Episodes
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Ep. 198 is the second episode of our brand-new “Best of…” series. Anderson McKean of Page & Palette Bookstore joined me for the Best of Thrillers, with her all-time TOP TEN favorite thriller novels…and, a couple buzzy thrillers that didn’t work for her. Also, Anderson talks about how she started reading thrillers, the wide variety available in the genre, and books from her list that would be perfect for those new to the genre!
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Highlights What draws her to the thriller genre. From domestic to psychological thrillers, Anderson talks about the variety of the genre. Her favorite sub-genres and what doesn’t work for her. Anderson picks a few books from her list that would be good starter books for those new to the genre. Anderson’s All-Time Top Ten Thrillers [10:33] Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:44] Room by Emma Donoghue (2010) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:57] It Girl by Ruth Ware (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:41] A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:16] Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:43] The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:38] Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:17] Red Queen by Juan Gómez-Jurado (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:48] When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:12] These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:37] High-Profile Thrillers That Did Not She Didn’t Love [48:35] The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:41] None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:01] Other Books Mentioned The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz (2021) [13:23] The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (2015) [16:06] The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins (2024) [16:13] Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (2021) [16:38] The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware (2016) [20:58] I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai (2023) [21:50] Zero Days by Ruth Ware (2023) [23:05] Vantage Point by Sara Sligar (2025) [23:11] One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware (2024) [23:54] The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2003) [24:51] Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong (2025) [27:35] What Have You Done by Shari Lepena (2024) [30:09] The Couple Next Door by Shari Lepena (2016) [30:24] Someone We Know by Shari Lepena (2019) [30:31] Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent (2023) [32:23] The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth (2019) [33:26] The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth (2022) [33:50] The Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth (2023) [33:53] Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister (2023) [36:36] The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (2005) [38:04] The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum (1980) [39:24] In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross (2023) [42:25] The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) [44:17] Our Endless Numbered Days by Claire Fuller (2015) [47:20] The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant (2024) [48:11] The Fury by Alex Michaelides (2024) [49:47] The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019) [49:53] -
Welcome to the Summer 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!
Today, Catherine and Sarah share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing from June through mid-August.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Announcement One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights Catherine and Sarah share some big releases coming this summer (lightning-round style). Of Catherine’s six book picks, 3 are about sisters and most are from repeat authors. Sarah’s choices feature 3 debut authors, 2 repeat authors, and 1 new author. And, 5 of Sarah’s six books are European novels. From literary picks to thrillers to romances, they’ve got a range of books for summer. Sarah has already read two of her picks — and they’re on the 2025 Summer Reading Guide (be sure to check out the full list) Plus, their #1 picks for summer. Big Summer Releases Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:12] With a Vengeance by Riley Sager (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:18] Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:32] The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick (June 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:36] A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:45] The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (July 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:57] The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:08] Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:13] A Most Puzzling Murder by Bianca Marais (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:17] Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:27] The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:29] Don’t Open Your Eyes by Liv Constantine (June 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:32] The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen (August 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:36] Summer 2025 Book Preview [4:07]June
Sarah’s Pick
The Compound by Aisling Rawle (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:19]Catherine’s Picks
The Catch by Yrsa Daley-Ward (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:40] King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:02] I’ll Be Right Here by Amy Bloom (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:01]Other Books Mentioned
Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954) [10:01] FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven (2016) [10:04] The Godfather by Mario Puzo (1969) [20:29] All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby (2023) [20:55] Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (2021) [21:00] Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby (2020) [21:01] White Houses by Amy Bloom (2018) [27:08] This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (2017) [27:52] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (2019) [27:57] The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden (2024) [28:28]July
Sarah’s Picks
Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:36] Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:44] The Rabbit Club by Christopher J. Yates (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:48] Her Many Faces by Nicci Cloke (July 15*) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:38](Updated release date following the recording of this episode.) August Lane by Regina Black (July 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:44]Catherine’s Picks
The Satisfaction Café by Kathy Wang (July 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:37] Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:32]Other Books Mentioned
Shark Heart by Emily Habeck (2023) [18:12] Writers and Lovers by Lily King (2020) [18:17] The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue (2023) [25:06] Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler (2023) [25:09] Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (2013) [28:57] The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer (2013) [31:13] The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992) [31:15] The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008) [31:16] Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1865) [] If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio (2017) [32:37] Imposter Syndrome by Kathy Wang (2021) [35:16] Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (2023) [35:40] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) [35:42] The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz (2022) [35:45] Girl A by Abigail Dean (2021) [38:21] The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) [38:24] Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka (2022) [38:28] The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon (2023) [40:16] The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (2023) [41:58] Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zentner (2024) [43:30] Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [43:41] The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton (2021) [43:46] Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [45:01] August Catherine’s Pick The Frequency of Living Things by Nick Fuller Googins (August 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:15]Other Books Mentioned
She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb (1992) [48:08] Other Links Sarah’s Bookshelves | The Possibility of a Black Chalk Sequel: Guest Post by Christopher J. Yates -
Missing episodes?
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In Episode 196, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Spring 2025 Book Preview, now that they’ve read them. They share their reading stats, chat about what worked — and hash out which books didn’t work and why.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Our Printable Cheatsheet for the 2025 Summer Reading Guide is available to anyone who signs up for either a 7-Day FREE TRIAL of our Patreon Community (sign up here) OR a 30-day FREE TRIAL of our paid Substack Community (sign up here). We offer the same bonus content on both platforms for just $7 per month. Sign-ups for our Free Trials (and access to the Summer Reading Guide Cheatsheet) will close on Friday, May 23.
Get the Cheatsheet from Patreon
Get the Cheatsheet from Substack
Highlights Catherine is rocking a 100% success rate for spring! Sarah had another barbell season with two 5-star books and 3 DNFs with a 50% success rate. Catherine has a mix of darker and lighter books from spring, leaning into what is currently working. Now that Sarah doesn’t have to balance reading for the 2025 Summer Reading Guide and the Spring Preview, Sarah hopes her summer reading will fare better. They name the best and worst books picks for spring! Books We Read Before the Preview [3:37]April
Sarah’s Picks
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (Apr 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:04] Spring 2025 Circle Back [5:27]April
Sarah’s Picks
The Family Recipe by Carolyn Huynh (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:38] I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:40] The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (Apr 22) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:14] Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone (Apr 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:27]Catherine’s Picks
Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:32] Heartwood by Amity Gaige (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:12]Other Books Mentioned
The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh (2022) [8:48] Talk to Me by John Kenney (2019) [15:58] About a Boy by Nick Hornby (1998) [17:26] I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin (2023) [24:24]May
Sarah’s Picks
Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle (May 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:57]Catherine’s Pick
Home of the American Circus by Allison Larkin (May 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:16] The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North (May 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:35] Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (May 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:23] Storybook Ending by Moira Macdonald (May 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:02]Other Books Mentioned
The Angel Maker by Alex North (2023) [26:44] Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (2016) [41:02] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [41:08] Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (2020) [41:13] Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune (2021) [41:19] The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (2020) [41:23] -
In Ep. 195, Susie (@NovelVisits) and Sarah are back to share their favorite books that missed last year’s Summer Reading Guide and our #1 picks for each category featured in my 2025 Summer Reading Guide. Plus, they begin by sharing how their summer reading habits have evolved over the years.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Once again, we are happy to offer a Printable Cheatsheet for this year’s Guide:
Get the Cheatsheet from Patreon Get the Cheatsheet from Substack Summer Reading [7:42] The Evolution of Our Summer Reading Journeys [8:41]Books Mentioned by Susie
London by Edward Rutherfurd (1997) [15:09] The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (2005) [16:09] The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008) [16:12] Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005) [16:15] Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (2009) [16:31] The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (2013) [16:32] 11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) [16:34]Books Mentioned by Sarah
Jaws by Peter Benchley (1974) [17:57] The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand (1943) [21:02] Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (1957) [21:03] Fall of Giants by Ken Follett (2010) [21:06] Books That Missed Last Year’s Summer Reading Guide [24:23]Sarah
JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral Biography by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:27] Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:08] Hunted by Abir Mukherjee (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:51]Susie
The Most by Jessica Anthony (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:10] The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:52] Blue Light Hours by Bruna Dantas Lobato (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:01]Other Books Mentioned
The Measure by Nikki Erlick (2022) [30:13] Our #1 Summer Picks by Category [40:37]Something Light / Fun
Sarah: The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:23] Susie: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:36] Other Books Mentioned Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) [41:35]Something Fast-Paced / Intense
Sarah: Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:27]Slow-Burn Suspense
Susie: The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:40]Something With a Bit More Substance
Sarah: Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:54] Susie: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:46] Other Books Mentioned Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) [1:00:00]Something Different
Sarah: Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:33] Susie: Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:47] Other Books Mentioned Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld (2005) [1:02:59] Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [1:06:24] -
In Ep. 194, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Sarah head back to the year 2017 in the book world with this second annual special retrospective episode! They share big bookish highlights for that year, including book news, award winners, and what was going on in the world outside of reading. They also talk about how their own 2017 reading shook out, including their favorite 2017 releases. Plus, a quick run-down of listener-submitted favorites! This episode is overflowing with great backlist titles to add to your TBR!
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Highlights The big news that was going on outside the book world. The book stories and trends that dominated 2017. How similar 2017 and 2025 are. The 2017 books that have had staying power. Was this as dismal a year in books as Sarah remembers? Sarah’s and Catherine’s personal 2017 reading stats. Listener-submitted favorites from 2017. Bookish Time Capsule (2017) [2:12] The World Beyond Books No books mentioned in this segment. The Book Industry Wonder by R. J. Palacio (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:59] Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:04] A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:40] The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:44] Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:08] My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Tallent (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:18] The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:03] If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:13] We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:23] Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:46] Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:48] The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:50] Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:57] Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:03] James by Percival Everett (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:04] Bookish Headlines and Trends Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:41] A Promised Land by Barack Obama (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:43] The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama (2006) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:48] My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:04] The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:31] Big Books and Award Winners of 2017 A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:01] Beartown by Fredrik Backman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:06] The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:21] Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:27] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:48] Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:09] The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:39] Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:23] Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:40] Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:31] Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:09] Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:51] Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:16] Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:41] Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:32] Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:38] Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:09] The Sellout by Paul Beatty (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:52] What Happened by Hillary Rodham Clinton (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:56] Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:21] The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:45] Before the Fall by Noah Hawley (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:04] The Stone Sky (The Broken Earth, 3) by N. K. Jemisin (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:30] Our Top Books of 2017 The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:46] Beartown by Fredrik Backman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:20] Dead Letters by Caite Dolan-Leach (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:22] Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:02] If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:16] Quicksand by Malin Persson Giolitio (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:23] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:36] This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:38] Trophy Son by Douglas Brunt (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:48] White Fur by Jardine Libaire (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:05] Final Girls by Riley Sager (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:38] Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:44] Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:46] Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:49] The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:10] Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman (1995) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:15] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:19] The Heirs by Susan Rieger (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:34] The Takedown by Corrie Wang (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:53] Feast of Sorrow by Crystal King (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:01] Girl in Snow by Danya Kukafka (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:09] Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:17] Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:28] The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:33] Listeners’ Top Books of 2017 Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:33] Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:51] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:03] The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[50:07] Beartown by Fredrik Backman (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:13] Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:15] The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:18] The Alice Network by Kate Quinn (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:24] This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:25] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:27] -
In Episode 193, author Clare Leslie Hall talks with Sarah about her US debut, Broken Country — a breakout hit and a Reese’s Book Club pick. A genre mash-up that is part love story and part murder trial, Clare talks about marketing Broken Country, how this came to be her first U.S. release, and the ways the novel evolved over time. Plus, Clare shares her book recommendations.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Highlights Books by Clare Leslie Hall: Broken Country, Days You Were Mine (previously published as Mine), and Pictures of Him (previously published as Him). Clare gives a brief, spoiler-free overview of Broken Country. Clare’s inspiration for Broken Country. How the themes of love, guilt, and connection play roles in the novel. The ways Broken Country developed and changed over the course of her writing process. How Clare decided that this was no longer a contemporary novel and needed to be set in the 1950s and 1960s. The aspect of the book of which she’s most proud. How Broken Country came to be her first book released in the U.S. What the marketing looked like for Broken Country compared to her first two novels. Anything Clare would change about Broken Country down the line should she have the opportunity (since she was able to change the ending of her second book for the U.S. release). A bit about what Clare has planned for her next book. Clare’s Book Recommendations [35:30]Two OLD Books She Loves
Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively (1987) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:43] All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy (1992) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:26] Other Books Mentioned: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (1985) [38:42]Two NEW Books She Loves
Nesting by Roisín O’Donnell (February 18, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[40:12] Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell (July 30, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:33] Other Books Mentioned: The Wedding People by Alison Espach (July 30, 2024) [43:48] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021) [44:04]One Book She DIDN’T Love
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1878) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:22]One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About
What the Deep Water Knows by Miranda Cowley Heller (July 1, 2025) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [48:40]Last 5-Star Book Clare Read
Leaving by Roxana Robinson (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:19] Books From the Discussion Atonement by Ian McEwan (2001) [14:38] The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley (1953) [14:42] To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) [16:22] Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (2018) [54:02] About Clare Leslie HallInstagram | X
Clare Leslie Hall is a novelist and journalist who lives in the wilds of Dorset, England, with her family. She’s the author of Broken Country, Pictures of Him, and Days You Were Mine.
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Welcome to the Spring 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!
Today, Catherine and Sarah share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing in April and May.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Announcement Sarah’s Bookshelves has joined Substack! Please note, we’re not MOVING to Substack, we’re simply adding Substack to the places we already put out content. On our FREE Substack feed, Sarah’s Bookshelves is offering all the content you already find on the blog, my Instagram account, public podcast, On our PAID feed, we’re offering all the content we also offer on Patreon. If you’re interested in becoming a paying subscriber on Substack, visit sarahsbookshelveslive.substack.com for all the details and a full list of benefits. If you’re already on Substack, please consider following the FREE feed and sharing with your reader friends to help support the show. One of the many benefits to joining as a paying member of either our Patreon or Substack Communities is gaining access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that were not shared in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all Superstar patrons here and all Substack paid subscribers here! Highlights Catherine and Sarah share some big releases coming this spring (lightning round style). With a theme this season of “change,” Catherine focuses on lighter fiction and thrillers. Sarah’s choices are evenly split between debut authors, new to her authors, and repeat authors. Food novels, rom-coms, thrillers (two with a mistaken identity element), and lighter reading are the picks for spring! Sarah has already read one of her picks — and one of Catherine’s! And, Catherine has already started reading one of hers. Plus, their #1 picks for the spring. Big Spring Releases [5:15] The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong (May 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:43] The Dark Maestro by Brendan Slocumb (May 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:47] Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:56] Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson (May 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:03] Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:18] The Maid’s Secret by Nita Prose (Apr 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:26] Audition by Katy Kitamura (Apr 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:29] My Documents by Kevin Ngyuen (Apr 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:44]Backlist Titles Mentioned
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb (2022) [5:51] Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb (2023) [5:53] Spring 2025 Book Preview [6:51]April
Sarah’s Picks
The Family Recipe by Carolyn Huynh (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:40] I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:49] The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (Apr 22) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:15] Gold Coast Dilemma by Nana Malone (Apr 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:28] The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (Apr 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:42]Catherine’s Picks
Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:46] Heartwood by Amity Gaige (Apr 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:23]Other Books Mentioned
The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh (2022) [9:44] Talk to Me by John Kenney (2019) [14:53] About a Boy by Nick Hornby (1998) [16:48] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [18:30] The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean (2024) [18:32] Sea Wife by Amity Gaige (2020) [22:47] The Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (2024) [24:45] The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall (2019) [26:18] Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [26:20] We Are the Brennans by Tracey Lange (2021) [26:22] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (2019) [26:25] Yours, Eventually by Nura Maznavi (2025) [30:58] Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) [33:47] The Guncle by Steven Rowley (2021) [38:04]May
Sarah’s Picks
Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle (May 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:16]Catherine’s Pick
Home of the American Circus by Allison Larkin (May 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:48] The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North (May 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:29] Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (May 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:56] Storybook Ending by Moira Macdonald (May 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:36]Other Books Mentioned
The People We Keep by Allison Larkin (2021) [28:23] The Angel Maker by Alex North (2023) [31:39] Lost and Found in Paris by Lian Dolan (2022) [41:25] Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain (2000) [43:42] The Husbands by Holly Gramazio (2024) [43:54] Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (2016) [44:36] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [44:40] Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (2020) [44:42] Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune (2021) [44:45] The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (2020) [44:53] Storybook Ending by Poppy Alexander (2024) [47:32] -
In Episode 191, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 16 new releases they shared in the Winter 2025 Book Preview. They share their reading stats, chat about what they liked, and what didn’t work out.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Highlights For the first time ever, Sarah’s Preview selections resulted in a 100% success rate! Catherine’s reading was also successful at 75%, with 2 DNFs. A total of three 5-star books from the Winter Preview! Sarah successfully revived her reading from that “sameness” she felt in December. Catherine’s reading seems to revolve around “right time” and “wrong time” books even more than usual. They name the best and worst books from their winter picks. Books Read Before the Preview [1:46]January
Sarah’s Picks
The Favorites by Layne Fargo (Jan 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:18] Penitence by Kristin Koval (Jan 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:05]Other Books Mentioned
Defending Jacob by William Landay [5:12] All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay [5:13] Winter 2025 Circle Back [7:42]January
Sarah’s Pick
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (Jan 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[11:44]Catherine’s Picks
All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall (Jan 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[7:46] Those Fatal Flowers by Shannon Ives (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:14] Call Her Freedom by Tara Dorabji (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:59] Too Soon by Betty Shamieh (Jan 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:53]Other Books Mentioned
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [9:46]February
Sarah’s Picks
Yours, Eventually by Nura Maznavi (Feb 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:29] Crush by Ada Calhoun (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:40] The Strange Case by Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:59] The Grand Scheme of Things by Warona Jay (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[43:10]Catherine’s Pick
This Is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer (Feb 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:44]Other Books Mentioned
Persuasion by Jane Austen [22:35] Why We Can’t Sleep by Ada Calhoun [32:09] Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give by Ada Calhoun [32:11] Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [43:56] Victim by Andrew Boryga [44:04] By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult [45:54]March
Sarah’s Pick
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:33]Catherine’s Picks
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:21] Kate & Frida by Kim Fay (Mar 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:56] Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh (Mar 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:25]Other Books Mentioned
Love & Saffron by Kim Fay [49:07] Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens [50:37] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [50:40] -
In Episode 190, author Georgia Hunter returns to the podcast to chat with Sarah about her sophomore novel, One Good Thing, and go behind-the-scenes of her experience adapting her first novel, We Were the Lucky Ones, for Hulu. Georgia talks about her role as executive producer, the difference in writing a novel that wasn’t based on family history, and how the screenwriting process influenced her own writing. Plus, Georgia shares her book recommendations.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Highlights Books by Georgia Hunter: We Were the Lucky Ones (2017) and One Good Thing (2025) A spoiler-free overview of One Good Thing. Georgia’s inspiration for the characters, their story, and choosing Italy as the setting. The very different process for writing and editing her second book. How the steps for adapting We Were the Lucky Ones began and how long it took. Georgia’s role in the writer’s room for the screen adaptation and as a resource for the actors and writers. How the six writers handled their episodes and wove together the different perspectives for a cohesive series. If Georgia would ever consider writing for a tv series. How screenwriting impacted Georgia writing her second novel. What her day on set looked like as executive producer. How Georgia handled filming on location and the timeframe from start to finish. Talk about an adaptation for One Good Thing — and is it better suited for a feature-length film or another tv miniseries? Georgia’s Book Recommendations [51:05]Two OLD Books She Loves
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:39] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:38] Other Books Mentioned The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (1998) [54:00] David Copperfield by Charles Dickens (1850) [54:17]Two NEW Books She Loves
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[56:29] The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:49] Other Books Mentioned We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (2021) [56:41]One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About
The Names by Florence Knapp (May 6, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:55]Last 5-Star Book Georgia Read
Horse by Geraldine Brooks (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:52] About Georgia HunterWebsite | Instagram | Facebook
When Georgia Hunter was fifteen years old, she discovered that she came from a family of Holocaust survivors. Years later, she embarked on a journey of intensive research, determined to unearth and record her family’s remarkable story. The result is the New York Times best seller, We Were the Lucky Ones, which has been published in over 20 languages and adapted for television by Hulu as a highly acclaimed limited series. One Good Thing is Georgia’s second novel. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and their two sons.
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In Episode 189, author Karen Thompson Walker talks with Sarah about her career to date and her newest novel, The Strange Case of Jane O. Karen discusses her writing journey, including each book’s inspiration and research process. She also touches on the challenges of promoting her latest book without giving away too much and her current work in progress. Plus, Karen shares her book recommendations.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Highlights Books by Karen Thompson Walker: The Age of Miracles (2012), The Dreamers (2019), and The Strange Case of Jane O. (2025) Karen talks about going from working as an editor to a being published author The genre Karen feels her books best fit in The real-life inspiration for The Age of Miracles A peek into her research process and which book required the most work Karen’s thoughts on writing about an epidemic (in The Dreamers) just before the real-life COVID-19 pandemic A brief spoiler-free overview of The Strange Case of Jane O. and the inspiration behind it Some of Oliver Sacks’ interesting case histories that inspired Karen The difficulty in trying to promote and talk about a book like The Strange Case of Jane O. without giving too much away How Karen sees the relationship between her three published books A bit about Karen’s current work in progress Karen’s Book Recommendations [36:20]Two OLD Books She Loves
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (1993) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[37:22] The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:26] Other Books Mentioned: The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka (2023) [40:51]Two NEW Books She Loves
The Antidote by Karen Russell (March 11, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:20] The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:39]One Book She DIDN’T Love
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:39]One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About
Audition by Katie Kitamura (April 8, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:22] Other Books Mentioned: The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden (2024) [49:20] A Separation by Katie Kitamura (2017) [49:35] Intimacies by Katie Kitamura (2021) [49:39]Last 5-Star Book Karen Read
Trust by Hernan Diaz (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:14] Books From the Discussion Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan (2012) [22:54] Awakenings by Oliver Sacks (1973) [24:16] -
In Ep. 188, we are kicking off our new “Best of…” series with Sarah’s Bookshelves Live team member, Chrissie, for the Best of Fantasy. Today, Chrissie brings you her all-time top ten favorite fantasy novels. Also, as a long-time reader and evangelizer of the genre, Chrissie talks about how she started reading fantasy, the wide scope of the genre, and ways those new to fantasy might jump in!
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Highlights How Chrissie got started reading fantasy. What draws her to the fantasy genre. From sci-fi fantasy to epic, high fantasy, Chrissie talks about the wide scope of the genre. Her favorite sub-genres and what doesn’t work for her. Chrissie’s All-Time Top Ten Fantasy Books [16:36] The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:44] A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[22:11] The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:24] The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (2007) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:10] A Murder in Time by Julie McElwain (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:36] Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (2004) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:35] Griffin & Sabine by Nick Bantock (1991) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:58] The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:15] Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (2001) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:16] The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:40] High-Profile Fantasy Books That Did Not She Didn’t Love [48:39] A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:52] Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:55] Other Books Mentioned Fourth Wing (2023) [25:07] Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (2012) [25:43] Flowers in the Attic by V. C. Andrews (1979) [26:36] Heaven by V. C. Andrews (1985) [26:46] The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater (June 2025) [31:27] A Game of Thrones (1996) by George R. R. Martin ([33:04]) The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss (2011) [33:09] The Doors of Stone by Patrick Rothfuss (TBD) [33:15] A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton (1982) [37:16] Piranesi by Susanna Clarke (2020) [39:46] Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (2005) [50:03] The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness (2024) [50:28] Books from Our Discussion Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling (1997) [4:23] Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White (1952) [6:23] Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien (1971) [6:26] The Dream Book by Meg Wolitzer (1987) [6:37] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [11:15] 11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) [12:10] The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis (1950) [12:30] The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien (1954) [14:29] The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien (1937) [14:30] The Neverending Story by Michael Ende (1979) [15:36] -
In Ep. 187, Kathleen Schmidt, author of the popular Substack newsletter, Publishing Confidential, joins Sarah to dissect and discuss the State of the Publishing Industry in 2024. Between a high-level look back, talk about the top sales and book trends, to what Kathleen sees on the horizon for 2025 in the book world, this episode is packed with info. Also, Kathleen shares her favorite books of 2024!
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Highlights 2024 bookish news and publishing trends overview. Kathleen grades last year’s crop of books with an overall B+. How the middle-aged woman / menopause stories might shake out to be the next buzzy books. The ways the full book market is oversaturated. The impact TikTok still has on the book world. Kathleen breaks down the side-eye publishing attracts from other industries with its oddball business model. Taylor Swift remains a hot topic in publishing with The Eras Tour Book. Did Spotify’s entrance into audiobooks make a noticeable impact? The secret struggle of memoirs. Anticipating 2025’s potential bookish trends. State of the Publishing Industry in 2024High-Level Overview [2:02]
All Fours by Miranda July (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:12] Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:27] The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:58]2024 Book Sales and Trends [9:35]
Leaving by Roxana Robinson (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:11] Splinters by Leslie Jamison (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:14] Liars by Sarah Manguso (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:16] Crush by Ada Calhoun (Feb 25, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:17] Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:39] Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (Jan 14, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[31:41]Big Book Stories of 2024 [34:18]
The Official Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book (Target Exclusive)(2024) [38:21]2025 Publishing Predictions [42:48]
Kathleen’s 3 Favorites Books of 2024 [46:41] Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:01] Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:23] Foster by Claire Keegan (2010) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:54] Other Links Publishing Confidential • Substack | What Book Publishing Needs to Consider in 2025 -
In Episode 186, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Sarah share the best backlist books they read in 2024. They discuss their top 5 backlist books from last year, highlight some underrated backlist gems, and review their backlist reading statistics. Devoting an entire episode to backlist reading is now an annual tradition at Sarah’s Bookshelves Live — a team and listener favorite!
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Announcement 2024’s Best of the Backlist Guide is available now! 25 of the Sarah’s Bookshelves Live Patrons share the best backlist book they read last year in a beautiful PDF guide. To get the guide, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You’ll also get access to a 3 bonus podcast episodes per month and my Rock Your Reading Tracker and our all-new Lite Reading Tracker. Highlights Sarah and Catherine share their full stats for backlist reading in 2024. Backlist reading quantity was down a bit again last year for Sarah, but backlist reading quality increased. Catherine had a slight decrease in the number of backlist books she read, but backlist reading remained incredibly successful for her. Sarah’s backlist reading included several atypical choices for her, maybe shaping how she approaches 2025. Our Top 5 Backlist Books We Read in 2024 [6:27]Catherine
Ghosts by Dolly Alderton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:33] Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:19] Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O’Farrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org[17:38] Tomorrow There Will Be Apricots by Jessica Soffer | Amazon | Bookshop.org[24:10] Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org[32:11]Sarah
The Hop by Diana Clarke | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:38] The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:26] Water by John Boyne | Amazon [20:57] Starter Villain by John Scalzi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:32] Empire Falls by Richard Russo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:33]Other Books Mentioned
Good Material by Dolly Alderton [8:54] The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore [14:37] The Holdout by Graham Moore [16:58] Earth by John Boyne [21:09] The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne [22:18] Fire by John Boyne [22:57] This Is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer (coming Feb 4) [26:57] Life After Life by Kate Atkinson [32:42] Case Histories by Kate Atkinson [32:54] Underrated Backlist Gems [38:56]Catherine
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:00] The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:36]Sarah
Home Stretch by Graham Norton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:50] The Hard Parts by Oksana Masters | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:01]Other Books Mentioned
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead [41:33] Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro [43:51] Frankie by Graham Norton [45:12] -
Welcome to the Winter 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!
Today, Catherine and Sarah share 16 of their most anticipated books releasing January through March.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Announcement One of the many benefits to joining the Patreon Community is gaining access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that were not shared in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all Superstar patrons and sign up here! Highlights Catherine and Sarah share some big releases coming this winter (lightning round style). Catherine’s theme this season is “balance,” with 4 debuts and 4 repeat authors. Sarah’s choices seem to fall into some micro genres she loves, featuring 5 debuts. Again, Sarah brings in a few shorter books under 300 pages. Sarah has already read and rated two of her picks! Plus, their #1 picks for the winter. Big Winter Releases [1:51] Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson (Jan 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:28] Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:37] Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:44] One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:51] We Do Not Part by Han Kang (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:14] Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:22] We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes (Feb 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:32] The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue (Mar 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:38] The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison (Jan 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:42] Three Days in June by Anne Tyler (Feb 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:00] The Antidote by Karen Russell (Mar 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:03] The Human Scale by Lawrence Wright (Mar 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:10] Back After This by Linda Holmes (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:20]Backlist Titles Mentioned
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson [2:32] We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter [3:03] Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros [3:27] Room by Emma Donoghue [3:41] Swamplandia by Karen Russell [4:05] Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell [4:07] Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes [4:25] Winter 2025 Book Preview [4:32]January
Sarah’s Picks
The Favorites by Layne Fargo (Jan 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:06] Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (Jan 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:34]Catherine’s Picks
All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall (Jan 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[13:20] Those Fatal Flowers by Shannon Ives (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:22] Call Her Freedom by Tara Dorabji (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:19] Too Soon by Betty Shamieh (Jan 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:19]Other Books Mentioned
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë [9:22] Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [14:38] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [17:46] Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [17:50] Babel by R. F. Kuang [17:51]February
Sarah’s Picks
Yours, Eventually by Nura Maznavi (Feb 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:16] Penitence by Kristin Koval (Feb 18 – moved to 1/28 after recording) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[spp-timestamp time="25:56"] Crush by Ada Calhoun (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:39] The Strange Case by Jane O by Karen Thompson Walker (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:25] The Grand Scheme of Things by Warona Jay (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:04]Catherine’s Pick
This Is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer (Feb 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:34]Other Books Mentioned
Persuasion by Jane Austen [23:21] Defending Jacob by William Landay [27:49] All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay [27:51] Why We Can’t Sleep by Ada Calhoun [32:02] Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give by Ada Calhoun [32:05] Last Couple Standing by Matthew Norman [33:14] The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker [36:55] The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker [37:00] By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult [42:04]March
Sarah’s Pick
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:35]Catherine’s Picks
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:35] Kate & Frida by Kim Fay (Mar 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:56] Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh (Mar 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:58]Other Books Mentioned
The Moor’s Account by Laila Lalami [38:45] Love & Saffron by Kim Fay [45:08] The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley [47:42] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [48:15] Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh [50:49] Kill For Me, Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh [52:56] Other Links Instagram | Harper Voyager: Deluxe Limited Edition for Death of an Author by Nnedi Okorafor -
In Episode 184, Susie (@NovelVisits) and I close out the year with our Best Books of 2024 Genre Awards. We reveal our Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction) and our full breakdown by genre, including: Best Literary Fiction, Best Romance, Best Brain Candy, Best Genre Mash-Up, and more! Plus, we’re sharing the winners for these same genres as chosen by the Sarah’s Bookshelves Live Patreon community!
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Announcements My 2025 Reading Tracker is out! Plus, this year we’ve added another option — a LITE Tracker. Once again, the Tracker is ONLY available to Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Also, to avoid Apple’s 30% fee, be sure to join directly from Patreon’s site, mobile or desktop. Become a Superstars Patron here! Instructions for how to give an SBL Patreon membership as a gift. Highlights Podcast reflections from 2024 — including top episodes based on download stats. A brief overview of Susie’s and Sarah’s 2024 year in reading. Our favorite books of the year: overall and by genre, including the SBL Patreon Community’s picks. 2024 Genre Awards [16:45]Sarah
Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:52] Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:21] Anna Bright is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:12] The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:42] The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:26] JFK Jr. by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:25] Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:42] How To End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:11] Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:46] Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:26] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:40] Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:04:24] Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:09] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:08:47]Susie
Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:59] Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:05] Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:42] What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:43] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:41] The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:16] One Day I’ll Grow Up and Be a Beautiful Woman by Abi Maxwell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:47] Funny Story by Emily Henry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:23] Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:54] The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:02] The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:18] Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:14] Perris, California by Rachel Stark | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:44] Liars by Sarah Manguso | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:18] Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:09]Patrons
James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:55] Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:43] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:16] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:35] The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:10] Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten | Amazon | Bookshop.org[43:33] Funny Story by Emily Henry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:59] Annie Bot by Sierra Greer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:28] The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56;10] You Like It Darker by Stephen King | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:39] Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:58] Twenty-Four Seconds From Now by Jason Reynolds | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:54] Piglet by Lottie Hazzell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:22] The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:06:16] Other Books Mentioned Mercury by Amy Jo Burns [20:10] Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout [20:13] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker [20:27] The Wedding People by Alison Espach [20:37] We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman [22:17] Bad Blood by John Carreyrou [24:27] She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey [24:40] Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford [28:10] A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey [28:23] Good Material by Dolly Alderton [28:27] The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [28:57] Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra [31:55] The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean [32:00] Worst Case Scenario by T. J. Newman [32:05] Falling by T. J. Newman [32:20] Drowning by T. J. Newman [32:21] The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali [36:03] Spare by Prince Harry [37:20] The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt [40:00] Challenger by Adam Higginbotham [40:28] The Wives by Simone Gorrindo [44:46] Sociopath by Patric Gagne, Ph.D. [45:09] Consent by Jill Ciment [45:15] The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop [45:21] Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley [45:31] One Way Back by Christine Blasey Ford [45:34] Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner [45:43] There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib [45:48] People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry [47:10] Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez [48:51] The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center [48:59] Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood [49:02] Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan [49:34] Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell [49:44] The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard [53:47] The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown [56:12] Bride by Ali Hazelwood [56:27] Diavola by Jennifer Thorne [57:06] We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer [57:11] Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller [59:17] Colored Television by Danzy Senna [59:22] I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue [59:27] We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay by Gary Janneti [59:35] There There by Tommy Orange [1:00:27] Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez [1:01:40] When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson [1:01:59] Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar [1:03:35] Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen [1:03:56] How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica [1:04:11] The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden [1:04:21] Bear by Julia Phillips [1:06:18] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley [1:06:25] The Fury by Alex Michaelides [1:06:51] The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [1:08:10] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [1:10:27] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [1:10:28] Top Podcast Episodes [4:40] Ep. 158: Best Books of 2023 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits) Ep. 160: The Best Backlist Books We Read in 2023 with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 159: Winter 2024 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 157: Best Books of 2023 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits) Ep. 164: Winter 2024 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 163: Classics & Retellings 101 with Sara Hildreth (@FictionMatters) Ep. 156: 2023 State of the Industry with Sarah Landis (Literary Agent) Ep. 162: BookTok 101 with Leigh Stein (Author & Journalist) Ep. 178: Behind the Scenes of Amazon’s Best Books Lists with Al Woodworth, Senior Editor & Manager of Amazon Books Editorial Ep. 179: From Corporate America to Indie Bookstore Owner with Gayle Weiswasser (Co-Founder of Wonderland Books) Ep. 167: Circling Back to 2018 in Books with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) -
In this Bonus Podcast Episode, Al Woodworth, Senior Editor and Manager at Amazon Books Editorial, returns to the show to take listeners behind the scenes of Amazon’s Best Books of 2024, as chosen by the Amazon Editors! A fascinating glimpse into how the 2024 list was curated, how the rankings were determined, and what criteria guided the selections.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Announcements My 2025 Reading Tracker is out! Plus, this year we’ve added another option — a LITE Tracker. Once again, the Tracker is ONLY available to Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Also, to avoid Apple’s 30% fee, be sure to join directly from Patreon’s site, mobile or desktop. Become a Superstars Patron here! Highlights The impact Amazon’s #1 book of 2024 had on the editorial team The role of capturing “the present moment” in selecting the best books of the year How Amazon Editorial chose the top 5 books of 2024 Whether the mid-year top book or other outlets’ year-end lists influenced Amazon’s decisions Behind the scenes: 2024’s “reading week” retreat and “war room” discussions The importance of selecting books that appeal across genres and to a broad swath of readers The group dynamic of ranking each book on the list Al highlights some lesser-known titles from the list How 2024 stacks up for Al and Amazon’s editorial team Books From Our Discussion The Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:03] The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:25] Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:27] Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:28] The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:54] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:37] James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:43] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:51] The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:54] Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:59] Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:18] Educated by Tara Westover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:09] The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:26] We Solve Murders by Richard Osman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:30] The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:34] The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:06] Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:23] The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:27] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:35] We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:47] Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:21] When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:23] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:15] There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:51] John Lewis by David Greenberg | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:44] I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:00] The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:14] The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:06] Other Links Amazon | Amazon Editors’ Personal Favorite Books of 2024 About Al WoodworthMore about Amazon Book Review
Website | Instagram | X | FacebookAl 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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In Ep. 183, we’re starting the wrap-up of 2024 with the first of our two year-end episodes: Best Books of 2024 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits). In this episode, we’re sharing our top books of the year across over 25 Superlative categories, including Most Deserving of the Hype, Best Pairing, an “Eat My Words” book, Most Memorable Cast of Characters, and so much more!
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Announcements My 2025 Reading Tracker is out! Plus, this year we’ve added another option — a LITE Tracker. Once again, the Tracker is ONLY available to Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Also, to avoid Apple’s 30% fee, be sure to join directly from Patreon’s site, mobile or desktop. Become a Superstars Patron here! HighlightsOur best books of the year from over 25 categories, including:
Most Deserving of the Hype Most Memorable Cast of Characters Best Book Read Because of FOMO Darkest Book of the Year Best Underrated Gem Most Unpopular Opinion Most Surprising DNF Favorite Coming-of-Age Book Best Pairing “Eat My Words” Book Best and Worst Titles Best and Worst Covers 2024 Superlatives [3:42]Susie
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:19] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:11] How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org[11:42] Grown Women by Sarai Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:44] Piglet by Lottie Hazell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:36] Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:08] Blessings by Chukwuebuka Ibeh | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:52] Intermezzo by Sally Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:23] Entitlement by Rumaan Alam | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:25] Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:18] The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:56] Hera by Jennifer Saint | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:40] The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:23] Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:31] Annie Bot by Sierra Greer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:49]Sarah
Mercury by Amy Jo Burns | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:17] River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:17] James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:04] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:45] Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:22] Earth by John Boyne | Amazon [26:23] The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:13] Intermezzo by Sally Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:54] A Reason to See You Again by Jami Attenberg | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:26] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:23] Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:16] The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:51] Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:33] Everest, Inc. by Will Cockrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:51] Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:59] The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:14] All The Worst Humans by Phil Elwood | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:16] Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:45] Other Books Mentioned Tom Lake by Ann Patchett [14:22] Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan [16:10] Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez [16:17] The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen [16:27] Forgotten on Sunday by Valérie Perrin [18:16] Three by Valérie Perrin [18:18] Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin [18:18] The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah [20:23] The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah [20:30] The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah [20:33] (“The Dustbowl one”) The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne [26:32] Water by John Boyne [26:53] Fire by John Boyne [27:37] Air by John Boyne (2025) [27:37] Perris, California by Rachel Stark [37:34] Normal People by Sally Rooney [38:31] Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney [38:32] Beautiful World, Where Are You? by Sally Rooney [38:44] Tell Me Everything by Minka Kelly [1:00:32] Tell Me Everything by Erika Krauss [1:00:37] My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout [1:00:54] About Susie BoutryBlog | 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.
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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 | SubstackChelsea 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 GilmoreBlog | 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 EpisodeIn 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 BoutryBlog | 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 EpisodeIn two weeks (October 30), Catherine and I will be back with our Fall 2024 Circle Back episode.
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