T Kira Madden (Author of Whidbey) | Ep. 219

In Episode 219, Sarah talks with author T Kira Madden about her debut novel, Whidbey. A dark, atmospheric story that explores the long reach of violence and the lack of recourse many victims face, Whidbey tackles difficult themes including sexual abuse, stalking, and the ways narratives around these crimes are shaped by media and public perception. Sarah and T Kira discuss the inspiration behind the novel, its complex characters, and the themes at the heart of the story. Plus, she shares a bit about what she's working on next and some terrific 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 Books by T Kira Madden: Whidbey and Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls A brief, spoiler-free overview of Whidbey The inspiration behind the novel Revisiting the impact of sexual assault through fiction What the character of Mary-Beth brings to the story The ways the novel explores justice, accountability, and the limited options available to victims How the reality show storyline reflects the power of media to shape public narratives What T Kira is working on next T Kira's Book Recommendations [36:42] Two OLD Books She Loves Reading the Waves by Lidia Yuknavitch (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[36:56] Scorched Earth by Tiana Clark (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:43]   Other Books Mentioned The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch (2011) [37:15]  Two NEW Books She Loves Extinction Capital of the World by Mariah Rigg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:38] Bloodfire, Baby by Eirinie Carson (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:28] One Book She DIDN'T Love We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver (2003) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:58] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Lovers XXX by Allie Rowbottom (June 4, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:22] Other Books Mentioned Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (2024) [46:43]  The Hop by Diana Clarke (2022) [47:09]  Books From the Discussion There There by Tommy Orange (2018) [36:32] Other Links Guernica | The Feels of Love by T Kira Madden (December 12, 2016)

In Episode 218, Sarah chats with Enneagram author, speaker, and podcaster Sarajane Case about Reading Through the Enneagram. After a brief introduction to the Enneagram and how it differs from other personality systems, they dive into how Enneagram types show up in our reading lives — from guessing an author's type to rethinking our own habits as readers. Sarajane walks through the nine types, shares a book recommendation for each, and offers her own personal picks. 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 Books by Sarajane Case: The Honest Enneagram and The Enneagram Letters A brief introduction to the Enneagram — and how it differs from other personality systems Sarajane's personal approach to working with the Enneagram A quick overview of the nine Enneagram types How each Enneagram type might approach reading Whether (and how) we can discern an author's Enneagram type through their work (and the Enneagram types most and least likely to be authors themselves) Practical tips for using your type to improve your reading life Reading Through the Enneagram [29:51]  Type 1: The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:08] Type 2: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:50]   Type 3: In Five Years by Rebecca Serle (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:27] Type 4: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:42]  Type 5: Fourth Wing (Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:56]  Type 6: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:32]  Type 7: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:56]  Type 8: Crook Manifesto (The Harlem Trilogy, 2) by Colson Whitehead (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:20]  Type 9: Severance by Ling Ma (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:16]  Other Books Mentioned The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, 1) by J. R. R. Tolkien (1954) [32:08]  Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) [33:49]  The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (2019) [34:57]  Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022) [35:23]  Sarajane's Book Recommendations [36:37]  Two OLD Books She Loves The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:50]  Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:08]  Two NEW Books She Loves Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:09]  A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:14]  Other Books Mentioned Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [42:05]  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) [42:16]  Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2021) [42:28]  Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2022) [42:37]  The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (2022) [43:28]  One Book She DIDN'T Love Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami (1987) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:14]  Other Books Mentioned South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami (1992) [44:20]  1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (2009) [44:49]  One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Theodora's Tea Shop by Christy Anne Jones (July 28, 2026 — no US release date set yet) | Link to Blackwell's for US Orders [45:52]  Other Links Truity | Enneagram Personality Test

In Episode 218, Sarah chats with Enneagram author, speaker, and podcaster Sarajane Case about Reading Through the Enneagram. After a brief introduction to the Enneagram and how it differs from other personality systems, they dive into how Enneagram types show up in our reading lives — from guessing an author's type to rethinking our own habits as readers. Sarajane walks through the nine types, shares a book recommendation for each, and offers her own personal picks.  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 Books by Sarajane Case: The Honest Enneagram and The Enneagram Letters A brief introduction to the Enneagram — and how it differs from other personality systems Sarajane's personal approach to working with the Enneagram A quick overview of the 9 Enneagram types How each Enneagram type might approach reading Whether (and how) we can discern an author's Enneagram type through their work (and the Enneagram types most and least likely to be authors themselves) Practical tips for using your type to improve your reading life Reading Through the Enneagram [29:51]  Type 1: The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:08] Type 2: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:50]   Type 3: In Five Years by Rebecca Serle (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:27] Type 4: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:42]  Type 5: Fourth Wing (Empyrean, 1) by Rebecca Yarros (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:56]  Type 6: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:32]  Type 7: People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:56]  Type 8: Crook Manifesto (The Harlem Trilogy, 2) by Colson Whitehead (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:20]  Type 9: Severance by Ling Ma (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:16]  Other Books Mentioned The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, 1) by J. R. R. Tolkien (1954) [32:08]  Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) [33:49]  The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez (2019) [34:57]  Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (2022) [35:23]  Sarajane's Book Recommendations [36:37]  Two OLD Books She Loves The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:50]  Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:08]  Two NEW Books She Loves Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:09]  A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:14]  Other Books Mentioned Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [42:05]  The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) [42:16]  Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2021) [42:28]  Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2022) [42:37]  The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (2022) [43:28]  One Book She DIDN'T Love Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami (1987) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:14]  Other Books Mentioned South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami (1992) [44:20]  1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (2009) [44:49]  One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Theodora's Tea Shop by Christy Anne Jones (July 28, 2026 — no US release date set yet) | Link to Blackwell's for US Orders [45:52]  Other Links Truity | Enneagram Personality Test

In Episode 217, Sarah chats with author Christine Kuehn about her memoir, Family of Spies, and the thirty-year journey that led her to uncover a long-buried family secret. Christine shares how the story first entered her life, the decades-long research process behind reconstructing her father's past, and what it meant to weave her own discovery into the historical narrative surrounding her family's role in the Pearl Harbor attack. She also offers a glimpse of what she's working on next and shares some of her favorite 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 the shape of the book's narrative sets it apart from other WWII stories How this story entered Christine's life — and the moment everything changed Her decision to publicly share this dark chapter of her family's history The decades-long research process behind uncovering her father's past Why integrating her own discovery story was essential to telling her family's role in the Pearl Harbor attack A glimpse at what she's working on next Christine's Book Recommendations [31:29] Two OLD Books She Loves The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:43] Agent Sonya by Ben Macintyre (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:45]   Other Books Mentioned The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre (2018) [34:45]  The Siege by Ben Macintyre (2024) [34:47]  Two NEW Books She Loves Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:57] The Lost Kitchen, Vol 2: Big Heart Little Stove by Erin French (2025) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [37:35] Other Books Mentioned Finding Freedom by Erin French (2021) [38:46]  One Book She DIDN'T Love Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:48] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:33] Other Books Mentioned Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023) [42:06]  Books From the Discussion At Dawn We Slept by Gordon W. Prange (1981) [5:47] Other Links Instagram | Sarah's Bookshelves, Family of Spies Review

Episode 216 continues the Best of… series with a deep dive into the horror genre. Meredith Monday Schwartz of the Currently Reading podcast joins the show to discuss her all-time Top Ten favorite horror books, along with a few buzzy titles that didn't quite work for her. Meredith also talks about how she came to the genre and the wide range of reading experiences horror has to offer. 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 Meredith defines the horror genre — and where she draws the lines Subgenres of horror that don't get talked about as much Meredith's personal relationship with reading horror What draws her to the genre and how she approaches her horror TBR The role of women in horror, both as authors and within its themes Meredith's All-Time Top Ten Horror: Ranked [18:47] 10) Daphne by Josh Malerman (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:33] 9) How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:10] 8) The Ruins by Scott Smith (2006) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:42] 7) Near the Bone by Christina Henry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:02] 6) Diavola by Jennifer Thorne (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:19] 5) We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:44] 4) Slewfoot by Brom (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [34:01] 3) The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [37:40] 2) The Stand by Stephen King (1978) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:46] 1) I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:50] High-Profile Horror She Didn't Love [49:39]  The September House by Carissa Orlando (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:03] The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:55] Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:34]  Other Books Mentioned The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson (1977) [9:57] 101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered by Sadie Hartmann (2023) [13:25]  Feral and Hysterical by Sadie Hartmann (2025) [13:37]  Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) [22:47]  The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre by Philip Fracassi (2025) [28:33]  Psycho by Robert Bloch (1959) [31:01]  The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer (April 21, 2026) [33:29]  Krampus by Brom (2012) [36:42]  The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James (2012) [39:07]  The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James (2022) [39:23]  11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) [43:13]  Foe by Iain Reid (2018) [49:00]  Bird Box by Josh Malerman (2014) [52:39]  Other Links Sadie Hartmann (@Mother.Horror) on Instagram Talking Scared with Neil McRobert Slow Read: The Stand with Sarah Stewart Holland & Laura Tremaine

In Episode 215, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books share the best backlist books they read in 2025. They discuss their top 5 backlist books from last year, highlight some underrated backlist gems, and review their backlist reading statistics. Devoting an entire episode to backlist reading is both a team and listener favorite annual tradition!  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 The Best of the Backlist Guide: Favorite Backlist Books Read in 2025 is available now! Members of the Sarah's Bookshelves Live community share the best backlist book they read last year in a beautiful PDF guide. To get the guide, you can sign up to join us on Patreon here. or Substack here. You'll also get access to monthly bonus podcast episodes and the new-for-2026 Rock Your Reading Tracker and the Lite Reading Tracker. Highlights Sarah and Catherine share their full stats for backlist reading in 2025. Backlist reading quantity was stable last year for Sarah, but backlist reading quality dipped a bit. Catherine had a slight increase in the number of backlist books she read, AND her backlist reading remained incredibly successful. Sarah's backlist reading may change just a bit looking ahead to 2026. Our Top 5 Backlist Books We Read in 2025 [10:44]  Catherine The No-Show by Beth O'Leary (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:50]  Georgia by Dawn Tripp (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:44]  The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:48]  Don't You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:57]  The Death of Bees by Lisa O'Donnell (2013) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:21]  Sarah The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:37]  The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis (1983) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:58]  We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:42]  Family Happiness by Laurie Colwin (1982) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:30]  Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:37]  Other Books Mentioned The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (2019) [13:19]  The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin (2023) [20:28]  Smacked by Eilene Zimmerman (2020) [20:31]  Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond (2021) [20:33]  Heated Rivalry (Game Changers, 2) by Rachel Reid (2023) [33:50]  Happy All the Time by Laurie Colwin (1978) [37:58]  Guess Again by Charlie Donlea (2025) [40:54]  Underrated Backlist Gems [43:34]  Catherine Miss Jane by Brad Watson (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:46]  Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist by Sunil Yapa (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:40]  Sarah Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:28]  Euphoria by Lily King (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:04]  Other Books Mentioned Talking at Night by Claire Davelery (2023) [48:25]  Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (2025) [51:20]  Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) [51:38] 

Welcome to the Winter 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!   Today, Catherine and Sarah share 16 of their most anticipated books releasing from January through March.   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 The 2026 Reading Tracker is out! This year brings upgraded features across the board — including NEW average star rating and 5-star book tracking for every stat on the Dashboard — plus an updated Lite Tracker for those who prefer a streamlined version. Both Trackers are ONLY available to paid Patreon or Substack subscribers ($7/month) and is no longer sold separately. To avoid Apple's 30% fee, be sure to join directly from the Patreon website (mobile or desktop). Join our Patreon Community (here) OR become a Substack Paid Member (here)!   One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah 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 and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights A lightning round of some big releases coming this winter that we're not featuring in today's preview. Catherine chose books by authors she knows and trusts. This year, Sarah dug deep into the publisher's catalog for potential hidden gems. Sarah's books cover literary suspense, literary fiction, brain candy, nonfiction, and a thriller from 2 debut authors and 3 repeat authors. Sarah has already read one of her picks — and it was 4.5 stars! Plus, their #1 picks for winter. Big Winter Releases The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:39] The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:43] My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:46] Once and Again by Rebecca Serle (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:49] Crux by Gabriel Tallent (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:53] Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:56] Two Kinds of Stranger by Steve Cavanagh (March 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:00] Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:03] Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict (March 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:21]  Missing Sam by Thrity Umrigar (January 27) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:24]  This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:28]  Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy (January 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:31]  Other Books Mentioned I'm Glad My Mother Died by Jennette McCurdy (2022) [3:35]  Winter 2026 Book Preview [6:57] January Catherine's Picks Skylark by Paula McLain (January 6) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:53] Vigil by George Saunders (January 27)  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:48]  Other Books Mentioned Circling the Sun by Paula McLain (2015) [11:04] When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) [13:12]  Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017) [17:39]  February Sarah's Picks Good People by Patmeena Sabit (February 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:59] Royal Spin by Omid Scobie and Robin Benway (February 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:14] Kin by Tayari Jones (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:01]  Catherine's Picks Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:19] More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen (February 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:05] Other Books Mentioned Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (2014) [9:37]  Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) [9:40]  Real Americans by Rachel Khong (2024) [9:42]  The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (2003) [9:50]  Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019) [14:04]  Finding Freedom by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand (2020) [14:53]  Endgame by Omid Scobie (2023) [14:57]  Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden (2019) [19:20]  An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) [24:11] Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones (2011) [24:13]   Leaving Atlanta by Tayari Jones (2002) [26:48]  Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen (2018) [29:43]  After Annie by Anna Quindlen (2024) [29:51]  March Sarah's Picks No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (March 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:07]  Whidbey by T Kira Madden (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:50] All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[35:31] She Fell Away by Lenore Nash (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:01]  The Complex by Karan Mahajan (March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:35]  Catherine's Picks Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:02]  No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (US Release March 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:44] Son of Nobody by Yann Martel (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:11]  How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:15]  Other Books Mentioned A Thousand Naked Strangers by Kevin Hazzard (2016) [30:48]  The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2022) [33:06]  Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2016) [33:13]  Shelter by Jung Yun (2016) [35:41]  Medium Rare by A. Natasha Joukovsky (March 3, 2026) [40:39]  Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) [41:45]  Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) [41:46]  Life of Pi by Yann Martel (2001) [43:38]  The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel (2016) [46:16]  The Association of Small Bombs by Karan Mahajan (2016) [47:17]  Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson (2012) [50:04]  Other Links The New Yorker | "The True Margaret," by Karan Mahajan 

In Episode 213, Sarah and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) wrap up the year with the Best Books of 2025 Genre Awards. They reveal their Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction) and a full breakdown by genre, including: Best Literary Fiction, Best Romance, Best Brain Candy, Best Genre Mash-Up, and more! Plus, they share the winners for these same genres as chosen by the Sarah's Bookshelves Live Member Community. 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. Announcements The 2026 Reading Tracker is out! This year brings upgraded features across the board — including NEW average star rating and 5-star book tracking for every stat on the Dashboard — plus an updated Lite Tracker for those who prefer a streamlined version. Both Trackers are ONLY available to paid Patreon or Substack subscribers ($7/month) and is no longer sold separately. To avoid Apple's 30% fee, be sure to join directly from the Patreon website (mobile or desktop). Join our Patreon Community (here) OR become a Substack Paid Member (here)! Highlights Podcast reflections from 2025 — including top episodes based on download stats. A brief overview of Sarah's and Chrissie's 2025 year in reading. Their favorite books of the year: overall and by genre, including the SBL Member Community's picks. 2025 Genre Awards [12:39] Sarah The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:45]  The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [16:32]  The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:13]  One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [23:48]  The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:47]  August Lane by Regina Black (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:03]  The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:54]  Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:36] This American Woman by Zarna Garg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:00] Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:59] The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [54:44]  Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [56:29] Next of Kin by Gabrielle Hamilton (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [1:00:10]  The Elements by John Boyne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:03:10] Chrissie Fox by Joyce Carol Oates (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [13:42]  Joy Moody Is Out of Time by Kerryn Mayne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:36]  Marble Hall Murders (Susan Ryeland, 3) by Anthony Horowitz (2025) | Amazon| Bookshop.org  [21:39]  The Pretender by Jo Harkin (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [25:51]  What We Can Know by Ian McEwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:28]  To Clutch a Razor (Curse Bearer, 2) by Veronica Roth (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:39]  The Love Haters by Katherine Center (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:03]  These Heathens by Mia McKenzie (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:31]  The Zorg by Siddarth Kara (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:11]  Misbehaving at the Crossroads by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:09] A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:38]  Awake in the Floating City by Susanna Kwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[55:11] Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [57:16]  Future Boy by Michael J. Fox (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:01:23]  Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated by James Goodhand (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:06:07]  SBL Member Community The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:43] The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:02] Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:52]  Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:21] The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:28]  The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:23]  One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:39] Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [40:57] Big Dumb Eyes by Nate Bargatze (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:15] Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:17] Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:19] The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:22] Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:24] So Far Gone by Jess Walter (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:27] This American Woman by Zarna Garg (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:28] Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:20] Ordinary Time by Annie Jones (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [52:32] Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:31]  Among Friends by Hal Ebbott (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [59:25] Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:02:33] Other Books Mentioned Leaving by Roxana Robinson (2024) [13:51]  Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) [15:35]  Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) [15:58]  Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) [16:09]  The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) [16:11] Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) [16:13] Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne (2023) [17:45]  Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (2025) [18:46]  Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez (2025) [18:56]  The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham (2025) [19:18] Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (2025) [19:23] Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) [21:28]  The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark (2025) [23:03] The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman (2025) [23:07]   Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) [23:13] The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) [23:15]   We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter (2017) [24:09]  Tell Me an Ending by Jo Harkin (2022) [26:03] What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) [26:55] Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) [27:06]   The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis (2025) [27:12] Isola by Allegra Goodman (2025) [28:13]  Merge by Grace Walker (2025) [31:35] The Memory Collectors by Dete Meserve (2025) [31:43]  Sunrise on the Reaping by Susanna Collins (2025) [31:48] Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (2025) [31:01] The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2025) [32:05] When Among Crows by Veronica Roth (2024) [33:05]  Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (2025) [34:23] Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) [34:36] Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [34:37] A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett (2025) [34:49] The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett (2024) [34:54] Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [34:58] The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow (2025) [35:05] Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (2025) [35:31] The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (2023) [36:49] The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [38:54]  The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones (2025) [40:30] Hungerstone by Kat Dunn (2025) [40:37] We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad (2025) [40:42] The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (2025) [41:19] Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker (2025) [41:30] When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi (2025) [44:56] The Wager by David Grann (2023) [47:34]  Replaceable You by Mary Roach (2025) [49:04] The Gales of November by John U. Bacon (2025) [49:11] Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (2025) [51:58] All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert (2025) [52:08] Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) [52:24] Nobody's Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre (2025) [52:28] One Day, Everyone Will Always Have Been Against This by Omar El Akkad (2025) [52:49] The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [53:22] Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) [54:21] Life, and Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo (2025) [54:27] Woodworking by Emily St. James (2025) [56:16] Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (2025) [58:57] The Elements by John Boyne (2025) [59:15]   Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (2025) [59:49] My Friends by Fredrik Backman (2025) [59:51] The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [1:05:51] James by Percival Everett (2024) [1:08:07]  Top Podcast Episodes Ep. 199: Best Books of 2025 (So Far) with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Susie (@NovelVisits) Ep. 184: Best Books of 2024 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits) Ep. 185: Winter 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 205: Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 192: Spring 2025 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) Ep. 198: Best of Thrillers with Anderson McKean of Page & Palette (@PagePalette) Ep. 188: Best of Fantasy with Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) Ep. 193: Clare Leslie Hall (author of Broken Country) Ep. 187: State of the Industry in 2024 with Kathleen Schmidt (@KathMSchmidt), author of the Publishing Confidential Substack Ep. 208: Best of Narrative Nonfiction with Elizabeth Barnhill of Fabled Bookshop (@FabledBookshop)

In Ep. 212, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books start wrapping up 2025 with the first of the two year-end episodes: Best Books of 2025 Superlatives. In this episode, they share their picks for over 25 superlative categories, including Weirdest 5-Star Read of 2025, The Book That Made Us Furious, Most Underrated Gem, Too Dark Even for Me, and so much more! 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 Our best books of the year from over 25 categories, including: My First 5-Star 2025 Release of the Year Weirdest 5-Star Read of 2025 The Book That Made Us Furious Most Underrated Gem Most Perplexing Book Best Book to Be Made into a Reality Series Too Dark Even for Me Most Crushingly Depressing Book I Loved Best Horror Book in the Victorian-Feminist-Gory Category The Crime Novel That Hit Me Hardest Emotionally 2025 Superlatives [7:32] Sarah Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:58] What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[12:38] Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025)| Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:22]  Maggie; a Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:43]  The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:25]  Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:22]  The Dinner Party by Viola Van de Sandt (2025)  | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:25]  Fox by Joyce Carol Oates (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:35] When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén (US release 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:37]  Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:30] What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:53] Dream State by Eric Puchner (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:52] Heart the Lover by Lily King (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:06] The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:38] Awake by Jen Hatmaker (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:07] Catherine What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[9:58] The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:37] The Compound by Aisling Rawle (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:31] Murderland by Caroline Fraser (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:53] Heart, Be At Peace by Donal Ryan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:07] The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:13] Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[38:31] The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:12] Sweet Fury by Sash Bischoff (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:45] Muse of Nightmares (Strange the Dreamer, 2) by Laini Taylor (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:40] Let's Call Her Barbie by Renée Rosen (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:39] Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:31] The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:18] Other Books Mentioned Defending Jacob by William Landay (2012) [8:59]  All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay (2023) [9:00] Pretty Things by Janelle Brown (2020) [10:40]  I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) [30:25]  The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan (2012) [33:08] Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (2025) [45:20]  The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange (2023) [45:39]  Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1934) [46:13] The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021) [48:34] Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler (2013) [48:35]   Writers and Lovers by Lily King (2020) [51:32]

In Episode 211, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 14 new releases they shared in the Fall 2025 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to!  They share their reading stats and discuss which books worked and which didn't…and why.   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's success rate bounces back from summer. Sarah's fall reading felt kind of "meh" despite a higher success rate. They also share their combined 2025 Preview success rates. Their fall pick ratings were all over the place, with only one DNF, but books range from 2 to 4 stars, with Catherine boasting the sole 5-star book! A couple of books suffered from an identity crisis, while others were surprise successes.  Catherine's assignment for next season is to check the page count and look for authors following-up award-winning books. They name their best and worst books picks for fall! Books We Read Before the Preview [5:57]  SEPTEMBER Sarah's Picks The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (September 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[6:01] Fall 2025 Circle Back [7:23] AUGUST Sarah's Picks Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (August 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:29] We Loved to Run by Stephanie Reents (August 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[13:38] Catherine's Pick Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (August 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:59] Other Books Mentioned Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025) [9:28]  Inferno by Dante (c. 1321) [11:29]   Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) [13:16]  Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [13:25] The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (2018) [16:12] SEPTEMBER Sarah's Picks Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (September 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:51] Hot Desk by Laura Dickerman (September 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:30] Underspin by E. Y. Zhao (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:06] Catherine's Picks The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:12]  Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent (US release: September 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:01] Other Books Mentioned The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (2019) [28:07]  OCTOBER Catherine's Picks Workhorse by Caroline Palmer (October 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:24] The Wayfinder by Adam Johnson (October 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[34:49] Other Books Mentioned The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger (2003) [32:43]  The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson (2012) [38:35]  The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai (2006) [39:03]  NOVEMBER Sarah's Pick Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:37] Catherine's Pick Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (November 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:48] Other Books Mentioned The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (2018) [44:43]  DECEMBER Catherine's Pick The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini (US release: December 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:49]