Sarah's Bookshelves Live – Details, episodes & analysis

In Episode 176, Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books and I catch up on the 12 new releases from the Summer 2024 Book Preview. We share our reading stats, chat about what we liked, and what didn't work out. Listen in as we share our reviews on these books and get some recommendations for your next read! 

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

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

• Catherine says she had a "hummingbird" summer of flitting from book to book to book.
• Sarah's prediction of THE BOOK of summer definitely panned out!
• Despite some DNFs, Sarah and Catherine both ended up with a fairly successful summer.
• Catherine calls out one author as serving up wonderful "Jimmy Stewart fiction."
• Sarah had a weird reading experience with one book.
• Plus, two of Sarah's picks were 5 stars!
• They name the best and worst books from their summer picks!

Sarah's Picks

• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore  (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:47] 
• Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (June 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[5:14]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [6:09]

June

Sarah's Picks

• Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:10]
• What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:39]

Catherine's Picks

• Swift River by Essie Chambers (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:44]
• Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:59]
• All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:10]
• How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:04] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty [11:35]
• The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [15:09]
• All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris [20:55]
• Anywhere You Run by Wanda M. Morris [20:58]
• We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker [27:01]

July

Sarah's Picks

• The World After Alice by Lauren Aliza Green (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:39]
• Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner  (July 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:42]

Catherine's Picks

• The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[33:43]
• The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:28] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead [33:01]
• The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [33:04]
• Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane [33:09]
• A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella [36:53]
• Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [37:48]
• The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali [42:35]

In Episode 175, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I explore our favorite Micro Genres for 2024. Over the past year, we've continued to refine our reading tastes and identify specific themes and types of books that resonate deeply with us. This year, Susie and I have a curated list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with standout books from each category. It's another big episode with tons of great book recommendations!

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

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

Sarah

• Red Widow by Alma Katsu | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:49]
• Red London by Alma Katsu | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:50]
• Our American Friend by Anna Pitoniak | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:10] 
• The Charm School by Nelson DeMille | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:20]  
• Red Notice by Bill Browder | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:47]
• The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:01]

Susie

• The Sisterhood by Liz Mundy | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:26] 

Sarah

• Perfect Tunes by Emily Gould | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:00]

Susie

• Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:38]
• Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:04]
• Amazing Grace Adams by Fran Littlewood | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:37]
• When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:53] 
• Little Prisons by Ilona Bannister (currently unavailable in the US)  [10:54] 
• Landslide by Susan Conley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:57]
• The Push by Ashley Audrain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:00] 

Sarah

• How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:26]
• You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:52] 
• A Beautiful, Terrible Thing by Jen Waite | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:11] 
• Bankruptcy by Janet Lombardi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:14] 

Susie

• Untamed by Glennon Doyle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:49]

NOT Based on the COVID-19 Pandemic & More Dystopian [15:49] 

Sarah

• Wanderers by Chunk Wendig | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:43] 

Susie

• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:06]
• The Dog Stars by Peter Heller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:20]
• The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:41] 
• Severance by Ling Ma | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:07]
• The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:20] 

With the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Background [18:28] 

Sarah

• 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:37] 
• Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:40] 

Susie

• Blue Ruin by Hari Kunzru | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:37] 
• Day by Michael Cunningham | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:17] 
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:47] 
• Pete and Alice in Maine by Caitlin Shetterly | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:49] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult [21:09] 
• Invisible Son by Kim Johnson [21:14] 
• This Is My America by Kim Johnson [21:19] 
• The Measure by Nikki Erlick [22:03] 

Sarah

• Miracle Creek by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:18] 
• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:19] 
• The Push by Ashley Audrain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:55] 
• All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:14] 
• Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:42] 

Susie

• The Change by Kirsten Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:15]
• On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:32]  

Sarah

• Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:24] 
• Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:28] 
• What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:52] 
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:54]
• What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry, MD PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:57]  

Susie

• Grown Women by Sarai Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:08] 
• Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:58] 
• The Postcard by Anne Berest | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:27] 
• Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:50] 
• All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [30:53] 
• Swift River by Essie Chambers | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:56] 
• Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshanathan | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:59] 

Sarah

• The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:17] 
• Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:29] 
• The Ensemble by Aja Gabel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:39]  
• All Together Now by Matthew Norman | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:47] 
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:01]
• The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:14]

Susie

• The Celebrants by Steven Rowley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:36] 
• Who We Are Now by Lauryn Chamberlain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:16] 

Susie

• The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:09] 
• Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:31] 
• Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:57] 
• The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead | Amazon | Bookshop.org [spp-timestamp time="[39:11]″] 
• All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:39]
• Last House by Jessica Shattuck | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:53] 

Sarah

• Open by Andre Agassi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:05] 
• Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:07] 
• Open Book by Jessica Simpson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:16] 
• Finding Me by Viola Davis | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:11] 
• Becoming by Michelle Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:15]
• Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:21]  

Susie

• Born a Crime by Trevor Noah | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:19] 

Other Books Mentioned

• The Woman in Me by Britney Spears [41:45] 
• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Laura Love Hardin [43:33] 

Sarah

• City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:11]
• Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:33] 
• Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:06] 

Susie

• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:30]
• The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:03]
• Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:08]
• Absolution by Alice McDermott | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:30]

Other Books Mentioned

• Happiness Falls by Angie Kim [47:47] 

In episode 166, author Andrew Boryga joins me to discuss his debut novel, Victim, a funny and gripping satire about success and identity. Through the adventures of Javier, Victim explores what "diversity" means, why society loves a victim narrative, and the pitfalls of chasing fame online. Boryga combines humor with biting social commentary without sacrificing heart. This is a juicy and highly discussable story! In our chat, Andrew shares his inspiration behind the book, his decade long road to publication, and what he finds most effective in a satirical novel.  Plus, Andrew shares some fantastic book recommendations!

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

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

• A spoiler-free overview of Victim.
• Andrew shares the inspiration and decade-long development of the story.
• How his journalism background is reflected in his book.
• Why Andrew decided to craft Javier's story as a memoir.
• Andrew's journey to finding an agent and getting published.
• Why Andrew followed his dream of writing fiction, rather than publishing an essay collection like many publishing insiders were advising him.
• The way his story drafts and characters evolved over time.
• How his MFA workshop helped shaped the story.
• Riding that fine line for a balanced satire: focusing on the social commentary without going over the top.
• The themes Andrew is exploring in his next book!

Two OLD Books He Loves

• Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quiñonez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:30]
• Loving Day by Mat Johnson  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:11]
• Other Book Mentioned:
  • Pym by Mat Johnson [37:56]

Two NEW Books He Loves

• The Birthparents by Frank Santo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:09]
• Blackouts by Justin Torres | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:38]
• Other Book Mentioned:
  • We the Animals by Justin Torres [40:57]

One Book He DIDN'T Love

• Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:13]
• Other Book Mentioned:
  • The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz [43:21]

One NEW RELEASE He's Excited About

• Oye by Melissa Mogollon (May 14, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:14]

Last 5-Star Book Andrew Read

• Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:37]

• Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [27:31]
• The Sellout by Paul Beatty [31:14]

Website | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)

Andrew Boryga is a writer, editor, and author from the Bronx, New York, currently residing in Miami, Florida with his wife and two children. Victim is his debut novel.

Boryga began his career writing for a local newspaper in the Bronx at age 16, eventually securing an internship with The New York Timesby age 18. His nonfiction writing has since been featured in prominent publications such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Paris Review, and The Daily Beast, among others.  Boryga's contributions to writing education extend beyond his own work, encompassing teaching roles for elementary school students, college students, and incarcerated individuals in Florida. He has also shared his insights on writing and the writing life through lectures at various academic institutions.  Throughout his career, Boryga has been awarded prizes by Cornell University, The University of Miami, The Susquehanna Review, and The Michener Foundation. 

Welcome to the Spring 2024 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  

In this episode, Catherine and I share 12 of our most anticipated books releasing in April and May.  

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

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

• One of the many benefits to joining our Patreon Community is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all patrons (Stars and Superstars) and sign up here!

• Catherine is fully embracing spring with some lighter, fun reading.
• Sarah is joining the fun with lighter reads as she preps for the Summer Reading Guide.
• Among weddings, homecomings, and books set in Washington State, Catherine is bringing 5 out of 6 familiar authors.
• With some atypical stories, Sarah has some with historical fiction elements and a nonfiction book.
• Sarah's choices feature 2 debuts and 3 returning authors.
• Hopefully going for a tamer wildcard pick will work out for Sarah this season.
• Sarah has read and liked 2 of her chosen books, and has also started one of Catherine's picks!
• And don't forget to catch their top #1 picks for the spring season!

April

Sarah's Picks

• The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (April 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:54]
• The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza (April 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:10]
• Colton Gentry's Third Act by Jeff Zenter (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[19:51]

Catherine's Picks

• Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:54]
• Honey by Victor Lodato (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:08]
• Real Americans by Rachel Khong (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:45]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Wanderers by Meg Howrey [7:16]
• You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith [8:10]
• Maid by Stephanie Land [8:13]
• Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad [8:17]
• Know My Name by Chanel Miller [8:20]
• Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance [8:22]
• Educated by Tara Westover [8:24]
• Other People's Houses by Abbi Waxman [10:37]
• We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza [13:53]
• Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza [14:01]
• Edgar and Lucy by Victor Lodato [17:17]
• All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg [19:14]
• The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner [20:16]
• Normal People by Sally Rooney [22:36]
• Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [24:55]

May

Sarah's Picks

• The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley  (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:20] 
• The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:13]
• Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli  (May 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:05]

Catherine's Picks

• The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[33:00] 
• The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:12]
• Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:31] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon [32:03]
• The Holdout by Graham Moore [36:22]
• The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin [36:59]
• The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore [37:39]
• The Guncle by Steven Rowley [39:36]
• The Editor by Steven Rowley [41:45]
• Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli [42:12]
• The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton [46:28]

• Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet [3:39]

Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X  (formerly Twitter)

Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Booksover 10 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle, WA.

In today's episode, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I circle back to the 16 books we featured in the Winter 2024 Book Preview. We'll be sharing our reading stats and thoughts on the books we've read (or attempted), to help you decide which ones to add to your reading list and which ones to skip.

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

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

• Catherine and Sarah share their Winter 2024 reading stats and success rates.
• Despite some trouble in her reading early on, Catherine ended up with a successful winter.
• Sarah's reading had a mix of fiction and nonfiction with several debuts.
• We've got a total of 3 five-star books!
• Does a mythology retelling always work for Catherine?
• Was Sarah's wildcard pick a little too out there for her?
• Plus, don't miss their #1 picks for winter.

Sarah's Picks

• Mercury by Amy Jo Burns (January 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:49]
• The Fortune Seller by Rachel Kapelke-Dale (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:30]

Other Books Mentioned

• Shiner by Amy Jo Burns [3:54]
• Cinderland by Amy Jo Burns [5:30]
• The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [8:34]
• The Ingenue by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [8:35]

January

Sarah's Picks

• River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure (January 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:00]
• Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson (January 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:52]

Catherine's Picks

• The Fury by Alex Michaelides (January 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:23]
• Family Family by Laurie Frankel (January 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:35]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides [11:32]
• This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel [22:42]
• One Two Three by Laurie Frankel [22:43]
• Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson [22:57]
• Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie [23:14]

February

Sarah's Picks

• Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:04] 
• Leaving by Roxana Robinson  (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:06]

Catherine's Picks

• The Things We Didn't Know by Elba Iris Pérez (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:06] 
• Medea by Eilish Quin (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:17]
• Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:29] 
• Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:49]
• After Annie by Anna Quindlen (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:20]

Other Books Mentioned

• Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer [33:13]
• There There by Tommy Orange [41:02]

March

Sarah's Picks

• Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet  (March 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:23]
• Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (March 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:55]

Catherine's Pick

• James by Percival Everett (March 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:13]

Other Books Mentioned

• My Time Among the Whites by Jennine Capó Crucet [45:10]
• The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [48:26]
• Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman [49:52]
• Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain [50:29]

• Sara Hildreth (FictionMatters) on Substack | Reading in Public No. 32: Six things to know about Huck Finn before you read James

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Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 10 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle, WA.

In Episode 163, Sara Hildreth, from @FictionMatters and co-host of the podcast Novel Pairings, returns for her third appearance on our show as our expert for Classics & Retellings 101. Sara guides us through the sometimes intimidating world of timeless reads in an accessible way. She busted some myths about classics and changed my mind about some elements of the classics. And, she has a great approach to find the perfect retelling of your favorite classics for your next read. 

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

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

• Sara explores the definitions of a classic and a modern classic book.
• We talk about separating the American literature canon from the idea of a classic.
• Sara talks about being free to define classics on personal terms.
• The idea of a book being labeled a "future classic."
• Now-famous books that went unnoticed initially when they were released.
• Sara's personal reading motivations.
• Common issues people have when trying to tackle classic books.
• Notable quirks of many classics that were first published as serials.
• Tips and advice for approaching older books.
• Addressing the pressure surrounding reading or revisiting classics.
• Examples of nonfiction classics.
• Legal considerations for all those retellings.
• The rise of retellings as a trend with today's audience.
• The difference between retellings and fan fiction.
• Sara's recommendations for accessible classic literature.
• A different approach to finding the right retelling for your reading.

Please note: Sara mistakenly mentions during the discussion that The Great Gatsbydid not come into popularity until its distribution to soldiers during World War I, when this actually occurred during World War II.

Two OLD Books She Loves — Classics

• The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:43]
• Passing by Nella Larson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [53:12]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton [50:58]
  • The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton [50:59]
  • Roman Fever and Other Stories by Edith Wharton [51:03]
  • The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett [55:44]

Two NEW Books She Loves — Retellings

• Anna K by Jenny Lee | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:35]
• The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vho | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:28]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy [59:01]
  • Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar [59:53]
  • Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan [59:58]

One Book She DIDN'T Love — Classic

• Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain | Amazon | Bookshop.org[1:03:25]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About — Retelling and Classic Pairing

• The Garden by Claire Beams (April 9, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:12]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Illness Lesson by Claire Beams [1:05:37]
  • Little Women by Louisa May Alcott [1:05:41]
  • The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett [1:06:21]

Last 5-Star Book Sara Read

• James by Percival Everett (March 19, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:47]

• The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe [3:44]
• Beloved by Toni Morrison [10:46]
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [12:05]
• David Copperfield by Charles Dickens [12:19]
• James by Percival Everett (March 19, 2024) [13:29]
• Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain [13:34]
• Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys [13:51]
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë [14:02]
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald [14:45]
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley [15:09]
• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn [15:20]
• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë [24:27]
• A Model of Christian Charity: A City on a Hill by John Winthrop [26:35]
• A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft [26:47]
• Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass [26:54]
• The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank [26:59]
• A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf [27:02]
• In Cold Blood by Truman Capote [27:14]
• The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith [29:13]
• The Time Machine by H. G. Wells [29:20]
• The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson [29:23]
• Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier [29:30]
• The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood [29:36]
• The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor [29:45]
• The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell [30:17]
• The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman [30:20]
• The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson [30:23]
• The Minority Report and Other Classic Stories by Philip K. Dick [30:26]
• Going to Meet the Man: Stories (with Sonny's Blues) by James Baldwin [30:37]
• Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick: Stories from the Harlem Renaissance (with The Gilded Six-Bits) by Zora Neale Hurston [30:42]
• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston [30:54]
• Kindred by Octavia E. Butler [31:00]
• Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler [31:08]

• Julia by Sandra Newman [33:38]
• 1984 by George Orwell [33:40]
• Hamlet by William Shakespeare [34:10]
• Emma by Jane Austen [34:24]
• The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare [34:28]
• The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson [34:45]
• Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith [34:51]
• Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson [35:04]
• And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie [35:08]
• The Winters by Lisa Gabriele [35:35]
• The Odyssey by Homer [36:38]
• The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller [37:00]
• Circe by Madeline Miller [37:01]
• Hogarth Shakespeare series by various authors [37:53]
• Canongate Myth Series by various authors [37:57]
• The Austen Project series by various authors [38:00]
• Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld [38:03]
• Naamah by Sarah Blake [38:56]
• Anna K by Jenny Li [40:10]
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy [40:20]
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett [40:41]
• Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor [42:36]
• Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes [44:14]
• Marmee by Sarah Miller [44:17]
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott [44:22]
• Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell [44:38]
• Ruth's Journey: A Novel of Mammy from Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind by Donald McCaig [44:40]
• Pride by Ibi Zoboi [45:19]

• The Atlantic | Italo Calvino's 14 Definitions of What Makes a Classic by Maria Popova (July 7, 2012)
• Novel Pairings | The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton (February 27, 2024)

Website | Instagram | Facebook 

Sara Hildreth is the creator behind FictionMatters, a literary Instagram account, newsletter, and book club focused on putting thought-provoking books into the hands of adventurous readers. She also co-hosts Novel Pairings, a podcast dedicated to making the classics readable, relevant, and fun.

In Episode 162, Leigh Stein (author and journalist) joins me to jump into the world of BookTok, the bookish corner of TikTok. We talk about what early elements started this sensation, how creators and their content are different on this platform, and the main audience engaging with the app's evolving algorithm. We also discuss the continuing gap in marketing and authentic social media content, and how we think publishers could address this issue. (Did we solve it?!) Plus, Leigh shares some great book recommendations!

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

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

• Leigh kicks off our discussion by defining BookTok and tracing its rapid rise to phenomenon status.
• We talk about BookTok's current and future trajectory.
• Leigh brings in some sales stats for the top BookTok authors.
• We talk about the way younger and younger readers are being drawn to the bookshelves.
• The appeal of BookTok versus Bookstagram as recommendation media versus social media.
• The percentage of Gen Z and Millennials that find their next book on BookTok.
• Addressing the bigger criticisms of TikTok.
• How the type of content on BookTok differs from the type of content on Bookstagram.
• The genres that perform the best on BookTok.
• We talk about the profound impact of BookTok on the publishing industry and how it's reshaping traditional media coverage.
• The marketing risk of trying to find the balance between authenticity and effective promotion on BookTok.
• Leigh shares some awesome tips for authors trying to engage with the BookTok community.

Two OLD Books She Loves

• Verity by Colleen Hoover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:19]
• Vladimir by Julia May Jonas | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:51]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover [40:36]
  • Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov [42:33]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Y / N by Esther Yi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:59]
• Big Swiss by Jen Beagin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:10]

One Book She DIDN'T Love

• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:41]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• Victim by Andrew Boryga (March 12, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:54]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [50:09]
  • Self Care by Leigh Stein [50:45]

Last 5-Star Book Leigh Read

• Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:10]

• The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller [4:49]
• The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan [5:02]
• Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh [21:54]
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [23:26]
• Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner [23:36]
• Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry [23:54]
• A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers [24:50]
• City on Fire by Don Winslow [29:14]
• Diary of a Void by Emi Yagi [30:55]
• Emotional Labor by Rose Hackman [37:57]
• My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh [38:39]

• LitHub | BookTok is Good, Actually: On the Undersung Joys of a Vast and Multifarious Platform by Leigh Stein
• YouTube | Simon & Schuster: How 2022's Hottest Cover Was Created

Website | Instagram | Substack | TikTok 

Leigh Stein is a writer interested in what the internet is doing to our identities, relationships, and politics. She is the author of five books, including the critically acclaimed satirical novel Self Care and the poetry collection What to Miss When. Her nonfiction writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New Yorker online, and more. She was co-founder and executive director of Out of the Binders/BinderCon, a feminist literary nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the careers of women and gender variant writers.

In Episode 161, author Amanda Peters joins me to discuss her surprise hit novel, The Berry Pickers. This debut novel (which was the 2023 Barnes & Noble Discover Pick) seamlessly blends sadness and heartwarming moments.  In our chat, Amanda shares what (or who) started her on this journey, the road to publication, and what she hopes readers take away from her first novel.  Plus, Amanda shares some great book recommendations!

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

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

• A brief, spoiler-free overview of The Berry Pickers.
• How Amanda's family history shaped the story.
• Amanda's journey from book concept to securing an agent and getting published.
• Recognition as a Barnes & Noble Discover Pick for both November and 2023 overall.
• How Amanda's life has changed in the wake of the book's runaway success.
• What it's like to be an introverted author on tour.
• Amanda's decision to focus on character journeys rather than presenting the book as a typical mystery.
• Examining the topic of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.
• The recurring theme of the unconscious mind's ability to remember trauma.
• The role of self-forgiveness and how difficult that can be.
• A glimpse into what's next for Amanda, including a collection of short stories and a new manuscript.

Two OLD Books She Loves

• A Burning by Megha Majumdar | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:12]
• The Underpainter by Jane Urquhart  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:55]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Truth Telling by Michelle Good | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:28]
• We Rip the World Apart by Charlene Carr (expected US release October 8, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:24]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Five Little Indians by Michelle Good [42:08]
  • Hold My Girl by Charlene Carr [30:42]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (June 4, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:29]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty [32:40]

Last 5-Star Book Amanda Read

• Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:32]

• A Burning by Megha Majumdar [5:16]
• Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah [10:06]
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. [21:19]
• Waiting for the Long Night Moon: Stories by Amanda Peters (expected publication August 13, 2024) [24:11]

Website | Instagram 

Amanda Peters is a writer of Mi'kmaq and settler ancestry. Her debut novel, The Berry Pickers is the Winner of the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Excellence in Fiction, the 2023 Barnes & Noble Discovery Prize Winner, and was shortlisted for the Barnes & Noble Book of the Year and the Atwood Gibson Fiction Award from the Writers Trust of Canada. Her work has also appeared in the Antigonish Review, Grain Magazine, the Alaska Quarterly Review, the Dalhousie Review and Filling Station Magazine. She is the winner of the 2021 Indigenous Voices Award for Unpublished Prose and a participant in the 2021 Writers' Trust Rising Stars program. Amanda is a graduate of the Master of Fine Arts Program at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and has a Certificate in Creative Writing from the University of Toronto.

In Episode 160, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I share the best backlist books we read in 2023. We each discuss our top 5 backlist books from last year, highlight some underrated backlist gems, and review our backlist reading statistics. Devoting an entire episode to backlist reading is something we love doing and we've heard from you that you love it too!

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

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

• Available Now! To get the backlist reading guide, The Best of the Backlist, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You'll also get access to a monthly bonus podcast series called Double Booked (where Catherine or Susie and I share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show) and my Rock Your Reading Tracker.

• Catherine had a small uptick in her backlist reading — her most successful segment of books in 2023!
• Sarah's backlist reading was slightly less successful than last year — maybe marking an unfortunate trend.
• How Sarah's decreased DNFs for last year impacted her Backlist stats.
• While Catherine has already read many of Sarah's picks, Sarah has already purchased (but not yet read) many of Catherine's choices!

Catherine

• Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:44]
• True Biz by Sara Nović | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:12]
• All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:52]
• The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:58]
• Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:31]

Sarah

• Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:24]
• What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:36]
• Search by Michelle Huneven | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:41]
• Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:04]
• The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:55]

Other Books Mentioned

• Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent [10:38]
• Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent [11:10]
• The Ensemble by Aja Gabel [23:19]
• Untamed by Glennon Doyle [31:14]
• An American Marriage by Tayari Jones [33:22]
• Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones [36:31]

Catherine

• Too Bright to Hear Too Loud to See by Juliann Garey | Amazon | Bookshop.org[40:07] 
• A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:06]

Sarah

• Something Wild by Hanna Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:12] 
• The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:01]

Other Books Mentioned

• I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin [45:21]
• Red Widow by Alma Katsu [54:02]
• Red London by Alma Katsu [54:03]

• Vogue | In Finishing My Book… by Lauren McBrayer

Welcome to the Winter 2024 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  

In this episode, Catherine and I share 16 of our most anticipated books releasing January through March.  

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

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

• One of the many benefits to joining our Patreon Community is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all patrons (Stars and Superstars) and sign up here!

• While Sarah and Catherine had some trouble with fall, winter is overflowing with potential winners.
• Sarah brings 2 sports fiction titles.
• Both Catherine and Sarah explore a mix of familiar authors and exciting debuts.
• It's time for another mythology retelling for Catherine!
• Sarah shares a 5-star book she's already read and loved.
• Sarah's wildcard pick might be a little out there — and hopefully, it pays off.
• Plus, don't miss their #1 picks for winter.

January

Sarah's Picks

• Mercury by Amy Jo Burns (January 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:47]
• River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure (January 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:24]
• Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson (January 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:38]

Catherine's Picks

• The Fury by Alex Michaelides (January 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:39]
• Family Family by Laurie Frankel (January 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:15]

Other Books Mentioned

• Shiner by Amy Jo Burns [3:57]
• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides [7:59]
• The Maidens by Alex Michaelides [8:05]
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald [9:30]
• This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel [14:21]
• Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson [16:53]
• And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie [17:21]
• Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie [17:27]

February

Sarah's Picks

• Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[23:08] 
• Leaving by Roxana Robinson  (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:35]
• The Fortune Seller by Rachel Kapelke-Dale (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:56]

Catherine's Picks

• The Things We Didn't Know by Elba Iris Pérez (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:40] 
• Medea by Eilish Quin (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:57]
• Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:04] 
• Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:37]
• After Annie by Anna Quindlen (February 27*) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:45]

Other Books Mentioned

• Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer [24:05]
• Breathless by Amy McCulloch [24:13]
• Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes [26:30]
• The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [30:21]
• Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [30:45]
• The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [30:49]
• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin [31:25]
• The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [34:17]
• The Ingenue by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [34:20]
• Girls and Their Horses by Eliza Jane Brazier [39:08]
• There There by Tommy Orange [39:44]
• Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen [48:37]

March

Sarah's Picks

• Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet  (March 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:21]
• Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (March 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:03]

Catherine's Pick

• James by Percival Everett (March 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:15]

Other Books Mentioned

• Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville [44:37]
• My Time Among the Whites by Jennine Capó Crucet [45:03]
• Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain [51:35]
• The Trees by Percival Everett [52:40]

• Golden Age of Detective Fiction | Knox's 10 Commandments

*The book's publication date has been changed.