Sarah's Bookshelves Live

In Episode 184, Susie (@NovelVisits) and I close out the year with our Best Books of 2024 Genre Awards. We reveal our Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction) and our full breakdown by genre, including: Best Literary Fiction, Best Romance, Best Brain Candy, Best Genre Mash-Up, and more! Plus, we’re sharing the winners for these same genres as chosen by the Sarah’s Bookshelves Live Patreon community! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcements My 2025 Reading Tracker is out! Plus, this year we’ve added another option — a LITE Tracker. Once again, the Tracker is ONLY available to Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Also, to avoid Apple’s 30% fee, be sure to join directly from Patreon’s site, mobile or desktop. Become a Superstars Patron here! Instructions for how to give an SBL Patreon membership as a gift. Highlights Podcast reflections from 2024 — including top episodes based on download stats. A brief overview of Susie’s and Sarah’s 2024 year in reading. Our favorite books of the year: overall and by genre, including the SBL Patreon Community’s picks. 2024 Genre Awards [16:45] Sarah Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:52] Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:21] Anna Bright is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:12] The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:42] The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:26] JFK Jr. by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:25] Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:42] How To End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:11] Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:46] Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [57:26] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [59:40] Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:04:24] Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:07:09] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:08:47] Susie Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:59] Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:05] Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:42] What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:43] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:41] The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:16] One Day I’ll Grow Up and Be a Beautiful Woman by Abi Maxwell | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:47] Funny Story by Emily Henry | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:23] Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:54] The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [54:02] The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [58:18] Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:00:14] Perris, California by Rachel Stark | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:02:44] Liars by Sarah Manguso | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:05:18] Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:07:09] Patrons James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:55] Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:43] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:16] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:35] The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:10] Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten | Amazon | Bookshop.org[43:33] Funny Story by Emily Henry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:59] Annie Bot by Sierra Greer | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [53:28] The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [56;10] You Like It Darker by Stephen King | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [56:39] Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:58] Twenty-Four Seconds From Now by Jason Reynolds | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:54] Piglet by Lottie Hazzell | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:03:22] The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:06:16] Other Books Mentioned Mercury by Amy Jo Burns [20:10] Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout [20:13] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker [20:27] The Wedding People by Alison Espach [20:37] We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman [22:17] Bad Blood by John Carreyrou [24:27] She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey [24:40] Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford [28:10] A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey [28:23] Good Material by Dolly Alderton [28:27] The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [28:57] Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra [31:55] The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean [32:00] Worst Case Scenario by T. J. Newman [32:05] Falling by T. J. Newman [32:20] Drowning by T. J. Newman [32:21] The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali [36:03] Spare by Prince Harry [37:20] The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt [40:00] Challenger by Adam Higginbotham [40:28] The Wives by Simone Gorrindo [44:46] Sociopath by Patric Gagne, Ph.D. [45:09] Consent by Jill Ciment [45:15] The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop [45:21] Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley [45:31] One Way Back by Christine Blasey Ford [45:34] Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner [45:43] There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib [45:48] People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry [47:10] Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez [48:51] The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center [48:59] Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood [49:02] Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan [49:34] Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell [49:44] The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard [53:47] The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown [56:12] Bride by Ali Hazelwood [56:27] Diavola by Jennifer Thorne [57:06] We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer [57:11] Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller [59:17] Colored Television by Danzy Senna [59:22] I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue [59:27] We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay by Gary Janneti [59:35] There There by Tommy Orange [1:00:27] Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez [1:01:40] When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson [1:01:59] Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar [1:03:35] Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen [1:03:56] How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica [1:04:11] The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden [1:04:21] Bear by Julia Phillips [1:06:18] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley [1:06:25] The Fury by Alex Michaelides [1:06:51] The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [1:08:10] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [1:10:27] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [1:10:28] Top Podcast Episodes [4:40] Ep. 158: Best Books of 2023 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits) Ep. 160: The Best Backlist Books We Read in 2023 with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 159: Winter 2024 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 157: Best Books of 2023 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits) Ep. 164: Winter 2024 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 163: Classics & Retellings 101 with Sara Hildreth (@FictionMatters) Ep. 156: 2023 State of the Industry with Sarah Landis (Literary Agent) Ep. 162: BookTok 101 with Leigh Stein (Author & Journalist) Ep. 178: Behind the Scenes of Amazon’s Best Books Lists with Al Woodworth, Senior Editor & Manager of Amazon Books Editorial Ep. 179: From Corporate America to Indie Bookstore Owner with Gayle Weiswasser (Co-Founder of Wonderland Books) Ep. 167: Circling Back to 2018 in Books with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

In this Bonus Podcast Episode, Al Woodworth, Senior Editor and Manager at Amazon Books Editorial, returns to the show to take listeners behind the scenes of Amazon’s Best Books of 2024, as chosen by the Amazon Editors!  A fascinating glimpse into how the 2024 list was curated, how the rankings were determined, and what criteria guided the selections.  This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcements My 2025 Reading Tracker is out! Plus, this year we’ve added another option — a LITE Tracker. Once again, the Tracker is ONLY available to Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Also, to avoid Apple’s 30% fee, be sure to join directly from Patreon’s site, mobile or desktop. Become a Superstars Patron here! Highlights The impact Amazon’s #1 book of 2024 had on the editorial team The role of capturing “the present moment” in selecting the best books of the year How Amazon Editorial chose the top 5 books of 2024  Whether the mid-year top book or other outlets’ year-end lists influenced Amazon’s decisions Behind the scenes: 2024’s “reading week” retreat and “war room” discussions  The importance of selecting books that appeal across genres and to a broad swath of readers The group dynamic of ranking each book on the list Al highlights some lesser-known titles from the list How 2024 stacks up for Al and Amazon’s editorial team Books From Our Discussion The Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:03] The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:25]  Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:27]  Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:28] The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [9:54]  The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:37] James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:43] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:51]  The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:54] Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:59]   Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:18] Educated by Tara Westover | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:09]  The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:26]  We Solve Murders by Richard Osman | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:30]  The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:34]  The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:06]  Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:23] The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:27] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:35] We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:47] Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell  | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:21] When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:23] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:15] There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:51] John Lewis by David Greenberg  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:44] I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:00] The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:14] The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:06]  Other Links Amazon | Amazon Editors’ Personal Favorite Books of 2024 About Al Woodworth More about Amazon Book Review Website | Instagram | X | Facebook Al Woodworth is a Senior Editor on the Amazon Books Editorial team and has spent more than ten years in the book industry, championing authors and their work. She’s never without a book or four in her bag and is happiest reading memoirs and literary fiction, especially sprawling stories that cross generations and countries. She lives in Brooklyn.

In Ep. 183, we’re starting the wrap-up of 2024 with the first of our two year-end episodes: Best Books of 2024 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits). In this episode, we’re sharing our top books of the year across over 25 Superlative categories, including Most Deserving of the Hype, Best Pairing, an “Eat My Words” book, Most Memorable Cast of Characters, and so much more! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcements My 2025 Reading Tracker is out! Plus, this year we’ve added another option — a LITE Tracker. Once again, the Tracker is ONLY available to Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Also, to avoid Apple’s 30% fee, be sure to join directly from Patreon’s site, mobile or desktop. Become a Superstars Patron here! Highlights Our best books of the year from over 25 categories, including: Most Deserving of the Hype Most Memorable Cast of Characters Best Book Read Because of FOMO Darkest Book of the Year Best Underrated Gem Most Unpopular Opinion Most Surprising DNF Favorite Coming-of-Age Book Best Pairing “Eat My Words” Book Best and Worst Titles Best and Worst Covers 2024 Superlatives [3:42] Susie The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:19] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:11] How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org[11:42] Grown Women by Sarai Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:44] Piglet by Lottie Hazell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:36] Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:08] Blessings by Chukwuebuka Ibeh  | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:52] Intermezzo by Sally Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:23] Entitlement by Rumaan Alam | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:25] Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:18] The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:56] Hera by Jennifer Saint | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:40] The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:23] Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:31] Annie Bot by Sierra Greer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:49] Sarah Mercury by Amy Jo Burns | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:17] River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:17] James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:04] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:45] Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:22] Earth by John Boyne | Amazon [26:23] The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt  | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:13] Intermezzo by Sally Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:54] A Reason to See You Again by Jami Attenberg | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:26] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:23] Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:16] The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:51] Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:33] Everest, Inc. by Will Cockrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:51] Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:59] The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:14] All The Worst Humans by Phil Elwood | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:16] Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:45] Other Books Mentioned Tom Lake by Ann Patchett [14:22]  Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan [16:10] Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez [16:17] The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen [16:27] Forgotten on Sunday by Valérie Perrin [18:16] Three by Valérie Perrin [18:18] Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin [18:18] The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah [20:23] The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah [20:30] The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah [20:33] (“The Dustbowl one”) The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne [26:32] Water by John Boyne [26:53] Fire by John Boyne [27:37] Air by John Boyne (2025) [27:37] Perris, California by Rachel Stark [37:34] Normal People by Sally Rooney [38:31] Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney [38:32] Beautiful World, Where Are You? by Sally Rooney [38:44] Tell Me Everything by Minka Kelly [1:00:32] Tell Me Everything by Erika Krauss [1:00:37] My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout [1:00:54] About Susie Boutry Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X Susie has loved reading for as long as she can remember. Some of her fondest childhood memories involve long afternoons at the library and then reading late into the night. More than ten years ago, she began journaling about the books she read and turned that passion into writing about books. Her first forays were as a guest reviewer on a friend’s blog, but she soon realized she wanted to be reviewing and talking about books on a blog of her own. From there, Novel Visits was born. That was in 2016 and, though the learning curve was steep, she loves being a part of the book community. Novel Visits focuses on new novel reviews (print and audio), previews of upcoming releases, and musings on all things bookish.

In Episode 182, author Chelsea Bieker discusss her new novel, Madwoman, with Sarah. Chelsea shares how her own childhood inspired the fictional characters in her book and what parts of the book differ from her own experience. They talk about the trajectory of this intense and personal novel that began as a “funny little book about motherhood” and morphed into a story about trauma and abuse.  Plus, Chelsea shares her book recommendations. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Books by Chelsea Bieker: Madwoman (2024), Heartbroke (2022), and Godshot (2020) A spoiler-free overview of Madwoman. How this story transformed from a “funny little book about motherhood” to an intense story about trauma and abuse. The ways Chelsea’s childhood experiences and memories shaped her story of Clove. The parts of Madwoman that were pulled directly from her own life and those that weren’t. Exploring the publisher’s statement that Madwoman would be Chelsea’s breakout. Conversations with her mom and dad about the book’s story. The relationship between Madwoman, Godshot, and Chelsea’s current work in progress. Chelsea’s Book Recommendations [46:01] Two OLD Books She Loves Animal by Lisa Taddeo (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:23] Hot Springs Drive by Lindsay Hunter (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:04] Two NEW Books She Loves We Were the Universe by Kimberly King Parsons (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:09] Solider Sailor by Claire Kilroy (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:09] One Book She DIDN’T Love It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:48] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About The Motherload by Sarah Hoover (Jan 14, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[01:01:49] Last 5-Star Book Chelsea Read How to Love Your Daughter by Hila Blum (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[01:03:42] Other Books Mentioned: I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin (2023) [01:04:04] About Chelsea Bieker Website | Instagram | X | Facebook | Substack Chelsea Bieker is the author of three books, most recently the nationally bestselling novel, Madwoman, a Book of the Month club pick the New York Times calls “brilliant in its depiction of the long shadows cast by domestic violence.” Her first novel, Godshot, was long-listed for The Center For Fiction’s First Novel Prize and named a Barnes & Noble Pick of the Month. Her story collection, Heartbroke, won the California Book Award and was a New York Times “Best California Book of 2022.” Her writing has appeared in The Paris Review, Marie Claire UK, People, The Cut, Wall Street Journal, No Tokens, and others. She is the recipient of a Rona Jaffe Writers’ Award, as well as residencies from MacDowell and Tin House. Raised in Hawai’i and California, she now lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two children.

In Episode 181, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 16 new releases they shared in the Fall 2024 Book Preview, now that they’ve read them. They share their reading stats, chat about what worked — and hash out which books didn’t work and why. Check out the episode for their full reviews on all their fall picks and get recommendations for your next book! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Catherine describes her fall reading “trick or treat” — mostly treats (her first 5-star preview book since February), but a few tricks (two DNFs). Sarah had a higher DNF count than usual, but still had a high(ish) success rate for this season. Since this is the last Circle Back of 2024, they look at their stats for the entire year of Previews. They name the best and worst books picks for fall! Books We Read Before the Preview [3:30] Sarah’s Picks Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:58] The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:32] Other Books Mentioned The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [5:35] Fall 2024 Circle Back [7:28] Mid-August Catherine’s Picks There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak (Aug 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[7:36] September Sarah’s Picks Guide Me Home by Attica Locke (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:23] The Siege by Ben Macintyre (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:41]  Entitlement by Rumaan Alam (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:36]  A Reason to See You Again by Jami Attenberg (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:51] Adam and Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:35] Catherine’s Picks Dear Dickhead by Virginie Despentes (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:54] Bringer of Dust by J. M. Miro (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:07]  Other Books Mentioned Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke [10:44]  Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke [10:48] The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre [15:46]  Ordinary Monsters by J. M. Miro [20:12]  Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam [24:29]  Sandwich by Catherine Newman [25:03] All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg [30:09] Banyan Moon by Thao Tai [37:01] The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza [37:32] The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl [37:48]  October Sarah’s Picks Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:36]  Catherine’s Picks A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:00]  The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni (Oct 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:24] Libby Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth (Oct 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:47] Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:21]  Other Books Mentioned The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni [33:07] The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner [46:14]  November Catherine’s Pick The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson (Nov 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:23]  About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Booksover 10 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle, WA. Next Episode In two weeks (November 13), Sarah will be back with Chelsea Bieker, author of Madwoman.

In Episode 180, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and Sarah return with the 4th annual Debuts Special! They’re sharing their favorite debuts, new and backlist — so far for 2024. Plus, their reading stats for debuts this year and the best sophomore novels of 2024. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights How debuts from 2024 compare to those from previous years. A full breakdown of Sarah’s and Susie’s 2024 debut-related stats. Featured debuts, divided into three categories: Favorite Debuts of 2024 (so far) Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2024 Best Sophomore Novels of 2024 Favorite Debuts of 2024 (so far) [7:13] Sarah Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [8:33] Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:50] Everest, Inc. by Will Cockrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:50] How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:30] Susie Grown Women by Sarai Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:18] How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:32] Perris, California by Rachel Stark | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:58] Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:29] Other Books Mentioned Victim by Andrew Boryga [7:54] Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen [8:04] River East, River West by Aub Rey Lescure [8:15] The Wives by Simone Gorrindo [8:23] The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin [8:43] Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen [14:59] Talking at Night by Claire Daverley [21:25] Groundskeeping by Lee Cole [21:29] People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry [29:38]  Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld [31:26]  No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister [34:55]  The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring [34:58]  Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2024 [36:02] Sarah The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:09] Welcome to the O.C. by Alan Sepinwall, Josh Schwartz, and Stephanie Savage | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:20] Susie There There by Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:33] Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:13] Other Books Mentioned Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange [39:06]  Girl at War by Sara Nović [45:18] The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway [45:20]   Best Sophomore Novels of 2024 [45:33] Sarah Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:39] A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:43] Susie Bear by Julia Phillips | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:07] Where the Forest Meets the River by Shannon Bowring | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:40] Other Books Mentioned Sandwich by Catherine Newman [47:52]  The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring [52:54]  Additional Books Mentioned I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid [6:08]  About Susie Boutry Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X Susie has loved reading for as long as she can remember. Some of her fondest childhood memories involve long afternoons at the library and then reading late into the night. More than ten years ago, she began journaling about the books she read and turned that passion into writing about books. Her first forays were as a guest reviewer on a friend’s blog, but she soon realized she wanted to be reviewing and talking about books on a blog of her own. From there, Novel Visits was born. That was in 2016 and, though the learning curve was steep, she loves being a part of the book community. Novel Visits focuses on new novel reviews (print and audio), previews of upcoming releases, and musings on all things bookish. Next Episode In two weeks (October 30), Catherine and I will be back with our Fall 2024 Circle Back episode.

In Episode 179, Sarah is joined by Gayle Weiswasser, co-founder of Wonderland Books, an independent bookstore in Bethesda, MD opening in November 2024. Gayle candidly shares her journey from her initial idea to being on the verge of opening the store. This behind-the-scenes episode offers a deep dive into everything from training and book buying to raising capital (including crowdsourcing) and much more! Plus, Gayle wraps up the episode with some great book recommendations (and how many copies of each she’s ordering for the store). This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Gayle’s nearly 20-year journey in the book world. How the first spark for this idea came from listening to a podcast. Some of the fears and challenges Gayle is currently facing. Bookstore bootcamp and the other ways Gayle prepared to become a bookstore owner. All about raising capital: fundraising, crowdsourcing, small business loans, and the perks of working with a partner. How Gayle balances her personal reading tastes with the community’s expectations. The process of buying books and building the store’s collection. Breaking down book margins and why publishers tend to stay quiet about them. How Wonderland Books plans to stand out from other local bookstores. How this whole process has affected Gayle’s reading this year. Did Sarah just discover a new micro-genre? Plus, an impromptu request adds a fun twist to the book recommendations segment! Gayle’s Book Recommendations [53:04] Two OLD Books She Loves The Art Thief by Michael Finkel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:15] Talking at Night by Claire Daverley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [55:55] Other Books Mentioned Normal People by Sally Rooney [57:55]  Two NEW Books She Loves The Caretaker by Ron Rash | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:39] Green Dot by Madeleine Gray | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:15] Other Books Mentioned The Risen by Ron Rash [59:03]  Serena by Ron Rash [59:07] One Book She DIDN’T Love Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:04:09] Other Books Mentioned The Girls from Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe [1:04:33]  The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [1:04:35]  One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler (February 4, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:08:29] Other Books Mentioned: Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler [1:08:40] Beneath the Bonfire by Nickolas Butler [1:09:12]  Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld (February 25, 2025) [1:09:25]  You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld [1:09:36]  Leaving by Roxana Robinson [1:10:12]  Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf [1:10:49]  Last 5-Star Book Gayle Read The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:42] Other Links The Bookshop Podcast with Mandy Jackson-Beverly The Bookstore Training Group About Gayle Weiswasser Blog | Instagram | X | Facebook  Gayle Weiswasser is the co-founder of Wonderland Books, a soon-to-open independent bookstore opening soon in Bethesda, MD. Gayle is also the founder of the blog, Everyday I Write the Book and the co-host of the podcast The Readerly Report. Prior to opening Wonderland Books, Gayle was a lawyer and communications executive.  She’s a DC native and now lives in Chevy Chase, MD with her family. Learn More about Wonderland Books:Website | Instagram | Facebook

In Episode 178, Al Woodworth, Senior Editor and Manager at Amazon Books Editorial, goes behind the scenes of Amazon’s editorial division, including the start-to-finish process of building the “Best Books” lists, what “best” might mean, and what helps a book make the list. Plus, Al shares some of her book recommendations!  This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights How Al fits reading into her busy weekly schedule The start to finish process of building the Amazon “Best of” lists How Amazon balances genre diversity in their “Best of” lists What “best” means to Amazon’s editorial team Publication date criteria for the Best Books of the Month and Year lists How the team discusses, votes, and makes decisions for the lists Whether sales numbers influence the year-end list How Amazon’s editorial team handles publisher influence What 2024 looks like so far for Al and the editorial team Al’s Book Recommendations [38:26] Two OLD Books She Loves Horse by Geraldine Brooks | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:39] Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:20] Other Books Mentioned Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe [41:32]  Two NEW Books She Loves James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:05] There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:18] One Book She DIDN’T Love Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:21] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami (Nov 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:54] Other Books Mentioned: 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami [51:09] Last 5-Star Book Al Read There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:05] Other Books Mentioned: John Lewis: A Life by David Greenberg (Oct 8) [52:26] Books From Our Discussion All the Worst Humans by Phil Elwood [9:25] The Wedding People by Alison Espach [14:54] Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie [18:05] All the Broken Places by John Boyne [18:11] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker [19:38] James by Percival Everett [21:40] Educated by Tara Westover [22:07] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [24:09] Spare by Prince Harry [25:25] The Testaments by Margaret Atwood [31:13]  The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood [31:25] The 9/11 Commission Report by National Commission on Terrorist Attacks [31:34] About Al Woodworth More about Amazon Book Review Website | Instagram | X | Facebook Al Woodworth is a Senior Editor on the Amazon Books Editorial team and has spent more than ten years in the book industry, championing authors and their work. She’s never without a book or four in her bag and is happiest reading memoirs and literary fiction, especially sprawling stories that cross generations and countries. She lives in Brooklyn.

Welcome to the Fall 2024 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!   Today, Catherine and I share 16 of our most anticipated books releasing mid-August through December.   This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcement One of the many benefits to joining our Patreon Community is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all patrons (Stars and Superstars) and sign up here! Highlights Catherine and Sarah share some big releases coming this fall (lightning round style). Catherine’s theme is “unpredictability” — half her picks are repeat authors and the other half simply caught her eye. Sarah’s choices feature 6 returning authors and overall are leaning more literary. A few shorter books from Sarah’s picks: under 300 pages. Sarah has already read and rated two of her picks! Plus, their #1 picks for the fall. Big Fall Releases [1:29]  Books Mentioned By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult (Aug 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:56] Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:00] The Life Impossible by Matt Haig (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:05] Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:11] The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:30] Framed by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey (Oct 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:36] The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:39] The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:45] The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami (Nov 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:51] It Starts with One: The Legend and Legacy of Linkin Park by Jason Lipshutz(Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:54] MC5: An Oral Biography of Rock’s Most Revolutionary Band by Brad Tolinski, Jaan Uhelszki, and Ben Edmonds (Oct 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:55] Never Understood: The Jesus and Mary Chain by William Reid and Jim Reid(Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:56] Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton & Me by Bernie Taupin (2023 release — in paperback Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:58] The Name of This Band Is R.E.M.: A Biography by Peter Ames Carlin (Nov 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:59] Backlist Titles Mentioned The Midnight Library by Matt Haig [2:08] The Measure by Nikki Erlick [2:27] The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins [2:45] 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami [3:02] What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami [3:25] Fall 2024 Book Preview [6:34] Mid-August Catherine’s Pick There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak (Aug 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:22] Other Books Mentioned The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak [11:03]  10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak [11:12]  September Sarah’s Picks Guide Me Home by Attica Locke (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:11] Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:41] The Siege by Ben Macintyre (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:03]  Entitlement by Rumaan Alam (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:37]  A Reason to See You Again by Jami Attenberg (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:00] Adam and Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:45] Catherine’s Picks Dear Dickhead by Virginie Despentes (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:37] Bringer of Dust by J. M. Miro (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:28]  Other Books Mentioned Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke [7:21]  Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke [7:24] The Cutting Season by Attica Locke [7:55] Godshot by Chelsea Bieker [15:08]  The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre [18:12]  Ordinary Monsters by J. M. Miro [20:41]  Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam [22:57]  Trust by Hernan Diaz [23:45]  Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid [23:48]  All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg [28:06] Saint Mazie by Jami Attenberg [28:09] The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg [28:10] Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow [29:39] Banyan Moon by Thao Tai [29:44] The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza [34:37] The Women by Kristin Hannah [35:44] October Sarah’s Picks The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:18] (To skip ahead, jump to [44:55] in your podcast player.) Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:44]  Catherine’s Picks A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:11]  The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni (Oct 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:59] Libby Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth (Oct 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[36:48] Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:56]  Other Books Mentioned The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni [31:07] A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin [38:43] The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [39:23] The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin [42:23]  Capote’s Women by Laurence Leamer [42:27]  It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover [43:39]  The Heirs by Susan Rieger [45:04]  The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner [46:56]  Happiness Falls by Angie Kim [47:53]  November Catherine’s Pick The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson (Nov 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:53] 

In Episode 176, Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books and I catch up on the 12 new releases from the Summer 2024 Book Preview. We share our reading stats, chat about what we liked, and what didn’t work out. Listen in as we share our reviews on these books and get some recommendations for your next read!  This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Catherine says she had a “hummingbird” summer of flitting from book to book to book. Sarah’s prediction of THE BOOK of summer definitely panned out! Despite some DNFs, Sarah and Catherine both ended up with a fairly successful summer. Catherine calls out one author as serving up wonderful “Jimmy Stewart fiction.” Sarah had a weird reading experience with one book. Plus, two of Sarah’s picks were 5 stars! They name the best and worst books from their summer picks! Books We Read Before the Preview [4:27] Sarah’s Picks The God of the Woods by Liz Moore  (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:47]  Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (June 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[5:14] Other Books Mentioned The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [6:09] Summer 2024 Circle Back [7:36] June Sarah’s Picks Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:10] What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:39] Catherine’s Picks Swift River by Essie Chambers (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:44] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:59] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:10] How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:04]  Other Books Mentioned Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty [11:35] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [15:09] All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris [20:55] Anywhere You Run by Wanda M. Morris [20:58] We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker [27:01] July Sarah’s Picks The World After Alice by Lauren Aliza Green (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:39] Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner  (July 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:42] Catherine’s Picks The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[33:43] The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:28]  Other Books Mentioned Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead [33:01] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [33:04] Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane [33:09] A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella [36:53] Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [37:48] The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali [42:35]

In Episode 175, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I explore our favorite Micro Genres for 2024. Over the past year, we’ve continued to refine our reading tastes and identify specific themes and types of books that resonate deeply with us. This year, Susie and I have a curated list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with standout books from each category. It’s another big episode with tons of great book recommendations! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Cold War Espionage (Sarah) [3:19] Sarah Red Widow by Alma Katsu | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:49] Red London by Alma Katsu | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:50] Our American Friend by Anna Pitoniak | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:10]  The Charm School by Nelson DeMille | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:20]   Red Notice by Bill Browder | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:47] The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:01] Susie The Sisterhood by Liz Mundy | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:26]  Angsty Motherhood (Susie) [7:21] Sarah Perfect Tunes by Emily Gould | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:00] Susie Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:38] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:04] Amazing Grace Adams by Fran Littlewood | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:37] When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:53]  Little Prisons by Ilona Bannister (currently unavailable in the US)  [10:54]  Landslide by Susan Conley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:57] The Push by Ashley Audrain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:00]  Memoirs About the Demise of a Marriage (Sarah) [12:18] Sarah How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:26] You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:52]  A Beautiful, Terrible Thing by Jen Waite | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:11]  Bankruptcy by Janet Lombardi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:14]  Susie Untamed by Glennon Doyle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:49] Pandemic Stories (Susie) [15:26] NOT Based on the COVID-19 Pandemic & More Dystopian [15:49]  Sarah Wanderers by Chunk Wendig | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:43]  Susie Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:06] The Dog Stars by Peter Heller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:20] The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:41]  Severance by Ling Ma | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:07] The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:20]  With the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Background [18:28]  Sarah 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:37]  Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:40]  Susie Blue Ruin by Hari Kunzru | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:37]  Day by Michael Cunningham | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:17]  Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:47]  Pete and Alice in Maine by Caitlin Shetterly | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:49]  Other Books Mentioned Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult [21:09]  Invisible Son by Kim Johnson [21:14]  This Is My America by Kim Johnson [21:19]  The Measure by Nikki Erlick [22:03]  Did She Actually Say That?! (Sarah) [23:03] Sarah Miracle Creek by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:18]  Happiness Falls by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:19]  The Push by Ashley Audrain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:55]  All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:14]  Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:42]  Susie The Change by Kirsten Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:15] On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:32]   Books Revolving Around Generational Trauma (Susie) [27:34] Sarah Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:24]  Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:28]  What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:52]  The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:54] What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry, MD PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:57]   Susie Grown Women by Sarai Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:08]  Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:58]  The Postcard by Anne Berest | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:27]  Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:50]  All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [30:53]  Swift River by Essie Chambers | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:56]  Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshanathan | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:59]  Co-Ed Friend Groups (Sarah) [32:18] Sarah The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:17]  Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:29]  The Ensemble by Aja Gabel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:39]   All Together Now by Matthew Norman | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:47]  Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:01] The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:14] Susie The Celebrants by Steven Rowley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:36]  Who We Are Now by Lauryn Chamberlain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:16]  Peace, Love, and Rock n’ Roll / Books Set in the ’60s & ’70s (Susie) [36:58] Susie The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:09]  Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:31]  Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:57]  The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead | Amazon | Bookshop.org [spp-timestamp time=”[39:11]″]  All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:39] Last House by Jessica Shattuck | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:53]  Surprisingly High-Quality Celebrity Memoirs (Sarah) [40:33] Sarah Open by Andre Agassi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:05]  Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:07]  Open Book by Jessica Simpson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:16]  Finding Me by Viola Davis | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:11]  Becoming by Michelle Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:15] Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:21]   Susie Born a Crime by Trevor Noah | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:19]  Other Books Mentioned The Woman in Me by Britney Spears [41:45]  The Many Lives of Mama Love by Laura Love Hardin [43:33]  Look Backs (Susie) [44:38] Sarah City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:11] Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:33]  Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:06]  Susie The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:30] The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:03] Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:08] Absolution by Alice McDermott | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:30] Other Books Mentioned Happiness Falls by Angie Kim [47:47] 

For Ep. 174, due to an unexpected change in our episode schedule, we’re bringing you an episode from our newest Patreon bonus series, Unscripted. This series is our sandbox for any bookish topic, whether it’s publishing news, behind-the-scenes insights from the podcast and our reading lives, or patron-submitted discussions. Most Unscripted episodes feature both co-hosts, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide), along with me — and this April episode was no exception. We dive into the topic of Auto-Buy Authors, submitted by patrons! Tune in for a candid chat about the authors we always buy, former favorites, and those we’ve learned to avoid. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcement (Podcast Survey) Hey Listeners! We value your feedback and want to ensure Sarah’s Bookshelves Live continues to meet your needs. Please take a couple of minutes to complete our podcast survey. Your insights are crucial for us to keep improving the podcast. The results are completely anonymous, so feel free to be honest. You can access the survey here. Thank you for your support! Introduction [4:19] Books Mentioned The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [5:12] Auto-Buy Authors [11:12] Catherine Elizabeth George The Great Deliverance (Inspector Lynley Mysteries, #1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:43] Anna Quindlen Paula McLain When the Stars Go Dark | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:49] Circling the Sun | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:56] Love and Ruin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:03] A Ticket to Ride | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:23] The Paris Wife | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:27] Alice Hoffman Practical Magic | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:02] The Rules of Magic | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:43] Thrity Umrigar Honor | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:30] Barbara Kingsolver Demon Copperhead | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:51] The Bean Trees | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:03] The Poisonwood Bible | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:25] Unsheltered | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:46] Prodigal Summer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:10] Pigs in Heaven | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:25] Natalie Haynes S. A. Cosby All the Sinners Bleed | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:01] Maggie O’Farrell I Am, I Am, I Am | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:03] The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:22] John Boyne Water | Amazon [43:48] The Heart’s Invisible Furies | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:16] The Boy in the Striped Pajamas | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:23] All the Broken Places | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:25] A Traveler at the Gates of Wisdom | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:04] A Ladder to the Sky | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:18] Abbi Waxman Other People’s Houses | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:12] The Bookish Life of Nina Hill | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:21] Percival Everett James | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:12] The Trees | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:13] Erasure | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:16] Jennifer Saint Elektra | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:59] Ariadne | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:00] Atalanta | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:02] Laini Taylor Strange the Dreamer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:39] Susie Claire Fuller Unsettled Ground | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:41] The Memory of Animals | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:42] Bitter Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:48] Our Endless Numbered Days | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:31] Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones & The Six | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:13] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:16] Malibu Rising | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:18] Sally Rooney Beautiful World, Where Are You | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:31] Intermezzo (September 24, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:06] Normal People | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:22] Madeline Miller The Song of Achilles | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:20] Circe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:21] David Joy The Line That Held Us | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:58] Those We Thought We Knew | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:32] Rebecca Makkai The Great Believers | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:43] The Hundred-Year House | Amazon [31:47] I Have Some Questions For You | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:27] Peter Heller The River | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:50] The Guide | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:56] The Last Ranger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:59] Burn | Amazon | Bookshop.org (August 13, 2024)[35:29] The Dog Stars | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:43] Celeste Ng Our Missing Hearts | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:41] Everything I Never Told You | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:59] Little Fires Everywhere | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:00] William Kent Krueger The River We Remember | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:26] Annie Hartnett Rabbit Cake | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:33] Unlikely Animals | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:34] Fredrik Backman Beartown | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:59] A Man Called Ove | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:02] Us Against You | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:16] The Winners | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:19] Anxious People | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:26] Lily Brooks-Dalton Good Morning, Midnight | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:32] The Light Pirate | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:34] Anna Pitoniak Necessary People | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:45] The Futures | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:58] The Helsinki Affair | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:10] Emma Straub This Time Tomorrow | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:44] All Adults Here | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:36] Sarah Ann Patchett Tom Lake | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:11] Bel Canto | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:14] These Precious Days | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:20] Run | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:33] Commonwealth | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:45] Rufi Thorpe The Girls from Corona del Mar | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:12] Dear Fang, With Love | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:21] The Knockout Queen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:39] Margo’s Got Money Troubles | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:43] Garrett M. Graff The Only Plane in the Sky | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:57] Kevin Wilson Now Is Not the Time to Panic | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:10] Nothing to See Here | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:48] The Family Fang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:54] Amy Jo Burns Shiner | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:13] Mercury | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:14] Liz Nugent Unraveling Oliver | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:06] Strange Sally Diamond | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:14] Meg Wolitzer The Interestings | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:34] The Wife | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:39] The Female Persuasion | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:32] Tayari Jones An American Marriage | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:01] Silver Sparrow | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:07] Brit Bennett The Mothers | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:52] The Vanishing Half | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:00] Angie Kim Miracle Creek | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:13] Happiness Falls | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:14] Mary Laura Philpott I Miss You When I Blink | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:13] Bomb Shelter | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:14] Rachel Khong Goodbye, Vitamin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:44] Real Americans | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:46] Hanna Halperin I Could Live Here Forever | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:50] Something Wild | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:56] Gabrielle Zevin The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:04] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:06] Young Jane Young | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:08] Former Auto-Buy Authors [1:03:23] Catherine Mark Halperin Paul Auster John Irving Nelson DeMille Plum Island (A John Corey Novel, #1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:08:50] Colson Whitehead The Underground Railroad | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:14:03]  The Nickel Boys | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:14:05]  Susie Chris Bohjalian Skeletons at the Feast | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:37] The Sleepwalker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:55] The Flight Attendant | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:57] The Princess of Las Vegas | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:06:26] The Double Bind | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:06:57] Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:06] The Sandcastle Girls | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:17] Midwives | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:21] Sally Hepworth The Younger Wife | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:10:43]  Stephen King The Stand | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:12:14]  11/22/63 | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:12:17]  Holly | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:12:37]  Mr. Mercedes | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:12:45]  Sarah Anna Quindlen Alternate Side | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:52] After Annie | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:59] Beatriz Williams A Hundred Summers | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:53] Along the Infinite Sea | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:08:16] Michael Lewis Liar’s Poker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:22]  Moneyball | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:22] The Big Short | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:23]   The Blind Side | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:24]  The Undoing Project | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:25]  Auto-Avoid Authors  [1:14:50] Catherine Paula Hawkins The Girl on the Train | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:17:11]  Colleen Hoover Verity | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:18:30]  Fredrik Backman Alix E. Harrow Susie Rachel Kapelke-Dale The Ballerinas | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:15:07]  The Ingenue | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:15:16]  The Fortune Seller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:15:20]  Elle Cosimano Finlay Donovan Is Killing It | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:16:11]  Annabel Monaghan  Benjamin Stevenson Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone | Amazon | Bookshop.org[1:17:46]  T. J. Newman Falling | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:19:11]  Drowning: The Rescue of Flight 1421 | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:19:23]  Emma Cline The Girls | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:20:45]  The Guest | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:21:02]  Sarah Riley Sager Final Girls | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:17:04]  Emil

For Ep. 173, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) joins me as we circle back to one of our favorite topics — niching down our reading into micro genres! In this special Circle Back, we revisit some previously shared micro genres from our two past Micro Genres We Love episodes and introduce two additional micro genres from a Patreon bonus episode not yet heard on the big show! We give examples that define each micro genre for us and share new books we’ve read that fit into these niches. Plus, we share books for that DIDN’T work for us. This episode is full of over 100 books for you to add to your TBR! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Romances That Deal With Fame [4:04] Sarah’s Additions Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:53] Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zentner | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:14] Other Books Mentioned Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld [4:31] Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston [4:34] You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi [6:01] Let the Games Begin by Rufaro Faith Mazarura (July 9) [6:37] Frenzied but Favorable Family Dynamics [7:43] Sarah’s Additions Mercury by Amy Jo Burns | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:21] Banyan Moon by Thao Thai | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:37] The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:44] Something Wild by Hanna Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:59] Susie’s Additions Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:19] Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:46] Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [9:31] Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:40] The Things We Didn’t Know by Elba Iris Pérez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:42] Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:50] Other Books Mentioned The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [8:12] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim [10:35] The Bee Sting by Paul Murray [12:17] You Only Call When You’re in Trouble by Stephen McCauley [12:35] Novels about the Dynamics of the Creative Process [12:53] Sarah’s Addition Margo’s Got Money Trouble by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:49] Susie’s Addition The Art Thief by Michael Finkel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:24] Other Books Mentioned Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [13:16] The Ensemble by Aja Gabel [13:23] Hell No! Women’s Stories [15:16] Susie’s Additions The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:05] Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:49] Margo’s Got Money Trouble by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:10] Go As a River by Shelley Read | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:34] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:37] Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:51] Other Books Mentioned Circe by Madeline Miller [15:51] The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir [15:55] Intense, (Sometimes) F-ed Up Love Stories, that Most Definitely Are Not Romances [18:10] Sarah’s Additions Talking at Night by Claire Daverley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:04] Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:17] Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:29] Susie’s Addition How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:09] Other Books Mentioned Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering [18:52] Normal People by Sally Rooney [18:55] I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin [18:58] Time Travel Done Right [20:31] Susie’s Additions The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:09] The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:33] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:03] Other Books Mentioned 11/22/63 by Stephen King [20:58] Life After Life by Kate Atkinson [21:02] Books by Former or Current Attorneys [22:37] Sarah’s Additions Gone But Not Forgotten by Phillip Margolin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:30] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:47] All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:52] Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:03] Susie’s Addition What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:32] Other Books Mentioned The Damage by Caitlin Wahrer [22:54] Miracle Creek by Angie Kim [23:23] The Eddie Flynn Series by Steve Cavanagh [23:26] Faithful Friends / Ensembles [25:07] Sarah’s Addition The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:39] Susie’s Additions We Are the Light by Matthew Quick | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:53] Piglet by Lottie Hazell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:16] Good Material by Dolly Alderton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:36] The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:10] Other Books Mentioned The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer [25:37] The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall [25:41] The Ensemble by Aja Gabel [25:45] Come and Get It by Kiley Reid [27:28] Suspenseful Books That Are Not Truly Thrillers,But That Publishers Market as Thrillers [28:20] Sarah’s Additions The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:26] All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:50] Susie’s Addition Perfectly Nice Neighbors by Kia Abdullah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:21] Other Books Mentioned The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb [29:08] My Sunshine Away by M. O. Walsh [29:11] The Cutting Season by Attica Locke [29:20] Literary Angst [30:52] Sarah’s Addition Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:01] Susie’s Additions Yellowface by R. F. Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:06] Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:30] I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:16] Other Books Mentioned Writers & Lovers by Lily King [31:26] Groundskeeping by Lee Cole [31:30] We Wish You Luck by Caroline Zancan [31:33] The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz [33:44] A Million Little Pieces by James Frey [34:22] Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James [34:24] Oral Histories [34:35] Sarah’s Additions The Hop by Diana Clarke | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:18] Kill Show by Daniel Sweren-Becker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:38] Welcome to the O.C. by Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, and Alan Sepinwall | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:52] Other Books Mentioned The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [34:58] Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid [35:05] Retellings of Classics or Beloved Books [36:43] Sarah’s Addition Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:53] Susie’s Additions Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:27] Bear by Julia Phillips | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:46] Other Books Mentioned Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [37:03] Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor [37:08] Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes [37:13] The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood [37:17] Birnham Wood by Eleanor Catton [38:38] James by Percival Everett [39:05] Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen [39:55] Badass Female Athlete Fiction / Competition Novels [40:14] Sarah’s Addition Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:42] Other Books Mentioned Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid [40:35] Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley [40:38] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [41:02] Trust No One [41:33] Susie’s Additions First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:46] Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:07] Other Books Mentioned I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid [42:03] Foe by Iain Reid [42:04] Cover Story by Susan Rigetti [42:17] Sunburn by Laura Lippman [42:21] Everyone On This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson [43:45] The Fury by Alex Michaelides [44:19] Workplace Dramas or Thrillers [44:58] Sarah’s Additions Exit Interview by Kristi Coulter | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:38] Private Equity by Carrie Sun | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:50] Bully Market by Jamie Fiore Higgins | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:05] Susie’s Additions The Sisterhood by Liza Mundy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:48] Correspondents by Tim Murphy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:11] Other Books Mentioned The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger [45:13] The Boys’ Club by Erica Katz [45:17] All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris [45:19] Code Girls by Liza Mundy [47:04] Novels With a Focus on Found Family [47:28] Sarah’s Additions Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:47] The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:17] Susie’s Additions Who We Are Now by Lauryn Chamberlain | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:25] The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:48] All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:23] Other Books Mentioned A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara [48:04] We Are the Light by Matthew Quick [48:09] Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda [48:15] Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen [49:14] Family Family by Laurie Frankel [49:48]

In Ep. 172, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits), Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide), and I are together for the first time on the big show to catch up on our 2024 reading — so far!  We talk about the current publishing landscape, what books are topping bestseller lists to date, and our personal reading as it stands halfway through the year. We share our stats and talk about expectations and hopes for the remainder of the year. Plus, we each share our TOP 5 books and our biggest disappointments so far. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. The Bookish Landscape [1:51] Books Mentioned James by Percival Everett [4:00] The Women by Kristin Hannah [4:14] Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder by Dav Pilkey [4:22] A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas [5:00] House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas [5:01] A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas [5:02] Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros [5:15] Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros [5:16] Atomic Habits by James Clear [5:17] Icebreaker by Hannah Grace [5:26] Our Personal Reading for 2024 (So Far) [6:59] Books Mentioned Medea by Eilish Quin [8:12] Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD [8:12] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley [8:13] River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure [8:15] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [11:53] In Memoriam by Alice Winn [13:33] The Measure by Nikki Erlick [16:03] Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett [16:04] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [16:05] Our Top Five (So Far)  [16:49] Sarah Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:18] Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:50] Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:05] Margo’s Got Money Trouble by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:16] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (July 2, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[48:32] Susie How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org[20:44] Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:50] Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:46] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:28] Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski | Amazon | Bookshop.org[50:52] Catherine James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:43] Mercury by Amy Jo Burns | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:39] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:12] The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:31] I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:46] Other Books Mentioned Shiner by Amy Jo Burns  [30:13] Cinderland by Amy Jo Burns [31:23] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [33:14] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [44:16] Long Bright River by Liz Moore [48:59] The Hunter’s Daughter by Nicola Solvinic [49:28] No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister [51:37] The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring [51:40] Virgil Wander by Leif Enger [54:59] The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton [55:15] The Iliad by Homer [55:36] Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [55:37] The Road by Cormac McCarthy [55:39] Our Biggest Disappointments (So Far)  [56:27] Sarah Everyone On This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:35] Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:45] Susie After Annie by Anna Quindlen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:01] The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:17] Catherine Family Family by Laurie Frankel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:01] Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:00] Other Books Mentioned Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson  [56:46] Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson (October 22, 2024) [57:17] We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman [59:51]

In Episode 171, Rufi Thorpe she joins me to discuss her latest novel, Margo’s Got Money Troubles, and her career arc in general. Rufi talks about her inspiration for Margo and the quirky elements she uses to explore deeper topics like loneliness, motherhood, untraditional family dynamics, money, and art — all with a great sense of humor. We also go behind-the-scenes of marketing the book, including cover design, titles, and comparison titles.  Plus, Rufi shares her book recommendations! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights A spoiler-free overview of Margo’s Got Money Troubles. Rufi talks about the inspiration for bringing together pro wrestling, OnlyFans, motherhood, a father-daughter story, and the challenges of making ends meet. How Wonder Woman (2017) played a role in creating Margo. Her thoughts on Margo’s Got Money Troubles possibly being her breakout book. The challenges of marketing such a complex book, including designing the cover. Rufi’s got title troubles: the working titles for a couple of her books! The big questions Rufi addresses in all her work. Some scenes that were cut from earlier versions book. A theme she’s exploring in her next book is gossip (which also contains time-travel and thriller elements). The way Rufi and her publisher handles comps for her hard-to-pin-down books. What she learned from an unpublished book she wrote between Dear Fang, With Love and The Knockout Queen. Rufi’s Book Recommendations [39:30] Two OLD Books She Loves Shadow Tag by Louise Erdrich | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:45] Ordinary Love and Good Will by Jane Smiley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:45] Two NEW Books She Loves Oye by Melissa Mogollon | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:35] Devil Makes Three by Ben Fountain | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:25] Other Books Mentioned: Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain [50:36] One Book She DIDN’T Love The Bee Sting by Paul Murray | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:56] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker (Sept 3, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:09] Other Books Mentioned: Godshot by Chelsea Bieker [52:23] Last 5-Star Book Rufi Read Come and Get It by Kiley Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:07] Other Books Mentioned: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid [54:24] Other Books Mentioned Dear Fang, With Love by Rufi Thorpe [1:57] The Girls from Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe [2:12] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [13:49] The Cider House Rules by John Irving [19:53] A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara [30:32] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [30:48] The Pisces by Melissa Broder [31:36] Milk Fed by Melissa Broder [31:38] Victim by Andrew Boryga [38:36] About Rufi Thorpe Website | Instagram | X | Facebook Rufi Thorpe received her MFA from the University of Virginia in 2009. Rufi is the author of The Knockout Queen, a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award, Dear Fang, With Love, and her first novel, The Girls from Corona del Mar, which was long-listed for the 2014 International Dylan Thomas Prize and for the 2014 Flaherty-Dunnan First Novel Prize. A California native, she currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and sons.

Announcement One of the many benefits to joining our Patreon Community is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all patrons (Stars and Superstars) and sign up here! CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Now that the 2024 Summer Reading Guide is set, Sarah welcomes heavier and more literary books. Catherine is leaning into several themes with books covering 4 decades. With a clean split of 3 new or debut authors and 3 repeat authors, Catherine is trying for more wins this season. Kick back with several summer picks that are 450+ pages. Sarah’s choices feature a wide variety of topics with 2 debuts and 4 returning authors. Sarah has already read and rated two of her picks 5 stars! Plus, listen in to hear their #1 picks for the summer season. Summer 2024 Book Preview [2:49] June Sarah’s Picks Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:28] Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (June 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:05] What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:59] Catherine’s Picks Swift River by Essie Chambers (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:44] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:34] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:17] How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:31]  Other Books Mentioned The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters [3:33] Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty [3:52] Real Americans by Rachel Khong [9:31] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [9:41] Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett [12:10] Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett [12:11] The Hop by Diana Clarke [13:26] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [14:42] All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris [18:16] Anywhere You Run by Wanda M. Morris [18:21] We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker [22:38] Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra [23:10] At Home in the World by Joyce Maynard (memoir published in 1998) [32:29] July Sarah’s Picks The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:12]  The World After Alice by Lauren Aliza Green (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:17] Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner (July 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:00] Catherine’s Picks The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[35:28] The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:11]  Other Books Mentioned Long Bright River by Liz Moore [25:22] I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai [28:56] Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead [34:09] Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane [34:23] Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid [34:46] A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella [35:37] Marrying the Ketchups by Jennifer Close [36:26] Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal [36:29] The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane [36:45] Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [38:53] The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali [42:31]

In Episode 169, Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books and I catch up on the 12 new releases from the Spring 2024 Book Preview. We share our reading stats, chat about what we liked, and what didn’t quite hit the mark. Tune in to hear our thoughts on these books and get some recommendations for your next read!  This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Access the 2024 Summer Reading Guide Cheatsheet and Free Trial on Patreon here. Highlights Catherine describes spring as “disappointing and confusing” — Is 2024 a slow year for standout reads? Catherine’s spring reading trend dips over the past three years. On the flip side, spring seems to be Sarah’s reading season! This spring brought Sarah two 4.5-star books. One of Catherine’s auto-buy authors no longer makes the cut. Sarah’s wildcard selection missed the mark this season as well. Both Catherine and Sarah’s top picks from the Preview didn’t quite deliver. They name the best and worst books from their spring picks.⁠ Books We Read Before the Preview [6:20] Sarah’s Picks The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza (April 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:27] Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zenter (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:19] Spring 2024 Book Preview [10:22] April Sarah’s Pick The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (April 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:09] Catherine’s Picks Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:22] Honey by Victor Lodato (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:56] Real Americans by Rachel Khong (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:23] Other Books Mentioned Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman [13:51] The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman [14:32] You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith [19:17] Maid by Stephanie Land [19:19] Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad [19:21] Know My Name by Chanel Miller [19:23] Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance [19:25] Educated by Tara Westover [19:26] Greenwood by Michael Christie [26:02] May Sarah’s Picks The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley  (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[27:36]  The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:49] Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli  (May 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:11] Catherine’s Picks The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:58]  The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:28] Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:00]  Other Books Mentioned The Hunter’s Daughter by Nicola Solvinic [33:17] The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore [39:26] The Guncle by Steven Rowley [39:37] Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli [42:25] Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan [47:05]

Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I share our favorite books that missed last year’s Summer Reading Guide, some shorter books we think are great for summer reading, and our #1 picks for each category featured in my 2024 Summer Reading Guide. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Access the 2024 Summer Reading Guide Cheatsheet and Free Trial on Patreon here. Summer Reading [9:19] Books That Missed Last Year’s Summer Reading Guide [10:14] Sarah All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:21] Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Guide for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:22] The Hop by Diana Clarke | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:22]  Susie Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:58] Perfectly Nice Neighbors by Kia Abdullah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:04]  The Last Ranger by Peter Heller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:24]  Other Books Mentioned Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby [11:08] Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby [11:10]  Dial ‘A’ for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto [16:26] Take It Back by Kia Abdullah [20:07] Shorter Books Great for Summer Reading [26:00] Sarah All Together Now by Matthew Norman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:13]  Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:48] Be spoiler ready: The murders and endings of The A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie, Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith, The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne, Malice Aforethought by Francis Iles, Double Indemnity by James M. Cain, The Drowner by Robert Drewe, The Secret History by Donna Tartt, and Deathtrap by Ira Levin are discussed in detail as noted in the book.  But many readers have lamented that the endings and main plots were also spoiled for The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and And Then There Were None, both by Agatha Christie. FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:29] Susie Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:09]  I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:52] One Woman Show by Christine Coulson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:06] Other Books Mentioned In Five Years by Rebecca Serle [28:49] One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle [28:51]  The Measure by Nikki Erlick [31:00] The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson [31:54] Our #1 Summer Picks by Category  [42:43] Something Light / Fun Sarah: The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:20]  Susie: Annie Bot by Sierra Greer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:13]  Other Books Mentioned: The Measure by Nikki Erlick [45:19] The One by John Marrs [45:23] Slow-Burn Suspense Sarah: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:37]  Something Fast-Paced / Intense Susie: What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan | Amazon | Bookshop.org[51:49]  Something With a Bit More Substance Sarah: Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:50]  Susie: Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:11]  Other Books Mentioned: Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [57:42] Something Different Sarah: The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:08]  Susie: Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:00]  Other Books Mentioned: We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter [1:03:55] Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin [1:05:50]

In Ep. 167, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I are circling back to 2018 in the book world with a special retrospective episode!  We share big bookish highlights for that year, including book news, award winners, and what was going on in the world outside of reading. We also talk about our own 2018 reading and our favorite 2018 releases.  Plus, you’ll hear listener-submitted favorites!  This episode is overflowing with great backlist titles to add to your TBR!   This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights The big news going on outside the book world. Book stories and trends that dominated 2018. Looking back at 2018, we couldn’t help but say, “If only we knew what was coming!” The books that have had staying power.⁠ Titles that now are comps for SO MANY books!⁠ We explore the early days of this new wave of celebrity book clubs. Our personal 2018 reading stats.⁠ Listener-submitted favorites from 2018.⁠ Circling Back to 2018 in Books [2:05] The World Beyond Books Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:12] A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1) by George R. R. Martin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:45] The Walking Dead (Compendium One) by writer Robert Kirkman and artist Tony Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:54] The Book Industry Becoming by Michelle Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:55] Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:46] The Meltdown (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 13) by Jeff Kinney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:50] Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:54] Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:56] Wonder by R. J. Palacio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:12] Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:16] The President Is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:42] Book Trends Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:30] Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:34] Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:36] Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:38] Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:27] Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:34] You Are a Badass® by Jen Sincero | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:59] 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:08] The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson | Amazon | Bookshop.org[18:14] Big Books of 2018 Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:46] The Reckoning by John Grisham | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:58] The President Is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:05] Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:56] There There by Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:25] The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:27] Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:16] Normal People by Sally Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:20] Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:21] Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:33] Verity by Colleen Hoover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:30] Circe by Madeline Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:08] The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:32] The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:36] The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:07] I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:19] Becoming by Michelle Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:36] Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:11] Educated by Tara Westover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:31] Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:18] Atomic Habits by James Clear | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:11] I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara | Amazon | Bookshop.org[31:51] Wandering Stars Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:53] The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:12] The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:37] Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (expected publication: August 15, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:50] Less by Andrew Sean Greer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:54] The Friend by Sigrid Nunez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:02] Milkman by Anna Burns | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:09] Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:22] The Stone Sky (The Broken Earth Book 3) by N. K. Jemisin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:04] Our Top Books of 2018 Circe by Madeline Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:46] An American Marriage by Tayari Jones | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:55] The Line that Held Us by David Joy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:30] The Pasha of Cuisine by Saygin Ersin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:55] Only Child by Rhiannon Navin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:32] Anatomy of a Miracle by Jonathan Miles | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:54] Song of a Captive Bird by Jasmin Darznik | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:00] There There by Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:04] She Would Be King by Wayétu Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:06] Tin Man by Sarah Winman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:09] Waiting for Eden by Elliot Ackerman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:42] A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:33] I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:46] Tell Me More by Kelly Corrigan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:23] The Ensemble by Aja Gabel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:36] The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:46] The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:55] Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:00] You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:31] Listeners’ Top Books of 2018 The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:09] A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:29] Educated by Tara Westover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:46] The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:54] An American Marriage by Tayari Jones | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:58] Circe by Madeline Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:01] The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:04] Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:26] Other Links Time Magazine | What to Know About the Controversy Surrounding Where the Crawdads Sing by Annabel Gutterman, July 2022

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.