl Geary | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:17]
• Western Lane by Chetna Maroo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:14]
• The Future by Naomi Alderman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:44]
• Pete and Alice in Maine by Caitlin Shetterly | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:46]
• The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:31]
• Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah | Amazon | Bookshop.org[40:22]
• One Woman Show by Christine Coulson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:40]
• Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:41]
• Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:20]
• The Postcard by Anne Berest | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:19]
• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:01]
• Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:40]

Sarah

• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:42]
• The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:10]
• Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:03]
• All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:43]
• Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:56]
• All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay | Amazon | Bookshop.org[26:55]
• Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:21]
• I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org[32:26]
• I Could Live Here Forever by Hannah Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:53]
• How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:44]
• Drowning by T. J. Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:11]
• Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:09]
• Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:01]
• Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:40]
• The Longest Race by Kara Goucher | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:56]
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:53]
• Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:01]
• We Were Once a Family by Roxanna Asgarian | Amazon | Bookshop.org[1:05:08]

Other Books Mentioned * Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano [7:23] * Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby [19:27] * Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby [19:30] * Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent [23:28] * Talking at Night by Claire Daverley [24:30] * Maame by Jessica George [24:32] * The Power by Naomi Alderman [30:11] * Wellness by Nathan Hill [31:30] * Day by Michael Cunningham [31:32] * Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [31:35] * The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai [32:47] * The Whispers by Ashley Audrain [37:03] * The Push by Ashley Audrain [37:20] * Our Town by Thornton Wilder [56:12]

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For our first annual 2023 State of the Industry episode, we’re welcoming back literary agent Sarah Landis for an overview and exploration of some hot topics in the book world this year. Taking stock of how this year panned out for the publishing industry, Sarah discusses top news stories, dives deep into how specific titles performed this year, and shares current trends she’s seeing in publishing. Also, Sarah shares her favorite books of 2023!

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.

Coming Soon * The updated 2024 Rock Your Reading Tracker will release on December 6! This year’s updated edition will be exclusively available to our $7/month Superstars Patrons and will not be offered for separate purchase as in previous years. Don’t miss out on this and other bookish goodies – become a Superstars Patron here!

Highlights * 2023 bookish news and publishing numbers overview. * Sarah talks current popular genres, BookTok trends, and Simon & Schuster sale. * A quick dive into IP books, their meaning, and a notable downside. * The Elizabeth Gilbert book review bombing situation. * BTS vs. Taylor Swift pre-order controversy. * Playing Over/Under with this year’s top book performers. * Do celebrity book clubs really boost sales? A look at the numbers. * Publisher expectations and the influence of page count. * Bookish trends of the year: BookTok’s impact on publishing. * Examining shifts in publishing calendars. * Anticipating 2024’s potential bookish trends.

2023 State of the Industry High-Level Overview [3:08]

• Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:30]
• The Woman in Me by Britney Spears | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:31]
• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:58]
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:31]
• Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:08]
• Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:21]
• Fire & Blood by George R. R. Martin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:22]
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:48]

Big Book Stories of 2023 [13:10]

• Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:21]
• Beyond the Story by BTS and Myeongseok Kang | Amazon | Bookshop.org[21:22]

The Over / Under Game [25:17]

• Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah | Amazon | Bookshop.org[26:05]
• Yellowface by R. F. Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:41]
• Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:17]
• In Memoriam by Alice Winn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:26]
• I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org[32:11]
• The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:29]
• The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:39]
• Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:15]
• The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:28]
• Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:37]
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:11]
• The Dutch House by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:20]
• Wellness by Nathan Hill | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:30]
• Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:52]
• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:14]
• Miracle Creek by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:35]
• Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:50]
• Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:00]
• The Woman in Me by Britney Spears | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:01]
• Becoming by Michelle Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:39]
• A Promised Land by Barack Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:42]

Bookish Trends of 2023 [44:26]

• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:08]
• Educated by Tara Westover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:23]
• The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:25]
• The Dry by Jane Harper | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:04]
• All That Is Mine I Carry with Me by William Landay | Amazon | Bookshop.org[48:24]
• Defending Jacob by William Landay | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:38]
• In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:16]
• You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:36]

Examining the Shift in Publishers’ Calendars [51:43]

Potential Trends for 2024 [54:25]

• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:20]
• The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab | Amazon | Bookshop.org[55:24]

Sarah’s Top 3 Books of the Year [56:02] * Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:38] * Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:20] * Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:38] * Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:33] * Weyward by Emilia Hart | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:34]

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In the Fall 2023 Book Preview, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I shared our 12 most-anticipated books that released mid-August – December. Today we’re going to circle back to share updates on which of these books we’ve read, our thoughts on them, and a few we attempted but couldn’t quite get through.

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.

Coming Soon * The updated 2024 Rock Your Reading Tracker will release on December 6! This year’s updated edition will be exclusively available to our $7/month Superstars Patrons and will not be offered for separate purchase as in previous years. Don’t miss out on this and other bookish goodies – become a Superstars Patron here!

Highlights * Catherine’s curse has been broken — her top pick was a winner! * Both Catherine and Sarah circle back with two 5-star books each! * Their reading stats and success rates for fall. * The best and worst picks from the Fall 2023 Book Preview.

Books We Read Before the Preview [8:38] Sarah’s Pick:

• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (August 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:19]

Catherine’s Picks:

• The English Experience by Julie Schumacher (August 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:43]
• The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger (September 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:26]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher [9:56]
• Miracle Creek by Angie Kim [11:45]

Fall 2023 Circle Back [17:18] September

Sarah’s Pick:

• Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (September 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:23]

Catherine’s Pick:

• The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar (September 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:17]

Other Books Mentioned:

• The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon [18:53]
• Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka [18:51]
• The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [21:44]
• Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll [25:56]
• The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll [25:57]
• Honor by Thrity Umrigar [28:12]

October

Sarah’s Picks:

• Kill Show by Daniel Sweren-Becker (October 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:15]
• In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross (October 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:42]
• The Sun Sets in Singapore by Kehinde Fadipe (October 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:33]

Catherine’s Picks:

• The Hank Show by McKenzie Funk (October 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:35]
• The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok (October 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:23]
• One Woman Show by Christine Coulson (October 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:14]

Other Books Mentioned:

• I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai [30:53]
• When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain [35:15]
• I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara [35:44]
• American Predator by Maureen Callahan [35:46]

November

Sarah’s Pick:

• The Helsinki Affair by Anna Pitoniak (November 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:43]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Red London by Alma Katsu [48:08]
• Red Widow by Alma Katsu [48:07]
• Our American Friend by Anna Pitoniak [50:28]
• The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA by Liza Mundy [50:55]

Other Books * The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff [7:36] * Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward [7:37] * Wellness by Nathan Hill [7:39] * The Fraud by Zadie Smith [7:42]

Other Links * Instagram | @ataleoftwolitties : Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

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In podcast episode 154, we’re diving into the world of book cover design with Karen Horton, graphic designer and former Art Director at Henry Holt. Karen takes us behind the scenes of the process of book cover design, who makes key book cover related decisions, and the role of marketing budgets and author’s reputation in this process. 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 * The high-level book cover design process. * When and why publishers reach out to designers before a book’s launch proposal. * The dynamics of deciding which books a designer works on. * Freelance vs In-house: Factors that determine who gets to design the top titles. * The lesser-known “silent auction” approach some publishers adopt. * Whether book cover designers really read the whole book. * Who holds the final decision about a book cover. * The author’s role in the decision-making process and the factors that impact how that can play out. * How marketing budgets and an author’s reputation influence design choices. * The influence of ongoing design trends and when publishers decide to break away from them.

Karen’s Book Recommendations [35:58] Two OLD Books She Loves

• A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:11]
• The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:04]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Thicker Than Water by Kerry Washington | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:36]
• We Were Once a Family by Roxanna Asgarian | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:45]

One Book She DIDN’T Love

• A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:46]

NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez (April 2, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:12]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett [46:56]

Last 5-Star Book Karen Read

• A Living Remedy by Nicole Chung | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:25]

Additional Books Mentioned * Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent [15:34] * Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus [26:45] * Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld [31:04] * Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert [31:17] * When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain [32:11] * Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid [32:20] * The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [32:25] * The Push by Ashley Audrain [32:32] * The Whispers by Ashley Audrain [33:00] * The Mothers by Brit Bennett [34:49] * The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett [34:50]

About Karen Horton Website | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)

Karen Horton is an Art Director and graphic designer with more than 15 years of experience working in the book publishing industry. She previously was the Art Director at Henry Holt and Company + Metropolitan Books. Prior to moving over to the Henry Holt imprint in 2016, she was the Senior Designer at Flatiron Books. Over the years she has worked as a freelancer and consulting Art Director for a variety of publishing clients. Additionally, Karen was a co-founder and the Editorial and Social Media Director for the startup design:related. Karen was also an Art Director on staff for a range of New York Times bestsellers at Little, Brown, and Company. Before working at Little, Brown, she managed a small team of designers as an Art Director at Oxford University Press. She first got her start in book publishing at St. Martin’s Press (Macmillan Publishers). When she’s not designing book covers, she spends much of her time wandering neighborhoods in Queens and researching all things design.

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In Episode 153, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I are back for our 3rd annual Debuts Special! Today, we’re sharing our favorite debuts from 2023 (so far), new and backlist! Plus, we discuss our reading stats for debuts this year, and we talk about some standout sophomore novels that made the cut.

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 this year’s crop of debuts compares to those from previous years. * A full breakdown of our 2023 debut-related stats. * Debuts we love, divided into three categories: + Favorite Debuts of 2023 (so far) + Favorite Backlist Debuts + Standout Sophomore Novels

Favorite Debuts of 2023 (so far) [7:06] Sarah

• Talking at Night by Claire Daverley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:01]
• The Art of Scandal by Regina Black | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:43]
• Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:02]
• Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:41]

Susie

• Go As a River by Shelley Read | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:47]
• Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:49]
• In Memoriam by Alice Winn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:43]
• The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:40]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin [7:27]
• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue [8:47]
• Normal People by Sally Rooney [8:48]
• The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [8:50]
• One Day by David Nicholls [8:51]
• Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering [9:20]
• Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens [13:07]
• The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger [24:23]
• The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff [24:25]
• A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara [25:33]
• No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister [32:06]
• The Net Beneath Us by Carol Dunbar [33:07]
• A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson [33:10]

Favorite Backlist Debuts [33:22] Sarah

• The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:37]
• Blood Sugar by Sascha Rothchild | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:47]

Susie

• Severance by Ling Ma | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:18]
• Our Endless Numbered Days by Claire Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:53]

Other Books Mentioned

• Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson [34:23]
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett [37:21]
• Pete and Alice in Maine by Caitlin Shetterly [37:23]
• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [37:33]
• The Dog Stars by Peter Heller [37:40]
• Swimming Lessons by Claire Fuller [42:56]

Standout Sophomore Novels [44:46] Sarah

• I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:23]
• The Connollys of County Down by Tracey Lange | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:51]

Susie

• The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:33]
• The Whispers by Ashley Audrain | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:59]

Other Books Mentioned

• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim [45:10]
• Something Wild by Hanna Halperin [47:25]
• Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes [49:21]
• We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange [50:00]
• The Push by Ashley Audrain [52:35]

Additional Books Mentioned * Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus [2:15] * The Measure by Nikki Erlick [2:17]

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In Episode 152, author Liz Nugent talks about her latest novel, Strange Sally Diamond. Liz is known for her dark and psychological storytelling. Strange Sally Diamond is character-driven, delving deep into psychology and trauma, and despite Sally’s damaged nature, Liz portrays her with empathy and nuance. Strange Sally Diamond challenges us to consider the “why” behind someone’s behavior. Plus, we get some great book recommendations from Liz.

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 * Liz shares a spoiler-free summary of Strange Sally Diamond. * The literary character who inspired this story. * The amazing way Liz wrote the psychological aspects in Strange Sally Diamond. * Why Liz finds it easier to write from the male perspective and how that changed (or didn’t!) for writing Sally. * All about those two different endings (UK vs. US editions) and the reasoning behind it! * Liz’s philosophy about opening lines. * The inspiration behind the opening line for Strange Sally Diamond. * Liz shares a little about her next book — including her opening line (though that could change)! * We get a little behind-the-scenes scoop about book cover art and an author’s role in choosing their book cover.

Liz’s Book Recommendations [32:45] Two OLD Books She Loves

• I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:58]
• Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:08]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen [33:12]
  • Bleak House by Charles Dickens [33:13]
  • She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb [36:02]
  • All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby [41:05]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:21]
• I Will Find You by Harlan Coben | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:33]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena [42:08]

One Book She Didn’t Love

• American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:17]

TWO NEW RELEASES She’s Excited About

• The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose (November 28, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:58]
• End of Story by A. J. Finn (February 20, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:43]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn [49:46]

Last 5-Star Book Liz Read

• The Lost Man by Jane Harper | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:54]

Other Books Mentioned * Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent [1:44] * Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent [1:47] * Little Cruelties by Liz Nugent [1:48] * To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee [3:27] * The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. [10:33] * The Maid by Nita Prose [21:52]

Other Links * Esquire | Book Publishing’s Broken Blurb System (September 7, 2023)

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Episode 151 brings author Angie Kim back to the podcast with her sophomore novel, Happiness Falls. Angie is carving out her niche with literary mysteries featuring children with disabilities or illnesses, drawing inspiration from her own family’s encounters. I broke my own rules for podcast guests because Happiness Falls is now in the running for my #1 book of 2023 and it’s the smartest book I’ve read all year!

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 full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Highlights * Angie shares a spoiler-free summary of Happiness Falls. * Angie’s own life experiences that shape her stories. * How Angie’s move as a pre-teen to the United States from South Korea influenced the happiness experiments in this novel. * Angie’s expectations going into her sophomore book release. * How long Angie had been ideating and writing Happiness Falls. * The differences in Angie’s approach to writing this novel compared to her debut. * How Angie discovered Angelman’s Syndrome and decided to include it in her novel. * The differences in perspectives between a parent of a child with disabilities and and the sibling of a child with disabilities as portrayed in Miracle Creek and Happiness Falls. * Angie gives a small teaser about her next book!

Angie’s Book Recommendations [40:34] Two OLD Books She Loves

• Swamplandia! by Karen Russell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:45]
• Chemistry by Weike Wang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:48]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Joan Is Okay by Weike Wang [44:47]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Greek Lessons by Han Kang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:10]
• Hestia Strikes a Match by Christine Grillo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:05]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • The Vegetarian by Han Kang [45:27]

One Book She Didn't Love

• The Godfather by Mario Puzo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:48]

NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Park (November 7, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:05]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell [54:09]

Last 5-Star Book Angie Read

• • Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:24]

Other Links * Ep. 22: Angie Kim (Author of Miracle Creek)

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Welcome to the Fall 2023 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!

In this episode, Catherine and I share 12 of our most anticipated books releasing in 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!).

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 * Within traditional fall publishing, October shines bright this season. * How recent book news is contributing to a stranger upcoming book season. * A hint about a new, upcoming series for the Patreon Community. * Sarah and Catherine are bringing some buzzy fall books alongside some familiar authors and debuts.⁠ * Sarah has multiple picks with true crime elements.⁠ * Sarah has already read and loved a 5-star book that might possibly be her number 1 book for the year! * Catherine has already read two of her picks (a first?), including a 5-star book. * Plus, their #1 picks for Fall!

Fall 2023 Book Preview [12:53] August

Sarah’s Pick:

• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (August 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:35]

Catherine’s Pick:

• The English Experience by Julie Schumacher (August 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:53]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Miracle Creek by Angie Kim [13:08]
• Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano [17:22]
• Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher [21:28]
• The Shakespeare Requirement by Julie Schumacher [21:48]

September

Sarah’s Pick:

• Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (September 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:02]

Catherine’s Picks:

• The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger (September 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:21]
• The Museum of Failures by Thrity Umrigar (September 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:57]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll [22:57]
• The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll [23:10]
• The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule [23:26]
• The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon [24:11]
• Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka [24:13]
• Honor by Thrity Umrigar [34:11]

October

Sarah’s Picks:

• Kill Show by Daniel Sweren-Becker (October 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:37]
• In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross (October 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:46]
• The Sun Sets in Singapore by Kehinde Fadipe (October 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:26]

Catherine’s Picks:

• The Hank Show by McKenzie Funk (October 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:07]
• The Leftover Woman by Jean Kwok (October 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:39]
• One Woman Show by Christine Coulson (October 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:26]

Other Books Mentioned:

• I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai [31:00]
• My Murder by Katie Williams [31:03]
• When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain [35:37]
• The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee [42:48]
• Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok [46:18]
• Metropolitan Stories by Christine Coulson [49:47]

November

Sarah’s Pick:

• The Helsinki Affair by Anna Pitoniak (November 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:36]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Red London by Alma Katsu [46:48]
• Red Widow by Alma Katsu [46:49]
• Necessary People by Anna Pitoniak [47:18]
• Our American Friend by Anna Pitoniak [47:20]
• The Futures by Anna Pitoniak [47:31]
• The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre [48:40]

Other Links * Ep. 22: Angie Kim (Author of Miracle Creek) * Ep. 105: Thrity Umrigar (Author of Honor) * Ep. 116: Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits)

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In Ep. 149, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I revisit the 12 books released from June to mid-August that we featured in the Summer 2023 Book Preview. We update you on our reading stats for summer, chat about the books we’ve tackled or tried, and let you know which ones are worth adding to your list and which ones you can pass on.

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

Highlights * Catherine and Sarah share their Summer 2023 reading stats and success rates. * Catherine names a micro genre from one of Sarah’s picks. * Sarah and Catherine both come in with one 5-star book each! * Plus, they name their best and worst books from the Summer 2023 Book Preview.

Books We Read Before the Preview [3:02] Sarah’s Picks: * Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan (June 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:34] * The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue (June 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:26]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan [3:39]

Summer 2023 Circle Back [7:54] June

Sarah’s Picks:

• My Murder by Katie Williams (June 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:55]
• Invisible Son by Kim Johnson (June 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:47]

Catherine’s Picks:

• Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See (June 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[7:59]
• All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby (June 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[16:23]
• You Can’t Stay Here Forever by Katherine Lin (June 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:17]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Foe by Iain Reid [13:48]
• Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby [16:28]
• Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby [18:17]
• This Is My America by Kim Johnson [21:52]
• The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton [22:10]

August

Sarah’s Picks:

• The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:03]
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:21]

Catherine’s Picks:

• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:18]
• Mobility by Lydia Kiesling (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:16]
• Western Alliances by Wilton Barnhardt (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:20]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams [30:53]
• Our Town by Thornton Wilder [39:10]
• The Golden State by Lydia Kiesling [42:29]

Other Links * Ep. 146: Katie Williams (Author of My Murder) * Ep. 147: Lara Love Hardin (Author of The Many Lives of Mama Love)

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For Episode 148, as the podcast takes a brief break, we revisit a backlist episode…the Best Books of 2020 with Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits). Re-listening to this one is a unique opportunity to get a look back on a strange year. Whether you’re new to the podcast or have been with us for a while, everyone loves a TBR filled with backlist gems! Library holds should be easy and paperbacks editions have been released! So, let’s take a look back at our favorite 2020 books (overall and by genre) and our picks for tons of bookish superlatives.

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

This is a backlist episode. It features a new introduction and has been cut for content, but first aired on November 25, 2020, in its entirety, as Ep. 71: Best Books of 2020 and Bookish Superlatives with Susie from @NovelVisits. Highlights * 2020 Podcast Overview (including favorite and most downloaded episodes) * Overview of our reading years (including the impact of COVID-19) * Favorite books of 2020 (trends, overall, and by genre) * 2020 Bookish Superlative Awards

Our Favorite Books of 2020 (Overall and by Genre) [18:25] Sarah

• Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:56]
• Untamed by Glennon Doyle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:28]
• The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:15]
• The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:39]
• The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:13]
• Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:30]
• One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:06]
• Long Bright River by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:19]
• The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:24]
• Craigslist Confessional by Helena Dea Bala | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:50]
• We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Cooper | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:00]
• Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:55]
• Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:11]
• This is My America by Kim Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:25]

Susie

• The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab | Amazon | Bookshop.org[19:34]
• A Knock at Midnight by Brittany K. Barnett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:20]
• The Night Swim by Megan Goldin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:41]
• Godshot by Chelsea Bieker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:15]
• The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:52]
• Writers & Lovers by Lily King | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:40]
• The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:12]
• Long Bright River by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:00]
• Greenwood by Michael Christie | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:48]
• Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi | Amazon | Bookshop.org[35:52]
• Open Book by Jessica Simpson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:41]
• American Royals II: Majesty by Katharine McGee | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:00]
• A Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:52]
• Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:37]

2020 Superlatives [43:54] Sarah

• The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:18]
• Running by Natalia Sylvester | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:58]
• We Wish You Luck by Caroline Zancan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:02]
• Untamed by Glennon Doyle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:13]
• The Searcher by Tana French | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:59]
• Sea Wife by Amity Gaige | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:28]
• Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:18]
• This is My America by Kim Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:29]
• The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:29]
• Deacon King Kong by James McBride | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:25]
• Anxious People by Fredrik Backman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:58]
• Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:59]
• A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler | Amazon | Bookshop.org[54:00]
• Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:02]
• Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:17]
• Eat a Peach by David Chang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:25]
• Stray by Stephanie Danler | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:33]
• Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:45]
• The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel | Amazon| Bookshop.org [57:40]
• Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:46]
• The Boys’ Club by Erica Katz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:59]
• The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:54]
• The Office by Andy Greene | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:19]
• Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:56]
• A Knock at Midnight by Brittany K. Barnett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:10]
• The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim | Amazon| Bookshop.org[1:05:20]
• Caste by Isabel Wilkerson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:37]

Susie

• Perfect Tunes by Emily Gould | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:22]
• 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:18]
• Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:26]
• Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:22]
• Anxious People by Fredrik Backman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:34]
• Greenwood by Michael Christie | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:41]
• A Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:43]
• Last Couple Standing by Matthew Norman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:47]
• Want by Lynn Steger Strong | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:14]
• Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:21]
• Writers & Lovers by Lily King | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:10]
• The Night Swim by Megan Goldin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:20]
• The Guest List by Lucy Foley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:23]
• Pretty Things by Janelle Brown | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:25]
• When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:27]
• 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:57]
• Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:56]
• Memorial by Bryan Washington | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:17]
• The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:23]
• Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:38]
• The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:40]
• The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez | Amazon | Bookshop.org[1:01:55]
• A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:15]
• Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:43]

Other Books Mentioned * Beach Read by Emily Henry [15:57] * The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel [23:19] * The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan [24:46] * The Mothers by Brit Bennett [27:23] * The Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen [35:13] * In Cold Blood by Truman Capote [35:15] * Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt [35:18] * Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi [36:03] * American Royals by Katharine McGee [40:54] * The Witch Elm by Tana French [48:01] * Beartown by Fredrik Backman [48:59] * The Girls of Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe [52:50] * Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight [1:02:28] * Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi [1:02:41] * Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle [1:03:42] * Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby [1:04:34] * Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell [1:04:42]

Other Links * Ep. 116: Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits) * Ep. 145: 2023 Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits) * Ep. 43: Jordan Moblo (@jordys.book.club) on Growing a #Bookstagram Account * Ep. 63: Helena Dea Bala (Author of Craigslist Confessional) * Mini Ep. 59: Reviving Your Reading Life + Ann Patchett Deep Dive with Alyssa Hertzig (@alyssaisbooked) * Ep. 56: Holly Root (Literary Agent) on the Rise of Rom-Coms & Publishing in the Coronavirus Era * Ep. 66: Kate Stayman-London (Author of One to Watch) * Ep. 64: Catherine Adel West (Author of Saving Ruby King) * From Novel Visits: Reading in the Midst of a Global Pandemic | Musings * From Novel Visits: The Night Swim by Megan Goldin | [Spoiler] Discussion

About Susie Boutry Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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.

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In Episode 147, Lara Love Hardin joins me to discuss her memoir, The Many Lives of Mama Love. Lara shares her journey from opioid addict (funded through credit card theft) to successful ghostwriter. Her warm and candid storytelling touches on themes of forgiveness, redemption, and unwavering resilience, demonstrating people’s ability to triumph over life’s darkest moments. This was a five-star book for me, and I am thrilled to explore such a deeply felt journey with Lara.

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

Highlights * Lara’s overview of The Many Lives of Mama Love without spoilers. * Her decision to open up publicly about her past. * Shame, its debilitating effects, and the fears Lara faced prior to her book’s release. * The impact of the memoir on Lara’s family. * Complexities of motherhood alongside her struggles with addiction. * Why Lara views going to jail as the best thing that ever happened to her and how it shaped her perspective on life. * How her time in jail cultivated empathy, which she considers the most important quality to be a good ghostwriter. * The heartwarming story of Lara’s struggle to land a good job during her parole and how one person believing in you can change your life. * The original title of The Many Lives of Mama Love and the evolution of the book’s identity. * A potential topic for an upcoming book.

Lara’s Book Recommendations [33:59] Two OLD Books She Loves

• Ma and Me by Putsata Reang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:48]
• In the Shadow of the Mountain by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:03]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Yellowface by R. F. Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:22]
• Identity by Nora Roberts | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:07]

One Book She Didn’t Love

• Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:47]

Two NEW RELEASES She’s Excited About

• Safe by Mark Daley (January 30, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:18]
• Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner (January 23, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:07]

Last 5-Star Book Lara Read

• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:45]

Other Links * Ep. 142: Summer 2023 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

About Lara Love Hardin Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Lara Love Hardin is the President and Founder of True Literary a full-service boutique literary agency.

Hardin has an MFA in creative writing and is a 4-time New York Times bestselling writer, including the #1 New York Times bestseller Designing Your Life by Dave Evans and Bill Burnett, and 2018 Oprah Book Club pick, The Sun Does Shine, which she co-authored with Anthony Ray Hinton about his 30 years as an innocent man on Alabama’s death row. There are well over a million copies sold of the many books she has written, and you can find her on the title page and in the acknowledgments of books by Nelson Mandela, John Gottman, Evy Poumpouras, and other luminary authors on the Idea Architects roster.

In 2019 she won a Christopher Award for her work “affirming the highest values of the human spirit.” In 2019, she was also nominated for an NAACP Image Award, won the Moore Prize in the UK, and was short-listed for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. In 2020, she launched her own division within Idea Architects (Idea Architects: True) as a literary agent specializing in memoir.

She lives in La Selva Beach, California with her third husband, three dogs, three cats, and three teenagers. She also has 21 chickens, four ducks, and three adult sons who live at home on holidays and big laundry days.

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In today’s podcast episode, Katie Williams and I delve into the complex questions surrounding motherhood, marriage, and society’s fixation on a certain type of murder victim that she explores in My Murder. We discuss the romanticization of white female victims, serial killers and guilt, and the integration of video games and virtual reality into this story. As a bonus, Katie also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming horror comedy and shares her books recommendations.

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

Highlights * Katie shares a spoiler-free summary of My Murder. * How the narrator of My Murder (Lou) subverts the public’s fascination with the murder of white women. * Katie’s take on whether she’d want to come back as a clone after her death. * The romanticization of this type of death and victim. * Lou’s ambivalence about her life before her death and the complex way she examines this after returning as a clone. * Katie’s research on motherhood and her process that shaped her nuanced approach. * The integration of video games and virtual reality into her novel. * Pulling together the experience of guilt and serial killers. * How Katie crafted her surprising, but earned, ending. * Riding the line between writing by the seat of her pants (pantser) and planning everything out ahead of time (planner). * A little bit about Katie’s next book — a horror comedy!

Katie’s Book Recommendations [27:36] Two OLD Books She Loves

• This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:50]
• A Study in Scarlet Women (The Lady Sherlock Series, Book 1) by Sherry Thomas | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:34]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle [30:58]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Beware the Woman by Megan Abbott | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:30]
• Killingly by Katharine Beutner | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:24]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia [35:12]
  • The Turnout by Megan Abbott [35:27]

NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• Family Meal by Bryan Washington (October 10, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:50]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Memorial by Bryan Washington [41:01]

Last 5-Star Book Katie Read

• Lone Women by Victor LaValle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:57]

Other Links * Ep. 144: John Marrs (Author of The One, The Passengers, and The Marriage Act) * Ep. 90: Megan Abbott (Author of The Turnout)

Other Books Mentioned * Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [21:04]

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In Episode 145, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I dive into micro genres — the niches within niches that we’ve come to adore. Over the past year, we’ve discovered even more unique themes and types of books that consistently captivate us. Today, we’re thrilled to present a special episode where we share an abundant list of our favorite micro genres, the books that define them, and the reasons why we find them so irresistible.

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

Get Even More Summer Reading Recommendations with Summer Shelves: * In addition to my annual 2023 Summer Reading Guide, I’m once again offering Superstars Patrons ($7/mo) exclusive access to Summer Shelves, featuring even more recommendations for the season. * Summer Shelves features BACKLIST summer reading recommendations from 17 former podcast guests, our team members, and — for the first time — 20 Superstars patrons! * The Summer Shelves design is clean, crisp, and unique and you’ll receive it in a PDF file format via Patreon. * If you’d like to get the Summer Shelves companion guide, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You’ll also get access to a monthly bonus podcast series called Double Booked (where Catherine or Susie and I share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show) and my Rock Your Reading Tracker.

Get Summer Shelves

Micro Genres We Love Romances that Deal with Fame [3:47] Sarah

• The View Was Exhausting by Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:08]
• Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:15]
• Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:18]
• How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:23]
• The Idea of You by Robinne Lee | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:31]
• Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:44]
• Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:52]

Susie

• Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org[6:06]

Speculative Fiction that Involves Climate Change(a.k.a. Cli-Fi) [7:02] Susie

• The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:34]
• The Displacements by Bruce Holsinger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:40]
• American War by Omar El Akkad | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:48]
• Greenwood by Michael Christie | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:18]
• Bewilderment by Richard Powers | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:57]
• Migrations by Charlotte McConaughey | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:05]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [7:31]
• The Power by Naomi Alderman [7:32]

Novels about the Dynamics of the Creative Process [11:35] Sarah

• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:28]
• The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:31]
• If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:34]
• The Displacements by Bruce Holsinger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:40]
• Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:47]
• The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:52]
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:08]
• Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:17]
• The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:21]
• The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:47]
• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:50]
• Yellowface by R. F. Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:53]
• The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:55]
• A Likely Story by Leigh Abramson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:57]
• The Wife by Meg Wolitzer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:01]

Susie

• City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:30]
• Tuesday Nights in 1980 by Molly Prentiss | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:41]
• Fake by Erica Katz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:44]
• Writers and Lovers by Lily King | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:12]
• Groundskeeping by Lee Cole | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:16]
• No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:19]

Other Books Mentioned:

• The Ensemble by Aja Gabel [12:40]

Novels With a Focus on Found Family [17:11] Susie

• The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:42]
• A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:47]
• We Are the Light by Matthew Quick | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:08]
• The Measure by Nikki Erlick | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:12]
• The Celebrants by Steven Rowley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:33]
• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:39]
• The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:45]
• Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:53]

Other Books Mentioned:

• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue [20:49]

Literary Authors Leaping into Genre Writing [22:07] Sarah

• When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:16]
• I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org[23:26]
• Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:46]
• The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead | Amazon | Bookshop.org[24:17]

Susie

• On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:35]

Other Books Mentioned:

• The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai [23:29]
• The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead [24:27]
• The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [26:04]
• Watergate by Garrett M. Graff [26:04]
• The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [26:54]
• The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne [27:22]
• A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne [27:32]
• The Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett [27:54]

Retellings of Classics or Beloved Books [29:10] Susie

• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:45]
• Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:00]
• Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:06]
• The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:08]
• Circe by Madeline Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:16]
• The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:19]
• Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:22]
• Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:25]
• Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:32]
• Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:55]
• The Girls at the Kingfisher Club by Genevieve Valentine | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:58]
• Wicked by Gregory Maguire | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:05]

Sarah

• Anna K by Jenny Lee | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36]
• The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:48]
• Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:11]
• Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:44]
  • Be spoiler warned: The murders and endings of The A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie, Strangers on a Trainby Patricia Highsmith, The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne, Malice Aforethought by Francis Iles, Double Indemnity by James M. Cain, The Drowner by Robert Drewe, 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.
• Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson | Amazon| Bookshop.org [37:56]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen [30:58]
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott [32:15]
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald [33:03]
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy [36:38]
• Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith [36:54]
• Emma by Jane Austen [37:02]

Character Twists [38:38] Sarah

• The One by John Marrs | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:51]
• The Marriage Act by John Marrs | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:53]
• Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson | Amazon| Bookshop.org [40:01]
• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org[40:07]

Susie

• The Family by Naomi Krupitsky | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:00]
• Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:07]

Stories Taking Place in a Single Day (a.k.a. Circadian Novels) [41:24] Susie

• Atomic Family by Ciera Horton McElroy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:55]
• Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:04]
• I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:16]
• All Stories Are Love Stories by Elizabeth Percer | Amazon | Bookshop.org[43:51]
• The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:06]
• Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister | Amazon | Bookshop.org[44:32]
• Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:51]

Sarah

• One Day by David Nicholls | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:53]
• The Dinner by Herman Koch | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:04]
• Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:19]
• If We’re Being Honest by Cat Shook | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:38]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Ulysses by James Joyce [42:40]
• Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf [42:43]
• The Hours by Michael Cunningham [42:46]
• Foe by Iain Reid [43:41]

Intense, (Sometimes) F-ed Up Love Stories, that Most Definitely Are Not Romances [46:00] Sarah

• I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org[46:37]
• White Fur by Jardine Libaire | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:23]
• Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:36]
• Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:41]
• Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:47]
• Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:03]
• A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:13]
• Normal People by Sally Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:17]
• Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org[48:28]

Susie

• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:14]
• The Most Fun We’ve Ever Had by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:25]
• The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:33]
• Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:47]
• Big Swiss by Jen Beagin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:53]
• Everything’s Fine by Cecilia Rabess | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:58]

Novels Where Musicians or the Music Industry Play a Dominant Role [50:15] Susie

• Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org[51:39]
• The Ensemble by Aja Gabel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:50]
• The Storyteller by Dave Grohl | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:15]
• The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez | Amazon | Bookshop.org[52:42]
• How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:55]
• The People We Keep by Allison Larkin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:20]
• Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:33]
• Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:35]
• The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton | Amazon | Bookshop.org[54:34]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner [54:00]

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John Marrs, best-selling author of The One, The Passengers, and The Marriage Act, talks about his journey from self-published to bestselling author, his writing process, how he manages writing in multiple genres for two different publishers, and more. John’s journalism background led him to ask me some thought-provoking questions as well. Our conversation was an absolute delight, and I can’t wait for you to dive into his captivating universe of books. Plus, be sure to check out John’s book recommendations that align nicely with my own reading tastes!

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

Highlights * John’s transition from working journalist to accomplished author. * Spoiler-free summaries of his speculative fiction novels, The One, The Passengers, and The Marriage Act. * His unique journey to becoming a bestselling author across multiple genres. * John talks about his process of developing gripping plots following his rapid rise to success. * Sarah and John’s take on the “Match Your DNA” method from The One for finding soulmates. * John’s perspective on seeing his books adapted for the small screen, and his thoughts on the adaptation process. * The fascinating inspiration behind The Marriage Act and its thought-provoking themes. * Insights into John’s meticulous research process and real-life news that influences his storytelling. * John’s and Sarah’s views on trigger warnings. * A brief peek into John’s 3 upcoming books!

John’s Book Recommendations [34:32] Two OLD Books He Loves

• The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:31]
• The Beach by Alex Garland | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:32]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara [35:17]
  • Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith [36:55]
  • Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [37:14]
  • David Copperfield by Charles Dickens [37:17]
  • The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson [38:00]
  • Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson [38:17]
  • Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty [40:32]
  • Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid [40:41]
  • Normal People by Sally Rooney [40:48]

Two NEW Books He Loves

• Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent (July 18, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:24]
• Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:54]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent [42:58]
  • Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman [43:30]
  • Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart [44:01]

NEW RELEASE He’s Excited About

• None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell (August 8, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:01]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell [49:55]
  • The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell [50:01]
  • I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai [51:12]

Last 5-Star Book John Read

• Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:41]

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In today’s episode of Sarah’s Bookshelves Live, we dive into the fascinating world of book coaching with Abigail K. Perry (@abigailkperry)! We chat about the role of book coaches, the perks of working with them, and uncover some valuable insights for aspiring authors and book lovers. Plus, Abigail 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!).

Highlights * What a book coach is and their role in the writing / publishing process. * Industry gaps in publishing that create a demand for independent book coaches. * How book coaching differs from traditional editing or writing guidance. * The benefits of working with a book coach for aspiring authors. * The importance of reading broadly and understanding yourself as a writer and a reader. * How a book coach helps authors improve their craft and storytelling. * The importance of understanding the key components of writing and expectations by genre. * How a Book Coach supports the author through finding an agent through query letters. * The variety of services and expertise a book coach can offer. * How much a Book Coach costs.

Abigail’s Book Recommendations [35:16] Two OLD Books She Loves

• Legendborn by Tracy Deonn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:46]
• The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:47]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros [36:31]
  • The Midnight Library by Matt Haig [40:33]
  • Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson [40:36]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:54]
• The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:10]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus [42:04]
  • A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman [43:35]

One Book She DIDN’T Love

• Spare by Prince Harry the Duke of Sussex | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:01]

NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• Banyan Moon by Thao Thai (June 27, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:23]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner [52:51]

Last 5-Star Book Abigail Read

• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:04]

Other Links * Lit Match Podcast | First Chapters: Lessons in Chemistry (with Sarah Dickinson)

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Announcement * In addition to my annual 2023 Summer Reading Guide, I’m once again offering Superstars Patrons ($7/mo) exclusive access to Summer Shelves, featuring even more recommendations for the season. * Summer Shelves features BACKLIST summer reading recommendations from 17 former podcast guests, our team members, and — for the first time — 20+ Superstars patrons! * The Summer Shelves design is clean, crisp, and unique and you’ll receive it in a PDF file format via Patreon. * If you’d like to get the Summer Shelves companion guide, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You’ll also get access to a monthly bonus podcast series called Double Booked (where Catherine or Susie and I share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show) and my Rock Your Reading Tracker. * Also, 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!

Get Summer Shelves

Highlights * Catherine’s picks include 4 repeat authors! * Sarah picked some debuts and several repeat authors. * With no July picks, August might be the new September and July might be the new December. * Sarah continues with a variety of genres and micro genres, but on the lighter side this season. * Two books Sarah has already read, loved, and included in her 2023 Summer Reading Guide, including a 5-star book! * Plus, their #1 picks for summer!

Summer 2023 Book Preview [5:13] June

Sarah’s Picks:

• Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan (June 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:49]
• My Murder by Katie Williams (June 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:58]
• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue (June 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:09]
• Invisible Son by Kim Johnson (June 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:39]

Catherine’s Picks:

• Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See (June 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[11:41]
• All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby (June 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[17:42]
• You Can’t Stay Here Forever by Katherine Lin (June 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:46]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan [6:19]
• The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [9:10]
• Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby [19:54]
• Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler [24:06]
• Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson [24:28]
• One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle [26:40]
• This Is My America by Kim Johnson [27:49]
• Corrections in Ink by Keri Blakinger [28:59]
• The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas [29:33]

August

Sarah’s Picks:

• The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[33:35]
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:27]

Catherine’s Picks:

• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:52]
• Mobility by Lydia Kiesling (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:40]
• Western Alliances by Wilton Barnhardt (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[43:54]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman [33:06]
• Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond [33:09]
• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams [35:24]
• The Golden State by Lydia Kiesling [38:45]
• Red Notice by Bill Browder [40:48]
• Commonwealth by Ann Patchett [42:15]
• The Dutch House by Ann Patchett [42:18]
• These Precious Days by Ann Patchett [43:42]
• Lookaway, Lookaway by Wilton Barnhardt [45:25]
• All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay [46:56]
• The Marriage Act by John Marrs [47:49]

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Catherine (Gilmore Guide to Books) and I revisit the 12 books released in April and May featured in the Spring 2023 Book Preview. We give updates on our reading stats, share our thoughts on the books we’ve read or attempted, and offer recommendations on which ones deserve a spot on your reading list and which ones you might want to skip.

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

Announcement * In addition to my annual 2023 Summer Reading Guide, I’m once again offering Superstars Patrons ($7/mo) exclusive access to Summer Shelves, featuring even more recommendations for the season. * Summer Shelves features BACKLIST summer reading recommendations from 17 former podcast guests, our team members, and — for the first time — 20+ Superstars patrons! * The Summer Shelves design is clean, crisp, and unique and you’ll receive it in a PDF file format via Patreon. * If you’d like to get the Summer Shelves companion guide, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You’ll also get access to a monthly bonus podcast series called Double Booked (where Catherine or Susie and I share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show) and my Rock Your Reading Tracker.

Highlights * Catherine and Sarah share their Spring 2023 reading stats and success rates. * How these stats compare to springs of previous years. * Even more book talk, since Catherine has read several of Sarah’s picks, too! * Sarah shares something that’s never happened before on the podcast! * Plus, they name their best and worst books from the Spring 2023 Book Preview.

Books Read Before the Preview [6:03] Sarah’s Picks:

• Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb (April 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:31]
• Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan (May 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:16]

Other Books Mentioned:

• The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb [7:37]

Spring 2023 Circle Back [13:27] April

Sarah’s Picks:

• The One by Julia Argy (April 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:03]
• The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants by Orlando Ortega-Medina (April 18) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [25:43]
• If We’re Being Honest by Cat Shook (April 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[32:55]

Catherine’s Picks:

• Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal (April 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:31]
• The Skin and Its Girl by Sarah Cypher (April 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[22:57]
• Searching for Savanna by Mona Gable (April 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:14]

Other Books Mentioned:

• Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal [16:22]
• The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal [16:28]

May

Sarah’s Picks:

• The Marriage Act by John Marrs (May 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:16]

Catherine’s Picks:

• The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese (May 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:39]
• Dances by Nicole Cuffy (May 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:03]
• The Celebrants by Steven Rowley (May 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:14]

Other Books Mentioned:

• The One by John Marrs [44:35]
• The Passengers by John Marrs [46:32]
• The Guncle by Steven Rowley [53:21]
• The Editor by Steven Rowley [53:42]

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Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I share our favorite books that missed last year’s Summer Reading Guides, some nonfiction books we think are great for summer reading, and our #1 picks for four categories, including what I have featured in my 2023 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!).

Get Even More Summer Reading Recommendations with Summer Shelves: * In addition to my annual 2023 Summer Reading Guide, I’m once again offering Superstars Patrons ($7/mo) exclusive access to Summer Shelves, featuring even more recommendations for the season. * Summer Shelves features BACKLIST summer reading recommendations from 17 former podcast guests, our team members, and — for the first time — 20 Superstars patrons! * The Summer Shelves design is clean, crisp, and unique and you’ll receive it in a PDF file format via Patreon. * If you’d like to get the Summer Shelves companion guide, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You’ll also get access to a monthly bonus podcast series called Double Booked (where Catherine or Susie and I share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show) and my Rock Your Reading Tracker.

Summer Reading [4:33] Books That Missed Last Year’s Summer Reading Guides [5:29] Sarah

• Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:53]
• Red Widow by Alma Katsu | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:30]
• Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:24]

Susie

• The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:25]
• Dinosaurs by Lydia Millet | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:30]
• Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:09]

Nonfiction Books That Are Great for Summer Reading [22:35] Sarah

• True Story: Murder, Memoir, Mea Culpa by Michael Finkel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:52]
• Memorial Drive by Natasha Tretheway | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:31]
• Still Points North by Leigh Newman | Amazon | [34:44]

Susie

• Provence, 1970: M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, James Beard, and the Reinvention of American Taste by Luke Barr | Amazon | [25:02]
• Stash: My Life in Hiding by Laura Cathcart Robbins | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:27]
• Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman’s Awakening by Manal al-Sharif | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:00]

Our #1 Summer Picks by Category [40:16] Something Light / Fun

• Sarah: A Likely Story by Leigh McMullan Abramson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:12]
• Susie: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:28]

Something Fast-Paced / Intense

• Sarah: Drowning: The Rescue of Flight 1421 by T. J. Newman (May 30, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:45]
• Susie: I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:05]

Something With Substance

• Sarah: Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:24]
• Susie: Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:53]

Something Different

• Sarah: Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World by Lauren Fleshman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:33]
• Susie: Big Swiss by Jen Beagin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:13]

Other Books Mentioned * The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [3:47] * Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett [4:01] * Cover Story by Susan Rigetti [9:11] * The Hunger by Alma Katsu [10:43] * Red London by Alma Katsu [12:47] * The Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet [14:45] * Untamed by Glennon Doyle [18:15] * Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson [20:52] * The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel [23:13] * In Cold Blood by Truman Capote [23:57] * The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls [35:57] * Wild by Cheryl Strayed [36:13] * Falling by T. J. Newman [47:05] * Miracle on the Hudson by William Prochnau and Laura Parker [48:04] * Raven Rock by Garrett M. Graff [48:38] * The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai [51:14] * All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay [52:59] * Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano [53:54] * Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [56:32]

Other Links * Vogue | In Finishing Her Book, Lauren McBrayer…

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In Episode 139, Brendan Slocumb talks about his sophomore novel, Symphony of Secrets, and the inspiration behind it. He shares a fascinating look into musical history of the 1920’s, his unique approach to writing musical thrillers, and how he balances musical detail with readability. He also delves into the exploitation of musicians in the industry and how many are simply lost to history. Plus, stick around to hear Brendan’s book recommendations.

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

Highlights * The story behind Symphony of Secrets and the composer who partially inspired it. * Brendan’s unique approach to writing and his goal to become the “Stephen King of musical thrillers.” * The pressure of writing a second book so soon after such a successful debut (The Violin Conspiracy). * How Brendan blends musical analysis and character development without overwhelming the reader while staying true to the story. * The exploitation and appropriation of musicians and their work in the music industry. * Why he chose to make a main character neurodivergent and his experience with teaching neurodivergent music students. * His inspiration for the badass character Eboni. * The title changes for both of his books, including the original title for Symphony of Secrets. * A bit about his upcoming third book and a potential fourth book in the future.

Brendan’s Book Recommendations [28:38] Two OLD Books He Loves

• A Little Devil in America by Hanif Abdurraqib | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:51]
• Riker’s Calling by Rico Lamoureux | Amazon [30:08]

Two NEW Books He Loves

• Ozark Dogs by Eli Cranor | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:15]
• Sea Change by Gina Chung | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:54]

One NEW RELEASE He’s Excited About

• Closer by Sea by Perry Chafe (May 23, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:54]

Last 5-Star Book Brendan Read

• Ozark Dogs by Eli Cranor | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:32]

Other Books Mentioned * Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb [0:56] * The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb [1:03] * Don’t Know Tough by Eli Cranor [31:47]

Other Links * Currently Reading Podcast | Minisode: An Interview with “The Violin Conspiracy” Author Brendan Slocumb

About Brendan Slocumb Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

Brendan Slocumb was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and holds a degree in music education (with concentrations in violin and viola) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. For more than twenty years he has been a public and private school music educator and has performed with orchestras throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

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In Episode 138, author Rebecca Makkai discusses I Have Some Questions for You, her latest novel that explores societal issues such as racism and wrongful incarceration through the lens of a crime story. This was a five-star book for me and looks to be the book of 2023 so far! Rebecca shared how she engaged with readers using click-bait style headlines and created a sense of intimacy through the second-person point of view. She also goes behind the scenes of how she pitches her new book ideas to her agent and publisher. Plus, Rebecca gives us 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!).

Highlights * A spoiler-free glimpse into her latest book, I Have Some Questions for You. * What inspired her to start writing the book, including the initial wave of the #MeToo movement and the public’s fascination with true crime. * Insider knowledge about when she shares her work with agents and publishers. * How she blended elements of crime within her literary fiction novel. * How she uses click-bait style headlines to draw readers in from the opening of the book and throughout the story. * Why Rebecca used the second-person point of view and how that created an intimate connection between readers and the protagonist. * How she used student testimony and gossip to shape the narrative and delve into issues such as racism, sexism, and abuse. * How she reconciled the viewpoints of the ’90s with modern perspectives in her novel. * A sneak peek of what Rebecca has planned next, including a hint about her upcoming book, and learn about her 84 Books Project.

Rebecca’s Book Recommendations [30:43] Two OLD Books She Loves

• The Door by Magda Szabó | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:57]
• We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:32]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English by Noor Naga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:34]
• The Guest Lecture by Martin Riker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:06]

A Book With Which She Has a Complicated Relationship

• London Fields by Martin Amis | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:11]

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• Maddalena and the Dark by Julia Fine (June 13, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:52]

Last 5-Star Book Rebecca Read

• Madonna in a Fur Coat by Sabahattin Ali | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:09]

Other Books Mentioned * The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai [1:05] * The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai [1:58] * The Hundred-Year House by Rebecca Makkai [2:01] * Music for Wartime by Rebecca Makkai [2:02] * The Tiger’s Wife by Téa Obreht [7:01] * All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay [9:43] * When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain [12:09] * The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson [34:29] * The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson [34:39] * The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan [42:02] * Time’s Arrow by Martin Amis [42:47] * Stella Maris by Cormac McCarthy [45:39] * The Upstairs House by Julia Fine [48:02] * The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb [48:51] * The Ensemble by Aja Gable [48:53]

About Rebecca Makkai Website| Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Substack

Rebecca Makkai is the author of the novels I Have Some Questions for You, The Great Believers, The Hundred-Year House, and The Borrower, and the story collection Music for Wartime. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, The Great Believers received an American Library Association Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, among other honors, and was named one of the Ten Best Books of 2018 by The New York Times. A 202 Guggenheim fellow, Makkai is on the MFA faculties of the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe and Northwestern University, and is the artistic director of StoryStudio Chicago. She lives on the campus of the midwestern boarding school where her husband teaches, and in Vermont.

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Welcome to the Spring 2023 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!

In this episode, Catherine and I share 12 of our 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!).

Announcement * I’ve got BIG NEWS! If you’ve been interested in joining our Patreon Community, but have yet to sign up — a 30-day free trial starts today! This is for new patrons only and sign-up continues for the next 7 days. Hurry and check out my Patreon page for more information! * 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 * We have some debut authors and a few sophomore novels — one 14 years in the making! * Catherine’s picks are still leaning more literary, including getting herself into a 700+ page book! * Sarah’s spring has a variety of genres and micro genres. * Two books Sarah has already read and loved from spring selections. * Plus, their #1 picks for spring.

Spring 2023 Book Preview [5:19] April

Sarah’s Picks:

• The One by Julia Argy (April 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:01]
• Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb (April 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:00]
• The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants by Orlando Ortega-Medina (April 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:08]
• If We’re Being Honest by Cat Shook (April 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:00]

Catherine’s Picks:

• Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal (April 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:43]
• The Skin and Its Girl by Sarah Cypher (April 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:48]
• Searching for Savanna by Mona Gable (April 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:08]

May

Sarah’s Picks:

• Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan (May 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:35]
• The Marriage Act by John Marrs (May 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:22]

Catherine’s Picks:

• The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese (May 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:52]
• Dances by Nicole Cuffy (May 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:56]
• The Celebrants by Steven Rowley (May 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:16]

Other Books Mentioned * The One by John Marrs [8:32] * One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London [10:17] * The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun [10:27] * Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal [10:59] * The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal [12:52] * The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb [14:32] * The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris [21:46] * All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay [22:17] * Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann [25:25] * Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid [27:14] * This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper [28:14] * Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese [30:59] * A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara [31:48] * Watergate by Garrett M. Graff [31:58] * Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [34:23] * The Passengers by John Marrs [41:19] * Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell [43:17] * The Guncle by Steven Rowley [46:18] * The Editor by Steven Rowley [46:32]

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In today’s episode, Catherine (Gilmore Guide to Books) and I circle back to the 16 books we featured in the Winter 2023 Book Preview. We’ll be sharing our reading stats and thoughts on the books we’ve read (or attempted), to help you decide which ones to add to your reading list and which ones to skip.

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

Highlights * How Sarah’s favorite books from 2022 are impacting her expectations. * Catherine and Sarah share their Winter 2023 reading stats and success rates. * Sarah had stellar results with four 5-star books! * Plus, their #1 picks from winter! * They name their best and worst books from the Preview.

Books We Read Before the Preview [5:03] Sarah’s Picks:

• Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson (January 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:25]
• Maame by Jessica George (January 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:31]

Winter 2023 Circle Back [10:31] January

Sarah’s Pick:

• The Sense of Wonder by Matthew Salesses (January 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:46]

Catherine’s Picks:

• Ghost Season by Fatin Abbas (January 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:38]
• Margot by Wendell Steavenson (January 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:40]

February

Sarah’s Picks:

• I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai (February 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:50]
• Time’s Undoing by Cheryl A. Head (February 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:09]

Catherine’s Picks:

• Victory City by Salman Rushdie (February 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:00]
• Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes (February 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:39]
• On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel (February 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:53]
• All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley (February 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:05]

March

Sarah’s Picks:

• Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson (March 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:27]
• All That Is Mine I Carry with Me by William Landay (March 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:00]
• Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (March 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:04]

Catherine’s Picks:

• Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai (March 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:02]
• The Perfumist of Paris by Alka Joshi (March 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:08]

Other Books Mentioned * Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus [2:58] * Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett [2:59] * Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [3:01] * The Measure by Nikki Erlick [3:06] * The One by John Marrs [3:11] * The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai [26:34] * The Secret History by Donna Tartt [29:36] * Circe by Madeline Miller [33:16] * Betty by Tiffany McDaniel [37:54] * Watergate by Garrett M. Graff [44:26] * The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne [51:05] * Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane [51:08] * Little Women by Louisa May Alcott [51:28] * Dear Edward by Ann Nepolitano [53:01] * The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi [53:58]

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In episode 135, author William Landay discusses his latest novel, All That Is Mine I Carry With Me, while also sharing his background as a prosecutor and how he incorporates family drama into his crime novels. William shares a couple elements of his book that changed throughout the writing process (including how it was almost meta fiction!). We also chat about how the court of public opinion shapes the idea of doubt in his book and how the different perspectives play a role in creating suspense. Plus, William gives us 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!).

Highlights * William Landay discusses what he’s been up to between the publication of Defending Jacob and his newest book. * He gives a spoiler-free overview of his latest novel, All That Is Mine I Carry With Me. * How his work differs from typical crime or detective fiction. * William’s approach to creating a sense of realism in his writing without spoon-feeding the reader all the details. * How the court of public opinion shapes the way doubt evolves in the story. * Why readers naturally wonder about the truth hidden in crime fiction. * William’s background as a prosecutor and pulling in the family drama side of his legal novels. * The idea of the “murder gene” and the science behind it. * The family dynamics and different perspectives in the book. * The original name of a character in the book and why it was changed, as well as other changes made to the book and ending.

William’s Book Recommendations [36:06] Two OLD Books He Loves

• Mrs. Fletcher by Tom Perrotta | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:49]
• Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:41]

Two NEW Books He Loves

• The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams by Stacy Schiff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:08]
• Liberty Is Sweet by Woody Holton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:10]

William’s Take on UPCOMING RELEASES [46:32]

Last 5-Star Book William Read

• The Mirror & the Light (Wolf Hall Trilogy, 3) by Hilary Mantel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:35]

Other Books Mentioned * Defending Jacob by William Landay [1:30] * The Strangler by William Landay [1:37] * Mission Flats by William Landay [1:44] * Atonement by Ian McEwan [26:04] * Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar [30:11] * The Witches: Salem, 1692 by Stacy Schiff [43:59]

About William Landay Website| Twitter | Instagram

William Landay is the author of All That Is Mine I Carry With Me and three previous novels: Defending Jacob, which won the Strand Critics Award for best mystery novel; The Strangler, listed as a best crime novel of the year by the L.A. Times, Daily Telegraph and others; and Mission Flats, winner of the Dagger Award for best first crime novel. A former assistant district attorney, he lives in Boston.

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In today’s episode, Deborah Goodrich Royce joins me to talk about her latest book, Reef Road. We discuss the personal story behind her book and the role of generational trauma in her writing niche, which she calls “Identity Thrillers.” We also covered the explosion of true crime content and got a sneak peek at some details of her upcoming book. Also, Deborah shares her book recommendations — breaking the format by pairing the old and new books together.

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

Highlights * A spoiler-free rundown of Reef Road. * Deborah’s “Identity Thrillers” micro-genre and how it fits her writing style. * The real-life crime that inspired Reef Road. * Why Deborah chose to write a fictional story instead of a non-fiction account. * How she explores generational and conferred trauma. * The connection between generational trauma and the obsessive researching that motivates amateur sleuths. * The role of residual trauma in the lives of authors Dominick Dunne and Michelle McNamara. * The explosion of True Crime content and the public’s fascination with it. * Deborah shares a story about a recent break-in she experienced and discusses how her thriller author mindset influenced her analysis of the event. * Some sneak peek details about an upcoming book she’s working on. * The meta elements about crime fiction in Reef Road. * The real-life details that helped develop the true crime writer character’s voice in the story. * How the setting and the COVID lockdown played a pivotal role in the development of the story.

Deborah’s Book Recommendations [33:26] Two Book PAIRINGS She Loves

• Old Book: The Pursuit of Love; Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:55]
• New Book: The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:53]
• Old Book: Oh William! by Elizabeth Strout | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:55]
• New Book: Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:29]

One Book She Didn’t Love

• The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:27]

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane (May 2, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:44]

Last 5-Star Book Deborah Read

• Charming Billy by Alice McDermott | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:32]

Other Books Mentioned * Ruby Falls by Deborah Goodrich Royce [1:22] * Finding Mrs. Ford by Deborah Goodrich Royce [1:28] * I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara [13:35] * Unmasked by Paul Holes [13:51] * Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson [22:42] * Seven Days in June by Tia Williams [22:59] * The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles [23:43] * The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb [26:21] * 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard [32:42] * All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr [33:04] * The American Way of Death by Jessica Mitford [38:13] * Kind and Usual Punishment by Jessica Mitford [38:16] * The Sun King by Nancy Mitford [38:35] * Madame de Pompadour by Nancy Mitford [38:39] * Middlemarch by George Eliot [43:53] * Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane [45:59] * Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry [49:18]

About Deborah Goodrich Royce Website | Twitter | Instagram

Deborah Goodrich Royce’s thrillers examine puzzles of identity. Reef Road hit Publishers Weekly’s Bestseller list, Good Morning America’s Top 15 list, and was an Indie Next pick by the American Booksellers Association for January 2023. Ruby Falls won the Zibby Award for Best Plot Twist in 2021 and Finding Mrs. Ford was hailed by Forbes, Book Riot, and Good Morning America’s “best of” lists in 2019. She began as an actress on All My Children and in multiple films, before transitioning to the role of story editor at Miramax Films, developing Emma and early versions of Chicago and A Wrinkle in Time. With her husband, Chuck, Deborah restored the Avon Theatre, Ocean House Hotel, Deer Mountain Inn, United Theatre, Savoy Bookstore, and numerous Main Street revitalization projects in Rhode Island and the Catskills. She serves on the governing and advisory boards of the American Film Institute, Greenwich International Film Festival, New York Botanical Garden, Greenwich Historical Society, and the PRASAD Project. Deborah holds a bachelor’s degree in modern foreign languages and an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Lake Erie College.

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Literary agent Sarah Landis joins me for a deep dive into the Speculative Fiction / Fantasy genre. Sarah breaks down these terms, shares popular books in these genres, and discusses the trends she’s seeing in the publishing industry. Also, Sarah shares both her book recommendations and her go-to books for those looking to dive into these genres!

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

Highlights * Differentiating between genres: Fantasy, Speculative Fiction, Sci-Fi, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Climate Fiction. * The genres that scare publishers and the toughest genre to define! * The sub-genres of fantasy: High / Epic, Grounded, and Historical. * How the term ‘Speculative’ is actually a broader umbrella term. * The trends and performance in publishing for Speculative Fiction and Fantasy. * Why many fantasy books are written as a series. * How the “Harry Potter” generation seems to be shaping both readers and authors. * Sarah’s go-to recommendations for those new to these genres!

Sarah’s Book Recommendations [30:31] Two OLD Books She Loves

• The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:56]
• The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:18]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Babel by R. F. Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:16]
• Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:12]

One Book She Didn’t Love

• The Atlas Paradox by Olivie Blake | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:58]

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• House of Cotton by Monica Brashears (April 4, 2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:33]

Last 5-Star Book Sarah Read

• The Cloisters by Katy Hays | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:08]

Other Books Mentioned * The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood [5:59] * Red Clocks by Leni Zumas [6:11] * Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett [6:56] * The Measure by Nikki Erlick [7:15] * The One by John Marrs [7:33] * The Passengers by John Marrs [7:38] * The Road by Cormac McCarthy [9:25] * Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [9:51] * Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam [10:01] * After the Flood by Kassandra Montag [10:52] * Wanderers by Chuck Wendig [11:45] * Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn [12:19] * A Game of Thrones by James R. R. Martin [12:52] * The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien [12:54] * The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern [13:13] * The Magicians by Lev Grossman [13:15] * The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman [13:22] * Circe by Madeline Miller [16:00] * Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead [16:31] * One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez [17:00] * The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab [18:58] * Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo [19:04] * The Midnight Library by Matt Haig [19:06] * Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens [21:12] * The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins [21:15] * Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus [22:05] * Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [22:10] * Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo [26:40] * The Change by Kirsten Miller [27:24] * The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman [28:52] * The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley [29:18] * Beauty by Robin McKinley [29:21] * Spindle’s End by Robin McKinley [29:22] * The Peripheral by William Gibson [30:16] * In Five Years by Rebecca Serle [30:23] * The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang [37:41] * Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [37:49] * The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake [40:15] * Social Creature by Tara Isabella Burton [47:09] * Necessary People by Anna Pitoniak [47:19] * Cover Story by Susan Rigetti [47:28]

About Sarah Landis Website | Twitter | Instagram

Sarah Landis represents a wide range of fiction from middle grade to adult. Sarah is particularly drawn to high-concept plots, big hooks, speculative fiction, twisty thrillers, novels with a strong emotional core, and sweeping fantasy. She is always on the lookout for new talent and narrative risk-takers. Her clients’ novels have received a variety of accolades, including Barnes and Noble book club selections and Reese’s Book Club, and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists as well as international bestseller lists around the globe. Before joining Sterling Lord Literistic in 2017, Sarah worked as an editor for fifteen years, holding roles at G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Hyperion Books, HarperCollins Children’s Books, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers. Sarah graduated with a B.A. in English from the University of Virginia.