In Episode 189, author Karen Thompson Walker talks with Sarah about her career to date and her newest novel, The Strange Case of Jane O. Karen discusses her writing journey, including each book’s inspiration and research process. She also touches on the challenges of promoting her latest book without giving away too much and her current work in progress. Plus, Karen 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

• Books by Karen Thompson Walker: The Age of Miracles (2012), The Dreamers (2019), and The Strange Case of Jane O. (2025)
• Karen talks about going from working as an editor to a being published author
• The genre Karen feels her books best fit in
• The real-life inspiration for The Age of Miracles 
• A peek into her research process and which book required the most work
• Karen’s thoughts on writing about an epidemic (in The Dreamers) just before the real-life  COVID-19 pandemic
• A brief spoiler-free overview of The Strange Case of Jane O. and the inspiration behind it
• Some of Oliver Sacks’ interesting case histories that inspired Karen
• The difficulty in trying to promote and talk about a book like The Strange Case of Jane O. without giving too much away
• How Karen sees the relationship between her three published books
• A bit about Karen’s current work in progress

Karen’s Book Recommendations [36:20]

Two OLD Books She Loves

• The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (1993) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[37:22]
• The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:26]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka (2023) [40:51]  

Two NEW Books She Loves

• The Antidote by Karen Russell (March 11, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:20]
• The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:39]

One Book She DIDN’T Love

• My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:39]

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• Audition by Katie Kitamura (April 8, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:22]
• Other Books Mentioned: 
  • The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden (2024) [49:20] 
  • A Separation by Katie Kitamura (2017) [49:35] 
  • Intimacies by Katie Kitamura (2021) [49:39] 

Last 5-Star Book Karen Read

• Trust by Hernan Diaz (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:14]

Books From the Discussion

• Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan (2012) [22:54]
• Awakenings by Oliver Sacks (1973) [24:16]

 

In Ep. 188, we are kicking off our new “Best of…” series with Sarah’s Bookshelves Live team member, Chrissie, for the Best of Fantasy. Today, Chrissie brings you her all-time top ten favorite fantasy novels. Also, as a long-time reader and evangelizer of the genre, Chrissie talks about how she started reading fantasy, the wide scope of the genre, and ways those new to fantasy might jump in!

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 Chrissie got started reading fantasy.
• What draws her to the fantasy genre.
• From sci-fi fantasy to epic, high fantasy, Chrissie talks about the wide scope of the genre.
• Her favorite sub-genres and what doesn’t work for her.

Chrissie’s All-Time Top Ten Fantasy Books [16:36]

• The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:44]
• A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[22:11]
• The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:24]
• The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (2007) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:10]
• A Murder in Time by Julie McElwain (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:36]
• Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (2004) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [37:35]
• Griffin & Sabine by Nick Bantock (1991) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [39:58]
• The Queen of Blood by Sarah Beth Durst (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org   [42:15]
• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (2001) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:16]
• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:40]

High-Profile Fantasy Books That Did Not She Didn’t Love [48:39] 

• A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:52]
• Babel by R. F. Kuang (2022) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:55]

Other Books Mentioned

• Fourth Wing (2023) [25:07]
• Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (2012) [25:43]
• Flowers in the Attic by V. C. Andrews (1979) [26:36]
• Heaven by V. C. Andrews (1985) [26:46]
• The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater (June 2025) [31:27]
• A Game of Thrones (1996) by George R. R. Martin ([33:04])
• The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss (2011) [33:09]
• The Doors of Stone by Patrick Rothfuss (TBD) [33:15]
• A is for Alibi by Sue Grafton (1982) [37:16]
• Piranesi by Susanna Clarke (2020) [39:46]
• Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (2005) [50:03]
• The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness (2024) [50:28]

Books from Our Discussion

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling (1997) [4:23] 
• Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White (1952) [6:23] 
• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien (1971) [6:26]  
• The Dream Book by Meg Wolitzer (1987) [6:37] 
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [11:15] 
• 11/22/63 by Stephen King (2011) [12:10] 
• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis (1950) [12:30] 
• The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien (1954) [14:29]
• The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien (1937) [14:30]  
• The Neverending Story by Michael Ende (1979) [15:36] 

In Ep. 187, Kathleen Schmidt, author of the popular Substack newsletter, Publishing Confidential, joins Sarah to dissect and discuss the State of the Publishing Industry in 2024. Between a high-level look back, talk about the top sales and book trends, to what Kathleen sees on the horizon for 2025 in the book world, this episode is packed with info. Also, Kathleen shares her favorite books of 2024!

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

• 2024 bookish news and publishing trends overview.
• Kathleen grades last year’s crop of books with an overall B+.
• How the middle-aged woman / menopause stories might shake out to be the next buzzy books.
• The ways the full book market is oversaturated.
• The impact TikTok still has on the book world.
• Kathleen breaks down the side-eye publishing attracts from other industries with its oddball business model. 
• Taylor Swift remains a hot topic in publishing with The Eras Tour Book.
• Did Spotify’s entrance into audiobooks make a noticeable impact?
• The secret struggle of memoirs.
• Anticipating 2025’s potential bookish trends.

State of the Publishing Industry in 2024

High-Level Overview [2:02]

• All Fours by Miranda July (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:12]
• Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [6:27]
• The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:58]  

2024 Book Sales and Trends [9:35] 

• Leaving by Roxana Robinson (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:11] 
• Splinters by Leslie Jamison (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:14] 
• Liars by Sarah Manguso (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [30:16] 
• Crush by Ada Calhoun (Feb 25, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:17] 
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:39]
• Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (Jan 14, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[31:41] 

Big Book Stories of 2024 [34:18]

• The Official Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book (Target Exclusive)(2024) [38:21] 

2025 Publishing Predictions [42:48]

Kathleen’s 3 Favorites Books of 2024 [46:41]

• Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:01] 
• Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:23]
• Foster by Claire Keegan (2010) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:54] 

Other Links

• Publishing Confidential • Substack | What Book Publishing Needs to Consider in 2025

In Episode 186, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Sarah share the best backlist books they read in 2024. 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 now an annual tradition at Sarah’s Bookshelves Live — a team and listener favorite! 

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

• 2024’s Best of the Backlist Guide is available now! 25 of the Sarah’s Bookshelves Live Patrons share the best backlist book they read last year in a beautiful PDF guide. To get the guide, you can sign up to be a Superstars patron here. You’ll also get access to a 3 bonus podcast episodes per month and my Rock Your Reading Tracker and our all-new Lite Reading Tracker.

Highlights

• Sarah and Catherine share their full stats for backlist reading in 2024.
• Backlist reading quantity was down a bit again last year for Sarah, but backlist reading quality increased.
• Catherine had a slight decrease in the number of backlist books she read, but backlist reading remained incredibly successful for her.
• Sarah’s backlist reading included several atypical choices for her, maybe shaping how she approaches 2025.

Our Top 5 Backlist Books We Read in 2024 [6:27]

Catherine

• Ghosts by Dolly Alderton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:33]
• Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:19]
• Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O’Farrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org[17:38]
• Tomorrow There Will Be Apricots by Jessica Soffer | Amazon | Bookshop.org[24:10]
• Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org[32:11]

Sarah

• The Hop by Diana Clarke | Amazon | Bookshop.org [9:38]
• The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:26]
• Water by John Boyne | Amazon [20:57]
• Starter Villain by John Scalzi | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:32]
• Empire Falls by Richard Russo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:33]

Other Books Mentioned

• Good Material by Dolly Alderton [8:54]
• The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore [14:37]
• The Holdout by Graham Moore [16:58]
• Earth by John Boyne [21:09]
• The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne [22:18]
• Fire by John Boyne [22:57] 
• This Is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer (coming Feb 4) [26:57] 
• Life After Life by Kate Atkinson [32:42]
• Case Histories by Kate Atkinson [32:54] 

Underrated Backlist Gems [38:56]

Catherine

• The Reformatory by Tananarive Due | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:00] 
• The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:36]

Sarah

• Home Stretch by Graham Norton | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:50] 
• The Hard Parts by Oksana Masters | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [48:01]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead [41:33]
• Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro [43:51]
• Frankie by Graham Norton [45:12]

Welcome to the Winter 2025 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!  

Today, Catherine and Sarah share 16 of their most anticipated books releasing 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

• One of the many benefits to joining the Patreon Community is gaining 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 were not shared in the big show preview episode. Get more details about all the goodies available to all Superstar patrons and sign up here!

Highlights

• Catherine and Sarah share some big releases coming this winter (lightning round style).
• Catherine’s theme this season is “balance,” with 4 debuts and 4 repeat authors.
• Sarah’s choices seem to fall into some micro genres she loves, featuring 5 debuts.
• Again, Sarah brings in a few shorter books under 300 pages.
• Sarah has already read and rated two of her picks!
• Plus, their #1 picks for the winter.

Big Winter Releases [1:51] 

• Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson (Jan 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:28]
• Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:37]
• Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:44]
• One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [2:51]
• We Do Not Part by Han Kang (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:14]
• Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:22]
• We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes (Feb 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:32]
• The Paris Express by Emma Donoghue (Mar 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:38]
• The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison (Jan 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:42]
• Three Days in June by Anne Tyler (Feb 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:00]
• The Antidote by Karen Russell (Mar 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:03]
• The Human Scale by Lawrence Wright (Mar 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:10]
• Back After This by Linda Holmes (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:20]

Backlist Titles Mentioned

• Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson [2:32]
• We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter [3:03]
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros [3:27]
• Room by Emma Donoghue [3:41]
• Swamplandia by Karen Russell [4:05]
• Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell [4:07]
• Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes [4:25]

Winter 2025 Book Preview [4:32]

January

Sarah’s Picks

• The Favorites by Layne Fargo (Jan 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:06]
• Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor (Jan 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[15:34]

Catherine’s Picks

• All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall (Jan 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[13:20]
• Those Fatal Flowers by Shannon Ives (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:22]
• Call Her Freedom by Tara Dorabji (Jan 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:19] 
• Too Soon by Betty Shamieh (Jan 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:19]

Other Books Mentioned

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë [9:22] 
• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel [14:38]  
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [17:46]
• Yellowface by R. F. Kuang [17:50]
• Babel by R. F. Kuang [17:51]

February

Sarah’s Picks

• Yours, Eventually by Nura Maznavi (Feb 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:16]
• Penitence by Kristin Koval (Feb 18 – moved to 1/28 after recording) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[spp-timestamp time="25:56"]
• Crush by Ada Calhoun (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:39]
• The Strange Case by Jane O by Karen Thompson Walker (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:25]
• The Grand Scheme of Things by Warona Jay (Feb 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[41:04]

Catherine’s Pick

• This Is a Love Story by Jessica Soffer (Feb 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:34]

Other Books Mentioned

• Persuasion by Jane Austen [23:21] 
• Defending Jacob by William Landay [27:49]
• All That Is Mine I Carry With Me by William Landay [27:51]  
• Why We Can’t Sleep by Ada Calhoun [32:02]  
• Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give by Ada Calhoun [32:05] 
• Last Couple Standing by Matthew Norman [33:14] 
• The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker [36:55] 
• The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker [37:00] 
• By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult [42:04] 

March

Sarah’s Pick

• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:35]

Catherine’s Picks

• The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami (Mar 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:35]
• Kate & Frida by Kim Fay (Mar 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:56]
• Witness 8 by Steve Cavanagh (Mar 25) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:58]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Moor’s Account by Laila Lalami [38:45] 
• Love & Saffron by Kim Fay [45:08] 
• The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley [47:42] 
• The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller [48:15] 
• Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh [50:49] 
• Kill For Me, Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh [52:56] 

Other Links

• Instagram | Harper Voyager: Deluxe Limited Edition for Death of an Author by Nnedi Okorafor 

In Episode 184, Susie (@NovelVisits) and I close out the year with our Best Books of 2024 Genre Awards. We reveal our Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction) and our full breakdown by genre, including: Best Literary Fiction, Best Romance, Best Brain Candy, Best Genre Mash-Up, and more! Plus, we’re sharing the winners for these same genres as chosen by the Sarah’s Bookshelves Live Patreon 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

• My 2025 Reading Tracker is out! Plus, this year we’ve added another option — a LITE Tracker. Once again, the Tracker is ONLY available to Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Also, to avoid Apple’s 30% fee, be sure to join directly from Patreon’s site, mobile or desktop. Become a Superstars Patron here!
• Instructions for how to give an SBL Patreon membership as a gift.

Highlights

• Podcast reflections from 2024 — including top episodes based on download stats.
• A brief overview of Susie’s and Sarah’s 2024 year in reading.
• Our favorite books of the year: overall and by genre, including the SBL Patreon Community’s picks.

2024 Genre Awards [16:45]

Sarah

• Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:52]
• Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [21:21]
• Anna Bright is Hiding Something by Susie Orman Schnall | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [24:12]
• The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:42]
• The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [32:26]
• JFK Jr. by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:25]
• Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:42]
• How To End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [46:11]
• Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [50:46]
• Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [57:26]
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [59:40]
• Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:04:24]
• Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:07:09]
• Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:08:47]

Susie

• Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:59]
• Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [22:05]
• Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:42]
• What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:43]
• The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [33:41]
• The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [38:16]
• One Day I’ll Grow Up and Be a Beautiful Woman by Abi Maxwell | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:47]
• Funny Story by Emily Henry | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [47:23]
• Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [51:54]
• The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [54:02]
• The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [58:18]
• Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:00:14]
• Perris, California by Rachel Stark | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:02:44]
• Liars by Sarah Manguso | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:05:18]
• Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:07:09]

Patrons

• James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:55]
• Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:43]
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:16]
• The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:35]
• The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:10]
• Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten | Amazon | Bookshop.org[43:33]
• Funny Story by Emily Henry | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:59]
• Annie Bot by Sierra Greer | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [53:28]
• The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [56;10]
• You Like It Darker by Stephen King | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [56:39]
• Victim by Andrew Boryga | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:58]
• Twenty-Four Seconds From Now by Jason Reynolds | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:54]
• Piglet by Lottie Hazzell | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [1:03:22]
• The Husbands by Holly Gramazio | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:06:16]

Other Books Mentioned

• Mercury by Amy Jo Burns [20:10]
• Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout [20:13]
• All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker [20:27]
• The Wedding People by Alison Espach [20:37]
• We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman [22:17]
• Bad Blood by John Carreyrou [24:27]
• She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey [24:40]
• Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford [28:10]
• A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey [28:23]
• Good Material by Dolly Alderton [28:27]
• The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [28:57]
• Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra [31:55]
• The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean [32:00]
• Worst Case Scenario by T. J. Newman [32:05]
• Falling by T. J. Newman [32:20]
• Drowning by T. J. Newman [32:21]
• The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali [36:03]
• Spare by Prince Harry [37:20]
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt [40:00]
• Challenger by Adam Higginbotham [40:28]
• The Wives by Simone Gorrindo [44:46]
• Sociopath by Patric Gagne, Ph.D. [45:09]
• Consent by Jill Ciment [45:15]
• The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop [45:21]
• Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley [45:31]
• One Way Back by Christine Blasey Ford [45:34]
• Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner [45:43]
• There’s Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib [45:48]
• People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry [47:10]
• Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez [48:51]
• The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center [48:59]
• Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood [49:02]
• Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan [49:34]
• Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell [49:44]
• The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard [53:47]
• The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown [56:12]
• Bride by Ali Hazelwood [56:27]
• Diavola by Jennifer Thorne [57:06]
• We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer [57:11]
• Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller [59:17]
• Colored Television by Danzy Senna [59:22]
• I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue [59:27]
• We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay by Gary Janneti [59:35]
• There There by Tommy Orange [1:00:27]
• Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez [1:01:40]
• When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson [1:01:59]
• Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar [1:03:35]
• Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen [1:03:56]
• How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica [1:04:11]
• The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden [1:04:21]
• Bear by Julia Phillips [1:06:18]
• The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley [1:06:25]
• The Fury by Alex Michaelides [1:06:51]
• The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff [1:08:10]
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver [1:10:27]
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin [1:10:28]

Top Podcast Episodes [4:40]

• Ep. 158: Best Books of 2023 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits)
• Ep. 160: The Best Backlist Books We Read in 2023 with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
• Ep. 159: Winter 2024 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
• Ep. 157: Best Books of 2023 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits)
• Ep. 164: Winter 2024 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
• Ep. 163: Classics & Retellings 101 with Sara Hildreth (@FictionMatters)
• Ep. 156: 2023 State of the Industry with Sarah Landis (Literary Agent)
• Ep. 162: BookTok 101 with Leigh Stein (Author & Journalist)
• Ep. 178: Behind the Scenes of Amazon’s Best Books Lists with Al Woodworth, Senior Editor & Manager of Amazon Books Editorial
• Ep. 179: From Corporate America to Indie Bookstore Owner with Gayle Weiswasser (Co-Founder of Wonderland Books)
• Ep. 167: Circling Back to 2018 in Books with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

In this Bonus Podcast Episode, Al Woodworth, Senior Editor and Manager at Amazon Books Editorial, returns to the show to take listeners behind the scenes of Amazon’s Best Books of 2024, as chosen by the Amazon Editors!  A fascinating glimpse into how the 2024 list was curated, how the rankings were determined, and what criteria guided the selections. 

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

• My 2025 Reading Tracker is out! Plus, this year we’ve added another option — a LITE Tracker. Once again, the Tracker is ONLY available to Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Also, to avoid Apple’s 30% fee, be sure to join directly from Patreon’s site, mobile or desktop. Become a Superstars Patron here!

Highlights

• The impact Amazon’s #1 book of 2024 had on the editorial team
• The role of capturing “the present moment” in selecting the best books of the year
• How Amazon Editorial chose the top 5 books of 2024 
• Whether the mid-year top book or other outlets’ year-end lists influenced Amazon’s decisions
• Behind the scenes: 2024’s “reading week” retreat and “war room” discussions 
• The importance of selecting books that appeal across genres and to a broad swath of readers
• The group dynamic of ranking each book on the list
• Al highlights some lesser-known titles from the list
• How 2024 stacks up for Al and Amazon’s editorial team

Books From Our Discussion

• The Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [3:03]
• The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:25] 
• Friday Night Lights by H. G. Bissinger | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:27] 
• Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [4:28]
• The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [9:54] 
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:37]
• James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:43]
• The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:51] 
• The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:54]
• Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [11:59]  
• Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:18]
• Educated by Tara Westover | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [17:09] 
• The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:26] 
• We Solve Murders by Richard Osman | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:30] 
• The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:34] 
• The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:06] 
• Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:23]
• The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:27]
• All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:35]
• We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [28:47]
• Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell  | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:21]
• When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:23]
• The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [31:15]
• There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:51]
• John Lewis by David Greenberg  | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [35:44]
• I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [39:00]
• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [41:14]
• The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [44:06] 

Other Links

• Amazon | Amazon Editors’ Personal Favorite Books of 2024

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.

In Ep. 183, we’re starting the wrap-up of 2024 with the first of our two year-end episodes: Best Books of 2024 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits). In this episode, we’re sharing our top books of the year across over 25 Superlative categories, including Most Deserving of the Hype, Best Pairing, an “Eat My Words” book, Most Memorable Cast of Characters, 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.

Announcements

• My 2025 Reading Tracker is out! Plus, this year we’ve added another option — a LITE Tracker. Once again, the Tracker is ONLY available to Superstars patrons (i.e., no longer available as a separate purchase for $14.99 here on my website). Also, to avoid Apple’s 30% fee, be sure to join directly from Patreon’s site, mobile or desktop. Become a Superstars Patron here!

Highlights

Our best books of the year from over 25 categories, including:

• Most Deserving of the Hype
• Most Memorable Cast of Characters
• Best Book Read Because of FOMO
• Darkest Book of the Year
• Best Underrated Gem
• Most Unpopular Opinion
• Most Surprising DNF
• Favorite Coming-of-Age Book
• Best Pairing
• “Eat My Words” Book
• Best and Worst Titles
• Best and Worst Covers

2024 Superlatives [3:42]

Susie

• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:19]
• The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:11]
• How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org[11:42]
• Grown Women by Sarai Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:44]
• Piglet by Lottie Hazell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:36]
• Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:08]
• Blessings by Chukwuebuka Ibeh  | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:52]
• Intermezzo by Sally Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:23]
• Entitlement by Rumaan Alam | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:25]
• Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:18]
• The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:56]
• Hera by Jennifer Saint | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:40]
• The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:23]
• Real Americans by Rachel Khong | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:31]
• Annie Bot by Sierra Greer | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:49]

Sarah

• Mercury by Amy Jo Burns | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:17]
• River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:17]
• James by Percival Everett | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:04]
• The Women by Kristin Hannah | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:45]
• Sociopath by Patric Gagne, PhD | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:22]
• Earth by John Boyne | Amazon [26:23]
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt  | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:13]
• Intermezzo by Sally Rooney | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:54]
• A Reason to See You Again by Jami Attenberg | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:26]
• Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:23]
• Leaving by Roxana Robinson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:16]
• The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:51]
• Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:33]
• Everest, Inc. by Will Cockrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:51]
• Sandwich by Catherine Newman | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:59]
• The Wedding People by Alison Espach | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:14]
• All The Worst Humans by Phil Elwood | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:16]
• Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout | Amazon | Bookshop.org [59:45]

Other Books Mentioned

• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett [14:22] 
• Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan [16:10]
• Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez [16:17]
• The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen [16:27]
• Forgotten on Sunday by Valérie Perrin [18:16]
• Three by Valérie Perrin [18:18]
• Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin [18:18]
• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah [20:23]
• The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah [20:30]
• The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah [20:33] (“The Dustbowl one”)
• The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne [26:32]
• Water by John Boyne [26:53]
• Fire by John Boyne [27:37]
• Air by John Boyne (2025) [27:37]
• Perris, California by Rachel Stark [37:34]
• Normal People by Sally Rooney [38:31]
• Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney [38:32]
• Beautiful World, Where Are You? by Sally Rooney [38:44]
• Tell Me Everything by Minka Kelly [1:00:32]
• Tell Me Everything by Erika Krauss [1:00:37]
• My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout [1:00:54]

About Susie Boutry

Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X

Susie has loved reading for as long as she can remember. Some of her fondest childhood memories involve long afternoons at the library and then reading late into the night. More than ten years ago, she began journaling about the books she read and turned that passion into writing about books. Her first forays were as a guest reviewer on a friend’s blog, but she soon realized she wanted to be reviewing and talking about books on a blog of her own. From there, Novel Visits was born. That was in 2016 and, though the learning curve was steep, she loves being a part of the book community. Novel Visits focuses on new novel reviews (print and audio), previews of upcoming releases, and musings on all things bookish.

In Episode 182, author Chelsea Bieker discusss her new novel, Madwoman, with Sarah. Chelsea shares how her own childhood inspired the fictional characters in her book and what parts of the book differ from her own experience. They talk about the trajectory of this intense and personal novel that began as a “funny little book about motherhood” and morphed into a story about trauma and abuse.  Plus, Chelsea 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

• Books by Chelsea Bieker: Madwoman (2024), Heartbroke (2022), and Godshot (2020)
• A spoiler-free overview of Madwoman.
• How this story transformed from a “funny little book about motherhood” to an intense story about trauma and abuse.
• The ways Chelsea’s childhood experiences and memories shaped her story of Clove.
• The parts of Madwoman that were pulled directly from her own life and those that weren’t.
• Exploring the publisher’s statement that Madwoman would be Chelsea’s breakout.
• Conversations with her mom and dad about the book’s story.
• The relationship between Madwoman, Godshot, and Chelsea’s current work in progress.

Chelsea’s Book Recommendations [46:01]

Two OLD Books She Loves

• Animal by Lisa Taddeo (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:23]
• Hot Springs Drive by Lindsay Hunter (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [49:04]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• We Were the Universe by Kimberly King Parsons (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:09]
• Solider Sailor by Claire Kilroy (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:09]

One Book She DIDN’T Love

• It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:48]

One NEW RELEASE She’s Excited About

• The Motherload by Sarah Hoover (Jan 14, 2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[01:01:49]

Last 5-Star Book Chelsea Read

• How to Love Your Daughter by Hila Blum (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[01:03:42]
• Other Books Mentioned:
  • I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin (2023) [01:04:04]

About Chelsea Bieker Website | Instagram | X | Facebook | Substack

Chelsea Bieker is the author of three books, most recently the nationally bestselling novel, Madwoman, a Book of the Month club pick the New York Times calls “brilliant in its depiction of the long shadows cast by domestic violence.” Her first novel, Godshot, was long-listed for The Center For Fiction’s First Novel Prize and named a Barnes & Noble Pick of the Month. Her story collection, Heartbroke, won the California Book Award and was a New York Times “Best California Book of 2022.” Her writing has appeared in The Paris Review, Marie Claire UK, People, The Cut, Wall Street Journal, No Tokens, and others. She is the recipient of a Rona Jaffe Writers’ Award, as well as residencies from MacDowell and Tin House. Raised in Hawai’i and California, she now lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two children.

In Episode 181, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 16 new releases they shared in the Fall 2024 Book Preview, now that they’ve read them. They share their reading stats, chat about what worked — and hash out which books didn’t work and why. Check out the episode for their full reviews on all their fall picks and get recommendations for your next book!

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 describes her fall reading “trick or treat” — mostly treats (her first 5-star preview book since February), but a few tricks (two DNFs).
• Sarah had a higher DNF count than usual, but still had a high(ish) success rate for this season.
• Since this is the last Circle Back of 2024, they look at their stats for the entire year of Previews.
• They name the best and worst books picks for fall!

Books We Read Before the Preview [3:30]

Sarah’s Picks

• Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:58]
• The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:32]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz [5:35]

Fall 2024 Circle Back [7:28]

Mid-August

Catherine’s Picks

• There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak (Aug 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[7:36]

September

Sarah’s Picks

• Guide Me Home by Attica Locke (Sep 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:23]
• The Siege by Ben Macintyre (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [15:41] 
• Entitlement by Rumaan Alam (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [23:36] 
• A Reason to See You Again by Jami Attenberg (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [29:51]
• Adam and Evie’s Matchmaking Tour by Nora Nguyen (Sep 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:35]

Catherine’s Picks

• Dear Dickhead by Virginie Despentes (Sep 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:54]
• Bringer of Dust by J. M. Miro (Sep 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [20:07] 

Other Books Mentioned

• Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke [10:44] 
• Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke [10:48]
• The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre [15:46] 
• Ordinary Monsters by J. M. Miro [20:12] 
• Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam [24:29] 
• Sandwich by Catherine Newman [25:03]
• All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg [30:09]
• Banyan Moon by Thao Tai [37:01]
• The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza [37:32]
• The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl [37:48] 

October

Sarah’s Picks

• Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:36] 

Catherine’s Picks

• A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang (Oct 1) | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [27:00] 
• The Puzzle Box by Danielle Trussoni (Oct 8) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:24]
• Libby Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth (Oct 15) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[39:47]
• Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger (Oct 29) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:21] 

Other Books Mentioned

• The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni [33:07]
• The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner [46:14] 

November

Catherine’s Pick

• The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson (Nov 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:23] 

About Catherine Gilmore

Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X

Catherine started The Gilmore Guide to Booksover 10 years ago after wrapping up a career as a corporate librarian. She loves books and reading (surprise!) and currently lives in Seattle, WA.

Next Episode

In two weeks (November 13), Sarah will be back with Chelsea Bieker, author of Madwoman.

In Episode 180, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and Sarah return with the 4th annual Debuts Special! They’re sharing their favorite debuts, new and backlist — so far for 2024. Plus, their reading stats for debuts this year and the best sophomore novels of 2024.

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 2024 compare to those from previous years.
• A full breakdown of Sarah’s and Susie’s 2024 debut-related stats.
• Featured debuts, divided into three categories:
  • Favorite Debuts of 2024 (so far)
  • Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2024
  • Best Sophomore Novels of 2024

Favorite Debuts of 2024 (so far) [7:13]

Sarah

• Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner | Amazon | Bookshop.org  [8:33]
• Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:50]
• Everest, Inc. by Will Cockrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:50]
• How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:30]

Susie

• Grown Women by Sarai Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:18]
• How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:32]
• Perris, California by Rachel Stark | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:58]
• Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:29]

Other Books Mentioned

• Victim by Andrew Boryga [7:54]
• Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen [8:04]
• River East, River West by Aub Rey Lescure [8:15]
• The Wives by Simone Gorrindo [8:23]
• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin [8:43]
• Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen [14:59]
• Talking at Night by Claire Daverley [21:25]
• Groundskeeping by Lee Cole [21:29]
• People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry [29:38] 
• Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld [31:26] 
• No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister [34:55] 
• The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring [34:58] 

Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2024 [36:02]

Sarah

• The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:09]
• Welcome to the O.C. by Alan Sepinwall, Josh Schwartz, and Stephanie Savage | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:20]

Susie

• There There by Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:33]
• Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:13]

Other Books Mentioned

• Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange [39:06] 
• Girl at War by Sara Nović [45:18]
• The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway [45:20]  

Best Sophomore Novels of 2024 [45:33]

Sarah

• Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:39]
• A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:43]

Susie

• Bear by Julia Phillips | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:07]
• Where the Forest Meets the River by Shannon Bowring | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:40]

Other Books Mentioned

• Sandwich by Catherine Newman [47:52] 
• The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring [52:54] 

Additional Books Mentioned

• I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid [6:08] 

About Susie Boutry

Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X

Susie has loved reading for as long as she can remember. Some of her fondest childhood memories involve long afternoons at the library and then reading late into the night. More than ten years ago, she began journaling about the books she read and turned that passion into writing about books. Her first forays were as a guest reviewer on a friend’s blog, but she soon realized she wanted to be reviewing and talking about books on a blog of her own. From there, Novel Visits was born. That was in 2016 and, though the learning curve was steep, she loves being a part of the book community. Novel Visits focuses on new novel reviews (print and audio), previews of upcoming releases, and musings on all things bookish.

Next Episode

In two weeks (October 30), Catherine and I will be back with our Fall 2024 Circle Back episode.