Sarah's Bookshelves Live

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

Sarah’s Bookshelves Live is a weekly show featuring real talk about books and book recommendations from a featured guest. Each week, Sarah of the blog Sarah’s Bookshelves will talk with her guest about: - 2 OLD BOOKS THEY LOVE - 2 NEW BOOKS THEY LOVE - 1 BOOK THEY DON’T LOVE - AND 1 NEW RELEASE THEY’RE EXCITED ABOUT I’m getting real about all things books and serving you up a bit of snark on the side.

  1. Ep. 179: From Corporate America to Indie Bookstore Owner with Gayle Weiswasser (Co-Founder of Wonderland Books) + Book Recommendations

    2 DAYS AGO

    Ep. 179: From Corporate America to Indie Bookstore Owner with Gayle Weiswasser (Co-Founder of Wonderland Books) + Book Recommendations

    In Episode 179, Sarah is joined by Gayle Weiswasser, co-founder of Wonderland Books, an independent bookstore in Bethesda, MD opening in November 2024. Gayle candidly shares her journey from her initial idea to being on the verge of opening the store. This behind-the-scenes episode offers a deep dive into everything from training and book buying to raising capital (including crowdsourcing) and much more! Plus, Gayle wraps up the episode with some great book recommendations (and how many copies of each she’s ordering for the store). 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 Gayle’s nearly 20-year journey in the book world. How the first spark for this idea came from listening to a podcast. Some of the fears and challenges Gayle is currently facing. Bookstore bootcamp and the other ways Gayle prepared to become a bookstore owner. All about raising capital: fundraising, crowdsourcing, small business loans, and the perks of working with a partner. How Gayle balances her personal reading tastes with the community’s expectations. The process of buying books and building the store’s collection. Breaking down book margins and why publishers tend to stay quiet about them. How Wonderland Books plans to stand out from other local bookstores. How this whole process has affected Gayle’s reading this year. Did Sarah just discover a new micro-genre? Plus, an impromptu request adds a fun twist to the book recommendations segment! Gayle’s Book Recommendations [53:04] Two OLD Books She Loves The Art Thief by Michael Finkel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:15] Talking at Night by Claire Daverley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [55:55] Other Books Mentioned Normal People by Sally Rooney [57:55]  Two NEW Books She Loves The Caretaker by Ron Rash | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:39] Green Dot by Madeleine Gray | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:15] Other Books Mentioned The Risen by Ron Rash [59:03]  Serena by Ron Rash [59:07] One Book She DIDN’T Love Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:04:09] Other Books Mentioned The Girls from Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe [1:04:33]  The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [1:04:35]  One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler (February 4, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:08:29] Other Books Mentioned: Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler [1:08:40] Beneath the Bonfire by Nickolas Butler [1:09:12]  Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld (February 25, 2025) [1:09:25]  You Think It, I’ll Say It by Curtis Sittenfeld [1:09:36]  Leaving by Roxana Robinson [1:10:12]  Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf [1:10:49]  Last 5-Star Book Gayle Read The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:42] Other Links The Bookshop Podcast with Mandy Jackson-Beverly The Bookstore Training Group About Gayle Weiswasser Blog | Instagram | X | Facebook  Gayle Weiswasser is the co-founder of Wonderland Books, a soon-to-open independent bookstore opening soon in Bethesda, MD. Gayle is also the founder of the blog, Everyday I Write the Book and the co-host of the podcast The Readerly Report. Prior to opening Wonderland Books, Gayle was a lawyer and communications executive.  She’s a DC native and now lives in Chevy Chase, MD with her family. Learn More about Wonderland Books: Website | Instagram | Facebook

    1h 14m
  2. Ep. 178: Behind the Scenes of Amazon's Best Books Lists with Al Woodworth, Senior Editor & Manager of Amazon Books Editorial + Book Recommendations

    SEP 18

    Ep. 178: Behind the Scenes of Amazon's Best Books Lists with Al Woodworth, Senior Editor & Manager of Amazon Books Editorial + Book Recommendations

    In Episode 178, Al Woodworth, Senior Editor and Manager at Amazon Books Editorial, goes behind the scenes of Amazon’s editorial division, including the start-to-finish process of building the “Best Books” lists, what “best” might mean, and what helps a book make the list. Plus, Al shares some of her 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 Al fits reading into her busy weekly schedule The start to finish process of building the Amazon “Best of” lists How Amazon balances genre diversity in their “Best of” lists What “best” means to Amazon’s editorial team Publication date criteria for the Best Books of the Month and Year lists How the team discusses, votes, and makes decisions for the lists Whether sales numbers influence the year-end list How Amazon’s editorial team handles publisher influence What 2024 looks like so far for Al and the editorial team Al’s Book Recommendations [38:26] Two OLD Books She Loves Horse by Geraldine Brooks | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:39] Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:20] Other Books Mentioned Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe [41:32]  Two NEW Books She Loves James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:05] There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:18] One Book She DIDN’T Love Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:21] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami (Nov 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:54] Other Books Mentioned: 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami [51:09] Last 5-Star Book Al Read There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:05] Other Books Mentioned: John Lewis: A Life by David Greenberg (Oct 8) [52:26] Books From Our Discussion All the Worst Humans by Phil Elwood [9:25] The Wedding People by Alison Espach [14:54] Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie [18:05] All the Broken Places by John Boyne [18:11] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker [19:38] James by Percival Everett [21:40] Educated by Tara Westover [22:07] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [24:09] Spare by Prince Harry [25:25] The Testaments by Margaret Atwood [31:13]  The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood [31:25] The 9/11 Commission Report by National Commission on Terrorist Attacks [31:34] About Al Woodworth More about Amazon Book Review Website | Instagram | X | Facebook Al Woodworth is a Senior Editor on the Amazon Books Editorial team and has spent more than ten years in the book industry, championing authors and their work. She’s never without a book or four in her bag and is happiest reading memoirs and literary fiction, especially sprawling stories that cross generations and countries. She lives in Brooklyn.

    55 min
  3. Ep. 177: Fall 2024 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

    SEP 4

    Ep. 177: Fall 2024 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

    Welcome to the Fall 2024 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!   Today, Catherine and I share 16 of our most anticipated books releasing mid-August through December.   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 and Sarah share some big releases coming this fall (lightning round style). Catherine’s theme is “unpredictability” — half her picks are repeat authors and the other half simply caught her eye. Sarah’s choices feature 6 returning authors and overall are leaning more literary. A few shorter books from Sarah’s picks: under 300 pages. Sarah has already read and rated two of her picks! Plus, their #1 picks for the fall. Big Fall Releases [1:29]  Books Mentioned By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult (Aug 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:56] Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:00] The Life Impossible by Matt Haig (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:05] Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:11] The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:30] Framed by John Grisham and Jim McCloskey (Oct 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:36] The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:39] The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:45] The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami (Nov 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:51] It Starts with One: The Legend and Legacy of Linkin Park by Jason Lipshutz(Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:54] MC5: An Oral Biography of Rock’s Most Revolutionary Band by Brad Tolinski, Jaan Uhelszki, and Ben Edmonds (Oct 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:55] Never Understood: The Jesus and Mary Chain by William Reid and Jim Reid(Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:56] Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton & Me by Bernie Taupin (2023 release — in paperback Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:58] The Name of This Band Is R.E.M.: A Biography by Peter Ames Carlin (Nov 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:59] Backlist Titles Mentioned The Midnight Library by Matt Haig [2:08] The Measure by Nikki Erlick [2:27] The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins [2:45] 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami [3:02] What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami [3:25] Fall 2024 Book Preview [6:34] Mid-August Catherine’s Pick There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak (Aug 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:22] Other Books Mentioned The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak [11:03]  10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak [11:12]  September Sarah’s Picks Guide Me Home by Attica Locke (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:11] Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:41] The Siege by Ben Macintyre (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:03]  Entitlement by Rumaan Alam (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:37]  A Reason to See You Again by Jami Attenberg (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:00] Adam and Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:45] Catherine’s Picks Dear Dickhead by Virginie Despentes (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:37] Bringer of Dust by J. M. Miro (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:28]  Other Books Mentioned Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke [7:21]  Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke [7:24] The Cutting Season by Attica Locke [7:55] Godshot by Chelsea Bieker

    54 min
  4. Ep. 176: Summer 2024 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

    AUG 21

    Ep. 176: Summer 2024 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

    In Episode 176, Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books and I catch up on the 12 new releases from the Summer 2024 Book Preview. We share our reading stats, chat about what we liked, and what didn’t work out. Listen in as we share our reviews on these books and get some recommendations for your next read!  This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Catherine says she had a “hummingbird” summer of flitting from book to book to book. Sarah’s prediction of THE BOOK of summer definitely panned out! Despite some DNFs, Sarah and Catherine both ended up with a fairly successful summer. Catherine calls out one author as serving up wonderful “Jimmy Stewart fiction.” Sarah had a weird reading experience with one book. Plus, two of Sarah’s picks were 5 stars! They name the best and worst books from their summer picks! Books We Read Before the Preview [4:27] Sarah’s Picks The God of the Woods by Liz Moore  (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:47]  Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (June 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[5:14] Other Books Mentioned The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [6:09] Summer 2024 Circle Back [7:36] June Sarah’s Picks Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:10] What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:39] Catherine’s Picks Swift River by Essie Chambers (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:44] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:59] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:10] How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:04]  Other Books Mentioned Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty [11:35] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [15:09] All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris [20:55] Anywhere You Run by Wanda M. Morris [20:58] We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker [27:01] July Sarah’s Picks The World After Alice by Lauren Aliza Green (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:39] Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner  (July 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:42] Catherine’s Picks The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[33:43] The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:28]  Other Books Mentioned Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead [33:01] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [33:04] Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane [33:09] A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella [36:53] Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [37:48] The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali [42:35]

    48 min
  5. Ep. 175: 2024 Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits)

    AUG 7

    Ep. 175: 2024 Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits)

    In Episode 175, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I explore our favorite Micro Genres for 2024. Over the past year, we’ve continued to refine our reading tastes and identify specific themes and types of books that resonate deeply with us. This year, Susie and I have a curated list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with standout books from each category. It’s another big episode with tons of great book recommendations! This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Cold War Espionage (Sarah) [3:19] Sarah Red Widow by Alma Katsu | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:49] Red London by Alma Katsu | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:50] Our American Friend by Anna Pitoniak | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:10]  The Charm School by Nelson DeMille | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:20]   Red Notice by Bill Browder | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:47] The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:01] Susie The Sisterhood by Liz Mundy | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:26]  Angsty Motherhood (Susie) [7:21] Sarah Perfect Tunes by Emily Gould | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:00] Susie Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:38] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:04] Amazing Grace Adams by Fran Littlewood | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:37] When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:53]  Little Prisons by Ilona Bannister (currently unavailable in the US)  [10:54]  Landslide by Susan Conley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:57] The Push by Ashley Audrain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:00]  Memoirs About the Demise of a Marriage (Sarah) [12:18] Sarah How to Stay Married by Harrison Scott Key | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:26] You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:52]  A Beautiful, Terrible Thing by Jen Waite | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:11]  Bankruptcy by Janet Lombardi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:14]  Susie Untamed by Glennon Doyle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:49] Pandemic Stories (Susie) [15:26] NOT Based on the COVID-19 Pandemic & More Dystopian [15:49]  Sarah Wanderers by Chunk Wendig | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:43]  Susie Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:06] The Dog Stars by Peter Heller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:20] The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:41]  Severance by Ling Ma | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:07] The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:20]  With the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Background [18:28]  Sarah 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:37]  Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:40]  Susie Blue Ruin by Hari Kunzru | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [18:37]  Day by Michael Cunningham | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:17]  Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:47]  Pete and Alice in Maine by Caitlin Shetterly | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:49]  Other Books Mentioned Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult [21:09]  Invisible Son by Kim Johnson [21:14]  This Is My America by Kim Johnson [21:19]  The Measure by Nikki Erlick [22:03]  Did She Actually Say That?! (Sarah) [23:03] Sarah Miracle Creek by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:18]  Happiness Falls by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:19]  The Push by Ashley Audrain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:55]  All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:14]  Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:42]  Susie The Change by Kirsten Miller | Amazon |

    52 min
  6. Ep. 174: Unscripted | Auto-Buy Authors with Susie and Catherine

    JUL 24

    Ep. 174: Unscripted | Auto-Buy Authors with Susie and Catherine

    For Ep. 174, due to an unexpected change in our episode schedule, we’re bringing you an episode from our newest Patreon bonus series, Unscripted. This series is our sandbox for any bookish topic, whether it’s publishing news, behind-the-scenes insights from the podcast and our reading lives, or patron-submitted discussions. Most Unscripted episodes feature both co-hosts, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide), along with me — and this April episode was no exception. We dive into the topic of Auto-Buy Authors, submitted by patrons! Tune in for a candid chat about the authors we always buy, former favorites, and those we’ve learned to avoid. 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 (Podcast Survey) Hey Listeners! We value your feedback and want to ensure Sarah’s Bookshelves Live continues to meet your needs. Please take a couple of minutes to complete our podcast survey. Your insights are crucial for us to keep improving the podcast. The results are completely anonymous, so feel free to be honest. You can access the survey here. Thank you for your support! Introduction [4:19] Books Mentioned The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [5:12] Auto-Buy Authors [11:12] Catherine Elizabeth George The Great Deliverance (Inspector Lynley Mysteries, #1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:43] Anna Quindlen Paula McLain When the Stars Go Dark | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:49] Circling the Sun | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:56] Love and Ruin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:03] A Ticket to Ride | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:23] The Paris Wife | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:27] Alice Hoffman Practical Magic | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:02] The Rules of Magic | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:43] Thrity Umrigar Honor | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:30] Barbara Kingsolver Demon Copperhead | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:51] The Bean Trees | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:03] The Poisonwood Bible | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:25] Unsheltered | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:46] Prodigal Summer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:10] Pigs in Heaven | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:25] Natalie Haynes S. A. Cosby All the Sinners Bleed | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:01] Maggie O’Farrell I Am, I Am, I Am | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:03] The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:22] John Boyne Water | Amazon [43:48] The Heart’s Invisible Furies | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:16] The Boy in the Striped Pajamas | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:23] All the Broken Places | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:25] A Traveler at the Gates of Wisdom | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:04] A Ladder to the Sky | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:18] Abbi Waxman Other People’s Houses | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:12] The Bookish Life of Nina Hill | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:21] Percival Everett James | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:12] The Trees | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:13] Erasure | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:16] Jennifer Saint Elektra | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:59] Ariadne | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:00] Atalanta | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:02] Laini Taylor Strange the Dreamer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:39] Susie Claire Fuller Unsettled Ground | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:41] The Memory of Animals | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:42] Bitter Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:48] Our Endless Numbered Days | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:31] Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones & The Six | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:13] The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:16] Malibu Rising | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:18] Sally Rooney Beautiful World, Where Are You | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:31] Intermezzo (September 24, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:06] Normal People | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:22] Madeline Miller The Song of Achilles | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:20] Circe | Amazon

    1h 30m
  7. Ep. 173: Circling Back to Micro Genres We've Loved (2024) with Susie (@NovelVisits)

    JUL 10

    Ep. 173: Circling Back to Micro Genres We've Loved (2024) with Susie (@NovelVisits)

    For Ep. 173, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) joins me as we circle back to one of our favorite topics — niching down our reading into micro genres! In this special Circle Back, we revisit some previously shared micro genres from our two past Micro Genres We Love episodes and introduce two additional micro genres from a Patreon bonus episode not yet heard on the big show! We give examples that define each micro genre for us and share new books we’ve read that fit into these niches. Plus, we share books for that DIDN’T work for us. This episode is full of over 100 books for you 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. Romances That Deal With Fame [4:04] Sarah’s Additions Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:53] Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zentner | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:14] Other Books Mentioned Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld [4:31] Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston [4:34] You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi [6:01] Let the Games Begin by Rufaro Faith Mazarura (July 9) [6:37] Frenzied but Favorable Family Dynamics [7:43] Sarah’s Additions Mercury by Amy Jo Burns | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:21] Banyan Moon by Thao Thai | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:37] The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:44] Something Wild by Hanna Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:59] Susie’s Additions Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:19] Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:46] Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [9:31] Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:40] The Things We Didn’t Know by Elba Iris Pérez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:42] Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:50] Other Books Mentioned The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [8:12] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim [10:35] The Bee Sting by Paul Murray [12:17] You Only Call When You’re in Trouble by Stephen McCauley [12:35] Novels about the Dynamics of the Creative Process [12:53] Sarah’s Addition Margo’s Got Money Trouble by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:49] Susie’s Addition The Art Thief by Michael Finkel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:24] Other Books Mentioned Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [13:16] The Ensemble by Aja Gabel [13:23] Hell No! Women’s Stories [15:16] Susie’s Additions The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:05] Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:49] Margo’s Got Money Trouble by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:10] Go As a River by Shelley Read | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:34] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:37] Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:51] Other Books Mentioned Circe by Madeline Miller [15:51] The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir [15:55] Intense, (Sometimes) F-ed Up Love Stories, that Most Definitely Are Not Romances [18:10] Sarah’s Additions Talking at Night by Claire Daverley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:04] Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:17] Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:29] Susie’s Addition How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:09] Other Books Mentioned Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering [18:52] Normal People by Sally Rooney [18:55] I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin [18:58] Time Travel Done Right [20:31] Susie’s Additions The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard | Amazon | B

    53 min
  8. Ep. 172: Best Books of 2024 (So Far) with Susie and Catherine

    JUN 26

    Ep. 172: Best Books of 2024 (So Far) with Susie and Catherine

    In Ep. 172, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits), Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide), and I are together for the first time on the big show to catch up on our 2024 reading — so far!  We talk about the current publishing landscape, what books are topping bestseller lists to date, and our personal reading as it stands halfway through the year. We share our stats and talk about expectations and hopes for the remainder of the year. Plus, we each share our TOP 5 books and our biggest disappointments so far. 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. The Bookish Landscape [1:51] Books Mentioned James by Percival Everett [4:00] The Women by Kristin Hannah [4:14] Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder by Dav Pilkey [4:22] A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas [5:00] House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas [5:01] A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas [5:02] Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros [5:15] Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros [5:16] Atomic Habits by James Clear [5:17] Icebreaker by Hannah Grace [5:26] Our Personal Reading for 2024 (So Far) [6:59] Books Mentioned Medea by Eilish Quin [8:12] Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD [8:12] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley [8:13] River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure [8:15] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [11:53] In Memoriam by Alice Winn [13:33] The Measure by Nikki Erlick [16:03] Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett [16:04] Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [16:05] Our Top Five (So Far)  [16:49] Sarah Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:18] Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:50] Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:05] Margo’s Got Money Trouble by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:16] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (July 2, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[48:32] Susie How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org[20:44] Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:50] Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:46] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:28] Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski | Amazon | Bookshop.org[50:52] Catherine James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:43] Mercury by Amy Jo Burns | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:39] The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:12] The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:31] I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:46] Other Books Mentioned Shiner by Amy Jo Burns  [30:13] Cinderland by Amy Jo Burns [31:23] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [33:14] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [44:16] Long Bright River by Liz Moore [48:59] The Hunter’s Daughter by Nicola Solvinic [49:28] No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister [51:37] The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring [51:40] Virgil Wander by Leif Enger [54:59] The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton [55:15] The Iliad by Homer [55:36] Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [55:37] The Road by Cormac McCarthy [55:39] Our Biggest Disappointments (So Far)  [56:27] Sarah Everyone On This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:35] Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:45] Susie After Annie by Anna Quindlen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:01] The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:17] Catherine Family Family by Laurie Frankel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:01] Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:00] Other Books Mentioned Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson  [56:46] Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson (October 22, 2024) [57:17] We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman [59:51]

    1h 4m
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About

Sarah’s Bookshelves Live is a weekly show featuring real talk about books and book recommendations from a featured guest. Each week, Sarah of the blog Sarah’s Bookshelves will talk with her guest about: - 2 OLD BOOKS THEY LOVE - 2 NEW BOOKS THEY LOVE - 1 BOOK THEY DON’T LOVE - AND 1 NEW RELEASE THEY’RE EXCITED ABOUT I’m getting real about all things books and serving you up a bit of snark on the side.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2024
  • Episodes
    185
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves
  • Show Website
    Sarah's Bookshelves Live

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