Sarah's Bookshelves Live

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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)

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]

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]

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

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.

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]

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)

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)

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!). CLICK HERE for 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 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)

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)

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.

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.