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• Best Books of 2026 So Far with Catherine Gilmore and Chrissie Whitley | Ep. 228 24.06.2026 1t 7min

  In Episode 228, Sarah, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide), and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) take stock of the reading year so far, discussing the books, publishing trends, and industry chatter that have defined the first half of 2026. They dive into the biggest publishing stories of the year, the rise of "cozy everything," the continued influence of self-publishing and book-to-screen success stories, and whether it's possible to tap a Book of the Year before the second half of the publishing calendar arrives. Then, they share their Top 5 Books of 2026 So Far and a few disappointing reads that didn't quite live up to expectations. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights How our 2026 reading has been so far How 2026 compares to this point in 2025  Each person's current Book of the Year pick Whether it's too early to crown a Book of the Year Midyear reading stats and surprise wins Each of our Top 5 books of 2026 so far Their biggest disappointments of the year so far Top 5 Books of 2026 So Far Sarah No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (Mar 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:42] A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36]  Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:44]  London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (Apr 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:55] The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:55] Catherine The Poet Empress by Shen Tao (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:11] A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36]  Land by Maggie O'Farrell (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:55] Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (Mar 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:42] Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:09] Chrissie A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36]  Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:44]  The Infamous Gilberts by Angela Tomaski (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:44] Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman-Tell (Mar 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:10]  Seek the Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire, 1) by Veronica Roth (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:55] Other Books Mentioned The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [41:31]  Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2020) [42:14]  The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [53:03]  Dune (Dune, 1) by Frank Herbert (1965) [59:38]  Some Disappointing Books So Far Sarah Kin by Tayari Jones (Feb 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:33]  Go Gentle by Maria Semple (Apr 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:00:55] Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola (Apr 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:35] Catherine The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:03] The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:31] Chrissie Artifacts by Natalie Lemle (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:03:39] Hell's Heart by Alexis Hall (Mar 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:04:13] Fatherland by Victoria Shorr (Mar 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:04:54] Other Books Mentioned Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple (2012) [1:01:01]  Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville (1851) [1:04:19]  Books From the Opening Discussion Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, 3) by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [2:39]  Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [3:18]  Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl, 1) by Matt Dinniman (2024)* [3:22]  Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Apr 7) [4:34]  Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (2025)* [4:41]  The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [5:03]  The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (2024) [5:57]  Game Changer (Game Changers: Heated Rivalry, 1) by Rachel Reid (2024) [6:09]  KPop Demon Hunters (Junior Novelization) by Jessica Yoon (Mar 31) [6:13]  KPop Demon Hunters (Screen Comic Boxed Set) by Netflix (Nov 3, 2026) [6:13]  The Martian by Andy Weir (2014)* [6:48]  The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) [11:17]  Trad Wife by Michelle Brandon (Aug 4, 2026) [16:57]  Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer (Feb 10) [16:59]  Too Blessed to Stress by Alli Hoff Kosik (Mar 3) [17:02]  The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (Apr 7) [17:29] Good People by Patmeena Sabit (Feb 3) [17:35]  So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder (Feb 17) [17:40]  No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (Mar 10) [18:00]  Upward Bound by Woody Brown (Mar 31) [18:33] This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman (Feb 10) [18:35]   The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman (Feb 24) [18:38]  Brawler by Lauren Groff (Feb 24) [18:43]  My Dear You by Rachel Khong (Apr 7) [18:46]  All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (Mar 10) [19:16] The Shippers by Katherine Center (May 19) [19:18]   American Fantasy by Emma Straub (Apr 7) [19:32]  Man Overboard by Kathleen Rooney (Jul 7, 2026) [19:37]  Swept Away by Beth O'Leary (2025) [19:47]  The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (Vol. 1) by Beth Brower (2019) [22:45]  *Publication year reflects the later traditionally published edition. These titles were originally self-published. Additional Links The New Yorker | Glowworms by Ann Patchett  (Sep 29, 2025)
• Behind the Scenes of Book Sales with Brenna Connor | Ep. 227 10.06.2026 52min

  In Episode 227, Sarah talks with book industry analyst Brenna Connor about the behind-the-scenes world of book sales, bestseller lists, and publishing trends. Brenna shares insight into how sales data is gathered and used across the publishing industry, from tracking pre-orders and audiobooks to measuring the impact of celebrity book clubs and award recognition. They also discuss what makes a book commercially "successful," what current reading trends are revealing about 2026 so far, and what Brenna is watching for in the second half of the year. Plus, Brenna shares her own book recommendations. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Why tracking book sales is far more complicated than most readers realize — including what Circana can and can't actually measure. A behind-the-scenes look at bestseller lists and the role Circana data plays in lists like the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly. The famously secretive methodology behind the New York Times Bestseller List. The impact celebrity book clubs and reading lists from Reese, Oprah, and Obama have on book sales. What current sales data is revealing about 2026 reading trends — and how the economy may be shaping book buying habits. Brenna shares the books she recommends — and the trends she's watching for the rest of the year. Brenna's Book Recommendations Two OLD Books She Loves The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:13] Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:00]   Other Books Mentioned The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [40:22] Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) [40:23]   Two NEW Books She Loves Whale Harbor by Mary Beth Keane (November 3, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:07] Joyride by Susan Orlean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:01] Other Books Mentioned Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [45:12] The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane (2023) [45:14]  The Library Book by Susan Orlean (2018) [46:12]  One Book She DIDN'T Love Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:29] Other Books Mentioned The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (2019) [47:51] These Precious Days by Ann Patchett (2021) [47:57]  Whistler by Ann Patchett (2026) [48:55]  One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Life Out of Order (The Time Traveler's Wife, 2) by Audrey Niffenegger (October 6, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:25] Other Books Mentioned The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2003) [49:37]  Books From the Discussion Untitled (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 6) by Sarah J. Maas (October 27, 2026) [9:38] Untitled (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 7) by Sarah J. Maas (January 12, 2027) [9:38] Strangers by Belle Burden (2026) [11:54]  Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018) [15:35]  The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin (2023) [15:45] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) [15:53] The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [25:52]   No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (2026) [31:38]  London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (2026) [31:53]  Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [33:35] Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl, 1) by Matt Dinniman (2024)* [33:40]  Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (2026) [36:58]  Life Out of Order (The Time Traveler's Wife, 2) by Audrey Niffenegger (October 6, 2026) [37:00]  Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (2025)* [38:39]  *Publication year reflects the later traditionally published edition. These titles were originally self-published. Other Links Publishing Confidential, on Substack | "A Tale of Three Bestseller Lists" by Kathleen Schmidt
• Summer 2026 Book Preview with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 226 27.05.2026 40min

  Welcome to the Summer 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!   Today, Sarah and Catherine share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing in June through mid – August.   This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcements One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share 4 bonus books (2 each) we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights A lightning round of some big summer releases that are NOT our personal preview picks. Catherine's theme this season was following her initial emotional reaction to a book, while Sarah's picks skew a bit outside of her usual comfort zone. Catherine chose books across historical fiction, cultural fiction, romance, humor, and thriller. One of the season's more challenging reads for Catherine comes from an author she trusts, while Sarah has two books over 450 pages. There's one debut in Sarah's stack this season — along with some historical fiction. Sarah has already read one of her picks — not only was it 5 stars, it's already a strong contender for book of the year. Plus, their #1 picks for summer. Big Summer Releases Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer (June 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:28]  God's Country (Cork O'Connor, 22) by William Kent Krueger (August 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:33]  The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:36]  Biological War by Annie Jacobsen (July 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:43]  Cool Machine (The Harlem Trilogy, 3) by Colson Whitehead (July 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:48] A Tender Age by Chang-rae Lee (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:53]   Under the Falls by Richard Russo (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:55]  Sunrise by Téa Obreht (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:14]  Dominion (The Silk and Iron Trilogy, 1) by Jean Kwok (July 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:26]  Other Books Mentioned Less (The Arthur Books, 1) by Andrew Sean Greer (2017) [1:32]  Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson (2023) [1:41]  Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen (2024) [1:47]  Empire Falls by Richard Russo (2001) [3:04]  Summer 2026 Book Preview June Sarah's Pick Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:53]  Catherine's Picks A Year of Marvelous Ways by Sarah Winman (US Release June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:23] Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lakshmi (June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:29]  The Top of the World by Ethan Joella (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:59]  Keep Them Close by David Ellis (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:39] Other Books Mentioned Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023) [8:05]  The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [8:54]  Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (2016) [9:12]  Bel Canto by Ann Patchett (2001) [9:16] The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (2019) [9:17]   State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (2011) [9:18]  The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [10:07]  Tin Man by Sarah Winman (US 2018) [13:39]  Still Life by Sarah Winman (2021) [14:24]  Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians, 1) by Kevin Kwan (2013) [19:54]  Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (2025) [20:12]  The Best Lies by David Ellis (2024) [26:44]  July Sarah's Picks The Half Life by Rachel Beanland (July 14) |Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:40] Dad, Love, Me by Matthew Quick (July 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:27] Catherine's Pick City of Widows by Nadia Hashimi (July 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:28] Other Books Mentioned Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland (2020) [15:26]  The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland (2023) [15:28]  The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024) [16:27]  The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (2024) [17:48]  The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick (2008) [20:39]  August Sarah's Picks Everything That Is Beautiful by Louise Nealon (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:33] Sunlight Finds You by Laura Moriarty (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:32] Kitten by Stacey Yu (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:07]  Catherine's Pick You'll Love It Here by Natalie Sue (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:41] Other Books Mentioned Snowflake by Louise Nealon (2021) [25:05]  Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [26:25]  Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (2014) [28:54]  The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty (2012) [29:14]  The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) [36:01]  I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue (2024) [37:51] 
• Spring 2026 Circle Back with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 225 20.05.2026 46min

  In Episode 225, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Spring 2026 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to!  They share their reading stats and discuss which books worked and which didn't…and why.   This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Get the 2026 Summer Reading Guide This year's Summer Reading Guide is bigger than ever — and now available as a full PDF with in-depth write-ups on every book. Here's how to access it: Full PDF Guide (with write-ups): Available to current paying members on Patreon or Substack  Start a free trial (Patreon: 7 days | Substack: 30 days) *Be sure to use the link above to access your free trial on Substack. Free Cheatsheet (no write-ups): Available to everyone on the blog Free Trials close: Friday, May 22 (Memorial Day weekend) When you sign up, you'll also get: 2–3 bonus podcast episodes per month Full back catalog of bonus content Weekly reading updates + more All the details in the recent IMPORTANT DETAILS bonus podcast episode and post. Highlights This time last year, Catherine was rocking a 100% success rate — this year's was "armageddon" Sarah had really successful spring with one 5-star book and only 1 DNF with a total average star rating of 4.15. They name their best and worst books picks for spring! Books We Read Before the Preview April Sarah's Pick The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:07]  Spring 2026 Circle Back April Sarah's Picks Into the Blue by Emma Brodie (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [8:33]  Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola (April 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:27]  Catherine's Picks American Fantasy by Emma Straub (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:45] Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:25]  Like This, But Funnier by Hallie Cantor (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:23]  Other Books Mentioned All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (2026) [7:59]  The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985) [14:24]  August Lane by Regina Black (2025) [16:32]  Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [16:39]  Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (2025) [20:24]  May Sarah's Picks The Mediator (Max Ringo, 1) by Robert Bailey (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:10] The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:39] Returns and Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:25]  Catherine's Picks The Liar's Playbook by Leslie Bradford-Scott (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:20] The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:35] The Tapestry of Fate (Amina al-Sirafi, 2) by Shannon Chakraborty (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:16]  Other Books Mentioned The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) [22:17] Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond (2021) [26:30]  The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [29:43]  Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025) [33:24]  The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi, 1) by Shannon Chakraborty (2023) [42:06] 
• 2026 Summer Reading Special with Catherine Gilmore and Chrissie Whitley | Ep. 224 13.05.2026 57min

  In Episode 224, Sarah, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) celebrate the release of the 2026 Summer Reading Guide with a special behind-the-scenes conversation about putting this year's guide together. Catherine and Chrissie share what it was like participating in the guide for the first time, from the reading process to narrowing down their final picks, while Sarah talks about how much more fun her spring reading felt with the guide becoming a team effort. Together, they reveal their secret books from the guide, share what's still sitting on their summer TBRs, and reflect on the kinds of books they found themselves gravitating toward while reading for summer. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Get the 2026 Summer Reading Guide This year's Summer Reading Guide is bigger than ever — and now available as a full PDF with in-depth write-ups on every book. Here's how to access it: Full PDF Guide (with write-ups): Available to current paying members on Patreon or Substack  Start a free trial (Patreon: 7 days | Substack: 30 days) *Be sure to use the link above to access your free trial on Substack. Free Cheatsheet (no write-ups): Available to everyone on the blog Free Trials close: Friday, May 22 (Memorial Day weekend) When you sign up, you'll also get: 2–3 bonus podcast episodes per month Full back catalog of bonus content Weekly reading updates + more All the details in the recent IMPORTANT DETAILS bonus podcast episode and post. The Secret Picks for the 2026 Summer Reading Guide Catherine Two Kinds of Stranger (Eddie Flynn, 9) by Steven Cavanagh (US: March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:13] The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:04]  The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:15]  Chrissie Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[20:33] Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman-Tell (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:45]  Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West (April 14, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:47]  Sarah Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray (May 5, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[23:29]  Heather by Caitlin Mullen (June 9, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:53]  The Shark House by Sara Ackerman (January 13, 2026)
 | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:18]  Other Books Mentioned Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow (1987) [24:29]  The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) [26:20]  The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [34:24]  Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) [34:29]  Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) [39:27] Jaws by Peter Benchley (1974) [43:28]  The Devil's Teeth by Susan Casey (2005) [44:42] Shark Heart by Emily Habeck (2023) [45:34]  More From Summer TBRs Catherine You with the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate (March 3, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:22]  The Crown in Crisis by Alexander Larman (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:19]  Waiting on a Friend by Natalie Adler (May 26, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:45]  Sarah Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash (January 13, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:48]  Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[53:01] Brawler by Lauren Groff (February 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:28]  The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (May 5, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:46]  The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [54:46]  Porcupines by Fran Fabriczki (April 14, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:04]  Chrissie Nonesuch by Francis Spufford (March 10, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:51] Tom's Crossing by Mark Z. Danielewksi (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:25]  The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:24]  Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:39]  A Deadly Episode (Hawthorne & Horowitz, 6) by Anthony Horowitz (April 28, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:18] Daughter of Crows (The Academy of Kindness, 1) by Mark Lawrence (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:29]  Other Books Mentioned The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (2018) [48:12] Tuesday Nights in 1980 by Molly Prentiss (2016) [48:14]   House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski (2000) [50:02]  Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (1985) [50:17] Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy (1985) [50:18]  The Bear and the Nightingale (Winternight Trilogy, 1) by Katherine Arden (2017) [50:33]  The Wanderers by Meg Howrey (2017) [53:10]  The Help by Kathryn Stockett (2009) [53:49] 
• IMPORTANT DETAILS: 2026 Summer Reading Guide 07.05.2026 13min

  May is upon us and that means Summer Reading season is just about here! The 2026 Summer Reading Guide went through a lot of changes this year, so I'm coming to you a bit early to walk through all the details. CLICK HERE for the full Show Notes on the blog. The 2026 Summer Reading Guide is launching this coming Tuesday, May 12! And, our Summer Reading Special podcast episode will air the following day (Weds, May 13). WHAT'S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR The SRG is now a team project. You'll be getting recommendations from Catherine and Chrissie in addition to me.  And, there are a couple books on the SRG that are recommended by multiple team members. But, don't worry, you will easily be able to tell who recommended each book in the Guide. The primary SRG with full write-ups on every book we included will be in a printable PDF format. Changing the primary Guide to a PDF format gives us the flexibility to include some different and helpful ways to categorize the books in the guide beyond our mood-based categories. In addition to the regular part of the Guide, we'll have lists for: Books that are now out in paperback  Five star books Books that are great on audio Longer books (450+ pages) Nonfiction And, our Secret picks – which you'll hear more about in our Summer Reading Special coming on May 13 We selected our Top Picks differently. In the past, I chose my #1 pick for each of my mood-based categories in the Guide.  This year, we're selecting a group of our OVERALL Top Picks regardless of which mood based category they fall in. We've chosen 6 top picks that represent a range of genres, vibes, and reading tastes. And, those will be in their very own section at the front of the Guide. HOW TO GET THE 2026 SUMMER READING GUIDEDifferent from last year The primary Summer Reading Guide PDF with full write-ups on every book will ONLY be available to paying members (via Patreon or Substack). BUT, we'll be running a Free Trial for our Patreon and paid Substack communities, so you can still technically get the full PDF guide for free. Free Trial sign-ups will be open through Friday, May 22 (the Friday of Memorial Day weekend). The Substack Free Trial will be for 30 days. The Patreon Free Trial will only be 7 days long. Patreon only allows 7 day free trials and I wish they'd change that policy.  Obviously, we hope you sample our bonus content and decide to stick around on Patreon or Substack, but you can also drop your membership after 1 month if all you're interested in is the full Summer Reading Guide PDF. AND, a Cheatsheet-style list WITHOUT write-ups for the books included will be available to everyone on my website. HOW TO MAKE SURE THE 2026 SUMMER READING GUIDE LANDS IN YOUR INBOX ON MAY 12 If you are NOT already a paying member, you can sign up for a Free Trial either on Patreon (here) OR on Substack (here).  If you are NOT already a paying member and you are not eligible for the Free Trial (i.e. you signed up in a previous year and dropped your membership since then), you can sign up to be a paid member on Patreon (here) OR Substack (here) for $7/month (and can drop your membership after 1 month if you don't want to stick around). If you are ALREADY a Superstars member on Patreon or a paid member on Substack, you don't have to do anything else to get the Guide. It will arrive in your inboxes on Tuesday (May 12) morning. And, don't forget that the Cheatsheet (i.e. a slimmed down version of the Guide WITHOUT WRITE-UPS on all the books included) there will be available on my website. 
• 2016 Bookish Time Capsule with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 223 29.04.2026 49min

  Going back ten years to 2016, Sarah and Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide) dive into the annual Bookish Time Capsule episode and revisit the book world from that year. They cover big bookish highlights — from the buzziest books of the year to the award winners — along with what was happening in the wider world at the time. They also look back at their own reading from 2016, including their favorite releases, and share a quick round-up of listener-submitted favorites. This episode is overflowing with great backlist titles to add to your TBR!   This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights The big news that was going on outside the book world Book stories and trends that dominated 2016 The 2016 books that have had staying power Big books and award winners for the year Reading in the blog years before the Rock Your Reading Tracker Sarah's and Catherine's personal 2016 reading stats Listener-submitted favorites from 2016 2016 Bookish Time Capsule [1:45] The World Beyond Books Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:09]  To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:59]  My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:11] Ferrante's true identity has never been confirmed, despite multiple attempts by journalists and various theories pointing to different people. Book Industry Sales and Trends Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:02] The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:10] Killing the Rising Sun by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:21] A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:36] Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:40]  To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:45]  All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:57]  The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:12]  Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:16]  StrengthsFinder 2.0 from Gallup (2007) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:20]  When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:30] The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:33] After You by Jojo Moyes (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:49] The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:52] The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:59] Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter (2016)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:36] Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (2004) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:49] Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:04]  Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:05] The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George (English Translation, 2015) | Amazon| Bookshop.org  [13:32] My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman (English Translation, 2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:39] In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:51]  Big Books of 2016 It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:47] A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2) by Sarah J. Maas (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:28]   Dark Matter by Blake Crouch (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:25] Pines (Wayward Pines, 1) by Blake Crouch (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:57] Recursion by Blake Crouch (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:17] A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[18:34] Rules of Civility by Amor Towles (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:58] The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:29] James by Percival Everett (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:42] Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:51]  Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:10] When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:28] Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:46] Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:19] Award Winners of 2016 The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:54] The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:06] Stamped From the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:35] The Sellout by Paul Beatty (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:51] Let Me Die In His Footsteps by Lori Roy (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:50] Before the Fall by Noah Hawley (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:56] All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:05] Catherine's Top Books Forty Rooms by Olga Grushin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:46]  A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:11] The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:35]  The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:03]  Before the Wind by Jim Lynch (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:57] Miller's Valley by Anna Quindlen (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:57] Miss Jane by Brad Watson (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:48]   Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:57] Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist by Sunil Yapa (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:08]  Adnan's Story by Rabia Chaudry (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:40]  Sarah's Top Books Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:45] Shelter by Jung Yun (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:58]   All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:06]  The Mothers by Brit Bennett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:16]  My Name Is Lucy Barton (Amgash, 1) by Elizabeth Strout (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:22] Oh William! (Amgash, 3) by Elizabeth Strout (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:38] Tell Me Everything (Amgash, 5) by Elizabeth Strout (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:47]   Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Ed Tarkington (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:05]  Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:30] Tender by Belinda McKeon (US Release, 2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:44] The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:03]  When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:05] The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:31]  Listeners' Top Books A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[44:14] The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:19] A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2) by Sarah J. Maas (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:35]   Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:47] Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:01]  Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:24] Dark Matter by Blake Crouch (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:30] Beartown by Fredrik Backman (English Translation, 2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:32] Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:40]  The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:45] Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:58] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:00] The Mothers by Brit Bennett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:16] 
• Lee Kelly + Jennifer Thorne (Authors of The Midnight Show) | Ep. 222 15.04.2026 54min

  In Episode 222, Sarah talks with authors Jennifer Marie Thorne and Lee Kelly about their latest co-written novel, The Midnight Show. Set in the world of 1980s late-night comedy, the book is told in a documentary / oral history format that traces the rise of a breakout star — and the mystery surrounding her disappearance. They talk about how they developed a cast of characters shaped by both real-life comedy figures and their own creative instincts, as well as the challenge of writing sketch comedy that actually lands on the page. They also get into the realities of writing as a duo and the novel's exploration of how women in comedy are perceived and defined. Plus, they share what they're working on next and their book recommendations. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Books by Lee Kelly + Jennifer Thorne:  The Antiquity Affair (2023), The Starlets (2024) and My Fair Frauds (2025) By Lee Kelly: With Regrets (2023), A Criminal Magic (2016), and City Of Savages (2015) By Jennifer Thorne: Diavola (2024), Lute (2022), and Newbourne Park(September 29, 2026) A brief, spoiler-free overview of The Midnight Show The inspiration behind the novel and how they created their characters using a mix of real-life performers and imagination Writing sketch comedy for the page — and how they created it organically for the story The evolution of their collaborative writing process  How society views funny women — and how they're allowed to be defined What this author duo is working on next Lee's + Jennifer's Book Recommendations [38:42] Two OLD Books They Love Jennifer : The Wonder State by Sara Flannery Murphy (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:07] Lee : A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (2010) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:24]   Other Books Mentioned The Magicians by Lev Grossman (2009) [39:34]  The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (2022) [43:08]  Two NEW Books They Love Jennifer : Cruelty Free by Caroline Glenn (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[44:16] Lee : The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:28] Two NEW RELEASES They're Excited About Jennifer : Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel (September 15, 2026) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [48:02] Lee : Death Was Not on the Guest List by Jenni L. Walsh (June 16, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:22] Other Books Mentioned The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (2012) [49:36]  Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) [50:04]  The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925) [51:53]  Books From the Discussion Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023) [6:37] Live From New York by Tom Shales and James Andrew Miller (2014) [6:41]  The Chris Farley Show by Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby (2008) [6:45]  Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [23:43]  The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [25:47]  Good People by Patmeena Sabit (2026) [38:20] 
• Spring 2026 Book Preview with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 221 01.04.2026 45min

  Welcome to the Spring 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!   Today, Catherine and Sarah share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing in April and May.   This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcements A preview of changes to this year's Summer Reading Guide — now a team effort, with more info to come in a separate episode coming in early May. One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share 4 bonus books (2 each) we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights A lightning round of some big releases coming this spring that are not featured in our personal preview picks. Catherine's theme is spring, but Sarah's theme is summer. Looking for balance, Catherine chose books that are lighter and brighter, but not silly. Spring picks carry 4 debuts — 3 from Catherine and 1 from Sarah. Sarah's books cover 2 books about the world of comedy and 3 family dramas. Sarah has already read one of her picks — 4.5 stars! Plus, their #1 picks for spring. Big Spring Releases The Midnight Train (The Midnight World, 2) by Matt Haig (May 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:04] The Shippers by Katherine Center (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:06] London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:09] Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez (April 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:16] With a Vengeance by Riley Sager (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:22] Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:26] Seek the Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire, 1) by Veronica Roth (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:29] Other Books Mentioned State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (2011) [3:59]  Spring 2026 Book Preview [4:38] April Sarah's Picks The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:11]  Into the Blue by Emma Brodie (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:49]  Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola (April 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:50]  Catherine's Picks American Fantasy by Emma Straub (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:50] Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:10]  Like This But Funnier by Hallie Cantor (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:19]  Other Books Mentioned Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [8:26]  Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023) [8:55] Diavola by Jennifer Thorne (2024) [11:08]  All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (2026) [14:39]  Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie (2021) [17:22]  Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (2012) [17:38]  Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) [18:37]  The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [18:40]  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) [18:46]  The House of My Mother by Shari Franke (2025) [22:03]  August Lane by Regina Black (2025) [22:56]  Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [23:06]  Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (2024) [25:07]  Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [25:09]  The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (2019) [25:10]  May Sarah's Picks The Mediator (Max Ringo, 1) by Robert Bailey (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:36] The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:46] Returns and Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:30]  Catherine's Picks The Liar's Playbook by Leslie Bradford-Scott (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:31] The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:11] The Tapestry of Fate (Amina al-Sirafi, 2) by Shannon Chakraborty (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:10]  Other Books Mentioned The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) [27:52]  Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond (2021) [31:20]  Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn (2025) [31:22]  The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [32:57]  State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny (2021) [36:07]  The Animators by Kayla Rae Whitaker (2016) [38:02]  Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) [39:01]  The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi, 1) by Shannon Chakraborty (2023) [40:38]   
• Winter 2026 Circle Back with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 220 25.03.2026 55min

  In Episode 220, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 16 new releases they shared in the Winter 2026 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to!  They share their reading stats and discuss which books worked and which didn't…and why.   This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcement One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights Catherine had a high success rate, but a pretty "meh" overall feel  Sarah's reading followed a familiar barbell pattern: some standout hits, several DNFs, and not much in between Catherine's ratings mostly landed as mid-range reads — with two 4.5 star wins. Sarah had one 5-star read (and a new favorite of the year), two 4.5-star reads, and one big disappointment Some of Sarah's risk-taking paid off, while other picks didn't land They share their best and worst picks from winter Books Read Before the Preview [6:08]  Sarah's Pick Whidbey by T Kira Madden (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:13] Winter 2026 Book Preview [8:20] January Catherine's Picks Skylark by Paula McLain (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:49] Vigil by George Saunders (January 27)  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:43]  Other Books Mentioned When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) [14:53]  Love and Ruin by Paula McLain (2018) [15:21]  February Sarah's Picks Good People by Patmeena Sabit (February 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:25] Royal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin Benway (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:49] Kin by Tayari Jones (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:15]  Catherine's Picks More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:40] Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:47] Other Books Mentioned The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland (2022) [17:32]  A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) [26:04]  An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) [26:58] Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones (2011) [26:59]   March Sarah's Picks No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:51]  All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[38:23] She Fell Away by Lenore Nash (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:23]  The Complex by Karan Mahajan (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:07]  Catherine's Picks Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:34]  No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (US Release March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:07] Son of Nobody by Yann Martel (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:17]  How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:08]  Other Books Mentioned The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2019) [32:10]  Shelter by Jung Yun (2016) [38:26]  Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) [44:17]  Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) [44:18]  From the Top of the Episode Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [1:10] 
• T Kira Madden (Author of Whidbey) | Ep. 219 18.03.2026 50min

  In Episode 219, Sarah talks with author T Kira Madden about her debut novel, Whidbey. A dark, atmospheric story that explores the long reach of violence and the lack of recourse many victims face, Whidbey tackles difficult themes including sexual abuse, stalking, and the ways narratives around these crimes are shaped by media and public perception. Sarah and T Kira discuss the inspiration behind the novel, its complex characters, and the themes at the heart of the story. Plus, she shares a bit about what she's working on next and some terrific book recommendations. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Books by T Kira Madden: Whidbey and Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls A brief, spoiler-free overview of Whidbey The inspiration behind the novel Revisiting the impact of sexual assault through fiction What the character of Mary-Beth brings to the story The ways the novel explores justice, accountability, and the limited options available to victims How the reality show storyline reflects the power of media to shape public narratives What T Kira is working on next T Kira's Book Recommendations [36:42] Two OLD Books She Loves Reading the Waves by Lidia Yuknavitch (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[36:56] Scorched Earth by Tiana Clark (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:43]   Other Books Mentioned The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch (2011) [37:15]  Two NEW Books She Loves Extinction Capital of the World by Mariah Rigg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:38] Bloodfire, Baby by Eirinie Carson (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:28] One Book She DIDN'T Love We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver (2003) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:58] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Lovers XXX by Allie Rowbottom (June 4, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:22] Other Books Mentioned Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (2024) [46:43]  The Hop by Diana Clarke (2022) [47:09]  Books From the Discussion There There by Tommy Orange (2018) [36:32] Other Links Guernica | The Feels of Love by T Kira Madden (December 12, 2016)
• Reading Through the Enneagram with Sarajane Case (Author of The Honest Enneagram) | Ep. 218 06.03.2026 49min

  In Episode 218, Sarah chats with Enneagram author, speaker, and podcaster Sarajane Case about Reading Through the Enneagram. After a brief introduction to the Enneagram and how it differs from other personality systems, they dive into how Enneagram types show up in our reading lives — from guessing an author's type to rethinking our own habits as readers. Sarajane walks through the nine types, shares a book recommendation for each, and offers her own personal picks. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Books by Sarajane Case: The Honest Enneagram and The Enneagram Letters A brief introduction to the Enneagram — and how it differs from other personality systems Sarajane's personal approach to working with the Enneagram A quick overview of the nine Enneagram types How each Enneagram type might approach reading Whether (and how) we can discern an author's Enneagram type through their work (and the Enneagram types most and least likely to be authors themselves) Practical tips for using your type to improve your reading life Reading Through the Enneagram [29:51]  Type 1: The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:08] Type 2: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:50]   Type 3: In Five Years by Rebecca Serle (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:27] Type 4: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:42]  Type 5: Fourth Wing (Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:56]  Type 6: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:32]  Type 7: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:56]  Type 8: Crook Manifesto (The Harlem Trilogy, 2) by Colson Whitehead (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:20]  Type 9: Severance by Ling Ma (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:16]  Other Books Mentioned The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, 1) by J. R. R. Tolkien (1954) [32:08]  Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) [33:49]  The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (2019) [34:57]  Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022) [35:23]  Sarajane's Book Recommendations [36:37]  Two OLD Books She Loves The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:50]  Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:08]  Two NEW Books She Loves Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:09]  A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:14]  Other Books Mentioned Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [42:05]  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) [42:16]  Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2021) [42:28]  Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2022) [42:37]  The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (2022) [43:28]  One Book She DIDN'T Love Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami (1987) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:14]  Other Books Mentioned South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami (1992) [44:20]  1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (2009) [44:49]  One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Theodora's Tea Shop by Christy Anne Jones (July 28, 2026 — no US release date set yet) | Link to Blackwell's for US Orders [45:52]  Other Links Truity | Enneagram Personality Test
• Christine Kuehn (Author of Family of Spies) | Ep. 217 18.02.2026 45min

  In Episode 217, Sarah chats with author Christine Kuehn about her memoir, Family of Spies, and the thirty-year journey that led her to uncover a long-buried family secret. Christine shares how the story first entered her life, the decades-long research process behind reconstructing her father's past, and what it meant to weave her own discovery into the historical narrative surrounding her family's role in the Pearl Harbor attack. She also offers a glimpse of what she's working on next and shares some of her favorite book recommendations. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights How the shape of the book's narrative sets it apart from other WWII stories How this story entered Christine's life — and the moment everything changed Her decision to publicly share this dark chapter of her family's history The decades-long research process behind uncovering her father's past Why integrating her own discovery story was essential to telling her family's role in the Pearl Harbor attack A glimpse at what she's working on next Christine's Book Recommendations [31:29] Two OLD Books She Loves The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:43] Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyre (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:45]   Other Books Mentioned The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre (2018) [34:45]  The Siege by Ben Macintyre (2024) [34:47]  Two NEW Books She Loves Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:57] The Lost Kitchen, Vol 2: Big Heart Little Stove by Erin French (2025) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [37:35] Other Books Mentioned Finding Freedom by Erin French (2021) [38:46]  One Book She DIDN'T Love Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:48] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:33] Other Books Mentioned Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023) [42:06]  Books From the Discussion At Dawn We Slept by Gordon W. Prange (1981) [5:47] Other Links Instagram | Sarah's Bookshelves, Family of Spies Review
• Best of Horror with Meredith Monday Schwartz (Currently Reading) | Ep. 216 04.02.2026 55min

  Episode 216 continues the Best of… series with a deep dive into the horror genre. Meredith Monday Schwartz of the Currently Reading podcast joins the show to discuss her all-time Top Ten favorite horror books, along with a few buzzy titles that didn't quite work for her. Meredith also talks about how she came to the genre and the wide range of reading experiences horror has to offer. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights How Meredith defines the horror genre — and where she draws the lines Subgenres of horror that don't get talked about as much Meredith's personal relationship with reading horror What draws her to the genre and how she approaches her horror TBR The role of women in horror, both as authors and within its themes Meredith's All-Time Top Ten Horror: Ranked [18:47] 10) Daphne by Josh Malerman (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:33] 9) How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:10] 8) The Ruins by Scott Smith (2006) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:42] 7) Near the Bone by Christina Henry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:02] 6) Diavola by Jennifer Thorne (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:19] 5) We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:44] 4) Slewfoot by Brom (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [34:01] 3) The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [37:40] 2) The Stand by Stephen King (1978) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:46] 1) I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:50] High-Profile Horror She Didn't Love [49:39]  The September House by Carissa Orlando (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:03] The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:55] Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:34]  Other Books Mentioned The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson (1977) [9:57] 101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered by Sadie Hartmann (2023) [13:25]  Feral and Hysterical by Sadie Hartmann (2025) [13:37]  Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) [22:47]  The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre by Philip Fracassi (2025) [28:33]  Psycho by Robert Bloch (1959) [31:01]  The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer (April 21, 2026) [33:29]  Krampus by Brom (2012) [36:42]  The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James (2012) [39:07]  The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James (2022) [39:23]  11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) [43:13]  Foe by Iain Reid (2018) [49:00]  Bird Box by Josh Malerman (2014) [52:39]  Other Links Sadie Hartmann (@Mother.Horror) on Instagram Talking Scared with Neil McRobert Slow Read: The Stand with Sarah Stewart Holland & Laura Tremaine
• The Best Backlist We Read in 2025 with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 215 21.01.2026 55min

  In Episode 215, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books share the best backlist books they read in 2025. They discuss their top 5 backlist books from last year, highlight some underrated backlist gems, and review their backlist reading statistics. Devoting an entire episode to backlist reading is both a team and listener favorite annual tradition!  This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcement The Best of the Backlist Guide: Favorite Backlist Books Read in 2025 is available now! Members of the Sarah's Bookshelves Live community share the best backlist book they read last year in a beautiful PDF guide. To get the guide, you can sign up to join us on Patreon here. or Substack here. You'll also get access to monthly bonus podcast episodes and the new-for-2026 Rock Your Reading Tracker and the Lite Reading Tracker. Highlights Sarah and Catherine share their full stats for backlist reading in 2025. Backlist reading quantity was stable last year for Sarah, but backlist reading quality dipped a bit. Catherine had a slight increase in the number of backlist books she read, AND her backlist reading remained incredibly successful. Sarah's backlist reading may change just a bit looking ahead to 2026. Our Top 5 Backlist Books We Read in 2025 [10:44]  Catherine The No-Show by Beth O'Leary (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:50]  Georgia by Dawn Tripp (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:44]  The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:48]  Don't You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:57]  The Death of Bees by Lisa O'Donnell (2013) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:21]  Sarah The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:37]  The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis (1983) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:58]  We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:42]  Family Happiness by Laurie Colwin (1982) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:30]  Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:37]  Other Books Mentioned The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (2019) [13:19]  The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin (2023) [20:28]  Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman (2020) [20:31]  Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond (2021) [20:33]  Heated Rivalry (Game Changers, 2) by Rachel Reid (2023) [33:50]  Happy All the Time by Laurie Colwin (1978) [37:58]  Guess Again by Charlie Donlea (2025) [40:54]  Underrated Backlist Gems [43:34]  Catherine Miss Jane by Brad Watson (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:46]  Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist by Sunil Yapa (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:40]  Sarah Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:28]  Euphoria by Lily King (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:04]  Other Books Mentioned Talking at Night by Claire Davelery (2023) [48:25]  Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (2025) [51:20]  Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) [51:38] 
• Winter 2026 Book Preview with Catherine Gilmore | Ep. 214 07.01.2026 54min

  Welcome to the Winter 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!   Today, Catherine and Sarah share 16 of their most anticipated books releasing from January through March.   This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcement The 2026 Reading Tracker is out! This year brings upgraded features across the board — including NEW average star rating and 5-star book tracking for every stat on the Dashboard — plus an updated Lite Tracker for those who prefer a streamlined version. Both Trackers are ONLY available to paid Patreon or Substack subscribers ($7/month) and is no longer sold separately. To avoid Apple's 30% fee, be sure to join directly from the Patreon website (mobile or desktop). Join our Patreon Community (here) OR become a Substack Paid Member (here)!   One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights A lightning round of some big releases coming this winter that we're not featuring in today's preview. Catherine chose books by authors she knows and trusts. This year, Sarah dug deep into the publisher's catalog for potential hidden gems. Sarah's books cover literary suspense, literary fiction, brain candy, nonfiction, and a thriller from 2 debut authors and 3 repeat authors. Sarah has already read one of her picks — and it was 4.5 stars! Plus, their #1 picks for winter. Big Winter Releases The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:39] The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:43] My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:46] Once and Again by Rebecca Serle (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:49] Crux by Gabriel Tallent (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:53] Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:56] Two Kinds of Stranger by Steve Cavanagh (March 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:00] Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:03] Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict (March 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:21]  Missing Sam by Thrity Umrigar (January 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:24]  This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:28]  Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:31]  Other Books Mentioned I'm Glad My Mother Died by Jennette McCurdy (2022) [3:35]  Winter 2026 Book Preview [6:57] January Catherine's Picks Skylark by Paula McLain (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:53] Vigil by George Saunders (January 27)  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:48]  Other Books Mentioned Circling the Sun by Paula McLain (2015) [11:04] When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) [13:12]  Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017) [17:39]  February Sarah's Picks Good People by Patmeena Sabit (February 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:59] Royal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin Benway (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:14] Kin by Tayari Jones (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:01]  Catherine's Picks Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:19] More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:05] Other Books Mentioned Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (2014) [9:37]  Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) [9:40]  Real Americans by Rachel Khong (2024) [9:42]  The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (2003) [9:50]  Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019) [14:04]  Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand (2020) [14:53]  Endgame by Omid Scobie (2023) [14:57]  Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden (2019) [19:20]  An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) [24:11] Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones (2011) [24:13]   Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones (2002) [26:48]  Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen (2018) [29:43]  After Annie by Anna Quindlen (2024) [29:51]  March Sarah's Picks No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:07]  Whidbey by T Kira Madden (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:50] All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[35:31] She Fell Away by Lenore Nash (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:01]  The Complex by Karan Mahajan (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:35]  Catherine's Picks Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:02]  No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (US Release March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:44] Son of Nobody by Yann Martel (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:11]  How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:15]  Other Books Mentioned A Thousand Naked Strangers by Kevin Hazzard (2016) [30:48]  The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2022) [33:06]  Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2016) [33:13]  Shelter by Jung Yun (2016) [35:41]  Medium Rare by A. Natasha Joukovsky (March 3, 2026) [40:39]  Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) [41:45]  Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) [41:46]  Life of Pi by Yann Martel (2001) [43:38]  The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel (2016) [46:16]  The Association of Small Bombs by Karan Mahajan (2016) [47:17]  Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson (2012) [50:04]  Other Links The New Yorker | "The True Margaret," by Karan Mahajan 
• Best Books of 2025 Genre Awards with Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) | Ep. 213 10.12.2025 1t 10min

  In Episode 213, Sarah and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) wrap up the year with the Best Books of 2025 Genre Awards. They reveal their Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction) and a full breakdown by genre, including: Best Literary Fiction, Best Romance, Best Brain Candy, Best Genre Mash-Up, and more! Plus, they share the winners for these same genres as chosen by the Sarah's Bookshelves Live Member Community. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Announcements The 2026 Reading Tracker is out! This year brings upgraded features across the board — including NEW average star rating and 5-star book tracking for every stat on the Dashboard — plus an updated Lite Tracker for those who prefer a streamlined version. Both Trackers are ONLY available to paid Patreon or Substack subscribers ($7/month) and is no longer sold separately. To avoid Apple's 30% fee, be sure to join directly from the Patreon website (mobile or desktop). Join our Patreon Community (here) OR become a Substack Paid Member (here)! Highlights Podcast reflections from 2025 — including top episodes based on download stats. A brief overview of Sarah's and Chrissie's 2025 year in reading. Their favorite books of the year: overall and by genre, including the SBL Member Community's picks. 2025 Genre Awards [12:39] Sarah The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:45]  The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:32]  The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:13]  One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [23:48]  The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:47]  August Lane by Regina Black (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:03]  The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:54]  Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:36] This American Woman by Zarna Garg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:00] Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:59] The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [54:44]  Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [56:29] Next of Kin by Gabrielle Hamilton (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [1:00:10]  The Elements by John Boyne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:03:10] Chrissie Fox by Joyce Carol Oates (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:42]  Joy Moody Is Out of Time by Kerryn Mayne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:36]  Marble Hall Murders (Susan Ryeland, 3) by Anthony Horowitz (2025) | Amazon| Bookshop.org  [21:39]  The Pretender by Jo Harkin (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:51]  What We Can Know by Ian McEwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:28]  To Clutch a Razor (Curse Bearer, 2) by Veronica Roth (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:39]  The Love Haters by Katherine Center (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:03]  These Heathens by Mia McKenzie (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:31]  The Zorg by Siddarth Kara (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:11]  Misbehaving at the Crossroads by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:09] A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:38]  Awake in the Floating City by Susanna Kwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[55:11] Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [57:16]  Future Boy by Michael J. Fox (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:01:23]  Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated by James Goodhand (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:06:07]  SBL Member Community The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:43] The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:02] Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:52]  Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:21] The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:28]  The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:23]  One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:39] Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:57] Big Dumb Eyes by Nate Bargatze (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:15] Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:17] Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:19] The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:22] Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:24] So Far Gone by Jess Walter (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:27] This American Woman by Zarna Garg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:28] Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:20] Ordinary Time by Annie Jones (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:32] Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:31]  Among Friends by Hal Ebbott (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [59:25] Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:02:33] Other Books Mentioned Leaving by Roxana Robinson (2024) [13:51]  Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) [15:35]  Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [15:58]  Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) [16:09]  The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) [16:11] Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) [16:13] Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne (2023) [17:45]  Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (2025) [18:46]  Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez (2025) [18:56]  The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham (2025) [19:18] Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (2025) [19:23] Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) [21:28]  The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark (2025) [23:03] The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman (2025) [23:07]   Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) [23:13] The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) [23:15]   We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter (2017) [24:09]  Tell Me an Ending by Jo Harkin (2022) [26:03] What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) [26:55] Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) [27:06]   The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis (2025) [27:12] Isola by Allegra Goodman (2025) [28:13]  Merge by Grace Walker (2025) [31:35] The Memory Collectors by Dete Meserve (2025) [31:43]  Sunrise on the Reaping by Susanna Collins (2025) [31:48] Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (2025) [31:01] The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2025) [32:05] When Among Crows by Veronica Roth (2024) [33:05]  Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (2025) [34:23] Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) [34:36] Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [34:37] A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett (2025) [34:49] The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (2024) [34:54] Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [34:58] The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow (2025) [35:05] Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (2025) [35:31] The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (2023) [36:49] The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [38:54]  The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones (2025) [40:30] Hungerstone by Kat Dunn (2025) [40:37] We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad (2025) [40:42] The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (2025) [41:19] Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker (2025) [41:30] When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi (2025) [44:56] The Wager by David Grann (2023) [47:34]  Replaceable You by Mary Roach (2025) [49:04] The Gales of November by John U. Bacon (2025) [49:11] Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (2025) [51:58] All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert (2025) [52:08] Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) [52:24] Nobody's Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre (2025) [52:28] One Day, Everyone Will Always Have Been Against This by Omar El Akkad (2025) [52:49] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [53:22] Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) [54:21] Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo (2025) [54:27] Woodworking by Emily St. James (2025) [56:16] Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (2025) [58:57] The Elements by John Boyne (2025) [59:15]   Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (2025) [59:49] My Friends by Fredrik Backman (2025) [59:51] The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [1:05:51] James by Percival Everett (2024) [1:08:07]  Top Podcast Episodes Ep. 199: Best Books of 2025 (So Far) with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Susie (@NovelVisits) Ep. 184: Best Books of 2024 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits) Ep. 185: Winter 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 205: Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 192: Spring 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 198: Best of Thrillers with Anderson McKean of Page & Palette (@PagePalette) Ep. 188: Best of Fantasy with Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) Ep. 193: Clare Leslie Hall (author of Broken Country) Ep. 187: State of the Industry in 2024 with Kathleen Schmidt (@KathMSchmidt), author of the Publishing Confidential Substack Ep. 208: Best of Narrative Nonfiction with Elizabeth Barnhill of Fabled Bookshop (@FabledBookshop)
• Best Books of 2025 Superlatives with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) | Ep. 212 03.12.2025 1t 3min

  In Ep. 212, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books start wrapping up 2025 with the first of the two year-end episodes: Best Books of 2025 Superlatives. In this episode, they share their picks for over 25 superlative categories, including Weirdest 5-Star Read of 2025, The Book That Made Us Furious, Most Underrated Gem, Too Dark Even for Me, and so much more! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Our best books of the year from over 25 categories, including: My First 5-Star 2025 Release of the Year Weirdest 5-Star Read of 2025 The Book That Made Us Furious Most Underrated Gem Most Perplexing Book Best Book to Be Made into a Reality Series Too Dark Even for Me Most Crushingly Depressing Book I Loved Best Horror Book in the Victorian-Feminist-Gory Category The Crime Novel That Hit Me Hardest Emotionally 2025 Superlatives [7:32] Sarah Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:58] What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[12:38] Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025)| Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:22]  Maggie; a Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:43]  The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:25]  Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:22]  The Dinner Party by Viola Van de Sandt (2025)  | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:25]  Fox by Joyce Carol Oates (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:35] When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén (US release 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:37]  Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:30] What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:53] Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:52] Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:06] The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:38] Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:07] Catherine What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:58] The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:37] The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:31] Murderland by Caroline Fraser (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:53] Heart, Be At Peace by Donal Ryan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:07] The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:13] Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[38:31] The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:12] Sweet Fury by Sash Bischoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:45] Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer, 2) by Laini Taylor (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:40] Let's Call Her Barbie by Renée Rosen (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:39] Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:31] The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:18] Other Books Mentioned Defending Jacob by William Landay (2012) [8:59]  All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay (2023) [9:00] Pretty Things by Janelle Brown (2020) [10:40]  I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) [30:25]  The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan (2012) [33:08] Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (2025) [45:20]  The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange (2023) [45:39]  Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1934) [46:13] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021) [48:34] Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler (2013) [48:35]   Writers and Lovers by Lily King (2020) [51:32]
• Fall 2025 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) (Ep. 211) 19.11.2025 52min

  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. Highlights 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! Books We Read Before the Preview [5:57]  SEPTEMBER Sarah's Picks The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (September 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[6:01] Fall 2025 Circle Back [7:23] AUGUST 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] SEPTEMBER 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]  OCTOBER 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]  NOVEMBER 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]  DECEMBER Catherine's Pick The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini (US release: December 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:49]
• State of the Publishing Industry in 2025 with Laura McGrath, Author of the textCrunch Substack (Ep. 210) 12.11.2025 54min

  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. Highlights 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. State of the Publishing Industry in 2025 HIGH-LEVEL OVERVIEW [2:45]  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] 2025 BOOK SALES & TRENDS [14:41]   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]  BIG BOOK STORIES OF 2025 [30:18]  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]  2026 PUBLISHING PREDICTIONS [42:29]  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]  Laura's 3 Favorites Books of 2025 [45:31]  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] Other Links 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