Ep. 209: 2025 Debuts Special with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley)

In Episode 209, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) join Sarah for the 5th annual Debuts Special! They're sharing their reading stats for debuts this year, along with their favorite debuts, new and backlist — so far for 2025. 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 debuts from 2025 compare to those from previous years. A full breakdown of Sarah's, Catherine's, and Chrissie's 2025 debut-related stats. Featured debuts, split into two categories: Favorite Debuts of 2025 (so far) Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2025 Favorite Debuts of 2025 (so far) [9:20] Sarah Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [10:27] The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:54] Great Black Hope by Rob Franklin (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:12] Catherine The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:04] The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:50] Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:30] Chrissie Homeseeking by Karissa Chen (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:39] Awake in the Floating City by Susanna Kwan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[26:34] Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:53] Other Books Mentioned The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [10:09] The Compound by Aisling Rowle (2025) [10:11] Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (2025) [10:14] Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (2025) [10:17] Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (2025) [10:19] Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill (2014) [12:48]  You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith (2024) [12:56]  Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (2017) [18:47]  Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger (1990) [20:49]  The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe (2020) [22:08]  All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall (2025) [28:58]  Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) [30:36]  The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe (1987) [34:15]  Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2025 [39:09] Sarah I Might Be In Trouble by Daniel Aleman (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:15] Out of Love by Hazel Hayes (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:26] Catherine In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:45] Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:47] Chrissie Fruiting Bodies by Kathryn Harlan (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:04] The Undertaking by Audrey Magee (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:31] Other Books Mentioned Music of the Ghosts by Vaddey Ratner (2017) [44:58]  Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield (2022) [46:14]  The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2022) [49:08]  The Colony by Audrey Magee (2022) [53:26]  Additional Books Mentioned Victim by Andrew Boryga (2024) [3:39]  Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (2004) [6:54] 

Ep. 208 brings the third installment of our "Best of…" series. Elizabeth Barnhill of Fabled Bookshop joined Sarah for the Best of Narrative Nonfiction, sharing her ALL-TIME TOP books in this genre. Plus, she brings a few popular nonfiction reads that didn't work for her.⁠ This episode is chock-full of fantastic book recommendations to get you ready for Nonfiction November or just your next nonfiction pick. 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 Elizabeth got started with narrative nonfiction. How the pull of "real stories" has her returning to this category again and again. Her favorite sub-genres and what doesn't work for her. Elizabeth picks a book from her list that would be a good starter book for those new to the genre. All books mentioned in this episode are linked through Fabled Bookshop or Libro.FM. If you decide to purchase, we'd love for you to use our Fabled links in the show notes — if your budget allows.  As a bonus, use promo code SARAH at checkout on Fabled's website for 10% off your order! Prefer audio? You can find the titles on Libro.fm and select Fabled as the store you'd like to support. You can also find a list of Elizabeth's books from this episode on both Fabled's website. Elizabeth's Favorite Narrative Nonfiction Sub-Genres [9:53] NATURAL DISASTER STORIES In the Kingdom of Ice by Hampton Sides (2014) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [10:42] The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin (2004) | Fabled | Libro.FM [11:13] The Vortex by Scott Carney and Jason Miklian (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [11:29] The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown (2009) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [12:18] What Stands in a Storm by Kim Cross (2015) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [13:11] Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson (1999) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [13:33] LITTLE-KNOWN FACTS One Summer by Bill Bryson (2013) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [14:24] Pappyland by Wright Thompson (2020) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [15:05] The Facemaker by Lindsey Fitzharris (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [15:43] POP SCIENCE Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport (2019) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [16:54] The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [17:50] Replaceable You by Mary Roach (2025) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [18:35] HISTORY TOLD IN INTERESTING WAYS Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [19:03] The Great Halifax Explosion by John U. Bacon (2017) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [20:21] The Big Rich by Bryan Burrough (2009) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [21:17] In Harm's Way by Doug Stanton (2001) | Fabled  [21:43] Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (2010) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [22:11] ORDINARY PEOPLE MEMOIRS Red Notice by Bill Browder (2015) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [22:32] Home Cooking by Laurie Colwin (1988) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [23:06] GOTCHA / PEOPLE BEHAVING BADLY Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [24:22] Bad City by Paul Pringle (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [24:24] Bully Market by Jamie Fiore Higgins (2022) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [24:31] Elizabeth's All-Time Top Narrative Nonfiction [26:07] Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr. (2013) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [26:56] The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan (2006) | Fabled | Libro.FM [28:07] The Radium Girls by Kate Moore (2016) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [29:13] Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard (2011) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [30:57] The Deepest South of All by Richard Grant (2020) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [33:03] Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall (2019) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [35:01] All Over but the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg (1991) | Fabled | Libro.FM   [37:41] Sudden Sea by R. A. Scotti (2003) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [39:52] The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede (2002) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [43:09] High-Profile Narrative Nonfiction That She Didn't Love [47:37]  In Cold Blood by Truman Capote (1965) | Fabled | Libro.FM  [47:52] When the Sea Came Alive by Garrett M. Graff (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM [49:19] Challenger by Adam Higginbotham (2024) | Fabled | Libro.FM [50:48] Other Books Mentioned Finding Flora by Elinor Florence (2025) [4:51] Undaunted Courage by Stephen E. Ambrose (1996) [5:21] The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (2013) [12:22] Patty Reed's Doll by Rachel K. Laurgaard (1956) [12:59]   In Light of All Darkness by Kim Cross (2023) [13:15] The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (2024) [17:45] Grunt by Mary Roach (2016) [18:27] Family Happiness by Laurie Colwin (1984) [23:48] Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis (2018) [25:10] I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara (2018) [25:39] A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan (2023) [28:57] The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan (2016) [29:02] Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt (1994) [33:48] Natchez Burning (Natchez Burning, 1 and Penn Cage, 4) by Greg Iles (2014) [34:49] Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (2009) [35:21] My Southern Journey by Rick Bragg (2015) [39:03] Reef Road by Deborah Goodrich Royce (2023) [41:45] A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams (2013) [42:33] The Only Place in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2019) [45:44] The Devil Reached Toward the Sky by Garrett M. Graff (2025) [50:41] Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham (2019) [42:33]

In Episode 207, Sarah chats with author Regina Black about her newest novel, August Lane. A second-chance romance about two people healing from trauma, August Lane is set in Arcadia, Arkansas, with themes of family, generational scars, and a unique thread of Black country music. Regina also talks about how she got into writing Romance on top of her job as a law school administrator, how long she's been writing, and what spurred her on to seeking publication. Plus, Regina shares some of her top 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 Regina Black: The Art of Scandal and August Lane A brief, spoiler-free overview of August Lane.  How long Regina has been writing and what moved her to seeking publication. Her unique journey to finding an agent What exactly does it mean to have a likable character? The way Regina uses and leans into typical romance tropes. Her decision to step away from social media to write like "no one's watching." A bit about the novel she's working on. Regina talks about how a lot of writers become lawyers rather than the reverse. Regina's Book Recommendations [34:41] Two OLD Books She Loves The Space Between Worlds (The Space Between Worlds, 1) by Micaiah Johnson (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:57] Indigo by Beverly Jenkins (1996) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:54]   Two NEW Books She Loves The Princess and the P.I. by Nikki Payne (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[38:59] Black in Blues:How a Color Tells the Story of My People by Imani Perry (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:03] Other Books Mentioned South to America by Imani Perry (2022) [41:14]  One Book She DIDN'T Love Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:41] Other Books Mentioned Persuasion by Jane Austen (1817) [44:54]  One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Where the Wild Flowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris (February 17, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:36] Books From the Discussion Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [7:34]

Please listen to the accompanying (less than 4 minute) episode for an important update about the Sarah's Bookshelves Live podcast. Thank you, Sarah

For Episode 206, fellow podcaster Jason Blitman, host of the Gays Reading podcast, joins Sarah to go behind the scenes of producing book festivals. They talk about how he came to reading later in his life and how his journey as a reader led him to his current role. Also, they discuss how he approaches author interviews. Plus, Jason shares his 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 Jason's experience with becoming a "later in life reader" How Jason got his start in podcasting and started the Gays Reading podcast The method and madness behind choosing which authors to feature Jason turns the tables on Sarah and asks her an interview question With 2 different book festivals under his belt, Jason shares what producing these events entails How authors and special guests are chosen for book festivals Managing authors' expectations, difficulties, and comfort levels at these large events Plus, ALL of Jason's book recommendations are from LGBTQIA+ authors! Jason's Book Recommendations [39:38] Two OLD Books He Loves A Star is Bored by Byron Lane (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:00] Still Life by Sarah Winman (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:01] Other Books Mentioned Tin Man by Sarah Winman (2017) [43:32]   Two NEW Books He Loves Disappoint Me by Nicola Dinan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:02] The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:26] One Book He DIDN'T Love Blackouts by Justin Torres (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:48] Other Books Mentioned Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig (1976) [50:14]  One NEW RELEASE He's Excited About Lean Cat, Savage Cat by Lauren John Joseph (February 17, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:40] Books From the Discussion and Other Links The Slip by Lucas Schaefer (2025) [1:01] Gays Reading | Season 4, Episode 36: Lucas Schaefer (The Slip) feat. Mike Curato, Guest Gay Reader [1:04]  We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (2021) [1:39]  Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) [1:48]  The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien (1937) [3:29]  To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) [4:03]  How I Paid for College by Marc Acito (2004) [5:10]  A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (2010) [6:11]  Find Me by André Aciman (2019) [7:31]  Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman (2007) [7:34]  The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han (2009) [8:09] The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (2018) [8:37]  The Nix by Nathan Hill (2016) [8:54]  Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) [8:57]  The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel (2021) [11:24]  Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau (2021) [11:50] Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [12:55] The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) [14:48] Real Americans by Rachel Khong (2024) [37:20] Charlotte's Web by E. B. White (1952) [38:41] Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean (2008) [38:43]

Welcome to the Fall 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!   Today, Catherine and Sarah share 14 of their most anticipated books releasing from 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 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 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 and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights A lightning round of some big releases coming this fall that we're not featuring in today's preview. Odd fall pickings meant they both chose to feature 7 books each. Catherine's choices are a grab bag mix: academia, mysteries, a love story, and a snarky lighter read. Of Sarah's seven books, there are 3 debut authors and 1 repeat author — and 2 sports books! Some of Sarah's picks slide her right from sad girl summer into sad girl fall.  Sarah has already read and rated one of her picks — and it was a success! Plus, their #1 picks for fall. Big Fall Releases Wreck by Catherine Newman (October 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:15] King Sorrow by Joe Hill (October 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:22] Son of the Morning by Akwaeke Emezi (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:25] What We Can Know by Ian McEwan (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:29] Palaver by Bryan Washington (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:32] Replaceable You by Mary Roach (September 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:35] Circle of Days by Ken Follett (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:51] People Like Us by Jason Mott (August 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:14] The Black Wolf by Louise Penny (October 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:33]  All the Way to the River by Elizabeth Gilbert (September 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:38]  Queen Esther by John Irving (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:46]  Hot Wax by M. L. Rio (September 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:02]  Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:51]  Among the Burning Flowers by Samantha Shannon (September 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:55]  Other Books Mentioned Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) [1:18]  The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (1989) [2:06]  Hell of a Book by Jason Mott (2021) [2:20]  If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio (2017) [3:06]  The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (2019) [4:04]  Fall 2025 Book Preview [7:26] August Sarah's Picks Dominion by Addie E. Citchens (August 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:09] We Loved to Run by Stephanie Reents (August 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[14:09] Catherine's Pick Katabasis by R. F. Kuang (August 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:19] Other Books Mentioned God Spare the Girls by Kelsey McKinney (2021) [9:49] Search by Michelle Huneven (2022) [9:58]   The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (2020) [10:08] Olga Dies Dreaming by Xóchitl González (2022) [10:12]   Inferno by Dante (c. 1321) [11:36]   Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) [13:30]  Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [13:32] Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (2024) [14:57]  The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) [14:59]  Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) [15:53]  The Mothers by Brit Bennett (2016) [15:54]  Good For a Girl by Lauren Fleshman (2023) [16:20]  The Longest Race by Kara Goucher (2023) [16:22]  September Sarah's Picks Buckeye by Patrick Ryan (September 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:17] Hot Desk by Laura Dickerman (September 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:31] The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (September 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[29:23] Underspin by E. Y. Zhao (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:14] Catherine's Picks The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai (September 23) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:08]  Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent (US release: September 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:07] Other Books Mentioned Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [18:15]  Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (2023) [20:05]  Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (2025) [20:38]  The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (2019) [24:46]  Younger by Pamela Redmond Satran (2005) [26:10] (The book upon which the television series is based.) Writers & Lovers by Lily King (2020) [26:12]  The Turner House by Angela Flournoy (2015) [29:49]  Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel (2024) [38:49]  October Catherine's Picks Workhorse by Caroline Palmer (October 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:25] The Wayfinder by Adam Johnson (October 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:14] November Sarah's Pick Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel (November 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:31] Catherine's Pick Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (November 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[40:02] Other Books Mentioned The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (2018) [43:57]  December Catherine's Pick The Day I Lost You by Ruth Mancini (US release: December 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:19] Other Books Mentioned The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini (2024) [47:22] 

In Episode 204, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Summer 2025 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to!  They share their reading stats, chat about what worked — and discuss which books didn't work 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. Announcement 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 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 and sign up here for Patreon and here for Substack! Highlights After Catherine's 100% success rate this spring, she encountered a near-full reversal of fortune this summer. Sarah's summer reading improved dramatically over her spring selections. Between Sarah and Catherine, there are several DNFs, one 5-star book, one 3-star book, and a scattering of books in the 4-star range. Sarah's summer circle back theme seems to be "Why aren't more people reading these books?!" Meanwhile, someone please hand Catherine MORE in her books and with a heavy side of PLOT. They name the best and worst books picks for summer! Books Read Before the Preview [5:09]  June Sarah's Pick The Compound by Aisling Rawle (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:14] Other Books Mentioned Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954) [7:03]  FantasticLand by Mike Bockoven (2016) [7:06]  July Sarah's Pick Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [8:24] Other Books Mentioned The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) [9:31]  Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler (2023) [9:34]  Summer 2025 Circle Back [10:59] June Catherine's Picks The Catch by Yrsa Daley-Ward (June 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:08] King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:43] I'll Be Right Here by Amy Bloom (June 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:15] Other Books Mentioned Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (2021) [20:06]  All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby  (2023) [20:08]  July Sarah's Picks Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[13:54] The Rabbit Club by Christopher J. Yates (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[25:07] Her Many Faces by Nicci Cloke (July 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:56] August Lane by Regina Black (July 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:14] Catherine's Picks The Satisfaction Café by Kathy Wang (July 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:27]  Our Last Resort by Clémence Michallon (July 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:50] Other Books Mentioned Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (2013) [25:12]  Grist Mill Road by Christopher J. Yates (2018) [25:18] Craigslist Confessional by Helena Dea Bala (2020) [33:52]  Imposter Syndrome by Kathy Wang (2021) [34:39]  Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) [37:39] The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon (2023) [40:02]  The Art of Scandal by Regina Black (2023) [44:01]  Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [46:47]  July Catherine's Pick The Frequency of Living Things by Nick Fuller Googins (August 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:10] 

In Episode 203, Gayle Weiswasser, co-founder of Wonderland Books, an independent bookstore in Bethesda, Maryland, returns to the podcast with Sarah for a one-year check-in on the shop's journey. From holiday-season chaos to surprising customer favorites, Gayle shares what worked, what didn't, and why she still handpicks every title on the shelves — plus the biggest lessons (and mistakes) from year one. Plus, Gayle shares some 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. Highlights Gayle shares what it was like to open the bookstore right before the holiday season. How the store's first year compared to their original projections and expectations. The now-dispelled fears Gayle had before opening. Why she's glad they curated every book in their inventory themselves, and why they still do all the book buying in-house. The course correction Wonderland had to make in their romance section. The biggest mistake they made before opening their doors. Which genres and titles have become customer favorites and which don't seem to sell well. How they plan and host book events — and why those events are such a key part of the store's community success. The books that taught them exactly how (and how not) to decide how many copies to order. The surprising punch poetry has packed with customers. Whether Gayle's own reading life has bounced back after the pre-opening stress and time crunch. Gayle's Book Recommendations [39:12] Two OLD Books She Loves One's Company by Ashley Hutson (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:25] Sam by Allegra Goodman (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:46] Other Books Mentioned The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe (2020) [44:40]  The Girls from Corona del Mar by Rufi Thorpe (2014) [44:42]  Two NEW Books She Loves The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:01] What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[47:18] Other Books Mentioned The Wedding People by Alison Espach (2024) [46:56] Pretty Things by Janelle Brown (2020) [49:06] One Book She DIDN'T Love Back After This by Linda Holmes (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:55] Other Books Mentioned Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes (2019) [51:14]  Flying Solo by Linda Holmes (2022) [53:34]  One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About Wreck by Catherine Newman (October 28, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[53:57] Other Books Mentioned Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) [54:03]  Last 5-Star Book Gayle Read The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:34] Books from the Discussion Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) [16:30]  Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [25:41]  The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [26:39]  The Wedding People by Alison Espach (2024) [26:40] The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (2023) [26:42] James by Percival Everett (2024) [30:09] Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025) [31:28] Mark Twain by Ron Chernow (2025) [31:38] Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green (2025) [31:55]   Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (2025) [32:00]  Cher: Part One: The Memoir by Cher (2024) [32:25]  Gwyneth: The Biography by Amy Odell (2025) [32:35]  Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields and Rachel Bertsche (2025) [33:07] Yoko Ono: A Biography by David Sheff (2025) [33:10]  My Friends by Fredrik Backman (2025) [38:29] 

In Episode 202, Susie (@NovelVisits) and Sarah explore some of their new favorite Micro Genres. Since starting the Micro Genres series, they've loved taking the opportunity each year to examine and define their tastes in these sub-sub-genres. This year, they have curated a list of 10 all-new Micro Genres, along with notable books for each category. With over 80 books mentioned, this is another year of niching down for some 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. Books Told From the Perspective of the Person Left Behind (Sarah) [2:26] Sarah The Wanderers by Meg Howrey (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:39] Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:52] Happiness Falls by Angie Kim (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:29] Miracle Creek by Angie Kim (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:31] Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:42] Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:52] Z by Therese Ann Fowler (2013) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:11] The Paris Wife by Paula McLain (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:19] An American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld (2008) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:26] The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:35] The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [5:59] A Mother's Reckoning by Sue Klebold (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:41] Susie Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:07] Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:35] The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:37] Circe by Madeline Miller (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [7:52] We Begin at the End (Susie) [8:22] Sarah Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:46] Penitence by Kristin Koval (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:16] I'm That Girl by Jordan Chiles (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [14:20]  Susie The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:20] What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[10:49]  Victim by Andrew Boryga (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:48] How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:21]  Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [12:28]  Other Books Mentioned We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (2021) [8:33]  A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst (2025)  [13:54]  Big Business Women (Sarah) [14:34] Sarah Anna Bright is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:29] The Boys' Club by Erica Katz (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:46]  Women Are the Fiercest Creatures by Andrea Dunlop (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:51]  Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:55]  Susie The Whisper Network by Chandler Baker (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[16:30] The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:55]  Other Books Mentioned Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018) [15:34]  Books By Irish Authors Telling Distinctly Irish Stories (Susie) [17:35] Sarah Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:30]  Northern Spy by Flynn Berry (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:43]  The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:52]  56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:39]  Susie Nesting by Roisín O'Donnell (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [19:39] The Coast Road by Alan Murrin (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:07] The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[20:54]  Juno Loves Legs by Karl Geary (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:59] Home Stretch by Graham Norton (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:02]  Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:50]   Trespasses by Louise Kennedy (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:07]  Other Books Mentioned Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt (1996) [19:20]  Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) [23:16]  Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent (2023) [24:07]  Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent (2013) [24:09]  The Collective "We" Narration (Sarah) [24:33] Sarah The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (1993) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[25:59]  We Wish You Luck by Caroline Zancan (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:16]  The Mothers by Britt Bennett (2016)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:31]  Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:56]  Susie The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:38] The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:58]   Other Books Mentioned The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (2012) [25:09]  The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2025) [25:11]  The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (2020) [27:39]  Torn Between Two Lovers: The Women's Edition (Susie) [29:40] Sarah Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:05]  Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding (1996) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:14]  Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:35] Susie Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:18]  The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:38]  One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:18]  An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:44]  Fiction Modeled on Real-Life Serial Killers or Crimes (Sarah) [33:50] Sarah The Death of Us by Abigail Dean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:33]  Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:39]  Heartwood by Amity Gaige (2025)| Amazon | Bookshop.org  [34:42]   We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:52]  The Girls by Emma Cline (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:00] Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Ed Tarkington (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:05] When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:29]  Monday, Monday by Elizabeth Crook (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:39]  Susie Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [36:05]  Books with Characters Struggling with Mental Health (Susie) [36:57] Sarah Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:24]  Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:58]  Bitter Sweet by Hattie Williams (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:13]  Fire Exit by Morgan Talty (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:23]  When I Ran Away by Ilona Bannister (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:28] The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon (2003) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [42:36]   Susie Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:56]  More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:06]  Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:43]  My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward by Mark Lukach (2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:13]  I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:58] Other Books Mentioned Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy (2023) [42:33]  Dude Thrillers (Sarah) [42:45] Sarah Dead Money by Jakob Kerr (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:34]  The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:40]  Departure 37 by Scott Carson (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [43:55]  The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:10]  Red Widow by Alma Katsu (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:27] Red London by Alma Katsu (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:28]   Susie The Holdout by Graham Moore (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:57]  The River by Peter Heller (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:24]  Burn by Peter Heller (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:25]  The Martian by Andy Weir (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [45:36]  Other Books Mentioned Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [45:41]  All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby (2023) [45:33]  Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby (2020) [46:06]  Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (2021) [46:13]  Standalone Fantasy Set on Earth (Susie) [46:36] Susie The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:36] Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:39] The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:07] Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:08] Weyward by Emilia Hart (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:28]  The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:32]  Circe by Madeline Miller (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:50]  The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:51]  Other Books Mentioned A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015) [47:03]  Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates (2013) [50:30] 

In Episode 201, author Lidija Hilje talks with Sarah about her debut novel, Slanting Towards the Sea. Spanning two decades and one transformative summer in Croatia, Slanting Towards the Sea is a love story that also delves into the profound journey of coming of age in a nation younger than you are. Lidija shares lots of details about how this book came to be and the inspiration for the story and its lush Croatian setting, which becomes a character of its own. They also discuss how the Croatian War of Independence influenced both her own childhood and the novel's narrative. Plus, Lidija shares some of her top 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 brief, spoiler-free overview of Slanting Towards the Sea.  Hilje's inspiration for Slanting Towards the Sea. How Croatia became its own character in the novel. The ways Slanting Towards the Sea developed and was impacted by Lidija's never-to-be-published first novel. The impact of the Croatian War of Independence (1991–1995) on Lidija's childhood and the events of the book. How Lidija shaped the ending of the novel over time. What inspired making "people pleasing" such a strong element of Ivona's character. The complete, upending change that forever shelved her first attempt at a novel. Lidija's Book Recommendations [35:58] Two OLD Books She Loves Gioavanni's Room by James Baldwin (1956) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:12] Euphoria by Lily King (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:10] Other Books Mentioned: Writers & Lovers by Lily King (2020) [41:10]   Two NEW Books She Loves Audition by Katie Kitamura (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:33] The Anthropologists by Ayşegül Savaş (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:55] Other Books Mentioned: Intimacies by Katie Kitamura (2021) [41:44]  Trust by Hernán Díaz (2023) [43:41]  Second Place by Rachel Cusk (2021) [43:43]  One Book She DIDN'T Love Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:34] One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About This Kind of Trouble by Tochi Eze (August 5, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[48:52] Last 5-Star Book Lidija Read We Were the Universe by Kimberly King Parsons (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:35] Books From the Discussion You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith (2023) [22:03]