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Gayle Weiswasser, co-owner of Wonderland Books in Bethesda, Maryland, returns to catch up with Sarah as the bookstore approaches its second anniversary! Gayle shares how the business has grown, what they've learned along the way, and how their first full year compared to expectations. Plus, they talk about the books flying off the shelves, surprising sales trends, and how owning a bookstore has changed Gayle's own reading life. And, of course, Gayle shares her top 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.

• How Wonderland's first full year compared to Gayle's financial expectations and biggest fears.
• What they've learned from their first full holiday season, plus the changes they've made as the business has grown.
• Which genres are selling especially well at Wonderland … and which have been surprisingly slow.
• The books they can't keep on the shelves, some unexpected bestsellers, and how this fall's biggest releases are performing.
• How Gayle handles customers asking her about specific books that she didn't particularly like.
• How the bookstore has affected Gayle's personal reading habits.

Two OLD Books She Loves

• I'll Come to You by Rebecca Kauffman (2025) | Bookshop.org [34:28] 
• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) | Bookshop.org [36:67] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman (Feb 24) [34:49] 
  • The Gunners by Rebecca Kauffman (2018) [35:01] 
  • Chorus by Rebecca Kauffman (2022) [35:02] 

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Brawler by Lauren Groff (Feb 24) | Bookshop.org [38:14] 
• Good People by Patmeena Sabit (Feb 3) | Bookshop.org  [40:11] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff (2015) [39:50]

One Book She DIDN'T Love

• The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater (2025) | Bookshop.org [42:48] 

Two NEW RELEASES She's Excited About

• Kaleidoscope by Dani Shapiro (May 4, 2027) | Bookshop.org [46:30] 
• Lunch Money by J. Ryan Stradal (May 4, 2027) | Bookshop.org [48:54] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Inheritance by Dani Shapiro (2018) [46:40] 
  • Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro (2022) [48:32] 
  • Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal (2015) [49:02] 

• Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros (Sep 29) [8:24]
• A Court of Splintered Harmony by Sarah J. Maas (Oct 27) [8:28] 
• James by Percival Everett (2024) [12:32] 
• The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (May 5) [12:48]
• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Apr 7) [12:53]
• The Help by Kathryn Stockett (2009) [13:27]
• Strangers by Belle Burden (Jan 13) [14:55]
• Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman (2024)* [15:04]
• East of Eden by John Steinbeck (1952) [15:41]
• Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (2023) [15:53]
• Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) [15:56]
• The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992) [16:03]
• Taipei Story by R. F. Kuang (Sep 8) [17:18]
• Partita by Barbara Kingsolver (Oct 6) [17:27]
• American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee (Sep 29) [17:31]
• Hollywood, Ending by John Green (Sep 22) [17:53]
• Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel (Sep 15) [18:34]
• Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty (Aug 25) [19:00]
• The Disappearers by Marlon James (Sep 1) [19:07]
• The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon (Sep 8) [19:34]
• Under Story by Chloe Benjamin (Sep 1) [19:51]
• The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Emily Wilson (2017 translation) [20:08]
• The Iliad by Homer, translated by Emily Wilson (2023 translation) [21:05]
• The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds, adapted from Homer (2010) [21:10]
• The Iliad: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds, adapted from Homer (2019) [21:38]
• The Aeneid: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds, adapted from Virgil (March 16, 2027) [21:39]
• Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) [21:53]
• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin (2023) [32:40]

*Publication year reflects the later traditionally published edition for a book originally self-published.

Author Deesha Philyaw joins Sarah to discuss her debut novel, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman. Deesha first started writing this book more than 20 years ago, before her short story collection, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, became a National Book Award finalist. She shares the journey of bringing this novel to life, the women who inspired its characters, and how the story (and its author) evolved along the way. Plus, Deesha shares her top 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.

• Books by Deesha Philyaw: The Secret Lives of Church Ladies and The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman
• What it means to be a "First Lady" in Black churches — and how that role figures into the novel.
• How Deesha's own experiences as a church lady more than 20 years ago first inspired the story.
• Why she put the novel aside to publish The Secret Lives of Church Ladies — and what that experience taught her.
• How the novel changed between its earliest version and the finished book.
• Sarah and Deesha talk about the importance of a great opening line — and when those first sentences come together in Deesha's writing process.
• Plus, a bit about her upcoming work!

Two OLD Books She Loves

• Daddy Was a Number Runner by Louise Meriwether (1970) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:14] 
• The Sellout by Paul Beatty (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:16] 

Two NEW Books She Loves

• The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikesha Elise Williams (Jan 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:51] 
• Desperate Bodies by Lydia Mathis (Sep 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:17] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) [38:52]
  • The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers (2021) [38:53] 

Two Books She DIDN'T Love

• The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (1951) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[40:13] 
• The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway (1952) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:31] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Black Boy by Richard Wright (1945) [41:23] 
  • Native Son by Richard Wright (1940) [41:24] 
  • In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (1966) [42:13] 
  • The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway (1926) [42:52] 
  • Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville (1851) [43:07] 

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• These Girls Out Here by Dawnie Walton (June 15, 2027) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:50] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton (2021) [45:35] 

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Deesha Philyaw is the author of the debut novel, The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman. Her debut short story collection, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies, won the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, the Story Prize, the LA Times Book Prize: The Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction and was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction. Deesha is a Kimbilio Fiction Fellow, a Baldwin for the Arts Fellow, a United States Artists Fellow, and co-host of two podcasts, Ursa Short Fiction (with Dawnie Walton) and Reckon True Stories (with Kiese Laymon). She is currently at work developing TV shows based on her short fiction.

Coming October 28: Gayle Weiswasser, co-owner of Wonderland Books, returns to catch up with Sarah and talk about what she's learned after two years of owning an indie bookstore.

Elizabeth Barnhill of Fabled Bookshop joins Sarah for the latest installment of the "Best of…" series to share her ALL-TIME TOP TEN historical fiction novels, plus a few popular picks that didn't work for her.

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.

• Elizabeth shares her personal definition of historical fiction.
• How she first found her way to the genre.
• What draws her to historical fiction and keeps her coming back to it.
• What works for her in historical fiction — and what doesn't.

All the books mentioned in this episode are linked through Fabled Bookshop or Libro.fm. If you decide to purchase, we'd love for you to use our Fabled links in the show notes — if your budget allows. As a bonus, use promo code SARAH at checkout for 10% off your Fabled order! Prefer audio? You can find the books on Libro.fm and select Fabled as the bookstore you'd like to support.

• City of Thieves by David Benioff (2008) | Fabled | Libro.fm  [18:43]
• Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum (2004) | Fabled | Libro.fm [21:11]
• The Winter Rose (The Tea Rose, 2) by Jennifer Donnelly (2006) | Fabled | Libro.fm  [22:45]
• A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (2007) | Fabled | Libro.fm  [25:26]
• The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (2008) | Fabled | Libro.fm  [27:37]
• As Bright As Heaven by Susan Meissner (2018) | Fabled | Libro.fm   [29:36]
• The Shoemaker's Wife by Andrea Trigiani (2012) | Fabled | Libro.fm  [31:57]
• The Winter Sea (Slains, 1) by Susanna Kearsley (2008) | Fabled [33:52]*
• Greenwood by Michael Christie (2019) | Fabled | Libro.fm  [35:47]
• The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes (2019) | Fabled | Libro.fm  [37:36]
  • The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson(2019) | Fabled | Libro.fm  [37:56]

• The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin (2021) | Fabled | Libro.fm  [41:16]
• The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton (2018) | Fabled | Libro.fm [43:12]

• Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard (2011)  [4:06]
• Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (2026) [8:20] 
• Little House on the Prairie (Little House, 3) by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1935) [10:00] 
• Anne of Green Gables (book 1) by L. M. Montgomery (1908) [10:02] 
• Message From Nam by Danielle Steel (1990) [10:48] 
• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (2015) [14:44] 
• The Tea Rose (The Tea Rose, 1) by Jennifer Donnelly (2002) [24:55] 
• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (2003) [25:35] 
• And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini (2013) [27:19] 
• The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (2006) [28:24] 
• The Distant Hours by Kate Morton (2010) [28:45] 
• A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner (2014) [31:33] 
• Big Stone Gap (book 1) by Andrea Trigiani (2001) [32:03] 
• Outlander (book 1) by Diana Gabaldon (1991) [34:00] 
• The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin (2004) [41:25] 
• The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) [42:27] 
• The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin (2026) [42:48] 
• Homecoming by Kate Morton (2023) [44:01] 

*The UK title is Sophia's Secret.

Sarah and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) dig into their very different relationships with big books, from what counts as "big" and knowing when the moment is right to what makes a long book worth the extra pages. They also share some of their favorite big books — and a few they wish had been shorter.

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.

• Where Sarah and Chrissie each draw the line between a regular book and a big book.
• Is a 700-page book intimidating … or an invitation to settle in?
• When, and why, are they most likely to pick up a long book?
• Does format or genre change how big a book feels?
• What makes a book actually deserve its high page count?
• Some of their favorite big books … and a few they really wish had been shorter.

Chrissie

• 4 3 2 1 by Paul Auster (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:38] 
• The Princes of Ireland (The Dublin Saga, 1) by Edward Rutherfurd (2004) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:36]
• Fox by Joyce Carol Oates (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:54]
• Red Comet by Heather Clark (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:10]
• Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (2004) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:45]
• The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:30] 

Sarah

• 11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:31] 
• I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb (1998) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:32]
• A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving (1989) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:23]
• The World According to Garp by John Irving (1978) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:25]
• Natchez Burning (Penn Cage, 4; Natchez Burning, 1) by Greg Iles (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:19] 
• Wanderers (Wanderers, 1) by Chuck Wendig (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:40]

Other Books Mentioned

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (1869) [30:06]
• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (1846) [30:07]  
• The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [31:43] 
• Sarum by Edward Rutherfurd (1987) [33:49]
• London by Edward Rutherfurd (1998) [33:53]  
• The Rebels of Ireland (The Dublin Saga, 2) by Edward Rutherfurd (2006) [34:19] 
• Whistler by Ann Patchett (2026) [38:04] 
• Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard (2011) [40:23]

Chrissie

• Ordinary Monsters (The Talents, 1) by J. M. Miro (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:39]
• Wellness by Nathan Hill (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:24] 

Sarah

• City on Fire by Garth Risk Hallberg (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:39] 
• The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy (1986) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:51]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe (1987) [46:06]
• The Second Coming by Garth Risk Hallberg (2024) [48:05] 

• The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (1989) [9:24]
• The Brightness by Chad Harbach (October 27, 2026) [11:47]
• I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb (1998) [14:07]
• Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, 1) by Sarah J. Maas (2012) [14:51] 
• Outlander (Outlander, 1) by Diana Gabaldon (1991) [19:05] 
• 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin (2025) [22:12]
• Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi with Curt Gentry (1974) [22:19]
• Generations by Jean M. Twenge, PhD (2023) [22:26]  
• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (2026) [26:13] 
• The Elements by John Boyne (2025) [29:08] 
• A Court of Forgotten Memory (ACOTAR, 7) by Sarah J. Maas (January 12, 2027) [29:39] 

• The Gilmore Guide to Books | Catherine's Review of Ordinary Monsters

Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books are back with 16 of their most anticipated books publishing from 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.

• Paid members of our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both $7/month with the same member benefits) get even more seasonal recommendations with Book Preview Extras! In each episode, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 additional books they're excited about that didn't make the main Book Preview. Join on Patreon or Substack to listen — and get access to all our other bonus podcast episodes and paid-member content.

• A lightning round of some big fall releases that are NOT their personal Preview picks.
• Catherine came in determined to have "no chunksters" this fall … only to discover that 2 of her picks are actually over 500 pages.
• Catherine's theme for fall is "intrigue" — the verb, not the noun — with picks she can't wait to see unfold.
• Sarah's list includes one actual chunkster, several books that fit into her recent Micro Genres, and 3 debuts.
• Stick around to the end to hear their #1 picks for fall!

• Ply by Hernán Diaz (Sep 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:02] 
• The Thoroughbreds (The Academy, 2) by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham (Sep 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:06] 
• Story Telling by Isabel Allende (Sep 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:17] 
• Hollywood, Ending by John Green (Sep 22) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:20]
• Big Little Truths (Big Little Lies, 2) by Liane Moriarty (Aug 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:30] 
• Hollow Bones by Jodi Picoult (Sep 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:37] 
• Under Story by Chloe Benjamin (Sep 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:43] 
• Life Out of Order (The Time Traveler's Wife, 2) by Audrey Niffenegger (Oct 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:49] 
• Switzy by Emma Cline (Sep 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:08] 
• I Never Knew You At All by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza (Oct 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:14] 
• The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon (Sep 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:41] 
• The Weight of Angels by John Boyne (Sep 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:48] 
• Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel (Sep 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:13] 
• The Radiance by Ayad Akhtar (Sep 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:16] 
• Peck & Peck by Bonnie Garmus (Oct 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:18] 
• Blacktail by Scott Hawkins (Sep 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:28] 
• Our Noble Selves by Kate Atkinson (Sep 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:42] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Trust by Hernán Diaz (2022) [1:05] 
• The Academy (The Academy, 1) by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham (2025) [1:15] 
• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (2012) [1:28] 
• Big Little Lies (Big Little Lies, 1) by Liane Moriarty (2014) [1:36] 
• The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin (2018) [1:47] 
• The Time Traveler's Wife (The Time Traveler's Wife, 1) by Audrey Niffenegger (2003) [1:53] 
• The Girls by Emma Cline (2016) [2:12] 
• The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (2023) [2:45] 
• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022) [3:21] 
• The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins (2015) [3:31] 
• Life After Life by Kate Atkinson (2013) [3:45] 

September

Sarah's Picks

• The Barman of the Ritz by Philippe Collin (September 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [8:16] 
• See You Next Tuesday by Kate Stayman-London (September 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:53] 
• The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw (September 29)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:01] 
• American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee (September 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:00]
• Sophie, Standing There by Meg Mason (September 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:18]

Catherine's Picks

• The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman (September 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:17]
• Female Life on Planet Earth by Laleh Khadivi (September 22) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:10]
• Empire (Heir Duology, 2) by Sabaa Tahir (September 22) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:03]
• The Birthing Tree by Amanda Peters (September 1)† | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:30] 

Other Books Mentioned

• The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater (2025)* [9:56] 
• Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin (2019) [10:03] 
• One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London (2020) [14:00] 
• The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (2020) [19:11] 
• Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (2025) [23:24] 
• Heir (Heir Duology, 1) by Sabaa Tahir (2024) [24:25] 
• All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir (2022) [25:40] 
• Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) [26:24] 
• Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee (2007) [26:32] 
• The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters (2023) [30:38] 
• Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (2020) [31:32] 

*The WWII hotel book Sarah talked about. 
†New publication date.

October

Sarah's Pick

• Bad Words by Ríoghnach Robinson (October 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:58] 

Catherine's Picks

• The Scarlet Ball by Nghi Vo (October 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:04]
• Fair Ones by Lydia Millet (October 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:56]
• Mystery Play by Elizabeth Kostova (October 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:25]
• The Bookshop Book by Mark Lawrence (October 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:38] 

Other Books Mentioned

• The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo (2021) [34:47] 
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925) [34:51] 
• The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (2005) [47:26] 
• The Book That Wouldn't Burn (The Library Trilogy, 1) by Mark Lawrence (2023) [50:40] 

November

Sarah's Pick

• Whale Harbor by Mary Beth Keane (November 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:54]

Other Books Mentioned

• Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [42:58]
• The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane (2023) [42:59]  

December

Sarah's Pick

• Lina & June by Genevieve Wheeler (December 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:23] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler (2024) [48:26] 
• The Girls of Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe (2014) [49:03] 

Sarah and Catherine circle back to the 12 new releases they shared in the Summer 2026 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to!  Find out which books worked, which didn't, and whether their most anticipated summer reads lived up to expectations.

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.

• Paid members of our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both $7/month with the same member benefits) get even more seasonal recommendations with Book Preview Extras! In each episode, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 additional books they're excited about that didn't make the main Book Preview. Join on Patreon or Substack to listen — and get access to all our other bonus podcast episodes and paid-member content.

• Catherine calls her summer Preview reading "upwardly mobile," while Sarah sees hers as "the downside of high-risk picks."
• Catherine liked 4 of her 6 picks, while Sarah's riskier summer ended with one 5-star read — and 3 DNFs.
• Catherine and Sarah each tried one of the other's Preview picks … and neither made it to the finish line.
• Some deep thoughts on books where you can "feel the writing device" — and why that rarely works for either of them.
• Plus, Sarah has a new label for those deeply immersive, cozy reads: "warm bath books."
• And, of course, their best and worst book picks of the summer!

Sarah's Pick

• Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:17] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (2026) [4:02] 

June

Catherine's Picks

• A Year of Marvelous Ways by Sarah Winman (US Release June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:37] 
• Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lakshmi (June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:41] 
• The Top of the World by Ethan Joella (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:26] 
• Keep Them Close by David Ellis (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:17]

Other Books Mentioned

• Pearce Oysters by Joselyn Takacs (2024) [7:08]

July

Sarah's Picks

• The Half Life by Rachel Beanland (July 14) |Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:33] 
• Dad, Love, Me by Matthew Quick (July 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:08] 

Catherine's Pick

• City of Widows by Nadia Hashimi (July 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:19] 

Other Books Mentioned

• The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick (2008) [15:34] 
• The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi (2014) [34:42] 

August

Sarah's Picks

• Everything That Is Beautiful by Louise Nealon (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:25] 
• Sunlight Finds You by Laura Moriarty (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:03] 
• Kitten by Stacey Yu (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:39] 

Catherine's Pick

• You'll Love It Here by Natalie Sue (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:26] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Snowflake by Louise Nealon (2021) [24:09] 
• Normal People by Sally Rooney (2019) [24:15] 
• Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [25:07] 
• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) [25:11]
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (2014) [30:25] 
• The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty (2012) [30:57] 
• I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue (2024) [41:53] 

In Episode 232, Sarah is joined by returning guest Anderson McKean of Page & Palette Bookstore for the 2026 edition of Micro Genres! Each year, this series gives us a chance to niche down even further into the kinds of books we love — spotlighting those very specific sub-sub-genres that capture a particular reading taste. This year, Sarah and Anderson have 10 all-new Micro Genres to share, along with standout books for each. With more than 80 books mentioned, you're bound to find a few new additions to your TBR — and maybe recognize a Micro Genre or two of your own.

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 Hopefuls by Jennifer Close (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:00] 
• Charlotte Walsh Like to Win by Jo Piazza (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:11] 
• American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:36]
• Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:38]  
• Vantage Point by Sara Sligar (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:47]
• The Emperor of Ocean Park (Elm Harbor, 1) by Stephen L. Carter (2002) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:48]  
• Palace Council (Elm Harbor, 3) by Stephen L. Carter (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:49] 
• The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:23]
• State of Terror by Louise Penny and Hillary Clinton (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:14] 
• The Situation Room by George Stephanopoulos (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:55] 
• Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [8:18] 
• From the Corner of the Oval by Beck Dorey-Stein (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [8:53] 

• Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:41] 
• The Beheading Game by Rebecca Lehmann (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:58] 
• Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:55] 
• Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:23] 
• Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman-Tell (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:55] 
• Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:03] 
• Anna K (Anna K, 1) by Jenny Lee (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:08] 
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:20] 
• The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:36] 
• The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:48] 
• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:57] 
• Wasp's Nest by Kat Stoddard (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:26] 
• A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley (1991) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:39] 

• The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (1850) [12:32] 
• James by Percival Everett (2024) [12:36] 
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813) [14:07] 
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1878) [14:11] 
• David Copperfield by Charles Dickens (1850) [14:24] 
• Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith (1950) [14:41] 
• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (1847) [14:55] 
• The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley (1953) [15:03] 
• The Philadelphia Story by Philip Barry (1939) [15:32] 
• King Lear by William Shakespeare (1608) [15:45] 

• Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:36]
• Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:45]
• God Spare the Girls by Kelsey McKinney (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:19]
• The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw (Sep 29, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:36]
• The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:51]
• The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (1998) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:16]

• This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:14]
• The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:53]
• The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:22]
• Dear Fahrenheit 451 by Anne Spence (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:24]
• Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:37]
• The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:56]

Other Books Mentioned

• I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai (2023) [20:29]
• The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (2018) [20:31]
• Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [22:15]

• Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:52]
• Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:53]
• The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:55]
• Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:41]
• Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead by Mai Nguyen (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:42]
• Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:51]
• The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:00]
• Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:47]

Other Books Mentioned

• Real Americans by Rachel Khong (2024)  [24:44]

• Conform (Conform Series, 1) by Ariel Sullivan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:54]
• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:13]
• The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:39]
• The Atlas Six (The Atlas Trilogy, 1) by Olivie Blake (2022)* | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:53]
• A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, 1) by V. E. Schwab (2015) | Amazon| Bookshop.org  [31:57]
• Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:02]
• The Midnight Train (The Midnight World, 2) by Matt Haig (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:04]
• The Midnight Library (The Midnight World, 1) by Matt Haig (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:05]
• The Measure by Nikki Erlick (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:20]
• The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:25]
• The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:28]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, 1) by Suzanne Collins (2008) [29:03]
• The Handmaid's Tale (The Handmaid's Tale, 1) by Margaret Atwood (1985) [29:04]

• The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:06] 
• The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:15] 
• The World According to Garp by John Irving (1978) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:51]
• In One Person by John Irving (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:53]  
• Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:12] 
• The Flock by Ellen Bar (Apr 27, 2027) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:41] 
• The Last Days of Vic & Coco by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Mar 2, 2027) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:31] 

Other Books Mentioned

• The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian (2026)  [37:29] 
• The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian (2007)  [37:48] 

• The Romanov Empress by C. W. Gortner (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:16] 
• Mademoiselle Chanel by C. W. Gortner (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:41]
• Marlene by C. W. Gortner (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:43]
• The Woman with the Cure by Lynn Cullen (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:07] 
• Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen (2013) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:28] 
• Twain's End by Lynn Cullen (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:31]
• Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:36] 
• The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:53]
• The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:47]
• Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen by Sarah Bird (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:03]

Other Books Mentioned

• Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler (2013) [43:13] 
• Isola by Allegra Goodman (2025) [43:32] 

• The Royal We (The Royal We, 1) by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:04] 
• Red, White & Royal Blue (Red, White & Royal Blue, 1) by Casey McQuiston(2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:06] 
• American Royals (American Royals, 1) by Katharine McGee (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:09] 
• Spare by Prince Harry (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:19]
• The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:29]
• The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:48]  
• The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:03] 

• Land by Maggie O'Farrell (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:34] 
• Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:33] 
• I Will Send Rain by Rae Meadows (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:52] 
• The Well and the Mine by Gin Phillips (2007) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:07] 
• Greenwood by Michael Christie (US Release 2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:03] 
• The Islanders by Lewis Robinson (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:32] 
• The Shark House by Sara Ackerman (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:40] 

*Publication year reflects the later traditionally published edition for a book originally self-published.

In Episode 231, Al Woodworth (Amazon Senior Editor) returns to the show to discuss Amazon's Best Books of 2026 So Far. They break down this year's list, discuss the books that rose to the top, and explore how the Amazon Books editorial team selected, debated, and ultimately ranked this year's Top 20. Plus, Al shares her personal 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.

• Al shares the defining characteristics of Amazon's Best Books of 2026 So Far list.
• How the Amazon Books editorial team selected and ranked this year's Top 20.
• Whether this year's list sparked debate and how disagreements were resolved.
• Why Kin was chosen as Amazon's #1 book of the year so far.
• The genres that have stood out (and the ones that haven't) in 2026.
• A look at how books are assigned to Amazon's genre-specific lists.
• Why some books rank differently on genre lists than on the overall Top 20 list.
• Under-the-radar books from the list that deserve more attention.
• Al's personal favorites that didn't quite make the Top 20.

Two OLD Books She Loves

• Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:54] 
• Almond by Won-Pyung Sohn (US Release: 2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:22] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [35:56] 

Two NEW Books She Loves

• The Nightingales by Emil Wilson (Aug 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:32]  
• American Hagwon by Min Jin Lee (Sep 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:07]  
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) [44:12] 

One Book She DIDN'T Love

• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Apr 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:05] 

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• The Vanishing Family by Robert Kolker (Sep 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[50:10]  
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker (2020) [50:42]  

• Kin by Tayari Jones (Feb 24)  [2:06]
• London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (Apr 7) [3:07] 
• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Apr 7) [6:43] 
• Strangers by Belle Burden (Jan 13) [6:50] 
• Night Objects by Eli Raphael (May 26) [6:57] 
• The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992) [7:51] 
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [7:54] 
• Land by Maggie O'Farrell (Jun 2) [11:14]
• Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell (2020) [12:15]
• Nothing Tastes as Good by Luke Dumas (Mar 31) [12:56] 
• Famesick by Lena Dunham (Apr 14) [13:04] 
• Transcription by Ben Lerner (Apr 7) [13:48] 
• John of John by Douglas Stuart (May 5) [15:23] 
• Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart (2020) [15:27] 
• Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart (2022) [15:28] 
• Homebound by Portia Elan (May 5) [16:15] 
• The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (May 5) [17:16] 
• The Help by Kathryn Stockett (2009) [17:23] 
• Educated by Tara Westover (2018) [18:52] 
• James by Percival Everett (2024) [19:00] 
• The Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller (2024) [19:09] 
• No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (Mar 3) [23:43] 
• American Men by Jordan Ritter Conn (Apr 21) [25:29] 
• A Far-Flung Life by M. L. Stedman (Mar 3) [28:25] 
• Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) [28:38] 
• Into the Blue by Emma Brodie (Apr 7) [32:12] 
• Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell (Apr 14) [32:14] 
• Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell (2024) [32:19] 
• How to Rule the World by Theo Baker (May 19) [33:16]

In Episode 230, Sarah chats with Kevin Hazzard about his new book, No One's Coming, the true story of the daring mission to rescue two Americans infected with Ebola during the 2014 West African outbreak. They discuss the unlikely team behind the unprecedented operation, the challenges of telling a real-life story with the pacing of a thriller, and what Kevin learned about the ordinary people who stepped up when no one else could. Plus, Kevin shares his book recommendations.

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

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

• Books by Kevin Hazzard: No One's Coming, American Sirens, and A Thousand Naked Strangers
• How Kevin first came across this remarkable true story — and how he knew he had to write it
• Why the Phoenix Air team agreed to take on an unprecedented and incredibly dangerous mission
• The challenge of getting people to speak candidly about such a high-pressure, high-stakes operation
• The qualities Kevin saw in the people who said "yes" when everyone else was saying "no"
• Kevin answers the question: Would he have agreed to go on this ebola mission?
• If he plans to stay in the world of medical nonfiction for future books

Two OLD Books He Loves

• Apeirogon by Colum McCann (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:45] 
• The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:07] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Tiger by John Vaillant (2010) [40:17]
  • Night Boat to Tangier by Kevin Barry (2019) [42:59] 
  • Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett (1952) [43:03] 

Two NEW Books He Loves

• In the Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means To Be A Man by Tom Junod (Mar 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:11] 
• Black Dahlia by William Mann (Jan 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:57] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012) [44:16]
  • Black Dahlia, Red Rose by Piu Eatwell (2017) [45:56] 
  • I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara (2018) [46:27] 

One Book He DIDN'T Love

• The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:44] 

One NEW RELEASE He's Excited About

• High Road by Hank Idsinga (Apr 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:39] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Homicide by David Simon (1991) [48:52] 

In Episode 229, Sarah talks with Laura B. McGrath about her new book, Middlemen, and the behind-the-scenes role literary agents play in publishing. They discuss what agents actually do, how they shape an author's career, the hype surrounding debut novels, and what Laura learned while researching one of publishing's least visible professions. Plus, Laura 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.

• Middlemen by Laura B. McGrath (April 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org 
• Why a literary agent's most important job isn't what most readers think.
• What agents are really looking for when they decide to represent an author.
• The surprising amount of homework agents do before signing a new client.
• The hype surrounding debut novels — and some of the downsides that come with it.
• Why the publishing industry was initially wary of public book sales data.

Two OLD Books She Loves

• Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson (1980) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:12] 
• Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger (1961) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:59] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  •   Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (2004) [46:36] 

Two NEW Books She Loves

• London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:25] 
• Discipline by Larissa Pham (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:42] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  •  Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) [50:31] 

One Book She DIDN'T Love

• The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[53:14] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Erasure by Percival Everett (2001) [53:30] 
  • The Wife by Meg Wolitzer (2003) [53:32] 
  • And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (1939) [54:16]
  • The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie (1947/1952) [54:19]  
  • Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [55:34] 

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• Music Against the Night by Yiyun Li (October 13, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:04]
• Sneak Pick: Miss Lambert Steps Aboard Danger by Kazuo Ishiguro (March 9, 2027) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [57:04] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Things in Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun Li (2025) [57:39] 
  • The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro (1995) [58:43] 
  • The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (1989) [59:27] 

• The Middle Man by Paul R. Reynolds (1972) [3:09]
• Talking at Night by Claire Daverley (2023) [10:40]
• Zone One by Colson Whitehead (2011) [11:20]
• Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (1961)  [12:36] 
• Mila 18 by Leon Uris (1961) [13:33]
• The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead (1999) [14:18]
• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) [33:52] 
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [34:28] 
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [34:34] 
• Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) [34:36] 
• The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) [34:39] 

In Episode 228, Sarah, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide), and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) take stock of the reading year so far, discussing the books, publishing trends, and industry chatter that have defined the first half of 2026. They dive into the biggest publishing stories of the year, the rise of "cozy everything," the continued influence of self-publishing and book-to-screen success stories, and whether it's possible to tap a Book of the Year before the second half of the publishing calendar arrives. Then, they share their Top 5 Books of 2026 So Far and a few disappointing reads that didn't quite live up to expectations.

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.

• How our 2026 reading has been so far
• How 2026 compares to this point in 2025 
• Each person's current Book of the Year pick
• Whether it's too early to crown a Book of the Year
• Midyear reading stats and surprise wins
• Each of our Top 5 books of 2026 so far
• Their biggest disappointments of the year so far

Sarah

• No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (Mar 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:42]
• A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36] 
• Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:44] 
• London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (Apr 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:55]
• The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:55]

Catherine

• The Poet Empress by Shen Tao (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:11]
• A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36] 
• Land by Maggie O'Farrell (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:55]
• Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (Mar 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:42]
• Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:09]

Chrissie

• A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36] 
• Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:44] 
• The Infamous Gilberts by Angela Tomaski (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:44]
• Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman-Tell (Mar 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:10] 
• Seek the Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire, 1) by Veronica Roth (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:55]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [41:31] 
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2020) [42:14] 
• The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [53:03] 
• Dune (Dune, 1) by Frank Herbert (1965) [59:38] 

Sarah

• Kin by Tayari Jones (Feb 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:33] 
• Go Gentle by Maria Semple (Apr 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:00:55]
• Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola (Apr 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:35]

Catherine

• The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:03]
• The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:31]

Chrissie

• Artifacts by Natalie Lemle (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:03:39]
• Hell's Heart by Alexis Hall (Mar 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:04:13]
• Fatherland by Victoria Shorr (Mar 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:04:54]

Other Books Mentioned

• Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple (2012) [1:01:01] 
• Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville (1851) [1:04:19] 

• Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, 3) by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [2:39] 
• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [3:18] 
• Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl, 1) by Matt Dinniman (2024)* [3:22] 
• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Apr 7) [4:34] 
• Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (2025)* [4:41] 
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [5:03] 
• The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (2024) [5:57] 
• Game Changer (Game Changers: Heated Rivalry, 1) by Rachel Reid (2024) [6:09] 
• KPop Demon Hunters (Junior Novelization) by Jessica Yoon (Mar 31) [6:13] 
• KPop Demon Hunters (Screen Comic Boxed Set) by Netflix (Nov 3, 2026) [6:13] 
• The Martian by Andy Weir (2014)* [6:48] 
• The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) [11:17] 
• Trad Wife by Michelle Brandon (Aug 4, 2026) [16:57] 
• Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer (Feb 10) [16:59] 
• Too Blessed to Stress by Alli Hoff Kosik (Mar 3) [17:02] 
• The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (Apr 7) [17:29]
• Good People by Patmeena Sabit (Feb 3) [17:35] 
• So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder (Feb 17) [17:40] 
• No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (Mar 10) [18:00] 
• Upward Bound by Woody Brown (Mar 31) [18:33]
• This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman (Feb 10) [18:35]  
• The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman (Feb 24) [18:38] 
• Brawler by Lauren Groff (Feb 24) [18:43] 
• My Dear You by Rachel Khong (Apr 7) [18:46] 
• All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (Mar 10) [19:16]
• The Shippers by Katherine Center (May 19) [19:18]  
• American Fantasy by Emma Straub (Apr 7) [19:32] 
• Man Overboard by Kathleen Rooney (Jul 7, 2026) [19:37] 
• Swept Away by Beth O'Leary (2025) [19:47] 
• The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (Vol. 1) by Beth Brower (2019) [22:45] 

*Publication year reflects the later traditionally published edition. These titles were originally self-published.

• The New Yorker | Glowworms by Ann Patchett  (Sep 29, 2025)

In Episode 227, Sarah talks with book industry analyst Brenna Connor about the behind-the-scenes world of book sales, bestseller lists, and publishing trends. Brenna shares insight into how sales data is gathered and used across the publishing industry, from tracking pre-orders and audiobooks to measuring the impact of celebrity book clubs and award recognition. They also discuss what makes a book commercially "successful," what current reading trends are revealing about 2026 so far, and what Brenna is watching for in the second half of the year. Plus, Brenna shares her own 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.

• Why tracking book sales is far more complicated than most readers realize — including what Circana can and can't actually measure.
• A behind-the-scenes look at bestseller lists and the role Circana data plays in lists like the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly.
• The famously secretive methodology behind the New York Times Bestseller List.
• The impact celebrity book clubs and reading lists from Reese, Oprah, and Obama have on book sales.
• What current sales data is revealing about 2026 reading trends — and how the economy may be shaping book buying habits.
• Brenna shares the books she recommends — and the trends she's watching for the rest of the year.

Two OLD Books She Loves

• The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:13]
• Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:00]  
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [40:22]
  • Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) [40:23]  

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Whale Harbor by Mary Beth Keane (November 3, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:07]
• Joyride by Susan Orlean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:01]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [45:12]
  • The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane (2023) [45:14] 
  • The Library Book by Susan Orlean (2018) [46:12] 

One Book She DIDN'T Love

• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:29]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (2019) [47:51]
  • These Precious Days by Ann Patchett (2021) [47:57] 
  • Whistler by Ann Patchett (2026) [48:55] 

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• Life Out of Order (The Time Traveler's Wife, 2) by Audrey Niffenegger (October 6, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:25]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2003) [49:37] 

• Untitled (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 6) by Sarah J. Maas (October 27, 2026) [9:38]
• Untitled (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 7) by Sarah J. Maas (January 12, 2027) [9:38]
• Strangers by Belle Burden (2026) [11:54] 
• Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018) [15:35] 
• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin (2023) [15:45]
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) [15:53]
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [25:52]  
• No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (2026) [31:38] 
• London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (2026) [31:53] 
• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [33:35]
• Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl, 1) by Matt Dinniman (2024)* [33:40] 
• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (2026) [36:58] 
• Life Out of Order (The Time Traveler's Wife, 2) by Audrey Niffenegger (October 6, 2026) [37:00] 
• Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (2025)* [38:39] 

*Publication year reflects the later traditionally published edition. These titles were originally self-published.

• Publishing Confidential, on Substack | "A Tale of Three Bestseller Lists" by Kathleen Schmidt

Welcome to the Summer 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  

Today, Sarah and Catherine share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing in June through mid – August.  

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

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

• One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share 4 bonus books (2 each) we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack!

• A lightning round of some big summer releases that are NOT our personal preview picks.
• Catherine's theme this season was following her initial emotional reaction to a book, while Sarah's picks skew a bit outside of her usual comfort zone.
• Catherine chose books across historical fiction, cultural fiction, romance, humor, and thriller.
• One of the season's more challenging reads for Catherine comes from an author she trusts, while Sarah has two books over 450 pages.
• There's one debut in Sarah's stack this season — along with some historical fiction.
• Sarah has already read one of her picks — not only was it 5 stars, it's already a strong contender for book of the year.
• Plus, their #1 picks for summer.

• Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer (June 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:28] 
• God's Country (Cork O'Connor, 22) by William Kent Krueger (August 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:33] 
• The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:36] 
• Biological War by Annie Jacobsen (July 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:43] 
• Cool Machine (The Harlem Trilogy, 3) by Colson Whitehead (July 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:48]
• A Tender Age by Chang-rae Lee (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:53]  
• Under the Falls by Richard Russo (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:55] 
• Sunrise by Téa Obreht (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:14] 
• Dominion (The Silk and Iron Trilogy, 1) by Jean Kwok (July 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:26] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Less (The Arthur Books, 1) by Andrew Sean Greer (2017) [1:32] 
• Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson (2023) [1:41] 
• Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen (2024) [1:47] 
• Empire Falls by Richard Russo (2001) [3:04] 

June

Sarah's Pick

• Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:53] 

Catherine's Picks

• A Year of Marvelous Ways by Sarah Winman (US Release June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:23]
• Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lakshmi (June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:29] 
• The Top of the World by Ethan Joella (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:59] 
• Keep Them Close by David Ellis (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:39]

Other Books Mentioned

• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023) [8:05] 
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [8:54] 
• Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (2016) [9:12] 
• Bel Canto by Ann Patchett (2001) [9:16]
• The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (2019) [9:17]  
• State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (2011) [9:18] 
• The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [10:07] 
• Tin Man by Sarah Winman (US 2018) [13:39] 
• Still Life by Sarah Winman (2021) [14:24] 
• Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians, 1) by Kevin Kwan (2013) [19:54] 
• Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (2025) [20:12] 
• The Best Lies by David Ellis (2024) [26:44] 

July

Sarah's Picks

• The Half Life by Rachel Beanland (July 14) |Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:40]
• Dad, Love, Me by Matthew Quick (July 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:27]

Catherine's Pick

• City of Widows by Nadia Hashimi (July 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:28]

Other Books Mentioned

• Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland (2020) [15:26] 
• The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland (2023) [15:28] 
• The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024) [16:27] 
• The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (2024) [17:48] 
• The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick (2008) [20:39] 

August

Sarah's Picks

• Everything That Is Beautiful by Louise Nealon (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:33]
• Sunlight Finds You by Laura Moriarty (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:32]
• Kitten by Stacey Yu (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:07] 

Catherine's Pick

• You'll Love It Here by Natalie Sue (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:41]

Other Books Mentioned

• Snowflake by Louise Nealon (2021) [25:05] 
• Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [26:25] 
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (2014) [28:54] 
• The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty (2012) [29:14] 
• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) [36:01] 
• I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue (2024) [37:51] 

In Episode 225, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Spring 2026 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to!  They share their reading stats and discuss which books worked and which didn't…and why.  

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

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Get the 2026 Summer Reading Guide

This year's Summer Reading Guide is bigger than ever — and now available as a full PDF with in-depth write-ups on every book.

Here's how to access it:

• Full PDF Guide (with write-ups):
  • Available to current paying members on Patreon or Substack 
  • Start a free trial (Patreon: 7 days | Substack: 30 days)
    • *Be sure to use the link above to access your free trial on Substack.
• Free Cheatsheet (no write-ups):
  • Available to everyone on the blog
• Free Trials close:
  • Friday, May 22 (Memorial Day weekend)

When you sign up, you'll also get:

• 2–3 bonus podcast episodes per month
• Full back catalog of bonus content
• Weekly reading updates + more

All the details in the recent IMPORTANT DETAILS bonus podcast episode and post.

• This time last year, Catherine was rocking a 100% success rate — this year's was "armageddon"
• Sarah had really successful spring with one 5-star book and only 1 DNF with a total average star rating of 4.15.
• They name their best and worst books picks for spring!

April

Sarah's Pick

• The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:07] 

April

Sarah's Picks

• Into the Blue by Emma Brodie (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [8:33] 
• Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola (April 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:27] 

Catherine's Picks

• American Fantasy by Emma Straub (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:45]
• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:25] 
• Like This, But Funnier by Hallie Cantor (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:23] 

Other Books Mentioned

• All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (2026) [7:59] 
• The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985) [14:24] 
• August Lane by Regina Black (2025) [16:32] 
• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [16:39] 
• Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (2025) [20:24] 

May

Sarah's Picks

• The Mediator (Max Ringo, 1) by Robert Bailey (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:10]
• The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:39]
• Returns and Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:25] 

Catherine's Picks

• The Liar's Playbook by Leslie Bradford-Scott (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:20]
• The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:35]
• The Tapestry of Fate (Amina al-Sirafi, 2) by Shannon Chakraborty (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:16] 

Other Books Mentioned

• The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) [22:17]
• Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond (2021) [26:30] 
• The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [29:43] 
• Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025) [33:24] 
• The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi, 1) by Shannon Chakraborty (2023) [42:06] 

In Episode 224, Sarah, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) celebrate the release of the 2026 Summer Reading Guide with a special behind-the-scenes conversation about putting this year's guide together. Catherine and Chrissie share what it was like participating in the guide for the first time, from the reading process to narrowing down their final picks, while Sarah talks about how much more fun her spring reading felt with the guide becoming a team effort. Together, they reveal their secret books from the guide, share what's still sitting on their summer TBRs, and reflect on the kinds of books they found themselves gravitating toward while reading for summer.

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.

This year's Summer Reading Guide is bigger than ever — and now available as a full PDF with in-depth write-ups on every book.

Here's how to access it:

• Full PDF Guide (with write-ups):
  • Available to current paying members on Patreon or Substack 
  • Start a free trial (Patreon: 7 days | Substack: 30 days)
    
    • *Be sure to use the link above to access your free trial on Substack.
• Free Cheatsheet (no write-ups):
  • Available to everyone on the blog
• Free Trials close:
  • Friday, May 22 (Memorial Day weekend)

When you sign up, you'll also get:

• 2–3 bonus podcast episodes per month
• Full back catalog of bonus content
• Weekly reading updates + more

All the details in the recent IMPORTANT DETAILS bonus podcast episode and post.

Catherine

• Two Kinds of Stranger (Eddie Flynn, 9) by Steven Cavanagh (US: March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:13]
• The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:04] 
• The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:15] 

Chrissie

• Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[20:33]
• Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman-Tell (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:45] 
• Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West (April 14, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:47] 

Sarah

• Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray (May 5, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[23:29] 
• Heather by Caitlin Mullen (June 9, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:53] 
• The Shark House by Sara Ackerman (January 13, 2026)
 | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:18] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow (1987) [24:29] 
• The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) [26:20] 
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [34:24] 
• Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) [34:29] 
• Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) [39:27]
• Jaws by Peter Benchley (1974) [43:28] 
• The Devil's Teeth by Susan Casey (2005) [44:42]
• Shark Heart by Emily Habeck (2023) [45:34] 

Catherine

• You with the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate (March 3, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:22] 
• The Crown in Crisis by Alexander Larman (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:19] 
• Waiting on a Friend by Natalie Adler (May 26, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:45] 

Sarah

• Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash (January 13, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:48] 
• Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[53:01]
• Brawler by Lauren Groff (February 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:28] 
• The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (May 5, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:46] 
• The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [54:46] 
• Porcupines by Fran Fabriczki (April 14, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:04] 

Chrissie

• Nonesuch by Francis Spufford (March 10, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:51]
• Tom's Crossing by Mark Z. Danielewksi (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:25] 
• The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:24] 
• Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:39] 
• A Deadly Episode (Hawthorne & Horowitz, 6) by Anthony Horowitz (April 28, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:18]
• Daughter of Crows (The Academy of Kindness, 1) by Mark Lawrence (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:29] 

Other Books Mentioned

• The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (2018) [48:12]
• Tuesday Nights in 1980 by Molly Prentiss (2016) [48:14]  
• House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski (2000) [50:02] 
• Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (1985) [50:17]
• Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy (1985) [50:18] 
• The Bear and the Nightingale (Winternight Trilogy, 1) by Katherine Arden (2017) [50:33] 
• The Wanderers by Meg Howrey (2017) [53:10] 
• The Help by Kathryn Stockett (2009) [53:49] 

May is upon us and that means Summer Reading season is just about here!

The 2026 Summer Reading Guide went through a lot of changes this year, so I'm coming to you a bit early to walk through all the details.

CLICK HERE for the full Show Notes on the blog.

The 2026 Summer Reading Guide is launching this coming Tuesday, May 12! And, our Summer Reading Special podcast episode will air the following day (Weds, May 13).

WHAT'S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR

• The SRG is now a team project.

• • You'll be getting recommendations from Catherine and Chrissie in addition to me. 
  • And, there are a couple books on the SRG that are recommended by multiple team members.
  • But, don't worry, you will easily be able to tell who recommended each book in the Guide.

• The primary SRG with full write-ups on every book we included will be in a printable PDF format.

• • Changing the primary Guide to a PDF format gives us the flexibility to include some different and helpful ways to categorize the books in the guide beyond our mood-based categories.
    • In addition to the regular part of the Guide, we'll have lists for:
      • Books that are now out in paperback 
      • Five star books
      • Books that are great on audio
      • Longer books (450+ pages)
      • Nonfiction
      • And, our Secret picks – which you'll hear more about in our Summer Reading Special coming on May 13

• We selected our Top Picks differently.
  • In the past, I chose my #1 pick for each of my mood-based categories in the Guide. 
  • This year, we're selecting a group of our OVERALL Top Picks regardless of which mood based category they fall in. We've chosen 6 top picks that represent a range of genres, vibes, and reading tastes. And, those will be in their very own section at the front of the Guide.

HOW TO GET THE 2026 SUMMER READING GUIDE
Different from last year

• The primary Summer Reading Guide PDF with full write-ups on every book will ONLY be available to paying members (via Patreon or Substack).
• BUT, we'll be running a Free Trial for our Patreon and paid Substack communities, so you can still technically get the full PDF guide for free. Free Trial sign-ups will be open through Friday, May 22 (the Friday of Memorial Day weekend).
• • The Substack Free Trial will be for 30 days.
  • The Patreon Free Trial will only be 7 days long. Patreon only allows 7 day free trials and I wish they'd change that policy. 
  • Obviously, we hope you sample our bonus content and decide to stick around on Patreon or Substack, but you can also drop your membership after 1 month if all you're interested in is the full Summer Reading Guide PDF.
• AND, a Cheatsheet-style list WITHOUT write-ups for the books included will be available to everyone on my website.

HOW TO MAKE SURE THE 2026 SUMMER READING GUIDE LANDS IN YOUR INBOX ON MAY 12

• If you are NOT already a paying member, you can sign up for a Free Trial either on Patreon (here) OR on Substack (here). 
• If you are NOT already a paying member and you are not eligible for the Free Trial (i.e. you signed up in a previous year and dropped your membership since then), you can sign up to be a paid member on Patreon (here) OR Substack (here) for $7/month (and can drop your membership after 1 month if you don't want to stick around).
• If you are ALREADY a Superstars member on Patreon or a paid member on Substack, you don't have to do anything else to get the Guide. It will arrive in your inboxes on Tuesday (May 12) morning.

And, don't forget that the Cheatsheet (i.e. a slimmed down version of the Guide WITHOUT WRITE-UPS on all the books included) there will be available on my website. 

Going back ten years to 2016, Sarah and Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide) dive into the annual Bookish Time Capsule episode and revisit the book world from that year. They cover big bookish highlights — from the buzziest books of the year to the award winners — along with what was happening in the wider world at the time. They also look back at their own reading from 2016, including their favorite releases, and share a quick round-up of listener-submitted favorites. This episode is overflowing with great backlist titles to add to your TBR!  

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

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

• The big news that was going on outside the book world
• Book stories and trends that dominated 2016
• The 2016 books that have had staying power
• Big books and award winners for the year
• Reading in the blog years before the Rock Your Reading Tracker
• Sarah's and Catherine's personal 2016 reading stats
• Listener-submitted favorites from 2016

• Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:09] 
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:59] 
• My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:11]
  • Ferrante's true identity has never been confirmed, despite multiple attempts by journalists and various theories pointing to different people.

• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:02]
• The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:10]
• Killing the Rising Sun by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:21]
• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:36]
• Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:40] 
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:45] 
• All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:57] 
• The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:12] 
• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:16] 
• StrengthsFinder 2.0 from Gallup (2007) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:20] 
• When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:30]
• The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:33]
• After You by Jojo Moyes (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:49]
• The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:52]
• The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:59]
• Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter (2016)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:36]
• Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (2004) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:49]
• Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:04] 
• Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:05]
• The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George (English Translation, 2015) | Amazon| Bookshop.org  [13:32]
• My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman (English Translation, 2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:39]
• In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:51] 

• It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:47]
• A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2) by Sarah J. Maas (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:28]  
• Dark Matter by Blake Crouch (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:25]
• Pines (Wayward Pines, 1) by Blake Crouch (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:57]
• Recursion by Blake Crouch (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:17]
• A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[18:34]
• Rules of Civility by Amor Towles (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:58]
• The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:29]
• James by Percival Everett (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:42]
• Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:51] 
• Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:10]
• When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:28]
• Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:46]
• Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:19]

• The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:54]
• The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:06]
• Stamped From the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:35]
• The Sellout by Paul Beatty (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:51]
• Let Me Die In His Footsteps by Lori Roy (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:50]
• Before the Fall by Noah Hawley (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:56]
• All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:05]

• Forty Rooms by Olga Grushin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:46] 
• A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:11]
• The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:35] 
• The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:03] 
• Before the Wind by Jim Lynch (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:57]
• Miller's Valley by Anna Quindlen (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:57]
• Miss Jane by Brad Watson (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:48]  
• Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:57]
• Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist by Sunil Yapa (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:08] 
• Adnan's Story by Rabia Chaudry (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:40] 

• Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:45]
• Shelter by Jung Yun (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:58]  
• All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:06] 
• The Mothers by Brit Bennett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:16] 
• My Name Is Lucy Barton (Amgash, 1) by Elizabeth Strout (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:22]
• Oh William! (Amgash, 3) by Elizabeth Strout (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:38]
• Tell Me Everything (Amgash, 5) by Elizabeth Strout (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:47]  
• Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Ed Tarkington (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:05] 
• Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:30]
• Tender by Belinda McKeon (US Release, 2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:44]
• The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:03] 
• When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:05]
• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:31] 

• A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[44:14]
• The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:19]
• A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2) by Sarah J. Maas (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:35]  
• Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:47]
• Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:01] 
• Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:24]
• Dark Matter by Blake Crouch (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:30]
• Beartown by Fredrik Backman (English Translation, 2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:32]
• Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:40] 
• The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:45]
• Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:58]
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:00]
• The Mothers by Brit Bennett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:16] 

In Episode 222, Sarah talks with authors Jennifer Marie Thorne and Lee Kelly about their latest co-written novel, The Midnight Show. Set in the world of 1980s late-night comedy, the book is told in a documentary / oral history format that traces the rise of a breakout star — and the mystery surrounding her disappearance. They talk about how they developed a cast of characters shaped by both real-life comedy figures and their own creative instincts, as well as the challenge of writing sketch comedy that actually lands on the page. They also get into the realities of writing as a duo and the novel's exploration of how women in comedy are perceived and defined. Plus, they share what they're working on next and their 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.

• Books by Lee Kelly + Jennifer Thorne:  The Antiquity Affair (2023), The Starlets (2024) and My Fair Frauds (2025)
• By Lee Kelly: With Regrets (2023), A Criminal Magic (2016), and City Of Savages (2015)
• By Jennifer Thorne: Diavola (2024), Lute (2022), and Newbourne Park(September 29, 2026)
• A brief, spoiler-free overview of The Midnight Show
• The inspiration behind the novel and how they created their characters using a mix of real-life performers and imagination
• Writing sketch comedy for the page — and how they created it organically for the story
• The evolution of their collaborative writing process 
• How society views funny women — and how they're allowed to be defined
• What this author duo is working on next

Two OLD Books They Love

• Jennifer : The Wonder State by Sara Flannery Murphy (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:07]
• Lee : A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (2010) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:24]  
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Magicians by Lev Grossman (2009) [39:34] 
  • The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (2022) [43:08] 

Two NEW Books They Love

• Jennifer : Cruelty Free by Caroline Glenn (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[44:16]
• Lee : The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:28]

Two NEW RELEASES They're Excited About

• Jennifer : Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel (September 15, 2026) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [48:02]
• Lee : Death Was Not on the Guest List by Jenni L. Walsh (June 16, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:22]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (2012) [49:36] 
  • Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) [50:04] 
  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925) [51:53] 

• Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023) [6:37]
• Live From New York by Tom Shales and James Andrew Miller (2014) [6:41] 
• The Chris Farley Show by Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby (2008) [6:45] 
• Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [23:43] 
• The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [25:47] 
• Good People by Patmeena Sabit (2026) [38:20] 

Welcome to the Spring 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  

Today, Catherine and Sarah share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing in April and May.  

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

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

• A preview of changes to this year's Summer Reading Guide — now a team effort, with more info to come in a separate episode coming in early May.
• One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share 4 bonus books (2 each) we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack!

• A lightning round of some big releases coming this spring that are not featured in our personal preview picks.
• Catherine's theme is spring, but Sarah's theme is summer.
• Looking for balance, Catherine chose books that are lighter and brighter, but not silly.
• Spring picks carry 4 debuts — 3 from Catherine and 1 from Sarah.
• Sarah's books cover 2 books about the world of comedy and 3 family dramas.
• Sarah has already read one of her picks — 4.5 stars!
• Plus, their #1 picks for spring.

• The Midnight Train (The Midnight World, 2) by Matt Haig (May 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:04]
• The Shippers by Katherine Center (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:06]
• London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:09]
• Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez (April 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:16]
• With a Vengeance by Riley Sager (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:22]
• Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:26]
• Seek the Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire, 1) by Veronica Roth (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:29]

Other Books Mentioned

• State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (2011) [3:59] 

April

Sarah's Picks

• The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:11] 
• Into the Blue by Emma Brodie (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:49] 
• Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola (April 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:50] 

Catherine's Picks

• American Fantasy by Emma Straub (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:50]
• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:10] 
• Like This But Funnier by Hallie Cantor (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:19] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [8:26] 
• Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023) [8:55]
• Diavola by Jennifer Thorne (2024) [11:08] 
• All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (2026) [14:39] 
• Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie (2021) [17:22] 
• Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (2012) [17:38] 
• Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) [18:37] 
• The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [18:40] 
• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) [18:46] 
• The House of My Mother by Shari Franke (2025) [22:03] 
• August Lane by Regina Black (2025) [22:56] 
• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [23:06] 
• Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (2024) [25:07] 
• Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [25:09] 
• The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (2019) [25:10] 

May

Sarah's Picks

• The Mediator (Max Ringo, 1) by Robert Bailey (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:36]
• The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:46]
• Returns and Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:30] 

Catherine's Picks

• The Liar's Playbook by Leslie Bradford-Scott (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:31]
• The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:11]
• The Tapestry of Fate (Amina al-Sirafi, 2) by Shannon Chakraborty (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:10] 

Other Books Mentioned

• The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) [27:52] 
• Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond (2021) [31:20] 
• Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn (2025) [31:22] 
• The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [32:57] 
• State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny (2021) [36:07] 
• The Animators by Kayla Rae Whitaker (2016) [38:02] 
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) [39:01] 
• The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi, 1) by Shannon Chakraborty (2023) [40:38] 

In Episode 220, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 16 new releases they shared in the Winter 2026 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to!  They share their reading stats and discuss which books worked and which didn't…and why.  

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

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

• One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack!

• Catherine had a high success rate, but a pretty "meh" overall feel 
• Sarah's reading followed a familiar barbell pattern: some standout hits, several DNFs, and not much in between
• Catherine's ratings mostly landed as mid-range reads — with two 4.5 star wins.
• Sarah had one 5-star read (and a new favorite of the year), two 4.5-star reads, and one big disappointment
• Some of Sarah's risk-taking paid off, while other picks didn't land
• They share their best and worst picks from winter

• Whidbey by T Kira Madden (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:13]

January

Catherine's Picks

• Skylark by Paula McLain (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:49]
• Vigil by George Saunders (January 27)  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:43] 

Other Books Mentioned

• When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) [14:53] 
• Love and Ruin by Paula McLain (2018) [15:21] 

February

Sarah's Picks

• Good People by Patmeena Sabit (February 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:25]
• Royal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin Benway (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:49]
• Kin by Tayari Jones (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:15] 

Catherine's Picks

• More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:40]
• Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:47]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland (2022) [17:32] 
• A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) [26:04] 
• An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) [26:58]
• Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones (2011) [26:59]  

March

Sarah's Picks

• No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:51] 
• All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[38:23]
• She Fell Away by Lenore Nash (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:23] 
• The Complex by Karan Mahajan (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:07] 

Catherine's Picks

• Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:34] 
• No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (US Release March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:07]
• Son of Nobody by Yann Martel (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:17] 
• How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:08] 

Other Books Mentioned

• The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2019) [32:10] 
• Shelter by Jung Yun (2016) [38:26] 
• Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) [44:17] 
• Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) [44:18] 

• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [1:10] 

In Episode 219, Sarah talks with author T Kira Madden about her debut novel, Whidbey. A dark, atmospheric story that explores the long reach of violence and the lack of recourse many victims face, Whidbey tackles difficult themes including sexual abuse, stalking, and the ways narratives around these crimes are shaped by media and public perception. Sarah and T Kira discuss the inspiration behind the novel, its complex characters, and the themes at the heart of the story. Plus, she shares a bit about what she's working on next and some terrific 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.

• Books by T Kira Madden: Whidbey and Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls
• A brief, spoiler-free overview of Whidbey
• The inspiration behind the novel
• Revisiting the impact of sexual assault through fiction
• What the character of Mary-Beth brings to the story
• The ways the novel explores justice, accountability, and the limited options available to victims
• How the reality show storyline reflects the power of media to shape public narratives
• What T Kira is working on next

Two OLD Books She Loves

• Reading the Waves by Lidia Yuknavitch (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[36:56]
• Scorched Earth by Tiana Clark (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:43]  
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch (2011) [37:15] 

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Extinction Capital of the World by Mariah Rigg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:38]
• Bloodfire, Baby by Eirinie Carson (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:28]

One Book She DIDN'T Love

• We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver (2003) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:58]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• Lovers XXX by Allie Rowbottom (June 4, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:22]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (2024) [46:43] 
  • The Hop by Diana Clarke (2022) [47:09] 

• There There by Tommy Orange (2018) [36:32]

• Guernica | The Feels of Love by T Kira Madden (December 12, 2016)

In Episode 218, Sarah chats with Enneagram author, speaker, and podcaster Sarajane Case about Reading Through the Enneagram. After a brief introduction to the Enneagram and how it differs from other personality systems, they dive into how Enneagram types show up in our reading lives — from guessing an author's type to rethinking our own habits as readers. Sarajane walks through the nine types, shares a book recommendation for each, and offers her own personal picks.

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.

• Books by Sarajane Case: The Honest Enneagram and The Enneagram Letters
• A brief introduction to the Enneagram — and how it differs from other personality systems
• Sarajane's personal approach to working with the Enneagram
• A quick overview of the nine Enneagram types
• How each Enneagram type might approach reading
• Whether (and how) we can discern an author's Enneagram type through their work (and the Enneagram types most and least likely to be authors themselves)
• Practical tips for using your type to improve your reading life

• Type 1: The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:08]
• Type 2: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:50]  
• Type 3: In Five Years by Rebecca Serle (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:27]
• Type 4: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:42] 
• Type 5: Fourth Wing (Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:56] 
• Type 6: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:32] 
• Type 7: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:56] 
• Type 8: Crook Manifesto (The Harlem Trilogy, 2) by Colson Whitehead (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:20] 
• Type 9: Severance by Ling Ma (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:16] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, 1) by J. R. R. Tolkien (1954) [32:08] 
  • Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) [33:49] 
  • The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (2019) [34:57] 
  • Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022) [35:23] 

Two OLD Books She Loves

• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:50] 
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:08] 

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:09] 
• A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:14] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [42:05] 
  • The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) [42:16] 
  • Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2021) [42:28] 
  • Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2022) [42:37] 
  • The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (2022) [43:28] 

One Book She DIDN'T Love

• Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami (1987) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:14] 
• Other Books Mentioned
  • South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami (1992) [44:20] 
  • 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (2009) [44:49] 

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• Theodora's Tea Shop by Christy Anne Jones (July 28, 2026 — no US release date set yet) | Link to Blackwell's for US Orders [45:52] 

• Truity | Enneagram Personality Test

In Episode 217, Sarah chats with author Christine Kuehn about her memoir, Family of Spies, and the thirty-year journey that led her to uncover a long-buried family secret. Christine shares how the story first entered her life, the decades-long research process behind reconstructing her father's past, and what it meant to weave her own discovery into the historical narrative surrounding her family's role in the Pearl Harbor attack. She also offers a glimpse of what she's working on next and shares some of her favorite 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.

• How the shape of the book's narrative sets it apart from other WWII stories
• How this story entered Christine's life — and the moment everything changed
• Her decision to publicly share this dark chapter of her family's history
• The decades-long research process behind uncovering her father's past
• Why integrating her own discovery story was essential to telling her family's role in the Pearl Harbor attack
• A glimpse at what she's working on next

Two OLD Books She Loves

• The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:43]
• Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyre (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:45]  
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre (2018) [34:45] 
  • The Siege by Ben Macintyre (2024) [34:47] 

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:57]
• The Lost Kitchen, Vol 2: Big Heart Little Stove by Erin French (2025) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [37:35]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Finding Freedom by Erin French (2021) [38:46] 

One Book She DIDN'T Love

• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:48]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:33]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023) [42:06] 

• At Dawn We Slept by Gordon W. Prange (1981) [5:47]

• Instagram | Sarah's Bookshelves, Family of Spies Review

Episode 216 continues the Best of… series with a deep dive into the horror genre. Meredith Monday Schwartz of the Currently Reading podcast joins the show to discuss her all-time Top Ten favorite horror books, along with a few buzzy titles that didn't quite work for her. Meredith also talks about how she came to the genre and the wide range of reading experiences horror has to offer.

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.

• How Meredith defines the horror genre — and where she draws the lines
• Subgenres of horror that don't get talked about as much
• Meredith's personal relationship with reading horror
• What draws her to the genre and how she approaches her horror TBR
• The role of women in horror, both as authors and within its themes

• 10) Daphne by Josh Malerman (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:33]
• 9) How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:10]
• 8) The Ruins by Scott Smith (2006) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:42]
• 7) Near the Bone by Christina Henry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:02]
• 6) Diavola by Jennifer Thorne (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:19]
• 5) We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:44]
• 4) Slewfoot by Brom (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [34:01]
• 3) The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [37:40]
• 2) The Stand by Stephen King (1978) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:46]
• 1) I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:50]

• The September House by Carissa Orlando (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:03]
• The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:55]
• Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:34] 

• The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson (1977) [9:57]
• 101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered by Sadie Hartmann (2023) [13:25] 
• Feral and Hysterical by Sadie Hartmann (2025) [13:37] 
• Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) [22:47] 
• The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre by Philip Fracassi (2025) [28:33] 
• Psycho by Robert Bloch (1959) [31:01] 
• The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer (April 21, 2026) [33:29] 
• Krampus by Brom (2012) [36:42] 
• The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James (2012) [39:07] 
• The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James (2022) [39:23] 
• 11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) [43:13] 
• Foe by Iain Reid (2018) [49:00] 
• Bird Box by Josh Malerman (2014) [52:39] 

• Sadie Hartmann (@Mother.Horror) on Instagram
• Talking Scared with Neil McRobert
• Slow Read: The Stand with Sarah Stewart Holland & Laura Tremaine

In Episode 215, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books share the best backlist books they read in 2025. They discuss their top 5 backlist books from last year, highlight some underrated backlist gems, and review their backlist reading statistics. Devoting an entire episode to backlist reading is both a team and listener favorite annual tradition! 

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 Best of the Backlist Guide: Favorite Backlist Books Read in 2025 is available now! Members of the Sarah's Bookshelves Live community share the best backlist book they read last year in a beautiful PDF guide. To get the guide, you can sign up to join us on Patreon here. or Substack here. You'll also get access to monthly bonus podcast episodes and the new-for-2026 Rock Your Reading Tracker and the Lite Reading Tracker.

• Sarah and Catherine share their full stats for backlist reading in 2025.
• Backlist reading quantity was stable last year for Sarah, but backlist reading quality dipped a bit.
• Catherine had a slight increase in the number of backlist books she read, AND her backlist reading remained incredibly successful.
• Sarah's backlist reading may change just a bit looking ahead to 2026.

Catherine

• The No-Show by Beth O'Leary (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:50] 
• Georgia by Dawn Tripp (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:44] 
• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:48] 
• Don't You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:57] 
• The Death of Bees by Lisa O'Donnell (2013) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:21] 

Sarah

• The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:37] 
• The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis (1983) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:58] 
• We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:42] 
• Family Happiness by Laurie Colwin (1982) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:30] 
• Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:37] 

Other Books Mentioned

• The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (2019) [13:19] 
• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin (2023) [20:28] 
• Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman (2020) [20:31] 
• Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond (2021) [20:33] 
• Heated Rivalry (Game Changers, 2) by Rachel Reid (2023) [33:50] 
• Happy All the Time by Laurie Colwin (1978) [37:58] 
• Guess Again by Charlie Donlea (2025) [40:54] 

Catherine

• Miss Jane by Brad Watson (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:46] 
• Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist by Sunil Yapa (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:40] 

Sarah

• Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:28] 
• Euphoria by Lily King (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:04] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Talking at Night by Claire Davelery (2023) [48:25] 
• Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (2025) [51:20] 
• Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) [51:38] 

Welcome to the Winter 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  

Today, Catherine and Sarah share 16 of their most anticipated books releasing from January through March.  

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

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

• The 2026 Reading Tracker is out! This year brings upgraded features across the board — including NEW average star rating and 5-star book tracking for every stat on the Dashboard — plus an updated Lite Tracker for those who prefer a streamlined version. Both Trackers are ONLY available to paid Patreon or Substack subscribers ($7/month) and is no longer sold separately. To avoid Apple's 30% fee, be sure to join directly from the Patreon website (mobile or desktop). Join our Patreon Community (here) OR become a Substack Paid Member (here)!

• One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack!

• A lightning round of some big releases coming this winter that we're not featuring in today's preview.
• Catherine chose books by authors she knows and trusts.
• This year, Sarah dug deep into the publisher's catalog for potential hidden gems.
• Sarah's books cover literary suspense, literary fiction, brain candy, nonfiction, and a thriller from 2 debut authors and 3 repeat authors.
• Sarah has already read one of her picks — and it was 4.5 stars!
• Plus, their #1 picks for winter.

• The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:39]
• The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:43]
• My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:46]
• Once and Again by Rebecca Serle (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:49]
• Crux by Gabriel Tallent (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:53]
• Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:56]
• Two Kinds of Stranger by Steve Cavanagh (March 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:00]
• Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:03]
• Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict (March 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:21] 
• Missing Sam by Thrity Umrigar (January 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:24] 
• This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:28] 
• Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:31] 

Other Books Mentioned

• I'm Glad My Mother Died by Jennette McCurdy (2022) [3:35] 

January

Catherine's Picks

• Skylark by Paula McLain (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:53]
• Vigil by George Saunders (January 27)  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:48] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Circling the Sun by Paula McLain (2015) [11:04]
• When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) [13:12] 
• Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017) [17:39] 

February

Sarah's Picks

• Good People by Patmeena Sabit (February 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:59]
• Royal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin Benway (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:14]
• Kin by Tayari Jones (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:01] 

Catherine's Picks

• Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:19]
• More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:05]

Other Books Mentioned

• Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (2014) [9:37] 
• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) [9:40] 
• Real Americans by Rachel Khong (2024) [9:42] 
• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (2003) [9:50] 
• Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019) [14:04] 
• Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand (2020) [14:53] 
• Endgame by Omid Scobie (2023) [14:57] 
• Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden (2019) [19:20] 
• An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) [24:11]
• Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones (2011) [24:13]  
• Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones (2002) [26:48] 
• Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen (2018) [29:43] 
• After Annie by Anna Quindlen (2024) [29:51] 

March

Sarah's Picks

• No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:07] 
• Whidbey by T Kira Madden (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:50]
• All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[35:31]
• She Fell Away by Lenore Nash (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:01] 
• The Complex by Karan Mahajan (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:35] 

Catherine's Picks

• Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:02] 
• No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (US Release March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:44]
• Son of Nobody by Yann Martel (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:11] 
• How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:15] 

Other Books Mentioned

• A Thousand Naked Strangers by Kevin Hazzard (2016) [30:48] 
• The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2022) [33:06] 
• Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2016) [33:13] 
• Shelter by Jung Yun (2016) [35:41] 
• Medium Rare by A. Natasha Joukovsky (March 3, 2026) [40:39] 
• Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) [41:45] 
• Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) [41:46] 
• Life of Pi by Yann Martel (2001) [43:38] 
• The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel (2016) [46:16] 
• The Association of Small Bombs by Karan Mahajan (2016) [47:17] 
• Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson (2012) [50:04] 

• The New Yorker | "The True Margaret," by Karan Mahajan 

In Episode 213, Sarah and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) wrap up the year with the Best Books of 2025 Genre Awards. They reveal their Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction) and a full breakdown by genre, including: Best Literary Fiction, Best Romance, Best Brain Candy, Best Genre Mash-Up, and more! Plus, they share the winners for these same genres as chosen by the Sarah's Bookshelves Live Member 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.

• The 2026 Reading Tracker is out! This year brings upgraded features across the board — including NEW average star rating and 5-star book tracking for every stat on the Dashboard — plus an updated Lite Tracker for those who prefer a streamlined version. Both Trackers are ONLY available to paid Patreon or Substack subscribers ($7/month) and is no longer sold separately. To avoid Apple's 30% fee, be sure to join directly from the Patreon website (mobile or desktop). Join our Patreon Community (here) OR become a Substack Paid Member (here)!

• Podcast reflections from 2025 — including top episodes based on download stats.
• A brief overview of Sarah's and Chrissie's 2025 year in reading.
• Their favorite books of the year: overall and by genre, including the SBL Member Community's picks.

Sarah

• The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:45] 
• The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:32] 
• The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:13] 
• One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [23:48] 
• The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:47] 
• August Lane by Regina Black (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:03] 
• The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:54] 
• Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:36]
• This American Woman by Zarna Garg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:00]
• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:59]
• The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [54:44] 
• Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [56:29]
• Next of Kin by Gabrielle Hamilton (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [1:00:10] 
• The Elements by John Boyne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:03:10]

Chrissie

• Fox by Joyce Carol Oates (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:42] 
• Joy Moody Is Out of Time by Kerryn Mayne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:36] 
• Marble Hall Murders (Susan Ryeland, 3) by Anthony Horowitz (2025) | Amazon| Bookshop.org  [21:39] 
• The Pretender by Jo Harkin (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:51] 
• What We Can Know by Ian McEwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:28] 
• To Clutch a Razor (Curse Bearer, 2) by Veronica Roth (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:39] 
• The Love Haters by Katherine Center (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:03] 
• These Heathens by Mia McKenzie (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:31] 
• The Zorg by Siddarth Kara (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:11] 
• Misbehaving at the Crossroads by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:09]
• A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:38] 
• Awake in the Floating City by Susanna Kwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[55:11]
• Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [57:16] 
• Future Boy by Michael J. Fox (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:01:23] 
• Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated by James Goodhand (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:06:07] 

SBL Member Community

• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:43]
• The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:02]
• Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:52] 
• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:21]
• The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:28] 
• The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:23] 
• One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:39]
• Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:57]
• Big Dumb Eyes by Nate Bargatze (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:15]
• Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:17]
• Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:19]
• The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:22]
• Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:24]
• So Far Gone by Jess Walter (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:27]
• This American Woman by Zarna Garg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:28]
• Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:20]
• Ordinary Time by Annie Jones (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:32]
• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:31] 
• Among Friends by Hal Ebbott (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [59:25]
• Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:02:33]

Other Books Mentioned

• Leaving by Roxana Robinson (2024) [13:51] 
• Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) [15:35] 
• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [15:58] 
• Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) [16:09] 
• The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) [16:11]
• Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) [16:13]
• Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne (2023) [17:45] 
• Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (2025) [18:46] 
• Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez (2025) [18:56] 
• The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham (2025) [19:18]
• Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (2025) [19:23]
• Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) [21:28] 
• The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark (2025) [23:03]
• The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman (2025) [23:07]  
• Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) [23:13]
• The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) [23:15]  
• We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter (2017) [24:09] 
• Tell Me an Ending by Jo Harkin (2022) [26:03]
• What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) [26:55]
• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) [27:06]  
• The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis (2025) [27:12]
• Isola by Allegra Goodman (2025) [28:13] 
• Merge by Grace Walker (2025) [31:35]
• The Memory Collectors by Dete Meserve (2025) [31:43] 
• Sunrise on the Reaping by Susanna Collins (2025) [31:48]
• Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (2025) [31:01]
• The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2025) [32:05]
• When Among Crows by Veronica Roth (2024) [33:05] 
• Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (2025) [34:23]
• Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) [34:36]
• Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [34:37]
• A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett (2025) [34:49]
• The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (2024) [34:54]
• Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [34:58]
• The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow (2025) [35:05]
• Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (2025) [35:31]
• The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (2023) [36:49]
• The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [38:54] 
• The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones (2025) [40:30]
• Hungerstone by Kat Dunn (2025) [40:37]
• We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad (2025) [40:42]
• The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (2025) [41:19]
• Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker (2025) [41:30]
• When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi (2025) [44:56]
• The Wager by David Grann (2023) [47:34] 
• Replaceable You by Mary Roach (2025) [49:04]
• The Gales of November by John U. Bacon (2025) [49:11]
• Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (2025) [51:58]
• All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert (2025) [52:08]
• Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) [52:24]
• Nobody's Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre (2025) [52:28]
• One Day, Everyone Will Always Have Been Against This by Omar El Akkad (2025) [52:49]
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [53:22]
• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) [54:21]
• Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo (2025) [54:27]
• Woodworking by Emily St. James (2025) [56:16]
• Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (2025) [58:57]
• The Elements by John Boyne (2025) [59:15]  
• Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (2025) [59:49]
• My Friends by Fredrik Backman (2025) [59:51]
• The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [1:05:51]
• James by Percival Everett (2024) [1:08:07] 

• Ep. 199: Best Books of 2025 (So Far) with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Susie (@NovelVisits)
• Ep. 184: Best Books of 2024 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits)
• Ep. 185: Winter 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
• Ep. 205: Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
• Ep. 192: Spring 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
• Ep. 198: Best of Thrillers with Anderson McKean of Page & Palette (@PagePalette)
• Ep. 188: Best of Fantasy with Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley)
• Ep. 193: Clare Leslie Hall (author of Broken Country)
• Ep. 187: State of the Industry in 2024 with Kathleen Schmidt (@KathMSchmidt), author of the Publishing Confidential Substack
• Ep. 208: Best of Narrative Nonfiction with Elizabeth Barnhill of Fabled Bookshop (@FabledBookshop)

In Ep. 212, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books start wrapping up 2025 with the first of the two year-end episodes: Best Books of 2025 Superlatives. In this episode, they share their picks for over 25 superlative categories, including Weirdest 5-Star Read of 2025, The Book That Made Us Furious, Most Underrated Gem, Too Dark Even for Me, 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.

Our best books of the year from over 25 categories, including:

• My First 5-Star 2025 Release of the Year
• Weirdest 5-Star Read of 2025
• The Book That Made Us Furious
• Most Underrated Gem
• Most Perplexing Book
• Best Book to Be Made into a Reality Series
• Too Dark Even for Me
• Most Crushingly Depressing Book I Loved
• Best Horror Book in the Victorian-Feminist-Gory Category
• The Crime Novel That Hit Me Hardest Emotionally

Sarah

• Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:58]
• What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[12:38]
• Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025)| Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:22] 
• Maggie; a Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:43] 
• The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:25] 
• Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:22] 
• The Dinner Party by Viola Van de Sandt (2025)  | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:25] 
• Fox by Joyce Carol Oates (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:35]
• When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén (US release 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:37] 
• Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:30]
• What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:53]
• Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:52]
• Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:06]
• The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:38]
• Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:07]

Catherine

• What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:58]
• The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:37]
• The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:31]
• Murderland by Caroline Fraser (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:53]
• Heart, Be At Peace by Donal Ryan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:07]
• The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:13]
• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[38:31]
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:12]
• Sweet Fury by Sash Bischoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:45]
• Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer, 2) by Laini Taylor (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:40]
• Let's Call Her Barbie by Renée Rosen (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:39]
• Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:31]
• The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:18]

• Defending Jacob by William Landay (2012) [8:59] 
• All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay (2023) [9:00]
• Pretty Things by Janelle Brown (2020) [10:40] 
• I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) [30:25] 
• The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan (2012) [33:08]
• Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (2025) [45:20] 
• The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange (2023) [45:39] 
• Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1934) [46:13]
• The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021) [48:34]
• Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler (2013) [48:35]  
• Writers and Lovers by Lily King (2020) [51:32]

In Episode 211, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 14 new releases they shared in the Fall 2025 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to!  They share their reading stats and discuss which books worked and which didn't…and why.  

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

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

• Catherine's success rate bounces back from summer.
• Sarah's fall reading felt kind of "meh" despite a higher success rate.
• They also share their combined 2025 Preview success rates.
• Their fall pick ratings were all over the place, with only one DNF, but books range from 2 to 4 stars, with Catherine boasting the sole 5-star book!
• A couple of books suffered from an identity crisis, while others were surprise successes. 
• Catherine's assignment for next season is to check the page count and look for authors following-up award-winning books.
• They name their best and worst books picks for fall!

Sarah's Picks

• The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (September 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[6:01]

Sarah's Picks

• Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (August 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:29]
• We Loved to Run by Stephanie Reents (August 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[13:38]

Catherine's Pick

• Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (August 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:59]

Other Books Mentioned

• Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025) [9:28] 
• Inferno by Dante (c. 1321) [11:29]  
• Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) [13:16] 
• Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [13:25]
• The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (2018) [16:12]

Sarah's Picks

• Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (September 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:51]
• Hot Desk by Laura Dickerman (September 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:30]
• Underspin by E. Y. Zhao (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:06]

Catherine's Picks

• The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:12] 
• Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent (US release: September 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:01]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (2019) [28:07] 

Catherine's Picks

• Workhorse by Caroline Palmer (October 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:24]
• The Wayfinder by Adam Johnson (October 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[34:49]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger (2003) [32:43] 
• The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson (2012) [38:35] 
• The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai (2006) [39:03] 

Sarah's Pick

• Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:37]

Catherine's Pick

• Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (November 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:48]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (2018) [44:43] 

Catherine's Pick

• The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini (US release: December 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:49]

In Ep. 210, Laura McGrath, author of the popular Substack newsletter, textCrunch, joins Sarah to take a sharp look at the State of the Publishing Industry in 2025. This packed episode covers a high-level look at the top sales and book trends, as well as Laura's insights into the future of the book world for 2026. Also, Laura shares her favorite books of 2025!

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.

• Laura McGrath's book Middlemen (publishing April 28, 2026) is available for pre-order here: Amazon | Bookshop.org 
• Fiction's performance in the sales charts since 2019.
• The trend seen in nonfiction over the past few years and where it may be headed.
• The continued debate about whether 2025 has a "Book of the Year."
• Surprising sales trends in religious books and imprints.
• How self-publishing still brings us successful authors.
• What Laura sees in her research that she thinks publishers should be paying attention to.
• A bit about the current outlook for mid-list and debut authors.
• Laura's predictions for 2026 book trends.

• Onyx Storm (Empyrean, 3) by Rebecca Yarros (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:49]
• Fourth Wing (series, 1) by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:58] 
• The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [9:21]
• James by Percival Everett (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [9:59]
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:02]
• Flashlight by Susan Choi (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:25]
• The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:58]
• The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:04]
• A Guardian and a Thief by Leela Tapryal (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:31]
• The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:19]
• Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:57]
• The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:59]

• The Martian by Andy Weir (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:03] 
• The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:38]  
• The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:40]  
• Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:42] 

• Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (1961) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:30] 
• V by Thomas Pynchon (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:32] 
• Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth (1969) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:41] 
• The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead (1999) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:47] 
• The Mothers by Brit Bennett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:54] 

• Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:41]
• Pick a Color by Souvankham Thammavongsa (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:55] 
• Discipline by Larissa Pham (January 20, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:01] 
• Under Water by Tara Menon (March 17, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:07] 

• Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:17] 
• Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[47:59] 
• The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:38]

• The New York Times | The Dogged, Irrational Persistence of Literary Fictionby Gerald Howard
• The Walrus | Publishing Has a Gambling Problem by Tajja Isen
• Time | How Taylor Jenkins Reid Became a Publishing Powerhouse by Lucy Feldman
• Book Riot | How Much Does Genre Matter to Readers? (Podcast Episode)
• Public Books | Who Cares About Literary Prizes? by Alexander Manshel, Laura B. Mcgrath, & J. D. Porter

In Episode 209, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) join Sarah for the 5th annual Debuts Special! They're sharing their reading stats for debuts this year, along with their favorite debuts, new and backlist — so far for 2025.

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.

• How debuts from 2025 compare to those from previous years.
• A full breakdown of Sarah's, Catherine's, and Chrissie's 2025 debut-related stats.
• Featured debuts, split into two categories:
  • Favorite Debuts of 2025 (so far)
  • Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2025

Sarah

• Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:27]
• The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:54]
• Great Black Hope by Rob Franklin (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:12]

Catherine

• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:04]
• The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:50]
• Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:30]

Chrissie

• Homeseeking by Karissa Chen (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:39]
• Awake in the Floating City by Susanna Kwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[26:34]
• Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:53]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [10:09]
• The Compound by Aisling Rowle (2025) [10:11]
• Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (2025) [10:14]
• Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (2025) [10:17]
• Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (2025) [10:19]
• Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill (2014) [12:48] 
• You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith (2024) [12:56] 
• Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) [18:47] 
• Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger (1990) [20:49] 
• The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe (2020) [22:08] 
• All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall (2025) [28:58] 
• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) [30:36] 
• The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe (1987) [34:15] 

Sarah

• I Might Be In Trouble by Daniel Aleman (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:15]
• Out of Love by Hazel Hayes (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:26]

Catherine

• In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:45]
• Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:47]

Chrissie

• Fruiting Bodies by Kathryn Harlan (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:04]
• The Undertaking by Audrey Magee (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:31]

Other Books Mentioned

• Music of the Ghosts by Vaddey Ratner (2017) [44:58] 
• Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield (2022) [46:14] 
• The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2022) [49:08] 
• The Colony by Audrey Magee (2022) [53:26] 

• Victim by Andrew Boryga (2024) [3:39] 
• Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (2004) [6:54] 

Ep. 208 brings the third installment of our "Best of…" series. Elizabeth Barnhill of Fabled Bookshop joined Sarah for the Best of Narrative Nonfiction, sharing her ALL-TIME TOP books in this genre. Plus, she brings a few popular nonfiction reads that didn't work for her.⁠ This episode is chock-full of fantastic book recommendations to get you ready for Nonfiction November or just your next nonfiction pick.

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.

• How Elizabeth got started with narrative nonfiction.
• How the pull of "real stories" has her returning to this category again and again.
• Her favorite sub-genres and what doesn't work for her.
• Elizabeth picks a book from her list that would be a good starter book for those new to the genre.

All books mentioned in this episode are linked through Fabled Bookshop or Libro.FM. If you decide to purchase, we'd love for you to use our Fabled links in the show notes — if your budget allows.  As a bonus, use promo code SARAH at checkout on Fabled's website for 10% off your order! Prefer audio? You can find the titles on Libro.fm and select Fabled as the store you'd like to support. You can also find a list of Elizabeth's books from this episode on both Fabled's website.

NATURAL DISASTER STORIES

• In the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides (2014) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [10:42]
• The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin (2004) | Fabled | Libro.FM [11:13]
• The Vortex by Scott Carney and Jason Miklian (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [11:29]
• The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown (2009) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [12:18]
• What Stands in a Storm by Kim Cross (2015) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [13:11]
• Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson (1999) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [13:33]

LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS

• One Summer by Bill Bryson (2013) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [14:24]
• Pappyland by Wright Thompson (2020) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [15:05]
• The Facemaker by Lindsey Fitzharris (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [15:43]

POP SCIENCE

• Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport (2019) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [16:54]
• The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [17:50]
• Replaceable You by Mary Roach (2025) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [18:35]

HISTORY TOLD IN INTERESTING WAYS

• Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [19:03]
• The Great Halifax Explosion by John U. Bacon (2017) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [20:21]
• The Big Rich by Bryan Burrough (2009) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [21:17]
• In Harm's Way by Doug Stanton (2001) | Fabled  [21:43]
• Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (2010) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [22:11]

ORDINARY PEOPLE MEMOIRS

• Red Notice by Bill Browder (2015) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [22:32]
• Home Cooking by Laurie Colwin (1988) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [23:06]

GOTCHA / PEOPLE BEHAVING BADLY

• Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [24:22]
• Bad City by Paul Pringle (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [24:24]
• Bully Market by Jamie Fiore Higgins (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [24:31]

• Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr. (2013) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [26:56]
• The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan (2006) | Fabled | Libro.FM [28:07]
• The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (2016) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [29:13]
• Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard (2011) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [30:57]
• The Deepest South of All by Richard Grant (2020) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [33:03]
• Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall (2019) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [35:01]
• All Over but the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg (1991) | Fabled | Libro.FM   [37:41]
• Sudden Sea by R. A. Scotti (2003) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [39:52]
• The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede (2002) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [43:09]

• In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (1965) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [47:52]
• When the Sea Came Alive by Garrett M. Graff (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM [49:19]
• Challenger by Adam Higginbotham (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM [50:48]

• Finding Flora by Elinor Florence (2025) [4:51]
• Undaunted Courage by Stephen E. Ambrose (1996) [5:21]
• The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (2013) [12:22]
• Patty Reed's Doll by Rachel K. Laurgaard (1956) [12:59]  
• In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross (2023) [13:15]
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (2024) [17:45]
• Grunt by Mary Roach (2016) [18:27]
• Family Happiness by Laurie Colwin (1984) [23:48]
• Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis (2018) [25:10]
• I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara (2018) [25:39]
• A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan (2023) [28:57]
• The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan (2016) [29:02]
• Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt (1994) [33:48]
• Natchez Burning (Natchez Burning, 1 and Penn Cage, 4) by Greg Iles (2014) [34:49]
• Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (2009) [35:21]
• My Southern Journey by Rick Bragg (2015) [39:03]
• Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce (2023) [41:45]
• A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams (2013) [42:33]
• The Only Place in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2019) [45:44]
• The Devil Reached Toward the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2025) [50:41]
• Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham (2019) [42:33]

In Episode 207, Sarah chats with author Regina Black about her newest novel, August Lane. A second-chance romance about two people healing from trauma, August Lane is set in Arcadia, Arkansas, with themes of family, generational scars, and a unique thread of Black country music. Regina also talks about how she got into writing Romance on top of her job as a law school administrator, how long she's been writing, and what spurred her on to seeking publication. Plus, Regina shares some of her top 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.

• Books by Regina Black: The Art of Scandal and August Lane
• A brief, spoiler-free overview of August Lane. 
• How long Regina has been writing and what moved her to seeking publication.
• Her unique journey to finding an agent
• What exactly does it mean to have a likable character?
• The way Regina uses and leans into typical romance tropes.
• Her decision to step away from social media to write like "no one's watching."
• A bit about the novel she's working on.
• Regina talks about how a lot of writers become lawyers rather than the reverse.

Two OLD Books She Loves

• The Space Between Worlds (The Space Between Worlds, 1) by Micaiah Johnson (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:57]
• Indigo by Beverly Jenkins (1996) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:54]  

Two NEW Books She Loves

• The Princess and the P.I. by Nikki Payne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[38:59]
• Black in Blues:How a Color Tells the Story of My People by Imani Perry (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:03]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • South to America by Imani Perry (2022) [41:14] 

One Book She DIDN'T Love

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:41]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Persuasion by Jane Austen (1817) [44:54] 

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• Where the Wild Flowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris (February 17, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:36]

• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [7:34]

Please listen to the accompanying (less than 4 minute) episode for an important update about the Sarah's Bookshelves Live podcast.

Thank you,
Sarah

For Episode 206, fellow podcaster Jason Blitman, host of the Gays Reading podcast, joins Sarah to go behind the scenes of producing book festivals. They talk about how he came to reading later in his life and how his journey as a reader led him to his current role. Also, they discuss how he approaches author interviews. Plus, Jason shares his book recommendations. 

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

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

• Jason's experience with becoming a "later in life reader"
• How Jason got his start in podcasting and started the Gays Reading podcast
• The method and madness behind choosing which authors to feature
• Jason turns the tables on Sarah and asks her an interview question
• With 2 different book festivals under his belt, Jason shares what producing these events entails
• How authors and special guests are chosen for book festivals
• Managing authors' expectations, difficulties, and comfort levels at these large events
• Plus, ALL of Jason's book recommendations are from LGBTQIA+ authors!

Two OLD Books He Loves

• A Star is Bored by Byron Lane (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:00]
• Still Life by Sarah Winman (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:01]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Tin Man by Sarah Winman (2017) [43:32]  

Two NEW Books He Loves

• Disappoint Me by Nicola Dinan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:02]
• The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:26]

One Book He DIDN'T Love

• Blackouts by Justin Torres (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:48]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig (1976) [50:14] 

One NEW RELEASE He's Excited About

• Lean Cat, Savage Cat by Lauren John Joseph (February 17, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:40]

• The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) [1:01]
• Gays Reading | Season 4, Episode 36: Lucas Schaefer (The Slip) feat. Mike Curato, Guest Gay Reader [1:04] 
• We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (2021) [1:39] 
• Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) [1:48] 
• The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien (1937) [3:29] 
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) [4:03] 
• How I Paid for College by Marc Acito (2004) [5:10] 
• A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (2010) [6:11] 
• Find Me by André Aciman (2019) [7:31] 
• Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman (2007) [7:34] 
• The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han (2009) [8:09]
• The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (2018) [8:37] 
• The Nix by Nathan Hill (2016) [8:54] 
• Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) [8:57] 
• The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel (2021) [11:24] 
• Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau (2021) [11:50]
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [12:55]
• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) [14:48]
• Real Americans by Rachel Khong (2024) [37:20]
• Charlotte's Web by E. B. White (1952) [38:41]
• Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean (2008) [38:43]