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!

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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

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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.