In Episode 229, Sarah talks with Laura B. McGrath about her new book, Middlemen, and the behind-the-scenes role literary agents play in publishing. They discuss what agents actually do, how they shape an author's career, the hype surrounding debut novels, and what Laura learned while researching one of publishing's least visible professions. Plus, Laura 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

• Middlemen by Laura B. McGrath (April 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org
• Why a literary agent's most important job isn't what most readers think.
• What agents are really looking for when they decide to represent an author.
• The surprising amount of homework agents do before signing a new client.
• The hype surrounding debut novels — and some of the downsides that come with it.
• Why the publishing industry was initially wary of public book sales data.

Laura's Book Recommendations

Two OLD Books She Loves

• Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson (1980) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:12]
• Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger (1961) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:59]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (2004) [46:36]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[49:25]
• Discipline by Larissa Pham (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:42]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe (2018) [50:31]

One Book She DIDN'T Love

• The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[53:14]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Erasure by Percival Everett (2001) [53:30]
  • The Wife by Meg Wolitzer (2003) [53:32]
  • And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (1939) [54:16]
  • The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie (1947/1952) [54:19]
  • Yellowface by R. F. Kuang (2023) [55:34]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• Music Against the Night by Yiyun Li (October 13, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:04]
• Sneak Pick: Miss Lambert Steps Aboard Danger by Kazuo Ishiguro (March 9, 2027) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [57:04]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Things in Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun Li (2025) [57:39]
  • The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro (1995) [58:43]
  • The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (1989) [59:27]

Books From the Discussion

• The Middle Man by Paul R. Reynolds (1972) [3:09]
• Talking at Night by Claire Daverley (2023) [10:40]
• Zone One by Colson Whitehead (2011) [11:20]
• Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (1961) [12:36]
• Mila 18 by Leon Uris (1961) [13:33]
• The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead (1999) [14:18]
• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) [33:52]
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) [34:28]
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [34:34]
• Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) [34:36]
• The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) [34:39]

In Episode 228, Sarah, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide), and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) take stock of the reading year so far, discussing the books, publishing trends, and industry chatter that have defined the first half of 2026. They dive into the biggest publishing stories of the year, the rise of "cozy everything," the continued influence of self-publishing and book-to-screen success stories, and whether it's possible to tap a Book of the Year before the second half of the publishing calendar arrives. Then, they share their Top 5 Books of 2026 So Far and a few disappointing reads that didn't quite live up to expectations.

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 our 2026 reading has been so far
• How 2026 compares to this point in 2025
• Each person's current Book of the Year pick
• Whether it's too early to crown a Book of the Year
• Midyear reading stats and surprise wins
• Each of our Top 5 books of 2026 so far
• Their biggest disappointments of the year so far

Top 5 Books of 2026 So Far

Sarah

• No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (Mar 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:42]
• A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36]
• Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:44]
• London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (Apr 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:55]
• The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:55]

Catherine

• The Poet Empress by Shen Tao (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:11]
• A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36]
• Land by Maggie O'Farrell (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:55]
• Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser (Mar 3) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:42]
• Ruins by Lily Brooks-Dalton (March 31) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [56:09]

Chrissie

• A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot (Feb 17) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:36]
• Whistler by Ann Patchett (Jun 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:44]
• The Infamous Gilberts by Angela Tomaski (Jan 20) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:44]
• Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman-Tell (Mar 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:10]
• Seek the Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire, 1) by Veronica Roth (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [58:55]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [41:31]
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2020) [42:14]
• The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [53:03]
• Dune (Dune, 1) by Frank Herbert (1965) [59:38]

Some Disappointing Books So Far

Sarah

• Kin by Tayari Jones (Feb 24) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:33]
• Go Gentle by Maria Semple (Apr 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:00:55]
• Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola (Apr 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:01:35]

Catherine

• The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:03]
• The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:02:31]

Chrissie

• Artifacts by Natalie Lemle (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:03:39]
• Hell's Heart by Alexis Hall (Mar 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:04:13]
• Fatherland by Victoria Shorr (Mar 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:04:54]

Other Books Mentioned

• Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple (2012) [1:01:01]
• Moby-Dick; or, The Whale by Herman Melville (1851) [1:04:19]

Books From the Opening Discussion

• Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, 3) by Rebecca Yarros (2025) [2:39]
• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [3:18]
• Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl, 1) by Matt Dinniman (2024)* [3:22]
• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (Apr 7) [4:34]
• Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (2025)* [4:41]
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [5:03]
• The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (2024) [5:57]
• Game Changer (Game Changers: Heated Rivalry, 1) by Rachel Reid (2024) [6:09]
• KPop Demon Hunters (Junior Novelization) by Jessica Yoon (Mar 31) [6:13]
• KPop Demon Hunters (Screen Comic Boxed Set) by Netflix (Nov 3, 2026) [6:13]
• The Martian by Andy Weir (2014)* [6:48]
• The Names by Florence Knapp (2025) [11:17]
• Trad Wife by Michelle Brandon (Aug 4, 2026) [16:57]
• Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer (Feb 10) [16:59]
• Too Blessed to Stress by Alli Hoff Kosik (Mar 3) [17:02]
• The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (Apr 7) [17:29]
• Good People by Patmeena Sabit (Feb 3) [17:35]
• So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder (Feb 17) [17:40]
• No Friend to This House by Natalie Haynes (Mar 10) [18:00]
• Upward Bound by Woody Brown (Mar 31) [18:33]
• This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman (Feb 10) [18:35]
• The Reservation by Rebecca Kauffman (Feb 24) [18:38]
• Brawler by Lauren Groff (Feb 24) [18:43]
• My Dear You by Rachel Khong (Apr 7) [18:46]
• All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (Mar 10) [19:16]
• The Shippers by Katherine Center (May 19) [19:18]
• American Fantasy by Emma Straub (Apr 7) [19:32]
• Man Overboard by Kathleen Rooney (Jul 7, 2026) [19:37]
• Swept Away by Beth O'Leary (2025) [19:47]
• The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (Vol. 1) by Beth Brower (2019) [22:45]

*Publication year reflects the later traditionally published edition. These titles were originally self-published.

Additional Links

• The New Yorker | Glowworms by Ann Patchett (Sep 29, 2025)

In Episode 227, Sarah talks with book industry analyst Brenna Connor about the behind-the-scenes world of book sales, bestseller lists, and publishing trends. Brenna shares insight into how sales data is gathered and used across the publishing industry, from tracking pre-orders and audiobooks to measuring the impact of celebrity book clubs and award recognition. They also discuss what makes a book commercially "successful," what current reading trends are revealing about 2026 so far, and what Brenna is watching for in the second half of the year. Plus, Brenna shares her own 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

• Why tracking book sales is far more complicated than most readers realize — including what Circana can and can't actually measure.
• A behind-the-scenes look at bestseller lists and the role Circana data plays in lists like the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly.
• The famously secretive methodology behind the New York Times Bestseller List.
• The impact celebrity book clubs and reading lists from Reese, Oprah, and Obama have on book sales.
• What current sales data is revealing about 2026 reading trends — and how the economy may be shaping book buying habits.
• Brenna shares the books she recommends — and the trends she's watching for the rest of the year.

Brenna's Book Recommendations

Two OLD Books She Loves

• The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:13]
• Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:00]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [40:22]
  • Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) [40:23]

Two NEW Books She Loves

• Whale Harbor by Mary Beth Keane (November 3, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:07]
• Joyride by Susan Orlean (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:01]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [45:12]
  • The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane (2023) [45:14]
  • The Library Book by Susan Orlean (2018) [46:12]

One Book She DIDN'T Love

• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:29]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (2019) [47:51]
  • These Precious Days by Ann Patchett (2021) [47:57]
  • Whistler by Ann Patchett (2026) [48:55]

One NEW RELEASE She's Excited About

• Life Out of Order (The Time Traveler's Wife, 2) by Audrey Niffenegger (October 6, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:25]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2003) [49:37]

Books From the Discussion

• Untitled (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 6) by Sarah J. Maas (October 27, 2026) [9:38]
• Untitled (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 7) by Sarah J. Maas (January 12, 2027) [9:38]
• Strangers by Belle Burden (2026) [11:54]
• Becoming by Michelle Obama (2018) [15:35]
• The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin (2023) [15:45]
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) [15:53]
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [25:52]
• No One's Coming by Kevin Hazzard (2026) [31:38]
• London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (2026) [31:53]
• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021) [33:35]
• Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl, 1) by Matt Dinniman (2024)* [33:40]
• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (2026) [36:58]
• Life Out of Order (The Time Traveler's Wife, 2) by Audrey Niffenegger (October 6, 2026) [37:00]
• Theo of Golden by Allen Levi (2025)* [38:39]

*Publication year reflects the later traditionally published edition. These titles were originally self-published.

Other Links

• Publishing Confidential, on Substack | "A Tale of Three Bestseller Lists" by Kathleen Schmidt

Welcome to the Summer 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!

Today, Sarah and Catherine share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing in June through mid – August.

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

• One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share 4 bonus books (2 each) 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 summer releases that are NOT our personal preview picks.
• Catherine's theme this season was following her initial emotional reaction to a book, while Sarah's picks skew a bit outside of her usual comfort zone.
• Catherine chose books across historical fiction, cultural fiction, romance, humor, and thriller.
• One of the season's more challenging reads for Catherine comes from an author she trusts, while Sarah has two books over 450 pages.
• There's one debut in Sarah's stack this season — along with some historical fiction.
• Sarah has already read one of her picks — not only was it 5 stars, it's already a strong contender for book of the year.
• Plus, their #1 picks for summer.

Big Summer Releases

• Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer (June 9) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:28]
• God's Country (Cork O'Connor, 22) by William Kent Krueger (August 18) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:33]
• The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:36]
• Biological War by Annie Jacobsen (July 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [1:43]
• Cool Machine (The Harlem Trilogy, 3) by Colson Whitehead (July 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:48]
• A Tender Age by Chang-rae Lee (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:53]
• Under the Falls by Richard Russo (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [2:55]
• Sunrise by Téa Obreht (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:14]
• Dominion (The Silk and Iron Trilogy, 1) by Jean Kwok (July 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:26]

Other Books Mentioned

• Less (The Arthur Books, 1) by Andrew Sean Greer (2017) [1:32]
• Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson (2023) [1:41]
• Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen (2024) [1:47]
• Empire Falls by Richard Russo (2001) [3:04]

Summer 2026 Book Preview

June

Sarah's Pick

• Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [6:53]

Catherine's Picks

• A Year of Marvelous Ways by Sarah Winman (US Release June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:23]
• Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lakshmi (June 16) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:29]
• The Top of the World by Ethan Joella (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:59]
• Keep Them Close by David Ellis (June 30) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:39]

Other Books Mentioned

• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett (2023) [8:05]
• The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (2025) [8:54]
• Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (2016) [9:12]
• Bel Canto by Ann Patchett (2001) [9:16]
• The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (2019) [9:17]
• State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (2011) [9:18]
• The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne (2017) [10:07]
• Tin Man by Sarah Winman (US 2018) [13:39]
• Still Life by Sarah Winman (2021) [14:24]
• Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians, 1) by Kevin Kwan (2013) [19:54]
• Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan (2025) [20:12]
• The Best Lies by David Ellis (2024) [26:44]

July

Sarah's Picks

• The Half Life by Rachel Beanland (July 14) |Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:40]
• Dad, Love, Me by Matthew Quick (July 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:27]

Catherine's Pick

• City of Widows by Nadia Hashimi (July 28) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:28]

Other Books Mentioned

• Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland (2020) [15:26]
• The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland (2023) [15:28]
• The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024) [16:27]
• The Wives by Simone Gorrindo (2024) [17:48]
• The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick (2008) [20:39]

August

Sarah's Picks

• Everything That Is Beautiful by Louise Nealon (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:33]
• Sunlight Finds You by Laura Moriarty (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:32]
• Kitten by Stacey Yu (August 4) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:07]

Catherine's Pick

• You'll Love It Here by Natalie Sue (August 11) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:41]

Other Books Mentioned

• Snowflake by Louise Nealon (2021) [25:05]
• Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [26:25]
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (2014) [28:54]
• The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty (2012) [29:14]
• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963) [36:01]
• I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue (2024) [37:51]

In Episode 225, Sarah and Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books catch up on the 12 new releases they shared in the Spring 2026 Book Preview, now that they've read them — or at least tried to! They share their reading stats and discuss which books worked and which didn't…and why.

This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!).

CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog.

Get the 2026 Summer Reading Guide

This year's Summer Reading Guide is bigger than ever — and now available as a full PDF with in-depth write-ups on every book.

Here's how to access it:

• Full PDF Guide (with write-ups):
  • Available to current paying members on Patreon or Substack
  • Start a free trial (Patreon: 7 days | Substack: 30 days)
    • *Be sure to use the link above to access your free trial on Substack.
• Free Cheatsheet (no write-ups):
  • Available to everyone on the blog
• Free Trials close:
  • Friday, May 22 (Memorial Day weekend)

When you sign up, you'll also get:

• 2–3 bonus podcast episodes per month
• Full back catalog of bonus content
• Weekly reading updates + more

All the details in the recent IMPORTANT DETAILS bonus podcast episode and post.

Highlights

• This time last year, Catherine was rocking a 100% success rate — this year's was "armageddon"
• Sarah had really successful spring with one 5-star book and only 1 DNF with a total average star rating of 4.15.
• They name their best and worst books picks for spring!

Books We Read Before the Preview

April

Sarah's Pick

• The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:07]

Spring 2026 Circle Back

April

Sarah's Picks

• Into the Blue by Emma Brodie (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:33]
• Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola (April 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:27]

Catherine's Picks

• American Fantasy by Emma Straub (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:45]
• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:25]
• Like This, But Funnier by Hallie Cantor (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:23]

Other Books Mentioned

• All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (2026) [7:59]
• The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985) [14:24]
• August Lane by Regina Black (2025) [16:32]
• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [16:39]
• Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino (2025) [20:24]

May

Sarah's Picks

• The Mediator (Max Ringo, 1) by Robert Bailey (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:10]
• The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:39]
• Returns and Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:25]

Catherine's Picks

• The Liar's Playbook by Leslie Bradford-Scott (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:20]
• The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [34:35]
• The Tapestry of Fate (Amina al-Sirafi, 2) by Shannon Chakraborty (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:16]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) [22:17]
• Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond (2021) [26:30]
• The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [29:43]
• Culpability by Bruce Holsinger (2025) [33:24]
• The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi, 1) by Shannon Chakraborty (2023) [42:06]

In Episode 224, Sarah, Catherine (@GilmoreGuide) and Chrissie (@ChrissieWhitley) celebrate the release of the 2026 Summer Reading Guide with a special behind-the-scenes conversation about putting this year's guide together. Catherine and Chrissie share what it was like participating in the guide for the first time, from the reading process to narrowing down their final picks, while Sarah talks about how much more fun her spring reading felt with the guide becoming a team effort. Together, they reveal their secret books from the guide, share what's still sitting on their summer TBRs, and reflect on the kinds of books they found themselves gravitating toward while reading for summer.

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.

Get the 2026 Summer Reading Guide

This year's Summer Reading Guide is bigger than ever — and now available as a full PDF with in-depth write-ups on every book.

Here's how to access it:

• Full PDF Guide (with write-ups):
  • Available to current paying members on Patreon or Substack
  • Start a free trial (Patreon: 7 days | Substack: 30 days)
    • *Be sure to use the link above to access your free trial on Substack.
• Free Cheatsheet (no write-ups):
  • Available to everyone on the blog
• Free Trials close:
  • Friday, May 22 (Memorial Day weekend)

When you sign up, you'll also get:

• 2–3 bonus podcast episodes per month
• Full back catalog of bonus content
• Weekly reading updates + more

All the details in the recent IMPORTANT DETAILS bonus podcast episode and post.

The Secret Picks for the 2026 Summer Reading Guide

Catherine

• Two Kinds of Stranger (Eddie Flynn, 9) by Steven Cavanagh (US: March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:13]
• The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:04]
• The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll (2018) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:15]

Chrissie

• Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[20:33]
• Honeysuckle by Bar Fridman-Tell (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[30:45]
• Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West (April 14, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:47]

Sarah

• Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray (May 5, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[23:29]
• Heather by Caitlin Mullen (June 9, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [33:53]
• The Shark House by Sara Ackerman (January 13, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:18]

Other Books Mentioned

• Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow (1987) [24:29]
• The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) [26:20]
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) [34:24]
• Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) [34:29]
• Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll (2023) [39:27]
• Jaws by Peter Benchley (1974) [43:28]
• The Devil's Teeth by Susan Casey (2005) [44:42]
• Shark Heart by Emily Habeck (2023) [45:34]

More From Summer TBRs

Catherine

• You with the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate (March 3, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:22]
• The Crown in Crisis by Alexander Larman (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:19]
• Waiting on a Friend by Natalie Adler (May 26, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:45]

Sarah

• Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash (January 13, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:48]
• Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[53:01]
• Brawler by Lauren Groff (February 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:28]
• The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett (May 5, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [53:46]
• The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [54:46]
• Porcupines by Fran Fabriczki (April 14, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [55:04]

Chrissie

• Nonesuch by Francis Spufford (March 10, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:51]
• Tom's Crossing by Mark Z. Danielewksi (2025) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [49:25]
• The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:24]
• Whistler by Ann Patchett (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:39]
• A Deadly Episode (Hawthorne & Horowitz, 6) by Anthony Horowitz (April 28, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:18]
• Daughter of Crows (The Academy of Kindness, 1) by Mark Lawrence (March 24, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:29]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai (2018) [48:12]
• Tuesday Nights in 1980 by Molly Prentiss (2016) [48:14]
• House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski (2000) [50:02]
• Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (1985) [50:17]
• Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy (1985) [50:18]
• The Bear and the Nightingale (Winternight Trilogy, 1) by Katherine Arden (2017) [50:33]
• The Wanderers by Meg Howrey (2017) [53:10]
• The Help by Kathryn Stockett (2009) [53:49]

May is upon us and that means Summer Reading season is just about here!

The 2026 Summer Reading Guide went through a lot of changes this year, so I'm coming to you a bit early to walk through all the details.

CLICK HERE for the full Show Notes on the blog.

The 2026 Summer Reading Guide is launching this coming Tuesday, May 12! And, our Summer Reading Special podcast episode will air the following day (Weds, May 13).

WHAT'S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR

• The SRG is now a team project.

• • You'll be getting recommendations from Catherine and Chrissie in addition to me.
  • And, there are a couple books on the SRG that are recommended by multiple team members.
  • But, don't worry, you will easily be able to tell who recommended each book in the Guide.

• The primary SRG with full write-ups on every book we included will be in a printable PDF format.

• • Changing the primary Guide to a PDF format gives us the flexibility to include some different and helpful ways to categorize the books in the guide beyond our mood-based categories.
    • In addition to the regular part of the Guide, we'll have lists for:
      • Books that are now out in paperback
      • Five star books
      • Books that are great on audio
      • Longer books (450+ pages)
      • Nonfiction
      • And, our Secret picks – which you'll hear more about in our Summer Reading Special coming on May 13

• We selected our Top Picks differently.
  • In the past, I chose my #1 pick for each of my mood-based categories in the Guide.
  • This year, we're selecting a group of our OVERALL Top Picks regardless of which mood based category they fall in. We've chosen 6 top picks that represent a range of genres, vibes, and reading tastes. And, those will be in their very own section at the front of the Guide.

HOW TO GET THE 2026 SUMMER READING GUIDEDifferent from last year

• The primary Summer Reading Guide PDF with full write-ups on every book will ONLY be available to paying members (via Patreon or Substack).
• BUT, we'll be running a Free Trial for our Patreon and paid Substack communities, so you can still technically get the full PDF guide for free. Free Trial sign-ups will be open through Friday, May 22 (the Friday of Memorial Day weekend).
• • The Substack Free Trial will be for 30 days.
  • The Patreon Free Trial will only be 7 days long. Patreon only allows 7 day free trials and I wish they'd change that policy.
  • Obviously, we hope you sample our bonus content and decide to stick around on Patreon or Substack, but you can also drop your membership after 1 month if all you're interested in is the full Summer Reading Guide PDF.
• AND, a Cheatsheet-style list WITHOUT write-ups for the books included will be available to everyone on my website.

HOW TO MAKE SURE THE 2026 SUMMER READING GUIDE LANDS IN YOUR INBOX ON MAY 12

• If you are NOT already a paying member, you can sign up for a Free Trial either on Patreon (here) OR on Substack (here).
• If you are NOT already a paying member and you are not eligible for the Free Trial (i.e. you signed up in a previous year and dropped your membership since then), you can sign up to be a paid member on Patreon (here) OR Substack (here) for $7/month (and can drop your membership after 1 month if you don't want to stick around).
• If you are ALREADY a Superstars member on Patreon or a paid member on Substack, you don't have to do anything else to get the Guide. It will arrive in your inboxes on Tuesday (May 12) morning.

And, don't forget that the Cheatsheet (i.e. a slimmed down version of the Guide WITHOUT WRITE-UPS on all the books included) there will be available on my website.

Going back ten years to 2016, Sarah and Catherine Gilmore (@GilmoreGuide) dive into the annual Bookish Time Capsule episode and revisit the book world from that year. They cover big bookish highlights — from the buzziest books of the year to the award winners — along with what was happening in the wider world at the time. They also look back at their own reading from 2016, including their favorite releases, and share a quick round-up of listener-submitted favorites. This episode is overflowing with great backlist titles to add to your TBR!

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

• The big news that was going on outside the book world
• Book stories and trends that dominated 2016
• The 2016 books that have had staying power
• Big books and award winners for the year
• Reading in the blog years before the Rock Your Reading Tracker
• Sarah's and Catherine's personal 2016 reading stats
• Listener-submitted favorites from 2016

2016 Bookish Time Capsule [1:45] The World Beyond Books

• Bad Blood by John Carreyrou (2018)| Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:09]
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [4:59]
• My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [5:11]
  • Ferrante's true identity has never been confirmed, despite multiple attempts by journalists and various theories pointing to different people.

Book Industry Sales and Trends

• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:02]
• The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:10]
• Killing the Rising Sun by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:21]
• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:36]
• Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:40]
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:45]
• All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [10:57]
• The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo (2014) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:12]
• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:16]
• StrengthsFinder 2.0 from Gallup (2007) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:20]
• When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:30]
• The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:33]
• After You by Jojo Moyes (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:49]
• The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:52]
• The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:59]
• Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter (2016)| Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:36]
• Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow (2004) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [12:49]
• Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:04]
• Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:05]
• The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George (English Translation, 2015) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [13:32]
• My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman (English Translation, 2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:39]
• In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [13:51]

Big Books of 2016

• It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:47]
• A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2) by Sarah J. Maas (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [16:28]
• Dark Matter by Blake Crouch (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:25]
• Pines (Wayward Pines, 1) by Blake Crouch (2012) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:57]
• Recursion by Blake Crouch (2019) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:17]
• A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[18:34]
• Rules of Civility by Amor Towles (2011) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [18:58]
• The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:29]
• James by Percival Everett (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:42]
• Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [20:51]
• Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:10]
• When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:28]
• Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:46]
• Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:19]

Award Winners of 2016

• The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [23:54]
• The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:06]
• Stamped From the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:35]
• The Sellout by Paul Beatty (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:51]
• Let Me Die In His Footsteps by Lori Roy (2015) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:50]
• Before the Fall by Noah Hawley (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:56]
• All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [26:05]

Catherine's Top Books

• Forty Rooms by Olga Grushin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:46]
• A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[28:11]
• The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:35]
• The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin (June 2, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:03]
• Before the Wind by Jim Lynch (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:57]
• Miller's Valley by Anna Quindlen (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [30:57]
• Miss Jane by Brad Watson (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:48]
• Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [31:57]
• Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of a Fist by Sunil Yapa (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:08]
• Adnan's Story by Rabia Chaudry (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:40]

Sarah's Top Books

• Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:45]
• Shelter by Jung Yun (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:58]
• All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:06]
• The Mothers by Brit Bennett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:16]
• My Name Is Lucy Barton (Amgash, 1) by Elizabeth Strout (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:22]
• Oh William! (Amgash, 3) by Elizabeth Strout (2021) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:38]
• Tell Me Everything (Amgash, 5) by Elizabeth Strout (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:47]
• Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Ed Tarkington (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:05]
• Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:30]
• Tender by Belinda McKeon (US Release, 2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:44]
• The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [42:03]
• When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[42:05]
• The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:31]

Listeners' Top Books

• A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[44:14]
• The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:19]
• A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 2) by Sarah J. Maas (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:35]
• Commonwealth by Ann Patchett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [44:47]
• Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:01]
• Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:24]
• Dark Matter by Blake Crouch (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:30]
• Beartown by Fredrik Backman (English Translation, 2017) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:32]
• Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:40]
• The Unseen World by Liz Moore (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:45]
• Long Bright River by Liz Moore (2020) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [46:58]
• The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2024) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:00]
• The Mothers by Brit Bennett (2016) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [47:16]

In Episode 222, Sarah talks with authors Jennifer Marie Thorne and Lee Kelly about their latest co-written novel, The Midnight Show. Set in the world of 1980s late-night comedy, the book is told in a documentary / oral history format that traces the rise of a breakout star — and the mystery surrounding her disappearance. They talk about how they developed a cast of characters shaped by both real-life comedy figures and their own creative instincts, as well as the challenge of writing sketch comedy that actually lands on the page. They also get into the realities of writing as a duo and the novel's exploration of how women in comedy are perceived and defined. Plus, they share what they're working on next and their 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 Lee Kelly + Jennifer Thorne: The Antiquity Affair (2023), The Starlets (2024) and My Fair Frauds (2025)
• By Lee Kelly: With Regrets (2023), A Criminal Magic (2016), and City Of Savages (2015)
• By Jennifer Thorne: Diavola (2024), Lute (2022), and Newbourne Park(September 29, 2026)
• A brief, spoiler-free overview of The Midnight Show
• The inspiration behind the novel and how they created their characters using a mix of real-life performers and imagination
• Writing sketch comedy for the page — and how they created it organically for the story
• The evolution of their collaborative writing process
• How society views funny women — and how they're allowed to be defined
• What this author duo is working on next

Lee's + Jennifer's Book Recommendations [38:42]

Two OLD Books They Love

• Jennifer : The Wonder State by Sara Flannery Murphy (2023) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [39:07]
• Lee : A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (2010) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:24]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Magicians by Lev Grossman (2009) [39:34]
  • The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (2022) [43:08]

Two NEW Books They Love

• Jennifer : Cruelty Free by Caroline Glenn (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[44:16]
• Lee : The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead (2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org[45:28]

Two NEW RELEASES They're Excited About

• Jennifer : Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel (September 15, 2026) | Amazon| Bookshop.org [48:02]
• Lee : Death Was Not on the Guest List by Jenni L. Walsh (June 16, 2026) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [51:22]
• Other Books Mentioned
  • The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (2012) [49:36]
  • Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) [50:04]
  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925) [51:53]

Books From the Discussion

• Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023) [6:37]
• Live From New York by Tom Shales and James Andrew Miller (2014) [6:41]
• The Chris Farley Show by Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby (2008) [6:45]
• Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [23:43]
• The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [25:47]
• Good People by Patmeena Sabit (2026) [38:20]

Welcome to the Spring 2026 Book Preview with Catherine of Gilmore Guide to Books!

Today, Catherine and Sarah share 12 of their most anticipated books releasing in April and May.

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

• A preview of changes to this year's Summer Reading Guide — now a team effort, with more info to come in a separate episode coming in early May.
• One of the many benefits to supporting the podcast through either our Patreon Community or our Substack Community (both for just $7/mo) is that you get access to several bonus podcast episode series, including Book Preview Extras! In these episodes, Catherine and Sarah share 4 bonus books (2 each) 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 spring that are not featured in our personal preview picks.
• Catherine's theme is spring, but Sarah's theme is summer.
• Looking for balance, Catherine chose books that are lighter and brighter, but not silly.
• Spring picks carry 4 debuts — 3 from Catherine and 1 from Sarah.
• Sarah's books cover 2 books about the world of comedy and 3 family dramas.
• Sarah has already read one of her picks — 4.5 stars!
• Plus, their #1 picks for spring.

Big Spring Releases

• The Midnight Train (The Midnight World, 2) by Matt Haig (May 26) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:04]
• The Shippers by Katherine Center (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:06]
• London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:09]
• Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez (April 21) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:16]
• With a Vengeance by Riley Sager (June 10) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:22]
• Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:26]
• Seek the Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire, 1) by Veronica Roth (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [3:29]

Other Books Mentioned

• State of Wonder by Ann Patchett (2011) [3:59]

Spring 2026 Book Preview [4:38]

April

Sarah's Picks

• The Midnight Show by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [7:11]
• Into the Blue by Emma Brodie (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [15:49]
• Leave Your Mess At Home by Tolani Akinola (April 14) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [22:50]

Catherine's Picks

• American Fantasy by Emma Straub (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:50]
• Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [19:10]
• Like This But Funnier by Hallie Cantor (April 7) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [25:19]

Other Books Mentioned

• Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019) [8:26]
• Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023) [8:55]
• Diavola by Jennifer Thorne (2024) [11:08]
• All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun (2026) [14:39]
• Songs in Ursa Major by Emma Brodie (2021) [17:22]
• Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (2012) [17:38]
• Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) [18:37]
• The Favorites by Layne Fargo (2025) [18:40]
• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017) [18:46]
• The House of My Mother by Shari Franke (2025) [22:03]
• August Lane by Regina Black (2025) [22:56]
• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021) [23:06]
• Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (2024) [25:07]
• Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane (2019) [25:09]
• The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (2019) [25:10]

May

Sarah's Picks

• The Mediator (Max Ringo, 1) by Robert Bailey (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [27:36]
• The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:46]
• Returns and Exchanges by Kayla Rae Whitaker (May 19) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [37:30]

Catherine's Picks

• The Liar's Playbook by Leslie Bradford-Scott (May 5) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [29:31]
• The Last Mandarin by Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [35:11]
• The Tapestry of Fate (Amina al-Sirafi, 2) by Shannon Chakraborty (May 12) | Amazon | Bookshop.org [40:10]

Other Books Mentioned

• The Boomerang by Robert Bailey (2025) [27:52]
• Nowhere Girl by Cheryl Diamond (2021) [31:20]
• Family of Spies by Christine Kuehn (2025) [31:22]
• The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff (2025) [32:57]
• State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny (2021) [36:07]
• The Animators by Kayla Rae Whitaker (2016) [38:02]
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) [39:01]
• The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi, 1) by Shannon Chakraborty (2023) [40:38]