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.

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 [15:08]  The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre [18:12]  Ordinary Monsters by J. M. Miro [20:41]  Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam [22:57]  Trust by Hernan Diaz [23:45]  Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid [23:48]  All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg [28:06] Saint Mazie by Jami Attenberg [28:09] The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg [28:10] Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow [29:39] Banyan Moon by Thao Tai [29:44] The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza [34:37] The Women by Kristin Hannah [35:44] October Sarah’s Picks The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:18] (To skip ahead, jump to [44:55] in your podcast player.) Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:44]  Catherine’s Picks A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:11]  The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni (Oct 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:59] Libby Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth (Oct 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[36:48] Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:56]  Other Books Mentioned The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni [31:07] A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin [38:43] The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [39:23] The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin [42:23]  Capote’s Women by Laurence Leamer [42:27]  It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover [43:39]  The Heirs by Susan Rieger [45:04]  The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner [46:56]  Happiness Falls by Angie Kim [47:53]  November Catherine’s Pick The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson (Nov 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:53] 

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]

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 | Bookshop.org  [26:15] On the Savage Side by Tiffany McDaniel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [26:32]   Books Revolving Around Generational Trauma (Susie) [27:34] Sarah Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:24]  Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:28]  What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:52]  The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:54] What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry, MD PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:57]   Susie Grown Women by Sarai Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:08]  Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:58]  The Postcard by Anne Berest | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:27]  Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:50]  All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [30:53]  Swift River by Essie Chambers | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:56]  Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshanathan | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:59]  Co-Ed Friend Groups (Sarah) [32:18] Sarah The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:17]  Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:29]  The Ensemble by Aja Gabel | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:39]   All Together Now by Matthew Norman | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:47]  Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:01] The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:14] Susie The Celebrants by Steven Rowley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:36]  Who We Are Now by Lauryn Chamberlain | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:16]  Peace, Love, and Rock n’ Roll / Books Set in the ’60s & ’70s (Susie) [36:58] Susie The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:09]  Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:31]  Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:57]  The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead | Amazon | Bookshop.org [spp-timestamp time=”[39:11]″]  All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:39] Last House by Jessica Shattuck | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:53]  Surprisingly High-Quality Celebrity Memoirs (Sarah) [40:33] Sarah Open by Andre Agassi | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:05]  Spare by Prince Harry | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:07]  Open Book by Jessica Simpson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:16]  Finding Me by Viola Davis | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:11]  Becoming by Michelle Obama | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:15] Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:21]   Susie Born a Crime by Trevor Noah | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:19]  Other Books Mentioned The Woman in Me by Britney Spears [41:45]  The Many Lives of Mama Love by Laura Love Hardin [43:33]  Look Backs (Susie) [44:38] Sarah City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:11] Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:33]  Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:06]  Susie The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:30] The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:03] Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:08] Absolution by Alice McDermott | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:30] Other Books Mentioned Happiness Falls by Angie Kim [47:47] 

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 | Bookshop.org [25:21] David Joy The Line That Held Us | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:58] Those We Thought We Knew | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:32] Rebecca Makkai The Great Believers | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:43] The Hundred-Year House | Amazon [31:47] I Have Some Questions For You | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:27] Peter Heller The River | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:50] The Guide | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:56] The Last Ranger | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:59] Burn | Amazon | Bookshop.org (August 13, 2024)[35:29] The Dog Stars | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:43] Celeste Ng Our Missing Hearts | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:41] Everything I Never Told You | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:59] Little Fires Everywhere | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:00] William Kent Krueger The River We Remember | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:26] Annie Hartnett Rabbit Cake | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:33] Unlikely Animals | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:34] Fredrik Backman Beartown | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:59] A Man Called Ove | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:02] Us Against You | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:16] The Winners | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:19] Anxious People | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:26] Lily Brooks-Dalton Good Morning, Midnight | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:32] The Light Pirate | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:34] Anna Pitoniak Necessary People | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:45] The Futures | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:58] The Helsinki Affair | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:10] Emma Straub This Time Tomorrow | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:44] All Adults Here | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:36] Sarah Ann Patchett Tom Lake | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:11] Bel Canto | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:14] These Precious Days | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:20] Run | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:33] Commonwealth | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:45] Rufi Thorpe The Girls from Corona del Mar | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:12] Dear Fang, With Love | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:21] The Knockout Queen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:39] Margo’s Got Money Troubles | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:43] Garrett M. Graff The Only Plane in the Sky | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:57] Kevin Wilson Now Is Not the Time to Panic | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:10] Nothing to See Here | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:48] The Family Fang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:54] Amy Jo Burns Shiner | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:13] Mercury | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:14] Liz Nugent Unraveling Oliver | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:06] Strange Sally Diamond | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:14] Meg Wolitzer The Interestings | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:34] The Wife | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:39] The Female Persuasion | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:32] Tayari Jones An American Marriage | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:01] Silver Sparrow | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:07] Brit Bennett The Mothers | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:52] The Vanishing Half | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:00] Angie Kim Miracle Creek | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:13] Happiness Falls | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:14] Mary Laura Philpott I Miss You When I Blink | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:13] Bomb Shelter | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:14] Rachel Khong Goodbye, Vitamin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:44] Real Americans | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:46] Hanna Halperin I Could Live Here Forever | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:50] Something Wild | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:56] Gabrielle Zevin The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:04] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:06] Young Jane Young | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:08] Former Auto-Buy Authors [1:03:23] Catherine Mark Halperin Paul Auster John Irving Nelson DeMille Plum Island (A John Corey Novel, #1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:08:50] Colson Whitehead The Underground Railroad | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:14:03]  The Nickel Boys | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:14:05]  Susie Chris Bohjalian Skeletons at the Feast | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:37] The Sleepwalker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:55] The Flight Attendant | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:05:57] The Princess of Las Vegas | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:06:26] The Double Bind | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:06:57] Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:06] The Sandcastle Girls | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:17] Midwives | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:21] Sally Hepworth The Younger Wife | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:10:43]  Stephen King The Stand | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:12:14]  11/22/63 | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:12:17]  Holly | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:12:37]  Mr. Mercedes | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:12:45]  Sarah Anna Quindlen Alternate Side | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:52] After Annie | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:59] Beatriz Williams A Hundred Summers | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:07:53] Along the Infinite Sea | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:08:16] Michael Lewis Liar’s Poker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:22]  Moneyball | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:22] The Big Short | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:23]   The Blind Side | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:24]  The Undoing Project | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:11:25]  Auto-Avoid Authors  [1:14:50] Catherine Paula Hawkins The Girl on the Train | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:17:11]  Colleen Hoover Verity | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:18:30]  Fredrik Backman Alix E. Harrow Susie Rachel Kapelke-Dale The Ballerinas | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:15:07]  The Ingenue | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:15:16]  The Fortune Seller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:15:20]  Elle Cosimano Finlay Donovan Is Killing It | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:16:11]  Annabel Monaghan  Benjamin Stevenson Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone | Amazon | Bookshop.org[1:17:46]  T. J. Newman Falling | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:19:11]  Drowning: The Rescue of Flight 1421 | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:19:23]  Emma Cline The Girls | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:20:45]  The Guest | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:21:02]  Sarah Riley Sager Final Girls | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:17:04]  Emily Henry Liane Moriarty The Husband’s Secret | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:19:40] Big Little Lies | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:19:40]   What Alice Forgot | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:19:41]  Kristin Hannah The Nightingale | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:21:59]  The Great Alone | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:22:03]  The Women | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:22:06]  Emma Straub Other Books Mentioned Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano [1:23:44] Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano [1:23:47]  56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard [1:25:04] The Trap by Catherine Ryan Howard [1:25:16]  Writers & Lovers by Lily King [1:25:41]  Euphoria by Lily King [1:25:44] 

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 | Bookshop.org [21:09] The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:33] The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:03] Other Books Mentioned 11/22/63 by Stephen King [20:58] Life After Life by Kate Atkinson [21:02] Books by Former or Current Attorneys [22:37] Sarah’s Additions Gone But Not Forgotten by Phillip Margolin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:30] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:47] All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:52] Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:03] Susie’s Addition What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:32] Other Books Mentioned The Damage by Caitlin Wahrer [22:54] Miracle Creek by Angie Kim [23:23] The Eddie Flynn Series by Steve Cavanagh [23:26] Faithful Friends / Ensembles [25:07] Sarah’s Addition The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:39] Susie’s Additions We Are the Light by Matthew Quick | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:53] Piglet by Lottie Hazell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:16] Good Material by Dolly Alderton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:36] The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:10] Other Books Mentioned The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer [25:37] The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall [25:41] The Ensemble by Aja Gabel [25:45] Come and Get It by Kiley Reid [27:28] Suspenseful Books That Are Not Truly Thrillers,But That Publishers Market as Thrillers [28:20] Sarah’s Additions The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:26] All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:50] Susie’s Addition Perfectly Nice Neighbors by Kia Abdullah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:21] Other Books Mentioned The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb [29:08] My Sunshine Away by M. O. Walsh [29:11] The Cutting Season by Attica Locke [29:20] Literary Angst [30:52] Sarah’s Addition Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:01] Susie’s Additions Yellowface by R. F. Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:06] Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:30] I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:16] Other Books Mentioned Writers & Lovers by Lily King [31:26] Groundskeeping by Lee Cole [31:30] We Wish You Luck by Caroline Zancan [31:33] The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz [33:44] A Million Little Pieces by James Frey [34:22] Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James [34:24] Oral Histories [34:35] Sarah’s Additions The Hop by Diana Clarke | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:18] Kill Show by Daniel Sweren-Becker | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:38] Welcome to the O.C. by Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, and Alan Sepinwall | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:52] Other Books Mentioned The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [34:58] Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid [35:05] Retellings of Classics or Beloved Books [36:43] Sarah’s Addition Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:53] Susie’s Additions Tom Lake by Ann Patchett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:27] Bear by Julia Phillips | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:46] Other Books Mentioned Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [37:03] Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Cantor [37:08] Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes [37:13] The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood [37:17] Birnham Wood by Eleanor Catton [38:38] James by Percival Everett [39:05] Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen [39:55] Badass Female Athlete Fiction / Competition Novels [40:14] Sarah’s Addition Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:42] Other Books Mentioned Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid [40:35] Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley [40:38] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [41:02] Trust No One [41:33] Susie’s Additions First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:46] Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:07] Other Books Mentioned I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid [42:03] Foe by Iain Reid [42:04] Cover Story by Susan Rigetti [42:17] Sunburn by Laura Lippman [42:21] Everyone On This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson [43:45] The Fury by Alex Michaelides [44:19] Workplace Dramas or Thrillers [44:58] Sarah’s Additions Exit Interview by Kristi Coulter | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:38] Private Equity by Carrie Sun | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:50] Bully Market by Jamie Fiore Higgins | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:05] Susie’s Additions The Sisterhood by Liza Mundy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:48] Correspondents by Tim Murphy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:11] Other Books Mentioned The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger [45:13] The Boys’ Club by Erica Katz [45:17] All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris [45:19] Code Girls by Liza Mundy [47:04] Novels With a Focus on Found Family [47:28] Sarah’s Additions Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:47] The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:17] Susie’s Additions Who We Are Now by Lauryn Chamberlain | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:25] The Memory of Animals by Claire Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:48] All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:23] Other Books Mentioned A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara [48:04] We Are the Light by Matthew Quick [48:09] Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda [48:15] Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen [49:14] Family Family by Laurie Frankel [49:48]

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]

In Episode 171, Rufi Thorpe she joins me to discuss her latest novel, Margo’s Got Money Troubles, and her career arc in general. Rufi talks about her inspiration for Margo and the quirky elements she uses to explore deeper topics like loneliness, motherhood, untraditional family dynamics, money, and art — all with a great sense of humor. We also go behind-the-scenes of marketing the book, including cover design, titles, and comparison titles.  Plus, Rufi 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!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights A spoiler-free overview of Margo’s Got Money Troubles. Rufi talks about the inspiration for bringing together pro wrestling, OnlyFans, motherhood, a father-daughter story, and the challenges of making ends meet. How Wonder Woman (2017) played a role in creating Margo. Her thoughts on Margo’s Got Money Troubles possibly being her breakout book. The challenges of marketing such a complex book, including designing the cover. Rufi’s got title troubles: the working titles for a couple of her books! The big questions Rufi addresses in all her work. Some scenes that were cut from earlier versions book. A theme she’s exploring in her next book is gossip (which also contains time-travel and thriller elements). The way Rufi and her publisher handles comps for her hard-to-pin-down books. What she learned from an unpublished book she wrote between Dear Fang, With Love and The Knockout Queen. Rufi’s Book Recommendations [39:30] Two OLD Books She Loves Shadow Tag by Louise Erdrich | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:45] Ordinary Love and Good Will by Jane Smiley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:45] Two NEW Books She Loves Oye by Melissa Mogollon | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:35] Devil Makes Three by Ben Fountain | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:25] Other Books Mentioned: Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain [50:36] One Book She DIDN’T Love The Bee Sting by Paul Murray | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:56] One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About Mad Woman by Chelsea Bieker (Sept 3, 2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:09] Other Books Mentioned: God Shot by Chelsea Bieker [52:23] Last 5-Star Book Rufi Read Come and Get It by Kiley Reid | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:07] Other Books Mentioned: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid [54:24] Other Books Mentioned Dear Fang, With Love by Rufi Thorpe [1:57] The Girls from Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe [2:12] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [13:49] The Cider House Rules by John Irving [19:53] A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara [30:32] Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong [30:48] The Pisces by Melissa Broder [31:36] Milk Fed by Melissa Broder [31:38] Victim by Andrew Boryga [38:36] About Rufi Thorpe Website | Instagram | X | Facebook Rufi Thorpe received her MFA from the University of Virginia in 2009. Rufi is the author of The Knockout Queen, a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award, Dear Fang, With Love, and her first novel, The Girls from Corona del Mar, which was long-listed for the 2014 International Dylan Thomas Prize and for the 2014 Flaherty-Dunnan First Novel Prize. A California native, she currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and sons.

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! CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights Now that the 2024 Summer Reading Guide is set, Sarah welcomes heavier and more literary books. Catherine is leaning into several themes with books covering 4 decades. With a clean split of 3 new or debut authors and 3 repeat authors, Catherine is trying for more wins this season. Kick back with several summer picks that are 450+ pages. Sarah’s choices feature a wide variety of topics with 2 debuts and 4 returning authors. Sarah has already read and rated two of her picks 5 stars! Plus, listen in to hear their #1 picks for the summer season. Summer 2024 Book Preview [2:49] June Sarah’s Picks Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:28] Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (June 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:05] What You Leave Behind by Wanda M. Morris (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:59] Catherine’s Picks Swift River by Essie Chambers (June 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:44] Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo (June 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:34] All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:17] How the Light Gets In by Joyce Maynard (June 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:31]  Other Books Mentioned The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters [3:33] Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty [3:52] Real Americans by Rachel Khong [9:31] The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe [9:41] Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett [12:10] Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett [12:11] The Hop by Diana Clarke [13:26] The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo [14:42] All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris [18:16] Anywhere You Run by Wanda M. Morris [18:21] We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker [22:38] Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra [23:10] At Home in the World by Joyce Maynard (memoir published in 1998) [32:29] July Sarah’s Picks The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:12]  The World After Alice by Lauren Aliza Green (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:17] Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner (July 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:00] Catherine’s Picks The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[35:28] The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (July 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:11]  Other Books Mentioned Long Bright River by Liz Moore [25:22] I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai [28:56] Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead [34:09] Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane [34:23] Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid [34:46] A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella [35:37] Marrying the Ketchups by Jennifer Close [36:26] Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal [36:29] The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane [36:45] Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner [38:53] The Stationary Shop by Marjan Kamali [42:31]

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]