Stay ConnectedSarah’s Bookshelves Live is a bi-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.
Copyright: © Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves
In Ep. 149, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I revisit the 12 books released from June to mid-August that we featured in the Summer 2023 Book Preview. We update you on our reading stats for summer, chat about the books we've tackled or tried, and let you know which ones are worth adding to your list and which ones you can pass on.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
HighlightsOther Books Mentioned:
June
Sarah's Picks:
Catherine's Picks:
Other Books Mentioned:
August
Sarah's Picks:
Catherine's Picks:
Other Books Mentioned:
For Episode 148, as the podcast takes a brief break, we revisit a backlist episode…the Best Books of 2020 with Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits). Re-listening to this one is a unique opportunity to get a look back on a strange year. Whether you're new to the podcast or have been with us for a while, everyone loves a TBR filled with backlist gems! Library holds should be easy and paperbacks editions have been released! So, let's take a look back at our favorite 2020 books (overall and by genre) and our picks for tons of bookish superlatives. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). This is a backlist episode. It features a new introduction and has been cut for content, but first aired on November 25, 2020, in its entirety, as Ep. 71: Best Books of 2020 and Bookish Superlatives with Susie from @NovelVisits. Highlights 2020 Podcast Overview (including favorite and most downloaded episodes) Overview of our reading years (including the impact of COVID-19) Favorite books of 2020 (trends, overall, and by genre) 2020 Bookish Superlative Awards Our Favorite Books of 2020 (Overall and by Genre) [18:25] Sarah Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:56] Untamed by Glennon Doyle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:28] The Familiar Dark by Amy Engel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:15] The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:39] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:13] Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:30] One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:06] Long Bright River by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:19] The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:24] Craigslist Confessional by Helena Dea Bala | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:50] We Keep the Dead Close by Becky Cooper | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:00] Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:55] Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:11] This is My America by Kim Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:25] Susie The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab | Amazon | Bookshop.org[19:34] A Knock at Midnight by Brittany K. Barnett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:20] The Night Swim by Megan Goldin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:41] Godshot by Chelsea Bieker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:15] The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:52] Writers & Lovers by Lily King | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:40] The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:12] Long Bright River by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:00] Greenwood by Michael Christie | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:48] Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi | Amazon | Bookshop.org[35:52] Open Book by Jessica Simpson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:41] American Royals II: Majesty by Katharine McGee | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:00] A Children's Bible by Lydia Millet | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:52] Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:37] 2020 Superlatives [43:54] Sarah The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:18] Running by Natalia Sylvester | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:58] We Wish You Luck by Caroline Zancan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:02] Untamed by Glennon Doyle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:13] The Searcher by Tana French | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:59] Sea Wife by Amity Gaige | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:28] Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:18] This is My America by Kim Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:29] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:29] Deacon King Kong by James McBride | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:25] Anxious People by Fredrik Backman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:58] Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:59] A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler | Amazon | Bookshop.org[54:00] Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:02] Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:17] Eat a Peach by David Chang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:25] Stray by Stephanie Danler | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:33] Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:45] The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel | Amazon| Bookshop.org [57:40] Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:46] The Boys' Club by Erica Katz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:59] The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:54] The Office by Andy Greene | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:19] Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:56] A Knock at Midnight by Brittany K. Barnett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:10] The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim | Amazon| Bookshop.org[1:05:20] Caste by Isabel Wilkerson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:37] Susie Perfect Tunes by Emily Gould | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:22] 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:18] Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:26] Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:22] Anxious People by Fredrik Backman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:34] Greenwood by Michael Christie | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:41] A Children's Bible by Lydia Millet | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:43] Last Couple Standing by Matthew Norman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:47] Want by Lynn Steger Strong | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:14] Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:21] Writers & Lovers by Lily King | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:10] The Night Swim by Megan Goldin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:20] The Guest List by Lucy Foley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:23] Pretty Things by Janelle Brown | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:25] When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:27] 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:57] Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:56] Memorial by Bryan Washington | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:17] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:23] Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:38] The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:40] The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez | Amazon | Bookshop.org[1:01:55] A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:15] Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:43] Other Books Mentioned Beach Read by Emily Henry [15:57] The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel [23:19] The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan [24:46] The Mothers by Brit Bennett [27:23] The Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen [35:13] In Cold Blood by Truman Capote [35:15] Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt [35:18] Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi [36:03] American Royals by Katharine McGee [40:54] The Witch Elm by Tana French [48:01] Beartown by Fredrik Backman [48:59] The Girls of Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe [52:50] Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight [1:02:28] Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi [1:02:41] Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle [1:03:42] Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby [1:04:34] Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell [1:04:42] Other Links Ep. 116: Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits) Ep. 145: 2023 Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits) Ep. 43: Jordan Moblo (@jordys.book.club) on Growing a #Bookstagram Account Ep. 63: Helena Dea Bala (Author of Craigslist Confessional) Mini Ep. 59: Reviving Your Reading Life + Ann Patchett Deep Dive with Alyssa Hertzig (@alyssaisbooked) Ep. 56: Holly Root (Literary Agent) on the Rise of Rom-Coms & Publishing in the Coronavirus Era Ep. 66: Kate Stayman-London (Author of One to Watch) Ep. 64: Catherine Adel West (Author of Saving Ruby King) From Novel Visits: Reading in the Midst of a Global Pandemic | Musings From Novel Visits: The Night Swim by Megan Goldin | [Spoiler] Discussion About Susie Boutry Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Susie has loved reading for as long as she can remember. Some of her fondest childhood memories involve long afternoons at the library and then reading late into the night. More than ten years ago, she began journaling about the books she read and turned that passion into writing about books. Her first forays were as a guest reviewer on a friend's blog, but she soon realized she wanted to be reviewing and talking about books on a blog of her own. From there, Novel Visits was born. That was in 2016 and, though the learning curve was steep, she loves being a part of the book community. Novel Visits focuses on new novel reviews (print and audio), previews of upcoming releases, and musings on all things bookish.
Full show notes at the publisherIn Episode 147, Lara Love Hardin joins me to discuss her memoir, The Many Lives of Mama Love. Lara shares her journey from opioid addict (funded through credit card theft) to successful ghostwriter. Her warm and candid storytelling touches on themes of forgiveness, redemption, and unwavering resilience, demonstrating people's ability to triumph over life's darkest moments. This was a five-star book for me, and I am thrilled to explore such a deeply felt journey with Lara.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
HighlightsTwo OLD Books She Loves
Two NEW Books She Loves
One Book She Didn't Love
Two NEW RELEASES She's Excited About
Last 5-Star Book Lara Read
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:45]
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Lara Love Hardin is the President and Founder of True Literary a full-service boutique literary agency.
Hardin has an MFA in creative writing and is a 4-time New York Times bestselling writer, including the #1 New York Times bestseller Designing Your Life by Dave Evans and Bill Burnett, and 2018 Oprah Book Club pick, The Sun Does Shine, which she co-authored with Anthony Ray Hinton about his 30 years as an innocent man on Alabama's death row. There are well over a million copies sold of the many books she has written, and you can find her on the title page and in the acknowledgments of books by Nelson Mandela, John Gottman, Evy Poumpouras, and other luminary authors on the Idea Architects roster.
In 2019 she won a Christopher Award for her work "affirming the highest values of the human spirit." In 2019, she was also nominated for an NAACP Image Award, won the Moore Prize in the UK, and was short-listed for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. In 2020, she launched her own division within Idea Architects (Idea Architects: True) as a literary agent specializing in memoir.
She lives in La Selva Beach, California with her third husband, three dogs, three cats, and three teenagers. She also has 21 chickens, four ducks, and three adult sons who live at home on holidays and big laundry days.
In today's podcast episode, Katie Williams and I delve into the complex questions surrounding motherhood, marriage, and society's fixation on a certain type of murder victim that she explores in My Murder. We discuss the romanticization of white female victims, serial killers and guilt, and the integration of video games and virtual reality into this story. As a bonus, Katie also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming horror comedy and shares her books recommendations.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
HighlightsTwo OLD Books She Loves
Two NEW Books She Loves
NEW RELEASE She's Excited About
Last 5-Star Book Katie Read
Lone Women by Victor LaValle | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:57]
In Episode 145, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I dive into micro genres — the niches within niches that we've come to adore. Over the past year, we've discovered even more unique themes and types of books that consistently captivate us. Today, we're thrilled to present a special episode where we share an abundant list of our favorite micro genres, the books that define them, and the reasons why we find them so irresistible. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). Get Even More Summer Reading Recommendations with Summer Shelves: In addition to my annual 2023 Summer Reading Guide, I'm once again offering Superstars Patrons ($7/mo) exclusive access to Summer Shelves, featuring even more recommendations for the season. Summer Shelves features BACKLIST summer reading recommendations from 17 former podcast guests, our team members, and — for the first time — 20 Superstars patrons! The Summer Shelves design is clean, crisp, and unique and you'll receive it in a PDF file format via Patreon. If you'd like to get the Summer Shelves companion guide, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You'll also get access to a monthly bonus podcast series called Double Booked (where Catherine or Susie and I share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show) and my Rock Your Reading Tracker. Get Summer Shelves Micro Genres We Love Romances that Deal with Fame [3:47] Sarah The View Was Exhausting by Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:08] Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:15] Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:18] How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:23] The Idea of You by Robinne Lee | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:31] Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:44] Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:52] Susie Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org[6:06] Speculative Fiction that Involves Climate Change(a.k.a. Cli-Fi) [7:02] Susie The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:34] The Displacements by Bruce Holsinger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:40] American War by Omar El Akkad | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:48] Greenwood by Michael Christie | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:18] Bewilderment by Richard Powers | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:57] Migrations by Charlotte McConaughey | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:05] Other Books Mentioned: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [7:31] The Power by Naomi Alderman [7:32] Novels about the Dynamics of the Creative Process [11:35] Sarah Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:28] The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:31] If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:34] The Displacements by Bruce Holsinger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:40] Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:47] The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (August 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:52] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:08] Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:17] The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:21] The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:47] Seven Days in June by Tia Williams | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:50] Yellowface by R. F. Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:53] The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:55] A Likely Story by Leigh Abramson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:57] The Wife by Meg Wolitzer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:01] Susie City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:30] Tuesday Nights in 1980 by Molly Prentiss | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:41] Fake by Erica Katz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:44] Writers and Lovers by Lily King | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:12] Groundskeeping by Lee Cole | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:16] No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:19] Other Books Mentioned: The Ensemble by Aja Gabel [12:40] Novels With a Focus on Found Family [17:11] Susie The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:42] A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:47] We Are the Light by Matthew Quick | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:08] The Measure by Nikki Erlick | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:12] The Celebrants by Steven Rowley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:33] Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:39] The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:45] Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:53] Other Books Mentioned: The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue [20:49] Literary Authors Leaping into Genre Writing [22:07] Sarah When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:16] I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai | Amazon | Bookshop.org[23:26] Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:46] The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead | Amazon | Bookshop.org[24:17] Susie On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:35] Other Books Mentioned: The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai [23:29] The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead [24:27] The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [26:04] Watergate by Garrett M. Graff [26:04] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [26:54] The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne [27:22] A Ladder to the Sky by John Boyne [27:32] The Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett [27:54] Retellings of Classics or Beloved Books [29:10] Susie Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:45] Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:00] Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:06] The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:08] Circe by Madeline Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:16] The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:19] Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:22] Olympus, Texas by Stacey Swann | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:25] Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:32] Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeyemi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:55] The Girls at the Kingfisher Club by Genevieve Valentine | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:58] Wicked by Gregory Maguire | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:05] Sarah Anna K by Jenny Lee | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36] The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:48] Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:11] Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:44] Be spoiler warned: The murders and endings of The A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie, Strangers on a Trainby Patricia Highsmith, The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne, Malice Aforethought by Francis Iles, Double Indemnity by James M. Cain, The Drowner by John D. MacDonald, 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. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson | Amazon| Bookshop.org [37:56] Other Books Mentioned: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen [30:58] Little Women by Louisa May Alcott [32:15] The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald [33:03] Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy [36:38] Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith [36:54] Emma by Jane Austen [37:02] Character Twists [38:38] Sarah The One by John Marrs | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:51] The Marriage Act by John Marrs | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:53] Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson | Amazon| Bookshop.org [40:01] The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org[40:07] Susie The Family by Naomi Krupitsky | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:00] Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:07] Stories Taking Place in a Single Day (a.k.a. Circadian Novels) [41:24] Susie Atomic Family by Ciera Horton McElroy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:55] Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:04] I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:16] All Stories Are Love Stories by Elizabeth Percer | Amazon | Bookshop.org[43:51] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:06] Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister | Amazon | Bookshop.org[44:32] Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:51] Sarah One Day by David Nicholls | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:53] The Dinner by Herman Koch | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:04] Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:19] If We're Being Honest by Cat Shook | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:38] Other Books Mentioned: Ulysses by James Joyce [42:40] Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf [42:43] The Hours by Michael Cunningham [42:46] Foe by Iain Reid [43:41] Intense, (Sometimes) F-ed Up Love Stories, that Most Definitely Are Not Romances [46:00] Sarah I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org[46:37] White Fur by Jardine Libaire | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:23] Like a House on Fire by Lauren McBrayer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:36] Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:41] Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:47] Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:03] A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:13] Normal People by Sally Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:17] Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org[48:28] Susie The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:14] The Most Fun We've Ever Had by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:25] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:33] Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:47] Big Swiss by Jen Beagin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:53] Everything's Fine by Cecilia Rabess | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:58] Novels Where Musicians or the Music Industry Play a Dominant Role [50:15] Susie Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org[51:39] The Ensemble by Aja Gabel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:50] The Storyteller by Dave Grohl | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:15] The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez | Amazon | Bookshop.org[52:42] How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:55] The People We Keep by Allison Larkin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:20] Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:33] Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:35] The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton | Amazon | Bookshop.org[54:34] Other Books Mentioned: Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner [54:00]
Full show notes at the publisherJohn Marrs, best-selling author of The One, The Passengers, and The Marriage Act, talks about his journey from self-published to bestselling author, his writing process, how he manages writing in multiple genres for two different publishers, and more. John's journalism background led him to ask me some thought-provoking questions as well. Our conversation was an absolute delight, and I can't wait for you to dive into his captivating universe of books. Plus, be sure to check out John's book recommendations that align nicely with my own reading tastes!
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
HighlightsTwo OLD Books He Loves
Two NEW Books He Loves
NEW RELEASE He's Excited About
Last 5-Star Book John Read
Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:41]
In today's episode of Sarah's Bookshelves Live, we dive into the fascinating world of book coaching with Abigail K. Perry (@abigailkperry)! We chat about the role of book coaches, the perks of working with them, and uncover some valuable insights for aspiring authors and book lovers. Plus, Abigail shares 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!).
HighlightsTwo OLD Books She Loves
Two NEW Books She Loves
One Book She DIDN'T Love
NEW RELEASE She's Excited About
Last 5-Star Book Abigail Read
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:04]
Announcement
June
Sarah's Picks:
Catherine's Picks:
Other Books Mentioned:
August
Sarah's Picks:
Catherine's Picks:
Other Books Mentioned:
Catherine (Gilmore Guide to Books) and I revisit the 12 books released in April and May featured in the Spring 2023 Book Preview. We give updates on our reading stats, share our thoughts on the books we've read or attempted, and offer recommendations on which ones deserve a spot on your reading list and which ones you might want to skip.
This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).
AnnouncementSarah's Picks:
Other Books Mentioned:
April
Sarah's Picks:
Catherine's Picks:
Other Books Mentioned:
May
Sarah's Picks:
Catherine's Picks:
Other Books Mentioned:
Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I share our favorite books that missed last year's Summer Reading Guides, some nonfiction books we think are great for summer reading, and our #1 picks for four categories, including what I have featured in my 2023 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!).
Get Even More Summer Reading Recommendations with Summer Shelves:Sarah
Susie
Sarah
Susie
Something Light / Fun
Something Fast-Paced / Intense
Something With Substance
Something Different
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
