From the Front Porch

Welcome to From the Front Porch, a weekly conversational podcast on books, small business, and life in the South, produced by The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia.

Episode 504 || Annie Recommends: Nonfiction November

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s an episode of Annie Recommends! In this series, Annie curates a stack of books in a certain genre or theme for you – just as if you walked into our brick-and-mortar store, The Bookshelf. Sometimes, you just want a good book list. This month, Annie recommends a short list of her favorite nonfiction titles for November. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 504” to find the books mentioned in this episode), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Circle of Hope by Eliza Griswold JFK, Jr. by Liz McNeil and RoseMarie Terenzio The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell The Barn by Wright Thompson Congratulations! The Best Is Over by R. Eric Thomas From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Thank you to this week’s sponsor, Thomasville, Georgia. There is something truly special about the holiday season in Downtown Thomasville. The twinkling lights, beautifully decorated store windows, and holiday events all add to the festive feeling of the season. Let us be your shopping and dining destination this holiday season, so spend Christmas in Thomasville with us. Activities are held every weekend leading up to Christmas, including this year’s 38th Annual Victorian Christmas on December 12 and 13. Learn more by visiting thomasvillega.com or call 229-228-7977. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

11-21
50:43

Episode 503 || Eat Like a Heroine with Lorilee Cracker and Jenny Williams

This week on From the Front Porch, we’re preparing for the holidays and forgoing our traditional episode format to bring you an author interview with Lorilee Cracker and Jenny Williams, authors of Eat Like a Heroine. This beautiful book contains wisdom on how to eat, picnic, comfort, host and more like your favorite literary heroines and is perfect for gift-giving. Annie, Lorilee, and Jenny chat about food in literature and what our childhood heroines can teach us in adulthood. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 503” to find the books mentioned in this episode), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Eat Like a Heroine by Jenny Williams and Lorilee Craker A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  Thank you to this week’s sponsor, Thomasville, Georgia. There is something truly special about the holiday season in Downtown Thomasville. The twinkling lights, beautifully decorated store windows, and holiday events all add to the festive feeling of the season. Let us be your shopping and dining destination this holiday season, so spend Christmas in Thomasville with us. Activities are held every weekend leading up to Christmas, including this year’s 38th Annual Victorian Christmas on December 12 and 13. Learn more by visiting thomasvillega.com or call 229-228-7977. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Penitence by Kristin Koval.  If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

11-14
56:34

Our 2025 Conquer a Classic announcement

To read along with our 2025 Conquer a Classic selection, make sure you join From the Front on Patreon: www.patreon.com/fromthefrontporch.    Then buy the book from The Bookshelf: https://bookshelfthomasville.com/products/don-quixote. Our annual reading begins in January!

11-12
20:10

Episode 502 || November New Release Rundown

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia are sharing the November releases they’re excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 502” to find the books mentioned in this episode), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Annie's books: Lazarus Man by Richard Price (11/12) Heartbreak Is the National Anthem by Rob Sheffield (11/12) Pictures of You: A Novel by Emma Grey (11/12) Olivia's books: All the Best Dogs by Emily Jenkins (11/5) Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney (11/12) The Winterton Deception 2: Fault Lines by Janet Sumner Johnson (11/12) Erin's books: Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers (11/12) Believe: The Untold Story Behind Ted Lasso by Jeremy Egner (11/12) Time of the Child by Niall Williams (11/19) From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune.  Olivia is reading Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney.  Erin is listening to What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

11-07
56:47

Episode 501 || October Reading Recap

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in October. You get 10% off your books when you order your October Reading Recap Bundle. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 501” to find the books mentioned in this episode), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby van Pelt The Barn by Wright Thompson The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak Casket Case by Lauren Evans Big Fan by Alexandra Romanoff Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa-Marie Presley and Riley Keough October Reading Recap Bundle - $88 The Barn by Wright Thompson The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa-Marie Presley and Riley Keough. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

10-31
01:45

Episode 500 || Patreon Unlocked: Porch Visit Q&A with Annie

Happy 500 episodes of From the Front Porch! This week, we’re celebrating by unlocking a Patreon perk: one of our Porch Visits, our monthly Q&As with Annie. Every month over on Patreon, Annie answers your questions in a live Zoom meeting. Listen to today’s episode for a peek into Patreon. Join the fun on Patreon here. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 500” on our website to find the books mentioned in this episode), or shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci A Bit Much by Lyndsay Rush Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten James by Percival Everett Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout Playground by Richard Powers The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich The Book of Belonging by Mariko Clark The Man Who Didn't Like Animals by Deborah Underwood Adult Holiday Literary First Look ticket Kid's Holiday Literary First Look ticket Virtual Holiday Market ticket From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Three Days in June by Anne Tyler. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

10-24
01:12:33

Episode 499 || Into the Backlist, Vol. 4

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a new episode of Into the Backlist! Today, Annie changes her focus from new releases to dive into the backlist: the books that came out years ago, the books that didn’t get enough attention, the books you may stumble upon while browsing in an indie bookstore like The Bookshelf. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 499” on our website to find the books mentioned in this episode), or shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Defending Jacob by William Landay Annie would put these on the shelf with Defending Jacob: The First Day of Spring by Nancy Tucker With Teeth by Kristen Arnett Happiness Falls by Angie Kim The Push by Ashley Audrain The Whispers by Ashley Audrain Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister The President’s Lawyer by Lawrence Robbins Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow Past Into the Backlist titles: Frances and Bernard by Carlene Bauer The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (unavailable to order) The Mothers by Brit Bennett From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found below. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading A Fine Sight to See by Sophie Hudson. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

10-17
28:21

Episode 498 || Annie Recommends: Campus Novels & Spooky Reads

This week on From the Front Porch, we have a new series: Annie Recommends! In this series, Annie curates a stack of books in a certain genre or theme for you – just as if you walked into our brick-and-mortar store, The Bookshelf. Sometimes, you just want a good book list. This month, Annie recommends her favorite campus/dark academia novels and spooky reads. Plus, she’s curated two book flights for you to make your fall reading easy: a Spooky Reads Book Flight and a Dark Academia Book Flight. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 498” to find the books mentioned in this episode), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Campus Novels: We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Cooper Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner The World Cannot Give by Tara Isabella Burton The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach The Explanation for Everything by Lauren Grodstein Honorable Mentions: The Incendiaries by R. O. Kwon (unavailable to order) Play for Me by Libby Hubscher Spooky Reads: Someone in the Attic by Andrea Marra The Quiet Tenant by Clemence Michallon What Happened to Nina by Dervla McTiernan Knife River by Justine Champine Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra Annie's Spooky Reads Book Flight - $134 Annie's Dark Academia Book Flight - $89.95 From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby van Pelt. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

10-10
50:42

Episode 497 || October New Release Rundown

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia are sharing the October releases they’re excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (type “Episode 497” into the search bar and tap enter to find the books mentioned in this episode), or shop on The Bookshelf’s official app:   Annie's books: Book of George by Kate Greathead (10/8) This is Even After Everything by Stephanie Duncan Smith (10/15) What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci (10/15)   Olivia's books: The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen (10/1) And He Shall Appear by Kate van der Borgh (10/1) The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak (10/8)   Erin's books: The Undercurrent by Sarah Sawyer (10/8) The President's Lawyer by Lawrence Robbins (10/8) Women's Hotel by Danielle M Lavery (10/15)   From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading The X-Files: Perihelion by Claudia Gray. Olivia is reading The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents by Nicki Pau Preto. Erin is reading The Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

10-03
01:04:34

Episode 496 || September Reading Recap

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in September. You get 10% off your books when you order your September Reading Recap Bundle. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (type “Episode 496” into the search bar and tap enter to find the books mentioned in this episode), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Colored Television by Danzy Senna The Undercurrent by Sarah Sawyer (releases 10/8) Life’s Short, Talk Fast edited by Ann Hood (releases 11/12) Intermezzo by Sally Rooney The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave Passion Project by London Sperry (releases 4/8/25) Crush by Ada Calhoun (releases 2/25/25) One Day I’ll Grow Up and Be a Beautiful Woman by Abi Maxwell Circle of Hope by Eliza Griswold Annie's September Reading Recap Bundle - $77 Colored Television by Danzy Senna The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave One Day I’ll Grow Up and Be a Beautiful Woman by Abi Maxwell From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

09-26
49:09

Episode 495 || Off the Shelf with Annie and Ashley: Autumn

This week on From the Front Porch, it's an episode of Off the Shelf with Annie & Ashley! Annie is joined by friend, cousin, and former colleague, Ashley Sherlock, to chat about what they’re reading – but also what they’re watching, listening to, and buying. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 495” to find the books mentioned in this episode), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Annie is reading: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (out 9/24) The X-Files: Perihelion by Claudia Gray The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave Ashley is reading: The Match by Sarah Adams I’ll Have What He’s Having by Adib Khorram The God of the Woods by Liz Moore Annie is watching: Mean Girls X-Files Emily in Paris The Perfect Couple Gilmore Girls Trap Ashley is watching: Emily in Paris Gilmore Girls Palm Springs Plus One Once Upon a Mattress Six Annie is listening to: Max Richter Working, “How to Be Both Critic and Creator” Key Life, “Has Magic Ever Been Ruined In Your Journey” Ashley is listening to: “Without You” by Lana Del Ray Annie is buying: “Life Is Pain” sweatshirt Fall essential oils Trader Joe’s pumpkin haul Ashley is buying: Bear Snacks Fall sweater from Cider Shark bracelet from Fahlo Perfect bars Shelby Van Pelt, author of Remarkably Bright Creatures, is coming to Thomasville, GA! The Bookshelf has joined the Thomas County Library to celebrate their One Book Thomas County program. For 10 years, the Thomas County Library has hosted South Georgia’s first (and only!) One Book program, where our entire community reads the same book together and celebrates that book with literary events.  The 2024 One Book Thomas County pick is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Our celebration of this beloved book will culminate in a visit from Shelby Van Pelt at the Thomasville Center for the Arts on Thursday, October 3. Tickets are just $10 and can be found in-store at The Bookshelf or online at onebookthomascounty.org. Visit onebookthomascounty.org for more details about this year’s event. We hope to see you there! From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave.  Ashley is listening to Honeybee by Dawn O'Porter (unavailable to order). If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

09-19
01:01:03

Episode 494 || The Mississippi Book Festival Turns 10!

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie celebrates 10 years of The Mississippi Book Festival with its executive director, Ellen Rodgers Daniels! They talk about the festival’s history, what’s on the agenda for this year, and why you should plan to attend if you can. The Mississippi Book Festival begins on September 14, 2024. Learn more and make your plan to attend here. From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

09-12
36:40

Episode 493 || September New Release Rundown

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia are sharing the September releases they’re excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (type “Episode 493” into the search bar and tap enter to find the books mentioned in this episode), or shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Annie's books: Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout (9/10) Two-Step Devil by Jamie Quatro (9/10) Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (9/24) Olivia's books: Lucy, Undying by Kiersten White (9/10) A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga (9/10) When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson (9/24) Erin's books: The Life Impossible by Matt Haig (9/3) A Bit Much: Poems by Lyndsay Rush (9/17) Entitlement by Rumaan Alam (9/17) From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Someone in the Attic by Andrea Marra. Olivia is reading The Girls of Skylark Lane by Robin Benway. Erin is reading Entitlement by Rumaan Alam.  If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

09-05
54:15

Episode 492 || August Reading Recap

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in July. You get 10% off your books when you order your August Reading Recap Bundle. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (type “Episode 492” into the search bar and tap enter to find the books mentioned in this episode), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: The Perfect Couple by Elin Hildebrand It Had to Be You by Eliza Jane Brazier What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci (releases 10/15) Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger (releases 10/29) Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson (unavailable to order) Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy Worst Case Scenario by TJ Newman JFK Jr. by Rosemarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil Annie's August Reading Recap Bundle - $69 The Perfect Couple by Elin Hildebrand Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy Worst Case Scenario by TJ Newman From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found below. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is listening to It Wasn’t Roaring It Was Weeping by Lisa Jo Baker. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.  

08-29
51:02

Episode 491 || Shelf Subscription Synopsis

This week on From the Front Porch, you’ll hear from Annie and Erin and our Shelf Subscribers about Shelf Subscriptions! Shelf Subscriptions are The Bookshelf’s book-a-month club for adults and kids. Listen to find out what makes Shelf Subscriptions special. Try our new Shelf Subscription Quiz! All Shelf Subscriptions are 10% off, from August 1st through August 27th!  Shelf Subscriptions purchased in August will receive a free gift in their September box, to celebrate the 8th anniversary of the Shelf Subscription program at The Bookshelf. To purchase your Shelf Subscription, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville or visit our website: Annie Shelf Subscription Olivia Shelf Subscription Susie/Nancy Shelf Subscription Shop Dad Shelf Subscription Surprise Me Shelf Subscription Children's Shelf Subscriptions Past Shelf Subscription Picks From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading All This & More by Peng Shepherd.  Erin is reading The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

08-22
54:30

Episode 490 || Literary Therapy Vol. 22

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s time for another Literary Therapy session! Our literary Frasier Crane, Annie, is back to answer more of your reading questions and dilemmas. If you have a question you would like Annie to answer in a future episode, you can leave us a voicemail here. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, visit our website (type “Episode 490” into the search bar and tap enter to find the books mentioned in this episode) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Summer Stage by Meg Mitchell Moore Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Our Town by Thornton Wilder City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord Limelight by Amy Poeppel The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham (unavailable to order)   The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer (out 8/27) Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon Hello Stranger by Katherine Center All's Well by Mona Awad Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O'Neal (unavailable to order) Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert Black Girls Must Die Exhausted by Jayne Allen Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (out 9/3)   The Crane Wife by C.J. Hauser (unavailable to order) Family of Origin by C.J. Hauser (unavailable to order) Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood Not That Kind of Girl by Carlene Bauer Girls They Write Songs About by Carlene Bauer Frances and Bernard by Carlene Bauer Fly Girl by Ann Hood The Stolen Child by Ann Hood Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake by Anna Quindlen (unavailable to order) After Annie by Anna Quindlen   Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny (unavailable to order) Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong The Misfortune of Marion Palm by Emily Culliton (unavailable to order) Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett   From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram at @bookshelftville, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Intermezzo by Sally Rooney. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

08-15
58:44

Episode 489 || From the Front Porch Live with Bri McKoy

This week on From the Front Porch, we have a special treat: a recording of our live show from The Bookshelf’s March Reader Retreat! In this episode, Annie, Hunter, and Ashley are joined by extra-special guest Bri McKoy, our Reader Retreat featured author, to do a snake draft of their favorite foodie things in literature and pop culture. Enjoy! To purchase Bri McKoy’s books, stop by the store or visit our website: Come & Eat: A Celebration of Love and Grace Around the Everyday Table by Bri McKoy The Cook's Book: Recipes for Keeps & Essential Techniques to Master Everyday Cooking by Bri McKoy From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram at @bookshelftville, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

08-08
01:01:35

Episode 488 || August New Release Rundown

This week on From the Front Porch, it’s another New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia are sharing the August releases they’re excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (type “Episode 488” into the search bar and tap enter to find the books mentioned in this episode), or shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Annie's books: Five-Star Stranger by Kat Tang (8/6) Heavy Hitter by Katie Cotungo (8/20) That Librarian by Amanda Jones (8/27) Olivia's books: I Need You to Read This by Jessa Maxwell (8/13) Not Nothing by Gayle Forman (8/27) The Extraordinary Disappointments of Leopold Berry by Ransom Riggs (8/27) Erin's books: Hum by Helen Phillips (8/6) Highway Thirteen: Stories by Fiona McFarlane (8/13) What’s Next? by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack (8/13) From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Playworld by Adam Ross.  Olivia is reading Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman.  Erin is listening to The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

08-01
53:33

Episode 487 || July Reading Recap

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in July. You get 10% off your books when you order your July Reading Recap Bundle. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (type “Episode 487” into the search bar and tap enter to find the books mentioned in this episode), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (releases 9/10) All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (releases 9/3) Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynnexth Jones Heavy Hitter by Katie Cotugno (releases 8/20) Annie's July Reading Recap Bundle - $77 All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram at @bookshelftville, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Entitlement by Rumaan Alam. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Or, if you’re so inclined, support us on Patreon, where you can hear our staff’s weekly New Release Tuesday conversations, read full book reviews in our monthly Shelf Life newsletter and follow along as Hunter and I conquer a classic. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

07-25
47:08

Episode 486 || Best Books of the Year (So Far) with Hunter

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie and Hunter (@shelfbyshelf) discuss their top ten favorite books of 2024! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 486” to find the books mentioned in this episode), or shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Annie: First five-star read: Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley Most surprising: Mostly What God Does by Savannah Guthrie Least favorite: Worry by Alexandra Tanner Next on your TBR: Enlightenment by Sarah Perry Most anticipated fall release: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney Annie’s Top Ten: 1. James by Percival Everett 2. Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar 3. Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner 4. Even After Everything by Stephanie Duncan Smith 5. Real Americans by Rachel Khong 6. Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo 7. Sandwich by Catherine Newman 8. Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel 9. Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan 10. Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley Hunter: First five-star read: Martyr! By Kaveh Akbar Most surprising: Annie Bot by Sierra Greer Least favorite: Brat by Gabriel Smith Next on your TBR: The Future Was Color by Patrick Nathan Most anticipated release for fall: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney Hunter’s Top Ten: 1.  James by Percival Everett 2. All Fours by Miranda July 3. We Were The Universe by Kimberly King Parsons 4. In Tongues by Thomas Grattan 5. Colored Television by Danzy Senna 6. State of Paradise by Laura Van Den Berg 7. Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel 8. Ways and Means by Daniel Lefferts 9. Henry Henry by Allen Bratton 10. Housemates by Emma Copley Eisenberg From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram at @bookshelftville, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. This week, Annie is reading Enlightenment by Sarah Perry.  Hunter is reading Anyone's Ghost by August Thompson. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Or, if you’re so inclined, support us on Patreon, where you can hear our staff’s weekly New Release Tuesday conversations, read full book reviews in our monthly Shelf Life newsletter and follow along as Hunter and I conquer a classic. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

07-18
59:48

Maureen Rekrut

I tried the new format. I did...despite my misgivings about the way Chris was dismissed from the show. The banter between Chris and Annie is what made this podcast sing. Now it is just Annie talking into the void. I am sad to let this go but it's just not grabbing me any longer.

02-25 Reply

Chiara Boldrini

my favorite podcast, highly recommended

03-29 Reply

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