Sarah's Bookshelves Live

By Sarah Dickinson | Sarah's Bookshelves

What's Sarah's Bookshelves Live about?

Sarah’s Bookshelves Live is a weekly show featuring real talk about books and book recommendations from a featured guest. Each week, Sarah of the blog Sarah’s Bookshelves will talk with her guest about:

- 2 OLD BOOKS THEY LOVE

- 2 NEW BOOKS THEY LOVE

- 1 BOOK THEY DON’T LOVE

- AND 1 NEW RELEASE THEY’RE EXCITED ABOUT

I’m getting real about all things books and serving you up a bit of snark on the side.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Sarah's Bookshelves Live episodes:

04.17.2024
Ep. 166: Andrew Boryga (Author of Victim) + Book Recommendations
In episode 166, author Andrew Boryga joins me to discuss his debut novel, Victim, a funny and gripping satire about success and identity. Through the adventures of Javier, Victim explores what “diversity” means, why society loves a victim narrative, and the pitfalls of...
04.03.2024
Ep. 165: Spring 2024 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
Welcome to the Spring 2024 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! In this episode, Catherine and I share 12 of our most anticipated books releasing in April and May. This post contains affiliate links through...
03.20.2024
Ep. 164: Winter 2024 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
In today’s episode, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I circle back to the 16 books we featured in the Winter 2024 Book Preview. We’ll be sharing our reading stats and thoughts on the books we’ve read (or attempted), to help you...
03.06.2024
Ep. 163: Classics & Retellings 101 with Sara Hildreth (@FictionMatters) + Book Recommendations
In Episode 163, Sara Hildreth, from @FictionMatters and co-host of the podcast Novel Pairings, returns for her third appearance on our show as our expert for Classics & Retellings 101. Sara guides us through the sometimes intimidating world of timeless reads in an...
02.21.2024
Ep. 162: BookTok 101 with Leigh Stein (Author & Journalist) + Book Recommendations
In Episode 162, Leigh Stein (author and journalist) joins me to jump into the world of BookTok, the bookish corner of TikTok. We talk about what early elements started this sensation, how creators and their content are different on this...
02.07.2024
Ep. 161: Amanda Peters (Author of The Berry Pickers) + Book Recommendations
In Episode 161, author Amanda Peters joins me to discuss her surprise hit novel, The Berry Pickers. This debut novel (which was the 2023 Barnes & Noble Discover Pick) seamlessly blends sadness and heartwarming moments. In our chat, Amanda shares what...
01.24.2024
Ep. 160: The Best Backlist Books We Read in 2023 with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
In Episode 160, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I share the best backlist books we read in 2023. We each discuss our top 5 backlist books from last year, highlight some underrated backlist gems, and review our backlist reading statistics. Devoting an...
01.10.2024
Ep. 159: Winter 2024 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
Welcome to the Winter 2024 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! In this episode, Catherine and I share 16 of our most anticipated books releasing January through March. This post contains affiliate links through which I...
12.20.2023
Ep. 158: Best Books of 2023 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits)
In Episode 158, we wrap up the year with our Best Books of 2023 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits). We reveal our Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction), and we have a full breakdown by genre, including: Best Literary Fiction,...
12.13.2023
Ep. 157: Best Books of 2023 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits)
We’re gearing up to close out our year of reading with today’s podcast episode, featuring the Best Books of 2023 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits). Our wrap-up is split into two episodes: today’s Superlatives and next week’s Genre Awards. Today, we’re...
11.29.2023
Ep. 156: 2023 State of the Industry with Sarah Landis (Literary Agent)
For our first annual 2023 State of the Industry episode, we’re welcoming back literary agent Sarah Landis for an overview and exploration of some hot topics in the book world this year. Taking stock of how this year panned out...
11.15.2023
Ep. 155: Fall 2023 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
In the Fall 2023 Book Preview, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I shared our 12 most-anticipated books that released mid-August – December. Today we’re going to circle back to share updates on which of these books we’ve read, our thoughts on...
11.01.2023
Ep. 154: Behind the Scenes of Book Cover Design with Karen Horton (Former Art Director at Henry Holt) + Book Recommendations
In podcast episode 154, we’re diving into the world of book cover design with Karen Horton, graphic designer and former Art Director at Henry Holt. Karen takes us behind the scenes of the process of book cover design, who makes...
10.18.2023
Ep. 153: 2023 Debuts Special with Susie (@NovelVisits)
In Episode 153, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I are back for our 3rd annual Debuts Special! Today, we’re sharing our favorite debuts from 2023 (so far), new and backlist! Plus, we discuss our reading stats for debuts this year, and...
10.04.2023
Ep. 152: Liz Nugent (Author of Strange Sally Diamond) + Book Recommendations
In Episode 152, author Liz Nugent talks about her latest novel, Strange Sally Diamond. Liz is known for her dark and psychological storytelling. Strange Sally Diamond is character-driven, delving deep into psychology and trauma, and despite Sally’s damaged nature, Liz portrays her with...
09.20.2023
Ep. 151: Angie Kim (Author of Happiness Falls) + Book Recommendations
Episode 151 brings author Angie Kim back to the podcast with her sophomore novel, Happiness Falls. Angie is carving out her niche with literary mysteries featuring children with disabilities or illnesses, drawing inspiration from her own family’s encounters. I broke my...
09.06.2023
Ep. 150: Fall 2023 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
Welcome to the Fall 2023 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! In this episode, Catherine and I share 12 of our most anticipated books releasing in mid-August through December. This post contains affiliate links through...
08.30.2023
Ep. 149: Summer 2023 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
In Ep. 149, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and I revisit the 12 books released from June to mid-August that we featured in the Summer 2023 Book Preview. We update you on our reading stats for summer, chat about the books we’ve...
08.23.2023
Ep. 148: Backlist: Best Books of 2020 with Susie (@NovelVisits)
For Episode 148, as the podcast takes a brief break, we revisit a backlist episode…the Best Books of 2020 with Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits). Re-listening to this one is a unique opportunity to get a look back on a strange year....
08.09.2023
Ep. 147: Lara Love Hardin (Author of The Many Lives of Mama Love) + Book Recommendations
In Episode 147, Lara Love Hardin joins me to discuss her memoir, The Many Lives of Mama Love. Lara shares her journey from opioid addict (funded through credit card theft) to successful ghostwriter. Her warm and candid storytelling touches on themes...
07.26.2023
Ep. 146: Katie Williams (Author of My Murder) + Book Recommendations
In today’s podcast episode, Katie Williams and I delve into the complex questions surrounding motherhood, marriage, and society’s fixation on a certain type of murder victim that she explores in My Murder. We discuss the romanticization of white female victims, serial...
07.12.2023
Ep. 145: 2023 Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits)
In Episode 145, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I dive into micro genres — the niches within niches that we’ve come to adore. Over the past year, we’ve discovered even more unique themes and types of books that consistently captivate us....
06.28.2023
Ep. 144: John Marrs (Author of The One, The Passengers, and The Marriage Act)
John Marrs, best-selling author of The One, The Passengers, and The Marriage Act, talks about his journey from self-published to bestselling author, his writing process, how he manages writing in multiple genres for two different publishers, and more. John’s journalism background led him...
06.14.2023
Ep. 143: Behind the Scenes of Book Coaching with Abigail K. Perry (of Lit Match Podcast) + Book Recommendations
In today’s episode of Sarah’s Bookshelves Live, we dive into the fascinating world of book coaching with Abigail K. Perry (@abigailkperry)! We chat about the role of book coaches, the perks of working with them, and uncover some valuable insights...
05.31.2023
Ep. 142: Summer 2023 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
Announcement In addition to my annual 2023 Summer Reading Guide, I’m once again offering Superstars Patrons ($7/mo) exclusive access to Summer Shelves, featuring even more recommendations for the season. Summer Shelves features BACKLIST summer reading recommendations from 17...
05.24.2023
Ep. 141: Spring 2023 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
Catherine (Gilmore Guide to Books) and I revisit the 12 books released in April and May featured in the Spring 2023 Book Preview. We give updates on our reading stats, share our thoughts on the books we’ve read or attempted, and...
05.17.2023
Ep. 140: 2023 Summer Reading Special with Susie (@NovelVisits)
Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I share our favorite books that missed last year’s Summer Reading Guides, some nonfiction books we think are great for summer reading, and our #1 picks for four categories, including what I have featured in my...
05.03.2023
Ep. 139: Brendan Slocumb (Author of Symphony of Secrets) + Book Recommendations
In Episode 139, Brendan Slocumb talks about his sophomore novel, Symphony of Secrets, and the inspiration behind it. He shares a fascinating look into musical history of the 1920’s, his unique approach to writing musical thrillers, and how he balances musical detail...
04.19.2023
Ep. 138: Rebecca Makkai (Author of I Have Some Questions for You) + Book Recommendations
In Episode 138, author Rebecca Makkai discusses I Have Some Questions for You, her latest novel that explores societal issues such as racism and wrongful incarceration through the lens of a crime story. This was a five-star book for me and...
04.05.2023
Ep. 137: Spring 2023 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
Welcome to the Spring 2023 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! In this episode, Catherine and I share 12 of our most anticipated books releasing in April and May. This post contains affiliate links through...
03.29.2023
Ep. 136: Winter 2023 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
In today’s episode, Catherine (Gilmore Guide to Books) and I circle back to the 16 books we featured in the Winter 2023 Book Preview. We’ll be sharing our reading stats and thoughts on the books we’ve read (or attempted), to help...
03.22.2023
Ep. 135: William Landay (Author of All That Is Mine I Carry With Me) + Book Recommendations
In episode 135, author William Landay discusses his latest novel, All That Is Mine I Carry With Me, while also sharing his background as a prosecutor and how he incorporates family drama into his crime novels. William shares a couple elements...
03.08.2023
Ep. 134: Deborah Goodrich Royce (Author of Reef Road) + Book Recommendations
In today’s episode, Deborah Goodrich Royce joins me to talk about her latest book, Reef Road. We discuss the personal story behind her book and the role of generational trauma in her writing niche, which she calls “Identity Thrillers.” We also...
02.22.2023
Ep. 133: Speculative Fiction / Fantasy 101 with Sarah Landis (Literary Agent)
Literary agent Sarah Landis joins me for a deep dive into the Speculative Fiction / Fantasy genre. Sarah breaks down these terms, shares popular books in these genres, and discusses the trends she’s seeing in the publishing industry. Also, Sarah...
02.08.2023
Ep. 132: Katie Gutierrez (Author of More Than You'll Ever Know) + Book Recommendations
Katie Gutierrez joins me for a spoiler-free discussion of her debut novel, More Than You’ll Ever Know, which is a character study about a complex and fascinating woman behind a highly unusual crime. This is a deeply layered story touching on...
01.25.2023
Ep. 131: The Best Backlist Books We Read in 2022 with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
In Episode 131, Catherine (@gilmoreguide) and I share the best backlist books we read in 2022. We each share our top 5 backlist books from 2022, some underrated backlist gems, and our backlist reading stats. Catherine and I both had...
01.11.2023
Ep. 130: Winter 2023 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
Welcome to the Winter 2023 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! In this episode, Catherine and I share 16 of our most anticipated books releasing January through March. This post contains affiliate links through...
12.14.2022
Ep. 129: Best Books of 2022 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits)
Our 2022 year-end reading roundup continues today with our Best Books of 2022 Genre Awards with Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits). We reveal our Overall Best Books (Fiction and Nonfiction) and we have a full breakdown by genre, including: Best Literary Fiction,...
11.30.2022
Ep. 128: Best Books of 2022 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits)
Our 2022 year-end reading roundup starts today with Best Books of 2022 Superlatives with Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits). This year, we’re splitting our wrap-up into two episodes: Superlatives and Genre Awards (coming in mid-December). We have 17 Superlatives categories for you, including Most...
11.16.2022
Ep. 127: Fall 2022 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
In the Fall 2022 Book Preview, Catherine (Gilmore Guide to Books) and I shared our 16 most-anticipated books that released mid-August – December 2022. In today’s episode, we’re going to circle back to update you on the books we’ve had a...
11.02.2022
Ep. 126: Behind the Scenes of Producing Audiobooks (with Karen Dziekonski of Penguin Random House Audio) + Audiobook Recommendations
In Episode 126, audiobook producer Karen Dziekonski from Penguin Random House Audio joins me for today’s deep-dive discussion. Karen takes us behind the scenes from the growth of audiobooks in the industry to the ins and outs of how audiobooks...
10.19.2022
Ep. 125: 2022 Debuts Special with Susie (@NovelVisits)
In Episode 125, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and I are back for our 2nd annual Debuts Special. Today we’re sharing our favorite debut novels from 2022 (so far)! Plus, we discuss our reading stats for debuts this year and we talk...
10.05.2022
Ep. 124: Candice Carty-Williams (Author of People Person) + Book Recommendations
Candice Carty-Williams joins me for a spoiler-free discussion of her sophomore novel, People Person. In People Person, Candice writes about serious issues in a light-hearted way that’s full of dry humor. She explores questions of obligation to family — especially family to whom...
09.21.2022
Ep. 123: Nikki Erlick (Author of The Measure) + Book Recommendations
In Episode 123, Nikki Erlick joins me to discuss (spoiler-free!) her debut novel, The Measure, and share her book recommendations. A both otherworldly and of our time story, in a symbolic way rather than a literal way. The Measure will absolutely be one of...
09.07.2022
Ep. 122: Doubled Booked with Catherine (September 2022)
Double Booked is a monthly series, available to my Superstars patrons, where a co-host and I each share our own book recommendations in the same format as the big show (2 old books we love, 2 new books we love, 1 book...
08.24.2022
Ep. 121: Fall 2022 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
Welcome to the Fall 2022 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books! In this episode, Catherine and I share 16 of our most anticipated books releasing mid-August through December. This post contains affiliate links through which...
08.17.2022
Ep. 120: Summer 2022 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)
In Episode 120, Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books and I circle back to the books we shared in the Summer 2022 Book Preview — now that we’ve actually had a chance to read them. Returning to our 12 summer...
08.10.2022
Ep. 119: Keri Blakinger (Author of Corrections in Ink) + Book Recommendations
In Episode 119, Keri Blakinger joins me to discuss her debut memoir, Corrections in Ink, a mind-blowing personal story, also speaks to the broader issues of addiction and women in the prison system. Keri went from being an elite figure skater...
07.27.2022
Ep. 118: Editing Literary Fiction with Caroline Zancan (Senior Editor at Henry Holt) + Book Recommendations
In Episode 118, Caroline Zancan, Senior Editor at Henry Holt, joins me for another episode in the Genre 101 series — this time with a twist. Caroline answers behind-the-scenes questions about editing literary fiction, as well as a deep dive...
07.13.2022
Ep. 117: Annie Hartnett (Author of Unlikely Animals) + Book Recommendations
In Episode 117, Annie Hartnett, author of Unlikely Animals, shares the intriguing backstory behind her new novel. She is wonderfully candid and shares interesting tidbits from the germ of the idea, through some of the editing process, all the way to...

What's Sarah's Bookshelves Live about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Sarah's Bookshelves Live episodes:

Ep. 166: Andrew Boryga (Author of Victim) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 165: Spring 2024 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 164: Winter 2024 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 163: Classics & Retellings 101 with Sara Hildreth (@FictionMatters) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 162: BookTok 101 with Leigh Stein (Author & Journalist) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 161: Amanda Peters (Author of The Berry Pickers) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 160: The Best Backlist Books We Read in 2023 with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 159: Winter 2024 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 158: Best Books of 2023 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits)

Ep. 157: Best Books of 2023 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits)

Ep. 156: 2023 State of the Industry with Sarah Landis (Literary Agent)

Ep. 155: Fall 2023 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 154: Behind the Scenes of Book Cover Design with Karen Horton (Former Art Director at Henry Holt) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 153: 2023 Debuts Special with Susie (@NovelVisits)

Ep. 152: Liz Nugent (Author of Strange Sally Diamond) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 151: Angie Kim (Author of Happiness Falls) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 150: Fall 2023 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 149: Summer 2023 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 148: Backlist: Best Books of 2020 with Susie (@NovelVisits)

Ep. 147: Lara Love Hardin (Author of The Many Lives of Mama Love) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 146: Katie Williams (Author of My Murder) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 145: 2023 Micro Genres We Love with Susie (@NovelVisits)

Ep. 144: John Marrs (Author of The One, The Passengers, and The Marriage Act)

Ep. 143: Behind the Scenes of Book Coaching with Abigail K. Perry (of Lit Match Podcast) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 142: Summer 2023 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 141: Spring 2023 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 140: 2023 Summer Reading Special with Susie (@NovelVisits)

Ep. 139: Brendan Slocumb (Author of Symphony of Secrets) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 138: Rebecca Makkai (Author of I Have Some Questions for You) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 137: Spring 2023 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 136: Winter 2023 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 135: William Landay (Author of All That Is Mine I Carry With Me) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 134: Deborah Goodrich Royce (Author of Reef Road) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 133: Speculative Fiction / Fantasy 101 with Sarah Landis (Literary Agent)

Ep. 132: Katie Gutierrez (Author of More Than You'll Ever Know) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 131: The Best Backlist Books We Read in 2022 with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 130: Winter 2023 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 129: Best Books of 2022 Genre Awards with Susie (@NovelVisits)

Ep. 128: Best Books of 2022 Superlatives with Susie (@NovelVisits)

Ep. 127: Fall 2022 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 126: Behind the Scenes of Producing Audiobooks (with Karen Dziekonski of Penguin Random House Audio) + Audiobook Recommendations

Ep. 125: 2022 Debuts Special with Susie (@NovelVisits)

Ep. 124: Candice Carty-Williams (Author of People Person) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 123: Nikki Erlick (Author of The Measure) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 122: Doubled Booked with Catherine (September 2022)

Ep. 121: Fall 2022 Book Preview with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 120: Summer 2022 Circle Back with Catherine (@GilmoreGuide)

Ep. 119: Keri Blakinger (Author of Corrections in Ink) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 118: Editing Literary Fiction with Caroline Zancan (Senior Editor at Henry Holt) + Book Recommendations

Ep. 117: Annie Hartnett (Author of Unlikely Animals) + Book Recommendations