From the Front Porch

Epizódy

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  Episode 591 || Summer Readings: The Half Life 23.07.2026 10min

  This week on From the Front Porch, our Summer Readings series continues! In this series, Annie introduces you to one book you should read this summer by reading an excerpt (with permission from publishers). Today, Annie reads a passage from Rachel Beanland’s new book The Half Life. Use code SUMMERREADINGS at checkout to get 10% off The Half Life this week. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 591) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: The Half Life by Rachael Beanland Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachael Beanland The House Is on Fire by Rachael Beanland The Women by Kristin Hannah Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading A Private Man by Stephanie Sy-Quia. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, Martha, and Wendi Jenkins.
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  Episode 590 || Summer Reads: On Witness and Respair 16.07.2026 16min

  This week on From the Front Porch, our Summer Readings series continues! In this series, Annie introduces you to one book you should read this summer by reading an excerpt (with permission from publishers). Today, Annie reads a passage from Jesmyn Ward’s latest book On Witness and Respair. Use code SUMMERREADINGS at checkout to get 10% off On Witness and Respair this week. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 589) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: On Witness and Respair by Jesmyn Ward Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading The Palm House by Gwendoline Riley. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.
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  Episode 589 || Summer Readings: Abby Offsides 09.07.2026 12min

  This week on From the Front Porch, our Summer Readings series is back! In this series, Annie introduces you to one book you should read this summer by reading an excerpt (with permission from publishers). Today, Annie reads a passage from Anna McCallie’s new book Abby Offsides. Use code SUMMERREADINGS at checkout to get 10% off Abby Offsides this week. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 589) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Abby Offsides by Allie McCallie Conform by Ariel Sullivan Liar's Dice by Juliet Faithful Into the Blue by Emma Brodie Summer Fridays by Suzanne Rindell Play It Again by Georgia Clark Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Garden by the Sea by Mercé Rodoreda. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.
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  Episode 588 || Best Books of the Year (So Far) 02.07.2026 59min

  This week on From the Front Porch, Annie and Hunter discuss the best books of 2026 (so far)! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 588) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Annie First five-star read: The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman Most surprising: Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead by Mai Nguyen Least favorite: Man Overboard! By Kathleen Rooney (July 7th, 2026) and Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune Next on your TBR: June Baby by Shannon Garvey Most anticipated fall release: The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw (September 29th, 2026), Fair Ones by Lydia Millett (October 6th, 2026) Annie’s Top 10 1. Kin by Tayari Jones2. Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin3. Strangers by Belle Burden4. The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman5. The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout6. Anywhere Else by Rachel Knox7. Whistler by Ann Patchett8. Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer9. Good People by Patmeena Shaw10. This Is Not About Us by Allegra GoodmanHunter’s Top 101. Brawler by Lauren Groff2. Whidbey by Kira Madden3. Just Watch Me by Lior Torenberg4. Departures by Julian Barnes5. Kin by Tayari Jones6. Gunk by Saba Sams7. My Dear You by Rachel Khong8. Murder Bimbo by Rebecca Novak9. The Complex by Karan Mahajan10. Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Shine On, Bright and Dangerous Object by Laurie Colwin. Hunter is reading Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.
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  Episode 587 || What Would Susie Read? 25.06.2026 47min

  This week on From the Front Porch, Annie chats with her mom, Susie, about books for readers with PG-13 tastes. Use code SHOPMOMSELECTS at checkout online and in the store to get 10% off Susie’s favorite books! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 587) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: The Little Bookshop by the Harbor by Jean Stone The Second Story Bookshop by Denise HunterJump and Find Joy by Hoda KotbDiscernment by Henry NouwenTake Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs by Heather LendeOrdinary Time - the Paperback with new essays by Annie B. JonesRoyal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin BenwayMore Things in Heaven and Earth by Jeff HighEach Shining Hour by Jeff HighA Poem to Read Aloud Every Day of the Year Edited by Liz IsonWisdom from the Hidden Life of Trees by Peter WohllebenA Moment of Calm a Soothing Poem for every Day of the Year Edited by Ana SampsonHomecoming Meditations by Jessica Boston From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline. Shop Mom is reading Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.
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  Episode 586 || Off the Shelf with Annie & Ashley: Summer 2026 18.06.2026 44min

  This week on From the Front Porch, it's an episode of Off the Shelf with Annie & Ashley! Annie is joined by friend, cousin, and former colleague, Ashley Sherlock, to chat about what they’re reading – but also what they’re watching, listening to, and buying. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 586) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Annie is reading:● Anywhere Else by Rachel Knox● Down with the Shipmans by Meg Mitchell Moore● The Shampoo Effect  by Jenny Jackson (out June 30) Ashley is reading:● Brawler by Lauren Groff● Fat Swim by Emma Copley Eisenburg● Theo of Golden by Allen Levi● Kin by Tayari Jones● Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri● The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments by Hadley Vlahos● Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Annie is watching:● Off Campus● The Dark WizardAshley is watching:● Love Story● Company Retreat● Her shark on FahloAnnie listening to:● The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline● Mumford & Sons● Noah Kahan● Writing music Ashley listening to:● Porch Light by Noah Kahan● Begin Again by Mumford and Sons● Sleepyhead by Young and Sick Annie buying:● House stuff Ashley buying:● Cotton Candy grapes From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Fair Ones (out October 6) by Lydia Millet. Ashley is reading Anywhere Else byRachel Knox. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.
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  Episode 585 || Shop Dad Recommends 11.06.2026 55min

  This week on From the Front Porch, Annie is joined by her actual dad and The Bookshelf’s Shop Dad, Chris! Annie and Chris chat about his reading life and some of his favorite books in honor of Father’s Day. These books are perfect for giving to your own dad or anyone who’s been there for you like a dad. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 585) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: The Man No One Believed: The Untold Story of the Georgia Church Murders by Joshua Sharpe A Killer Wedding by Joan O'Leary Daikon by Samuel Hawley Running Deep by Tom Clavin James by Percival Everett Bone Valley: A True Story of Injustice and Redemption in the Heart of Florida by Gilbert King Beartown by Fredrik Backman The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmond Fitzgerald by John U. Bacon So Far Gone by Jess Walter Warning Signs by Tracy Sierra All Carry by Gene Wojciechowski The Fourth Branch: How State Government Can Save Our Union by Daniel Squadron From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page. Shop Dad is reading Homeschooled by Stefan Merrill Block. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.
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  Episode 584 || June 2026 New Release Rundown 04.06.2026 48min

  This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia share the June (and some July) releases they’re excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 584), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Annie’s books Whistler by Ann Patchett Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer (June 9th, 2026) The Fervent Whites by De’Shawn Carles Winslow (June 9th, 2026) JULY PICK: The Half Life by Rachel Beanland (July 14th, 2026) Olivia’s books The Children by Melissa Albert The Heirs by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Voyagers by Meg Charlton (June 16th, 2026) JULY PICK: The Mortons by Justine Larbalestier & Scott Westerfeld (July 21st, 2026) Erin’s books Down with the Shipmans by Meg Mitchell Moore (June 2nd, 2026) Heather by Caitlin Mullen (June 9th, 2026) The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson (June 30th, 2026) JULY PICK: Not with a Bang by Temi Oh (July 14th, 2026) From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is listening to Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune. Olivia is reading The Final Chapter by C.B. Everett. Erin is listening to Heather by Caitlin Mullen. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.
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  Episode 583 || May 2026 Reading Recap 28.05.2026 42min

  This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in May. You get 10% off your books when you order your May Reading Recap bundle. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 583), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: May Reading Recap Bundle - $71 Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2nd, 2026) Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2nd, 2026) Go Gentle by Maria Semple Anywhere Else by Rachel Knox The Violent Bear It Away by Flannery O’Connor Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is listenting to The Other Florida by Gloria Jahoda (unavailable to order). If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.
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  Episode 582 || Into the Backlist: The Great Believers 21.05.2026 27min

  This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a new episode of Into the Backlist! Today, Annie changes her focus from new releases to dive into the backlist: the books that came out years ago, the books that didn’t get enough attention, the books you may stumble upon while browsing in an indie bookstore like The Bookshelf. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 582) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai In Memoriam by Alice Winn Heart the Lover by Lily King Taking Turns: Stories from HIV/AIDS Care Unit 371 by MK Czerwiec How to Survive a Plague by David France A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara The Farewell Symphony by Edmund White And the Band Played On by Randy Shilts Just Kids by Patti Smith Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder Four Squares by Bobby Finger From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is listenting to Go Gentle by Maria Semple. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.
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  Episode 581 || Conquer a Classic Sneak Peek 14.05.2026 1h

  This week on From the Front Porch, Annie invites you to join our Conquer a Classic book club! It’s not too late. A Year With Flannery is a communal exploration of Georgia author Flannery O’Connor’s short stories (and novels). Listen to learn how to join our From the Front Porch Patreon Conquer a Classic book club (you’ll also find details below). To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 581) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: From the Front Porch Patreon Conquer a Classic 2026 Collection The Complete Stories by Flannery O’Connor Conquer a Classic 2026 Bundle This bundle includes The Complete Stories The Violent Bear it Away Wise Blood Mystery & Manners: Occasional Prose Now is a great time to join the From the Front Porch Patreon community and our Conquer a Classic Book Club. One perk of being a Patreon member is being a part of our super-popular, year-long Conquer a Classic book club! Each year, Annie and Hunter select a classic book and read it with our Patreon community over the course of the year.  Join our Conquer a Classic book club:  Step 1. Join the Patreon here. You’ll unlock bonus episodes of the podcast where Annie and Hunter discuss Flannery’s works, plus discussion forums with other Conquer a Classic book club members. Step 2. Buy your copy of THE COMPLETE STORIES or your Conquer a Classic bundle here. Your order will include an exclusive reading guide and bookmark.  On Patreon, you can choose from two different tiers to join our Conquer a Classic book club:  For $5/month, you get:  Monthly Conquer a Classic recap episodes with Annie and Hunter for THE COMPLETE STORIES Monthly Porch Visits on Zoom with Annie For $20/month, you get:  Monthly Conquer a Classic recap episodes with Annie and Hunter for THE COMPLETE STORIES Monthly Porch Visits on Zoom with Annie Quarterly book club conversations about O’Connor’s books: WISE BLOOD, THE VIOLENT BEAR IT AWAY, and MYSTERY AND MANNERS Biannual movie recap episodes with Annie and Hunter: FLANNERY (2019) and WILDCAT (2023) From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading A Guide to Open Water Lifesaving by Virginia Eubanks (out August 11). If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week.
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  Episode 580 || May 2026 New Release Rundown 07.05.2026 55min

  This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia share the May releases they’re excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 580), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Annie's books: Look What You Made Me Do by John Lanchester (May 5th, 2026) Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick (May 26th, 2026) Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan (May 26th, 2026) Olivia's books: Five by Ilona Bannister (May 5th, 2026) Young World by Soman Chainani (May 5th, 2026) Night Objects by Eli Raphael (May 26th, 2026) Erin's books: Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel (May 5th, 2026) The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline (May 12th, 2026) Babylon, South Dakota by Tom Lin (May 26th, 2026) From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. This week, Annie is reading Whistler by Ann Patchett. Olivia is reading The Mortons by Scott Westerfeld and Justine Larbalestier. Erin is listening to Into the Blue by Emma Brodie If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.
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  Episode 579 || April 2026 Reading Recap 30.04.2026 50min

  This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in April. You get 10% off your books when you order your April Reading Recap bundle. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 579), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer (releases June 9) Lake Effect by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson (releases June 30) Down with the Shipmans by Meg Mitchell Moore (releases June 2) Everything That Is Beautiful by Louise Nealon (releases August 4) The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai Make Nice by Ryan Effgen (releases July 14) Famesick by Lena Dunham The Half Life by Rachel Beanland (releases July 14) Judy Blume by Mark Oppenheimer   April Reading Recap Bundle  - $76 Lake Effect by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney  The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai   Judy Blume by Mark Oppenheimer   From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. This week, Annie is reading Monster of a Land by Lauren Hough. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.  
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  Episode 578 || Literary Therapy, Vol. 27 23.04.2026 51min

  This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a Literary Therapy session! Our literary Frasier Crane, Annie, is back to answer more of your reading questions and dilemmas. If you have a question you would like Annie to answer in a future episode, you can leave us a voicemail here. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 578) or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app. Anonymous Voicemail: Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin (backordered) Love by the Book by Jessica George Ordinary People by Diana Evans At the Pond by Margaret Drabble Anonymous Voicemail: Joyful Anyway by Kate Bowler The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman This is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder Before I Forget by Tory Henwood Hoen The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell Caroline Theo of Golden by Allen Levi Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevins The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry Jeanette Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan Time of the Child by Niall Williams Diary of a Country Priest by George Bernanos Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor Gilead by Marilynne Robinson The Supper of the Lamb by Robert Farrar Capon A Place at the Table by Susan Rebecca White Ordinary Time by Catherine Rentzenbrink Empire Falls by Richard Russo Tales of a Country Parish by Colin Heber-Percy Even After Everything by Stephanie Duncan Smith The Irrational Season by Madeline L'Engle and Graham Greene Trudy The Mothers by Brit Bennett This Is Where I Leave You byJonathan Tropper Flight by Lynn Steger Strong Commonwealth by Ann Patchett Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane Mercury by Amy Jo Burns Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson Like Family by Erin White  Family Trust by Kathy Wang From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. This week, Annie is listening to Judy Blume by Mark Oppenheimer. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.
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  Episode 577 || From the Front Porch Live from Reader Retreat 16.04.2026 42min

  This week on From the Front Porch, we have a special treat: a recording of our live show from The Bookshelf’s March 2026 Reader Retreat! In this episode, Annie and Hunter engage in an abbreviated March Madness debate and play the Newlywed Game with help from Ashley. Enjoy! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 577), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: The Liar's Club by Mary Karr vs. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara vs. The Goldfinch by Donna Tart Edinburgh by Alexander Chee vs. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson Fates & Furies by Lauren Groff vs. Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates vs. Olive Again by Elizabeth Strout The Road by Cormac McCarthy  From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.
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  Episode 576 || What Would the March Sisters Read? 09.04.2026 33min

  This week on From the Front Porch, Annie shares the modern books she would recommend to the March sisters from Little Women. Listen to find out what books Annie would recommend for Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy if they walked into The Bookshelf. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 576), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: For Meg The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaffer Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall For Jo Writers & Lovers by Lily King A Swim in the Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Masterclass on Writing, Reading and Life by George Saunders Bird by Bird : Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott For Beth To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han The Second Ending by Michelle Hoffman Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green For Amy Loving Frank by Nancy Horan Glaciers by Alexis M. Smith Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Love By The Book by Jessica George. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.
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  Episode 575 || April 2026 New Release Rundown 02.04.2026 53min

  This week on From the Front Porch, it’s a New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia share the March releases they’re excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 575), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Annie’s books○ The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (4/7)○ Love by the Book by Jessica George (4/7)○ Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead by Mai Mguyen (4/14) Olivia’s books○ The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke (April 7th)○ Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer by Paige Classey (April 28th)○ We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune (April 28th) Erin’s books○ Like This, But Funnier by Hallie Cantor (April 7th)○ Small Town Girls by Jayne Anne Phillips (April 21st)○ The Radiant Dark by Alexandra Oliva (April 28th) From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian. Olivia is reading Young World by Soman Chainani. Erin is reading Detour by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.
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  Episode 574 || March 2026 Reading Recap 26.03.2026 51min

  This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in March. You get 10% off your books when you order your March Reading Recap bundle. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie’s favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 574), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Reading Recap Bundle Upward Bound by Woody Brown Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan One & Only by Maureen Goo The Mash Up by Laura Marie Meyers Joyful Anyway by Kate Bowler Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead by Mai Nguyen Unspeakable Things by Brooke Nevils Look What You Made Me Do by John Lanchester Phoebe Berman's Gonna Lose It by Brooke Averick Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Abby Offsides by Anna McCallie. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.
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  Episode 573 || March Madness 2026 with Jordan Jones 19.03.2026 1h 4min

  This week on From the Front Porch, it’s all about books and basketball! Annie is joined by her husband and friend, Jordan, to set different books head to head and debate their merits in this beloved yearly tradition. If you love From the Front Porch, get your tickets to our live show on Saturday, March 28 at 8 p.m. in Thomasville, Georgia! Join us for an evening of book banter, laughter, and fun. Learn more and get your tickets here. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 573), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: My Southern Kitchen by Ivy Odom vs. Theo of Golden by Allen Levi Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry vs. It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan Heartwood by Amity Gaige vs. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy A Century of Healing: Centennial Reflections on the John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital by C. L. Bragg vs. Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green The Correspondent by Virginia Evans vs. The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry Same by Hannah Rosenberg vs. A Rebellion of Care by David Gate Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes vs. Onyx Storm  by  Rebecca Yarros Ordinary Times by Annie B. Jones vs. The Complete Stories by Flannery O’Connor A Woman’s Place is in the Paint T-Shirt From the Front Porch Live Tickets - Saturday, March 28 From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.
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  Episode 572 || What Would Susie Read? 12.03.2026 52min

  This week on From the Front Porch, Annie chats with her mom, Susie, about books for readers with PG-13 tastes. You get 10% off the Susie-approved reads mentioned in this episode when you use code SHOPMOMSELECTS at checkout online and in-store! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 572), or download and shop on The Bookshelf’s official app: Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street by Helene Hanff Hurricane Season by Lauren K Denton The Chancellor's Mansion: A Renovation Story of Family, Home, History, and Mystery by Jamie Arty A Change of Habit: Leaving Behind My Husband,Career, and Everything I Owned to Become A Nun by Sister Monica Claire Awake: A Memoir by Jen Hatmaker Summer Light on Nantucket by Nancy Thayer A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan The Women on Platform Two by Laura Anthony Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn Something to Look Forward To by Fanny Flagg Marce Catlett: The Fore of a Story by Wendell Berry My Beloved: A Mitford Novel by Jan Karon Theo of Golden by Allen Levi The Sisters of Book Row by Shelly Noble 100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist's Guide to a Happy Life by Dick Van Dyke More Than Enough by Anna Quindlan From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf’s daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today’s episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today’s episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is listening to Annie is reading Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan. Susie is reading The Little Bookshop by the Harbor by Jean Stone. If you liked what you heard in today’s episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We’re so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Ashley Ferrell, Beth, Cammy Tidwell, Gene Queens, Jammie Treadwell, Joseph Shorter IV, Kimberly, Linda Lee Drozt, Nicole Marsee, Stephanie Dean, and Wendi Jenkins.