Sarah's Bookshelves Live is a weekly show featuring real talk about books and book recommendations from a featured guest. Each week, Sarah of the blog Sarah's Bookshelves will talk with her guest about:
- 2 OLD BOOKS THEY LOVE
- 2 NEW BOOKS THEY LOVE
- 1 BOOK THEY DON'T LOVE
- AND 1 NEW RELEASE THEY'RE EXCITED ABOUT
I'm getting real about all things books and serving you up a bit of snark on the side.
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Ep. 176: Summer 2024 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
Episode 176
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 • Duration 48:20
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!).
Ep. 175: 2024 Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits)
Episode 175
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 • Duration 51:34
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!).
Ep. 166: Andrew Boryga (Author of Victim) + Book Recommendations
Episode 166
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 • Duration 48:29
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!).
One of the many benefits to joining our Patreon Community is that you get access to severalbonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all patrons (Stars and Superstars) and sign up here!
Highlights
Catherine 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!
Ep. 164: Winter 2024 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
Episode 164
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 • Duration 55:28
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!).
Ep. 163: Classics & Retellings 101 with Sara Hildreth (@FictionMatters) + Book Recommendations
Episode 163
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 • Duration 01:10:24
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!).
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.
Books Mentioned During the Retellings Discussion Other Links
Ep. 162: BookTok 101 with Leigh Stein (Author & Journalist) + Book Recommendations
Episode 162
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 • Duration 54:45
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!).
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.
Leigh's Book Recommendations[39:59] Other Books Mentioned Other Links
Ep. 161: Amanda Peters (Author of The Berry Pickers) + Book Recommendations
Episode 161
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 • Duration 38:08
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!).
Ep. 160: The Best Backlist Books We Read in 2023 with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
Episode 160
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 • Duration 55:51
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!).
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.
Highlights
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!
Our Top 5 Backlist Books We Read in 2023[7:37] Underrated Backlist Gems
Ep. 159: Winter 2024 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
One of the many benefits to joining our Patreon Community is that you get access to severalbonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all patrons (Stars and Superstars) and sign up here!
Highlights
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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