Sarah's Bookshelves Live – Details, episodes & analysis

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 202, Susie (@NovelVisits) and Sarah explore some of their new favorite Micro Genres. Since starting the Micro Genres series, they've loved taking the opportunity each year to examine and define their tastes in these sub-sub-genres. This year, they have curated a list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with notable books for each category. With over 80 books mentioned, this is another year of niching down for some great book recommendations!

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

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

Sarah

• The Wanderers by Meg Howrey (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:39]
• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:52]
• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:29]
• Miracle Creek by Angie Kim (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:31]
• Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:42]
• Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:52]
• Z by Therese Ann Fowler (2013) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:11]
• The Paris Wife by Paula McLain (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:19]
• An American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:26]
• The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:35]
• The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:59]
• A Mother's Reckoning by Sue Klebold (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:41]

Susie

• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:07]
• Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:35]
• The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:37]
• Circe by Madeline Miller (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:52]

Sarah

• Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:46]
• Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:16]
• I'm That Girl by Jordan Chiles (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:20] 

Susie

• The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:20]
• What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:49] 
• Victim by Andrew Boryga (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:48]
• How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:21] 
• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:28] 

Other Books Mentioned

• We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (2021) [8:33] 
• A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst (2025)  [13:54] 

Sarah

• Anna Bright is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:29]
• The Boys' Club by Erica Katz (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:46] 
• Women Are the Fiercest Creatures by Andrea Dunlop (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:51] 
• Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:55] 

Susie

• The Whisper Network by Chandler Baker (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[16:30]
• The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:55] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018) [15:34] 

Sarah

• Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:30] 
• Northern Spy by Flynn Berry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:43] 
• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:52] 
• 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:39] 

Susie

• Nesting by Roisín O'Donnell (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:39]
• The Coast Road by Alan Murrin (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:07]
• The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[20:54] 
• Juno Loves Legs by Karl Geary (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:59]
• Home Stretch by Graham Norton (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:02] 
• Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:50]  
• Trespasses by Louise Kennedy (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:07] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt (1996) [19:20] 
• Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) [23:16] 
• Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent (2023) [24:07] 
• Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent (2013) [24:09] 

Sarah

• The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (1993) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[25:59] 
• We Wish You Luck by Caroline Zancan (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:16] 
• The Mothers by Britt Bennett (2016)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:31] 
• Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:56] 

Susie

• The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:38]
• The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:58]  

Other Books Mentioned

• The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (2012) [25:09] 
• The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2025) [25:11] 
• The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (2020) [27:39] 

Sarah

• Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:05] 
• Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding (1996) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:14] 
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:35]

Susie

• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:18] 
• The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:38] 
• One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:18] 
• An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:44] 

Sarah

• The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:33] 
• Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:39] 
• Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:42]  
• We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:52] 
• The Girls by Emma Cline (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:00]
• Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Ed Tarkington (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:05]
• When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:29] 
• Monday, Monday by Elizabeth Crook (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:39] 

Susie

• Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:05] 

Sarah

• Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:24] 
• Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:58] 
• Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:13] 
• Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:23] 
• When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:28]
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon (2003) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:36]  

Susie

• Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:56] 
• More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:06] 
• Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:43] 
• My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward by Mark Lukach (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:13] 
• I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:58]

Other Books Mentioned

• Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy (2023) [42:33] 

Sarah

• Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:34] 
• The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:40] 
• Departure 37 by Scott Carson (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:55] 
• The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:10] 
• Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:27]
• Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:28]  

Susie

• The Holdout by Graham Moore (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:57] 
• The River by Peter Heller (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:24] 
• Burn by Peter Heller (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:25] 
• The Martian by Andy Weir (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:36] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [45:41] 
• All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby (2023) [45:33] 
• Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby (2020) [46:06] 
• Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (2021) [46:13] 

Susie

• The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:36]
• Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:39]
• The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:07]
• Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:08]
• Weyward by Emilia Hart (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:28] 
• The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:32] 
• Circe by Madeline Miller (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:50] 
• The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:51] 

Other Books Mentioned

• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015) [47:03] 
• Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (2013) [50:30] 

In the Spring 2022 Book Preview, Catherine (Gilmore Guide to Books) and I shared our most anticipated books that released April – May 2022.  In today's episode, we're circling back to update you on the books we've had a chance to read — or at least attempted.  Given my ongoing success rate with spring releases, I'm starting to wonder if that is just the best season for my type of books! 

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

• In addition to my annual 2022 Summer Reading Guide, I'm introducing Summer Shelves, a companion exclusively for Superstars Patrons ($7/mo).
• Summer Shelves features BACKLIST summer reading recommendations from over 25 former podcast guests and our team members.
• The Summer Shelves design is clean, crisp, and unique and is available in a PDF file format via Patreon.
• If you'd like to get the Summer Shelves companion guide, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You'll also get access to a monthly bonus podcast series called Double Booked (where Catherine or Susie and I share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show) and my Rock Your Reading Tracker.

Get Summer Shelves!

• Catherine and Sarah continue with fairly high success rates for 2022 so far.
• Sarah had three 5-star spring releases!
• Catherine and Sarah share their best and worst picks from the Spring 2022 Book Preview.

Sarah's Picks:

• Bomb Shelter by Mary Laura Philpott (April 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:12]
• Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (April 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:13] 

Catherine's Pick:

• The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (April 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:55]

April

Sarah's Picks:

• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (April 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:52]
• Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (April 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:32]
• When We Fell Apart by Soon Wiley (April 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:22]

Catherine's Picks:

• Four Treasures of the Sky by Jenny Tinghui Zhang (April 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:55]
• An Unlasting Home by Mai Al-Nakib (April 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:39] 

May

Sarah's Pick:

• The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz (May 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:06] 

Catherine's Picks:

• Dark Circles by Caite Dolan-Leach (May 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:39]
• Elektra by Jennifer Saint (May 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:01] 
• Siren Queen by Nghi Vo (May 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:24]

• The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne [12:27]
• What Comes After by JoAnne Tompkins [13:58] 
• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [18:46]
• Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson [21:28]
• Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett [22:13]
• Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders [22:42]
• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini [28:13]
• Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner [30:42]
• Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson [31:02]
• Dead Letters by Caite Dolan-Leach [34:14] 
• The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [36:11] 
• You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz [36:26] 
• Circe by Madeline Miller [41:14]
• Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid [45:36]

• Smithsonian Magazine | The Transcontinental Railroad Wouldn't Have Been Built Without the Hard Work of Chinese Laborers
• Smithsonian Magazine | What Archaeologists Are Learning About the Lives of the Chinese Immigrants Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad

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Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 6 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Ann Arbor, MI.

Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I share our favorite books that missed last year's Summer Reading Guides, some deep backlist books we think are great for summer reading, and our #1 picks for four categories featured in Sarah's 2022 Summer Reading Guide.

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

• In addition to my annual 2022 Summer Reading Guide, I'm introducing Summer Shelves, a companion exclusively for Superstars Patrons ($7/mo).
• Summer Shelves features BACKLIST summer reading recommendations from over 25 former podcast guests and our team members.
• The Summer Shelves design is clean, crisp, and unique and you'll receive it in a PDF file format via Patreon.
• If you'd like to get the Summer Shelves companion guide, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You'll also get access to a monthly bonus podcast series called Double Booked (where Catherine or Susie and I share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show) and my Rock Your Reading Tracker.

• Sarah's 2022 Summer Reading Guide
• Susie's 2022 Summer Reading Guide

Sarah

• The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:29]
• The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:12]
• Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography by Laurie Woolever | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:24] 

Susie

• For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:29]
• Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:06] 
• Embassy Wife by Katie Crouch | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:32] 

Sarah

• Quicksand by Malin Persson Giolito | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:53] 
• Red Notice by Bill Browder | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:39]
• The Fever by Megan Abbott | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:52]

Susie

• Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands by Chris Bohjalian | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:12] 
• The Diver's Clothes Lie Empty by Vendela Vida | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:09]
• The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:15]

Something Light / Fun

• Sarah: Dilettante by Dana Brown | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:46] 
• Susie: Cover Story by Susan Rigetti | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:03] 

Something Fast Paced / Intense

• Sarah: Upgrade by Blake Crouch (July 12, 2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:48] 
• Susie: Two Nights in Lisbon by Chris Pavone (May 24, 2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:52] 

Something with a Bit More Substance

• Sarah: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:27] 
• Susie: Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:05] 

Something Different

• Sarah: Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:45] 
• Susie: This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:23] 

• The Family by Naomi Krupitsky [6:53] 
• The Turnout by Megan Abbott [7:01] 
• Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll [7:21] 
• My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing [9:35]
• The Secret History by Donna Tartt [9:48]
• Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates [9:48]
• One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London [12:37] 
• Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston [12:44] 
• Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid [15:14] 
• The Ensemble by Aja Gabel [15:14] 
• Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau [15:14] 
• The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton [15:14] 
• The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [20:08] 
• The Office by Andy Greene [20:57]
• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [30:15] 
• Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez [30:41]
• Moneyball by Michael Lewis [33:21] 
• We Run the Tides by Vendela Vida [34:17] 
• Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight [38:18] 
• My Friend Anna by Rachel DeLoache Williams [45:51] 
• The Accident by Chris Pavone [55:54] 
• The Expats by Chris Pavone [56:02] 
• One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle [1:04:10] 

• The New York Times Magazine | What Happened to the Girls in Le Roy

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Susie has loved reading for as long as she can remember. Some of her fondest childhood memories involve long afternoons at the library and then reading late into the night. More than ten years ago, she began journaling about the books she read and turned that passion into writing about books. Her first forays were as a guest reviewer on a friend's blog, but she soon realized she wanted to be reviewing and talking about books on a blog of her own. From there, Novel Visits was born. That was in 2016 and, though the learning curve was steep, she loves being a part of the book community. Novel Visits focuses on new novel reviews (print and audio), previews of upcoming releases, and musings on all things bookish.

In Episode 111, Dolen Perkins-Valdez (author of Take My Hand) shares details about the real-life events that inspired the book about a tragic story and historical landmark in the battle for women's rights. Dolen also talks about her research methods and a couple of key themes from the book. Take My Hand was a 5-star book for me and will be one of my favorite books of 2022!

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

• What compelled Dolen to write this book, based on the true story of the Relf sisters.
• How Dolen shaped this real-life story into fiction and the liberties she allowed for her novel.
• Dolen's research process and a bit of the behind the scenes of crafting the book.
• The theme of governmental coercion and exploitation of poor people.
• Dolen's favorite genre of fiction as a reader.
• How Dolen first resisted defining herself as a Historical Fiction writer.
• The secret genre Dolen would like to explore one day.

Two OLD Books She Loves

• We Cast a Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:08]
• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:06]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:00]
• Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:58]

One Book She DIDN'T LOVE

• A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:12]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn (March 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:49]

Last 5-Star Book Dolen Read

• Miss Chloe by A. J. Verdelle (May 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:22]

• Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez [1:02]
• Balm by Dolen Perkins-Valdez [1:02]
• Black No More by George S. Schuyler [28:19]
• Dark Matter: A Century of Speculative Fiction from the African Diaspora by Sheree Renée Thomas (ed.), with short story "Sister Lilith" by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers [32:23]
• The Age of Phillis by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers [33:31]
• The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois [33:39]
• The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway [41:05]
• The Alice Network by Kate Quinn [42:40]

• Reuters | Henrietta Lacks' Heirs Sue for Cut of Medical Research Profits.  Are They Too Late?
• NPR | Henrietta Lacks' family sues biotech company for profiting from 'stolen' cells

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Dolen Perkins-Valdez is the New York Times bestselling author of Wench and Balm. She was a finalist for two NAACP Image Awards and the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for fiction, and she was awarded the First Novelist Award by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. Dolen is the current Chair of the Board of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation. On behalf of the foundation, she has visited nearly every public high school in the District of Columbia to talk about the importance of reading and writing.   She is currently Associate Professor in the Literature Department at American University and lives in Washington, DC with her family.

In Episode 110, Mary Laura Philpott (author of Bomb Shelter) joins me for a deep dive into the memoir & essays genre, including the differences between a memoir and an essay collection, the level of involvement from editors and publishers, and how she personally approaches writing a memoir or essays. 

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

• Mary Laura talks about her latest book, Bomb Shelter.
• Where memoirs and essay collections fall on a spectrum.
• The fluidity of genre-labeling books.
• A bit about cover design and subtitles.
• How Mary Laura feels about the "Literary" label.
• The planning of an essay collection and their overarching themes.
• Balancing living life for its own sake and living life for good book content.
• How Mary Laura handles telling personal stories and the real people they feature.
• How Mary Laura handles memory and recall in her work.
• The fact-checking process for memoirs and essays.

Two OLD Books She Loves

• Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:47]
• Notes on a Silencing by Lacy Crawford | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:57]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Let's Not Do That Again by Grant Ginder | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:49]
• Marrying the Ketchups by Jennifer Close (April 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:30]

The CURRENT READING TREND She DOESN'T Love [45:35]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub (May 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:15]

Last 5-Star Book Mary Laura Read

• Left on Tenth by Delia Ephron | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:03]

• I Miss You When I Blink by Mary Laura Philpott [1:02]
• Raven Rock by Garrett Graff [30:14]
• The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett Graff [30:20]
• A Million Little Pieces by James Frey [32:23]
• The Hopefuls by Jennifer Close [42:03]
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott [47:42]
• Siracusa by Delia Ephron [51:24]

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Mary Laura Philpott is the author of the brand-new memoir, Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives, which has been named an Indie Next pick by booksellers nationwide, an Amazon Editor's Choice selection, and a best book of the spring or most anticipated book of the year by publications ranging from the Washington Post to TODAY.com, among others. She is also the author of the national bestseller I Miss You When I Blink — which was named one of NPR's Favorite Books of 2019 and a finalist for the Southern Book Prize. Her writing has been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and other publications. Additionally, Mary Laura (yes, she goes by both names) is a former bookseller and was an Emmy-winning co-host of A Word on Words, the literary interview program on Nashville Public Television. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her family.

Welcome to the Spring 2022 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!

In this episode, Catherine and I share our most anticipated books coming out in April – May 2022.

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

• In conjunction with my upcoming 9th annual Summer Reading Guide, I will be releasing a companion for Superstars Patrons ($7/mo)! The companion is called Summer Shelves and will feature backlist reading recommendations from former podcast guests.  Plus, both Catherine and Susie will be contributing book recommendations! Both the 2022 Summer Reading Guide and Summer Shelves will launch on Tuesday, May 17.  Sign up here, and select the Superstars tier to get this guide and more bonus content.
• Join our Patreon Community ($5/mo) to get our bonus podcast episode series called Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all patrons (Stars and Superstars) and sign up here!

• Catherine and Sarah share the key to their recent high success rate and try to go in cold to new books.
• Sarah's second 5 star book of 2022!
• Catherine and Sarah share their #1 spring release picks.

April

Sarah's Picks:

• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (April 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:06]
• Bomb Shelter by Mary Laura Philpott (April 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:03]
• Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (April 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:54] 
• Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (April 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:48]
• When We Fell Apart by Soon Wiley (April 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:24]

Catherine's Picks:

• The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (April 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:54]
• Four Treasures of the Sky by Jenny Tinghui Zhang (April 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:24] 
• An Unlasting Home by Mai Al-Nakib (April 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:09] 
• Dark Circles by Caite Dolan-Leach (May 10*) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:15]

May

Sarah's Pick:

• The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz (May 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:37] 

Catherine's Picks:

• Elektra by Jennifer Saint (May 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:34] 
• Siren Queen by Nghi Vo (May 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:47]

• A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan [10:23] 
• I Miss You When I Blink by Mary Laura Philpott [15:34] 
• The Bohemians by Jasmin Darznik [19:35] 
• A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum [28:09]
• Honor by Thrity Umrigar [28:18]
• Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett [29:37]
• Dead Letters by Caite Dolan-Leach [33:02] 
• The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin [33:35] 
• We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter [34:05] 
• If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha [38:14] 
• Ariadne by Jennifer Saint [38:55] 
• The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [40:57] 
• You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz [41:03] 
• Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [43:19]
• The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo [44:00] 

*Book's release date changed since the time of recording.

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Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 6 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Ann Arbor, MI.

In the Winter 2022 Book Preview (Ep. 102), Catherine (Gilmore Guide to Books) and I shared our most anticipated books set to release January – March 2022 (with one early April release). Today, we're giving an update on the books we shared in the Winter Preview — now that we've had the chance to read them.

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

• Sarah's and Catherine's Winter 2022 reading stats and success rates.
• How their success rates compare to Fall 2021 and Winter 2021.
• Sarah talks about the key to her tremendous reading success lately.
• Their Best and Worst picks from the Winter 2022 Book Preview episode.

Sarah's Picks:

• Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor (February 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:24]
• I Came All This Way to Meet You by Jami Attenberg (January 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:11] 

Catherine's Picks:

• Honor by Thrity Umrigar (January 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:34]
• No Land to Light On by Yara Zgheib (January 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:01] 

January

Sarah's Pick:

• Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho (January 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:08]

Catherine's Picks:

• To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara (January 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:35] 
• The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections by Eva Jurczyk (January 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:49]
• Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka (January 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:34]

February

Sarah's Picks:

• What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris (February 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:11]
• Our American Friend by Anna Pitoniak (February 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:03]
• Fake by Erica Katz (February 22) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:52] 

Catherine's Pick:

• Love and Saffron by Kim Fay (February 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:32]

March

Sarah's Pick:

• Don't Know Tough by Eli Cranor (March 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:57]

Catherine's Picks:

• One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle (March 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:13]
• Dilettante by Dana Brown (March 22) | Buy from Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:38]

April

Sarah's Pick:

• Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow (April 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:58]

• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald [3:33] 
• The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott [24:19]
• American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld [24:25]
• Girl in Snow by Danya Kukafka [24:49]
• The Boys' Club by Erica Katz [28:05]
• Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger [37:32]
• The Bright Lands by John Fram [38:30]
• Never Simple by Liz Scheier [40:45]

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Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 6 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Ann Arbor, MI.

In Episode 107, Barbara Feinman Todd (author of Pretend I'm Not Here) takes me behind the scenes of ghostwriting after a career of writing for many top names in Washington, DC.  Barbara is wonderfully candid and we have a fascinating discussion all about the nuts and bolts of ghostwriting, and the emotional and personal side of the business.

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

• How Barbara's ghostwriting career began
• Nothing is typical when it comes to ghostwriting including the services offered
• The reasons people might need a ghostwriter
• The surprising distinction between author and writer.
• We discuss confidentiality agreements and the vetting process
• How ghostwriters get paid
• Who has veto power and control of the information
• The allure of the job and protecting your own legacy
• The struggle with the moralities and ethics of ghostwriting 
• How Barbara handled balancing the work with the intimate access to other people's lives
• Figuring out the perspective and angle for writing about the subject
• A surprising person who requested her ghostwriting services
• What Barbara is currently working on (it's fiction!)
• Her ongoing nonfiction project that started with a diary from 1872

Two OLD Books She Loves

• Henry and Clara by Thomas Mallon | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:00]
• Bleaker House by Nell Stevens | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:07]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• The Latinist by Mark Prins | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:20]
• Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:02]

One Book She DIDN'T LOVE

• Trump: The Art of the Deal by Donald J. Trump with Tony Schwartz | Amazon| Bookshop.org [40:30]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel (April 5, 2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:50]

Last 5-Star Book Barbara Read

• Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:41]

• It Takes a Village by Hillary Rodham Clinton [01:08]
• Veil by Bob Woodward [01:11]
• Loyalties by Carl Berstein [01:13]
• A Good Life by Ben Bradlee [01:15]
• Open by Andre Agassi [19:17]
• A Woman's Place by Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky with Barbara Feinman [18:41]
• Open Book by Jessica Simpson [25:07]
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty [28:14]
• Briefly, A Delicious Life by Nell Stevens (July 19, 2022) [34:57]
• The Secret History by Donna Tartt  [36:20]
• Possession by A. S. Byatt [36:25]
• The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel [46:04]
• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [46:07]

• Slate | Ghost in the Machine: A Washington Ghostwriter Gets Caught in the Clinton Scandal Complex
• The Washington Post | Mrs. Clinton's Book:  A Ghost Story?  The Flap Over Who Write Village
• The New Yorker | Donald Trump's Ghostwriter Tells All

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Barbara Feinman Todd is the author of the 2017 memoir Pretend I'm Not Here. She taught journalism at Georgetown University for 25 years, where she was the founding Journalism Director and is currently professor emerita.  Cofounder of the Pearl Project, she coauthored the e-book The Truth Left Behind: Inside the Kidnapping and Murder of Daniel Pearl. Her work has appeared in the Washington Post, Glamour, the Huffington Post, the Daily Beast, Newsweek, and on NPR.