Sarah's Bookshelves Live Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves

In Episode 169, Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books and I catch up on the 12 new releases from the Spring 2024 Book Preview. We share our reading stats, chat about what we liked, and what didn’t quite hit the mark. Tune in to hear our thoughts on these books and get some recommendations for your next read! 

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Access the 2024 Summer Reading Guide Cheatsheet and Free Trial on Patreon here.
Highlights Catherine describes spring as “disappointing and confusing” — Is 2024 a slow year for standout reads? Catherine’s spring reading trend dips over the past three years. On the flip side, spring seems to be Sarah’s reading season! This spring brought Sarah two 4.5-star books. One of Catherine’s auto-buy authors no longer makes the cut. Sarah’s wildcard selection missed the mark this season as well. Both Catherine and Sarah’s top picks from the Preview didn’t quite deliver. They name the best and worst books from their spring picks.⁠ Books We Read Before the Preview [6:20] Sarah’s Picks The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza (April 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:27] Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zenter (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:19] Spring 2024 Book Preview [10:22] April
Sarah’s Pick
The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (April 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:09] Catherine’s Picks
Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:22] Honey by Victor Lodato (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:56] Real Americans by Rachel Khong (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:23] Other Books Mentioned
Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman [13:51] The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman [14:32] You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith [19:17] Maid by Stephanie Land [19:19] Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad [19:21] Know My Name by Chanel Miller [19:23] Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance [19:25] Educated by Tara Westover [19:26] Greenwood by Michael Christie [26:02] May
Sarah’s Picks
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley  (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[27:36]  The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:49] Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli  (May 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:11] Catherine’s Picks
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:58]  The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:28] Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:00]  Other Books Mentioned
The Hunter’s Daughter by Nicola Solvinic [33:17] The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore [39:26] The Guncle by Steven Rowley [39:37] Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli [42:25] Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan [47:05]

Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I share our favorite books that missed last year’s Summer Reading Guide, some shorter books we think are great for summer reading, and our #1 picks for each category featured in my 2024 Summer Reading Guide.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Access the 2024 Summer Reading Guide Cheatsheet and Free Trial on Patreon here.
Summer Reading [9:19] Books That Missed Last Year’s Summer Reading Guide [10:14] Sarah
All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:21] Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Guide for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:22] The Hop by Diana Clarke | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:22]  Susie
Shark Heart by Emily Habeck | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:58] Perfectly Nice Neighbors by Kia Abdullah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:04]  The Last Ranger by Peter Heller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:24]  Other Books Mentioned
Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby [11:08] Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby [11:10]  Dial ‘A’ for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto [16:26] Take It Back by Kia Abdullah [20:07] Shorter Books Great for Summer Reading [26:00] Sarah
All Together Now by Matthew Norman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:13]  Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:48] Be spoiler ready: The murders and endings of The A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie, Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith, The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne, Malice Aforethought by Francis Iles, Double Indemnity by James M. Cain, The Drowner by Robert Drewe, The Secret History by Donna Tartt, and Deathtrap by Ira Levin are discussed in detail as noted in the book.  But many readers have lamented that the endings and main plots were also spoiled for The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and And Then There Were None, both by Agatha Christie. FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:29] Susie
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:09]  I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:52] One Woman Show by Christine Coulson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:06] Other Books Mentioned
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle [28:49] One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle [28:51]  The Measure by Nikki Erlick [31:00] The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson [31:54] Our #1 Summer Picks by Category  [42:43] Something Light / Fun
Sarah: The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:20]  Susie: Annie Bot by Sierra Greer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:13]  Other Books Mentioned: The Measure by Nikki Erlick [45:19] The One by John Marrs [45:23] Slow-Burn Suspense
Sarah: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:37]  Something Fast-Paced / Intense
Susie: What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan | Amazon | Bookshop.org[51:49]  Something With a Bit More Substance
Sarah: Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:50]  Susie: Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:11]  Other Books Mentioned: Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [57:42] Something Different
Sarah: The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:08]  Susie: Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:00]  Other Books Mentioned: We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter [1:03:55] Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin [1:05:50]

In Ep. 167, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I are circling back to 2018 in the book world with a special retrospective episode!  We share big bookish highlights for that year, including book news, award winners, and what was going on in the world outside of reading. We also talk about our own 2018 reading and our favorite 2018 releases.  Plus, you’ll hear 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 going on outside the book world. Book stories and trends that dominated 2018. Looking back at 2018, we couldn’t help but say, “If only we knew what was coming!” The books that have had staying power.⁠ Titles that now are comps for SO MANY books!⁠ We explore the early days of this new wave of celebrity book clubs. Our personal 2018 reading stats.⁠ Listener-submitted favorites from 2018.⁠ Circling Back to 2018 in Books [2:05] The World Beyond Books Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:12] A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1) by George R. R. Martin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:45] The Walking Dead (Compendium One) by writer Robert Kirkman and artist Tony Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:54] The Book Industry Becoming by Michelle Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:55] Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:46] The Meltdown (Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 13) by Jeff Kinney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:50] Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:54] Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:56] Wonder by R. J. Palacio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:12] Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:16] The President Is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:42] Book Trends Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:30] Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:34] Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:36] Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:38] Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:27] Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:34] You Are a Badass® by Jen Sincero | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:59] 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:08] The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson | Amazon | Bookshop.org[18:14] Big Books of 2018 Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:46] The Reckoning by John Grisham | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:58] The President Is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:05] Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:56] There There by Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:25] The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:27] Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:16] Normal People by Sally Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:20] Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:21] Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:33] Verity by Colleen Hoover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:30] Circe by Madeline Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:08] The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:32] The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:36] The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:07] I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:19] Becoming by Michelle Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:36] Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:11] Educated by Tara Westover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:31] Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn | Amazon |

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

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Highlights A spoiler-free overview of Victim. Andrew shares the inspiration and decade-long development of the story. How his journalism background is reflected in his book. Why Andrew decided to craft Javier’s story as a memoir. Andrew’s journey to finding an agent and getting published. Why Andrew followed his dream of writing fiction, rather than publishing an essay collection like many publishing insiders were advising him. The way his story drafts and characters evolved over time. How his MFA workshop helped shaped the story. Riding that fine line for a balanced satire: focusing on the social commentary without going over the top. The themes Andrew is exploring in his next book! Andrew’s Book Recommendations [34:19] Two OLD Books He Loves
Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quiñonez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:30] Loving Day by Mat Johnson  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:11] Other Book Mentioned: Pym by Mat Johnson [37:56] Two NEW Books He Loves
The Birthparents by Frank Santo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:09] Blackouts by Justin Torres | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:38] Other Book Mentioned: We the Animals by Justin Torres [40:57] One Book He DIDN’T Love
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:13] Other Book Mentioned: The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz [43:21] One NEW RELEASE He’s Excited About
Oye by Melissa Mogollon (May 14, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:14] Last 5-Star Book Andrew Read
Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:37] Other Books Mentioned Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [27:31] The Sellout by Paul Beatty [31:14] About Andrew Boryga Website | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)
Andrew Boryga is a writer, editor, and author from the Bronx, New York, currently residing in Miami, Florida with his wife and two children. Victim is his debut novel.
Boryga began his career writing for a local newspaper in the Bronx at age 16, eventually securing an internship with The New York Timesby age 18. His nonfiction writing has since been featured in prominent publications such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Paris Review, and The Daily Beast, among others.  Boryga’s contributions to writing education extend beyond his own work, encompassing teaching roles for elementary school students, college students, and incarcerated individuals in Florida. He has also shared his insights on writing and the writing life through lectures at various academic institutions.  Throughout his career, Boryga has been awarded prizes by Cornell University, The University of Miami, The Susquehanna Review, and The Michener Foundation. 

Welcome to the Spring 2024 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  
In this episode, Catherine and I share 12 of our most anticipated books releasing in April and May.  

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Announcement One of the many benefits to joining our Patreon Community is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and I share at least 4 bonus books we are excited about that we did not share in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all patrons (Stars and Superstars) and sign up here! Highlights Catherine is fully embracing spring with some lighter, fun reading. Sarah is joining the fun with lighter reads as she preps for the Summer Reading Guide. Among weddings, homecomings, and books set in Washington State, Catherine is bringing 5 out of 6 familiar authors. With some atypical stories, Sarah has some with historical fiction elements and a nonfiction book. Sarah’s choices feature 2 debuts and 3 returning authors. Hopefully going for a tamer wildcard pick will work out for Sarah this season. Sarah has read and liked 2 of her chosen books, and has also started one of Catherine’s picks! And don’t forget to catch their top #1 picks for the spring season! Spring 2024 Book Preview [3:52] April
Sarah’s Picks
The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (April 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:54] The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza (April 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:10] Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zenter (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[19:51] Catherine’s Picks
Christa Comes Out of Her Shell by Abbi Waxman (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:54] Honey by Victor Lodato (April 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:08] Real Americans by Rachel Khong (April 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:45] Other Books Mentioned
The Wanderers by Meg Howrey [7:16] You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith [8:10] Maid by Stephanie Land [8:13] Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad [8:17] Know My Name by Chanel Miller [8:20] Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance [8:22] Educated by Tara Westover [8:24] Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman [10:37] We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza [13:53] Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win by Jo Piazza [14:01] Edgar and Lucy by Victor Lodato [17:17] All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg [19:14] The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner [20:16] Normal People by Sally Rooney [22:36] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [24:55] May
Sarah’s Picks
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley  (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:20]  The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:13] Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli  (May 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:05] Catherine’s Picks
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean (May 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[33:00]  The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:12] Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan (May 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:31]  Other Books Mentioned
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon [32:03] The Holdout by Graham Moore [36:22] The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin [36:59] The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore [37:39] The Guncle by Steven Rowley [39:36] The Editor by Steven Rowley [41:45] Someday, Maybe by Onyi Nwabineli [42:12] The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton [46:28] Other Books Mentioned Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet [3:39] About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X  (formerly Twitter)
Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Booksover 10 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle, WA.

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

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.
Highlights Catherine and Sarah share their Winter 2024 reading stats and success rates. Despite some trouble in her reading early on, Catherine ended up with a successful winter. Sarah’s reading had a mix of fiction and nonfiction with several debuts. We’ve got a total of 3 five-star books! Does a mythology retelling always work for Catherine? Was Sarah’s wildcard pick a little too out there for her? Plus, don’t miss their #1 picks for winter. Books We Read Before the Preview [3:44] Sarah’s Picks
Mercury by Amy Jo Burns (January 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:49] The Fortune Seller by Rachel Kapelke-Dale (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:30] Other Books Mentioned
Shiner by Amy Jo Burns [3:54] Cinderland by Amy Jo Burns [5:30] The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [8:34] The Ingenue by Rachel Kapelke-Dale [8:35] Winter 2024 Circle Back [9:14] January
Sarah’s Picks
River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure (January 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:00] Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson (January 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:52] Catherine’s Picks
The Fury by Alex Michaelides (January 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:23] Family Family by Laurie Frankel (January 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:35] Other Books Mentioned
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides [11:32] This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel [22:42] One Two Three by Laurie Frankel [22:43] Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson [22:57] Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie [23:14] February
Sarah’s Picks
Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:04]  Leaving by Roxana Robinson  (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:06] Catherine’s Picks
The Things We Didn’t Know by Elba Iris Pérez (February 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:06]  Medea by Eilish Quin (February 13) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:17] Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:29]  Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:49] After Annie by Anna Quindlen (February 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:20] Other Books Mentioned
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer [33:13] There There by Tommy Orange [41:02] March
Sarah’s Picks
Say Hello to My Little Friend by Jennine Capó Crucet  (March 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:23] Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (March 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:55] Catherine’s Pick
James by Percival Everett (March 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:13] Other Books Mentioned
My Time Among the Whites by Jennine Capó Crucet [45:10] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [48:26] Good for a Girl by Lauren Fleshman [49:52] Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain [50:29] Other Links Sara Hildreth (FictionMatters) on Substack | Reading in Public No. 32: Six things to know about Huck Finn before you read James About Catherine Gilmore Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X  (formerly Twitter)
Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Books over 10 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle, WA.